Obituary and More—James T Battles

This following obituary reminded me of the story of how he got his grave stone. More on that later.
From the 31 December 1913, Fremont TimesIndicator, reprinted from the Newaygo Republican.
James T Battles, for many years a resident of Garfield township, died in the Soldiers’ home hospital, Grand Rapids, last Friday after an illness of several months. The remains were brought to Newaygo and funeral services, conducted by Rev. C. L. Graham were held in the Baptist church Monday afternoon. –Newaygo Republican.

Another notice has no date, but appears, by the font, to also be from the Republican.

Jas. Battles Dead. Word was received here Monday that Jas. Battles, who for many years peddled vegetables in the various towns in this county, died Friday at the Soldiers home at Grand Rapids. During the past two years Jim has been failing in health fast, and had to give up the work of peddling. He was well known through the county and lived near the Muskegon river.

Sounds like a rather ordinary notices of the death of a former resident doesn’t it?
However once my co-blogger/boss Sandy got done, it had given rise to far more. This is how:
James Battles came to Sandy’s attention from a library patron and friend who is also a local historian. He has researched the area Civil War veterans and had discovered a picture of Civil War veterans standing around a grave at a funeral. James’ funeral. These veterans, all white as typical in this area settled heavily with Dutch, Danish, and Germans immigrants, are paying honor to their black comrade. (James was one of only 2 blacks out of over 700 from the county who served in the Civil War.)
However, although the location of his grave site was known, there was no marker. The patron notified Sandy, as the then president of the Newaygo County Society of History and Genealogy (NCSHG), urging her to do something.So Sandy looked into it and much paper work went flying back and forth between her and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Until one day Sandy was greeted by a delivery at the library.
“Hey, Lady, where do you want this tombstone?”
Instead of delivering it to the cemetery, there it was at the library.
Finally on Saturday, 28 May 2006, the NCSHG hosted a dedication ceremony for the new stone. An impressive ceremony was conducted by the General John A. Logan Camp No. 1 of the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Champlin Corps No. 41 Women Relief Corps of Grand Rapids. The cost of the stone was donated by the Daughters of Union Vets Eva Grey Tent No. 2.
There were many Civil War enthusiasts, historians and local officials were in attendance, including the patron who had started the quest, and
Sandy.
James’ grave finally had its marker.

Anyone wishing to dig further will find articles in the 31 May 2006 Fremont TimesIndicator, as well as the 25 May 2006 Grand Rapids Press.

Obituary--Mrs Irene M Stanley

Here is another, from the same paper as the previous obituary. Not so long, this also is a reprint from the Muskegon Chronicle.

15 July 1926, Fremont Times Indicator.

FORMER HESPERIA WOMAN DROWNED
----------
BODY OF IRENE M. STANLEY FOUND IN POND AT SOLDIERS HOME.

Mrs. Irene M. Stanley, 76, formerly a resident of Hesperia, who had been an inmate of the Soldiers' Home hospital in Grand Rapids for the past two years, was found drowned in the pond of the home. She had been missing from the hospital since Wednesday. dr. H. C. Wolfe, Kent county coroner , after an investigation, stated the death was probably intentional.
The woman had planned to go on a two weeks' vacation Wednesday and had purchased her ticket. She wet to the Comstock Park station early Wednesday morning but later returned saying she had missed her train.
Later in the day, she went out of the hospital, saying to Miss Lettie Hummer, another inmate, that if she did not return she wished her clothes to be given to the Salvation army.
Elmer Blaisdell, a member of the home, was searching for berries near the shore of the pond when he discovered the woman's body lying in shallow water about 10 feet from shore. He notified authorities and Deputy Sheriff Andrew Zoet responded to a call to the office of Sheriff William f. Smith.
The only relative is a nephew, John A. Davis, of Hesperia, with whom the woman had planned to spend her vacation. she had been in poor health. ---Muskegon Chronicle.

The Soldier's Home mentioned here almost sounds like a prision. Did you notice that while Elmer was a "member" of the home, the women were "inmate"s?

