Local History

Humphrey R. Wager, a capitalist from Ionia and Stanton, developed the Russell Settlement into the village of Bonanza, which he so named because he saw great promise for it.  In 1880 the Pere Marquette Railroad came through, the village was moved about a mile southwest and renamed Lake Odessa, as was its post office on August 10, 1880.  Incorporated as a village in 1889.  Named after Odessa Township and its three lakes, Jordan, Tupper and August, all named for early settlers. 

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

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