Death Index (Partial)

Donated ~ Obituaries Cass County, Michigan

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   Page updated June 24, 2008
Thank you for the following obituaries that were donated to this site. If you have obituaries that you would like to add here or to the various cemeteries on line, please write us at: cassmichigangen@yahoo.com
Important: Don't forget to run a search for other names, as I am placing many of the obituaries on line within the cemeteries that the departed were buried in.

Abbott - Cassopolis - Vigilant June 21, 1877 Mrs. Fanny Abbott, daughter of George Williams an early settler of Howard, died November 14, 1876 aged 37 years at her home in NIles township. We are informed that she was born in Howard, and was an estimable lady.

Abbott - Edwardsburg Argus, June 29, 1916 p 2 The funeral of M. A. Abbott an old veteran,w as held Saturday afternoon. He was 74 years old and death was caused by paralysis.

Abbott   Cassopolis Vigilant June 17, 1909 James H. Abbott, born in Delaware April 26, 1844. He was the youngest son of George and Mary Abbott and with them came to Milton when a small boy. He married Rachael Carlisle in 1870. She died April 6, 1907, and he died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. P. Smith, in Milton, May 8, 1909.

Abbott, James  - Edwardsburg Argus - May 13, 1909 p 2 James H. Abbott died Saturday at the home of his son in law, Clarence P. Smith, and was buried from Smith Chapel Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Rev Anderson of Edwardsburg officiating. A good man gone. Mrs. Webb of Nebraska is here to attend the funeral of her brother, Jas. H. Abbott.

Abbott -  Cassopolis Vigilant June 19, 1879 - Joseph H. Abbott died at his residence in Howard, Nov 1st 1878, on the land he purchased from the government, in 1834, and where he continued to reside to the date of his death. Mr. A was born Jan 12th , 1812 near Toronto, Canada, and at the age of two years his parents removed to Erie County, NY and in the fall of 1834 to section 30, Howard on what is known as Yankee Street.

Abbott - Edwardsburg Argus, January 25, 1912 Mrs. Harriet J. Abbott passed away at the home of her son, Mark Abbott in Pokagon, Thursday evening, aged 82 years.

Allen, Joseph - Joseph Allen of West Porter, is buried in Mt.Zion Cemetery. He was born in Northhampton Co. N.C. 28 Jan. 1803. The son of Emery Arthur Allen and Esther Williams. He was 88years,5months,22days. He was married to Rebecca Tabourn, and they moved to Michigan from Ohio in June 1848. Where they purchased 100 acres of land at $5.00 per acre. Joseph and Rebecca had a total of 15 children. He was a good husband, kind father and respected by all who knew him. Funeral services were officiated by Rev. E.E.Gregory, Mt.Zion AME Church. He was a trustee of Mt.Zion AME Church. (1854) - File contributed for use in USGenWeb by: Maurice W. Sanders mauricews@att.net

Andrus, Fanny   Mrs. Fanny Andrews died Monday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lybarker in Mason Township. Mrs. Andrews' maiden name was Bishop, and she was born in New York. Shortly after her marriage to Mr. Andrews she removed to Michigan and settled on the banks of Eagle lake. The funeral services were held at the M. E. church in Edwardsburg yesterday, conducted by the Rev. A. J. Eldred and was attended by M. A. Mann and Riley Andrus of this place, both of whom were grandsons of the deceased.
From The Cassopolis Vigilant, 2/1894
Retyped by Benjamin Kinsey

APTED, Elizabeth   Elizabeth LOWRY was born near Paisley, in the Highlands of Scotland, August 20, 1850, and died at the family home in Penn township, August 15, 1928, having almost reached the age of seventy-eight years.  She was the youngest child of eight in her father's family, and the last to pass away.   About 1866, she came with her father and family to America, and after a stay in Detroit, they settled on a farm in Volinia township.  On June 10, 1870, she was united in marriage to William APTED, and her whole life since then has been spent on the farm where she died.  To this union were born three children, Albert and John APTED, and Sarah APTED, all of Penn township, who survive her.   She leaves also two grandchildren.  Her husband William APTED died thirteen years ago.  For the past six years she had been an invalid.

Funeral services were held at the home, Saturday afternoon, Rev. G. A. Brown officiating, and burial was made in the Young's Prairie cemetery.
Submitted by Cathy O'Hare

Arnold, Carolyn Julia (Brown)   Carolyn Julia (Brown) Arnold, San Diego Union Tribune, Feb. 17, 1920     ARNOLD--In this city, Feb. 16, 1920, Carrie Julia Arnold, a native of Michigan, aged 73 years 10 months 7 days, residing at 4053 Texas street, mother of Charles Edwin Arnold, Mrs. Mildred Randall of San Diego, and William B. Arnold of Niles, Mich., and sister of Mrs. Alice M. Cross, Bangor, Mich.; C.L. Brown, Elwood, Neb., and William Brown of Cedar Rapids, Neb.
  Friends are invited to attend the services at Merkley's University Undertaking parlors, 1655 Fifth street, on Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock.
  Contributed by Marilyn Lane

Arnold, Edwin John
Obituary of Edwin John Arnold, Edwardsburg News section, Cassopolis Vigilant, June 30, 1910
Edwin Arnold, a long time resident of this vicinity, but more recently of Lansing, Mich., died at his home in that city Saturday. His remains were brought here Monday and funeral services were held at the home of his niece, Mrs. Orville Morse, and were buried in Pleasant Lake cemetery. He was survived by his wife, Carrie Brown Arnold; two sons, Will of Vandalia and Charles of Lansing; one daughter, Mrs. Mildred Stillman of Vandalia, and five grandchildren. He also leaves one brother, Uriah Arnold, of this place.
Edwin J. Arnold, 1836-1910 - The Cassopolis Vigilant, June 22, 1911
Cass County Pioneer Necrology - Compiled by L.H. Glover, Historian for the Pioneer Society for Year Ending June 21, 1911.
  Edwin J. Arnold, born in Onondaga county, N.Y. June 30, 1836, came to Cass county in 1840, married Carrie Brown in 1863, the father of seven children, died at Lansing, June 21, 1910.
Contributed by Marilyn Lane

Arnold, Franklin Leroy , son of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Arnold, residing on Emmons street, West Niles, after an illness of two months, died on Saturday night, at 10:15 o'clock, aged 15 years and 6 months. Frank was an apprentice at this office, and had nearly finished his first year's time. Always faithful, obliging, courteous and kind; he possessed qualifications that go to make men of mark. He had many kind friends, and during his illness was visited by his associates, and those from the Baptist Sunday school to which he belonged. All were in love with him. His parents, sister and brothers have the sympathy of all. The funeral took place from the house at 10:30 this morning, Rev. Mr. Davis, of the Baptist church, officiating. The remains were taken to Edwardsburg for interment in the family burying ground. Source: Niles Weekly Mirror, 30 May 1888 - Contributed by: Marilyn Lane

Arnold, Phebe A. (Alexander)
Obituary of Phebe A. (Alexander) Arnold, Cassopolis Vigilant, March 1, 1888   The wife of Uriah Arnold died at her home in Jefferson the 26th of February.
Contributed by Marilyn Lane

Baldwin, Carrie Virginia   THE BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER & NEWS
Wednesday, October 23, 1957    Mrs. Dennis M. Baldwin:   Mrs. Carrie Virginia Baldwin, 68, who had lived 26 years on the Union City road, north of Stanley Corners in Newton Township, died at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in a local hospital, where she had been a patient for five weeks.  Mrs. Baldwin was born in Silvercreek, Cass County, May 2, 1889, the daughter of John and Helen (Vander-hoof) Woods.  She was married at Decatur in 1909 to Dennis M. Baldwin who died in August, 1947.  She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Duane (Myrtle) Wilbur and Mrs Earl (Lodema) Hunter and a son, Ford R. Baldwin, all of Newton Township; four stepsons, Jesse Baldwin of Hanover; Roy J. Baldwin, 12529 E. Michigan Ave.; Floyd Baldwin of Marshall and Selah Baldwin of Burlington; two stepdaughters, Mrs Kit Kalbetzer of Decatur and Mrs. Mabel Smith, Ceresco; a brother, Clarence Woods of Kalamazoo; 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  Mrs. Baldwin was a member of the Maccabees.
Submitted by Sharon Cornell

Ball, Davis   Dowagiac Daily News, July 15, 1916, p. 1, 8:
"David Ball, Veteran of Mexican War and Cass Pioneer Died Yesterday Davis Ball passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Dine in Hamilton township yesterday afternoon at about three o'clock, aged past 92 years and by his passing one of the few surviving heroes of the Mexican war has gone to his reward.
   Davis Ball was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ball, pioneer settlers in Volinia township, their farm being located in the northwest corner of the township and until a few years ago still remaining in the possession of the son, Davis. When a boy Davis went back to his old home in Ohio and there at the age of 20 years he enlisted as a private to serve in the war with Mexico...
   He followed the fortunes of his regiment through all the stirring and dangerous battles of that period, marching with his regiment to the walls o f Mexico City and staying all through the war until the Mexican general, Santa Ana, capitulated and acknowledged defeat. Those were times of peril to the soldiers of the United States, and times of hardship as well. They were in a strange country, cut off completely from help if overwhelmed by numbers, and poorly provisioned. Santa Ana was an inveterate foe of the Americans, and his orders were to spare the lives of none.
   Mr. Ball's life after his return from the war was a quiet one. he seldom alluded to his services as a soldier. He was a good citizen and a good man. He was a good husband and a good father, and his declining years were passed free from care, thanks to the affection of his children. His funeral well be held at Wayne chapel Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, with burial in the Crane Cemetery."

Block, Sophia Grace -   Dowagaic Daily News, 20 Dec 1977 Sophia Grace Block, 84, formerly of 213 Haines St, died Monday at 3:45 am in the Cass County Medical Facility. She was born in Chicago on July 30, 1893. She is survived by one daugher Mrs. Anna Overling of Chicago. (Anna Overling was Sophia's sister not daughter) She was a member of the Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11am in the Holy Materninty of Mary Church. The Rosary will be said at 7:30pm tonight at the Groner Funeral Home. Friends may call after 4pm today. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.
Block obituaries contirbuted by: Joann Ramseyer

Block, Walter C.   Dowagiac Daily News, 17 Dec 1957 Walter C. Block, 77, died this morning in his home at 213 Haines Street. He was born Feb,. 11, 1880 in Aurora, IN the son of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Block. He is survived by his widow, Grace, and a brother, William, Cincinnati, OH. A son preceded him in death four years ago. Funeral services will be Thursday afternoon at two o'clock with Eber Chase, reader for the First Church of Christ, Scientist, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside. Freinds may call after seven o'clock tonight in the funeral home.

