cabin
By: Ultimate Design

Cass County
Michigan
Tidbits

Letters  |  Reunions  |  Notes

John H. Oakley, buried at Riverside Cemetery, is my John’s brother, Joseph’s son.  I was so excited to discover where he is buried this week.

Go to findagrave.com and search for John H Oakley in Michigan, Cass County, Riverside Cemetery, you can see my memorial and follow the family links.

 

Joseph Oakley, John’s father, was in Dearborn, in 1850, so I’m not sure how John ended up in Cass County.  Joseph moved on to Kansas and his son, John H., stayed behind in Michigan.  John married Martha Jane Robinson.  Her parents are buried at Riverside (Spencer and Nancy) and I wonder if John isn’t even on their lot with them.  John and Martha had two sons, William H. and John H. (yes, another John H.!!!).  I think William is the one in Berrien but I haven’t proved that yet.

 

John died young, at 37.  The record I found said that he died in Cass County but I was wondering if he could have been a Civil War soldier for Cass County.  John’s cousin died at the Battle of Williamsburg, so that made me start wondering. from the file of  Krueger, Cynthia <Cynthia.Krueger@witc.edu>
Webmaster note. - William Oakley is living in St. Joseph, MI in the 1880 census and his mother Martha is in the next city of Benton Harbor. I believe this to be the same family. William died 15 September 1886 in Benton Harbor.

William R. Adams & Mary Adelia "Addie" Hill's - family and history. (See Marriage Certificate this site)
After marriage in 1864, Howard Twp, Cass County, IN - they also lived in Pike Twp, Warren Co., IN;
Covert, Van Buren County and Niles, Berrien County, MI.  They had a total of 12 children, 10 of which lived
into the 20th century.
Note from contributor of family research:
The family is mentioned in the book "A Stronger Kinship" by Anna-Lisa Cox 
concerning their time in Covert.  After the civil war, William, Adelia and 
their growing family lived for a time in West Lebanon, Indiana then moved 
back to western Michigan.  William Adams is a mystery prior to his 1863 
draft registration, but his wife's family lived in Cass County for quite 
some time. Moving there from Ohio around 1844.  Mary Adelia Hill Adams was 
the daughter of Henry Nelson Hill and his wife Elizabeth.  I have traced 
their family back to Orange County VA in the 1750's.
William and Adelia were my great-great grandparents.  Anyone who is 
researching the Adams or Hill families can contact me at the following 
email.  merlinwv@frontier.com
Thank you, and I hope the information provided will be helpful.

Rebecca Adams Palmer

Marcellus, Michigan Stock Farms Photo Added - from the Scrap Book of Tom McKee - C. W. Bowers proprietor.
These were some of my relations business as they imported livestock and
horses from other areas, including California where Wm and Edward Bowers lived. Circa 1940's.

Stock Farms

Bowers Family Reunion Circa 1925 - from the Scrap Book of Tom McKee
click on photo for larger image
Reunion

  If you have submissions for the site, please contact us at cassmichigangen@yahoo.com

wreck
Joseph and Mary McKee 1897 buggy and train wreck victims
Train Wreck Article - below - click on photos and articles for larger views.

Train wreck

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McKee Family Reunion in Marcellus 1906

Reunion

McKee Family Reunion July 10, 1908
1908 Reunion

Frank and Katherine Alverd (Bowers) McKee --- Golden (50th) Wedding Anniversary Jan 1, 1939

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 Joseph Hamilton Burns who came to Cass County Michigan in 1843.  He purchased land on Mason Street and that land is still in the family.
Joseph married Rachel Simmons in 1851.  She was the daughter of Lorenzo and Ann Gale Simmons.  She died.  There were no children.

Joseph married Louana Charlotte Loomis Tharp in 1854.  She was the daughter of Harlin  and Charlotte Loomis and the widow ofSolomon Tharp
She had a son, Harlin Tharp who was born in 1846.  Joseph and Louana had 5 children.  Louana died in 1873. We have a record of all of the descendant.

Joseph married Ann Eliza Cowell Whitman in 1874.  She was the widow of Orrin Whitman and had a son, Walter Whitman.  She died in 1892.

I am searching for information about  :
 Harlin Tharp.  I know that he married Alice Ashley, daughter of Rev. James and Polly Ashley and that they had a son, Judson B. Tharp.  
*   the siblings of Louana Loomis Tharp Burns:  Horatio Loomis and Lucy Loomis.
*  Walter Whitman, son of Ann Eliza Cowell Whitman Burns. - from the files of :
Heather Burns


Stewart Family - Cassopolis Vigilant Thursday, August 16, 2001 Vol. 136, Num 33 Staff Writer: Thomas Moor

Stewart Family - Meeting for 100 years in Cassopolis "If your father was a Stewart - you were there," said Patty Jordan of Springfield, Ill,
attending the 100th Stewart family reunion Saturday. A procession of wagons, horses and old cars made its way from the location of the
first family reunion on the corner of Mt. Zion and Calvin Center roads to the home of Robert and Joan Curtis on Cassopolis Road, Cassopolis.
Dorothy Stewart of Van Wert, Ohio, remembering attending the reunions when she was a little girl of four. Wearing an old fashioned bonnet and dress, s
he had a place of honor with other senior members in a horse drawn wagon which mirrored the one in which the Grand Marshall rode in 1901.

The family has celebrated the reunion on the second Saturday of August every year. People from all over the country travel to the remote place in
Cass County, which so many of the family has called home over the years.

The family met at the Calvin Township Hall in the morning. A parade, which featured old cars and 1900 outfits, started off the day's festivities.
The half-mile-long convoy then traveled the three miles to the Curtis home. The only other time the family had a parade during its reunion was at its very first one.

David Steele was riding along on his 1935 Farmall F20, pulling a cart full of family members. It hadn't been used in over 10 years,
and Steele admits to fixing it up just last week for the reunion. "The next 100 years will be the hardest for it," said Steele, a 70 year-old Dowagiac resident.
Steele's sister, Ruth Steele, 65, was talking about how special it was to have the tractor in the parade.

"It was our father's tractor," she said. "It's special for the both of us.

" Barbara Mitchell, the family's historian, was helping to run the show, while informing everyone who passed by about some of the historical markers.
Some of the roads and lakes in that area are named after people in the family. On Saturday she was all choked up. "I want to cry," said Mitchell, 54,
of Cassopolis. "We always have a large crowd. It's such an historical event. To miss it would be awful." Barbara explained to all those in the parade of Stewarts
Saturday passing the intersection of Calvin Center and Mount Zion roads; "There use to be a store with a hall above, on the South West corner where the first
Stewart reunion was held in 1901."

Seldom does anyone in the family ever miss the event. "The reunion covers a lot of states," said Renee Grady, secretary and treasurer of the family
and a Dowagiac resident. "The more people I talk to say they don't have reunions. It's important to know your background and who your family is. After God,
I think it's second on that list."

Carolyn Taher; 64, of Dowagiac rarely misses the reunion. "I haven't missed more than two reunions in my whole life," She said.
"It's a very important part of the family heritage. There is a desire to be part of the tradition, from the East Coast to the West Coast." And in between.

