In 1874 the township of Oceana was subdivided into two townships, the northern and western portions containing about nineteen sections, being named Montague Township, and the southwestern part containing 18 sections, being 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 88, 84, 85, and 86, and was named Whitehall. White Lake and the river were the general boundaries, although Whitehall has a small fraction across the river. In Montague is the village of Montague, as yet unincorporated, but there is a movement to do so among its most enterprising citizens. The township at its last census had fourteen more inhabitants than Whitehall. Generally the soil of Montague is quite sandy near the water, but speedily becomes a heavy clay or loam on leaving the river or lake. Whitehall is chiefly a sandy loam. Out of Whitehall has been taken the incorporated village of Whitehall from its western side, extending for about one and a half miles, on the east side of White Lake from near the head at Staples & Covells mill to the site of the old water mill, now Wilcox's, near which is a beautiful part of the village full of neat, clean residences with thrifty gardens, chiefly occupied by Swedes with a few Norwegians, and known as Johnson's Addition or more popularly as Swedentown. The inhabitants came here mostly direct from Scandinavia and have done well, working in the mills and teaming. They are a reading, thinking race, and are sure to make good citizens. Whitehall extends inland to Hall's Addition a distance of one mile.
    
    The division of the Township of Oceana was vigorously opposed by many, especially in the south, but was partly brought about by a feeling that in the north they had not the proper share of officials or influence. The first town meeting in Whitehall Township, was on Friday, April 10, 1874. The Inspectors of Election were H. E. Staples, H. Slater and A. Mears. Poll Clerk, W. F. Nufer and James Williams. 330 votes were cast for Supervisor; Albert Mears got 218, Z. Mizner, 112. The other officers were John Tait, Clerk; C. E. Covell, Treasurer; Justices of the Peace, P. I. Hedges, J. D. Pullman; Commissioners of Highways, H. Ruggles, P. Hobler, M. R. Stevens. For Constables, N. Patterson, W. Smart, F. M. Stewart, D. W. Covell; F. Hinman, School Inspector. $600 was voted for contingent fund; $400 for the poor, and $500 for roads and bridges. For overseers of high ways, Swain Nelson was elected for district No. 7, and William Sprague for No. 8. Watson Smart, pound keeper. There was however, a previous joint meeting of Montague and Whitehall, at the office of the Lumberman, on the 5th of March, 1874, Joseph Heald, chairman, and John Tait, secretary, for the purpose of dividing the funds and apportioning the indebtedness of Oceana. For road districts 7 and 8 Whitehall. there was due $348, and for school districts 3 and 4 about $85; for Montague road districts 1 to 6 there was due about $260, and for the school districts about  the same amount. It happened that a poor man, Henry Gibberts,  was buried at the public expense on the 10th of April, the very day
 set apart for the new town meetings, so it was agreed. to take $41-  rather an expensive funeral-out of the common poor fund to pay  the expenses. The amount of funds on hand to be divided was only $859.92, of which Whitehall got $474.46. The Board also  found Oceana indebted to the amount of $200 taken from the road fund for building a road to the trading post on the north side of the lake and $100 for a road on the south side; and $500 for the bridge between Montague and Whitehall. The total indebtedness of Oceana was $1,050, of which Whitehall was assigned $581.05.
 
    The Council of Whitehall met on July 24th, for receiving plans and specifications for a pest house 18x24 and 10 feet high, by Warren Wilder, for $245. The contract was signed by A. Mears, Supervisor; D. G. Scroggs and A. G. Hopkins, Justices of the Peace; John Tait, Clerk; and W. Wilder, Contractor. The Board met on the 12th of August and accepted the house and gave E. Vincent the painting at $12, and James Sprague the erection of outhouses, etc., $8.
 
    The tax roll for 1874 was, for State tax, $511.77; County tax, $2,512.91; rejected. $45.91; Township, $1,179.73; Highways, $49.99; School tax, $3,486.08. Total, $7,779.33.
 
