ANNA KOYL SCRAPBOOK

1935 OBITUARIES

 

 

DEATH OF ESTHER NORA PARKS

SHOCKS MANY IN SHEPHERD

February 14, 1935  (nsp)

 

A shock that came to many friends in the Shepherd community, where she spent her entire life, was the news of the death Sunday in the General Hospital in Mt. Pleasant of Esther Nora Parks, wife of Clarence Parks.  Mrs. Parks was taken to the hospital last week Monday for an emergency operation from which she failed to rally.

Born here January 30, 1905, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gazier, she was 30 years and 10 days old.  She was graduated from Shepherd high school and for five or six years served as manager of the Union Telephone exchange here.

Of a happy, generous and friendly disposition, Mrs. Parks endeared herself to a wide circle, in which she will be greatly missed.  The sympathy of the community goes out especially to members of the stricken family.

With the parents and husband, there survive two children by a former marriage, a sister, Mrs. Agatha Swenson of Millington, a brother-in-law, nephew and other relatives.

Funeral services conducted by the Rev. E. N. Mayhew of Mt. Pleasant were held at the Methodist church here Wednesday afternoon and interment was made in Salt River cemetery.

 

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DOUBLE FUNERAL FOR AGED

LINCOLN WOMAN AND ONLY SISTER

February 17, 1935

 

Mrs. William Eugene Miller, nee Ida Lavina Pomeroy died February 17 at the home of her son, Roy D. Miller in Lincoln twp., where she made her home.  She survived by just 21 hours, her only sister, Mrs. Belle Howard, of Allen, Michigan.

A double funeral ceremony was held at Allen on Wednesday, February 20th, preceding the burial of the sisters in the Allen Cemetery.  On Tuesday funeral services for Mrs. Miller were held at the Strickland Baptist church prior to taking the body to Allen.

Ida Lavina Pomeroy was born March 4, 1856 in Hillsdale County, the daughter of Jesse and Rosamond Pomeroy.  She was united in marriage to William Eugene Miller on February 22, 1876.  To this union were born four children:  Charles E. of Lansing;  Roy F. of Mt. Pleasant;  Roy D. of Shepherd and Mrs. Belle Fox of Jonesville, MI.  She also leaves eight grandchildren, one great grandson, two brothers, Charles Pomeroy of Charlotte, Tenn, and Fred Pomeroy of Batavia, N. Y.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller moved from Hillsdale county to Gratiot county where they lived for a short time before coming to Lincoln twp. in Isabella county in 1884 to take up the farm that is the home of the son, Roy.  They returned to Hillsdale county in 1920 and Mr. Miller died there seven years ago.

Mrs. Miller gave her heart to Christ at an early age and had always been a faithful worker in the cause.  She had endeared herself to a wide circle of friends, who with the relatives will mourn her loss.

 

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EMORY H. HANNETT

(no date other than 1935)

(top part of this article is missing)

 

Mr. Emory H. Hannett, a native of Salt River, was the son of Thomas Hannett, prominent business man here in the early days, who was engaged in real estate and lumbering in Salt River, where he settled in 1872 and later conducted a grain and bean elevator in Shepherd.

Mr. Hannett, after completing his public school education in Shepherd, was graduated from Alma college and later served for several years as assistant cashier of the Commercial State Bank of Shepherd.  About 38 hears ago he became associated with the International Harvester company and had been with that concern since until his retirement a few months ago after he had served since 1913 as manager of the branch office in Jackson.

Previously he had been associated with the offices of the company in Chicago, in Evansville, Ind., and in Louisville, KY.

Mr. Hannett was a member of the Jackson Rotary club.  He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Harold B. Taylor and Mrs. Byron E. Snow, both of Jackson;  two grandchildren;  one sister, Mrs. May H. McGinley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and two brothers, J. R. Hannett of Pinckney, MI and Claude H. Estee of Shepherd.

He had been a frequent visitor at his boyhood home here and was in high regard by many friends in the Shepherd community.

 

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MRS. WALTERS IS TAKEN

BY DEATH

Former Shepherd Resident Dies in Daughter's

Home Here Tuesday

February 7, 1935  (nsp)

 

Lydia Mae Walters, who was born in Isabella county and resided the greater part of her life in the vicinity of Shepherd, died Tuesday in St. Louis at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elton Miller, after an illness of 11 weeks.  Mrs. Walters, who was 60 years old, was born in Isabella county August 31, 1874 and was married in Findlay, Ohio in 1894 to Byron E. Walters.

Besides the daughter named she is survived by the following brothers and sisters:  John A. Stahlman of Mt. Pleasant;  Orrison U. Stahlman of Kentucky;   Isaac Milton Stahlman of Shepherd R. F. D. and Lulu H. Law of Grand Blane, MI

Mrs. Walters had been with her daughter in St. Louis for the last 6 years.  The funeral will be held at the residence in St. Louis Friday afternoon, the Rev. W. S. Phillips of Shepherd officiating, and interment will be made in Salt River cemetery.

