Stories of Michigan Settlers and Railroad Pioneers

A richly detailed history of Osceola County and early Michigan. This long-view history of Osceola County, Michigan, focuses on geologic history, native cultures, exploration by European and American Whites, Entrepreneurial development, governmental formation, railroad-building, and a rich social history. Lithen’s history —twelve years in the research and writing—is a labor of love unparalleled in writing of the area.

“… Jim Lithen has spent thousands of hours in libraries reading old newspapers and taking notes. He read endless local histories and talked with many interesting and interested folks who had a kernel or two of truth to offer. The result is The Road to Marion Town, a book that makes history come alive, for which the history lover, truth seeker and storyteller in many of us will be truly thankful.”
—Julie Berry Traynor, Marion Area Historical Society

Hardback • $49.95 • 978-1-62491-115-6
1002 Pages @ 6” x 9”
E-book • $24.95 • 978-1-62491-116-3

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A retired high school teacher and local newspaperman, Lithen devoted twelve years to researching and writing this history, with help from librarians and archivists. He resides in Marion, Michigan.