1835 – About five years old, Hillsdale County is granted legal and political jurisdiction “by the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan” (Michigan did not acquire statehood until 1837). In the same week in 1831, Jonesville had been declared the county seat—a privilege that only lasted until 1843.
1892 – Ezra L. Koon (pictured above)—attorney, state senator, and mayor of Hillsdale—passes away. He is the namesake of Koon Dormitory, built 1959.
1898 – “What God hath joined together let not man put asunder,” declares Pastor John Jacobs of the Presbyterian assembly in Hillsdale, referring to the bond between the community and Hillsdale College. At that time, Hillsdale was an affluent city of leaders and businessmen, and town-and-gown relations were thriving.
-Compiled by Dane Skorup