First Generation

1. Perley1 LAWTON, son of JOSIAH T. LAWTON and BETSY BRADLEY, was born in Fowler, St. Lawrence, New York 24 AUG 1818. He married twice. He married Nancy FERGUSON in Hermon, St. Lawrence Co, New York, 9 MAY 1841. Nancy was born in New York 06 NOV 1821, and was the daughter of Abner and Johanna FERGUSON. She died 4 JUN 1882 in Wright Twp, Ottawa Co, Michigan, at 60 years of age. Her body was interred 6 JUN 1882 in Wright Twp, Ottawa Co, Michigan, Advent Cemetery. Perley married secondly, Hannah MAXWELL in Ottawa Co, Michigan, 6 MAY 1883. Hannah was born in New York 13 APR 1837, the daughter of James and Alma (Banks) Maxwell. She had been married to a Mr. GREEN about 1853. Hannah died 10 DEC 1919 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 82 years of age. Hannah had 4 children with Mr. Green. One must have died young. The others were George Allen GREEN, born in 1854, James W. GREEN, born in 1860, and Mary P. GREEN, born in 1862 who married George CONKLIN, Jr. Perley's homestead was right next to his brother, Harvey's in Wright Twp, Ottawa County southeast of Coopersville. Perley died 6 SEP 1899 in Coopersville, Ottawa Co, Michigan, at 81 years of age. His body was interred 8 SEP 1899 in Wright Twp, Ottawa Co, Michigan, Advent Cemetery.

From "Wright Township, Ottawa County, Michigan, The First 150 Years 1847-1997" by Shirley Voogt: Wright Township, Ottawa County, Berlin Fair Association. The First meeting of the Ottawa County Agricultural Society held in the Congregational Church at Steele’s Landing, now Lamont, on February 20^th 1856, P. Lawton was chosen as 1 of a committee of 5 to nominate officers for the current year.

"History of Ottawa County With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches", H.R. Page and Company, Chicago, 1882, Wright Township, Page 113:
Perley Lawton, farmer, Sec. 30, born in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., in 1818 and settled first near Coopersville with his father and brother Albert in 1816, and in the following year settled on his present farm. Married in May, 1841, Miss Nancy Ferguson; has three sons and one daughter. The youngest son is married and carries on the farm. Mr. Lawton has taken an active part in public affairs, and has been director and president of the Counties' Agricultural Society, also Superintendent of the Poor, and Town Clerk for six years. Mr. Lawton has also been a school teacher, and to everything that affects the good of the community has given his aid and encouragement.

The following is from Muskegon and Ottawa Counties, 1893, Portrait and Biographical Record: "Perley Lawton, for eight years one of the most successful teachers of New York and for two years in Ottawa County, Michigan, and now a prosperous agriculturist near Coopersville, Wright Twp. He continued to reside in St. Lawrence Co., NY until he was twenty-four years of age when he went to western New York to teach school. After studying in the district schools of his home neighborhood he had completed his studies in Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary and fitted himself for the vocation of teaching. At twenty-six year of age he arrived, May 6, 1846, at the homestead of his father, and after spending few months upon the farm went out three miles southeast of Coopersville and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, covered with woods and surrounded by Indians, being in all its primitive condition. For forty-seven changing years Mr. Lawton lived upon the farm, which is now brought under a high state of cultivation and annually yields an abundance harvest. Here in home he now enjoys the fruits of many years' labor and recalls the old times which have gone never to return. For fifteen years he was Clerk and transacted the business of the township, and for two years was the Superintendent of the County Poor. In 1856 the Ottawa County Agricultural Society was formed, with Perley Lawton, Director and Simeon Hazeltine, Vice President. He was nominated from the Second District as Representative for Ottawa County in 1862, and came within six votes of winning, George Luther being elected. He was debarred from serving in the late war on account of his defective eyesight. From 1838 to 1848, he taught continuously and found both pleasure and profit in the profession of instructor. In early life a Whig and later a Republican, he has ever been interested in both local and National Government."

Coopersville Observer 15 Sept 1899, Page 4: Perley Lawton was born in Fowler, St. Lawrence county, N.Y., August 24, 1818. He was the son of Josiah T. Lawton, a native of Rhode Island, who was born in 1785. The Lawton family were of sturdy and self-reliant Welsh ancestry. The father remained in Rhode Island until about 23 years of age, then removed to St. Lawrence county, N.Y., where he was married on November 26, 1809, to Miss Betsey Bradley. In 1845 the family journeyed to Michigan, and settled in Ottawa county. The father in his younger days a millwright and mechanic, later gave his entire attention to agriculture, and when he came to Michigan bought a farm of 120 acres, all wild and wooded land. There was no public road leading to it, and the country was very new, most of the business in this part of the State being done at Grand Rapids. There were then only six families in the settlement, and the homestead of the father lay out a little distance from Coopersville, the land all about being densely covered with a growth of pine and hemlock.

