Mabel Wonch Eschenweck scrapbook
 
 

Harry Vernon Abbott was born in Hartford, Ontario, Canada, October 24, 1871, of Scotch-Irish parentage, and died at Shepherd, Michigan, February 5th, 1924.

He was married to Minnie A. Scofield Feb. 12, 1896. To them one son was born Vernon Abbott, who is soon to graduate from the medical department of the University of Michigan.

Harry Abbott entered the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery in l897, graduating in 1901. After practicing a few months at Forest Hill he came to Shepherd, where he has since conducted a large practice.

He is survived by a widow and son, two brothers, Dr. C. J. Abbott of Holland, Michigan, and Dr. C. Gordon Abbott of Chicago, and two sisters, Miss Tillie Abbott and Mrs. Chess Howden of Waterford, Ont.

Dr. Abbott's death came after a short illness of less than two weeks and after he was apparently on the road to recovery. Diagnosis of the cause of death was pronounced as thrombosus of the coronary arteries due to arterio sclerosis.

A short prayer service was held at his late home in Shepherd Thursday afternoon and he was taken to St. Johns, Michigan, Friday, where Episcopal church services were held Saturday at 2:00 o'clock. Burial in Mt. Rest Cemetery in St. Johns.
 
 

Mrs. Mabel C. Adams died October 30, 1959, at the Schnepp Convalescent Home in St. Louis, where she had been a guest since the first of the year.

She was born January 6, 1874, in Reading, Michigan, to Samuel N. and Elmira Kinsey Curtiss. Mrs. Adams spent a great part of her life as a public school teacher and at one time as a critic teacher in what is now Central Michigan University.

In 1909 she was married to Oliver Holt Adams. They lived in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan seven years before moving to the Adams Homestead farm one mile north of Shepherd. Her husband preceded her in death in 1946.

She was always active in civic affairs and an inspiration to many a young person for further education. She was a charter member and past president of the Mt. Pleasant Women's Club. She was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, although active in the Reading and Shepherd Methodist churches.

She is survived by one sister, Miss Blanch Curtiss of Reading, two daughters, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Manley of Flint, and Mrs. Janette C. Gray of Shepherd, one son, Robert E. Adams of Shepherd, and three grandchildren, Rebecca Sue, Mark and Jack Adams.

Funeral services were held Sunday at 2:30 at the Garber Funeral Home in Shepherd, with Rev. Lloyd VanLente officiating. Interment was made in Riverside Mausoleum, Mt. Pleasant.

Death called "Clint" Allen Monday morning at the Carson City Hospital, where he had spent the past five weeks, in serious condition.

Mr. Allen had been a resident of Shepherd all his life until a year ago, when he moved his Tourist Novelty Store to Houghton Lake after the relocation of US-27 had dried up the traffic past his "Rockin' Chair Park" on Federal Road west of Shepherd.

For many years prior to his entrance into the tourist business he had carried on one of the finest auto part stores for a town the size of Shepherd and had established himself as a sound business man. He served the village as a councilman and was active in the Chamber of Commerce serving at one time as director.

Clinton V. Allen, born on May 30, 1910 in Camden County, Georgia, died on July 23, 1962.

Services will be held on Thursday, July 26, at 2:00 p.m. at the Garber Funeral Rome with Rev. Newton Ruffine officiating. Interment will be in Salt River cemetery.

Mr. Allen is survived by his wife, Mable E. Allen, three daughters, Kay Aldrich of Route 3, Ithaca, Wanda and Connie at home. Four grandchildren, three brothers, Harvey of Shepherd, Ben of Flint, and R. B. of Atlanta, Georgia and one sister  Millie Inbody of Chula Vista, Calif.
 
 

Mrs. Mary E. Allen, 84, of Shepherd, died Tuesday at Pleasant Manor Nursing Home.

She was born August 22, 1887, at Winn and was a member of Westlawn Church of Christ.

She is survived by two sons, H.J. (Vern) Utley of Warren, and W.T. Utley of Shepherd; three daughters, Mrs. Walter (Donna) Bunkers and Mrs. Ferris (Katie) Wright, both of Shepherd, and Mrs. Harold (Tertha) Gallant of Anaheim, California; 20 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at the Garber Funeral Home, Brother Ben Baumgardner officiating. Burial will be in the Salt River Cemetery.
 

Funeral services for Mrs. Norma B. (Holliday) Allen were held last week Wednesday, At the Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, in Alma at 2 p.m.

Mrs. Allen passed away Monday September 14, at her home on Route two Alma. Interment was made in Salt River Cemetery.

Mrs. Allen was a former resident of this area for a number of years.

Surviving her are her husband, Willard, her mother Mrs.Floris Holliday of Shepherd, two sons Glen and Richard, one daughter Irene, and two brothers Harry Holliday of Shepherd, five sisters, Mrs. Anne Marie Gulch of Shepherd, Mrs. Verna Lou Gautt, Holt, and Mrs. Ordell Hull of  Mrs. Evelyn Goffnett and Mrs. Glenna Hamilton of Mt. Pleasant.
 

