Group 15 - Descendants of Oliver Carpenter-177281
of, Horningsham, Wiltshire, England
in England & in North America

Notes

795. Ellen Maria Carpenter

Sources of information:  Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter, Athens,  MI. At the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Reunions held from 1893 on, Ellen is listed as age 55 of Pine Creek in 1893, as 58 in 1894, and is not in attendance in 1895 as she died in January of that year.

MARRIAGE.  St. Joseph County Clerk, Centreville, MI. Vol. C, p. 115.  Levi B. Simmons to Eleanor M. Carpenter.  State of Michigan; St. Joseph County; Town of Colon.  I do hereby certify that on the 20th day of April 1856 at the house of John McLean in said Town of Colon, Levi B. Simmons, aged 21 years, and Eleanor M. Carpenter, aged 18, both of the Town of Sherwood, Branch County, State aforesaid, were, with their mutual consent, lawfully joined together in marriage which was solemnized by me in the presence of Henry Carpenter of Sherwood and John McLean of Colon witness.  And I do further certify that the said Levi B. Simmons and Eleanor M. Carpenter are known to me to be the persons described in this certificate, that I ascertained previous to the solemnization of the said Marriage that the said parties were of sufficient age to contract the same, and that after due inquiry by me made, there appeared no lawful impediment to such marriage.  Given under my hand this 21st day of April 1856. Charles L. Miller, Justice of the Peace.  Filed for record May 15th, 1856. H. Lindsley, County Clerk.  (Eleanor was always known as "Ellen" in reunion and family notes.  One witness, Henry Carpenter, was her older brother.)

1860 U.S. Census, Branch, Sherwood Twp., MI taken 23 July. 1421/1421 Edward Simmons, age 59, farmer b. NY; Ana Simmons, wife, age 55; Sarah J., female, age 14; Daniel Griffin, age 26, blacksmith; Sally A. Simmons, age 27, female; William A., age 4, male; Elmer, age 2, male. (These are Levi Simmons' parents.)

1860 U.S. Census, Branch, Sherwood Twp., MI taken 23 July. 1423/1423 Levi B. Simmons, 24, farmer, b. NY; Ellen M., age 21, b. NY; Flora, 3, b. NY; Emery, 1, b. MI.

1870 U.S. Census, Benzie, Inland Twp., MI taken 18 June.  47/48 Simmons, Levi, 34, farmer, b. NY; Ellen, 32, housekeeping, b. NY; Flora, 13, F, b. NY; Emma, 11, F, b. MI (this should be Emery M.); Edward, 69, M, farm laborer, b. NY.  (Edward is Levi's father.)

1880 U. S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Household 277/288, Simmons, Levi B., age 41, b. NY, parents b. NY; Ellen M., wife, 42, b. NY, parents b. NY; Emery, 21, male, b. MI;  Orrie, 7, male, son, b. MI.

From the Carpenter Family Reunion Journal:  "Died.  Ellen Maria Simmons at her home in North Athens, Jan. 25, 1895, aged 57 years and 19 days. Ellen Maria Simmons was born in Bristol, Ontario , NY, Jan 6, 1838.  In 1853 she came with her parents to Michigan, where they settled in Sherwood.  She was united in marriage to Levi B. Simmons, Apr. 20, 1856.  There were born to them 3 children, Flora, Emery, and Ora.  She was a faithful wife and mother, a friend and sympathizer to all in need.  The funeral services were held Jan. 27, at the North Athens Baptist Church of which she was a faithful member."

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. Vol. 2, p240, #344.  Died 11 Jan 1895 at Athens, Ellen Simmons, age 57y4m22d, f, w, married, cause: disease of the brain, b. NY, father: Calvin Carpenter, mother: Eleanor.

Levi Benjamin Simmons

"On October 27, 1867, Levi B. Simmons recorded his homestead claim to the Southwest Quarter (160 acres) of Section 11, Inland Twp., Benzie County, MI, one-half mile from that of Daniel Sherman, his future son-in-law's father." Written in 1974 by Lyle D. Brundage of Big Rapids, MI, great-grandson of Levi Benjamin Simmons.

1873 - On birth record of third child, Ora Levi Simmons, Levi Benjamin Simmons' occupation was that of Postmaster in Inland, MI.

"Besides farming, Levi Simmons ran a half-way house.  Grandma Sherman (Flora R. Simmons) used to tell her grandchildren about the wild country and the excitement when the stagecoach arrived.  Sometime before 1895 Levi Simmons sold his land in Benzie County and moved to Athens, Michigan, in Calhoun County." Written by Lyle D. Brundage of Big Rapids, MI on August 4, 1974.

Levi B. Simmons married second Mary E. (Molly) Jarrett Aplin in Inland, Benzie , MI by Rev. D. O. Walkins on 4 Jun 1896.  Mary was Ora Simmons' (Levi's son's) mother-in-law, the mother of Ora's wife, Nellie Aplin. Information from Simmons Family Bible borrowed from Eloise Stormshak, Battle Creek, Nov 1996.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 3, page 282, #722, 17 Oct 1907, Simmons, Levi B., died at Battle Creek City, 71y9m9d, white, male, apoplexy, b. NY, farmer, father Edward Simmons, mother Anna Potter.

OBITUARY.  L. B. Simmons, aged 71 years, and for many years a well known resident of North Athens, died at 2 o'clock yesterday morning at the home of his son, Ora Simmons, 282 Meachem Avenue (Battle Creek, MI). Apoplexy was the cause of death although the deceased had been in ill health for some time.  Burial will take place in North Athens, but the arrangements for the funeral have not yet been completed.

796. Robert Carpenter

Sources of Information:  Correspondence with Lina Carpenter Snyder, Athens, Calhoun, MI (now deceased, lived to be 104). Portraits and Biographical Album, published by Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1891, p. 446. . . .Robert, "a resident of Grand Traverse." Correspondence from Helen Fox, Canandaigua, NY.  Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter shows that Robert and Harriet ("Hattie") had two children, Fred and Ada. Copied from the Carpenter Family Reunion Journal: "Robert married Alice Dexter and they had two boys, Will and Calvin.  Will lives in Washington.  Calvin has passed on." Will probably refers to Robert's son, William.  Many family signatures are in the Reunion Books from Athens, MI from 1893 on, but little is written about this particular family.

1860 U. S. Census, Hobart, W. P., 44, b. NY; ____, 44, b. NY, Rebecca, 73, b. CT; Carpenter, Melipa (Melissa) 18, b. NY, housework; Carpenter, Robert, 21, b. NY, laborer.  Melissa and Robert were brother and sister and children of Calvin L. Carpenter.

Michigan Volunteers, 1861-1865, Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI. "Carpenter, Robert, Calhoun County. Enlisted in company A, Eleventh Infantry, Aug 21, 1861, at Centreville for 3 years, age 21.  Mustered Aug 24, 1861.  Mustered out at Sturgis, Mich., Sept 30, 1864."

MARRIAGE Records, Calhoun County Clerk, Marshall, MI.  Family History Library, Salt Lake City, UT, Film 1009294, Vol. 5 page 30.  "On 24 Nov 1864, Robert Carpenter, age 25, and Maria Wilder, age 19, both of Athens, Calhoun, were married by me, Isaac C. Abbott, Minister of the Gospel, in the presence of P. H. Brownal (should be Brownell) and Melissa Carpenter. Recorded 14 Mar 1865, by William Howard, Clerk, Calhoun County, State of Mich." There was a similar entry right below Robert's for his sister, Melissa, and Parker Hall Brownal (should be Brownell).

We have a newspaper clipping - Grand Rapids Press Oct 1973 about the journal/diary of Alice W. Dexter of 19 July 1866 and her trip to Benzie County, Michigan.

According to Robert's affidavit for a military pension he states that he and Harriet M. Wilder were divorced in 1874. Robert also states that he and Harriet had one child, Fred R. Carpenter; and he and Alice Dexter had two children.

1880 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI (Soundex Vol. 4, ED 40, sheet 27, line 18) taken 16 Jun.   281/298 Carpenter, Robert, age 41, farmer, b. NY, parents b. NY; Alice, wife, age 34, b. NY, father b. VT, mother b. CT; William, son, age 10/12, b. Aug. in MI, parents b. NY.

1900 U.S. Census, Inland Twp., Benzie, MI, (Soundex, Vol. 8, ED 7, Sheet 4, line 11) taken 7 Jun. 50/51 Carpenter, Robert, W M, b. Apr 1839, 61, md 23y, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. NY; Alice W.D., W F, b. May 1846, 54, md. 23y, 3 children, 2 alive, b. NY, father b. VT, mother b. CT; William D., son, b. Aug 1879, 20, b. MI, father and mother b. NY; Calvin L., son, b. Mar 1886, 14, b. MI.  William's occupation is traveling salesman.  The soundex also lists McMichael, William, BO, b. Sep. 1897, age 2, b. MI, in the home.

1910 U.S. Census, Benzonia Village, Benzie, MI, ED2, sheet 16B. 289/292 Robert Carpenter, father, MW, age 70, widower, is in the home of his son, William D.Carpenter.

Document received in February 1998 from the Michigan Archives: Application for Admission to Michigan Soldiers' Home, (Grand Rapids, MI).  State of Michigan, County of Benzie.  On this ninteenth day of September A.D., 1911, personally appeared before me, Stanley D. Burke, Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, Robert Carpenter, a resident of Bendon, in the State of Michigan, and who, being by me first duly sworn according to law, deposes and says: "That he served as a private in the Union Army during the late Civil, Mexican, Spanish-American War, or war in the Philippines, as follows:  Date of Enlistment: August 24, 1861; Rank: private; company: A; regiment or vessel: 11th regiment, Michigan Infantry; name of Capitain: Capt. Coddington; residence at date of enlistment: Athens, Calhoun , MI; Place of Enlistment: Athens; Date of Disacharge: Sept. 13th, 1864; Place of Discharge: Sturgis; Cause of Discharge: Expiration of term of service; Age: 72; Nativity: American; Occupation: farmer; Married or Single: Single; Read and Write: Yes; Height: 6 ft. 1 1/2 in; Complexion: Dark; Color of Eyes: Blue; Color of Hair: Dark; Religion: None.  And that he is disabled in the manner following: Suffering from piles and gunshot wound in breast, from which he is now suffering, and by reason of which he is unable to support himself by his own efforts and labor; that he has not sufficient property or adequate means of support, which facts must be satisfactorily shown to the Board of Managers of this Home, and has no relatives of sufficient ability to maintain him who are legally liable for his support, under the laws of the State of Michigan, and that he therefore applies for admission to the Michigan Soldiers' Home.  Pension:  That he is now receiving Fifteen Dollars per month pension on Certificate No. 482494 at the Detroit Agency, and that his discharge from the U.S. Service together with his Pension Certificate and Voucher, is herewith transmitted.  He, the said Robert Carpenter, further deposes and says that he will, if admitted to said Home, abide by and obey all and singular the rules and regulations of the said Home; that he will perform all the duties required of him, and obey all the lawful orders of the officers of the said Home: (See rules on back page.) His nearest relative or friend is Will D. Carpenter, son, P.O. Address of said relative or friend: Bendon, Mich."  Signed: Robert Carpenter.  Sworn to before me by the said Robert Carpenter, and by him signed in my presence, the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit was read over and fully explained to said Robert Carpenter before he executed the same. Signature: Stanley D. Burke; Official Character: Justice of the Peace. Certificate of Identification, Etc.:  I hereby certify that I have carefully examined the proofs exhibited by Robert Carpenter and that I have good reason to and do believe that they are true, that the applicant is the indentical person named therein, that he is destitute and dependent upon public charity for support, and is at this time an actual resident of Inland Twp., Benzie County, and State of Michigan.  Signature: T. D. McCuaig; Official Character: Supervisor of Inland Twp.  Surgeon's Certificate.  I certify that Robert Carpenter is disabled from obtaining his living by manual labor, and that he states that his disability was incurred at the time, place and in the manner hereinafter stated:  Date of injury or disease: Dec 3rd, 1861, received injury in service, gunshot wound of breast.  Place of receiving injury or contracting disease also suffers from piles.  Upon careful examination I find him to be sound of mind and his present physical condition to be as follows: Character and degree of disability:  he is not able to perform any kind of manual labor.  Signed:  Wm. J. Shilliday, M.D.  Subscribed and sworn to before me this 30th day of Sep, A.D., 1911, and I hereby certify that Wm. J. Shilliday, M.D., who made and signed the above Certificate, is known to me as a surgeon in actual practice and of good standing in his profession. Signature: Stanley D. Burke, Justice of the Peace.  Locality of Applicant: Post Office: Bendon; Railroad Station: Bendon; On what Road: P.M.  Order for Admission.  The foregoing applicant is hereby approved, and said applicant will be admitted to the Michigan Soldiers' Home.  Signed: Wm. T. McGuinn (?), Commandant, Michigan Soldiers' Home.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Friday, February 7, 1913.  Robert Carpenter, aged 73 years, died at his home in Bendon, Benzie , last Friday and was buried there Sunday.  Mr. Carpenter was at one time a resident of Athens and was the brother of T. J. Carpenter and Mrs. B. F. Brownell.  (Robert's actual place of death was at the Michigan Soldiers' Home, Grand Rapids, Kent , MI.)

Death Records, Benzie and Grand Traverse , unable to find a death record for Robert Carpenter, but we did find one for his wife, Alice W. Dexter Carpenter.  We also found one for their son, Calvin Loomis Carpenter, both in Benzie County, which said Calvin was buried in Mt. Hope Cem., Grand Traverse , MI.  This is on U.S. 31 near west county line just east of the Benzie County line.   We found a marker for, Robert Carpenter and Alice W. D., wife of Robert Carpenter, but we found no stone for Calvin L. Carpenter, his son.  On Robert's stone it gave no dates, only  A. 11 Mich. Inf.  On Alice W. D. it had 1847-1906.

January 1997.  In a conversation with Emma Ahlene Carpenter Doubleday, age 92, of Leonidas, MI, she stated, "Uncle Robert died at the Veterans' Home in Grand Rapids."

Robert died in the Michigan Soldiers' home in Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI on January 31, 1913, according to a letter signed by his son, Calvin L. Carpenter, which was in Robert's Civil War Pension files.

Harriet Maria Wilder

Harriet's mother, Betsey Haviland Wilder married second Calvin Loomis Carpenter, the father of Harriet's first husband, Robert.  Harriet's brother, Marion Wilder, married her first husband's, Robert's, cousin, Sophronia Alwilda Carpenter, the daughter of Robert Carpenter and Plexana Wood Carpenter..

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Wednesday afternoon, April 24, 1929. Former Athens Woman Dies in Santa Barbara.  The following item sent us by Lena E. Sperry of Seattle, Wash., concerns an old-time resident of Athens:  Hattie M. Coppedge, aged 84 years, died April 3, 1929, at 136 West Figueroa street, Santa Barbara, California.  Deceased was the beloved wife of J. A. Coppedge and the mother of Fred R. Carpenter of San Francisco, Albert C. Burge of Kelso, Wash., and Mrs. Edith Ferraro of Paradise Valley, Nevada; sister of Lucien E. Wilder of North Bend, Wash., and  Mrs. Lena E. Sperry of Seattle, Wash.

1404. Fred R. Carpenter

Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter shows that Robert and Harriet ("Hattie") had two children, Fred and Ada.

The Athens Times, Saturday, 7 Feb. 1900, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Carpenter expect to leave for Chicago the middle of next week with intention of engaging in business.

In April 1929 Fred was of San Francisco, CA according to his mother's, Hattie M. Coppedge's, obituary.

Fred's date of birth is taken from a statement made by his father on his Civil War pension records.

1405. Ada Carpenter

On a pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter it shows that Robert and Harriet had two children, Fred and Ada.  On Ada's father's, Robert Carpenter's, Civil War pension application, Robert stated that he and Harriet had one child.  Perhaps Ada was dead by then.

Alice W. Dexter

MARRIAGE Records, Calhoun County, MI, Vol. 2, p. 41, #4012. Married 19 April 1877, in Athens, Robert Carpenter of Athens, age 37, b. NY, farmer; and Alice W. Dexter of Athens, age 30, b. NY; witnesses: Parker Hall Brownell and Melissa Carpenter Brownell, both of Athens; officiant: J. Wisner.

DEATH.  Benzie County Clerk, Beulah, MI.  Book 1, page 128, record #164. Alice W. D. Carpenter, female, d. 26 Dec 1905 in Inland, 57y6m27d. Cause of death, exhaustion, b. NY; father, Richard R. Dexter; mother, Eliza M. Lawson, both living, and residence is Inland, MI.

1406. 1 Carpenter

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI.  Vol. 1 Births, p. 216, #30.  Stillborn white, female, b. 24 Feb 1878.  Parents: Robert Carpenter and Alice W. Dexter, of Athens, Calhoun , MI.

1408. Calvin Loomis Carpenter

1900, U.S. Census, Benzie , MI.  Calvin, son, age 14, is in the home of his parents, Robert Carpenter and Alice W. Dexter Carpenter.

1910 U.S. Census, Benzonia Village, Benzie , MI taken 2 May. 289/292 Calvin L., brother, WM, age 24, single, b. MI, occupation house painter, is in the home of his brother, William D. Carpenter.

In 1913 Calvin resided at 128 Michigan Street, N.W., Grand Rapids, MI, according to a letter written by him in his father's Civil War Pension files.

Some information said Calvin was a state fire ranger at Honor, MI. Other information stated Calvin was a barber.

DEATH.  Benzie County Clerk, Beulah, MI.  Book 1936 Page ___, Record #15. Calvin Loomis Carpenter, male, died 14 July 1936, age 49y3m1d.  Died in Benzonia Twp.,  Benzie , MI; date of birth, 29 March ___ in Green Lake Twp., Grand Traverse, MI; father:  Robert Carpenter, b. MI; mother:  Alice Dexter, b. NY; single.  16 July 1936.  Buried in Mt. Hope Cem..  Funeral Director:  George A. Burnett of Frankfort.

797. Melissa Lucretia Carpenter

Sources:  Correspondence in 1982 from Carol Elizabeth Seedorff (Mrs. Leon B. Smith, RR 2, Battle Creek, MI 49017), granddaughter of Melissa, and daughter of child #1, Harriett Marie Brownell.

1860 U. S. Census, Hobart, W. P., 44, b. NY; ____, 44, b. NY, Rebecca, 73, b. CT; Carpenter, Melipa (Melissa) 18, b. NY, housework; Carpenter, Robert, 21, b. NY, laborer.  Melissa and Robert were brother and sister and children of Calvin L. Carpenter.

MARRIAGE.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI.  Marriages, Book 5, page 30. "Parker Hall Brownell, age 30, and Melissa Carpenter, age 22 years, both of Athens, were married Dec 25, A. D. 1864 by me, in the presence of Robert Carpenter and Harriet M. Carpenter, recorded March 14, 1865 by William Howard, Clerk, State of Michigan, Calhoun County." Signed Issac C. Abbott.  Her brother's, Robert Carpenter and Harriet Marie Wilder's, wedding was recorded just above Parker's and Melissa's entry.

Information was also obtained by correspondence from Lina Snyder of Athens, MI, a pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter and correspondence with other relatives.  In 1895 reunion data it said Parker and Melissa were from Pine Creek.

Melissa's birth was also reported in the month of June as well as Dec.  We used the latter.  Name spelled Melicia in the Bible, Meelissa in courtrecords.

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI. 246/246.  Brownell, Parker, age 37, b. NY; Melissa, age 28, b. NY; Hattie, age 5, b. MI.; Jennie, 8/12, b. MI.