The family was composed of eight children, named in order of seniority, Henry, Daniel Bradley, Harvey, Perley, Sally, Mary Ann, Albert and Lewis. Sally died in early childhood, the remaining seven living to mature years, two now surviving, Harvey and Lewis. The sons all became prosperous farmers and settled in Ottawa county, excepting Daniel Bradley, who was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Perley continued to reside at his birthplace in St. Lawrence county, N.Y., until he was 24 years of age, when he went to Western New York to teach school. After studying in the district schools of his home neighborhood he had completed his studies in Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary, and fitted himself for the vocation of teaching. At 26 years of age he arrived, May 6, 1846, at the homestead of his father, and after spending a few months on the farm went out three miles southeast of Coopersville and purchased 120 acres of land, covered with woods and surrounded by Indians, being in its primitive condition. For fifty-three years Mr. Lawton lived upon this farm; here in his home he enjoyed the fruits of many years labor and recalled the old times never to return.

May 9, 1841, Perley Lawton and Miss Nancy Ferguson were married in St. Lawrence county, N.Y., from which State they emigrated to their home in the wilderness of Michigan. By this faithful companion our subject became the father of five children. One daughter died at the age of three years, and Nora (Mrs. Coe) died at Lamont, April 13, 1895. The three sons are now surviving, Erwin, Wellington and Chester. Also one granddaughter, eight grandsons and two great grandsons. His first wife died upon the homestead June 4, 1882, and in 1883 Mr. Lawton was wedded to Mrs. Hannah Green, who survives him. For fifteen years our subject as clerk, transacted the business of Wright township, and for two years was the efficient superintendent of the county poor. From 1838 to 1848, Mr. Lawton taught continuously and found both pleasure and profit in the profession of instructor. In early life a Whig and later a Republican, he has ever been interested in both local and national government. For over half a century an intelligent eye-witness of the rapid development of Michigan, our subject possessed a store of reminiscences almost invaluable and was authority upon the few remaining landmarks of the past. Mr. Lawton was blessed with good health the greater part of his life, until the final breaking down of old age began last March, since which time he has gradually failed until death came September 6, 1899, after a life of 81 years and 13 days. During his last sickness, altho suffering a great deal, he was very patient and many times expressed his thankfulness and appreciation of the past joys and comforts received during his long life from loved ones, friends and his Maker. The last sad rites were conducted at his house Friday afternoon, September 8, 1899, by Rev. R.N. Middleton, the interment taking place in the Wright cemetery. Perley Lawton has gone from earth, but his life and memory will live. He was a man of upright moral character and sterling integrity, loved by his family and honored and respected by all who knew him. But a few weeks before his death he repeated a saying of Dr. Adam Clark, to one of his family, which he said applied to himself, and which clearly indicates his future hope. It was--

"I have enjoyed the Spring of life, I have endured the toils of Summer, I have culled the fruits of Autumn, I am now passing the rigors of Winter, I see at no great distance the dawn of a new day, where it is to be Spring that shall be eternal. I haste to embrace it. Welcome, Spring! Hallelujah!"

The Coopersville Observer June 8, 1882: DIED--In Wright township, Sunday morning, June 4th of spinal fever and congestion of the left lung, Nancy Lawton, wife of Perley Lawton, aged 61 years. The funeral was on Tuesday from the Advent church, Rev. Kitzmiller of Lamont, officiating. The deceased was an old settler, having been a resident of that township 36 years. He death has cast a gloom over a happy home and wil be mourned by a large number of relatives and friends.

Perley LAWTON and Nancy FERGUSON had the following children:

3 ii. Emily C. LAWTON was born in New York CA 1847. Emily died MAR 1850 Ottawa Co, Michigan, at 2 years of age.

+ 4 iii. Lenora "Nora" LAWTON was born 11 OCT 1850.

+ 5 iv. Wellington R. LAWTON was born 1852.

+ 6 v. Chester LAWTON was born 14 JUL 1856.

Second Generation

The Coopersville Observer, November 2, 1882: A SURPRISE CRYSTAL WEDDING
About twenty-five couples helped Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Lawton celebrate their 15th anniversary last Tuesday night. A bountiful supper was served, of which all partook with evident relish. The self-invited guests, wishing to demonstrate their esteem and friendship, presented Mr. and Mrs. Lawton many useful and valuable presents.

The Grand Rapids Herald, January 27, 1926, Page 3: ERWIN P. LAWTON--Erwin P. Lawton, aged 83, passed away Tuesday at his home at Coopersville. Funeral Thursday at 2 pm at the residence. Burial in Wright's Cemetery.

Coopersville Observer January 29, 1926: Erwin P. Lawton, aged eighty-two, one of Coopersville's oldest pioneer citizens, passed away Tuesday afternoon at the home of his son Milo, after a week's illness. Funeral services were held Thursday at his late home and interment was in the Adventist cemetery.