 

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DEATH OF MRS. MOODY SUDDEN

October 31, 1935 (nsp)

 

News of the sudden death at her home in Forest Hill of Mrs. Iva Upton Moody, came as a shock to many friends in this section of the state.  Mrs. Moody, a life-long resident of this community, was stricken with apoplexy while at the telephone Thursday morning.  She had called the William E. Moody home in Alma, to discuss plans for conveyance of her husband, Ira C. Moody, who had been ill in bed, to an Alma hospital and was stricken with apoplexy before the conversation was ended.  She was found laying on the floor when William E. Moody, hurrying to the home, arrived at about 7:30, a short time later, death apparently having been almost instantaneous.

Iva Upton, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Upton, pioneer residents here, was born in Shepherd April 19, 1874 and always had made her home in this community.  She was married March 30, 1921, after having taught school in Shepherd for some years, to Ira C. Moody, of Forest Hill.

Arrangements that had been made in Shepherd for the observance last Friday night of Past Matrons', Past Patrons' and Charter Members' night by Coe Chapter No 98, O. E. S., together with the 42d anniversary of the constitution of the chapter, were postponed on receipt of the news of Mrs. Moody's death.  She was a Past Matron of the chapter, and also was a member of the Church of Christ of Forest Hill.  Prior to her residence there she had been a member of the Shepherd Methodist church.

Mrs. Moody had been ill for about three years.  A lady possessing high standards and high ideals she was loved for distinguishing virtues of heart and mind.

Surviving with the bereaved husband and step-son, William Moody, are one sister, Mrs. Myrtle Upton, and a brother, J. W. Upton, Shepherd hardware merchant.

Funeral services were held at the attractive residence on the Moody homestead Sunday afternoon, with scores of friends attending to express their sorrow and high regard.  The commodious home was completely filled and floral gifts were unusually abundant and beautiful.

Among those present was a large representation of members of Coe Chapter No 98 O. E. S. of Shepherd.  Members of  the chapter assisted as pallbearers and with the music.  The impressive rites were conducted by the Rev. W. S. Phillips of Shepherd and Rev. C. F. Kruse of Alma.  A trio that sang included Claude Strump, Eskil Nilson and Carl Piatt, with Mrs. H. M. Wetzel at the piano.  The pallbearers were Alfred Carroll, Ralph Nilson, Frank Harry, John Williams,  J. H. Graham and Joseph Southard.

Interment was in Salt River Cemetery.

 

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M. E. WRIGHT, 81

FATALLY HURT

October 31, 1935

 

Myron E. Wright, 81 years old, of Shepherd, died Friday night at the Northway clinic in Mt. Pleasant of a fractured skull, broken jaw and other injuries about the head and body, suffered in an automobile collision at the road intersection 1-1/2 miles west of Shepherd on US-27 Friday afternoon.  He did not recover consciousness after the accident.

Mr. Wright, whose home was just east of the village limits across Salt River bridge, was driving the coach that he used in his work as salesman for advertising novelties and was alone in the car when the accident occurred.  Going south on the intersecting gravel road, he stopped momentarily before driving onto the pavement.

Apparently he did not see a car coming from the east until too late to avoid the collision.  Evidently confused, he hesitated and the driver of the westbound car, although making every possible effort to avoid a collision with the Wright auto, which was directly in his path, was un-abel to avert the crash.

The westbound car, driven by Robert Dodge, 32 of Columbus, Ohio, and containing three other young men bound for the Canadian woods on a hunting trip, swung far to the left but struck the rear of the Wright car and swung it around so violently that the old man was hurled out the door for some distance, striking on the pavement with great force.  Not only did he suffer fractures of the skull and jaw, but he was badly cut and bruised about the face and head and apparently his left are was broken near the wrist.

Owing to the angle at which the cars came together neither machine was so badly damaged as might have been expected.

Much distressed by the accident, members of the Ohio party, all of whom escaped injury, brought Mr. Write to the office in Shepherd of Dr. A. H. Fuller, where he was given first aid before being taken to the clinic.

A man of good character, kindly disposition and pleasing personality, Mr. Wright was held in general respect and was highly esteemed by those numbered among his friends.

He was born in Canada, but had spent most of his life in Michigan, devoting himself for many years to the work of traveling salesman.  He had lived for many years in Lansing and Detroit, but came here about four years ago from Stantontown, Ohio.

He was married here about three years ago to Mrs. Mattie Furlong, who survives him with two daughters, Mrs. Helen May Dwyer of Detroit and Mrs. Ethel Payne of Oakland, California and one sister.

 

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DEATH CLAIMS

WILLIAM S. COOK

Highly Esteemed Old Resident

Succumbs Monday at age 81 Years

August 1935

 

William Shepherd Cook, rugged type of the old-time stock that placed a high estimate on the values of straightforward citizenship, strict integrity and friendly consideration for their fellowmen, will be missed in the Shepherd community that had known and welcomed his familiar figure for the last 45 years.

Mr. Cook had been relatively active for one of his nearly 82 years up to the time he was seized early Monday morning with the acute illness that caused his death at about 3 o'clock that same afternoon.  He had been failing in health for several years, but up to Monday had continued his usual pursuits.  He drove his car to Shepherd Sunday for the last time.

Mr. Cook was a frequent visitor in town and numbered here friends by the score who testify to his kindly nature and sterling qualities as a man and citizen.  He was of a type that the community and the country can ill afford to lose, devoted to the best traditions of our hard-won civilization.

