OBITUARIES

[many without dates on items; some with missing beginnings or endings; some faded and hard to read]

LEONARD HERBERT McFARREN

July 25, 1854- December 16, 1918

Leonard Herbert McFarren was born in Ingham county, Michigan July 25, 1854. He was of a family of eight children. When he was eight years old the family moved to Coe township, Isabella County. He, with his parents and brothers and sisters, knew all of the realities of pioneer life.

On March 8, 1874, he was united in marriage to Olive SMITH, who departed this life September 13, 1876, at the early age of nineteen years, having been married the short period of two years and six months.

During the next few years Mr. McFarren made his home with his parents, his work being lumbering and river work, known so well to the old pioneers of this section.

On April 29, 1880, he was married a second time to Mrs. N. A. SLAVEN, of Pennsylvania, who survives him.

He accepted the Christian religion about the year 1896, uniting with the Baptist church at Chippewa, and was a faithful worker in this church until he removed to Shepherd, when he united with the Disciple church at this place, of which he was still a member at the time of his death.

He was proud, industrious and a congenial companion.

The dread malady that caused his death has been developing for years. For the past three years his suffering was most intense, but was borne with much fortitude and patience. Much credit is due to his faithful wife, who during all this period was untiring in her efforts for his comfort and for the past ten months hardly left his bedside, being nurse, companion, and consoling wife.

He departed this life Monday evening, December 16, 1918, aged 64 years, 4 months and 21 days.

He leaves a wife, two daughters, eleven grandchildren, one brother and one sister, besides other relatives farther removed and many friends to mourn his loss.

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JOHN S. RAUM

December 28, 1878 - February 17, 1932

John S. RAUM, the son of Sidney John and Sadie Veenma Raum, was born December 28, 1878, in Netherlands. He departed this life in Washington, D. C., February 17, 1932.

He came to America when two and one-half years of age. For a number of years he lived in Muskegon and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He accepted Christ as his Lord when fourteen years of age and became a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. However, his course was changed when he met up with Senator Humphrie, a devoted worker in the church of Christ. At the age of twenty he was baptized by the Senator in Grand River, and soon after was ordained by Senator Humphrie as a minister in the church of Christ. During the more than thirty years of his ministry he has been an ardent preacher of the plea for the restoration of apostolic Christianity and the unity of all believers on the New Testament basis. He held successful ministries in a number of cities, and for the last twelve years has been in the evangelistic field, where he has become so widely known as organizer of churches of Christ, especially in pioneer fields. Several years ago he had already organized fifty-four churches and opened over fifty closed ones. His converts at the time numbered more than ten thousand.

Brother Raum was one of the organizers of the Rock Lake Christian Assembly, he joined with Ira KIMBERLAY, and by his wise management for fourteen years, the Assembly has become one of the outstanding summer camps maintained by the churches of Christ.

He leaves to mourn their loss his widow (Mrs. Carrabelle O’NEAL Raum), one daughter (Mrs. Jeanetta Mae Humphreys), of Washington D.C., one son (Charles E. Raum, minister of the church of Christ), Alma, Michigan and one brother (Edward Raum) of Grand Rapids, Michigan

Funeral services were conducted at Ann Arbor, Michigan, February 20, by O. A. TRINKLE, of Indianapolis, assisted by Charles CLARK, who was associated with him for many years as singer, and also by Fred COWIN, minister of the church at Ann Arbor. Many other ministers were present at the services.

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CHESTER DELMAR ALEXANDER

December 23, 1859 - March 9, 1932

Chester Delmar Alexander, son of Mortimer and Mary Alexander, was born in Lenawee county, Michigan, December 23, 1859, and died March 9, 1932, at the age of 72 years, three months and 27 days. He grew to manhood in Lenawee. He learned the trade of telegrapher and was an operator until 21 years old.

He met and was united in marriage to Etta BANNISTER at Holt, Michigan, February 22, 1883, they later moving to Isabella county, where their union was blessed with two children. Bessie Louise, who was born Dec., 1, 1884 and passed away in Pasadena, California at the age of 30 years on January 4, 1915. A second daughter was born August 29, 1886 (Dora Lowelln) and she also preceded her father in death in Shepherd in 1923 at the age of 36. Mrs. Alexander died January 2, 1892, at Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he parents had taken her in hope of relief from tuberculosis.

Mr. Alexander was again married to Flora BROOKS on May 20, 1893, at Forest Hill by their pastor, R. R. COOK, and settled on the home place one-half mile northwest of the Coe Church of Christ. He united with the Church of Christ while services were conducted in the school house east of Coe Center under the ministry of R. R. COOK.

The married life of Mr. Alexander has been very beautiful, and the companion left behind is heart-broken because of his going. His life as a Christian is know to all in a radius of miles, as he was known to possibly as many church folk as any man in Isabella or Gratiot county, as a member of the famous Forest Hill-Coe quartet. His life as a citizen has been an open book.

“Chet” Alexander, as he was familiarly known, was what we call a definite character, and as such had scores of friends, but was not without some enemies, as he was a man who spoke his sentiments and convictions. One of his fine characteristics was his willingness to meet his enemies asking for forgiveness when he was convinced he had acted hastily or unfairly.

“Chet” has sung his last sone and has performed his last sad service such as those enacted at the rites held for him Monday. He will be sadly missed by relatives and a host of friends who best knew him as a man and a Christian.

He leaves to mourn his going, his devoted wife, one sister (Mrs. Cora SERIVER) of Clinton, Michigan, one grandson (Orrin Douglas HEIDEMAN) of Tamara, Illinois, and other relatives.

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JAMES E. HUNT

June 10, 1888 - December, 1932

James E. Hunt, life long resident of this community, business man here for more than 22 years and a veteran of the World war, who through his kindly manner and spirit of brotherhood had countless friends throughout the state, died at his home here Wednesday morning following an extended illness.

Since July, Mt. Hunt has been forced to retire from active business work because of his illness. In the past few days his condition had gradually developed into a more serious state. His death was attributed to heart disease. He was 44 years of age.

Born June 10, 1886 on a farm in the south city limits, a name which is familiar to older residents of the community as Jerseyville, Mr. Hunt had spent his entire life in this community. After securing his education in the local schools he worked as a young man in his father’s general store here for some time.

Bor about the past 22 years he has been in business here, identified with the barber and beauty shop business. He was regarded by the barber and beauty shop association of the state as one of the leaders in the field. He at one time was urged to accept an office in the association but declined.

Mr. Hunt, “Jim”, as he was better known to his countless friends, was one of the most active workers in the local American Legion post, as well as in the district Legion. He was a former commander of the local American Legion and one of its charter members.

He was also a member of the local order of Masons and Elks and was a charter member of the Mt. Pleasant Rotary club. He always manifested a keen interest and activity in fraternal work.

During the World war he served several months with the 337^th Infantry at Camp Custer, going to France with the outfit in July 1918. He attended several specialist schools while in France and saw duty abroad for about [ink spot] years. Returning to the United States he continued his work with the Reserve Corps and had attained the rank of first lieutenant.

Married to Miss Lydia FRENCH of this city, the couple had always made their home here. No children were born to the union but two children, Ruth and James, were adopted.

“Jim” was known well not only by the older people of the community but also by the children. For several years he had opened his barber shops in the city here each Christmas eve to boys and girls of poor families where they were given haircuts without charge. This was but one of the many ways in which he showed his great friendliness.

[part missing]

Rev. C. B. HAWKINS officiating. Last rite of honor and respect funeral will be conducted by the American Legion with full military honors.

Burial will be made at Riverside Cemetery.

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LOUISE DODDS HIBBARD

1932

[this article is missing the left border and many words so am picking out what I can read and listing here]

Widow of the First Shepherd Village President Had Lived Here

66 Years

Mrs. Louise C. Hibbard, 81 years of age and member of one of the________pioneer families of Shepherd community, died at ____ in the village Monday afternoon, after an illness of ____ months. Mrs. Hibbard was the widow of Francis E. Hibbard ___ president of the village of Shepherd and an attorney who _________.