Mrs. Sophia Arndt, a long time associate with her late husband, and in recent years with her son, in the automotive business, died suddenly early Monday evening of a heart attack. She had remained active and appeared in good health and spirits right up until the moment of her death.

Sophia Arndt was born at Beaverton, Michigan, Dec. 25, 1904, and died at her home in Shepherd, July 29, 1963. Surviving her are two daughters, Mrs. Robert Williamson of Midland, Mrs. Jack Swift of Mt. Pleasant and one son, Donald, of Shepherd, seven grandchildren, one brother, Charles Rachel of Saginaw. Her late husband, Jack, preceded her in death in January 1962.

She was a member of the Shepherd Methodist church and the O.E.S. #98 of Shepherd, of which she had served as a Past Matron.

Funeral services will be held at the Garber Funeral Rome at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 1, with Rev. Lloyd Van Lente officiating. Interment will be made in the Salt River cemetery.
 

Mrs. Addie Axtell of the Marwood Manor Convalescent Home at Port Huron formerly of Shepherd passed away early Sunday morning August 18.

The funeral was held Tuesday, August 20 at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Clemens, Michigan.

Graveside services were held Tuesday August 20 at 1:00 p.m. at the Salt River cemetery, Shepherd.
 
 

Mrs. Annie Axtel1, 80 of Mt. Pleasant and St. Petersburg, Florida, died Tuesday, January 1 at Central Michigan Community Hospital.

Mrs. Axtell was born March 2, 1882 in Coe Township. Her husband, Ed, preceded her in death in 1936.

Funeral services were held Thursday, January 3 at 2:30 P.M, at the Garber Funeral Home with Rev. J. Kenneth Cutler officiating and interment in Salt River Cemetery,

She is survived by three daughters: Mrs. Frances Rowe of Flushing, Mrs. Zelpha Fill of Mt. Pleasant and Mrs. Corabelle Holman of St. Petersburg, Florida; four sons, Frank of Midland, Fred of Mt. Pleasant, Boyd of Mt. Pleasant and John of Duluth, Minnesota; 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
 

Charles E. Beebee was found dead at hie home in Rural Shepherd, November 12th, by his grandson, Clarence Chapman, whom he raised from a child.

Mr. Beebee was a retired farmer and had lived in this community all his life. He was living alone at the time of his death, which apparently came very suddenly.

Mr. Beebee was born January 23, 1877, in Lincoln Township. He is survived by three daughters, Helen Daugherty of Grand Rapids, Bessie DeWitt of St. Johns, Reve Merrill of Shepherd.

His grandson, Clarence Chapman, of Route 2, Shepherd, two half-brothers, Roy Beebee of Shepherd, and Ralph of Riverdale, also a half-sister, Mary McDonald, eight grand children and eleven great grand children.

Funeral services were held Saturday at the Garber Funeral Home at 2 p.m. with Rev. Lloyd VanLente officiating.

After many months of intense suffering A.W. Bissell died at his hone on south Main street Thursday night. He had been confined to his house since January, tenderly cared for by his family.

Mr. Bissell was born in Yates county, New York, in 1847 and came when a child eight year of age to Ionia county with his parents. There he resided until l89O when he moved with his family to Shepherd. Fifteen years ago they came to Mt. Pleasant and have lived in the home at the corner of Maple and Main streets ever since.

Mr. and Mrs. Bissell were married May 10, 1886, celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary but a few weeks ago. Happy were they that this privilege was accorded them even while the spectre of death hovered about the form of the husband and father. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bissell six of whom are still living, all being here at this time except Thaddeus 0. who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. The other children are Nicholas of Cadillac; Delbert of Lansing; Mrs. Belle Cozier of Shepherd; Archie of Saginaw and Paul of Shepherd.

Funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon, Rev. J.C. DeVinney officiating.

Melvina Bolen was born Sept. 8th, 1907, at Portland, Ind. and died in Shepherd, Michigan, March 15, 1919, at ape of 11 years, 6 months and 7 days.

The deceased was of a sweet and loving disposition and a joy to the home. She is greatly missed.

She leaves to mourn her departure the father, mother, three brothers, two sisters and a host of friends.

Funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon March 16th by Rev. G.F. Rowlison. Interment in Kelley Cemetery.
 
 

John Bott passed away Friday, May 22nd, at the Veterans Hospital in Saginaw, where he had recently been taken for treatment.

He has been a resident of this area for the past 23 years and was a veteran of World War I and a member of the American Legion.

He was born June lst, 1891, and made his living as a farm laborer.

Surviving him are his wife, Yether(?) Elkins Bott, mother Mrs. Rosena Simon, one daughter Barbara Jean Adamet, two sons Harold and Virgil of Shepherd, and five grandchildren, three sisters Mrs. Alfred Gietzen of Remus, Mrs. Verna Penner Rupp of Arcadia, California, and Mrs. Harry DeBird of Muskegon, also one brother, Lawrence Bott, of Remus.

Rosary service was held Sunday evening at the Garber Funeral Home and funeral services took place at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the St. Vincent de Paul church, Fr. Roczen officiating. Interment was made in the St. Michael cemetery at Remus.
 
