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Richard Toncray came from Oswego Co., N.Y., in
1833, and entered 80 acres of land on section 35, and two years later 40 on
section 34. His brother Horace Toncray also located 80 acres on
section 35, and a year after 40 on the adjoining section. Many members of
the family have since died, and others left the township.
Another character of prominence in the township was Sherman D. Dix,
who resided upon a fine farm east of Woodruff's Mills, and was well known in
connection with the Kensington Bank, of which he was cashier and director.
He was a man of much polish of manner, adroit in business, with a keen eye
for a bargain, and withal one of the most generous and kindly neighbors that
an early settler could desire.
The bank scheme, of which he and Alfred A. Dwight were the
originators, finally brought disaster, and he repaired to Texas and engaged
in cattle speculations. At one time he projected the idea of making the
point where the Woodruff mills are located, a village, which was to
supersede Brighton, and with that end in view, he had maps made of a village
plat, with regularly laid out streets and all the appointments of a growing
town, including a large flouring-mill and an equally large hotel, which he
took to New York, and easily disposed of the lots to parties in search of
Western investments. It was christened Livingston.
Henry T. Ross emigrated from Ohio in 1835 and purchased 160
acres of his present farm, Which had been previously entered from
government, and had 10 acres cleared and a shanty erected. This he occupied
until he was able to erect a substantial farm-house. At this time there were
many Indians in the immediate vicinity, and their camp-fires were often seen
upon the grounds of Mr. Ross, though they congregated in larger numbers upon
the banks of Long Lake, in Hartland.
The wolves at this time were the especial enemies of the sheep, as well
as of calves and yearlings, and the neighbor of Mr. Ross experienced so much
difficulty in raising them that, after the gradual depletion of his flock of
sheep, he gave up all further efforts. Finally, but one old ram of all his
fine flock remained, who seemed proof against all the ravages of the
destroyer. His days were, however, numbered, the hungry pack having one
day-surrounded and destroyed him in broad daylight, under the very eyes of
his owner. Mr. Ross established a reputation in early life as a skillful
hunter. He is also well known as a lover of bees, which he turns to very
profitable account. Having caught a swarm the first year of his arrival, he
has never been without them since.
Benjamin Blain entered, in 1853, 80 acres on section 5, and in
1836, 40 acres on the same section. Some years later he removed to Hartland
township, where he now resides. Seth Bidwell
located 80 acres upon
the same Section in 1835, and a like number of acres upon section 8, at the
same date, and still resides upon it.
In the year 1836, Rev. William A. Clark, D.D., arrived in the
township from New York City, and made large entries of land on sections 5,
6, 7, and 8, and in the following year arrived with his family, and took up
his residence in Brighton. Mr. Clark had been the rector of an Episcopal
Church in New York City previous to coming to the State. He at first located
upon section 7, but in 1839 purchased the mill now owned by Albright &
Thomson, and also erected a saw-mill on section 5. He introduced the first
sheep into the township, having purchased a large flock in Ohio and
distributed them throughout the neighborhood. Mr. Clark, who was the father
of the present postmaster of Brighton, B. T. O. Clark, Esq., did much
by his capital and enterprise to develop and improve the township. He opened
a store for the accommodation of the numerous men whom he constantly
employed, and he had also through his influence a post-office established
near his residence, which was called the Mont Lake Post-Office. His death
occurred in Brighton, Sept. 13, 1842.
