Cemetery Divas

Coming Soon To This Space

2012-01-05T20:38:00.002-05:00

Before long, we hope to end the long drought. About a year or so ago, this blog was forced to be suspended. It has started as a departmental blog for our local history room where both Sandy and I were employed. The purpose was to share our love for history and cemeteries, as well as help publicize our department.

However, the director who had originally approved the blog decided he didn't approve the time spent on it. And after funding cuts, both of us were let go at the end of 2011.

We are in the process of setting up a new historical research center. We hope to be able to resume full time blogging soon. As well as providing a place for local historians and genealogists to continue their research with knowledgeable assistance from Sandy and I.

Since the local history room at the library is now open only 3 mornings and 1 afternoon a week, and is staffed by someone who is a rookie at local history (and knows nothing of genealogy), we hope the new center is up and running soon.

So please watch this space. We hope to be back at it soon.

I better find some more cemetery pictures.

Why we are taking a break from the blog

2011-05-11T12:00:00.002-04:00

It is sad times for libraries all over and we have been hit with some major budget cuts.

Unfortunately as of 1st of June 2011 Linda and I will be cut back in hours and will not have time to do updates as regular on the blog as we have. After that date we may take on the blog again as private citizens and continue.

Linda does such a great job with her blogging and does most of it on her own time anyway so stay tuned, someday soon we will be back. Genealogy is in our blood we can't go all these years and just walk away from it.

Meanwhile we are enjoying some new adventures and trying to keep working as many hours as we can.

Thank you to everyone who followed us we love hearing from you. We will be back hopefully soon.

Spring is finally here

2011-05-11T11:59:00.000-04:00

Spring finally has arrived and it is time for genealogist and history buffs to start visiting their favorite cemeteries and discovering new ones.
A lot of people ask why should you visit the cemetery if you already have the dates of the birth and death of your ancestor. It is because you never know what you might find.
You may uncover the grave of a child that passed on as an infant that left no records behind. You may find other family members buried in the area that you may not known of or have forgotten.
By looking at the stones in the area you may discover a symbol showing membership to a fraternal organization or religious membership. You may also find that your family member was in the military.
Once you visit the cemetery you often will find it a peaceful, relaxing place to visit in today's hectic world.
If you decide to do a rubbing it is best to practice at home first. If you do a rubbing or photograph of the stone please remember only wet the stone with clean water. By using anything else you are introducing a foreign element that will hasten the decay of the stone. Because of this not always being done, many cemeteries are now asking you not to do rubbings. Always check with the cemetery for their rules and regulations and abide by them.

Hiatus

2011-03-31T19:55:00.000-04:00

The Cemetery Diva's unfortunately will be unable to update our blog for a while a least. Hopefully this will be just a temporary suspension and we will be back at a later time.
If you have followed our blog, please check back occasionally. If we are able to continue, we hope you will join us again then.
Until then, please keep this blog in your memory. Just like a treasured grave stone.

Tombstone Tuesday

2011-03-29T10:21:00.002-04:00

Will be unavailable today.
Sorry to all our faithful readers.

Obituary--Fred Hoad

2011-03-26T13:33:00.001-04:00

Just a week from the first announcement of an area soldier dying in battle, is this one. Very different circumstances, as he was serving with the British forces, but sad nonetheless to come so close to the end of combat.
From the 17 October 1918 Fremont TimesIndicator:

FRED HOAD MAKES SUPREME SACRIFICE
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hoad Killed in Active Service in France Sept. 4
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hoad of this city received a letter from England October 12 conveying the sad news of the death of their son, Fred, who died September 4 in France while in the service of the British government. Fred served with the British forces in Palestine and while there wrote the interesting letter which appeared in the TimesIndicator last April. After serving in the Holy Lands he was sent to France for army service. He leaves a wife and six children. In his last letter to Mr. and Mrs. Hoad he wrote:
Dear Mother and Father:--I received your letter while I was holding the firing line but the thought of your prayers on my behalf and for the sake of my loved ones and being in the position I was in at the time when readint it, brought tears to my eyes. But thank God He has spared me once more and I am having a little rest at the back of the line, but I still put my trust in God as I thank Him every day not only for my safety but for my mates and I often try and show them their sins they are living in, to bring them out of darkness into light. No goodbye and may God bless and help you all for many years to come. Fred

While I realized that in World War II many Americans went to England to join the RAF, I didn't realize that we also contributed directly to the forces in World War I. I don't know how common it was, but here at least was one instance. And as I said last time, it is so sad that these deaths only start appearing one month before the Armistice.

Obituary--Paul Ellis Steffe

2011-03-24T15:10:00.023-04:00

As I have been entering information into our obituary index for 1918, I have been touched by the history of World War I. I know that while the war started for Europe in 1914, the US didn't declare war until 1917, and it was later that troops began heading over there. These facts are born out in the obituaries we have. I am currently entering obituaries for October 1918. Prior to this I have had men in service dying of influenza. Even a couple family members who died after visiting their brother in Camp Custer, near Battle Creek Michigan. But today, I finally entered my first obituary from one who died in conflict.

From the 10 October 1918 Fremont TimesIndicator:

PAUL E. STEFFE GIVES LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY
Son of Rev. and Mrs. J. W. Steffe Was Killed in Action in France August 30
Corporal Paul Ellis Steffe of Co. F, 126 Inf., 32d Div. F. F., son of Rev. Jacob W. and Julia A. Steffe died in France, August 30, 1918, from the effects of wounds received in action.
The first of July, 1917, he enlisted in Jackson, Mich., and was a member of Co. L, 31st Michigan, until the National Guard was disbanded and merged into Co. F, 126 Inf. From Jackson he went to Grayling, from there to Waco, Texas. The middle of January they were sent to Camp Merritt, N. J., where they remained in barracks until February 16, at which time they sailed for France, arriving at a port of France march 4, 1918. Their first training was received at Champlette, and from there they were sent to Alsace, and then moved farther north to Lorraine.
When he came out of action after the battle of Chateau Thierry, which was his third offensive, his captain had been killed in action and only 28 out of his company were left. The 32d Division was known as the "Iron Jaw Division" and was used as shock troops. Paul wor his sharp-shooter's medal which he had received for accuracy.
After the battle at Chauteau Thierry the 126th went back into the woods for a much needed and well deserved rest, but they soon received their orders to move on to St. Mihiel, his fourth offensive, where he was wounded so severely that he died August 30th.
Paul was of a very bright and cheerful disposition and never during the past year has there been a complaint of any kind in any of his letters home, nothing but hope and cheer and always the word that he wanted to stay by it until the end.
Paul's death is the first death in a family of ten, and while it is a crushing blow to them all, it is with pride they can know and feel that never was there a cleaner, better or braver life ever given for its country and humanity than his. It can be truthfully said of him, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13--Newaygo Republican.

Even though this article was in the Fremont TimesIndicator, it was reprinted from the Newaygo paper as indicated above. What I find especially touching is the fact that the first Newaygo county death from combat, appears just over a month from the end of the war.

Tombstone Tuesday--The Local Touch

2011-03-22T10:43:00.000-04:00

One thing I find fascinating about our area cemeteries is how the various cemeteries reflect the local landscape.

I have mentioned before how Curtice cemetery has so many of the cement markers. Is it just coincidence that there is a nearby ghost town (Marlborough) that was home to a cement plant? There are so many of these cement markers that range from ones with professional looking engravings...

to the ones like my Great-grandfather's stone here. It clearly was hand crafted.

In the less affluent parts of the county, it is not uncommon to find more temporary markers.

These wooden ones may not last long but while there they are there, they stand in memory of the departed.

This may not be as temporary as the wooden crosses, but it probably does have a limited shelf-life compared to granite. But in this part of the country where lumbering and wood cutting was so prevalent, it is not rare to see these large saw blades. I have a couple in my garage. So it is a case of using what was at hand as a marker, together with the talents of those left behind.

But the real local touch comes from the stone markers. Some parts of the county, like much of Michigan are low, flat, and sandy or marshy. Other areas, thanks to the receded glaciers of the Ice Age, are full of stones and gravel. These rolling hills and rocky areas are where you find piles of fieldstones, as well as the cemeteries that have monuments like the ones here.

Clearly using what was at hand, this stone from Ashland Cemetery is studded with field stones.

This stone basket style urn is from just north of Newaygo in Lake county. Hawkins Road Cemetery is surrounded by fields with piles of stones, houses with stone exteriors, and fences of piled stones. Clearly a case of using what was available to make monuments to the departed.

Obituary--Mrs. Wm. Robertson

2011-03-19T14:13:00.053-04:00

Fremont Area District Library's Local History Room was shocked and reeling at the word that Mrs Robertson's obituary had been found. (Sorry, I think she influenced me more than I realized.)
I suppose I knew this day would come. I must admit that I was surprised to feel such a sense of loss when I turned the page in our 1916-1919 obituary book and came across this one. I have come to love Mrs. Robertson's writings in the gossip columns of the paper, and especially the unforgettable obituaries written by her. She has seemed like a friend, someone I would like to swap articles with, to have her critique me.
Even though she has been gone for over 90 years, she touched me. I'm going to miss her writing.

From the 9 May 1918 Fremont TimesIndicator:

MRS. WM. ROBERTSON PASSED AWAY MAY 1
Death Came Last Wednesday After Months of Illness From Cancer--Funeral Held Saturday.
Mrs. Wm. Robertson, one of Newaygo county's best known and most beloved women, passed away at her home, eight miles north and one mile west of this city, last Wednesday night, May 1, after an illness of several months. She was 59 years, 5 months and 12 days old.
Mrs. Robertson entered Hackley hospital last fall and underwent an operation for cancer but relief was only temporary. About four weeks ago she was again taken to the hospital but her condition continued to grow worse and she was brought home last week Tuesday. She expired the following day.
Mrs. Robertson was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McKay and was born in Cambletown, Scotland, Nov. 20, 1858. At the age of 13 she came with her parents to the United States and located in Montague, Michigan, where they remained for about a year. They then moved to their farm in Greenwood township, Oceana county, where they lived for many hears. At the age of seventeen she began to teach school and taught for eleven years.
In November, 1886, she was united in marriage to Mr. Wm. Robertson and passed away on the farm to which she went as a bride. To Mr. and Mrs. Robertson were born three children, Minnie, Donald McKay and Marjorie Isabel. The former died in infancy.
Mrs Robertson was well known to the readers of the Times-Indicator through her letters which appeared almost weekly in this paper under a Hesperia heading. For more than twenty years she covered the Hesperia district, and her column was sought with eagerness by many who found in her original and resourceful comment an interest and an inspiration. Toward the last when too weak to write she dictated the letters which appeared in the paper.
Mrs. Robertson was a woman of boundless energy and unflagging activity. She was a tireless worker in church, Grange and Literary club and in spite of her multifarious duties she never shirked a responsibility. She loved her home and delighted in entertaining relative and friend at "Bunker Hill." The welcome was always cordial and sincere.
Mrs. Robertson was proud of her Scotch ancestry and loved the land of her nativity. She never tired of telling Scotch stories or singing Scotch songs. Many of her choicest writings were in the language of the Scot. She was a member of the Clan McCallum.
The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the home conducted by Rev. M. Klerekoper, pastor of the Hesperia Presbyterian church of which Mrs. Robertson was a member. A large number of relatives, friends, and neighbors came to pay their last tribute of respect to the one whom they held in affectionate regard. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. The body was laid to rest in East cemetery, Hesperia.

I have definitely lost a friend. But both Sandy and I were delighted to find so many of the things we suspected about her were true. She was Scotch, Presbyterian, a former teacher, acquainted with the McCallum family and familiar with Hesperia as well as the Denver and Dayton township areas. The only surprise was when I reviewed the obituaries we had labeled with her name. Only one was dated after this date. But that was one for Etta Seymour. Although I hadn't seen any other Mrs Robertson obits around this time, this one (dated Feb 1925) sure seemed to have the Mrs. Robertson style. (My favorite line: Etta is not dead. Etta sleepeth,) But whether we saw her name or were guessing on her style, all the other obituaries attributed to Mrs. Robertson were during the time she wrote.
So long, Mrs. Robertson. I am going to miss you. But I do wish I knew your first name.

Obituary--Orlando McNabb

2011-03-17T12:43:00.001-04:00

I've mentioned how sometimes when I read an obituary as I am updating our database one just screams to be posted. This is one of those. He sounds like quite a character: soldier, turned doctor, turned lawyer, turned lumberman, turned gold miner in one lifetime.
From the 24 January 1918 Fremont TimesIndicator:

ORLANDO McNABB DIED IN CALIFORNIA
Former Local Attorney and Brother of Dr. J. W. McNabb Passed Away January 11
Milo A. white received word Friday from Dr. J. W. McNabb, who is spending the winter in Darling, Miss., that Orlando McNabb, twin brother of Dr. McNabb, died at the Soldiers Home near Los Angeles, California, on January 11, 1918. Orlando McNabb was well know in this community about 30 years ago and was one of the leading members of the local bar. He at one time served as village attorney and was celebrated for his efficient and direct methods of securing practical justice in some instances without resorting to the tedious delays of the courts.
Mr. McNabb was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Jan. 20, 1846. His parents were natives of Ohio and were of Scotch Irish descent. He attended school until 28 years of age, and February 7, 1864 enlisted in CO. A, 155 Ind Reg. serving one year and was honorably discharged at Dover, Deleware, in September, 1865. After his return from the army he commenced the study of medicine with Hector & Hill in Rochester, Ind. He continued his studies four years, attending one course of lectures at the University of Michigan.
In May, 1869 he went to Hesperia Mich., and commenced the practice of his profession. In 1873 he abandoned his profession and went to Chicago, where he gave his attention to the study of law until 1876, then went to Peru, Ind., and practiced his profession three years. January 6, 1881 he settled in Fremont and practiced law here several years.
In the latter years and after leaving Fremont he first engaged in timber cruising work in Wisconsin and Northing Michigan, later going to California and Nevada where he prospected for mines andworked at gold mining when his health would permit. He was possessed of a very brilliant mind and had he continued in the legal profession would undoubtedly have reach a high position on the bench. His dislike of confinement and love for the out-of-doors caused him to follow his inclinations and abandon law. His end came as a result of physical and mental breakdown following a sever accident nearly a year ago.

What a refreshing character he must have been! And don't you want to know just what he did to be "celebrated for his efficient and direct methods of securing practical justice in some instances without resorting to the tedious delays of the courts."? He is the type of person who is so delightful to find in your family tree, a bit of a rascal perhaps, who left a trail of information behind to follow.

Tombstone Tuesday--Military Markers

2011-03-15T11:52:00.001-04:00

While browsing our cemetery pictures to find a theme for today, I wondered from cemetery to cemetery (by pictures, not literally.) Different markers and ideas, but nothing really grabbed me. Then I remembered an idea I had been kicking around and decided it was time.
Many of the pictures we have show the flag holders and military markers that vary from war to war. Here just a few of what I've found.

This flag holder from the Everett-Big Prairie Cemetery or Community Cemetery as it is called on our index, caught my eye because of its unusual shape. I have not seen many of like this one from the Spanish American War. The name of the veteran was not included in the picture, but the marker seems to be by a large old monument. One of my Grandfather's cousins also fought in this war, although he died in World War I. I haven't found his grave, but I presume he would have the World War I marker.

The above marker and the one below were from two different years on my Great Uncle Bert's grave. The above one is in a common star shape and says veteran. Below you can see one that says American Legion on it.

The stone on Uncle Bert's grave is the military marker that was typical of military stones, and it gives his rank, and the unit he was in: Co G 64 Infantry, World War I. His wife was the Aunt Lyla that my dad made a stone for. They are found in Clark Cemetery, west of Fremont.

My Great Great Grandpa Armenus was my first discovery in doing my genealogy when I found him in the Michigan 1890 Veterans Census Index. My thrill at connecting with him was dimmed by his flush stone that regularly needs to be dug out and made visible again. Above and below are his military flagholder, showing him to be a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

The holder is in great condition. GGGramps is in Hawkins Road Cemetery, just north of Newaygo County, in Lake County.

As is this stone and marker found in the East Hesperia cemetery. The flag holder is also GAR. I suspect that the worn marble slab may be a military stone.

Last of all are these: the flag holder and plaque marker for my Grampa's younger cousin, Paul Davis. He grew up with my Great-Granddad who was his uncle/stepfather. I was forever finding information on him because he enlisted under my GGranddad's surname, rather than his own, as a tribute for being raised by him. While I neglected to turn the flag holder around to see the front it when taking the picture, you can see shape is different than the previously shown holders. The bronze marker, the kind now used rather than marble, I find unique because it only has his first name. Perhaps the confusion caused by his enlisting as a Gilbert, while his family name was Davis is the reason. I have found the news articles from when his body was brought back from France after the war so even though he died in France, he is interred here.
Cousin Paul is also in the same cemetery as my GGGrandpa Armenus, just outside the county. I often stop and hello to both, assuming I can find Armenus's grave.

Obituary--Ellen Amelia (Mrs. Henry) Coy

2011-03-12T14:20:00.051-05:00

This is another obituary of a woman whose obituary appeared in the fall of 1917. Again born out of town, even out of state in this case, Mrs. Coy was very active during her long life. The obituary of her husband was previously posted. Now is her turn to shine.

From the 8 November 1917 Fremont TimesIndicator:

MRS. HENRY COY

Eighty-three years ago in the little town of Medina, Ohio, Ellen Amelia Harrington was born, and this place was her home for nearly thirty years when she came as one of the pioneers to Michigan. Three years later she was married to Henry Coy of Fremont, where together they built and occupied the first fram house which was their home for nineteen years. They then removed to a farm one and one-half miles northwest of Hesperia where they lived until a few years ago when they both being aged, went to Grand Raids to live with their daughter, at whose home Mrs. Coy passed away very suddenly October 31, 1917 and was laid to rest by the side of husband in Fairplains cemetery, November 2. Rev. Garfield of Berean Baptist church officiated, and Mrs. Mary E. Bodwell conducted the services for the W.C.T.U. which order came in a body.
Mrs. Coy was active in all good and helpful things, having had charge of one of the stations for relief work among the soldiers of the civil war. She was one of the Crusade Mothers in the W.C.T. U work and helped organize the work among the women and children of Newaygo county. In this work she retained an active interest until the last, having helped to raise funds and distributed literature during the fight last Fall to make Michigan dry.
She was a devoted wife and mother and with her sweet cheerful personality endeared herself to all who knew her. Two daughters and the husband preceded her in death, and she leaves to mourn her loss besides countless friends, four daughters, Mrs. Carrie Clifford of Washington, Mrs. Sarah Howe, Ohio, Mrs. Ollie Waterman, 2 Travis St., Grand Rapids, Mrs. Emma Robbins, one son, Charles E. Coy, 125 Ottawa St. Muskegon, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Mrs. Coy lived nearly 50 years longer than Mrs. Davis in the previous obituary. And truly an active live, helping with relief for soldiers of the civil war, as well as active in the Temperance Union almost to the end. And her tie to the area is clear, having lived for many years in Fremont and Hesperia.
One thing puzzles me here. (There is always something you know.) His obituary said he married Ellen Tanner. Her obituary said her maiden name was Harrington. No mention of a previous marriage. Did she have a first husband that died in the Civil War or something? I hate it when obits contradict each other, or leave out marriages altogether.

In memory of a dear friend

2011-03-11T15:44:00.006-05:00

Linda has been after me for quite a while to write this posting but to be honest it is a hard one to write. On 22 November 2010 we lost a dear friend, mentor and co-conspirator. Terry Earl Wantz passed from this world into the next.

Terry authored many books on Newaygo Counties history and I am sure that anyone researching in this county has come across his work and name. Terry has been the "to go to person" for any questions on the county. His interests ranged from the Civil War, Post offices to lumbering and every thing in between. He always decorated the graves of the counties veterans for Memorial Day often at his own expense. Keeping the cemeteries as a memorial to the county veterans and the service they gave to our country.

I have many fond memories of Terry from his coming into the Local History Room to share a new discovery. Honking his horn early in the morning in my driveway yelling to get moving we were heading out to a cemetery usually Surarrer Cemetery ( I like to sleep in late on my days off). Then came the lessons in Witching (Divining). Terry would often get teased about it but he was very good at it. Terry would find grave sites, water or foundations of old buildings among other things. He had come from a long line of people we used this ability and was very proud of his skill. When he first tried teaching me I also learned he had a lot of patience, it took me a while since the minute the rods would move I'd drop them or hold on to tight for them to move. But I am now proud to say it works for me too, just not as well.

Terry was always busy between his history projects, volunteering at Bay Cliff Camp, collecting and going to yard sales and auctions. I miss him dearly. So often I think oh I need to ask Terry this or that, or say Terry will know before I realize I no longer can do that.

So many people come into our lives that we take for granted that they will always be there. Loosing Terry has made me aware how important it is to take that second to let people what a difference they make in your life. My life has been made better for knowing Terry and his passing has taught me to always tell your friends they make a difference in your life you may not have tomorrow to do it.

