ANNA KOYL SCRAPBOOKS

1931 OBITUARIES

(nsp=newspaper date)

 

 

MRS. CHAUNCEY VANDEVENTER

nee FRANCES MURPHY

April 16, 1931

 

Mrs. Chauncey Vandeventer, nee Frances Murphy, was born in Bryan, Ohio 76 years ago.  She came to Michigan when about 12 years old with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Murphy, who settled in Albion, Ind.  They moved to Manistee, MI when Frances was 21 years old.

She was married to Chauncey Vandeventer in Manistee in 1903 and came to his home on a farm in Coe township where he had resided since 1880.  Mr. and Mrs. Vandeventer moved to Shepherd about 20 years ago from the farm and had since resided here.  Mrs. Vandeventer died Thursday morning, April 16th, at about 6 o'clock at her home on Orchard street after having been in poor health for months, although she was confined to her bed but a few days.

The funeral was held Saturday, April 18th, at 2 o'clock p.m. from the home with interment in Salt River cemetery.  Rev. W. H. Bell of the Church of Christ officiated.

The deceased formerly affiliated with the Rebekah lodge.  A good neighbor and always kindly and charitable, she will be missed by many friends in Shepherd and vicinity.

 

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SABRA FORBES GATES

October 18, 1931

 

Sabra Fobes Gates was born March 22, 1839 in the town of Lyons, Oakland Co., Michigan and died Sunday, October 18, 1931, at the age of 92 years, 6 months and 26 days, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Raymond Clark, in Shepherd, where she had made her home for the past two years.

In April 1859, she was married to Ransford Otis of Milford, Michigan, where she lived until 1896, moving to Cass City in the spring of that year.  Mr. Otis died in Cass City in June of 1898.

To this union were born eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, two dying in infancy.  Frank J. died in Grand Rapids in 1915 and Charles J. passed away in Highland in 1886.

The children living are:  Albert of Highland;  Eugene of Cass City;  Fred of Minnesota;  William, Edward, and Mrs. O. J. Randall of Grand Rapids and Mrs. Raymond Clark of Shepherd.  Eighteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren also survive.

In the summer of 1901 she was united in marriage to George Silvernail of Cass City, who died there in September of 1823.

She had been a faithful member of the Free Methodist church for many years and was a devoted wife and mother known for her beautiful Christian character and kindness to all with whom she came in contact.

 

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BERT HAFER

Former Shepherd resident Dies in Dayton, Ohio

February 19, 1931  (nsp)

 

Bert Hafer, whose father, Frank E. Hafer, conducted a bakery in Shepherd about 15 years ago, and who was brought up here, died the first of last week in Dayton, Ohio.  He was between 35 and 40 years of age.  Mrs. Hafer, who survives him with one son, is the sister of Mrs. Carl Baughman and the daughter of William Rearick.  Mr. Hafer had been in poor health for years.

Mr. and Mrs. William Rearick and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Baughman went to Dayton to attend the funeral.

 

Second article on this person

 

Robert M. Hafer, aged 39 years, who was born in Dayton, Ohio died at that place February 10, 1931.  He resided at Shepherd, Michigan with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hafer, when they conducted a bakery here a few years ago.

Mr. Hafer married Daisy Rearick, daughter of Wm. REARICK of this place. 

Besides his wife, he left two children,  Frank, aged 9 and Naomi, aged 5.  He also left a mother, Mrs. Frank Hafer, a sister, Mrs. Joseph Goodwin of Dayton,  two brothers, Will of Flint and Elwin of Dayton, at whose home the funeral was held Thursday.  Interment was made in Memorial Park cemetery.

 

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MARY SPAHN

June 24, 1931

 

Mary Spahn was born September 29, 1857, and passed away June 24, 1931 at the age of 74 years, 8 months and 26 days.  She was born in Herblinger, Schauffhausen, Switzerland, the daughter of Adam and Veronica Spahn.

On March 1, 1877 she married George Hubscher, who died in 1895.  to them were born eight children, five of whom died in infancy.  They emigrated to America in the year 1884, and made their home in Rolland twp., Isabella Co., Michigan.

Two years after the death of Mr. Hubscher she married L. C. Griffith and to this union one child was born.  In the year 1906 they left the farm and moved to St. Louis, which place she since made her home.  In the year 1912 Mr. Griffith died.

She has been a faithful member of the Church of Christ for about thirty-five years.  Surviving are four children, twenty-one grandchildren, four great grandchildren and nine step-children; also one sister in Switzerland.  Her illness extended over a period of several years.  Her condition gradually became worse, causing her to become weaker until the end came as a relief from suffering.  For the past year and a half she had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Laurence Colbry, near St. Louis, where she passed away.

The funeral service was held in her St. Louis home, Rev. Wall officiating, and burial was made in Pine River cemetery, Isabella Co., near the old home.

Her children are:  George Hubscher of Mt. Pleasant;  Mrs. James Wood of Blanchard;  Mrs. f. M. Ellisworth of Blanchard, and Mrs. Laurence Colbry of St. Louis.

 

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MICHAEL HORAN PASSES AWAY

June 25, 1931  (nsp)

 

Michael Horan, aged 72, a resident of Mt. Pleasant for the past 30 years, passed away Wednesday morning of heart trouble following an operation.  Mr. Horan was for many years an employee of the Dow Chemical plant, but had not been with that organization for about 15 years.

He was born in Florence, NY March 16, 1859 and at an early age moved with his family to Saginaw.  He moved to Mt. Pleasant about 1900.

Surviving relatives are his wife, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Sumner and Mr. and Mrs. George Hobson of Detroit;  Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Haight of Mt. Pleasant.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at the home 610 S. Franklin street, Rev. C. W. Mackenzie officiating.

 

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OLD RESIDENT TAKEN FRIDAY

Sidney A. Gilmore Had Lived in Shepherd

Nearly a Half-Century.

May 28, 1931  (nsp)

 

Miss Sidney A. Gilmore, 64 years old and a resident of Shepherd and vicinity for nearly half a century, died Friday morning at her home on Wright Ave., after having been in ill health for about a year.

The funeral was held from the house Monday afternoon, and interment was made in Salt River Cemetery, Rev. W. S. Phillips officiated.

Miss Gilmore came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Gilmore 49 years ago from Wilmot, Ohio.  They settled on a farm just north of Shepherd, where Mr. Gilmore died 32 years ago.  The family moved to Shepherd from the farm 27 years ago.

Miss Gilmore was a skilled seamstress.  she was a lady of the highest character and was universally held in high esteem.  As a member of the M. E. church she took great interest and active part in the work of the church.  As a friend and neighbor she will be keenly missed by many in Shepherd and vicinity.

Surviving are her stepmother, Mrs. Agnes Gilmore;  three brothers, George of Owosso and Arthur and Ralph of Shepherd.  And three sisters, Miss Minnie Gilmore of Shepherd,  Mrs. O. A. Gruber of Alma, and Mrs. E. B. Salisbury of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

 

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FUNERAL OF FORMER SHEPHERD

BUSINESS MAN HELD HERE

Frank Knapp

May 19, 1931 

 

The body of Frank Knapp, for many years a resident of Shepherd and who was at one time well known as a meat dealer here, was brought from Detroit to this village last Wednesday and the funeral was held Thursday afternoon at the Julia Stilgenbauer home.  Burial was made in Salt River Cemetery, Rev. W. H. Bell of the Church of Christ officiated.

Mr. Knapp was about 78 years old.  He had resided for about 20 years on a farm near Mesick.  Several weeks ago he went to Detroit to visit his daughter, Miss Lulu Knapp, and was taken ill at her home, passing away Tuesday, May 19, 1931.

Surviving the deceased are two daughters, Miss Knapp and Mrs. A. J. Struble, whose husband is a meat dealer in Mesick.

 

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COE BOY'S LIFE IS CUT SHORT

Particularly Sad Circumstances in Death of

Oren Holliday.

February 7, 1931

 

Oren Lewis Holliday, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Holliday, was born May 24, 1925 in Coe township, Isabella Co., MI; was taken seriously ill Feb. 3 and despite the fact that nothing was neglected that loving hands and medical skill could do to prolong life, he died Feb. 7th at the age of 5 years, 8 months and 12 days.

His time here was short but sweet for those who loved him and being an active little fellow he will be greatly missed by those who were his playmates.

Funeral services were conducted at his late home by W. H. Bell, pastor of the Christian church Monday afternoon.  Interment was made in Salt River Cemetery.

 

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WILLIAM E. CRAWFORD

April 16, 1931

 

Wm. E. Crawford was born in Pendleton Co., Ohio January 21, 1862 and passed away April 16, 1931 aged 69 years, 2 months and 26 days at his home 3 miles east and 2 miles south of Shepherd.  He had been sick only 10 days as a result of an apoplectic stroke.  He had lived there the past 29 years except one year and a half when they moved to Alma - came back to the farm 2 years ago and resided here since.

In 1921 he united with Christ at the Christian church at Coe.  He has been a faithful member ever since, always had a smile for everyone and was a dear husband and father.

In July 1891 he was united in marriage  to Miss Margaret Kiter of Pine River.  To this union were born four children:  Blanche M. Leonard of Coe;  Ethel E. Parrish of Pleasant Valley;  Gertrude I. Foaley of Boyne Falls, and Delta E. Crawford of Coe.

He leaves to mourn, his wife and four children; two brothers, Tom and Hugh Crawford of Milwaukee;  one sister, Mrs. Ora Martin of St. Louis, and a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral was held at the Christian church at Coe on Sunday, April 19th at 2 o'clock, Rev. W. H. Bell officiated.  He was laid to rest in Coe Cemetery.

 

From another article on Mr. Crawford's death

(nsp April 24, 1931)

 

Wm. Crawford, 69, died at his home 3 miles east and 2 miles south of Shepherd last Thursday morning.  He suffered a stroke April 6th and did not recover.  He had lived in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood for about 30 years.

William Elmer Crawford, son of William H. and Lydia (Sibbrell) Crawford was born in Pendleton, Putman Co., Ohio on January 21, 1862 and when a boy moved with his parents to Michigan where he has since resided.  He was one of a family of 9 children, 5 of whom have preceded him in death.

On July 30, 1891 he was married to Margaret Kiter of Elm Grove;  to this union were born 4 children, 3 girls and 1 boy, who survive him.  In June of 1921 he united with the Christian Church at Coe where he was an active member, always ready to help whenever and wherever he could.  He was a kind and loving husband and father and a good neighbor, and loved by all who knew him.  He leaves to mourn their loss his wife, three daughters:  Mrs. Ray Leonard of Coe,  Mrs. John Parrish of Pleasant Valley and Mrs. Orrin Fraley of Boyne Falls;  one son, Delta of Coe;  17 grandchildren;  one sister, Mrs. Ora Martin of St. Louis;  two brothers, Thomas Crawford of Milwaukee and Hugh Crawford of Milwaukee, besides a host of other relatives and friends.

 

 

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AGED RESIDENT DIES TUESDAY

Mr. A. J. Austin Passes Away Following Illness

of Some Months.

March 26, 1931  (nsp)

 

A. J. Austin, aged 83 years, passed away at his home on Corinth street Tuesday afternoon after a prolonged illness of months.  He was a respected neighbor and liked by all who knew him.

Besides the aged widow who has been so faithful in caring for him, he leaves one son and one grandson.  An only daughter preceded him in death a few years ago.

