Otis W Cotton an expert with an ax, came to Chesterfield in 1832-33 and started a new life in Michigan when it was still a territory. Cotton purchased 128 acres on the new road about where today’s Cotton Road touches Gratiot. One of his neighbors was Martha Fairchild, the daughter of early Chesterfield pioneers. Though clearing the land was arduous work there was still time for romance. In 1833 Otis Cotton and Martha Fairchild married. A ew months later the newlyweds built a log cabin on the Fort Gratiot Turnpike.
It was a hard struggle to keep them clothed and fed until the growth of timber could be cut and the soil made productive. Because of the limited resources even the loss of a cow, was a heavy misfortune in this primitive wilderness. Wolves brought additional hardships, as at one point the Cottons lost and entire flock of sheep to a pack of wolves. With the family dependent on wool for clothing and bedding, this would make for a serious loss. They would persevered and ‘the conditions of pioneer life gave way to an advance civilization, and they would enjoy a comfortable living before passing away, Otis 1884 and Martha in 1887.
The Cottons were the parents of nine children. Their three sons all fought in the Civil War. Son Jay, seen here in this image below, enlisted, and later became and officer in the First Michigan Cavalry. He was present at the surrender of General Robert E Lee at Appomattox, Virginia in 1865. Jay was born with his patriotic spirit found at an early age. Jay would sit spellbound listening to eyewitness accounts by his grandmother, Ruth Fairchild. Her father Jacob Hall, wad a minuteman in the Revolutionary War.
Jay often heard the story of the Revolutionary Wars biggest scandal, the betrayal and treason of Benedict Arnold. His grandmothers sister watch the execution of Major John Andre. John Andre, a British officer, played a key role in Benedict Arnolds attempted plot to turn the fortress of West Point over to the British. Andre was captured and hung as a spy in 1780.
After the Civil War Jay Cotton left with a wagon train for Nebraska were he farmed and ran a hardware. In 1876 Jay was called upon to mourn the death of his first wife, Jennie Ensminger, leaving him with four children. In 1878 at the request of his father, he returned to Michigan. There he purchased the old homestead and continued the family tradition of farming. Jay married a second time to a widow named Maria Tucker. With her two children from her first marriage, Jay and Maria would have a daughter together. The Chesterfield farm would continue to thrive.
Maria Cotton would die on the 3 November 1924 with Jay following on 10 June 1929.
With that ‘wee note’, till next week.
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Linda Osborne Cynowa 