Near Owosso in Shiawassee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Maple River
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 24, 2018
1. Maple River Marker
Inscription.
Maple River. . In 1837 four couples came to this area, known as Maple River, from Oakland County to claim their newly purchased acreage. They were soon followed by a dozen families. These pioneer farmers chose this vicinity because the very fertile land was well adapted for grazing and crop production. The community church and octagonal schoolhouse were designed and built under the guidance of the Reverend George M. Reynolds, son of one of the pioneer settlers. Soon after several farm houses of Greek Revival design were constructed and the cemetery was established. Mr. Reynolds served for many years as minister of the church and was also the first teacher when the school opened in 1850. Several of the early structures remain, and descendants of the original settlers still reside in this area.
In 1837 four couples came to this area, known as Maple River, from Oakland County to claim their newly purchased acreage. They were soon followed by a dozen families. These pioneer farmers chose this vicinity because the very fertile land was well adapted for grazing and crop production. The community church and octagonal schoolhouse were designed and built under the guidance of the Reverend George M. Reynolds, son of one of the pioneer settlers. Soon after several farm houses of Greek Revival design were constructed and the cemetery was established. Mr. Reynolds served for many years as minister of the church and was also the first teacher when the school opened in 1850. Several of the early structures remain, and descendants of the original settlers still reside in this area.
Erected 1979 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L595.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. 42° 56.254′ N, 84° 8.672′ W. Marker is near Owosso, Michigan, in Shiawassee County. Marker is at the intersection of East Bennington Road and Colby Road
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, on the right when traveling east on East Bennington Road. The marker is in Shiawassee Township, about 5 miles south of Owosso, 4.1 miles south of Corunna, and 6.2 miles west of Vernon. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 985 East Bennington Road, Owosso MI 48867, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 319 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on February 13, 2024, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 26, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Pictures of octagon house (about 1/4 mile west of the marker) and any Greek Revival farmhouses that still stand. • Can you help?
