Elkland Churches and Schools

Churches

The first religious service in the town was held by Rev. John Baker, of the Watrousville Circuit, Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1860, at the log house of Andrew Walmsley, one Sunday evening. Notice had been sent by Mr. Baker, that service would be held, and the fact being made known generally, the settlers came in from a circuit of seven miles round, and the house was filled. Arrangements were made by Mr. Baker to preach at the same place once a month, Rev. Mr. McKenney, of Ellington, once a month; and from that time services were held every two-weeks, by these and others, first at Mr. Walmsley's for about a year, that at John Striffler's, afterwards at the school-house, standing where is now the Cass City Hotel.

School

This school-house was the first built in the town, and here the first school was taught by Mrs. William Meredith, whose husband was at the time in the employ of Mrs. Walmsley.

The first wedding was of Andrew Walmsley, to Eliza Orr, in 1861, at the house of Mr. Seed. The ceremony was performed by Rev. McKenney, who walked from his home in Ellington, through a deep snow, to officiate.

Mills

The first manufactory, in the town, except saw-mills, was the grist-mill now in operation in Cass City, which was build in 1869 by Howell and Ale.

The first saw-mill was built by Jesse Fox, on what is now the Weaver place.