I found the obituary and gossip column death notice for this person rather interesting. In the obituary, it mentions he married 3 times, but no names, other than two of the children are given. And the community column notice which states that he died last week, is still published a full week before the actual obituary.
First, from the community column of the 30 March 1916 Fremont TimesIndicator:
The funeral services of Ellis Page, who died in Lillie last week Tuesday at the age of 62 years, were held from the Methodist church Friday morning, Rev. J. F. Bowerman, officiating.
I find it surprising that he died over a week before the date of the paper, and still the obituary has to wait still another week for publication.
This is from the 6 April 1916 Fremont TimesIndicator:
Ellis Page
Ellis Page was born in Smithville Canada, in 1854 and died at his home in Lilley, Mich., March 21, 1916. While yet an infant his parents moved to Michigan and he has made this state his home since that time. He was married three times. Mrs Minnie Page Rockel was born to the first union; Mrs Ethel Page Cottrell to the second union and two sons and two daughters survive the third union. Besides his children, he is survived by two brothers and three sisters.
The funeral services were held here Friday, March 24, Rev. J. F. Bowerman officiating.
I also wonder why the last four children's names were never mentioned. Maybe the older two sisters were handling the arrangements.
28 January 2011
26 January 2011
Obituary--John Harwood
While many of the early citizens of Fremont were from the Netherlands, Newaygo county also had its share of people from other nations. Hesperia had many people in the area of Scottish descent. Many, including those Scots, also came from Canada. This obituary is one of those who came to Newaygo county from another country.
From the 10 February Fremont TimesIndicator:
JOHN HARWOOD DIED LAST THURSDAY
Prominent White Cloud Citizen Had Bee Active in Newaygo County Politics
White Cloud Eagle, Feb 3--John Harwood died this morning at 6:15 after a few weeks illness of heart trouble and dropsy.
John Harwood was born in England, March 24, 1840, a son of Robert and Hanna (Rugg) Harwood. His grandfather was named Robert Harwood, and also his great-grandfather. Grandfather Harwood lived in England all his days, and was a blacksmith by trade. Robert Harwood, the father was born in 1809, and died in 1862, while his wife was born in 1807 and died in 1865. Married in England, they moved to America in 1852, settling in New York state, where the father followed his trade of blacksmith until his death. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church, and after taking out citizenship papers in this country, he devoted his support to the Whig and Republican party. Of the seven children, three are now living. Mary is the wife of Dr. Welsh and now lives at Castleton, New York; Annie is the widow of Mort Heulette, and lives with her sister in New York.
John Harwood was nine years old when the family came to America, supplemented such advantages as he had received in England by further attendance at the New York public schools, and finished his education in the Normal school at Albany. At the conclusion of his studies he went before the state board and was given after an examination a life certificate as a teacher. Twenty years of his career were devoted to educational work, and Mr. Harwood has hundreds of fomer pupils living in various parts of the country, and many of them are prominent in affairs, all of whom recall his capable services with gratitude. In 1869 in coming to Michigan, he settled at Concord in Jackson county, was a teacher there, and while continuing his work in the school room was also studying law. In 1880 cam his admission to the bar, and since then he has been in practice in White Cloud, though much of his time has been taken up with official duties.
In 1866 he married Harriet A. Fuller, of Cobleskill, New York. The one child of that marriage was Nettie who married Arthur W. Robinson of Detroit, a boot and shoemaker in that city. Mr Harwood married for his second wife Mary A. Stoerman of Saginaw, who came to WHite Cloud when a child with her parents. She died in Whtie Cloud, June 15, 1913. She was the mother of two children, Robert, who is in school, and John.
Mr. Harwood affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has long been prominent in the Republican party. He served eight years as circuit court commissioner, was school commissioner for two years, a member of the county board of school examiners 27 years and supervisor of Wilcox township 15 consecutive years, on of the highest honors ever paid to a townsip official in the county. For 11 years he held the position of postmaster here, and since retiring from the office in 1912 once more resumed the active practice of law.
The funeral will be held from the M. E. church tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. A cordon of county officials and old-time supervisors will act as pallbearers.
Whew! Rather long. But so full of background. We get names of grandfather and great-grandfather. Birth and death information of both of his parents, and (gasp!) even his mothers maiden name! Occupations back to his grandfather, politics, and everything. What a contrast this offers to the typical 1916 obituary.
From the 10 February Fremont TimesIndicator:
JOHN HARWOOD DIED LAST THURSDAY
Prominent White Cloud Citizen Had Bee Active in Newaygo County Politics
White Cloud Eagle, Feb 3--John Harwood died this morning at 6:15 after a few weeks illness of heart trouble and dropsy.
John Harwood was born in England, March 24, 1840, a son of Robert and Hanna (Rugg) Harwood. His grandfather was named Robert Harwood, and also his great-grandfather. Grandfather Harwood lived in England all his days, and was a blacksmith by trade. Robert Harwood, the father was born in 1809, and died in 1862, while his wife was born in 1807 and died in 1865. Married in England, they moved to America in 1852, settling in New York state, where the father followed his trade of blacksmith until his death. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church, and after taking out citizenship papers in this country, he devoted his support to the Whig and Republican party. Of the seven children, three are now living. Mary is the wife of Dr. Welsh and now lives at Castleton, New York; Annie is the widow of Mort Heulette, and lives with her sister in New York.
