Sources: Chart made by Lorna Carter, Athens, MI. Information from Elma Carpenter, Battle Creek, MI, from journals of reunions in possession of Irene Chichester (Mrs. A. R.) Athens, MI in 1982.
1870 U.S. Census, Kalamazoo, Wakeshma, MI, taken 16 Aug. 190/189 Emma, age 11, is in the home of her father.
MARRIAGE. Branch County Clerk, Coldwater, MI, vol. E, p. 215, #181. Married 4 Oct 1878 at Sherwood Joseph J. Kirby, age 20, b. Parkville, MI, residing in Sherwood, occupation: farmer, no parents listed in 1878; and Emma Abigal Wilson, age 19, b. NY, residing in Wakeshma, officiant: Horace O. Lee, Justice of the Peace, witnesses: Lewis C. Wilson of Sherwood and Guy D. Latham of Wakeshma.
1880 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI, taken 3 Jun. 71/75 Kirby, Joseph J., WM, age 23, butcher, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. England; Emma, wife, age 21, b. NY, parents b. NY; Charles, WM, brother, age 20, single, butcher, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. England.
1893 Reunion, Family of Calvin L. Carpenter, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Emma was 34, Earl 7, Elmo l.
1894 Reunion, Family of Calvin L. Carpenter, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Emma was 35, Earl 8 and Elmo 2.
1900 U.S. Census, Antrim County, Central Lake Twp., MI taken 30 June. 416/427 Kirby, Joseph J., head, WM, b. Oct 1857, age 42, md 21y, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. Canada, meat market; Emma, wife, WF, b. Nov 1858, age 41, md. 21y, 4 children, 3 alive, b. MI, parents b. NY; William, son, WM, b. Oct 1879, age 20, single, b. MI; Earl, son, WM, b. Jun 1889, age 10, single, b. MI; Elmer, son, WM, b. Oct 1892, age 7, single, b. MI.
Emma was at the 15th reunion in 1907, and the 25th in 1917, and 31st in 1931.
The Athens Times, Friday, May 23, 1913. Mrs. Iniz Wilson, accompanied by her sister-in-law, Mrs. Emma Kirby, went to Hopkins Wednesday for a visit with Mrs. Ealy and family, after which they will go on to Mrs. Kirby's home in Central Lake. (Central Lake is in Central Lake Township, Antrim County, MI.)
1910 and 1920 U.S. Census for all of Antrim county was checked but did not find Kirby family.)
The Athens Times, Thursday, January 8, 1920. Mrs. Joseph Kirby of Mt. Vernon, (Knox County) Ohio, who has been spending the holidays with her sister, Mrs. John Swartz, returned home yesterday.
1924 Battle Creek City Directory, Willard Library. Kirby, Emma (widow Jos) home 112 Roseneath. Also living at this address were Elmo J. Kirby and wife, (Alliance G.). 1926 Battle Creek City Directory, Kirby, Emma (widow Jos); Earl L. Kirby, roofer; and Elmo J. (Alliance) Kirby are living at 370 Washington Avenue North.
Elma's notes say Emma died in 1940. Source of date unknown.
Reunion of the Calvin L. Carpenter Family in Athens, Calhoun, MI said "dead" in Aug. 1913 after Joe Kirby's name.
DEATH. Antrim County Clerk, Bellaire, MI. 1910, p. 50, #67. Died 14 Feb 1910 at Torch Lake, Joseph J. Kirby, male, white, married, age 52y3m21d, cause: apoplexy, b. MI, occupation: farmer, father: Thomas B. Kirby residing in Eastport, MI, mother: Mary Garmon, residing in Eastport, MI.
1900 U.S. Census, Antrim County, Central Lake Twp., MI taken 30 Jun. 416/427 Kirby, William, son, WM, b. Oct 1879, age 20, single, b. MI, is in the home of his parents.
A Lizzie Kirby is listed with the Kirby family in the Carpenter Family Reunion Journal for the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th years which would be 1910-1913, but their names are not checked off as being in attendance. Could Lizzie be the wife of one of the Kirby boys?
In Oct 1998 Calhoun County Marriages checked. None found for William Kirby.
1893 Reunion, Family of Calvin L. Carpenter, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Earl was 7. This age does not coincide with his age on the 1900 U.S. Census.
1894 Reunion, Family of Calvin L. Carpenter, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Earl was 8. The family was not at later reunions.
1900 U.S. Census, MI, Antrim County, Central Lake Twp., taken 30 Jun. 416/427 Kirby, Earl, son, WM, b. Jun 1889, age 10, single, b. MI, is in the home of his parents.
The Kirby family is listed on the 1910-13 Carpenter Reunion Family Journal.
1926 City of Battle Creek Directory, Willard Library, Earl L. Kirby, roofer, residing at 370 Washington Avenue, North; Elmo J. (Alliance) Kirby, clerk; Emma (wid Joseph) Kirby.
October 1998 Calhoun County Marriages were checked. No marriage for Earl Kirby was found.
1893 Reunion, Family of Calvin L. Carpenter, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Elmo was age 1.
1894 Reunion, Family of Calvin L. Carpenter, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Elmo was 2. The family was not at later reunions.
1900 U.S. Census, MI, Antrim , Central Lake Twp., taken 30 Jun. 416/427 Kirby, Elmer, son, WM, b. Oct 1892, age 7, single, b. MI, is in the home with his parents.
1910 U.S. Census, Wexford , Boon Twp., MI taken 21 Apr, ED 137, sheet 2B. 52/55 Benedict, Wm. N., head, WM 34, M once, 16y, b. MI, parents b. MI; Eva A., wife, age 32, 5 children, 5 alive; five children listed; Kirby, Elmo, boarder, age 20, single, b. MI, parents b. MI; one of eight boarders. We don't know if this is our Elmo Kirby or not.
