Text File provided by the Mason County Public Library
In writing this History of Victory Township sincere appreciation is expressed for much of the information concerning the early development of the Township to Mr. and Mrs. Sam Hjortholm and all others who have helped establish (assemble) the authentic material for this book.
Victory Township came into being in the fall of 1867 when application was made to the Board of Supervisors, signed by Henry Wilkenson, Richard Rayne, J. M. Sweetland, Daniel V. Billings, Martin Harris, M. D. Hadsell, S. E. Holcomb, A. M. Fisher, H. Harrington, S. A. Crouch, N. L. Bird, H. Stone, Timothy Knox, M.D. Burns, J. B. Hathaway, A. T. Colfax, Richard Coflan, and R, R. Brown, for the rection of a new Township to be known by the Patriotic name of "Victory". Up to this time, a number of Townships Amber, Grant, Sherman and what is now known as Victory had been part of Sauble Township.
The Board of Supervisors approved the application for erection and the first annual meeting was held at the School house in Bird Settlement on the first Monday in April, 1868 with Ambrose P. Coflan, J. M. Sweetland and Austin A. Hadsell appointed to preside and act as Inspectors of Election, appoint a clerk, open and keep Polls, exercise powers of inspection of any Township meetings as the law provides.
Victory is bounded by Grant on the North, on the east by Sherman, on the South by Amber and on the West by Hamlin. An interesting highlight of the first meeting was the expenses which for one year amounted to $ 50.00, Twenty-five of which was allowed for the Fencing of the Cemetery in Birds Settlement, known as the South Victory Cemetery. The ballots used in voting at this meeting were written out in pencil by members of the Board. The thriving little Village at Birds Settlement or Raynes Corners consisted of a General store owned by Richard Rayne, two Blacksmith Shops, one run by Peter LaGuire, and one by 0. A. Chimeney, a Wagon Shop owned by Jesse Hathaw, a Hotel and saloon run by Ed Holcomb; a Sawmill owned and operated by Hoxie Knox on the River just North of the Village, a Doctors Office the office of Dr. Knox and a printing office where the Victory Gazette was published by C. E. Charboneau.
It was just North of this little Village where the first School of Victory was held and known as District #1. A Miss Emma Merrill of Ohio was the very first teacher in this one room 12 x 16 log School House where the pupils sat on benches around the room, their faces to the wall and the teachers desk in the center of the room. Water was carried from a Spring some distance away in a pail and passed around the room by a pupil two or three times a day. School was held three months in the Spring and three months in the Fall. The School also serve as Election Hall, Church, Sunday School and Grange Hall.
Rev. Darling, a circuit rider in those days, making regular trips from Grand Haven to the Northern part of the State, was one of the first Ministers to preach in this schools house. Others were Rev. Garlick, a Methodist minister from Burlington, Rev. Chamber, an undertaker at Pentwater who later became a resident in the northern part of Township where the Chambers School now stands. Then came Pastor Hill of the Presbyterian Church of Ludington.
Trading that could not be done at Raynes store was done at Lincoln or Pere Marquette. The staple groceries consisting of flour at $12.00 to $18.00 a barrel, tea at $2.00 a pound, coffee in the berry at 50 cents a pound and brown sugar at 15 cents a pound, side pork was 25 cents per pound. Those fortunate enough to have them traveled by oxen others went by canoe or rowboat from what was known as Backus Landing West of Bird's Settlement (Victory Corners). The roads in those days were blazed through the woods winding around some 16 or 20 miles to cover the actual distance of 5 or 6 miles across. The old supply road to Lincoln was to the Pioneers of those days what the pavement from Ludington to Scottville to the people of today.
The mail came with supplies to Rayne's store, Mr. Rayne acting as Post Master. Soon a mail carrier was appointed, Ada Rayne daughter of Mr. Rayne who was 17 years old. She made the trip twice a week with a pony and buckboard for two years and never missed a trip but was held up once. A few years later the post office was moved to the H. Jagger home. The mail was then carried to and from Scottville twice a week by different appointed carriers.
In the Northern part of Victory Township near Hamlin Lake many Indians lived and often on their trips to and from the Indian Reservation in Custer Township these friendly Indians would stop at Raynes store to sell or trade their baskets. More often to exchange them for a piece of pork, a pound of tea, or a package of tobacco.