John Harwood was nine years old when the family came to America, supplemented such advantages as he had received in England by further attendance at the New York public schools, and finished his education in the Normal school at Albany. At the conclusion of his studies he went before the state board and was given after an examination a life certificate as a teacher. Twenty years of his career were devoted to educational work, and Mr. Harwood has hundreds of fomer pupils living in various parts of the country, and many of them are prominent in affairs, all of whom recall his capable services with gratitude. In 1869 in coming to Michigan, he settled at Concord in Jackson county, was a teacher there, and while continuing his work in the school room was also studying law. In 1880 cam his admission to the bar, and since then he has been in practice in White Cloud, though much of his time has been taken up with official duties.
In 1866 he married Harriet A. Fuller, of Cobleskill, New York. The one child of that marriage was Nettie who married Arthur W. Robinson of Detroit, a boot and shoemaker in that city. Mr Harwood married for his second wife Mary A. Stoerman of Saginaw, who came to WHite Cloud when a child with her parents. She died in Whtie Cloud, June 15, 1913. She was the mother of two children, Robert, who is in school, and John.
Mr. Harwood affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has long been prominent in the Republican party. He served eight years as circuit court commissioner, was school commissioner for two years, a member of the county board of school examiners 27 years and supervisor of Wilcox township 15 consecutive years, on of the highest honors ever paid to a townsip official in the county. For 11 years he held the position of postmaster here, and since retiring from the office in 1912 once more resumed the active practice of law.
The funeral will be held from the M. E. church tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. A cordon of county officials and old-time supervisors will act as pallbearers.
Whew! Rather long. But so full of background. We get names of grandfather and great-grandfather. Birth and death information of both of his parents, and (gasp!) even his mothers maiden name! Occupations back to his grandfather, politics, and everything. What a contrast this offers to the typical 1916 obituary.
25 January 2011
Tombstone Tuesday--George ?
Since I have run out of cemeteries to feature, and covered most branches of my family, as well has Hubby's family, I decided I will need to just feature a favorite stone each week.
This week it is a simple stone. Only the name and years. I believe it is for George Gronso, as there is a large family stone with that surname on it nearby.
What I like most about it is the addition of the cow. There are other stones around with the offerings of flowers, plastic toy tractors or cars, cans of beer, etc. But this single statue of a cow is so touching to me.
This stone is located in the East Hesperia Cemetery, in Newaygo county, Michigan. In the same cemetery I have see the previously mentioned items, as can be found in many cemeteries across the country. In some cases, the little mementos can rather overpower the site. But still, rather the cemetery than the side of the road or someplace else. (Sorry, those impromptu shrines at roadsides and sidewalks are my pet peeves.)
In this case, I think the simple milk cow standing atop the stone tells much about the man. This alone tells me more than the stone itself. He was a dairy farmer, hard working, probably life-long. He cared about his animals. And through them, he supported himself, and possibly a family.
A simple hard working man. What a wonderful way to be remembered.
This week it is a simple stone. Only the name and years. I believe it is for George Gronso, as there is a large family stone with that surname on it nearby.
This stone is located in the East Hesperia Cemetery, in Newaygo county, Michigan. In the same cemetery I have see the previously mentioned items, as can be found in many cemeteries across the country. In some cases, the little mementos can rather overpower the site. But still, rather the cemetery than the side of the road or someplace else. (Sorry, those impromptu shrines at roadsides and sidewalks are my pet peeves.)
In this case, I think the simple milk cow standing atop the stone tells much about the man. This alone tells me more than the stone itself. He was a dairy farmer, hard working, probably life-long. He cared about his animals. And through them, he supported himself, and possibly a family.
A simple hard working man. What a wonderful way to be remembered.
22 January 2011
Obituary--Chas. (Charles?) Bitgood
Today's obituary contains another one of my "name peeves." So many of these old obituaries abbreviate the names of the individual. Chas., Jas., Wm., Benj.....While you can assume these are short for Charles, James William and Benjamin, you really don't know. Perhaps it was for Chatsford, Jason, Wilbert, or well, Benj. probably is Benjamin, but the point is, you can't be SURE. Genealogists like "just the facts Ma'am", not just the probables.
From the 15 January 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
Chas. bitgood was born in the state of New York in the year 1851 and died December 31, 1913. When but a child he came to Michigan with his parents and settled in Barry county, where he lived until about 28 years ago when he came to Newaygo county, living here since that time. He was married to Miss Alice Hough and to this union were born four children, all of whom survive him. He was a kind and loving husband and father and a prosperous farmer. It was his desire to do good. Aside from his making a living and gaining property, he preached the gospel and labored for souls, and his last words were "My hope is like an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast, bless the Lord. " He suffered with Brights disease and heart trouble, but with all patience and an uplifting eye to the Lord. He leaves to mourn their loss a true and loving wife, two sons, Wm. and Ira. also two daughters Violet Brown and Carrie Leslie. The funeral was held January 2, 1914, at the Wrangleburg schoolhouse. Rev. T. J. Clement, of Soian, preached from 2 Tim., 4th, 7th and 8th verses, they being his own selection.
Even one of the sons has his name abbreviated. And of course many obituaries only list men's initials, and women only are listed as Mrs. Definitely one of those things that drive me crazy.