 

Bryan Boul, known to his friends as "Barney" passed away at the University Hospital at Ann Arbor last Friday, May 9th, after an illness of some time.

He was born in Collinsville, Illinois, January 15th, 1909, and had been a resident of this area over quite a period of time.

Surviving him are his wife Agnes (Higley) Boul, mother, Mrs. Minnie Boul of Bellevue, Illinois, also two brothers Russell and Bob of Bellevue and one sister, Irene Beery of Granada Hills, California.

Rosary services were held at the Garber Funeral Home Sunday evening at 8 p.m. and funeral services took place at the St. Vincent de Paul Church Monday at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Edward Roczen officiating.

Marjorie Jackson Boyles, 82, of 211 W. Cottage St. Shepherd, passed away Thursday evening October 17, at the Carson City hospital after a short illness.

Mrs. Boyles was born in Canada on December 27, 1880, and lived in the Shepherd area most of her adult life.

Funeral services were held Sunday, October 20, at the Garber Funeral Home with Rev. Newton Huffine officiating.

Interment at the Salt River cemetery.

Surviving are two brothers. John Jackson of Detroit, and Miller Jackson of Owosso. Also several nieces and nephews.

Her husband, S. R. Boyles, preceded her in death in 1953.
 

David L. Bradt was born September 29, l852, at Yarmouth, Ontario, Province of Canada. He died at Ann Arbor, Michigan, October 19, 1918. His early boyhood was spent in the vicinity of the place of his birth. December 10, 1876, he was united in marriage to Annie A. Stuart who preceeded him to the better land three years ago. To this union, nine children were born, of whom five survive.

Thirty-one years ago they came to Michigan, residing in various places, coming to Shepherd sixteen years ago where they made their home until the death of the wife and mother, since which time he has resided in Flint, Michigan.

He is survived by three sons, Armour and Thannie in the service in France, Morley of Flint, Mich., two daughter, Mrs. J. J. Otters of Seattle, Washington, and Mrs. F. M. Patrick of Grand Rapids, two sisters and three brothers.

Interment was made in Salt River Cemetery Tuesday afternoon, October 22.

Donald Eugene Brickner, son of Andrew and Nellie Brickner, was born near El Paso, Illinois, April 23, 1911, and departed this life at Gratiot County Hospital in Alma, October 12, 1931, being 20 years, 5 months and 19 days of age.

Donald with the family moved from the old Illinois home to the present residence where he spent his boyhood days whence, he went to his present home after his marriage.

He attended the Shepherd schools, having graduated from the High School with the class of 1930. It was shortly after his graduation on July 2 that he was united in marriage with Marjorie Farnsworth.

Donald's married life while short was very beautiful and happy, and it was Marjorie's chief air and desire to create such a home for him as always makes for the greatest happiness within and a wide influence without. While bliss home was of short duration counting time, yet its influence will be long remembered as one of the really bright spots, that these two lives, welded into one, created.

Donald united with the Church of Christ under the ministry of Le Gran Randall, and remained a firm believer in the tenets of the Christian religion.

He was an exemplary type of young manhood being temperate in his habits, a lover of home, honest and fearless in the cause of right, believing in the practice of the golden rule in the walk and endeavors of life.

His tireless industry was a possible contribution to his early passing. It was while in the discharge of some of his duties that he possibly overtaxed his strength and brought on the fatal illness.

He leaves to mourn his untimely going, his young wife, his parents, three sisters, Mrs. Elsie Ervans of Shepherd, Mrs. Elva Tufford of Mt. Morris and Esther who resides at home, four brothers, William and Raymond of Shepherd, and Lawrence, also at home, and John of Gladwin, besides other relatives and a host of friends.
 
 

Mrs. Nancy Brooks, 82, a former resident of Shepherd, passed away in Toledo, Ohio, last week. She had been making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Otto (Glee) Fortney all winter because of ill health.

She was born in Chippewa Township to Mr. and Mrs. Jay Vining who were early settlers of this community.

She worked as a practical nurse in this community and also gathered news for the Isabella County Republican for some time before moving to Bloomville, Ohio, several years ago, and later to Bucyrus, Ohio, where she worked in Antique business.

She was married to Harry Brooks who preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held in Toledo and interment was also in a Toledo cemetery.
 

William, son of Samuel and Jane Brooks, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, May 10, 1855, and died at his home in Shepherd June 12, 1923, at the age of 60 years, 1 month, and 2 days.

When he was twenty-one years old he care to Michigan. In l883, he was united in marriage to Jennie Buck. To this union was born two children, Guy and Frank, both of Shepherd.

He has spent his married life on farms near St. Louis and Shepherd until nine years ago when he sold his farm and moved to Shepherd, where he has since resided.

He leaves to mourn his departure, a wife, two sons, a grandson, one sister Mrs. James Leiby of Pontiac, Mich., and a brother, T.B. Brooks of Tiffin, Ohio, besides other more distant relatives and a host of friends.

He was a member of the I.O.O.F.