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  244/209.  Brownell, Parker H., 46, b. NY, parents b. unknown (they were born in RI, his brother gave it and so did they on an earlier census); Melissa, 37, b. NY, parents b. NY; Hattie M., 14, daughter, b. MI, parents b. NY; Jennie E., age 10, b. MI, parents b. NY; Lou, age 1, daughter, b. MI, parents b. NY.

1893, Sept 28, First Reunion of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families in Athens, Calhoun, MI., Melissa attended, age 51, of Pine Creek, MI. Her children, Lulu, age 14; Lloyd, 12; and Grace, 8, also attended. Her daughter, Jennie, age 24, now Mrs. Frank Lynn (his age 36) were also in attendance.  Her daughter, Hattie, age 28, now Mrs. Frank Seedorff (his age34) and daughter, Maggie, 3 months, were also there.

1894, Aug 25, Second Reunion of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Melissa, age 52, signed in for herself and her children Lulu, 15; Loid, 13; Grace, 10.  Also signing in is her daughter, H. M. (Harriett Marie) Seedorff, age 28, of Pine Creek, her husband, F. E. Seedorff, 34, and daughter, Maggie, 13 months.  Her daughter, Jennie Lynn, age 25, husband, Frank, 37, of Fulton were also there.

1895, Third Reunion of the family stated above, Melissa Brownell, age 53, of Pine Creek, and children, Lulu, age 16; Loid, age 14; Grace 11, plus her two married daughters were there.  Hattie Seedorf, 29, of E. Leroy, Frank Seedorff, 35; Maggie, 2; Harry A., 6 weeks.  Her daughter, Jennie Lynn, age 26, of Fulton with husband Frank Lynn, age 38.  1896 appears to be missing, but in 1897 they are on the list, but no ages are given, Hattie, Frank, Maggie and Harry Seedorf.   Jennie and Frank Lynn, Lulu, Grace, Lloyd, and Jennie Brownell.  Parker Hall Brownell died in 1885.

1898, Melissa Brownell, Frank and Jennie Lynn; Frank, Hattie, Maggie and Harry Seedorff, Grace, Lulu and Lloyd Brownell were there.  1899, Melissa Brownell, Lulu, Grace and Lloyd Brownell, Hattie Seedorff, Frank, Maggie, Harry and Laurel; and Jennie Lynn and Frank Lynn were in attendance again.  Jennie and Frank may have had no children (at least that lived) as they attend each reunion alone.

1900, the eighth reunion, Melissa Brownell with husband, W. J. Rundel, attended.  Lloyd is married and with wife, Dollie.  Lulu is still unmarried and sister, Grace, died in March of 1900.  Harriett and Frank Seedorff, Maggie, Harold, Laurel, and Elizabeth attended. (It said baby under their name lightly, probably the Elizabeth).  Frank and Jennie Lynn are also there.

1901 (and on) Melissa Rundell attended with Lulu, Loyd and Dollie, but the Seedorff's did not attend.  In 1902 they were all in attendance again. 1903, the 11th reunion was unreadable on the photocopy.  In 1904, all of the children attended again, and Charles was the next child in the Seedorff family.  In 1905, the 13th annual reunion, only Melissa and her husband, W. J. Rundel, and Jennie and Frank Lynn attended. 1904 and 1905 all the children attended with their families.  In 1906, the 16th annual reunion, only Melissa Rundall and husband, Wm. J., and Hattie Seedorff and husband Frank, and Jennie Lynn and her husband, Frank Lynn, attended.  None of the Seedorff children attended that reunion.

1909, only Melissa Rundel, Wm J., Jennie Lynn and Frank Lynn attended. The same in 1910, but in 1911 and 12 all the family but Maggie Seedorff was there.   In 1913 Hattie and Elizabeth Seedorff were absent.  In 1914, they were all  present, but in 1915, the 23rd Annual reunion both Wm. J. Rundel and Frank Lynn have died.  The rest were in attendance.  In 1916 only Melissa Rundel, Laurel Seedorff, and Jennie Lynn were there.

1917, Melissa Rundel is present the next four years through 1920, so is her daughter, Hattie Seedorff.  Hattie's daughter, Maggie (now Spooner) is only on the 1920.  Herbert Spooner is marked dead in 1919, Mirlah Spooner attended with her mother in 1920.  Harry Seedorff attended in 1920. Laurel Burgett attended 1917, 1918, and 1920.  Elizabeth and brother, Charles Seedorff, attended 1917, 1918, 1920.  Jennie Lynn, Lulu and Lloyd Brownell attend all four years (1917-1920).  In 1920 Oscar signed in just under Lloyd.

1921 through 1924, Melissa Rundel attend all four years.  She died in 1925.  She was 83 at at the time of her death.

1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Athens Twp., MI taken 13 and 14 Jun.  278/279 Brownell, Melissa, head, b. Sep 1895, age 54, widow; Brownell, Lulu, daughter, b. May 1879,  age 21; Brownell, Lloyd, son, b. Feb. 1881, age 19.

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun , MI, Leroy Twp., taken 15 April. 1/12 Rundel, William J., head, male, white, age 74, married 2 times, 8 years; Rundel, Melissa L., wife, female, white, age 67, married 2 times, 5 children born, 4 alive.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Deaths, 1924-1925, page 13, #10. 14 Nov. 1923 in Athens Village, Melissa Lucretia Rundell, female, white, widow, 83y4m10d.  Chronic valvular heart disease, b. NY, housewife.  Father:  Calvin Carpenter, b. NY: Mother: Eleanor Pierce, b. NY.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, November 19, 1925.  Grim Reaper Claims Three During Week.  Mrs. Melissa L. Rundel, Adelbert Vanett and Wm. H. Russell, all Old Residents.  Mrs. Melissa Rundel, an aged and beloved resident of this vicinity for many, many years passed away at the home of her daughter, Miss Lulu Brownell in this village. Melissa Lucretia Carpenter, the daughter of Calvin and Eleanor Carpenter, deceased, was born June 24, 1842, in Bristol, Ontario County, New York.  When 11 years of age, she came with her parents to Michigan, settling in Sherwood.  She was married Dec. 11, 1864, to Parker H. Brownell and went to live on the farm in a log house that had been his home before the death of his father and mother.  A new frame house was later constructed and here the family of children, Hattie, Jennie, Lulu, Lloyd and Grace came to bless their union. On March 6, 1885, the father was taken away, and in March of 1900 Grace was called Home.  For over 17 years the faithful widowed mother sweetly met the many sacrifices necessary in her struggle of rearing her children. Then on Feb. 26, 1902 she was united in marriage to W. Judson Rundel, and two years later went to live in Pine Creek.  November 14, 1914, Mr. Rundel passed away. Since that time she has made her home with her children.  She was called to her reward the morning of Nov. 14, 1925, aged 83 years, 5 months and 10 days. She was a worthy and lovable companion, a dutiful and devoted mother, a loyal friend of all, and a respected and much loved resident of the community.  Her quiet, gracious characterists won friends with all with whom she came in contact, ever willing to lend a helping hand to the sick and distressed until later years of failing strength deprived her of that privilege.  She was a a faithful and untiring member of the North Athens Baptist Church. None have gone to their rest with more hope of blissful eternity with their Savior than did this dear Christian woman whose Christian life was a practical one and evidenced in her every day life.  She leaves to mourn her loss 4 children, Hattie Seedorff, Jennie Gould, Lulu and Lloyd Brownell; 4 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a great number of other relatives and a host of friends.  'Tis ours to miss thee, all our years, And tender memories of thee keep.  But thine in the Lord to rest, for so He giveth his beloved sleep.

Parker Hall Brownell

1860 U. S.Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 31 July.  Household 2118/1801, Brownell, Harriett (maiden name Pierce), female, b. RI; Horace 34, b. NY; George 18, (should be 17); Parker 27, Benj. 22; Henry 18 (should be 19); Josephone Tebow, 23, female, housework.  All b. NY but mother.  This was when Parker was still in his mother's home.

Parker's brother, George H. Brownell, died 18 July 1917, age 75y7m24d.  Father:  Harvey Brownell of NY and mother:  Harriet Pierce.

Another brother, Bergerman (Benjamin) F. Brownell, died 7 Mar 1919, age 81y4m18days, b. NY, father Henry Brownell b. RI, and mother Hariet Pierce, b. RI.

October 1996 visit to Stimson Cem., north of Athens, Calhoun , MI, Parker H. Brownell and Melissa L. Brownell are buried there.

1410. Jennie E. Brownell

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Jennie was 8/12 and in the home of her parents, Parker Brownell and Melissa.

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Jennie E. is age 10 and in the home of her parents, Parker H. Brownell and Melissa.

MARRIAGE.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Marriages, vol. 3, p. 48, #6462. 21 Oct 1886, married at Athens, Frank C. Lyman (as spelled on marriage record), age 31, b. Portage County, OH, residing in Kalamazoo ; occupation: farmer; and Jennie E. Brownell, b. Athens, age 17, residing in Athens; no parents listed; officiant: L. G. Brundage, Minister; witnesses:  Mrs. M. L. Brownell and Miss H. M. Brownell, both of Athens.

1895 Reunion of Calvin L. Carpenter Family, Athens, Calhoun, MI. Jennie was age 26. See mother's notes about reunions attended.

1894 MI Census, Kalamazoo, Wakeshma, MI taken 5 Jun.  170/180, Lynn, Frank, age 37, b. OH, parents, b. NY, farmer; Jennie, age 25, wife, b. MI, parents b. NY; housewife.

1900 U.S. Census, Kalamazoo, Wakeshma, MI taken 4 Jun.  92/92 Lynn, Frank, b. Mar. 1855, age 45, married 14 years, b. OH, parents b. NY; Jennie, b. Oct 1869, age 30, 0 children, b. MI, parents b. NY.

1910 U.S. Census, Kalamazoo , Wakeshma Twp., MI, ED 166, taken 21 April. 110/110 Lynn, Frank, head, MW, 55, married 1 time, 24 years, b. OH, farmer; Jennie, wife, FW, 40, md. once, 24 years, b. MI, father and mother b. NY, nothing mentioned about children; George, brother, 58, single; Charles, brother, 64, married once, 35 y; Ameilia, sister-in-law, 51, 7 children, 5  alive; Clate, nephew, 25, single; Delos, nephew, 23, married once, 3y; Florence, niece, 18, single.

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI taken 15 and 16 January, ED 35, sheet 11B. 151/158 Lynn, Jennie E., head, age 50, b. MI, parents b. NY; Rundel, Melissa L., mother, age 77, b. NY, parents b. NY.

The Athens Times, June 10, 1920.  Mrs. Jennie Lynn is clerking at Emmell's bakery and grocery.

The Athens Times, Thursday, May 11, 1922.  E. P. Simmons, Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon Gould and Mrs. Agnes Carpenter attended the funeral of their cousin, Robert Carpenter, near Union City Friday afternoon.  [This Robert Carpenter was married to Sarada Place and was the son of Calvin Loomis Carpenter's brother, Robert Carpenter and Plexana Wood.]

North Fulton Cem. might also be known as Crotser Cem..

Francis C. Lynn

1870 U.S. Census, Kalamazoo, Wakeshma, MI, taken 1 Jun.  4/4 Frank C., age 24, is in the home of his mother, Maria Lynn, age 64.

1884 MI Census, Kalamazoo, Wakeshma, taken 1 Jun, 52/53 Lynn, Charles, age 32, head; Amelia, age 31, wife; William, age 10?, son; Clay, b. Feb., son; Marian, age 66, mother; George, age 30, brother; Frank, age 26, brother.

1895 Reunion of Calvin L. Carpenter Family, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Frank was 38 years old.

The Athens Times.  Thursday, February 18, 1915.  Triple Tragedy in Wakeshma Friday; Sam Crotser Killed Lifelong Friends.  George and Frank Lynn Killed While Working in Woods.  Crotser Then Set Fire to Home and Committed Suicide. Only Motive Was Imaginary Grievance - Had Been Dependent on Lynn Boys for Years.  One of the most appalling tragedies that ever occurred in southern Michigan was enacted on the Lynn farm in Wakeshma Twp., 5 1/2 miles northwest of Athens, last Friday, when Samuel Crotser, who for years has occupied a small shack on the Lynn place, shot and killed Frank and George Lynn, brothers, while they were working in the woods on the back part of the farm.  After completing his terrible work which was done with a shotgun, Crotser returned to his house, locked the doors, set it on fire and with the gun blew the top of his own head off, the remains, with part of the arms, legs and head burned off, being removed from the ruins some time later in the day. Just what time the double murder and suicide happened is not known, but it is believed to have been done shortly before noon.  Neighbors heard the shots but knew nothing of their signifance.  It was two or three hours later when it was discovered that Crotser's house was burning.  Members of the family started out to investigate and as they arrived on the scene they saw the body of the man in the burning building.  Unable to remove it, Clay Lynn, a nephew of the two murdered men, started out to find his uncles to tell them of thetragedy, and as he came over a rise of ground and down to where the men had been working he made the grewsome discovery of the bodies of his two uncles, the one, Frank, lying in a ditch where he had fallen when a charge of shot entered his left ear and bored its way to his brain, doubtless killing him instantly, and the other, George, unconscious with a charge of shot in his head, just above the left eye.  He was still breathing but died in a few moments.  Just how it all happened will never be known for not a witness lives to tell the story, only the ghastly silent evidence remained.  There was no sign of a struggle and the supposition is that the approach of Crotser was not known to his victims, until he opened fire on the unarmed and defenceless men.  As a fitting climax to it all he then returned to his home a half mile away, deliberately made his own funeral pyre and destroyed his own life in the same manner as he had taken the lives of the best friends he ever had.  The only reason that can be assigned for Crotser's act was that a few days before he had asked a loan of $5 from the brothers, who neither granted or refused the request, but Crotser is said to have walked away muttering, "I have only a half a sack of flour left.  If I can't get some money, I'll have to do the next best thing."  "The next best thing," is now interpreted as the tragedy.  Crotser was known as a rather good-natured, but shiftless and irresponsible sort of a character, given somewhat to gossip, but never thought to be vicious.  For upwards of 30 years he had made his home off and on in the old house on the Lynn farm, coming and going at will.  The Lynn boys had always befriended him, no rent being charged for the space his house occupied or for the little plot of ground he was allowed to use for a garden.  Suddenly, in his anger over a trifling thing, he apparently turned against his benfactors and with the cunning that invariably accompanies a distorted mind he stole upon them and without warning took their lives.  Rumors to the effect that the Lynn boys had determined to send Crotser to the poor house was emphatically denied by the surviving brother who said that no such thought had entered their minds.  For years he had been practically dependent upon the Lynns who had known him from boyhood back in Ohio, and he had always been made welcome.  When he was not loaned the $5 he was told that he could have some flour, and although it was not intended to offend him, it is evident that he took it as a personal affront.  The infirmities of age, for he was 67, had advanced rapidly of late, it is said, and he doubtless brooded over the affair in his childish mind, until he decided to take vengeance.  The sheriff and coroner of Kalamazoo county visited the place and decided that Crotser had been responsible for all of the death dealing.  The verdict was signed by James Mead, Preston Kolb, Frank Russell, Benjamin Sherman, Chas. Bailey and M. Goeques, jurors.  There were no relatives to claim the remains of the murderer, and he was buried in the North Cem. Sunday morning, at public expense.  The Lynn boys - Charles, Frank and George - all lived in one house, the former with his family occupying the upstairs rooms while Frank and his wife lived below. George, who was a bachelor, boarded with them.  They have always been held in high esteem and the untimely, tragic death of the two brothers is a great blow to the families,  and the community in which the men have so long resided.  A double funeral was held at the home Tuesday forenoon, interment being made in South Cem..

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Thursday, February 18, 1915.  Francis Lynn was born in Brimfield, Portage , Ohio, March 16, 1855, and died in Wakeshma Twp., Kalamazoo County, Mich., Feb. 12, 1915, aged 58 yrs., 10 mos., 26days.  He moved with his parents to Michigan in the fall of 1864, settling on a farm in Wakeshma Twp., where he and his brothers lived as did other pioneer boys, realizing the hardships of those early days.  On Oct. 20, 1886, he was married to Jennie Brownell of Athens, and their happy married life has all been spent on the farm where he died.  He was of a cheerful disposition and bore the love and respect of all who knew him.  Being a great lover of nature, he and his wife and a few chosen friends, often spent a few weeks at some pleasant lake, and these were the most enjoyable days of his life.  He was especially fond of his pets and they in turn loved their kind master, as was shown by the faithfulness of his dog who would not leave him when the sad end came.  He leaves to mourn his death a loving wife, two brothers, Almerian of Ravenna, O., and Charles of Wakeshma, and a host of other relatives and friends, who will miss his smiling countenance and help.

18 Sept 1996 visit to Cem. north of Fulton, MI, on V Avenue, 1/4 mile east of 42nd Avenue.

EMAIL:
From: D and R Frederick mailto:my63squire@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 4:05 PM
To: jrcrin001@cox.net mailto:jrcrin001@cox.net>
Subject: Lynn Family
Hi. I just found your website () where you mention Frank and George Lynn. They were my mom's great (great?) uncles.
The Clay Lynn mentioned in the article lived in our house from the time he needed help physically until his death - a period of two or three years, I think. I have a number of vivid memories of Uncle Clay even though I was pretty young. He always wore bib overalls. He shaved with a straight razor. He didn't have any teeth by then. He had a habit of rubbing his hands, one inside the other repeatedly. His mannerisms were copied by my little sister and I as they were so prevalent. I am sure she could break into a rendition of uncle Clay even to this day. He was a nice old man. I wished I'd have asked him more about his youth, but kids are dumb like that. I remember one time going to see the Lynn house one rainy Saturday in the 1970's with my folks. I don't remember if Uncle Clay or Maxine was with us or not. It was in the middle of "nowhere" from what I remember.
My mom has a 1/12 scale model of the Lynn house that my brother-in-law built from measuring the current configuration and adding the porches based on old photos.
Maxine Lynn was the starting point for my genealogy "illness." Although only moderately interested as a youth, it is my current addiction. Maxine gave each of the Lynn family legs a copy of the Lynn family history to date back to 1812. She had done all of the hard work the hard way, as there were no personal computers or internet in the 1970's and before. I have the packet she gave our family back then.
Anyway, it looks like we are related in some way.
I found a Lynn cousin two years ago when I started, named Bob Lynn. He has the Maxine booklet from his family like mine. He lives in California and has done the full blown DNA (he is a freak for genealogy too). I have yet to do mine, but soon I hope.
Anyway, I would be glad to share info with you. I don't think I have pictures of Frank or George, but I do have some of the other brothers I think. I am sure Bob does.
I would love to correspond if you are interested.
Deane "Dean" Frederick II
Hazel, KY
270-227-6510 Call/Text

Mahlon D. Gould

1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Athens Twp., Michigan, taken 15 and 16 Jun 1900.  283/284  Gould, Mahlon, head, b. Apr 1855, age 45, md. 18y; Gould, Ella, wife, b. Nov. 1846, age 53, 0 children, 0 children alive.

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI taken 15 April.  127/ Gould, Mahlon, head, age 55, married 28 years, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. MI; Ella, wife, age 62 (should be 42), married 28 years, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. NY.

WEDDING.  The Athens Times, Thursday, March 10, 1921.  Mahlon Gould and Mrs. Lynn Married.  Mrs. Jennie Lynn and Mahlon D. Gould, two of our esteemed townspeople, were united in marriage at the bride's home Saturday afternoon at three o'clock, Rev. Dawe, pastor of the Congregational Church officiating. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Simmons.  Mr. and Mrs. Gould will reside in the latter's home and their many friends join in wishing them much happiness.