Coopersville Observer 22 May 1914, Page 5: Marion Craig was born in Ailsa Craig, Ontario, Canada, April 4, 1846, and came to Coopersville, Michigan in 1865. She was united in marriage to Erwin P. Lawton October 30, 1867. To this union three children were born, James, who died in 1885, at the age of 13, Miner, who resides at Conklin and Milo, who resides on the home farm. She united with the M.E. Church at Coopersville in 1886. She had been in poor health for a number of years, and her last illness began March 1st and ended with her death May 13, 1914, at her farm home in Wright township, where she had resided for forty-seven years. Besides her husband and two sons, she leaves to mourn six grandchildren and two brothers, David, of Parkhill, and Duncan, of Ailsa Craig, Canada, and four sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Dorman and Mrs. John L. Scafe, of Ailsa Craig, Canada, Mrs. John Mathews, of Detroit, and Mrs. Isabel Jackson, of Polkton township, besides many relatives and friends.

Erwin Perley LAWTON and Marion M. CRAIG had the following children:

The Coopersville Observer, December 11, 1885, Page 1: OBITUARY
James Perley Lawton, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Lawton, was born in Wright, Mich., March 6th, 1872, died Nov. 24th, 1835, age 13 years, 8 months and 18 days. In February last he had diptheria and it was supposed had fully recovered from its effects, but on the 14th of August was taken down with rheumatic fever. During all his sickness he suffered more than the ordinary lot of man, lying on his back for ten weeks before he could be turned on his side and then only with the help of medicine. During all this untold suffering his mind was clear when not under the influence of opiates; talked with clearness and sensibility for one far beyond his years. But all that the best physicians and loving hands could do death could not be stayed. He must go and leave his mourning parents and two small brothers, but we trust to a better land than this.

+ 8 ii. Miner Earl LAWTON was born 23 SEP 1877.

+ 9 iii. Milo Fay LAWTON was born 8 NOV 1879.

Coopersville Observer April 26, 1895: Died, in Lamont, on April 13, Mrs. Nora Coe, wife of Bert Coe and only daughter of Perley Lawton, after long and severe suffering with cancer. She bore her long sickness with patience and passed away with bright hopes of eternal rest in the land of the blessed. The funeral was held in the Congregational Church, of which deceased was a member, and buried by the side of her mother in the Wright cemetery.

Lenora "Nora" LAWTON and Warren Henry WHEELER had the following child:

Lenora "Nora" LAWTON and Jerome LEWIS had the following child:

+ 11 ii. Ferry A. LEWIS was born 12 APR 1880.

From "Wright Township, Ottawa County, Michigan, The First 150 Years 1847-1997", Shirley Voogt: Wright Twp, Berlin P.O. Post Master Wellington R. Lawton July 5, 1893

The Grand Rapids Herald, June 26, 1923, Page 2: MRS. THIRZA LAWTON--Mrs. Thirza Lawton, aged 72, wife of Wellington R. Lawton, died June 24 at her home on Walker rd, second house north of Leonard st. NW. She is survived by her husband, Wellington R. Lawton; three sons, Rev. Jay D. Lawton, Chateau, Ohio, Roy W. Lawton of Lansing, Mich, and Burr C. Lawton of this city; one sister, Mrs. F.A. Lee of East Grand Rapids. She was a member of the Charity Rebekah lodge, No. 162?; Daisy Chain of the Elks. Funeral services at her house Wednesday, June 27 at 2 p.m. Interment in Marne cemetery.

Wellington R. LAWTON and Thurza MARLETT had the following children:

+ 13 ii. Roy W. LAWTON was born NOV 1877.

14 iii. Chester "Burr" LAWTON was born Ottawa Co, Michigan 7 JUN 1882. He married twice. He married Gertrude ROBINSON in Muskegon, Muskegon Co, Michigan, 25 NOV 1903. Gertrude was born in Muskegon, Michigan CA 1882, the daughter of John ROBINSON. It is thought that Burr and Gertrude divorced, as she was living with her father in 1910. Burr married Emma HEY in Rockford, Kent Co, Michigan, 22 OCT 1914. Emma was born Grand Rapids, Kent Co, Michigan CA 1894. Emma died before 1925. Burr lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he worked at his parents’ store, and evidently had no children. Burr died 21 AUG 1925 in Kent County, Michigan, at 43 years of age. His body was interred 23 AUG 1925 Ottawa Co, Michigan, Marne/Berlin Cemetery.

Coopersville Observer, Oct. 7, 1892: On Monday, Oct. 3, it occured to the people in town that Chester Lawton and Paulina Grinnell had been married just fifteen years that day. So they turned out, fifty in all, and took possession of their house, set the table with one hundred new dishes and spread thereon all the good things to eat, then invited Mr. and Mrs. Lawton to take supper with them. At a late hour in the night they dispersed for home, all having a good time and one long to be remembered.

The Grand Rapids Herald, November 28, 1940, p. 16: CHESTER LAWTON
COOPERSVILLE - Chester Lawton, 84, died at his home in Lamont Wednesday. He was born in Wright township and had lived all of his life in the vicinity. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Pearl Herman of Lamont, a son, C.A. Lawton, Grand Rapids; one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. Services will be held at home at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and burial will be in Lamont cemetery.