From the 15 January 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
Chas. bitgood was born in the state of New York in the year 1851 and died December 31, 1913. When but a child he came to Michigan with his parents and settled in Barry county, where he lived until about 28 years ago when he came to Newaygo county, living here since that time. He was married to Miss Alice Hough and to this union were born four children, all of whom survive him. He was a kind and loving husband and father and a prosperous farmer. It was his desire to do good. Aside from his making a living and gaining property, he preached the gospel and labored for souls, and his last words were "My hope is like an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast, bless the Lord. " He suffered with Brights disease and heart trouble, but with all patience and an uplifting eye to the Lord. He leaves to mourn their loss a true and loving wife, two sons, Wm. and Ira. also two daughters Violet Brown and Carrie Leslie. The funeral was held January 2, 1914, at the Wrangleburg schoolhouse. Rev. T. J. Clement, of Soian, preached from 2 Tim., 4th, 7th and 8th verses, they being his own selection.
Even one of the sons has his name abbreviated. And of course many obituaries only list men's initials, and women only are listed as Mrs. Definitely one of those things that drive me crazy.
20 January 2011
Obituary--Mrs. William Ross
This obituary is chock full of information. Everything you could want, except her name. No where is her first name or even maiden name mentioned.
Drives me crazy.
From the 12 March 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
White Cloud
Otto Godfrey, Correspondent
Mrs. William Ross died suddenly here Monday night, Marc 2, about 9:30 of apoplexy. Death came almost as soon as she entered her home after attending services in the Congregational church. She was born August 15, 1857, at Clarkson, Monroe county, New York. When she was six years old she moved with her parents to Sparta, Mich., where she lived until she married William Ross, July 4, 1874. To this union were born six children, two of whom died in infancy. The other four children, namely, Charles S. Ross, of Detroit, Wm. D. Ross, Mrs. Mable V. Nichols and Miss Vera Ross, together with their father and many friends, are left to mourn their loss. Mrs. Ross came to this place in 1876. She was a member of the Cougregational church, from which she turned into a firm believer in Christian Science. She was a member of the W. C. T. U., also of the Eastern Star lodge in Newaygo. The funeral was held at the house Thursday morning at 11:00, the Rev. D. Truman, of Newaygo, officiating, and the remains were laid to rest in Prospect Hill cemetery.
I don't want to cast stones on Mr. Godfrey, but obituaries like this who don't give a hint to the woman's name drive me crazy. No parents name, not even her first name. Another common practice is to talk about moving "here", member "here", buried "here". All the while never telling where "here" is. There is the obvious clue with the fact that this was the White Cloud community column, and that she was buried in Prospect Hill cemetery, which is the main White Cloud cemetery. But in reading it, the only current location mentioned is Newaygo. She was a member of a Newaygo lodge, and a Newaygo clergy officiated at the funeral. You could almost believe that "here" was Newaygo instead of White Cloud.
Please, give us specifics!!
Drives me crazy.
From the 12 March 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
White Cloud
Otto Godfrey, Correspondent
Mrs. William Ross died suddenly here Monday night, Marc 2, about 9:30 of apoplexy. Death came almost as soon as she entered her home after attending services in the Congregational church. She was born August 15, 1857, at Clarkson, Monroe county, New York. When she was six years old she moved with her parents to Sparta, Mich., where she lived until she married William Ross, July 4, 1874. To this union were born six children, two of whom died in infancy. The other four children, namely, Charles S. Ross, of Detroit, Wm. D. Ross, Mrs. Mable V. Nichols and Miss Vera Ross, together with their father and many friends, are left to mourn their loss. Mrs. Ross came to this place in 1876. She was a member of the Cougregational church, from which she turned into a firm believer in Christian Science. She was a member of the W. C. T. U., also of the Eastern Star lodge in Newaygo. The funeral was held at the house Thursday morning at 11:00, the Rev. D. Truman, of Newaygo, officiating, and the remains were laid to rest in Prospect Hill cemetery.
I don't want to cast stones on Mr. Godfrey, but obituaries like this who don't give a hint to the woman's name drive me crazy. No parents name, not even her first name. Another common practice is to talk about moving "here", member "here", buried "here". All the while never telling where "here" is. There is the obvious clue with the fact that this was the White Cloud community column, and that she was buried in Prospect Hill cemetery, which is the main White Cloud cemetery. But in reading it, the only current location mentioned is Newaygo. She was a member of a Newaygo lodge, and a Newaygo clergy officiated at the funeral. You could almost believe that "here" was Newaygo instead of White Cloud.
Please, give us specifics!!
19 January 2011
Obituary--Mrs George W. Fitzsimmons
Aside from the obvious missing name of the woman, I felt, as the temperatures here hover in the low teens, this was a very timely obituary.
From the 26 February 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
The death of Mrs. George W. Fitzsimmons occurred at the home of her son, Robert, in Jackson, Wednesday Feb. 18. The funeral services were held Monday at 2:30 p. m., after which the body was placed in a vault until warm weather, when it will be brought to this place burial. The deceased was a resident of this city for many years, and three grandchildren now live here, namely: Mrs. Milton Hoppock, Roy and Dan Fitzsimmons. He would have been 86 years of age in two weeks from the time of her death.
Even today, when the ground freezes, many of the local cemeteries keep the bodies in storage until the spring thaws. Trying to dig out a grave in frozen clay, gravel, and even sand can be very difficult. So most cemeteries just have it a standing practice from December to say March or April that there are no graves dug at all.
From the 26 February 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
The death of Mrs. George W. Fitzsimmons occurred at the home of her son, Robert, in Jackson, Wednesday Feb. 18. The funeral services were held Monday at 2:30 p. m., after which the body was placed in a vault until warm weather, when it will be brought to this place burial. The deceased was a resident of this city for many years, and three grandchildren now live here, namely: Mrs. Milton Hoppock, Roy and Dan Fitzsimmons. He would have been 86 years of age in two weeks from the time of her death.