Lucius Bowerman (brother of Walter Bowerman), Levi Grant, Rebecca Fox
Cassopolis Vigilant
Cassopolis, Michigan, October 27, 1904 page 5 [Local Vigilant section]
  Three of the inmates of the county house have died within the last three days. Lucius Bowerman, an insane inmate from Volinia township, died Monday morning. Levi Grant, a Newberg township charge, who has been a helpless paralytic for two years, died the same afternoon. Rebecca Fox, also from Volinia, died Tuesday afternoon. These inmates have all been at the County house for some time.
Submitted by Sonia Yako

Walter Bowerman
Cassopolis Vigilant   Cassopolis, Michigan, November 11, 1897 page 1
Found Dead on the Track   The body of Walter Bowerman, aged about 40 years, and a resident of Newberg township, was found dead beside the Grand Trunk railway track one-half mile west of Wakelee, on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 9. The body was seen by the trainmen of the passenger that arrives here at 10:05 a.m., and upon their reporting it sections men were sent to look for it. Mr. Bowerman had been up north for the past four or five weeks and it is supposed that he attempted to jump from the early morning express when it neared his home, and was killed by the fall. Deceased leaves a family in poor circumstances.   Submitted by Sonia Yako

Bowling, Mr. Frank  -   Obituary; Cassopolis Vigilent, May 5, 1892: - On Tuesday morning last week, Mr. Frank Bowling, an old and respected citizen of this city, died very suddenly of heart failure. He had not been well for a few days but had kept about his work. On Tuesday morning he started with his team for a load of stone from "over the swamp". On the way he met and talked with Mr. Swisher, at which time he appeared to be as well as usual. In a few moments after this , Mr. Martin McCluckey saw his team running away and stopped them. Seeing a man laying on the ground by the roadside, he went to him and found Mr. Bowling, who gasped two or three times, and died. The verdict of Coroner Michael and Dr. Herkimer was that he died of heart disease, to which he was subject and for which he was under Dr. H's care. Mr. Bowling was 58 years old. He was buried from the M.E. church Saturday afternoon, Rev. Tallman of Pakagon officiating. Note: Tombstone in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac
Contributed by: John C. Monk at scabbardfish@sbcglobal.net

Bowling, George E.   -  Obituary, Cassopolis Vigilant, March 10, 1892: George Bowling and wife returned from Denver, where they had gone for his health, Wednesday noon, and about midnight he died. Rev Tallman delivered an excellent sermon Sunday at the M.E. church and the remains were interred in the Riverside cemetery. Mr. Bowling was about 31 years old and for the past few years was conductor on a dining car on the C.B. & Q. - Contributed by: John C. Monk at scabbardfish@sbcglobal.net

CLAUDE M. BOWMAN
February 21, 1976
BOWMAN, TRATTLES, GARD, WHITSEL, SMITH
Claude M. BOWMAN, age 84, of Route 1, Jones, died Saturday, February 21 of injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Millers Mill Road, Constantine.
    Mr. BOWMAN was born August 9, 1891 in Nappanee, Indiana, a son of William and Melinda (WHITSEL) BOWMAN. He came to Porter Township in 1912. He was married to Lois TRATTLES on May 11, 1915. Mr. BOWMAN was employed as a farmer. He was a member of the Porter Baptist Church, the Farm Bureau and a life member of Siloam Lodge F&AM of Constantine. He was preceded in death by his son, Craig and one sister, Edna SMITH.
   Survivors include his wife Lois; two granddaughters, Kathleen and Susan BOWMAN of Constantine; a brother, Max H. of Constantine; one sister, Mable GARD of Goshen and several nieces and nephews. Masonic services were conducted Monday, February 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Geisler Funeral Home by Siloam Lodge No. 35 of Constantine. Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 24, at 2 p.m. at the Geisler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Marvin Buchholtz of the Porter Baptist Church officiating.
  Burial took place at Shavehead Cemetery.
  Volunteer Transcriber, Carole Lynn (Mohney) Carr
Transcribed from an original newspaper clipping from the 'Sturgis Daily Journal', which serves the St. Joseph Co., Michigan area.
Copy provided by Sturgis Public Library.

LOIS J. BOWMAN   March 11, 1977   BOWMAN, STANARD, TRATTLES, CLARK, VANDERVOORT, REINOEHL
Jones; Mrs. Lois J. BOWMAN, 83, Rt. 1, Jones, died at 5 p.m. Thursday, in Three Rivers Hospital. She had been hospitalized four days in failing health several years.
   She was born in Porter Township, Cass County, Mich. Oct. 8, 1893, a daughter of Edward and Sarah (STANARD) TRATTLES. Mrs. BOWMAN had lived in Porter Township all her life. She was married May 11, 1915, to Claude M. BOWMAN, in Porter Township. He died Feb. 21, 1976. Mrs. BOWMAN was a member of the Daughters of American Revolution Chapter in Cassopolis.
  Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Jack CLARK, Constantine; two granddaughters, Kathleen BOWMAN, East Lansing and Susan BOWMAN, Constantine; two nephews, Harold TRATTLES, Sturgis, and Buddy VANDERVOORT, Marcellus; and a niece, Mrs. Howard (Dorthea) REINOEHL, White Pigeon. A son, Craig, died in 1958.
  Friends may call at the Geisler Funeral Home in Constantine, where the services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Marvin Buchholz, of Porter Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will take place in Shavehead Cemetery.
  LOIS JANETTE⁷ TRATTLES (EDWARD C.⁶, WILLIAM⁵, JANE⁴ HEBRON, WILLIAM³, GEORGE², UNKNOWN¹) was born 08 October 1893 in Porter Township, Cass County, Michigan, and died March 1977 in Michigan. She married CLAUDE MELVIN BOWMAN 11 May 1915 in St. Joseph, Berrien County, Michigan. He was born 09 August 1891 in Nappanee, Indiana, and died 21 February 1976.
    Volunteer Transcriber, Carole Lynn (Mohney) Carr
Transcribed from an original newspaper clipping from the 'Sturgis Daily Journal', which serves the St. Joseph Co., Michigan area.
Copy provided by Sturgis Public Library.

BRESNHAN  -  MICHAEL BRESNHAN DIES AT AGE OF 58  -  Dowagiac Daily News May 19, 1906 - MICHAEL BRESNHAN DIES AT AGE OF 58
   Was born County of Kerry Ireland Came to America and to Michigan at age 15 Michael Bresnehan died Thursday evening between 6 and 7 O'clock at his home on East Division street after an illness Which has lasted all the past winter. For a number of years he had been ailing. The deceased was 58 years of age, and was born in the County of Kerry, Ireland. At the age of 15 he came to America with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Bresnehan, and settled in Silver Creek. With exception of a few years spent in Chicago, this vicinity was his home since. He leaves a wife and six children. Four brothers and one sister survive his as follows: Thomas, Daniel, and Dennis, of Silver creek; Tim, of Dowagiac, and Mrs. Thomas Horan, of Chicago.
  The funeral will occur at 9 o'clock Saturday morning at the Catholic church in this city, Fr. Wall officiating. Burial at Silver Creek cemetery. Names are spelled as they were in the newspaper.
Contributed by: JEAN BROSNAN

Brosnan Passes - --DOWAGIAC DAILY NEWS 10-12-1915 --- FIFTY YEARS IN ONE TOWNSHIP --Thos. Brosnan Passes Away at Home in Silver Creek Late Yesterday Following an illness of about 8 weeks, with liver trouble death came to Thomas Brosnan yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock at his home in Silver Creek.
  Announcement of the death of Mr. Brosnan was a surprise to his many friends and relatives. In his death, Silver Creek has lost one of its oldest and best known residents as he had resided there about 52 years. The deceased was born near Castle Island, Ireland, County Kerry, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Brosnan and was about 70 years of age. In company with his brothers Daniel and Hugh Brosnan and a number of other immigrants he came to silver Creek in 1863 at the age of 18 years. His parents and other members of the family came here from Ireland in 1866. Practically his entire life since coming to Silver Creek was spent on the homestead where he died. He was one of the few early settlers left in Silver Creek. He was well known and much respected by all who knew him. Mr. Brosnan is survived by one son, Prof Cornelius Brosnan of Boise City, Idaho and two daughters, Mary and Josephine residing at home. His brother, Dennis Brosnan resided on the home farm with him. Other members of the family are two brothers, Daniel Brosnan of Silver Creek, Timothy Bresnahan of this city and a sister Mrs. Thomas Horan of Chicago.
  Complete arrangements for the funeral have not been made although it is to take place from Immaculate Heart Church in Silver Creek, Thursday morning where interment will also take place. Contributed by: JEAN BROSNAN

BROSNAN , LEO J. - DOWAGIAC DAILY NEWS 7-29-1931  -   LEO J. BROSNAN DIES THIS A.M.
  After a month of illness Leo J. Brosnan died at his home in Silver Creek this morning. Mr. Brosnan was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Brosnan of Silver Creek this morning and was born March 21, 1894, at the farm home on which he always resided and on which he died today.
  He was married February 28, 1923, to Rose Cassidy of St. Joseph, who with four little children is left. The children are Marguerite, aged eight, Joann, seven, Leo J., five, and Tommy, four. There is also his aged mother, Mrs. Joann Brosnan, of Silver Creek, two sisters and three brothers, Mrs. William Cheevers, of Benton Harbor, Frances Brosnan of Chicago, Cornea, Dennis and Dan all of Silver Creek.
  Funeral services will be held at 9:30 o'clock Friday morning at the Silver Creek Catholic church. Fr. Frank Carroll will officiate and burial will be in the cemetery adjacent.  Contributed by: JEAN BROSNAN

Brown, Abner - The Marcellus News, Friday 7-16-1909 Death of Abner Brown. Had Been a Resident of Volinia for Over Half a Century Abner Brown was born in Conhocton, Steuben county, N.Y., February 28, 1837. After a long and painful illness he departed this life July 9, 1909, aged seventy-two years, four months and nine days. He was the eldest son of William and Martha Brown, in a family of four brothers and four sisters, one brother and three sisters, having preceded him to the higher life. In 1856 he came to Michigan, staying at Fentonville with an uncle the first night and worked at Jackson the first winter. In the spring of '57 he came to Nicholsville and worked on a farm. Soon after this he bought his first farm and here amid the virgin forests he toiled early and late to clear his farm and establish the beginning of a prosperous home. He was married January 18, 1878, to Frances Elnora Welcher, oldest daughter of Abraham and Catherine Welcher. To this union were born six children five boys and one girl, all of whom survive their father, with the exception of the youngest son who died in infancy. In over fifty years' residence on one farm in Volinia, friends and neighbors always found Abner Brown strictly honest and upright in dealing with his fellow men. His hand was ever out-stretched and ready to help those that tried to help themselves. Many a basket of fruit and delicacies has he carried to a sick neighbor. Before the disabilities of disease and age confined him at home he was ever willing to do all in his power to alleviate the suffering of those who were ill or in distress. Living an honest, upright life he was ready to go when the summons came. He had chosen the friends he wished to carry him to the final resting place, and made other necessary arrangements doing all he could to lighten the grief of his family. He leaves to mourn their loss, his loving wife; five children, Floyd, Wilbur, Emory, George and Bird; one grandchild, Mildred; three brothers and one sister, besides a multitude of friends. Those will miss him most who knew him best. The funeral will be held in the Baptist church in Volinia, Sunday afternoon, July 11, conducted by Rev. Mrs. Garrison. Burial in Pioneer cemetery. Pioneer cemetery is now called Crane Cemetery. - information contributed by: Sonja Hunter

Alonzo Brown - The Daily Commercial (Three Rivers), Tuesday, 8-17-1920 Cass Co. Resident Dies in 3 Rivers. Father of Clark and Claude Brown Passed Away Yesterday - Alonzo Brown, 75 years old, passed away Monday afternoon at South Constantine street, after an illness of more than a year from heart trouble. He was a resident of Wakelee and had come to the home of his son just two weeks ago. Mr. Brown was born in Cohocta [sic] county, New York, May 4, 1856, and when four years old came with his parents to Michigan, settling in Volonia township, Cass county, where he has resided practically his entire life. July 3, 1875, he was united in marriage to Martha Goff to which union six children were born, five of whom are living. He is survived by his widow and the following children: Clark and Claude of Three Rivers; L.G. Brown and Mrs. Myrtle Hildabridle of Wakelee, and Bert of Lawton. One brother, Philo Brown, of Cassopolis also survives. The body was taken to the Baird funeral parlors on Main street. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock at Wakelee, Rev. Shaver of Corey officiating. - contributed by: Sonja Hunter - at - sgschmidt@hotmail.com

Burns, Thomas - Recording in "The Local Vigilant," Thursday, Jan 12, 1888, that Thomas Burns died at his home in Mottville on January 1, 1888 at the age of 80 years. Certified Record of Death: Vol 1, Page 235, No. 19 from St. Joseph County, Michigan. Original Record was dated May 30, 1889. Thomas Burns died January 1, 1888 in Mottville, Michigan. Cause was Asthma. He was born in Pennsylvania and was a retired farmer. The names of father and mother are not given, but father was listed as being born in Pennsylvania. (Note: place of birth has been listed as Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan in various documents)

Caryl, Mrs. Sarah M      Contributed by: Davis F. "Doc" Ball

Herman Chapman
MARCELLUS PIONEER MAN DIES
Herman L. CHAPMAN one of the First to Engage in Business there.
{Handwritten in ink: Apr. 1923}
Herman L. CHAPMAN, a pioneer business man of Marcellus, died Sunday morning at the home of his daughter in that village, Mrs. Rena Myers, aged 74 years.  Death was the result of an attack of pneumnoia.