William S. Cook was born in Sommerset Shire, England, September 20, 1853.  In 1856 with his parents he crossed the Atlantic ocean in a sailing vessel.  They landed in Woodstock, Canada, and 20 months later they moved to Farmington, Oakland Co., MI where William grew to manhood.  On February 14, 1883 he was united in marriage to Mary J. Cook at Northville, MI.  Seven years later in 1890 they moved to the farm west of Shepherd where he spent the remainder of his life.

Mr. and Mrs. Cook celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Feb. 14, 1933, holding open house at their pleasant home for relatives and their many friends.

Mr. Cook is survived by his widow and three sons, Bert of Shepherd;  Lewis of Flint;  and William of Lansing;  two grandsons, Dr. W. Ferrall Cook of El Paso, TX and William Lewis Cook of Flint;  a sister, Mrs. Mary Orr of Coleman and a half-brother, Sidney Court of Clare, the latter being past 90 years old.

Largely attended funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, Rev. W. H. Bell officiating, and interment was made in Salt River Cemetery.

 

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WILLIAM S. REARICK

JOINS MAJORITY

Old Resident Leave Cherished Heritage of Kindness

and Good Cheer.

July 29, 1935

 

Smiling through, William Sherman Rearick laid down his burden early Monday morning, July 29th.  With a humorous greeting on his lips for many friends and acquaintances who will sadly miss this good neighbor, Mr. Rearick had passed a year during which physical infirmities caused him great suffering at times, but his unfailing smile and pleasant word will be remembered as the essential part of the record that will be cherished by those who knew him best.

Funeral services for Mr. Rearick were held Wednesday afternoon at the Methodist church, where many gathered to pay a tribute of affectionate regard and high esteem to the memory of this old resident.  The Rev. W. H. Bell officiated and interment was made in Salt River cemetery.

William Sherman Rearick was a native of Pennsylvania.  Born December 27, 1863, he was nearly 72 years old.  He was married February 24, 1887 in Fremont, Ohio, to Anna Loretta Divelbiss.  To this union were born three daughters and one son, who survive him.  They are:  Mrs. Alvin Hafer and Mrs. Daisy Hafer, both of Dayton, Ohio;  Robert Rearick of Alma, and Mrs. F. C. Baughman of Shepherd.  A daughter, Martha Jane, died in infancy.

Mrs. Rearick died January 22, 1922 and on November 24 he resumed his home ties through a union with Nancy Vining Gilmore, daughter of J. Jay Vining, that was solemnized at the Fred Walton home.  Surviving with the widow, the children named and 14 grandchildren, are two sisters and a brother, Mrs. Hattie Schell and Mrs. Myrtle Berger, both of Fremont, Ohio and Jesse Rearick of Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

Mr. Rearick had lived in Michigan for about 30 years.  Up until about 17 years ago he conducted farms southwest of Shepherd, on which he resided.  Thirteen years ago he moved to this village to embark in the filling station business at Salt River corners with which he had since been identified.  Since the time of his marriage, nearly nine years ago, he had resided in the home where his death occurred Monday, due to a complication of diseases.

Mr. Rearick's familiar figure and his characteristic word of cheer will be missed by not a few who will remember his example as a lesson in fortitude and self-effacement.

 

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JOE VANALSTINE

August 19, 1935

 

Jon VanAlstine, junior member of the Shepherd firm of A. Van Alstine and Sons, meat dealers, is receiving treatment in the Clinton Memorial Hospital in St. Johns for serious injuries sustained at an early hour Monday morning while he was returning from Lansing in the VanAlstine car with pickup body that is used in the meat business of the firm.

The car, in which he was riding alone, crashed into a cement pier bearing a signal light at the US-27 crossing with the Pere Marquette railroad and was badly wrecked by the impact.

Joe was removed to the hospital, where it was determined that a crushed collarbone had punctured one of his lungs while there were severe lacerations about his head and body.  Mr. and Mrs. A. VanAlstine drove to St. Johns Tuesday afternoon to visit him and reported that it was feared pneumonia might develop from the lung puncture.  It was thought several days would be necessary to determine the consequences of his injuries.  Supposition is that he dozed momentarily at the wheel.

 

Host of Friends Gather at Church for Last

Rites Sunday Afternoon for

Joe VanAlstine

 

The commodious Methodist Episcopal church in Shepherd was filled to capacity and some stood outside Sunday afternoon when the community paid a notable tribute to the memory of the late Joe VanAlstine.  Beautiful flowers sent by sympathetic friends not only in Shepherd but from various parts of the country, were of such abundance that they filled a room in the Van Alstine home Sunday morning.

The Rev. W. H. Phillips conducted the impressive funeral rites at the church.  Eskil Nilson, E. L. Piatt, Carl Piatt and Mrs. E. L. Ashworth sang, with Mrs. H. M. Wetzel at the piano.  (It also listed the pallbearers, but the ink is smudged and I can only read these  names:  Russell Stilgenbauer, Alfred Carroll, Homer L. Norton, George ____?, Floyd Coon and Glen Oren....)

To a large proportion of the residents of Shepherd news of Joe's death at an early hour last Thursday morning came as a shock that left a sense of personal loss.  The young man was universally highly regarded and popular.  A pleasing and agreeable personality and traits of character that distinguished him, had made him a host of friends, to whom the news of his untimely passing seemed unreal and almost impossible.