Obituary--Cora A. ( Mrs. Harry D.) Davis

2011-03-10T11:27:00.035-05:00

I thought this week I would post the obituaries of a couple women who died within a month of each other. Both were born out of town and lead active lives. But very different lives for a couple of very different women.
From the 11 October 1917 Fremont TimesIndicator:

MRS. HARRY D DAVIS
Cora A. Post was born in Bangor, VanBuren county, Michigan, September 30, 1882. At the age of 16 she was converted and baptized in the Christian church at Dowagiac, later transferring to the Methodist church at Traverse City.
She was married to Harry D. Davis at Elk Rapids May 27, 1901. After a short period Mr Davis went into the employ of the Pere Marquette railroad, moving to Grand Rapids and residing there until 1910 when he was transferred to Chicago, where they have since resided and where her pleasing personality won her a host of friends. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, division 414, serving as its president for one year.
Mrs. Davis was always of a frail nature and her health slowly began to fail as one severe illness after another robbed her of her strength until valvular heart trouble developed and for the past three years she has been a very patient and cheerful sufferer, always thinking of others before herself. All that science, medical help and loving care could do was done for her and she passed to her reward October 2, 1917.
She was a woman who endeared herself to all with whom she came in contact. Her kind disposition was an example to all she met. Mrs. Davis' faith in her saviour was a great comfort and her rest was well earned.
She leaves a husband, father, mother, one brother, many other relatives and a large circle of friends to mourn their loss.
The funeral was held at the home of her mother, Mrs. G. Vanderhill of Holland where she spent the last few months of her life. The services were conducted by the Rev. J. W. Esveld, pastor of the Fremont Methodist Episcopal Church. The floral gifts were beautiful, a fitting tribute to the beauty of her life.
Those who attended from out of the city were Mr. and Mrs. D. Stocking and Mrs. Bertha Davis of Fremont, Mr. and Mrs. J. Davis, Mrs. A. Cole, Mrs. A. Gannon, Mrs. C. Wilcox, Mrs. W. Combs and Miss Sara McWade of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Heck and Mrs. C. Cushing of Dowagiac, Mr. and Mrs. J. Ebach and son Charles, and Mr. and Mrs. J. Ritchart of Grand Rapids, Mrs. C. Gibbs and daughter, Evelyn of Battle Creek, and Mrs. Lynch of Muskegon.
--Contributed.

I was puzzled why this appeared in the Fremont newspaper. She apparently never lived here, although a few people from Fremont attended the funeral. Perhaps Mrs Bertha Davis was her husband's mother. This was apparently published in another newspaper first, as the Fremont people were considered from out of town. Although not attributed to them, I suspect it either appeared in a Holland newspaper, or someone from there wrote up the obituary and sent it on to the Fremont TimesIndicator.
And as one of those things that just bug me--she was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. What was it an auxiliary of? Just something to ponder.

Tombstone Tuesday--The Trees (and Stumps) of Stone

2011-03-08T11:21:00.001-05:00

I know much has been written about the gravestones shaped like trees. I have in some previous blogs. I have picture and talked about them in Maple Grove, Clark and others. I can't pretend to offer a thorough lecture, but as always, just my personal comments and reflections. With maybe a real fact thrown in here and there.
A great book we have in our collection is "Tree Stump Tombstones A Field Guide to Rustic Funerary Art in Indiana" by Susanne S. Ridlen. It is a wonderful source of information on these type of stones. Lots of pictures and explanations of the different symbols that can be found on these unique grave markers.

This is one of my family stones, located in the Hawkins Road Cemetery, near Chase, Michigan. And while not a tree stump, the "stacked log" shape makes it easy to find in the cemetery. The back is the shape of the stack of logs, while the front has this scroll like feature that hangs down as though held by the top log. A bit of engraving of a palm frond is across the top, with the family name on the bottom. But what drives me crazy is the fact that the scroll portion is left blank. Ok, it is a family marker; James, Sarah and others have small markers nearby. See the tip of one peeping over the pink flowers? But think of the info that they could have put on the blank space. Nothing! (Drat. Darn ancestors anyway!)

A similar stone is this one from Clark Cemetery. Part of the pink granite found there, it is very similar in shape to my Samis stone, but this stone for the Skeels family is also different. The name is still just a family name, but it appears on the scroll, that is again tucked in and hanging from the logs. And it has the same palm frond design.

This is another unique style and also from Clark cemetery. It has the scroll feature, with the family name of Hermance at the top (and blank scroll again!) but this time hanging from one log held upright by a couple forked logs. I believe this is the only one I've seen shaped like this. Very striking.

This pair of stones is from Newaygo Cemetery. The family name is on the branch that crosses both stones, but unfortunately is hard to read in the picture, even in a larger view. The lichen and coloring almost make the stumps look like the bark has peeled off the center portions. Vines and flowers climb the trunks and the base looks like roots. Did you notice too, the two small logs on either side of the large double trunks? There appears to be a name written on at least the closest one, but again, the lichens and weathering make it difficult to read. That can be a drawback with these otherwise beautiful stones.

This is one of the groupings of tree stump stones in Fremont's Maple Grove Cemetery. One that we of course do not have pictures of has the stumps and even benches fashioned as though from branches. This tall family stone has several flat rectangular stones inside the bordered plot, but notice too that there is a small log monument also within the plot. And again, although no close up here, the main stump is very ornate with flowers, ferns and even a stone potted lily at the base.

This last stone is from East Hesperia cemetery. It shows more of the possibilities open with these types of monuments. There are many cut branches from the main stump. Fronds adorn the bottom but of course the best part is the banner. Appearing to hang from a rope draped across one of the cut branches it is clearly visible. This stone is for Hannah S. Bush. Born Dec 26 1868 and died Oct 7, 1893, not yet 25 years old. And this banner like section keeps on giving--it also states she was the "gone but not forgotten Wife of W. R. Bush".
Some ancestors are not as disappointing as others. (Did you hear that great granny?)

Obituary--John G. Frens

2011-03-05T09:53:00.069-05:00

My last World War One obituary of the week. This is so sad because, even though he was "the first local boy to pay supreme sacrifice", nonetheless, his death came after the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Forgive me for being rather long, but I wanted to include the entire article, including letters.

From the 5 December 1918 Fremont TimesIndicator.....

JOHN G. FRENS DIES OF WOUNDS IN FRANCE
First Local Boy to Pay Supreme Sacrifice in Active Service "Over There"
John E. Frens who lives two miles west of Fremont received a telegram from the War Department Friday conveying the sad news of the death of his son, John G, Frens, who died in France November 12 of wounds received in action October 15. He was 22 years, 9 months and 25 days old. Mr. Frens is the first freomong boy to have given his life as a direct result of the contact with the enemy.
That Mr. Frens did not believe his wounds would prove fatal is evident from a letter dictated by him to a Red Cross nurse. The letter follows:
American Red Cross
October 15, 1918
Dear Folks: Just a line to let you know that I have been wounded and am getting along fine. There is nothing to worry about and I will write very soon myself. I will be sent to a base hospital in a few days and will write you as soon as I can from there.
Best love to all, Your loving son, John.
Written by Rose Peabody,
Red Cross, Mobile Hospital No. 2
A. E. F
John G. Frens was born on the farm where his father still lives west of the city and grew to manhood in this community. In August of 1917 he went to Platte, So. Dakota for his health and remained there about three months. After spending a few weeks at home, he went west again in January of this year and remained there until called into the service May 29 when he went to Camp Custer. He remained at Custer until July when he sailed for France with the 85th Division.
Besides his father and step-mother he is survived by three sisters, Mrs Gerben Bekkering of Denver, Col., Mrs Arie DeKuiper of Grand Rapids and Mrs. Herman D. Kolk of Fremont and one brother, Richard Frens, of Grand Rapids. His step-sister and brothers are Miss Hattie Nieboer of Muskegon, Ed Nieboer with the colors in France, John Nieboer of Fremont and Gerrit Nieboer of Platte, So. Dakota.
Mr. Frens was one of the fine young men of this community. He was always especially solicitous for the the welfare of hsi parents and his one ambition was to alleviate their burdens.
Following is the last letter he wrote his parents before being wounded.
Somewhere in France
October 2, 1918
My Dear Folks at Home:
I suppose you folks I have forgotten you altogether but that is not the case at all. I could have written a week ago but we could not get the mail out, so you don't want to worry if you don't hear from me for quite a while, because there is always some little reason.
I sure am feeling fine and I am in the best of health and hope you folks are all the same.
Well we have seen some of the real stuff by this time. We were at the front for about eighteen days. got along fine. Do you folks ever hear from Ed? I suppose he is over here some place, but where I don't know. But no doubt he is getting along fine also. Is he still in the Artillery? I don't know if I wrote it before, but we were transferred into the 42nd Division quite a while ago. Ed may have been transferred also. It would not surprise me any if he was.
I have not had any mail yet but expect some most any day, as some of the boys that came over with me have received some already.
I suppose by the time you get this letter the fall work will be about done. I do hope you are getting along well with it. Is Dick going to school again" Well, father, you have got it pretty hard this year, but I hope and pray that things will be different next year. From the way things look now, I think they will too.
I have written about all I can think of this time. Will try and not wait so long with writing next time.
Your loving son and brother
John

Gone but not forgotten.

Obituary--C. C. Upton

2011-03-03T12:17:00.027-05:00

One of those listed on the list I posted yesterday was C. C. Upton. At the very bottom, he is listed as having been gassed. (Actually he was gassed, then later wounded, but died of disease.) His death is one of those that so surprised me. Today, when we can nearly instantly communicated with our loved ones in harms way in one battleground or another, it seems strange that so many families were not notified of deaths until much later, in this case nearly a month. And also heartbreaking to me is that so many deaths took place after the Armistice.
Again as a tribute to all who fought in World War I, and especially to those who died here is another obituary of a local soldier.
From the 18 March 1919 Fremont TimesIndicator:

PNEUMONIA CAUSES DEATH OF SOLDIER
C. C. Upton, Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Upton, Gassed and Wounded, Dies in France

C. C. Upton, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Upton of this city, has made the supreme sacrifice at the altar of universal democracy. A message to Mr. and Mrs. Upton received from Washington last week conveyed the sad news of the death of their son in France February 17. Death was the result of pleural pneumonia.
C. C. enlisted on June 28 1917, and was a member of the 78th Co., 6th Regiment of the Marines, and went overseas the latter part of January, 1918. The first battle in which he was actively engaged was on the Marne. He was gassed June 14 in the battle of Chateau Thierry and was confined to the hospital until October. For two weeks he was totally blind and was in total darkness for six weeks which restored his sight.
On October 31 he was shot through the left thigh and was again confined to the hospital but recovered sufficiently to start for the place of embarkation. he was taken ill with pneumonia and from this last siege he did not recover. During all the months he was confined to the hospital no letters from home reached him.
Mr. Upton was a graduate of the Fremont high school in the class of 1912. during his high school course he was prominent in athletics, being one of the best basketball players the local school has produced. He also excelled in the out-door athletic activities of the school. He was a member of the Church of Christ.
Mr. Upton was in the employ of the Cadillac Motor Co. in Detroit at the time of his enlistment.
He passed away in his 26th year leaving a father and mother, one brother and four sisters. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved family.

These are the deaths that are so tragic, after the war ended, and recovered enough from his wounds to head for home, he then dies of sickness. Thank goodness for modern medicine.

Remembrance

2011-03-02T09:15:00.001-05:00

This past week, the only surviving veteran of World War I past away, leaving only one from Great Britain and one from Australia, or so I've read. That got me thinking about the many who lost their lives during this fight. I had a first cousin 2x removed who died then. I have a few obituaries I have found in the 1918 obit book of men who died then, often of disease rather than fighting. I found this column that lists names of those killed or wounded in that war.
From the 30 January 1919 Fremont Times Indicator.

DR. WEAVER COMPILES COUNTY HONOR ROLL
Following is a List of Boys Killed or Wounded in Democracy's Struggle

Casualty list of Newaygo county as compiled by Dr. L. S. Weaver:
Killed
Ole Webster, big Prairie
Don M. Dickinson, Fremont
Frank Clark, Fremont
Paul Steffe, Newaygo
Carl Loxen, Grant
Clyde Crabtree, Big Prairie
Herman Brandt, White Cloud

Wounded
Leo McGrath, Bitely
Frank Raymond, Fremont
Jack Stewart, Woodville
Herbert Lenard, White Cloud
W. H. Dubois, Newaygo
Cornelius Wolters, Fremont
Selah Reber, Fremont
Chas. Risher, Hesperia
Wm. Sherman, Newaygo
Glen anthony, Newaygo
E. O. Cooper, Newaygo
Will H. Horton, Fremont
D. J. Carlington, Fremont
A. C. Harper, White Cloud
Andrew O. Goebel, White cloud
Clyde D. Chism, Fremont
John D. Brookhuis, Fremont
Milo Ostrom, Grant
Howard Brown, Fremont
Howard Brown, Fremont
Geo. K. Bowen, Hesperia
Alto Sherman, Hesperia
David Hopkins, Fremont

Died of Wounds
John G. Frens, Fremont; France

Died of Disease
Carl Reynolds, Hesperia; Great Lakes Training Station
W. H. Fowler, Hesperia; Camp Custer
Glen Taylor, Fremont; Camp Custer
Bert Lambers, Fremont; Ann Arbor
H. Teisenga, Fremont; Camp Custer
Auren Brown, Grant; France
Wm. Hutchinson, France
Chas. Alvord, Croton, Camp Custer
Dan covey, Paris, France
A. D. Jordan, Paris, France
Howard Schoolmaster, Fremont; Great Lakes Training Station.

Gassed
C. C. Upton, Fremont

Tombstone Tuesday--Stones That Aren't

2011-03-01T12:21:00.000-05:00

Aren't really stones that is.
We have many monuments and "tombstones" in the Newaygo county cemeteries that are not really stones. Many have been made by those left behind in remembrance of one who died. And there is great variety in those so called stones.

These examples are from various cemeteries in Newaygo county. The one above is a fairly recent one, made from a buzz saw blade and painted, then mounted in a metal frame. While not stone, it very lovely memorial.

This one was know as the Shell grave stone in Newaygo cemetery. Constructed of cement, it was once studded with the shells from the deceased's collection of sea shells. Sadly now most of them of fallen or been picked off, but still a great monument.

The marker for Henry L is clearly a hand-made one. Just a simple block of cement with his name and initial carved into it. And clearly made to last, even if a bit skimpy on the information.

Another "non-stone" stone is this hand made wooden cross. Adorned with a wreath and what appears to a real book, this wood cross, if made of treated wood, could last for years, even if the extras fade away.

Mary A Maus, 1935-1935 is one of the many cement stones in Curtice cemetery. One of my great grandfathers also has one of these, made of cement and painted silver. There are many in this cemetery of the same shape, and others more ornate, that are made of cement. I still think that someone had a business making them, as marl and sand were so plentiful around that area.

Then of course is the neighborhood stone for Henry Wilde. In a small family cemetery, with similar sized and shaped markers, in the middle of a hay field, the Sitka-Wilde cemetery is just down the road from my home. The stones are all handmade, in small grove of young trees. As the farm owner respects this small private cemetery, carefully farming around it, this group of non-stone stones should be around for a long time.
It is interesting to see that so many people took the time to be sure the graves of their loved ones were marked, some with elaborate stones like the painted saw blade and the shell monument, and others with simple cement markers, carved with the name of the loved one.
May they all rest in peace beneath their stones that aren't stone.

Obituary--Infant Son Dake

2011-02-26T13:18:00.026-05:00

I have gotten accustomed to seeing obituaries for wives with no first names, and children with no names given. But come on people! Three separate mentions in three different community columns and no one knows his name?
All from the 5 April 1917 Fremont TimesIndicator:

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs Julius Dake died with pneumonia last Friday. Funeral service were at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dake's parents, Mr. and Mrs. McGowan, near Wooster. Rev. George Vanwingerden conducted the funeral services and this little one was interred in the Bull cemetery last Sunday. A little bird of promise was thus cut down, but it will bloom again in the garden of paradise.

Hmmmmm. Mrs Robertson probably wrote that one. She seems to have been friends with the Rev. Vanwingerden.
Here is another notice.

The funeral of the year old child of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Dake was held Sunday at the home of Mrs. Dake's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank McGowen. Interment was made in Bull cemetery.

And finally:

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Dake died last Friday of pneumonia. He was thought to be better and typhoid fever was contracted. The funeral was held Sunday at the home of Mrs. Dake's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank McGowen, and interment made in the bull cemetery. They have much sympathy in their sadness.

So sad that even though three different writers wrote about the death of this little boy, none thought to mention his name. But after a bit of digging, and checking our transcript for Bull cemetery, the mystery is revealed. "Dake, LeRoy, son of J. & E Dake. 1916 to 1917." Rest in peace little LeRoy.

Obituary--Perry Willson (& Frank Green too)

2011-02-24T12:16:00.064-05:00

This is the obituary/death notice I tried to post last week just before the power went out here at the libaray. Hopefully we will fare better today.
The article is sort of half obituary and half news article, relating the story of the accident that caused their death.
***Warning*** Not for the Squeamish!!***

From the 26 September 1918 Fremont TimesIndicator:

TWO LIVES TOLL OF AUTO ACCIDENT
PERRY WILLSON AND FRANK GREEN KILLED BY INTERURBAN
Perry Willson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry G Willson, of this city, was instantly killed in Grand Rapids last Thursday morning when a Holland interurban car struck an automobile driven by T. C. Willson in which Perry and frank Green were riding. The accident occurred at the Curve St. crossing in the southwestern part of the city. Frank Green, formerly of this city, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Green, was taken to St. Mary's hospital where he died at 12:30 Friday morning.
Perry was thrown more than thirty feet. His head was crushed. Green suffered a concussion of the brain and internal injuries.
According to T. C. Willson's story he was driving toward the interurban crossing on his way to Elmer Green's home on Dorchester Ave. where Frank Green was to meet his little daughter to take her to school. Green was sitting in the front seat with the driver. Perry Wilson was in the tonneau.
As they approached the crossing going up the steep grade at a moderate rate of speed, Wilson says, he inquired of Green whether it was all right to go on across. Green is quoted as saying he did not hear any signal bell from the tower and told Willson to drive on. As they were upon the tracks they saw the interurban bearing down on them. Willson tried frantically to get across, but was unable to do so, the car striking the tonneau squarely.
Perry was instantly killed, his body being thrown clear of the wreckage. Green was hurled beyond Perry's body and T. C. Willson was thrown over the windshield onto the pavement. The automobile was crushed between the interurban car and the steel signal post standing on the corner. The post was snapped off at the base and the automobile, a Buick, reduced to tangled mass of wreckage.
Coroner Simeon LeRoy took charge of young Willson's body and Green and T. C. Willson were taken in the police ambulance to the St. Mary's hospital. T. C. Willson, after receiving first aid, was able to walk around but has been confined to the hospital for several days.
T. C. Willson, wife and baby and Rene Williams and his wife went to Grand Rapids Wednesday. They attended the West Michigan State Fair during the afternoon. The entire party had planned on returning home Thursday evening. Frank Green was entertaining the Willson party during their stay in Grand Rapids.
James Perry Willson was born in Fremont March 29, 1899 and was 19 years, 5 months and 20 days old at the time of his death. During the past six years he has lived on the farm in Dayton township with his parents. Besides his parents he is survived by one sister, Mrs. Jesse Davis and one brother, T. C. Willson , both of Fremont. His many friends will remember him as being kind, genial, obliging and tender-hearted. He was especially fond of animals.
The funeral services were held from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Davis Monday afternoon conducted by Rev. R. A. Thibos of Fairfield, Ill., formerly pastor of the local Church of Christ. Interment in Maple Grove cemetery.

This is definitely one of those articles where all the gruesome details are included. And while it mentioned the death of former resident Frank Green, this was really all about Perry Willson and his brother, the driver. This article has piqued my interest in the interurban also. I recently learned that my paternal grandfather worked on one and I want to learn more about these. I have seen them mentioned before, usually as running in Michigan between Holland and Grand Rapids, or Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor.
Obviously they were large and heavy enough to be the winner in any collision with an automobile.

Tombstone Tuesday--Metal Stones

2011-02-22T12:36:00.000-05:00

I know I say that a lot of things about cemeteries are my favorite, but I do love metal "stones", or rather the monuments made of zinc.

A prime example is this monument for Andrew A Heath, from Crandell Cemetery. Even though he died in 1876, the stone is crisp and easy to read. None of the detailing has eroded away. Even the corners and edges are still sharp. Usually it is clear to see that the personal information is on a separate plaque that is bolted on to the main monument. But Heath's stone seems to be made in front and back halves, and there is not apparent section bolted on, even though the personalization is on an inset area.

On the Ames stone, for Eliza A. Ames, who died on 22 November 1904, it is clear to see that the section on her life is a separate plaque. The bolts are on each lower corner and on the top. The large name on the base however must be cast with the rest of the marker. This shows another thing I like about zinc monuments. There is virtually no discoloration on this monument.