Mr. Chapman was born in Newberg township March 20, 1849, a son of Amory and Lucinda HASTINGS CHAPMAN. He was a half-brother of H. S. Chapman, a prominent Penn farmer lately deceased.  He came to Marcellus in the early seventies and engaged in business as a gunsmith,  having his shop in a building just west of the G. W. Jones Exchange bank, later bought by the Baptist society and remodelled into a church.  He increased his business by adding a stock of hardward and conducted this for several years.  He invented a portable forge, and also manufactured the Chapman engine, which was created by him.  Mrs. Chapman died about 10 years ago.  He leaves two daughters, Mrs. ola Welker of Dowagiac, and Mrs. Rena myers of Marcellus.  He was a believer int spiritualism, and delivered lectures on the subject.  He was also an author.  Best of all, he was an honest man.  Funeral service was held Tuesday afternoon.   Submitted by Cathy O'Hare

Lydia Lucinda Hastings Chapman (sibling to Charles Hastings)
Cassopolis Vigilant
Cassopolis, Michigan, August 5, 1897 page 1   -  Lucindy Hastings Chapman was born in the township of Salisbury, Herkimer county, N.H. October 1819. In 1836 she moved to Medina county, Ohio where she married Amory H. Chapman in the year 1838. In the spring of 1845 she moved with her husband to Cass county, Michigan and settled in Newberg township, where she lived for more than half a century. She was the mother of two sons -- H.S. Chapman of Penn, Mich. with whom she lived the past winter, and H.L. Chapman of Marcellus, with whom she was living at the time of her death -- July 26, 1897. Besides the two sons, she leaves one foster daughter -- Mrs. Libbie Binear* [last name blurred] , of Salmo; B.C. ;four grandchildren and one great grand-son to revere her memory. One brother, Horace Hastings of Menlo [Iowa] is the only one now living of a family of eleven brothers and sisters. Having lived to the age of nearly 85 yeary [sic], she had outlived most of her generation but the memories of Aunt "Cindy" wrought into the hearts of the younger generations, of relatives, friends and neighbors, is the most worthy monument that can ever be raised to her memory and a more eloquent eulogy than words can express.
*this appears to be Elizabeth Keene married name Submitted by Sonia Yako

Criffield, James W.    Contributed by: Davis F. "Doc" Ball

Davis, Bertha F - Mrs. Bertha F. Davis, Marcellus, Dies on Way Home from Cemetery Marcellus, May 31 - Mrs. Bertha F. Davis, 75, wife of Elmer Davis of Marcellus, died suddenly Thursday evening in their car as they were returning from the cemetery where they had been decorating the grave of their son, Max Davis, who died here a few years ago. She was born in Germany, Sept. 26, 1871, the daughter of Frederick and Augstine Keothey Arndt, coming to America at the age of nine. Her marriage to Elmer Davis took place in Cassopolis on Mar. 12, 1890. They lived in Cassopolis for a few years, then in Volinia township, and on a farm north of Marcellus for 38 years which they sold a year ago and moved into the village. Three sons survive, Rex and Leon Davis of Jackson, Ted Davis of Dayton, Ohio, the son Max, Grand Trunk agent here, dying a few years ago. She also leaves five grandchildren; and three sisters, Mrs. Wren Playford, Dowagiac; and Mrs. Ray Clark, and Mrs. Charles Hartsell of Volinia. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2:30 in the Romig Funeral Home with Rev. Inex Martz officiating. Internment will be in the Marcellus Cemetery. Brenda Buck - Received, 4 Dec 2006 photocopy only of actual obituary, no newspaper source. Burial Bly Cemetery.

Davis, Charles Smith - Obituary - Charles S. Davis, one of a family of thirteen children, two only who survive him, was born in Warwick, Orange, County New York, September 29, 1823 and passed away at the home of Elbridge Jewell in LaGrange, July 27, 1912. At the age of twenty-three years he united in marriage with Miss Susan Batchelor at Berlin, Huron County Ohio. To this union were born nine children, six of whom survive him. They are Mrs. Sarah J. Swihart, Seneca, Mo.; E. C. Davis, Porter, Cass County Mich., Mrs. Julia McIvann (note: McQuown), Browning, Mol, Benjamin F. Davis, Buchanan; Elmer C. Davis, Marcellus; Maggie M. Marsh, Niles. The mother died in December 1894. In the fall of 1857 Mr. Davis, with his family came to Cass county and settled in what is now known as the Kingsbury farm about one mile from where he died. He lived at different places in this county until 1878, when he moved to Kansas, where he remained for seventeen years when he returned to this county and became a member of the family of Mr. Jewell, his son-in-law. Here he found a pleasant home, Mr. Jewell, doing everything possible to make it pleasant for him. While his children severally offered him a home he remained with his son-in-law from choice. Mr. Davis followed farming all his life. He was an honest, upright man, and had the respect of everyone who knew him. His surviving sisters are Mrs. Esther Finch, Dennis, Kansas, and Mrs. Anna Davis, Marcellus, Mich. Funeral services conducted by Rev. O.P. Miller where held at his late home Tuesday afternoon after which burial was made in Prospect Hill Cemetery. Card of Thanks We wish to extend sincere thanks to friends for their sympathy and kind offices in our time of affliction. Family of Deceased. Received 4 Dec 2006, copy of actual obituary, no newspaper source

Davis, Edson - Cassopolis Vigilant September 30, 1909 - Obituary - Edson Davis was born in Orange County New York, May 28th, 1836 an died Sept. 25th, 1909 at the age of 78 years, 3 months, and 23 days. When he was four years of age his parents Benjamin and Hannah Davis, moved to Ohio, and from there to Berrien County, Mich., and in 1860 settled on a farm in Newburg, where he spent the greater part of his life. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in the 12th Mich. Infantry, Co. A, and was promoted to sargeant in 1863. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war. March 17th, 1864, while he was home on a furlough, he was married to Elsie Reed, daughter of William and Nancy Reed, of Cass Cunty, with whom he lived until Sept. 27th 1895, when she was called away by death. To this union six children were born, five of which survive, William of Wakelee, Edson Byron and Charles Henry of Newburg, Perry Oliver of Penn, and Mrs. Mary E. Underwood of Cassopolis. One daughter, Allie May, passed beyond Nov. 10, 1886, at the age of 15 years. Mr. Davis was married to Mrs. Celia M. Porter, of Paw Paw, Nov. 24th, 1903. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Penn, where they lived until his death. Besides the wife and children deceased leaves to mourn his loss sixteen grandchildren, one brother, Charles, of Cassopolis, and two sisters, Mrs. Reason Davis, of Marcellus, and Mrs. Esther Finch, of Dennis, Kansas. He was a kind and indulgent father, a loving and faithful companion, a good neighbor; and will be missed by a large circle of friends and relatives. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Steven Scott and Rev. Emma Garretson at the Friends Church, Penn; internment at Poe's Cemetery.

Davis, Elmer C - Last Rites Held for Elmer C. Davis, 80
  Elmer C. Davis, age 80, a retired farmer, died Saturday evening at the Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac, where he was taken after suffering a heart attack at his home in Marcellus Thursday morning. He was born Mary 28, 1868 in Cass County, the son of Charles and Susan (Batchelor) Davis. Mrs. Davis passed away suddenly May 29, 1947. They moved into Marcellus two years ago from their farm at Hemlock Lake, north of Marcellus, where they had lived for 38 years. He was a member of the Oddfellow Lodge. He is survived by three sons, Rex and Leon of Jackson, Mich., Ted of Dayton, Ohio, five grandchildren and on sister, Mrs. Maggie Marsh of Vicksburg. Funeral services were held at 2:30 Monday afternoon in the Romig Funeral home with Rev. Inez Martz officiating and burial in Marcellus Cemetery. - Received 4 Dec 2006 copy of actual obituary, no newspaper source Davis obits - Contributed by: Brenda Buck  buckbre@cmuonline.net

Dillman, Addie McCoy   click on images which were Contributed by: Davis F. "Doc" Ball

Dillman, Albert Forrest  

Dillman, Bessie    Funeral Card 

Dillman, Clyde R.    

Dillman Fred   Funeral Card  Obituary  

Dillman, Nancy Stretch  

Dillman, Walter   

Dillman, Wilbur  

Madeline L. Foote Mason   Age 82 died March 28,1999.  Born July 02,1916 in Decatur, Mrs. Foote was a member of Columbia Road Baptist Church.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett; son, Bruce; parents, John and Eva (Coulson) Woods and brother George Woods. Surviving are 2 sons Terry (Linda) of Leslie, and Harold (Judy) Pittman of Mason; 5 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sister Ica Fowler of Holt.
  Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 1, 12 Noon t the Gorsline-Runciman Co.  Ball-Dunn Chapel, 612 S Jefferson, Mason, with the Rev. John Hayden, Pastor of Columbia Road Baptist Church, officiating.  Interment will follow in Eden Cemetery, VeVay township. Friends may call at the Chapel begining Tuesday 2 p.m. where the family will receive friends Tuesday and Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Those desiring may make  contributions to the American Lung Association of Michigan, 403 Seymour Avenue, Lansing, 48933-1179 in memory of Mrs. Foote.
  Submitted by Sharon Cornell

William H FRICKE (Berrien Co, Pipestone Twp) 1868-1950
  HOLD FRICKE RITES March 1950    Funeral services for William H. Fricke, 82, well known Pipestone township resident, will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 in the Zion Evangelical and Reformed church in Pipestone township, with the Rev. C. Beehler officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Mr. Fricke was born Feb. 7, 1868, in Cincinnato, O., the son of William and Frederica Fricke and had been a farmer inPipestone township for many years. His marriage to Mrs. Anna Mueller took place Dec. 30, 1909. He is survived by his wife, his daughter, Mrs. Warren Yaw of this city; three stepsons and a stepdaughter, Mrs. Norma Grabemeyer of Pipestone; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, several sisters and brothers, including Mrs. Al Horstman, Mrs. Rose First and Miss Minnie Fricke of this city.

Dortha Friedarieke Sophia FRICKE nee RODEWALD   1846-1925 text from Obituary Feb 7, 1925, paper unknown
  Aged Woman Dies in Silver Creek. Mrs. Fredericka Fricke had been resident of county since 1888.
   Mrs. Fredericka Fricke, 79, died Saturday evening at 10:45 at her home in Silver Creek following a few weeks illness.
Deceased was born in Aschen, Hanover, Germany, January 6,1846. She came to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1864 and was married in 1865 to William Fricke after which they moved to Silver Creek where thay have made their home since 1888.
   Mrs. Fricke leaves a husband and eight children to mourn her loss: William Fricke of Bainbridge, Mich., Henry Fricke of Dowagiac, Herman Fricke of Millburg, Mamie Fricke of Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Frank First of Pipestone;Fred Fricke of Detroit, Mrs. Alfred Horstman and Minnie Fricke, of Dowagiac. Ninteen grandchildren also survive her.
   Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at one o'clock from the late home followed by services at two o'clock at the German Evangelical church in Pipestone. Rev. Biger of Bainbridge will officiate. Burial will be made in the Pipestone cemetery.
  paper unknown
  DEWEY LAKE, Feb. 12 [1925] -- Mrs. Frederick Fricke, one of our beloved old ladies, passed away at her home in Silver Creek last Saturday evening, having lived to be a great old age. She will be greatly missed.
(article includes other deaths)

Herman Friederich Wilhelm FRIKKE (FRICKE in the USA) 1833-1913
Text of Obituary Oct. 12, 1913 paper unknown   Funeral of William Fricke
  Last Tribute Will Be Paid Old Silver Creek Resident Wednesday
   The funeral of William Fricke, who died Sunday at his home in Silver Creek, will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the home with shourt prayer service followed by regular funeral service at the German Lutheran church in Pipestone. The funeral will be conducted by the regular pastor, Rev. J. Krickhahan, and Rev. Albert Schoen of Chelsea. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
  newspaper article abt Oct 12, 1913, paper unknown   SILVER CREEK HAS LOST GOOD CITIZEN

WILLIAM FRICKE, GRAND OLD GERMAN PIONEER, PASSES AWAY SUNDAY FROM COMPLICATION DISEASES
William Fricke, a well known Silver Creek farmer, passes away at his home south of Sister Lakes Sunday from the effects of heart trouble, the immediate cause of death being a stroke of paralysis received Friday.
   Mr. Fricke was born near Westrup, province of Hanover, Prussia, and would have been 70 years old December 26 next. He came to Cincinnati about about the year 1863, and there in 1866 was married to Miss Fredricka Rodeveldt, also a native of Germany, who survived him. They came to Cass county in the eighties, buying the old Erastus White farm, near what is known as the White schoolhouse, soon becoming favorably known and respected for their good citizenship and industry.
   To Mr. and Mrs. Fricke nine children were born, all having the excellent characteristics of their parents. They are Will, Henry, Charles, the latter living at Great Falls, Montana; Fred, now attending Chicago University, where he is studying chemistry and mathematics and will soon received the degree of Doctor of Philosphy, and Herman.
   The girls are Mamie, residing in Los Angeles, Mrs. Rose First of this city; Mrs. Lena Horstman of Pokagon, and Miss Minnie.
   Mr. Fricke was of sturdy German stock, rugged in character, honest, industrious and possessed of a cheery and kindly disposition. He had made a good home for his family, and they gave him their love and respect. The funeral occurred yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the German Lutheran church in Pipestone, of which society he has been a valued member, with burial in the cemetery near by. Besides the regular pastor, who spoke in German, Rev. Schoen of Chelsea, a former pastor of the Pipestone church, and a warm friend of the deceased, came and delivered a touching tribute in English over the bier of the departed man.