Death is attributed to pneumonia developing from a puncture of one of his lungs, due to the crushing of his collarbone in the distressing accident that occurred early in the morning of August 19, when the car in which he was returning from Lansing crashed into an obstruction at a St. Johns railroad crossing of US-27.

Joe was born and reared in Riverdale where his father conducted a meat market for years, and was graduated from Riverdale high school in 1919.  The family moved to Shepherd in 1929 to establish here the meat market business of a. VanAlstine and Sons.  Joe was devoted to the business and will be keenly missed in this connection.  He had been initiated into the mysteries of Masonry but a few months before his death as a member of the Salt River Lodge.  He was 33 years old, and was to have been married in the near future to a Lansing young lady who has been teaching in Alma.

Surviving with his father and mother are one brother, Ross VanAlstine and six sisters:  Mrs. Olin Ferris of Alma,  Mrs. Ruth Tessmer of Drummond, Wisc;  Mrs. Ward Leonard of Forest Hill;  Mrs. Thelma Houck of Greenville, and Miss Tella VanAlstine and Miss Donna VanAlstine.

 

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MRS. SOL MINICH

NEE ELLA YARNELL

TAKEN BY DEATH

March 9, 1935

 

Mrs. Soloman Minich, an old resident of this community, who before her marriage was Miss Ella Yarnell, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter Snyder in Alma Saturday morning.  Rev. W. H. Bell assisted in the burial services at Forest Hill Monday.  Interment was made in Salt River Cemetery.

Ella Yarnell, daughter of John and Sarah Yarnell, was born March 10, 1868 in Crawford County, Penn., one of a large family of children.  At the age of nine her parents came to Michigan, settling in Coe township, Isabella County, where she lived until her marriage in 1886 to Soloman Minich.

Most of their married life was spent in Isabella and Gratiot counties.  To this union two children were born, one, a son, dying in infancy, and the other, a daughter, Mrs. Walter Snyder, with whom Mr. and Mrs. Minich made their home at the time and after Mr. Minich's death in 1919.

Her death occurred at the Snyder home in Alma on Saturday morning, March 9, 1935, after a short illness.  Mrs. Minich is survived by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Snyder, two grandchildren, Ursel and Delmar Snyder;  three sisters, Mrs. Mary Lubold,  Mrs. Emma Crawford and Miss Ida Yarnell and a host of relatives and friends.

 

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DEATH CLAMS

WILLIAM J. BOYLES

Shepherd Business Man for Nearly Half-Century

Removed at Age 81

December 1935

 

With the death at his home here Monday night of William Jones Boyles, 81 years old, Shepherd lost a highly esteemed citizen and one of it's oldest business men.  After having been confined to his home for six weeks, Mr. Boyles was compelled to relinquish a battle against declining health that began about nine years ago.  He had been inactive in a business way for the last 6  months.

Identified with a barber business that he had carried on in Shepherd for the last 45 years, Mr. Boyles held the distinction of being the proprietor of the longest established business continuing in the village under the same management that founded it.  He came here from Wheeler, in Gratiot county, in February 1891 and purchased the business from a Mr. Hutchinson.  Until ill health compelled him to relinquish his work recently he devoted himself constantly to his trade.

Born June 22, 1854, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the son of John and Belinda Boyles, he moved to Ohio with his parents when a youth.  Later the family located in Seville twp., Gratiot county, where Mr. Boyles was married in 1874 to Frances Oberlin.  His widow survives him with two sons, Clinton A. Boyles, who is in the barber business in Owosso, and Simon R. Boyles who has been associated for years with his father in the Shepherd business.

Cheerful and congenial, Mr. Boyles was consistently good friend, a substantial and considerate citizen and an agreeable companion, generally well liked.  His familiar figure will be greatly missed in the business district that had been his sphere of activity for so many years and his passing is mourned by a host of friends who knew him best.

Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at the Shepherd Church of Christ, the Rev. W. H. Bell will officiate and interment will be made in Salt River Cemetery.

 

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WILLIAM BURNHAM

September 17, 1935

 

William Burnham, prominent Shepherd man for over 21 years died suddenly Tuesday afternoon, Sept 17th.  He was in the meat market business for a number of years and was also active in fraternal and civic life of the community.

The funeral will be held at the Methodist church on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 20th, and burial will be at Salt River cemetery with I. O. O. F. rites.  Mr. Burnham is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Cleo DeRushia, a son (can not read the name), a grandson, Johnnie Mitchell, and two sisters, Mrs. William Wonnacot of Ithaca and Mrs. Arthur Bache of Mt. Morris.  Mrs. Burnham died several years ago.

A full account of Mr. Burnham's life will appear in next weeks' Republican.

 

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MRS. LUDA MOORE

November 14, 1935  (nsp)

 

Mrs. Luda V. Hutchinson Moore was born in Polk, Ohio on October 21, 1859.  She was the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hutchinson.  They lived in Polk, Ohio until she was 14 years of age when they moved to Salt River, MI, which is now Shepherd.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Moore were united in marriage in Sept. 1875 and made their home on the Moore homestead.  To this union were born three children, Georgie, who died at the age of four years,  Mrs. Winnie Wright of Bostwick Lake, MI and Frank L. Moore of Shepherd.