Funeral service was conducted by Rev. L. W. Kimberling and was largely attended by friends and brother Odd Fellows. Interment in Salt River cemetery.
 

Charles Bryant, 73, passed away very suddenly at his, home Sunday afternoon. He had been in his usual health and Mrs. Bryant was attending a church dinner. Their daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Lincoln, was at home with her father.

Mr. Bryant has been a farmer in this community since 1923. Charles Edward Bryant, son of Richard and Ellen McCinnes Bryant, was born September 15, 1885, at Beason, Illinois and came to Michigan in 1923.

Surviving him are his wife, Sarah Fisher Bryant, one son Delmar of Flint, two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Lincoln, and Mrs. Maynard Salisbury of this community, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grand children.

He was one of a family of ten children, six of whom survive him, Mrs. Myrtle Kindig, Mrs. Goldia Gillan and William Bryant of Shepherd area, Mrs. Nora Marsh of Kingsford Heights, Indiana, Miss Louria Bryant of Peoria, Illinois, and Mrs. Sylvia Backman of Roanoke, Illinois.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Evangelical United Brethern church with Rev. Seward Walton officiating.

Maria Burkhardt was born in Switzerland, November 2, 1832, came to America in the fall 1854 and the following spring was married to Edward DuBoie at Mount Eaton, Ohio where they lived for ten years. They then came to Isabella County, Michigan and settled on their farm and experienced the hardships, also the privileges of the early pioneer.

She is the mother of twelve children. Nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Three having died in infancy and the oldest son, Edward Jr. departed this life four years ago. The aged husband was called to rest six years ago next month.

The surviving children were all present with the exception of Albert of Seattle, Washington, and Mrs. Celia Shive of Forest City, Arkansas.

Mrs. DuBoie united with the Christian Reform church at the age of sixteen years, in her native village and has always lived a conscientious and Christian Life. During her long illness she has daily expressed her willingness and readiness to meet her savior and longed to be at rest.

Besides the eight surviving children she leaves thirty-one grandchildren and great grand children.

She was a most kind loving mother, no sacrifice being too great for her children and friends, and will be greatly missed by the entire community, At the time of her demise she was 84 years, 6 months and 17 days old.

The funeral services were held at the hope Thursday afternoon at two o'clock. Rev. Dewey officiating Six of the grandsons acting as pall bearers. She was quietly laid to rest beside her husband in the Salt River Cemetery.
 
 

Residents of Shepherd were shocked Saturday morning to learn of the sudden death of Jerry Bush, 49. He was found dead, by a passerby, in a panel truck north and east of Shepherd. Death was attributed to a heart attack by officers who investigated.

Mr. Bush lived in Shepherd for a number of years and made his living as a pipe-fitter. He was a member and Past Noble Grand of Shepherd I.C.O.F. # 239 and took an active part in the Band Parents Club, P.T.A., and other civic affairs.

Gerald H. Bush was born Nov. 3, 1909, in Lincoln township, Isabella, county, and died Saturday May 16, 1959- He is survived by his wife, Elaine Caszatt Bush, four children, Jerry Lou Robinson, Janet Bush of Gladwin, Jack and James at home, three grandchildren, four sisters, Mrs. Gladys Figg of Shepherd, Margaret Grobar of Detroit, Dorothy Mitchell of Lansing, and Betty Rawson of Mt. Pleasant, and three brothers, Lloyd of Lansing, Ralph of Mt. Pleasant and Stuart of Crystal Lake.

Sevivces were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Orchard Avenue Church of Christ with Rev. Lawrence Kepler officiating. Burial was made in Green cemetery.
 
 

Vesile (Dan) Butucel, 65, passed away Monday evening at the Gratiot Community hospital at Alma, where he had been taken for treatment.

He was born in Russia, and had lived on the George Decker farm for around thirty years.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, at two o'clock at the Garber Funeral Rome, Rev. Lloyd Van Lente of the Methodist church officiated.

Interment was made in the Chippewa cemetery.
 
 

Margaret Ellen Logan Carey, (94) was born September 15, 1867, at Peterboro, Canada, passed away March 12, at the home of her son, Ivo Carey, 476 Wright St., Shepherd, Mich., after a lingering illness.

She married Dennis Carey June 25, l889, who preceded her in death Feb. 28, 1930.

She is survived by three daughters, Hazel Baker of West Port, Conn., Florence McManaman of Traverse City, Ann Euphrat of Grosse Ile, Mich., and two sons, Ivo of Shepherd, and Clem of Mt. Pleasant, also survived by 18 grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Kate Doyle of Merriam, Kansas, one brother Fred Logan of Lansing. Two sons preceded her in death, Leo and Frank.

The funeral will take place at 9:30 a.m. Thursday from the Rush Funeral Home and Sacred Heart church. Burial will be at Calvery cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 6 p.m. Tuesday. Where friends will meet Wednesday at 8:30 P.m. for Rosary.

One of Shepherd’s most prominent citizens of the past fifty years, William Alfred Carroll, died Tuesday, December 17 at the Carson City Hospital.