Among the early Settlers were John Blodgett, Elias Parker, Terrance Costello, Jacob Clark, Simon Warner and Frank Horner. The early Settlers of nearly a century ago mostly homesteaded, bringing their families with them, being obliged to make the site for their home by chopping down a few trees and with very little lumber available, the cabins were hurriedly built from rough logs. A one room on cabin perhaps 12 x 14, a board table, a stove, a homemade cupboard and one or two bed ticks filled with birch bark and never an over supply of dishes furnished the home. Then began the hard work of cleaning the land or working in the lumber camp or in the water powered saw mill at Lincoln.
During those days of hardship with severe touches of Ague and fighting mosquitoes people never forgot to have enjoyment. A neighbor would hitch his spirited team of oxen to a wagon and take as many neighbors as he could carry to a barn raising, logging bee, box social, singing school or whatever it might be, 15 or 16 miles away. Distance in those days did not count. It was friendship and neighbors in sickness, sorrow or in pleasure. Could a complete record have been kept from the beginning it would be exciting as well as amusing to read, to say the least. Nearly all these Pioneers were immigrants from Western Europe, Swedes, Danes, Norwegians, Germans, Polish with a sprinkle of Irish and English. Each segment bringing their mode of living with them, which means our culture is a blend of all the different people of the world. With emphasis on the freedom of the individual in this United States. The soil was found to be mostly clay and productive of good crops of grain, grass and vegetables. G. H. Blodgett put out the first large Orchard in 1879. It consisted of 800 plum trees.
The first Supervisor was Wm, Bankhart in 1868 and 1869. The second was Mahlon Abbey in 1870 and 1871. The Equalized value at this time was $34,032. The third Supervisor was N. S. Bird who served from 1874 to 1875. Fourth Supervisor was Thomas Barnes 1875 to 1876. In 1880 the Supervisor was C. C. Fisher and the Town Clerk was R. B. Tyler. The population was 515 and the total vote 174. Not until about this time did the influx of settlers of the Township take place. Prior to this time most all of the early settlers had located around Victory Corners which at that time was an enterprising little settlement with the exception at the East end of Hamlin Lake, a few white people and several Indian families had taken up their abode. The Loxen family was one of the first to settle in the center of the Township. Emnick Petersen resided on the old homestead taken up by his grandfather. The Jess Bartons and the Alex Mackey families came about this time. The Mackeys settling just North of Victory Corners while the Bartons settled in the Northern part of the Township. The eldest son George for many years ran a threshing machine and is now a resident of Northern Michigan. One daughter, Mrs. Algot Johnson (Rose) lives in Ludington. Mrs. Edna Larson is a granddaughter.
C. C. Fisher came to Victory in 1867. He was the fifth Supervisor of Victory Township in 1880. One son C. M. Fisher lives in Scottville and the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. C. C. Fisher is Mrs. Walter Sinclair and she still lives in Victory. Lucien Fisher came to Victory at the same time. He had a son and daughter, T. H. Fisher having a record of Supervisor of the Township for over 20 years, and Miss Emma Fisher still resides at the old home site. There are also 2 grandchildren.
The Pratt Family The Pratt family came also about this time, Leroy and Thoda, a step son William Buck and Mrs. Pratt's father, Mr. Mason. Bert Pratt, their son, Irving Alfred and Glen Grandsons and Albert, a great grand son have all lived in this Township.
McDonalds The McDonalds east of The Star School, one daughter Mrs. Nellie Ramsbeck and one son Edward both residing on the West Coast. Murphy The Murphys were a staunch rugged folk but are now all gone. Alfred Dow Alfred Dow one of the early settlers with his wife and family lived on the South bank of the South branch of Lincoln River. One daughter Mrs. Edith Colyer moved to Florida and one granddaughter Mrs. Floyd Marcellus (Alice) is still living in the Township.
Capt, Charles Tuft Capt. Charles Tuft was a late settler around the turn of the century (1900) interested in Politics, was elected our representative to the State Legislature for 2 terms, then elected State Senator serving until health made it necessary to retire, leaving one son, Dan of Grand Haven and one daughter Mrs. Exie Prettyman of Muskegon.