There was plenty of food to be eaten at the Curtis house. After that, the family got together and talked about their history and what they have been up to
the previous year, while the kids went and played games. At the end of the day, there was a hay ride.

The Stewart family was originally from Virginia. They then moved to Ohio. Little Berry Stewart was the first in the Stewart family to move to Michigan,
settling in Calvin Township in 1856. He went from Ohio to Michigan on horseback.

Once the Stewarts got established in Cass County, they began meeting for the annual reunions. With some luck, there will be a 100 more.
Article submitted to website by Esther Stewart

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Young family from Ohio -
Probably Young brothers from Central OH:
    Alexander Young(s) b. 1819 OH, probably Crawford Co.: m. Adeline Ankeny/Ankney 2/1841 Crawford Co. OH; d. 1877 Cass Co. MI Children: Jackson,
Mary Ann, Martin Luther, Elizabeth, Sarah, Polly, L. Alexander, Martha, Johathan, Frank M.
    William Young b. 1821 Ohio, probably Crawford Co; m. Susannah Ankeny/Ankney 1843 Crawford Co. OH; d. 1909 Cass Co. MI Children:
Amaziah, Isaac, Mary Margaret, Henry Minerva, Elizabeth Ann (Eliza), (Nathan) George, Elden, William Henry (married Lucy Edith Bent Poe), Charles, Lettie May
    Eli Young(s) b. 1832 Wyandot Co. OH; m. Rachel Rebecca Fredricks in Cass Co. MI in 1856; d. 1873 Cass Co. MI
Children: Rachel, Flora, Arminda, Anne, Fredrick, Daniel     contributed by: - Linda Dickey at - dickeylc@aol.com

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Orville A. Rood - In regards to Orville A Rood, Civil War Veteran buried at Fish Lake.  He was my Great Grandfather, my mothers Grandfather. 
Orville survived the Civil War after several engagements in the South.  The story that was handed down to me by my mother, is that Orville was sitting
on his front porch in Pokagon Township,during a thunderstorm.   As bad luck would have it,he was sitting close to the chimney, which would have run up
the outside wall of the house.A bolt of lightning hit the chimney,traveled down to Orville's location and killed him outright.
- contributed by: Roger A Williamson at  rogerw@tcworks.net

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Mr. R. Thomas Bergman sent me an envelope filled with data about schools and other wonderful things in Cass County.
It was clear by the contents within the envelope that Tom has a great fondness for this county where he grew up in and returns to from time to time,
now being a well known doctor. Thank you Tom.
    In Genealogy terms, Mr. Bergman's father, Roy Edwin Bergman, born November 29, 1894 in Rapid River, Michigan, was a veterinarian who pioneered
some surgical techniques specializing in the treatment of horses. Well known throughout SW Michigan, Roy E. Bergman passed away on Feb 10, 1964 and his wife,
Lois, nee Townsend, (wed - Nov 10, 1925) died April 29, 1964.
Roy and Lois, other son, Dr. George A. Bergman, carries on his fathers veterinary practice, and still practices part time at the BergmanVeterinary Medical Center,
Cassopolis, Mi. That practice has been continuous since 1923.    Mr. Bergman's great grandfather, Gamiliel Townsend, on the maternal side of the family,
was an early settler, along with the Loux family.

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Car Train Fatal - Accident on January 7, 1946
Wrecked car
Jan 7.1946- Fay Gwilt on the way to Dowagiac after buying this car 1926 Model A ---
Was struck at M-62 and O,keefe Street, Cassopolis Mi by a train on the Grand Trunk Railroad
Fay Burdette Gwilt- s/o Clifford and Edna Gwilt
Born-Feb.3,1924- Dowagiac. Mi. Died -Jan 7 1946- Cassopolis Mi.
Buried Dewey Cemetery -Lot 94#

Photos and data contributed by: Dorothy Gwilt

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Volinia Cornet Band

Volinia Cornet Band
Can you help us? - - For larger image click on photo
Unidentified men in photo above. But here is some history on the band:
The band was organized Nov 13, 1877 and the following officers elected on the 24th:
William W. Patrick, Pres; Edward Goodenough, VP, Edgar C. Everett, Sec; Milton J. Gard, Treas.
After practicing faithfully they were able to produce quality music that their families and friends took pleasure in listeining to.
In 1882 the officers and members were M. W. Welcher, Pres; Charles Warner, VP; E. C. Everett Warner, Sec; E J. Gard, Treas;
other members being G. W. Gard, E. Thompson, A. C. Kirby, A. Hathaway, William Wright, William Hart, L. P. Gard,
Clark Finch and Abram Cary. The band was still in existance in 1911. - Photo contributed by: Wendy VanderVeen

During the week of April 12, 1906 we learn from local newspapers that Robert Dine who was a tenant on the Aaron Toney farm sold all his stock
and farm implements at an auction on that Monday which was held, he then moved to Dowagiac.
Along with this Elias Jewell, during this same time frame, rented the Aaron farm and moved there from Cassopolis.

After a weeks worth of fishing at Lake View, Herman Rutter returned to his home in Dowagiac during the week of July 19, 1906.

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Cassopolis Vigilant - July 11, 1918 - Page 1 Two men Killed on Railway Crossing
Verne Clark and Mack LaPorte of Volinia Struck at Galsburg.
Mack Laporte was instantly killed and Laverne Clark so badly injured that he died on the way to the hospital, when their auto was struck by a
Michigan Central train just west of the Village of Galsburg last Friday evening.
   Mr. Clark, who was a parner in the firm of Etter & Clark, conducting a general store in the village of Nicholsville in Volinia township,
had driven to Camp Custer earlier in the day with an auto load of eggs, and was accompanied by Mr. Laporte, also a resident of NIcholsviller. ...
the article goes on to describe the accident and then states.....
   The remains of both men were brought to Nicholsville. Mr. Laporte's funeral serveice was held at the Volinia Baptist church Monday forenoon,
conducted by Rev. Collins, pastor of the church. Deceased was 72 years of age.

   The funeral service for Mr. Clark was helf at Bethel church Monday afternoon and was largely attended. Deceased was a son of
Albert Clark of Penn township, where he was born Dec. 2, 1883 and where he had always resided until a few month ago,
when he left the farm to engage in the mercantile business at Nicholsville. A few years ago he was married to Etherl Ray, who, with on sone, Alvin,
survives him as does his aged father, Albert Clark and a brother Ray Clark, to whom sincere sympathy is extended by a host of friends.

