S Surname Obits
Cass County, Michigan

Thank you for the following obituaries and death records 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

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

Slipper, William - Cassopolis Vigilant - June 14, 1887 - William Slipper of LaGrance, born in New York City, June 15, 1815; came to Cass co., in 1858; was a soldier in Co. A 19th Mich. Infylk and died at Cassopolis, Nove 27, '86, of diseases contracted i the army, aged 71.

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 having preceded her to the better land.  She died at her old home in Silver Creek February 2, 1901, at the age of 86 years and nine days.  The funeral services were held at the home Monday, February 4,  Elder Wyrick, of Dowagiac officiating and the remains laid to rest by the side of her husband in Indian lake cemetery.

IN MEMORY OF GRADMA SHAUL
She has gone, our aged mother,
All life's sufferings are o'er,
But she's left us sad and lonely,
Her dear face we'll see no more.

For long years she's been our counsel,
Guarded well our wandering feet,
Shared with us our many sorrows,
Helped us all life's duties meet.

She has been the best of mothers,
Always loving, true and kind,
And though gone, she's leaving many
Cherished memories behind.

We will miss her by the fireside
where will stand the vacant chair,
And the house will seem so empty--
We will miss her everywhere.

But thank God there is a ransom,
Jesus bought it with his blood,
By his grace all wrongs are righted
All that's taken, are made good.

Then we'll meet again up yonder
Dear ones who have gone before,
Where's no parting, pain or sorrow--
Jesus reigns forever more.
=============
CARD OF THANKS
To the many kind friends and neighbors we extend our heartfelt thanks for the many kind acts, expressions of sympathy, and the aid rendered during the last sickness and burial of our departed mother.
G. P. SHAUL & Family   Submitted by Cathy O'Hare

obit   ELIZABETH B. SMITH ______________________ Elizabeth B. Smith was born Sept. 10, 1844 and departed this life Sept. 20, 1918. She was the daughter of Newton and Rachel McMillan of Wilmington, Ohio. She was united in marriage Sept. 22, 1870 to Duane B. Smith of St. Joseph, Mich. Just two days more and there would have been 48 years of married life. To this union were born three children, Mrs. O. E. Julian, of South Bend, Ind., Mrs. Ida Taylor, now deceased and Mr. N. E. Smith of Otis, Colo.
   She leaves three grandsons, Forbes and Duane Julian and Ralph Smith. Her life was a beautiful character. She was a most devoted wife and mother in her home, always sunny and cheerful. It was always a place for her relatives and friends to gather. Many the good times had in their home by the young and old. She was a member of the Westminister Guild of the Presbyterian church of Cassopolis and a member from childhood of the Friend’s church. When the family moved to Nebraska in 1885 church letters were transferred to the Congregational church of Holdrege, Neb., and are still held there.
   Mrs. Smith was never happier than when she was helping in some good cause, going and doing many times beyond her strength. Her life was full of good deeds, doings and living for others, and her last thoughts and words were in consideration for those she loved. In those last days so many times Heaven’s gates were opened to her and in her dreams she saw the angels of Heaven and talked to her loved ones gone
   She not only leaves her husband, children and grand-children to mourn her loss, but brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces and may friends who will miss her from the home and community. Of her father’s family, consisting of her father, mother, step-mother and fourteen brothers and sisters only one survives, a half-brother Chase G. McMillon of Harveyville, Kansas. This brother was with her the last week that she lived.
   Her funeral was held at the late home on North Broadway Saturday, Sept. 21st, at 3 p.m., Rev. Kennedy officiating. Two of her favorite hymns were sung by her brother, W. O. Smith of Chicago, Beautiful Isle of Somewhere and Heaven’s Bells are Ringing. Interment was in Cassopolis cemetery by the side of her daughter, Ida. She rests from her labors and her works and good deeds follow her.
Contributed by: Pamn Baptist - bpamn@hotmail.com - too see photostat copy of original obit, click on above graphic. Obit type for the internet by: Jennifer Ottney

Frank Smith - Dowagiac: - Frank Smith, 86, of CaliforniaRd. Silver Creek Twp., dided Wednesday in Lee Memorial Hospital, Dowagiac, where he had been a patient since December 1969. He was born March 19, 1883 in Watervliet, MI., His only survivors are nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the McLauchlin Funeral Home, with Rev. Ray Selent, of the Church of God, officiating. Burial will be in the Eau Claire Cemetery. Friends may call in the funeral home.