Even today, when the ground freezes, many of the local cemeteries keep the bodies in storage until the spring thaws. Trying to dig out a grave in frozen clay, gravel, and even sand can be very difficult. So most cemeteries just have it a standing practice from December to say March or April that there are no graves dug at all.
18 January 2011
Tombestone Tuesday--The Hagen side
As I mentioned last week, I was surprised to find the Walsworth family in Clark cemetery. Many of the more recent ones are in Holton cemetery, in Muskegon county Michigan. Also in the Holton cemetery are more of Hubby's family on his fathers side..
His paternal line came to Michigan from Germany by way of Baltimore in 1888, as near as I have found so far.
The original Michigan family is for the most part buried by this massive family marker in the Holton cemetery. Simple, but still with some embellishment, it is how I picture that early immigrant family. Solid and plain, sturdy and here to stay.
The story I got from my husband was that there were three brothers (as always!) I later found out there were fiour brothers and two sisters. Mother Wilhelmine I do not know much about. She died shortly after they arrived and would have only been in the 1890 census. (Darn that fire!) She even died to early be be recorded in the Michigan state census of 1894. That is the census where I discovered the fourth brother, which lead to Hubby and his brother reminiscing and stating, oh year, there were a couple of aunts too. Don't you love those family talks?
The father of the band was Ludwig. He did start the naturalization process. I liked the part of the form where he stated he renounced allegiance to the King of Prussia, to whom he was formerly a subject. Alas, he also died before another federal census, but he did appear in the state census.
The family stories did help, and were bolstered by research.
The two uncles that my hubby and his brother remembered are buried near the parents. Both lived near where we live now. Carl's obituary was featured in this blog over a year ago. He helped build many barns in the area, many still standing.
Otto is the mystery brother that I don't know much about. Hubby should have been able to know him, but he hasn't shared any story's about him yet. Neither Carl or Otto had any children.
Of the last two brothers, a little more is known. Frank was the brother no one remembered until being told about him. He was the youngest and in the background in the wedding picture below. As an adult he married and moved to Wisconsin. Family tales, once reminded of his existence, stated that he sold the big blue Harvestore silos, and that one of his nephews almost got one of the first ones from him.
The remaining brother was Paul, my hubby's grandfather, here show with his wife Mamie at their wedding. A farmer whose farm is only a couple miles from where we live today, "Gramps" lived a long life in his new land. His five sons raised large families, many living nearby.
The stone for Paul and Mamie is also located in the same Muskegon county cemetery. Near his parents, brothers, and other family, near the land he loved.
Rest In Peace.
His paternal line came to Michigan from Germany by way of Baltimore in 1888, as near as I have found so far.
The family stories did help, and were bolstered by research.
Of the last two brothers, a little more is known. Frank was the brother no one remembered until being told about him. He was the youngest and in the background in the wedding picture below. As an adult he married and moved to Wisconsin. Family tales, once reminded of his existence, stated that he sold the big blue Harvestore silos, and that one of his nephews almost got one of the first ones from him.
Rest In Peace.
15 January 2011
Obituary--George Overly
Another obituary that just has to be written by Mrs Robertson. The personal touch where she refers to her memories of the person is so typical of her style, especially when she remembers them in the band. (This one is not be be confused with the one where she was a shy little girl singing while he played in the band.)
From the 25 November 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
George Overly, a pioneer resident of Hesperia, died last Friday morning at the home of his son, George, on the Haight farm one mile southeast of Hesperia, of pneumonia. Mr overly has been a resident of Hesperia for nearly fifty years. A carpenter by trade, he has had a hand in the building of nearly all all homes. He was a man of quiet, unassuming manner, very much liked by everyone and the writer remembers him as a fine looking young man when he was in the Hesperia Band, the first band that was every organized in the town, and to my childish notion George was always a hero when he was dressed in his uniform. These friends must leave us sooner or later, much as we regret their passing. It is in the course of human events. Mr. Overly lived in his comfortable little home in town with his daughter, Genevieve, his youngest child, whose home is now broken. The funeral was held from the M. E. church and largely attended, Rev. Oldt speaking comforting words. All his children were present at the funeral. His daughter and husband, of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. John Kelly; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Reid, of Muskegon; Miss Mary Overly, of Chicago, and Genevieve and son George, also Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Covel, of Montague. Interment was in the East cemetery, the Grand Army acting as pall bearers. The casket was draped with the stars and stripes and covered with beautiful flowers. Thus another old soldier has gone to his reward.
Good old Mrs. Robertson; you could always depend on her for the personal touch. If you are new to this blog, you may enjoy reading back over some of her previous obits. Just see the Mrs Robertson tag.
From the 25 November 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
George Overly, a pioneer resident of Hesperia, died last Friday morning at the home of his son, George, on the Haight farm one mile southeast of Hesperia, of pneumonia. Mr overly has been a resident of Hesperia for nearly fifty years. A carpenter by trade, he has had a hand in the building of nearly all all homes. He was a man of quiet, unassuming manner, very much liked by everyone and the writer remembers him as a fine looking young man when he was in the Hesperia Band, the first band that was every organized in the town, and to my childish notion George was always a hero when he was dressed in his uniform. These friends must leave us sooner or later, much as we regret their passing. It is in the course of human events. Mr. Overly lived in his comfortable little home in town with his daughter, Genevieve, his youngest child, whose home is now broken. The funeral was held from the M. E. church and largely attended, Rev. Oldt speaking comforting words. All his children were present at the funeral. His daughter and husband, of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. John Kelly; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Reid, of Muskegon; Miss Mary Overly, of Chicago, and Genevieve and son George, also Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Covel, of Montague. Interment was in the East cemetery, the Grand Army acting as pall bearers. The casket was draped with the stars and stripes and covered with beautiful flowers. Thus another old soldier has gone to his reward.
