Contributed by: Matthew Adair
James N. Wagar
James N. Wagar was born in Napanee, Ontario, August 28, 1856, and departed this life May 15, 1925, aged 68 years, 7 months and 16 days. He was united in marriage Oct. 16, 1880, to Ada Card, to which union were born one daughter and two sons, all residents of Gladwin, Mich. The early part of his life was spent in Ontario, but in 1888 he moved his family to Gladwin county settling on a farm at Wagarville, whe he developed into a fine farm in true pioneer fashion. In 1918 he moved to Gladwin city, where he has resided up until the time of his death. He leaves to mourn his loss, besides his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Roy Edick, and two sons, Norman and Orlen, together with four brothers, Jacob, Joseph and John, all of Tamworth, Ontario, and Wellington of Gladwin, three sisters, Mrs. Albert Morton of Utica, N. Y., Mrs. Henry Keller of Ca, rose, Alberta, and Mrs. Joseph Huffman of Tamworth, Ontario. Eleven grandchildren also survive. He has been a member of the Methodist chur! ch for 30 years and has been a devout Christian. His sympathetic and kindly nature gained for him the respect of all who knew him. His dominant characteristic was unselfishness, and that made him a kind and loving father and a good neighbor. He will be missed in th ecommunity as well as in his home. Funeral services at the M. E. church Sunday morning were largely attended, conducted by Rev. Stanley W. Thayer. Burial took place in the Ridge cemetery. The pallbearers were grandchildren of the deceased, Loren, John, Leon and Joe Wagar and Leonard and Glen Edick. Those in attendance at the funeral from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. John Card of Mt. Morris; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Card, Mr. and Mrs. George Card of Flint; Mr. and Mrs. Edgerton Wagar of Saginaw. Joseph Wagar of Grand Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. James McDougall and son Fay, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bauserman and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bradley of Flint; Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson of Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. F. W. McCreary (McCrary) of Midland. [The Gladwin County Record, 21 May 1925].
Contributed by: Matthew Adair
Wellington Wagar
County Pioneer Dies is Saginaw Wellington Wagar Succumbs to Month’s Illness in Hospital Funeral services were held at 2:30 this afternoon for one of Gladwin County’s oldest and most respected pioneers, Wellington Wagar. He died Monday in Saginaw General Hospital following an illness of several months. He was 80 years old. A man who has played a major part in the growth and development of Gladwin county almost since its beginnings, Wellington Wagar was born in Tamworth, Ontario, on April 19, 1854. It was during the lumber boom in 1884 tat he first came to michigan. On that occasion he came by train as far as Averill and ten went to Edenville by stage coach. Came During Lumber Boom After spending four years in the lumber camps in and around Edenville, he moved to Gladwin, where he became a partner with Jonathan Spooner in the town’s blacksmith shop. He had been married in 1878 to Elizabeth Jane Card and his wife accompanied him to Gladwin It was during the year 1890 that he moved his blacksmith shop to what is now known as Wagarville. Heere, with his brother James, who had followed him to Michigan, he built his home. Four Terms as Rigister of Deeds In the years that followed he became manager of the Wagarville Creamery and in 1912, still holding that position, he moved back to Gladwin. He was elected Register of Deeds for Gladwin county in 1924 and was re-elected to the position every two years until 1932 when he declined the Republican nomination. A staunch Republican, he held many county and township offices during his lifetime. He was clerk of Gladwin township for 19 consecutive years and, in addition, served as treasurer of the township for several terms. For four years he was a county supervisor for the Gladwin city second ward. He wlso served as a county delegate to the Republican state convention. A Baseball Enthusiast Gladwin folks best remember Wellington Wagar in recent years as an ardent baseball and football fan. He never missed a game. Last year, approaching his 80th year, he hiked off unaccompanied for a three month’s trip in noethern Canada. While there he visited his sister, Mrs. Henry B. Keller, in Cambrose, Alberta. He was a life-long member and supported of the Methodist church. Active fraternally, he belonged to the Gleaners, the Grangers, and the Masonic order and the I. O. O. F. Five Children Survive Surviving him are a brother, Jacob N. Wagar, Tamworth, Ont., and a sister, Mrs. Henry B. Keller, Cambrose, Ont. [Sic]: four sons Edgerton W. and Glen W., of Gadwin, Harold W. and Joseph F. of Saginaw, one daughter Mr. David. J. Bort of Sault Ste. Marie; and nine grandchildren. Two choldren, Hugh A. and Olive, preceded their father in death. MRs. Wagar died in 1925. Rev. LeRoy M. Whitney officiated today at the funeral in the Methodist Church. He was assisted by Rev. Herbert A. Wilson of West Branch. Burial was in Ridge Cemetery. [The Gladwin County Record, 2 Aug 1934].