In 1900 they moved to the home in Shepherd where he husband, Joseph Moore passed away on December 27, 1912.  She lived there until her death.

She had two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Cora Chaffee of Harrison;  Mrs. Alice Armstrong who passed away a little over a year ago, and George Hutchinson who passed away a little over a year ago.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Moore were pioneer residents of Salt River.  Mrs. Joseph Moore was a charter member of the W. R. C.  She had been an active member of the M. E. church and Ladies Aid for many years.

She was a a sweet and loving mother and a kind neighbor who was always doing for others.

The funeral was held at the M. E. church on Friday, October 23, 1935, Rev. W. S. Phillips officiating.  She was laid to rest in Salt River cemetery.

She leaves to mourn her loss one daughter, Mrs. Winnie Wright, one son, Frank L. Moore;  four grandchildren, Clarence Moore, Wayne Moore, Mrs. August Martin and Mrs. Rhea Scott, and three great grandchildren, Shirley Jean and Carol Ann Martin and Arthur George Scott.  One sister, Mrs. Cora Chaffee of Harrison, MI, also survives with other relatives and a host of friends and neighbors.

 

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GARFIELD EUGENE DIBBLE

November 7, 1935  (nsp)

 

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Riverside cemetery for Garfield Eugene Dibble of Lansing, who was a past resident of Mt. Pleasant.  Services were held at the Lansing Presbyterian church preceding the services here.

Mr. Dibble was born in Isabella county June 16, 1880 and made his home here previous to his going to Lansing 18 years ago.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Watson Dibble, one son, Watson and two brothers, Frank and Abraham.

 

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LESTER WILSEY

Well Known Citizen Had Lived on Farm Near

Shepherd 78 Years

(no date other than 1935)

 

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Methodist church in Shepherd for Lester Wilsey, 85 years old, who was one of the earliest of the pioneers of Isabella county.  Mr. Wilsey died Sunday morning following a brief illness, at the home of his step-daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Mikesell of 621 Lapeer St., in Lansing.  Services were conducted by the Rev. W. S. Phillips and interment was made in Salt River cemetery.

Lester Wilsey was the son of James and Lydia Wilsey, was born in Jackson county May 28, 1850.  He came when five years old with his father and mother to a farm they homesteaded one mile south and three-quarters of a mile west of Salt River corners and had resided there about 78 years of his life.  He was the youngest of three sons, his brothers preceding him in death.

Mr. Wilsey was a member of the Odd Fellows' lodge from the time he was 18 years old.  He was married to Clara Lethbridge July 1, 1891.  She died 30 years ago.

Surviving the pioneer are the step-daughter, Mrs. Kenneth Mikesell of Lansing, formerly a resident of Shepherd; a niece Mrs. Cecil Somsel of Thompsonville, MI and a nephew Charles Wilsey of near Shepherd.  Several cousins and a wide circle of friends also mourn the loss of a good citizen.

 

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MRS. RACHEL FROGGETT

Shepherd - Oct 22, 1935

 

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Chippewa Evangelical church in Isabella county for Mrs. Rachel Froggett, 86, pioneer resident of Isabella, who died Friday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sabra Ruegsegger, in Morley, of senility.  Interment was made in the Chippewa cemetery.  The Rev. Manore officiated.

Mrs. Froggett, nee Rachel Andrus, was married to Charles Froggett in Chippewa, where both resided in 1867, by the Rev. R. P. Sheldon, early ministerial circuit rider of this section.  With her husband she lived on a Chippewa farm until 23 years ago, when they removed to Shepherd.  His death occurred here 21 years ago and Mrs. Froggett had since made her home with her children.  Surviving her are one daughter and three sons;  Mrs. Sabra Ruegsegger of Morley,  Henry Froggett of Coe twp., and Wesley Froggett of Mt. Pleasant and Emery Froggett of Staples, Minn.  She also leaves three sisters and one brother;  Mrs. Sarah Marriner of Mt. Pleasant,  Mrs. Hannah Grewett of Lansing and Mrs. Susan Calkins of Clare and Phillip Andrus of Mt. Pleasant.  Twelve grandchildren also survive.

 

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JAMES HENDINGS FREEMAN

July 22, 1935

 

The death of James Hendings Freeman, pioneer of Isabella county, occurred Monday morning, July 22, at his home four miles south of Mt. Pleasant on the US-27 highway, where the funeral was held Wednesday afternoon, July 24, the Rev. W. H. Bell of the Shepherd Church of Christ, officiating, with interment in the Salt River cemetery.

Mr. Freeman came to Michigan with his parents when he was 16 years old.  For many years afterwards he worked at clearing Michigan's timber-land and with his brother George was considered among the few very best chippers in the Saginaw valley.  This work was followed by years of carpentry work in the vicinity of Shepherd and near his late home.  Many houses and pieces of furniture stand as reminders of his work.

Thirty-two years ago he and his family settled on the farm where his death occurred.  Not until seven years ago this coming fall was he forced to give up work.  Since then he had been living with his youngest daughter, Mrs. Gordon Catlin on the old homestead.

