From: May Heath Saugatuck Book

Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

BENJAMIN CRAWFORD\

Foremost among the pioneers of Manlius township stands the name of Ben Crawford who was born in New York city in 1831, and at the age of twenty-one came to Michigan in a covered wagon drawn by an ox-team and settled in Manlius; he brought with him his bride, who before her marriage was Abigail Wright of New York and together they came west to hew their fortune out of the wilderness. This was in 1852.

Two children were born to them, Emma, later Mrs. George Smeed and George, both deceased.

On first coming to Allegan County Mr. Crawford purchased an interest in three tracts of land with Elisha Mix and Elam Fenn and when it was divided he chose the 142 acre tract which remained his home during their life, having built upon it a pleasant home.

The writer taught the school one time in this district and loved to call at the Crawford home and listen to the stories of early days! of wolves, snakes, Indians and one he told was when they had not quite finished their house but were living in it, though without doors or windows, he had gone for the cows down the woods, found them and headed them toward their shed, when all of a sudden they seemed terribly frightened and ran; he wondered what bothered them, and as he looked about saw some animal jumping from tree to tree, coming toward him and he said he had the same idea the cow had, to run home, and he did, and shortly two panthers rushed by the door. Such were the thrills of the pioneer.

Isn't it too bad they could not have enjoyed some of the modern conveniences of this day and age? But they were happy and enjoyed life with all its hardship.