Louise C. DODDS was the daughter of John and Catherine ______, who came here from New York in 1866, when the local community center was Salt River. Louise C. Dodds was born in New York, March 22 _____. Her marriage to Francis E. Hibbard was solemnized here December 31, 1874.

[names mentioned, but not sure of all relationship]

Mrs. O. L. BURDICK and ___C. STRUBLE of Shepherd. Sister, Mrs. Jennie V. ____of Mt. Pleasant, and one _____, Francis H. Dodds, former ____ and attorney.

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CHARLES FREEMAN

MAY 1932

Death claimed Charles Freeman, for about 15 years owner of a general store in Greendale township, Midland county, at his home 3-1/2 miles north and 4-1/2 miles east of Shepherd at about noon, Wednesday after an illness of about a month.

Mr. Freeman’s store and storage of merchandise burned about three years ago and were a total loss as he carried no insurance. He recouped his fortunes with successful dealing in oil lands and had but recently constructed a residence of bungalow type.

Born in Maumee, Ohio, Mr. Freeman had lived in Greendale for 25 or 30 years and had a reputation for integrity and _____ merchandising. He is survived by his widow and several foster children.

The funeral was held from his residence Friday afternoon , by Rev. Andrew MULLET officiating and interment was made in the Naldret cemetery, near Middleton, Gratiot county, where he formerly resided.

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J. J. STRUBLE

January 24, 1886

STRUBLE, Sunday, January 24, 1896, at his residence in the village of Salt River, Michigan. J. J. Sruble, M. D., aged 56 years.

Dr. Struble came to Salt River from Williams County, Ohio, in 1867, and located at that place, and had been in the continuous practice of his profession until his death. The Doctor had a large practice, and enjoyed the confidence of a large circle of patrons. As a physician he had few equals, and no superiors. His presence in the sickroom, and at the bedside of the sick, at once inspired his patients with the most implicit confidence. He devoted his life and energies to cure disease and relieve the distressed. He had only arrived at the zenith of manhood, but died from nervous prostration resulting from untiring mental and physical efforts in his chosen profession. He was a consistent member of Salt River Lodge, No. 150, F. & A. M., and was buried by that order. His funeral was attended by the largest concourse of citizens of any funeral assemblage that ever met at that place.

The Masonic services were conducted by D. Scott PARTRIDGE, of Wabon Lodge, No. 250, assisted by the officers of said lodge and S. A. SIMONS as marshal. Mr. Partridge has had a large experience in conducting funeral ceremonies for the order, and he and the marshal acquitted themselves nobly during the services.

The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. MUNROE, of the Baptist Church, and was one of the finest funeral discourses ever delivered in this county.

No man in the southeast part of the county will be missed more than Dr. Struble. He leaves a wife, one unmarried boy and three married sons, and one married daughter. His sons are A. J. Struble, M. D., Clarence Struble, Clark Struble and Jay Struble, and daughter, Mrs. Ella BROWN.

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THEODOSIA DAUGHERTY

April 15, 1893

Died at the hospital in Saginaw on Saturday, April 15, 1893, at 11 a.m., Theodosia Daugherty in the fortieth year of heritage. She was born in Indiana, and married to Albert WILDER twenty-four years ago in Union township, residing in that town for several years. Later they removed to Isabella township where Mr. Daugherty died some seven years since. Mrs. Wilder underwent a critical operation in Saginaw and lived only forty-eight hours, suffering intensely until death came to her relief.

She was a member of the M. E. Church and died, as she lived, a faithful, consistent Christian and made every preparation for her possible death with a calmness and deliberation that was wonderful.

The funeral was held at the M. E. Church of this city, by her request. Rev. BEUEL delivered an appropriate discourse after which the remains were consigned to their last resting place in Riverside cemetery.

She leaves one son of twenty-two years, two sisters, several brothers and many friends to mourn her untimely death.

B. F. Daugherty and Maggie Daugherty of Clare, Allison Daugherty of Hatton and Katie Daugherty of Clare county were present at the funeral.

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MRS. WILLIAM A. SMITH

March 2, 1899

[Oakdale (Cal.) Leader

Mrs. Mary E. Smith, beloved wife of W. A. Smith, passed away at her home in Oakdale on Thursday, March 2, 1899, after a lingering illness of two years duration. The deceased was a native of Armstrong county, Pa., and was aged 51 years, 4 months and 18 days.

She was a devoted wife and loving mother, and possessed of those admirable traits of character which constitute noble womanhood.

She leaves to mourn their loss a devoted husband and son, three brothers: Dr. J. P. Young of Crystle, Michigan, A. L. And A. E. Young of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and a sister, Mrs. A. STAHLMAN of Shepherd, Michigan. She was united in marriage to her surviving husband on Sept. 18, 1871, and came to California in 1884. A large circle of friends in this community feel a deep sympathy for the grief-stricken husband and son in their hour of trial.

The funeral will take place from the Presbyterian church tomorrow, (Saturday) March 4, 1899, at 2 o’clock p.m., Rev. M. T. A. White officiating.

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MRS. E. DAY

1891

Mrs. E. Day, mother of J. E. Day, of this village, died at 6 o’clock Monday morning. The deceased had been ill for some time past with la grippe, and about 10 days ago, made a misstep and fell from a stoop back of the house, breaking several ribs and cutting her head severely, which accident materially hastened her death.

Mrs. Day was born at Chatauqua, New York, 78 years ago, and came to Michigan in 1836, and settled in Macomb county, where she taught school, being one of the pioneer teachers of the state. She was a Christian laday and a member of the Presbyterian church of Mt. Pleasant. Her husband preceded her over the dark river nearly eight years ago. She was the mother of six children, three of whom are still living to mourn her loss.

The funeral was held from the residence of J. E. Day yesterday, Rev. I. N. Shilling officiating.

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GLEN STILGENBAUER

FEBRUARY 19, 1892 - MAY 29, 1914

Homer Glen Stilgenbauer was born in Canton, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1892, and died at his home in the village on Friday, May 29.

Glen came with his parents to this place when but four years old and has resided here ever since. Some month ago he was stricken with tuberculosis and since that time has been a great suffer and the dread disease has gradually sapped the young life out until the inevitable came in the shape of death to claim another victim.

His sunny disposition made him many friend sand he bore his suffering without a murmur and tried to comfort the dear ones around him _______________________[blotted out by ink smear].

The funeral was held at his late home on Sunday morning and a large crowd was gathered for the sad occasion, the casket being loaded with beautiful flowers.

The sorrowing relatives have the sympathy of the entire community in their hour of mourning.

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AUSTIN CAMPBELL

JULY 20, 1832 - JANUARY 26, 1918

Austin Campbell was born in Steuben Co., New York, July 20, 1832, and departed this life January 26, 1918, at the age of 84 years, 6 months and 6 days.

He was united in marriage to Lucinda VANDERBECK in 1855 and came to Isabella county the following year, where he settled on a farm and endured the hardships of pioneer life.

He lived on this farm until eleven years ago, when he moved to Shepherd, where he lived until his death.

He was the father of three children, one son and two daughters: Hoyt who died at the age of 11 years and 6 months, Edith, who died at the age of 9 months, and Etta Austin, who died in 1894.

He served three years in the Civil War, being a member of the 8^th Reg. Co. C.

He leave to mourn his departure a faithful loving wife and a sister, Mrs. Phillips of Chio., besides a number of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday at 10:30, conducted by G. W. Rowilson, pastor of the Church of Christ. Internment in the Salt River Cemetery.

[Included a ‘Card of Thanks’ from Mrs. Lucinda Campbell and Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Yarnell]

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JOHN J. SHOOK

[death date unreadable on year - Feb. 11^th as day]

John J. Shook died Thursday of last week at the age of 67 yeas. Mr. Shook was born in Wayne county, this state, and had been a citizen of Mt. Pleasant for about seventeen years, running a market garden from the Sunnyside farm.