Mr. Carroll was born on April 21, 1890 in Burnett, Texas and came to the Shepherd area at an early age. He was a World War I veteran and had been in the hardware, elevator and implement business in Shepherd (retiring seven years ago). He held almost every office in the Salt River Lodge F & AM No.288 and was a member of the Odd Fellows, Eastern Stars, Farm Bureau and was also a thirty-second Degree Mason out of Bay City. He was a member of the Orchard Avenue Church of Christ in Shepherd.

Funeral services were held on Friday, December 20 at 2:OO p.m. in the Garber Funeral Rome in Shepherd with Rev. Newton Huffine officiating. Interment was made in the Salt River Cemetery.

Ida B. Carson was born in New York State Jan. 27th, 1868, and died at Greenville, Michigan, Nov. 15, 1917.

She was the daughter of Thomas and Adeline Pickett.

At the age of 18 years, she was united in marriage to Alexander Hollenbeck who passed away in the year l890. Three children having been born to this union, Addie, Leon, and Mina. The latter is now Mrs. Talter O'Connor of Lincoln township the only surviving one of that union, the other two dying in infancy.

In the year 1893, she was united in marriage to Joseph R. Carson, to whom two children were born, Millie and Alberta, the former dying at the age of 22 months, Alberta living with her parents at the present time.

Ida B. Carson was united to the Catholic Church in 1910. To which she was a firm and sincere believer at the time of her death.

She leaves to mourn her death, her devoted husband, two daughters, one brother, three sisters and three grand-children, besides a host of friends.

Funeral services were held from the Catholic church Monday.

Henry Clinton Caszatt died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Nellie Cunningham, 14670 Ohio Street, Detroit on September 16. He was born January 22, 1879 in Isabella County. Mr. Caszatt was a teacher and for sixteen years was employed by Isabella County as school commissioner.

Funeral services will be held at the Stinson Funeral Home at 2 p.m. on Friday. Rev. Robert Smith of the Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

Mr. Caszatt is survived by his wife, Effie; two daughters, Mrs. Nellie Cunningham of Detroit and Mrs. Henry Biekner of East Tawas; one son, Ceylon of Evart; two sisters, Mrs. Claude Dowling of rural Mt. Pleasant and Mrs. Lawrence Recker of rural Shepherd; four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
 

Anna Elizabeth Baker, daughter of John and Mary Baker was born in New York State May 18, 1844.

She came to Michigan in 1874.

She was the mother of five children, three of whom survive her: William Webster of Marion, a son by her first husband, Charles Webster, who was killed in 1865, and Mrs. F. B. Wonch and Chas Cazier of Shepherd, a son and daughter of her second marriage to Samuel Cazier who died in 1882. She also leaves four step-children, Mrs. Martin Partee of Breckenridge, Frank Cazier of Leslie and Gideon and David Caazier of Elk Rapids by whom she was greatly beloved as a mother. There are also 36 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Her many friends in Sherpherd can think back a very few years ago before sickness overcame her to the time when her hand soothed the fevered brown and her and kind sympathy cheered and comforted the saddened heart. She lived a healthful and Christian life and passed to her reward September 18, 1917, at the age of 73 years, 4 months and 18 days.

Funeral services were held Saturday at the J. J. Rush Funeral Rome in Mt. Pleasant for Andrew E. Cernek, 78, who passed away at the Brookfield Hospital Wednesday, May 25.

Rev. Edwin A. DuBois officiated at the two o'clock rites and interment was made in the Salt River cemetery.

Mr. Cernek was born in Yugoslavia and care to the United States in 1906 where he made his living as a farmer in Isabella county for many years before retiring to live at 4795 East Broadway in Mt. Pleasant.

Surviving him are his wife, Agnes Rose, two daughters, Mrs. Maurice A. Ducey of Mobile Alabama, Mrs. Felix A. Kren of Traverse City, two sons, Charlie C. and Robert C. Cernek of Mt. Pleasant and two grandchildren.
 
 

Allen E. Clark died at Bronstaters hospital at an early hour last Friday morning from effects of an automobile accident which occurred last Thursday afternoon.

Mr. Clark was taken immediately to the hospital where every attention was given but the injuries proved more serious than was at first believed and he never regained consciousness.

Allen E. Clark was born at St. Lawrence county, New York, on February 8th, l854, and departed this life May 4th l923, at the age of 69 years, 2 months and 26 days.

When about seven years of age his parents moved from New York State to Salt River in Isabella County,Michigan. Here he spent his boyhood days. He was married on May 10th, 1879, to Miss Phena Austin and they began housekeeping on a farm just south of the corners two miles east of Salt River. They have not lived here very long before they went to Reed City where he worked in a lumber yard. In a year and a half he returned to Salt River and with Mr. B.W. Orser ran a lumber mill for a times. After a few years he established a lumber yard in Shepherd in partnership with his brother Sidney. Soon he became sole owner of the yard having purchased the interest of his brother. This yard he continued to run until he sold the business to F.J. Brattin and Son in January 1915. About a year after he organized the Rosebush Lumber Co. Though retiring from the active business life of Shepherd when he sold his lumber yard here, he retained his residence and also his interest in the Commercial State Bank, of which he was vice president and fifth director in point of service when he died.