MARRIAGE.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Vol. 7, p. 282, #134, married 5 March 1921 at Athens, MI, Jennie Lynn, age 52, b. Athens, residing in Athens, previously married once, father: Parker Brownell; mother: Melissa Carpenter; and Mahlon D. Gould, age 65, b. Newton Twp., residing in Athens; father: David Gould; mother: Eliza Weeks, witnesses:  E. P. Simmons and Mrs. E. P. Simmons, officiant:  Albert Dawe, Congregational Minister.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Thursday, May 8, 1919.  Good Woman Gone.  Mrs. Mahlon D. Gould, aged 74 years, for many years a resident of this village, passed away Tuesday afternoon, following a long illness, which she at all times bore with true Christian fortitude.  The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Dawe at the Congregational Church this forenoon and the remains were taken to Marshall for burial beside those of other relatives, in fulfillment of her own request.  [This must be Mahlon Gould's first wife.]

The Athens Times, Thursday, November 20, 1920.  Mahlon Gould Hurt When Load of Hay Tips Over.  Mahlon Gould was badly injured Tuesday afternoon when a load of hay which he and C. W. Carpenter were hauling from the F. G. Woodruff farm tipped over near the Harvey school house.  His right arm was broken above the wrist and his hip and body were badly bruised.  He was brought to Dr. Funk's office where his injuries were cared for and he was then taken to Mr.Carpenter's home.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI Vo. 29, p 72, died 2 Dec. 1947 at Calhoun County Infirmary, Marengo Twp., Calhoun , Mahlon Gould, age 92y6m29d, b. 3 Apr 1855 at Newton Twp.; occupation: retired; widower; residence: Athens, MI; father: David Gould b. NY; mother: Ina Weeks, b. NY; buried: Oaklawn Cem., Marshall, MI; information:  Infirmary records.

1411. Lulu May Brownell

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Lulu is listed as Lou, age 1, and in the home of her parents, Parker H. Brownell and Melissa.

See mother's notes about reunions attended.

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Athens Twp., MI. Lulu Brownell, cousin, age 30, b. MI, parents b. NY, dress making, is in the home of Carl Ward Carpenter.

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun , MI, ED 35, Sheet 4, Line 11. Carpenter, Carl Ward, age 46, b. Mich; Margaret, wife, age 46, b. Mich; H. Neil, son 19, b. Mich; Wayne E., 16, son, b. Mich; Brownell, Lula, C (cousin), 41, b. Mich.  (Lulu Brownell, was born 1879, the daughter of Parker Hall Brownell and Melissa Carpenter.  She would be Carl Ward Carpenter's cousin as his father, Henry Leighton Carpenter, was a brother to Melissa Carpenter, Lulu's mother.)  Lulu married a Charles J. Miller in 1929. (The above was copied from C. Ward Carpenter's notes.)

MARRIAGE.  Calhoun County Marriages, Vol. 9, page 10, #141.  Lulu M. Brownell, age 49, residing at Athens, Calhoun, MI, born in Athens, occupation: dressmaker, daughter of Parker Brownell and Melissa Carpenter; and Charles J. Miller, age 58, residing in Athens, born in Tekonsha Twp., Calhoun , MI, son of Charles H. Miller and Sarah A. Davis, occupation: farmer; married 20 April 1929 at Battle Creek by Rev. J. E. Cook, Congregational Minister. Witnesses:  Lloyd P. Brownell and Bessie M. Brownell, both of Battle Creek.

WEDDING.  The Athens Times, Wed. 24 Apr 1929.  Athens Couple Married At Battle Creek. A quiet but pretty wedding was performed Saturday evening by the Rev. J. E. Cook of the Athens Congregational Church when Miss Lulu M. Brownell of Athens became the bride of Charles J. Miller, also of Athens, at the home of the bride's brother, Lloyd Brownell, 46 Fairview, Battle Creek.  The couple was attended by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Brownell and the ring ceremony used in the presence of the immediate family and friends.  After the ceremony a dainty lunch was served by Mrs. Brownell and Mrs. Arnold, the bride's table being centered with yellow tulips and yellow tapers.  They will make their home on the groom's farm east of Athens.  Mr. and Mrs. Miller are both well known in Athens, being prominent in the work of the church and the Grange. Their hosts of friends extend congratulatons.

The Athens Times, Wed. 8 May 1929.  Surprise Party for Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Miller.  Monday evening, May 6th, the Community Art Club gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Earl G. Davis and soon journeyed to the home of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Miller, where they gave them a complete surprise.  That quiet evening of reading and mending was soon turned into a house full of merrymakers, and the guests found themselves surprised when Mrs. Miller announced that it was her birthday party too, as that part had not been known to them before. The evening was spent in visiting and the ladies had provided a delightful supper which was served in the spacious dining room at ten o'clock.  In behalf of the members of the Club, Mrs. Edmen Miller presented Mr. and Mrs. Miller with a very pretty rayon bedspread as a token of their love and esteem. The friends departed at a late hour wishing the happy couple a long life of health, prosperity and happiness.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Wednesday, April 18, 1956.  Mrs. Lulu May Miller, 77, widow of C. J. Miller and a lifelong resident of Athens Twp., died at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the Community Health Center in Coldwater.  She suffered a hip fracture about four months ago, and had been hospitalized most of the time since. Mrs. Miller was born May 6, 1879, in the township near here, daughter of Parker H. and Melissa L. (Carpenter) Brownell.  Most of her adult life Mrs. Miller did sewing and dressmaking.  She married Mr. Miller on April 20, 1929, in Athens.  He died April 15, 1939.  She belonged to the Congregational Church here, the Summer-R-Set Club, and Ladies Guild of the church, and also the Community Art Club.  She is survived by a stepson, Leo Miller of Ferndale and two step-grandchildren, Jack and Margaret; and a brother, Lloyd Brownell of Battle Creek.  Funeral services were held at the Spencer Funeral Home Monday afternoon, with Rev. Wm. Potts of the Congregational Church in charge. Interment beside her husband in the Riverside Cem. in Union City.

Charles J. Miller

OBITUARY.   The Athens Times, Thursday, April 19, 1939.  Well Known Farmer and Granger Dead. C. J. Miller Spent Most Of His Life in Calhoun County - Deacon In Church. Charles J. Miller, 68, died at the home of his sister, Miss Mary L. Miller, 174 Calhoun Street in Battle Creek, Saturday morning at 5 o'clock, following a long illness.  Mr. and Mrs. Miller had been with Miss Miller since coming home from a visit in Detroit recently, and a week before his death were in Athens to attend a church bazaar and supper.  He was taken ill the same night with an attack of a heart ailment, with which he had been afflicted for some time. He was born in Tekonsha Twp. Aug. 24, 1870, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Miller.  Most of his life had been spent in Calhoun County.  He was married to Ruth T. Thayer on Mar. 31, 1893, her death occurring April 13, 1924, while they resided on the farm east of this place.  Mr. Miller became well known for his activities in the Grange and agriculture, and was rated as one of the leading exponents of scientific farming methods, which he practiced on various farms that he had owned.  His last farm was the former Frank Harrison place, east of Athens.  He was an active member and several times master of Athens Grange and was instrumental in the organization of Community Grange while he was on a farm at Abscota.  He had visited many parts of the state in farmers' institute work and for several years managed co-operative elevators at Marcellus and Union City.  He was a member and deacon of the Athens Congregational Church and was a man of high ideals and stood always for the better things of life.  He will be greatly missed by his family and a wide circle of friends.  He is survived by his widow, the former Lula Brownell, to whom he was married ten years ago; a son, Leo, by his first marriage, of Detroit; two brothers, James D., county poor commissioner, of Marshall, and Pearl, of Augusta, Ohio; one sister, Mary, of Battle Creek, and two grandchildren.  He was a brother of the late Frank D. Miller, who died while serving this county as school commissioner more than 20 years ago.  Funeral services were held at the Spencer Funeral Home Monday afternoon, with the Rev. J. E. Cook, former pastor of the Congregational Church, in charge.  Dr. E. VanCamp gave a vocal number.  Interment was made in Riverside Cem. at Union City.

OBITUARY from a Battle Creek newspaper in the Coller Collection, Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI, states:  Charles Miller, Past Master of Grange, Is Dead.  Charles J. Miller, 68, a past master of Calhoun County Pomona Grange and lifelong resident of Calhoun County, died at 5 a.m. today at the home of his sister, Miss Mary Miller, 174 Calhoun Street, where he had resided for the last year.  Mr. Miller had been in poor health for two and one-half years.  For 15 years prior to his illness Mr. Miller operated a farm near Athens and had served three years as master of the Athens Grange. He had also engaged in farming for many years in Tekonsha Twp. and Abscota.  Mr. Miller was born Aug. 24, 1872, in Tekonsha Twp., the son of Charles H. and Sarah Ann (Davis) Miller.  Besides the sister at whose home he died he leaves his widow, Mrs. Lulu Miller; a son, Leo Miller, of Detroit; and two brothers, James D. Miller, of Marshall, and Pearl Miller, of Augusta, Ohio. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Spencer Funeral Home in Athens and burial will be in Riverside Cem., Union City.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, vol. 21, page 225.  Died 15 April 1939 Charles J. Miller, age 68y7m1d, at 174 Calhoun St., Battle Creek, MI, father: Charles H. Miller; mother: Sarah Ann Davis; occupation: retired farmer; informant:  Mrs. Lulu Miller, surviving wife; b. Tekonsha Twp., Branch , MI; buried at Riverside Cem., Union City, MI.

If we calculate Charles Miller's date of death by his age at the time of death, it comes up with a birth date of 14 Sep 1870.

1413. Grace N. Brownell

See mother's notes about reunions attended from 1893 to 1900.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. Vol. 3, #235, Grace was 16y10m at death.

"In loving Remembrance of Grace N. Brownell --Tis hard to break the tender cord, When love has bound the heart.  Tis hard, so hard, to speak the words, 'We must forever part'.  Dearest loved one we must lay thee.  In the peaceful grave -- embrace  But thy memory will be cherished--Till we see thy Heavenly face."  The above is a cardboard (black), If you could see it, you would know it is old.)  Sent in a letter from Mrs. Leon B. Smith (Elizabeth Seedorff Smith) with other information about the family in 1982.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Saturday, 17 March 1900.  Miss Grace Brownell, youngest daughter of Mrs. Melissa Brownell, of north Athens, who had been an invalid from consumption the past year, passed peacefully away Saturday morning.  Funeral was from the residence Monday at 1 p.m. and interment was made in the Stimpson Cem. beside the remains of her father, Park Brownell. Rev. Lewis, of the North Athens Baptist Church, of which deceased was a member and earnest worker, officiated.  She leaves to mourn her loss a mother; three sisters, Mrs. Frank Seedorff of East Leroy; Mrs. Frank Lynn of Wakeshma, and Lulu, and one brother, Lloyd, who reside at home, and many acquaintances.

Copied from the Carpenter Family Reunion Journal:  "Died.  Mar. 10, 1900, at the home of her mother, Melissa Brownell (nee Carpenter), Grace N. Brownell, aged 16 years, 1 mo., 10 days."

William Judson Rundel

MARRIAGE.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI.  Book 5, p. 73, #70. Married 26 Feb 1902 at Pine Creek, MI, William J. Rundel, age 66, farmer, father:  S. J. Rundel, mother: Fanny Steadwell; and Melissa Carpenter Brownell, age 59, father: Calvin Carpenter, mother: -- Pierce.  Officiant: John H. Callender, MG.  Witnesses: Adelbert VanEtt and Mary VanEtt, both of  Wakeshma.

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Leroy Twp., MI, taken 16 Apr. ED64, sheet 1A.  11/12 Rundel, William J., head, MW, age 74, married twice, 8y; Melissa L., wife, FW, age 67, married twice, 8y, 5 children, 4 alive.

798. Phebe Jane "Jennie" Carpenter

Sources:  Chart made by Lorna Carter, Athens, MI, sent to Donna Hellewell, Aptos, CA, by Lina Snyder in 1960's.  Jennie's son, Floyd, moved to South Bend, IN. Their child was Elaine.  Elaine married (1) Roy E. Batty, and had a son, Floyd.  She then married (2) Moore.  Floyd Batty of Wichita Falls, TX has the Family Bible of the Calvin Carpenter family and some of the Pierce family.  Copy of pages of the Bible are in possession of Donna H. Hellewell, 231 Bowen Avenue, Aptos, CA 95003 in 1997.  Elaine appears on the Carpenter Reunion journal in 1906, the 15th Annual Reunion in Athens, MI.  She is on many other reunions also.

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 20 June. 177/179  Brownell, Benj., age 20, b. NY; Phoebe J., 24, b. NY.

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Household 12/12 Brownell, Benj. F., age 42, b. NY, parents b. RI; Jenny, age 36, b. NY, parents b. NY; Floyd O., 3/12, son, b. MI, parents b. NY.  Boarder, John L. Wilson, 54, widowed, b. NY., parents b. NY, farm laborer.  (John Wilson is Armida Carpenter's husband; Phebe Jane's ["Jennie"'s] sister's husband.)

The Athens Times, Athens, MI, Saturday, September 1, 1883.  A surprise party assembled at the residence of Mr. B. F. Brownell on Saturday, August 25th, it being the 40th anniversary of Mrs. Jennie Brownell's birthday. About 11 o'clock, Mr. Parker Brownell and Mr. L. B. Simmons and families arrived, both women being sisters of Mrs. B. F. Brownell.  Mrs. B. commenced getting dinner, in the usual way.  A kettle of potatoes and corn was put on the stove to cook. About 11:30 three more loads drove into the yard, and Mrs. B. then surmised that something was in the wind, as that was out of the general way of visiting.  But still they came until 109 arrived.  The leaders of the party thinking Mrs. B. had not made sufficient preparation to feed a company of that number asked her to step aside and give room to those who were more able to fill the wants of such a company.  The men were set to making a table in the shade of the house and the women commenced unpacking baskets.  A table 36 feet long was made and completely loaded down with fruits of home industry, which the women of this neighborhood know so well how to prepare.  Eating and merry making was the order of the day, which all seemed to enjoy.  After which Mrs. B. was presented with a set of silverware and a nice dress.  The presents were highly valued being gifts from near relatives.  At about 6 o'clock the company went home, expressing their satisfaction that it was good to be there.  H.L.C.

1893, Sept 29, Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Family Reunion, the list of relatives includes B. F. Brownell, age 55, and P. J. Brownell, age 50, of Athens, Calhoun, MI (the place of the reunion), Floyd Brownell, age 13. 1894, Aug 25, Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Family Reunion.  Signature pages included B. F. Brownell, age 56, and P. J. Brownell, age 51, F. O. Brownell, age 14. 1895, Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Family Reunion, Athens, Calhoun, MI. B. F. Brownell, age 57, Jennie Brownell, age 51, Floyd Brownell, age 15.

They are listed on the 1897 reunion, but no ages are given.  In 1898 Jennie and Benjamin attended but could not find Floyd.  They were also on the 1899, could not find Floyd.  On the 8th reunion (1900) Benjamin and Jennie attended and Floyd was there with them on the 9th and 10th reunions (1901 and 1902) as well as Addie, Floyd's wife.  Jennie, Benjamin and Floyd and Addie attend the 12th, 13th and 14th reunions (1904, 1905 and 1906).

Floyd was absent from the 15th (1907), Addie and Elaine were there for 15th reunion, and both Floyd and Elaine and Addie were absent from the 16th (1908) although Benjamin and Jennie were in attendance.  Jennie and Benjamin were at the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th (1909 through 1916) but Floyd was only at the 20th (1912) and Addie was not, although her name and their child Elaine were added to the list of names.   Floyd, Addie and daughter, Elaine, attended the 22nd, 23rd, (1914, 1915) but Addie missed the 24th (1916).  They were not found on the reunion records after 1916.  Benjamin died in 1919.  Phebe J. "Jennie" died in 1921.

1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Athens Village, MI, taken 1 and 2 Jun. 31/31 Brownell, Benjamin, head, W M, b. Oct 1837, age 62, md. 34y, b. NY, father b. RI, mother b. RI, occupation carpenter; Brownell, Phoebe, wife, b. Aug 1843, age --, 1 child born, 1 child living, b. MI, parents b. NY; Brownell, Floyd O., son, W M, b. Feb 1880, age 20, md. 0y; b. MI; Brownell, Adaline, daughter-in-law, W F, b. Jul 1880, age 19, b. MI, parents b. NY.

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI taken 15 April.  /30 Brownell, Benjamin F., head, age 72, married 43 years, b. NY, father b. RI, mother b. RI; Phebe J. wife, age 66, married 43 years, 1 child, 1 child living, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. NY.

Mrs. B. F. Brownell has returned from South Bend where she has been spending the winter with Mr. and Mrs. F. O. Brownell.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Thursday, January 20, 1921.  Saintly Woman Passes to Reward. The people of Athens and vicinity were deeply grieved Sunday to learn of the death of Mrs. Jennie Brownell, widow of the late Benj. F. Brownell, which occurred at the home of her niece, Mrs. Jennie Lynn, at about eleven o'clock that day, following a stroke of paralysis.  The funeral was held at the Congregational Church, of which she was a beloved member, Rev. Dawe  officiating.  Burial in Burr Oak Cem..

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Thursday, January 20, 1921.  Phoebe Jane Carpenter was born in Bristol, Ontario County, NY, Aug. 25, 1843 and passed away at the home of Mrs. Jennie Lynn, Jan. 16, 1921, aged 77 years, 4 months, and 22 days.  She came to Michigan with her parents in 1852 and first settled in Sherwood Twp., but spent the greater part of her life in Athens Twp..  She wasunited in marriage to Benj. F. Brownell Oct. 12th, 1866.  To this union was born one son, Floyd O. Brownell of South Bend, Indiana.  She also leaves one granddaughter, Elaine Brownell, South Bend, Indiana; one sister, Mrs. Melissa Rundel, and one brother, Thomas J. Carpenter, both of Athens, Mich. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Daughters of Rebekah, Women's Relief Corps and the Congregational Church.

The Athens Times, Thursday, January 20, 1921.  Card of Thanks.  We especially wish to thank the minister for his kind words, the singers for their sweet songs, the ladies of the Dime Society and the New Idea Club and the hosts of other kind friends and neighbors for all their thoughtful deeds and acts of kindness and all those sending such beautiful flowers during this, our time of sad bereavement.  The Family.

The Athens Times, Thursday, January 20, 1921.  Miss Elaine Brownell of South Bend was called here Tuesday to attend the funeral of her grandmother, Mrs. Jennie Brownell.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, page 18, #1. Died 16 Jan 1921 in the Village of Athens, Phoebe Jane Brownell, 78y5m21d, father: Calvin Carpenter, mother: Elnor Pierce, both parents b. NY. There are two sets of death records for 1921.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 397, #1, 16 Jan 1921, Brownell, Phoebe Jane, died at Athens Village, female, 78y5m21d, white, widow, b. NY, housewife, father Calvin Carpenter, mother Elmer Pierce, both b. NY.

Burr Oak Cem., Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Buried on the the same lot with Benjamin and Phebe was M. Brownell ___and G. H. Brownell 1842-1917, Leon R. Brownell 1873-1926.  Close by L. Mae White 1875-1916.

Benjamin Franklin Brownell

Birth for Benjamin is figured from age at death.