He leaves a wife and two children. His son, Ben Lee Shook, lives at Plymouth and his daughter, Mrs. George CARR of this city.

The funeral was held Sunday from the late home with Rev. Thos. COX officiating.

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CHAS. W. BENTON

AUGUST 11, 1855 - February 4, 1913

Chas. W. Benton was born August 11, 1855, Comnnaqut[?] Co., Ohio and departed this life February 4, 1913 at his home in Chippewa, aged 57 year, 5 months, and 24 days. He came with is parents to Clinton Co., Michigan when he was 12 years of age. When he was 14 years old he became a Christian and united with the Baptist church and has lived a consistent christian life since that time, being a teacher of the old people’s Bible class at the East Evangelical Sunday school at the time of his death.

August 4, 1878 he was united in marriage with Flora E. WALKER. To this union was born one daughter, Alta A. MURLOT. He was a kind husband and loving father. The wife and daughter and one brother are left to mourn his departure.

The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Kring of Chippewa M. E. Church.

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EDWARD BELLINGER

Edward Bellinger, a resident of this county since June 1861, died at his home near this city Monday from dropsy and heart trouble at the age of 68 years, 5 months and two days.

Mr. Bellinger was born in Defiance county, Ohio, September 8, 1844. He came to this county in 1861 and in 1866 was united in marriage to Miss Mary MULL of Lincoln township. Five children were born to this union. Mrs. Bellinger died and the latter Mr. Bellinger united in marriage to Miss Ola DAVIS. Three sons were born to them.

Besides his children and widow he leaves other relatives and many friends to mourn his death.

The funeral will be held today from his late home, Rev. Thos. COX officiating.

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GEORGE CARR

FEBRUARY 22, 1862 - FEBRUARY 3 - 1912

George Carr who passed away on Monday, February 3, would of been 51 years of age on February 22 of this year.

He was the youngest of five children having been born in Wayne Co., Michigan February 22, 1862. Thirty-two years ago he moved to Isabella county, where he has since resided with the excepting of four years, during these years he followed the contracting business.

He leaves a wife, widowed mother, and four children: Mrs. Frank MERILLAT of this city, Charlie Carr of Detroit, Lee Carr of ?, and Vivian Carr of this city; also two brothers, Henry Carr of Portland, Oregon and Jimmy Carr of Twining, Michigan, and two grandchildren to mourn his death.

Rev. Jack of the Baptist church officiated at the funeral. Mr. Carr was well known in this city and having through his business relations made many warm friends, who much regret to learn of his untimely demise.

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OSCAR AUGUSTUS NIECE

JUNE 26, 1850 - MAY 2, 1918

Oscar Augustus Niece was born June 26, 1850 at Chagrin Falls, Ohio and departed this life on May 2, 1918 at the age of 67 years, 10 months and 6 days.

At the age of 4 years he moved with his parents to Lapeer, Michiagan., having later moved to this vicinity where he has been a resident for nearly 28 years.

In 1872 he was united in married to Rosella CONVERSE and to this union nine children were born of whom seven survive him.

Funeral services were held at the house Monday afternoon, May 6 conducted by Rev. L. L. Dewey. The burial was in the Salt River cemetery.

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ABRAHAM W. HAWKINS

JULY 3, 1833 - JUNE 1912

Abraham W. Hawkins was born in Rutland county, Vermont, July 3, 1833, and when a small child moved with his parents to New York and from there to Ohio. November 20^th, 1859 he was united in marriage to Harriet A. MARVIN and to this union three children were born. Wm. W. And Fletcher D., both deceased and Geo. B., who now lives on the farm that his parents settled on when they came to this state in 1865, and here Mr. Hawkins died last Thursday afternoon of an illness extending over several weeks.

The deceased enlisted in the 125^th Ohio regiment in 1861 and served his country all through the Civil War.

The funeral was held from his late home Sunday afternoon, Rev. J. M. Ice officiating. Burial took place in Salt River cemetery.

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LORENZO D. FORD

Mr. Lorenzo D. Ford was born in Alleghany Co., State of New York, December 20, 1843, and lived there about three years, when he moved to Ohio for about four years. From there he went back to York state for a short period. He then came to Michigan and after staying a short time went to Wisconsin, where he enlisted in Co. 17 or 171, serving about 11 months when he was honorably discharged by disability. He then came back to Michigan, Kalamazoo Co., living there about ten years. He then came to this county where he married Harriet DAUGHERTY, having three children, Ernest, William and Maude. Maude died at the age of 3 years and the wife and mother following about 6 months later.

In two years from that date he married Mrs. Jennie BOOTH with one child, a daughter Elsie, who died at the age of 17 years. To them, there was one child born, a boy, Fred Ford, who is now 25 years old. He lived on the farm until his recent sickness, when he moved into town, Mt. Pleasant.

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CALVIN BIGELOW

[article dated Mar 1910]

Calvin Bigelow, one of this county’s pioneers died at his home in this village Friday afternoon from Bright’s Disease after an illness extending over several weeks at the age of 71 years, 11 months and 13 days.

Mr. Bigelow came to this state with his parents when a small boy and in 1862 was married to Harriet SHAUL and settled on the farm one-half mile west of the village where the son, Jay, is now living and where his home has been since his marriage with the exception of about three years that he lived in the village before coming here five years ago to make his home.

To Mr. & Mrs. Bigelow five children were born, two daughters dying in infancy. The three surviving ones are Mrs. James CURTIS, Mrs. H----? WEAVER, and Jay Bigelow, all living in this vicinity.

Mr. Bigelow was an old soldier and the funeral was held under the direction of the G. A. R. Sunday at 2 o’clock at his late home. Burial took place in Salt River cemetery.

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PHILLIP STILGENBAUER

1912 [newspaper]

Phillip Stilgenbauer, who resided just west of the village died Sunday morning after a long illness.

While his death was not unexpected it has filled the community with sorrow as he was one of our best known and highly respected citizens.

Phillip Stilgenbauer was born in Haughbauch, Prussia, August 17, 1849, and came to America with his parents when three years of age, locating in Holmes County, Ohio.

Sixteen years ago he moved to Shepherd from Canton, Ohio, and has resided in this vicinity ever since.

March 2, 1882 he was married to Josephine FLORY. Four children were born, three of whom are still living, two sons and one daughter. Besides these he leaves a wife and three brothers and four sisters to mourn his loss.

The funeral was held today at 10 o’clock at the house. Rev. McClendon of the Christian church delivering the discourse. The remains were buried in Salt River cemetery.

A more extended obituary will be given next week.

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MRS. BLOCK

SUDDEN DEATH OF BEREAVED MOTHER

Mrs. Block Survives Her Children But a Few Months

May, 1916

Mrs. Della Block, wife of Henry Block, of Nottawa township, died suddenly and unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday afternoon.

Mrs. Block was the mother of the children killed at the Ann Arbor crossing last summer and it is safe to say that she has never been the same since that time, and thus constitutionally weak and unable to survive any illness. She is survived by her husband and eight children, to whom the sympathy of the entire community goes out in this hour of sorrow.

The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at the Zion Lutheran church.

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GEORGE W. FOUTS

[no date on paper]

Geo. W. Fouts was born in Carrolton , Carroll county, Ohio, Feb. 22, 1846, and died in Cleveland, Ohio, nearly two weeks ago. Mr. Fouts has been a resident of Shepherd for a great many years and had only been at Cleveland a short time before death claimed him.

When a lad of fifteen years he enlisted in the 80^th Ohio Co. A. As a drummer boy and in August 1865 he was discharged and muster out at Little Rock, Ark. He was with Sherman in the long march to the sea.

In 1869 he united in marriage to Miss Mary E. ESTEE and to them one son was born, Free L. Fouts who now resides in Jackson.

The deceased leaves a wife, son, one sister and three brothers.