He leaves to mourn hie departure a wife, brother, Robert, of Sherpherd, one sister, Mrs. Anna Belch, of Grand Rapids, eight nieces, and eight nephews, besides many other relatives and a multitude of friends.

As a person Mr. Clark will be missed from our community because he here identified himself in many ways with community life. Chief among his interests was his church with which he united by a letter on March 13th, l892. He was a faithful and loyal member of the board of trustees and superintendent of the Sunday School at his death. He was also a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders of Shepherd. For a number of years he was village president. In his home he was kind and loving, and this can be said of his relations with all who knew him. He was a lover of young people and many a kindness in the past is remembered now of the recipient of such favor. In fact there is no community interest but what will midst from our beloved brother and friend.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock and w c very largely attended, Rev. Broxholm officiated. Interment in Salt River Cemetery.
 
 

Allen Clay, son of William and Nancy Keith Clay, was born in Primrose, Ohio, August 2, 1856, and died at the University hospital at Ann Arbor September 29, 1926.

His mother died when he was nine years old and a few years later he went to live in the home of Marion Keith with whom he learned the carpenter trade.

To this union one child, Zela Maye was born, who died at the age of seven years.

About twenty years ago he commenced wintering in St. Petersburg, Florida, where his wife departed this life in 1919.

He leaves to mourn their loss one sister, Margaret Clark, of Pioneer, Ohio, a number of nephews and nieces, other relatives and hosts of friends.

Allen's cheerful and genial disposition and his ever readiness to help his fellow man has made him a favorite with all.

Mrs. Blanche Claybaugh was born in Shepherd April 25, l872 and died April 23, 1919. She was married to Henry Claybaugh on April 28, 1909. To this union three children were born of whom two are still living, Lloyd, aged 7 years and Violet aged 5 Years. The eldest one having died in infancy.

Besides the husband and children she leaves to mourn her loss two brothers, William and James Miller and four sisters, Miss Florence Miller of Shepherd, Betsy Salisbury of Mt. Pleasant, Mrs. Josie Hinkle of Portland and Mrs. Kate Dodge of Richwood, West Virginia.
 
 

The deceaeed in the year 1867 was united in remarriage with Elise Catherine Sturgeon. To this union were born 10,children.

He leaves to mourn the wife, two daughters,

Mrs. Rosa Fishburri of St. Louis, and Nellie Andrews , four sons, Henry, Edward, Ire and CASE of Shephierd, 20 great-grand children

Funeral service were conducted at the Christian church Friday afternoon by 0. W. Rowlieoii

Assisted by V. G. Blood. Internment in Salt River cemetery.
 

John R. Cline, 23, of 2247 S. Coleman Road, rural Shepherd, was killed Wednesday evening, December 1, as the result of a car-train collision on Shepherd Road in Coe township.

Mr. Cline was born November 28, 1948, in Lansing, the son of Grace and Vernon Cline. Re attended St. Louie public School, having lived in this area for the past 19 years.

He was formerly married to Ann Lamey of St. Louis. He had been employed as a truck driver by his father.

Surviving are one son, John Nolan of St. Louis, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Cline of rural Shepherd, his maternal grandfather, Ford Dunevant, of Alma, three sisters, Mable Cline of rural Shepherd, Mrs. Eugene (Mary Anne) Latoski and Mrs. Robert (Norma) Pratt, both of Alma, and two brothers, Larry of Shepherd and Douglas of rural Shepherd.

Funeral services were held Saturday, December 4, at 3 PM from the Carter Funeral Rome in St. Louis. The Rev. Melvel Good of Bay City officiated and interment will be at the Salt River cemetery near Shepherd.
 
 

Phinehas Coffey was born at Binbrook, Wentworth county, Ontario, August 7, 1848, and departed this life August 11, 1917, aged 69 years and four days.

He was united in marriage to Mrs. Eliza Huckle Oct. 26, 1881. To this union was born three children, one son and two daughters, Mrs. Jane Lilly of Greendale and Mrs. Mable Casner of Cadillac, the son passing to the great beyond in childhood. He leaves to mourn him a faithful wife, two daughters and one brother, J. T. Coffey of Chicago, also a stepdaughter, Mrs. Rose Lord of Detroit.

John A. Cohoon was born in Coe township, Isabella county, Michigan, Dec 29, 1869. He was the only son of J.C. and Mary A. Cohoon. He was raised on the farm which his mother and youngest sister still maintain for their home.

He went to Oklanhoma City on Oct. 2@, 1915, his health failed on Dec. l1 1915, at the Grand Ave. hotel where he was cared for by the I.O.O.F. of that place. He returned home on April 11, 1916 and gradually became weaker until Monday morning, April 24, 1916 when he went peacefully to rest at the age of 46 years, 3 months and 25 days.

His oldest sister preceded him on Feb. 28, 1865- His father died Dec. 28, 1897.