Dortha Friedarieke Sophia FRICKE nee RODEWALD 1846-1925 text from Obituary Feb 7, 1925, paper unknown
Aged Woman Dies in Silver Creek   Mrs. Fredericka Fricke had been resident of county since 1888.
   Mrs. Fredericka Fricke, 79, died Saturday evening at 10:45 at her home in Silver Creek following a few weeks illness.
Deceased was born in Aschen, Hanover, Germany, January 6,1846. She came to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1864 and was married in 1865 to William Fricke after which they moved to Silver Creek where thay have made their home since 1888.
   Mrs. Fricke leaves a husband and eight children to mourn her loss: William Fricke of Bainbridge, Mich., Henry Fricke of Dowagiac, Herman Fricke of Millburg, Mamie Fricke of Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Frank First of Pipestone;Fred Fricke of Detroit, Mrs. Alfred Horstman and Minnie Fricke, of Dowagiac. Ninteen grandchildren also survive her.
   Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at one o'clock from the late home followed by services at two o'clock at the German Evangelical church in Pipestone. Rev. Biger of Bainbridge will officiate. Burial will be made in the Pipestone cemetery. - paper unknown
  DEWEY LAKE, Feb. 12 [1925] -- Mrs. Frederick Fricke, one of our beloved old ladies, passed away at her home in Silver Creek last Saturday evening, having lived to be a great old age. She will be greatly missed. (article includes other deaths)

Fuller - Obituary of Ruth Anne (Hess) Fuller Mrs. Ruth A. (Hess) Fuller, Diamond Cove, Cassopolis RFD 1, died in her home Saturday May 28 1966, at 4:20 P.M. She had been ill for a year. She was born April 8, 1892 in Cassopolis. She had lived in this community all her life. Her husband is Max D. Fuller. He survives. Also, children, Mrs. Mary Jane Kinsey, Lansing; Max Fuller Jr. of Melbourne, Fla., Margene Hoven, Cassopolis, Martha June Powell Satellite Beach, Fla., Lloyd Fuller, West Melbourne, Fla. A brother, Harry B. Hess, West Covina , Calif., and a sister, Mrs. Esther Brunton of South Bend. Services were held Tuesday, May 31 at 3 p. m. in the Connelly Funeral Home. Dr. Roscoe F. Wilson of the People's church in South Bend officiated. Burial was in Prospect cemetery. Submitted by: Benjamin Kinsey jkinsey17@comcast.net

Fuller - The Cassopolis Vigilant", 11 May 1911 - Mrs. Fuller a well known resident was found dead in her room Sunday morning , at the home of Alva Nicholas, where she has been making her home for the last few weeks. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Rev. Green officiating and the remains laid to rest in the North cemetery. Chas. Fuller of Chicago came home Monday to attend the funeral of his mother, Mrs. Fuller. - Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Benjamin Kinsey jkinsey17@comcast.net September 6, 2006

Fuller, Elmer G   -  Cassopolis Vigilant - June 1, 1939 -  Elmer G. Fuller Died Last Thursday Funeral of Respected Resident Was Held Saturday Elmer G. Fuller, aged 72, a resident of this village for the past nineteen years, died at his home on east York street at 1:10 last Thursday morning after an illness of fourteen months from heart trouble. Funeral services were conducted by Pastor Frank Davis at the Connelly funeral home at 10:00 a. m. Saturday and burial was in the Adamsville cemetery. Mr. Fuller was born Sept. 9, 1866 in Mishawaka Ind., a son of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Fuller. He was married in 1890 to Miss Fanny Mann and for a number of years he farmed in Mason township. The family moved to Cassopolis nineteen years ago and had since resided here, where he became a respected citizen. He is survived by Mrs. Fuller and three children, Max of Cassopolis, Lee of Niles and Mrs. Ethel Somers of Elkhart, by five grandchildren and two brothers. He was a member of the Mason Baptist church and Redfield Lodge I.O.O.F. Obit from The Cassopolis Vigilant, Cassopolis, Cass Co., MI Additional Comments: Elmer played in the Union Cornet Band. Elmer was the Noble Grand of Diamond Lake Lodge 337 I.O.O.F.,1906 and 1911.
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Benjamin Kinsey jkinsey17@comcast.net September 6, 2006

MRS. EMMA GEBHARD DIED MONDAY MORNING - Mrs. Emma Gephard, 83, a resident of this county nearly 80 years and long a resident of Cassopolis, died early Monday morning at her home in Newberg township, to which she had returned a few months ago. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. I. Lindsay at the Connelly funeral home at 2:00 p. m. and burial was in Little Fish Lake Cemetery. Deceased was a daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Yeck) Kline and was born in Ohio, April 26, 1864. While she was a child the family moved to Cass county and she lived here ever since. She was married in March 1883, to Martin Gephard, who died in 1937.She is survived by four children, Clyde E. Gephard, of Cassopolis, Edward of Jones, Mrs. Myrta Lutes of Cassopolis, and Clifford of Newberg; also by a sister, Mrs. Arthur Paul of Dowagiac, and two brothers, John and Fred Kline of Cassopolis. Mrs. Gephard was a member of the Methodist church in Wakelee.    From the Cassopolis Vigilant 4/24/1947

Gifford - Mrs. Cora Adele Gifford - - Cassopolis Vigilant April 19, 1877 p 8 - Died In Jefferson , Sunday, April 8th 1877, after an illness of only three days, Caroline J. wife of William Salisbury, aged 50 years, 6 months and 3 days. She was an affectionate wife of a kind mother and a friend to the poor and hungry who reached her door.

Gifford -Edwardsburg Argus, March 6, 1913 Howard, son of H. D. Gifford, of Dailey, died on Wednesday of last week of erysipelas.

Gifford - Mrs. Saphronia Gifford, a resident of Cass county for over eighty years, died at her home in Dowagiac last Saturday, aged 94 years 2 months and 7 days. Funeral services were held at the home, Monday, and burial was in the cemetery north of Dailey. Saphronia Milhman was born in Ohio July 12, 1831, and came with her parents to Jefferson township in 1841. In 1853 she was married to H. Leroy Gifford and they resided on a farm in south Pokagon Township until 1890., when they moved to Dowagiac, where Mr. Gifford died suddenly in 1905.
She is survived by four children - Mrs. W.H. Russell, H. D. Gifford and P. E. Gifford of Dowagiac and A. J. Gifford of Pokagon. She is also survived by thrteen grandchildren and ----- great granchildren.
Contributed by Mark Brown

Gifford- - Cassopolis Vigilant Feb 8, 1940 - A. J. Gifford Died last Thursday A. J. Gifford Died Last Thursday Artemus James Gifford, son of Harmon Leroy and Sophronia Gifford, was born May 20, 1855 and died Feb 1 1940. In 1883 he was united in marriage to Ida Bell Bachtel and to his union two daughters were born, Mrs. Leona Ironside and Mrs. Viola, Schavone, both of Pokagon. The most of his years were spent on the famr, a part of the old homestead. In 1926 he left the farm and bought a home in the village of Pokagon, where he continued his active contented life wuntil a year ago, when sickness came. Since then he had been confined to a wheel chair, a patient sufferer seldom complaing, still thinking life was good. Besides the two daughters, a sister, Mrs. Nancy Russel of Battle Creek, and a brother, Howard Delos Gifford of Dowagiac, survive him. A kind, loving father, a friendly, helpful neighbor, his passing brings deep sorrow to his family and many firends.

Gifford- Cassopolis Vigilant Oct 22, 1925 Perry E. Gifford Died Tuesday Had Been Mail Carrier at Dowagiac for Twenty - Three Years Perry E. Gifford, well known through his section of Cass County, died at his home in Dowagiac, Tuesday afternoon, after an illness from cancer of the bladder. Funeral services will be held at the home this afternoon at 1:30 and interment will be made in the cemetery north of Dailey. Mr. Gifford was a son of the late H. Leroy Gifford, whose death occurred but recently. He grew to young manhood in Howard township and was married to Miss Grace Dunning and they became the parents of two children. After her death he was married to Miss Mary Sinclair, formerly of Cassopolis, who with a child born to them survives him.
  Mr. Gifford’s early life was spent as a farmer in Howard township, but later he removed to Dowagiac. For the past twenty three years he had carried the mail on rural route No 6. out of that city, keeping up the work until just previous to his last illness. He was a good citizen and much respected.

Gifford- Cassopolis Vigilant March 7, 1940 Mrs. H. D. Gifford died in Dowagiac Mrs. Cora Adele Gifford of Dowagiac, a former resident of Cassopolis, died in Lee Hospital in Dowagiac Saturday afternoon, aged 73 years. Funeral services were held at the McLauchin funeral home in Dowagiac, tuesday afternoon, conducted by her nephew, Rev H.S. Berger of Mishawaka, Burial was in the Union Cemetery norht of Dailey. Mrs. Gifford was a daughter of Pernell and Fanny Abbot and was born in MIlton township, this county, Dec 3, 1866. She was married to Howard Delos ( Jim) Gifford, March 29, 1888. She is survived by her husband and four children, Mrs. Roy H. East of Dowagiac, Mrs. Chas. L. Norton of Cassopolis, Mrs. Fred Wingard of Niles and Marchall L. Gifford at home.

Gifford - Casssopolis Vigilant Sept 25, 1925 - Mrs. L. H. Gifford - Mrs. Saphronia Gifford, a resident of Cass county for over eighty years, died at her home in Dowagiac last Saturday, aged 94 years 2 months and 7 days. Funeral services were held at the home, Monday, and burial was in the cemetery north of Dailey. Saphronia Milhman was born in Ohio July 12, 1831, and came with her parents to Jefferson township in 1841. In 1853 she was married to H. Leroy Gifford and they resided on a farm in south Pokagon Township until 1890., when they moved to Dowagiac, where Mr. Gifford died suddenly in 1905.
   She is survived by four children - Mrs. W.H. Russell, H. D. Gifford and P. E. Gifford of Dowagiac and A. J. Gifford of Pokagon. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and ----- great grandchildren.

Gifford - Pioneer Cass County Died in Dowagiac Last Friday. - Cassopolis Vigilant Aug 24, 1905 H.L. H.Leroy Gifford, a resident of this county for sixty five years, was stricken with apoplexy at his home in Dowagiac shortly after noon last Friday and died a few minutes later. Mr. Gifford had been in the enjoyment of his usual health and on the day previous had been to his farm about seven miles west of this village, where he had worked all day. Funeral services were held sunday and interment was made at the cemetery at Dailey.
  Deceased was born in Genesee County, New York, in 1825, and came at the age of fifteen to Cass County, going first to the home of an uncle, Robert Salisbury, near what is now Dailey. While a young man he engaged in labor for the pioneer farmers, -- David Brady, Steve Wright, MR. Shurte and Barney Decker being among the well known settlers for whom he worked - and at the same time he started the foundation of his fortune by the purchase of land in east Pokagon.
  He was married in 1858 to Sophronia Millman, who survives him, and to whose efforts were due much of their success. To them were born four children, who survive to comfort the mother in her bereavement. They are Mrs. Harry Russell of Kalamazoo, H.D. Gifford and Perry Gifford of Dowagiac, and A.J. Gifford, who resides upon the homestead.