As yet no funeral arrangements have been made.  The family have the sympathy of the entire community.

 

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PETER REDEL

September 29, 1931

 

Peter Redel was born in Germany October 10, 1859 and departed this life at the home of his oldest daughter, Mrs. Anna Fitzgerald near Shepherd, September 29, 1931 at the age of 74 years, 11 months and 19 days.

He was united in marriage to Cora A. Mullet on May 9, 1898 and they settled in Greendale township, Midland Co. for about 14 years when she departed this life on January 27, 1913.  He then lived at various places until advancing age made it necessary for him to retire from his work and make his home with his daughter.

He was the father of three children, all of whom survive.  There are:  Mrs. Anna Fitzgerald of Shepherd,  Mrs. May Bund of Alma, and Mrs. Marie Fisher of Alma.

He also leaves two sisters;  Mrs. Mary Himmler of Detroit and Mrs. Bertha Hirschelman of Detroit;  two brothers, George and David Redel of Bay City; besides five grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at the Bethel church, October 2, 1931, Rev. Raduchel officiating.  Burial was made in the Chippewa cemetery.

 

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HARRY COSFORD, JR

October 29, 1931  (nsp)

 

Harry Cosford, Jr., 22, an employee of the Mt. Pleasant Sugar Company, was fatally injured about midnight Saturday while operating an electric drill at the refinery.  Death was attributed to a short circuit.

Dr. C. M. Baskerville, county coroner, who held a post mortem examination, determined that death was accidental, apparently the result of a short circuit on the drill which Cosford was operating.  He decided no inquest was necessary.

No other employees of the refinery were near when the accident occurred, it was said.  Cosford was about to do some drilling on top of a screen covered vat when the drill apparently shorted, causing almost instant death.

Cosford is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cosford of 1708 Lyons Street.  Besides his parents he is survived by a sister, Dorothy.

A graduate of the Mt. Pleasant high school and a former student of Central State Teachers college and the Michigan State College, he was known and admired as a conscientious and diligent student and an admirable friend.

Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon with burial in the Riverside cemetery.

 

Another article on Harry Cosford, Jr.

Nov 5, 1931  (nsp)

 

Harry Edward Cosford, Jr., was born in Northampton, England, April 22, 1908, aged 23 years, 5 months and 24 days at the time of his death.  He was baptized at St. John's Episcopal church in Northampton when he was one year old.

He came to the United States with his parents when he was two years old and they located in Mt. Pleasant.

He was graduated from the Mt. Pleasant High School with the class of 1925.  during the terms,  1925-1926, he attended Central State Teachers college.  He was an active member of the Hi-Y club and treasurer of the Agricultural club.  He took a great interest in the Sunday school class of the Presbyterian church conducted by the late Floyd Ferguson.

For the past three years he has been a member of the Mt. Pleasant I. O. O. F. lodge No. 217.  He was employed at the Enamel plant and for the past two years with the Sugar Beet Company as machinist.  He met his death Saturday, October 24, 1931.

He leaves to mourn their loss, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Cosford, one sister, Dorothy, also two uncles, Bert and Tom Pell of Lansing, his grandparents and other relatives in Northampton, England, and his fiancée, Peg. Porterfield.

Having spent his entire life in Mt. Pleasant, he will be missed by his many friends.

Funeral services took place Wednesday afternoon, October 28th, at the home on Lyons Street with burial in Riverside cemetery.  The large concourse that gathered to pay their respects to his memory was evidence of the high esteem in which he was held.

 

 

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DONALD EUGENE BRICKNER

October 12, 1931

 

Donald Eugene Bickner, son of Andrew and Nellie Bickner was born near Elpaso, Illinois, April 23, 1911 and departed this life at the 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 aim and desire to create such a home for him as always makes for the greatest happiness within and a wide influence without.  While this home was of short duration counting time, yet it's 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 S. LeGrand Randall, and remained a firm believer in the tenets of the Christian religion unto death.

He was a 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.

 

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BRIDE OF LESS THAN A YEAR

IS TAKEN BY DEATH

Mrs. Kermit Bowen Suddenly Stricken at Home

of Parents in Crystal

December 13 (or 23) 1931  (nsp)

 

News of the sudden death early last Wednesday morning of Mrs. Kermit Bowen, wife of the clerk in the Commercial Savings Bank of Shepherd, conveyed a shock to many friends here.  Her husband was on duty at the bank when the report was received.

Mrs. Bowen, who until her marriage about the middle of last February, was Miss Esther Binkley, was visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Binkley in Crystal, Montcalm Co., when stricken.  She had not enjoyed the best of health, but was apparently as well as usual when she retired Tuesday night.

She slept with her mother and at 4 o'clock Wednesday morning they conversed for a few moments.  When Mrs. Binkley awakened again at 6 o'clock and spoke to her daughter there was no response.  Efforts to arouse her were unavailing and it became evident soon afterward that life had departed.  Death apparently was due to a sudden heart attack occurring at a time that is not known.

Mrs. Bowen was reared in Crystal where her father is president of the Crystal State Bank and the family is socially prominent.  She was married to Mr. Bowen in Florida where she spent last winter with her parents and they came to Shepherd soon afterward to make their home.  Several months ago they removed to Alma.

Mr.a nd Mrs. Bowen had gone to Crystal for the week-end and Mrs. Bowen remained with her parents, as Mr. Bowen planned to join her there for Thanksgiving Day.

The deceased young lady was about 19 years old.  She was highly regarded in her home community and by those who knew her in Shepherd.  She was the only child of the family.

The funeral was held Sunday at the Federated church in Crystal, and interment was made in the Montcalm village.  The services were largely attended and an abundance of beautiful floral designs bespoke the high esteem and the sorrow of a host of friends.

The sympathy of many has been expressed for the bereaved husband and parents.

 

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LOCAL WOMAN IS TAKEN BY DEATH

THURSDAY NOON

Mrs. Zelner Succumbs to Ill Health at Her Home

Funeral on Sunday

September 24, 1931  (nsp)

 

Mrs. Deborah Zelner, a resident of St. Louis for 35 years, passed away Thursday noon at her home on West Tyrell street.  She was the widow of the late Samuel Zelner, and with him came to Gratiot county 46 years ago, from Hillsdale, where they were married.  Mrs. Zelner was born in Lenawee County.  She was respected by a large circle of friends in the community who extend their sympathy to the bereaved ones.

Rev. J. J. Peterson of the Episcopal church of Alma, officiated at the funeral service which was held at the home on West Tyrell street Sunday at 2:30.  Interment was in the Breckenridge cemetery by the side of the husband, who passed away five years ago.

Surviving Mrs. Zelner are two daughters:  Mrs. Bertha Goodspeed of Saginaw, and Mrs. Blanch Henry of St. Louis, also a sister and brother, Mrs. Jessie Vine and Mr. Gary Hayward of Breckenridge.

Relatives from away who came to attend the funeral were:  Mr.a nd Mrs. Charles Drum of Royal Oak;  Mr. and Mrs. Pierce Hayward, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Hayward and Mr. and Mrs. Basil Vine, all of Detroit.

 

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CLIFFORD W. FAUNCE

June 24, 1931  (nsp)

 

Clifford William Faunce, 43, died Monday at the residence, 206 Leslie ave., following a 10 day illness.  He is survived by the widow, Alice, a daughter, Betty Jane, the parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Faunce, and one brother, Clarence s. Faunce, all of Fowlerville.

The body will remain at the home until time for the funeral services which will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Gorstine-Runciman Funeral Home, the Rev. Donald Grey officiating.  Burial will be at Fowlerville.

 

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JOHN GASPER GUTHRIE

April 9, 1931

 

Funeral services for John Gasper Guthrie, 78, who died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Alta Dening, 1621 Lyons Ave., Tuesday morning, will be held at the Strickland Baptist church near Riverdale Thursday afternoon.  The Rev. Mr. Hayton will officiate.  Interment will be in the Green cemetery near Riverdale.

Besides the daughter at whose home he died, he is survived by three sons, Orin of Lansing, Melvin of Ann Arbor, and Zenes of Washington State; 24 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

 

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FORMER RESIDENT OF THIS VICINITY DIES

IN CARSONVILLE, MICHIGAN

Mrs. Anna Ducey

March 15, 1931

 

Mrs. Anna Ducey, about 35 years old, died at 10 o'clock Sunday night, March 15th, at her home in Carsonville, Michigan.  She had been ill about two weeks, although confined to her bed but a short time.  Death is attributed to influenza.  The body was brought to Shepherd Tuesday and the funeral was held at St. Vincent de Paul church here Wednesday.

Mrs. Ducey is survived by her husband, Emmett Ducey and eight children, all at home.  The oldest child is 14.  She also leaves her mother, Mrs. Joe Meyers, living 5-1/4 miles southeast of Shepherd, the girlhood home of the deceased for many years;  four brothers:  Richard, Edward, Leo and Rudy, all of the vicinity of Shepherd; and three sisters, Mrs. George Nartker,  Mrs. Paul Duggen of near Shepherd and Mrs. Joseph Huffnickel of Detroit.

Numerous relatives from away were here to attend the funeral.  Many friends also mourn the loss of a devoted wife and mother.

Mr. and Mrs. Ducey had resided in Carsonville about two years.....rest of this article is missing.

 

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(** This article is smudged and will print what I can read)

 

FRANKLIN H. ASHWORTH

DIES IN ACCIDENT

(can't read date other than 1931)

 

?? Ashworth, Shepherd (? ? ?) and Mrs. Ashworth were called to Cadillac Monday (?) of a traffic accident (?) (?) Sunday, resulted in the death of the former's  (?) , Franklin H. Ashworth, 47, (?) (?) and well known in Shepherd.

Franklin Ashworth, a prominent and respected business man, was virtually instantly killed and his companion Harry Pell, 47, also of Cadillac was slightly injured on US (?) (?) north of Morley.  The car was driven by Mr. Ashworth and had deflected from it's course when (?) the side of a light coupe coming in the opposite direction on (?) (?) in the highway where it passes under the Pere Marquette railroad tracks.  The Ashworth machine catapulted down a grade from the roadside, jumped a narrow stream of water and crashed into an embankment.

Both occupants of the car were taken from it in an unconscious condition.  Mr. Ashworth was hurried to Morley for first aid treatment, but was pronounced dead on his arrival there.  The body was taken to a funeral home in Morley and later to Cadillac.

Mr. Ashworth was en route to Grand Rapids to get his wife who had been visiting there over Christmas day.  He spent Christmas with his brother in Shepherd, returning to his home Saturday.  Mr. and Mrs. Edmund L. Ashworth were advised of the fatality late Sunday night and Charles E. Houser conveyed them to Cadillac Monday morning.

Franklin H. Ashworth was the junior partner and secretary-treasurer of the Weber-Ashworth company, furniture dealers of Cadillac.  He was born in Shepherd in 1884 and went to the Wexford city to establish himself at an early age.  He had been in business there about 23 years.

He had visited in Shepherd frequently.  Besides the widow, he leaves two sons:  Robert 21 and Franklin Jr., 11, children by a former marriage.  Two brothers, E. L. Ashworth of Shepherd and William Ashworth living near Jackson, also survive.