1860 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 31 July.  2118/1801, Brownell, Harriett, female, b. RI, Horace 34, b. NY; George 18, (should be 25, he died in 1917 age 75); Parker 27, Benj. 22; Henry 18, Josephone Tebow, 23, female, Housework. All b. NY except mother.

Letter from Mrs. Roy Batty Jr., (Garvene Batty) dated April 11, 1969, ". . .I have the marriage license of B. F. Brownell and P. J. Carpenter who I think was Phoebe Jane Carpenter and my husband's great grandparents.  It is dated Oct. 12, 1866, in Athens, Michigan.  I also have a discharge paper of Ben F. Brownell from the Regiment of Merrill's Horse, 2nd Mt. Cav.  He enrolled on March 5, 1862, and was discharged March 4, 1865.  I'll get copies of these and send them to you also.  . ."

The Athens Times, April 26, 1912.  Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Brownell left Saturday morning for an extended visit with their son in South Bend.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 396, #5, 7 Mar 1919, Brownell, Bengerman F., died at Athens Village, male, 81y4m18d, white, male, b. NY, occupation carpenter, father Harvey Brownell, mother Hariet Pierce, both b. RI.

Benjamin F. Brownell had a brother, George H. Brownell. DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 348, #6, 8 Jul 1917, Brownell, George H., died at Athens Twp., male, 75y7m24d, white, married, b. NY, laborer, father Harvey Brownell, mother Harriet Pierce. This death record is also recorded in page 396 of book 6.

Benjamin F. Brownell was also a brother to Parker Hall Brownell who married his wife's [Phebe Jane's] sister, Melissa L. Carpenter.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times.  Thursday, March 13, 1919.  Civil War Veteran and Life-long Athens Resident Dies.  B. F. Brownell, civil war veteran and a pioneer resident of Athens passed away last Friday morning, following a long illness.  The funeral was conducted by Rev. Dawe at the Congregational Church Sunday afternoon with interment in Burr Oak Cem..  The burial service was conducted by Athens Lodge No. 220 F. & A. M., of which Mr. Brownell was a life member.  Benjamin Franklin Brownell, son of Henry and Harriet Brownell, was born in Naples, New York, Oct. 17, 1887 and died Friday, March 7, 1919.  When seven years of age he came with his parents to Michigan and has always resided in Athens.  At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted with  H, 2nd Missouri Cavalry, known as "Merrill Horse."  He served three years, getting his discharge Mar. 4, 1865.  On Oct. 12, 1866 he was united in marriage to Phoebe Jane Carpenter, to whom was born one son, Floyd O. Brownell, of South Bend, IN, who, with the widow and one grandchild, survive him.  He was a member of the Masonic Blue and Chapter Lodges, Easter Star, Odd Fellows, Rebekah and G.A.R.  He is the last one to go of a large family of children.

The Athens Times.  Thursday, March 13, 1919.  Card of Thanks.  We acknowledge with sincere thanks the sympathy and kindness of friends and neighbors in our bereavement.  To the minister, the singers, the various lodges and the donors of flowers we also extend our thanks and appreciation.  Mrs. B. F. Brownell and Family.

799. Rial Allen Carpenter

Information was given by Rial's daughter, Lina Snyder, when she was 92, 93, again at 100, and 103.  She died at 104.  During the years of correspondence plus four personal visits, a lot of information was learned from this very gracious lady.  She should never be forgotten.

1860 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 31 July. 2067/1881 Rial is 16, b. NY and in the home of his parents, Calvin Carpenter, age 58, b. NY, and Elnor, age 47, b. RI with brothers and sister.

Michigan Volunteers, 1861-1865,  "Carpenter, Rial A.  Enlisted in Company A, Twelfth Infantry, March 28, 1865, at Athens, for 1 year, age 20.  Mustered Mar 28, 1865.  Mustered out at Camden, Ark., Feb 15, 1866."

MARRIAGE.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Vol. 4, page 248 (also given as Vol. E, page 51) #4371.  Married at Sherwood Twp., 27 Mar 1870, Rial A. Carpenter, 25, b. Bristol, NY, of Athens and Melvina E. Doty, 24, b. Bristol, NY, of Athens.  Witnesses A. A. Nichols of Grafton, IN and Walter C. Panmere (Parmer) of Sherwood Twp..  Married by Henry L. Bisbee, JP.

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 20 June.  176/176  Rial A. Carpenter, 24, b. NY is living with his wife, Malvina (spelled this way), 24, b. NY, with Rial's parents, Calvin Carpenter, age 61, b. NY, and Elenor B., no age given, b. RI.

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  (Soundex Vol. 4, ED 40, Page 3, Line 46) 34/35, Carpenter, Rial A., age 35, b. NY, parents b. NY; Melvina, 34, wife, b. NY, parents b. NY; Lina, female, age 2, daughter, b. MI, parents b. NY.

1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Athens Village, MI (Soundex, Vol 11, ED 28, sheet 1, line 94) taken 1 Jun. 29/29 Carpenter, Rial A., head, W M, b. Oct 1844, age 55, married 30y, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. RI; Melvina E., wife, W F, b. Feb 1846, age 54, 1 child, 1 child living, b. NY, parents b. NY;  Greenfield, Luella, niece, W F, b. Oct 1874, age 25, b. MI, father b. IN, mother b. MI, occupation: dressmaker.

1893, Sept. 29, First Reunion of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families. R. A. Carpenter, age 48, and Mrs. R. A. Carpenter age, 47.  Miss L. E. Carpenter, age 16.  1894, August 25, Reunion of Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Rial Carpenter, age 48; M. E. Carpenter, age 48; and L. E. Carpenter, 16, all of Athens.

1895 Reunion of the above families, R. A. Carpenter, 50, Melvina Carpenter, 49, Lina E. Carpenter 17, from Athens. 1897 Reunion, Rial Carpenter, no ages given; Melvina Carpenter, Lina Snyder and John Snyder.  1898 Reunion, Rial Carpenter, Melvina Carpenter, daughter Lina and husband John Snyder were not there.  Yet there were a Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Snyder as visitors, also Issac and Mrs. J. (or I.) Snyder as visitors.

1899, R. A. Carpenter and Mrs. R. A. Carpenter, attended the Carpenter Reunion. Could not find Snyders.  1900 Rial A. Carpenter, Melvina Carpenter, Lina Snyder, John Snyder, Carroll C. Snyder, Mary R. Snyder, Merna Snyder, (Lina and John's children) attended, but in 1901 Rial attended alone.  In 1902 and 1903, Melvina was with him.  Rial attend the 12th Reunion in 1904, but marked dead after that.  Melvina attended in 1904 also, but not after that.  Although Lina, John, Carrol, Mary and Merna's names were on the list, they had not attended.

1906, 1907, 1908 reunions were attended by Melvina and daughter, Lina, her husband, John and children, Carrol (son), Mary, Merna and Niel Allen Snyder. Melvina and daughter's family all attended the 1909, but none attended in 1910.  Only Melvina attended in 1911, but they all attended in 1912 again. 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916 - Melvina missed the 1913, but Lina's entire family was there.  All were there in 1914, none were there in 1915, and all were there in 1916.   1917, 1918, 1919, 1920 - Melvina attended only the 1918.  Lina Snyder and John attended all four.  Carroll attended none, Mary Ruth (now Mrs. Fox) attended 1920, Merna and Neil attend all but 1918.

1921, 1922, 1923, 1924.  Melvina is marked dead.  She died in 1922.  See family of Lina for their attendance after this time.

Biographical Review of Calhoun County, Michigan, published in Chicago by Hobart & Mather, 1904.  Viewed at the Athens Community Library, Athen, Calhoun County, Michigan, Aug. 27, 1993.  RIAL ALLEN CARPENTER  An honored and respected resident of Athens, Calhoun county, Rial Allen Carpenter is enjoying a season of rest after many years of activity as one of the most successful farmers of the community.  He was born in Naples, Ontario county, New York, October 28, 1844, the son of Calvin L. Carpenter, whose sketch appears upon another page of this work.  Mr. Carpenter accompanied his father to Michigan in 1853, celebrating his ninth birthday while en route.  On their arrival in Michigan, the family settled in Sherwood Twp., Branch county, and there he attended the common schools, later becoming a student in Athens township, Calhoun county, whither his father removed.  He remained at home until March 1865, when he enlisted in Company A, Twelfth Michigan Infantry, and was stationed at Camden, Arkansas, until his honorable discharge in 1866.  He then returned to Michigan and began life for himself, working on farms in the neighborhood of his home by the day and month until 1870.  In March of that year he was married, after which he rented a farm for one year, when he purchased forty acres of land located in Athens Twp., northwest of the village of Athens, where he made his home for five years.  He then sold this property and purchased a farm located one mile southeast of the village, in the same Twp..  This property he continued to cultivate and improve for some years, but on account of impaired health, he removed in 1880 to Athens and engaged in the hardware and grocery business, being located upon the site now occupied by Daniel's jewelry store.  After three years he returned to his farm and once more engaged in agricultural pursuits.  In 1896 he again located in the village, having previously purchased a pleasant home, and has since lived in retirement.  His farm, which is now rented, consists of one hundred and eighty acres of highly developed farming land, its value much enhanced by modern and up-to-date equipments, as well as handsome and commodious buildings.  The barn-yard is entirely under cover, while the barn, which is the largest in this part of the country, has the following dimensions: on the north side, 108 feet long by 24 feet high; on the west side, 100 feet long by 20 feet high; and on the south side 64 feet long, the storage capacity being three hundred tons.  Mr. Carpenter devoted the land to general farming and dairying, and was also largely interested in poultry raising, considerable of his time being given to this latter industry, in which he met with gratifying success.
(The article goes on to give his wife's name, Melvina E. Doty, and her parents and  brothers and sisters.  Then it names their one daughter, Lina Estelle, her husband and four children at that time.  It said Lina Carpenter Snyder was "given every advantage in the matter of education, having graduated from Athens high school."  I, Donna H. Hellewell, interviewed Lina Snyder when she was 103, and asked her what she attributed her long life to.  She said, "Well, I didn't have to struggle as much as others, and I am sure that helped a bit."  Then I asked her what advice would she give to the younger generation,  she said, "I'd tell the older ones to live so that the younger ones would have something to shoot at.")
Mr. Carpenter is justly numbered among the promoters of the best interest of the community in which he has made his home for many years.  Always actively interested in the welfare of the public he has faithfully served as street commissioner for the greater part of the time since the village was incorporated, having been elected to the position through the influence of the Republican party, of which he is a stanch adherent.  He was one of the organizers and promoters of the American Cement Post Company, of Athens, and for one year acted as general manager, thus assisting materially in the development of industrial resources.  Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge of Athens, while both himself and wife belong to the Eastern Star.  They are also members of the Protective Legion, of which he is now serving his second term as president.  He is likewise identified with the Frank Mason post, Grand Army of the Republic, and is a past commander.  Every position which Mr. Carpenter has been called upon to fill has felt the influence of his personality, his strength of purpose and business ability, all duties being capably and faithfully performed.  His own ability and integrity, as well as his connection with a family of prominence, have numbered him among the representative citizens of the community.

The Athens Times, Friday, Sept. 16, 1904.  R. A. Carpenter who has had considerable difficulty from a growth on the back of his left ear and which he had removed several months ago at Ann Arbor, returned to Ann Arbor Tuesday of last week to have another and similar growth removed, which was accomplished and he came home Saturday.  He may not have to return again, but there is nothing certain about it.  The operation of scraping the bone is a very painful one and this time he had to be put under the influence of an anesthetic.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 3, page 207, #607, 27 Sep 1905, Carpenter, R. A., died at Athens Village, male, 60y10m28d, white, married, epithelioma of ear and result of operation, b. NY, farmer, father, C. L. Carpenter, mother Elinor Pierce.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Friday, Sept. 29, 1905.  Death of Rial A. Carpenter. Rial A. Carpenter, whose illness has extended over many months' time, passed away Wednesday at 1 p.m.  Funeral will be from the Congregational Church here at 2 p.m. tomorrow, under auspices of the Masonic Fraternity.  The Frank Mason Post, G.A.R., of which deceased was commander, and the W.R.C. will attend in a body. Mr. Carpenter was aged 60 years, 10 months and 27 days.  Concerning his life, his friends will make mention later on.

OBITUARY. The Athens Times, Friday, October 6, 1905.  The funeral service of R. A. Carpenter, whose death Wednesday of last week was mentioned in The Times, was from the Congregational Church here Saturday afternoon, a most beautiful day, and the attendance was fully as much as the church could seat.  Rev. Prestidge delivered the sermon and the services were under the auspices of the Masonic Fraternity.  Frank Mason post and the W. R. C. attended in a body. The following was read by Rev. Prestidge preceding the sermon.  Rial Allen Carpenter was born in Bristol, Ontario , N.Y., Oct. 28, 1844. Died Sept. 27, 1905, aged 60 years, 10 months and 29 days.  At the age of nine years he came with his parents to Michigan, settling in Sherwood, Branch County.  When he was 16 they removed two miles west of Athens, since which time he has lived in this vicinity.  The least year of the War of the Rebellion he, with an older brother, enlisted in the cause and went south, where two brothers had already served three years.  March 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Melvina Doty, of this place.  To this union was born one child, a girl, Mrs. John Snyder, of this place.  He was a kind husband, a loving and indulgent father and his grandchildren were all in all to him.  Everything that skill and loving hands could do was done to stay the hand of the grim reaper, Death, but he conquered and bore him away.  He was so patient under all of his sufferings, which was very great.  He leaves a widow, a daughter, Mrs. John J. Snyder, 4 grandchildren, five brothers, three sisters and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.

This obituary was also written in the Carpenter Family Reunion Journal.

CARD OF THANKS.  We wish to express our heart-felt thanks to those friends and neighbors who gave us sympathy and assistance in the hour of our great bereavement, to the pastor and choir and also for the beautiful flowers.  Mrs. R. A. Carpenter, Mr. and Mrs. J. Snyder and Family.

The Athens Times, Friday, October 13, 1905. IN MEMORIAM.  Whereas,,By an allwise Providence, beneath Whose mighty power we bow in humble submission, an event has shrouded our National Protective Legion in deep gloom and brought sorrow to many homes; and  Whereas, By this visitation, death has removed from our circle our beloved brother and past president, Rial A. Carpenter, and we have lost one of our most earnest workers for the order.  Resolved, That we, as members of Athens Lodge N.P.L., No. 151, unite in mourning the loss of our brother.  Resolved, That we, as a lodge, extend our heartfelt sympathy to his stricken wife and family and commend them for solace to a loving heavenly Father.  Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family and to the Light of the Legion and that our charter be draped.  "He did not fail like the flowers which no man noticeth, but like a great branch of some stately tree."  Mrs. E. C. Johnson, Mrs. F. J. Overholt, Miss Ethel Henry, Committee.

A personal visit was made to Burr Oak Cem.. Post 242 GAR flag holder with a flag is by the grave of R. A. Carpenter.

Melvina Elizabeth Doty

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun County, Athens Village, MI, taken 15 April. /26 Carpenter, Melvina, head, age 64, widow, number of children 1, children living 1, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. NY.

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun County, Athens Village, MI taken 9 and 13 January, ED35, sheet 9A. 51/54 Carpenter, Melvina, head, age 73, widow, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. RI.

Melvina and Rial were first cousins.  Their mothers, Eleanor D. Pierce and Rocinda Hall Pierce, were sisters.

DEATH.  Calhoun , MI.  Family History Library, Salt Lake City, UT, Film 1,009,293. Vol. 6, page 325. Melvina E. Carpenter, W F Widow, born Ny; father Chester Doty, b. NY;  mother Rocinda pierce, born, RI.  Melvina was 76y3mo21d at time of death on 3 Jun 1922.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 325, #8, 3 Jun 1922, Carpenter, Melvina, died at Athens Village, female, 76y3m21d, white, widow, b. NY, housekeeper, father:  Chester Doty, b. NY, mother: Rocinda Pierce, b. RI.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Athens, Calhoun County, MI, Thursday, June 8, 1922. Honored Woman Passes Away.  Mrs. Melvina Carpenter Succumbs to Disease of Long Standing.  Melvina E. Doty, daughter of Chester and Rhosinda (Pierce) Doty, was born in Bristol, Ontario County, New York, Feb. 12, 1846.  When she was six months old her parents moved to Sherwood Twp., Branch County, Michigan. When she was ten and a half years old her parents came to Athens Township.  She was one of six children, only one of whom is still living.  On March 27, 1870, she was united in marriage to Rial A. Carpenter, whose death occurred Sept. 27, 1905.  To this union was born one daughter, Lina Estelle, who became the wife of John J. Snyder, Oct. 7, 1896.  Mrs. Carpenter has lived in Athens Village for the past twenty-six years.  She was a loyal and faithful member of the W.R.C., also a member of the O.E.S.  She had been a sufferer from her disease for the past twenty years, bearing her affliction cheerfully, never complaining.  She was always happy to receive visits from relatives and friends and was especially happy in the presence of her daughter and family, four grandchildren whom she dearly loved.  In her declining years she has been tenderly watched over and cared for by her daughter, Lina.  Her last sickness, like her life, was peaceful and quiet, sleeping almost continuously for the last five days.  God's finger touched her and she fell into her last sleep, June 2, 1922, aged 76 years, 3 months and 20 days.  She leaves to mourn her loss one daughter, Mrs. J. J. Snyder, four grandchildren, one great-grandson, one sister, Mrs. Geo. Greenfield, of Kalamazoo, besides other relatives and many friends. "For us will ever live the gladsome smile, The winsome grace that were her own erstwhile."  Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the late residence, the Rev. W. J. Prestidge of Dundee officiating. Burial in Burr Oak Cemetery.

Card of Thanks.  We wish, in this way to express our sincere thanks to all who helped and comforted us in our recent sorrow.  The Family.

800. Alva Augustus Carpenter

Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter, Athens, MI.  Reunion Journals of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Family reunion 1893 and after.

Copied from the Carpenter Family Reunion Journal:  "Augustus married Rose Hammond having a girl and boy, Hattie and Jay.  Their mother died when they were very young and later their father married Amelia Billings."

1860 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 31 July. 2067/1881 Agustus was 14 years old and in the home of his parents, Calvin and Elnor (spelled this way) Carpenter.

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 20 June.Augustus is not in his parents home.  He was probably away working, maybe in Branch County, as he married there in 1871.

1874 Michigan Census, Branch , Union Twp., Carpenter, Alva A., farm hand.

MARRIAGE.  Branch County Clerk, Coldwater, MI.  Vol. 3, page 79, #4783. Married 12 Nov 1871 in Union City, Alva Augustus Carpenter, age 25, b. Ontario , NY, of Union City, a carpenter and joiner, and Rose Ella Hammond, 19, b. Huron , Ohio, of Union City by Rev. William Pack, MG, witnessed by Lucius F. Blossom and Nina L. Blossom, both of Union City. (No parents given.)

1880 U.S. Census, Athens Village, Calhoun, MI, (Soundex Vol 4, ED 40, Sheet 27, Line 21)   Household, 282/289 Carpenter, Agusta A., age 33, b. NY, parents b. NY; Rose E., age 28, b. OH, father b. OH, mother b. NY; Maud V., 5, daughter, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. OH.

In Branch County Clerk, Courthouse, Coldwater, Michigan, Index to marriages: Alva A. Carpenter to Minnie Amelia Billings, Book G, page 108.