Harwood Lake vs. Corey Lake - It was brought to my attention in May of 2009 that Harwood Lake Cemetery was once Cory Lake or Corey Lake Cemetery.
Evidently at one time the Corry or Corey family owned land in the Newberg township area but by the 1900's the lake designated as Cory Lake had been changed
to Harwood Lake. Harwood Lake now empties into the remainder of Corey Lake with a small portion in Cass County the the bulk of Corey Lake extending into
St. Joesph Co., Michigan. If you examine the Cass County Maps for different time periods, you will see the change occur. Also in the 1928 map of Newberg township,
the cemetery location is designated with a + symbol.
  It is easy to see why the names might have mingled and interchanged over the decades. Joshua Corey arrived in the Corey Lake area circa 1836
and the following year Hiram Harwood arrived and settled close to Joshua. The change of names for the area can also be proven by reading the
Cass County History which states that Hiram and his wife were buried in the "Old Corey Burying Ground". Years later when this cemetery was read,
it was shown as Harwood Lake Cemetery.
  A further note of interest is that Hiram Harwood's daughter, Melisa Harwood (born May 17, 1816) wed Joshua Corey at Corey's Lake, Michigan,
May 18, 1834. She died in 1852 and Joshua in 1888. We have, to this date, not found their burials.

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Anna (b. Germany) & Joseph Nowak (b. Germany), Volinia Twp, Cass Co. Children: Joseph Jr. 1870, Nickolas 1871 (D1912, Crane Cem),
John 1874, Katy 1879, Elizabeth b.1881 d.1956 (grmthr) & Benjamin 1887. From maps, farm located on Marcelles Hwy. just past four corners.
(turn r. at Marcellas & Decatur Rd. coming from M-60, past BigWoods and thru stop sign.) Two brothers of this family buried in cemetary on right before Big Hill
on Decatur Rd. I beleive the Nowaks were homesteaders. Elizabeth married Ernest DeGraff, So. Bend, In., early 1900.
I can be contacted at goddessofkitch@comcast.net Thank you, Sheryl DeGraff

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December 10, 1858
Grand Travers Herald
We have recieved 3 numbers of a new Republican paper published at the island of Mackinac by: James L Gantt. (The Mackinac Herald)
For some years past he has conducted the Cass County Tribune and establishe a fair reputation as a vigorous and forcible writer.

St. Joseph Herald - May 4, 1878
The Lansing Republican Says" "Rev. A. S. Kedzie has removed from Dowagiac to St. Joseph. He is a brother of Dr. R. C. Kedzie of the
Agricultural college. During four years of ministerial labor in Dowagiac he preched 475 sermons, married 25 coupled,
attended 25 funerals and received into the church about 60 members.

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Cassopolis Vigilant - May 27, 1897 page 4

Lafayette Osborn of Iowa is visiting his grandparents, David Avery and wife.

Edwardsburg
The Sunday School convention at the M. E. church here last Saturday was fairly well attended notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather
and the interest in the work seems to be increasing.

Jas Farmum and son of Cassopolis were in town on day last week on business. They will be here every Tuesday to do dental work.

Mrs. Wm Lyons of Calvin is the guest of John Qiumby and wife.

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Cyrus Bacon and Melinda Guersey were the parents of Cyrus Bacon, Jr, who was a Civil War surgeon.
Cyrus Jr. died at a young age from "Brights" disease and left his pregnant widow, Arabella Knox Bacon with three young children, Knox, Lyle and Cyrus III.

Arabella raised the children in the Niles-Edwardburg area. Her Parents, Elizabeth Cholwell and Abraham Philip Knox, moved to that area from Red Hook,
New York in 1855. Between the Bacons and the Knoxs, Arabella had a lot of family support. Her youngest son, Cyrus III, died at the age of 5.
Her other two sons, Knox and Lyle, put themselves through Medical School and became physicians.
  Lyle has a wonderful diary of his experiences during these times. Terry Gorton, a great grandson of Knox, and I have been trying to piece together
the family in the Niles-Edwardsburg area.
  Terry has two of Cyrus Bacon Jr's civil war swords along with Cyrus's Civil War commissions and other info.
Most recently he shared with me a photo of a home we think may be in the Edwardburg area. (See our County photos page)
Notes on the back of the photo say the home was located on the Edwardburg Road just outside the Niles town limits. We are wondering if this home still stands,
picture attached. Terry has 3 Sherton chairs which are like the ones on the front porch. They belonged to Jacob Cholwell, who brought them over
from England about 1795. (Jacob was Elizabeth Cholwell Knox's father.) Would you have a way of finding out about this house?
We know the Knoxes and Bacons both owned property in this area. Contributed by: Virginia Bacon at vcbacon@sbcglobal.net

History of Camp meetings. In the late 1830's to early 1840's the first camp meetings are believed to have been held in a grove on a farm then owned
by Stephen Curtis on the sight of Sumnerville, and when you crossed the Clyborn bridge, over a half mile away,
you could hear Elder McCool preaching as though you were there.

At that time, they called preachers elders. Elder McCool and Elder Richard Meeks were the two leading preachers in the county.
Mr. McCool was a large, powerful man and his voice could be heard in every part of the grove, chosen for their meetings.

Later the meetings were exchanged from the Curtis farm to the grove on the Shaw place in Howard. Those who attended these meeting noted that arrival
of Elder Meeks, Erkenback and Elder McCool and of McCool, he said he could fight as well as he could preach.

Recalling of “Cripple” Bailey At one of the meetings Frank Bailey, who often thoughtlessly called “Cripple” Bailey, had a lunch counter and lemonade stand,
and drove his team of dogs to Niles and back in an hour. He usually drove a team of three pairs of dogs, and gave exhibitions in the county school houses.
He walked on his knees and at one time had accumulated a good farm, but his last days were spent in poverty and misfortune.

Later the meetings were changed to a place on the Edwards farm, south of Pokagon village. Here on the bank of the historic Pokagon creek were a number of springs,
and stately trees furnished the shade and harmonious surroundings. Then they were changed to the woods on Rogers farm across the cheerful Dowagiac
and near Sumnerville. The community was growing and at one such meeting a man sent a load of watermelons to one of the gatherings held.

Around March 15, 1861, meetings were moved to an unimproved spot known as Crystal Springs, in Berrien County, Michigan. -
Synopsis from The News-Palladium August 5, 1903 pg 3 Col. 1

Looking Back

Click on Graphic to see original, typed below by Esther Stewart so search engines can pick up names in article and donated to the site by Davis C. "Doc" Ball.

LOOKING BACK IN DOWAGIAC APRIL - 1903

It was reported that the Democrats “are still it on the board of supervisors in this county, the Republicans having only gained one in the recent election.” The newly elected board included the following:

Marcellus ~ C.H. BEARDSLEE, R; Volinia ~ JOHN R. ROOT, R; Wayne ~ JAMES FERREL, D; Silver Creek ~ JOHN SWISHER, R; Pokagon ~ JOHN H. PHILLIPS, D; LaGrange ~ CHARLES H. KIMMERLE, D; Penn ~ B. J. LINCOLN, R; Newberg ~ FRANK DUNN, R; Porter ~ SAMUEL SKINNER, R; Calvin ~ CORNELIUS LAWSON, R; Jefferson ~ Henry C. Davis; Howard ~ LOREN A. ALLEN, D; Milton ~ O.V. HICKS, D; Mason ~ JAMES H. GRAHAM, D; Dowagiac first ward ~ WILLIAM VROOMAN, D; second ward ~ JOHN BILDERBACK, R; and third ward ~ DANIEL SMITH, D.