The funeral and burial took place Saturday at Cleveland. His son and three brothers attended the funeral.

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MAUDE MAY DEMORY YOUNG

MAY 14, 1883 - JANUARY 31, 1919

Maude May Demory was born May 14, 1883 in Seville township, Gratiot county, Michigan and died at her home near Shepherd Jan. 31, 1919, from an attack of influenza.

She was united in marriage to C. Sumner YOUNG, April 20, 1905. To this union was born one son, George William Young, on May 7, 1913.

She had a beautiful Christian character, was a very devoted wife and mother, who will be greatly missed in her home and community.

She is survived by her husband and son, her father, Adeibert Demory of this place, a sister, Mrs. Vahely? Miller of Detroit, a brother, S. M. Demory of British Columbia.

The funeral was held at the home Sunday, Rev. Dewey officiating.

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ELLA FOUTCH MYERS

December 24, 1859 - April 1, 1893

Death again enter our village on Saturday, April 1, and claimed for its victim, Ella, wife of Ralph E. MYERS. Ella Foutch was born in this county December 24, 1859, and was the only daughter of Mr. & Mrs. D. D. FOUTCH. Her father is still living and resides at Gladwin, but her mother died when she was 5 years old, when she went to live with her grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. W. B. BOWEN is Ohio, where she resided for upwards of 22 years. She then came back to this county, and was married to Mr. Myers, October 26, 1881. Seven children have been born to them, four of which are living, the oldest a boy of 10 years and the youngest a pair of twins only 3 months old.

Besides the father, husband and children, two brothers and many other relatives are left to mourn her death.

She was an earnest Christian lady, having joined the Baptist church at an early age and remained a member until her death.

The funeral was held on Sunday at 2:30 o’clock from the M. E. Church and was very largely attended by sorrowing and sympathizing friends. The services were conducted by Rev. W. P. Manning, and the remains interred in the Salt River cemetery.

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WILLIAM I. DODDS

[no date]

The whole community was saddened yesterday by the death of William I. Dodds, brother of Judge P. F. Dodds and of F. H. Dodds, Miss Jennie Dodds, Mrs. F. E. HIBBARD of Shepherd, Mrs. TRIPP of Saginaw, and John and George Dodds of Colorado.

The deceased was born near Waddington, St. Lawrence county, New York, August 31^st, 1853. At the age of thirteen he moved with his parents to this county in 1866, and lived in Coe township, near Shepherd, until he was twenty-one, and the remainder of his days were spent in this city.

He spent five years in the study of medicine, but did not adopy the profession, preferring rather the business and legal pursuits. Hence in 1878 he attended the Detroit Business College and subsequently studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1888. For three years he was one of the firm of Dodds Bro., from which he withdrew to take charge of the agency of Walker & White and the Michigan Mortgage Co., which position he has filled to the mutual acceptance and satisfaction of the company and its patrons to the time of his last illness.

He was married in 1885 to Miss Mattie PETTIT, of Coe township, who, with their only child, Vivian, survives him.

In the winter of 1891 Will was taken with the grippe, and in the summer he had fully recovered, as it was supposed, but the following winter he was taken with another attack which settled in his throat, paralyzing the muscles so that he could neither talk nor swallow his food. His remaining days were thereafter spent in great suffering.

That he was universally esteemed is fully attested in the following resolutions, unanimously adopted at a meeting of Isabella County Bar, held last evening at A. A. Loveland’s office.

It having pleased the All-wise Providence to remove from our association and midst one of our esteemed members, W. I. Dodds, be it

Resolved, that we, the Isabella County Bar Association, tender to the stricken family our profound and heartfelt sympathy and condolence.

Resolved, that we desire to testify to the sterling integrity, rigid honesty, pure and manly qualities of our deceased brother, whose cheerful presence and genial friendship will be sadly missed.

Resolved, the various newspapers of the county be requested to give these resolutions a place in their valuable papers and that a copy is spread at large on the records of this association.

Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be presented to the bereaved family as a slight token of our esteem and friendship in this hour of their sad bereavement.

Resolved, further, that as a mark of our respect and friendship for the deceased, we humbly pray that a copy of these resolutions be spread at lage on the Journal of the Circuit Court of said county.

A. A. Loveland

I. A. Fancher

F. McNamara

Committe Isabella County Bar Association.

The funeral will take place from his late home on Main street this afternoon.

Mr. Dodds was a valued member of Tipsico Council of the Royal Arcanum, from which his family will receive a $3000 beneficiary.

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‘UNCLE’ CANUTE

[February 1882 paper]

‘Uncle’ Canute of Coe, one of the oldest settlers in the county, died last Saturday morning, aged 88 years. Mr. Canute came to Isabella county in 1855 and his sterling qualities of heart and mind endeared him to all who knew him. He was honored and respected wherever known, and his neighbors regard his death as a personal bereavement.

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‘OLD UNCLE KOBLE’

[no date]

David Koble was called upon to preform the sad duty of burying his aged father last Tuesday. Old Uncle Koble was one of the pioneers of this county, locating a farm about five miles south of Mt. Pleasant where he lived to see his family grow to man and womanhood. There he lost his companion and then as his children were married and gone, he went to live with a daughter near Crystal Lake, Montcalm county, and last spring moved with them to Chase Lake county, where he died last Sabbath at the good old age of eighty-four years. Thus our old pioneers are going one by one and soon they will all have left us. He was brought to this county and buried by the side of his wife in the Lincoln cemetery.

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SAMUEL KENNEDY

APRIL 16, 1823 - MARCH 3, 1898

Samuel Kennedy was born in County Down, Ireland, of Scotch parentage, April 16, 1823, and died at his home March 3, 1898. He came with his parents to America in 1831, at the age of eight years. They settled in Carrol county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and was married in 1849 to an excellent Christian lady by the name of Mary WEST.

They came to Isabella county in 1864, and from the nearly unbroken forest developed the beautiful farm upon which they spent their last days.

To this union were born three children, all of whom survive them, and were present at the funeral: James Madison Reed, a mill man and farmer, residing west of this place; Stephen Samuel Scott, of North Baltimore, Ohio, and Andrew Dwight, a teacher in the Michigan State Normal college at Ypsilanti.

Mr. Kennedy was a trusted and honored member of the Church of Christ at this place and had been since 1867, at which time he was baptized by Elder Farout.

Mr. Kennedy was one of the prime movers in the erection of the Shepherd church, giving largely of his money and labor to complete the building. He was a trustee of the church at the time of his death.

He was loved and respected by all who knew him, as the large concourse of friends and neighbors bore witness by their presence at the funeral and by their lovely floral tributes, especially those of the farmers’ club, of which he was an esteemed member.

He superintended the erection of all the county buildings at Mt. Pleasant and held many positions of trust and honor.

Mr. Kennedy’s first wife died May 5, 1885, and May 20, 1886 he was married to a very estimable Christian lady of Carrol county, Ohio, by the name of Mary SCOTT, who now mourns his departure.

He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masonic fraternity, and was one of the charter members of Shepherd lodge. Their esteem for him was manifested by their presence at his funeral in large numbers, both from here and Mt. Pleasant. The Shepherd lodge had charge of the burial service and was assisted by Mt. Pleasant lodge. They did themselves great credit for the dignified and impressive manner in which they performed the last sad rites. Elder Rossell, his pastor, preached the funeral discourse from Job 11:10 and John 11: 25, 26. The funeral took place from the home. The pall-bearers were Hon. P. F. Dodds, Robert Laughlin and Hon. John Maxwell of Mt. Pleasant; Dr. J. E. Gruber, J. D. McKenna and I. N. Shepherd of this place.

The widow and children have the sympathy of the entire community in their great bereavement.

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PHILANDER CHILDS

1891? [very hard to read]

The pioneer list of Isabella county is gradually but surely growing smaller year by year.

The last one to pass away was Philander Childs, who lived two miles south of this village.