The Coopersville Observer, August 7, 1936: MRS. CHESTER LAWTON
Mrs. Pauline Lawton, wife of Chester Lawton, passed away on Tuesday evening, August 4, at her home in Lamont at the age of 84. The deceased was born August 27, 1851 in Ozaukee, Wis., but for many years has been a resident of Ottawa county. She is survived by the husband; a son, C.A. Lawton, of Grand Rapids, one daughter, Mrs. L.T. Herman, also of Grand Rapids, other relatives and a host of friends. Funeral services will be held at the Lawton home in Lamont, Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with Rev. H.R. Strong officiating. Burial will be in the Lamont cemetery. Funeral arrangements by the Van Allsburg Funeral Home.

Chester LAWTON and Sarah Pauline GRINNELL had the following children:

16 ii. Chesley A. LAWTON was born in Wright Twp, Ottawa Co, Michigan 4 JUL 1883. He married Katherine CUNCANNAN, daughter of Michrell and Margaret (Weiden) Cuncannan in Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, 16 AUG 1913. Katherine was born in Grand Rapids, Kent Co, Michigan 1889. She died 4 MAR 1947 Grand Rapids, Kent Co, Michigan, at 57 years of age. Her body was interred 7 MAR 1947 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, St. Andrew's Cemetery. Chesley lived in Grand Rapids and Lamont (1905), and apparently had no children. In 1912 he was a cutter at The Grand Rapids Pearl Button Company, and in 1930 worked in Grand Rapids as an office manager at a phonograph company. Chesley died 19 APR 1948 Grand Rapids, Kent Co, Michigan, at 64 years of age. His body was interred APR 1948 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, St. Andrew's Cemetery.

The Grand Rapids Herald, March 5, 1947, Page 13:
LAWTON--Mrs. Katherine M. Lawton, age 57, wife of C.A. Lawton, passed away Tuesday afternoon at her home, 247 Pleasant St., SE., after a lingering illness. Besides her husband, she is survived by two brothers, Dr. M. Edward Cuncannan and Hubert J. Cuncanan. Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10 o'clock in St. Andrew's Cathedral. Interment in St. Andrew's Cemetery. Mrs. Lawton will be taken to the family home Wednesday afternoon. Friends will recite the Rosary Thursday evening at 8 o'clock. Arrangements by Alt.

The Grand Rapids Herald, April 20, 1948, Page 17: LAWTON--C.A. Lawton, aged 64, died unexpectedly Monday at this home, 247 Pleasant St. SE. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. L.T. Herman; two brothers-in-law, Dr. M. Edward Cuncannan and Hubgert J. Cuncannan; an aunt, Mrs. Katherine Curren. Funeral announcement later. Arrangements by Alt

Third Generation

Miner Earl LAWTON and Leila Rose PERHAM had the following children:

+ 18 ii. Estella M. LAWTON was born 12 FEB 1904.

+ 19 iii. Erma Janet LAWTON was born 18 MAR 1905.

+ 20 iv. Gerald LAWTON was born 8 JUN 1908.

21 v. Hester M. LAWTON was born in Coopersville, Ottawa Co, Michigan 8 FEB 1911. She married twice. She married Nick CHRISTENSEN in Grand Haven, Ottawa Co, Michigan, 1927. They divorced, and she married Henry Edwin GOKEY in Battle Creek, Calhoun Co, Michigan, 26 NOV 1941. Henry was born in Benzonia, Benzie Co, Michigan 15 OCT 1908. He was from Beullah, Michigan, and was in the Coast Guard in Grand Haven, Michigan. He died 21 APR 1979 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co, Michigan, at 70 years of age. Hester had no children. Miner lived on the farm with them for awhile. Hester died 4 MAR 1997 in Battle Creek, Calhoun Co, Michigan, at 86 years of age. Her body was interred 7 MAR 1997 in Battle Creek, Calhoun Co, Michigan, Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Battle Creek Enquirer, March 5, 1997, Page 4A: HESTER M. GOKEY, Battle Creek - Hester M. (Lawton) Gokey, 86, of Battle Creek, died Tuesday, March 4, 1997, in Community Health Center of Branch County, Coldwater. She was born Feb. 8, 1911, in Coopersville to Miner and Leila (Perham) Lawton. She grew up in Spring Lake and had been an area resident since 1941. She was employed at the American Legion Hospital in Battle Creek. She married Henry E. Gokey on Nov. 26, 1941, in Battle Creek. He died in 1979. She also was preceded in death by a brother, Stuart Lawton; and sisters, Estella and Erma Lawton. Surviving are a brother, Gerald Lawton of Plano, Texas; and special friends who cared for her, Margaret Spaman, Margaret Claywell and Evelyn and Dale Wright of Battle Creek.- Community involvement, hobies: Enjoyed traveling with her husband.- Services: 2 p.m. Friday in Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens Chapel with the Rev. Delmer Case officiating.- Burial: Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens.- Memorials: American Cancer Society.- Arrangements: Richard A. Henry