This is my own zinc monument. Or rather, my family monument. This side has the information for my second greatgrandfather, Jonathan Stiver. Again the personal information is on a separate bolted on plaque.

Nice and clear. And while GGGrandma Maria's information is not on the stone, (she died 8 years later) there are placeholder plaques on the other sides. Why I neglected to take pictures of all three of the other sides, I at least got these two pictures.

Excuse the crazy angle. I swear we were only giddy at finding his stone. On this side the plaque showed a cross with a wreath of flowers draped over it.

And on the back side above the family name a sheaf of wheat was depicted. I notice that the picture above the plaque was different on each of the three sides I have pictured as well.
It is amusing that even on these zinc "stones" the base is molded to look like granite.
Even though they are are not really stone, these monuments have staying power. I do wish there were more of them.

Pardon the Interruption

2011-02-22T10:14:00.000-05:00

I want to apologize to regular readers for the skimpy offering last week. I just noticed that the post for the 17th, accidentally posted on Tuesday the 15th. And then while I was entering the post for the weekend, we lost power here at the library last Thursday. I thought I at least had a draft, but alas, nothing. And that was the end of my work week.
I will try to do better this week

Obituary--Mrs Roseann Jacklin

2011-02-15T11:54:00.000-05:00

Mrs Jacklin is another immigrant to our area, although not from the Netherlands, as so many of our Fremont area people were. She is actually a double immigrant, being born in Ireland, but coming to Newaygo county from Canada with her husband.

From the 6 August 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:

DEATH CLAIMS ANOTHER PIONEER
Mrs. R. Jacklin Passed Away at Her Home on Main Street Tuesday--Lived Here Since 1860
The death of Mrs. Roaseann Jacklin occurred at her home on W. Main St. Tuesday, about noon. Mrs. Jacklin had been seriously ill for three weeks and death was not unexpected.
The deceased was a pioneer of Newaygo county and was the widow of the late Robert Jacklin, who passed away thirteen years ago. She was born in Ireland in 1844 and came to Canada with her parents when seven years of age.
She was married to Robert Jacklin in Toronto, April 2, 1860, and in November of that same year came to Newaygo county, where she has lived since that time.
She was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and was always keenly interested in the growth and prosperity of Fremont.
She is survived by four children: John R. Jacklin, Mrs. Fannie Fuller, Mrs Clara Kellogg and Edward B. Jacklin, and one grandson, Murray Jacklin.
The funeral service will be held this afternoon at 2:-- o'clock from the house and at 2:30 from the Church of Christ. Rev. R. A. Thibos will have charge of the services. The remains will be interred in Maple Grove cemetery.

So much of our residents today owe their presence to the itchy feet of their ancestors. My ancestors came from Ireland, as well as generations in New England. Other branches traveled from Pennsylvania and Indiana. My favorite ancestor, Mary Sitts, was captured by Indians from New York and her family came to Michigan from Canada. Itchy feet all leading them to Michigan.

Tombstone Cemetery--Stone Pictures of Bull Cemetery

2011-02-15T11:16:00.000-05:00

Pictures in stone. One of the things I like about cemeteries is the pictures and ornate carving on the monuments. These stones are all located in Bull Cemetery that was a featured cemetery back in 2009 on this blog. These pictures today are different than those shown then.

This stone startled me when I realized it was a man's stone. Benjamin Dake, died May 23, 1865 at age 74. What startled me about this stone was that it was for a man and not a woman. It has such a graceful shape, with the curved top. And with the flowers etched across the curved top as well as down each side of the stone, it just looked so feminine.

This stone for Betsy E Briggs, who died April 14, 18_2, has a wonderful picture above the name. The lovely weeping willow is so often a symbol of the mourning and sadness. This one has an image of an obelisk-like monument next to the tree. I don't think I've seen an image of a grave marker, on a grave marker. Another striking thing about this stone is that it is still whole! You can see why so many of the old marble stones get broken. This seems so fragile and thin. And did you notice the little stones in the grass near the stone? Sandy thought they could be foot stones, as opposed to head stones. They are in the shape of little stumps of wood.

This stone marking the grave of Benjamin, husband of M. Westbrook has a familiar picture of the hand pointing to heaven. It is in a shield shaped indentation. What caught my eye is the ribbon shape above the finger. When I enlarge the picture, it appears to be letters on the ribbon, but I am unable to decipher them.

Finally this stone for Rudy A Hanger (Ranger? Banger?) who died Feb 6, 1882 at the age of 32 years, 8 months, 6 days. I have rarely seen the image clearly depicted here. The picture of a crown with the star above the finger pointed heavenward is so crisp for a stone of that age.
All these stone are great examples of cemetery art. Simple stones with great pictures as monuments to ordinary lives.

Obituary--Rufus F. Skeels

2011-02-12T15:19:00.002-05:00

It is easy to figure out why this obituary caught my eye. A well-known, local county line road, bordering Oceana and Muskegon counties is named after this gentleman. Now I know why....

From 19 Feb 1914 Fremont Times Indicator.

REP. RUFUS F. SKEELS DIED LAST FRIDAY
Oceana County Representative Was Prominent In Western Michigan Politics for Fifteen Years

The death of Representative Rufus F. Skeels, of Oceana county, occurred last Friday morning in Hart, after a two years' illness from Bright's disease. About two weeks before his death Mr. Skeels' condition became serious and his eyesight was affected.
Mr. Skeels was at one time a resident of Fremont and studied law in the office of the late A. F. Tibbitts. he was admitted to the bar in Newaygo county. He was born on a farm in Oceana county and received his education in the Flint Normal and the Muskegon Commercial colleges, and graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan in 1894.
Mr Skeels was prosecuting attorney of Oceana county for 10 years, quitting that office four years ago. In 1912 he was elected to the state legislature and although a first termer he became a leader of the Progressive element.
He was married in June, 1895, to Bertha Millen, of Oceana county, and besides his wife, three daughters survive him.
The funeral service was held Tuesday from the Congregational church in Hart.

That explains the road's name. And to have accomplished so much, in such a brief time. Only 40 years old at his death, and he spent 14 at least in public service as prosecutor and state legislature. I'm glad to have discovered the story behind Skeels Road.

Obituary--Matthew Mullen

2011-02-09T11:22:00.033-05:00

Mr Mullen, while not one of our Dutch pioneers, was an immigrant, and also like many of the earliest residents a member of the logging community. I love the extra tidbits of city history available in his obituary.

From the 26 September 1918 Fremont TimesIndicator:

MATTHEW MULLEN TAKEN BY DEATH
Has Been Resident of Fremont 42 Years--Built First Brick House Here
Matthew Mullen, one of Fremont's oldest residents, passed away at his home on Sullivan Ave. Wednesday, September 18. He had been in failing health for three years.
Mr. Mullen was the son of Matthew and Mary Mullen and was born in Birmingham, England, Dec. 22, 1838. While a lad in his teens he came to America. He learned the trade of a mason and at the age of 21 was married to Rebecca Killeen of Waterloo, New York. He is survived by Mrs Mullen and three children, John Mullen of Muskegon, Mrs Mary Penrose of Fremont and Rev. Matt Mullen of Hart. Three other children died when young.
Mr. and Mrs. Mullen came to Michigan in 1863, living in Oakland county for two years, then locating on a homestead in Cedar Creek township, Muskegon county. They came to Fremont in May 1876. Mr. Mullen did a great deal of work in Muskegon mills during the lumber days. He was especially successful on mill arches and in his prime made many trips to various parts of the United States and Canada for the purpose of installing mill and factory arches. He build the John Cole house, the first brick house in Fremont. He also built the Joseph Gerber residence, which is being transformed into the Gerber Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday at the Methodist Episcopal church of which he had been a faithful member for 25 years. Rev. J. W. Esveld officiated and interment made in Maple Grove cemetery.

Here is a picture of that home that was the first version of Gerber Memorial Hospital.

What a legacy, to know your family built the first hospital.

Tombstone Tuesday--Down to Earth

2011-02-08T11:09:00.003-05:00

One of the things I find most frustrating about cemeteries are the stones that are flush with ground level. I have several in my family and have often wondered if they were meant to be that way, or if they have simply sunk down.
Of course there are stones you can tell were deliberately placed flush with the surface of the ground. Some are at cemeteries that were abandoned and later restored, and the stones placed flat, often at random.

This stone above is located in Pioneer Cemetery, east of Fremont. It was the first city cemetery and was later abandoned. I profiled this cemetery here.

This stone above is located in the Indian Cemetery, that lies adjacent to Fremont's Maple Grove cemetery. Not many stones remain here and most are broken, or as above, placed flat. Even though only a few stones remain in these cemeteries, they are better remembered than in the old County Farm cemetery.

This cemetery, as long-time readers may recall, had all of the stones set flat and buried under a layer of soil, so that residents of the Medical Care Facility would not be disturbed by the grave stones. Balderdash! I would be more upset by the sight of the disturbed cemetery, than I would be by the markers outside my windows, if I were there.

Then we come to my family. (Sigh.) Great-Great Grandpa is my civil war vet. When I visit his cemetery, I usually have to locate the flag holder and then his stone which is first in a line of five, all flush or even buried. I usually have to clean the grass, leaves and accumulated dirt each time I visit. His stone, his wife, his son and spouse (Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma) and their oldest daughter who died in childbirth, all lay in a row, and usually require digging. The last time I couldn't even find them. I suspect the daughter's son, who would be 90 now, is no longer able to come and clear them as well.

These were my most recent finds, thanks to my genealogy driven aunt. From the paternal side of the family, Great-Grandpa's stone, shown on the left above with Aunt Glenna as well as below, is risen above surface level.

However, Great-Gram's stone is flush. She died nine years later, so I am left to ponder. Was her stone set lower deliberately? Has it just sunk more than his?

I fear that Great Grandma Carri's stone will someday end up like my maternal great-grandparents, requiring a "dig-out' every time I stop by to say howdy.
Good thing cemetery hopping is so much fun.

Obituary--Carl Reynolds

2011-02-05T13:18:00.027-05:00

When our local history room here at the library first started collecting information on members of the military, I was struck by all the deaths of servicemen in 1918 who never even left the shores of the United States, due to the flu and pneumonia. Perhaps at the time, people didn't realize it was such a huge epidemic, but these stories stayed with me. Here is the story of one such soldier.

From the 3 October 1918 Fremont TimesIndicator:

PNEUMONIA ENDS SOLDIER'S LIFE

Death Takes Carl Reynolds From the Service of His Country.---Dies at Great Lakes

This community was greatly shocked and grieved Thursday afternoon when the message came that Carl Reynolds had died with influenza and pneumonia at the Great Lakes Training station after an illness of only a few days.
A telegram came Tuesday saying that he was seriously ill and in Wednesday another wire saying "condition critical." Mr. Reynolds left immediately after the first telegram came but we understand that he was unable to see him after arriving there.
Carl was well known in athletic circles, having won many honors in the county along various lines. His highest ambition, as those of all other noble young men, was to serve his country, for which cause he gave his life.
Only two weeks ago he was home on a ten day furlough and appeared so well and happy that we can hardly realize that he has been called away from us so soon.
The entire community deeply feels the loss of this fine young man and express their sympatny to the family during this their dark hour of bereavement.--Hesperia Union
The young man, who was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Reynolds, was 22 years of age and was home the first part of September to celebrate his birthday. he was one of Newaygo county's finest young men.

I just knew, while reading this, that this had to be another obituary written by Mrs. Robertson. Her name doesn't appear on a byline, and the hometown does not appear in the obituary. But, there near the end, the words stating this was a reprint from the Hesperia Union. And all of Mrs. Robertson's obituaries are from Hesperia, or the Denver/West Dayton area. And of course all her catch phrases are in this obituary: greatly shocked, community deeply feels, noble young man.... And then, after the Fremont paper reprinted it, they still had to add his parents' names and his age. So typically Mrs Robertson.

Obituary--Lafayette Waters

2011-02-03T16:01:00.001-05:00

This obituary chronicles the death of one of our early homesteaders. Before the influx from the Netherlands, our area saw mostly lumberers and farmers. Lafayette Waters was one of these who came to Newaygo county before the Civil War.
From the 15 August 1918 Fremont TimesIndicator:

EARLY SETTLER OF THIS COUNTY PASSES
Lafayette Waters Died at His Home in Sherman Township Last Thursday, Aged 75 Years
Lafayette Waters, one of the earliest settlers of this community, passed away at his home in Sherman Township Thursday, August 8, after a long illness of heart trouble. He was 75 years 5 months and 28 days old.
Mr Waters was the son of Jonas and Lucinda Waters and was born in Warwick County, Ind., February 11, 1843. When ten years of age he went with his father to Minnesota, remaining there only a short time, when they came to St. Joseph County, Mich., where they lived for nearly two years. In the winter of 1855 he came with his father to Newaygo County and settled in Sherman Township where he has since lived. His farm was the Waters homestead. Mr. Waters' mother died while he was still a lad in Indiana. Lafayette, being the oldest of the four motherless children, shared the responsibilities of the family.
COming to Newaygo County when all this section was a wilderness, Mr Waters helped to lumber off the land and clear the country, and saw the wilderness transformed into fertile fields and well kept farms.
On March 16, 1867, he was married to Miss Polly Nichols, and to this union were born six children, one son passing away in childhood, Four sons, James, Myron, Carl and Ceylon and one daughter, Edith, together with thirteen grandchildren, survive. He is also survived by two brothers, Byron and Merrick Waters, and many other relatives.
Mr Waters was a man of splendid qualities. He was always popular, because he was generous and kind hearted, and was every ready to help a friend in need. He was one of the most zealous members of the Grange and one of its officers for many years. He held many offices of trust among them being that of supervisor which he held for many years.
The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon from the Congregational Church, conducted by Rev. F. W. Magdanz. Interment in Maple Grove cemetery.

I can only imagine the change in this land during the time he was in Newaygo county. Coming when it was still lumbering country, and ending with it being farmland and towns. This area grew a lot during his residency here.

Tombstone Tuesday--Stone Pictures

2011-02-01T12:10:00.001-05:00

I'm back in one of my favorite local cemeteries again this week. The cool dark shadyness of Clark Cemetery make it a wonderful place to visit on hot summer days. Ah, not that is a consideration as a sever winter storm is preparing to blow down on us at I type. But still, in summer a great place to visit.
I was struck by the carvings on the stones in some of the photos we have of Clark cemetery.

This one for the Ish family is rugged and massive. Looking rough hewn, but I bet it took a lot of work to make it look so rough and "I don't care." The banner-like smooth area is a great contrast to the rest of the family stone.
But the ones that caught my eye while browsing through the pictures were the stones for children and young adults.

The first one I saw was this double stone for Hattie who died 4 January 1869 and Frankie who died 3 May 1876. Hattie died at the age of 2 years 4 months and either 7 or 17 days. Frankie was only 8 months and 16 days. I had thought that they must have died at the same time, since the marker is a double stone. Perhaps in an epidemic or something. However, they died 7 years apart. The weathering on the stones make the pictures a bit hard to decipher. Frankie's half of the stone depicts a dove flying away. Hattie's is harder to make out. As best as I can make out, it is of a hand clutching a bunch of flowers. Sandy, on the other hand, thinks Hattie's picture looks like a bird descending at an angle.

This next stone is also a double stone. Our Little Lambs is the inscription around the inside of the crest, followed by Joseph and (another name) Stevens. Sandy and I both studied that name. We cannot make it out at all, _____ie is all we can make of it, no matter how we zoom out and in. But the two lambs on top of the stone, with the "Our Little Lambs" is so touching a memorial to the Stevens children.

Susan A, wife of E. J. Budlong died on 15 Feb 1879 and she wasn't a child, but at the age of only 20 years, 2 months, 2 days she was far from childhood. The picture of the hand reaching down to pick the flower in full bloom, is so appropriate here.

Finally, I had to share this picture of several stones in a rather overgrown plot. I cannot read any of the information on the stones but the light one on the right side caught my eye. Around the edge is a lovely rope like border. And in the oval again is a picture of a little lamb.
Stones like these make me wish to know the stories behind the stones, so they will be remembered as more than just a marker.

Obituary--Ellis Page

2011-01-28T13:16:00.010-05:00

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.

Obituary--John Harwood

2011-01-26T14:14:00.000-05:00

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.

Tombstone Tuesday--George ?

2011-01-25T11:15:00.000-05:00

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.

Obituary--Chas. (Charles?) Bitgood

2011-01-22T13:36:00.026-05:00

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.

Obituary--Mrs. William Ross

2011-01-20T12:44:00.012-05:00

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!!

Obituary--Mrs George W. Fitzsimmons

2011-01-19T15:29:00.000-05:00

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.

Tombestone Tuesday--The Hagen side

2011-01-18T12:22:00.000-05:00

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.

Obituary--George Overly

2011-01-15T06:40:00.034-05:00

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.

Obituary--Charles M. Perkins

2011-01-13T12:01:00.060-05:00

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.

Tombstone Tuesday--Walsworth Discovered.

2011-01-11T11:56:00.000-05:00

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.

Obituary--Harry B. Markle

2011-01-08T14:24:00.048-05:00

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.

Obituary--Mary Ann Mayo

2011-01-06T10:56:00.034-05:00

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.

Tombstone Tuesday--Copemish Cemetery

2011-01-04T10:48:00.000-05:00

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.

Obituary--Frank P. Hopper

2011-01-02T13:55:00.029-05:00

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.

Bite-sized Obituaries--Bullman, Mack, Smith, Carpenter, Dake, Carpenter, Rarick, Morrison

2010-12-30T14:10:00.017-05:00

I am often touched (and I must admit frequently amused) by the brevity and bluntness of some death notices in the local papers. They are often the only mention of a death. Sometimes, in the case of two of the names given here, there is also another paragraph in another community column. One even has a full size obituary. But these bite-sized at least pay homage to a life lived and not forgotten.
These are all from the community/gossip columns of the June 4 1914 and June 11 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator.

First the June 4th notices:

1--John Bulman, of Woodville died last Saturday morning from a stroke of apoplexy. The I. O. O. F. of this place attended the funeral which was held Tuesday.

2--The funeral of Amos Mack was held at the W. M. church Monday afternoon.

This was accompanied in another column by this notice:

Amos Mack died at Mercy hospital in Big Rapids last Saturday after an abdominal operation. Mr. Mack had been in poor health of late and sought relief by means of an operation. He was 45 years of age and was neer married. The funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Dayton Center Wesleyan Methodist church and were conducted by Rev. C. F. Grim, pastor of the church. The body was buried in the Jewel cemetery.

3--Ed Smith passed away last Friday in the Muskegon hospital. The funeral was held Tuesday at the Bridgeton schoolhouse.

Providing further information is this notice.

Ed Smith, for a number of years a resident of Bridgeton, passed away from this life Friday morning, after an unsuccessful operation at Hackley hospital in Muskegon. He had been working in Muskegon until ill health overtook him when he went to the hospital for the operation from which he never recovered. The funeral was held Tuesday from the Creek schoolhouse. Interment in the Bridgeton cemetery.

4.--The funeral services of Gerald H. Strovenjans, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Gert Strovenjans, were held Saturday afternoon at the home in Dayton. Rev. W. Van Westenberg of Grand Rapids officiated.

5--The death of Beatrice Dake, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs Almond Dake, occurred Saturday morning. The funeral services were held from the home sunday afternoon and were in the charge of Rev. R. A. Thibos.

6--The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carpenter died June 2nd. Burial was in the Holton cemetery.

7--Geo. Morrison, formerly of Greenwood, died at Shingleton. The body was brought to Holton. Services were held at Holton Saturday afternoon and burial in the Holton Cemetery.

8--Mrs. Rarick, who has been in Holland taking treatments, was brought home dead Tuesday night. The funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Tyndall school house.

It was this last one, with its stark bluntness that first brought a chuckle to me, and then made me pause. It was a full week later that the following obituary appeared.

MRS JOHN RARICK
Nancy J Van Scoder was born in Hancock county, Ohio, March 26, 1859. At the age of 14 she moved with her parents to Michigan.
She was married to Simon Tharp July 19, 2874, and to this union eight children were born, three having preceded their mother. On December 11, 1889, her husband passed away leaving her to care for her family. March 31, 1907 she was united in marriage to John Rarick, since which time she has made her home in Brunswick. About two weeks ago she was taken to Holland to the home of her daughter for special medical treatment. On Monday, June 8, she passed away at the age of 55 years, three months and 13 days.
She leaves her husband, three daughters, namely, Mrs Ettie Keirstead, of Greenwood; Mrs Maggie Horn and Mrrs. Stella Dare, both of Holland, two sons, Fred, of Bangor, and Aaron, of Holland; two sisters, Mrs Margaret Millard, of Fremont, and Mrs. Emma Lemmon, of Illinois; and two brothers who reside in Oklahoma.
The remains were brought to Brunswick last week Tuesday evening and the funeral services were held at the Tyndall schoolhouse Wednesday, conducted by Rev. R. A. Thibos. Burial took place in the Evans cemetery.