His death was caused by a complication of troubles, St. Vitus Dance, Erysipelas, and grip. Six days previous to his death he had been able to be out and, in fact, was in town at that time.

He was a soldier in the war for the Union, and drew a pension for disability contracted in the army.

The deceased was born in the southern part of the state, 50 years ago the coming August, and was about 15 years of age when he came to Isabella county. He was a brother to A. F. & Daniel Childs, of this township and has lived here ever since he first located.

He was married a number of years ago to Miss Vina ROBBINS, of this township, and six children, three boys and three girls, were the result of the union, all of which are living.

Mr. Childs was taken ill on Tuesday of last week, so that he was compelled to take his bed. His mind wandered from that time until his death, which took place Friday at about midnight.

The funeral services were held from the Disciple church Sunday afternoon and were attended by a large concourse of sorrowing friends. The interment was in the Salt river cemetery, with Rev. M. D. Rogers officiating.

The deceased was a good neighbor and good citizen, and is sincerely mourned by many friends not only in this section but throughout the entire county.

He was a private in Co. “C,” Eight Michigan infantry, and a member of Ralph Ely Post, G. A. R. of this village.

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MRS. ELIZABETH HURSH

[no dates]

One of the first settlers of the city of Mt. Pleasant and Isabella county has gone. Mrs. Elizabeth Hursh died at her home in this city Dec. 15. Mrs. Hursh came to this county in February 1855, settling on the farm now occupied by the Normal school grounds.

The funeral will take place on Sunday, the 18^th, at one o’clock. She was the mother of George, S. A., John, Robert and Frank Hursh, Mrs. E. C. Siringer and Mrs. F. D. Jenner.

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RANSOM BAKER

March 16, 1834 - May 28, 1892

Died at his residence south and east of this village, Saturday, May 28, 1892, Ransom Baker, after a lingering illness brought on by the grip.

Mr. Baker was born in Hartford, Washington county, N. Y., March 16, 1834, and came to Michigan in 1868, and had lived here ever since.

He had accumulated considerable property by hard work and careful management, and was a good and much respected citizen and neighbor.

A wife and three grown up children mourn his death. The funeral was held at the residence Tuesday, conducted by Rev. F. M. McClintic, and was one of the largest ever held in this vicinity.

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PERLEY L. STEWART

[no date on paper]

Perley L. Stewart was born December 25, 1807, in Renselear county, N. Y., and died Thursday of last week.

In his early manhood he gave himself to the Lord, and united with the Baptist church of Brockport, N. Y., where he maintained a consistent christian life. In 1846 he came to Michigan and united with the Baptist church of Adrian. During the last four years of his life he lived with his relatives in this township, being a brother-in-law of E. A. BOWEN.

Two weeks before his death he contracted a heavy cold, which ended in inflamation of the lungs and subsequent death.

Before passing away he was asked if his trust in the Lord, when his answer was in the affirmative. He expressed a desire and willingness to depart and be at rest. He was 80 years, 5 months and 13 days old.

The funeral was held from the Baptist church last Saturday afternoon, short services being conducted at the late home of the deceased by Rev. G. H. Lockhart, Rev. A. P. McDonald, of Mt. Pleasant conducting the service at the chapel, assisted by Rev. Mr. Lockhart.

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MRS. HARRIET F. STRUBLE

April 23, 1828 - February 12, 1901

Mrs. Harriet F. Struble, perhaps one of the best known residents of this comminity, died suddenly at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. E. BROWN, Tuesday night, Feb. 12^th, at about ten o’clock p. m.

Mrs. Struble was born in the state of New York, April 23, 1828, and together with her husband, removed to Isabella county in 1867. Her husband having died in January, 1886. Her prime object and aim in life was in doing good to her family and others, and this aim she carried out to the letter, as many a family in this section can testify to.

Although for the past few months she was unable to work, her constant worry was that she could not work at something; and which her disease, organic affection of the heart, prevented her from doing.

The end came peacefully and sudden, her immediate relatives, many of them, not knowing of her demise.

The services were conducted Thursday, at her late home, Rev. D. E. Reed, of Howard City, officiating, and the remains placed beside those of her husband, in Salt River cemetery.

The relatives take this occasion to thank the friends for their many acts of kindness, including beautiful floral offerings, singing, etc., and to assure them that these kindly offices will ever be held in loving and grateful remembrance.

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MRS. HELEN TONKIN

[1902 paper]

Mrs. Helen Tonkin died Sunday at her present home in Leaton, having been operated upon for appendicitis and not strong enough to recover from the operation.

Helen SNYDER was for years teacher in the Indian reservation schools at Calkinsville and Leaton and since her marriage to Thomas Tonkin, acted as field missionary among the Indians of the county up to about six years ago, when that position was abolished. The Indians all knew and loved Mrs. Tonkin.

The funeral was held at her late residence. Services by Rev. Catterall, pastor of the M. E. Church Wednesday morning and interment took place in Riverside cemetery.

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MRS. AMELIA STRYKER MAY

[no date on article]

[very top of obituary is missing]

The tender sympathies of this community have been with Mrs. May in her long and painful illness which ended in a peaceful sleep in Jesus on Wednesday afternoon, January 11^th.

The deceased, whose maiden name was Amelia Stryker, was the only child of Martin and Elizabeth KELLOGG STRYKER and was born in Bethnay, Wayne county, PA., August 22, 1825.

Mrs. May born the name of an honored ancestry that had a worthy part in the early settlement of the country. She was married to Dwight May in Sherwood, Michigan, September 4, 1846, and she was a worthy helpmate, fully sharing the wide and useful career of her honored husband. Their married life was spent in Kalamazoo and was blessed with three children, Nettie, Ada, and Minnie. The youngest only survives, Mrs. Wm. N. BROWN of this city, who has tenderly ministered unto her mother during her last illness.

Mrs. May early gave her heart to the Savior and in all, her social life was recognized as an earnest and exemplary Christian. In the spirit of her Master she sought every opportunity to do good in His name and unto the very last manifested an intense interest in the missionary and charitable work of the Presbyterian church. The last year of Mrs. May’s life has been spent in great suffering and endured with true Christian fortitude. Her naturally reserved and unostentatious life was refined and beautiful into a noble Christian character which, through the triumphs of a peaceful death, has left her memory precious to her wide circle of relatives and friends.

The remains were taken to Kalamazoo for interment and were accompanied to that city by William N. Brown and family.

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MRS. ABIGAL M. BABBITT

[no date on article - very beginning missing]

This whole community was greatly pained to learn of the serious illness at her home in Cleveland, Ohio, last week of one whom it held in great reverence and esteem for many years.

And later when the news of her death reached here there was universal expression of regret and sorrow.

On Saturday last, D. H. NELSON received a telegram announcing the serious illness of Mrs. Abigail M. Babbitt. He took the first train to Cleveland. Arriving there he found Mrs. Babbitt unconscious. Miss Allie NELSON was summoned from Clinton, N. Y., and she too arrived too late for a last recognition from her beloved grandmother. Mrs. Babbitt gradually sank until Monday evening when He who gave, took to Himself His own.

The remains arrived in the city Wednesday night and were take to the home of Mr. Nelson. The funeral was yesterday at the M. E. Church and was very largely attended, the business houses closing their doors until after the service.

After the service the remains were escorted by a large number of people to Riverside cemetery where they were laid to the long and peaceful rest by the side of her husband.

Mrs. Abigail M. Babbitt was born in New York state in May 1817. Until she was seventeen she resided in Connecticut. Then she moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in which city she was married to Francis C. Babbitt in 1835. In 1860, she came with her husband to Isabella county where the latter was engaged in mercantile pursuits for six years at Isabella City, and afterwards until his death in 1876 in this city. After the death of Mr. Babbitt the subject of this sketch remained a resident of this city for two years and subsequently made her home with her own people at Detroit, Cleveland, and Albion, often returning for extended visits to this her former home. Here she has bestowed much of her beneficence and in doing so has erected an enduring monument in the hearts of the people and as well as a memorial for all time by her liberal aid in the M. E. Church of this city which has set apart a memorial window to her family.