Battle Creek Enquirer & News, 23 April 1979, Page A5 - HENRY E. GOKEY
Henry E. Gokey, 70, of 205 N. Birdsall Drive, died Saturday in Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, where he had been a patient one month. He had been ill two years. He was born in Benzonia and had been a resident of Battle Creek since 1941, coming from Grand Haven. He served in the U.S. Army and Coast Guard for more than 20 years, and retired from the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Medical Center. He was a member of Bastogne-Luzon VFW Post 8715 and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Surviving are his wife, the former Hester M. Lawton; brothers, Albert Gokey of Opa Lacka, Fla., and Harvey Gokey of Ludington, and a sister, Mrs. Grant (Marvel) Papineau of Beulah. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The Grand Rapids Herald, Monday, December 24, 1956, Page 13:
LAWTON - Milo Lawton, aged 78 years, formerly of Coopersville, passed away Saturday morning at Benton Harbor. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Hazen Ragen of Benton Harbor and Mrs. C.E. Saurman of Kalamazoo; one brother, Miner Lawton of Battle Creek. Mr. Lawton reposes at the Throop Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held Monday morning at 10 o'clock with Rev. T. Brereton officiating. Interment in Coopersville Cemetery.

The Coopersville Observer, Wednesday, December 26, 1956,Page 1:
MILO LAWTON, 77, FORMER RESIDENT DIES IN HOSPITAL
Milo F. Lawton, 77, a native of Coopersville and resident in this community until about four years ago, died Saturday morning in the Benton Harbor hospital. For the past four years he had made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Charles Saurman of 1021 Roseland, Kalamazoo. Mr. Lawton was born on the Lawton farm, located a mile north and a mile east of Coopersville, across from the Jackson school. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Lawton, pioneer residents of this area, and the farm was in the Lawton family for almost a hundred years, or until a short time ago. He had been in ill health for some time, and had suffered several strokes. Besides Mrs. Saurman (Kathryn) he is survived by another daughter, Mrs. Hazen (Lillian) Ragen of Benton Harbor; a brother, Miner of Battle Creek, and four grandchildren. The body was brought to the Throop Funeral Home in Coopersville, Sunday, where funeral services were held Monday morning at 10 o'clock, the Rev. Thomas Brereton officiating. Burial was in the Coopersville cemetery.

Milo Fay LAWTON and Flora Elizabeth DONALDSON had the following children:

+ 22 i. Lillian4 LAWTON was born CA 1911.

+ 23 ii. Kathryn Marion LAWTON was born 26 JUN 1915.

The Grand Rapids Herald, September 11, 1949, Page 12: WHEELER - Herbert W. Wheeler, aged 79, lifelong resident of Cedar Springs, passed away Friday at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing. Surviving are one son, Donovan of East Lansing, and six brothers, Charles and Otis of Cedar Springs, Edward and Clare of Portland, Ore., Edwin of New Jersey and Ferry Lewis of Sparta; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Wheeler will repose at the Ernest T Blanchard Funeral Home, Rockford, until Sunday noon and will lie in state at the Cedar Springs Baptist Church Sunday from 1:30 until 2:30, time of funeral services; Interment at Elmwood Cemetery, Rev., C.N. Conklin of Lansing officiating.

Herbert W. WHEELER and Mattie S. BEARRS had the following children:

25 ii. Donovan WHEELER was born AFT 1900. He at one time lived in East Lansing, Michigan. No more is known of him at this time.

Grand Rapids Press, Friday, June 7, 1963, Page 38: LEWIS--Ferry R. Lewis of 74 Gardner St., Sparta, passed away Thursday evening. Surviving are his wife Helen; one daughter, Mrs. Charles (Lenora) Gillow of Lansing; three grandchildren, Mrs. Graham Kelly of Cadillac, Mrs. Don Sherman of Lake City and Kenneth Gillow of Wassillo, Alaska; eight great-grandchildren and three step-daughters. Mr. Lewis reposes at the ___?__ Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where services will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m., Rev. Don Baker officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery.

Grand Rapids Press, May 26, 1988, Page D4: LEWIS (Sparta)--Helen B. (Cutler) Lewis, aged 86, formerly of Gardner St., passed away Tuesday May 24, 1988 at Springbrook Manor. She is survived by her family, Jack and Betty McClary of Milan, Jenni Rose Lukas of Grand Rapids; nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held Friday 2:00 pm at the funeral home, with Rev. James Hulett officiating. Interment Fairplains Cemetery. Friends may meet the family Thursday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Those who wish make memorial contributions to the Sparta United Methodist Church.

Ferry Ray LEWIS and Grace Mary SLAWSON had the following child:

Saginaw News, Sunday, March 17, 1940, Page 4: REV. JAY D. LAWTON
Rev. Jay D. Lawton, 65, a retired Presbyterian clergyman, died Saturday at his home, 2404 South Washington. He was born July 6, 1874 in Kent county, was graduated from Grand Rapids High school and later attended Valparaiso university. He taught school for several years, then entered the ministry, receiving his training at McCormick Theological seminary in Chicago. He served in the ministry for 21 years. He came to Saginaw in 1930, united with First Baptist church and took an active part in its affairs. He leaves his wife, two sons and one daughter, George E., Lloyd J. and Margaret Lawton of Saginaw. The funeral will take place 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Case chapel. Rev. Forrest L. Raser will officiate. He may be seen at the Case chapel.

