Richland Manuscript Archives — Page 2 of 3

Biography of Rev. George Carson

This article provides a brief biography of George Carson, a distinguished individual in Saginaw County known for balancing his dual roles as a farmer and a Methodist Episcopal Church minister. Born on December 21, 1826, in Harrison County, Ohio, Carson moved to Michigan in 1876, where he became a respected community figure in Richland Township. Alongside his religious duties, he contributed significantly to local governance and education, serving as a Supervisor and School Director. His household, marked by an old apple orchard, was a nurturing home to twenty-one children, showcasing Mrs. Carson’s remarkable compassion. Their contributions have left a lasting legacy in the community, embodying service and familial dedication.

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Biography of Henry Bemish

Saginaw County / Richland Manuscript

This article presents the life of Henry Bemish, who significantly impacted Richland Township and Hemlock City after settling there in 1878 and operating its sole hotel. Born in 1830 in Rochester, New York, Bemish’s life journey from New York to Michigan embodies the pioneering spirit of the era. The narrative extends to his family’s involvement in the community, particularly through commercial hunting, as highlighted in excerpts from “RECOLLECTIONS OF MY FIFTY YEARS HUNTING AND FISHING.” This biography not only chronicles Bemish’s personal and business achievements but also illustrates the vibrant hunting culture of the time and its contribution to the local economy.

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Hunting and Fishing about Richland Township, MI

Saginaw County / Richland Manuscript

This article sheds light on Henry Bemish’s significant role in Richland Township’s history through his management of the Hemlock Hotel, once owned by Mr. Sproul. It draws on William B. Mershon’s “Recollections of My Fifty Years Hunting And Fishing” to provide a vivid snapshot of the era’s hunting, fishing, and lumbering life in the 1870s and 1880s. Mershon’s account of a hunting expedition and the construction of the Gratiot Plank Road offers a nostalgic look at Saginaw City’s pioneering days, showcasing the community’s deep connection to its natural surroundings and the profound changes that have since transformed the landscape.

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Richland Township, Michigan Town Hall

Saginaw County / Richland Manuscript

This article narrates the journey of establishing a town hall in Richland Township, starting from the collective decision in 1889 to raise funds for its construction, through the selection of a suitable location, to the eventual building process fraught with debates, delays, and a fire that destroyed the partially completed structure. Highlighting the community’s perseverance, the narrative underscores the town hall’s symbolic importance as a venue for public discourse, decision-making, and the exercise of civic duties. Through the lens of Richland Township’s experience, the article illustrates the broader theme of how such institutions embody the principles of representative government and serve as a testament to the pioneering spirit and democratic values of early American settlers.

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Richland’s Sons and Daughters honoring the memory of its departed pioneers. Pictured above (left to right) Miss Mary Raucholz, John E. Fuller, Mrs. Ruth J. Phillips, Mrs. Oscar Bauer, Miss Anna Hase and Mr. Oscar Bauer.

Early Pandemics in Richland Township, MI

Saginaw County / Richland Manuscript

This article delves into the harrowing experiences of early pioneers grappling with diseases in mosquito-infested swamps and forests, highlighting the grim reality of death as an omnipresent threat due to typhoid, diphtheria, swamp fever, smallpox, and more. With medical science in its infancy, the settlers faced these challenges with limited knowledge and resources, relying on traditional methods for diagnosis and treatment. The narrative underscores the establishment of makeshift hospitals and the community’s efforts to contain outbreaks, particularly the smallpox epidemic of 1873, through the actions of Dr. Hilary Savoy and others. It paints a vivid picture of the hardships endured, the communal response to health crises, and the evolution of medical practices in a time when every sickness was a battle against the unknown.

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Early Roads & Railroads in Richland Township MI

Saginaw County / Richland Manuscript

The article provides a glimpse into the early days of settlement in Richland Township during the 1860s, focusing on the challenges settlers faced due to the lack of roads, bridges, and paths. It details the efforts of pioneers like August C. Fiting, who, amidst a thick forest and with no modern conveniences, had to create their own routes for basic communication and transportation. Through narratives of crossing the Tittabawassee River, constructing log houses, and the eventual development of roads and a railroad, the article illustrates the transformation of the area from an isolated wilderness to a connected community, emphasizing the critical role of infrastructure in fostering growth and development.

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Church History of Richland Township MI

Saginaw County / Richland Manuscript

This article explores the religious diversity and development within the early settlement of Richland, focusing on the Methodist, Lutheran, and Catholic communities. It highlights the initial absence of formal churches and how settlers maintained their faith through services held in homes or nearby established churches. The narrative emphasizes the significant role religion played in shaping the community’s identity, leading to the eventual establishment of organized congregations and the construction of the first church buildings. This historical reflection celebrates the perseverance and faith of Richland’s pioneers, whose efforts fostered a rich religious heritage and community spirit that continues to resonate today.

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Hemlock City, a typical lumbering town in the early days, was settled in the early 1860s. This picture is representative of the appearance of Hemlock in the early 1900s.

History of Hemlock City, Michigan

Saginaw County / Richland Manuscript

This article explores the rich history of Hemlock City, delving into its early days as a lumber town with a narrative that intertwines local lore, personal anecdotes, and historical records. Through conversations with local historian Mr. Earl and the discovery of a poem about the town’s founders, the article sheds light on the foundational figures of Hemlock, notably Mr. Glasby, a key businessman and community builder. It recounts the development of Hemlock from a forested area into a bustling community, highlighting the establishment of its first businesses, schools, and the pivotal role of the plank road in its growth. Personal recollections from William Pahl provide a vivid snapshot of life in Hemlock in the 1870s, offering a glimpse into the community’s social fabric, economic activities, and the transformative impact of the railroad and early automobiles on the town’s development.

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1962 members of the Richland Township board are (left to right) Carl Roggow, clerk, Clare Pruess, treasurer; Martin Wardin, supervisor; Warren Watson and George Mueller, trustees.

Early History of Richland Township MI

Saginaw County / Richland Manuscript

This article delves into the foundational history of Richland Township, beginning with its precursor, Thomastown, and leading to Richland’s official organization in 1862. It highlights the pivotal role of the Tittabawassee River in the development of surrounding townships and outlines the process through which Richland emerged as its own entity, ready to elect officials and manage its affairs independently. Drawing from historical records, the narrative sheds light on the first township meeting, the election of officials, and the initial challenges faced by the pioneers. It also touches on the controversy surrounding the township’s naming by Lemuel Cone, offering a glimpse into the complexities of historical documentation and local lore. Through this exploration, the article pays homage to the early settlers’ determination to transform the wilderness into a thriving community, marking the humble beginnings of Richland Township.

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History of Hemlock School District

Saginaw County / Richland Manuscript

This article traces the origins and development of the Hemlock School District, also known as District Number Four, in Richland Township. Initially shrouded in mystery and tradition, the district’s history becomes clearer through the discovery of an old record book. The article details the establishment of the district in 1863, its early challenges, including a rapidly growing population due to nearby sawmills, and the evolution of its educational facilities over time. From humble beginnings with a small enrollment, the district expanded to accommodate the educational needs of a burgeoning community, reflecting the community’s commitment to education despite financial burdens and differing opinions on its value.

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Richland Manuscript

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