Relocation to Cannon Township
The 1860 Census records that James and Esther Pennington relocated to Cannon Township where the value of their farm was $300. Their first son William was two years old at the time of the Census. Not too far from the Pennington's farm dwelt Esther's brother James and his family: wife Charlotte (born in Vermont), daughter Sarah (7), and sons George (4) and James (2). View 1860 Census.
The 1894 plat maps below show the farm land owned by James Pennington in both Cannon and Courtland townships. James owned an 80 acre parcel on the north side of 10 mile and a 20 acre parcel (his homestead) that sat one mile to the east of the 80 acre parcel, north of 10 mile, and sat on (11 acres) and to the south (9 acres) of Big Brower Lake. And directly across the road from the north 20 acre homestead, James owned a 65 acre parcel. James lived as a farmer prior to his war service and for a short time after until he was no longer able due to war injuries. From that time, James son Oliver took over the farming under agreement.
The 1863 plat map (not shown) reveals that the north 80 acres was previously owned by J. Delixine. Some time between 1863 and 1876, James acquired the northern 80 acres.
The 1894 plat maps below show the farm land owned by James Pennington in both Cannon and Courtland townships. James owned an 80 acre parcel on the north side of 10 mile and a 20 acre parcel (his homestead) that sat one mile to the east of the 80 acre parcel, north of 10 mile, and sat on (11 acres) and to the south (9 acres) of Big Brower Lake. And directly across the road from the north 20 acre homestead, James owned a 65 acre parcel. James lived as a farmer prior to his war service and for a short time after until he was no longer able due to war injuries. From that time, James son Oliver took over the farming under agreement.
The 1863 plat map (not shown) reveals that the north 80 acres was previously owned by J. Delixine. Some time between 1863 and 1876, James acquired the northern 80 acres.
 Courtland Township James Pennington's Homestead 20 Acre Parcel North of 10 Mile - On Big Brower Lake Satellite Photo: Google Earth According to James Pennington's neighbors, this 20 Acre parcel is the only parcel to have buildings: a house and a barn. The land was poor - only 9 of the acres tillable. It is here that Oliver had a small orchard surrounding the house. 11 of the 20 acres was water. Today these waterfront houses sell for a lot of money.
 Cannon Township James Pennington's 65 Acre Parcel South of 10 Mile & 20 Acre North Parcel Satellite Photo: Google Earth According to James Pennington's neighbors, this 65 Acre parcel was poor land. Sat directly across the 20 Acre homestead on Big Brower Lake.
 1894 Cannon Plat Map - 65 Acre Parcel |  Courtland Township James Pennington's 80 Acre Parcel North of 10 Mile - East of Myers Lake Rd. Satellite Photo: Google Earth According to James Pennington's neighbors, this 80 Acre parcel had no buildings thereon. The land was rough light land - mainly blow sand. This parcel sits 1 mile down the road toward the east from the homestead parcel. It is here that Oliver farmed Rye, Beans and Potatoes on about 5-6 acres.
 1894 Courtland Plat Map - 40 & 80 Acre Parcels Today, the 80 acre parcel is being residentially developed. There are new homes up and down a single street that runs north/south through the old property. Parcel is covered with trees.
The 20 acre north parcel homestead is gone. The buildings that were there are now gone. New homes have replaced these. Surrounding Big Brouwer Lake are expensive waterfront homes - to include the short length of land on the old Pennington parcel. The 65 acre south parcel is also overgrown with trees with some new residential areas. One home that does remain is that of D. Blakely - one of the farmers to participate in Esther Pennington's widow's pension request. See pics here. |