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PATRICK FANNING

[no date on article]

One by one the pioneers of old Isabella county join the great majority. This time it is Patrick Fanning who has gone over the divide.

He died Sunday night, after an illness of several weeks duration, although for a number of years past he has been in failing health.

The deceased was born in Ireland 65 years ago, and came to America in his early youth. He first settled in Ionia county, at or near Portland, and in 1855, along with a number of others, came to Isabella county and located on the north-west quarter of section 11, which property he sold subsequently, and acquired the farm on which he now lives, nearly two miles east of this village.

He has had a busy life and during his long residence here he made many warm friends. He was a good citizen, and a kind husband and father, and leaves a large family, besides hosts of friends to mourn his loss.

Some years before locating in Isabella county, he married Miss Margaret ROBERTS, and eight children were the result of the union, all of whom are now living.

The funeral took place yesterday, services being held in the Catholic church at Summerton.

Thus, another one of those who did so much toward making old Isabella one of the best counties in this great state has passed away to his long home, and many there are who will sincerely mourn for him.

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STEPHEN J. MULLETT

[no date on article]

Stephen J. Mullett was born in Switzerland, on March 20, 1836, and departed this life December 5, at his home 5-1/2 miles north-east of Shepherd, where he has resided for the past 16 years. Death came unexpectedly, while assisting with the Monday chores; a son on entering the barn, discovered his father laying dead.

He was a kind and sympathetic neighbor, a loving father and a faithful companion. He was a member of the Evangelical church since childhood, an earnest and active worker in the church and Sunday school where he will be greatly missed. He was a member of the G. A. R. Post at Shepherd. He has answered the last roll call and obeyed the summons of our Heavenly Father who knoweth best in all things.

He leaves besides a host of friends, an aged companion, four sons and five daughters to mourn his loss, six children having preceded him to that better land where sorrow and death cannot enter.

The funeral services were held on December 8, at the Chippewa M. E. Church, Rev. Croft, of Mt. Pleasant, conducting the services. The members of the G. A. R. Of Shepherd paid their last tribute of respect to their Old Comrad, acting as pall-bearers. The remains were laid to rest in the Chippewa cemetery.

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MISS CORAL IRENE EAGON

SEPT. 14, 1880 - DEC. 11, 1900

Miss Coral Irene Eagon was born in the township of Coe, Isabella County, Michigan Sept. 14, 1880, and died there Dec. 11, 1900. She was educated in the country school and Yerrington’s College, St. Louis, and was employed in St. Louis until within three weeks of her death, when she went home for a few days. She soon came down with the measles from which she recovered, but passed away very unexpectedly Tuesday evening from heart failure. Her death was a great shock to her family and numerous friends. At twelve years of age she was converted and joined the Methodist church. She was in inspiring member of this church, it’s Epworth League and Sunday school until called above. She was also a member of the Lady Maccabees Lodge of St. Louis.

The funeral was held from the Methodist church, St. Louis, Friday p.m., conducted by the pastor and lady Maccabees. Her life was an incense poured out unreservedly in devotion upon her friends and Heavenly Master.

She and her family are well known here in Shepherd and formerly lived here and at present live but five miles south east.

The family take this occasion to thank the friends and neighbors for their many acts of kindness during the sickness and at the funeral of their loved one, and to assure them that these kind offices will ever be remembered.

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WILLIAM ADAMS

AUGUST 4, 1818 - MARCH 1, 1899

William Adams was born in Londonderry, Ireland, August 4, 1818. In May 1838, he came to America, having suffered shipwreck in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. After a ten year residence in Sherbrook, Quebec Province, Canada, he came to the United States. He settled first in New England, and six months later he came to Michigan, taking residence at Wheatland, Hillsdale county. In the year 1854 he came to Isabella county, laying claim to the property since occupied by himself and family.

Mr. Adams, with Wm. P. BOWEN, James SHEPHERD and two GREENFIELD brothers were the first to take up a claim in this territory. They entered the forest and selected their location but did not at once settle. On their way back, after having made their selection, they met the second party of settlers, who names were ROBERTS and who took up a claim and remained upon it. Mr. Adams did not take up a residence upon his claim till three years later. Since that time the Adams farm has been his home.

Thus the old original settlers are passing away. The, in a material sense, rest from their labors, and surely their works and hardships and privations do follow them. We, of the later generations, little reflect what it cost of labor and suffering to reclaim the wilderness of fifty years ago. We often wonder why these old settlers seemed to have been possessed of such vim and energy, and how they could endure such privations. The answer is, they were the cream of the country from whence they came. The lazy and faint-hearted of the settled parts of the east were easily contented to stay where they were. Only the sturdy and rugged and determined would face the wilderness.

In 1845, at Sherbrook, Canada, Mr. Adams was united in marriage to Miss Mary SHEPHERD, who has been the partner of his pioneer life, and who survives him.

Mrs. Adams was born in Rochdale, England, was brought to America when six years of age and settled first in New England, but later removed to Canada, where, after five years residence, she became Mrs. Adams.

To this uniion were born nine children, three of whom survive _ Mary A. MIDDAUGH, William E., and Oliver H. Adams.

Mr. Adams never entered largely into public life, holding but one public office, being town treasurer for a term of three years.

When living in Hillsdale county, Mr. Adams and his wife embraced religion and joined the Free Will Baptist church. They were connected with that society here while that organization lasted. That church had the honor of being the pioneer church of this section.

Mr. Adams has been in poor health for more than a year with a disease which perplexed and baffled the physicians. He however was able to be about until last Tuesday. He died Wednesday, Mar 1, at six p.m., aged 80 years, lacking six months and 3 days.

The funeral was held Saturday morning at the M. E. Church, Rev. Aylesworth officiating.

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MRS. H. W. BENNETT

[no date on article]

The TRIBUNE deeply regrets to have to announce the death, on Tuesday, of Mrs. H. W. Bennett, whose serious illness from diphtheria we noticed in the recent issue. The deceased lady had been ill only about two weeks, and all that loving kindness and medical skill could do to restore her to health was done, but all in vain. Her little son, George, had been carried away by the same terrible disease on December 19, and the anguish she endured over the loss of her loved child, hurried her departure to his embraces in heaven.

Mrs. Bennett was a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. George Atkins, of Coe township, where she was born, being 27 years of age at the time of her death. The deceased lady united with the M. E. Church when she was 18 years of age, and since then she has been a devout Christian and a worth, honored member of the church of her choice. She was a loving obedient daughter; a faithful devoted wife, and a true-hearted loyal friend. As a neighbor she was generous, considerate and kind, and, indeed, in every-relation of life she displayed in a marked degree the characteristics of a noble, Christian lady.

On the morning of her death, she fully realized that the hour of her departure was near, and looked with joyous expectancy to the glorious realms beyond the tomb. After singing a hymn, she gave directions as to her funeral, requesting that Rev. Mr. Haight should preach her funeral sermon from a text she selected. Shortly after she bade a long, a last farewell to the loving friends around her, and in a few moments her pure soul took its flight to the God who gave it.

The funeral took place yesterday.

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MR. HOLCOMB

August 22, 1808 - December 1891

Although for several years past it had been understood that Mr. Holcomb could not live, still when the sad news that he was dead was announced Tuesday morning, it cast a gloom over our little city, and many were the words of regret and sorrow spoken at his loss.

The illness that proved fatal, was contracted about five weeks ago, and although all that medical skill could do, combined with careful nursing and watchful care, he gradually grew weaker and weaker, until Monday evening at ten o’clock when he breathed his last and his spirit returned to God who gave it.