1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI. (Soundex, Vol 11, ED 28, sheet 13, Line 65), 347/348, Carpenter, Alvah, A., b. Aug 1846, age 53, md. 6 years, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. RI; Amelia, wife, b. Jan 1850, age 50, 2 children, 2 alive, b. WI, parents b. NY; Billings, Kate, daughter, b. Dec. 1881, age 18, b. KS, parents  b. MI; Carpenter, Jay H., son, b. Nov. 1886, age 13, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. MI.

1893, Sept. 28, Reunion, Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Family, A. A. Carpenter, age 47, and Mrs. A. A. Carpenter, age 44, (second wife) attended.  Reunion held in Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Miss H. M. Carpenter, age 12 (Mamie M. [Hattie M.]), and J. H. (Jay H.) Carpenter, age 6, his children by his first wife, Rose, were also there.

1894, August 25, Reunion, Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Family, A. A. Carpenter, age 48, and Mrs. A. A. Carpenter, age 44, Hattie M. Carpenter, age 13, and J. H. Carpenter, age 7, of Union City (written by his name).

1895 Reunion, Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Family, A. A. (Alva Agusta) Carpenter, age 48, and M. A. (Minnie Amelia) Carpenter 45, (his second wife). Hattie, age 14, and J. H. Carpenter, age 8, were in attendance; of Union City, Branch, Mich.

1896, 1897, 1898, 1899 Reunions, Could not find the family in 1896 or 1897.  In 1898 Augustus Carpenter, no age given, Amelia Carpenter, and Jay are there, but could not find Hattie.  In 1899, A. A. and Mrs. A. A. and Jay were in attendance.

1900, 1901, 1902, 1903 Reunions.  Alva A. Carpenter, Amelia Carpenter and Jay Carpenter attended them all.  Hattie does not although her name is on the list.

1904, 1905, 1906, 1907 Reunions.  Alva A., Amelia, and Jay attend in 1904 and 1905.  In 1905 Hattie, now using her real name Mamie Carpenter and Fred Lux attended. (She married him in 1904). None of them attended after 1905.  Alva died in 1907.  Amelia did attend in 1909, 1911, 1912.  Hattie and Fred Lux and their son, Ellis, attended all four years.  Jay attended only in 1909.  This record will be continued on Mamie's notes.

The Athens Times, June 10, 1904.  Alva Carpenter moved yesterday from his farm to the John Hulberd house on W. Burr Oak Street.

Copied from the Carpenter Family Reunion Journal:  "Died.  Alva A. Carpenter was born in Bristol, Ontario County, New York, August 22, 1846.  Died May 20, 1907, being 60 years 9 months and 29 days of age. At the age of 7 years he came with his parents to Michigan, settling in Sherwood Twp..  Nov. 5, 1871 he was united in marriage to Rose Hammond of Union City.  Four children were born to this union - two daughters and two sons, one daughter and one son dying in childhood.  The wife and mother died leaving him with two small children to care for.  In Sept. 1892 he was again united in marriage to Mrs. M. Amelia Billings of Union City.  He had been in poor health for sometime, but for the last few months he failed rapidly, and at times he suffered greatly but he bore it patiently.  He was cared for by his faithful wife who did everything that could be done for him.  But we may hold our loved ones ever so closely, there comes a time when we have not the power to keep them longer.  He is the third brother out of the Carpenter family that has been taken in less than three years.  One by one the loving Savior calls our cherished ones from sight To those mansions o'er the river In that land of joy and light.  There is left to mourn his loss a wife, a daughter, Hattie M. Lux, and a son, J. Carpenter, of Kalamazoo, four brothers and two sisters.

DEATH.  Branch County Clerk, Coldwater, MI, Vol. B, p. 323, #1693. Died 20 May 1907 at Union City, Augustus Carpenter, age 60y8m22d, b. NY, father: C. Carpenter, b. NY (no mother's name was listed), occupation: carpenter, cause: cancer.

Rose Ella Hammond

Family information says she died when her two children were very young.  She also had two children who preceeded her in death.

1416. Maud L. Carpenter

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI. Household 282/299  Maud was 5 years old and in the home of her parents, Alva Agustus Carpenter and Rose J. Hammond Carpenter.

Calhoun County Cemeteries, Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI, DAR 1947. N. Athens Cem., 1 mile south of Pine Creek.  Carpenter, Maude L. 1875-1880.

1418. Jesse B. Carpenter

Cemeteries in Calhoun County, Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI, DAR 1947, N. Athens Cemetery, 1 mi. south of Pine Creek.  Carpenter, Jesse B. 1883-1884.

Minnie Amelia Fisher

MARRIAGE.  Branch County, MI records, (Family History Center, Salt Lake City, film 908023) Vol. G, p. 108, #11587.  Married 26 Sep 1893, Alva Augustus Carpenter, age 47, b. NY, residing in Athens, father: C. L. Carpenter, mother: Elnor D. Pierce, occupation: carpenter; and Minnie Amelia Billings, age 44, b. NY, residing in Union City, father: F. H. Fisher, mother, Catherine O. Robertson, occupation: dressmaker, officiant: G. C. Draper, witnesses: Harriett Locke of Union City and Eliza B. Robertson of Girard, PA.  Each had been married once previously.

The Athens Times.  June 10, 1904.  Miss Katie Billings and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. Carpenter, went to Battle Creek Monday evening, the former passed the week there.  (Katie is Alva Carpenter's step-daughter.)

1920 U.S. Census, Branch , Union City Village, taken 12 Jan. ED 27, sheet 6A.  (Ellen Street) 201/210 Carpenter, Amelia, head, owns, farm, FW, age 69, widow, b. WI, parents b. NY.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times.  Thursday, January 7, 1926.  Mrs. Amelia Carpenter, a resident of Union City for many years, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harold Maxwell, at Three Rivers, at 11:00 o'clock Saturday night after a short illness.  She was born in Metomen, Wisconsin, Jan. 30,  1849, the daughter of Franklin H. and Catherine (Roberts) Fisher.  February 22, 1874, she was married to Charles E. Billings, who died Nov. 1, 1883.  After the death of Mr. Billings she moved to Union City, where she spent the greater part of her life. In 1890 she was married to Alva Carpenter, who also preceded her in death in 1906.  During her many years residence in Union City she made a wide acquaintance and by her many deeds of kindness and helpfulness to the sick and those in distress she won the love and respect of all who knew her.  She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Orrin R. McIntyre of Detroit, and Mrs. Harold Maxwell of Three Rivers.  One brother, Sidney C. Fisher, of Battle Creek, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive.  After a short prayer service at Three Rivers the remains were taken to Union City where services were conducted Tuesday afternoon from the Methodist Church with the Rev. L. J. Nevins officiating.

A copy of Amelia's marriage license in the Family History Center, Salt Lake City, UT, said her mother was Julia A. Richey. The marriage record in Branch County Clerk's office said her mother was Catherine O. Robertson.  Her obituary says her mother was Catherine Roberts.  We are using Catherine Robertson in our records.

801. Thomas Jefferson Carpenter

Sources of Information:  Pedigree chart from Mrs. Lina Snyder, Athens, MI.  Mrs. Ahlene Doubleday, Battle Creek, MI also sent information by correspondence.  Ahlene is the daughter of child #3, Carl Mitchell Carpenter.  "Carpenter Family Tree" pamphlet compiled by Bruce Young, Cleveland, OH 44135.  Correspondence from Mrs. Howard (LaVern) Carpenter, Battle Creek, MI.  Correspondence from Elma Carpenter, Battle Creek, MI, who sent "Carpenter Family Tree" to Donna H. Hellewell in 1981.

MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI.  Book 1, page 166, #2477. Married at Athens on 3 June 1875, Thos. J. Carpenter, 26, of NY and Emma F. Mitchell, 18, of NY.  Witnesses E. P. Rogers of Athens and H. Pierce of Sherwood.  Married by W. S. Hinds, MG. After their marriage, Thomas and Emma took over his father's farm where they lived and worked until they retired in 1901.  At this time they moved into the village of Athens, leaving the farm to be worked by their son, Carl.  This information was obtained from Thomas' granddaughter, Emma Ahlene, in 1997.

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI. ED40, sheet 3, line 27.  29/30 Carpenter, Thomas J., age 31, b. NY, parents b. NY; Emma F., wife, 23, b. NY, parents b. NY; Clyde J., son, 4, b. MI; Elton M., son, 2, b. MI.

1900 U.S. Census, Athens Twp., Calhoun , MI, taken 16 and 18 Jun.  ED28, Sheet 12, line 1.  303/304 Carpenter, Thomas J., head, WM, b. Dec 1845, age 51, md 25 years, occupation: farmer, b. NY; Carpenter, Emma F., wife, WF, b. May 1857, age 43, 6 children born, 6 children alive, b NY; Carpenter, Carl, son, WM, b. Oct 1880, age 19, b MI; Carpenter, Nina, daughter, WF, b. Jan 1886, age 14, b. MI; Carpenter, Neva L., daughter, WF, b. Apr 1889, age 11, b. MI.

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI taken 15 April.  ED30. /159 Carpenter, Thomas J., head, age 51 (should be age 61), married 34 years, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. NY; Emma F., wife, age 52, 6 children, 6 children living, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. NY; Neva L., daughter, age 21, b. MI.

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI, taken 19-23 January.  ED35, sheet 14A. 336/348 Carpenter, Thomas J., head, age 71, b. NY, parents b. NY; Emma F., wife, age 61, b. NY, parents b. NY.

1893, 29 September, First reunion of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families in Athens, Calhoun, MI.  T. J. Carpenter and Mrs. T. J. Carpenter attended, so did their children, but only initials were used.  In 1894, Thomas J. Carpenter, 43, of Athens, Emma Carpenter, 37, Clyde 18, Elton, 17, Carl 13, Eddie 12, Nina 8, Neva 5 all attended.  In 1895, Thomas J. Carpenter 46, Emma F. 38, Clyde J. 19, Eddie C. 13, Nina N. 9, Neva 6, were there.  The family attended for many years thereafter.  Since we have other first-hand information on this family, the data will not be repeated here.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 325, #5, 17 Apr 1922, Carpenter, Thomas J., died at Athens Village, married, 73y3m22d, white, male, b. NY, retired farmer, father Calvin Carpenter, mother Eleanor Pierce, both b. NY.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Thursday, April 20, 1922.  T. J. Carpenter Passes Away.  Was For Nearly 70 years a Resident of This Vicinity.  Death has visited several homes in Athens during the past few weeks, and on Monday morning claimed another of our oldest and most estimable citizens, Thomas J. Carpenter, whose last illness was only a brief one.  Thomas J. Carpenter was born in Bristol, Ontario , NY, Dec. 25, 1848, and departed this life April 17, 1922, aged 73 years, 3 months and 22 days.  He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, six children, 21 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, besides one sister, Mrs. Melissa Rundel, many nephews and nieces and a host of other friends.  He was the last surviving son of a family of 14 children, 9 boys and 5 girls, born to Calvin and Eleanor Carpenter. When about 5 years old, he came to Michigan with his parents, locating in Sherwood Twp., where they resided for a few years, after which they bought a home near the Carpenter school house, in which locality he spent nearly all his boyhood days.   In 1875 he was united in marriage to Emma Mitchell, and to this union were born six children, all of whom survive him and are located near home, except Merl Carpenter, who resides in Marcus, South Dakota.  He was an active member of the Reformed Church for more than 30 years.  He was a charter member of the K.O.T.M. Lodge.  In his passing away, the family loses a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father and grandfather, and the community a kind and loyal friend and neighbor, always with a kind word and pleasant smile for all he met.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the Reformed Church, Rev. Telford officiating.  Burial in Burr Oak Cem.. -- Card of Thanks.  We wish in this way to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and neighbors who in any way assisted in our great sorrow; to those sending flowers, the singers and Rev. Telford forhis comforting words.  Mrs. T. J. Carpenter and Family.

Emma F. Mitchell

OBITUARY.  April 1932.  Mrs. Emma Carpenter, Beloved Citizen Is Called to Last Rest. Mrs. Emma Carpenter, widow of the late Thomas Carpenter, and a much beloved resident of Athens for many years, passed away Saturday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elon D. Parlin, in Wakeshma Twp..  The funeral services were held at the Parlin home Tuesday afternoon, with the Rev. A. L. Ellsworth of the Methodist Church officiating.  Interment beside her husband in Burr Oak Cem. in this village.  Six of the grandsons acted as pallbearers.  Emma F. Mitchell, only child of Joel and Mary Mitchell, was born in Niles, N.Y. May 3, 1857, and departed this life April 16, 1932, aged 74 years, 11 months and 13 days.  When she was three years of age her mother died; later her father married again and the family moved to Hanover, Michigan, where they resided for several years.  After she became a young lady, the family moved again, this time to Athens.  In 1875 she was united in marriage to Thomas J. Carpenter, who preceded her in death on April 17, 1922. To this union were born six children, all of whom survive her: Clyde of Battle Creek; Merle of Marcus, South Dakota; Carl of Athens; Edwin of Union City; Nina Kline of Three Rivers, and Neva Parlin of Athens.  Beside the children, she leaves to mourn their loss, twenty-one grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, also one half-brother Fred Mitchell, of Oroville, California.  More than forty years ago she joined the Reformed Church of Athens and did active work until her health failed.  She was a charter member of the L.O.T.M. Lodge and the W.F.M.S. of Athens.  After her marriage she resided in Athens or the surrounding community, where she mademany friends who sympathize with the family in their bereavement. In her passing away the family loses a devoted and sympathetic mother and grandmother, and the community a kind and loyal friend and neighbor, all of whom will miss her in the circle of friendship and home life.

OBITUARY.  The Battle Creek Enquirer, Monday, April 18, 1932, page 5.  Mrs. Emma Mitchell Carpenter, 75, passed away Saturday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elon Parlin, in Athens.  Besides the daughter at whose home she died Mrs. Carpenter leaves five other children, Clyde, of Union City; Merle, residing in North Dakota; Edwin, of Union City; Carl, of Athens, and Mrs. Nina Kline, of Leonidas.  Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the daughter's residence in Athens.  The Rev. A. L. Ellsworth of the Athens Methodist Episcopal Church, will officiate and burial will be made in the Burr Oak Cem., Athens.

803. Abner Loomis Carpenter

Sources of information:  Family chart showing relationships from Mrs. Lina Snyder of Athens, MI.  This chart was made by Lorna Carter of Athens, MI.  Personal interview with Opal Chichester Mitchell, (daughter of Minnie Ellen Carpenter, first child of Abner Loomis Carpenter and Agnes Almira Henry), in July 1981 in E. Leroy, MI.

Family group sheets were also filled out by other descendants from the Athens, Michigan, area:  Mrs. Opal Mitchell, C. Lyle Chichester and Maurice Sager of Battle Creek.  Also reunion book of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families 1893 - and many years thereafter was used. Names of persons attending the reunions were kept each year.

1860 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 31 July. 2067/1881.   Abner is 8 years old and in the home of his parents, Calvin Carpenter and Elnor (spelled this way).

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 20 June. 182/182, Abner is age 17 and in the home of his brother, Henry L., age 35, b. NY; Susan, 35, b. NY; Lilla, 12, b. MI.; Elmira, 7, b. MI, and Abner, 17, b. NY.

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI. ED 40, Sheet 1 Line 25, also see Line 29.  6/6 Carpenter, Abner L., 27, b. NY, parents b. NY; Agnes, 24, wife, b. MI, parents b. NY; Minnie E., 5, daughter, b. MI; Ruth M., 1, daughter, b. MI.

1900 U.S. Census, Athens Twp., Calhoun , MI, ED 28, Sheet 11, Line 77, taken 16 June.  297/298 Carpenter, Abner L., head, WM, b. Nov. 1853, age 46, married 24y, occupation:  farmer, b. NY; Carpenter, Agnes A., wife, WF, b. Feb 1856, age 44, 6 children born, 6 children alive, b. MI; Carpenter, Ruth, daughter, WF, b. Sep 1878, age 21, occupation:  school teacher, b. MI; Carpenter, Lillie L., daughter, WF, b. Mar 1883, age 17, b. MI; Carpenter, Orland H., son, WM, b. Oct 1885, age 14, b. MI; Carpenter, Jennie P., daughter, WF, b. Feb. 1888, age 12, b. MI.

The Athens Times, June 10, 1904.  A. L. Carpenter was in Battle Creek Monday and Tuesday as a delegate from Athens Tent K.O.T.M.M. to the great tent.  He was accompanied by Mrs. Carpenter.

Biographical Review of Calhoun County, Michigan, by Hobart & Mather, Chicago, 1904, p. 420-422, Willard Library, Battle Creek, Michigan.  "Abner Loomis Carpenter.  Though but recently an acquisition to the business life of Athens, Abner L. Carpenter has yet demonstrated his ability to lead in commercial activity.  The name is well-known throughout this county, a complete history of thefamily being given on another page of this volume.  Mr. Carpenter is a native of New York state, having been born in Naples, Ontario County, November 20, 1852, removing with his parents to Michigan when a mere lad.  His parents remained in their first location in the state--Sherwood Twp., Branch County--for a short time, when they removed to Athens Twp., Calhoun County, where their son received his scholastic training in the district school in the vicinity of his home, while assisting with the home duties.  He worked for his father until his marriage in 1874, when he rented a farm in Athens Twp., where he remained for ten years, his energy and industry resulting in sufficient means to enable him to purchase a farm of eighty acres.  This was entirely new land, boasting no improvements nor upturned sod, located in the same Twp. southeast of the Village of Athens.  With the energy and determination which had characterized his first independent venture in life, Mr. Carpenter set to work to reclaim the land and make of it one of the many desirable properties of the county.  After ten years he sold out and purchased a hundred-acre farm located just west of the village, remaining upon this property until March 15, 1902.  At that date he traded the farm for the grocery store, which is now absorbing his time and interests.  He has successfully established himself in Athens, conducting his business according to conservative methods and giving to his large patronage a choice line of groceries.  Mr. Carpenter's wife was, in maindenhood, Miss Agnes Henry, a native of Marshall Twp., Calhoun County.  Her parents were Hugh Gregg and Maria (Thrall) Henry, natives respectively of Naples, Ontario County, New York State, and Connecticut.  In 1854 he removed with his family to Calhoun County, Michigan, purchasing a farm about three miles west of Marshall, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1861.  He then sold his property and located in Sherwood, Branch County, purchasing a hotel property, which he conducted for about six years.  After disposing of this business he removed to Athens, where he made his home until his death.  Both himself and wife are interred in the Cem. at Athens.  They were the parents of the following children:  James, William, Agnes and Inez, the wife of Calvin Lewis Wilson.  All make their homes in Athens.  To Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter were born six children, namely:  Minnie, who married Albert Chichester and they now reside in this Twp., the parents of three children, Opal, Raymond and Marta; Ruth, the second daughter, died at the age of twenty-two years.  She had graduated from the Athens High School when quite young, after which she taught for five years, making a name and place for herself among the progressive and up-to-date educators of the county. She was prominent in church and social circles as well as educational, being a member of the First Reformed Church of Athens, a member of the choir and a teacher in the Sunday School, and belonged to the auxiliary of the Knights of the Maccabees of this village, from all of these positions being greatly missed, not alone for the practical help she gave, but for the gentle and kindly nature, which won and retained for her a large circle of friends.  She sleeps in the Cem. in Athens.  Della, the third daughter, married Charles Bauer, and they are residents of this Twp., and the parents of two children, Earl and Leo; Lorane married Burton Martin, and they now reside in this Twp.; and Orland and Jennie are still at home with their parents.  In his political preferment Mr. Carpenter is an adherent of the Republican party through whose influence he has held for one year the position of county drain commissioner.  Intelligently interested in all educational questions he has served and is serving as a member of the board of education.  Fraternally, he is identified with the Knights of the Maccabees, being secretary of his lodge, while his wife serves in the same capacity for the auxiliary lodge of Athens. Personally, Mr. Carpenter is a highly respected and esteemed citizen, the many sterling qualities which have characterized his years of usefulness in the community, giving to him, to an exceptional degree, the confidence of his fellow townsmen.  He has always been ready to support every movement which has for its end the welfare of the public, and uphold the hands of those who were attempting reform and progression.  He is justly entitled to representation in this volume."