Contributed by: Matthew Adair
Eugene G. Wesley
Drowned While Bathing Eugene G. Wesley Seized with Cramps at Schulz Dam-Companions Unable to Save Him Eugene G. Wesley was drowned Saturday evening, June 23, 1923, while swimming in the Schulz mill pond. With some companions he had gone to the pond for a swim. He was in the water only a short time when he was taken with cramps. He called for help, but they were unable to save him His body was brought to the surface of the water about 15 minutes later. A doctor was called but nothing could be done. Eugene Wesley was born August 19,,1900, in Gladwin township, and was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Wesley. He spent his boyhood here, and married Ellen Ogg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ogg, Nov. 22, 1921, who survives him. They were living on the Ogg farm in Grout township. Eugene was of a happy disposition making friends with those whom he came in contact, who have shown their respect in generous sympathy by doing whatever they could to comfort the bereaved friends. Besides his loving wife he leaves to mourn, his mother, Mrs. William Wesley, three brothers, John and Howard of Gladwin and Robert of Detroit; two sisters, Mrs. Bert Hutson and Mrs. Norman Bergey of Gladwin, many other relatives and a large circle of associates who will miss one they loved to meet. Funeral services were held in the M.E. church in Gladwin Tuesday at 2 p.m. Rev. E.T. Smith officiating.
Contributed by: Dawn Daniels
Henry Milton Wesley
Henry Milton Wesley died at his home in Detroit April 22, 1918, after nine days illness with pneumonia. The body was brought to Gladwin April 23, and taken to the home of his mother, Mrs. William Wesley. He was born in Gladwin township September 9, 1896, and lived with his parents until the fall of 1914, when he went to Detroit where he learned the barber's trade at which he worked until the demand for men in government work became so great that he left to work for the Bower Rolling Baring Co., were he has been employed since. He was married to Miss Antinetta Christiana Hahn, April 9, 1917, and they were preparing to move to her father's farm at Maysville when he was suddenly taken ill. Besides his wife he is survived by mother, Mrs. William Wesley, four brothers, John and Robt. Wesley of Detroit, Howard Wesley of Hockaday, Eugene Wesley who lives with his mother, and two sisters, Mrs. Bert Hutson of Hockaday and Mrs. Norman Bergey of Gladwin township. Services were held Thursday afternoon at the Methodist Episcopal church conducted by Rev. J. H. Cornelius. Burial in the Ridge cemetery. Beyond this fight of time, Beyond this vale of death, There is surely some blessed clime Where life is not a breath, Nor life's affection transient fire Whose sparks fly upward to expire. Our faith beholds the dying here Translated to that happier sphere.
Contributed by: Dawn Daniels
John Wesley
John Wesley of Butman township was born June 14, 1880, and died Saturday night, Oct. 8, 1932, in Rochester, Michigan. Mr. Wesley had been in poor health for the past year, but had kept working until about three weeks ago. Last Friday he went to Rochester to obtain medical aid, seeming to stand the trip and feeling encouraged, but death came suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday night and he passed away at the home of his friends, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hall. He came to this country from Ontario with his parents when he was about eight years of age and with the exception of a few years that he lived in Flint, had been a resident in this community. Jan. 16, 1906, he was married to Nettie Demaray, who is left to mourn this unexpected loss. Those who knew him testify to his happy disposition and speak their sense of loss in his passing. Besides his wife he leaves to mourn one daughter, Mrs. Etrill Diller; his mother, Mrs. William Wesley, of Gladwin; two brothers, Howard of Butman and Robert of Detroit; two sisters, Mrs. Bert Hutson of Gladwin and Mrs. Norman Bergy of Wynn,Mich.; also other relatives and many friends. The body was returned to Gladwin Sunday and services were held from the home of his mother Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 11, and from the Gladwin Methodist church, Rev. L. M. Whitney officiating.