    It is really wonderful how cheaply the government of the township was run this year by A. Mears, his charge for services as supervisor being but $100, and for account $37.67. The whole of the other accounts passed at the end of the year, being but $30.
 
    At the next annual meeting, April 5, 1875, $100 was ordered for contingencies; $300 for poor, and $50 for roads. S. Nelson was appointed Overseer of District 1, and M. Anderson for No. 2. There were 264 votes cast for supervisor, of which A. Mears received 147, and Z. Mizner 117. Jno. Tait was re-elected Clerk; C. E. Covell, re-elected Treasurer. S. S. Sage was elected Justice of the Peace; Marvin E. Curtis, Sr., Commissioner of Highways; F. Hinman, School Inspector; for Superintendent of Schools, A. C. Elsworth; for Constables, N. Patterson, and D. W. Covell: G. P. Freeman, Pound Master. On June 28, W. Smart was appointed Constable.
 
    The following, dated Oct. 8, 1875, will show the valuation of the township: Valuation of real and personal estate in School District No. 1, $245,395; tax voted, $1,800. No. 2, $6,345; tax voted, $280. No. 3, $8,110; tax voted, $50. Total valuation, $259,850. Total tax voted, $2,080. On the 22d of December the Board wound up the proceedings by passing bills amounting to about $150 all told. On the 28th of March it was recommended that $300 be raised for contingent fund and $200 for poor. The treasurer reported on hand. $858.
 
    The annual meeting for 1876 was held on the 3d of April, at which C. Badder and W. Sprague were appointed Overseers of Highways. A. Mears received 152 votes out of 153 for Supervisor. John Tait was re-elected Clerk; , C. E. Covell, Treasurer; G. J. Moog and J. D. Pullman were elected Justices; W. S. Sprague, Commissioner of Highways; A. C. Elsworth, School Superintendent; W. F. Nufer, School Inspector; N. Patterson, D. W. Covell, Dallas Johnson and Ariel Bliss, Constables. As Jesse Pullman objected to qualify for Justice, a special meeting was ordered for Aug. 14th, at which DeWitt C. Huffman was elected by 53 votes to John Widoe's 28.
 
    The following is the statement of taxes to be collected for 1876: State tax, $360; County, 2,111.06; Township, 643.02; Highways, 48.70; School, 2,481.26. Total, $5,644.04.

     On December 26, account for services for the year were passed amounting to $311.48, of which Supervisor Mears gets $150, the Clerk $61, and the Superintendent of Schools $23.
 
    An important meeting was held at the office of A. C. Elsworth, who acted as Deputy Clerk, on the 27th of March, 1877, at which Supervisor Mears and P. L Hedges were present. It was resolve to have Hon. G. M. Smith demand the Township of Oceana bonds for $30,000 from the Secretary of State with whom they had been deposited for Michigan Lake shore R. R., as the said company had failed to comply with the conditions, and the Statute under which the bonds had been issued had been declared unconstitutional by a competent legal tribunal; the bonds to be filed in the township clerk's office; and that Montague be consulted on the matter. The treasurer stated that he had received during the year $3,491.59, and paid out $3,577.43. The clerk's bond was fixed at $500. We may here state that no portion of the $30,000 of bonds was paid to the railway.
 
    The annual meeting for 1877 took place April 2d, K. F. Morse, Poll Clerk. It was voted to raise for contingencies, $200; poor, $200, and roads, $25. S. Nelson was elected Overseer of Road District No. 1, and Jacob Hanson for No. 2. There were about 263 voters present, and A. Mears received 166 to C. C. Thompson's 97 for Supervisor. John A. Wheeler was elected Clerk; G. J. Moog and P. I. Hedges were elected Justices; Jesse D. Pullman, Superintendent of Schools; A. W. Slayton, School Superintendent; W. F. Nufer, School Inspector; W. L. Sprague, Commissioner of Highways; D. W. Covell, J. W. Johnson, J. N. Smith, and A. Bliss were elected Constables. At a special meeting, July 31st, H. A. Spink received 43 votes to B. F. Reed's 13 for Justice in place of D. C. Huffman, removed; and the said Spink had also to act as poll clerk, owing to the absence of Mr. Moog who, being also an undertaker, had to attend the funeral of a Mr. Hinchman. On the 27th of December accounts to the value of $291.95 were passed for services, of which Supervisor got $150, the Clerk $50, School Superintendent, $22. The following is the statement of taxes for 1877: State tax, $710.00; County, 3,229.02; Rejected, 16; Town
ship, 4,111.30. Total, $8,066.38.