The first notice, as is the case with most give no dates, merely stating the day of the week death occurred. This second definitely is richer in details. The fact that so many of these early obituary and one line death notices only give a week day for the death date can be confusing. Is the writer of the column stating the date when he or she wrote it? Or are they considering the publication date of the paper when they write. For example, I often wonder about when the notice says "died Saturday". If the writer had a Sunday deadline to get the article to the paper, did they change their wording if it was turned in late? Or if it says Tuesday, and the paper came out on Thursday, how up to date is the death information. The lack of precise dates is so frustrating.
Although, a leeway of a week or two is better than no death information at all I guess.

Tombstone Tuesday--Alton Cemetery--More Family

2010-12-28T10:49:00.001-05:00

I love going cemetery hopping with my crazy Aunt Glenna. She and another cousin had pretty much researched my dad's side of the family back to colonial times. We have visited my mothers family stones up north, and previously her and Dad's family cemeteries to the south.
Back in late summer of 2006, a few months before my dad died, he and his younger and older sisters and I went once more to make the rounds of his family cemeteries in Kent county. By this time my dad was unable to get out of the car much, so he sat the car as his old sister, Aunt Glenna and I roamed and pointed out the stones.

One of my favorite family cemeteries was Alton Cemetery, in Vergennes township, Kent county, Michigan. Many of the names that are sprinkled through the 1800's section of my family tree are found here: Aldrich, Barto, Allen, Condon, Ford.

An old church sits in one corner of the cemetery. From near there is this view of the cemetery. There is a great variety of stones here in Alton cemetery. You can see the tall white marble, some more ornately carved stones, simple slabs, and on the left one of those wonderful white zinc stones that stand up so well to the elements.

This stone is for Edna Barto Ford on my grandfather's side of the family. I believe her husband Warren Ford is also here. This was the second connection in my family of the Ford family. Earlier, the Ford family had married into the Cross line on my grandmother's side. This is the source of my great family mystery that drives me crazy. If, as a child, my grandmother remembers Gerald Ford at Ford family reunions, why can't I find a connection to his adopted family? The fact that my grandmother's divorced mother later married my grandfather's widowed father only serve to complicate matters. But isn't that what makes genealogy so much fun?

Also to be found here are the parents of Edna Barto. This stone has faded since the first time Aunt Glenna remembers it, so I tried to capture the inscription. This side is for Fanny (Frances) Clark Barto, and on the next side is her husband Barlo. Of all the unusual names I have in my family, my favorite is Barlo Barto.

Here is a picture of him in livelier times.
Finally are the stones of my great-grandparents, the stones Aunt Glenna was studying in the first picture. Grandpa's Dad, and

Grandma's mother.

Resting peacefully together in Alton cemetery.

Obituary--Mrs Grace Hoeker

2010-12-26T08:31:00.027-05:00

While many of our old time residents were born in the Netherlands, this woman was born in Germany. And unfortunately she had a difficult life, resulting in commitment to the state mental hospital. This hospital was active for many years before being phased out. It seems that she lived her last years in this hospital.
From the 26 February 1914 Fremont Times Indicator;

MRS. GRACE HOEKER

Mrs Grace Hoeker was born in Nordhorn, Germany, January 4, 1870 and died in the state hospital at Traverse City, February 13, 1914, after an illness extending over a period of about three weeks.
Mrs. Hoeker when quite young came to this country in 1882 with her parents, who settled on a farm a few miles southeast of this city, and lived with her parents most of the time until her marriage with Jacob Hoeker, which took place in Grand Rapids, October 3, 1901. About four years ago symptoms of a nervous and mental breakdown began to appear and it was thought best to remove her to the state hospital. However, her recovery, which was hopefully looked for, never occurred, and she passed away in Traverse City, Friday, Feb. 3.
The remains were brought to Fremont Monday, Feb 16, and the funeral held from the Reformed church Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Oosterhof officiating in a very impressive service.
Mrs. Hoeker is survived by her husband, who lives in Muskegon, her mother, Mrs. G. Sandschulten, one sister, Mrs Henry Burns, and one brother, Herman. To the sorrowing ones the heart of the community goes out in sincerest sympathy. The interment was in Oakwood cemetery, in Muskegon.

Obituary--Mrs. John Engles

2010-12-23T12:15:00.002-05:00

This obituary is an example of those I find so infuriating. Great details: birth and death dates, marriage and family details. But where is her name? It drives me crazy when a woman's first name is omitted.
Anyway, from the 12 March 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:

MRS. JOHN ENGLES HEART DISEASE VICTIM
Death Came Suddenly at Her Home Last Thursday Before Medical Aid Could be Secured
The death of Mrs. John Engles occurred very suddenly last Thursday night, at her home in the Donahue district, five miles north of this city. The cause of death was heart failure. The deceased would have been 49 years old the 16th of this month.
Mrs. Engles, though in poor health of late, was not in a serious condition. Last thursday evening she visited her neighbors and retired about 10 o'clock. Feeling ill she got up and sat in a chair, where she expired before medical aid could reach her.
She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sherman and was born in Watertown, Clinton county March 16, 1865. She was married to John Engles in Wacausta, Mich., February 18, 1888, and to this union two sons were born, namely, Theron Engles, of Detroit, and Dan Engles, who lives on the Kimbell farm. Mrrs. Engles lived on the farm where she died for the past 17 years.
Besides her husband and two sons she is survived by four brothers as follows: Alonzo Sherman, of Denver, Mich.; John Sherman, of Dayton; and Will and Colonel Sherman, who reside in California, and one sister, Mrs Nan Lewis of Seattle, Wash.
Mrs Engles was a woman of splendid qualities a good wife and mother and a good neibhbor. She was always active in neighborhod social affairs and one who could be depended upon when real service was necessary. She had a wide circle of friends to whom her passing will be a genuine loss.
The funeral services were held at the home Monday at 11 o'clock and were in charge of Rev. J. F. Bowerman of the Methodist church. The body was laid at rest in Maple Grove cemetery.
Those attending the funeral from out-of-town were: Lella Grant, of Grand Rapids; Mrs. Merriman of Big Rapids; and Theron Engles, of Detroit.

See what I mean about the details? It could almost have been written my old favorite--Mrs. Robertson. Although this was on the extreme edge of the range she usually covered, many details are similar to her obituary writing style.
If only we knew her name!

Tombstone Tuesday--Anscomb Cemetery

2010-12-21T11:47:00.000-05:00

One of the things I enjoy about doing these little posts is what I learn about the cemeteries as I research the background of each cemetery. In this case, the I learned the the main name for the cemetery we call Anscomb is actually Chidester, after one of the families buried there. The Anscombs are there too, justifying that name. But it also has an alternate name of Indian cemetery. Oldtimers however insist the Indian cemetery is nearby. And although hard to find, with some dowsing/witching wands, as well as walking the area, the location of that cemetery was found. Both grave depressions in the ground and the wands confirmed another location of the Indian cemetery a short ways away. Anscomb is the name I have used in the past, and will use today.
Anscomb cemetery is a fairly decent sized cemetery in Muskegon county, just a few miles south of Newaygo county. EXTREMELY difficult to find, nonetheless, Sandy, another co-worker Lois, and myself set out to find it a few years ago.

A few years before we visited Anscomb, other local cemetery buffs had located the cemetery and found it covered with casings and shells. The cemetery was located near a local hunt club shooting range. Apparently these were from stray shots, or perhaps deliberate shooting at the cemetery. Those visitors, however, had spent some time raking them up, and when we arrived, the grass was trim, and some graves, as you can see here even had some silk flowers. The stones were very difficult to read, although considering the treatment, the stone with its drapery is still in good condition.

In the original of this shot of the same stone shown previously, you can make out that the stone was split into two pieces, just above the plaque portion above the base. The two sections are pieced together, so someone has taken the time to repair them. At this time, I cannot tell if the name is Abscomb on this stone, but the death date is 1895.

Another stone that is difficult to read. I cannot read the name across the top, but it appears to say daughter of Allen & _________ Anscomb. A small stone, with flowers still growing nearby.

This was one of the newest stones found there. I will take a wild guess that this may be the parents, or at least the father of the child resting near the previous stone. Allen Anscomb 1861 to 1948 and Maggie Anscomb 1862 to 1936.
The most glorious part of the cemetery, I have left for last.

Such a beautiful bordered plot. The wrought iron border is unlike any I have seen in any of our other local cemeteries.

Sandy and Lois were fascinated by it as well. But the latch was well rusted and the gate would not open at that time. No trimming or pruning here, Lois.

Inside the ferns and flowers flourish, as Aura and others rest secure behind the walls.

Obituary--Henry C. Coy

2010-12-18T12:42:00.001-05:00

This obituary is just a simple, and very typical one. Nothing flowery, nothing gruesome. But it is chock full of good information that any genealogist would want to find on their ancestor.

From the 2 October 1913 Fremont TimesIndicator:

FORMER FREMONTER DIES IN GRAND RAPIDS
Old Resident Passes Away at the Home of His Daughter, Sunday, September 21st, Aged 88 years
Henry C. Coy, who was a resident of Fremont from 1867 until 1886, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Levi W. Waterman, 2 Travis street, N.E., Grand Rapids, Sunday morning, September 21st. He was 88 years of age.
Mr. Coy was born near Montpelier, Vt., May 7, 1825, and when a small boy moved with his parents to Indiana. He came to Fremont from Hillsdale in 1867 and the following year married Ellen A. Tanner. To them five children were born. He build and with his family occupied the first frame house in Fremont. In 1886 they moved to a farm 1 1/2 miles northwest of Hesperia where they lived until about three years ago when Mr. and Mrs. Coy went to Grand Rapids to make their home with their children.
The funeral services were held last week Tuesday in Grand Rapids and were conducted by Rev. R. M. Scott, pastor of the Berean Baptist church.

Not often back then was an obituary so complete with birth date, and even marriage year. A treasure indeed for anyone who may be researching this family. I only wish my ancestors were so detailed in their obituaries.

Obituary--Mrs. H. W. (Luella) Crawford

2010-12-16T09:14:00.048-05:00

This is another obituary of an area pioneer. The obituary of her husband Holly W. Crawford was posted here this past June. As I mentioned then, I was acquainted, as a child, with one of their sons. And they lived quite near my present home. Mrs. Crawford's passing was noted not only with a brief mention in the community column, but being the wife of a pioneer, she also was given a lengthy obituary. Here are both of them.

From the 9 November 1916 Fremont TimesIndicator.

Mrs. Luella Crawford, widow of the late Holly Crawford passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs Frank Nash, last Tuesday evening. The funeral services were held at Sitka M. E. church and burial took place at the Holton cemetery Friday. Rev. A. R. Elliott officiated.

And the full obituary.

Mrs. H. W. Crawford
Luella Nelson was born in Houghton, Canada, February 16, 1852, and passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Nash, near Sitka, October 31, 1916. She came into Michigan with her parents in 1855, settling in Claybanks township, Oceana county, removing from there with her widowed mother to Newaygo county in 1862, living one-half mile west of the Kempf schoolhouse.
On April 1, 1869, whe was married to Holly W. Crawford and came to live on the farm which has since been her home. coming as she did into the country when it was new, she gave freely of strength and purpose to the up-building of the community, always ready to help in time of sickness or sorrow she has been for many years one of the mainstays of the community. For three years before the death of her husband she was his constant companion and nurse, never leaving him for even one day during that time.
Mr. Crawford passed away three years ago the 9th of this month. Mrs. Crawford spent all of last year with her son, Reuben in California, returning in April, since which time she has visited most of the time with one of her daughters, making her home with her son, George, at the old homestead. Mrs. Crawford's sudden death was a shock to her friends and especially to her family. She was taken ill and died in a very short time, before the doctor or her sons could get to her bedside.
she leaves of her immediate family five sons, Chester, Reuben, Perrin, Guy and George; two daughters, Mrs May Furgeson and Mrs. Lydia Nash; two brothers, Ben Nelson of Seattle Wash., J. E. Nelson, of Manistee and one sister, Mrs. Sarah Oleson, of Holton. Except the son Reuben, and brother, Ben, these were all present at the funeral which was held at Sitka M.E. church, followed by burial at the side of her husband at Holton cemetery. She also leaves 29 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Mrs. Crawford embraced religion in early married life and has remained a consistent christian to the end of her days. She will be greatly missed in the neighborhood where she has so long resided.

Quite a nice write up for a woman, back then. This obit contains lots of her personal history, and very little of her husband's history, which is often the case. Lots of names, dates and places. Hopefully some of her family will someday find it helpful when doing their genealogy.

Tombstone Tuesday--Homemade Stones

2010-12-14T11:04:00.000-05:00

I have previously posted the picture of my paternal grandmother's fathers stone when I posted about Curtice cemetery. I came across it here at the library, when a cemetery buff brought in files of pictures he had taken of many county cemeteries. That is how we obtained the bulk of the pictures we have in our files.

As Sandy was going through the pictures and saving them, she called out to ask I knew a C J Cross, knowing that was a family name. I mulled it over and was ready to say no when I remembered GGrandpa Jesse. And, by golly, there was his stone. I was thrilled. And I think what I enjoyed most was the fact that it was a handmade stone.
I love the stones that have been hand crafted. Maybe its the knitter/spinner/weaver in me. More modern monuments are often made of wood and iron. But there is nothing like cement or stone for a memorial with staying power. Maybe not as long as "store bought" granite, but they still have a nice permanence. As I commented later on Curtice and another north county cemetery, many in the are had stones that appeared to be made of silver painted cement. GGrandpa Jesse's was the only one with hand carved engraving. I wonder if it was because, after divorcing my GGrandma Carrie, many of his children had little to do with him, and funds for a stone may have been tight.

That was the case for my Great Aunt Lyla's stone. Survived only by a step-son who didn't bother putting a stone on her grave, my father crafted this one. The little aluminum plaque is there (left by the funeral home? cemetery?) and is almost easier to read, but Dad made the cement slab and engraved it by embedding little wooden letters into the cement. You can see a bit of the wood still left in the 9 and second 1 of the death date of 1981. Yeah, Dad didn't exactly get the lettering level, but at least its a memorial marker.

This next is not a marker, but rather a form of urn. My maternal grandmother had one for years by the front door. It is what I always called a stone basket. I just love them. The cement form is encrusted with stones around the body and over the handle of the basket. I noticed several of these in the cemetery in Chase Michigan, where many of my mother's family are resting, as well as one or two in Copmish Michigan, where another branch of her mother's family is located.

Now I have no idea who Marilla Ives is. I am not even sure where this picture was taken, although, judging by the surrounding pictures, I suspect it was taken the day my cousin and I went cemetery hopping to all the Gilbert family cemeteries. I think this was from one of the Chester township, Ottawa county, Michigan cemeteries. And, since Marilla is not a relative, I would guess that I just liked this stone and that was why I took the picture. The construction puzzles me. The plaque on top is part of the cement, and is very neatly and evenly engraved. The surrounding stones on the top are more exposed, while the ones around the base look like they were pressed against a mold and the cement poured around them. Is it solid stone/cement all the way through? The top stones could have been added later with cement that formed the top engraving. All in all, a lovely stone.
It really makes me grind my teeth to think that township officials for a local cemetery want to do away with such homemade monuments. Looking at these and thinking of the current ones made from wrought iron, or marine-finished lumber, I feel sad to think that these more unique memorials may become a thing of the past.

Obituaries--Bowman, Schaap, Schreur, and Noble children

2010-12-11T14:06:00.026-05:00

I am often struck by the number of children and young adults whose deaths appear on a all too regular basis in the old papers. In the same paper that first mentioned Grover's death that was in our previous posting, there also appeared the following four notices of deaths. Thankfully it is now rare to see so many young people dying in a single week.

From the 7 August 1913 Fremont TimesIndicator:

1--Mr. and Mrs. Orrie Wilkinson and sons were in Grand Haven lasw week for the funeral of Cornelius Bowman, aged 18, a nephew of Mrs Wilkinson, who was drowned in Grand River while bathing last week Tuesday. the young man was in the river alone at the time of the drowning and his friends on the shore made every effort to save him, but without avail.

2--The nine year old daughter of Rev. J. C. Schaap, of Kalamazoo, who was confined to the hospital in that city because of hemorrhages, died Sunday evening. The funeral services were held yesterday in Kalamazoo and burial took in Grand Rapids.

3--The infant child of Mr. and Mrs Martin Schreur died Tuesday evening. The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon from the Christian Reformed church.

4--Harold Noble, aged 5 years, died Saturday afternoon, after a week's severe illness with scarlet fever. the family are under quarantine, so the burial was private. A few friends gathered in the shade of a tree and Alfred Amos conducted a very impressive service and spoke works of comfort to the sorrowing family. The little body was tenderly laid to rest in the Clark cemetery. The family have the cympathy of the community in their bereavement.

Five deaths, counting that of Grover Schufelt in the last post in one edition of this weekly paper. The oldest (Grover) was 23, the youngest an infant. Thankfully weeks like that are much more rare, even if our community has grown, the mortality rate has declined. Especially for our younger citizens.
I found it exceptionally moving the final notice, with the service held, apparently under a tree, near the family's home. The family was able to hear the service, with the few friends keeping their distance. How sad to be unable to greet the loved ones who came, due to the quarantine. It is hard to imagine today, what those situations must have been like.

Obituary--Grover C. Shufelt

2010-12-09T09:17:00.035-05:00

Grover's obituary is another "two-fer", appearing on week, with just a bit of information, and then the following week with much more information. I came across his notices while updating the new database we have at the library for obituaries. Unfortunately the database requires a birth date, or at least a year. While these notices give age, they do not give the year he was born in, so Grover will not appear on our online database.
If looking for obituaries, even if we don't have a name listed, we can still check our books and microfilm as long as we have a date of death to look under. Don't be discouraged by not finding anything on the database. Many years have not been gleaned from the microfilm yet either. But armed with a death date and a name, we can at least try to look for you.
Anyway, after that plug for our local history room, here are the two death notices for Grover Shufelt.

First from the 7 August 1913 Fremont TimesIndicator:

Grover Shufelt, of Bridgeton township, was drowned in Muskegon river while bathing near Ed Whitman's farm last Sunday afternoon. He swam across the river and attempted to swim back but became exhausted before he reached the shore. He was about 23 years of age.

Just a brief notice, probably just getting in under the paper's deadline. This one is much lengthier version, published a week later. From the 14 August 1913 Fremont TimesIndicator:

Grover C. Shufelt, aged 26 years, was drowned Sunday afternoon, August 3rd, in the Muskegon river, near the farm of Wm. Haire. He was a fine young man and one of Bridgeton's progressive young farmers. Three months ago his father was buried. Mrs. Shufelt has had her share of affliction. He leaves to mourn his untimely death, a mother and two brothers, Alfred and Arthur. the funeral services were held at the Sand Creek school house August 4, and were conducted by Rev. J. W. McLean. the text was the thrid and fourth verses of the third chapter of Collosians. The casket was covered with beautiful flowers, tokens of respect from friends and neighbors. He was carried to his last resting place in the Bridgeton cemetery by six of his young companions.

A little longer, and much more detailed. And changes in details from the first notice. Different age, different farm. I would be more inclined to believe the version in the second, as there was more time to gather facts, but still, you never know and both versions should be checked before recording anything in ink. My favorite part of the second notice was the extra note of sympathy for the mother. Can't you just picture the writer, shaking their head as they wrote that?

Database Update

2010-12-07T12:30:00.000-05:00

I mentioned in the previous post that obituaries were not able to be added without a birth date, or year. I was entering info into the database and discovered, that not only are we able to add years before 1800 (which was also unavailable), but we can also enter obituaries with with no birth information. YEA!
I will try to put ages, when we have them, to help users calculate approximate years, but at least they will be in the database.
Uh, well...... they will be once we get them entered again. There are four shelves, four foot long, bursting with black notebooks all full of information to re-enter. Have some patience, please.

Tombstone Tuesday--Some Family Granite

2010-12-07T10:33:00.001-05:00

A visit today to some of the family granite. This time, it is the stones that drive me crazy.

In a lovely cemetery just north of Newaygo County, lie my Great-, and Great-great-grandparents. The GGgrandpa was the first ancestor that I discovered when I began researching my mothers side of the family. He was a Civil War veteran and according to my uncle, his son (my Great-grandpa) used to call him the Old Gent.

Quite distinguished, huh?
Anyway, the Gilbert stone shown above faces North and arranged behind them are the stones for the Old Gent and his wife, son and his wife, and a grandddaughter. Almost all other large stones in the cemetery face East or West.
Now, you would think that a stone that big would be easy to find, but for some reason, even though this is a fairly small cemetery, on many of my trips here, I search and search, and sometimes still do not find it. Or the individual stones behind it.
These stones give a hint of while the individual stones are hard to find

This picture of Roy's stone, and that of Ada below were taken in 2004. I had come with my cousin and armed with a trowel, we had dug the sod away, exposing the pink granite that had been covered all five of the small stones.

