W Surname Obits Cass County

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

Walkey, Edith - Cassopolis Vigilant - July 11, 1918 - Mrs. Edith Walkey - Mrs. Edith Walkey aided at her home in Denver, Col., Friday, July 5. Funeral services were held there Monday.
Mrs. Walkey will be remembered here as Miss Edith Rickert, daughter of Georg Rickert. Her early life was spent in Cassopolis and at the family home south of town, and she attended high school and was graduated from the Cassopolis high school. She is survived by her husband and by two children, Jacob and Leah.

Harriet Henderson Wells   Dowagiac Daily News, October 31, 1904, p. 1, 4:
   "Mrs. Harriet Henderson Wells, wife of Willard A . Wells, an old resident and a lady highly respected by a large circle of friends, passed away at her home on Hamilton street at 5 o'clock Sunday morning after an illness of long duration with an internal growth thought to be cancerous. For the past four weeks she had been confined to her bed.
   Mrs. Wells was born in Onondago county, New York, nearly 71 years ago. There she was united in marriage in 1852 to Willard A. Wells, and they came to Michigan and to Cass county to reside in the winter of 54-55. They settled in Wayne township, residing there a year. In the spring of 1856 they moved to Dowagiac and have since resided here with the exception of four years, beginning in 1861, when Mr. Wells purchased and operated the present Fred Roberts farm in Wayne. The deceased is survived by a daughter, Mrs. R. L. Vanantwerp, of this city, and an adopted son, Bert Wells, residing in Chicago. A little daughter of the latter has made her home with the deceased ever since the death of her mother. Two grandchildren and three great grandchildren survived the deceased.
   Mrs. Wells leaves a brother, Levi Henderson, in Chicago, and a sister in Brooklyn, N. Y.
   The funeral will be held at the house at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Burial at Riverside."

Wells - From the Cassopolis Vigilant 6/16/1909 - Phebe Carr Wells, born in Yates Co., NY, Oct 9, 1837, came to Wayne townshiop when 11 years of age. Dec. 1854 she married H. B. Wells who with two children survive. She died at Dowagiac , Aug 13, 1909.

Willard Wells The Dowagiac Daily News, May 17, 1912, p. 1:    "Willard Wells, for more than half a century a resident of Dowagiac and of Wayne township, carpenter, man of public affairs, passed away last night at 11:30 at Ackerman Hospital.
   For four weeks he has been confined to the Hospital. A stroke of paralysis, not the first one he suffered, came about four weeks ago, and his advanced years, coupled with other physical ailments prevented his rallying. He was nearly 84 years of age. He had lived in Wayne township and in the city of Dowagiac practically all of the time since 1853, mostly in Dowagiac. A few years were spent in New York, his native state.
   Mr. Wells had a wide acquaintance. He held different offices of local trust. He was long identified with Masonic circles. He was both alderman and supervisor in Dowagiac for many years. He also held office in Wayne township during the few years he lived there.
   Mr. Wells was born in 1827 in New York State. He came to Dowagiac in 1853. In a few years he returned to New York, but did not remain long, returning to Cass county and settling in Wayne township. He bought the farm which in after years became known as the Kilburn Roberts place and is now owned by Fred Roberts.
   From the farm he moved to Dowagiac, and for many years he had a residence on Hamilton Street. He was a carpenter by trade. Many of the early residences and store buildings in Dowagiac are examples of his workmanship. In an early day he helped to build Forest Hall at Sister Lakes.
He was made supervisor of the second ward and served for years in that capacity, being succeeded about twelve years ago by John Bilderback, the present supervisor. He was a member of the city council for several successive terms.
   He belonged to the old Dowagiac Masonic Lodge No. 10, and took a demit to Peninsular Lodge No. 214 when No. 10 gave up its charter. He was always active in Masonic circles.
   It has been arranged to have a private funeral for Mr. Wells at 2 p. m. Saturday, except that Peninsular Lodge of Masons will attend in a body and hold Masonic services. The service will be private to others.
  Mrs. Wells died in 1904. In late years Mr. Wells has made his home on Hamilton Street with Mrs. Otto Miller, a step-granddaughter. Mrs. R. W. VanAntwerp, of 205 Cortland Street, is his only child living. A foster son, Bert Wells, lives in Chicago. A sister, Mrs. Judd Hill, of Quincy, Mich., has been here for the past few days and will remain until after the funeral. Another sister resides in New York, and an older brother, a man now 90 years of age if he is living, was last known to be in lower California.
   The funeral services of tomorrow will be held at the home of the daughter, Mrs. VanAntwerp, on Cortland Street."