The funeral will be held from the home in Cadillac Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

 

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ESTEEMED LADY DIES SUDDENLY

Mrs. Fred C. DuBois if Fatally Stricken

At Her Home Saturday

December 24, 1931  (nsp)

 

The Shepherd community was depressed Saturday morning by the news of the sudden death of Mrs. Fred C. DuBois, well known and highly esteemed old resident, who passed away at the DuBois homestead 1-1/2 mile west and a little north of the village as the result of a sudden heart attack.

Mrs. DuBois was 64 years old March 21st last.  She had been in  poor health for four years and had been confined to her bed the greater part of two weeks preceding her death, but had intended to get up and around the morning she was stricken.  Mrs. DuBois, nee Nettie Vredenburg, was born and reared in Clinton Co., near Pewamo and was married here 42 years ago November 6th.  She was teaching the Russ and Hayes school in Fremont township at that time.  Her home was in Lincoln township where her parents, Charles A. and Mary Vredenburg resided.  She had since lived here constantly with the exception of five years spent in Hastings.  Her friendship was treasured by a large number because of a charitable nature and sterling qualities of womanhood.

Surviving besides her husband, who is a farmer and janitor at the Shepherd school building, are three sons:  Don and Vere DuBois of Shepherd and Elton of Lansing;  and three daughters, Mrs. Marjorie Hamilton of Lansing,  Mrs. Milo Richmond of Shepherd and Mrs. Alice Freshney of Middleville, MI.  She also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Nellie Bennet of Charlotte and Mrs. Fannie Bissell of Owosso.

The funeral was held Tuesday from the home, Rev. W. S. Phillips officiating and interment was in Salt River cemetery.

 

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ALVIN E. SETTLE - MT. PLEASANT

DIES AT HIS WORK MONDAY

December 21, 1931

 

Alvin E. Settle, 49, who for about five years had been employed by the state highway department in Isabella county, was stricken by heart trouble and died while on duty in Chippewa township at about 10:30 Monday morning, December 21st.

Mr. Settle had left his truck to shovel some gravel.  Seemingly he was overtaxed by the exertion.  He lapsed into unconsciousness and died before a physician could be summoned.

Mr. Settle was employed for many years before entering the employ of the state, by the Columbia Sugar Co.  He was a truck driver for the company when Mr. Pleasant plant was established and later served in the agricultural department as a field man.  He was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Odd Fellows' lodge.

Mr. Settle is survived by his widow and one son, Carl, who is a student at Central State Teachers College.  Another son died about nine years ago.

The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon from the home in Mt. Pleasant, the Rev. C. W. MacKenzie officiating and interment will be made in Riverside cemetery.

 

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(**the top part of this article is missing -

Mr. Struble  

April 29, 1931

 

................on South Main Street, died April 29, 1931.  He was the oldest of the seventeen children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis A. Struble, pioneer settlers of Coe Township.  He was born near Wauseon, Ohio October 28, 1859.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Blanche Struble of Mt. Pleasant;  eight brothers,  three sisters,  two daughters and one son by a former marriage.  The death of Mr. Struble is the first death among the brothers and sisters in 48 years, a sister having died at that time.

Mr. Struble has been located in Mt. Pleasant for over 50 years.

The funeral was held at Stinson's Chapel, Friday, May 1st, 1931 and burial was in Riverside cemetery.

 

 

(I believe this may be a second article on the same person as above, but there are some differences in some of the information between these articles)

 

SIX BROTHERS AS PALLBEARERS

Bear Body of Jesse F. Struble, Coe Pioneer,

To Last Resting Place

May 9, 1931  (nsp)

 

Six brothers of Jesse F. Struble last Friday bore the body of that Isabella pioneer to his last resting place in Riverside cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.

Six sons had at different times previously, acted as pall bearers when his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Struble, who settled in Coe twp. in 1874, were laid to rest.

The pallbearers last Friday were:  Jerry D. Struble of Pontiac,  J. A. of Durand,  Louis of Flint,  Jacob H of Shepherd, George of Mt. Pleasant and Earl of Pontiac.

Jesse F. Struble was born in Fulton Co., OH, near Wasseon, October 28, 1860.  He came with his parents in 1874 from Hillsdale Co. to a farm five miles northeast of Shepherd.  When 16 years old he became an apprentice in the Harris Brothers mill in Mt. Pleasant and learned the millers' trade.  He operated a grist mill in Gladwin county for a number of years and then went to the upper peninsula.  He returned to Mt. Pleasant 25 years ago and had since been interested in real estate.

He was for many years an Odd Fellow and affiliated with the Mt. Pleasant lodge.  Mr. Struble had been in poor health since he suffered a stroke about 15 years ago.  He was taken ill the middle of January at his home on South Main street and died Tuesday, April 26th.

Surviving with his widow are one daughter and a son by a former marriage,  Mrs. June Duty of Monroe, MI and Elburt Struble of St. Paul, Minn.  A daughter, Mina, died several years ago near Grand Rapids, and a son, Worth Struble passed away in Detroit two years ago.  Jake Duty of Monroe, is a grandson.  Surviving brothers and sisters are:  Irad Struble of Shepherd,  Jerry D. Struble of Pontiac,  J. A. Struble of Durand,  Louis Struble of Flint,  Mrs. Mattie Kelly of Shepherd,  Mrs. Fleet Swix of Shepherd,  Jacob H. Struble of Shepherd,  Lafe Struble of Shepherd,  George Struble of Mt. Pleasant,  Mrs. Bert Freeman of Sarasota, Fla, and Earl Struble of Pontiac.

The funeral was held at the Stinson chapel in Mt. Pleasant.  Rev. Charles MacKenzie, of the Mt. Pleasant M. E. church officiated.

 

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DEATH CLAIMS LEROY FAUNCE

Resident of Vicinity of Shepherd 55 Years,

Expires in Ann Arbor

April 21, 1931

 

Orrin Leroy Faunce, 57 years old and a resident of the immediate vicinity of Shepherd for the past 55 years, died in the University hospital in Ann Arbor Tuesday, April 21st.  The body was brought home and funeral services were held at the Church of Christ last Friday afternoon, Rev. W. H. Bell officiated.  Interment was made in Salt River Cemetery.

Mr. Faunce was taken to the hospital three weeks prior to his death.  A Blood clot that had formed in his foot interfered with circulation of the blood and caused inflammation in one of his legs.  An infection set in and resulted fatally after he had experienced acute suffering.

His physician attributed to this irregularity, illness that Mr. Faunce contracted while staying in Luther, MI, about nine weeks ago.  At that time pneumonia developed and he was treated for a time in a hospital in Cadillac.

Mr. Faunce was born December 15, 1873 in Petersburg, Monroe Co., MI.  His father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis G. Faunce, moved to this county in 1876, settling on a farm they had purchased two miles south of Shepherd on the present route of US-27.  Roy Faunce lived on this farm until his marriage April 21, 1909, to Carrie L. Parker, then moving to a farm he had purchased earlier two miles north and one fourth mile east of Salt River corners.  Mrs. Faunce died February 12, 1924.

Mr. Faunce had been affiliated with the Odd Fellows for 30 years and the ritual of the order was carried out at the grave by Coe lodge members when he was laid to rest.  He had been a member of the Church of Christ since boyhood.  Well known throughout this section, he will be greatly missed by a host of friends.

The only near relative surviving is his sister, Mrs. E. Sanford Dunbar of Ann Arbor, better known to many here as Mrs. Eva McClellan.  Mrs. Dunbar and her son, M. O. McClellan of Chicago, came at the time of the shipment of the body to attend the funeral.

 

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MRS. LATHROP IS BURIED FRIDAY

Durand Lady Is Brought to St. Louis Cemetery

For Her Last Rest

April 16, 1931 (nsp)

 

Violet, wife of Asher Lathrop, of Durand, was brought here for burial in Oak Grove cemetery Friday.  The deceased was about thirty-six years of age and had been ailing for a long time from a complication of disease.

Besides her husband, she leaves two sons, Ethan and Colon, and a number of other relatives.

 

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OLD RESIDENT TAKEN BY DEATH

Mrs. Harry A. Whipple Succumbs to

Long Illness at Home Here

December 20, 1931

 

Linda Aldrich, daughter of Reuben and Metilda Aldrich, was born in Westfield, Morrow Co., Ohio, December 25, 1870, and departed this life at the home one mile north of Shepherd, December 20, 1931, being 60 years, 11 months and 26 days of age.

She spent her girlhood days in her old home community, and was united in marriage to Harry A. Whipple, son of Lewis and Maryetta Whipple of Marengo, Ohio, February 26, 1892.

To this union three daughters were born, the youngest, Verna, preceding her mother in death December 14, 1919 at the age of eleven years.  The two older daughters were born in Ohio, the younger deceased daughter having been born in Michigan.

With her husband and daughters Mrs. Aldrich came to Michigan some 30 years ago, where they have since resided.

It was after they moved to MI that with her three daughters she confessed her faith in her Savior, being baptized by Rev. Meece, a former minister of the Church of Christ here at Shepherd.

She was of a loving disposition, and found her greatest satisfaction in serving her Master in the interest of her own home, making such contribution as she could in the interests of her friends, the community and the church.

She leaves to mourn her going, her husband, the two daughters, Mrs. Glen Holliday of Shepherd and Mrs. Lorin Best of St. Louis, and ten grandchildren.  Also three brothers, Charles of Hazelton, Kansas;  Vern of Columbus, Ohio;   and Joe of Galion, Ohio;  two sisters, Mrs. Milo Cole of Petuluma, Calif., and Mrs. Wallace Wing of Shepherd and a large number of nephews and nieces with a host of friends also survive.

Mrs. Aldrich had been in very poor health for the past three years, and for the past six months her life had been despaired of by her loved ones.

Funeral services were conducted at the Church of Christ by the minister, W. H. Bell, Wednesday afternoon.  Interment was made at the Salt River Cemetery.

 

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FORMER RESIDENTS DIES IN THE WEST

Mrs. Carrie Struble Cole

August 1, 1931

 

Mrs. Carrie Struble Cole of West Hollywood, California, passed away Saturday, August 1, 1931 at her home in that city.  Mrs. Cole had been failing recently according to word received by friends here.

Mrs. Cole was a resident of Mt. Pleasant for many years when she conducted a beauty parlor in the rooms over the Mt. Pleasant Drug Co.  She was well known and highly respected by all and her friends will regret her passing.

Seven years ago she sold her business to Mrs. George McKnight and went to California.  During this time she was married to Mr. Cole who survives her.

She leaves a son, Allan Struble, who was with her at the time of her death.

 

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MARGARET CUTHBERT DIES AT THE HOME OF

DAUGHTER HERE

October 22, 1931  (nsp)

 

Mrs. Margaret Cuthbert, 48 years old and the wife of Angus Cuthbert of Mt. Pleasant, trucker, died Monday night at 6:30 after a long illness at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Warren Cosney, of Shepherd.  The funeral will be held from the Sacred Heart church in Mt. Pleasant, Thursday morning, Rev. Fr. T. R. Dark of Shepherd solemnizing requiem mass.  Burial will be made in Mt. Pleasant.

Margaret Rutherford was born November 28, 1882, in Waddington, N. Y., the daughter of Charles and Hannah Richmond Rutherford.

At the age of 16 years she came with her family to Mt. Pleasant, MI., where she has since resided until coming to Shepherd with her daughter to live, about three months ago.