Contributed by: Dawn Daniels
Alice Whitman
Mrs. Alice F. Whitman, 74, of 103 Tonkin St., Beaverton died Saturday, May 27, in the Midland Hospital Center following a long illness. Born in Isabella County on May 18, 1904, she came to Gladwin County in 1928, from Saginaw. She was a member of the Beaverton R.L.D.S. Church. The former Alice Davis, she was married to Floyd Whitman Sr. on July 3, 1923, in Bay City. Besides her husband, she is survived by 2 sons, Wayne of Beaverton and Floyd Jr. of Mt. Pleasant; 2 brothers, Kenneth of Beaverton and Harry of Florida; 9 grandchildrena and 2 step-grandchildren. A son, Lyle, preseded her in death. Services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. from Beaverton R.L.D.S. Church. Elder Harold McAllister and Elder Harold Keeley officiated and burial was in Dale Cemetery. Arrangements were in charge of the Hall Funeral Home. paper year (1978)
Contributed by: Michelle Hess(Schaefer-Whitman)
Rites Held for Daniel Whitman
Daniel C. Whitman, 79, of Grout Township, died Saturday in Grand Traverse County after a long illness. Born in Gladwin County on March 21, 1889, he had spent his lifetime here. Mr. Whitman was a retired farmer. He was married to the former Mary Louise Beaubein on August 21, 1908, in Gladwin. She preceded him in death on August 27, 1966. Surviving are two sons, Charles of Sanford and Forest of Freeland; two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Hale of Beaverton and Mrs. Mable Bruner of Gladwin; one brother, Floyd of Beaverton; two sisters, Mrs. Nellie Hashberger in Ohio and Mrs. Gertrude Brown of Fenton; 20 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Rites were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. from the Hall Funeral Home. The Rev. Nelson Clair officiated and burial was in Highland Cemetery. paper year (1968)
Contributed by: Michelle Hess(Schaefer-Whitman)
Donna Whitman
Donna Lee Whitman, 47, of Mr. Pleasant, died Tuesday, March 8, in the Midland Hospital Center. The former Donna Lee Grove, she was born in Gladwin on January 19, 1936. She moved to Mt. Pleasant 25 years ago and was employed by the West Town IGA for 13 years as a cashier and baker. She was married to Floyd Whitman on September 12, 1981, in Midland. Besides her husband, she is survived by 3 daughters, Mrs. Scott (Cindy) Woodcock, Mrs. Randy ( Carolyn) Blizzard and Mrs. Gordy (Peggy) Wheeler of Mt. Pleasant; 2 sons, Greg and Ed Casper of Mt. Pleasant; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Grove of Beaverton; 4 sisters, Bonnie Willis of Skeels, Ivalou Bauer of Clare, Debbie Casiday of Flint, Kathy Brubaker of Beaverton; 6 brothers, Darwin, Terry, Junior, and Larry of Beaverton, Keith of Coleman and Rick of Colorado; and 6 grandchildren. Services were held last Thursday at 2 p.m. from the Stinson-Helms Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant. The Rev. Carl Briggs officiated and burial was in Riverside Cemetery. paper year (1983)
Contributed by: Michelle Hess(Schaefer-Whitman)
Grover Daniel Whitman
Grover Daniel Whitman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Whitman, was born in Gladwin County, Mich., March 21, 1909, and departed this life at Wahjamega, Mich., February 1, 1928, aged 18 years, 10 months and 10 days. He was always of a kind disposition. He leaves to mourn a father, mother, two sisters, and three brothers and many other relatives and friends. Three brothers have preceded him to the great beyond. The funeral services were held Friday afternoon, Feb. 3, from the Presbyterian church, Beaverton, Rev. A.J. Preston officiating. Interment in the Gladwin cemetery.
Contributed by: Michelle Hess(Schaefer-Whitman)
Howard Whitman
Howard Whitman Dies in Grout Township Thursday Funeral Services were held Sunday afternoon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Whitman in Grout Township, south of Gladwin for their son, Howard J. Whitman, Rev. Charles H. Woods, officiating. Burial services were held at Highland Cemetery. He was born May 13, 1912, in Grout township, and died August 8, 1935, at his home in Grout township. He is survivied by his wife, Mary Whitman, and a son of two years and six months, his parents, three sisters, Mrs. Ernest Carnahan, Dorothy and Mabel at home; and two brothers, Lawrence and Forest, at home.