Those picture were taken just 14 months after the pictures shown below. I had no trowel that day in 2003, and the stones were simply cleared as best as I could with no tools.

The sod was encroaching, but the names were visible, if not the edges of the stones.

The stone of their daughter, Myrtle Schermerhorn I barely touched. I knew that there were living descendants of hers, and while I cleaned, I didn't want to disturb too much. You can see here though, that the sod is covering nearly all of the pink polished border.

I would like to add that these stones are the most frustrating of my family. Besides the simple act of trying to find them (and last time I stopped there, I could not find any of my Gilberts, even if close to other family). I hate the fact that they keep getting buried by sod.
And I want to add, my family have all been strictly warned, I want a stone that stands above the surface when I go, Not one of these flush to the ground vanishing stones.
No vanishing stone for me!

Obituary--Benjamin Meyers

2010-12-04T13:00:00.039-05:00

This is one of those obituaries that have the rather explicit details you would never see today, but were oh so common back in the early 1900's. After describing the death, however, the article goes on to give dates and other vital statistics about his life.

From the 24 July 1913 Fremont TimesIndicator:

DRAIN CAVE-IN CLAIMS VICTIM
Benjamin Meyers Meets Instant Death While Laying Tile in Excavation--Was Forty-nine Years Old
This community was shocked last Thursday afternoon by the news of the sudden and untimely death of Benjamin Meyers. Mr. Meyers was laying tile in a drain nine feet deep and two feet wide when the side gave way and literally buried its victim alive. although vigorous efforts were made immediately to exhume the unfortunate man, life was extinct before the body was uncovered.
Harvey Vanderleest, who was assisting Mr. Meyers and working a few feet behind him in the excavation, noticed the impending danger and shouted a warning which Meyers did not have time to heed. A long sharp gash on the head indicated that the victim of the accident attempted to protect himself by shielding himself with his shovel but the impact of the moving earth imbedded the implement in his skull and it is believed by some that this blow caused instant death.
Mr. Meyers had taken the contract to build the drain and was working at the time on the farm of Henry Bowman, five miles northeast of the city.
Mr. Meyers was born in Allegan county, Michigan, December 25, 1864. He was one of a family of nine children, seven of whom survive him. They are Aaron Meyers, of Seattle, Wash.; William and Henry Meyers and Mrs A. Baars, of Fremont; and John, Harm, and Gerrit Meyers, of Holland. His parents and brother, Joe, preceded him.
As a boy Mr. Meyers assisted on his father's farm and remained there until he was 20 years of age. He also worked two years in the bark woods. He has been a resident of Fremont for about 27 years and was always a familiar figure around the DeHaas hotel where he boarded most of the time while in town. He was never married.
Few men of the town will be more missed. Mr. Meyers was always distinguished amont his friends for his rigid honesty and unstinted generosity. No cause of charity ever failed of his support when circumstances permitted him to assist. No friend was ever allowed to want when he could render aid. He was eccentric in many ways but his shortcomings were subordinated to a temperament of generous impulses.
The funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Christian Reformed church and were largely attended. Rev. H. Keegstra, pastor of the church, who conducted the services, spoke in both Holland and English. The body was taken to Holland Monday night for burial in the family lot.
Mr. and Mrs. Baars and son, George, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Meyers and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Meyers and John and Harm Meyers accompanied the body to Holland.

Aside from the graphic description of the accident, this is a rather charming obituary. The description of his life and character makes me think he is someone I would have liked to meet. I love when an obituary gives you a taste of the personality, and not must bare facts.

Obituary--Adrian VanZomeren

2010-12-02T14:53:00.043-05:00

It is after reading obituaries like this that I wonder if our local newspapers colored by the heavy Dutch influence as reflected in the many Reformed and Christian Reformed church in the area. Or were obituaries like this common in all papers in the early 20th century?

From the 19 September 1912 Fremont TimesIndicator:

Adrian VanZomeren
After an illness of eight months, Mr. A. VanZomeren passed out of this world at 7:30 o'clock on Thursday evening, September 12, 1912, into the eternal rest that remaineth for the children of God. The deceased had reached the age of 70 years, 4 months and 18 days.
He was born in the Netherlands and shortly after his marriage to Miss Gertrude Den Nyle, immigrated to Kalamazoo, Michigan. From there the family moved to Martin, Allegan county, from where 32 years ago they came to Fremont where they have lived ever more. At first they lived on a farm north of the city until 20 years ago when Mr. VanZomeren retired from active work and took up his residence in the city. His life, both in the Netherlands and here, had been one of hard work and the rest which he never enjoyed was well deserved.
Early in life the departed confessed his faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour, and became a member of the church. This institution was always dear to his heart. For 29 years he served the reformed church as elder and always gladly gave time and talents to promote is welfare. In the religious as well as in the physical, his life was a life of work. With the Master he felt that "We must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day, ere the night cometh when no man can work."
The deceased is survived by four brothers, a widow and eight children, Diek, Henry, Herbert, Leonard, Mrs. Peter Oosting and Mrs. C. Rottier of Fremont' William of Grand Rapids, and Rev. John Van Zomerman, of Cleveland, Ohio, who all deeply mourn their loss.
The funeral, which was attended by a host of friends, was held Monday afternoon at one o'clock from the home and 2 o'clock from the Reformed church. The services were in charge of Rev. A. Oosterhoff, who spoke in English and Holland. The texts of the Scripture were Rom. 6, 8-10, Jno 9, 14. Interment was in Maple Grove cemetery.

I have seen many obituaries from the Hesperia Union, the other old area newspaper that we often get copies donated to us. While many of them, especially those written by Mrs Robertson, were flowery and talked about the character of the deceased, only in the TimesIndicator, (and with Fremont deaths), does there seem to have been such emphasis given to their faith and church life.

Tombstone Tuesday--Clark's Pink Granite

2010-11-30T11:43:00.000-05:00

Well, I warned you that I was going to be searching for a theme, since I had run out of Newaygo County cemeteries. I will probably be having a jumble of assorted pictures from in and out of the county, some family, and some not. But this week, the focus is some of the pink granite in Clark Cemetery.

Perhaps it is naive of me, but I always think of granite, especially pink granite as being a more modern material for use in grave stones. These stones all impressed me because, while being made of pink granite, for the most part, they also either are older stones, or replacements modeled after older stones. The above picture is to far away to read the dates on the stone, or even names so I can look it up in our transcript of the cemetery. However, it is rather tall, and massive, appearing to be a couple fee across and at least a foot thick. I can make out there in addition to the decorative carving along the top, that there is also several lines of inscriptions. Not a typical modern stone. But as I mentioned, perhaps a replacement.

This stone is for George O. Mena, son of Samuel and Jean Mena and died in 18 September 1889, at just over the age of 20 years. I am unable to determine if his is the only name on the stone, but on the right side, you can just make out that it appears shiny and unblemished. If this was erected my his parents, then it must be a older stone. But the carving is so crisp and clean, it makes me wonder if this is just due to the durability of granite.

Here is another heavy obelisk style. Very thick, very massive. Notice that the urn on top is still in good shape. It also has the drapery over the back of the urn. And again, the granite holds up well and the carving appears crisp, as near as you can tell from a distance. Notice the other big stone, just a bit down the lane. It is also pink granite, and you can barely make out from the edge that is is fashioned like a log on top, held up by a stump on this side, and presumably another on the far side.

These three nearly identical sit under a large maple tree. The grass is thin in these areas, and they are a bit stained. But, pink granite all the same. These do show their age a bit more, perhaps just from the discoloring though. The middle stone, for Henry L Becker appears to show a death date of 1888, but our transcript says his reads 1870 to 1897. The nearer stone for Isabelle M. Becker is dated 1867 to 1957 according to our transcript. And the farthest stone for Isabelle (without an M.) is dated 1840 to 1936. I wonder if these are all from the 1930's or 50's, since they are so much alike with the same scroll effect on the top.

This last stone is the family monument for the Skeels family. The road named for their family ends just across the nearby intersection, on the boundary between Muskegon and Oceana counties. One of my family stones is shaped similarly to this one with its stacked logs, although, typical of my family, ours has nothing is engraved on the large flat area of the scroll. This has very clear engraving, and even the palm fronds are crisp. I am fairly sure that this is a later addition to the family plot. This same area has individual stones for Flora daughter of R. W. and L. Skeels, who died 21 June 1968, as well as one for Myrtie M Skeels, whose stone is dated 6 October 1882 to 12 August 1883. The military flag and only other stone visible in this picture is apparently for Rufus W Skeels (father of Flora?). Our transcript has the dates of 9 August 1836 to 1 July 1907, with a handwritten addition of Co. H, 3rd Michigan Infantry.
Pink granite was the stone of choice for my mother (who loved everything pink.) and was also used for my great- and great-great-grandparents. Maybe I'll move on to those next week.

Obituary--George Wheeler Packard

2010-11-27T09:45:00.017-05:00

Oops, I almost posted a repeat obit.
So after scrambling around I found this one of an "aged pioneer" that hadn't yet been posted.

From the 23 January 1913 Fremont TimesIndicator

AGED PIONEER PASSED AWAY LAST THURSDAY
George W. Packard Died at the Age of 82 Years--Had Been a Resident of Newaygo COunty Since 1866

George Wheeler Packard, an old resident of this community, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E. E. Vannoy, in the northwest part of this city, Jan. 16 at the advanced age of 82 years.
Mr Packard was born in New York state, October 15, 1831. When ten years old he moved with his parents to Ohio, then the far distance west, much of the way through virgin forests and thence to Wayne county in this state. When 21 years of age he migrated to Hillsdale county, making the journey from Wayne county on foot.
In 1866 he came with his young wife to Newaygo county, having been advised to do so by physicians, by home he was thought to have contracted consumption. He her purchased 160 acres of uncleared land, which he proceeded at once to turn into fields of growing grain, on which he built himself a home.
He was married in Litchfield, Hillsdale county to Mary Waldo, who died in the faith of the Christian 26 years ago, since which time Mr. Packard has found his richest companionships with his children, who loved him tenderly to the end, even more than men and women with families of their own are want to do with a parent, four of whom were present to minister to his comfort during his last illness, and three of whom were at his bedside when the end came. Never being of robust health, he was the constant object of solicitude to his family, and they never wavered in their devotion to him. He is survived by six daughters and one son: Carrie E. Woirrol, Ravenna; Dora A. Hardy, Holland; Lilie A. DeBow, Washington; Mertie E. Parker, Dayton;Anna A. Vannoy, Fremont; and Hubert E. pastor of the Free Methodist church at Woodville. As also by two brothers, Otis, Toledo, Ohio; and Stary, Baldwin, Mich.
Mr Packard was converted when 18 years of age, and upon moving to Fremont, united with the Methodist church at this place, being at the time of his death the oldest member of the church. A memorial window in the church bearing his name and that of his wife testifies the interest he maintained in the church of his choice. He was a faithful and constant christian, loved by all who knew him, for he, like his Master, was "harmless and undefiled." He early cultivated an even and loving temperment, which did not forsake him, when "feebleness extreme" incident to old age advanced.
In the enjoyment of consciousness to the last, supported by promises of the Scripture, which he quoted, and exhorting others to seek and find the same footsteps he had found, he closed his eyes to the world scenes to open them in glory.
The funeral took place from the Methodist church at 2 p.m., Saturday, Rev. W. J. Cross officiating. The body was interred in Maple Grove cemetery.

As so typical of the time, much is made of his faith and church life. One thing I find rather interesting is that his physicians would send him to what was then a forested, and rather swampy land of virgin timber and cold damp winters, to help cure his consumption. But then, he did manage to survive 47 years after coming to this part of the state, so maybe hard work helped him.

Obituary--George O. Baker

2010-11-24T13:49:00.017-05:00

This obituary caught my eye as it demonstrates both the graphicness of reporting in earlier newspapers, as well as the attitude of invincibility that is still so present in young adults today. (As the mother of 2 twenty-somethings, I feel I have the right to attest to that fact.) While I checked my spreadsheet to make sure I hadn't posted this obituary before, I noticed the only other Baker noted had the same name as George's father. Sure enough, on 4 January 2010, the obituary of David Baker was posted. At that time it was of note as the fathers passing left only 12 members of the GAR still in the community. This obituary is just an example of how quickly a friendly outing can turn tragic.

From the 15 October 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:

GEO. O. BAKER VICTIM OF ACCIDENTAL SHOT
Tragedy is Climax of Sunday Outing Near Grand Haven--Was Son of David Baker
A tragedy, which cost the life of George O. Baker, 350 Pine avenue NW served as the shocking climax to a Sunday outing taken by a party of local young men to Grand Haven Sunday. Charles Nagel, 360 Grandville Avenue, SW, a long time friend of the victim, fired the fatal shot from a 22-calibre rifle. Standing in a launch, he was shooting at a turtle, when Nagel shifted his position just enough to come within range and the bullet plowed its way through his neck, lodging in the brain. Death was almost instantaneous.
John DeKruif, drug store proprieter, 855 Caulfield Avenue, SW; Albert C. Nagel, 219 Wealthy Street, SW; James De Loof, 1501 Lake Drive SE; and the two principals in the shooting comprised a party Sunday that left for Spring Lake to return with a launch by way of Grand River. Albert C. Nagel had taken along his little rifle. The men had expressed a desire to shoot turtles on the return trip and just previous to the accident Charles Nagel had killed one turtle and was shooting at a second.
Shot at Turtle
According to James De Loof the marksman had shot once at a turtle basking on a log and had missed. For this he received the laughs of his comrades. "I'll get him this time," Nagel said as he took careful aim. The launch was proceeding up the river rapidly and this lengthened the distance between marksman and turtle every moment. Every one in the launch craned his neck to see what success Nagel would have. Maker, seated in the rear of the boat, apparently was in a cramped position and desired to shift about just as Nagel pulled the trigger, De Loof states. Baker arose and his head came into range as Nagel fired.
The party steered to shore and notified a physician. Baker was dead ten minutes after the shooting, however and the Grand Haven coroner was later notified. The body was removed to the J.J. Boer morgue at Grand Haven. The accident took place at a point near Robinson resort about ten miles from Grand Haven.
Were Lifelong Friends.
Baker was employed as an engineer for the Pere Maarquette railroad. He was a member of the Elks and of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, holding membership in the local division, No. 286. He is survived by the widow and two daughters, who had accompanied him to Grand Haven Junction Sunday on their way to Muskegon. It was there that they were told of Baker's death.
Nagel feels the death of his friend very keenly and cannot be consoled. Since boyhood he and Baker had chummed together and an extremely close bond of friendship exists between them. Grand Rapids Press.
George Baker was the son of Mr. and Mrs David baker of this city and formerly resided here. Mr and Mrs Baker went to Grand Rapids Monday to attend the funeral which will be held today in Grand Rapids.

I had suspected that the article had been reprinted from a Grand Rapids paper, since all of the addresses given were from Grand Rapids. Such a sad story. However one other thing about this article is that no age was given, nor date of birth. This is one of the many obituaries that, as we update our new database of obituaries, we will not be able to include. At least until we can make the birth date optional. Hopefully this will be changed soon and we can have our online obituary database working again.

Tombstone Tuesday--Woodville Cemetery

2010-11-23T15:18:00.000-05:00

This week, our focus is the last remaining cemetery of Newaygo County, Woodville Cemetery. Located, appropriately enough in the small community of Woodville, near the township line.

One of our lovely rural cemeteries, it appears very roomy. with a mixture of both new and older stones. The earliest grave listed in our transcript is from 1895--P. Johnson. Many though are from the 1910's and through current times. I found the above bench/urn combination rather unusual. And from this view, I am unable to see if there is a regular memorial stone, of if the name and dates are carved onto the seat or somethings. Very unique.

Woodville also has its share of smaller, more modest monuments. I don't know if there is also a stone coming for Basil, or if these are the only markers for his grave. Perhaps why that is why the cemetery looks so open, if others had wooden grave markers that may have since vanished.

I always remember riding through Woodville, when I was very young, that the rolling steep hills made me think they were buried dinosaurs, long ridges that made me think of a reclining brontosaurus. Ok, so maybe my sense of size and natural history were flawed, at least back then, but you can see in the above picture a bit of the rolling land of the "dinosaur hills" found there. also notice the variety stones, and the cement border, although it does appear to be more of a retaining wall in this circumstance.

This shot is apparently of the newer area of the cemetery. Most of these stones, even in the background seem to be more modern granite with none of the carved limestone monuments visible.

I mentioned that P. Johnson was the oldest grave in our transcript. Here is the stone for this person. It doesn't state if "P" was male or female, but born on 4 July 1846 and died 16 September 1895. The picture engraved on the top seems to be a flower of some kind, perhaps a rose. I am not up to snuff on symbology, so I don't want to hazard a guess.

This is an unusual marker, the block in the background I mean. A nice square chunk of marble or limestone with a large block B on it. And nothing else. Is that separate from the cross that is covered in flowers, or part of the same grave. I'm confused and full of questions.

Here is another shot across the cemetery. It appears that this is looking at the back of many of the stones. The upright one just past the drive in the foreground appears to have a military plaque visible from this side.

One final wide angle view of the cemetery. This appears to be the back section, since the driveway curves here. But also I notice that all the graves around this area seem to be older ones. So rather than older, perhaps this is just off to one side. Hmmmmm.
As I said, this is the last of our Newaygo county cemeteries. Next Tuesday, I will have to start on a new topic for Tombstone Tuesday. Maybe some of my family stones, some of which lay just outside the county. Maybe just some other cemeteries. Maybe some nifty stones I've seen here or there.
I guess you and I will just have to wait and just see where the Diva's land.

Obituary--Mrs, Cody (Etta) Maxson

2010-11-19T22:18:00.044-05:00

I've mentioned before how sometimes a person will have a regular obituary, plus get mentioned in one or two different community gossip columns. This is one such case. It probably helped in this case that she apparently died over a week before the paper came out, probably just missing the deadline. That way everyone had time to get the details and write it up for the next paper.

All from the 7 May 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:

First the regular obituary.
Mrs. Cody Maxson
Mrs. Cody Maxson died at her home five miles south of this city Tuesday, April 28, after a few days illness from pneumonia. She was 32 years of age.
Mrs Maxson, whose maiden name was Etta Manning, was born in the state of New York April 9, 1882, and moved with her parents to Coldwater Mich., in early childhood. She made that city her home until January 14, 1909, when she married Cody Maxson. Since that time Mr. and Mrs. Maxson have made their home on their farm south of Fremont.
Four children were born to them, three of whom died in infancy. The surviving child, Kenneth, three years old, has been taken to Coldwater to make his home with his grandmother, Mrs. Charles Maxson.
Besides the husband and son, Kenneth, the deceased is survived by one sister, Mrs. Emma Kent of Jackson, and two brothers, Wm. Manning, and Dorsey Manning, both of Detroit.
The funeral services were held last Thursday afternoon from the Schenck schoolhouse, conducted by Rev. R. W. Paul, pastor of the Congregational church. Interment in Bridgeton cemetery.
Those attending the funeral from out of town were Mrs. Emma Kent, of Jackson; Wm. and Dorsey Manning of Detroit; and Mrs. Chas. Maxson of Coldwater.

So much for the official obituary. Here is one of the community notices about her death.

Mrs. Cody Maxson, who was ill for a short time with pneumonia, passed away at her home five miles south of Fremont Tuesday morning, April 29. Her name before her marriage to Mr Maxson, was Etta Manning. She was the mother of four children, three of whom died in infancy. She is survived by her husband, a son three years old, two brothers and one sister. she was a kind mother and a good neighbor. The funeral services were held at the Schenck schoolhouse Thursday, conducted by Rev. Paul, of Fremont. The body was laid to rest in the Bridgeton cemetery.

Pretty much the same information, except this one says that Tuesday was the 29th, and the first one says the 28th. Here is the final notice.

The funeral of Mrs Cody Maxon who passed away at her home in South Sheridan, was held from the Schenck schoolhouse last Thursday, Rev. Paul officiating. She was laid to rest in the Bridgeton cemetery beside her three babies. She leaves to mourn a husband, little son, one sister, and two brothers. Her casket was laden with beautiful flowers, a tribute from sorrowing friends and relatives.

I get the feeling that this last one was written by a sympathetic friend, even if they did misspell the name. The flowers, the mention of her three babies, it all has a touch of someone close to her. And it is just a little different angle. Those community gossip columns can sometimes give extra flavor to a cut and dried death notice.

Obituary--MIner Vanderheide

2010-11-18T09:37:00.052-05:00

One of the rather explicit obituaries so common in the earlier years of the local papers. It has plenty of details plus local color. It not only gives the details of his death, but also included are hints of the size of the town, compared to today, and some of the businesses at this time. What it doesn't give are many personal details of his life, like birth date, and where he was born.