Gifford - Mrs. Perry - Cassopolis Vigilant July 19, 1903 Death of Mrs. Perry Gifford Mrs. Grace Gifford died at her home in Dowagiac Tuesday morning following an operation, Deceased was a daughter of emmet and Caroline Hicks Dunning, and was 32 years of age, She was married to Perry Gifford Nov. 15, 1888, and became the mother of two boys, Floyd aged 12, and Charles aged five who with their father survive her. The funeral took place yesterday, and interment was made in the cemetery was made in the cemetery at the Union church, north of Dailey.

Goodrich - Cassopolis Vigilant June 21, 1877 - Leonard Goodrich one of the early settlers of Jefferson, died at his residence in that town, June 20th 1876.

William Gordon Obituary, December 1, 1899 - photostat copy - contributed by: Olivia J. Gordon-Stewart

Eben Hall - - Eben Hall, 79, of 310 Pennsylvania Avenue, died Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. in the Cass County medical Care Faclity where he had been a patient since Oct. 11. He was born Feb. 20, 1888 in Glenwood the son of Ferdinand and Eusebia Umberfield Hall and had been a resident of this community all of his life. His marriage to Hazel Griffis took place Nov. 26, 1908 and who survives him. After 30 years of service on the New York Central Railroad he retired in 1953 to a small farm in Bolinia Township near Marellus. The Halls moved to their present home in July. Besides his wife he leaves two sons, Fred of Lawton and Leonard of Mesquite, Texas; two daughters, Mrs. Allyene Deming of Dowagiac; and Mrs. Lucile Jones of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers Rollin Hall of Chicago and Carl Hall of California. Another brother, Harvey Hall died last August 11. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 pm in the McLauchlin Funeral Home with Dr. Leon Kidd, pastor of the First Christian Church, officiating. Interment will take place in the Crane Cemetery in Volinia.  Friends my call after 7 pm Thursday at the McLauchlin Funeral Home.
  Submitted by Erin Marie

Harvey W. Hall
Harvey William Hall, 81, of 114 Champion street, died last Wednesday in his home. He was born May 2, 1886, in Cass county, the son of Ferdinand
and Eusebia Hall. He was an active member of the Coulter Chapal Church of God, Niles, and was a retired farmer. He is survived by his wife, the former Fern Charles, whom he married Aug 27, 1912; two sons, James and Wayne of Decatur; four daughters; Mrs. Thelma Beardsley, Mrs. Mary Penning, and Mrs. Eunice Abshagen of Decatur and Mrs. Jeanette Morris of Berrien Springs; 11 grandchildren and three brothers, Eben of Dowagic, Rollin of Prospect Heights, ILL., and Carl of La Cresenta, Calif. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday in the in the Newell Funeral Home. The Rev. Ralph Pletcher, pastor of the Coulter Chapel Church of God, officiated, and burial was in Crane cemetery. The pallbearers were the grandsons of Mr. Hall

Submitted by Erin Marie

Charles Hastings - Cassopolis Vigilant, June 19, 1879 page 1
Cassopolis, Michigan
  Charles Hastings died July 5th, 1878 at his home, in Carlisle Iowa, at the age of 54 years. He was born in Ohio and first settled in Newberg, in this county, in 1849, and then about 1860-3 he removed to Dowagiac; where he was extensively engaged in bee culture. In 1872 he removed to Iowa and there resided at this death.
Submitted by Sonia Yako

Hess, Marcus Benjamin  - December 13, 1929 - The Cassopolis Vigilant,12/19/1929 Marcus B. Hess Died Last Friday Had spent almost his entire life in this vicinity. Marcus B. Hess died at his home in this village last Friday morning after a brief illness, although he had been in failing health for some time. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. Jos. L. Lindsay and were very widely attended. Burial was in the Reames and Norton Cemetery. Deceased was a son of Peter and Mary Hess and was born in this county 12/08/1861, being next to the oldest of seven children , of whom only two survive, Richard Hess of Circleville OH and Mrs. Mary Moon of Fairmount IN. He was married 5/31/1887 to Amanda Kline and to them were born six children, of whom three survive. They are Ruth, wife of Max Fuller, Harry B. Hess of Cassopolis and Esther, wife of John Brunton of South Bend. After the death of his first wife, he was married 6/29/1922 to Mrs. Cassie LaBaron, who survives him as does also a step son, Bruce LaBaron. Except for a brief residence in Colorado, Mr. Hess had spent his entire life in this vicinity. Much of his life had been spent in railroad work, but for the past few years, he had successfully conducted the South End Grocery. He was a member of the Big Men's Bible Class of United Church, and was also identified with the order of Junior Mechanics of which attended the funeral in a body.
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Benjamin Kinsey jkinsey17@comcast.net August 18, 2006

Hill, Dennis - Death of Dennis Hill - Appeared in paper circa July 5, 1899
He passed away this morning ath the hom of his brother-in-law. Dennis R. Hill, colored, passed away this morning at the home of his brother-in-law, Cal Wilson, on 5th street. The deceased was almost 55 years of age and his demise was caused by tuberculosis.
   Mr. Hill had resided on a farm north of the city for a long period of years and he was wedely known and respected. He leaves six children all of whom reside hereabout with th exception of one daughter who resides at Marion, Ind.
   The funeralwill be held from the SEcond Baptis church Thrusday at 1 o'clock. The remains will be interred at Barron Lake Cemetery.

Hill, William - William Hill B. 1883 in Mi Parents: Dennis Hill & Sarah Lamb D. Nov. 4th. 1898 Typhoid Fever

Pelina Hinchman  The Cassopolis Vigilant ; Nov. 26,1872 -
  Hinchman-Died in Silvercreek, Tuesday, November 26th, of congestion of the lungs,
  Pelina Hinchman, aged 70 years. Deceased was born in West Virginia, and removed to Cass County in 1848, where she has since resided.  She has been a member of the M.E. Church twenty two years.  Has raised a family of thirteen children, Seven of whom are now living, and all but one married.  Her husband died in 1868. 
  Submitted by Sharon Cornell

Henry Howser - DIED - On Friday morning, April 12th at 9 o’clock, Henry Howser, aged 77 years. In the death of Mr. Howser, Cass County, loses another of the old pioneers who are rapidly passing away. He was born in 1800, August 6th, in Maryland, near Harper’s Ferry, and but a short distance from where the martyr, John Brown, gave his life for liberty. At an early age he removed to Ohio, and was brought up at a placed call Mill Creek Bridge, which is now within the corporate limits of Cincinnati. In 1835 he came to Michigan and settled in Cass County, and has thus been a resident her for over 40 years, having lived nearly all this long time upon his farm five miles south of the city. Some four years ago he moved into town and bought him a pleasant home. He was liberal in thought and deed, had the reputation of dealing with the most strict integrity with all, and was an ardent Republican in politics. His loss is one that the community will fell deeply. The funeral services were held at the residence Sunday morning at 10:30 o’clock, Rev. Mr. Glover officiating, and he told pioneer was laid to his final rest in Riverside Cemetery.

HOWSER -   Died, in Pokagon, Mich., august 16th, Mellie Howser, age 2 years and 4 months. This fall the blossoms, one by one, into the home of heaven. Solomon Howser, aged 75 years, and one of the oldest residents of Howard Township, died Sunday. He was a brother of Wm. Howser, of this city, and a highly respected citizen. The Late S. M. Howser. The following obituary of the late S. M. Howser, of Howard Township, was furnished, The Republican by a friend of the deceased-who knew him well- and is given as additional to notice contained in these columns at the time: Solomn Miller Howser was born in Preble County, Ohio, June 27, 1828. He was the second son in a family of seven children, four of whom survive him; when nine years of age he came with his parents to Cass County, Michigan. December 24, 1961, he was married to Minerva Knight; three children were born to this union, two of whom are living. The son, Henry, lives in Washington, and the daughter, Myrtle, with her parents. In 1868 he moved to the farm in Howard Township, which has since been his home. He departed this earthly life December 22, 1901, aged 73 years, 5 months and 25 days. He was a kind husband, a wise and loving father, a highly respected neighbor, noted for his honesty and integrity, living his religion in his every day life, doing by all as he would be done by. In his younger years he taught school, endearing himself to his pupils by his patient, kindness and pleasant ways, which is affirmed by those of his pupils who survive him. The community has lost a good citizen, who will be sadly missed. The funeral services were conducted at the home, December 27, 1901, by Rev. Frank Colvin, of Cassopolis; burial at Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac.

Huff, Josephine A. - Comos (reporter). Cassopolis Vigilant, July 27, 1882.
DIED HUFF,--In Volinia township, July 20, 1882, of dropsy, Mrs. Josephine A. Huff, aged 68 years.   The subject of this obituary was born upon the Atlantic Ocean , Sept. 21, 1816. She was the oldest child of Joseph and Josephine Affantranger*. The parents left their native land, Germany **, on the good vessel Anphratrite for a home in the new world. Tides and winds delayed her progress beyond the time usually taken to cross the ocean, hense the happening of the above result. In commemoration of that event, the child was named after the mother and vessel, Josephine Anphratrite.
  
  The parents, upon their arrival, proceeded to Crawford county, Penn. , where they lived and died respected by all. On the 21st. day of July, 1842, she was married to Isaac Huff, by whom she had eight children, six now living, three sons and three daughters. One of the sons assisted in the capture of Jeff. Davis .
   In 1845 Isaac Huff and wife, removed to Volinia, where Mr. Huff died, May 21, 1863 and where his widow resided until her death.
  The funeral of Mrs. Huff was attended by many dear and sympathizing friends, and long will she be remembered as an angel that ministered to those in sickness and distress and one of many and rare virtues.
   There are some strange coincidents that it may not me amiss to note here. Mrs. Huff was born on the 21st of July, married on the 21st of July, and had she lived one day longer, would have died on the 21st. She was born, married and died on Thursday and had she lived another day, would have been married just 40 years. Contributed by Kathy Barnes
Added note:*AFFANTRANGER, spelling used by the children of Joseph and Josephine AFFENTRANGER. Affantranger/Affentranger.
**The family was from Lucerne, Switzerland.

Doctor Harvard Irwin - death in 1933 - photostat copy of obituary - contributed by Sue Olson

Jewell, Lucy A (Davis)Death of Mrs. Elbridge Jewell Mrs. Lucy A. Jewell, after a week's illness from malignant diphtheria, died at her home just north of Cassopolis at an early hour Monday morning, September 28, 1908. and was buried in Prospect Hill cemetery in the evening of the same day without public funeral. Her son Fred is convalescing from the same disease. For some time he has been night operator at the Grand Trunk passenger house and about two weeks ago was afflicted with sore throat supposed at the time to be a simple case of tonsilitis but which rapidly developed into diphtheria in a serious form. His mother while caring for him contracted the fatal disease and the home was placed under strict quarantine. Mrs. Jewell was the daughter of Charles F. S. and Susan Batchelor Davis, and was born in Dowagiac, January 28, 1859. In November 1880, two years after she, with her parents, came from Ohio, she was married to Elbridge Jewell and has been a faithful wife and mother. To this union there were born two sons, Hiram E. a telegraph operator at Vicksburg, and Fred C., before mentioned. The members of the Hive No. 406, Ladies of the Modern Maccabees, of which the deceased was a respected member, met at their hall in Cassopolis, Wednesday. Received 4 Dec 2006, copy of actual obit, no newspaper source

Kephart, Winifred Hazel    Contributed by: Davis F. "Doc" Ball

Keeley, Emeline January 19, 1897 - Edwardsburg Argus, January 21, 1897 Emily, wife of Andrew Keeley, Mason Township, died Tuesday of paralysis, aged 48 years. She leaves six children. Additional Comments: This obituary was supplied through the courtesy of Helen Leich.
- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Benjamin Kinsey jkinsey17@comcast.net September 8, 2006