Hayes W. Smith - - Dowagiac - Feb. 9, 1957 - Hayes W. Smith, 79, of Silver Creek township, died Friday morning, Feb. 8, 1957 at Lee Memorial Hospital.
  He was born in Covert, MI., May 27, 1877 the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.
Mr. Smith married Maude Smith in Cassopolis in 1896; she died in 1922. Of their 11 children, eight survive
Mr. Smith; L. T., Alvin and Robert Smith, Mrs. Nina Northropp and Mrs. Eva Walton, all of Dowagiac; Fremont of Niles, Mrs. Myrtle Michael of Berrien Center, and Mrs. Mary Thornton of Lakeview. Mr. Smith also is survived by eight of 10 children born of his marriage in 1923 to Della Mae Rose, who died in 1938. They are Mrs. Leona Mitchel, of Okla., Hayes W. Jr. of Chicago, Claude E. of Niles, Homer Kunkey of St. Louis, Mo., Thomas Henson serving with the Navy; Joseph M. Ferrier of Chicago; Mrs. Bonnie Bilmar of Whitewater, Wis.; and Mrs. Joseph Ferrier of Dowagiac.
  Other survivors include three brothers, John of Decatur, Peter of Niles, and Robert of Dowagiac; 37 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. in the McLauchlin Funeral Home. The Rev. Frank Kruger, pastor of the First Christian Church will officate. Burial will be at the Eau Claire Cemetery, Eau Claire, MI. contributed by: Linda Reeves; great granddaughter of Hayes W. Smith

Spaulding  Cassopolis Vigilant June 22, 1911 page 8 Annis Junph Spaulding, born in Monroe County, NY June 3, 1821, married to Joel Spaulding in 1847, the mother of thirteen children, died in Marcellus, November 4, 1910.

STERNER, TRYPHENA - - - - NILES DAILY STAR, Niles, Michigan,   August 4, 1908 Mrs. Tryphena Sterner, widow of Gideon Sterner, died at the home, two and one-half miles northeast of Niles, at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon, aged about 65 years. Mrs. Sterner was driving to Barren Lake last Sunday afteroon, in company with a relative, Mrs. Frank Lamberton of South Dakota, when the horse became frightened at a flock of sheep and bolted, throwing both occupants out. Both were injured, Mrs. Sterner being the more seriously hurt, having three ribs and arm broken, and also hurt internally to such an extent that it caused her death. There remains six children, three girls and three boys, as follows: Mrs. Ella Rogers of Chicago, Mrs. Bertha Dougan of Pomona, Cal., and Mrs. Grace Tuesley of Howard Township, Cass county, Mesars George, Arthur and Carl Sterner, all of Howard township. Mrs. Sterner was born in Howard township and was the daughter of Henry Lamberton. Her grandfather was Wm. Kirk, one of the first white settlers of Howard, who came here from Virginia. At that time the nearest milling place was at Fort Wayne, Ind., and Mr. Kirk drove there at frequent intervals by ox team. An instance in the life of Mr. Kirk, which might be cited with interest, was the formation of a band of 200 settlers bound for Oregon whither they drove with an ox team, Mr. Kirk heading the party. On the great plains they encountered a band of Indians, but Mr. Kirk having been adopted by the Sioux Indians which inhabited this territory at that time, and having been taught the language, saved the whole party from being massacred by being able to converse with the Indians of the great plains. The funeral of Mrs. Sterner will take place from the late home, Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. Chas. Ager will conduct the services. Interment at Silver Creek cemetery.