Good old Mrs. Robertson; you could always depend on her for the personal touch. If you are new to this blog, you may enjoy reading back over some of her previous obits. Just see the Mrs Robertson tag.
13 January 2011
Obituary--Charles M. Perkins
While entering obituaries in our new database, I found what I believe is another "Mrs Robertson" obituary. I wasn't certain she was writing that early, but then found one with her by-line, a page or two later. This has all the earmarks of Mrs. Robertson. The people mentioned here are ones she talks about, it is from the Hesperia, and this has all those personal details she so liked to mention. And to be frank, this was an interesting means of death.
From the 3 December 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
First the teaser from one of the community columns.
Charles Perkins died at his home Sunday afternoon with a complcation of diseases. He had been in Florida for some time, but realizing his condition, started home, arriving in Brunswick last Monday, not knowing how he got there. He was driven to Hesperia, where he lay unconscious until he died. His brother, Byron of Michilinda, came last Wednesday and was with him to the last.
After reading that, I hope in 1914 he was on a train and not coming by automobile or horse, driving himself. Anyway, here is the full obituary.
CHARLES M. PERKINS
Charles M. Perkins was born in Wort, Alleghany county, New York, in 1867, and died in Hesperia Sunday Nov. 29, 1014. (note, I assume the year was a misprint in the 1914 paper)
Charles Perkins was a man who was loved and honored by a wide circle of friends. Living in Hesperia nearly all his life, the people fondly called him "dad." Several years ago Mr. and Mrs. Perkins went to Tacoma and later Archie McCallum and E. T. Carbine drifted there and Mr. and Mrs. Perkins made a home for these boys in that far away city, and that is how the boys called him "dad," and they have been like sons to the lonely man ever since.
Mr Perkin's health began to fail several year ago, and for several years he went to Florida to spend the winter. He went this year early in October, but realizing his condition he started for hime, reaching Brunswick last Monday. He did not seem to know how he got there. He was brought th Hesperia and has had only one or two conscious moments since. His brother, T.B. Perkins, Archie McCallum, E. T. Carbine and Charles Reynolds were at his bedside when he died and had been in almost constant attendance since his return.
Ever since the death of his wife, Mrs Perkins has lived with his wife's aged mother, Mrs. Ann Schutt, and her daughter, Miss Sara Schutt, who will sadly miss the ministrations of a tender son and brother.
He was at one time one of the foremost business men of the town, but failing health made him give up all enterprise, excepting that which led him out of doors.
Mr Perkins owned a large tract of land in Florida.
Funeral services were held from the M. E. church, Rev. M. A. Oldt officiating. A large numbers of friends attended. Interment was made in the West cemetery. His brother, Capt. T. B. Perkins of Spring Lake, and his only child, Leslie C. of Rockport, Ill., were present at the funeral.
And as is typical of any obituary of this time, questions remain. Whose son? His or his brothers? When did Mrs. Perkins die, and where? Was his brother, a ship captain, or a war veteran? And of course, why did his brother go by two different names and towns in two different obituaries? Those questions of course are what make us dig further into our family histories.
From the 3 December 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
First the teaser from one of the community columns.
Charles Perkins died at his home Sunday afternoon with a complcation of diseases. He had been in Florida for some time, but realizing his condition, started home, arriving in Brunswick last Monday, not knowing how he got there. He was driven to Hesperia, where he lay unconscious until he died. His brother, Byron of Michilinda, came last Wednesday and was with him to the last.
After reading that, I hope in 1914 he was on a train and not coming by automobile or horse, driving himself. Anyway, here is the full obituary.
CHARLES M. PERKINS
Charles M. Perkins was born in Wort, Alleghany county, New York, in 1867, and died in Hesperia Sunday Nov. 29, 1014. (note, I assume the year was a misprint in the 1914 paper)
Charles Perkins was a man who was loved and honored by a wide circle of friends. Living in Hesperia nearly all his life, the people fondly called him "dad." Several years ago Mr. and Mrs. Perkins went to Tacoma and later Archie McCallum and E. T. Carbine drifted there and Mr. and Mrs. Perkins made a home for these boys in that far away city, and that is how the boys called him "dad," and they have been like sons to the lonely man ever since.
Mr Perkin's health began to fail several year ago, and for several years he went to Florida to spend the winter. He went this year early in October, but realizing his condition he started for hime, reaching Brunswick last Monday. He did not seem to know how he got there. He was brought th Hesperia and has had only one or two conscious moments since. His brother, T.B. Perkins, Archie McCallum, E. T. Carbine and Charles Reynolds were at his bedside when he died and had been in almost constant attendance since his return.
Ever since the death of his wife, Mrs Perkins has lived with his wife's aged mother, Mrs. Ann Schutt, and her daughter, Miss Sara Schutt, who will sadly miss the ministrations of a tender son and brother.
He was at one time one of the foremost business men of the town, but failing health made him give up all enterprise, excepting that which led him out of doors.
Mr Perkins owned a large tract of land in Florida.
