|
 |
|
Doraville Whitney was the
first Black settler in Isabella County in 1860. The first documentation of
an African-American settler in Mecosta County Michigan was James Guy.
His deed was signed by Abraham Lincoln. He obtained 160 acres in Wheatland
Township on May 30, 1861. Lloyd & Margaret Guy were the first
Black settlers in Montcalm County in 1861. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed each
settler 160 acres in Michigan. By 1873 African-Americans owned
1,392 acres in the three counties of Isabella, Mecosta and Montcalm.
In the 1860's most of the land in Remus was owned by the Old Settlers. |
|
 |
|
MORE Berry Family PICTURES
SECTION 1
Issac Berry, Sr.
SECTION 2
Issac Berry Family Pictures
SECTION 3
John Berry
Family Pictures
|
|
 |
Isaac Berry, Sr. Family
|
 |
|
Front:
William Berry, Isaac Berry, Jr.
Back:
John H. Berry, Jr.,
Harve Berry, Benjamin Berry
|
|
 |
|
Mary C.
(Berry) Pointer
Melinda
(Berry) Carrouthers
& Lucy
J. (Berry) Minisee |
|
 |
 |
|
Aunt Lou (Lucy) |
Lucy Berry |
|
 |
|
Uncle Harv when in the
Log Woods of Barryton |
|
 |
|
Ben in the Dakotas
|
He also set
aside two acres of the original 80 for a school house. The first one
built was made of logs where Lucy (Millard) Berry, Isaac's wife became the
first teacher. Later a framed school was built and still stands at
that location. Mr. Berry was also a blacksmith doing all the necessary
repairs that were needed in the neighborhood. He forged a pair of
skates and sled runners; making bob-sleds and sleigh's for winter travel.
Isaac was a bee keeper, and honey became a part of their diet replacing
sugar for cooking and preserving.
After Isaac
and Lucy cleared the land they made the beach now enjoyed at School Section
Lake Park. they called it 'Pleasant View." Two bath houses were
built so people could change their clothing for swimming. Boats were
made for renting and pleasure. People came from near and far to enjoy
the works of Isaac and Lucy's hands. Their property was sold in 1929
to Mecosta County for $8,000. The family today regrets the loss and
still thinks of it as their heritage.
|
 |
|
Ruben and Alfred Berry |
|
 |
|
Ike Berry |
|
 |
|
Stella Washington
(Mozura's Washington's Daughter)
Daisy Berry (Ike Berry's Daughter) |
|
 |
|
Margerite (Berry) Minnisee
and Friend |
|
 |
|
Ben Berry - Ralph Minnisee
Carrie Minnisee (Niece
& Nephew)
|
|
 |
| Ralph Minnisee |
|
 |
|
William Albert Berry
Oldest Son
June 27, 1860 - Canada |
|
 |
|
Benjamin Nelson Berry 1868 |
|
 |
|
Benjamin Nelson
Berry |
|
 |
|
Lucy Jane Berry Minisee & Husband
Lloyd
Ellsworth Minisee
Children: Ralph L. & Carolyn Minisee |
|
 |
|
Wiernet Picnic 1907 - Isaac Berry |
Back to Top
|
|
 |
|
|
There are "Old Settlers"
who came from Canada via "The Underground Railroad." It was the
most dramatic nonviolent protest against slavery in the United States
that began in the Colonial Era and reached its peak between 1830 and
1865. An estimated 30,000 to 100,000 slaves
used the "railroad" to get to Canada; many others escaped to Mexico,
the Caribbean, and Europe.
|
|
|
 |
|