Kline, George W.
GEORGE W. KLINE DIED SUNDAY MORNING - Had Been a Resident of This Township  Forty Years
  George W. Kline was born in Manheim, Lebanon Co., Penn, on the fifth day of Dec. 1836.His boyhood and youth were passed in his native place. At an early date in his boyhood, his parents removed to near Bellefontaine, Logan Co., Ohio, where he passed his early life.
In early manhood he was a teacher in the schools of Logan Co., several of which he presided over. In 1862, at the time of the Civil War, he enlisted in the 96th Ohio regiment of  volunteers and served three years. He enlisted as a private soldier and received several promotions and was discharged at the expiration of the term of his enlistment as a regimental officer.
  On April 3d, 1866,he was married to Barbara Funk, from which union seven children were born, five of whom survive him. In 1874 he and his family removed from Ohio to a farm near Cassopolis, where many years of strenuous work was passed in accumulating a property and raising and educating  a family of children. He was known by nearly all in a large community and was loved and respected as a genial friend and will be missed and mourned by many.
  He is survived  by five children, Miss Kate Kline, Will V. Kline, Mrs. Josie Morse, Mrs. Jennie Mann of Los Angeles, Cal., and Harvey of Wapata , Wash., and a loving wife.
  On Feb. 8, at 12:30 p. m. after a protracted illness, he passed quietly from a long and busy life to that  "bourne whence no traveler e'er returns," aged 77 years, 2 months and 8 days.
  Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. S. W. Large and burial was made in Prospect Hill cemetery. From The Cassopolis Vigilant, 2/12/1914 - Retyped By Benjamin L. Kinsey

MRS. HARRIET KLINE DIED MONDAY

Mrs. Harriet Kline of this village died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Arthur Paul, in Dowagiac, on Monday night. Harriet Yeck was born near Greencastle, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1837. When she reached the age of 12, she moved with her parents to Logan County, Ohio, and was married March 13, 1859, to Samuel Kline at Bellefontain, Ohio. To this union were born eleven children, the following of whom are still living: Mrs. Martin Gebhard, Mrs. C. E. Osborn, Mrs. E. H. Miller, Mrs. Arthur Paul and two sons, John and Fred. She was grandmother to sixteen children and great grandmother to eight. The deceased, with her husband, moved to Michigan in the early sixties and to Cassopolis in the year 1876, where she resided ever since, Mr. Kline having passed away Nov. 13, 1913. To know Mrs. Kline's sterling qualities and her calm, kindly and brave disposition, was to love her from whom they eminated. A Dunkard by faith, she was charitable and considerate of the thoughts of others. She was conscientious to a degree, full of gentle courage and great fortitude. She met the trials of her life as she met death- bravely and courageously, never fearing, never complaining. To her death was only a journey and she was glad to go. The world was better for her having passed through it. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the home of Mrs. C. E. Osborn, conducted by Rev. J. W. Springsteen, and burial will be made in Prospect Hill cemetery. [The Cassopolis Vigilant Thursday, August 25, 1921]
  Retyped by Benjamin L. Kinsey bkinsey@voyager.net

JOHN KLINE, 80, DIED JANUARY 20
  John Kline, a lifelong resident of Cassopolis, died at the Pawating hospital in Niles Saturday, where he had been taken ten days before. Mr. Kline served as janitor of the school building on North Broadway, retiring five years ago after fifty years of faithful service. A banquet was tendered him on his retirement.
  He will be remembered by the hundreds or thousands of students who passed through the school during those fifty years, for his kindly nature and favors rendered.
  He was born in Newberg township, July 29, 1870. His marriage to Maggie Morris took place December 4, 1894. Surviving are his wife, one brother, Fred Kline of Cassopolis and one sister, Mrs. Arthur Paul of Battle Creek. Services were held at the Connelly Funeral HomeTuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, Rev. Groendyk officiating, and burial was made in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
[The Cassopolis Vigilant 1/25/51]

Samuel L. Kline DEATH OF SAMUEL L. KLINE
   Samuel Lorenzo Kline was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., on January 24, 1838, passing his boyhood days there. Early in his boyhood his parents removed to Logan Co., Ohio near Bellefontaine. There he remained until grown.
  On March 23, 1859 he was united in marriage to Harriet Yeck, to whom eleven children were born, of whom seven survive him.
In 1862 at the time of war of the rebellion he enlisted in the 96th regiment Ohio Volunteers, where he served about one year and was discharged for disability. For many years after his return from the service he was a sufferer from maladies contracted of the hardships endured during his enlistment.
For a long, long time "Sam" has been a friendly and familiar figure on the streets of Cassopolis.
He was of a genial and sunny disposition, forming friends of nearly all with whom he came in contact, and many of whom will miss and mourn his departure.
  Of a family of eleven brothers and sisters, but two brothers survive him. Of his own family he Is survived, as before stated by seven children, Mrs. Amanda Hess, Mrs. Emma Gebhard, Mrs. Rebecca Miller, Mrs. Alta Osborne, Mrs. Calista Paul, and two sons John and Fred, and a loving wife.
On Nov. 22 at 9:15 in the morning he passed quietly and easily from this life into that sleep that knows no waking.
Funeral services were held at the home Monday, conducted by Rev. O. P. Miller and burial was made in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
  Obit from the Cassopolis Vigilant, 11/27/1913
Retyped by Benjamin L. Kinsey

Lamberton - HENRY LAMBERTON - Henry Lamberton, an old and respected citizen of Day County, (SD) died at his home, Monday, Dec, 19th, 1898, after an illness of nearly a year of paralysis. He was born in Batavia, N. Y. November 24th, 1818. He settled in Niles, Mich., Berrian county in 1837, afterwards in Cass county where he was united in marriage to Suemma Kirk, June 10th, 1837 by which they gave birth to six children, four boys and two girls. His wife died in 1850. Two years afterwards he was married to Lucinda Kemp on Feb 29, 1852 whom he now leaves together with ten children, six boys and four girls to morn his sad departure. He lived in Cass county, Michigan until he came to Dakota in 1883, and settled in Homer township, Day county where he lived until his death. He was 80 years, three weeks and four days old. On the day of the funeral it was learned that officiating clergyman, Rev. N. J. Aplin was born in the same town of the deceased and lived on the same street of his uncle John Lamberton fourteen years. A large concourse followed the remains to his resting place on Hillside cemetery.

HENRY LAMBERTON - Jan 20, 1899 Niles (Mich.) REPUBLICAN The Niles (Mich.) REPUBLICAN has a notice of the death of Henry Lamberton, who leaves a widow, six sons and four daughters. Mr. Lamberton was born in Batavia on Novenber 24, 1818, but went to Michigan early in life. MRS. WILLIAM H. LAMBERTON, SR. Mrs. William H. Lamberton, Sr., after an illness of only a few days, died this morning at 3:30 o'clock at her home, 1299 Regent Street. Mrs. Lamberton was taken ill on Saturday, and although her physicians diagnosed her illness as heart disease, she had not before that time been a sufferer from heart trouble, and her death comes as a shock to her family and friends. Mrs. Lamberton's maiden name was Hattie Loane. She was born in Indiana, July 25, 1850. She was brought to Niles by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Loane, and had always since resided here. She was united in marriage to William H. Lamberton in Niles November 6, 1873. No children were born of this union, William Lamberton , Jr., on whom she lavished her motherly care, being a son of Mr. Lamberton by a former marriage. Besides her husband, Mrs. Lamberton is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Ell Young, of Highland Park, Mich., and by two brothers, Byron Loane of Niles and Wesley Loane of South Bend. Mr. and Mrs. Lamberton lived on a farm north of Barren lake in Howard township for the greater part of their married life, but moved to Niles about 10 years ago, when Mr. Lamberton retired from active farming. Mrs. Lamberton was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and neighbors, by whom she was well known for her good deeds and kindly services and her death is mourned by them. The funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Methodist church of which the deceased was for many years a member. Rev. E. G. Lewis will officiate. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

Lybarker, Elois November 27, 1922 - The Edwardsburg Argus, 11/30/1922 MR. and MRS. PORTER LYBARKER DIE MONDAY Mrs. Lybarker,whose maiden name was Elois Andrus, was a daughter of Hazard and Fannie Andrus, and a sister of the late Jas. H. Andrus, of this village. She was born on the north bank of Eagle lake in 1845, and is about 77 years of age. They were united in marriage in 1866, making their home in Mason township where they have since resided. They are survived by two sons, Edgar of Saugatuck, and Ernest, at home; also four grandchildren.
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Benjamin Kinsey jkinsey17@comcast.net September 7, 2006

Lybarker, Porter A.; November 27, 1922 The Edwardsburg Argus, 11/30/1922 MR. and MRS. PORTER LYBARKER DIES MONDAY.   Mr. and Mrs. Porter Lybarker, for many years residents of Mason township, passed away at their home Monday afternoon. Mr. Lybarker had been ill with an attack of pleurisy and Mrs. Lybarker passed away a few hours later from an attack of heart failure brought on by the shock of the death of her husband. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Swamp church, Rev. F. N. Drake, of this village, officiating. Burial was in Adamsville cemetery. Porter Lybarker was born in New York state Nov. 27th, 1840, being 82 years old on the day of his death. He came to Mason township about the year 1850. He was a veteran of the Civil War in which he served for three years. During this time he was captured and was confined for three months in a southern prison. He was one of the few survivors of the troopship Sultana, when it was burned on the Mississippi river just above New Orleans. - File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Benjamin Kinsey jkinsey17@comcast.net September 7, 2006

Mann, George Harrison August 29, 1920 - Edwardsburg Argus CIVIL WAR VETERAN DIES George Harrison Mann, aged 79 years,and a civil war veteran , died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. O. Jessup, at Elkhart, Sunday night. Death was caused by heart disease after an illness of eight weeks. Mr. Mann, who was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Abijah Mann,was born in Medina O., on 11/17/1841. The family moved to Cass Co. and it was there in 1861 that Mr. Mann enlisted in the Second Michigan cavalry, with which he served until the close of the war. He sustained a fracture of one hip when his horse fell on him during his service, sustaining injury from which he never fully recovered. His wife, Jane Mann, died in 1896 and two years later Mr. Mann went to Elkhart to make his home with his daughter. He was a wagon maker by trade , but did not engage in any regular occupation after going there. Surviving Mr. Mann are a son, Mack Mann of Los Angeles; two daughters, Mrs. Elmer Fuller , of Calvin township, and Mrs. Jessup, and a brother, Louis R. Mann, of Medina. The funeral was held yesterday, with a brief service at the Jessup home at 9 o'clock and a more extended service at the Adamsville Brethren church at 10 o'clock, with burial at the Adamsville cemetery. From The Edwardsburg Argus, 9/02/1920, Copy held by Benjamin Kinsey.
  File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Benjamin Kinsey jkinsey17@comcast.net May 20, 2005

Mack A. Mann   CASSOPOLIS, Mich:   Mack A. Mann, 72, of Santa Monica Calif., died suddenly Friday morning at the home of his sister-in-law, Mrs. Josie Morse, on South street, in a heart attack. Mr. Mann had stopped at the Morse home for a visit enroute to New York. He was found lifeless on the lawn of the Morse home shortly after he had left the house.
Mr. Mann was born in Mason township on Jan.3, 1870, the son of George and Jane Mann. He spent the early part of his life in Cass county and Cassopolis, working here in a grocery. He left here 45 years ago for Santa Monica, where he had lived since.
  Survivors include a son, George, of New York city, who is a well known stage actor, and 2 sisters, Mrs. Fannie Fuller of Cassopolis and Betsy Jessup of Goshen Ind. He was a Mason.
  Funeral services will be held at 3 p. m. (ewt) Sunday at the Connelly funeral home, in charge of the Rev. Frank Davis. The body will be taken to Fort Wayne for cremation.
  From The Cassopolis Vigilant Thursday, July 30th 1942

BARAK MEAD   Obituary of Barak Mead, Cassopolis Vigilant, March 12, 1874, page 3
  Mr. Barak Mead, a notice of whose death was given in these columns last week, was born in Amenia, in the State of New York, in the year 1803, where he lived until his removal to Michigan in 1834. He first settled in this county at Edwardsburg, where he was highly esteemed, being Justice of the Peace several years. In 1846 he was elected Sheriff of this county, when he removed to this village and his residence has been here up to the time of his death. After his term of office as sheriff expired he was elected Justice of the peace here, and he held that office until 18?? when Mr. Isaac Brown was elected as his successor. He was a good christian and a member of the Baptist Church, he having been baptised and united with that society at Amenia in 1821.
  Contributed by Marilyn Lane