Funeral services were held from the M. E. church, Rev. M. A. Oldt officiating. A large numbers of friends attended. Interment was made in the West cemetery. His brother, Capt. T. B. Perkins of Spring Lake, and his only child, Leslie C. of Rockport, Ill., were present at the funeral.
And as is typical of any obituary of this time, questions remain. Whose son? His or his brothers? When did Mrs. Perkins die, and where? Was his brother, a ship captain, or a war veteran? And of course, why did his brother go by two different names and towns in two different obituaries? Those questions of course are what make us dig further into our family histories.
11 January 2011
Tombstone Tuesday--Walsworth Discovered.
One of the "funnest" things about genealogy, for me at least, is when you stumble across information and or family graves when you weren't even looking.
In researching Hubby's family, I often wondered where the early Walsworths were buried. I knew they lived in this area but was not able to find their graves. One May, I was visiting the graves of my grandparents at Clark cemetery, a nearby private cemetery. It is a fairly small, tree filled cemetery on the corner of Oceana and Muskegon counties and along the west side of Newaygo county. I talked about it here. Just as I was pulling out of the U shaped drive, I happened to glance to my side and saw this.
Hey! Hubby's family. Of course I had to get out and check it out. The names on the front were those of my husbands Great-grandfather and Great grand mother. The stone was intact, although a bit weathered and getting hard to read. On a later trip I got the picture below.
Artemas Walswarth (1849-1915) was the son of the original Michigan family member. The stone is easily readable, both his information and that of his wife Amanda Rogers (1855-1891). I was so surprised to find them here, as all the later members of this family were in Holton cemetery, a nearby cemetery in Muskegon county.
On another side was the information for his father Elijah Walsworth, (1825-1878)and mother Lucina Henry (1823-1908). Elijah was the original Walsworth to come to Michigan. And he was the generation who added the "s" to the name. Prior generations in New York went by Walworth.
Everyone mentioned on the stone, which included two children, are also recognized by individual stones. One of the children was the son of Artemas: James F. Walsworth, (1874-1881). The other child was Frank (1881-1881) , who was probably the son of Artemas's brother James.
The stone below was a newer stone that lies just behind the tall obelisk stone. All the names are listed here, along with the additional information of the father's names for the children.
Important lesson learned. Don't just assume because most of the family is in one cemetery that everyone will be there. After all, some of the family did live in Oceana county, as well as in Muskegon and Newaygo counties. Check them all out.
In researching Hubby's family, I often wondered where the early Walsworths were buried. I knew they lived in this area but was not able to find their graves. One May, I was visiting the graves of my grandparents at Clark cemetery, a nearby private cemetery. It is a fairly small, tree filled cemetery on the corner of Oceana and Muskegon counties and along the west side of Newaygo county. I talked about it here. Just as I was pulling out of the U shaped drive, I happened to glance to my side and saw this.
The stone below was a newer stone that lies just behind the tall obelisk stone. All the names are listed here, along with the additional information of the father's names for the children.
08 January 2011
Obituary--Harry B. Markle
Have you noticed that most of my recent obituary postings have been from 1914? As we go through our archived obituaries while slowly re-entering them in our new database, I occasionally find one that catches my attention. As a result, I have been copying out many of them to share.
This one caught my eye because of the cause of death. So many of the common causes of death back then are almost unheard of in current times.
From the 8 October 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
HARRY B. MARKLE IS TYPHOID VICTIM
Popular Highway Commissioner of Sheridan Passes Away After Illness of One Week.
Harry B. Markle, highway commissioner of Sheridan township, passed away at his home Sunday, after a week's illness of typhoid fever. He was 39 years of age the first day of last January.
Mr Markle was born on the old homestead in Sheridan township just across the road from the place where his family now lives. He made his home there with his parents until his marriage 16 years ago to Miss Alma Anderson, of Sheridan. Since that time he has lived in the new home.
Four children were born to this union, namely, Cora, Deva, June and Julia, the three oldest girls survive their father. Julia died in infancy about a year ago.
Mr Markle was a member of the order of Gleaners, Arbor 739, having joined this society last June.
Harry Markle was an honest, industrious gentleman and was held in high esteem in the community in which he lived. He was a good husband and a loving father. He will be missed by his wide circle of acquaintances to whom he always proved a true friend.
The funeral services were held from the home Tuesday, Rev. J. F. Bowerman of the Methodist church, officiating. The body was laid to rest in Maple Grove cemetery.
Thankfully today, typhoid fever, at least in West Michigan is a thing of the past. Life was so tentative and perilous then. Typical as well in this time is the fact that he was a member of the Gleaners. In this time before television, and radio, these lodges and clubs were a great source of entertainment to people.
This one caught my eye because of the cause of death. So many of the common causes of death back then are almost unheard of in current times.
From the 8 October 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
HARRY B. MARKLE IS TYPHOID VICTIM
Popular Highway Commissioner of Sheridan Passes Away After Illness of One Week.
Harry B. Markle, highway commissioner of Sheridan township, passed away at his home Sunday, after a week's illness of typhoid fever. He was 39 years of age the first day of last January.
Mr Markle was born on the old homestead in Sheridan township just across the road from the place where his family now lives. He made his home there with his parents until his marriage 16 years ago to Miss Alma Anderson, of Sheridan. Since that time he has lived in the new home.
Four children were born to this union, namely, Cora, Deva, June and Julia, the three oldest girls survive their father. Julia died in infancy about a year ago.