From the 29 April, Fremont Times Indicator:

RUNAWAY ACCIDENT RESULTS IN DEATH
Miner Vanderheide Meets Untimely End When Horses Become Frightened By Paper in Street
Miner Vanderheide, age 32 was thrown from his wagon and instantly killed, the result of a runaway accident which occurred in the west part of the city Monday afternoon.
Mr. Vanderheide was going to the warehouse of the Co-operative Produce Co. with several cases of eggs and had reached the P. M. tracks when his team became frightened by a piece of paper in the street. As the horses plunged forward the tongue of the wagon dropped and the animals became uncontrollable and ran toward the building of the produce company, where the wagon struck the platform. The team then turned toward the street, the wagon striking a telephone pole, throwing the driver headlong over the front of the wagon with terrific force and killing him instantly. It was evident from the marks on the body that the wagon ran over the head and neck of the unfortunate man.
The body was removed to the undertaking rooms of Scott and Crandell and was taken to the home Monday evening.
Mr. Vanderheide was unmarried and lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Vanderheide, three miles south and a half mile west of the city. He was the only child
The young man was one of the progressive farmers of this community and had a large number of friends who will mourn his untimely death.
The funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the First Christian Reformed church.

The strange thing was that as I read this obituary, I could picture the exact location, and see the exact buildings. The Co-op is still there--even the platform.

And so are the tracks, busy today with box cars being loaded with shelled corn from the Co-op. While they no longer handle eggs there, it is still a striving business. So too is the now renamed Crandell Funeral Home, although that was moved west of town a few years ago. Life in a small town, some things change a lot, and other things change very little.

Tombstone Tuesday--White Cloud Cemetery--Up Close

2010-11-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

This week we look closer at White Cloud Cemetery. While it is active cemetery, with both old and new stones, as always, it is the older ones that draw my attention.

Here is the stone for Mary, wife of O. Plemon. She died so young at age 22 years, 28 days on June 2, 1882, according to the inscription easily read from the stone. However our transcriber must have been having an off day. The transcript says 22 years, 5 months, 20 days. Shows you must always double check the original source.

This is an impressive little monument. Lennie T. Fox apparently died young. Or so the stone implies to me, but the date is hard to read. I would say this son of John & Emma Fox died on March 1, 1882, which is what our transcript says. The transcript does not give any more of the inscription, which you can tell by looking was quite detailed. I believe that it possibly says he was age 13 years plus. I like the separate lamb on a separate little stone, that are both joined on the same base stone. I don't believe I have seen a stone similar in construction to this one before.

I didn't realize when I was grabbing interesting pictures to post that so many of them were of such young people. Here is the stone for John E. Bechtol, who died January 29, 1882 at the age of 12 years, 1 month, 2 days. John's stone states he was the son of H. S. & L. E. Bechtol. There is much more inscribed on the bottom of this stone. Apparently the transcriber here also did not want to be bothered with the fine details. I'm not sure how high this stone is. To me it doesn't appear very tall, but perhaps there was also a top finial that is missing.

This stone caught my eye with the picture. I knew it was for a child, with the poignant engraved picture of a mother holding her child in her arms. Ida Labeck was born April 20 1880 and died August 3. 1883. Such a touching and unique stone. I haven't seen one before with that picture.

Mabel L Charboneau has a obelisk type stone, with a finial that is clearly in a bit of trouble. And once again, when checking the details on the stone to share, she is just a child. She was the daughter of C. E. & G. G. Charboneau and died June 15, 1880. She was, as near as I can make out on the photo, just over 2 years of age at her death.

Again, clearly one whose life was cut short. You can tell by the small stump that it was a child. James H. Merrill died July 23, 1893, at the age of 14 years, 4 months and 3 days. The stone is slightly worn, but it is clearly one of the wonderful tree stump style stones. But can anyone guess what that is laying draped against the base of the tree, above the plaque with his name. It just can't be a dead dove, can it? That's what my eyes think they see.

And just to prove that indeed, older people do die and are buried in the White Cloud Cemetery, here are Norma and Harry. The flowers hide the last name, but at least we can see that Harry survived to age 66, and apparently at the time the picture was taken, Norma was still going strong. And isn't the depth of the carving of the picture great?

Obituary--Lucy Utley (Mrs William)

2010-11-14T11:50:00.046-05:00

This obituary has a much more formal tone than that of the previous Mrs. Utley. While the previous one could almost have been written my old favorite Mrs Robertson, this is much more to the point. Lots of details and official information is to be found here.
But I still wonder how they were related--not siblings, perhaps cousins who married siblings or cousins. There is that cryptic little note about Mrs L. H. Utley of Newaygo, but our previous Lucy has already been dead for several months at the time of this death, and besides, that one lived closer to Hesperia.
Ah, the mysteries of old obituaries. (Sandy just told me that every generation there were a couple of Lucy Utleys. Just to make life confusing, no doubt.)

From Newaygo Republican, dated 14 Jan 1915:

A PIONEER PASSES
Mrs. W. S. Utley Is Gone, After a Short Illness
The Death of Mrs. William S. Utley at five o'clodk the afternoon of January 6 came as a shock to her long time county friends. A week before the old lady had a stroke of paralysis, but rallied sufficiently to ally the immediate fears of her relatives. Mrs. Utley would have been eighty years old had she but lived till April 27.
Perhaps no woman in the county enjoyed a more general acquaintance than did this pioneer. Strangers who hear of her passing may be among those who stopped at the Utley homestead in big Prairie, were entertained and then went on, without charge, often without question, for no house was ever more hospitable than this one. Under the same roof Mrs. Utley lived fifty-five years, and only a year or so ago did she make her abiding -place wherever she chose among her ten living children--she lost two children several years ago.
Although Mrs. Utley, whose maiden was Lucy Gooch, was born in Northville, she was brought up in Grand Rapids by Webber Gooch, an elder brother, and there she went to school. Her membership in the Universalist church was never transferred. she was married to W. S. Utley in Dewitt, Clinton county, May 14, 1854, and her wedded life endured even past the silver anniversary, each succeding celebration bringing loads of friends from different parts of the country.
Amember of the W.C.T.U., it is recalled that Mrs. Utley invariable wore the white ribbon. As a matter of habit she never used either tea or coffee.
Funeral services were held early Saturday afternoon from the Big Prairie church, the Rev. Daniel Truman officiating. The interment was in Big Prairie cemetery, where the late husband of the departed and his first wife, own sister to Mrs. Utley are buried.
Ten children survive their mother, and these are: Mrs. Bert Douglass, at whose home the old lady died, and Mesdames Ralph Evans and John Dayton of Newaygo and V. F. Payne of Ramona; also Messrs. C. W., Irving S., Will and Glen W. Utley of White Cloud neighborhood, John Utley of Grand Rapids and Postmaster Chas. Utley of Stanton. One brother, Luther Gooch is living. Twenty grandchildren and one great-grandchild must be included. Mesdames W. H. Eastman and C.W. Galer of Grand Rapids are nieces and Mrs. L. H. Utley of Newaygo is a cousin by marriage and connected also on her mother's side.
Genuine regret is felt generally for the loss of the kind and capable pioneer mother and neighbor, companionable and clear in mind and memory almost to the last.

I only have one comment. What kind of paper today would get away calling the deceased, not once, but twice an old lady in the obituary?

Obituary--Lucy Ellen Gooch Utley (Mrs Ephriam Utley)

2010-11-12T14:18:00.024-05:00

Today's obituary and the next one to be posted took some studying. Both are for Lucy Utley, both Lucy's had a maiden name of Gooch. Not the same person obviously, the second is listed as coming to the funeral of today's Lucy and died about half year later.
Such was the peril of reusing popular names among family members. Do you think the size of families contributed to it? Favorite names were shared by cousins, and even siblings, after the first child with a particular name dies. (We will ignore the example of George Foreman and his children.) Anyway, here we go with the first of the Tale of Two Lucys

From the 30 July 1914 Fremont TimesIndicator:

LUCY ELLEN UTLEY
Lucy Ellen Utley, daughter of Mary and Stephen Gooch, was born at Farmington, West Virginia, May 8th, 1848. At the tender age of six years she was left motherless.
She came to Clinton county, Mich., in 1854, making the trip on horseback with an uncle with whom she made her home.
She was married in Newaygo county on August 26th, 1866, to Ephriam Utley, who departed this life on October 4th, 1913.
The greater part of their married life was spent on their farm in Dayton.
They came to Fremont in 1898, which has been her home until her death, which occurred July 23, 1914.
Three sons, Ralph, Clarence, and Otto, one granddaughter, Mable Utley, one sister and one brother, Mrs. Wm. Leonard, of Fremont, and Raymer Gooch of Texas, with scores of friends she leaves to mourn their loss.
The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at her home on Elm street. Rev. R. A. Thibos, pastor of the Church of christ, conducted the services. Interment took place in Maple Grove cemetery.
The following from out of town attended the funeral: Mrs. Henry Barton, of Big Rapids; Mrs Lucy Utley and Mr Abe Hemiley, of Newaygo; Mr. and Mrs Walter Winters, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Utley, Mr. and Mrs. James Caldwell, Mrs. Addie Scott and son, Walter; Mrs. G. Eldridge and Mrs. Nellie Carlisle, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Mills, all of Hesperia.

Not too flowery, with lots details. I love obituaries with lots of names too. Now if only it would have said how this other Lucy Utley is related.

Tombestone Tuesday--White Cloud Cemetery (AKA Prospect Hill Cemetery)

2010-11-09T11:08:00.000-05:00

I must admit that the first time I saw the name Prospect Hill Cemetery, my mind flashed back to to Old West and images of Boot Hill. But if you look closely at the name over the door of the utility building, the alternate name for White Cloud Cemetery is indeed Prospect Hill Cemetery

White Cloud Cemetery is a large and well maintained cemetery on the western end of White Cloud, the county seat of Newaygo county. It is near the high school and on the main road through and out of town if you area heading west. Since it is a fairly large cemetery, (and since I only have one cemetery left in Newaygo County after this) I will do as I did with Maple Grove and split it into a couple weeks. This week I will give more of an overview, with a look at specific stones next week.

White Cloud Cemetery is wide open, with a lovely rail fence and towering trees. Oak mostly,

The stones are also varied, both old and new, in neat rows: tall and short, massive and small.

Some of the stones are very similar, as with these two above. Nearly identical except for the names, both have a finger pointing to heaven. They each have the same etching draped around the top of the symbol, but you can see the the longer name is in a curved section and the shorter one is in a small straight section.

You can see above the drive that separates the older section on the left with the large shady trees, from the newer section on the right. Surprisingly though, there are still quite a few trees in the newer section. And as you can see, not all the graves on the newer side are that new. There is a fine obelisk shaped monument in the foreground, as well as some farther back.

Here is one more overview of the cemetery. In the background by the sign and past the road, is St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery that extends up the hill.
Next week, I promise we will look at individual stones, and then after that, our last stop in the list of Newaygo County Cemeteries.

Obituary--John Rynberg

2010-11-05T09:14:00.001-04:00

These residents who were born in the Netherlands are just way too easy to find in our older books. As may be surmised by the number of survivors, there are still many in this area who have that name.

From the 9 November 1916 Fremont TimesIndicator:

JOHN RYNBERG
John Rynberg was born in Berta, in the Province of Gronigien, Netherlands, on June 21 1842.
He was a member of a family of 13 children. He remained in Holland until he was 19 years of age, when he came to America and was located at Drenthe, Michigan. Here he was engaged in farming and carpenter work. In 1868 he was married to Clara Mast. To them were born 10 children, all of whom are living.
In 1892 he moved to the present farm home, four miles north of Holton. Here he died on October 29, 1916, at the age of 74 years, four months and eight days. He leaves a widow, six sons and four daughters who are: John Rynberg, of Grand Rapids, Bert Rynberg, of Reeman, Mrs Thayer Hill of Hesperia, and Jacob Rynberg, Joseph Rynberg, Peter Rynberg, Matthew Rynberg, Mrs Claude Markley, Mrs Will Nichols and Grace Rynberg, all of whom live near Holton, Mich.
The funeral services were held from the Holton Baptist church Thursday, Rev. Wm. Kuipers, of the Second Christian Reformed church, Fremont, officiating.

And from a gossip column in the same issue is this issue is this listing of some of the friends and next of kin, who attended the funeral.

John Rynberg and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Wynhoff, Mrs. G. Toppe and daughter, Kate, of Grand Rapids, were here last week to attend the funeral of John Rynberg, Sr. Others here were, Mrs. Fred Heistje , of Holland; Mrs Herbert, of Dublin; Henry Dorncot, of Detroit; Peter Kok and wife, of Zeeland; Mrs Hilbert Kok, Garret and Albert Kok and K Mast, of Drenth, and Bert Hazekamp of Muskegon.

You gotta love those old community gossip columns in the old papers. Where else can you get such information as this? Sometimes they report who came to dinner, and other times, they talk about weddings and births and such that are not mentioned elsewhere. A great source of information.

Obituary--Cornelius VanZomeren

2010-11-03T11:59:00.032-04:00

Another of our area pioneers who, born in the Netherlands, settled eventually in the Fremont area. So typical of those early pioneers, who were active in the Christian Reformed church, and in their farming community.

From the 27 January 1916, Fremont TimesIndicator:

CORNELIUS VANZOMEREN
Cornelius VanZomeren was born in the Netherlands December 7, 1847 and cam to America when a young man, settling in Kalamazoo, Mich. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Betsy Vandewalker. In the spring of 1883 he moved his family to Fremont, settling on a farm in Dayton township, one mile east and three miles north of this village. He passed through all the hardships attendant on the clearing up of a large farm and the making of a home, but he was possessed of unfailing courage and indomitable will power and in time became one of the most prosperous and progressive farmers of Dayton. In 1903 the farm was sold and a smaller one purchased in Sheridan, one mile south of the city. This was sold in 1906 and he moved back to Kalamazoo, where he died January 21, 1916, at the age of 68 years, one month and 14 days.
Mr. VanZomeren was the father of 11 children, eight of whom, with the widow, survive him, namely, Nellie, Dick, Abraham, Grace and Mrs. G Broekema, of Kalamazoo; William of Detroit, and Mrs Steven Schreur and Lee of Fremont. He also leaves six grandchildren, two brothers Leonard, of Kalamazoo, and Dirk, until recently residing in Fremont, now of Walker.
Mr. VanZomeren was a member of the Christian Reformed church and was always willing to give both time and money to the furtherance of the cause of the church.
Funeral services were held at the home, 136 Johnson St., Kalamazoo, on Monday Jan. 24, conducted by Rev. S. Eldersveld, paster of the First Christian REformed church.
On Tuesday, Jan. 25, the remains were brought to Fremont and services were held at the First Christian Reformed church at 1:30 p.m., conducted by Rev. H. Keegstra. Interment was made in Maple Grove cemetery.
Besides the members of the family from out of town who attended the funeral were Dirk VanZomeren and Mrs. Jennie Zuidyk of Walker and Rev. John VanZomeren, of Grand Rapids.

I like the bit this obituary tells about the early farming life and "the hardships attendant on the clearing up" of a large farm. Nowadays with the open fields, and very large farms, with only smaller wood lots and marshes, it is easy to forget that when many of these settlers came, this area was a both tree covered and often marshy. Without the heavy equipment used today, much work was needed to make the land suitable for farming.

Tombstone Tuesday--Whipple Cemetery

2010-11-02T11:13:00.001-04:00

Whipple Cemetery is located in northern Newaygo County, in the northernmost tier of townships, and on the border of the two townships west of of the county's center line, on a local gravel road.

In spite of the rather remote location, it appears to be a very well maintained cemetery, and while there are many older stones, there are also many newer looking stones.

And I like this picture. Water is available, but not without some work.

Here you can see what must be a newer portion of the cemetery. Most of the stones you can easily see are more modern granite. Notice that there are many plots with borders. Even that single grave in the foreground is bordered.

The Moote family have five family members in their plot, although in this picture only one newer stone is visible. You can clearly see the border that surrounds the plot in the front of the stone. The Moote family graves date back to 1881, and are as recent as 1947. And do you see the purplish haze above the stone, near the branch? Perhaps one of the family members popped up to see what was going on.

I don't notice any signs of vandalism in any of our pictures. Many of the pictures we have show stones in good repair. This stone still has the fragile finial in the shape of an urn on the top.

Here is another group shot of graves. A substantial border for the back group, and a very large rectangular urn, still with geraniums blooming. The main problem many of these graves face appear to be lichens. Many are not readable, and in many cases, lichens and discolorations seem to be the problem.

This stone simply reads Clarence J. with the dates 1853 - 1909. Who was this man? What was his story? Was he a logger with no family? A stranger who came by, and passed away? Or did his family stop, but not stay. Apparently someone has maintaining this grave, as the died back plants and the little picket fence area attest to.
RIP Clarence, and all who rest here.

Obituary--Kornelius Mulder

2010-10-31T09:19:00.036-04:00

And one more of our "born in the Netherlands" series. Mr Mulder came earlier than the others seem to have, and instead of being a farmer, as were our previous people, he was a lumber man, working in mills and later owning his own business.
From the 18 March 1915 Fremont TimesIndicator:

K. MULDER DIED IN COOPERSVILLE

Former Business Man of Fremont Passed Away at Home of His Niece Last Thursday.
The death of Kornelius Mulder, a former resident of Fremont, occurred at the home of his niece in Coopersville last Thursday morning. The body was brought here Saturday and interment took place in Maple Grove cemetery Monday morning.
Mr. Mulder was born in the Netherlands July 30, 1926 and came to America at the age of 21 years in company with an elder brother. They went immediately to Grand Haven Mich., and spent the first winter at Perrysburg. (Editor's note, probably Ferrysburg--village across river from Grand Haven.) For several years he lived at Mill Point, now known as Spring Lake where he was employed in a saw mill.
In 1856 he went to Muskegon and helped to build L. G. Mason's first saw mill. He remained in Muskegon until 1873 and was engaged in the mercantile business there from 1862 until 1872.
In 1873 he moved his family to Fremont where he had prviously erected a saw mill. This he operated until 1881 when the mill was destroyed by fire. He at once rebuilt the mill and resumed operations. He was also engaged in the grocery business here.
Mr. Mulder was first married in Muskegon to Fannie C. Langley who died in 1871. To them one child was born. This child died in infancy, a few days after the death of hits mother. In 1873 Mr. Mulder was married to Jane SImpson, a native of Indiana, who died about 5 1/2 years ago.
Since the death of his wife Mr. Mulder has made his home with relatives in Coopersville.
Those attending the funeral here Monday were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mulder, of Muskegon, Luther Mulder of Coopersville; Mrs. Otto Powers of Traverse City and Wm. Hardy and daughter Mrs. Bochs, of Holland.

Again, the Holland connection among the mourners. I searched out business index for his name, but apparently his business was thriving before we have papers available on microfilm. I did find a Jake Mulder, possibly a nephew, who about five years after this, was opening a new general store.

Obituary--Wyan Arendsen

2010-10-29T10:48:00.019-04:00

Another "born in the Netherlands" obituary. And again, mourners coming from Holland. As the name implies, that city was gateway to many of the settlers who came to Michigan from the Netherlands.

From the 9 March 1916, Fremont TimesIndicator:

WYAN ARENDSEN
Wyan Arendsen was born in the Netherlands, May 17, 1840 and emigrated to this country about 50 years ago. He was married to Libbie Hopp in 1865 and to this union were born seven children, five sons and two daughters.
He who knows best called him to a land of rest Wednesday evening, Feb. 23rd, at 8:15 o'clock, being 76 years, nine months and six days of age. Mr. Arendsen leaves to mourn their loss, an aged wife, three sons, Henry, Albert and John, all of Fremont; and two daughters, Mrs. Alice Scott of McCord, Mich., and Mrs. Mary Dunning, of Fremont, sixteen grand-children and twelve great grand-children.
About 31 years ago, Mr. Arendsen purchased a farm northwest of Fremont in Dayton township, where he lived until about seven years ago when old age made the care of the farm too hard for him and his wife and they moved to Fremont and they lived happy and contented until his work was done. Last November he was stricken with heart trouble which caused his death.
Those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. John Scott, of McCord; Andrew Scott, of Muskegon; Miss Dora Scott, Mrs. Winnie Dysker, Alice Scott, Mrs. Soll, of Grand Rapids; Wm. TImmer and Wm. Hopp, of Holland; Mr. and Mrs. John Hopp and Mrs. Wm. Hopp, of Beaverdam, Mich., and Brad Odell of Big Rapids.
The funeral services were held at the First Christian Reformed church of which he was an active member, Rev. H. Keegstra officiated. He was laid to rest in Maple Grove cemetery.

Another member of the farming community, apparently coming around the time of the Civil War. Family man and one who helped to grow this area into what it is today.

Obituary--Mrs. Henry Derks and Mrs. Jacob Tanis

2010-10-27T10:08:00.029-04:00

I am starting another theme week with my obituaries. This time the theme is "born in the Netherlands." In randomly searching through some of the obituaries I have copied off for posting, the same phrase kept popping up. While this area was originally settled by other pioneers and lumbermen, we had several waves of settlers from the Netherlands who had a great influence on the culture of the region. You probably have noticed many previously obituaries with that phrase already, and this week will be no exception.
The first posting is actually a two-fer. The death of these two ladies both were mentioned in the same community column for Reeman. Their obituaries were in the same paper, they were born in the Netherlands and both died in the same small community. I decided it was fitting their obituaries be posted together.