He resided on the farm until his health failed in the spring of 1904. He then went to Oklahoma City where the change of climate soon restored him,

That same season he was employed by the International Harvester Company with whom he has been engaged nearly ever since. While in their employ he made four successful trips to Buenos Aires, Argentina, South America. Taking in the sights of nearly all the foreign countries of England and Europe,

He made his first trip west in the spring of l89O where he engaged in railroading, returning home in the fall. His second trip west was in the fall of 1899. His health failed and he returned home March 23, 1900.

He was initiated in Coe Lodge No. 239 (I.O.O.F. at Shepherd Oct. 28, 1893- He received the First or Pink degree Dec. 17, 1893, the Second or Blue degree Jan. 6, 1894,

the Third or Scarlet degree Feb. 10, 1894.

He was a member of the encampment of Mt. Pleasant and of the Shepherd Rebekah Lodge No. 199.

He was a loyal member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the spring of 1915 he was presented with a handsome Pass Grand regalia by the members of Coe Lodge as a token of esteem for the excellent work he accomplished while he was their Noble Grand.

November 19, 1900 he joined the Salt River Lodge No. 288 F. & A.M. and was a faithful member.

He purchased for himself a beautiful Masonic apron and watch charm. at London, England.

At one time he was a member of the K.O.T.M. of Oklahoma City.

Mr. Cohoon was highly respected and beloved by all who knew him.

He leaves to mourn their loss, his mother and four sisters, Mrs. C. R. Taylor and Mrs. F.C. Newton of St. Louis, Mich.; Mrs V.H. Estes of Gate, Okla.; and Miss Ethel Cohoon. Also three nephews, one neice and one great neice besides a large circle of friends.

The funeral services were held at the home Saturday forenoon conducted by Rev. C.E. Davis, and was one of the largest attended funerals ever held in this vicinity. The services at the cemetery were conducted by the Odd Fellows and over 70 members of the order were in line to pay their last respects to their dearly beloved brother,

Mrs. Mary Coomer 77, who has been ill at the Ford Hospital the past three weeks, passed away at the hospital shortly after midnight, Monday.

Mary J. Coomer was born May 8th, 1883 in Gratiot County and died 1960 at Detroit. She was married to Mr. Coakley in 1901 and two children were born to this union, a son, Clarence and a daughter who passed away in 1936. She was a resident of Detroit for about 31 years. She was again married to Harry Coomer of Shepherd, Jan. 24, 1946 and they have made their home since that time in Shepherd, spending the winters in Florida.

Surviving her are her husband, son Clarence Coakley of Detroit and one sister, Mrs. Phoebe Vroman of Flint.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the Garber Funeral Home with Rev. L.J. Hoover of Bloomingdale and Rev. Lawrence Kepler officiating,

Interment will be made in the cemetery at North Star beside her first husband.
 
 

Mabel Wonch Eschenweck scrapbook 1920-1924
 
 

James E. Coon, former sheriff of Isabella county, a resident of this section all his life and prominently identified with political and business affairs of Isabella, died at 1 o'clock Monday morning in the Samaritan hospital in Bay City where he was taken only last Friday for an operation that was performed Saturday. He had been afflicted with gallstones for an extended period.

News of Mr. Coon's death was communicated about the village before many with whom he was well acquainted knew that he had been taken to the hospital or that his condition was serious. His uniformly-cheerful greeting and affable personality will be keenly missed in this community, which he always called home, although residing at different times in Mt. Pleasant, Lansing and Alecia, Michigan.

He was born on the farm in Coe township that was cleared of its virgin timber by his father, Chas. E. Coon, who came to this county in 1865 and acquired 200 acres of wild land that was developed into a fine farmstead. James E. Coon was reared and educated here. At various times he owned property in various parts of the county and was associated with different business undertakings.

A staunch Republican, he was elected sheriff of Isabella county in 1917 and served until 1921. He was manager of the Taylor house in Shepherd for two years beginning in 1904; served the Owosso Sugar company as field man for 25 years and for three years was manager of the 10,000 acre Prairie farm in Saginaw county.

Like his father he was a lover of fine horses and enjoyed supervision of the splendid thoroughbred animals for which this fine farm, owned by the Pitcairn interests of Pittsburg, was noted. More recently Mr. Coon spent three years in Lansing where he had supervision over the field force of the Lansing branch of the Michigan Sugar Company.

Mr. Coon went far in Masonry and was one of the few men in the county distinguished by having taken the thirty-second degree. He was a Knight Templar and a member of the Mystic Shrine.

Inheriting many of the traits of a rugged pioneer parentage, James E. Coon made his own way in the world. It was 59 years ago that he was born on the place five miles from the village to which his parents moved from. Ionia county in April of 1865.

Surviving the deceased are the widow, Cora B. Coon, two daughters, Mrs. Fred Stilgenbauer of Mt. Pleasant and Miss Mae Coon who is employed in the state capitol in Lansing, a son, Floyd Coon, of Shepherd, two sisters, Mrs. Charles Conkright of Midland and Mrs. Edward Axtell of Mt. Pleasant, a brother, C. A. Coon of Bannister and a great-uncle, Fred Coon of Portland, Michigan. Miss Betty Lou, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Coon, is a grand daughter.