1910 U.S. Census, St. Joseph , Leonidas Twp., MI, ED 128, taken 15 April. 27/27 Carpenter, Abner L., head, mw, 57, married 1 time, 36 years, b. NY, father and mother b. NY, retail merchant, grocery and dry goods; Agnes A., wife, wf, 54, 6 children, 6 alive, b. MI, father and mother b. NY, occupation: saleslady; Orland, son, wm, 23, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. MI, occupation laborer.

1893 Reunion of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families held 29 Sept.  A. L. Carpenter, age 40, and Mrs. A. L. Carpenter of Athens, Miss Minnie, age 18, Miss Ruth, age 15, Miss Della, age 12, Miss "Ranny" (Lillie Loraine), age 10, Miss Jennie and O. H. Carpenter, their children, were all in attendance.

1894 Reunion in Athens, MI - Abner Carpenter, 41, Agnes Carpenter 38, Minnie 19, Ruth 15, Edith (Adella Agnes) 13, Loraine 11, Orla 8 and Jennie 5, were all in attendance.  1895 Reunion - A. L. Carpenter, age 42, Agnes, 39, Minnie 20, Ruth 16, Della 14, Lorain (spelled this way) 12, Orland 9, Jennie 7, were in attendance.  1897 Reunion - Abner, Agnes, Minnie and Bert, and Opal have joined Ruth, Della, Ranny, Orla and Jennie. Minnie had married in 1896 to Albert Earnest Chichester, who obviously went by Bert.  Their first child was Opal Adell.  They were all at the 1898 and 1899 reunions with the addition of Minnie's second child, Raymond.

1900, 1901, 1902, 1903 Reunions:  Abner and Agnes attended all four years.  Their daughter, Ruth, is marked "Died Jan 1901."  Minnie and Bert and their three children (added Marta Leona) are there the last three years.  Della (now Bauer) and Chart (Charles) and two children are on the list, Earl and Leo Bauer.  Della and Chart attended the first year and Della and Earl in 1901, Della, Earl and Leo in 1904.  Bert Martin, "Ranny" husband's name was there but attendance was not marked, but Ranny Martin, sister Jennie and brother Orla Carpenter are there all four years.

1904, 1905, 1906, 1907 Reunions:  All attended in 1904 from all three families, Abner, Agnes Carpenter, Opal Chichester and brother Raymond, Della Bauer, sons, Earl and Leo, Lorain Martin, Bert and Olan, their baby, and Abner and Agnes' two youngest, Orland and Jennie were in attendance in 1905, but none the last two years.

1909, 1910, 1911, 1912 - Abner attended the first three and then is marked dead.  Agnes attended in 1912. So did most of the family, but this record will not be continued here.  Agnes continued to attend for years.

The Athens Times, Friday, March 22, 1912.  Abner L. Carpenter, the Factoryville merchant, who has been ill a number of weeks with a serious attack of tic doloreaux, a disease of the nerves of the face, departed Tuesday night for Philadelphia, in company of his son-in-law, Edward Lafler, where he submitted to an operation for the relief of his trouble.

The Athens Times, Friday, April 12, 1912.  Factoryville.  A. L. Carpenter and Ed Lafler returned home from Philadelphia Wednesday night.

The Athens Times, Friday, April 12, 1912.  Factoryville.  A. L. Carpenter wishes to thank his many friends who so kindly remembered him with post cards when he was at the hospital.  It is at such a time that it cheers one to be thus remembered by their friends.

The Athens Times, Friday, April 19, 1912.  Factoryville.  A. L. Carpenter has been confined to his bed the past week with rheumatism.

The Athens Times, Friday, April 19, 1912.  A. L. Carpenter has another line of those up-to-date trimmed hats.  Call and see them.

The Athens Times, Friday, April 26, 1912.  Merchant Stricken with Paralysis. A. L. Carpenter, the well known Factoryville merchant, suffered a slight stroke of paralysis Monday morning, which paralyzed his tongue and left him in a dazed condition.  As we go to press he seems to be slightly improved, and his many friends hope that his affliction is only temporary.  Mr. Carpenter has been ill all winter and only recently went to Philadelphia for an operation, from the effects of which he was nicely recovering.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Friday, May 3, 1912.  Two Well Known Citizens Gone. Abner L. Carpenter, Factoryville Merchant, Died Monday.  In Business In Athens a Few Years.  Abner L. Carpenter, the well known merchant at Factoryville, whose serious illness was mentioned in last week's issue, died Monday evening, aged 59 years, and the funeral was held at the Factoryville Church Wednesday forenoon, Rev. Albright officiating.  Deceased was born in Naples, N.Y., and camewith his parents to Sherwood Twp., Michigan, when a mere lad, where they remained but a short time, when they moved to Athens Twp..  From the time he was old enough until he was married he worked for his father on the farm.  In 1874 he was married to Agnes Henry.  After his marriage he rented a farm for ten years when he purchased eighty acres of new ground, and he worked there diligently until he made it one of the most desirable farms in the community, selling the place ten years later and purchasing another.  In 1902 he traded his farm for a store in Athens, where he conducted a business for nearly three years, when he bought the Factoryville store and moved his stock there.  As a business man he was well liked and successful; as a citizen he was honored; as a member of the Maccabees he was faithful to the office entrusted to him, and as a Christian he was earnest and devoted.  Having been baptized and confirmed in the Reformed Church at Factoryville, Dec. 13, 1908, he at once became active and was elected to the eldership in January, 1909 and served for two years.  He is survived by his faithful and devoted wife, four daughters, one son, twelve grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters who deeply mourn their loss, and the whole community feels his departure very keenly.

Abner Loomis Carpenter's father had an older brother also named Abner (McNair) Carpenter who went to Indiana from New York.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 10, 1912.  Card of Thanks.  We desire in this way to express our heartfelt thanks to the friends and neighbors for their kindness and sympathy in our great sorrow and bereavement, also the singers, Rev. Albright for the comforting words, and to those who contributed flowers. Mrs. A. L. Carpenter and Family.

Agnes Almira Henry

Birth place also reported as Ontario County, NY, as well as Marshall, Calhoun, MI.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 10, 1912.  Factoryville.  Mrs. A. L. Carpenter made a business trip to Centreville Tuesday in the company with Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Pier.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 10, 1912.  Factoryville.  William Henry, wife and daughter, Ruth, of Athens were callers on his sister, Mrs. A. L. Carpenter.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 10, 1912.  Factoryville.  Mrs. Inez Wilson of Athens returned home Thursday after spending nearly two weeks with her sister, Mrs. A. L. Carpenter.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 10, 1912.  Factoryville.  James Henry of Battle Creek visited his sister, Mrs. A. L. Carpenter, from Thursday until Saturday.

The Athens Times, May 17, 1912.  Factoryville.  Mrs. A. L. Carpenter will continue the business for a while or until she can sell out.

The Athens Times, June 14, 1912.  Mrs. Carpenter received a draft for $1,000 last Friday from the K.O.T.M.M., the amount of insurance carried by the late A. L. Carpenter in that society.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 16, 1913.  Factoryville Store Sold. Mrs. A. L. Carpenter, who has conducted the store at Factoryville since the death of Mr. Carpenter, sold her stock of goods to Ralph G. Clement of Colon last week, and C. D. Cutler of this place bought of Mr. Clement the dry goods and furnishings included in the stock.  The store will be closed and the goods moved away, although we understand that Mrs. Carpenter who owns the building, will remain there.

The Athens Times, Thursday, August 8, 1913.  Mrs. A. L. Carpenter has moved her household goods from Factoryville and is occupying a part of the Waterman house, corner of Burr Oak and Main Streets.

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI taken 19-23 January, ED 35, sheet 12A. 337/349 Carpenter, Agnes A., head, age 63, b. MI, parents b. NY.

The Athens Times, Thursday, Oct. 28, 1920.  Pine Creek.  Mrs. Agnes Carpenter of Athens is caring for her daughter, Mrs. A. E. Chichester.  (This daughter would be Agnes' oldest daughter, Minnie Ellen, who had a baby girl, Margaret, on 25 Oct 1920.)

The Athens Times, Thursday, May 11, 1922.  E. P. Simmons, Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon Gould and Mrs. Agnes Carpenter attended the funeral of their cousin, Robert Carpenter, near Union City Friday afternoon. Robert Carpenter was actually a cousin of Agnes Carpenter's late husband, Abner Loomis Carpenter.  This Robert was married to Sarada Place and was the son of Calvin Loomis Carpenter's brother, Robert Carpenter and Plexana Wood.

The Athens Times, Thursday, May 8, 1924.  Mr. and Mrs. Orla Carpenter and family of near Marshall were Sunday afternoon callers at the home of the former's mother, Mrs. Agnes Carpenter.

OBITUARY. 1933.  Agnes Carpenter, eldest daughter of Hugh and Maria (Thrall) Henry was born in Ontario County, New York, Feb. 9, 1856 and departed this life Oct. 22, 1933, at the age of 77 years, 8 months and 13 days, at the home of her daughter, Loraine Martin.  At the age of five years she moved with her parents to Marshall, Mich., where she spent her girlhood days.  They then moved to Athens where on April 9, 1874 she was united in marriage to Abner L. Carpenter who departed this life on April 29, 1912.  To this union were born six children, five daughters and one son, Minnie Chichester of Leroy Twp., Ruth, who passed away Jan. 17, 1901; Della Bauer and Lorain Martin of Athens Twp.; Jennie Lafler of Wakeshma Township; Orland H. Carpenter of Bad Axe, Michigan.  In addition to the above, she also leaves 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Inez Stancer of Athens; one brother, James Henry of Battle Creek and several nieces and nephews and a host of friends. She was a charter member of the L.O.T.M. Lodge, also a member of the Reformed Church.  Failing health compelled her to give up her home in 1928, since which time she has been cared for by her four remaining daughters.  May 20, 1932, she suffered a severe stroke of paralysis, since which time she has been bed ridden.  She went to sleep Thursday and did not waken, passing away at 5:30 Sunday morning.  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Spencer Funeral Home with Rev. J. C. Brillhart of Battle Creek officiating.  Burial in Burr Oak Cem..

Card of Thanks.  We wish to thank the relatives and friends for their sympathy and flowers, the minister for his comforting words, the bearers, the undertaker for his kindness at the death of our mother.  The Children.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI 1932-1933 deaths, Athens Twp., p8, #8. 22 Oct 1933, Agnes A. Henry, FW, widow, 77y8m13d, arteriosclerosis, b. NY, housewife, father was Hugh G. Henry, b. NY; mother: Mary Thrall, b. NY.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, book 6, page 341, #8, 22 Oct. 1933, Carpenter, Agnes A., died at Athens Twp., female, 77y8m13d, widow, b. NY, housewife, father Hugh G. Henry, b. NY, mother Mary Thrall, b. NY.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Moon Journal, Monday, Oct. 23, 1933.  Death Takes Widow of Abner Carpenter.  Athens, Oct. 23 - Mrs. Agnes Carpenter, 77 widow of the late Abner Carpenter, passed away Sunday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bert Martin, in Athens, following a lingering illness.  A resident of this vicinity for many years, Mrs. Carpenter, with her husband, the late Abner Carpenter, operated a local grocery store and later a general store at Factoryville, prior to his death.  After her husband's death, Mrs. Carpenter operated the Factoryville store for several years before taking up her residence with her daughter in Athens Township. Surviving Mrs. Carpenter are four daughters, Mrs. Minnie Chichester, of Pine Creek; Mrs. Della Bauer, of Athens; Mrs. Jennie Lafler, of Wakeshma Twp., and Mrs. Martin; a son, Orland, residing in northern Michigan; a sister, Mrs. William Stancer, of Athens; and a brother, James Henry of Battle Creek.  Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the Spencer Funeral Home and burial will be in Burr Oak Cem..

1427. Ruth M. Carpenter

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  6//6 Ruth M., 1, daughter, b. MI, is in the home of her parents.

1990 U.S. Census, Athens Twp., Calhoun , MI taken 16 Jun. 297/298 Ruth, daughter, WF, b. Sep 1978, age 21, occupation: school teacher, b. MI, is in the home of her parents.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Deaths, Book 3, page 37, #794, 17 Jan 1901, Carpenter, Ruth, female, 22y3m21d, single, typhoid fever, b. MI, teacher, father:  Abner Carpenter, mother:  Agnes Henry, place of death:  Athens.

The Athens Times, Saturday, January 12, 1901, p. 1.  Miss Ruth Carpenter, who has been very ill from typhoid fever, has evenly continued the past week and her recovery is looked for.

The Athens Times, Saturday, January 12, 1901, p. 1.  Miss Ruth Carpenter was not quite so well yesterday.  She is very sick.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Saturday, January 19, 1901, p.1. Death of Miss Ruth Carpenter.  Miss Ruth Carpenter, whose illness from typhoid fever has heretofore been mentioned in this paper, died Thursday at 1:40 p.m., though the immediate cause of death was congestion of the lungs.  Funeral arrangements have been made as follows:  Friends meet at the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Carpenter, Sunday at 1 o'clock, after which interment will be made in Burr Oak Street Cem., and services will follow at the Reformed Church, of which she was a member, at 2 o'clock, Rev. F. Ware officiating.  Miss Carpenter was taken ill during the vacation of her school in district No. 1 and was confined to her bed about four weeks.  She was an exemplary young lady and she leaves a large circle of friends who will regret her untimely death.  She was aged 22 years, 3 months and 21 days.

The Athens Times, Saturday, January 19, 1901.  Miss Julia Carpenter, a trained nurse of the Battle Creek Sanitarium who ministered at the bedside of her relative, Miss Ruth Carpenter two weeks previous to her death, is now employed by Mrs. B. F. Taylor to care for her son, Leon, who is very sick with typhoid fever.

IN MEMORIAM.  The Athens Times, Saturday, January 26, 1901, p.1. Miss Ruth M. Carpenter was born in the Twp. of Athens Sept. 26, 1878, and departed this life Thursday, Jan. 17, 1901, aged 22 years, 3 months and 21 days.  On Easter Sunday, April 5, 1896, Ruth was received into the First Reformed Church by baptism and the rite of confirmation.  In her church life she was constant, faithful and devoted, always ready and willing to help forward in any of the activities of the church; never refusing to do anything that would help to promote the interests of the Master's kingdom. During the time of her connection with the church she was absent but twice from the communion of the Lord's supper.  As a teacher in the Sunday School she was efficient and set an example of usefulness and helpfulness to her scholars.  The whole of her school life was spent in the Village of Athens, and when but 10 years of age she conceived the desire to become a teacher in the public schools.  This desire inspired her to make earnest effort in all her school work so that she became a good and faithful student.  There was one year of her school life when she was the only pupil that was not absent a single day and yet had the farthest to go to reach school.  To accomplish her desire she spared no time until she was permitted to stand with her class and graduate from the high school of Athens on the 12th of June, 1896, being the first of her class to go to her eternal reward.  She entered and followed the profession of her choice, as teacher, in which she was very successful, being universally loved and respected by her pupils, and also having the confidence of the school boards.  She taught in all 43 1/2 months of school.  In the home she took as much interest as the parents, always desirous of making home pleasant and attractive; in fact, she was a great lover of home.  On the 13th of July 1897, she became a member of the L.O.T.M. of this village, from whose circle she will be greatly missed.  Her funeral was held from the Reformed Church Sunday, Jan. 20, at 1 p.m., conducted by her pastor, Rev. F. Ware, assisted by the pastors of the village, it being one of the largest funerals held in Athens for some time.  Her parents, four sisters and one brother, together with a large circle of relatives and friends, survive her.

The Athens Times, Saturday, Jan. 26, 1901.  Card of Thanks.  To those who so kindly rendered their assistance during the sickness, death and burial of our beloved daughter, Ruth, we wish to express our heartfelt appreciation and thanks.  We would especially express our gratitude to Miss Julia Carpenter, Mrs. Wm. Henry and Mrs. James Henry for their untiring assistance; to the choir for their beautiful music, to the church, the schools and the L.O.T.M. for their beautiful floral offerings.  Mr. and Mrs. Abner Carpenter.

Copied from the Carpenter Family Reunion Journal:  "Died.  Jan. 17, 1901, at the home of her father, Abner L. Carpenter, Ruth Carpenter, aged 22 years, 3 mo., 21 days."

Biographical Review of Calhoun County, Michigan by Hobart & Mather, Chicago, 1904, p. 421.  In a biographical reivew of Ruth's father, Abner Loomis Carpenter, it states "To Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter were born six children, namely: . . . Ruth, the second daughter, died at the age of twenty-two years.  She had graduated from the Athens High School when quite young, after which she taught for five years, making a name and place for herself among the progressive and up-to-date educators of the county. She was prominent in church and social circles as well as educational, being a member of the First Reformed Church of Athens, a member of the choir and a teacher in the Sunday-school, and belonged to the auxiliary of the Knights of the Maccabees of this village, from all of these positions being greatly missed, not alone for the practical help she gave, but for the gentle and kindly nature, which won and retained for her a large circle of friends.  She sleeps in the Cem. in Athens."

1430. Orland Hugh Carpenter

It was reported that he had no children.  Orland's date of birth is from a hand-written note of Lina Ruth Sager according to Edwin D. Hicks in 1997 as well as in the Calvin Carpenter family records.

1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun County, Athens Twp., MI, Orland, age 14, is enumerated with his parents.

1910 U.S. Census, St. Joseph , Leonidas , MI, Orland, age 23, is enumerated with his parents.

MARRIAGE.  St. Joseph County Clerk, Centreville, MI, Vol. H, p. 15, #5324. Married 8 Dec 1910 at Athens, Orland H. Carpenter, age 25, residing in Leonidas, b. MI, occupation: laborer, father: A. Carpenter, mother: -- Henry (only the mothers' maiden names were listed in the marriage records); and Belle H. Wattles, age 18, residing in Sherwood, b. IL, father: Oscar Wattles, mother: -- Jones, occupation: housekeeper; witnesses: Clarence Swihart of Colon and Bessie Lafler of Leonidas; officiant: Cecil A. Albright, MG; neither had been married previously.

The Athens Times, May 8, 1924.  Mr. and Mrs. Orla Carpenter and family of near Marshall were Sunday afternoon callers at the home of the former's mother, Mrs. Agnes Carpenter.

In 1933 Orland was of Bad Axe, MI, according to his mother's obituary.  In 1938 Orland Hugh Carpenter was of Bad Axe according tohis sister's, Minnie Chichester's, obituary.

Belle H. Wattles

1910 U.S. Census, Branch, Sherwood Twp., MI, taken 28 April. 115/116 Maltby, Sarah, head, FW, age 63, widow, 1 child, 0 alive, b. OH, parents b. OH; Wattles, Belle, servant, FW, age 17, single, b. IL, father b. OH, mother b. MI; Wattles, Oscar A., boarder, MW, age 51, widower, b. OH, father b. NY, mother b. VT.