She was united in marriage to Angus Cuthbert June 12, 1906.  To this union were born three children:  Mary Hannah, now Mrs. Warren Gosney;  Mercedes, who died in Jan. 1919, and James Angus, who died in infancy.

Mrs. Cuthbert has been an invalid for nearly 20 years.  She was a patient and cheerful sufferer even to the last few weeks of her life, during which time she was unable to leave her room.  She has been tenderly cared for by her daughter who had been unfailing in her devotion to her mother.

Besides the daughter, she leaves to mourn their loss, the husband, Angus Cuthbert, one brother, Robert Rutherford of Chicago, two nephews and two nieces, besides a host of friends.

 

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APOPLEXY FATAL TO MRS. GRUBER

Pioneer, Found Senseless on Floor by Aged Mate,

Dies Friday

March 19, 1931  (nsp)

 

Following a stroke of apoplexy suffered at an early hour Wednesday morning, Mary A. Gruber, wife of A. J. Gruber and a resident of Shepherd and vicinity for more than half a century, died at her home on Orchard Street Friday morning. Her husband, who is 80 years old, found her helpless on the floor of the kitchen at about 5:15 a.m. and summoned Harry Wetzel.

Mrs. Gruber was unable to use the muscles of her entire right side and was speechless.  She did not fully regain her senses at any time, although she appeared brighter Wednesday afternoon.

The deceased was 76 years old and had resided in Shepherd for about 27 years.  She came her from Clarion Co., PA with her husband 53 years ago and settled two and one-half miles east of Shepherd on a farm.  He cleared a large portion of the timbered tract.  At that time there was no railroad in this vicinity, Mr. Gruber frequently has told of his first trip to his holdings here, when he walked on logs in the Pine River from Saginaw to St. Louis.

Besides her husband, who is in poor health, Mrs. Gruber is survived by one son Alva Gruber, a funeral director of Detroit, who formerly was in business in Alma.  The son was called to Shepherd with his wife from Detroit Wednesday.  She also leaves two brothers and two sisters of New Bethlehem, PA, the survivors of a family of 13 children.

Mrs. Gruber's tastes were simple and neighborly and she was devoted to the home in which she lived with her aged husband.  She had arisen early to get breakfast when stricken Wednesday.

Funeral services were held at the residence Monday afternoon with W. H. Bell and W. S. Phillips, ministers of the Shepherd Christian and M. E. churches officiating.  Interment was made in Salt River Cemetery.

 

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SURVIVES WIFE ONLY 18 DAYS

A. J. Gruber, Shepherd Pioneer, Expires at Son's Home in Ecorse

April 2, 1931  (nsp)

 

Surviving by less than three weeks, his aged mate for more than half a century, A. J. Gruber, Shepherd pioneer and octogenarian, died Wednesday forenoon at the home of his son, Alva Gruber, in Ecorse, a suburb of Detroit.

His sister, Mrs. W. O. Miller, of Shepherd, received Tuesday a telegram stating that the body would be brought here Wednesday.

Mr. Gruber had been in feeble health for a protracted period, but unquestionably his death was hastened by that of his wife, Mary A. Gruber, who succumbed at her home on Orchard street here Friday, March 13, 1931, to an apoplectic stroke suffered two days prior to that time.  Her husband found her unconscious on the floor soon after she was stricken.

Mr. Gruber failed rapidly following his wife's death and funeral.  A few days later he accompanied his son and the latter's wife to Ecorse, intending to remain for a week.  On his arrival there he was taken seriously ill and was unconscious at the time a letter was written to Mrs. Miller by the son on March 27th.

Mr. Gruber was born in Clarion Co., PA, 80 years ago last October.  He came here with his wife 53 years ago and settled on a farm two and one-half miles east of the village.  He cleared a large part of the holdings.  Mr. Gruber's son is the only survivor of several children and his sister, Mrs. Miller, is the last survivor of a family of 10 children.  A granddaughter, Miss Galah Gruber, of Akron, Ohio, also survives.

Mr. Gruber was a member of the Shepherd Church of Christ and was a kindly and neighborly man and a  good citizen, who will be missed by many friends in this community.

No funeral arrangements had been made at the time the Republican went to press.

 

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FUNERAL SERVICES FOR A. G. MITCHELL HELD

HERE FRIDAY

September 10, 1931  (nsp)

 

Funeral services for the late Arthur G. Mitchell were held Friday afternoon at the Shepherd M. E. church.  The Rev. Mayhew, of Mt. Pleasant, officiated, assisted by the Rev. W. H. Bell of Shepherd.  Interment was made in Salt River Cemetery.

Arthur G. Mitchell was born in Clinton Co., MI, near St. Johns, August 28, 1868.  He was the only son of Charles and Jane Mitchell.  When a small boy he moved with his parents to Nevana, Lake County.  At the age of seven he came with them to Shepherd and had since resided here.

Mr. Mitchell was married to Flora E. Neily of Jackson Co., MI, August 19, 1896.  To this union were born three children who survive with the widow.  There are:  Harold A. Mitchell of Pontiac;  Mrs. Paul Gerletz of Owosso;  and Charles L. Mitchell who resided on  he farm two miles northeast of Shepherd.  He leaves also his aged mother, Mrs. Jane Mitchell, and one sister, Mrs. George Latimer, both of Alma.

Mr. Mitchell was a good citizen, highly regarded by those who knew him.  He will be greatly missed by the family who had loved him as a kind husband and father and by many friends, particularly neighbors of the locality where he had made his home for 25 years.  He was affiliated with the Gleaners.

The funeral was largely attended and the esteem in which Mr. Mitchell was held was evidenced by an abundance of beautiful floral tokens.  The pall bearers were:  Fred Walton,  Charles Walton,  Stewart Curtiss,  Oliver Adams,  Clark Freeman and Harry McGrath.  Vocal music was provided by a quartet consisting of Piatt brothers, Claud Strump and Eskil Nilson.

 

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OLD RESIDENT JOINS MAJORITY

Ezra T. Furlong, Former Village Engineer,

Had Been Ill 18 Months

March 19, 1931

 

Ezra T. Furlong, 69 years old and a resident of the community for 48 years, succumbed Thursday afternoon, March 19th, to an illness of about 18 months duration.  He had been confined to his home for about four months by hardening of the arteries and heart trouble that affected his brain.

Last November, Mr. Furlong was taken to Iron County for a stay of about two weeks in the hope of effecting an improvement in his condition, but in vain.

The deceased was born in Clarion Co., PA in 1862 and when 21 years old came to Salt River.  With the exception of five years spent in Hartgrove, MI., and about five months in Kansas, he had made his home here since.

In 1886 he was married to Martha Minich, also a pioneer who had lived in the county since she was eight years of age.  A stationery engineer and carpenter by trade, he served the village as engineer for a period of ten years.  He was janitor of the Shepherd school house for seven years.

Mr. Furlong was affiliated with the Odd Fellows and Woodmen.  As a man and citizen, he was highly regarded, and as a friend, his memory will be cherished by many who will miss him keenly.

Surviving him with the widow, are a foster daughter, Mrs. Ferm Smith of Shepherd, and his aged father - two brothers, George and Terah Furlong, all of Kansas.  The father, John Furlong, is 92 years old.

The funeral was held Monday, March 23rd, Rev. W. H. Bell conducted services at the home and at the grave in Salt River Cemetery.  Members of Coe Lodge I. O. O. F. paid a last tribute to their deceased brother by.....rest of this article is missing.

 

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YOUNG MOTHER DIES FOLLOWING SEVERE BURNS

Mrs. Grant Tanner Succumbs Friday Afternoon

Last Rites on Monday

March 12, 1931  (nsp)

 

The body of Mrs. Lillian Tanner, wife of Grant Tanner, who passed away Friday afternoon, her death resulting from burns she received earlier in the day at their farm home near West Branch, was brought to St. Louis Monday afternoon for burial in Oak Grove cemetery.  Brief services were held at the Wright and Wolfgange funeral parlors, Rev. C. D. Kaufman officiating at the service.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs. Tanner are sad and tragic indeed.  A can of coal oil had been placed on the warming oven door of the range.  Mrs. Tanner accidentally tipped the can over, and the contents spilled on the hot stove and ignited setting her cloths afire.  Parts of her body were burned to a crisp, she was taken to a hospital where she died later in the day.

Buried with Mrs. Tanner was the body of an infant born that afternoon.

Mrs. Tanner was about 30 years of age.  Besides the husband, four children - three boys and a girl, survive.  Friends and acquaintances sympathize with the sorrowing family.

 

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GEORGE MURTHA - COUNTY PIONEER

DIES IN BAY CITY

Came Here with Parents to Settle in Coe in 1855

March 26, 1931  (nsp)

 

George Murtha, aged 82, died Wednesday, at the Samaritan hospital in Bay City.  The body was brought to Mt. Pleasant the same night.  He had been in failing health for several years.

Mr. Murtha was born in Ionia Co., MI January 20, 1849, and came to Isabella County with his parents in February 1855.  They settled in Coe township about the time that the township was officially organized by the legislature.  The father divided his farm among his sons and the deceased continued to live there until moving to Mt. Pleasant about 20 years ago.

He was married in 1876 to Maria Struble, the daughter of other early pioneers of Isabella Co.  Mrs. Murtha died after they moved to Mt. Pleasant.

He is survived by three daughters:  Mabel, a teacher in the junior high school;  Winifred, a teacher in the schools of California;  and Zillah at home.  A son died in 1925.

Funeral services will take place a the home on South Washington street Saturday at 10 a. m.

 

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CHILDREN DIE IN CLARE FIRE

Donald and Russell Capen Lose Lives and Mother Badly Burned

July 30, 1931  (nsp)

 

Donald and Russell J. Capen, aged 11 and 13, respectively, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Capen were burned to death in a fire that destroyed their home in Clare late Sunday night.  Mrs. Capen was also burned in an attempt to save the lives of her two boys.  She will recover, although injured about the arms and face.

When awakened by the flames that enveloped the house, Mrs. Capen rushed upstairs to awaken the two children, but was forced back by a sheet of flame.  She and her husband were sleeping downstairs with two smaller children, Ilene 3 and Glenn 1.  The Capens formerly resided in Shepherd.

The origin of the blaze has not been definitely determined.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Methodist Episcopal church, the Rev. W. W. Hurd officiating, for the children.

Thirty Saginaw Boy Scouts from Camp Rotary, ten miles north of Clare, escorted the bodies while the Clare troop, of which the brothers were members, acted as pall bearers.  Camp Director E. P. Price of Saginaw, took charge of the Scouts at the cemetery where 12 members each dropped a sprig of evergreen on the caskets as they repeated a Scout law.

 

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MARY JESSTINA FRASER

Nov 18, 1931           

 

The upper section of this obituary is missing..........Mary Jesstina Fraser was married in 1875 to John Dodds.  Of three children born to them, Lepha died when one year old.  Surviving are Mrs. Louise Nixon of Mt. Pleasant and Leland Dodds of Maquoketa, Iowa.

In 1891 she was married to Ezra Johnson, who died 24 years ago.  Mrs. Ella Powers of Mt. Pleasant R. F. D. No. 6 is a surviving daughter by the second marriage.  Mrs. Stephen Potter of Mt. Pleasant and Richmond Fraser of....rest of article is missing.

 

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GEORGE N. KIRBY

Old Civil War Veteran Answers Last Call

(only 1931 listed - nsp)

 

This articles is ink smudged and first part hard to read.