Contributed by: Michelle Hess(Schaefer-Whitman)
Lyle Whitman Jr.
Lyle D. Whitman Jr., 3, of Punta Gorda, Fla., accidentlly drowned Wednesday, Sept. 5. Born on April 24, 1976, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Whitman Sr. Besides his parents, he is survived by one sister; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Fitzpatrick of Gladwin and Mrs. Ione Grady of Sault Ste. Marie; a great grandmother Mrs. Marion Farison of Gladwin and a great grandfather, Flyod Whitman of Beaverton. Services were held Monday at 11 a.m. fromt he Hall Funeral Home, Beaverton Chapel. Elder James Wiltse officiated and burial was in the Dale Cemetery. paper dated: 9-12-1979
Contributed by: Michelle Hess(Schaefer-Whitman)
Lyle Eugene Whitman
Rites for Tobacco Man Held Funeral services were held Sunday for Lyle Eugene Whitman, 23, of Tobacco Township, who passed away Aug. 25 at the Midland Hospital after an illness of nine months. Mr. Whitman was born Aug. 4, 1932, at Beaverton, and was married June 5, 1954, to the former Ione Farrison. He was a memeber of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Survivors are his wife, one son, Dennis; his parents Mr. and Mrs. Flyod Whitman Jr., both of Beaverton. Services were held at 2:30 p.m. at the R.L.D.S. Church in Beaverton, with Elder Harold Keeley officiating. Burial was in the Dale cemetery. Pallbeareres were Lee Forshee, Bud West, James Maxwell, Don Blades, Shirley Blades, William Grant. Date of Paper: 8-31-1955
Contributed by: Michelle Hess(Schaefer-Whitman)
Rites Held for Mary Whitman
Mrs. Mary Louise Whitman,74, of Grout Township, died in the Gladwin Hospital Saturday after a long illness. Born in Paulding County, Ohio, on April 8, 1892, she had lived in Gladwin County since 1894. She was married to Daniel Whitman on August 21, 1908, in Gladwin. Besides her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Hale of Beaverton and Mrs. Mable Bruner of Gladwin; two sons, Charles of Sanford and Forrest of Freeland; 20 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Rites were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. from the Hall Funeral Home. The Rev. Nelson Clair officiated and burial was in Highland Cemetery. paper year (1966)
Contributed by: Michelle Hess(Schaefer-Whitman)
Whitman Funeral services were held for the 2-month-old baby of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Whitman from the home two miles south of Gladwin, Tuesday, May 28, at two o'clock. The baby had been ill four days with pneumonia. Rev. Whitney conducted the services. Rev. Miss Wegner sang. The baby, Ralph Daniel, was born March 28, 1929, and leaves besides the father and mother, two sisters and three brothers. Four brothers have gone before him. The little body was laid to rest in Highland cemetery. "Though in pain, at times he smiled A smile of heavenly birth; And when the angles called him home He smiled farewell to earth. Heaven containeth now our treasure, Earth the lonely casket keeps, And the sunbeams love to linger Where our darling baby sleeps." paper dated: 5-30-1929
Contributed by: Michelle Hess(Schaefer-Whitman)
Whitman Alexander Whitman died at his home in Grout Township April 17 at the age of 60 years and 5 months. The immediate cause of death was paralysis and blood poisoning. For the last 14 years he has been a respected farmer of this county having moved here in 1898 form Midland. Besides his wife who was formerly Sophrona Hawley of Midland, he leaves three sons, George of St. Helens, Daniel and Floyd of Gladwin, and five daughters, Mesdames Ida Thomas, Myrtle Brown, and Nellie Manefield of Saginaw, Mich., Gertrude Brown of Flint and Sarah Arnold of Gladwin. The funeral services were condudcted at the family residence in South Grout April 19 by Rev. A. E. Potbury of the Free Methodist church of which Mr. Whitman was an honored memeber. He was laid to rest in Highland cemetery.
Contributed by: Michelle Hess(Schaefer-Whitman)
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