James Hendings Freeman, won of James Freeman and Phoebe (Woodard) Freeman was born in the province of Quebec, Canada March 15, 1850 and died 22 July 1935, being 85 years, 4 months and 7 days old.  He was first married to Clarissa A. Hubbs July 11, 1875.  To this union four children were born:  Clarke of Shepherd, Henry of Alma,  Mrs. Irma Jenkins of Lakeview, and James, who died in infancy.  Mrs. Freeman passed away May 13, 1893.  In the fall of 1894 he married Mary Fenton Eagon, who died five years ago.  To this second union two children were born, Hazel on the old place and Harry of Alma.

Besides the 5 children, four grandchildren are left to mourn their loss with many friends and neighbors.

 

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BABY DAUGHTER DIES AT

ALMA HOSPITAL

JOYCE MARIE BROOKS

September 14, 1935

 

Mr. and Mrs. Bliss Brooks, well known Gratiot folk who live in the St. Louis community, have the sympathy of friends in the loss of a baby daughter, Joyce Marie, who was born on Tuesday evening at the Smith Memorial Hospital in Alma.  The baby only lived a few moments.  A prayer service will be held this morning from the Wright and Wolfgang Funeral Home in St. Louis, with Rev. T. O. Lee of the M. E. church officiating.  Burial will be made in Oak Grove cemetery.  Mrs. Brooks is making a satisfactory recovery, her many friends will be glad to learn.  Mr. Brooks is affiliated with the Farm Loan organization in this region, and the family is widely known.  Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have one son, Glen, who is twenty-one.

 

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GEORGE VanDYKE

October 14, 1935

 

George VanDyke, 61, died Friday morning at the home, 1515 Vermont Ave.  He is survived by one son, Lynn.  Funeral services will be held from the Community church at DeWitt.  Interment will be in DeWitt cemetery.  The Rev. Thomas Toy will officiate.

 

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DEATH REMOVES T. KIRKCONNELL

Respected Shepherd Citizen and Councilman

Ill But a Few Hours

May 9, 1935  (nsp)

 

Thomas Kirkconnell will be keenly missed by business associates and a host of friends in the Shepherd community.  Removed with but little warning by the had of death on Monday morning, last rites for his old and highly regarded citizen were held at his home here Wednesday afternoon.  The Rev. W. S. Phillips officiated.  The Masonic ritual was carried out as the body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Rosebush.  Mr. Kirkconnell was 76 years old.

Mr. Kirkconnell was the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Kirkconnell, natives of Scotland.  He was a born in North Cumberland County, Ontario, near Port Hope, October 9, 1858.  His parents moved to Huron Co., Ontario, when he was 11 years old and he was married in London, Ontario July 2, 1890 to Josephine Love, who was born and reared in Huron County.  Later they located in Toledo, Ohio where Mr. Kirkconnell was employed in a lumber yard.  In 189? they came to Isabella county and settled on a farm near Weidman in Nottawa township.  In 1900 they removed to another place near Rosebush in Isabella county and in 1908 purchased the place west of Crawford where they made their home until their removal to Shepherd 14 years ago.  While in Lincoln, Mr. Kirkconnell served for three terms as highway commissioner and was a member of the school board of his district during his residence there.

Of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kirkconnell, two died in infancy.  Those surviving with the widow are:  Mrs. Richard McDonald of Bay City;  William Kirkconnell of Lansing;  Andrew Kirkconnell of Lincoln twp., Elmer Kirkconnell of Mt. Pleasant, treasurer of Isabella county and Mrs. John Murray of Shepherd.

One brother preceded Mr. Kirkconnell in death.  He was the last survivor of his family.  He also has 18 grandchildren who survive him.

Shepherd business places were closed during the hour of Mr. Kirkconnell's funeral.

 

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ROYAL LEONARD DIES

IN FLINT HOSPITAL FROM

HEAD INJURY

(no date other than 1935)

 

Royal Leonard, only brother of Mrs. Ray Wright of St. Louis, died Tuesday in Hurley Hospital in Flint following injuries received when an emory wheel flew off in the factory where he was employed, striking him in the head and fracturing the skull.  At the time of going to press, Wednesday noon, information as to funeral arrangements had not been received.

 

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LAST AUGUST FATAL TO

FRANK W. COLE

(no date other than 1935)

 

Frank W. Cole, 75 years old and a highly respected resident of Shepherd and vicinity for years, died at his home in this village Monday morning.  Death resulted from a fall he took late last August from a porch that he was planning to roof at this home.  He suffered a fracture of his leg near the hip and other injuries.

After many weeks of treatment in the Brondstetter Memorial hospital in Mt. Pleasant, Mr. Cole was brought to his home here.  For a time of late he had seemed to gain, but suffered complications and a relapse several weeks ago.

Mr. Cole was remarried January 8, 1934 to Mrs. Ethel Drum who survives him with two nephews, Glen Cole of Lansing and Clifford Cole of Dewitt.  He was born in Connecticut and before coming to Shepherd about 24 years ago to make his home had resided on a farm he owned east of the village.  For several years he served as deputy sheriff here.

Mr. Cole was capable as a business man and successful as a farmer and had acquired substantial agricultural interests.  Quiet and reserved, he was known as an exemplary citizen and a good neighbor and friend whose familiar figure will be missed from the life of the community.

Funeral services were held at the house Wednesday afternoon, Rev. W. H. Bell officiated and interment was made in Salt River cemetery.

