I referenced a photo I found of an old water pump that sits on the original of the McKenzie Schoolhouse, in a previous blog post called Road Trip Through Our Family History. In today's blog post, I will provide additional details about the McKenzie Schoolhouse and it's wonderful history and connection to my McKenzie family.
Jeremiah McKenzie was born on April 15, 1842, in Blenheim, Ontario, Canada to Donald S. McKenzie and his first wife Mary Moore. Mary (Moore) McKenzie passed away in 1847.
Jeremiah immigrated from Canada to northern Michigan in the late 1880s. On October 18, 1888, Jeremiah was deeded land through the homestead act. He was deeded 160 acres by President Glover Cleveland for his military service.
On February 3, 1893, Jeremiah married Ella Powell. they had six children: Mary, Katheryn, Russell, Oscar, Elliott, and Hubert.
In 1848, Donald married Sarah Marie Biggar. They had eight children. One of these children was Alexander Orlando McKenzie, who is my 2nd great grandfather.
Alexander also immigrated from Canada to Northern Michigan in the late 1880s, making his home in Montmorency county on the adjoining property to his half brother Jeremiah.
On March 22, 1889, Alexander married Mary Anna Faught. From this union were born eight children.
In 1983, the McKenzie schoolhouse was moved from its location on Baker Rd to the county fairgrounds in Atlanta, Montmorency, Michigan.
The restoration of the schoolhouse was complete with the addition of a new belfry which holds the original bell from the schoolhouse.