Fred Groth Fred Groth and parents settled on the farm known as the Pete Laquire place one mile North of Victory Corners. William Groth and family now own and operate the old farmstead. Peter Raschka Peter Raschka acquired land adjoining the Blodgett sugar bush on the West. Anthony Raschaka son of Peter lives on the old homestead having purchased more land with the help of his two sons they operate a well stocked Dairy farm.
Whitaker Family The Whitaker family living South of the Dewey School 1/2 mile as a group did a considerable amount of logging Winters, the three sons, William, Arthur and Harry continued working in the woods until there were no more trees to cut. There were also two daughters.
The Hovalt Family The Hovalt family settled adjoining place known as the Blodgett plum Orchard which was across the road from the 60 acre sugar bush. Having no children they adopted a daughter who grew up and married Louie Clemensen. (North of the Danish Church) Her husband passed away some years ago and she and her family own the old. Clemensen Farm.
George Christensen The George Christensen family settled on the southwest corner of the intersection known now as the Sterely Corners. They had five children three boys and two girls. Earl is the only one residing in the Township on a farm South of the Dewey School.
John Blodgett Of the early Settlers John Blodgett owned some 200 acres of land in the South West Quarter of the Township comprising the sugar bush, plum Orchard and timber land. He was one of the first Township clerks and very interested in the formation and welfare, of Victory Township. Two sons Herbert and Gilbert, both obtained good educations, one, Herbert, became a School Professor and the other, Gilbert, an Attorney-at-Law. John G. Peterson, one of the enterprising settlers both as a logger and a road builder living just north of Sterleys Corners. Lester Sterley owns and lives on the farm.
Peter Browns a Millright by profession, came to Mason County to build a Sawmill for Charles Mear at Hamlin, settled on a parcel of land at the corner of the road leading to Victory Park. Roy Brown, a grandson, lives across the way. Bernard Sterley lives on what was formally two farms, the Hartel and John L. Peterson farms, facing the old Manistee road. This was one of the first roads leading toward Manistee from Mason County known as the logging camp supply road crossing the Sauble River at the East end of Hamlin Lake north of North Victory Cemetery.
William Moberg lives on the farm left to him by his parents that joins Victory Park. Gustave Swanson settled in the area known as the Swedish settlement. Most of his family still reside in the Township. Oscar, our Township clerk for many years lives on the old Springberg farm, Arthur lives on the old Laidlaw farm while Mrs. Arthur Himes with her sister, lives on the old Swanson homestead. In early times there were several Swedish families living in a group near Victory Park composed of the Mobergs, Springbergs, Andrew and Ole Nordines, John Larson, William Lexon and a family by the name of Foutt and Louie Olson who was our Township Highway Commissioner for 25 to 30 years. This little settlement became known as little Sweden. However, two families of Irish origin by the name of Yockey and Martin lived in this little settlement.
The Hagerty Family lived in the neighborhood of Peter Brown farm on the old Manistee road 3 grandchildren, Mrs. Barnaby, Mrs. John Goodrich and John Olson. John Millwood, with his family settled in the West Central part of the Township known then as the Danish Settlement. Henry Millwood and family reside on the old homestead. Chris Millwood another son bought and lived on the old Dan Billings place North of Victory Town Hall where the Budreau store now is. One daughter Hazel Schroder and a grandson Barnard Betka survive.
Nels Peterson to be distinguished from the other Nels Peterson was known as Swamp Petersen, two sons survive. George who still owns the old home and Edward living in Ludington, besides a number of grandchildren. The Ruba Family coming direct from Germany bought the old Dolan place. George inherited the homestead and still lives there. Joe another son acquired land of his own soon after coming to Victory. He married Celia Dennis. There are 5 sons, all owning their homes in the Township. Charles on the Rasmus Lybecka place, John owns and operated the former Jack Swanson place, Pete the old Tom Murphy farm, Joe Jr. the old Peter Paulson place and Ralph is owner of the homestead.. Only recently the father Joe Sr. passed away.
The Ole Thompson farm across the way from the (Dowland) Ruba place, a son Robert Thompson lives there, while Ole Jr. lives on the old Lindstand farm one mile North of Robert. Of the early settlers were the Dennis family. Mrs. August Dennis and youngest son, David, still own the old home, while Francis Dennis, another son owns the farm previously owned by Gust Johnson.