Whitmore - From the Cassopolis Vigilant 6/16/1909 - Cyrus S. Whitmore, born in Astabula county,Ohio, May 19, 1851 and came to Jefferson when but a child, and there lived until 1900 when he went to Washington state, where he died May 11, 1910. Feb 14, 1879, he married Ella V. Abbey, who died 11 years ago, they are survived by one son.

Williams, Wealthy Root Mrs. - - Cassopolis Vigilant - June 14, 1887 Mrs. Wealthy Root Williams, wife of John Williams, of Adamsville, born in Oneida Co., N. Y., May 22, 1824; came to Cass Co., in '45; died in Adamsville Dec. 15, '86.

Wilson, Ann - Death of Mrs. Ann Wilson - Ann Smith was a native of England. The date of her birth was Feb. 14th, 1827. She came to Buffalo, N. Y., in 1841. There, in 1845, she was united in marriage to Soseph Booth. To this union was born one child, now Mrs. Tewksbury. Mr. Booth died in 1851.
In 1852 she was married to James Wilson. To their home came eleven children, seven of whom survive to mourn her loss.
In 1855 the family came to Milton township, and ever since, with some changes of residence, she has lived in Cass county. Jan. 12th, 1880, she was again bereaved in the death of her hus- band. In 1883 she came to Edwardsburg, and here was her home until her death, which occurred Feb.13th, 1906,, having reached the ripe age of 78 years, 11 months and 20 days. Sister Wilson was a strong character, she had resolute purpose and strength to carry out her plans. Her husband, Bro. Wilson, was four years and three months in the army during the civil war. He served through the whole time of the war for the preservation of the Union. Sister Wilson, left alone with her family, recalls the sacrifice made by wives and mothers for their country in the time of its great trial. Nobly did Sister Wilson carry her great burdens, and is rightly numbered among those who challenge our rever-ence and our gratitude. She remembered her Creator in the days of her youth, and for her no evil day ever came when she had no pleasure in His service. She was christian from girlhood days. For many years she has been an honored and faithful member of the Methodist church in Edwardsburg. She lived to see her children of the third genera-tion, and having served her generation by the will of God she quietly and peacefully fell on sleep.
We cannot doubt but, as around her gathered the shadows of death, upon her broke thecloudless morn of heaven. Her sons and daughters are doubly blessed in being the children of such patriotic parents. G. W. G. The funeral services will be held at the Methodist church this (Thursday) day afternoon, at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. G. W. Gosling will officiate. - contributed by:" George Wilson at wilsongr2239@sbcglobal.net

Wing, Mary - Mrs. Mary WING - died at her home in Three Rivers, February 8, 1913 - Mrs. Mary Wing passed away Sunday noon at her home after having lived in this vicinity for a period of nearly seventy years, during which time she was well known and surrounded by a large number of friends.
  Mary ALLEN was born in Brooklyn, New York, June 7, 1836. At the age of 7 years she came to Michigan with her parents and settled in Newberg Township, Cass County, where she lived until womanhood when she became the wife of Isaac E. WING December 3, 1853. In 1861 they moved to Long Lake where they lived until moving to Three Rivers in 1912.
  To this union were born 13 children, 4 daughters and 9 sons, four of whom have preceded her in death. Her husband, 9 children, 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends mourn her departure.
  Her surviving children are: Amelia RUMSEY of Corey; Harvey WING of Duluth, Minnesota; Walter WING of Dallas, Oregon; Arthur WING of Newport, Oregon; Charles WING of South Bend, Indiana; Daniel WING of Custer; Isaac WING, Carl WING and Earl WING of Three Rivers.
  She was a good mother, faithful to her children and, although her trials were many especially when her husband was in the Civil War, she always had a cheerful face, hiding her sorrows from the world and bearing her trials in silence. She died at her home in Three Rivers, February 8, 1913, at the age of 76 years, 9 months, and 2 days. Burial was in Corey Lake Cemetery (now known as Harwood Cemetery).