George N. Kirby, Civil War veteran of St. Louis passed away at his home on South East (?) Tuesday morning.  Mr. Kirby was the oldest of the veterans in the vicinity of St. Louis, had been ill all winter, and his death was not unexpected by members of the family.  He was born November 11, 1840 in Morgan Co., Ohio.  At the age of 21 years eh enlisted in the services of his country and served until General Lee's surrender.  He returned from the war to Morgan county and married Miss Nancy VanHorn.  Eight children were born to them:  Lillie M. Rusk of McConalsville, OH;  Mrs. Florence Jacons of Midland County, MI;  Mrs. Mary Fordyce of Shepherd;  James Kirby of Lansing;  Mrs. Almanda Rounzion of Fannsville(?), OH;  Mrs. Henry McFadden(?) of Lansing;  Mrs. George Rost of Shepherd and Leonard G. Kirby of Texas, who with the widow survive.  There are a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren also.

Mr. and Mrs. Kirby have been residents of St. Louis about sixteen years.

He was a member of the Free Methodist church, from where the services will be held Thursday (today) at two o'clock, Elder Bodine, district Elder of Belding was in charge, assisted by Rev. Salisbury, pastor of the church.  The burial will be in Salt River Cemetery near Shepherd.

 

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BODY OF MRS. GEORGE KIRBY IS BROUGHT

HERE FOR BURIAL

July 29, 1931

 

The body of Mrs. George Kirby, 83 years old, who died Wednesday evening, July 29 at her home on East Tyrell street in St. Louis after a three month illness was brought to Shepherd after funeral services Saturday, August 1st, for burial in Salt River Cemetery.  She was the former resident of this vicinity.  Clergymen officiating at the funeral were the Rev. L. D. Bodine of Belding and the Rev. H. Salisbury of St. Louis.

Nancy VanHorn was born in Morgan county, Ohio in 1848 and was married to George Kirby of the same place July 8, 1865.  They lived in Cleveland for some time before coming to a farm near Shepherd.  They moved to St. Louis in 1921.

Mr. Kirby died in April 1931.  Surviving his widow are eight children as follows:  Geroge Kirby of Texas, James of Lansing,  Mrs. Lillie Rusk of McConsville, OH;  Mrs. Florence Jacons of Midland county,  Mrs. Mary Fordyce of Shepherd,  Mrs. Edith Post of Coe,  Mrs. H. McFadden of Lansing and Mrs. Almadie Rounzion of Morgan Co., OH.

 

Second article on this person:

 

Mrs. Nancy M. Kirby, widow of George W. Kirby,  passed away at her home on South East street, Wednesday night, July 29th.  Her death followed several weeks illness, in fact she has been in feeble health since the death of her husband, which occurred on April 7th of this year.

Mrs. Kirby had been a resident of the city about 16 years.  She was born in Morgan County, Ohio, October 30, 1847 and was the daughter of Hester and James Vanhorn.  On July 8th, 1865 she was united in marriage with George N. Kirby, who had just returned from fighting with the Union Army.

Mr. and Mrs. Kirby were the parents of nine children, eight of whom survive.  They are:  Lilly M. Rusk of McConnelisville, OH;  Florence A. Jacobs and Mary Fordyce of Shepherd;  James L. Kirby of Lansing;  Almeda E. Rononzoin of Pennsville, OH;  Etta C. McFadden of Lansing;  Edith L. Post of Shepherd, and Glenn L. Kirby of Florida.  there are also 16 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, many friends and neighbors who mourn her passing.

Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Free Methodist church, of which she was a member.  District Elder Bodine of Belding officiated.  The interment was by the side of the husband in Salt River cemetery at Shepherd.

 

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(The top part of this article is missing.....

April 11, 1931 (nsp)

 

............Chippewa township, Isabella Co., July 5, 1893 and passed away at his home Thursday, April 2, 1931.  He had not been well since he was about 21 years of age, but was in his usual health the morning of his death.

On that morning he helped with the morning chores, cut some wood and took a pail and went to the woods to gather sap.  When he did not return promptly with the sap, his mother called him and receiving no response started to look for him and found him where he had fallen.  She summoned help and they carried him to the house and called a physician but it was to no avail.

He is survived by his father and mother, one sister, Mrs. Maggie Casner, nephews, nieces, three uncles, two aunts and other relatives and friends.  One little sister preceded him in death.

The funeral took place at the home Saturday and was conducted by Rev. Raduchel.  Burial was in the Chippewa cemetery.

 

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CLIVE BALDWIN DIES OUT WEST

Former Resident of Succumbs to Ill Health in Los Angeles.

Feb. 19, 1931  (nsp)

 

A message has been received here stating the Clive Baldwin died suddenly in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon, Feb. 13, 1931.  The deceased was the son of the late Scott and Malissa Baldwin, well known old residents who for many years owned a fine farm north of town.  His widow and two sons survive him, also a brother, Ray, living in Lansing.  He was 60 years of age and in his boyhood days was well known in this vicinity.

 

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DEATH OF EARLY PIONEER OF CHIPPEWA

Mary Johnson Came Behind Ox Team 74 Years Ago

To Isabella Wilderness

May 28, 1931  (nsp)

 

A resident of this locality for nearly 75 years, Mrs. Mary Jesstina Johnson, 78 years old, died Wednesday morning at the home 2-1/2 miles northwest of Shepherd where she came with her parents Mr. and Mrs. John Fraser when four years old.  She had lived on the old homestead almost continuously since.

Mrs. Johnson had frequently told of the circumstances of her coming to what is now Chippewa township.  She was born November 14, 1852 in Jefferson County, New York, near Watertown.  Her father and mother, with five children and her grandmother, Polly Fraser, aged 80, came to  Saginaw by boat in 1856.  Mr. Fraser bought an ox team in Saginaw and hired three others to bring his family, household goods and previsions through to the 320 acres he had purchased two years earlier of the government, in section 31 of Chippewa.  He located this land in 1852.  It's price was 50 cents an acre.

The family was 10 days on the way from Saginaw.  the men were compelled to cut roads through for 50 miles from the Tittabawassee River, which was as far from Saginaw as an Indian trail extended.  They forded the river with some difficulty.

There were but five families in Chippewa at that time.  Mr. Fraser and Andrew Condon, accompanied by George Houck, a carpenter, who was among the well remembered pioneers of the county, had come through in 1854 to build the Fraser log buildings.  They are credited with having driven the first horse team into this part of the country.  Eleven men, all there were in Coe and Chippewa, came to the raising of the buildings.

Mr. Fraser built the first frame barn in what is now Isabella Co. in the spring of 1857.  The braces and girths were hewed with a broadaxes, as were boards for the floor and door of his house.

There was but one big pine tree on the premises.  This was cut into bolts, split with a frow and shaped into shingles with a drawshave.

Four years after the family's arrival, the octogenarian, Mrs. Polly Fraser died and was buried with severely simple services in the woods on the homestead.  A big elm tree on the Fraser farm marks her grave.

Mrs. Johnson was a devoted wife and mother and a good neighbor disciplined to the gravest situations in life by the deprivations and hardships of the pioneer life.  She had been ill since May 2nd.

The funeral was held at the house Saturday afternoon with Rev. Charles Mackenzie of the M. E. church of Mt. Pleasant officiating.  Interment was made in the Riverside cemetery in Mt. Pleasant.

 

Second article on this person

 

Mrs. Mary Johnson, 78, Isabella pioneer woman, died at her home southeast of here early Wednesday morning.  Death followed a brief illness.

Mrs. Johnson was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Fraser, who were among the earliest settlers in this county.  She lived for 75 years with only a few exceptions, on the Fraser farm, on the best known farms of the county.

The Fraser family is closely linked in the pioneer lore of Isabella.  Mr. and Mrs. Fraser came to this county in 1856 with their family of six children.  They first settled a 320 acre claim in Chippewa twp., then a heavily wooded section.  Mr. Fraser built the first frame barn in the county.

Mrs. Johnson in recalling the Fraser family's early pioneer life often mentioned one of the 'hard' winters when despite the fact that there was $1,000 in gold in their house, food was so scarce that it became necessary to shave corn from the ear with a jack plane and grinding corn and wheat in a coffee mill was commonplace.

Surviving Mrs. Johnson are three children:  Mrs. Louis Nixon and Mrs. Ella Powers and Leland Dodds of Iowa; her only sister, Mrs. Stephen Potter living in Mt. Pleasant and a brother, Richmond Fraser of Spokane, Washington.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at the farm home with interment in Riverside Cemetery.

 

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AGED PIONEER PASSES AWAY AT THE FARM HOME

John P. Balch Goes to Rest

After Long and Active Life in Gratiot

March 14, 1931

 

The funeral for John Balch was held Monday afternoon in the Pleasant Valley M. E. church and interment was made in the Salt River cemetery.  Mr. Balch was 72 years old and had been in poor health for about two years.  He died of cancer at his home six miles west of Shepherd.

John Phillip Balch was born in Warren, Trumble Co., Ohio June 5, 1858 and passed away March 14, 1931, at the farm home near here, where he had lived 49 years.  He was one of the oldest pioneers in this section of the country, coming here with his parents at four years of age and spending his entire life in this community.

He was married to Theresa M. Davis September 7, 1881 and four children were born to them.  One daughter, Mabel, proceeded him in death several years ago.

Mr. Balch is survived by his aged companion and three daughters:   Mrs. S. E. Campbell of Elkhart, Ind.;  Mrs. J. W. Hart of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. H. L. Warne of Pleasant Valley.

The deceased was a kind and considerate husband, a loving father, and a friend to all and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. R. V. Birdsell at Pleasant Valley church on Monday afternoon.  Burial was in Salt River Cemetery.

 

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DEATH TAKE JOHN GRESS OF LINCOLN AT AGE 75

October 19, 1931

 

John Gress, 75 years old and a resident for many years of Lincoln township, died Monday, October 19th at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Forest Kyser, four miles west of Shepherd after an illness of about a year of heart trouble.

He was the owner of a farm a half-mile west of Rollader's Corners.  Mrs. Gress died last November and her husband had failed rapidly since that time.  Mrs. Ray Landon, of Lincoln, also is a daughter of the deceased.

Mr. Gress was held in high esteem by a wide circle of friends and will be greatly missed in the community.

The funeral was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kyser Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. W. S. Phillips of the Shepherd M. E. church officiating and interment was made in the cemetery at Lincoln Center.

 

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WILLIAM H. CASNER

September 3, 1931

 

William H. Casner, son of Peter and Katharine Casner, was born in Wood Co., Ohio April 7, 1886 and died following an extended illness September 3, 1931 at the age of 45 years, four months and 27 days.

In 1906 he was united in marriage to Margaret Kief and to this union were born seven children, all of whom are living.  There are:  Lloyd, Mrs. Hazel Richardson, George, Howard, Grace, Margaret and Donald Casner.  He is also survived by his wife, three grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Belle Beckman of Ann Arbor and Mrs. Mary Acre of Mt. Pleasant and several nieces and nephews and many friends.

The funeral took place in Chippewa Saturday with burial in the Chippewa cemetery.

 

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WILLIAM W. FOSGITT

December 3, 1931

 

William Waymeth Fosgitt was born in Calhoun County, Michigan December 22, 1852, the son of Silas and Lydia Carver Fosgitt, and passed away Thursday, Dec. 3, 1931, aged 78 years, 11 mos, and 11 days.