From the 25 May 1916 Fremont TimesIndicator:

REEMAN
This community was shocked and saddened by the death of two of its number during the space of one week. Mrs. Derks, who has made her home with her soon, Joe Frens, passed away Wednesday May 17. Early on the morning of May 19 came the death of Mrs. Jake Tanis, who has been ill at her home here for the past three months.

Next, the actual obituary for Mrs. Derks:

MRS. HENRY DERKS
Mrs. Henry Deks died Wednesday noon, May 17 at her home near Reeman, at the age of 72 years. The deceased was born in the Netherlands November 7, 1843. She is survived by her children, namely, John Frens, Mrs. B. Rynberg, Joe Frens, Harry Frens, Mrs F. Buteau and Mrs G. Dake, besides several step-children.
Those from away who attended the funeral are Mrs. Frank buteau, Mr and Mrs. Harry Frens, and Mrs. F. Dake, from Muskegon, Mrs Henry Teusink, from Holland, Mrs. E Comissaris and Mrs. L Lanting from Jamestown.

I am fairly certain that the Holland referred above and again below to was the city in the Michigan county of Ottawa, which is about 50 miles or so away.
Anyway, on to Mrs. Jacob Tanis's obituary.

MRS. JACOB TANIS
Lizzie Drost was born in the Netherlands March 19, 1878. Her parents came to America in 1885, settling first in Brookside and later moving to their present home near Reeman.
She was married May 12, 1897 to Jacob Tanis and to this union three children were born, Willie aged 18, Libbie, 16 and Cora 14.
Mr.s Tanis died Friday, May 19, aged 38 years, two months. She was a loving and devoted wive and mother and a sincere christian, having been a member of the Christian Reformed church since age 16. Besides the grief-stricken husband and children, an aged father and mother, three brothers and three sisters are left to mourn.
Funeral services were held Monday, May 22, at the church which was filled to overflowing by the hosts of friends who gathered to pay their last tribute to one who by her sunny christian character had endeared herself to all.
Those attending from a distance were John Newald and wife, Mr. and Mrs Maring, John Drost and Ed Neiboer of Muskegon, Martin Tanis and wife, Lane Tanis and wife of Holland, Will Drost, of Racine, Wis., and Mrs Josephine bush, of Grand Rapids.

I find particularly interesting in Mrs Tanis's obituary the line about her parents settled first in Brookside and then moving to a home near Reeman. What were then two very small communities are only a three miles apart, and even closer going cross country.

Tombstone Tuesday--Volney Cemetery

2010-10-26T10:51:00.103-04:00

Volney Cemetery is near the Beaver township hall, in western Newaygo county. Burials appear to start in the 1870 and 1880s and continue to the current time.

Much of the cemetery, especially the older sections have the cement boundaries. The bordered plot above is typical. Unfortunately, the day most of our pictures of Volney cemetery were taken was a bright sunny day, and many of our pictures have highly contrasting light and shadows, making some of the names hard to read.

Here however is a clearly visible military stone with the flag in place. The word "Artificer" apparently refers to his rank or job in the army, as it was skilled workman or mechanic in the armed services. Jesse E Walker served in Company 1 of the 18 US Infantry during the Spanish American War. Living from 17 March 1871 to 18 February 1936, I am unable to make out the words inscribed on the bottom of the stone. Although the stone is mottled with lichen, it is very sharp and free from weathering in this picture.

This stone for Sarah Painter Redding (1846-1880) was surprising to me also. It appears to be composed of red granite, a material that I always thought of as of usage much later. While it could have been placed much later than her time of death, the stone itself is of a shape and design similar to older stones.

This stone for John Painter (died 13 November, 1887, age 69 years, 11 months 3 days) is also in a remarkable state of repair. While it is missing a top finial of some kind, the fleur de lis pattern around the bottom is wonderfully sharp and clear. The same stone can be seen in the picture below, although the border from the plot in back cannot.

Here is another large Painter family stone, with a large Bettys family stone in the background.

Here is another old stone in a great state of repair. The base with the crosshatching pattern is clearn and in one piece. The obelisk above is also tall and has the little urn shaped finial still in place. It memorializes the Loehr family. Only the name of Edna Clair Loehr, daughter of J & J Loehr, who died in 1908 is easily readable from this side.

Many family stones are visible in this picture: McDonald, and Charles & Charlotte Gleason. but I was most intrigued by the double stone with the carving in the right foreground. I cannot make out the name but the carved middle stone seems to connect the stones of two separate couples.

Another family plot for the Conleys. Newer stone, but still a bordered plot behind it.
One of the most intriguing stones, listed in the transcript, but not seen in our pictures, has this inscription: James Gorwin, son of J.W and H.M. Was murdered by Daniel McDonald June 2, 1881. 12 years, 10 m's, 3 d'y. Dearest child, rest with your mother's love and care and God will deal justly with the murderer that took your young life. 1869-1881.
Whew! Interesting enough, of the McDonalds in our transcript, there is no Daniel.

Obituary--Mrs Zwaantje Rozema

2010-10-23T09:37:00.038-04:00

This obituary caught my eye because of her name. So indicative of our extensive Dutch heritage here, (the local phone book for our small community has 8 columns of names beginning with Van, from Vanaartsen to Van Zyll, not to mention the other "old country" surnames), her name invokes the spirit of many of those who came to this area of Michigan.

From the 10 February 1916 Fremont TimesIndicator:

MRS ZWAANTJE ROZEMA

Zwaantje Rozema, nee Nyenhuis, was born March 24, 1837, at Benneveld, Province of Drenthe, Netherlands. In 1847 she came to America with her parents. They were of those pioneers to whose efforts so much of the development of this and other states is due. They settled in Ottowa county. she was united in marriage to Hendrick Rozema in 1858. Ten children blessed this union, siz of whom are now living, namely: Jacob, at Ludington Mich., John H at Spirit Lake, Iowa, Martin at Seattle, Wash., Joe, Henry and Mrs Jennie VanZomeren, at Fremont. Since the death of her husband in 1900, Mrs. Rozema made her home with her daughter, Mrs. VanZomeren.
She died on Feb 2, at the age of 78 years, 10 months and 8 days.
Funeral services were held from the Reformed church, of which she was a member, on Saturday, Feb. 5. Interment took place in Maple Grove cemetery.

I always hope, when I post an obituary like this, that some one searching for the connection to to the old country will find this and get the breakthrough they need. It is great when not only the country, but the province and city are given in these old obituaries.

Obituary--Libbie Drost

2010-10-21T11:06:00.003-04:00

This obituary is one of those where we get two for one. There is the regular obituary, giving names and facts, and then the more personal notice that appears in the community gossip column. Both give different views of the same individual.

From the 24 August 1922 Fremont TimesIndicator, the obituary:

MRS. GARRET DROST.
Libbie Van Baak was born in The Netherlands, march 9, 2853. On April 27, 1875 she was married to Garret Drost. In 1885 they came to America and soon after that settled near Reeman where they have since lived. Nine children were born to them of which six survive, John Drost and Mrs. J. Newald of Muskegon, Mrs Will Tanis, Mrs Ed Neiboer and Garret and Will Drost of Reeman.
Mrs. Drost was a life long member of the Christian Reformed church and it was her sorrow that during her nearly eight months of invalidism she had to miss the church servicees. funeral services were held last Wednesday afternoon, Rev. J H Mokema of Fremont taking Charge. Burial was made in Maple Grove cemetery.

And this clipping was in the same issue of the paper, from the Reeman community news.

REEMAN
This community was saddened Monday morning to hear of the death of Mrs. Drost who passed away while asleep early that morning. The deceased had been an invalid since her serious illness with pneumonia last January, yet her death, though not entirely unexpected, was a shock to relatives and friends because of the suddenness and quietness of her passing. Mrs. Drost had lived many years in this community and was a loved friend of all. The deepest sympathy of everyone who knew her is extended to the mourning relatives.

See what I mean? The obituary tells where she was born and married, when she came to America, the names of surviving children. (Although no mention is made of the husband, if alive or not.) But the second tells more of the effect on the community of her life and of her loss. I am glad we have them both.

Tombstone Tuesday--Troy Cemetery

2010-10-19T09:39:00.072-04:00

Troy Cemetery is, surprisingly enough, located in Troy Township, in the northwest corner of Newaygo county. It is near the southern edge of the township, on a fairly well traveled, paved road in rural central Michigan. It is near a portion of Manistee National Forest, as is a good share of the county. Over half of Troy township is part of the national forest.

A fairly good sized cemetery, with a variety of new and old style stones. If you look close, you can see modern granite stones as well as the obelisk shaped stones. Our transcript has a hand-drawn map, showing that the drive is a semicircular one, through the cemetery and back out onto 13 Mile road

An impressive large stone for the Basford family. Only two names listed here, although we have another sone for the Basfords. This one lists Lorissa J, March 8 1898 to 1900, and Minnie Myrtle October 25 1895 to 1916. We also have a picure of a stone for Lourissa Basford, daughter of L & J, with the dates 1899 to 1900. The same child listed on two stones? Perhaps cousins, since their lives overlapped enough to (hopefully) prevent them from being sisters.

I love this old stone. Apparently handmade from cement framed neatly into a rectangle, Henry L. carved, slightly off center. I am unable to find a last name for him. Our transcript shows him in an 8 grave plot with two other families, Ammerman and Wilkinson. He is the only one listed with no first name.

Several areas in the cemetery show a cement bordered plot. The above picture shows a plot, with the corners marked by the small obelisk shaped stones. Three of them appear to have holes for ropes or chains. The fourth one would have the holes on the sides hidden from the camera. I haven't seen this kind of border for family plots in many of our county cemetery pictures. That I can recall at least.

I was intrigued by this simple wooden cross for George W Wolgomott. I was even more impressed when I saw the reverse side of the cross. It says Civil war vet. Obvoiusly someone has been making sure his grave is marked by more that the flag holder.

My pet peeve again. Lilacs grow up!!! Don't plant them tight to the stones. Our pictures show several different stones buried in lilac bushes. This one shows a base in the bush and it appears the top of the stone is leaning against another nearby.

A large monument for the Yates family, flanked by the stones for Alonzo (1842-1915) and Louise (1852-1929). Here the more typical cement border is clearly shown outlining the plot.

This old weathered building stands outside one boundary of the cemetery. A couple older stones, and an obelisk monument stand quietly in this slightly overgrown corner. It almost reminds me, with the nearby shed, of an old family cemetery on some family homestead.
How many of those old graves were there at one time, that are now forgotten all together? At least here in Troy Cemetery, they are remembered and maintained.

Obituary--Tucker S. Dragoo

2010-10-16T10:32:00.015-04:00

This poor obituary has been in my pile of obituaries for so long, that I was beginning to wonder if I had already posted it and forgot to add to my spreadsheet. ( I do try to avoid duplicates, but can't make any promises.)

This obituary is sort of a three-fer. There was two brief mentions in a community column one week, as well as a full obituary.. The obituaries of pioneers to the area are always so interesting when they give a glimpse of the journey made to get here to Newaygo county.

From the 3 February 1916 Fremont TimesIndicator:

Mr. Tucker Dragoo passed on from this life last Sunday. He was an old and respected pioneer. He leaves a wife and three children, who were with him constantly for the past four weeks. Mrs Dragoo is still very sick.

In another column was this item:

Tucker Dragoo, an old and highly respected citizen of this vicinity, died at his home one-half mile east and one mile north of the Tyndell schoolhouse Sunday morning. Funeral services were held at the house Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock. The bereaved family have the sympathy of the community.

And of course, the full obituary:

PIONEER OF DAYTON DIED SUNDAY, JAN. 30

Tucker S. Dragoo, a resident of Dayton township for about 47 years, died at his home Sunday after an illness of several years. Mr. Dragoo had been suffering from the grippe. He was 73 years of age.
The deceased was a son of Uel and Jane Dragoo, natives of Virginia and was born in that state July 9, 1842. He came with his parents to Berrien county, Mich., when three years of age and lived there 24 years, engaged in farming. In the spring of 1869 he came to Newaygo county and bought 80 acres of wild land in Dayton township, where he has since resided.
He was married in Buchanan Mich., January 22, 1865, to Sarah Kirkendall, a native of Ohio, who still survives him. He is also survived by two sons, Lawrence, of Dayton, A. J. Dragoo of Traverse City, and Myrtle who is at home.
Mr. Dragoo saw all the hardships of the pioneer and helped to make this community one of the best sections in the state.
The funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home and the burial took place in Maple Grove cemetery.

I enjoy the way this obituary is full of all the necessary details: dates, family, places. so compete! Another plus is that it, along with the two smaller blurbs, gives a hint of his life, even without going into all the flowery language. A simple, clean, complete, and satisfying obituary.

Belated Blogiversary to Us!!

2010-10-15T10:32:00.000-04:00

Wow! Has it really only been a year since Sandy and I started this little endeavor? Its been so much fun, and I really have learned a lot more about our local history in the process.

Thanks to the loyal readers that we have gained in the last year and I hope that we can occasionally post something here that helps in your genealogical journey.

Thanks for going on the journey with us.
(As always, picture is from the collection of the Fremont Area District Library Local History room.)

Obituary--Marion June Schoolmaster

2010-10-14T13:02:00.044-04:00

One of the drawbacks of working in the Local History Room, and of reading all of these old obituaries, is that after a while, so many of the names are so familiar. I feel like I know them, and know all about them, and it is only when I stop to think that they died years before I was born, and I am in no way related, that I am almost shocked to realize they are complete strangers to me.

From the 7 June 1917, Fremont Times Indicator:

MARION JUNE SCHOOLMASTER

Marion June Schoolmaster, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Lewis Schoolmaster, passed away at the home of her parents on the afternoon of May 31st, 1917, at the age of 13 years, 5 months and two days.
Marion was born on the County farm one and one half miles east of Fremont, Dec. 29, 1903 and was always a bright and shining light in the home and circles in which she moved, one knew her but to love her. She attended the public schools of Fremont and would have passed the sixth grade this semester.
She was also very apt in music and took much pride and pleasure in her musical studies. She has been a pupil of Miss Gladys Edwards for three years, doing seventh grade work.
Her life was full of activity and she was a constant companion of her parents on the farm which has been their home for the past six years. She was happy with her many pets, and her hands were so gentle and ways so pleasing that the dogs, cats, chickens and stock all came at the sound of her voice. She loved the church and attended the bible schools of the Congregational and Christian churches whenever she could do so, and her life is a benediction to all who knew her.
Her illness, of three weeks duration, was borne with patience and cheerfulness and she passed away with a smile on her lips with mother, father, brother and her Aunt May at her bedside.
Besides her immediate family, she leaves many relatives and friends to mourn her departure. But our loss is her gain, and Jesus has bid her come up higher, saying, "Suffer the children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."
The funeral services were held at the Congregational church Sunday at 2:00 p. m., conducted by Rev. F. W. Magdanz and the body was laid to rest in Maple Grove cemetery, amidst a profusion of beautuful flowers.
Contributed.

Hmmmmm. "Contributed." I wonder if Mrs Robertson was a friend of the family? This does have her style.
It is funny, how many people got mere a blip of an obituary, and others, only children, got a lengthy article like this one.
This name sounds so familiar but it must be just from reading old newspapers. Or perhaps its from the family name in the hospital.

They do have a very impressive family plot.

Tombstone Tuesday--Surrerrar Cemetery

2010-10-12T12:15:00.000-04:00

Yes this really is a cemetery. Surrerrar is a very old cemetery that is no longer actively used.

Located along eastern Newaygo county, this ancient cemetery is one that predates even our earliest white settlers. Surrerrar Cemetery is one that was used by Indians long ago. It was located near the crossways of several Indian trails and while probably not ever a location of a village, it was an area where they gathered and had meetings.
At one time, Indian mounds were discovered in the area. Some of these old mounds were ones that were very unique in that the bodies were buried vertically, feet down/head up. Very few of these style mounds were found in Michigan, other than the ones that were found here in Surrerrar.

A couple of our favorite local cemetery buffs helped in the rescue and preservation of Surrerrar Cemetery. Andy Whitlock, shown above in the green tee, is the originator of http://theoctoberproject.com/, a website that has quite a bit of information on Newaygo County history, including information on Surrerrar and all of the cemeteries. Most of our pictures are from his collection. The woman is a descendant of pioneers who were buried here. And the gentleman in the foreground on the right is Terry Wantz, our favorite local historian. If you look closely, you will see in his hands the "dowsing rods" or "witching sticks" that he has used to help determine the boundaries and numbers of bodies buried here. People may scoff at these tactics but many of his finds have been verified by sonar and x-rays. Behind Andy, there are some small flowers in a line that marks one side of the cemetery. In the distance, the hayfield in front of the trees marks the farthest border.

Recent research, much done by Andy, Terry and co-blogger Sandy has determined that the cemetery was larger than originally thought. Evidence of a homestead in the area has been spotted in the area.

In the past Surrerrar has been neglected and vandalized. We hope that through the efforts of Andy, Terry and others to protect and preserve sites like this.

Obituary--Clifton Barton

2010-10-10T13:05:00.029-04:00

Another person who died way too young. Modern medicine probably would not have helped him. (We still don't have a cure for carelessness!) Anyway.....
From the 2 August 1917 Fremont TimesIndicator:

LEARNING TO SWIM YOUNG MAN DROWNS
Clifton Barton victim of Accident at Fremont Lake Last Thursday Afternoon
While trying to learn to swim, Clifton Barton, age 17 years and nine montys, was drowned in Fremont lake late last Thursday afternoon.
The young man was desirous of learning to swim and was assured by friends that they would teach him. Impatient to wait, however, he got into a row boat, rowed to a depth of eight or nine feet and plunged into the water, drowning almost immediately.
The body was recovered by Cornelius Gerber and Markle Stanger and Drs. C. B. Long and C. A. Mateer were called. Although methods of resuscitation were immediately applied, they proved of no avail.
The strange action of Barton in plunging into deep water when unable to swim can only be accounted for upon the supposition that he had been told that this was the best method of learning how to swim.
Barton had been making his home with his grandparents in Big Prairie township, but recently had been employed in the canning factory here.
His mother, Mrs Nellie Barton, his sisters, Lois and Nellie, and brothers Willis and Harry, came from Battle Creek Friday to take charge of the body which was taken to Big Prairie Saturday for burial. The funeral services were held in the union church of Big Prairie, conducted by Rev. Daniel Truman, of Newaygo.

Ok, so may he didn't die of carelessness, it may have been gullibility, or just because he was a teenage boy. Sad, but so avoidable. They never realize until its too late that perhaps they are not as invincible as they think.
I know, I've raised a couple of my own.
And marvel that they've survived their teen years.

Obituary--Ben Karnemaat

2010-10-07T13:02:00.062-04:00

Yet another young man who died too soon. This time Ben was still a high school student, and he is again remembered with a flowery tribute from his teacher. His family still lives in the area. And again I wonder, if modern medicine could have saved him.

From the 12 April 1917, Fremont TimesIndicator.

DEATH TAKES ANOTHER HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
Ben Karnemaat Passed Away at City Hospital After Three Weeks Illness

Ben Karnemaat, one of the most beloved and most respected students of the Fremont high school, passed away at the City hospital Friday night after an ilness of exactly three weeks. He was taken with hemorrhages three weeks ago and his condition became so serious that he was removed immediately to the City hospital where the best of care and medical treatment proved of no avail. His last illness was aggravated by a tubercular condition of the lungs which doubtless lessened his physical power to resist his last affliction.
Mr Karnemaat was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Karnemaat who life on a farm near Brookside. The young man spent his entire life in this community and after completing his rural school work came to Fremont to attend the high school. His manly characteristics and good nature soon won him the confidence and respect of his fellow students and the faculty and he soon attained a popularity seldom enjoyed by any student.
Words fail to measure the true worth of Ben Karnemaat. In character he was absolutely clean, in mind he was unusually able, in motive he was animated only by fairest means, his life was exemplary in its every phase. His popularity was not confined to the younger element. During his spare time he clerked in the Pioneer Drug store and there his radiant smile, good humor and affability won him a host of friends. He was never affected and enjoyed an unconscious popularity.
One of the high school teachers pays him the following beautiful tribute.
"With the passing of Ben Karnemaat, Fremont High School loses a well-loved friend.
"Never, perhaps in the history of Fremont, has there been a student who entered so whole-heartedly into all the activities of high school life. As speaker of the Student House of Representatives and as president of the Athletic Association, he conducted himself with a quite unassuming dignity which never failed to win the co-operation of the student body. As a member of the editorial staff of the Mogul, he did everything in his power to assure the success of the annual. In athletics he won the respect and admiration of all by his fairmindedness and clean play. In the class room, he proved himself an able scholar, interested in this work, conscientious, absolutely worthy of trust.
"If we loved him less, we might be able to discuss his characteristics with more eloquence. As it is, we can only remember that his smile, as he came and went among us, made gloomy faces brighten. We can only remember that he was loyal without partisanship, ambitious without egotism and gentle without weakness.
This is the second time this year that death has invaded the ranks of the senior class of 1917, Gerald Cooley having passed away February 26th of this year.
Besides his parents, he is survived by one Brother, Koss Karnemaat. (Editor's note--Koos is the correct spelling of the brother's name.)
The funeral services were held yesterday afternoon from the First Christian Reformed church, the big edifice being filled to its capacity with sorrowing friends. Rev. H. Keegstra, pastor of the church, spoke in Holland, and Rev. J L Heeres, pastor of the Reeman Christian Reformed church spoke in English. The body was laid at rest in Maple Grove cemetery.