Continued--Obituary of George R Dempkey

Ok, where did we leave off? Oh yes. (I couldn't help it, it was the best cliffhanger in the entire article.)

from the 15 July 1926 Fremont Times Indicator.

"Don't shoot, George, don't---"

And so we continue...

The report of a revolver cut this sentence short. It was followed by five more, and when silence again fell Mrs. Carlson was lying on the floor between the kitchen and dining room with her jugular vein severed and two bullets piercing her shoulder and upper arm. Demkey lying dead with a bullet in his heart in the refrigerator room while Mr. Carlson was breathing his last at the foot of the steps on a side porch whence he staggered and fell when a bullet caught him in the neck, also severing his jugular vein. One shot missed, shattering the glass in a kitchen window.
Neighbor Call Police
When the shooting started, Bernard ran next door and called Mrs. Iverson who notified the police and then rushed over to the Carlson home. Mrs George Demkey, 19, and Rose Carlson, 17, were at work at the Brunswick-Balke-Collendar company at the time of the shooting and were immediately notified. Besides Mrs Demkey, and Rose, Bernard and Lucille, there are four other Carlson children, Mabel, 15 years old; Donald 10; Palmer 5; and Milton 2. They were playing about the neighborhood when the killing took place and were unaware of anything wrong until the ambulance drove in front of their home.
The bodies were taken from Mercy hospital, where they were taken in the hope of finding some signs of life to the Balbirnie Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Carlson were held Monday afternoon at 2:30 from the Swedish Mission church, First street and Muskegon avenue of which they were members. The Rev Robert Peterson, pastor officiated.
Arrangements have not yet been made for the burial of Demkey.
Was On Vacation
Mr Carlson was employed at the Shaw-Walker company, but was on vacation this week. Besides the children, he leaves three brothers, Gus Carlson of Octavius street, Charles Carlson of Yuba street, and Elmer Carlson corner of Summit avenue and Glendale Street, Muskegon Heights, and two sisters Mrs. Mary Johnson, of Yuba street, and Mrs Anna Schoquist, of Chicago.
Mrs. Carlson is survived by two brothers Joseph McShannock of this city, and Fred McChannock of St. Paul Minnesota, and one sister, Mrs. Hattie Masterbrook of Fruitport.
Dempkey, whose home originally was in Fremont, leaves besides the widow and baby, four brothers, Archie of Apple avenue, James of Fremont, Henry of Hesperia and David from Pensylvania. The Demkeys were married two years ago.
Mr. Carlson was born in Sweden and came to Muskegon with is parents when a child. Mrs. carlson was born here and lived in the city until her marriage in 1904. They then moved to Fruitland until a year ago when they came here.
The other crimes which have gained state-wide attention, are the Three Lakes bombing the latter part of May, when Asa K Bartlett mailed an infernal machine to Supervisor August Krubasch, of Three Lakes township, which killed Mr. Krubasch, his daughter, Jeanette, and her fiance, William Frankee; the shooting to death by Lawrence Hilt of his wife Mrs. Rose Hilt and her mother, Mrs Ella hale, and his immediate suicide in Muskegon Heights two weeks ago, and the death of David Rice, colored, by Isaac Pulett, also colored, the middle of May in a crap game at Muskegon Heights. --Muskegon Chronicle.
The body of Mr. Demkey was brought here and funeral services were held from the home of his brother Sunday afternoon. The body was interred in the Lincoln township cemetery.

I had the feeling that this was a reprint from the Muskegon newspaper. And sure enough it was.
Did you also notice that this was an entire week after the shooting? One of the drawbacks of a weekly small town paper. Did you also notice the lack of "alleged"? Everything is reported as strictly fact.

Obituary--George R. Demkey

This a from a rather long article about the death of a former resident and two others that he shot. I'll post in installments. It continues to amaze me the information that papers would print back then.

From the 15 July 1926, Fremont Times Indicator.