805. William Griffis

CENSUS:
1850 U.S.Census, Royalton Twp., Niagara, NY.  Census taken 27 Aug 1850, Household 3-3, Griffith, Thomas 42, male, b. NY; Betsy 43, female, B. NY; Wm. was 18, and in their home with his other brothers and sister. (There name was spelled Griffith on this and the 1860 census, but William used Griffis on the 1860 census when he was enumerated as Head of the Household, see below)

CENSUS:
1860 U.S.Census, Newfane Twp., Niagara, NY, take 10 July 1860, Household 339-344 Wm. Griffis 26, male, farmer; Ann 24 female; Elisabeth 4/12 female.

MILITARY:
Civil War (1864) William Griffis b. Lockport, NY, residence Royalton, NY enlisted 10 Sept 1864, inducted at Rochester, NY.  He was in the 17th Regiment, Private, S. Battery.  He was in the battles of Hatchins Run and Before Petersburg. Discharged June 20, 1865. P. O. Address Reyoalis Basin, NY  Information taken from Royalton Town Clerk, Niagara , Records, Aug 6, 1866.

Civil War-1865 Census, page 4. Page 32, Line 8, #196.  Thomas Griffis (father) William Griffis, 32, b. Niagara (County), married 3 ch. cooper. Formerly in army - 17 N. Y. Bat. Sept. 1864-Pvt. Served 9 mo.  Health midling. Mustered out 15 June 1865.  (Line 12 has brother Duane Griffis see his notes.)

MARRIAGE:
Martha, William's second wife, is listed as his wife in Land Records in Lockport, Ontario, NY in 1866, therfore they were married before this time.

CENSUS:
1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 20 June 1870, Film 552165, Household 175-175, Griffis, William 37, male; Martha 32, female; Robinson, Frank 8 male; Griffis, Elizabeth 10 female. (In the house on one side of him is his mother, brother Erastus and, nephew Harvey J. On the other side is his Uncle Calvin L. Carpenter, his mother's [Betsy's] brother.)

CENSUS:
1880 U.S. Census, Hillsdale City, Hillsdale County, Mich.  Howder St. #11. Vol 8, Ed 95, Sheet 6, Line 41 Griffis, William age 46, b. NY ;  Martha, wife, 41 b. Canada;  Elizabeth, dau 20, b. NY, Marana E. dau. 8, b. MI; Martha A. dau 4. b. MI; Willie P. (should be T. according to descendants) son age 1 b. MI.   The children's middle initial was given on the 1880 Census.  There was one boarder not named in Soundex, but Census film said he was John R. Titus, male age 25.  a Cooper b. Mich, parent's birthplace unknown.  By this time Frank Robinson would be 18 and probably away from home working, or married.

LETTER:
In 1994 in a letter from, Thelma, the  daughter of William T. Griffis, postmarked May 1994, "Do you have the information on how Frank Robinson was related, and was Ella his wife?  I never met Frank, but I remember when he died.  I was quite young, but I remember my dad going to the funeral in Lockport, NY."  No, we do not know the relationship, but a guess would be that he was Martha's son by a prior marriage just like Elizabeth was a daughter to William by his first marriage to Ann.  (See 1860 Census).  Descendants have confirmed that there were two marriages, Ann and Martha L. Blackman for William, first son of Betsy. They have also confirmed that William is buried by Martha in the N. Weare Cem., but there is no tombstone.  He is buried close to his mother Betsy.

NOTE:
William md.  Martha L. Blackman, b. Canada.  William was "a cooper".

1432. Elizabeth Griffis

1860 U.S.Census, Newfane Twp., Niagara, NY, take 10 July 1860, Household 339-344 Wm. Griffis 26, male, farmer; Ann 24 female; Elisabeth 4/12 female. (Her name is spelled with and "s" not a "z" on this census.)

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, taken 20 June 1870, Film 552165, Household 175-175, Griffis, William 37, male; Martha 32 female.   Ann died and William did marry Martha later.  Robinson, Frank 8,  male (who is he? Could he be Martha's by a former marriage?  Martha is listed as Martha A. on her son William T's marriage, but Martha L. on death certificate and tombstone.  Marriage certificate is probably wrong); Griffis, Elizabeth 10 female.  As previously stated, descendants have confirmed there were two marriages and Elizabeth was a child of the first marriage.  Her mother was Ann.  Marana (correctly spelled, it is not Maranda), Martha and William T. are Martha's (second wife's,) children. The first child, Marana was named after her material grandmother who was also Marana, the second child after herself, and the son after his father, but had a middle initial T. (possibly standing for Thomas who was William's father).

1880 U.S. Census, Hillsdale City, Hillsdale County, Mich.  Howder St. #11. Vol 8, Ed 95, Sheet 6, Line 41 Griffis, William age 46, b. NY ;  Martha, wife, 41 b. Canada;  Elizabeth is now 20, and still with her parents.

.

Martha L. Blackmer

CENSUS:
1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, Mich.  Census taken 20 June 1870, Martha is age 32 and with her husband and family.  Birth place said N. Canada, or it looked like an "N" preceding Canada.

CENSUS:
1880 U.S. Census, Hillsdale City, Hillsdale, Mich.  Martha is age 41.  See her husband's data.  She said her father and mother were born in Mass.

DEATH:
Death Records Oceana , Mich. Book 1, Page 128, Record No. 26. Martha L. Griffis died 23 Apr 1890, (surrogate record give 1882) age 52 y 11 m 25 days.  Father:  Joseph Blackman, Mother Marana, both b. NY.

BURIAL:
North Weare Cem., Weare Twp., Oceana, Mich.   Lot 4, Sec. 19. Martha L., Wife of Wm. Griffis, died 23 Apr 1890, 52y 11m 25 d. (b. 28 Apr 1937) "Gone, to rest but not forgotton."  William was not buried by her unless he had no stone.  We did not find William's death record in either Oceana or Mason Counties. (We had been using Martha A. because it was on one record and because on the 1860 Census William's wife's name was Ann. The "L" could be for her maiden name.  We do not know it. Or Ann and Martha could be different people.  (Ages differ slightly from the 1860 census age 24 and the 1870 census, age 32 ).  More research is needed here.

LETTER:
16 July 2000, letter from Jeffrey Carmean, Columbiaville, Michigan,  to Donna Hellewell, ". . .My great great grandfather's twin sister married William Griffis.  They had three children that I am aware of -- Marana (named after her maternal grandmother), Martha, and William T.  Your file had the elder William's wife's surname as BLACKMAN.  You listed Martha Blackman's parents as Joseph and Marana Blackman.  In old census records, Martha's real surname has apparently been spelled variously as Blackman, Blackmar, Blackmen, Blackmer, Blackmeir, Blackmere, Blackmoor, Blackmore, and Blackmur.  Her true surname is BLACKMER.  Her parents were Homer Blackmer and Marana Terry/Ferry.  Her mother's surname was found on a younger sibling's death certificate; however, the clerk wrote "T" and "F" identically on the certificate.  The family is still attempting to verify whether Marana's surname is TERRY or FERRY.
The first Blackmer to come to the colonies was William Blackmore who came from England.  Over the next few generations, the surname was misspelled in some land grants and so some within the family began spelling the name as it was spelled in some of the land grants.  So within the same family different surname spellings emerged and were used.  To add to the confusion, census takers ofter spelled surnames however they thought they were spelled or sounded.  Your Martha's mother, Marans, died in 1882, and Martha is named in her mother's Niagara County Surrogate Court record along with her husband, William Griffis, by name.  I will attach a printed version of that record which can be found under "B-15, Marana Blackmer" at the Niagara County Surrogate Court office in Lockport, New York.  I will also attach a file of the most updated information on Homer and Marana Blackmer's family.  The Blackmer/Blackmore family is a well documented family tracing some of it's branches clear back as far as Pepin I who was the 3rd great grandfather of Charlemagne, Holy Roman Emperor from 800-814. . . ."  He then gave his e-mail address and so on.

EMAIL:
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeffrey Carmean   jeffrey.carmean@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, January 03, 2020 9:22 AM
To: John R. Carpenter
Subject: Descendants of William Griffis and Martha L. Blackmer
I am attaching a GEDCOM file of the Descendants of William Griffis and
Martha Blackmer for your use as you see fit. I started working on my
family history several decades ago for my own personal knowledge. I
didn't start out with the intent of researching my family history.
Instead, I simply did some research to provide our local cemetery with
the information they didn't have on my maternal grandfather's first
wife and twins that were buried on her father's lot in that cemetery.
I got the bug, and have been working on my family history ever since
though not so much in these latter years. I was not nor am I a
professional. If I was I would have compiled my work as you have, but
that was not the case am I feel too old to start over now. I
appreciate professionals like yourself, but I was never as such. All
that said, if you can't use the data in the GEDCOM file, feel free to
discard it or use it as you see fit.
I was able to determine the identity of Ernest and Harriett (Griffis)
Luttrull's daughter that died at birth which we had discussed (Loretta
Luttrul) based on her brother's obituary (Theodore C. Luttrull), her
death certificate, and cemetery records. Her actual name was Beatrice
L. Luttrull (the L. apparently stands for Loretta). She was born and
died on April 21, 1929 in Riverton, Mason, Michigan, USA.
Though you probably won't be able to use much of the data I provided
due to the manner of my untrained research and documentation, I hope
you may find it in some way helpful to yourself or others who may be
interested in this line.
Thank you for all you do in maintaining the Carpenter Family history.
I wish when I'd been younger and starting out, I'd been more
professional in my research. But when I started, all I was interested
in was going back in my family tree as far as I could. Later, I came
forward, but it was all done originally for my own personal benefit
and knowledge.
Happy New Year to you and yours,
Jeff Carmean
NOTE:  A report was generated and the related material was placed with the head of the correct parents, JRC

1435. Marana Betsey Griffis

NOTE:
Birth place was given as Jonesville, Ohio, but this maybe should say Jonesville, Mich. because there lived in Jonesville, Michigan.

CENSUS:  1880 US Census
1880 U.S. Census, Hillsdale City, Hillsdale County, Mich.  Howder St. #11. Vol 8, Ed 95, Sheet 6, Line 41 Griffis, William age 46, b. NY ;  Martha, wife, 41 b. Canada;   Marana E. is now 8 and with her parents.

MARRIAGE:  
Marriage Records, Oceana , Mich. Book A, Page 20, Record No. 297. Marana B. Griffis, age 17, of Weare, b. Jonesville, Ohio (the family lived in Jonesville, MIch. believe this should be Mich.) md. John A. Sutherland, age 21 of Pentwater, Oceana, Mich.  b. Mason , Mich. Married 12 Jan 1890, Oceana , Mich.  John was a laborer. Parents of Groom: J. P. Sutherland & Sarah Reed; Parents of bride:  Wm. Griffis and ______. Witnesses: Joseph P. Sutherland & Ella V. Sutherland of Pentwater. Married by:  M. L. Marvin, MG.  First mg. for each.

REPORT:
From: Jeffrey Carmean   jeffrey.carmean@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, January 03, 2020 9:22 AM

First Generation
1. Marana Betsey Griffis-11 was born on 29 Apr 1872 in Jonesville, Hillsdale, Michigan. She died on
29 Aug 1941 in Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan from Colon Cancer. She was buried on 3 Sep 1941
in Oakwood Cemetery, Muskegon, Michigan.
According to the Muskegon County Genealogical Death Indexing System,
there was a Mayana B. Sutherland who died in 1941 [6-156]. This was
Marana B. Griffis who married John A. Sutherland. Marana Betsy
Griffis was undoubtedly named after her mother's mother (Marana Terry
Blackmer) and her father's mother (Betsey Carpenter Griffis). Her
name appears as Mayana Betsy Sutherland on her death certificate.
Marana married (MRIN:8) John Albert Sutherland-14 on 12 Jan 1890 in Oceana County,
Michigan. John was born in 1868 in Mason County, Michigan. He died on 11 Feb 1949 in
Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Muskegon, Michigan.
According to the Muskegon County Genealogical Death Indexing System,
there was a John Albert Sutherland who died in 1949 [10-222]. This
was John A. Sutherland, the husband of Marana B. Griffis.
They had the following children.
+ 2 F i. Lydia M. Sutherland-139 was born in May 1891.
+ 3 F ii. Florence O. Sutherland-140 was born on 24 Apr 1894. She died on 28 Aug 1976.

Second Generation
2. Lydia M. Sutherland-139 (Marana Betsey) was born in May 1891 in Ludington, Mason, Michigan.
Lydia M. Sutherland was referred to as Lida M. Sutherland on the 1900
census, and as Lyddia M. Sutherland on the 1910 census.
Lydia married (MRIN:70) Alfred Lemieux-173 on 16 Nov 1911 in Muskegon, Muskegon,
Michigan. Alfred was born on 2 Oct 1884 in Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan.
They had the following children.
4 F i. Olive M. Lemieux-176 was born in 1914 in Muskegon County, Michigan.
5 M ii. Alfred C. Lemieux-177 was born on 17 Aug 1917 in Muskegon County, Michigan.
He died in Jul 1966.
According to the Social Security Death Index, Alfred
Lemieux was born on August 17, 1917 and died in July 1966
while living in Spring Lake in Ottawa County, Michigan.
3. Florence O. Sutherland-140 (Marana Betsey) was born on 24 Apr 1894 in Weare, Oceana,
Michigan. She died on 28 Aug 1976 in Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan. She was buried on 31 Aug
1976 in Mona View Cemetery, Muskegon Heights, Michigan.

According to the Social Security Death Index, Florence Clawson was
born on April 24, 1894 and died in August 1976 while living in
Muskegon in Muskegon County, Michigan.
Florence married (MRIN:71) Otto J. Clawson-145 on 3 Sep 1915 in Muskegon, Muskegon,
Michigan. Otto was born on 24 Feb 1894 in Pleasant Hill, Morris, New Jersey. He died on 17 May
1964 in Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan. He was buried on 20 May 1964 in Mona View Cemetery,
Muskegon Heights, Michigan.
According to the Social Security Death Index, Otto Clawson was born on
February 24, 1894 and died in May 1964 while living in Florida.
According to their tombstone, Otto Clawson and Florence Sutherland
were married on September 6, 1915. However, according to their actual
marriage record, they were married on September 3, 1915 in Muskegon in
Muskegon County, Michigan. It's unclear where the September 6, 1915
date came from that's engraved on their tombstone.
Florence and Otto had the following children.
6 F i. Maxine M. Clawson-146 was born on 16 Jul 1916 in Muskegon County, Michigan.
She died on 25 Sep 2008 in Twin Lake, Muskegon, Michigan.
This individual's given name was unclear on the 1920
census (though it may have been Marana M.), and was listed
as Maxine on the 1930 census. Her actual name is unclear,
but may have been Marana Maxine Clawson or Maxine Marana
Clawson. She was cremated following her death in 2008.
Maxine married (MRIN:75) [--?--] Brazil-174.
Maxine also married ( 2:MRIN:76) Arthur Ott-175.
1 _MEND Divorce
7 M ii. Otto J. , Jr. Clawson-147 was born on 14 Apr 1919 in Muskegon County,
Michigan. He died on 4 Nov 1972 in Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan. He was
buried in Egelston Township Cemetery, Muskegon, Michigan.
+ 8 M iii. Eugene Morris Clawson-148 was born on 25 Sep 1920. He died on 15 Nov 1999.
9 M iv. Albert Charles Clawson-149 was born on 26 Mar 1927 in Muskegon County,
Michigan. He died on 6 Jan 1996 in San Diego County, California. He was buried in
Houston National Cemetery, Houston, Texas.
According to the Social Security Death Index, Albert C.
Clawson was born on March 26, 1927 and died on January 6,
1996 while living in Santee in San Diego County,
California.
Albert married (MRIN:81) Beatrice Adeline Baker-179. Beatrice was born on 4 Jul
1925 in Michigan. She died on 6 May 2007 in Texas. She was buried in Houston
National Cemetery, Houston, Texas.

Third Generation
8. Eugene Morris Clawson-148 (Florence O. Sutherland, Marana Betsey) was born on 25 Sep 1920 in
Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan. He died on 15 Nov 1999 in Inverness, Citrus, Florida. He was
buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Muskegon, Michigan.
According to the Social Security Death Index, Eugene M. Clawson was
born on September 20, 1920 and died on November 15, 1999 while living
in Inverness in Citrus County, Florida. The following is the obituary
of Eugene M. Clawson as it appeared in the SAINT PETERSBURG TIMES of
Saint Petersburg, Florida on November 17, 1999:
"CLAWSON, EUGENE M., 79, of Inverness, died Monday (Nov. 15, 1999).
Born in Muskegon, Mich., he came here 14 years ago from Tampa. He was
a retired electronics salesman for Emerson Radio and Television and
was an actor for many years under the stage name of Russ Todd. He
appeared on stage, movies and television and was best remembered for
his role on Death Valley Days. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of
World War II. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Inverness,
and the American Legion. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Beattie; a
son, Sheldon Parrish, Muskegon, Mich.; two daughters, Karla
Lenkiecwciz {sic Lenkiewicz}, Muskegon, and Lorna {sic Lorma} Gene
Rohde, Pequot Lakes, Minn.; a sister, Maxine Clawson, Muskegon
Heights, Mich.; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Hooper
Funeral Home and Crematory, Inverness." Eugene M. Clawson (aka Russ
Todd) also played on Wagon Train and Raw Hide. According to his son
(Sheldon Parrish), Eugene Clawson was buried next to his fourth wife,
the daughter of his fifth wife.
Eugene married (MRIN:77) Lorraine Marie Johnson-165. Lorraine was born on 8 Sep 1921 in
Becker, Sherburne, Minnesota. She died on 6 Mar 2006 in Pequot Lakes, Crow Wing, Minnesota.
She was buried on 11 Mar 2006 in North Star Cemetery, Saint Cloud, Minnesota.
The following is the obituary of Lorraine Marie Gillespie-Storck as it
appeared in the SAINT CLOUD TIMES of Saint Cloud, Minnesota on March
9, 2006:
"Lorraine marie Gillespie-Storck, 84, Pequot Lakes, MN, Sept. 8, 1921
- Mar. 6, 2006
A classy lady with a flare for style, Lorraine Storck, 84 of Pequot
Lakes, formerly of Cross Lake, MN, San Antonio, Texas and St. Cloud,
MN died Monday, March 6th at Heritage House in Pequot Lakes, MN due to
complications of Alzheimer's and strokes. Funeral services will be at
10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 11th at the Williams Funeral Home, St.
Cloud with a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be at the
North Star Cemetery, St. Cloud.
Funeral arrangements by the Williams Funeral Home, St. Cloud.
Lorraine was born September 8, 1921 in Becker, MN, the daughter of
Alfred and Laura Belle (Angell) Johnson. She graduated from Monticello
High School with honors.
In 1946 she married Kipp J. Gillespie and made their home in St. Cloud
until his death in 1970. She worked in secretarial positions and
bookkeeping in St. Cloud at Jack Frost Hatchery and then Moorhouse
Hatchery in Clear Lake. They belonged to Redeemer Lutheran and Holy
Cross Lutheran Church.
She married Gordon F. Storck in December, 1970 and they made their

home in San Antonio, Texas and spent summers in Cross Lake, MN. After
Gordon's death, she moved from Texas and made her home in Cross Lake,
where she lived until failing health prompted a move to Pequot Lakes
and then to Heritage House, an assisted living facility where she made
many special friends. She was an active member of the American Legion
and a Gold Star Mother. She was known for her hats of many colors.
She is survived by three daughters, Lorma Gene (Cookie) and Frank
Rohde, Jenkins, MN; Pamela Kay and C. Gene Van Vleck, Ft. Myers, FL;
and Jane M. and David Michaud, Cape Coral, FL; stepdaughter Martha and
Richard Garison, San Antonio, TX; stepson, Larry and Jan Storck,
California; Bob Storck, Kansas City, MO; Jim Storck, California; Jeff
and Liz Storck, Virginia. One sister, Vera Edsell, New York; 14
grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and
many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands, two sons, George Allen
and James Andrew Gillespie and one great grandson, Trevor Yackley, two
brothers, George and Stewart Johnson and one sister Evelyn Erickson."
They had the following children.
10 F i. Lorma Gene Clawson-166 was born on 17 May 1943.
Lorma married (MRIN:83) Frank G. Rohde-172.
Eugene also married ( 2:MRIN:78) Loretta Marie Hoyle-167. Loretta was born on 18 Nov 1922 in
Illinois.
They had the following children.
11 F ii. Karla K. Parrish-168 was born on 22 Oct 1947 in Muskegon, Muskegon,
Michigan.
In an email dated April 17, 2012, Sheldon H. Parrish
stated: "Karla and I are the children of Marie Hoyle and
Eugene Clawson. My mother remarried when I was five and
we were adopted by her husband. So I have had the Parrish
name for all but five years of my life."
Karla married (MRIN:85) Michael John Lenkiewicz-170. Michael was born about
1946.
12 M iii. Sheldon H. Parrish-169 was born on 7 Jun 1950 in Muskegon, Muskegon,
Michigan.
In an email dated April 17, 2012, Sheldon H. Parrish
stated: "Karla and I are the children of Marie Hoyle and
Eugene Clawson. My mother remarried when I was five and
we were adopted by her husband. So I have had the Parrish
name for all but five years of my life."
Sheldon married (MRIN:86) Darla Jo Chasteen-171. Darla was born on 28 Jun
1950.
Eugene also married ( 3:MRIN:79) Mary Ellen Stordahl-178, daughter of Evelyn G. Beattie-150.
Mary was born in 1943. She died in 1978. She was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Muskegon,
Michigan.