Hans Peterson and wife settled on 40 acres one half mile west of the Victory Town Hall reared a large family on this small farm. Louie and wife Ellen live on the old homestead. Julius lives West of the Star School in South Victory and has been our Supervisor for 20 years. Mrs. Robert Keith, a daughter, lives with her son Clarence and family on the old home in North Victory. Rose, another daughter, became the wife of Louie Anderson, just north of her old home. This place known as the Lars Anderson farm, with a large dairy herd is owned and operated by Harold Anderson and son, Russell, members of the third and fourth generation of Lars Anderson.
Nels Hansen, with his family living ,just North of the Frank Hirner Corners (now known as Sterleys Corners) cleared 120 acres of fertile land which later became a dairy farm and is still owned and operated by Mrs. Hansen and 2 sons, Fred and Paul. Martin Timpy, a son-in-law of the senior Ruba family, bought and cleared 40 acres North of the Danish Church one mile. Lawrence, the youngest son and family own and operate the farm. Paul Timpy, a son, owns the Nels Nelson farm. He was known as Big Nels. A daughter, now Mrs. Wm. Anderson with her husband lives one mile north of Victory Town hall. .
Jim Christensen (having 2 thumbs on one hand was known as 2 thumb Jim) owned and operated the place where Ernest John, a grandson, with his family live. Harold Beale owns and operates 120 acres which formally belonged to old pioneer families, Chris Anderson, Keno Peterson and Ever -Everson, each place consisting of 40 acres. Harold with all his farm work, finds time to drive a school bus, as does Roy Brown.
Jim Anderson, a nephew of the Loxens, owned 40 acres on the river bank of the North Branch of Lincoln River. A daughter, Grace (Mrs. Tony VanLoon) owns the old home. Alfred Hansen owns and operates the place where was born on the Southeast corner of the intersection at the Danish Church Corner. Mrs. Lana Hendrickson and son Walter, live one half mile west of the Townhall (this was known as Old Dancils Place). Mr. Daniels, a little old man who was a pack peddler rather than a farmer, had no known relatives.
August Anderson settled on a piece of land north of the townhall while a young unmarried man, working in the woods winters, yet he managed to clear up his land, erected a house and barn, married Mary Peterson, a daughter of Rasmus Peterson. To them 5 children were born. Robert Anderson, the youngest, owns and operates the farm. Also his grandfathers Rasmus Petersons farm.
Fred Harges, now owns the farm that in older tines was known as the Christ Jacobson farm. Nels Peterson, who in his younger days was a saw filer in the logging camps was known as Red Barn Peterson to be distinguished from other Nels Petersons, settled on 120 acres of land just North of Victory Townhall. Clarence owns and operates what is known as Blue Spruce Farm. Henry lives in Hamlin Township, John Anderson, a son of Lars Anderson, lived on a farm North of his fathers place. His wife, Minnie was a daughter of Andrew Hansen, another one of the early Danish families in Victory. There were 2 children in the John Anderson family, Laura and William. Laura is now Mrs. Paul Timpy and William lives on a farm that was formerly owned by Charles Fisher.
About 1870 the Fishers migrated from Erie Pennsylvania. Six brothers, Menzo, Henry, C.C., Lucien, William, and Preston. Two sisters, Mrs. J. N. Clark and Mrs. H. F. Cook. Mrs. Pauline Hallberg lives on the J. N. Clark farm, Fred Lauterwasser lives on the H. F. Cook farm, and Gaylon Heyse on the C. C. Fisher farm. Charles C. Fisher lives on his father's farm, the Preston Fisher farm which formally was the Frank Olsen place. The Lenius Anderson farm across the road from J. N. Clark home is now owned by a daughter, Mrs. Nathan Grennell and husband. Eugene Danielson and family own and reside on the Menzo Fisher homestead just North of the Star School while Miss Emma Fisher owns the old home of Lucien R. Fisher where she was born. Mr. gave the land for the South Methodist Church. The senior Kraft family, early pioneer settlers, lived on the place where the Dewey school is located, There were 5 sons and 2 daughters, all having passed away. There are grandchildren and great grandchildren still remaining.
