Abstract

Harlan P. Colby (1841-1925) was a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This collection contains an original manuscript written by Colby in 1855. He records a history of Grand Rapids from 1833 through 1855, describing people, places and events and providing some statistical data on the village’s development. The manuscript details the daily hardships in a mid-19th century frontier community.

Scope and Contents

The materials contained within the Pathways and Clearings Collection consist of the compiled research for the book. Contained within these materials is all of the correspondence between the writer and the various partners on the project. The materials also include all of the photos of the research, which eventually would become the illustrations within the book Pathways and Clearings. There are also several rough drafts of the work and the final draft before it went to publication.

Abstract

Rix Robinson (1792-1875) was a pioneer and fur trader and is said to be the first White settler to permanently live in the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area. This is a devised collection of accessions related to Robinson. Included are original documents, such as a family bible, property deeds and letters. Also included is research material frmo an archaeological dig of Robinson's trading post on the Grand River in what is today Ada, Michigan.

Abstract The Schenck family were early settlers and pioneers in Ada Township, Michigan. Jacob Schenck purchased land in Ada Township in 1845, with his father John and brother William following in the next few years. Jacob was a farmer and John and William were primarily carpenters, although they also farmed. The collection includes diaries and account books kept by Jacob Schenck and his son Fred, and by John Schenck. Also included are dockets from Yates County, New York and from Ada Township. The...