The funeral will be under the auspices of Salt River Masonic lodge. Services will be held Thursday at 1 o'clock at the house and at 2 o'clock at the M. E. church. Rev. W. H. Bell and Rev. W. H. Phillips will officiate and a quartet consisting of Piatt brothers, Claud Stump and Eskiel Nileon will sing. Pallbearers will be Selba Adams, Charles Hauser, Harry Roseelit, Bert Cook, Alfred Carroll and E. E. Ardner. Interment will be made in Salt River cemetery.
 
 

Funeral services for the twin babies of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Costillo, were held Monday at 2 p.a. at the St. Vincent de Paul church, with Fr. Roczin officiating.

The babies, Tina and Lee, were born at the Carson City Hospital on September 12, and lived only a few hours, passing away on the 13th.

They are survived by their parents, and ten brothers and sister. Also surviving are the Grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Costillo and grandmother, Mrs. Jessie Alonzo, all of Mt. Pleasant.
 
 

Mrs. Freda Dancer away Tuesday, May 28th, at the Gratiot Community Hospital.

Surviving her are her husband, one son, E. S., her, step-mother Mrs. Roxie Salisbury; and three brothers, Elton, Ford and Eugene, all of the Shepherd community.

The funeral services were held at the Whiting Funeral Chapel in Breckenridge and interment was made in the at Breckenridge.
 
 

Joseph Franklin Delong, 82, passed away March 20th at the Gratiot Community hospital at Alma. He has lived for many years in the tenant house on the Hartford farm in rural Shepherd east of town, and made his living as a laborer. He was born in April 1877, in Waterloo, Indiana.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Garber Funeral Home with Rev. Lloyd VanLente officiating.

H. A. Brattin, Sr. received word Monday of the death of his sister, Mrs. Ruth DeMott, of Pompeii who passed away while visiting her son at Flint over the Easter week-end.

She had complained of feeling i11 Sunday evening and was taken to a Flint Hospital Monday morning where she died four hours later.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at the Pompeii Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband, with whom she celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary last year, and twelve children.
 
 

Don DuBois 68, died at Chehalis, Washington, October 15th and was brought here Monday for funeral services which were held Tuesday at the Garber Funeral Home at 2 p.m.

He was born October 21, 1891 on the DuBois homestead near Shepherd to Fred and Nettie Vredenberg DuBois, in the house which burned down in the early years. He was a life-time resident of this community until moving to Washington twelve years ago with the exception of a couple of years in Detroit. He made his living as a farmer. He has been in ill health for some time since suffering a stroke.

Surviving are him are his wife Gladys, one daughter Mrs. Ota (Donna) Bryant, three grandchildren, two brothers, Vern and Elton of Lansing, three sisters, Mrs. Fern Richmond of Owosso, Mrs. Alice Freshney of Middleville, and Mrs. Marjory Hamilton of Boston, Massachusetts.

Miss Mae Gruber received a 1etter from Edna Matthews, Superintendent of the Christian Old Peoples Home of Jacksonville, Florida, telling of the death of Eva Faunce McClellan Dunbar on August third.

Mrs. Dunbar had been a resident of the Home for around nine years. She was the daughter of Ellis Faunce and grand-daughter of Orrin Gates, one of the founders of the Orchard Avenue Church of Christ.

She followed in the footsteps of her father and grand-father and was very active in the church, having served as teacher of young people church, clerk, and president of the Aid Society.

She was married to Ed McClellan and later to Mr. Dunbar, who preceded her in death. Her only child, Merle McClellan also preceded her in death several years ago
 
 

Lulu Josephine Thompson was born, July 15, 1877, and departed this life Thursday, February 3, 1938 at the age of 60 years, 6 months and 18 days. When two years of age she came to Isabella county with her parents, Abner and Aurilla Thompson.

On June 25, 1898, she was united in marriage to Ward Drake and lived on the Drake homestead until her death. She had spent one year of her married life in Mt. Pleasant where she made many friends. She had endured the hardships of pioneer life and watched the country progress from a forest to the period of progress as it is today.

She was the first of a pioneer family of four children to depart this life. Those who are left to mourn their lose are her children, Ethel Owens of Shepherd, Oliver of Alma, Melvin of Shepherd, Cecil of Shepherd, and aged mother, Mrs. Aurilla Thompson, a sister Fola McDonald, and two brothers Perry Thompson of Shepherd, and Jesse Thompson of Alma, and four grandchildren, a host of relatives and friends. Her husband preceded her in death in October 1933.
 

December 16th, 1847. Departed this life in Shepherd, Mich., July 21st, 1924, at the age of 76 years, 7 months and 5 days.

Mr. Drum came from New York to Isabella county in 1864, and married Miss Ethel Rice at Mt. Pleasant, July 18, l89l. To this union was born one daughter, Leah, November 22nd, 1893.

Mr. Drum was one of five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Drum of New York, and was the last one of them to pass away, and leaves his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Cline, and her husband and three children, besides many other relative and friends to mourn his departure. The funeral was held at the Christian church Wednesday afternoon and burial took place at Salt River cemetery, S. L. Randall officiating.

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