The Whitakers were early settlers. The parents of Fremont Whitaker, near the Kraft home, Mrs. Fremont Whitaker was the former Emma Kraft. The Whitaker farm is now owned by Charles Larson, formally of Ludington. The Dalquist farm joined the Frank Clark farm on the West and is now owned by one of the grand daughters, Mrs. Grace Coleman.
Ephram Lahay and family among the earlier settlers lived at the East end of Hamlin Lake, is now owned and occupied by a daughter, Mrs. Eliza. Compeau. Also very early settlers in the Northwest corner of Victory Township teas the Gutshaw family.
Nels Anderson lived the first place East of North Victory Cemetery. He was sexton there for many years. Charles Reynolds, a Civil War Veteran, lived just across from the Chambers School, his home for many a year, Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Smith acquired this place making it their home for some time.
The McKillop family lived North of Victory Corners 1 1/2 miles. Coming here from Canada in the early 80's, Mr. McKillop was a cook sailing on the lakes most of the time. John, one of the sons, lived on the North Township line. Later he sold his farm to their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hansen, son of John Hansen. John and his wife Jennie build a home just across the road in Grant Township where they reside.
Harold Larsen, County Agent purchased the Leo Stakenas farm just West of Sugar Grove where they now live. This farms will be remembered as the John Fox place. William McVicker for many years operated a country store along with his farm on the North Township line on section 3. Gus Malcutt now owns this farm.
Lars Jansen and family who came from Nebraska, purchased the William Murphy farm which is now owned and operated by the eldest son, Hans E. Jensen, and having acquired more land, he keeps a fine herd of beef cattle.
William Miller for more than 50 years owned and lived on the farm on section 25 west of Sugar Grove. A daughter, Mrs. George Reed (Hazel) still lives on the farm. William Jensen built and ran what was known as the Sugar Grove Store. He also built several tourist cabins, with his cages of animals and well kept lawn it was a-very attractive place. George Jensen, a carpenter by trade, was an uncle of William and owned the home just to the north.
Mrs. Hilding Swanson, formally Freda Beyers, wife of the late Hilding Swanson, lives on the old Swanson homestead just south of the Lincoln River, Section 25. Roy Hargreaves and wife live in the home acquired from his father John Hargreaves on section 22 on the Stiles Road. Roy's wife, Ina is a daughter of a former Victory resident, Louie Brisbane, who was at one time Highway Commissioner.
The senior George Collyer family consisted of seven Children whose names are: Sarah (Mrs. John Hargreaves ); Clara (Mrs. Rhinard Kraft ); Rose; Mabel., (Mrs. Oral Campbell); George, Jr.; Elmer and Holtice. The family moved here from Chicago about 1900. George Colyer Sr. was an A-1 builder and came here for the purpose of framing the roof of Mason County Court House for Mr. William Gatke. He being a contractor, this frame work is a masterpiece and well worth anyone's time to take the stairway leading to the attic to see for themselves Only three of this family are still living, Elmer, Hollis and Mabel. George Jr. working with his father became an accomplished joiner and cabinet maker. Whatever George did was well done so much so he was elected Sheriff of Mason County and Re-elected term after term. One of the best law enforcement officers of the State, Victory Township is proud to have George Colyer Jr. as its product.
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Padgett live on Section 23 the Southwest corner formally known as the Hoffman place. Eugene Peterson, son of Julius Peterson, lives on one of the old pioneer farms known as the Amasa Billings place on the South bank of the south Branch of Lincoln River, section 26, North of the Star School.
Gerald Beebe lives in Section 26 on the farm formally owned by Bart Pratt. Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Pedersen own the farm that was known many years ago as the Tommy Collins place. Many years ago, two brothers, Jim and Homer Aldrich, purchased a piece of land on Section 23. This place has been vacated for a long time. The old homestead formally owned and occupied by the Lauterwasser family, the buildings were torn down and moved away. At one time this land supported a large family. The soil is very poor and the sections of land between the 2 rivers is known as Hungry Hollow.
