R Surname Obits
Cass County,
Michigan
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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.comReames Erma Reames (Mrs. Claude Reams) - Cassopolis, MI Feb 12, 1920
click on imageReisch, Esther Eldora Smith - obit -died Nov 23, 1931
Rourke - Cass. Vigilant Feb 19, 1885 - At the residence of her parents, near Dailey, Feb 14, 1885, Miss Nellie Rourk.
Ruple, Emma - Cassopolis Vigilant - June 24, 1915 - Mrs. John Ruple: Miss Emma Keneston was born in VanBuren county, Nov. 11, 1861 and died Jun 17. 1915 at the age of 53 years, 7 months and 6 days.
August 18, 1880, she was married to John ruple. To this union two children were born, a son and a daughter, Orsa and Pearl. Besides the husband and children she leaves to mourn her loss two sisters, Mrs. Mary Parker or near Sumnerville and Mrs. Alusna Taylor of Richland, Mo. One brother died in infancy.
When about fifteen years of age she united with the Christian church and continued in its faith until God called her home. She had a host of friends who sorrow at her going.
The funeral was conducted from the family residence south of town by Rev. Herman Burns on Sunday afternoon, June 20, and the remains laid to rest in the Cassopolis cemetery. A large company of friends attended the family on this sad mission. She is at rest.