Mr. Holcomb was born August 22, 1808 in Granby, Hartford county, Connecticut, and was a son of Thomas and Clara Holcomb. He was reared to the calling of a farmer, and was engaged in that vocation until he was about 25 years old. At that age he embraced a seemingly _____? Project for improving his fortune, and operated for four years as a contractor on the canal then being built between New Haven and Northampton. He again engaged in farming for a short time and then went to Georgia and took contract on the Savannah Central railroad, and after two years at this work, he returned to the north; but in 1848 he again went south and became a contractor on the South Western, Savannah & Brunswick railroad, which contract occupied eight years of his life; when he again resumed farming.

In 1860 he came to St. Louis, then a small hamlet, and made extensive purchases of timber lands, owning about 2,900 acres in the aggregate, a portion of the tract including the land upon which a large portion of the present city of St. Louis now occupies. In 1861 he erected a saw mill, just north of the present site of the new flouring mill; and continued in its management until 1867, when he sold all his property in Michigan, and returned to Connecticut, and resumed operations on his old farm which he had still retained. Six years later he found himself once more in possession of his property here, the parties to whom he had sold, failing to pay for the same. In the mean time the village had been platted and part of the lots sold, and when he came here he continued to dispose of them. In 1869 Mr. Holcomb with his partner, Mr. EVANS, commenced boring for salt, and a depth of 200 feet struck the now famous mineral water..........................................[part of this area in the article is missing] which he managed until 1882, when he disposed of the property and practically retired from active business life, although he was connected with the bank of which he was vice-president when he died.

In 1881 he built the opera house block and in 1882 the adjoining block of bricks, which today are the pride of St. Louisites. Last fall, after having been practically out of business life for ten years, and at the advanced age of 82 years, his public spirit and enterprise led him to undertake the rebuilding of the flouring mill. With that redoubtable energy, with that will power that had never known failure, that had made his life a successful one from the start, he commenced the work that should of been left for younger men, and during good and bad weather he has been at the mill giving it his personal attention. The undertaking, at least, shortened his days, for when the mill was just ready for the machinery, he yielded to sickness and November 28, he took to his bed, never to again leave it.

In every public enterprise he was always at the front, and St. Louis today, owes more to the deceased and his memory, than to any other man who has ever lived among us. The opera house, the row of large brick buildings adjoining it, the Frazier mill, the flouring mill, and his fine residence, all remain as monuments to his memory, and to remind us of what he has done for our little city.

Mr. Holcomb leaves a wife and one sister to mourn his loss.

Services were held at his late residence yesterday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Vernor and this morning his remains were taken on the 10:25 train to Granby, Connecticut, where they will be interred.

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PHILETUS SWIFT HOWE

JULY 11, 1813 - JANUARY 8, 1899

Philetus Swift Howe was born in the town of Barlow, state of New York, July 11, 1813, and died at his home at this place, Sunday, January 8, 1899; aged 85 years, 5 months and 27 days.

At about the age of eleven years he moved with his parents to Morrow county, Ohio, and lived there until 1846, at which time he moved to Wayne county, Michigan. He resided there until 1882, when he moved to Shepherd, at which place he resided until his death.

He was married to Eliza LAYCOCK, December 29, 1836. They journeyed together for 62 years and nine days. To them were born ten children, seven of whom, with the aged wife survive him.

Joseph, the first born, died at New Orleans, August 9, 1862, in the service of his country.

Mary CHUBB, died in October, 1865, and John died March 12, 1894. Those who survive are: Hulda BRICE of Detorit, Absalom of Wayne, Zorada SWIX of Shepherd, Elizabeth VANDEE of Battle Creek, Julius Howe of Spencerville, Ohio, William Howe of Coe and Emma Bennett of Inkster.

Mr. Howe was always a firm believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and an ardent member of the Universalist Church for 50 years. Grandpa, as he was familiarly called, was certainly loved and respected by all who knew him. He had a sunny and cheerful disposition and always a smile and cheerful word for all. His highest conception of Christ’s religion, was to hear burdens for the poor, needy and distressed of this life. He would weep over the sorrows of others and many times when burdened with the responsibility of a large family of his own he would make room for some poor unfortunate. To the homeless and friendless his hospitable doors were always open.

The funeral took place from the Church of Christ, Wednesday, January 11^th at 10:20 o’clock, Elder Rossell conducting the service.

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NELSON IVES

MARCHE 29, 1818 - JUNE 16, 1898

Nelson Ives was born in Wyoming county, New York, March 29, 1818 and died in Mt. Pleasant, June 16, 1898.

Mr. Ives came to Isabella county in 1881, where he has made his home the most of the time since. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. C. C. KNOWLTON of Traverse City, who was with him during his illness.

The funeral was held from the Presbyterian church at Mt. Pleasant, June 18^th as he was buried in Salt River cemetery, beside his wife and daughter. Mr. Ives was highly esteemed by his many friends.

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JOE VANALSTINE

[can’t read hand written date of article other than August]

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, C. L. PIATT and Mrs. E. L. ASHWORTH sang, with Mrs. H. M. WETZEL as accompanist. The pall-bearers were men who had been associated with the deceased in the business activities of Shepherd _ Russell STILGENBAUER, Alfred CARROLL, Homer L. NORTON, George WEST, Floyd COON and Glen OREN.

Internment was made in Salt River cemetery. Many relatives and friends from various places in the state were among those attending the funeral.

Shock to Shepherd

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, 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 collar bone 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.

Devoted to Business

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 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. He was to have been married in the near future to a Lansing young lady who has been teaching in Alma.

Surviving with the 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 Van Alstine and Miss Donna Van Alstine.

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MARGARET YOUNG

[newspaper Feb. 19, 1932]

Miss Margaret Young, niece of Dr. W. G. Young, of Shepherd, died Friday at Riverdale, which had been her home since birth. She was 21 years old the Wednesday just preceding her death, which was due to a cerebral hemorrhage.

Miss Young had been in poor health for the last 18 months and had submitted to six operations. She had been training for the profession of nurse in the Sparrow hospital in Lansing. A quite frequent visitor in Shepherd, she was well known and highly regarded here.

The young woman was a member of the M. E. Church in Riverdale, where her father, John Young is postmaster. Her mother and a sister, Miss Ruth, who is an attendant at the state home for the feeble minded in Lapeer, also survive. Mrs. Lydia White and Sumner Young, of the Shepherd community are the aunt and uncle of the deceased girl.

The funeral was held Sunday at the church and the body was brought here for interment in the Young lot in Salt River cemetery.

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MRS. MARTHA E. BEEBE

[no date on article]

Funeral services for Mrs. Martha E. Beebe, 82, a resident of Isabella county for the past 75 years, were held at the Stinson chapel Sunday afternoon with the Rev. C. W. MacKenzie officiating. Mrs. Beebe died Thursday, January 5, at her home in Lincoln township.

The deceased was born March 31, 1856, in New York, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William TOMLINSON and came to this county with her parents at the age of seven. She located in Lincoln township, where she had resided ever since.

In 1875, she was married to Joel Beebe. Two son, William D., and Charles E., were born to the couple. Her husband died in 1879 and she later married Henry Beebe. Tho this union five sons were born, Howard E., Joel H., Lee, Roy and Ralph. She also had three step-daughters, Etta, Mary and Martha. Tow of her sons, William and Howard, and her husband preceded her in death.

Surviving are five sons, all of Lincoln township, three step-daughters, one brother, Charles TOMLINSON of Lincoln township, and one sister, Mrs. Alice WHITE of Riverdale.

Interment was made in the Lincoln township cemetery.

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MRS. ALMA MATHEWS ARDNER

1935

Funeral services for Alma Mathews Ardner, which were held Saturday afternoon at the Shepherd M. E. Church under the auspices of Coe Chapter No. 98, O. E. S., were largely attended and an abundance of beautiful floral tributes further marked the esteem in which the deceased lady was held, and sympathy for the bereaved family.

Members of the Easter Star chapter attended the services in a body and acted as ushers at the church. Musical selections were rendered by a quartet consisting of Carl PIATT, Claude STUMP, Eskiel NILSEN and Mrs. E. L. ASHWORTH, and by R. A. GARBER, who sang a solo. Pall-bearers were Alfred CARROLL, Paul RIESS, Milo RICHMOND, H. B. ULSH, Raymond SLATES and Bradford COLE.