Joe Prusinowski, whose age is near 90, is still active and lives on his 160 acres in section 22. John Hathway, former resident of Victory, was the first man to make lath from poplar trees. In our own Township, his father Jess Hathway operated and owned a wagon shop at Victory Corners in the early 60's Harlo Hathway, a son of John, having been away for some time, returned to Victory and purchased the Mike Kusaboski farm in Section 11 one mile West of Highway 31.
Albert French, who made his home with P. T. Robertson family purchased 40 acres from W. A. Cartier planting trees, peaches, pears, as well as evergreen and spruce on 10 acres. The balance of the 40 acres was a sugar bush that he ran for several years. This was on Section 33 at this time. This land is owned by Mrs. Lottie Lynch of Detroit. Arthur Miller lives on the old Miller homestead that was left to him by his parents years ago. This is across the road from the Lincoln River School in section 12..
Peterson, owner and operator of the old Beyer farm together with his sons, has a large dairy herd in section 12 facing highway 31. Herman Beyer and son Henry operate a 160 acre farm in section 13. Herman and his wife Selva have a cottage on the east side of Goin (Gun?) Lake. Both are very active in public activities.
William Whitaker and brother Arthur bought 120 acres of cut over land, dividing it, which gave each one 60 acres. William later moved to Riverton Township, and Arthur's two sons, Archie and Leo have farms near their father's property. Phil Elliot, one of the older settlers, owned some 200 acres of land in section 1, 2, 12, was a so called big-time farmers: also bought, sold and traded horses, was well known throughout the County. This farm is now owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. Martin Huizenga. Mrs. Huizenga is a neice of Mr. Elliot.
The Albert Biggs farm in section 11 is owned by Leo Whitaker. Harvey Young, son of Davis Young, lives on his farm just West of the Whitakers in section 2. The Dole Thompson farm is now owned. by his son Roy Thompson who is an employee of the C. & O. Carferry fleet.
The Albert Kraft farm was purchased by Vance Peterson, where he lives and still operates. Theodore Young and son, Don, now own and operate the Dave Young farm, (Just for the record and to eliminate confusion in names Theodore Young is not a son of Dave Young, but a son-in-law). The old Forden farm has been acquired by Ted and the two farms support a large herd of cows. The Gus Anderson farm on section 2 (Mrs. Anderson was the former Nellie Mackey of Victory Corners). This farm was purchased by Ferdinane Marcellus in the late 20's and now owned by a son, Floyd Marcellus where he lives and operates the farm. Mrs. Floyd Marcellus is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Dow, former residents of Victory Township
William Buffenbarger Sr. some years ago bought an old time farm in section 36 formally known as the Thomas Barnes place. Irving Pratt owns and operates a farm, in section 34 that his father Bert Pratt bought from Albert Vogel, who in his time was a well-known lumberman, as he did a great amount of logging in the Township. Oscar Weinert acquired 200 acres from the Vogel estate, two sons now operate this farm for the heirs.
Walter Nichols now owns a farm. that formally was owned by two parties. One 40 was owned by William Teitz in Section 35 and the other in section 34 was owned by George Rogers at one time. Frank Dancz finds time to work his farm although he drives a milk wagon on a milk route for Evergreen Dairy. This farm was owned by Larry Reed, later by James Johnson on section 34.
Gaylon Heyse owns the C. C. Fisher farm purchased from the Fisher heirs Lawrence and Carolyn Fisher. Thurman Fisher owns the farm at one time owned by William Buck, a half-brother to Bert Pratt, Raymond Heyse lives on a farm formally known as the Marshall sisters out later by Frank Parmalee. A brother-in-law whose wife was Emma Marshelles. The T. E. Moore home directly across from the Star school was his parents homestead. Directly across was the old log cabin where they lived. Some years later, a large frame house was erected just to the west. Later land to the North was purchased and 2 sons, Robert and Leslie operate the farm and have a large herd of dairy cattle.
Robert Spaulding lives on Section 36 on Highway 31. While not a farmer he had an auto repair shop and sold used cars. Being a good auto repair man.. he had a very brisk business. Perry Beebe owns 10 acres, of land at the Sugar Grove Corners, section 36. While he works in Muskegon, he spends many week ends and many vacations here, and at retirement this will be their permanent home Mrs. Beebe is the former Myrtle Moore.
