Charles W. Middleton
From Greenville Independent Daily News, Monday, February 22, 1926
CHARLES W. MIDDLETON PASSES AWAY AT HIS HOME HERE AFTER ILLNESS OF 2 YEARS DURATION - Well-Known and Widely Traveled Local Man; Pioneer in Timber Business, Succumbs - Was First User of Telephone in Greenville.
Charles W. Middleton passed away at his home on North Lafayette street at 5 o'clock Sunday evening, following an illness of 2 years. Mr. Middleton was in his 71st year. He was born in Lockport, New York, March 18, 1854. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Middleton, came from England in 1850. When 2 years old he moved with his parents to Putnamville, Ontario, where they remained 2 years before coming to Greenville, making the trip with 1 horse and a covered wagon. His father purchased half the water power of Flat River and the Greenville Mill - at that time the only flour mill here - and lived on the north side of the river, with the Indians for his neighbors. In 1865 they moved to Flint, purchased the mill there, but soon sold it and returned to Greenville. He attended the public school and the Detroit Business college, after which he accepted a position in the First National Bank. He held this position for several years, after which he associated with his father in the flour and grist mills under the name of E. Middleton and Sons and continued the same until 1908, when the mills and power rights were disposed of to R.J. Tower, of this city. In 1893 they established the E. Middleton and Sons bank, which was successfully operated for a number of years. Altho retired from active business for several years he still held considerable interest in the West, purchased the first tract of timber in 1886. In 1898, they purchased the saw mill property and organized the Anderson-Middleton Lumber Company, of Aberdeen, WA, the Southern Humboldt Lumber Company, of California, and the Anderson-Middleton Timber Company, of WA. Although never seeking public office, he served on the school board for 12 years and gave liberally towards the building of the gymnasium and to other worthy causes. For a number of years he was director of the Grand Trunk railroad, taking his father's place and through whose efforts the railroad was made possible and the town of Middleton was named after him. They brought the first telephone to Greenville, purchased one in New York and installed it between their mill office and the depot.For many years he has been a member of the Congregational church and served on the board of trustees. For a long time he was librarian of the Sunday school. He was also a charter member of LeRoy Lodge #9, Knights of Pythias; Greenville Lodge #97, F and AM, Greenville Chapter #79, R.A.M., Ionia Comandry #11, Knights Templar, DeWitt Clinton consistory, A.A.S.R., Saladin Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S. of Grand Rapids, the Washington Club, and Pioneer Society. In 1911 he went to Wright Brothers Plant in Dayton, OH, and was one of the first passengers in a aeroplane.
He traveled extensively, going to Europe, Alaska, Honolulu and visited every corner of the US and Canada, and always enjoyed telling of his trips. He was a man of high ideals and lovable nature, always jolly and loved most of all his home; always generous to give for the betterment of Greenville. On 16 Aug 1876, he was married to Martha Norton, also of Greenville, and to this union seven children were born, four of who survive. Besides his wife, Martha Middleton, he leaves to mourn his death, four daughters, Mrs. F.E. Winters, Mrs. H.L. Chittick, of this city, Mrs. R.W. Thompson of Bay City, and Mrs. C.J. Slater, of Flint, seven grandchildren, a brother, A.W. Middleton of Aberdeen, WA, and several nephews and nieces. Funeral services are to held at 2:30 Wednesday afternoon at the home, Rev. Parsons officiating. Burial in Forest Home cemetery.