Special Easter music was to be presented by the choir of Holy Maternity of Mary Church, assisted by ARTHUR REED, Clarinetist. The personnel included: sopranos - VERNA HACKETT, LOUISE DALY and Mrs. M.J. WHALEN; altos - CARRIE GEBHARD and MARGUERITE STOLLEY; tenors - J. HORN and CHARLES CLANCY; bases - GEORGE RAPP and JOHN RAPP; and organist, Mrs. MAUDE STOLLEY.

The Dowagiac High School baseball team was preparing to go to Niles to play. The players were; KARL LILLY, catcher; DON RESHORE, pitcher; JOHN SMITH (ss); REED BOSTWICK (1B); WILL HAMILTON (2b); WILL LAKE (3b); TOM HACKETT (1f); ARCHIE HARRISON (cf); OTIS GARDNER (rf); and JOHN ACKERMAN, (sub).

APRIL - 1913

The Sunday School which had disbanded at Sumnerville 18 months before, was reorganized with FRANK ULLERY as superintendent;
and Mrs. THOMAS SWISHER, Mrs. FRED JONES, Mrs. C.A. CULVER and Miss PRIMLEY as the teachers.

GEORGE P. STEELE, 64, died at his home southwest of the city. He came to Dowagiac as a boy of 17 from Newark, Ohio,
and for 30 years was a blacksmith here. Later he moved to Chicago following the same trade there for 10 years. When his health failed he returned to Dowagiac to live.

APRIL - 1933

Michigan ratified the repeal of the 18th Amendment and thereby became the first state in the union to ratify repeal.

HARRY CARTER of Porter Township was elected the new chairman of the Cass County Board of Supervisors to succeed FRANK CURTIS.

HENLEY SILVER, 73, lifelong resident of Pokagon Township, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. RALPH MILLER, southwest of the city.

April - 1953

“Shawnee, Okla. - The body of 64-year old JIM THORPE, hailed by millions as the greatest athlete in the world, will be buried in the scrub oak country
of eastern Oklahoma where he was born. Catholic funeral services will be conducted at St. Benedict’s Church. Following the funeral the body will be
placed in a mausoleum at Fairview Cemetery until a $100, 00 shrine in his honor is completed. THORPE, who climbed to Olympic fame from humble
beginnings as a Sac and Fox Indian tribesman, died two weeks ago at his home in Lomita, Calif. From a heart attack.”

At the Century, JENNIFER JONES and CHARLTON HESTON in “Ruby Gentry.”

And don't miss the "New" Site connection under Published and Research Connections. It is the Southwestern Michigan Directory with histories and stories about Cass County.
Southwestern Michigan Histories

St. Joseph Herald - Feb 11, 1871 pg 1
The Cassopolis Democrat says: By courtesy of Chas. W. Clisbee, reading clerk of the House, we have received a copy of the Congressional Globe for the 21st ult., by which we perceive that a joint resolution reported from the committee on military affairs by Gen. Stoughton, was passed. The resolution directs the Secretary of war to iss and deliver condemned and unserviceable brass, bronze, or iron cannon to a number of cemeteries, monument associations and villages.
That portion of it in which we are locally interested provides that one piece of condemned cannon be given to the corporate authoriteis of Cassopolis and to Dowagiac, to be used in adorning and emblellishing soldiers cemeteries. The same resolution also gives one piece to Coldwater, Sturgis, Constantine, Allegan, St. Joseph, Paw Paw, Decatur, Niles, and four pieces to the Michigan Soldiers Monument Association of Detroit.

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  Looking back - Dowagiac - Contributed by: Davis F. "Doc" Ball

Click on Graphic to see original, typed below by Esther Stewart so search engines can pick up names in article.

AUGUST - 1904

“Atty. C.E. SWEET returned home on a early morning train from New York where as a member from Michigan of the Committee to notify President Roosevelt
of his renomination, he was present Wednesday at the historical gathering at Oyster Bay. Atty. SWEET has an interesting story to tell of his trip.

“He found the president a everyday sort of gentleman and his family a common family. KERMIT, the youngest, is said to be a real boy in more ways than one.
Evidence of this quality in the youngest Roosevelt cropped out during the notification ceremonies on the broad veranda of the Sagamore Hill residence
when KERMIT produced a toy cannon from his pocket. Inserting a percussion cap he was just in the act of interrupting Chairman CANNON’S
speech with an explosion when his mother discovered what he was about and caused him to leave the porch.

“Some of the envious young ladies of Dowagiac might be pleased to know that Miss ALICE ROOSEVELT is just an angular,
freckle-faced girl with a penchant for green snakes and t he great outdoors.”

“Ten acres of the MARY L. WHITNEY place, adjoining the PETER HANNAN and ACK VAN RIPER places have been platted into lots
by ALBERT BRIGGS, the agent. County Surveyor HAINES did the work.”

AUGUST - 1914

“The sinkhole on the highway between Silver Creek and Keeler Townships north of this city may never be filled owing to the enormous expense it would entail
on Silver Creek Township which has the mile of this road to keep up. Fortunately it is not a main traveled road, although its being an impassable one leaves
the two townships with two miles to travel on the north and south roads before they can cross to the east or west.

“The old Jacket marsh now owned by SAM JONES is the cause of this trouble and the distance across it where the road runs is only 20 rods.
Soundings have been made and it was found that the road bed runs over what has one day been a little lake, with the shore running down gradually
until the depth is about 25 feet in the center. Efforts have been made several times to cover the roadway and make it passable but in a short time the
dirt put on the roadbed sinks out of sight. After a buggy containing two couples crossed the road near Magician Lake at night and slid into the water,
the part crossing the marsh, was closed.”

“JOHN F. COOK of this city and CLYDE HART of Marcellus Township yesterday afternoon purchased the jewelry stock formerly owned
by Mrs. SYLVIA SNYDER. Under the name of COOK & HART the new purchasers will continue the business in the present location in the Elks Temple.

AUGUST - 1934

“BASIL CURL, who opened a drug store in the BIGELOW building a few months ago, announced the store would be closed.”

Mrs. SARAH M. CARYL, 87, one o Pokagon Township’s oldest residents, died at her home near the farm where she was born Sept. 10, 1847,
the last survivor of the four children of HENRY and MARY MCCOY STRETCH. Her husband, NELSON CARYL, died in 1916.

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Morlan family.---- Here are some dates you may want to add to the Morlan family. Jacob b. 1798 in VA .~ Sarah b. 1809 in OH. they m. in 1826 in OH.
The children's b. dates are~
John b. 1827 in OH.
One can see that the Morlan's were making their way to Mi. (most likely by oxen wagon) as all their children from here were born in Volinia Twp, Cass Co. Mich.
(Another family I followed, my grandmothers, had a birth in Penn. and 2yrs. later their next birth was in MI. that may have been the length of time it took
to get to the "West" by oxen wagon.
William b. 1829 in MI. (he is the Wm. w/ d. 1853)
Jacob J. b. Nov. 1830
Sarah b. 1833
Elizabeth b.1834
Susannah b. 1836
Joseph b. 1839 (the CW Vet.) 8th child no info
Civilla b. Feb. 1843
Lewis b. Sept. 1846
Elias C. b. 1848 - Contributed by: Kaye Stewart at kayestewart@jacobsadvertising.com

Marcellus May31, 1879 - Paw-Paw True Northerner
A disease called Black Diphtheria broke out among the children. Three children from one family died besides several others in town.
Schools were closed due to this dreaded disease.