At the age of four years he came to Isabella county.  He was united in marriage to Harriet Struble July 2, 1871.  To this union were born three children:  William of Harrison;  Clyde of Midland;  and Mrs. Clyde Reed of Owosso.  He also leaves 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; and one sister, Cynthia Fosgitt of Alma.

Funeral service took place Sunday afternoon at the Stinson chapel, with the Rev. C. W. Mackenzie officiating.  Burial was in the Chippewa cemetery.

 

Second article on this person

 

FUNERAL HELD FOR WILLIAM W. FOSGITT

AUTO WRECK VICTIM

 

Funeral services for William W. Fosgitt were held Sunday afternoon from the Stinson Chapel in Mt. Pleasant, with burial in the Chippewa cemetery.

Six members of the John J. Carton lodge of Harrison, of which he was a member, acted as pall bearers.

Mr. Fosgitt was injured Sunday, November 29, when the automobile in which he was riding with G. E. Bersette, superintendent of schools at Jonesville, was hit by a car driven by Oscar Baker of Bay City.

Mr. Bersett had spent his Thanksgiving vacation at the William Murphy home at Harrison and was returning to his school, Mr. Fosgitt joined him here, and planned to ride to Owosso, the home of his daughter.

The accident occurred on US-27 at Derringer's Corners, about six miles south of Ithaca, when Mr. Baker in an attempt to avoid hitting another car, crashed head on into the Bersette machine, both cars hitting a tree nearby.

Mr. Bersette suffered serious cuts and bruises, some of which may develop into permanent injuries, and was taken to the Clinton hospital at St. Johns, while Mr. Fosgitt, who suffered a dislocated hip and serious internal injuries was rushed to the Dr. Hall Hospital in Pompeii where he lived until Thursday evening.

Mr. Fosgitt was born in Calhoun Co., on Dec. 22, 1852, and came to Isabella Co. at the age of four years, where he has lived since.  On July 2, 1871 he married Harriet Struble, who preceded him in death nearly 10 years.  To this union were born three children:  William of Harrison,  Clyde of Midland, and Mrs. Clyde Reed of Owosso.  There are 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  He also is survived by one sister, Cynthia Fosgitt of Alma.

 

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LOIS BREW IS TAKEN BY DEATH

Popular Former Shepherd Girl Succumbs in Mt. Pleasant

November 12, 1931

 

The Shepherd community was shocked by the news that came late Monday of the death of Lois Brew, 14 years old and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Brew, former residents of this village who are highly regarded in the community.  Lois was the only child.

She was taken sick last Wednesday and the illness developed into pleural pneumonia.  The silver cord of life was lost at 4 o'clock Monday afternoon.

Lois was a member of the Sophomore class of Mt. Pleasant high school and was known for a particularly bright and sunny disposition.  A friend said of her that she had never been heard to speak an ill natured word to anyone.  Progressive as a student, she was very popular in the school circle.  She was a member of the Girl Scouts, winning several medals in her work in this connection, was affiliated with the Standard Bearers of the Methodist Episcopal church and belonged to the Girls Glee club of the high school.

Mr. Brew, the father, was formerly cashier of the Central State bank in Shepherd.  The family came from the upper peninsula and resided in Shepherd eight or nine years before moving to Mt. Pleasant about five years ago.  The news of the death conveyed a sense of personal loss to many friends in Shepherd.

Mr. Brew's father, of Stambaugh, MI and Mrs. Brew's brother of Marinette came for the funeral which will be held at the home Thursday afternoon, the Rev. C. W. Mackenzie of Mt. Pleasant officiating.  Interment will be made in the Mt. Pleasant cemetery.

 

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MOTHER OF DRAYTON MILEY CLAIMED BY

DEATH IN PONTIAC

September 24, 1931  (nsp)

 

Drayton Miley was called to Pontiac last Friday to see his mother, Mrs. Harriett Leidy, who was very low and whose death occurred Saturday.

Mrs. Leidy formerly resided in the Shepherd community and the body was brought to the home of Mrs. Miley for the funeral which was held Tuesday afternoon.  The Rev. W. H. Phillips officiated and interment was made in Salt River cemetery.  Music was furnished by Mrs. E. L. Ashworth and Mrs. Glen Oren.  Grandchildren  of the deceased acted as pallbearers.

The husband survives with a number of children and grandchildren.

 

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MRS. MARY A. HALL

December 7, 1931

 

Mary Almeda May, daughter of Alonzo and Agnes May, was born in Livingston County, Mi, July 14, 1857.  While she was still a little child her parents moved to Mason, MI, and it was there that she was married to James B. Hall on November 4, 1875.  Two or three years later the young people migrated from Mason to Cadillac with a yoke of oxen.  In 1879 they moved to a farm in Jasper twp, where the family lived until 1915, when they moved to St. Louis.

Seven children came to bless their union and for fifty-six years Mr. and Mrs. Hall enjoyed wedded life together with not a death to mar their happiness until Nov. 14 of this year when their daughter, Mrs. Anna Barnes, passed away.  Twenty-three days later the wife and mother followed, closing her eyes on this life on Dec. 7, 1931, at the age of 74 years, 4 months and 23 days.

Surviving are the husband, James B. Hall of St. Louis;  three daughters, Mrs. Ada Keefer of Owosso, Mi ,  Mrs. Ina Rarick of Breckenridge, and Mrs. Jennie Carpenter of Virginia, Minn.; three sons, Chauncey A. Hall and John S. Hall of Pleasant Valley and Dr. Ira A. Hall of Niles, MI;  Anna Hall, a great niece who made her home with the deceased; and by a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Hall was the daughter of a Christian minister and for many years has been a member of the church and an earnest Christian.  She will be missed from our ranks here on earth below; in the place that was kept for her in the ranks of loved ones gone before she may be found by those who will follow her example of love and trust.  No more of weariness or pain;  no more of parting or sorrow;  her work is done.

 

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GUY VERNON BAKER

January 22, 1931

 

Guy Vernon Baker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Baker, deceased, was born August 29, 1890 on the homestead now occupied by his brother, Roy Baker, of Coe township, and departed this life at Juarez, Mexico, January 22, 1931.  His childhood was spent with his parents on the farm where he aided in the work and attended the district school until he completed the eighth grade.  He graduated with the first twelfth grade from the Shepherd High School in 1907, after which he completed a commercial course at Alma College.  He very diligently perused his chosen profession in different parts of Michigan and adjoining states, until his country called and he went overseas with the first contingent from Camp Custer, where he served faithfully and well until the end of the war.

Upon his return to civil life, he again took up his commercial work which called him to various places in the United States and Mexico.  His several years work in Mexico for the same company attest to his ability and character as well as the implicit confidence reposed in him. He was a worthy member of the Elks Lodge and the American Legion.

Recently he had been making his headquarters at ElPaso, Texas, when duty called him across the line to Juarez, where he was making his arrangements for a three years commercial service in Bolivia, S. A.  Here life was cut short and he leaves a brother, Roy Baker of Shepherd, cousins and a large number of friends to mourn his sudden departure. 

Those who knew him best and had traveled down the pathway of life sharing that calm, quiet disposition that was habitually making the road a little easier to travel, know that his passing has taken something from their lives that can never be restored.

The funeral was held Thursday at the Church of Christ, Rev. W. H. Bell officiating and interment at Salt River cemetery.

 

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MANY ATTEND RITES FOR

DONALD BRICKNER

October 22, 1931  (nsp)

 

The funeral of the late Donald Brickner, held Wednesday afternoon, October 14th at the Church of Christ in Shepherd, was largely attended by sorrowing relatives and friends.

The Rev. W. H. Bell, pastor of the church, officiated, with the Rev. W. S. Phillips of the M. E. church assisting.  Mrs. Donald Haskell sang.  A great abundance of beautiful flowers bore mute testimony to the esteem in which Mr. Brickner was universally held.

Among those from away who attended the funeral were:  Mr. and Mrs. Fred Brickner and  daughter, and Mr. and Mrs. Phil Reidel and daughter of York, PA and Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Palmer, Mrs. Lester Slater and daughter and Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Barnhart of Midland.

 

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OLETA MAY JOHNSON

February 17, 1931

 

Oleta May, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Johnson, was born at Battle Creek, MI, November 13, 1930 and departed this life Feb. 17, 1931 at the home of her parents in Battle Creek, being three months and four days old.

She leaves to mourn her departure, her parents, one sister, Agnes, aged three; a grandmother, Mrs. H. D. Welch of Battle Creek, a grandfather, Mr. S. J. Titus of Shepherd, and several uncles, aunts and other relatives.

Short services were conducted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Childs three miles south of Shepherd Thursday afternoon, by W. H. Bell, minister of the Shepherd Church of Christ.  Interment was made at Salt River cemetery.

 

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IZORA COLE STRUBLE

January 25, 1931

 

Izora Cole Struble was born December 9, 1866 in Lincoln twp., Isabella Co., MI and passed away Jan. 25, 1931, at the home of her brother, A. R. Cole in Ann Arbor.

She was married to Ulysses S. Struble February 28, 1888.  He preceded her in death 12 years ago.

She has been a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church since childhood.  Funeral services took place at the Adventist church in Mt. Pleasant, Jan. 29, with burial in Riverside cemetery.

She leaves to mourn her loss an adopted son, Ray Struble of Chicago, Ill; and three brothers, Charles of Hagerman, NM, Elmer E. of San Francisco and A. Roy Cole of Ann Arbor, besides numerous other relatives and friends.

 

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JASON STRUBLE RITES ARE HELD

Many Gather at M. E. Church for

Funeral of Pioneer

February 1, 1931

 

Funeral services for Jason Mortimer Struble, were held at the M. E. church here Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 10th with a large number of relatives and friends in attendance.  Rev. W. S. Phillips, pastor of the church, officiated and interment was made in Salt River cemetery.  An abundance of beautiful flowers were in evidence, attesting to the esteem in which this pioneer was held.  The M. E. Choir sang two appropriate selections.

Jason Mortimer Struble, son of Jacob P and Susan (Hibbard) Struble, was born in Tedrow, Ohio December 25, 1859, and died at Seffner, Florida February 1, 1931, at the age of 71 years, 1 month and 6 days.  He came to Michigan in June 1868 with his parents and grew to manhood on the farm homestead in Chippewa township.

He was married to Eliza W. Wilson in 1887.  Two children were born to them, one of whom, Eddie, is deceased.  Mr. and Mrs. Struble located on their own farm near Atkins corners.  They sod their farm and moved to Shepherd about 1898, where he had resided since, excepting the last 10 winters which he had spent in Florida in the hopes of regaining his health.

Surviving Mr. Struble are his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Paul Smith (nee Dew Struble) residing in Chicago;  one sister, Mrs. Paul Bissell of Shepherd and a brother Fred R. Struble of Phillips, Wisc.  All of them were in attendance at the funeral.  Moody and Garber had charge of the funeral arrangements.

 

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DEATH COMES TO CLARENCE VLIET

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 1931

Well Known Local Man Passes Away After Long and

Varied Life.

January 30, 1931

 

Clarence J. Vliet, son of James and Hannah Vliet, was born in St. Louis, MI, June 6, 1868 and died Jan 30, 1931 at the home where many years ago his father cut the timbers to build his house.  He made his home, with his parents until his marriage in 1893 to Miss Bertha Niles.

