Wirt Beurmann and wife lived and farmed at THE MAPLES at the turn of the century. The 95 acres were located on the north side of Brighton Road, just east of Clifford.
His father, George Edward, Uncles Charles Emil, William H. and Henry and Aunt Emma, had come with their mother, to Genoa in 1840. Their father, Henry, owner of a mercantile business in Hamburg, Germany, had died shortly before. One surmises the business was sold, which might have provided the funds for the journey. A brave mother and young family set out for a new life. After enduring a ten-week ocean voyage the family was in their log cabin for Christmas that year.
It wasnt long before the four sons built their own homes, daughter Emma Matfeldt moved to Illinois with her husband. (It seems likely she married before coming to the U.S.) In that area Genoa Township is quite rolling. Cattle of the best variety, horses, both plow and buggy helped the Beurmanns get a good start, with lots of hard work, in a new country. One can only imagine their difficulties. Only a few acres were cleared for farming when they arrived.
In 1895 Wirts mother, Mary E. (Hoagland), owned the property, his father, George Edward, having died in 1875. Sales of 40 and 35 acres reduced her holdings to the 95 acres. Earlier his father had owned the entire SE ¼ of Section 27 plus 10 acres in Section 26 = 170 acres. The 1859 Atlas has George Edwards name on the E ½ SE ¼ of Section 27, shortly after arriving in Genoa. Georges brother Charles Emil, owned E ½ NE ¼ Section 35, just across the street. Both George and Charles houses are till standing.
Our research indicates the young men were industrious and conscious of their responsibilities as members of a developing county. When the Livingston county Pioneer Association (the State organization the forerunner of the Historical Society of Michigan) was formed in 1871, in anticipation of the National Centennial in 1875, Charles Emil is listed as a member, as is George Edward. Both brothers are also charter members of the Livingston County Agricultural Society, 1853. Charles E. was Sheriff of Livingston County 1876, 1878; then served for many years as postmaster in Howell. Brother William H. held the position of Genoa Township School Inspector for 1844 and 1846.
Compiled by Marieanna Bair from 1880 History of Livingston County and Early county Atlases; Early Land Owners and Settlers and copies of Early Obituaries by Milton Charboneau; research help of John and Janice Field.