Jonathan Sleeper Purchases Homestead – November 23, 1830

On November 23, 1830, Jonathan Sleeper finalized the purchase of 80-acres of land in section 28 of what would become Mia, then Bristol , and finally Almont Township.  His homestead was located a half-mile south of the four-corners on the west side of Van Dyke, just south of the Clinton River.

Jonathan Sleeper came from Monroe County, New York.  In 1830, Monroe County (Rochester is the county seat) had a population of nearly 50,000 people.  Land was scarce and expensive, so as a young man, Jonathan came west.  He purchased 80-acres of land in section 28.  His homestead was located a half-mile south of the four-corners on the east side of Van Dyke.  He built his log cabin on the south side of the Clinton River.  His distant cousin, Oliver Bristol, purchased the land on the east side of Van Dyke.

The log cabin was eventually incorporated into the home presently located at 702 S. Main Street.  The center section of the home (the part with the roof line running east-and-west) is the cabin, which makes this home the oldest in the county.