According to his son (Sheldon Parrish), Eugene Clawson was buried next
to his fourth wife (Mary Ellen Stordahl), the daughter of his fifth
wife (Evelyn G. Beattie). On their tombstone above Mary Ellen's name
is the word "Sugarfoot," and above Eugene Clawson's name is his stage
name "Russ Todd."
Eugene also married ( 4:MRIN:80) Evelyn G. Beattie-150. Evelyn was born on 25 Jan 1921 in
Muskegon, Muskegon, Michigan. She died on 29 Jan 2003 in Inverness, Citrus, Florida. She was
buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Muskegon, Michigan.
According to the Social Security Death Index, Evelyn G. Clawson was
born on January 25, 1921 and died on January 29, 2003 while living in
Inverness in Citrus County, Florida. The following is the obituary of
Evelyn G. Clawson as it appeared in the SAINT PETERSBURG TIMES of
Saint Petersburg, Florida on February 1, 2003:
"CLAWSON, EVELYN G., 82, of Inverness, formerly of Tampa, died
Wednesday (Jan. 29, 2003) in Inverness. Born in Muskegon, Mich., she
moved to Inverness in 1985 from Tampa. She was a data entry supervisor
for Cranes and Hoists Manufacturing and volunteered for Meals on
Wheels. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Inverness.
Survivors include her son, Dale Stordahl, Spring Lake, Mich.; two
brothers, Frederick Erhorn, Nunica, Mich., and Orville Beattie, Lake
Forest, Ill.; two grandsons; and one granddaughter. Hooper Funeral
Homes, Inverness."

1436. Martha A. Griffis

1880 U.S. Census, Hillsdale City, Hillsdale County, Mich.  Howder St. #11. Vol 8, Ed 95, Sheet 6, Line 41 Griffis, William age 46, b. NY ;  Martha, wife, 41 b. Canada;   Martha A. is 4 yrs old and with her parents.

1900 U.S. Census, Riverton Twp., Mason, Mich. a Martha Griffis was 24 when she was enumerated with John Southland as a boarder   Birth date was given Sept 1875.

Marriage Record Mason , Mich. Book 3, Page 179 Record No. 2280, Martha Griffis age 27, of Ludington, Mich. b. Mich. md. Jerry Jack 24, of Ludington, Mich. b. Canada.  His parents were Anthony Jack & Ida Rock. Her parents were:  William Griffis & Martha Blackman.  Witnesses: Hubert Rock & Linda H. Bahr.  Md. by Laurence Hayden, Pastor.  First mg. for each.

Death was in Muskegon , but may not have been Muskegon City.

806. Hiram Volney Griffis

1850 U.S.Census, Royalton Twp., Niagara, NY.  Census taken 27 Aug 1850, Household 3-3, Griffith, Thomas 42, male, b. NY; Betsy 43, female, b. NY; Hiram is 15 and in his parents' home with other members of the family.

1860 U.S. Census, Royalton Twp., Niagara, NY. taken 14 July 1860  Hiram was not in his parents home, even though they still lived there.  He was probably married.  We will look further in Niagara , NY

Hiram Volney Griffis was drafted for the Civil War Aug 19, 1863, enlistment was at Lockport, but Duane, his brother substituted for him for three years.  P. O. Address was Orangeport, NY.

1870 U.S. Census for Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Hiram and Kate Griffis were not found.  This census was taken 20 June 1870.  They might still have been in Niagara County, NY.

1880 U.S. Soundex, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Vol 4, ED 40, Sheet 1, Line 30. Griffis, Hiram B. 43 b. NY; Kate, wife 41, b. New Hampshire; Lilly daughter 3 b. MI; Elma dau. 1 b. MI.

Hiram attended many reunions of the Calvin L. Carpenter (his mother's brother) family in Athens, Calhoun, Mich. in 1893 and many years thereafter.

1910, Calhoun  MI. 012-0030-00561.  Griffis, Hiram BO b. NY Enumerated with Daniel Warsop.  His wife died before 1906, so he lived with them according to the obituary.  Household #56 Warsop, Daniel head, 31, md  7yr. b. MI, father: unknown, Mother MI.  Ila, wife, 30, md. 7yr. 4 children, 4 living. b. MI. parents unknown.  Shirley R. daughter, age 6, b. MI; Nica (?), daughter age 4, b. MI; Harry son, 3, b. MI; Flora J. daughter /12 b. MI. Griffis, Hiram, boarder, 72 Widower, b. MI. parents: b. NY.

1920 Enumerated again with the Warsop family.  Hiram Griffis is now 82 years old, listed as Father-in-law.  He had helped to raise Ila, Mrs. Warshop.

Death records, Calhoun County, MI, Kate Griffin (should be Griffis) died 5 Aug 1906 in Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Her parents were:  A. Moore and Abigail Locke both of Michigan.

Death records, Marshall, Calhoun, MI. Died at Athens Village, Michigan,  DOD 23 Feb 1923, Hiram was 85y5m9d at death, b. MI recorded 5 Mar 1923.  He was a retired farmer. Death certificate said "Widower", Mother: Betsy Carpenter and Father: Thomas Griffis.

Obituary, The Athens Times.  Mar 1, 1923.  Hiram Griffis, Old Resident, Passes Away.   Hiram Griffis was born at Royalton, N.Y, 14, 1837 and after an illness of but a few days passed quietly out of this life February 23, 1923, aged 85 years 5 months and 9 days. Mr. Griffis was the second of five boys born to Thomas and Betsey Griffis, only one surviving him, Erastus Griffis, of Pentwater, Michigan, who is not a man of nearly seventy.  On September 5, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine More of Raymond, New Hampshire, by the pastor of the Middleport M.E. church. To this union six children were born--three passing away before Mr. and Mrs. Griffis Migrated to Michigan. The remaining three being taken from them while they were living on the farrn west of this village now owned by William Huxley.  Mr. Griffis was a cousin of the well-known Carpenter family and had lived in and around Athens for many years.  He was a farmer by occupation and a lover of good stock, living on the William Miller, James Standiford, P. I . Simons, Henry Bisbee and Ashel Ferris farms, and the verdict of the owners of these farms was: He was strictly honest in deal. A great sorrow came to him in the death of his wife August 5, 1906. Since that time his days have been very lonely, but he was taken into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Warsop and willingly cared for and made comfortable.  When but a child of ten years, Mrs. Warsop was taken into their hearts and home, and her kindness to them has proven her appreciation and shown that their love for her was returned.  Uncle Hiram was generous in his feelings for his friends, always anxious to see them come into possession and succeed in the things they had honestly striven for. The funeral services were held at the Warsop home Monday afternoon with the Rev. F. A. Stephens of the Congregational church officiating Burial in Burr Oak Cem..

Card of Thanks. We wish to express our thanks to the friends and neighbors for the kindness shown us during the illness and following the death of Mr. Griffis. To Rev. Stephens and others for their services we are also duly appreciative. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Warsop and Family.

Hiram is buried in Burr Oak Cem., Athens, Calhoun, MI, the tombstone says 1838-1923.  He is buried close to his cousin, Thomas Jefferson Carpenter and Emma F. Mitchell.  Thomas was the son of Calvin L. Carpenter, brother to Hiram's mother, Betsy.

Catherine "Kate" Moore

1880 Soundex of Athen, Calhoun, Michigan.  She was 41.   She said her parents were from NH. (I also have NY from another census). She was "of Raymond, NH" in the obiturary of her husband.  She attened many reunions with Hyrum from 1993 on and signed in as Kate, but is not on the reunion sign-in sheet in 1906 or thereafter (She died 5 Agu 1906).

Death records, Calhoun County, Mich., Vol. 3, page 237, #470,  Kate Griffin died 5 Aug 1906 in Athens, Calhoun, Mich. 69 years 1 month and 7 days.  Her parents were:  A. Moore and Abigail Locke both of Michigan, (according to this record.)

1441. Kate Griffis

Death records, Vol 1 1867-1882, Calhoun , Mich. (Vital Records 100929193, page 139)  She was 2 yrs 9mo 27 days at time of death, 1 Sept 1874, dau of Kate and Hiram Griffis.

1442. Lillie Griffis

1880 U. S. Census of Athens, Calhoun, Michigan.  Lillie was age 3 and in the home of her parents, Hiram and Kate Griffis.

1443. Elma Griffis

1880 U. S. Census of Athens, Calhoun, Mich.   Elma was age 1 and in the home of her parents Hiram and Kate Griffis.

807. Henry O. Griffis

The name on the 1850 Census said a female, and first name was almost unreadable.  We know now in 1995, it was a male, and his name was Henry O. Griffis who went into the service during the Civil War.  He was b. Lockport, (Niagara ), NY and entered service from Royalton in the 8th Reg. E. Oct. 1861, for three years, enlisted in Royalton, NY.  He died in a hospital of wounds June 1862.    Parents Thomas and Betsy Carpenter Griffis. (Source of information:  Civil War Records)

Henry O. Griffis, 23, married. citizen  enlisted, Oct 1861, three years, mustered Nov 1861,  8 N. Y.  Cavalary, Pvt. died June1862, Alexandria, accidental wound, left widow 2 children buried Alexandria, wounded by pistol shot.

Dysinger Cem., Bunker Hill Road, Royalton Twp., Niagara, NY. Sec. 5, Row EE.  Henry O. Griffis died Dec 19, 1862 in Noviliah Hospital, at Frederick, MD , age 23 yrs. 9 mo.  (It also said Royalton Union Cem.). In the same Cem. grave #2 "Farewell" Mary Ellen, wife of Henry O. Griffis, died Dec. 11, 1866, age 22 yrs. 7 mo.

Mary Ellen

Royalton Union Cem. (also called Dysinger Cem.)  grave #2 "Farewell" Mary Ellen, wife of Henry O. Griffis, died Dec. 11, 1866, age 22 yrs. 7 mo.  Henry O. Griffis died Dec. 19, 1862 in Noviliah Hospital, Frederick, MD., age 23yr. 90da.  Section 5, Row .EE.  Another notation above this note said Dysinger Cem.,  Bunker Hill Rd.  Twp., Royalton, Niagara County, New York.

1444. Harvey J. Griffis

1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, Mich.   Harvey was 10 years old and in the home of his grandmother Betsy (Carpenter) Griffis.

1880 U.S. Census, we have not found him as yet.

1900 U.S. Census, Weare, Oceana, Mich. (Soundex, Vol 61, Enumeration District (ED.) 115, Sheet 8, Line 44)  A Harvey J. Griffis, born July 1859 is age 40, b. NY living alone.  We feel this is the same grandson of Betsy's.  The age is right, and since Betsy was in that area, Harvey probably was also. We need to check the 1910 Census, and do more research here.

The Pentwater News, Nov. 28, 1902.  "Harvey Griffis was around last week."  This would place him in this area.

808. Duane Griffis

1850 U.S. Royalton, Niagara , NY Census, Duane is in the home of his parents, age 8.

Duane Griffis went into the Civil War  as a substitute for his brother Hiram Aug 19, 1863 Enlisted from Lockport, Niagara , NY

Civil War - 1865, page 4, (of copy)  Page 32 in document quoted, Line 12:  Duane Griffis, 22 b. Ontario , NY, single, soldier, now in Army - 104 Rgt. N.Y.V. Aug 20, 1863, Pvt. Transf. to 9th Invalid Corp. Oct 1, 1864, Now in 9th I, Patrol Guard.  He went in place of a brother drafted.

Marriage Record Hillsdale , Mich. Duane Griffis, "born in Steuben, NY a resident of Jonesville, Hillsdale  Mich and by occupation a cooper aged, 27. and Martha Hewitt born in Smithville Pa (C.W. written above Pa.) a resident of Jonesville, Hillsdale , Mich aged 16 years. Md. 8 Mar 1871.  Officiating Minister, William M. Ball.  Ceremony performed at the M. E. Parsonage at Allen in presence of Clara Ball and Rose Troth."  The above was presented  in an affidvait for 1/2 soldier's pension Act of March 3, 1899. Martha A. Griffis, wife of Duane Griffis, Cert. No. 380.410.

1880 U. S. Census, Jonesville, Hillsdale , Mich.  Taken 12 June 1880. Household 90/193.  Griffith (should be Griffis) 37, md. occupation "a cooper." b. NY, parents b. NY; Martha age 25 wife, b.Canada, Parents b. England; Gracie 6, daughter, b. Ohio; Jennie 2, daughter, b. Mich.

"Duane Griffis served in the Civil War before he came to Michigan.  He served with  E. 104. NY Inf.  He came to Jonesville and married Martha Ann Hewitt, who had moved to Jonesville in 1870.  Martha's family was from the Buffalo (NY) area but had lived across the border in Smithville, Ontario where her older children were born.  They had come to Mich. in 1860 and settled in Lowell, Mich.  Her father was a shoemaker and apparently her mother died.

"Martha had three children in Jonesville. Martha's sister Sarah married William Castle and they too came to Pentwater about 1880.  Duanne settled on 40 arces in Weare Twp.  on the county line road.  Erastus settled in Riverton Twp. on the other side of the county road.  Brother William Griffis also came to Pentwater.  So far I have not found mention of Hiram so do not know if he even came to Mich. (He did, but not to Northern Michigan, only to Athens, Calhoun, Michigan)  Duane and Martha eventually divorced and she married a man named Fairley.  She is buried in the Pentwater Cem.." written by Shirley Dempsey Reinke (Mrs. Robert Reinke), dau. of James Venn Dempsey, and she was the granddaughter of Simpson Dempsey and Alma Griffis. Alma was Duane's daughter.

A document signed by Duane dated August 17, 1882,  State of Michigan, County of Oceana.  States he is the same person in Pension Claim No. 330207, and as of June 1, 1881, "Makes the following statements.  Lived in Lockport, State of NY for 5 years previous to enlistment.  Returned to the same city after I was discharged in 1865.  Resided there about three years after.  Worked for farmers and clerked in Hotel at Gasport, NY.  In the fall of 1867, went to Clevland, Ohio.  Was there two years.  Clerked in a Hotel.  First year drove tram the rest of time while there.  In Nov 1869 went to Athens, Calhoun , Mich.,  worked there and at Hillsdale and in the (can't read clearly, looks like, in the cont of _______ and ) went to Jonesville, Mich, worked there and at Hilldale Mich at coopering until Jan 1882, and then went to Pentwater, Mich and now work on a farm." Signed, Duane Griffis.

Another document from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C. Jan. 15, 1898.   Filled out by Duane Griffis June 4, 1898, (he) named his children and their birth days and years. There was a note at the bottom by someone else, "Family was in Oceana County, Jan 1882.  Birth took place following year in Weare twp."

1900 U. S. Soundex, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Soldier's Home.   Vol. 41, ED 148, Sheet 2, Line 62.  Griffis, Duane, b. July 1842, age 58, b. NY.

Death Record Mason , Mich. Book 3, Riverton, Mich. Page 1, 1916, Record #13.  Duane Griffis, Male d. 15 Sept 1915, age 73y, 2m, 13 days. b. in NY.  Father Thomas Griffis and Betsy Paupenden (It was Betsy Carpenter, and apparently they couldn't read it or were on wrong keys in typing.  One can see that some of the letters are correct.)  The death record was recorded on 10 May 1916.

Personal visit to North Weare Cem., Oceana, Mich. in Apr 1994, Duane is buried by Erastus Griffis and wife Julia (Daggett). Lot 3, Sec. 2. No dates, on Duane's stone, but on the stone was " E.  104 N.Y. Infantry". On same lot with Erastus Griffis (brother), 1852-1944 and Erastus' wife Julia O. 1855-1927.

Martha Ann Hewitt

Names and dates of Martha and brothers and sisters were taken from the Family Bible.

Obituary for Matha Ann Hewitt Griffis Fairley., age 79, died in Lansing, Mich. b, Sept 25, 1855 at Smithville, Canada.  When a small child she came by stage coarch with her parents to Lowell, Mich.  where the father has a shoe store for several years.  Later they moved to northern Michigan, at that part "dense wilderness" where her father took up farming. She was married and lived for some time in Lansing, Mich.  Later she purchased a home in Pentwater, Oceana, Mich.  Survived by two daughters, Mrs. Otis Dock, Mrs. John Wieland of Lansing, one son, Floyd Griffis, 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  One sister, Mrs. W. J. Castle of Pentwater.

Buried Block 11, Lot 12 in Pentwater Cem., Oceana, Mich.  On the same lot with James Venn, husband of Jennie Griffis Venn.

1446. Grace G. Griffis

Marriage Record, Mason , Mich. Book 3, page 39, Record # 501, Grace Griffis 17, of Riverton, b. Ohio, md. Orvil Kibbey 20, of Summit, b. Mich. md. 28 Dec 1890 in Riverton.  Parents of the Groom:  Wm. Kibbey & Ella Bilkford.  Parents of the Bride:  Duane Griffis & Martha Hewitt. Witnesses:  William Castle & Mrs. William Castle both of Pentwater.  Md. by H. D. Skinner, MG.  lst mg for each.

1448. Jennie B. Griffis

Marriage Records, Oceana  Mich. Book A, page 93, Record #132.  Jennie Griffis age 19, of S. Riverton, Mason  b. Mich., md. James Venn age 21, of Pentwater, Oceana, Mich., Married 6 Mar 1897 in Hart, Oceana, Mich. Parents of the Groom:  Robert Venn & Katie Fergurson.  Parents of Bride: Duane Griffis & _______. James Venn was a Day laborer, bride was working at home.  Witnesses: Mrs. Messinger & Mrs. Brinkharst, both of Hart, Mich.  Md. by A. Brinkharst, MG.

She was 79 yrs. old when she died. (From documents filed at the Historical Society in Hart, Oceana, Mich.)