Andrew Woods Cassopolis Vigilant, June 20, 1878 ANDREW WOODS who was Sheriff of Cass County in 1850-1, died at his residence in Jefferson, Sept.,6th,1877, at the age of 67 years. He was one of the early settlers of our county, and was repeatedly elected by his fellow citizens to places of honor and trust, all of which he discharged to the best of his ability. Submitted by Sharon Cornell

Harold Woods HAROLD G WOODS OF DECATUR SHOT AND INSTANTLY KILLED

Harold Woods age 14 years and a son of John B Woods of this village, was shot and killed by his playmate, Beryl Adams, also age 14 years, at the Woods farm in Hamilton Twp. last Thursday shortly after noon. The boys had accompanied John B Woods to the farm and had assisted him in doing some farm work during the forenoon. They ate their dinner in the old house upon the farm. After dinner John B. Woods went out of the house, but before going out told the boys not to touch a shotgun that was standing in the corner, as it was loaded. The boys then began talking about the gun and each asserted that he was not afraid of it. The Adams boy reached around from a milk can he was sitting to show Harold he was not afraid of it, hit it. Harold punched it with a old buggy spoke when he moved his hands. The gun exploded, the charge striking Harold in the left cheek, passing upward and lodged in his brain at the top of the head. John B Woods hearing the explosion, looked in the door just in time to see his son fall. The Adams boy cannot tell whether the gun slipped from his hands and he caused the explosion or whether Harold caused by striking it with the buggy spoke. No blame is attached to the Adams boy, except that of his disobedience to the order of John B Woods not to touch the gun and of extreme carelessness, and the same blame would attach to the the dead boy.

Harold Woods lived with his father in Decatur Village. Buryl Adams is a son of Charles Adams of Dowagiac, but has been in the charge of his guardian S,P. Ball of Wayne Twp. for sometime past, his mother having died some three years ago. Mr. Ball had secured him a home in the family of E.F. Baxter of Hamilton Twp., where he resided at the time of the accident. The day before the accident young Adams came to visit Harold with Mr. and Mrs. Baxter. When they were ready to go home they could not find him and returned without him. He stayed all night with the Woods boy and the next day went to the farm with Harold and his father. No coroner's inquest was held; It was not deemed necessary. The funeral services of the dead boy were held at the Methodist Church in Decatur Sunday at 2:30 o'clock. His burial was in Hamilton Cemetery.

Harold G Woods was born Jan.31,1895, in Hamilton twp. He died June 17,1909. Aged 14 years, 4 months and 7 days. When he was two years old his darling mother died. He then went to live with his Mrs. Pound until he was six years old. In 1899 his father was again married, making a home for his children, and Harold came home to live, where he has been for the greater part of the intervening time. Harold was a happy bright faced boy, with a smile for everybody. His neighbors all loved him for his sweet disposition. On Wed. night a companion stayed with Harold at his home and in company with the father and brother they went to the farm on Thursday. At noon playing in the yard with his friend, Harold was accidentally shot through the head and fell at his companions feet dead.
He leaves to mourn his father, one sister and two brothers, and a host of friends in the neighborhood of his Aunt where he spent six years of his life. His funeral was held in the Methodist Church on Sunday at 2:30. Rev. J.W. Davids officiating. We laid his body away in Hamilton
Cemetery.
CARDS OF THANKS

We desire to express our sincere thanks to our many friends who assisted in our sad bereavement and showed us so much kindness.
John B Woods and Family - - - Submitted by Sharon Cornell

Helen M Vanderhoof, daughter of William and Lodema Vanderhoof, was born in the town of Keene, Ionia County, Michigan, March 25,1859, and died May 27,1897. At the age of 5 she moved to Hamilton with her parents. In the year of 1877 she united with the Methodist Church in Decatur. In 1878 she was married to John B. Woods. She was the mother of eight children, six sons and two daughters, two sons proceeded her to the other world. In 1880 she moved to Madison, Dakota. After living there eight years, they moved to Dowagiac, then returning to Hamilton, where she lived until her death.

Mrs. Woods was a quiet, lovable women. a kind wife and an affectionate mother. During her long illness she was ever cheerful, hopeful and patient, bearing her suffering with great fortitude. Besides her parent and family, she leaves a large circle of friends and neighbors to mourn her loss.

The funeral took place at Hamilton hall Sunday, May 30th, at 11 o'clock a.m., conducted by Elder-J.H. Hammond of Decatur. The respect and sympathy of friends and neighbors was manifested by the large attendance and floral offerings that decorated the casket. Notwithstanding the cold disagreeable day, fifty teams formed the long procession that followed the loved form to the beautiful Hamilton Cemetery, where her sleeping dust was laid to wait the resurrection morn.