Mr. Vliet was a printer by trade and received his first government appointment while working at his trade in Montgomery, Alabama.  He was sent to Washington, D. C., where he worked in the Government Printing office for twenty-eight years and seven months.  He was obliged to give up his position two years ago because of ill health and has lived in his old home in St. Louis since June of 1929.

Mr. Vliet leaves, besides his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Owen Smith of Stockton, CA, also three granddaughters and one grandson.

His funeral was held at the Crandell funeral home on Monday, Rev. Preston of the Episcopal church of Alma officiating and Rev. Clair Perrigo sang two beautiful songs.  He was buried in Oak Grove cemetery beside his father and mother.

Relatives and friends called to St. Louis by the death of Mr. Vliet were:  Mr. Eli Ferris of Clare;  Mrs. Walter Vliet of Alma;  Mrs. Will Harris, Mrs. Cora Ward,  Mr. and Mrs. Chas Rooks and Mr. and Mrs. Ara Cummings of Breckenridge;  Mr. and Mrs. Niles Cummings and Mrs. Ethel Burlingame of Alma, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Parrish and Hazen Harry of Pleasant Valley and Miss Marguerite Niles of Lansing.

 

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YOUNG MOTHER TYPHOID VICTIM

Mrs. Rexford Alleman Succumbs After Illness

of Six Weeks and Relapse.

August 24, 1931

 

Death claimed Mrs. Rexford Alleman Sunday evening at 7 o'clock at the hospital in Alma after an illness of about six weeks with typhoid fever.  Apparently her condition was improving up to about 10 days ago, when she suffered a relapse.  She was taken from her home two and one-half miles east and one mile south of Shepherd to the hospital Sunday, August 24th.

The deceased lady was formerly Miss Mabel Taedty, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Taedty, with whom she came to this community from Illinois about 14 years ago.  She was married to Rexford Alleman eight years ago last June after having completed her studies in the Shepherd schools.  Following her graduation from high school here she pursued a course in the Central State Teachers' college for a time.

Surviving with her husband are a son, Billy, aged 7 and a daughter, Frances, aged 6.  She also leaves her parents, two brothers, Clarence and Lloyd, living on the Taedty farm two and one half miles west of Shepherd, and two sisters, Mrs Mayes of Alma and Mildred Taedty, a student in the high school.

Mrs. Alleman affiliated with the Rebekah lodge.  She possessed qualities that had endeared her to a host of friends in the community.  The circumstances of the death are regarded as particularly sad, inasmuch as she was but 30 years old and almost up to the time of the fatal illness, had been in apparently good health and able to do for her family everything that the love of a devoted wife and mother could suggest.

The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the M. E. church here, the Rev. E. N. Mayhew officiating and interment was made in the Salt River cemetery.

(there is also an article dated Sept 10, 1931(nsp) on the automobile accident of Rexford Alleman upon returning from Alma after making funeral arrangements for his wife, none hurt seriously, which I will be placing in the Misc. Inform. section of this scrapbook at a later date.

Should anyone require info. on this item now, please contact me for it, Barbara <bless@ucinet.com>

 

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THE COMMUNITY MOURNS PASSING OF O. H. TENNEY

Esteemed Resident Dies Very Suddenly While

at Work Last Thursday

April 2, 1931  (nsp)

 

Thursday afternoon death removed a well-known and respected resident of St. Louis, when O. H. Tenney passed suddenly away, as he and Samuel Gay were engaged in cutting down a tree in the yard of John Buchholz on W. Tyrell Street.

It was about two-thirty o'clock, when Mr. Tenney remarked jokingly about the work and said that he could keep up with the best of them, Mr. Gay replied and saw Mr. Tenney put his had to his side, grasp and fall to the ground.  Medical aid was immediately summoned, but death had come instantly.

News of the death cast a gloom over the community for Mr. Tenney was respected and very well liked by all who knew him.  The family have been residents of St. Louis for twenty years and have a wide circle of friends who admired his genial nature, and will miss his cordial greeting and jovial spirit.  A feeling of sincere sympathy is felt for the wife and family who mourn the passing of a dear husband and father.

Sunday afternoon a prayer was said at the home on S. Pine street, then the funeral cortège moved to the Crandell Funeral home where the service was held with Rev. R. O. Moon officiating.

Mrs. A. J. Davison and Mrs. Robert Hamp sang, "The Old Rugged Cross."  The St. Louis Lodge F. & A. M. No. 188 of which Mr. Tenney was a member, had charge of the service at the grave in Oak Grove cemetery.

Orzo H. Tenney way born in Livingston Co., MI, August 16, 1886, he was the son of the late Henry Tenney and Mrs. Tenney and was one of a family of three children.  His early life was spent on a farm.

October 12, 1894 he was married to Miss Alice E. Powell of Wheeler twp.  To them were born seven children, three of whom, Marjory, Fern and Ernest, passed away in 1920 during a siege of illness when most of the family were stricken.  Those who survive are the widow, Alice E. Tenney, three daughters and one son:  Laura, now Mrs. Wilbur Watson of Traverse City;  Irene, now Mrs. Norman Fuller of Detroit;  Ethel, now Mrs. Arlington F. Schaub of Wheeler; and Lynton Tenney and wife of Fitzgerald, Georgia;  also a sister, Mrs. Elva Mellinger of Auburn, CA; and a brother, Wirt H. Tenney of St. Louis, a little granddaughter and grandson and other relatives.  Besides being a member of the Masonic order, he was affiliated with the Gleaners and was a member of the Presbyterian church.

 

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AGED PIONEER DIES THURSDAY

AT FAMILY HOME

Cornelius Kiter, 82 Years, Passes Away Suddenly

Funeral on Sunday

March 5, 1931

 

The list of pioneers in this section of the community is fast decreasing and Thursday death claimed another from the list, when C. A. Kiter, a resident in Pine River twp. for 52 years, was called suddenly.

For the past two years Mr. Kiter's health has been poor and the family had been warned by their physician that the end would come suddenly, as it did Thursday afternoon at the family home, with Mrs. Kiter and a daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Quidort, the only members of the family in the home at the time.

Cornelius Albert Kiter was born July 17, 1848 in Meadville, PA, and departed this life March 5, 1931 at the old home in Pine River twp., where he moved 54 years ago from PA.  He had lived 82 years, 7 months and 19 days.

Mr. Kiter was united in marriage to Eliza A. Shonk in 1867.  To them 15 children were born, 10 girls and 5 boys, six of whom have preceded him in death.  Five died in infancy and Francis M. Sanders passed to her reward on April 15, 1916.

Mr. Kiter leaves his aged companion and nine children:  Mrs. Lizzie Quidort,  Mrs. Jennie Acker and Mrs. Ina Reis of St. Louis;  Mrs. Stella Vroman of Coe,  Mrs. Margaret Crawford also of Coe,  Mrs. Diane Johnson of Muskegon,  Perry Kiter of St. Louis and Frank Kiter of Bannister, MI and William Kiter of Los Angeles, CA.  Two sisters are Mrs. Emma Lowe of Muskegon and Mrs. Rachel Shoemaker of PA.  there are 44 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren, besides a host of other relatives and friends.  The deceased was a kind and considerate companion, a loving father, and a friend to all.

Funeral services were conducted at the Church of Christ by the minister, W. H. Bell, of the Coe church on Sunday afternoon, with interment in the Coe cemetery.

 

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MARTHA J. LEONARD

January 5, 1931

 

Martha J., daughter of John L. and Rebecca E. Leonard was born in Rogersville, PA, in 1864.  With her parents she migrated to this state in 1865 settling in Isabella Co.  It was while residing in the home community that she med and married Richard J. Boyles.  To this union three children were born;  Ralph C. and Grace R., who passed to their reward Feb 16 1889 and Aug. 21, 1892 respectively.  Mr. Boyles also preceded her in death on Sept. 28, 1892.

She again united in marriage with Thomas Pethtel July 27, 1899 with whom she has since resided in their home in Coe.  She suffered a stroke of paralysis some three years ago, since which time she has been an invalid leading up to her last illness which she has been a patient sufferer.  It was after quite a season of intense suffering that she was overcome by the grim reaper and paid the last debt of the flesh Jan. 5th at the advanced age of 66 years, 1 month and 1 day.  She leaves to mourn their loss her husband and son, Leroy J. Boyles.  Many other relatives and friends.

At the early age of 13 years she united with the church and continued a faithful, consistent Christian until the end.

While her health has been such that she was denied the privileges of the kingdom for the past several years, yet her heart yearning were for well being and we can truthfully say of her, that another life has run well it's race, another great battle has been waged and victory won, another link has been forged on God's great end endless chain so bowing to His will in all things, we await the coming of that great and notable day when we shall all join hands and sing the praises, the halejahs that great invisible choir shall sing in the after a while.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon from the Coe Church of Christ, Rev. W. H. Bell officiating.  Interment was at Coe Cemetery.

 

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GIRLS FIND DEAD BODY OF SHEPHERD

BUSINESS MAN

Miles C. Lathrop Found in Store on Monday

Shepherd - April 14, 1931 (Special)

Miles C. Lathrop, 58, businessman here for the past 16 years, was fatally stricken by a heart attack while working at his general store Monday.  Three small girls who entered the store about 12:30 p.m. found Mr. Lathrop dead.

Relatives of Mr. Lathrop said that he had suffered from heart trouble for several years.

Mr. Lathrop was one of the best known business men of this community as well as in several other towns of the state.  Thirty-five years ago he was in business at Riverdale and later in Owosso.  He was born in Dansville, MI.

Surviving are Mrs. Lathrop, two brothers, Karl of St. Louis and Asher of Durand;  a sister, Mrs. Adela Foutz of Lansing, a daughter Mrs. M. E. Thorp of Rushville, Illinois and a stepdaughter, Mrs. L. E. Thomas of Shepherd.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, the Masonic fraternal order, of which Mr. Lathrop was a member, will have charge of the funeral.

 

MILES LATHROP DIES SUDDENLY IN HIS STORE

Shepherd Merchant Succumbs to Heart Attack

Monday Afternoon.

April 13, 1931

 

Stricken while in the general store he had conducted in Shepherd for the last 16 years, Miles C. Lathrop fell to the floor and expired almost instantly at about 12:30 Monday, April 13th.  He had been ill for some months and his sudden death is attributed to a heart disorder.

Mr. Lathrop had attended to his work as usual during the day and had greeted those who came in with his usual good cheer.  A customer had left the store but a few minutes before he was stricken.  The body was found in the front part of his place of business on Wright avenue by three little girls, one of them Nancy Perrine, who had gone in to buy some candy.

Men were summoned from some of the adjoining stores, and Dr. W. G. Young was called.  The body was removed tot he home here in the Moody and Garber funeral car.

Mr. Lathrop was 58 years old.  He was born in Dansville, MI and for the last 35 years had been in the mercantile business.  He conducted a general store in Riverdale, later was associated with Claud Nutson in the firm of Nutson & Lathrop in the grocery business in Owosso, and from Owosso came  to Shepherd and purchased property.

The deceased was a member of the Church of Christ of Shepherd, having been baptized by Rev. W. H. Bell in St. Louis, Sunday, April 12th.  He affiliated with the Salt River Masonic lodge.  Jovial and always well met, he possessed sterling qualities that won friends wherever he went.