Bio of Charles W. Clelland - he was my father's stepfather. He was born 13 Jul 1869 in Volinia twp, Cass, MI - son of William Clelland & Maryetta Jacquays Clelland.
He married Julia Dickman 26 Aug 1926, in Kalamazoo. He died 5 Nov 1941 in Kalamazoo, MI. He is buried at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, MI. Contributed by: Maryann Root

A scrap Book History of Decature Michigan & Vicinity 1829-1976. Page 1439

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THE LITTLE GIRL I USE TO BE
The little girl I used to be
came along and sat by me
She wondered how I’d carried out the things she used to dream about.
I scarcely wished to meet her gaze and tell her of my present days,
She was so trusting and so very wee, the little girl I used to be.
"The heathen you were going to teach?" "Why child, I wouldn’t dare to preach!"
"The pictures then, where are they now?" "I couldn’t learn to draw somehow."
"The book that you had planned to write?" I’ll start that very book tonight?"
"Well, what," and in her eyes were tears, "What have you done with all your years?"
"Life is so different, child, you know, from all you dreamed it long ago.
Dreams are such quaint, elusive things - like star-light on an angel’s wings,
I couldn’t make your dreams come true for I had other things to do . . . . .
" I bent to hear what she would say but sadly she had tipped away
And nevermore was I to see the little girl I used to be . .... .
Author unknown - contributed to the Cass Michigan site by Esther Stewart

==========================================

Killed by Horse - Old Niles newspaper clipping dated about May 27,1881 - On Tuesday of last week an old man named Washington Benson,
who with his family and a neighbor had left Porter township, Cass county, bound for Iowa, was killed by a vicious stallion he was leading to a stream
for the purpose of watering. There were two wagons and the families had stopped near the MrMullen corners, on the LaPorte Road to eat their dinner.
Mrs. Benson started with the horse for the brook for the purpose mentioned , when it became frightened at some passing object. He struck it with a small stick,
which seemed to madden the animal, and grabbing his victim by the coat collar with its teeth threw him on the ground and struck him in the face several times with his feet,
stamped him on the breast, almost flattening it, and horribly mangling other portions of the body. When picked up the unfortunate man was a horrible sight,
and though life was not yet extinct, he lived but a few minutes. Parties near attempted to drive off the infuriated animal, but did not succeed in time to save the man's life.
The family being poor, the people living near the scene of the accident kindly defrayed the funeral expenses of the old man and the remaining members
of the part continued on their sad journey westward.

Return From West - Vincent Saratore, Floyd Riddle and Donald Whalen have returned from a month’s trip through the West during which they motored 8,500 miles.
Highlights of the trip were stops at Yellowstone and Sequoia Nation Parks, the Bad Lands, Black Hills, Carter Lake, Death Valley, the Grand Canyon and
Old Mexico. They spent a week and a half in California. August 28, 1940.

==========================================

ORLANDO MCKUNE RETIRES Sept. 30th 1927
brought to an end the working days of Orlando McKune for the Big Four Railroad to close after eighteen years of service.
At the noon hour, James Clark from section1 and James Billings from section 2 with their crews met Homer Marks and his crew from Niles, with which Mr. McKune is connected.
The meeting occurred near Indian Lake and a potluck dinner was enjoyed in Mr. McKune’s honor. Following the dinner he was presented with a $5 gold pieced dated 1909,
the year he began work for the railroad. He received various other gifts from his fellow workmen, including a birthday cake, which was presented by Mrs. Bert Emerson
in remembrance of his 70th birthday anniversary Sept. 27. Mr. McKune will be missed by members of his “gang” with whom he was known as a trusted friend and agreeable companion.

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SIXTY BEAUTIFUL YEARS - Circa 1907
Remarkably Well Preserved Couple Celebrate Anniversary in Silver Creek.
At the Aaron Nott home in Silver creek was celebrated on the 23rd, the 60th anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Nott,
a happy gathering of 25 friends, besides the relatives, assisting. Geo. W. Nott was born in the state of New York.
He with his parents moved to Ohio, and later to Bertrand where, September 23rd, 1847, he was united in marriage to Mary McKuen a native of Pennsylvania.
For several years they lived in Berrien, an din the 70-s they moved to Pokagon, and about six years ago they moved to Silver Creek, where they reside with their son Aaron.
This estimable and beloved couple is still enjoying the health, which good habits and a life of industry and generous impulse brings, and they bid fair to live for many years yet.
Mr. Nott was 83 years of age in July, and last week he walked to town, a distance of 4 ½ miles, making the trip without fatigue and refusing the offer of his son to bring him.
Mrs. Nott was 84 last April, and she insisted upon assisting in preparing the dinner for their anniversary, although the daughters finally prevailed upon her to put
on her white apron and sit with the guest and be a guest of honor with them. There were present at this remarkable anniversary-remarkable for we seldom have
the distinction of chronicling such events-the daughters, Mrs. Mary Stockmon of Silver Creek, Mrs. Dell Cooper of this city, and the son Aaron,
with whom the grand old couple live. Besides the above were the grandson, Floyd Grimes, and about 25 guests, neighbors and well wishers.
Recitations and music followed the sumptuous dinner, Mrs. Floyd A. Limbeck reciting the following poem, composed by herself for the occasion:
SIXTY BEAUTIFUL YEARS - Sixty years ago today. In a little cottage brown, There stood a youth so brave and tall, And a girl in her wedding gown.
Somely was he, and straight and strong. And the sunlight never fell. On a sweeter face than the fair young girl’s, The girl he loved so well.
Ah, sweet was her voice as she whispered low The tender words, ‘ I will”, And though many years have rolled away He is lover still. Tender
and true the long years though And the record is fair and white Few are they who can say today

“It is sixty years tonight. Since you and I stood hand in hand, And vowed that we’d be true Till god should send his messenger,
Dear heart, for me-or you. Oh, what a wealth of memories So many years much hold. Treasured within their hearts today Like jewels of worth untold.
Sunshine-sometimes the shadows- And now the sunset light Shedding a wonderous beauty on these dear heads so white. Faces of loved ones long gone home
Still linger in they heart. And often in the twilight The loving teardrops start. But in the quiet hours of night When all around is still They heart knows that his way is best
And bows unto his will. Patient and faithful, tender and true The crown thou shall sometimes wear Will never be half so bright dear heart As the crown of they silvery hair.
Sixty years, ago, ah me, How swiftly the years have flown Children and children’s children To manhood and womanhood grown. And all their lives, they will cherish T
hrough love and laughter and tears The record that though hast given to them These sixty beautiful years.

==========================================

C.A. Breece - Edwardsburg Argus, January 25, 1912 - C.A. Breece and wife of Jefferson, have been visiting his brother, Wm. Breece at Ada Michigan.