FALL RESULTS IN HIS DEATH - James Woods of Silver Creek expired Sunday May 27,1906. PARTIALLY PARALYZED He suffered internal injuries from his fall from the Welsh barn.

James Woods, the Silver Creek Miller, died Sunday morning at 11 o'clock of his injuries received Friday while at work on the new barn at the David Welsh farm. Internal injured caused death. Mr. Woods head cleared up and he was conscious up to 10 minutes before death. The accident happened at 1 o'clock Friday. Mr. Woods was assisting in raising a plate into position from a scaffolding when the timber got away from them and fell, one end of it striking Mr. Woods a glancing blow on the collar bone, breaking two ribs as it fell. The blow knocked him to the ground several feet below. It was the internal injuries received in the fall that caused death. The barn where the accident happened is only a short distance from Marguerite Mills, of which Mr. Woods was proprietor. The deceased was nearly 48 years of age and he leaves a wife and two children.
Submitted by Sharon Cornell

John Woods 1856-1930 John Woods was born on the 24th of March, 1856, in Silver Creek township, county of Cass, and died September 17,1930, at the home of his son in Kalamazoo. He was the son of Burel and Artie Hhinchman Woods. In 1878 he was united in marriage to Helen Vanderhoof of Hamilton township. To this union were born eight children of whom three survive. They are Clarence B Woods of Kalamazoo, John W Woods of Lansing, and Carrie Baldwin of Battle Creek. Ten grandchildren also survive, besides other relatives, and many friends.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist Church, Decatur, last Sunday. Rev. E.C. Finkbeiner officiating. Burial followed in Hamilton Cemetery. John Woods was a resident of Decatur for many years. He was a quiet man, always pleasant, industrious and a good citizen. He met the problems of life to the best of his ability, and seldom if ever complained.
Submitted by Sharon Cornell

JOHN W. WOODS   1887-1936
  John W. Woods, 48 of 818 Johnson Avenue, Lansing, died at a local hospital Tuesday evening, January 28, following a lingering illness. He had been a resident of Lansing for the past ten years, having gone there from Decatur. He is survived by the widow, Eva; two daughters, Mrs Ica Fowler, of Gleason, Tenn., Mrs Madeline Pittman of Lansing, one son, George Woods of Lansing; one brother, Clarence Woods of Kalamazoo, and one sister, Mrs. Carrie Baldwin of Battle Creek. The body lay in state at the Goraline-Runcimen funeral home until Thursday morning at 10 o'clock, and funeral service were held from the M.E. church at Decatur at 1:30 o'clock. Interment was in the Harrison cemetery at Decatur. Older residents of Decatur will remember the Woods family and also the George Coulson family of which Mrs. Woods was a member. They were known here as good substantial Christian people.
  Among the relatives who accompanied the body of John Woods to Decatur and attended the funeral services were the widow, Mrs Eva Coulson Woods, and three children, Mrs George Coulson, Jay Coulson and family, Mrs Ernest Spratt and family, Mrs May Longley and daughter, Mrs. Carrie Hall and son Lewis Hall of Waverly, Mrs. Flossie Smith of Portland, and Mrs. Lilia Moore of Benton Harbor. John Woods was born in Madison, S. Dak., April 16,1887, and died in Lansing January 28,1936.
  Submitted by Sharon Cornell

Rolland G. Woods FREMONT, INDIANA - Rolland G Woods Sr., age 62 of Marshall, Michigan, expired Tuesday February 23,1982 in Marietta, Ohio. Mr. Woods was born March 8,1919 in Decatur, Michigan to John Wiley Woods and Eva Coulson Woods. He married Katherine Birchfield August 5,1940 in Angola, Indiana. Surviving are his wife Katherine, Sons Rolland "Ron" G. Woods Jr., (Janet), John Wiley Woods (Sharon) Steven R Woods (Lisa) and Daughter Sharon Woods Cornell, two sisters, Ica Woods Fowler and Madaline Woods Foote, eleven grandchildren. Services are Sunday, February 27th at 1:00 p.m. at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana, with calling from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday. Clergyman officiating, Monroe Collins, with final resting place at Lakeside Cemetery.
Submitted by Sharon Cornell