 

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GEORGE McGREGOR

January 27, 1935

 

George McGregor was born February 23, 1859 in Canandaigua, New York and passed away Jan. 27, 1935 in Mt. Pleasant, MI, at the age of 75 years, 11 months and 4 days.  He was one of a family of eight children, all of whom preceded him in death.  He was united in marriage to Ida VanLeuvan May 12, 1900.  To this union were born three children, all of whom died in infancy.

He came to Isabella county in 1879, and spent most of the remainder of his life on a farm in Fremont twp.

He leaves to mourn their loss his widow, several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.  The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the Strickland Baptist church and he was laid to rest in Green cemetery.

 

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ALBERTA CLAYBAUGH

February 17, 1935

 

Alberta, oldest daughter of Edward and Etta Claybaugh was born February 16, 1923 in Shepherd.  She had spent her childhood days in this vicinity.  Although never strong she was always active in school and church work.

She departed this life February 17, 1935, aged 12 years and 1 day.  She leaves besides her mother and father, three brothers:  Frankie, Donald and Orville and two sisters, Ruby and Ida Grace, besides aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

 

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PHOEBE E. REID

FORMER RESIDENT

January 25, 1935

 

Mrs. Phoebe E. Reid of Battle Creek died Friday, Jan. 25th following a short illness.  Death followed a major operation to which she submitted several days earlier.

Mrs. Reid was born May 14, 1860 at Canandaigua, New York, the daughter of Hiram and Ellis (Todd) Hall.  She was married in August 1888 to Richard Reid, northeast of Shepherd, where the Hall family was residing at that time.  Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Reid went immediately to Battle Creek to make their home.  Her husband passed away in 1905.

The deceased was a member of the First Presbyterian church of Battle Creek, Chapter No 355, Order of the Eastern Star, and Friendship Rebekah Lodge No. 1.  Mrs. Reid leaves a son, J. Dean Reid, twp daughters, Miss Mildred Reid at home and Mrs. H. Plaxton;  two grandsons, Kenneth Plaxton and Richard Reid, all of Battle Creek and a sister, Mrs. Lafe Struble of Shepherd.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Farley home and interment was made in Oak Hill cemetery.

 

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DALE NETZLEY

WELL KNOWN COE CENTER YOUTH

DIES FRIDAY

February 22, 1935

 

News of the death of Dale Netzley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Netzley, came as a severe shock to those who did not know he had been in failing health for the past year.  He passed away in Flint Friday, Feb. 22nd.

Living with his parents on a farm a mile and a half east of Coe Center, he attended the Williams school until he finished the grades.  It was Dale's wish to go on to high school, but circumstances at the time did not permit and he sought employment in the city which he followed until failing health required rest.

Besides his wife, parents, two brothers and two sisters, he leaves a host of friends and schoolmates to mourn his departure.  The funeral services was announced for Monday at the family home here, but owing to the severe storm that prevailed all day, making it impossible to travel, the service was held Wednesday, Rev. W. H. Bell of Shepherd was the officiating minister and burial was made in Salt River Cemetery.  The family has the heart-felt sympathy of the whole community in their great bereavement.

 

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JACOB ANDREW ROWE

February 17, 1935

 

Jacob Andrew Rowe was born May 15th (no year given) in Shelby, Ohio and departed this life Feb. 17, 1935 at his home after an illness of one day, at the age of 84 years, 9 months and 2 days.

He was converted at the age of 15 years.  He received his education in Berea, Ohio and at Oberlin college, Ohio.  For several years he taught school.

He was united in marriage to Nancy Hannah Drake January 11, 1875, and to this union were born four children, three girls and one son.  The boy died in infancy.

In 1925 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in Mt. Pleasant.  On October 20, 1928 Mrs. Rowe died.  He was again united in marriage to Mrs. Florence Travis of Mt. Pleasant on Dec. 11, 1930, with whom he lived until his death.

He entered the ministry in 1886.  His first field of labor was in Waldron, MI and then to Butler, Indiana and various other places in Ohio and Michigan.  Thirty-six years ago last October he came to Mt. Pleasant.  He had built eight churches and two parsonages during his ministry.

He had always been active and his last Sunday he filled the pulpit at the Church of God, during the absence of Rev. Dyer, who was ill.  He gave two sermons that day.

He leaves to mourn their loss his wife, three daughters:   Mrs. Daisy Farner, Mrs. Blanche Eldest and Mrs. Cora McDonald of Mt. Pleasant;  eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Church of God on South Lansing St., the last one he helped to build.  Rev. George W. Dyer officiated, assisted by Rev. C. W. MacKenzie and Rev. L. E. Manore.  The honorary body of ministers attending the services consisted of Rev. Mary House of Farwell,  Rev. L. D. Wright of Remus,  Rev. C. B. Hawkins (can't read) Rev. Beadle, Rev. E. Mayhew, Rev. Scott and Rev. H. Morgan.

 

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ROY R. SAWYER

Alma - Feb 13

 

Funeral services for Roy R. Sawyer, 57, who died suddenly Monday evening, will be held from the G. V. Wright funeral home Thursday morning with Rev. J. J. Preston in charge.  Burial will be in Shepherd cemetery.