Word of Mouth family tidbit from Jim Witty - I have a birth & death date for Esther (Lowe) Hart GREEN. Born 17 March 1754 in Wrightsboro, GA and
died 5 Jan 1843 in Cass Co., MI. She was the dau. of Isaac & Ann (Mooney) LOWE. She married 1. Samuel HART in 1771. He was born in 1746 in VA,
son of Thomas & Esther (Miles/Myles) HART and died in 1787. Esther & Samuel had 7 children, 2 died young.
Esther married 2. Amos Gren in Dec. 1789. Esther & Amos had 3 children: Jessie b. 13 Dec. 1790;
Hannah b. 14 Dec 1792 and Amos b.10 Dec. 1794. I am not related, but am helping a friend with her genealogy.

==========================================

R. L. BUCKLEN 12-27-64.

P. O. BOX 317, ELKHART, IND.

Dear Lucile: I have kept your letter and Xmas card for future reference. I took these snap shots (polaroid) on the Chartrand side of the family. I went to Grace Lawn Cemetary on Middlebury St. in Elkhart where Grandmother Chartrand is buried. Mother told me years ago her name was Mary Jane Chartrand nicknamed Jenny. She was a Carter. I tried looking the Carters up in London, England 22 years ago. Old Grandfather Carter had died three years before I got there and his daughter couldn’t tell me anything, too scared to talk. The sister of Grand­mother Chartrand was my Aunt Bessie Vanderlip buried in the same Grace Lawn Cemetary next to her husband my Uncle Henry Vanderlip. The next picture is the gate to God’s Half Acre our private family cemetery started by Great Great Grandfather Redfield in 1845, his last daughter was my Grandmother Bertha Redfield Bucklen and this is where my Mother is buried. This cemetary is located 5 miles North of Elkhart on the Adamsville Road just inside Michigan on the 500 acres Redfield Farm. Here are pictures of the headstone of my Mother Clara Chartrand Bucklen and my Father’s. The darkness of the lettering is rainwater in the groves of the letters.

This trip to Springfield, Missouri next Friday by Ozark Airlines was difficult to get the reservation because of all the college students going back to school. I will phone you from Aunt Hazel’s home. Also, I will plan another airplane trip very soon so I can see you, your daughters and Joseph Remey. I think I remember Joseph when he visited us on W. Beardsley Ave. He was a tall, lean, brown hair man wearing glasses, very quiet. We were about 12 years old then. I was born March 13, 1914.

Your Mother then was a sister to Grandmother Chart­rand? Uncle Harry and Aunt Hazel were here for my Mother’s funeral in 1961. They could’t make it for Dad’s funeral.

Affectionately,

[signed “Bob”]

NOTES:
B & W photos from late 1964 showing entrance to God's Half Acre Cemetery and tombstones of Robert's parents. Photos attached this e-mail. Note Clara C. (CHARTRAND) BUCKLEN's birthdate should be 9 Aug 1886 (see 1964 tombstone photo attached, tombstone possibly now worn as to readability?). Also note Robert L. BUCKLEN's birthdate states in his letter above that he was born 13 Mar 1914.
The original letter was typed on small format personalized stationery.
The above letter was scanned and OCR'd by Scott W. BAILEY (me); spelling is as in original ("groves", etc.).

WHO IS MENTIONED IN THIS LETTER:

This 1964 letter was to Lee Lucile (REMEY) PORSTMANN JESSUP, 1st cousin once removed of Robert L. BUCKLEN. Lucile's 2nd husband Frederick Guy JESSUP was the nephew of Anselm Hunt JESSUP (3 Oct 1827 IN - 24 Jun 1909 Calvin, Cass Co., MI; bur. Rinehart Cemetery, Porter). Mary Jane "Jenny" (CARTER) CHARTRAND, a sister of  Mary Ellen (CARTER) REMEY [adopted out as orphan and renamed Helen "Nellie" FOWLER] and mother of Lucile and the Joseph REMEY that Robert remembers. His full name was Garner George Joseph REMEY (bur. Bixby, OK). Mary Jane "Jenny" (CARTER) CHARTRAND was also a sister of
  Bessie (CARTER) VANDERLIP, [adopted out as an orphan to Dr. Warren THOMAS and renamed with surname THOMAS]. Bessie married Henry Eleazer VANDERLIP so they are the "Aunt Bessie" and "Uncle Henry" Vanderlip mentioned above. Bessie died 3 Apr 1945 in Logansport, Cass Co., MI and was buried at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Elkhart next to Henry.

{All that comes to mind as to what an English Carter relative would be frightened of during Robert's visit to England in 1942 is the War. As far as I know, my mother (Lucile's daughter Mary Lee (JESSUP) BAILEY) has no record of exactly which Carter relative he visted. "Jenny" (CARTER) CHARTRAND's brother Thomas Henry CARTER (18 Oct 1865 - 19 Mar 1938) was the only known child of John W. CARTER and Johanah McCARTHY to have remained in England when the family came to America. He would be a great uncle of Robert's but not an "Old Grandfather". We do not know who Thomas Henry CARTER married or who his children were. John W. CARTER is thought to be buried Chicago, Cook Co., IL next to Johanah. Obviously Robert knew some English CARTERs we are still unaware of.}

"Uncle Harry" is Harry C. CHARTRAND, brother of Robert's mother Clara. He was born 1891 WI, died 1966 MO and buried MO. His wife, Hazel (MILLS) CHARTRAND was born 1886 IN, died 1976 MO and buried MO.

==========================================

R. L. BUCKLEN

Dear Lucile: March 18, 1965. P.O. BOX 317, ELKHART, IND.

Time has passed so quickly since my visit to Spring­field on New Years weekend. I was sure before I left that I could change my airplane reservation but to my surprise they were booked full and I didn’t have time to go on from there to Bartlesville. The Chartrands were just fine, but it was an awful short stay. The Ozark airline was only a few hours trip each way but if I had drieven it by car it would have taken a full day each way.

The pictures you mailed arrived yesturday and I thank you very much. This prompts me to get the box out of my Mother’s which contains some things. There is an very old marriage license made out in England which I could copy on our Xerox photo machine at the factory. Also I know you would. like a copy of the last letter from the hospital Victoria Starr is in. Uncle Harry could not believe when I told him that she is still alive and I asked if it would be alright to bury her, when the time comes, alonside her Mother, Mary Jane Chartrand, herein Elkhart.

It seems a shame to keep the pictures* you just sent me (*from you) when I can have them copied and send the originals back to you. Let me know about this. Your letter of March 8th. was full of information and I certainly appreciate it. It is a sad story of all those children being put into orphanages and then scattered by adoption.

I was surprised what a fine looking man Harry Chartrand Jr. was as they drove in from Arkansas to see me. I met his wife and little daughter. I wonder if it was Joseph Remey who was at the house visiting us (on Beards1ey Ave) when I was about 12 years old that would be 39 years ago? So sorry to hear of his heart attack.
(over) typed back side

Will answer your letter in the box of pictures soon as I can look over what Mother left. I have never found a picture of my Grandmother Chartrand, my Mother’s Mother, who is buried here in Elkhart and who died when I was nine years aid. Also it is odd that she left no personal things such as pictures or letters, etc. which my Mother would have had.

