History of Berrien and Van Buren counties, Michigan. With ... biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers.
Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885., Johnson, Crisfield., D.W. Ensign & Co.
Philadelphia: D. W. Ensign & Co., 1880.





"The design of this association is to afford the young people a more favorable opportunity of becoming generally acquainted, and to cultivate a genial feeling towards each other, thereby enabling them to know the traits, character, and ability of those with whom they must some day act in discharging the duties of life and citizenship."

Pursuant to call (issued through circulars and the county press), the young people from all parts of the county met at Dr. Barnard's grove, at Berrien Springs, on Thursday, Aug. 9, 1877, for the purpose of organizing a "Young People's Association" of the county. George M. Valentine was called to the chair, and Gus M. Dudley* was appointed secretary.

The committee, appointed for the purpose, reported a constitution, which was adopted. By the terms of the constitution, "every person under the age of thirty-five years is eligible to membership." The committee on permanent organization reported, and the following officers were declared elected, viz.: President, George M. Valentine, of Benton Harbor; Vice-Presidents, C. F. Sischo, Berrien Springs; Edward C. Griffin, Niles; Frank Plimpton, Buchanan; H. F. Heath, Benton Harbor; W. B. Plumb, St. Joseph; H. N. Chamberlain, Three Oaks; John A. Crosby, New Buffalo; M. D. Osgood, Coloma; Secretary, Gus M. Dudley, Berrien Springs; Treasurer, Charles A. Johnson, Niles.

The annual meetings are held on the first Wednesday in August in each year, at Dr. Barnard's grove.

At the meeting in 1878 about six thousand people were present. William Hurly, of Berrien Springs, was elected President, and Gus M. Dudley, of Berrien Springs, Secretary.
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* It is understood that Mr. Dudley was in a great degree the originator of the association.



The officers of the association for 1879 are: President, Henry N. Chamberlain, of Three Oaks; Secretary, Fremont D. Nichols, of Berrien Springs; Treasurer, Orin L. Churchill, of Three Oaks; Vice-Presidents, Gus M. Dudley, Oronoko; Charles Harter, Niles; James Hatfield, Three Oaks; C. M. Edick, Benton; George Morrison, Lincoln; John Thursby, Chickaming; John Crosby, New Buffalo; Clarence Tibbs, Pipestone; Joel H. Gillette, Bertrand; Asa Ham, Buchanan; William Hogue, Sodus; C. H. Wheelock, Lake; M. D. Osgood, Watervliet; C. W. Chambers, St. Joseph; Charles E. French, Oronoko; C. N. Valentine, Hagar; Asa Danforth, Royalton; Merritt M. Wilson, Galien; William Henderson, Weesaw; Isaac Murphy, Berrien; Eugene Cribbs, Bainbridge.