Mr. Sawyer had not been well for some time.  One week ago he suffered a heart attack from which he seemed to partially recover.  Another attack Monday evening was the cause of his death.

He had spent the past 19 years in Alma and Florida.  He was born in Shepehd Jan. 15, 1876 and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Sawyer.

An effort is being made to locate his son, Gerald, who is believed to live in Lansing.  Other survivors are the widow and a step-daughter, Mrs. Harold Smith of Alma.

 

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LOUIS SAWADE

December 29, 1935

(parts of this article along the side are missing)

 

Louis Sawade was born in _____, Ohio, August 27, 1867 and departed this life Dec. 29, 1935, at the age of 76 years 4 months and 2 days.

He was united in marriage with Anna Nancy Lemons in 1888, who preceded him in death in November.  They were the parents of 12 children, 11 of whom survive.

The funeral was conducted at the_____  Church of Christ by Rev. W. H. Bell on Wednesday afternoon, with interment in Salt River cemetery.

 

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MRS. CHARLES GALEHOUSE

February 6, 1935

(parts of this article are missing)

 

Funeral services for Mrs. Charles Galehouse, who died at the home Saturday morning, where conducted from the home Monday with Rev. Marshall A. ____ in charge ____ burial in _____.

Estelle Hess was born in Ohio Feb. __, 1872.  Her early life was spent  ____.  She was united in marriage to Charles Galehouse Feb. 3, 1893.  ____ children were born to them.  Nella, died in infancy;  Clare of British Columbia, Glen and Chester at home.  Besides the children she is survived by two sisters, Gertrude Wright of Elsie and Min____ ____ of St. Johns.  The husband preceded her in death Oct. 26, 1934. 

 

GLEN GALEHOUSE

February 11, 1935

 

Funeral services for Glen Galehouse, who died Friday at the Wilcox hospital, following a short _____ pneumonia, were held Monday.

Glen Galehouse was born May 5, 1893 ______ nearly 42 years of age.

His mother, Mrs. Charles Galehouse died Saturday, Feb. 2 and his father died Oct. 26, 1934.  He is survived by two sisters, Clare of British Columbia and _____ at home.

 

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SHIRLEY JEAN ARCHAMBAULT

February 5, 1935

 

Shirley Jean, youngest daughter of Jennings and Gretchen Howarth Archambault, was born in Vernon twp., March 1, 1929, and passed away Feb. 5, 1935, at the Mt. Pleasant General hospital at the age of 5 years, 11 months and 5 days.  She had been ill about three weeks with the ful, which was followed by pneumonia.  She was a very cheerful patient and never complained all through her illness and was conscious right up to the end.  She was very unselfish, always dividing her possessions with other chums and could always be heard singing around the home.  Although the family circle will be dimmed there will be a brighter spot in heaven.  She was a member of the primary class of the Baptist Sunday school and attended the kindergarten.

She leaves to mourn their loss her parents, one sister, Ernestine and two brothers, Merle and Bille;  Grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Archambault, Sr., of Clare,  Mr. and Mrs. Claude Howarth of Detroit,  Mrs. Emeline Daniels and a great grandmother, Mrs. Dora French of Mt. Pleasant, besides other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the home and at 2:30 at the Baptist church in Clare with Rev. Telder officiating.  Interment was made in Cherry Grove cemetery.

 

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F. E. TOWNSEND, 77

DIES AT DAUGHTER'S HOME

FEBRUARY 13TH

February 13, 1935

 

Francis E. Townsend, until last fall a resident of St. Louis for 15 years, died Feb. 13th at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Arthur McDonald in Lincoln township.

Mr. Townsend was born in Calhoun county near Marshall on June 3, 1857, and spent his early life in the southern part of the state.  He was married to Della Fowler of Lake Odessa on Sept. 12, 1888.  They moved to Isabella county from Ionia county in 1901.  In 1916 he retired from active farming and moved to St. Louis.  Last August he sold his home on S. Mill street to Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Sawvel and moved to the home of his daughter in Lincoln twp., where he died.

Surviving are the widow and two daughters, Mrs. Vera McDonald of Shepherd and Mrs. Florence Dershan of LaCarne, Ohio;  also a brother, Morris Townsend of Luther, MI.  A son, John, and a grandson of Alma preceded him a year ago last June by drowning in Houghton Lake.

 

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MRS. ELLA COOK IS SUMMONED

BY DEATH

February 1935

 

Coe Center

News was received by telephone here last Saturday of the death of Mrs. Ella Leonard Cook who died at the home of her step-son, Merle Cook, at the farm home near Chesaning, last Friday at the age of 82 years.

"Aunt Ella" as she was familiarly known lived in this neighbor hood during most of her early life, her first husband being Rev. John Leonard, a brother of Solomon, Archibald and Alexander Leonard of Coe Center community.  She was a faithful member of the church here and always ready to help in any department of the church as long as her health permitted.

Services were held at her late home Monday morning and the body was brought to the Coe church for a short service with Rev. W. H. Bell of Shepherd officiating.  Interment was made in South Coe cemetery beside her first husband and the little son Reginald who died in infancy.  Her's was a long life well lived and we mourn not as those who have no hope.  The remains were accompanied by the step-son Merle Cook, the lady who cared for her two neighbors and the undertakers.

 

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