On my Dad’s side of the family, we have boxes of pictures of ancestors whom I never knew. There are pictures hung in the old, farmhouse North of here five miles of my ancestors dating back to 1860. Well, I guess you can’t keep everything together.

Would you like me to take some Polaroid snapshots of the house here on the river?

Thanks again for the pictures.

Affectionately,

[signed “Robert”]

==========

NOTES: One sheet, typed both sides.
Letter of 1965 to Lee Lucile (REMEY) PORSTMANN JESSUP at Bartlesville, OK. Lucile was diagnosed with cancer at about this time and died 14 Jun 1966. Unknown if she and Robert L. exchanged more letters after this one.
  This was a typed letter on small format personalized stationery. The letter was scanned and OCR'd by Scott W. BAILEY (me). Spelling, etc. has been proofread to agree with the original EXCEPT for two one-word corrections which were written in by Robert L. BUCKLEN. I have placed his corrections in the letter as they were meant to have been typed. All spellings are his. The asterisk section is as in his original.

==========

BURNS, Samuel L. - Samuel L. Burns was listed on the Berrien Co. Michigan marriage record for Mary Burns and John N. Dilts' marriage record. Not sure if he is Mary's father, brother, cousin, etc. Also Listed as witness was David Spicer. Mary was born 1830, and Married John N. Dilts in 1848 in Berrien Co. MI. Would like to learn if Samuel is father to Mary, and who Samuel's wife may have been. - Thanks, Tom Green at tomfg@means.net

==========

WHO'S IN THIS LETTER: - See other attached letter. Also:
  Victoria (CHARTRAND) STARR (31 Jul 1887 - Dec 18 1967 VA, cremated; ashes bur. abt. 6 mos. later at Grace Lawn cemetery, Elkhart); dau. of George Nelson CHARTRAND and Mary Jane "Jenny" (CARTER) CHARTRAND. "Jenny", mentioned previous letter, is bur. at Grace Lawn, Block T.
  Harry C. CHARTRAND, Jr. (6 Feb 1916 Elkhart, Elkhart Co., IN - Feb 1973 Whittier, Los Angeles Co., CA), 1st cousin of Robert L. BUCKLEN, was the son of Harry C. CHARTRAND (9 Dec 1891 WI - 30 Oct 1966 MO) and Hazel (MILLS) CHARTRAND (26 Nov 1886 IN - 21 Apr 1976 MO). No burial data on Jr.; Harry Sr. and Hazel buried MO.
Contributed by by Scott W. BAILEY

==============================================================

AGREE TO LIVE APART.
Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Hathaway settle their differences. The divorce suit started last week by Mrs. Josiah Hathaway will be dismissed, she and her husband hav- ing come to an agreement, Saturday, whereby their property matters are satisfactorily adjusted and they will live apart.
     By the terms of their agreement Mr. Hathaway deeds to his wife the west forty accres and she deeds to him the east forty acres of their Farm in this township. The personal property was also divided amicably. This cloese a case which had attracted much attention from the fact that the parties had been married for over half a century.
  I researched this couple, but this Sarah Hathaway is daughter of Benjamin THOMPSON, not my Robert THOMPSON. Contributed by:Kathy Barnes

LaGrange - Josiah Hathaway expects soon to move in the village and keep batch in the house he purchased of Anthony Secor.
(NOTE: His wife, Sarah, who he is estranged from, died Feb. 14, 1906 and is buried in Dowagiac)

==========================================

They went that-a-way
Zaddock Jarvis family - grandson, Henry W. Jarvis. Henry was born in LaGrange township around 1851; son of Zadock J. Jarvis and Rebecca Simpson. He married Adell Hastings in 1872. 1876 - Lived in Silver Creek twp.; section 25, registered to vote. Sold this property to James Moore in 1877. Lived in Boise City, Idaho in 1909 - Henry Jarvis and family - 1900 they are in Hall County NE, Grand Island Ward 4 - Adell has had 3 children 2 still living. Burton and Pearl. Burton b. abt Nov 1851 and Pearl b. Aug 1882 in NE. Shows Henry as b. Nov 1851 and Adell b. May 1854.
In the 1880 census, Henry is in Adams Co., NE but he is a foreman on a ranch and Adell is not with him or is not shown on that census place. 1910 Boise, Idaho, not Iowa. Pearl is with them and unmarried. 1920, Boise, Idaho, Adell is a widow and Pearl is married, last name is Harris.

==========================================

Taken from my notes on Harriet Elizabeth Huff Thompson, daughter of Josephine Affantranger Huff.
Fred was born in Nicholsville.

July 22, 1882 Dear Brother, I must at last inform you of the sad news that poor old mother is no more. She died on the 20th and was buried the 21st. She died just one week from the time we brought her home.
   She was buried in the _______ of order and a large procession followed her to the cemetery.
    Her coffin and robe cost $55.1/2 and it was splendid. She had the hearse from the center. She was so happy after she came home from George's and would sit up to eat her food, until Monday. She was taken with a chill and never spoke again until Thursday morning.
   Just before she died then she spoke and said in the presence of Mrs. Woodmansee and Mrs. F. Teal McEntire and Mrs. Flet Wheaton, Tell Charlie to send you $25.00. George has the organ and the rest must pay my expenses and Hattie, you deserve something but you and Charley can do it as you see fit about it. And tell him to always be a good boy so you could both meet in the other world.
  She said she was so happy that she was gathering flowers with her sister Mary and Daddy. She didn't want to go back and died without a struggle. From your sister H. Thompson. (Sent to Buda, Illinois)

*Letter typed as transcribed by Jo Robbins, grand daughter of. Isaac and Josephine Affantranger Huff, daughter of Charles Huff. Author has seen copy of original written letter and has a copy of it. Harriet Huff Thompson buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan. She is buried in space #7, to the north of Smith. No marker for Harriet. Author (Kathy Barnes) has placed a wooden cross at her grave with her name and dates written on it.        Letter contributed by: Kathy Barnes- see our Hall of fame for email address.

==============

Green/Debolt families - Mary Ann (Polly) Debolt was born in Union Co Indiana 18 April 1831, she married John Green 21 March 1851 in Union Co, Ind She died 11 April 1868, Penn TWP, Cass Co Michigan. She was buried at Little Fish Volonia Cemetary. She was my Great Grandmother, my Grandmother was Emalene Green Born 14 February 1863 Penn Twp, Cass Co Michigan Died 31 July 1942 Topeka, Ks at home of her daughter Minnie Lais, and is buried at Greenwood Cemetary, Belvue, KS She married Columbus Clayton Lytle 8 of Nov 1881 at Valencia, Shawnee, KS. Contributed by: Lucile Sinclair sincandy@wamego.net

==============

 Trattles ~ Hebron Family

==============

Tidbit - To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Newspaper Articles from the "flip" side of a Helpful Hints & Recipe column.

