In 1837, along with his father Charles, Levi Broas arrived to settle the area known as the city of Belding at age 17.
In 1840 he married Ruth Ann Just. She was a supportive wife and helpful to her husband in everything he did. She was not afraid of getting her hands dirty or of hard work. If Levi dug, so did Ruth.
In 1856 Levi transferred 71 acres of land to the Belding brothers. He received $30.00 per acre. Nowadays, acres of land can go for $2600. In Levis’s time, the offered price was high for land, but he took the offer because he wanted to establish a village. He needed to carry the dream forward of his father of growing frontier land into a prosperous community that would provide growth and opportunity for future generations to enjoy.
In 1871 the village received a new opportunity: the railroad. Levi purchased a branch of it for $1000.00. Levi had a huge heart and love for his community and sought every chance to do something good to improve people’s lives around him. That same year he plotted 90 village lots of his property. It became known as “Broas Addition” in later years.
In 1874 Levi added 117 lots referred to as the “Second Addition to Belding.” Because of this, people considered Levi, a successful businessman in real estate.
He also continued farming.
His personality was gentle yet professional in all things.
He raised five children. His daughter, Kate married a bank teller, Charles moved to Lansing and became a clothing store manager. Belle, Jay Just, and Jennie remained at home, living on the farm.
Levi’s motto was, “a rolling stone gathers no moss.”
Tammy's All Things History 