GEORGE R. DEMPKEY SLAYS COUPLE, SELF
--------
FORMER FREMONT MAN CAUSE OF MURDER AND SUICIDE LAST THURSDAY
A court injunction restraining him from visiting his wife and 15 months old daughter pending divorce proceedings is believed to have caused George R. Dempkey, 28 years old to slay Eric Carlson, 46 years old, and Mrs. Carlson 42 years old, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, then turn the gun on himself, taking his own life and bring the total number of criminal deaths in Muskegon county to 10 in less than two months.
Thursday afternoon's tragedy took place shortly after 5 o'clock in the back rooms of the Carlson home, at 830 W Forest avenue, and was witnessed by Bernard Carlson, 15 year old son of the murdered couple who was standing about 10 feet from Demkey when the latter opened fire.
Boy Tells of Killing
Dempkey, who had made three unsuccessful attempts to see his little daughter since his return from Pennsylvania July 3, came into the yard yesterday and approched little Lucille Carlson, his year old sister-in-law, thinking it to be his child, Bertha Rose Demkey according to Bernard's story.
Learning of his mistake, Demkey proceeded to the back door and asked Mrs Carlson, who was working in a refrigerator rom off the kitchen, if he could see his child. The grandmother, in whose custody the baby was left, refused.
"I guess I have a right to see my own child and I'm going to see her any time I want to," Bernard said Demkey then stated.
This report brought Mr Carlson out of the kitchen where he had been doing some painting, and who told Demkey that if he wanted to see the baby whenever he wanted to he ought to put her some place where he could pay half of her board.
The argument then switched to the pending divorce proceedings, which were to start next week in circuit court, Demkey saying: "I don't want to take this court. We ought to be able to settle it peacefully."
"Well, it's your lawyer who is holding out," Mr Carlson said. "Why don't you see him and settle it that way."
Dempkey then protested that it was all the Carlson's who were back of all his domestic troubles, saying "You people started the trouble and now you're going to pay for it. "
With this Dempkey drew a gun from his pocket, pushed his hand through the screen door which was locked and advanced on the couple, who backed up.
"Don't shoot, George, don't---"

To be continued tomorrow. (Ain't I a tease?)

Tombstone Tuesday--Hillside Cemetery

This week's cemetery, Hillside is one of our southernmost cemeteries. Located near the farming community of Grant, is is fairly flat and as you can see below a neatly kept cemetery that is still currently used. Look how straight the rows. Not many trees, except around the edges, near the road and drives. Just a few shrubs here and there.
And speaking of shrubs. Remember my rant about not planting trees too near the stones? The same applies to the smallish evergreen bushes. Even small bushes can become large. So don't plant them in front of the stones! See this example?
Since I was able to make out the letters "obinso" I will hazard a guess it is for the Robinson family. But most of the other information is obscured. Now look at this one.
Again the two bushes flanking the stone, but this time behind it far enough that the stone remains readable. And what a stone!
You know how I love a good old homemade stone. Like my Aunt Lyla's stone that my father made, this one is made of cement and not that long ago, only after 1988. While some of the limestone chips have fallen out, it is clear to read yet: In loving memory Hazel Olson 1915-1988. There appears to be more writing at the base also in limestone chips. That however I am unable to make out. Don't you love the flowers though? I cannot decide if they are inlaid somehow or simply colored on somehow. And how poignant is that little tipped urn?
Ok, away from the syrupy chatter. I really love this memorial. While it isn't labeled in our picture file, I am guessing that this is where the community's Memorial Day and Veteran's Day observances are held. Stark and simple and lovely.
I always enjoy the older obelisk tower stones. This one for Timothy, however, has a bolt sticking from the top, so apparently it lost its finial. I wonder if that is where the cross came from? Or if you look closely, there is another small stone leaning on the other side of the base. Could that be the original top of the stone?
But one of most striking difference between this cemetery and most others I've posted about recently?
The only cement borders seem to be on the road, and not around graves. I think that helps to account for the straight, unbroken rows.

Obituary Charles B Buck

This is a rather long obituary, as befitting a director of the bank. It even includes a resolution in his honor that was made by the board of directors.

