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

ALVIN H. STILLSON

Alvin Henry Stillson, eldest child of Sophia (Hutchins) and Briggs Stillson, was born in the township of Fowler, New York, Feb. 5, 1829. On July 5, 1838, he and his sister, Kate, started in company with their uncle, Elisha Pomeroy, from Rochester, N. Y., for Allegan, Michigan. From Rochester to Buffalo they rode by canal boat on the Erie canal, and from Buffalo to Detroit they came by steamer on Lake Erie. It so happened that the) rode on the first trip of the first stage coach from Detroit to Ypsilanti. From the latter place to Allegan they came by open wagon, over roots, ruts and corduroy, or deep mud. (He once said they covered the last lap of the trip by rail, but they carried the rail along to pry the wagon out of the mud). Seven days having been required in the trip from Rochester.

He lived with his uncle, Harrison Hutchins. until his 16th year, (1884), learned the carpenter's trade, as well as that of shipbuilding, though he worked at other occupations from time to time, such as lumbering, saw-milling and farming. For eleven years he was sawyer in mills in western Allegan county.

In August, 1864, he enlisted in Co. I, 17th Mich. Vol., Inf., 9th Corps, 1st Division, 1st Brigade and served until the close of the war. In 1864 he was with his regiment at Hatch's Run, and in the two battles before Petersburg in 1865.

April 7, 1850, he married Minerva Smeed, at Saugatuck. One of the oldest and respected citizens of this section; our subject was an honored member of Saugatuck post of the Grand A.rmy of the Republic, and was justly proud of the society badge. Their home was mostly in Saugatuck, where young and old were received with hearty welcome.

Children of Alvin H. and Minerva Stillson were eight in number and were William Briggs, Helen Ann, Catherine Idella, John Charles, Henry Hannibal, Samuel C., Minerva C., Millie Frances.

Mr. Stillson was said to be the oldest living son of a veteran in the U. S. His father, Briggs Stillson, having served throughout the Civil War.

He was a walking encyclopedia on local history from the time of William Butler to the time of his death in 1917.