The Old Settlers of Mecosta, Montcalm, and Isabella Counties in the State of Michigan, started settling the area in the early 1860s. They came by covered wagons drawn by oxen. Doraville Whitney was the first Black settler in Isabella County in 1860. The first documentation of an African-American settler in Mecosta County Michigan was James Guy. His deed was signed by Abraham Lincoln. He obtained 160 acres in Wheatland Township on May 30, 1861. Lloyd & Margaret Guy were the first Black settlers in Montcalm County in 1861. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed each settler 160 acres in Michigan. By 1873 African-Americans owned 1,392 acres in the three counties of Isabella, Mecosta and Montcalm. In the 1860's most of the land in Remus was owned by the Old Settlers. "Old Settlers" came from Canada via "The Underground Railroad." Other "Old Settlers" came from Hocking and Athens Counties in the State of Ohio.
Families of The Old Settlers of Mecosta, Isabella, and Montcalm Counties contributed their photographs and family histories for the making of this book. Because of the number of people compiling the information, there may be errors, but for the most part, the book is a depiction of the early settlers who started arriving in the three county area in the 1860's.​
OSRW self-publishes its own books. We edit, format, and publish. We also obtain grant money to restore sites related to the Old Settler History pertaining to Mecosta, Isabella, and Montcalm Counties (Michigan).
​​​​Useful Links
Benjamin Banneker Foundation
Old Settlers Reunion Website
Sonya Hollins Website: http://www.merzetate.com
John and Matt Lett
John was the son of James and Margaret Lett and a grandson of Aquilla Lett, Sr. and Christina Cobbler-Lett
Annual Square Dance
​Started in 1920 at Edith Greenway-Sutherland's home. According to
Lillian Mumford, her father Andrew Flowers called a lot of the dances, and her uncle Ivan (Buck) Flowers
played the violin.