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Death of a Salem Pioneer

Mrs. Louisa Sage-Jenks died at the home of her son, George L. Sage, in Howell, on Thursday night, March 6, 1902, aged 84 years. Louisa Austin was born in Ontario county, New York June 6, 1818. She came to Michigan with her parents, David and Hannah Austin, and settled in Salem township, Washtenaw county, in the year 1833. In April, 1834, she married George T. Sage, and the immediately located a home in Howell - being the first white settlers in this part of Livingston county. Their son, George L. Sage, was the first white child born in Howell township. Her husband, Geo T. Sage, died in 1852. On March 1, 1865, she married Rev. G. W. Jenks of Brighton, where she resided most of the time until his death, about seven years ago. Since then she has made her home with her son, Geo. L. Sage, of this village.

She was one of the early members of the First Baptist church of Howell, and after her marriage to Rev. G. W. Jenks she became a member of the Baptist church at Brighton, of which she was a consistent member until her death.

The funeral took place from the Brighton church and the remains were laid at rest in the cemetery at that place, in compliance with her wishes.

Her death was sudden and unlooked for. She evidently passed away from earth in her sleep. Thus peacefully passed away the first pioneer woman of Howell township, who also became the first mother, in the wilds of Howell's then dense forests.