Mr Markle was a member of the order of Gleaners, Arbor 739, having joined this society last June.
Harry Markle was an honest, industrious gentleman and was held in high esteem in the community in which he lived. He was a good husband and a loving father. He will be missed by his wide circle of acquaintances to whom he always proved a true friend.
The funeral services were held from the home Tuesday, Rev. J. F. Bowerman of the Methodist church, officiating. The body was laid to rest in Maple Grove cemetery.
Thankfully today, typhoid fever, at least in West Michigan is a thing of the past. Life was so tentative and perilous then. Typical as well in this time is the fact that he was a member of the Gleaners. In this time before television, and radio, these lodges and clubs were a great source of entertainment to people.
06 January 2011
Obituary--Mary Ann Mayo
This is a simple little obituary. Nothing outstanding, very typical of any obituary you may see in the local paper any week.
Yet, that is what caught my eye because it is actually different from many of the period obituaries. It has birth information, and an actually date of death, although it is buried in the text. Marriage information is there, and names off all the surviving children. It even tells an approximate time of death of the spouse. All in all, very informative.
From the 7 May, 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
Mrs. Mary Ann Mayo
The death of Mrs. Mary Ann Mayo occurred last Tuesday evening, at the home of her son, Oren Mayo, in Wooster.
Mrs. Mayo was born in Allegan county, September 22, 1847, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Fairbanks. On October 21, 1866, she was united in marriage to Mr. henry, A. Mayo and to this union nine children were born, four daughters and five sons.
Shortly after her marriage to Mr. Mayo they came to Wooster, where they lived on their farm for thirty years. Since the death of her husband, which occurred over a year ago, Mrs. Mayo has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Lillian Dingman, in Newaygo.
About two weeks ago she went to Muskegon to visit her three sons and was taken seriously ill. On the morning of May 5 she was brought to the home of her son Oren Mayo, where she died that evening at 10:30 o'clock of dropsy.
The children who survive her are: Mrs. Myrtle Overholt. of Arcadia; Mrs. Lillian Dingman, of Newaygo; Mrs. Adella Peterson, of Edmore; Mrs Dora Splitstone, of Wooster; Oren, and Claud, of Wooster; and Harvey, Alonzo and Fred, of Muskegon.
The funeral services will be held at the Splitstone schoolhouse at Wooster, Saturday at 12 o'clock.
Informative yet concise. What I am puzzling over is why they took her to Wooster, instead of home to Newaygo. Wooster definitely is NOT on the way home from Muskegon. Perhaps since there were also 3 children who lived there, and since that was where the farm had been, they wanted her closer to her long time home and friends.
I hope it wasn't because they wanted her to die closer to the cemetery.
Yet, that is what caught my eye because it is actually different from many of the period obituaries. It has birth information, and an actually date of death, although it is buried in the text. Marriage information is there, and names off all the surviving children. It even tells an approximate time of death of the spouse. All in all, very informative.
From the 7 May, 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
Mrs. Mary Ann Mayo
The death of Mrs. Mary Ann Mayo occurred last Tuesday evening, at the home of her son, Oren Mayo, in Wooster.
Mrs. Mayo was born in Allegan county, September 22, 1847, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Fairbanks. On October 21, 1866, she was united in marriage to Mr. henry, A. Mayo and to this union nine children were born, four daughters and five sons.
Shortly after her marriage to Mr. Mayo they came to Wooster, where they lived on their farm for thirty years. Since the death of her husband, which occurred over a year ago, Mrs. Mayo has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Lillian Dingman, in Newaygo.
About two weeks ago she went to Muskegon to visit her three sons and was taken seriously ill. On the morning of May 5 she was brought to the home of her son Oren Mayo, where she died that evening at 10:30 o'clock of dropsy.
The children who survive her are: Mrs. Myrtle Overholt. of Arcadia; Mrs. Lillian Dingman, of Newaygo; Mrs. Adella Peterson, of Edmore; Mrs Dora Splitstone, of Wooster; Oren, and Claud, of Wooster; and Harvey, Alonzo and Fred, of Muskegon.
The funeral services will be held at the Splitstone schoolhouse at Wooster, Saturday at 12 o'clock.
Informative yet concise. What I am puzzling over is why they took her to Wooster, instead of home to Newaygo. Wooster definitely is NOT on the way home from Muskegon. Perhaps since there were also 3 children who lived there, and since that was where the farm had been, they wanted her closer to her long time home and friends.
I hope it wasn't because they wanted her to die closer to the cemetery.
04 January 2011
Tombstone Tuesday--Copemish Cemetery
Several years ago, one of my cousins on my mothers side of the family wanted me to show her some of the family stones that I had found. We made a day of it, first hitting up the two cemeteries in Chester township, Ottawa county Michigan that had some family members. Then we hit the road northward and I shared the stones in Chase township, Lake county.
After the work of once again digging weeds and grass that threatened to cover the stones there, we set our sights on new graves. We ventured north even farther, trying to find Copemish cemetery in Cleon township, Manistee county, with some of our grandmother's line of Stiver, Wells and maybe even Nolf.
Finally finding the cemetery, we discovered it had a section on both the north and south sides of the road. And, deciding the north side looked older, as well as smaller, we drove in there and got ready to search. We had already decided to make a very systematic search, starting and on side of the drive near the front and working our way around the entire cemetery.
When we parked our car, before we were even out of the car we saw this:
Two Stiver monuments! One in granite and one in zinc. A double header! Whoo hoo!