March 1903
Flint, Mich., March 29-- {Special}

Fred PARKHURST, who was stabbed in a saloon row last night, was reported this evening to be in very critical condition. Peritonitis has developed and attending physicians held out little hope of his recovery.

With the prospect that murder would be the result of the stabbing affray, there is renewed activity on the part of police to-night. Frank WILSON, teamster, and A. C. STACY, bartender at the saloon where the fracas occurred, were taken into custody and are being detained as witnesses.  The stranger who is alleged to have done the stabbing has been identified as Leonard DENNINBERG, employed until two weeks ago as bartender for Chris Henning  at Saginaw. 

He had been to Toledo and Detroit and was on his way home when he got into trouble here.  He boarded a train for Saginaw before he could be intercepted by the police last night, and is believed to be in hiding in that city.
Submitted by Cathy O'Hare

==============

AFTER 35 YEARS
GALESBERG DRUGGIST WAS PAID AN OLD ACCOUNT.

Galesburg, Mich., March 29-- Dr. W. A. BURDICK, who has been engaged in the drug business in this village during the greater part of the last half century, has just encountered a pleasant, although unusual, experience.

I the year 1868, or 35 years since, the doctor had a customer who, like many others of later generations, had more necessities than cash.  In this instance a bill of  $5 eventually adorned the druggist's books and remained unpaid until after a lapse of a year or two, the debtor disappeared and the account, like the book in which it was entered, grew aged and yellow.

It had been 30 years since the doctor had either heard from or seen his debtor, when, two days since, he received a postoffice order for $15 in payment of the original debt, with accrued interest.  The recipient says that he "will continue in business at the old stand."
============

Submitted by Cathy O'Hare

NERVY THIEF
FRANK SLOCUM DROVE OFF WITH ANOTHER MAN'S RIG.

Kalamazoo, Mich., March 29--A nervy attempt at horse stealing resulted in the arrest to-day of Frank SLOCUM.  Perley SUTHERLAND, of Oshtemo, was out driving and gave a lift to Slocum.  Sutherland stopped in front of a friend's house and Slocum drove off with the rig.  He came to Kalamazoo and attemped to sell the horse.  Sheriff SHIPMAN was notified and made the arrest.

Submitted by Cathy O'Hare

MASONIC CALENDAR - DOWAGIAC, MI 1909

Peninsular Lodge No. 214  F. & A. M.
Officers

Otis BIGELOW  - W. M.
Lewis STEVENS - S.W.
Orra D. CHROWL - J. W.
Boyd REDNER - Treas.
Warren E. CONKLING - Sec.
Arthur R. MEAD - S. D.
Walter D. CHROWL - J. D.
John BILDERBACK - Chaplain
Leon R. LYLE - Steward
John SCHMITT - Steward
Frank C. SQUIRES - Tyler
============

NOTE: I don't have a clue what most of the initials or notations next to the list of names means, but I am including them just in case they mean something to someone else.  I am only transcribing this because I have this little card with all of these wonderful names on it.

Submitted by Cathy O'Hare

Keystone Chapter No. 36   R. A. M.
Officers

Warren E. CONKLING - H. P.
Otis BIGELOW - King
Burgette L. DEWEY - Scribe
Clarence L. SHERWOOD - Treas.
Sidney P. MOSHER - Sec.
Chas. STARRETT - C. of H.
Chas. E. SWEET - P. S.
Robert N. LEE - R. A. C.
A. P. OPPENHEIM - M. 3rd V.
R. L. VANANTWERP - M. 2nd V.
R. L. HAMPTON - M. 1ST V.
Albert EGMER - Sentinel

=============

Dowagiac Chapter No. 263  O. E. S.
Officers

Clara A. CONKLING - W. M.
Susan AMSDEN - A. M.
Chas. E. SWEET - W. P.
Arthur R. MEAD - A. P.
Beryl VANANTWERP - Sec.
Ida TREBLECOCK - Treas.
Ola STANSELL - Conductress
Gertrude SWEET - A. Cond.
Kittie GRAHAM - Ada
Blanche LAMBERSON - Ruth
Nora ESSIG - Esther
Clara SCHOPABACH - Martha
Jennie TOWNSEND - Electa
Charlotte HARDY - Warder
Lina SNYDER - Chaplain
May JONES - Marshal
Rose KROHNE - Pianist
Albert EGMER - Sentinel

NOTE: I don't have a clue what most of the initials or notations next to the list of names means, but I am including them just in case they mean something to someone else.  I am only transcribing this because I have this little card with all of these wonderful names on it.
Submitted by Cathy O'Hare

Niles newspaper 9 Jan 1976 - contributed by Brett Hardesty. = 100-year-old home ripped by blaze.
Cassopolis - A 100-year old home owned by George Gay, Rt. Three, was destroyed by fire at 5:10 p.m. Wesnesday, according to the Cass County Sheriff's Department.
  Penn Township firefighters were unable to save the five room home when a blaze resulted from a wood space heater. The loss is estimated at $20,000, including $1,000 worth of antiques.

Westphal/Westfall - In the early Cass Co. census records they have the surname spelled Westfall from The Westphal's lived around the Marcellus area and from what I have found lately I believe that the Westfall's surname could be related to me. The earliest known ancestor that I was able to verify thus far is John Westphal Circa 1844 who had a wife Henrietta circa1839, they had 2 sons William and Frederick. John also had a stepson Charles but went by Charley b. circa - 1860. After the death of Charley, his wife Minnie remarried to a gentleman with the surname Akerly. According to John's obit he also left 2 sisters and 2 brothers when he died, I am currently trying to locate these people.
   Upon further research of ancestors from Cass County I have discovered that all of the Westfall's and Westphal's that are buried in the Bly Cemetery are all relation to me. The correct German spelling is Westphal, while the English version is spelled Westfall. I have discovered that John Westphal had a brother that came to America about 1870. Upon research of death records from Cass County I discovered that John Westphal and the eldest Westfall buried in the Bly Cemetery (Fred Westfall) have the same parents. After further research I have conclusive evidence that John Westphal born circa 1844, and Fred Westfall born circa 1842, were actually brothers. It appears that when Fred Westfall came to America he must have not been able to speak English coming through immigration, thus is why his surname was mis-spelled from the German spelling of Westphal. Fred Westfall married Mary Swartz. Both Fred Westfall and John Westphal after leaving Germany initially settled in St. Joseph County, Michigan in the 1870's. From the 1880 census records afterwards they were no longer in St. Joseph County but were just a couple of miles apart residing until their deaths in Cass County, Michigan. Contributed by: Ron Hawkins at hawkins@net-link.net

Wiley S Woods Reunion
This is our third annual Woods and Allied Families Reunion.

Where: Groner Park, Elizabeth Street, Parma, Michigan.
When: Sunday, August 21th, 2011.
Time Noon to about 4:00 pm.
Please bring a passing dish to share, a table cloth,
Your own table service, something to drink, and lawn chairs.
There is a nice play area for the young children,
And there are ball fields near by.
For directions, call or email Sharon Cornell
517 531 3041
s19kayc@frontier.com


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