Matteson Township
Organized as an independent township by the State Legislature in
the spring of 1838, in response to petition voted December 23, 1837 by the residents in
meeting assembled at the house of Abiather Culver. The origin of the name, which is
often misspelled, was Amos Matteson who was a native of Rhode Island, arrived in
Michigan in the spring of 1836, and settled on the north shore of the lake which now
bears his name. Upon his arrival, he was 55 years old, and his name was given to the new
township because he was the oldest and most experienced man then living in it. He was
not, however, the first settler to arrive in the area. The first township meeting and election
were held April 2, 1838. Amos Matteson was chosen moderator; Robert Watson as clerk;
John Corson, James Gillis, and Hiram Gardner as inspectors of the election. The number
of voters was so small that in many cases more than one office was given to each official
in order that each be filled. All records are missing from 1838 through 1842.
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