    On Jan. 28, 1878, Dr. Carr was voted $34 for care of poor; Dr. Wheeler, the treasurer, received during the year for taxes $4,248.54, and for library fund $159.47, and paid out $8,958.95, and had on hand $1,211.46.

    The annual meeting this year took place April lst, K. W. Woodward Clerk of the polls: Anton Menges was elected Overseer for Road District No. 1, and Jacob Hanson for No. 2. Dr. Wheeler was unanimously elected Supervisor; G. J. Moog, Clerk; C. E. Covell, Treasurer; P. I. Hedges, Justice for full term, and D. G. Scroggs for vacant  justiceship; Asa W. Slayton, Superintendent of schools; J. D. Pullman, School Inspector; 0. W. Kimball, Commissioner of Highways. Dr. Wheeler was appointed Health Officer August 6th.
 
    On October 28th there were present Dr. Wheeler, J. D. Pullman, and G. J. Moog, when it was resolved to pay the Supervisor $300, and raise $200 additional for contingencies.
 
    On December 31 C. McKinzie was elected Constable instead of John W. Johnson, removed to Montague.
 
    On April lst, 1879, the Board settled with the treasurer as follows: Balance on hand March 29, 1878, $1,211.46. Received for taxes during year, $5,881.18. Total paid out, 6,709.53. Balance on hand, $388.11.

    The treasurer's s statement was : balance on hand April, 1880, $528.98; received during year, 7,750.20; expended during year, 4,494.51; balance on hand March 29,1881, $3,784.30, out of which balance was voted for services for 1880, $377.80, of which $300 was for supervisors.

     The annual meeting was on April 4; present, J. C. Lewis, Supervisor; P. L Hedges, J. P.; R. Stevens, Clerk; J. B. Folz, Poll Clerk. A. Menges was elected Overseer for Road Dist. No. 1, and W. W. Elston for No. 2. For contingencies, were ordered, $600; poor, 500; cemetery, 300; roads, 50.
 
    The election then took place, at which John C. Lewis received 205 votes and P. I. Hedges 92; R. Stevens unanimously elected Clerk; C. A. Hammond, Treasurer, E. D. Thompson, Justice of the Peace for full term, and C. 0. Jefford, Jr., vacancy; Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Wolodridge; Commissioner of Highways, C. Klett; School Inspector, W. F. Nufer.

    On June 30, 1881, D. W. Covell's resignation of constable was accepted, and C. McKinzie elected in his stead. Dr. Wooldridge received $25 for health inspectorship.
 
    The election in 1882 passed off quietly. Two tickets were in the field, the Republican Temperance Ticket, and the Temperance Prohibition Ticket. The first named ticket was successful throughout. The following are the majorities: Supervisor, J. J. Gee, 41; Clerk, Rob't Stevens, 53; Treasurer, Chas. E. Covell, 49; Justice, (full term), L. Ashman, 39; Justice, (to fill vacancy), C. P. Nearpass, 55; School Inspector, (two years), Wm. Nufer, 42; School Inspector, (one year), Fred A. Hinman, 46; Commissioner of Highways, Christopher Klett, 50; Constables, Fred A. Hinman, Orsamus E. Perry, John Stearns, Samuel Gotta.

    The village of Whitehall is a lively and progressive place. and the people are both progressive in their tendencies and hospitable to strangers. Although the village had a severe blow in 1881, it is remarkable with what buoyancy of spirit the calamity was received, and with hearts that were stout and brave, they prepared to rebuild their town better than before, with brick instead of wood.