This was the first time I had really examined a zinc monument in detail. But as clear as if it had been set up last year instead of over a century ago, here was the info for Great-great-grandpa Jonathan Stiver. Of course GGgrandma Maria's info was missing, but then she did die about 5 years later so the monument probably was in place before she died, and never updated.
This stone, however, while massive and easy to read, was not so helpful. No other names on it, it was apparently just the family marker. It was surrounded by lots of other stones bearing the Stiver name.
This marker alone was enough to make the extra miles worth the trip. But we wanted to try to find the Wells and Nolfs. So slowly we progressed around the rest of the cemetery.
Then finally, after almost completing the cemetery, the other set of inlaws. Great-great grandpa Peter D Wells and his wife Mary, who was a Nolf.
And nearby, at least one Nolf stone, although again, only a family marker.
Pictures were snapped,
and poses were made.
All in all, a couple of very happy genealogists and cemetery hoppers started for home that afternoon.
After the work of once again digging weeds and grass that threatened to cover the stones there, we set our sights on new graves. We ventured north even farther, trying to find Copemish cemetery in Cleon township, Manistee county, with some of our grandmother's line of Stiver, Wells and maybe even Nolf.
Finally finding the cemetery, we discovered it had a section on both the north and south sides of the road. And, deciding the north side looked older, as well as smaller, we drove in there and got ready to search. We had already decided to make a very systematic search, starting and on side of the drive near the front and working our way around the entire cemetery.
When we parked our car, before we were even out of the car we saw this:
Then finally, after almost completing the cemetery, the other set of inlaws. Great-great grandpa Peter D Wells and his wife Mary, who was a Nolf.
02 January 2011
Obituary--Frank P. Hopper
In case there are readers who celebrated a little too much a couple nights ago, I want to offer this obituary as a cautionary tale.
From the 19 February 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
FRANK P. HOPPER DIES SUDDENLY
Death Occurred Tuesday Evening in His Apartments on Main Street.--Was Unconscious When Found
The sudden death of Frank P. Hopper, which occurred Tuesday night about seven o'clock at his apartments on Main Street was a shock to the community. Death was the result of inebriety and exposure.
Mr. Hopper had for some time been living aloe in the rear of the first floor of his building on West Main street. Tuesday morning, Melvin McDonald who occupies rooms on the second floor, went into Mr. Hopper's apartments and found him prostrate upon the bed in an unconscious condition. The window was open and there was no fire in the room. Mr. Hopper's body was cold and it was apparent that he had suffered from exposure. Medical aid was summoned but he failed to rally. He passed away early in the evening.
Frank P. Hopper was born in Ithaca, N. Y., September 3, 1853 and came to Hesperia at the age of 20 years. He lived there until about 1884, when he came to Fremont and was engaged in the restaurant and grocery business there for a number of years. Of late he has not been actively engaged in any business.
Mr. Hopper was the father of two daughters, namely, Hazel and Claudia, the latter having passed away several years ago. Mrs. Hoper also preseded Mr. Hopper by several years.
Besides a daughter, Mrs. Hazel Gaze, of Holland, the deceased is survived by six brothers, as follows: Edd, of Big Rapids, Alonzo, of Kalamazoo; Eugene of Clarkston, Idaho; Charles of Grand Rapids; Arthur of Kalamazoo; and Will, of Los Angeles.
The Funeral service will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Congregational church.
These obituaries always leave me wanting more. Middle of the month, middle of the week, was there a reason he was "inebriated?" He was 61, was he just upset still over the loss of wife and daughter? I assume the lack of fire was a result of passing out drunk on the bed. But did he have other health problems? Was there money issues? I always want more back story than many of these obituaries provide.
From the 19 February 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:
FRANK P. HOPPER DIES SUDDENLY
Death Occurred Tuesday Evening in His Apartments on Main Street.--Was Unconscious When Found
The sudden death of Frank P. Hopper, which occurred Tuesday night about seven o'clock at his apartments on Main Street was a shock to the community. Death was the result of inebriety and exposure.
Mr. Hopper had for some time been living aloe in the rear of the first floor of his building on West Main street. Tuesday morning, Melvin McDonald who occupies rooms on the second floor, went into Mr. Hopper's apartments and found him prostrate upon the bed in an unconscious condition. The window was open and there was no fire in the room. Mr. Hopper's body was cold and it was apparent that he had suffered from exposure. Medical aid was summoned but he failed to rally. He passed away early in the evening.
Frank P. Hopper was born in Ithaca, N. Y., September 3, 1853 and came to Hesperia at the age of 20 years. He lived there until about 1884, when he came to Fremont and was engaged in the restaurant and grocery business there for a number of years. Of late he has not been actively engaged in any business.
Mr. Hopper was the father of two daughters, namely, Hazel and Claudia, the latter having passed away several years ago. Mrs. Hoper also preseded Mr. Hopper by several years.
Besides a daughter, Mrs. Hazel Gaze, of Holland, the deceased is survived by six brothers, as follows: Edd, of Big Rapids, Alonzo, of Kalamazoo; Eugene of Clarkston, Idaho; Charles of Grand Rapids; Arthur of Kalamazoo; and Will, of Los Angeles.
The Funeral service will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Congregational church.
These obituaries always leave me wanting more. Middle of the month, middle of the week, was there a reason he was "inebriated?" He was 61, was he just upset still over the loss of wife and daughter? I assume the lack of fire was a result of passing out drunk on the bed. But did he have other health problems? Was there money issues? I always want more back story than many of these obituaries provide.
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