Ackley And Smalley Homestead - Homesteads on Waymarking.com

Thomas M. Ackley (1828-1909) participated in the United States lake survey of lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior (1852-1858). He married Laura M. Palmer (1837-1922) in 1858. They built this Homestead in 1860 where their children Lawerence Bert Ackley(1861-1915) and Mary Palmer Ackley(1863-1949) where born and raised. Mary Ackley married Edwin E. Smalley(1858-1917) in 1881. three Smalley children were born here: Clark E.(Jimmie) Smalley (1883-191966). Harriet M. Smalley (1885-1969). Howard F. Smalley (1900-1905). jimmie Smalley traveled west in 1906 where he Homesteaded at Grangemont, Idao. Harriet Smalley married harley E. Smith (1878-1964) in this yard in June 1919. Mrs. Smith restored the Homestead after WW II. The original 40 acre Homestead "Chestnut Ridge" was named for it's grove of Chestnut trees. some of these trees exceeded 12 feet in girth and 100 feet in heigth. the fall frost would open their prickly burrs, allowing 3 small Chestnuts to fall to the ground from each velvet lined burr. these delicate nuts, either raw or roasted, were a delight to the palate. In the mid 1930's a blight killed all the trees. This plaque was cast in 1976, our Bicentennial year. And the 116th year of this Homestead.