The news of his death was a great shock to many in Shepherd and vicinity who will greatly miss this kindly man, whose word was as good as a bond and whose familiar figure had so long been identified with Shepherd's business interests.  He  had been taking treatments for several months, but had not been away from the store at any time for more than a few hours because of illness.

Surviving with the widow are two brothers, Carl of St. Louis and Asher of Durand;  a sister Mrs. Adelia Foutz of Lansing;  a daughter Mrs. N. E. Thorp of Rushville, Ill; and a stepdaughter, Mrs. Lee Thomas of Shepherd.

The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at the Church of Christ, Rev. W. H. Bell officiating.  The services will be under the auspices of the Salt River Masonic Lodge.

 

A St. Louis writer composed the following appreciation of Miles C. Lathrop:

 

News of the sudden death of Miles Lathrop of Shepherd, which occurred about noon on Monday came as a shock to this many friends and acquaintances in this city where he was a resident for a number of years.  The deceased was born in Ingham Co., June 19, 1872, and was the eldest of five children:  Miles, Carlton, Charles, Fidelia and Asher, born to Frank R. and Frances (Munson) Lathrop.

They moved to Gratiot county in 1876 and settled on their 80 acre farm southeast of town, where they lived for many years.  Miles became a salesman and was for a long time the well-liked clerk in the grocery department of Tyropler's Emporium.  He later embarked in business for himself and located in Owosso where he remained for some years in the grocery business.  His first wife and one daughter passed away and he returned to Shepherd, where he has been an esteemed citizen and a prominent business man for fifteen years or more.  He remarried and besides the widow there survives one daughter, by his first marriage.  She resided in Illinois.  There are also five grandchildren, a sister and two brothers.  One brother, Charles, died in Durand about a year ago.

 

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TWO SHEPHERD RESIDENTS ARE VICTIMS SUNDAY

Jas. E. Coon and W. H. Thomas Pass Away

After Illness.

March 23,1931  (nsp)

 

Death claimed two prominent Shepherd business men Sunday, when James E. Coon, former sheriff of Isabella Co., and William H. Thomas, well known automobile dealer, passed away.

Mr. Coon, aged 59, died at the Samaritan hospital in Bay City at one o'clock Sunday afternoon, following an operation on Saturday for gall stones.

Mr. Coon was born in Coe township, Dec. 31, 1871.  He married Miss Cora Kelley, September 20, 1893 and for several years operated a farm in Coe twp.  In 1904 he took over the management of the Tayler house in Shepherd, but after tow years returned to farming.  In 1908 he moved back to Shepherd and was employed by the Owosso Sugar company as field man.

In 1917 he was elected sheriff of Isabella County and served for two terms, following which he returned to the employ of the sugar concern for four years when he went to Saginaw county as manager of the Prairie farms.  He held this position until 1927 when he retired from active service.  Last fall, he was a candidate in the Republican primaries for the office of state representative from Isabella county, being defeated by Frank Phillips, of Mt. Pleasant.

Mr. Coon is survived by his wife, his son, Floyd, and two daughters Mrs. Zelpha Stilgenbauer of Mt. Pleasant and Miss May Coon.  A third daughter, Fay, died in infancy.

 

WILLIAM H. THOMAS

William H. Thomas, one of the automobile pioneers of Isabella County, who had the Studebaker and Chevrolet agencies in Shepherd, died suddenly Sunday, following an attack of heart trouble.  He was probably one of the best known automobile and implement dealers in this section of the state.

He was born April 4, 1972 and in 1896 was married to Miss Leah Miller, who passed away in 1921.  He was married in 1922 to Mary Church of Lansing, MI.  He also is survived by two stepdaughters, Mrs. Ione Waldron of Burt Lake, and Mrs. Helen Hicks of Hollywood, CA;  two brothers, B. A. Thomas of Essexville, MI and Charles Thomas of Tacoma, Washington; and three sisters, Mrs. Ida Turner of Tacoma, Washington,  Mrs. George Harmon of St. Joseph, MI, and Mrs. Elden Stahl, residing east of Shepherd.  there are nine grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon at the house and at the Church of Christ, Rev. W. H. Bell officiating.  A male quartet consisting of Piatt brothers, Eskiel Nilson and Claud Stump, sang.  Pallbearers who tenderly bore the body to it's last resting place were old friends of the deceased:  George H. Vredenburg,  Thomas Kirkconnel,  Claud H. Estee,  Oliver H. Adams,  M. C. Lathrop and E. E. Ardner.

 

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FUNERAL OF NELLIE CAMPBELL SIMONS

LARGELY ATTENDED

July 16, 1931  (nsp)

 

Funeral services for the late Mrs. Nellie Campbell Simons, wife of Bert Simons were conducted at the family home on North Fancher avenue in Mt. Pleasant Friday afternoon the Rev. C. W. MacKenzie, pastor of the Mt. Pleasant M. E. Church.  Interment was made in Riverside cemetery.

The funeral was largely attended and the floral tokens were numerous and included many beautiful designs.  Among those attending from Shepherd were Mr. and Mrs. John Williams,  Misses Lillian and Velma Williams and Mr. and Mrs. C. Z. Tompkins.  Mr. Williams is a nephew and Mrs. Tompkins is a niece of the deceased.

Mrs. Simon was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Campbell, pioneers of Salt River.

 

Second article on this person

 

Mrs. Bert Simons Was a Member of Pioneer

Salt River Family

July 9, 1931 (nsp)

 

Sixty years old and a resident of Isabella Co. all her life, Mrs. Nellie Simons, wife of Bert Simons, died Tuesday evening, June 7, at her home on North Fancher ave. in Mt. Pleasant, of an organic trouble of years' standing that reached an acute stage during the last three months.

Mrs. Simons was the daughter of John T. and Elizabeth Campbell, among the early settlers of the Salt River neighborhood, where she was born and reared.  She taught school for a time and was married 35 years ago last May to Bert Simons.  They since had made their home on a farm in Fremont twp., in Weidman and most of the time in Mt. Pleasant.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Simons is survived by one sister, Mrs. E. J. (Edna) Simons of Mt. Pleasant, the last survivor of a large family.  Mrs. C. Z. Tompkins of Shepherd is a neice.  William, Francis, Lillian, Arthur, Ray and Laura Campbell preceded her in death.  A daughter, Elizabeth, born to Mr. and Mrs. Bert Simons died in infancy.

Mrs. Simons was a member of the Rebekah lodge in Mt. Pleasant.  Of a charitable and kindly nature, she was highly regarded by a host of friends.

Funeral arrangements had not been made Wednesday morning.

 

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DEATH REMOVES ONE OF OLDEST OF

THE PIONEERS

Mrs. Artemesia Blount Walton, 96, Had Lived

Near Shepherd 73 Years

December 1, 1931

 

Death claimed Mrs. Artimesia Blount Walton at about 10 o'clock Tuesday night, December 1 on the farm less than two miles northeast of Shepherd in Coe township, where she had lived for more than 73 years of the almost 97 years of a useful life.

Mrs. Walton had not been ill for any extended time, but gradually had given way to the infirmities of her great age.  Death came peacefully as she had lived, with members of her family around her.

The funeral will be held from the Shepherd M. E. church Thursday afternoon, the Rev. E. N. Mayhew of Mt. Pleasant officiating and interment will be made in Salt River cemetery.

Mrs. Walton was but a year younger than the oldest individual in the county;  she was the oldest Isabella pioneer from the standpoint of term of residence;  she taught the first school in the county and was  the mother of children who are numbered among the earliest surviving pioneers of this locality.

Born in Oakland County, MI December 31, 1834, Mrs. Walton became accustomed in childhood to the privations of pioneer life.  She was married there January 10, 1858 to Billings Walton.  He had purchased three years earlier, from the state, 160 acres one mile north and about half-mile east of Salt River (the nucleus of Shepherd).  The price was 50 cents an acre.  This rich soil would have been appraised ten years ago at almost $200 an acre.

Mr. Walton had built with logs cut from virgin timber on the place, a rude house and barn.  To this promising but lonely country, reached over tortuous trails through the woods, the young pioneer brought his bride.  The nearest railroad, mill, post office and trading center were at St. Johns, three day's journey for the yoke of oxen that with one cow, represented the domestic animal life on the Walton place.

There were neighbors, but these hardy souls were remote in the sparsely settled wilderness and were not likely to drop in for a casual chat.

Several years before Salt River acquired a post office and took on the early semblance of a trading center, and prior to the establishment of the earliest business at Indian Mills (now "Dogtown", just outside Mt. Pleasant) Mr. Walton found it necessary to take frequent trips to the present seat of Clinton County.  He conveyed wheat in his ox-cart to the St. Johns mill and returned with practical necessities of life that today would be considered crude.  The meat supply was mainly dependent on the skill of the hunter.  Deer and bear were often sighted and the woods abounded with squirrel and wild birds, including turkeys and the streams teemed with fish.

As rapidly as Mr. Walton cleared his land, he devoted it to wheat and corn that blessed him with abundant harvests.  The wheat was threshed with a flail before being corted to the mill  for division of the grist with the miller.

Mrs. Walton had not been in this locality long before the first school was instituted in a room of her home while a log school house was being built.  The handful of pupils came to her over Indian trails from a comparatively wide radius.  She was rewarded during the six weeks she taught at the rate of $1.50 a week.

(there is a piece missing and then picks up here.............

away in 1863 to bear arms for the union in the Civil War.  Mrs. Walton took upon her own shoulders for a period of 18 months, the entire responsibility of the partly cleared farm, added to the care of small children.  Mr. Walton lost one finger in battle.  He died in 1879, at a time when sturdy sons were able to carry on the work he had laid down.

A daughter, Mrs. Mina Walton Abbott, herself 70 years old, has always resided on or near the Walton place, a division of which when now occupies with her brother, Fred Walton, Isabella County superintendent of the poor.  Another son, Charles Walton, lived with his mother on the old homestead that has been her home for 73 years.  A third son, Willard Walton, of Gladwin, was until recently, clerk of Gladwin county.  Two sons, Perry and Frank Walton, are deceased.

The one county resident who could claim precedence over this nonagerian in birth  is Judge I. A. Fancher of Mt. Pleasant, former circuit judge.  He is in his 98th year.

 

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MRS. CYNTHIA STILSON

January 15, 1931

 

Many will be saddened to learn of the death of "Grandma" Stilson.  She will be greatly missed in the community where she has passed so many years.  Although for the past few years she has been afflicted with blindness, yet she was always cheerful in her darkness.

Cynthia E. McCoy was born August 5, 1840 in Delta, Ohio.  January 4, 1857 she was united in marriage to Artemus B. Taylor, who preceded her in death July 14, 1867.  To this union were born three children:  two daughters, Mrs. Mary Leonard and Mrs. E. E. Putnam, both of Farwell, also one son, Harrison, who passed away in early manhood.

In 1873 she was united to Sydney Briggs who died in 1893 and in 1897 she was married to Amos Stilson, who died in 1911.

She leaves to mourn their loss, her two daughters of Farwell, with whom she made her home during her later years;  seven grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren besides a sister, Mrs. Celia Wade of Cadillac, and a host of other relatives and many friends.

After a number of weeks of illness she passed away at the home of her daughter, Mary, of Farwell on the evening of Jan. 15th.  Funeral services were held from the Methodist church of Farwell and burial was made in the  Coe cemetery.  Rev. W. W. Hurd of Clare officiated.

 

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