Mrs. Ardner, nee Alma Mathews, was born in Howard City a little more than 37 years ago. She taught school for a number of years in Hemlock before going to Laporte, where she became principal of the high school. Her marriage to L. H. Ardner of Shepherd was solemnized about 11 years ago.

Surviving with the husband are one daughter, Ida Jane Ardner, and a son, Jack Mathews Ardner, both in infancy. She also leaves her mother, Mrs. Ida Methews of Shepherd, two brothers, J. T. Mathews of Tahoe, California, and James Mathews of Beulah and two sisters, Mrs. J. P. Nicholson of Greenville and Mrs. William Allen of Saginaw. Her father, who formerly conducted a restaurant business in Shepherd, and a baby daughter preceded her in death.

Mrs. Ardner was a past worthy matron of Coe Chapter, O. E. S., was a member of the White Shrine of Alma and also of the Shepherd Rebekah lodge and the Shepherd Woman’s club.

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MRS. IVA UPTON MOODY

1935

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 lying 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,l the daughter of Mr. & 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.

Chapter Observance Postponed

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 42^nd 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 in 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 the 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 pall-bearers and with the music. The impressive rites were conducted by the Rev. W. S. Phillips of Shepherd and the Rev. C. F. Kruse of Alma. A trio that sang included Claude Stump, Eskil Nilson and Carl Piatt, with Mrs. H. W. Wetzel at the piano. The pall-bearers were Alfred Carroll, Ralph Nilson, Frank Harry, John Williams, J. H. Graham and Joseph Southard.

Interment was made in the Salt River cemetery.

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DR. R. B. SMITH

[no date on article]

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the First Presbyterian church for Dr. R. B. Smith, one of Alma’s most highly respected and beloved citizens. Dr. Smith passed away Friday morning in the Saginaw General hospital after an illness of typhoid fever.

Dr. Smith, son of Mr. & Mrs. B. F. Smith, was born in Stockton, Kansas, July 18, 1881. His parents moved to Ohio when he was a baby. At the age of eight years he was left at the home of his grandfather Adams at Garretsville, Ohio, while his father came to Michigan to look for a location. He purchased the island at Crystal Lake and the family made this their home for two years. His father then built on the east shore of the lake, the building that is now known as the Lakeside House. It was here the Dr. Smith spent his boyhood days and he graduated from the Crystal high school. He attended the Saginaw Valley Medical college, graduating in 1903. He served his internship in Saginaw General Hospital. He then located in Crystal, practicing at Stanton and Crystal. He came to Alma sixteen years ago, after taking special work in the Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat college.

It is needless to state how he has endeared himself to the people of Alma and Gratiot county to such an extent that it is the expression of the entire city that he was “one whose place can never be filled.”

At the time of his death he was president of the Crystal bank, a director of the Alma State Savings Bank, president of the Saginaw and Bay City Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat association and president of the Alma Board of Education for the past 8 years. During this time he was instrumental in constructing the Alma Senior and Junior high school buildings, also the Wright Avenue school. He also served one year as Mayor of the city. He was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian church, Alma Lodge No. 244 F. & A. M. And Alma Chapter No. 123 R. A. M., also a past master of Crystal Lodge F. & A. M.

He leaves his widow, a daughter Marion, who graduated from Alma College in 1932 and who has just recently been assisting her father in his office; one son, Ensign Reynolds Smith of the United States Navy attached to the U. S. Colorado whose base is at San Pedro, California., now at Bremerton, Wash.

He was granted a twenty day emergency leave to be at the bedside of his father. He also leaves three sisters, Mrs. Ethel Smith of Battle Creek, Mrs. Charles Daugherty and Mrs. G. V. Wright of this city. His mother preceded him in death ten years ago and his father five years ago.

Burial was made in the mausoleum at Riverside cemetery.

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MRS. SOLOMON WOLF

1933 newspaper

Funeral services for Mrs. Solomon Wolf, 82, were held from the home in Mt. Pleasant, Sunday afternoon, the Rev. C. B. Hawkins officiating.

Mrs. Wolf died Thursday afternoon for an illness of many weeks. She was born in Canada in 1850, coming to Michigan with her parents at the age of nine years. In 1869 she was married in Alma.

Soon afterward they settled on a farm in Chippewa township where she lived until 1908. Following the death of her husband she moved to her present home on Walnut street. Mrs. Wolf was the mother of eight children. She leaves four daughters and two sons: Mrs. John Trim, Mrs. Pearl Wilcox, Mrs. Charles Mullett, Mrs. Martha Leonard; Francher Wolf of Mt. Pleasant and Foster Wolf of Shepherd; 21 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren.

She was the widow of a Civil war veteran, a member of the W. R. C., the Rebekahs and the O. E. S.

Burial was made in the family lot in Chippewa cemetery.

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FRANK SWEENEY

[Special to The State Journal, Mt. Pleasant, June 22, 1932]

Frank Sweeney, 77, died Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock. He was the pioneer business man of the city, having been located her for 52 years. For many years he conducted a grocery and feed store but for the past year and a half he retired from the grocery business and conducted only the feed store.

Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sweeny celebrated their golden wedding anniversary a year ago. He is survived by his widow; six daughters, two sons and 12 grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not been completed.

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WILLIAM HETHERINGTON

[1938 paper]

A race for a doctor resulted in death Tuesday night for William Hetherington, 80 year old farmer residing near Winn, whose body was discovered in his car early Wednesday morning by Mrs. Albert DeLong, one and one-half miles east of Winn. Death was due to a heart attack.

Mr. Hetherington left his home at 11 o’clock Tuesday evening to summon a doctor for his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ted Hetherington, who was expecting a baby. The aged wife of the deceased, who has been suffering with a broken shoulder and had recently had a stroke, was also in need of a physician’s care.

Mr. Hetherington’s body was found at seven o’clock Wednesday morning in front of the Judge home, east of Winn. State police from the Mt. Pleasant detachment and Dr. R. A. Northway, county coroner, were summoned.

According to the state police, tire tracks of the car indicated the deceased was stricken while driving and when the body was found, the car was out of gear though the ignition was turned on. The car was first noticed by Mrs. Dan Judge at two o’clock in the morning. She told police officers that she had seen the car there with the lights turned on, but attaching little importance to it had dismissed it from her mind and gone to sleep.

Mr. Hetherington had been suffering with a heart aliment for some time and had been under the care of a physician. Death was probably due to the excessive excitement of the evening and the cold to which he was exposed, was the opinion voiced by the coroner.

Police officers who carried the news of th4e death to the family, said neighbors had taken care of the sick persons. Mrs. Hetherington’s baby was born 45 minutes after Mr. Hetherington left for the doctor. The elder Mrs. Hetherington was removed to the McArthur-Strange hospital Wednesday.

Funeral services for Mr. Hetherington will be conducted Sunday afternoon at the Strickland Baptist church with Stinson and Son in charge of the funeral arrangements.

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CARRIE M. SEARLES

[no date on article]

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, March 22, for Mrs. Carrie M. Searles, well known as an old resident of this community, at the home of her son, L. E. Thomas in Shepherd. Rev. W. H. Bell officiated and interment was made in the Salt River cemetery.

Mrs. Searles, who was 58 years old, died Monday at the home of a friend with whom she had been staying in Holt, Michigan. As the wife of William Thomas, whom she first married, she lived for many years on a farm near the county line south of Shepherd. He died 16 years ago and she was later married to Albert Searles. They resided near Ithace until his death about eight years ago. She since had made her home most of the time with her children and had been in ill health for years. She will be missed by many friends in the community.

Surviving with the son are three daughters, Mrs. R. M. Crawford of Lansing; Mrs. Otto Massuch of Pontiac and Mrs. John Clemens of Charlotte.