Jay Dan LAWTON Rev. and Weltha V. CROSS adopted the following child:

+ 28 ii. Hazel Margaret LAWTON was born in Sep 1925.

Roy W. LAWTON and Clara A. ROWE had the following children:

29 i. Margaret4 LAWTON. No more is known about her.

30 ii. Carl LAWTON was born in Michigan OCT 1898 married Blanche D. DAHLSTROM, who was born CA 1899, the daughter of August and Alberting DAHLSTROM. Blanche died April 13, 1920 in Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan, from puerperal sepsis, a dangerous infection which prevents breast feeding. Carl and Blanche had had a baby boy in April 1930 who died 25 April 1930 in Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan.

The Grand Rapids Herald, Friday, May 16, 1958, Page 20: HERMAN--Mrs. Pearl B. Herman, age 79, the wife of attorney Louis T. Herman of 50 Carlton Ave., SE, passed away early Thursday morning after a long illness. Surviving besides Mr. Herman are a daughter, Mrs. Everett L. (Doris P.) Loomis of Grand Rapids, two grandchildren, Robert T. Herman of Berkley, Mich., and Mrs. John H. Kline of Battle Creek, and six great-grandchildren. Mrs. Herman was taken to the Metcalf Mortuary where services will be held at 1 o'clock Saturday afternoon, Dr. Duncan E. Littlefair of Fountain Street Baptist Church officiating. Interment at Lamont Cemetery.

The Grand Rapids Press, March 12, 1966, Page 20: HERMAN--Louis T. Herman, aged 91, formerly of 50 Carlton, SE, more recently of Masonic Home, passed away Saturday morning at Masonic Home Hospital at Alma, Mich. Surviving are his daughter, Mrs. L.J. Andres of South Miami, Fla.; a son, Donald W. Herman and stepdaughter, Mrs. Everett Loomis of Grand Rapids; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at the Dewey Funeral Home, Alma, Mich. The family suggests in lieu of flowers contributions to the Masonic Home at Alma, Mich. Burial at Alma, Mich.

Pearl B. LAWTON and Moses Richardson ANGELL had the following child:

Fourth Generation

Enquirer and News, Battle Creek, Mich, Sat. March 22, 1975,Pg B-3:
STUART P. LAWTON
Stuart P. Lawton, 72, of 897 E. Michigan Ave., Valley Gardens Trailer Park, was dead on arrival at Leila Hospital Friday after being stricken at home. He had been in ill health for the past year. He was born in Spring Lake. He retired in 1974 from Countryside Inn, where he had worked for five years. He had been a local resident for 35 years. Surviving are his widow, the former Anna Snyder; a son, Richard Lawton of Cottonwood, Calif.; a daughter, Mrs. Marion Shelton of Battle Mountain, Nev.; a brother, Gerald Lawton of Seabrook, Tex.; sisters, Mrs. Earl (Estelle) Arnold of Milwaukee, Wis., Mrs. Erma Snyder of 24 S. 25th St. and Mrs. Henry (Hester) Gokey of 205 Birdsalle Drive N.; seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Oak Hill Cemetery. Hebble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Stewart Perham LAWTON and Winifred MOORHOUSE had the following children:

+ 33 ii. Richard James LAWTON was born 21 SEP 1934.

34 iii. Earl LAWTON was born in Battle Creek, Calhoun Co, Michigan about 14 JUN 1937. He died about 14 JUN 1937 at less than one year of age.

Estella M. LAWTON and Russell SHARP had the following child:

Battle Creek Enquirer & News, December 9, 1963, Page 4: LEWIS B. SNYDER
Lewis B. Snyder, 63, of 24 S. 25th St. died last night in a local hospital where he had been a patient since last Wednesday. He had been in failing health since 1953, when he retired as a civil service employee at Ft. Wayne in Detroit. Earlier he had been employed here at Percy Jones Hospital, at Ft. Custer as warehouse superintendent of surplus property and for a time at the Veterans Administration Hospital. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Chapter 7, Disabled American Veterans, and of the National Association of Retired Civil Service Employees. He was born at Hastings, a son of John L. and Alma (Grant) Snyder. A World War I Army veteran he was wounded and gassed in France. He was married June 25, 1923, at Muskegon, to Erma Lawton, who survives. His other survivors include a son, Charles V. of 597 Riverside Drive; a brother, Earl D. of Miami, Fla.; a sister, Mrs. Ella Bales of Frankfurt, Germany, and three grandchildren.