    Whitehall possesses every element of success, her leading men are enterprising, and yet conservative enough not to be carried away by visionary schemes. The village has many pretty residences and the number of these is increasing. There are not many non-resident capitalists, and there is a disposition to unite and build up the place. Besides the immense lumber interests there is considerable manufacturing, chief of which is the Eagle tannery. There are some good business blocks and good stores, and the village is rapidly recuperating from its fire in 1881.

     The first doctor was J. A. Wheeler 1865, and Dr. Mizner the same year, Dr. Squires in 1866, W. LaMontange and J. McKinnon in 1866, then came Drs. Marvin, Gaylord, Johnson, Carr, etc.
 
    The first saloon was by Wm. M. Simons 1865.
 
    The fire department was organized May, 1864, H. E. Staples perpetual chief.
 
    The first bridge across to Montague, built by W. H. Parks in 1864.
 
    The first tannery-the Eagle Tannery- was built in 1866, sold to Austin & Freeman in 1868, to Michigan Leather Co. in 1870, and to Eagle Tanning Works 1871.
 
    The first book store was started by J. W. Crombie, in 1867, sold to G. P. Freeman 1871.

     The first grocery was by T. Bennett & Co.. followed by Pratt & Bro., R. W. Norris, and A. G. Hopkins.
 
    The first furniture store was Moog & Hill.
 
    The first machine shop by Rodgers & Cooper in 1871, burned 1873. 

    The first telegraph office opened 1867, P. I. Hedges, operator.

     The first Express office was in 1870, agents Morse, Sturtevant, Emery and Banks.
 
    First railroad in 1870, Paul L Hedges first station agent, succeeded by C. W. Redfern. Chas. J. Otis in 1882.
 
    First post-office in 1862, A. Mears first postmaster, followed by W. M. Simons, Clark, Parks, Sturtevant, Hedges, and Hon. C. C. Thompson.
 
    The first stage line by Gale Nichols.
 
    First lodge of Good Templars in 1866.
 
    The first officers of the village in May, 1867 were A. Mears president. D. Thompson recorder, C. C. Thompson and A. M. Thompson elected to office.
 
    Harbor Company first formed in 1869, Congress added a grant of $45,000 to their subscription of $20,000.
 
    Boom Company first organized Sept. 5, 1870, first officers S. T. Cone president, C. H. Cook second president, Joseph Heald third, D. C, Bowen fourth.

    First train of cars entered the village Oct. 29, 1870.
 
    March 4, 1871, Rev. J. G. Shaeffer, first Congregational minister.
 
    The greatest building year of the village was probably 1874 when the following buildings and others, valued at $240,000, were erected:
     Staples & Covell's mill, $50,000; Covell & Nufer's a shingle mill, $10,000; Norris & Green's shingle mill, $15,000; the bank, $28,000; Congregational church, $20,000; Lutheran church, $3,000; Catholic church, $3,000; Episcopal church, $6,000; engine house, $8,000, &c.
 
    The year 1875 witnessed the climax in the number of saloons. Whitehall had twenty-two and Montague only thirteen. Probably jealousy was the result.
 
    This year, also, Wheeler's drug store and the post office were burned; loss $8,000.
 
    The White River Fruit Improvement Company was first formed in 1875.
 
    Whitehall, in 1867, is described as a flourishing village of 1,000 inhabitants, with ten saw mills, six stores, three hotels and one tannery. Daily mail, A. Mears, P. M. A. A. Cain, Peter Hobler, and J. Gustavus are the hotel keepers. Dicey & Leith have an iron
foundry; Moses Hall is Justice of the Peace; Franklin & Wheeler are general merchants; Duane Thompson and W. H. Parks are lawyers; Lee, Sanders & Scully have a stage line; J. McKinnon, physician. The saw mills are held by Heald, Welch & Co., Hedges,
Ferry & Co., Hinchman & Covell, Hopkins & Lewis, J. W. Miller, and Ocobock & Co.