Littleberry Stewart   March 01, 1828 - April 15, 1917    Buried in Chain Lake Cemetery Cassopolis, Michigan
  Article printed in the Cassopolis Vigilant Again the Ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic have been invaded.
  Again at the roll call there shall be no response. Again the flag is lowered at half-mast. Again her folds drape the remains of a departed comrade.   Thus one by one this vast concourse of men, the body guard of the nation, are leaving us. Instead of that once mighty force, we have remaining only a scattered few. But often the less the quantity the greater the value, and so we place the highest esteem on the remnant of our grand old army. To them we owe the existence of this great nation and all its future possibilities. Because of this value they have been to us, the greater is the nation’s sorrow at their parting.
  The time is fast approaching when there shall be none left of Mathew Artis’ Post or any Post to call forth the nation’s reverence. Yet the smallest deeds of these heroes shall be enlarged upon the pages of history as landmarks never to be erased or forgotten.
  Comrade Stewart the last one to be called to respond to the honor roll on high, was a soldier of no small caliber. He loved his country and gloried in its honor. It was his delight to relate incidences of her war time history and never tired extolling the virtues of Old Glory and living over again the scenes of the early day. He was ever ready to answer to the call of the colors. He and Comrade Anderson made the long and tedious trip to Washington D.C., to the last encampment of the G.A.R. He used to say that he would go to the next one if he should live to do so. But the Commander in Chief of the Universe has seen fit to call him to the ranks above, where there is no need of arms and where peace ever reigns.
  For many years Comrade Stewart was a conspicuous figure in our midst. He loved children and was never without a piece of candy or a picture card for them, and many a little heart has been gladdened by these gifts. On Decoration Day he could be seen with his flags starting out to adorn the graves of those companions that had proceeded him. In his cemetery he has set apart a portion as a final resting place of all old soldiers desiring to be buried there. But now he has fulfilled his mission , and he too must share this last abode. Rest, comrade rest and sleep .
The thoughts of men should be
As sentinels to keep
Your rest from danger free.
Obituary contributed by: Esther Stewart

Stockdale Obituaries - contributed by Lynne (Stockdale) Wilson at lwilson2235@yahoo.com

Anthony N. Stockdale - Shortly after seven o'clock Monday evening, June 29, 1899, people on the street were startled by the news that A. N. Stockdale had been stricken with heart failure and was rapidly falling on the street, in front of G. C. Underhill's grocery. In company with Albert Lyle he had driven around to the south shore of Stone Lake with the intention of going in bathing. Mr. Lyle was already in the water and Mr. Stockdale had just stepped in, when the latter commenced choking, and called to Mr. Lyle that they must return at once. Hurriedly donning their clothes, they drove rapidly back to town, but by the time they had arrived opposite Mr. Underhill's store he had so far failed that it was not possible to take him upstairs to the doctor's office. Mrs. Stockdale was sent for but he was unconscious when she arrived and expired shortly after. Anthony Newton Stockdale was born near Goshen, Ind., June 29, 1845 and departed this life July 10, 1899, his age being 54 years and 12 days. November 12, 1865, the deceased was united in marriage to Martha Janet Smith. To this union three daughters were born, Mrs. Katharine Coates, of Battle Creek, Mich.; Mrs. Fanchion Bailey, of Marcellus, Mich. and Mrs. Edna Patch, of Chicago. Besides these daughters and the devoted wife and companion, the deceased leaves an aged father and mother, three brothers, seven grandchildren and many more relatives and friends to mourn his loss. In 1867 Mr. Stockdale moved to this county and in 1865 he moved to Cassopolis. The funeral services were conducted from the house on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. Frank C. Colvin officiating. obit from Cassopolis Vigilante July 13, 1899

Bertha Emerson Salisbury Stockdale - Rites Sunday for Ex-Penn Resident -------------------------------------- Funeral Services for Mrs. Charles Stockdale, 87, were held at the Romig Funeral home, Marcellus, on Sunday afternoon. Rev. John Paul Jones of Dowagiac officiated. Burial was in Prospect Hill cemetery. Mrs. Stockdale was a former resident of Penn Township. Since the death of her husband several years ago, she had made her home with her son Thomas E. Stockdale of Mandon, N.D. Two other sons, Stephen of Helena, Montana and John of Tucson, Ariz. also survive.
(Lynne Willson's comments, not included in obituary: Bertha Emerson Salisbury Stockdale Born: 1868 in Door Creek, Dane County, Wisconsin and died May 24, 1956 in Mandan, ND. She was 87 years old. The Stockdale's owned and lived on a farm outside of Cassopolis.)