Carl Neilsen lives on highway 31 on a small farm: purchased from F.C. Schroeder. This small place years ago belonged to Parker. Mr. Neilson raises guinea pigs for experimental purposes. Also has the Rawleigh Route for this locality. Joe Guiditis owns the Sugar Grove Store and gas station, formerally owned by William Gensen, section 25, Highway 31.
Franklin Peterson, with his mother Mrs. Paul Petersen, a brother sister, own a farm in Victory, section 10. Anthony Mazur, with family and mother, own and operate a farm at Victory Corners formerly owned by Capt. Charles Tuft, section 32.
The late Tony Dancz owned the place formerly owned by H. H. Jagger (in section 32) father of Clark Jagger who resides in Hamlin Township and was probate Judge of Mason County for many years.
Ray Babcock owns one of the historic places at Victory Corners intersection where for years Richard Rayne had a general storm back in the early 60's. When Victory Corners was at its height of attraction, Claude Babcock, a brother lives half a mile south on the land owned by George Ard, his step-father. In the early 60's this was known as the Costello place. Mr. and Mrs. Terrence Costello acquired and cleared this land. They raised a family of 5 boys, Louie, George, Frank, Marshel and Terrence Jr. Frank and his family lived on this farm for sometime Their 2 children attending Victory Corner School. Three of these boys became Marine Engineers, sailing lumber barges on the Great Lakes. ( Frank, Marshal and Terrence.) Louie became a railroad engineer hauling logging trains. Working for the Marshall Butters Lumber Company of Ludington for many years, Marshal quit sailing, acquired 200 acres of land in section 21 and 22, created a saw mill to be powered by a water wheel on the North branch of Lincoln River. This, however, was a failure for lack of enough water for the power required to operate. He finally converted to steam and did operate this mill for several years. He was elected Supervisor of this Township and was well-known for his Irish wit. He was also elected Mason County Highway Commissioner which position he held for some years.
Coming from Chicago in 1950, Charles Drabeck purchased the old Pliney Turner farm on section 8-5. For many years Mr. Turner was foreman at the Gilbert Blodgett sugar bush that combined 60 acres of maple trees, with a crew of 6 men and cook as well as a handyman, Louie Billings, he had an artificial leg and still remembered by many was Louie the Cook. He was a very excellent one.
Mrs. Lars Jensen widow of the late Lars Jensen., lives on the farm known as the old Murphy place and is now owned by her son Hans E. Jensen. The Mike Grennell family were of the old pioneer families. They lived a mile west of Victory Corners. Mike Grennell was a member of the Coast Guard Station in Ludington and Point Sauble for many years.
Mrs. Fred Hjortholm and daughter Helen Meyer and son. Mrs. Meyer is a nurse of the Mason County Health Office in Ludington. This place was owned by Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Russell, parents of Mrs. Hjortholm. They migrated from Kansas in a covered wagon some 60 years ago, about 1898.
Herbert Tenny now owns and lives on the former Alfred Dow farm just North of Victory Corners School, section 33. Mr. Dow was a veteran of the Civil War. He was foreman in various Logging camps, also interested in township policies. One daughter Edith (Mrs. Pete Collyer) is a Resident of Florida. Mr. Collyer was an employee of Stearns Salt and Lumber Company of Ludington. He built what is now the Rye Funeral Home on Washington Avenue in Ludington.
The Charles True farm is now owned by Mrs. William Groth (Flora mae) inherited from her grandmother, Mrs. John Snyder. Jay Pratton and family acquired 80 acres of land in section 32, while Mr. Pratton was still in the Coast Guard Service at Point Sauble. After retiring he did some farming. Surviving is one daughter, Mrs. Henry Kronlein of Ludington.
But this history (if it may be so called) would not be complete if we were to leave out the present generation that has had to combat insects, plant disease, and change from horse power to motor that has been costly in effort and money. Also losing our foreign trade because of the high cost of production here. Surpluses of farm commodities continue to mount until (right or wrong) Congress in the 1930's came to the rescue by subsidy, saving Agriculture from ruination and with much land taken out of production we are still blessed with more food than we can consume. (Politics a-side). What I'm trying to say is this, these younger farmers are chips off the old block, are not quiters and the tenacity of their pioneer fathers is still with them, which is all to their credit.