CLARISSA (BROWN) MEAD   Necrology of Clarissa (Brown) Mead, Cassopolis Vigilant, June 24, 1880
  Mrs. Clarissa Brown Mead, widow of the late Barak Mead, Esq. of Cassopolis, died at her residence in this village July 28, 1879. She was born in Middlefield, Otsego county, N.Y., December 11, 1805, and December 26, 1822, was married to Squire Mead at Amenia, N.Y. In 1834, with her husband, she came to Michigan and settled Aug. 1st, at Edwardsburg, where they continued to reside until April, 1847, when they came to Cassopolis. Her husband died Feb. 26, 1874. Mrs. Mead was one of the organizers of the Baptist Church at Edwardsburg, and lived and died a worthy examplar of the true christian life. Five children, grown to man and womanhood, survive to cherish her memory.   Contributed by Marilyn Lane

Newsome - The Cassopolis Vigilant June 2, 1924 - Mrs. Cordelia Allen Newsome, daughter of Bennett and Elma Wade Allen, was born in Porter Township, Cass County, Michigan, Jan. 16, 1859, and departed this life, May 31, 1924, at the age of 65 years, 4 months and 15 days, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Asa Stewart, in Dowagiac. She was united in marriage to Henry Clinton Newsome, April 25, 1878. To this happy union two children were born, Bertha Mae and Dr. Otis E. Newsome.
    At an early age Mrs. Newsome was enlisted in the service of Jesus. She became a member of the Chain Lake Church Ladies Aid Society and was always a diligent worker. She will be remembered as a sincere Christian, a devoted wife and mother. Mrs. Newsome had resided in Calvin Township most of her life. After the death of her husband, eight months ago, she being afflicted with poor health was welcomed to the homes of both her son and daughter. About two weeks ago she went to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bertha Stewart of Dowagiac, where she spent her last days as a patient sufferer. The deceased is survived by a daughter, Mrs Bertha Stewart of Dowagiac, a son Dr. Otis E. Newsome of Calvin, five brothers, Edward Allen of Dowagiac, Frank and Oscar Allen of South Bend, Indiana, George Allen of Calvin and Wallace Allen of Benton Harbor; four grandchildren, three great grandchildren and other relatives and a large circle of friends.
    Additional Comments: Excerpts from the Allen History manuscript of Rosanna Allen Wilson, 1924. Bennett Allen the father of Cordelia enlisted in the Civil War in 1862. Elma Allen, the mother of Cordelia, was the daughter of Hardy and Elizabeth Wade. Clinton Newsome was the son of Eaton Newsome and Mary Ann Anderson. A photo of the Chain Lake Missionary Ladies, including Cordelia Newsome, is found on the Family Photo Album page. - contributed for this page by: Jan Cortez

NOTT ---- GEORGE NOTT PASSES AWAY --------------------- Was One of County’s Oldest Residents and had Enjoyed Good Health ----------------------- George W. Nott, one of the oldest pioneer residents of this vicinity, died Friday at the age of 85, death following a stroke of paralysis recently received. Mr. Nott came to this county about forty years ago from Berrien, where he first located. He settled in Pokagon township, and enjoyed the reputation of being an industrious, upright man. Of late years he has made his home with his son, Aaron, and up to a year ago, or even less, it was his custom to walk to the city quite often. The wife and three children survive him, the children being the son Aaron, a daughter living at home and Mrs. Belle Cooper of this city. - contributed by: Linda L. Livingston

NETTIE MEAD   Obituary of Nettie Mead, Cassopolis Vigilant, Jan. 7, 1892, page 5
  Miss Nettie Mead died at the home of her parents in Edwardsburg last Saturday after a lingering illness from consumption. The funeral was held Monday. Miss Mead was a sister of Mrs. C.B. Zellers of this place.
  Obituary of Nettie Mead, Cassopolis Vigilant, Jan. 7, 1892, page 1
  Died at her home in this village after a lingering illness of a complication of diseases, Miss Nettie Mead, youngest daughter of H.B. Mead. Funeral from the house Monday at 2:00 p.m. and the remains were laid at rest in the Edwardsburg cemetery.   Contributed by Marilyn Lane

MRS, ALTHEA OSBORN DIED IN KENTUCKY - Mrs. Althea Osborn, almost a lifetime resident of Cassopolis, died Sunday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. L. Anderson, in Paducah, Kentucky. The body was brought to the Connelly funeral home, where funeral services will be held at 10:30 this forenoon. Althea Kline, Daughter of the late Samuel and Harriet (Yeck) Kline of Cassopolis, was born Nov. 6, 1869. Her life was largely spent in this community, where she was married Feb. 27, 1896 to Charles Eber Osborn, who died several years ago. She is survived by the daughter above named and by two brother John and Fred Kline of Cassopolis, and by three sisters, Mrs. Emma Gebhard of Cassopo1is, Mrs. Kitty Paul of Dowagiac and Mrs. E. H. Miller of Kalamazoo. Obit from Cassopolis Vigilant, Thursday, Sept. 12, 1940. Submitted by Benjamin Kinsey jkinsey17@comcast.net

MRS. GEORGE W. NOTT. - - 1823 to 1910 - Mrs. Geo. Nott, formerly a resident of the vicinity, died at her home near Dowagiac last Thursday, after an illness of only a few days. The remains were interred beside those of her husband, who was buried Sought Berrien Center Churchyard two months ago. Mary Nott was born in Pennsylvania, April 24, 1823, and died on February 24, 1910. She was one of a family of ten children, all of whom are dead, except a brother, Aaron McKune of this Vacinity. She married in 1847 to Geo. W. Nott, who died December 24 last. Nearly all of their married life has been in Berrien and Cass County. They left three children, Aaron Nott, and Mrs. Mary Johnston, living south of Dowagiac, and Mrs. Belle Cooper of Dowagiac.

Phillips - Dowagiac Daily News Dec. 7, 1909 - Phillips Funeral Held this Morning Remains Arrive from Langdon, Canada-Deceased Leaves a Tiny Baby The Phillips funeral party arrived in Dowagiac from Langdon, Canada this morning at 3 o'clock. Besides the remains of Mrs. Merle Phillips there were Mr. Phillips, their two little boys, a week old baby and a nurse. The mother left the baby at the time of her death. Funeral services were held at the Catholic church in Silver Creek this morning at 9 o'clock. Fr. Wall officiating. The choir of Holy Maternity church went out to sing.

Elizabeth Pound
NEWBURG TWP. CASS CO. MICHIGAN   Mrs. Isaac Pound
  Elizabeth Hinchman Pound, daughter J.K. and Panena Hinchman, was born in Boone County, West Virginia on Spet. 17, 1843, and came with her parents to Cass County, Michigan. She was united in marriage to Isaac S. Pound in March of 1862, and together they lived in Newburg Township until his death in Feb. 1923, since which time she has continued to live in the old home until her death on Sunday, March 30, 1924, at the age of 80 years, 6 months and 13 days.
  She is survived by two sons, Fred J. of Marcellus and Aurther W., who resides on the old farm. Also three daughters, Ella, wife of Fred Timm, Carrie, wife of Thomas Barks, Jennie, widow of William Butler. Two children preceded her death, one son who dies in infancy and Eva, wife of Andrew Poe, who preceded her in death about eight months. She is survived by 23 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.
  She became a member of the Baptist Church as a young woman, and was always a faithful Christian. For the last 13 years she has been an invalid, nearly helpless, but under it all maintained a cheerful disposition to the end knowing that her reward in the promised land was sure. Funeral services were held at Poe's Church in Newburg Township on Tuesday afternoon, April 1st. Rev. J.W. Springsteen officiating and was attended by a large gathering of relatives and neighbors who gave testimony of her value to the community, many bringing floral tributes, after which the body was tenderly laid at rest beside her husband in the nearby cemetery.   Submitted by Sharon Cornell

Isaac Pound   Isaac Pound died Thursday   Was Pioneer of Newburg Township and Civil War Veteran     Isaac S Pound was born in Ontario Co., NY, Sept 22 1836.  He died at his home in Newburg township, Feb. 15,1923, aged 86 years, 4 months and 23 days. In the fall of 1844, when eight years old, he with his parents moved to Michigan from Ontario, NY, locating in Newburg township, Cass County, where he has since lived, except about four years that he lived at Decatur, MI, and about 11 months spent in the service of his country during the Rebellion.  He was married to Miss,  Elizabeth Hinchman of Silvercreek Township, Cass Co MI. in March 1862. In August 1864, the deceased answered his country's call for soldiers.  He enlisted in the 14th Michigan Battery of Light Artillery and served until the close of the Rebellion. He was honorably discharged in July 1865. The deceased became a charter member of W.J. May Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, located at Jones, Mi., July 24, 1882. He is only survived by one charter member, Comrade, Samuel P. King. The deceased was raised by Christian parents and gave his heart to God about seven years ago, and was baptized by the Rev. James Springsteen, since which time he has been a firm believer in Christ and died in the triumph of living faith. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pound was blessed with seven children, all surviving him except one boy, Edward, who died in infancy.  They are Ella, wife of Fred J. Timm, Fred Pound of Marcellus, Eva, wife of Andrew J. Poe, Carrie, wife of Thomas G. Barks,  Arther J. Pound of Newburg, Jennie, wife of Wm. Butler, Joseph W. Pound, both of Cass County.
  The deceased was a devoted husband, an indulgent father, a loving grand parent and an honorable and Loyal defender of his country. He was a good citizen and neighbor, an honest man, the noblest work of God. He leaves to mourn their loss, a devoted wife, six children, twenty four grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren, many nephews and nieces, and a host of friends and neighbors. Funeral services were held at the Poes Church in Newburg township on Sunday the 18th inst., conducted by Rev. J.W. Springsteen, assisted by the M.P. Choir of Corey and attended by a congregation of relatives and friends of the family that filled the house, thus testifying to their high esteem of the deceased and their sympathy for the aged companion who has faithfully toiled with him to the end.  Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
  Submitted by Sharon Cornell