Charles (Fred) Stockdale - Charles (Fred) Stockdale beloved husband and father, retired Senior Master Sergeant USAF, 76 years of age, died July 28, 2007. Survived by his loving wife, Patricia A. Stockdale; his three children, Kevin T. Stockdale, Stephen G. Stockdale and Lorraine A. Stockdale; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Chrohns and Colitis Foundation of America, 17th Floor, 386 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway Tucson, Arizona. Fred is buried at The Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Buffalo Soldier Trail, in Sierra Vista, Arizona Obituary from the Tucson Newspapers on August 1, 2007. Fred Stockdale spent most of his childhood years attending schools in Cassopolis and graduated from Cassopolis High School in 1947.

Elgin M. Stockdale - - Died Suddenly ------------------------------ Former Cassopolis Man Died in Chicago Dec. 23 ------------------------------- Elgin M. Stockdale, a large part of whose life was spent in Cassopolis, died quite suddenly in his home in Chicago on Tuesday evening of last week. He had been ill during the day with a cold, and in the evening was stricken with a heart attack and passed away. Funeral services were held in Chicago, Friday p.m., and the body was brought to Cassopolis where Pastor Frank Davis conducted a brief service at the Connelly funeral home Saturday p.m. and burial was made in the family lot in Prospect Hill cemetery. Deceased was a son of the late John and Jennie (Monroe) Stockdale and was born in Jefferson Township 68 years ago. He attended Cassopolis high school and then went to Clear Business College in Ypsilanti, where he met and married Miss Alice Butler in 1893. For a number of years he worked with his father as a painter and decorator, and for 25 or more years was employed by railways as an auditor. At the time of his death he was manager of the Railway Ticket Protective Association with offices in the union station in Chicago. He is survived by his wife, their one child, Natalie, having died in 1911. From the Cassopolis Vigilante 1/1/1942

Mrs. Janet Stockdale -----------------------
  Martha Jane Smith was born in York Township, Elkhart County, Indiana on April 4, 1847 and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. W. Patch, in Marcellus, Saturday morning, June 2, 1906 in the sixtieth year of her life.
  November 12, 1865, she was united in marriage to Anthony N. Stockdale, who preceded her in death about seven years ago. Shortly after their marriage they came to Cass County, living in Jefferson Township about twenty years and afterward in Cassopolis. To this union were born three daughters, Mrs. F.B. Coates of Battle Creek, and Mrs. A.E. Bailey and Mrs. F.W. Patch of Marcellus, all of whom with eight grandchildren are living.
  In the 17th year of her age she united with the Baptist church in Goshen, later transferring her membership to the Cassopolis Baptist church, of which she remained a faithful member to the time of her decease.
  Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Bobbit at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Stockdale in Cassopolis, Monday afternoon, and interment was made in Prospect Hill Cemetery. Besides other near relatives those present from abroad were Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Stockdale of Chicago, Mr. E. M. Stockdale of Indianapolis, Mr. A. E. Manning and Mrs. Oaks of Goshen, Mr. and Mrs. Nealy Cable and Mrs. Mollie Bishop of Elkhart.
  From The Cassopolis Vigilante newspaper June 7, 1906