Battle Creek Enquirer, December 15, 1968, Page 3B: ERMA J. SNYDER
Erma J. (Lawton) Snyder, 81, of Battle Creek, died Saturday in Arrowood Nursing Center, where she was admitted Nov. 26. She was born in Coopersville and moved to Battle Creek in 1924 from Grand Haven. She was employed in the Fort Custer laundry during the 1940s and early 1950s. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and its Legion of Mary, of the DAV Auxiliary and the American Association of Retired Persons. Her husband, Lewis B. Snyder, died in 1963. She is survived by a son, Charles V. Snyder of 597 Riverside Drive; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Gerald Lawton of Dallas, Texas; a sister, Hester Gokey of Battle Creek. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Joseph Catholic Church. Arrangements are by Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.

Erma Janet LAWTON and Lewis Burr SNYDER had the following child:

Gerald LAWTON and Wilma Emilie JANSSENS had the following children:

+ 38 ii. Corrine Wilma LAWTON.

The News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, Mich, April 3, 1971, Page 12:
HAZEN RAGEN DIES EARLY TODAY AT 70
Hazen Gerald Ragen, 70, of 212 Emery Terrace, Benton Harbor, died at 2:45 a.m. today in Mercy hospital. Mr. Ragen had been ill one week and hospitalized since March 30. He was born April 19, 1900, in Casnovia, Mich., the son of William and Irene Ragen. He came to the Benton Harbor area in 1936 from Muskegon. Mr. Ragen had been manager of the Metropolitan Life Insurance company until his retirement in 1962.  Surviving are his widow, the former Lillian Lawton, whom he married on July 3, 1933, in South Bend; a son Jerry of Indianapolis, Ind.; a daughter, Mrs. Dale (Kathleen) Frost of Kirkwood, Mo.; a brother Robert of Los Angeles, Calif.; two sisters, Ms. Daphene Andree of Ravenna, Mich., and Mrs. Clifford (Catherine) Hill of Centerline, Mich., and six grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Florin funeral home. Rev. Robert Jacobson, pastor of the First Congregational church, of which Mr. Ragen was a member, will officiate and burial will be in Crystal Springs cemetery. The family has suggested memorials may be made to the church fund or the Heart fund.

Lillian LAWTON and Hazen RAGEN had the following children:

40 ii. Kathleen RAGEN married Dale FROST, and they lived in Kirkwood, Missouri in 1971.

The Grand Rapids Press, Wednesday, May 4, 1977: SAURMAN--Carroll E. Saurman, aged 58, of Elliott St. SE, passed away Monday afternoon at his residence. Surviving are his wife, Kathryn; his children, Phillip and Catherine Saurman of Grand Rapids, David and Marcia Saurman of College Station, Tex. and Craig at home; one grandchild; his mother, Mrs. Lillion Saurman of Grand Rapids; three sisters, Mrs. John (Barbara) Pedden, Mrs. Lester (Patricia) Alcumbrack, Mrs. Albert (Billie) Peck, all of Grand Rapids; one brother, Paul Saurman of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Mr. Saurman reposes at the Sullivan-Borr Funeral Home, where the family will receive visitors Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. The funeral service will be held Thursday afternoon at 1:00 at the chapel, his pastor, Rev. Ronald E. Fassett officiating. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. For those who so desire memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Heart Fund (envelopes available at funeral home).

The Grand Rapids Press, December 8, 1999 - Mrs. Kathryn Marion Saurman (nee Lawton), aged 84, of Grand Rapids, widow of Carroll, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 1999. She is survived by three sons, Phillip and Jane Saurman of Crystal Springs, Caledonia, MI, Davis and Marcia Saurman of Cupertino, CA, Craig R. Saurman of Grand Rapids; four grandchildren, Wendy, Matthew, Leah and Milo Saurman; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Barbara Pedden, Paul and Doris Saurman, Lester Alcumbrack, Albert Peck, and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Friday 11:00 a.m. at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel, the Rev. David Yoh of Burton Heights United Methodist Church officiating. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. The family will be at the funeral chapel on Thursday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Mrs. Saurman had retired as the secretary for the late Robert P. VanEss-Accountant. Zaagman Memorial Chapel 2800 Burton St. SE.

Kathryn Marion LAWTON and Carroll E. SAURMAN had the following children:

42 ii. David SAURMAN married Marcia. In 1977 they lived in College Station, Texas, and in 1999 in Cupertino, California.

43 iii. Craig R. SAURMAN lives in Caledonia, Michigan.

Cadillac Evening News, April 17, 1974, Page 4: CHARLES A. GILLOW
CADILLAC - Charles A. Gillow, 82, of 409 Kristy Jo St., Cadillac, died late Tuesday at Lakeview Manor Nursing Home following a lengthy illness. He was born Aug. 10, 1891, in Glencoe, Minn. He married the former Lanora Lewis in 1920 in Cadillac. Mr. Gillow was a master plumber and worked in Lake City and Lansing where he was president of the Plumbers' Association. In 1963, he retired in Lake City and moved to Cadillac in 1969. Surviving with his widow are one son, Kenneth of Milwaukie, Ore.; two daughters, Mrs. Theola Sherman of Lake City and Mrs. Graham (Betty) Kelly of Largo, Fla.; one brother, George of Pontiac; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Services will be Friday at 2 p.m. in Young Funeral Home at Lake City. Burial will be in the Lake City Cemetery. Friends may call anytime at the home.