Uzziel Putnam   -   "PUTNAM--At Pokagon, Saturday, July 16, 1881,
Mr. Uzziel Putnam, aged 88 years.
   "The deceased was known throughout the county as the first white settler in this part of the State. He was always respected for his high and manly traits of character, honor and good will toward his fellow men. He was a staunch supporter of Republican principles and an advocate of all humane laws. Many are the regrets at his death, but all knew it must come soon, for his extreme old age heralded as much. We take the following concerning his life from Rogers' History of Cass County:
   "Uzziel Putnam, Sr., the first white settler of Cass County, was born in Wardsborough, Vermont, March 17th, 1793, when three years old his parents moved ot Oneida County, New York, and again in five years afterward moved to New Salem, Massachusetts, where they remained until 1806, when they removed back to Jefferson County, New York.
"In the fall of 1811 they came to Detroit where they remained during the winter of 1811 and 1812, in the spring going to what is now Sandusky City, Ohio. On the 19th of October, 1812, young Putnam entered the United States service as teamster, enlisting for three months, but continued in the service until after the defeat of General Winchester, when he was discharged and paid. He afterward received a land warrant in addition for his services.
   "In 1822 he was married to Anna Chapman, of Sandusky County, Ohio, and on the 7th day of May, 1825, staarted for Michigan in company with Abram Townsend and Israel Markham.
   "Putnam obtained his first information of the St. Joseph country from an Indian trader, named Parker, who had been here previous, but having some trouble with the Indians, had to leave. They followed up the Sandusky River to the mouth of Nigger Creek, from thence they crossed over the country to the St. Mary's River, which at this time was very high from long continued rains making it impossible to proceed farther with loaded team. A council was held and they determined to build a boat, which was done by the party with the assistance of an Indian, the material used was elm bark, when completed and launched on the river, it was loaded with all the luggage of the wagon, except what was absolutely necessary for the use of the family, and floated down the river to Fort Wayne, by Townsend and Markham, while Putnam and family came on with the team, arriving some time after the boatmen.
   "Owing to bad roads the oxen had become footsore and a rest was made necessary. While the other two took the boat and went on down the Maumee to Toledo, and from thence home, Putnam went to work to earn another yoke of cattle, which he had accomplished on the 9th of August. Not hearing anything from his companions since their leaving he determined to push out alone, but had proceeded only about one mile when he was overtaken by Townsend. The two came on together to Covert's Creek, in the south part of this county, where they cut and put up thirty tons of hay. While Putnam returned to Fort Wayne for his family, Townsend came on to Pokagon and cut twenty tons more hay.
   "On the 25th of October, Putnam and family had got back as faar as Covert's Creek, where he camped all night, on getting up from breakfast next morning not an ox could be seen, and for five days he searched the woods but no trace of the straying cattle could be found. On the 2nd of November he started back having previously sent word to Kirk to come and get his family. When within twenty-five miles of Fort Wayne he found his cattle, and not liking to lose his time he bought another wagon and loaded it with sixteen bushels of corn, a barrel of flour, a large iron kettle, and when ready to start Judge Hanna induced him him to take in addition about three hundred pounds of Indian goods to Coquillard, at South Bend. On getting to Covert's Creek he found their hay all burned except one stack of about four tons. The next day he arrived at Kirk's, where his family were staying, and on the 22nd of November he moved on to his land in Pokagon, where he has resided ever since.
  "Jis first cabin was built of small poles and covered with bark, in which he lived until the following January, by which time he had completed a cabin of more comfortable dimensions. The first work on arriving was to fence in the hay to protect it from the stock, and the next to build the cabin referred to. Markam [sic] remained and assisted in the work about two weeks, when he left for Ypsilanti on a trapping tour. At this time there was no trail, nor anything to mark the way in that direction, but on consulting with an Indian as to the route he received a correct chart on a piece of elm bark, which he was enabled to follow through the trackless wilderness.
   "When Mr. Putnam left Kirk's for his new home he bought of John Lybrook a hog weighing one hundred pounds, which was the principal meat for the winter. Hominy was the leading article of diet, a part of which was pounded in an iron mortar. During the first winter one of the oxen bought at Fort Wayne died, furnishing an ample supply of wolf bait, and thirteen of of these animals were captured, by Putnam and Baldwin Jenkins.
   "In the spring work commenced in good earnest; about the middle of March a young man named Duckett arrived from Ohio and was employed to assist in opening uup the new farm. On the 2nd of April they commenced making rails, and in one month had forty acres of land fenced and the breaking plow started. On the 14th of May they commenced putting in the crop of corn by dropping in every third furrow. The plow share was sharpened on a small grind stone which had been brought along, as there was no blacksmith nearer than Fort Wayne, except at the mission, and this institution turned rather a cold shoulder on all settlers coming in, the accommodations they received were not the most cordial, although Mr. Putnam bought of them, the first spring after coming in, two sides of bacon, at eight cents per pound, and four bushels of potatoes, one half of which were small for seed, from which he raised a good crop, and as he jovially remarked, 'We have had potatoes ever since.' Their corn crop also proved a good one yielding about forty bushels per acre.
  Many incidents of an interesting character could be related in connection with their eaarly life, sis space permit. Uzziel Putnam, Jr., the first white child born in the county, was their son, he represented the county in the State Legislature, and filled many other responsible positions.

CHARLES W. RAYMOND Obituary
The Dowagiac Times   5 May, 1897, page 2   DEATH BY DROWNING

Body of Charles W. Raymond Found in The Mill Race by Boys
   "The dead body of Charles W. Raymond, father of D.F. Raymond, of this city, was taken out of the Colby mill race, by employees of the mill, Friday afternoon, at 2 o'clock.  Three boys, aged from 10 to 12 years, were playing along the bank of the race, near the lower mill, when one of them, Lewis Ritter, spied a large dark looking object in the water, close to the bank, on the other side of the water.  The object aroused their curiosity, and they hastened across the bridge-like platform, which spans the race near the mill, and were horrified to see the body of a man, in partly standing, partly lying position, the head just under the edge of the water.  The much-startled boys hastened into the mill, notifying the employees of their frightful discovery.  Levi Gray and Henry Brown went to the scene of the boys discovery, and taking a long pole succeeded in drawing the body to the shore, and wrapping a blanket around the form, carried it into the brick engine house, which stands directly in front of the mill.  An examination revealed the fact that it was the remains of Charles Raymond. 

The son D. F. Raymond was immediately notified, and soon after arriving, identified the remains as being those of his father.  The old gentleman had made his home with his son, D.F., and was first missed at the breakfast table that morning.  His absence was not thought of seriously, as he was in the habit of leaving home, some times remaining away many hours. 

The remains had grown stiff, having in all probability laid in the water since 7 o'clock the previous evening, as a man named Lewis Ritter, had seen a man, whom he took to be Mr. Raymond, going toward the mill race at that time.  It is not thought that he suicided, as he was not of a disposition or temperament to commit such a deed.  He was in the habit of crossing the race at this point, going after a cow, which was pastured on the meadow below the race, and it is supposed that when attempting to cross, he missed his footing, falling into the deep water.

The deceased was born near Rushville, Yates Co., N.Y. in 1830.  He grew to manhood in that place, remaining there until about 20 years ago when, with his son, D.F. Raymond, he moved to Michigan, first settling in Ypsilanti, later moving to Iona, and finally coming to this city, where he has since resided.  

After the Civil War broke out, Mr. Raymond, on March 10, 1864, enlisted in Company A, 16th United States infantry.  His record during his service in the army, was one of brave deeds, and the noble work done in the defense of the union and its cause.  He was promoted from a Private to Corporal, and later from Corporal to Sergeant.  He was under the command of General Sherman, accompanying him in his historical march to the sea.  During the years of service, he endured many hardships and met with numerous narrow escapes.  On the 10th day of March, 1867, he received honorable discharge.  He was a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic, but of just what post is not known.

He leaves to mourn his departure, his son of this city, with whom he made his home for the past twenty years, also a son Charles S. Raymond, residing in New York state.  The wife died about 35 years ago.

The funeral was from the home of his son D. F. Raymond, on East Railroad Street, Sunday afternoon, at 3 o'clock, Rev. Masales officiating.  The remains were interred in Riverside, the burial services being conducted by the H. C. Gilbert post, G.A.R."
  Dowagiac Republican   May 6, 1897

RAYMOND, CHARLES W.   EDITOR REPUBLICAN: - In the accidental death of Charles W. Raymond, our community has lost a citizen who, when our country needed defenders, bravely went to the front and risked his life that the union might be preserved.  He was discharged with an enviable war record, although he was a person who seldom spoke of his service as a soldier.  I have seen his discharge papers, and his appointments, first as corporal and then as sergeant.  They are on parchment, and testify to his good character and ability.  His discharge shows that he was a member of Co. A, 16th, U.S. Infantry, and was with General Sherman in his campaign through Georgia, participating in the following battles: Buzzard's Roost, May 9, '64; Resacca, May 15, '64; New Hope Church, May 24, '64; Kennesaw
Mountain, June -, '64; Marietta, July 4, '64; and Peach Tree Creek, where he was wounded, July 20, '64.  Although not a soldier myself, I have a comrade's regard for those who were, and I consider it an honor to have the friend of Charles W. Raymond, who has fought his last fight, and already heard the last roll call."
   "Last Friday afternoon the body of Charles W. Raymond was found in the race near Colby's lower mill where it is thought he fell in late
Thursday night.  Coroner Morse summoned a jury, who, after viewing the remains, rendered a verdict of accidental drowning.  Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the residence of his son, D.F. Raymond, Rev. Masales, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating.  H. C. Gilbert post, G.A.R., of this city, had charge of the burial service. Remains were interred in Riverside Cemetery.  Mr. Raymond was born in Rushville, New York, in 1830, and died April 29th, 1897.  Two sons are left to mourn his departure, one in this city and one in New York." 

"In behalf of the relatives, and myself, left to mourn the loss of my father, Charles W. Raymond, I wish to publicly express my most sincere thanks to the H. C. Gilbert post." Cassopolis Vigilant - Cassopolis, MI - May 6, 1897
"The body of Chas. W. Raymond, father of D.F. Raymond, was found in the Colby mill race at Dowagiac Friday afternoon.  The coroner's jury brought in a verdict of accidental death."

More About CHARLES WARREN RAYMOND:
Burial: 2 May 1897, Riverside Cemetery-Dowagiac, Cass, MI
Burial Location: Block 10, Lot 1
Cause of Death: Accidental Drowning
Military: Civil War
Occupation: Farmer

Children of CHARLES RAYMOND and HELEN SYMONDS are:
2. i. DAVID FRANKLIN3 RAYMOND, b. 15 May 1849, Manlius,
Onondaga, NY or Yonkers, Westchester, NY; d. 2 August 1904, Cassopolis,
Cass, MI.
ii. CHARLES STEWART RAYMOND, b. Abt. 1850, New York; d. Aft.
28 April 1897, New York.   -  Submitted by Jeffrey C. Holtz email jholtz2000@yahoo.com

Salisbury - Mrs. Caroline J. Salisbury, wife of William Salisbury of Jefferson, and daughter of Amos Milliman, an old settler of Cass County, died at her residence in Jefferson, April 8th 1877, aged 50 years. Mrs. S. was a faithful and gentle wife and affectionate mother, and by a guildless life endeared herself to the community where she lived. - Cassopolis Vigilant June 21, 1877

Salisbury - Cassopolis Vigilant June 22, 1911 page 8 William Salisbury born in Huron County, Ohio, August 8, 1823, came to Cass County when ten years old, married Caroline J. Milliman October 21, 1815, to them were born four children. After the death of the mother, married Anna Cissna, on child born to them died in Jefferson, August 3, 1910.

WILLIAM R. SHELDON
  Obituary of William R. Sheldon, Cassopolis Vigilant, Jan. 14, 1897   Wm. R. Sheldon, spoken of in my last letter as having a stroke of paralysis, lingered unconscious from Tuesday morning until the Monday morning following, when he passed away. Funeral today from the house, Rev. Clark officiating, and the remains were buried in the Edwardsburg Cemetery.
  Notice of Death of William R. Sheldon, Cassopolis Vigilant, June 17, 1897, page 1
  William R. Sheldon, born in Connecticut in 1813, came to Ontwa in 1835, died in Edwardsburg, Jan. 11, '97.
  Contributed by Marilyn Lane

DONALD L.⁸ SMITH
  (RUTH E.⁷ TRATTLES, HENRY DANIEL⁶, DANIEL⁵, JANE⁴ HEBRON, WILLIAM³, GEORGE², UNKNOWN¹) was born 08 March 1923 in Three Rivers, Saint Joseph, Michigan, and died 09 June 1997 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, Michigan. He married FREDA BUEL.
  Three Rivers; Donald L. SMITH, 74, of Three Rivers, a 58 year grange member and more than 25 year employee of the Three Rivers School system, died June 9, 1997, at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo.
  He was born in Three Rivers, the only son of Samuel Chester and Ruth E. (TRATTLES) SMITH. A 1943 graduated of Three Rivers High School, he worked for Fairbanks-Morse, the N.Y. Railroad and the Three Rivers School system, retiring in 1986.
  During his 58 years as a dedicated member of the grange, he was a charter member of the New Horizons Grange # 1897, the St. Joseph/Cass/Kalamazoo, Pomana Grange #4, the Michigan State Grange, National Grange, and the Cision of Hope Grange #2428 of Elkhart County, Ind.
  He also was a former member of the St. Joseph County Conservation Club, and he enjoyed woodworking, collecting cook books, visiting grange friends in Tennessee, spending time with his family, and helping the Three Rivers Lions Club distribute their Christmas baskets.
  Surviving are his wife, Freda (BUEL) SMITH; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Thomas SMITH and Randy and Laurie SMITH; and three grandchildren, Danielle LOBSIGER, Angelique LOBSIGER and Randee SMITH.
  Relatives and friends may call from 2-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hohner Funeral Home of Three Rivers, where services are at 2 p.m. Friday with the Rev. Murl Eastman officiating. Burial will be in Poe Cemetery.
  Memorials may be directed to New Horizons Grange # 1897. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
  Transcribed from an original newspaper clipping from the 'Sturgis Daily Journal', which serves the St. Joseph Co., Michigan area.
  Copy provided by Sturgis Public Library.

SSDI
DONALD L SMITH Request Information
SSN 365-22-5364 Residence: 49093 Three Rivers, Saint Joseph, MI
Born 8 Mar 1923 Last Benefit:
Died 9 Jun 1997 Issued: MI (Before 1951)

Elizabeth Smith
  Elizabeth SMITH was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., January 25, 1815.  At the age of seventeen she was married to Daniel H. SHAUL and with him moved to Michigan in 1840.  Twelve children were born to them, six boys and six girls, nine of whom remain to mourn the loss of a loving mother, the husband and three children havi