Jennie Monroe Stockdale - Mrs. J.N. Stockdale Dies in Chicago ------------------------------- Was Resident of This Community Nearly Eighty Years -------------------------------
  Mrs. Jennie Monroe Stockdale, widow of the late John N. Stockdale, died Monday, Sept. 7, 1936, at the home of her son, Elgin M. Stockdale, and his wife in Chicago. She was age 83 years, 7 months and 3 days. The remains were brought to Cassopolis, where funeral services were held at the Connelly funeral home at 2:00 p.m., yesterday, and burial was in Prospect Hill cemetery.
  Jennie Monroe was born in Jefferson Township, this county, Feb. 4, 1853, the daughter of Nathaniel and Nancy Zane Monroe. Her grandparents, Maxwell and Jane (Norton) Zane, came to Cass County from Ohio and settled in Jefferson in 1829, when that township was very new to civilization.
  She was married to John N. Stockdale of Elkhart, Nov. 21, 1871 and they lived in Elkhart for two years, after which they returned to Cass County. They moved to Cassopolis in 1879 and this had since been her home, although she had been at the home of her son in Chicago most of the past five years.
  Deceased is survived by her one son, Elgin. She was long a member of the Baptist church, where for many years she sang in the choir. From the Cassopolis Vigilante 9/10/1936

John N. Stockdale - - Died Last Thursday ----------------------------------------------- Was Veteran Band Man and Long Time Resident ------------------------------------------------------------
John N. Stockdale died at his home in this village last Thursday after a long illness, aged eighty years, five months, and 20 days. Funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Jos. L. Lindsay and burial was in Prospect Hill cemetery.
  Mr. Stockdale had been a resident of Cassopolis for over half a century, having moved to this village from Elkhart in 1877, and having built, 48 years ago, the home in which the family had ever since lived. He became a very well known figure in the county in two very different lines. As a band man he was known over a wide territory. He was one of the charter members of the old Cassopolis Military Band, and was a player in that organization for about fifty years, having been one of its very active members during the years when that band was attending state tournaments and establishing a state reputation as a musical organization. He also excelled as an interior decorator, and he enjoyed a reputation as a first class workman that is seldom attained by men in that line in a small community.
  John N. Stockdale, son of Thomas J and Catherine (Manning) Stockdale, was born in Elkhart, Ind., Sept 1, 1848, and died Feb 21, 1929. He was one of five brothers, of whom only Charles W. Stockdale of Cassopolis survives. William M. having died in 1904, Anthony N. in 1899 and Schuyler in 1899.
  Deceased grew to young manhood in Elkhart and vicinity. He was married Nov. 2, 1871, to Miss Jennie Monroe of Jefferson Township, this county, who survives him, as does also their only child, Elgin M. Stockdale of Chicago, who was with him during much of his last illness.
  Until his eightieth birthday Mr. Stockdale had been able to continue his work, as he had always enjoyed good health and there were few who suspected his advanced age. He had never been confined to his bed by illness until the general breaking down last fall, which resulted in his death. ------------------------
  The family wish to thank the neighbors and friends who were so kind during the illness and after the death of Mr. Stockdale. From the Cassopolis Vigilante 2/28/1929

Miss Natalie Stockdale ------------------------- Verna Natalie Stockdale, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elgin Stockdale, passed away at the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Stockdale, in this village, at an early hour Sunday morning, July 3, 1911, death being due to consumption.
  Deceased was born in Cassopolis, October 21, 1893, and the greater part of her life was spent in Cassopolis. A few years ago the family moved to Indianapolis, and later to Memphis, Tenn., where she was ill with typhoid fever, as a result of which she developed tuberculosis. Later they removed to Chicago, where she continued to fail in health. She was brought to the home of her grandparents here in the hope that a change might be beneficial, but she continued to decline until her death.
  Miss Natalie was a bright young lady, an only child and only grandchild, and to the stricken parents and grandparents the sympathy of friends is extended in all sincerity.
  Funeral services were held yesterday at 10:30 a.m. conducted by Rev. Frank Davis, a former pastor at the Baptist church of Cassopolis and burial was made in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
  From the Cassopolis Vigilante 7/6/1911

Stretch, William obit Contributed by: Davis F. "Doc" Ball

Home