Fremont Times Indicator, 2 October 1913

DEATH COMES AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS' ILLNESS
_____________________
Charles B. Buck Succumbs to Septic Poisoning in the U. B. A Hospital Last Saturday, September 27

The death of Charles B. Buck occurred Saturday, September 27 at the U. B. A. hospital in Grand Rapids after an illness of several weeks. Mr. Buck went to Grand rapids July 22nd and entered the Burleson hospital where he remained until about three weeks before his death when he was taken to the U. B. A. hospital where he died. The immediate cause of death was septic poisoning which was the result of the breaking of a fistula. He was in poor health when he returned last spring from Dade City, Florida, where he had suffered from fever, and grew gradually worse. He was 66 years of age.
Mr. Buck was born in Sturgis, August 2, 1847, and made that city his home until he came to Fremont in 1890. He has since resided ere. For many years he was the proprietor of the Elliot House in Sturgis and was at the time of his death a director of the Citizens State Bank of that city. Prior to his death he was engaged in the loan and banking business here and was a director of the Old State Bank.
Mr. Buck was married in Sturgis to Miss Ella Cole September 30, 1866, and to this union four children were born, namely, Luella, Herbert, Lillie Mae, and herman. Of these only the latter survives.
Besides the widow and son, Herman, he is survived by two sisters, Mrs E. H. Murdock and Mrs. Belle M. Stowe of Chicago, and three brothers, George Buck of California, Sila Buck of Chicago, and Frank Buck, of this city. Another sister, Mrs Marian LaDow passed away a week before Mr. Buck's death.
The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Congregational church and were conducted by Rev. Ralph W. Paul. The directors of the Old State Bank acted as pall bearers. The interment took place in Maple Grove cemetery.
All of the deceased;s brothers and sisters, excepting George Buck, together with a nephew Herbert LaDow and a niece, Mrs L Hulversen, of Chicago, attended the funeral.
As a mark of respect both banks and a number of the business places were closed during the funeral.
The following resolution was adopted at a meeting of the board of directors of the Old State bank Monday afternoon:
Whereas, The Great and Supreme Ruler of the Universe has in His wisdom removed from this life Mr. Charles B. Buck, second vice-president of the Old State Bank of Fremont and
Whereas, In his death the family have lost a good husband and father and the bank an earnest and faithful officer and the community a willing citizen, therefore let it be
Resolved, That we, the directors of the Old State Bank of Fremont tender to his bereaved family and friends in their hour of affliction our sincere and heartfelt sympathy and earnestly hop that He that doeth all things well may comfort and protect them in this their hour of sorrow. And be it
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved family and the Fremont Times Indicator of this city.
Signed by the directors of the Old State Bank.

I love that resolution at the end. You don't see companies thinking of families like that now. Especially when local companies in small towns become part of the vast conglomerates.
I also never noticed how writers back then seemed to love commas. Just a thought.

Obituary--Mrs Addie Lantz Quackenbush

Ok, I will admit that this obit attracted me with her name. but it is one that is typical in style yet still moving.
My copy is dated 30 March 1905 (Fremont Times Indicator) But since that is the date of death, then apparently this was the following weeks paper.

DIED,

March 30th, 1905 Mrs Addie Lantz Quackenbush, wife of Elmer Quackenbush. She was born April 2d, 1867 in the village of Croton, and had spent all of her life there. Her health had been poor for two years. To some her death was not a surprise. Her suffering was terrible; those who stood by her bedside can only imagine her terrible suffering. She leaves a husband and six children: George, James Mattie, Hazel, Maria and Nina; a father Mr George Lantz; one brother Mr. Albert Lantz, of Croton; one sister Mrs Lottie Hughes, of Grand Rapids; a grand mother, Mrs Charlotte Tucker, of Soldiers' Home, Grand Rapids all of whom attended the funeral, which was held April 2, at the Congregational church, Harry E. Walker, of White Cloud, officiating. Interment in the Croton cemetery. A large number of friends followed her to her last resting place. may God comfort and sustain the husband and children in their affliction. It is hard to see a mother taken from her family and her children left to the cold and heartless world.
Mr. Quackenbush and family tender their thanks to the neighbors who so kindly assisted in their bereavement.

These old obituaries with their emotions and expressions of faith never fail to move me.