One of the very first settlers of Farmington, and among the early pioneers of Lyon township, was born in Schoharie county. New York, April 1, 1798. At the age of twelve years he removed with his parents to Mendon, Monroe county. New York, where he continued to reside until 1825, when he emigrated to Michigan, and settled in Farmington township, this county. He remained there until 1839, when he removed to Lyon, and settled permanently on the farm now occupied by his son, Jay Marlatt, on section 2, where he lived until his death, which occurred May 25, 1869.
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Mr. Marlatt was a man very generally known and universally respected. As an evidence of his popularity, we will state that he was elected to several offices of trust, both in Farmington and Lyon townships. He was among the very first appointees to the office of postmaster at East Farmington. We have before us his appointment and commission, the former bearing date December 16, 1830, and the latter March 7, 1831. He was elected supervisor of that township at an early day; also one of the justices of the peace of Lyon for many years, and a notary public for a long period. All these offices, and others, he filled faithfully and well, and to the general satisfaction of the people. In politics he was originally a Whig, and afterwards a Republican, to which party he adhered until his death.

On the 5th of September, 1819, he married Thirsa Stanton, who was born November 22, 1797. The subjoined is the family record: Rachel, born May 17, 1823 ; married E. Mead, and removed to Gratiot county, where she subsequently died. Jay, born September 12, 1826 ; married Sarah A. Baker, February 22, 1875. Margaret, born July 19, 1833 ; married Hiram J. Covey, and now resides with her husband near Holly. Mary, born February 24, 1836 ; married Spencer J. Renwick, and resides in Lyon township.

Mrs. Marlatt was a woman of strong character and indomitable energy, just such a one, in fact, best qualified to be a pioneer wife and mother. She was a milliner by trade, and used to make her own and the family's garments from the raw material. She would gather and split her own straw, and make it into bonnets for her own and the children's use. In those days a patch of flax could every season be seen on the Marlatt place, and the family always neatly clad in the neat and durable home spun clothing, made by the defl and ingenious fingers of the mother. She was a lady whom to know was to esteem, and whose memory is fondly cherished by her children, and kindly by her numerous friends.