I found it interesting that the home pastor spoke the language of their homeland, Dutch, while the visiting pastor spoke English. It doesn't state if he was born in the Netherlands or locally. Many churches kept their services in the language from home. The tradition continues of course in the area Amish communities with their own language. A funeral several years ago following a tragic fire saw services conducted in one location in their traditional language, and in the Amish schoolhouse in English, for others in the community.

Tombestone Tuesday--Stearns Prairie Cemetery

2010-10-05T12:48:00.000-04:00

The Stearns Prairie Cemetery is a very old cemetery in Newaygo County. Located in Croton township, just a couple miles from the Muskegon River, our transcript shows burials dating back to 1850's. Although this was once logging country, the deaths listed show many women as well as men, civil war veterans and children.

As you can see behind the sign, Stearns Prairie is well maintained. The grass is closely clipped, the weeds cleared. Then fence appears sturdy and in good repair. Yet Stearns Prairie Cemetery has feeling of sadness that can hit you as you look over it.
There are not many recent burials. The pictures show many flowers left on graves, but few modern markers. The most recent burial I can find in our admittedly old transcript is for Lloyd B. Davison, who died in 1977. It appears he died at the age of 49 and was buried next to John L and Ruth A Davison. who died in 1955 and 1962. A single man perhaps, buried alongside his parents? It seems likely.

Most of the rest of the burials in the transcript are dated from the 1850's to 1880's. Some probably have no markers at all any longer. See the above curious remnant. It appears to be made of cement. but with a lower center, that is now filled with debris and weeds. It is hard to tell if it is a deteriorated monument, or what. I am leaning to the idea of a handmade urn, from cement that has perhaps been sunk into the ground, or partially collapsed.

This row of graves along one edge show that whoever is lying there has not been forgotten. Flowers on nearly every marker. And from the overgrown background, you can see that the cemetery has kept been mowed regularly.

This stone has no apparent markings. It appears to be marking a grave. With all of the early burials here, it is very possible that a simple yet distinctive field stone was used to mark the grave of a loved one.

Here is the marker for Julia, wife of Nathan Bogardus. It appears to be made of marble with a hand chiseled engraving: Born February 14 1847, Died Aug 13 1886. As is true of many of the earlier stones, she died fairly young.

This is a lovely, well cared for stone, and well preserved as well. It marks the resting place of Phebe Ann, wife of Cyrus P. Deming. She died 29 August 1953, at the age of 22. The stone is in remarkable condition, considering many of those located here have been broken, weathered, and just plain worn.

This stone of the Allen family is standing strong and clear. Obviously it has been sheltered by the lilac bush that nearly surrounds it. The inscription: James Allen--Father 29Y 3 M 22 D. He died 17 Sept 1859. And also on the same stone: Margaret Harris, wife of James Allen--27Y 3 M 19 D. She died a little over a year later on 30 August 1960. They both died so young. Since the inscription Father is on James's section, I wonder what happened to their child.

Above is an example of one of the broken stones. It appears to have been wrapped with a piece of wire? I am unable to find a name in the transcript that fits what bits of inscription I can make out.

And finally this monument: Sacred to the memory f Merlin Hunter. Died Aug 25, 1855. Aged 73 Yrs. 3 mos. 28dys.
Obviously he lived longer than many that are buried here. The condition of the stone is remarkable, if it was erected near the time of his death. I do like that this, as well as several other stones in this cemetery have been supported in some manner. Perhaps that was what the wire on the previous stone was for.

Obituary--Everett Wilbur

2010-10-01T09:06:00.012-04:00

This is another obituary of a child. Brief, yet except for the date of birth, fairly complete.

From the 15 April 1915 Fremont TimesIndicator;

Everett, the seven year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Wilbur of North Denver, died at his home last Wednesday, April 7. He had been an invalid all his life. The funeral was held at the home Friday afternoon, Rev. M. Oldt, of the M. E. church officiating. The interment was made in the East cemetery.

This is one of the brief obits that only appear in the community gossip columns of the newspaper. The East cemetery, is apparently the East Hesperia cemetery, as that is in Denver township, and would be probably the closest. So young, yet, what a hard life he must have had, being an invalid all his life. I always wonder what life would have been for these children who die so young, if they had been born in this century. Would they still be alive?

Obituary--Justin Hindes

2010-09-29T13:39:00.046-04:00

Occasionally when going through the obituaries we find some that are heart-breakers. The ones involving children and young adults are the ones who are most likely to do it to me. This obituary is of a young man with a promising future, who was cut down far to early.

From the 15 April 1915 Fremont TimesIndicator:

NORMAL STUDENT TAKEN BY DEATH

Justin Hindes Passed Away Last Thursday After Brief Illness from Peritonitis

Justin Hindes passed away last Thursday noon at the home of Mrs. J. Brace after a brief illness of peritonitis. Mr Hindes was taken with a severe attack of appendicitis a week ago Sunday and an operation was deemed advisable. The operation was performed on Monday at the home of Mrs. Brace and the case soon developed into peritonitis which caused the death of the young man on Thursday. Justin Hindes was the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Hindes who live near Brunswick. He was born nearl Spring Arbor, Jackson county, on December 18, 1896, and since 1911 has lived with his parents near this city. In 1911 he entered the Fremont high school and graduated with the class of 1914. Last fall he entered the Newaygo County Normal school and was the president of the class.
He was converted when seven years of age and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, having joined the local church last year.
He is survived by his parents, two brothers, Howard and Walter, no attending Mt. Pleasant Normal college, and two sisters, Frances and Winnie, living at home.
Justin was a young man of splendid christian character and high ideals. He was ambitious to secure an education and made many sacrifices toward that end. He made friends easily and was held high in the esteem of all who knew him. His untimely death was a severe shock to his associates.
The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 1:00 from the Methodist church, Rev. J. F. Bowerman officiating. The services were largely attended by the pupils of the school and many beautiful floral pieces that were the gifts of his young associates. The body was interred in Clark cemetery, west of the city.

So typical of obituaries of this era, with its eulogy-like tribute to his character. The lack of specifics though is particularly maddening. What was the parents names? Neither is the exact date of death, although you could perhaps calculate that out. Who was Mrs. Brace? A relative? Someone he boarded with while at the Normal School? Details! I want Details!

Tombestone Tuesday--St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery

2010-09-28T11:34:00.001-04:00

The cemetery featured this week is located at St. Michael's Catholic Church on the western county line. The church and the graveyard are in a rural area, surrounded by cornfields, with an orchard across the road. Quiet and peaceful.

The sign above, explains the rules. It appears this picture was taken in early spring. Leaves are still on the ground and in the background of a couple pictures you can see melting piles of snow plowed from the church parking lot. Also notice that most of the urns are tipped upside down. I have mentioned before that our winters can be hard on them, if left to fill with snow and ice.

Here is another view of the cemetery, showing it in a wide angle. The trees appear to be mostly on the outer perimeter.

This large crucifix with two urns. I find it curious that only one was inverted. They are a nice matched set of urns. I hope the upright one did not crack the winter prior to when this picture was taken.

None of the pictures we have in our collection feature any closeups of stones. I was intrigued to discover the large dark stone appeared to have the name of a family member who lived in the area. I guess I need to do some investigation into that.

Some readers may remember the story about a gravestone that was found in the middle of the road, in the middle of the county. Subsequent investigation showed that this was the cemetery the stone was from. I haven't been to the cemetery to see if the stone had been returned.

Obituary--Ralph Emerson Falknor

2010-09-25T16:12:00.000-04:00

This obituary is one that surprised me as I read it. One of the sisters listed is my hubby's grandmother. It gives me the name of the town where their almond farm must have been in California. Since his father was a second spouse of the common ancestor I hadn't really done much work on this name. The serendipity of genealogy!

From the 30 April 1914 Fremont Times Indicator:

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE PNEUMONIA VICTIM

Ralph E Falknor Died Friday at His Home in Dayton Township After Brief Illness.

The death of Ralph Emerson Falknor, prominent athlete of the Fremont high school, occurred Friday, April 24, at the home of his parents, Mr and Mrs Sylvester Falknor, in Dayton township, after a few days' illness from lobar pneumonia. He was 18 years, seven months and 28 days old.
Mr. Falknor was born in Almondale, Cal., August 27,1896, but of late years has lived on his parents' farm in Dayton township. He is survived by his parents, one brother, Rowel Falknor, and four sisters, Mrs Myrtle Walsworth, Mrs Olive Walsworth, Mrs Edrie Oneal and Miss Catherine Falknor.
Mr Vining, of the high school faculty, pays him the following tribute:
"In the death of Ralph Falknor, the local high school lost a student, athlete and friend who will never entirely be replaced. Entering the high school three years ago last fall, his work was that of a conscientious student, one who had a keen mind and was not afraid to use it to the best interests of his work. Questions put to Falknor were reasoned out, and those teachers associated with him were always sure of aworthy answer. As a student of physics this year, his mind took the research side and his laboratory work showed much thought and reasoning.
"Since first entering the high school he had been interested in athletics and as a member of the baseball and basketball squads had made good.
"Playing as third base in the former game he covered the position well in the field and was equally good at bat. In basketball he had held down a forward's position for two seasons and played the game well. As in his studies, so he was in athletics, a clean, consistent player, playing the game to the end, and whether victory or defeat, took it like a man.
"As a fellow among the fellows, he was popular. Always a good mixer, full of life and happiness, his going has wounded many hearts in the local high school. Ralph was always considerate of his fellow students and ready to lend a helping hand where needed the most. His associations with the younger students was a moral benefit to them, for being a boy with excellent habits, he was of the nature to impress upon those around him the needs of good living. His passing from the student body has taken an influence that was doing good always for the betterment of the school and his fellow students."
The funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Methodist church and were conducted by Rev. R. A. Thibos, pastor of the Church of Christ. The auditorium was filled wi sorrowing young friends of the deceased. His companions on the basketball team acted as pall bearers. Following the services the body was taken to the Evans cemetery in Dayton for burial.

It was very interesting to find this and to see this younger brother of my husband's grandmother was born during their brief stay in California. (Lost almond ranch due to drought.) As I read the names of sisters and mentally matched them to the family tree it was great to find more information on the family, who had only been names on paper, but now a little more real.

Obituary--Daniel L Barnes

2010-09-23T14:45:00.002-04:00

Daniel Barnes is another veteran of the Civil War to live in Newaygo county. This time, instead of coming for land granted after the war, he came with his father in 1963, mid war. These details set into the fabric of history always make me want to know more. See what you think.

From the 21 October 1915 Fremont TimesIndicator:

DANIEL L. BARNES

Daniel L. Barnes was born in Johnson, Trumbul county, Ohio March 8, 1844, and died at his home 220 Gibson Ave, Oct 12, 1915. he came to Michigan in 1863, settling with his father on a farm in North Dayton.
He was married to Mrs Helen M. Barnes, his brother's widow, Sept 24, 1865. Two children, Orlie Emerald and Mrs Frances Adella Reed preceded him in death.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs Helen A Barnes, one brother C. M. Barnes, of Walkerville; one sister Mrs Westbrook, of Denver, and two grandchildren, Roscoe Reed of Spencer, and Roland Reed of Fremont, besides a large number of other relatives who have known him long and well.
In 1894 with his family, Mr. Barnes moved into the house on Gibson Ave. where he died.
When President Lincoln issued his last call for volunteers in 1865 the deceased responded and served until the end of the civil war.
The funeral services were held at the East Denver M. E. church last Friday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock, Rev R. A. Thibos, of the Fremont Church of Christ, officiating. Interment in Bull Cemetery.

So, he moved here during the war, one brother had died (in the war already perhaps?), and he enlisted near his 21st birthday, apparently serving for only a few months. So many questions--did he want to serve earlier and his father prevent him? Did he want to win the love of (or perhaps prove his for) his dead brothers wife? Maybe the brother hadn't died yet, though.
Inquiring minds want to know these things!

Tombstone Tuesday--St. Mary's Cemetery

2010-09-21T10:50:00.004-04:00

St Mary's Catholic church was the first church built in Newaygo County, in 1851. A small cemetery is on the south side of the church yard. The church was abandoned in the 1940's as more people had cars and could travel farther to church. Later, St. Marys was turned over to the Newaygo County Society of History and Genealogy.
There have been burials more recently than that. I am not sure, however, if the cemetery is cared for by the historical society or by Croton township. At one time there was some disagreement over who had jurisdiction. I don't know how that was resolved.
This stone is for the Bruce family. Curiously, the transcript we have lists Donald, Donald, and Gallagher Bruce. Yet the only name clearly visible on the stone is Maggie. The smaller broken stones leaning around the base only have initials: JB, MB, and OB or DB. Due the rural setting of the cemetery and the age of the cemetery, there are many stones that have broken and/or been vandalized.
This stone is so sad. All the pieces there, the edges sharp and crisp. Clearly this was vandalism and not deterioration. The name here is Mighan. According to our "oh so accurate" transcript it is for Robert (1821-1873) and the epitaph is simply "Native of Kekenny in Ireland."
Another example of the damage of some of the stones. Broken in two, but preserved as best as possible, laid flat, and pieced together.
Here is another probable vandalized stone. In this case, the middle section leans against the back of the base and cap. I rotated the picture, zoomed way in and was able to read that the stone marks the grave of Annie G, wife of Robert J Herron 1836-1872. I first saw a picture of the other side of the stone, and remarked that it looked strange. If this stone was inserted, I believe the proportions would be much better.
Here again is another stone laid over, not broken, words still showing on the side and top. And the small stone leaning against the side looks so small against the base of the larger stone. Names here though I cannot make out.
This stone gives the name Harriet, wife of J S Ryan has Gorman on the smaller base. The small stone next to it has no name visible. Set in a well cared for, pastoral setting. In spite of vandalism, it is still a beautiful historic cemetery of Newaygo county.

Obituary--John E Darmer

2010-09-17T15:01:00.006-04:00

Here is another Civil War veteran who died in Fremont. This one, however never got the chance to live in Newaygo County, dying shortly after purchasing an area farm. From the 30 April 1914 Fremont Times Indicator.:

JOHN E. DARMER DIES IN HOTEL OFFICE

Guest at Van's Inn Drops Dead at 6 O'clock Monday Evening--Owned Farm in Denver Township

John E. Darmer, who came here last Thursday, from Lakeside, Mich., to take charge of his farm in Denver township, dropped dead in the office of Van's Inn Monday evening about 6 o'clock. The gentleman was apparently in good health, but was suddenly overcome by a cerebral hemorrhage and expired withn in a few minutes. The body was removed immediately to Scott & Crandell's undertaking rooms.

(picture is part of the collection of Fremont Area District Library, Local History collection.)

Mr. Darmer came here last August and purchased a 40 acre farm on Murphy Lake in Denver township of the Evans-Holt Co., but has not made his home in this vicinity. He arrived last week with the intention of buildina a house on his farm and of making his home there for a while at least. He was awaiting the arrival of his goods and equipment which he expected Tuesday. For 20 years past he has made his home with W. L. Veley of Lakeside.
The deceased is a veteran of the civil war. He was never married. He was 68 years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Veley arrived Tuesday to take charge of the body.
Owing to the fact that the deceased had no known relatives living, it was decided to bury the body in the soldiers lot in Maple Grove cemetery. The burial took place yesterday morning. The Rev. J. F. Bowerman conducted a short service at the grave. (picture is part of the collection of Fremont Area District Library, Local History collection.)

Mr. Darmer never got a chance to enjoy his Fremont area farm. But it sounds like his death did create a bit of an uproar at the hotel. Definitely not good for business.

Obituary--Wm. H. Norton

2010-09-15T10:46:00.002-04:00

This is another Civil War veteran who settled in the area. One thing I love about his obituary is that they never spell out his name, just Wm. From the 1 July 1915 Fremont Times Indicator:

WM. H. NORTON DIED MONDAY

Pioneer Resident Passed Away After Long Illness From Cancer--Lived Here Since 1865

Wm. H. Norton died at his home in this city Monday morning after a long illness from cancer. He was 80 years of age.
Mr. Norton was born in Sunset county, Maine, Sept 3, 1834. At the age of 21 he enlisted in the regular army, serving five years. When the war of the rebellion broke out he was in San Francisco, Cal., and in August 1861 he enlisted in the First Regular California Volunteer Infantry and served over three years. While stationed in Fort Yuma, Cal., he was injured in the back while on guard duty. This injury laid him up for six months. His regiment was engaged most of the time fighting Indians.
After his discharge he returned to the east, and in April, 1865, came to Newaygo county The following May he came to Sheridan township and purchased 73 acres of land, mostly whild, where he resided for many years.
He was married in Fremont October 24, 1867 to Rose Ann Pitman, of Dayton township, and two sons were born to them, Lincoln G and Bradford S, both of whom have passed away. Mrs Norton died in February 1874, and in April 1, 1876 he married Cornelia Knowlton, widow of Wm. Douglas, who died a few weeks ago.
Mr. Norton was a member of the Dobson Post, No. 182, G. A. R.
The funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home, 321 Dayton St., E., Rev. J. F. Bowerman of the M. E. church officiating. Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery.

Two things strike me about this obituary. First--I am going to make a rash leap of faith and say that Wm. Douglas did not die a few weeks ago, if Mr Norton had married his widow nearly 30 years before. Maybe he died a few weeks prior to her subsequent remarriage? I hope so.
The second is something I've noticed in other obituaries, and even my husband's family history. Many people from this time went out west, and then came back again. I never think of that as being so common. People went west and settled.
But it seems that many did indeed try the West and came back to settle.

Tombestone Tuesday--St. Joseph Cemetery

2010-09-14T10:38:00.005-04:00

St. Joseph Cemetery is located in White Cloud, Michigan, near the center of the county. On the western edge of town is both the main White Cloud Cemetery, and across the road is Catholic cemetery, St. Joseph Cemetery.
As you can see below it is a beautiful cemetery, with many trees and shrubs and a variety of memorials and stones.
In the background of this sign you can see a large prominent crucifix. I've only been in the cemetery a couple times, and no names are visible on the closeup picture we have. I am not sure if this is a general monument or one for one or more families.
St. Joseph Cemetery is an active and growning cemetery. This you can see above how large it is. There are newer granite stones, as well as older stones.
This is a beautiful stone, reflecting the fact that this is a church cemetery. I cannot see a name in the picture even when I enlarge the picture. There are geraniums in front, so it is actively cared for. I wonder if there are family names in the back?
Here is another stone indicative of the Catholic foundation to the cemetery. Again no name is visible, even though we have several pictures, at different angles of this grave. And I am not sure what the metal marker is for. It doesn't quite look like a military flag holder, perhaps it stands for perpetual care.
This large monument for the Douchette family appears to be one of the zinc monuments. I love how they keep their crisp look. The only weathering appears to be not from decay but from the tannin in the water when the sprinklers run.The Gannon family has this massive monument. They all appear, from our transcript, to be buried around this stone. Several of our pictures of the cemetery show stones of this size and shape, with the large cross on top.
This picture also shows a large cross topped stone. On the central right side you can see the sign for the cemetery, which faces the road. Across the busy road, you can just faintly see the crosses of White Cloud Cemetery.
But that is a coming attraction.

Obituary--Clark Reynolds

2010-09-12T10:36:00.001-04:00

Here is another Civil War veteran who settled in Michigan after the war, this time from Ohio.

From the 30 May 1917 Fremont TimesIndicator:

CLARK REYNOLDS

Clark Reynolds, an old veteran of the Civil War and a resident of Hesperia for the past 27 years, died at his home in Hesperia last Monday afternoon, after a lingering illness with a complication of diseases. Mr Reynolds was seventy-five years old and was born in Medina, Ohio. He was married to Miss Carrie Collins, of Medina O., and six children blessed this union, one dying in infancy.
Mr Reynolds has been a familiar figure in Hesperia, owning a farm in the village edge, he was always busy about it, and never missed being in the Grand Army ranks on Decoration Day. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
The funeral was held at the house Tuesday at 2p.m., Rev. Klerekoper officiating.
He leaves an aged wife in very feeble health to mourn the departure of one who was so careful of her and saved her in every way; also three sons and two daughters, Charles, Frank, Martin, Minnie and Dora. Interment in the East cemetery.

A more personal touch to this obituary than the previous veteran obituary. Perhaps Mrs Robertson had a hand in this one.