Local History

John Bertram entered the first land in the area in 1832, but Roswell Crane became the first actual settler in 1833.  Matthias Hutchinson, who had a sawmill built in 1837, began the village in 1838 by platting his land and donating lots to those who would settle permanently, thereon.  Erastus R. Wattles became the first postmaster on July 5, 1839.  The name was suggested by Josiah Gilbert who had come from Bedford, N.Y. 

Informational excerpts from Michigan Place Names, by Walter Romig, L.H.D.

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