Obituary--Vera Luella Traviss

One of the characteristics of obituaries during this time was the flowery language. Here the writer chose a poem to express the sadness of the occasion. Probably, with such a young child, it was easier to use poetry, with no personal history to draw on.

9 January 1913 Fremont Times Indicator

Vera Luella, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Thompson Traviss was born at Grant October 1912, and died January 1st, 1913, being two months and 18 days old.

This lovely bud so young and fair,
Called hence by early doom,
Just came to show how sweet a flower
In Paradise would bloom.
E’re sin could harm or sorrow face,
Death came with friendly care,
The opening bud to Heaven conveyed
And bade it blossom there.

The funeral services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Fitzsimmons, in this city, at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon. Rev. R. A. Thibos of the Church of Christ, officiated.

At this time most obituaries, were in the neighborhood news columns. Here are a few more examples from the same issue of the Fremont Times Indicator:

Nealy Tanis, son of C Tanis of Reeman, died at a hospital in Chicago, where he went for an operation. The funeral will be held Friday at the Reeman church.

Andrew T Squier, one of Newaygo county’s best know citizens, died at the home of his daughter Mrs. R. E. Kincaid, at Grant last Thursday evening, at the age of 81 years. Mr. Squier came to Newaygo county 45 years ago and started a saw mill at Grant. He has been a holder of large timber interests for a number of years. He leaves two sons and a daughter. The funeral services were held last Saturday from the home.

The entire community was shocked Sunday morning to learn of the sudden death of Nelson Noble, a highly respected citizen of Greenwood township.

Often we find that the names or facts in the “gossip column” entries may be jumbled or misspelled. I have seen the same person mentioned in 2 or three notices, with different details, and sometimes different spellings of their name. But each may give a different look at the individual not seen in the others. That’s why I love those notices the best.