Cadillac Evening News, April 18, 1974: CHARLES A. GILLOW
LAKE CITY - Services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in Young Funeral Home for Charles A. Gillow, 82, who died Tuesday in Lakeview Manor Nursing Home at Cadillac. Rev. Ward Pierce will officiate and there will be American Legion and Masonic Lodge graveside services. In addition to being a master plumber, Mr. Gillow was also a veteran of World War I, a member of the Lake City Jackson-Koster-Gray Post of the American Legion and a member of the Lake City Masonic Lodge.

Lenora LEWIS and Charles GILLOW had the following children:

45 ii. Betty J. GILLOW was born in Michigan CA 1924. Graham KELLY, and they lived in Cadillac, Michigan before moving to Largo, Florida before 1974.

46 iii. Kenneth R. GILLOW was born 21 SEP 1926. He died 29 AUG 2002 at 75 years of age. He lived in Lansing, Michigan in 1956; Wassillo, Alaska in 1963; and Milwaukie, Oregon in 1974, but it is not know if he married or had children.

Margaret LAWTON and Wilford HATCH had the following children:

+ 48. ii. Gregory HATCH was born in 1950.

+ 49. iii. Michael Avery HATCH was born in 1955.

50. iv. Ruth Ellen HATCH was born in 1958 in San Fernando, Los Angeles, California. She in unmarried.

Grand Rapids Herald, January 22, 1932, Page 3: HAROLD T. HERMAN
Harold T. Herman, aged 33, passed away Tuesday in Detroit. He is survived by his widow; two children; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis T. Herman; one sister, Mrs. Fred Berger, and one brother, Donald Herman of Grand Rapids. Funeral services Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Klise Memorial chapel. Interment at Caldeonia, Mich. The body was taken to Rauschenberger's chapel, where it will remain until Friday noon.

The Grand Rapids Press, July 21, 1983, Page 7C: LOOMIS--Mrs. Doris P. Loomis, aged 82, a resident of the Grand Valley Nursing Centre, the widow of Everett L. Loomis died Thursday, July 21, 1983. Surviving are one son, Robert T. Herman of Toledo Ohio; one daughter, Mrs. John (Joyce) Kline of Gwinn; one step daughter, Mrs. Ronald (Mary Lou) Fassett of Grand Rapids; eight grand children; one great grand daughter. The funeral service will be Saturday at 1pm in the funeral home chapel, the Rev. Ronald Fassett officiating. Entombment Chapel Hill Mausoleum. Memorials to the Arthritis Foundation Michigan Chapter will be appreciated. The family will receive friends Friday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 933 Cherry St. SE.

Doris P. ANGELL and Harold T. HERMAN had the following children:

51 ii. Robert T. HERMAN was born CA 1924 and lived in Toledo, Ohio.

Fifth Generation

54 ii. Donna Gail LAWTON was born in San Francisco, San Francisco Co, California 21 MAR 1963. She married Danual SCHOONOVER in Redding, Shasta Co, California.

55 iii. Robert LAWTON was born in Redding, Shasta Co, California 16 JUN 1967.

57 ii. Collette Marie SNYDER. She married Unknown CAVEY. Collette graduated from Ferris State in 1983 with a degree in Pharmacy. She worked at K-Mart for 10 years before becoming the manager of the Wal-Mart in Battle Creek. She has two sons, and lives in Climax, Michigan. Her husband is a part-time maintenance person at some Kalamazoo Dairy Queens.

58 iii. Charles V. SNYDER, Jr. was born in Dayton, Montgomery, Ohio CA 1952. Charlie was in the U.S. Air Force in Germany for over 5 years before working with the government service in Battle Creek. He and his wife have no children.

Kimberly Gerald LAWTON and Evelyn DIPPIL had the following children:

60 ii. Deanna LAWTON.

+ 62 ii. Susan Nell MAYBORN.

63 iii. Neal Mitchell MAYBORN.

Donna and Merian had the following child:

Gregory and Janna had the following children:

66 ii. Matthew Don HATCH was born in 1978 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. He married Jessica BAWTISTA 2 JUN 2001 in Escondido, San Diego, California.

67 iii. Jacob Brion HATCH was born in 1980 in Granada Hills, Los Angeles, California.

68 iv. Steven Judd HATCH was born in 1982 in Escondido, San Diego, California.

69 v. Kathryn Susanne HATCH was born in 1985 in Escondido, San Diego, California.

Sixth Generation

Gerald Lewis SNYDER had the following children:

72 ii. Daughter SNYDER. Gerry's daughter is a police officer in Columbia, Tennessee. She had a child in April 1998.

Ellen Connie MAYBORN and Roland J. BEHM had the following children:

74 ii. Lyle Lawton BEHM.

Susan Nell MAYBORN and David PARRISH had the following children:

76 ii. Charles David PARRISH.