MARRIAGE. Antrim County Clerk, Bellaire, MI, Book A, p. 223, #43. Married 6 June 1913 at Traverse City, MI, Elmo J. Kirby, age 21, white, residing in Central Lake, MI, b. Athens, MI, occupation: farmer; father: Joseph J. Kirby, mother: Emma Wilson; and Alliance G. Boucher, age 20, white, residing in Weidman, MI, b. Weidman, MI, occupation: housework, father: Armni (?) Boucher, mother: Jennie L., officiant: M. A. Guild, Clergy, witnesses: Mrs. Wm. Ferguson and Mrs. M. C. Guild, both of Traverse City. Neither had been married previously.
1924 Battle Creek City Directory, Willard Library. Kirby, Elmo J. (Alliance G.) employee, Battle Creek Sanitarium, home 112 Roseneath. In the same city directory is listed Emma Kirby (widow Jos), home 112 Roseneath.
1394. Lillian "Lillie" A. Carpenter
Sources: Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter, Athens, MI, and old reunion books from 1893-1911 were used.
1860 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI. Lillie was 4 years old and in the home of her parents, Henry Leighton Carpenter and Susan Jane Palmer Carpenter.
1870 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun MI, taken 20 Jun. 182/182. Lillie is age 12, in the home of her parents.
1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI taken 1 Jun. 17/17. Lillie, age 22, daughter, a teacher, is in the home of her parents.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County, MI. Family History Center, Salt Lake City, UT, Film 1009294, Index. 3-1. Also from Local History Room, Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI, Sept 1993. Book 3 page 1. #5750, Jan 8, 1885. Frank G Woodruff, farmer, age 24, place of birth Athens, MI, and Lillie A. Carpenter, age 26, born Athens, Calhoun, MI. H. H. Van Auken, Minister, Witnesses: Emory Simmons (a cousin, son of Ellen Marie Carpenter) and Sate Lewis (Sate later married Emory Simmons) of Athens.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. Book 3 of Marriage, p. 1, #5750. Married 8 Jan 1885 at Athens, Frank G. Woodruff and Lillia A. Carpenter. Witnesses: Emory Simmons and Sate Lewis.
WEDDING. The Athens Times, Athens, Calhoun County, MI, Saturday, 10 Jan 1885. Wedding Festivities. One of the largest and most enoyable wedding events that has taken place in this vicinity for a long time, occurred three miles west of this village, Thursday evening, at the pleasant residence of one of our most esteemed and prosperous families, Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Carpenter, the contracting parties being their amiable daughter, Lillie A., and Mr. Frank G. Woodruff, an enterprising young farmer of this Twp.. At about 8 o'clock invited guests to the number of about 110 assembled in the spacious sitting room and the bridal pair, accompanied by Mr. Emory Simmons and Miss Ida Pierce, took positions, and Rev. VanAuken of Union City, proceeded with the ceremony in his usual finished and impressive manner. After the ceremony was over and the bride and groom had been subjected to a shower of congratulations, the time was given up to feasting and indulgence in pure unadulterated levity till the wee sma' hours admonished the guests it were time to disperse. The gfits to the bride and groom were quite profuse and servicable and some of which were especially fine. Following are names obtained of guests and gifts: (Several individuals and their gifts were listed in the newspaper article.)
1893 Reunion: Calvin L. Carpenter Family, Athens, Calhoun, MI. Lillie was 35, Frank 33, Madge 7, Lorna 4. Reunion held 29 Sept 1893. Place of residence was Athens, MI. (Frank G. Woodruff may have had a brother attending as a visitor--see his notes.)
1894 Reunion: Calvin L. Carpenter Family, Athens, Calhoun, MI. Lillie was 36. She attended with her husband, Frank G. Woodruff, age 34, in 1894. Madge and Lorna attended too.
1900 U.S. Census, Athens Twp., Calhoun , MI, taken 16 and 18 Jun. 311/312 Woodruff, Frank G., head, WM, b. Jul 1861, age 38, married 15 years, farmer; Woodruff, Lillie, wife, WF, b. Oct 1860, age 39, 2 children born, children alive; Woodruff, Madge, daughter, WF, b. Dec 1886, age 13; Woodruff,Lorna, daughter, W F, b. Dec. 1890, age 9; Coles, William, boarder.
1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Athens Village, MI taken 15 Apr, ED30, sheet 11B. 11/11 Woodruff, Frank G., head, age 48, married 25 years, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. NY, retail merchant, lumber; Lylian, wife, age 50, married 25 years, b. MI, father b. MI, mother b. MI; Madge, daughter, age 24, single, b. MI; Lorna, daughter, age 20, single, b. MI.
1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Athens, MI taken 15 and 16 January, ED35, sheet 12A. 154/161 Woodruff, Frank G., head, age 59, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. OH; Lillian, wife, age 62, b. MI, parents b. NY.
ANNIVERSARY. The Athens Times, 9 January 1935. Bank President, Wife, Celebrate Golden Wedding. Athens, Jan. 9 - Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Woodruff, prominent Athens residents, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Tuesday at an informal 1 o'clock luncheon. Guests included 15 relatives and neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff have resided in and near Athens all their lives. Mr. Woodruff, a member of the lumber firm of Wood and Woodruff, is president of the Athens State Bank and chairman of the board of trustees of the Congregational Church. A Congregational minister from Union City performed the wedding ceremony on January 8, 1885, at the home of the bride's parents, west of Athens. She was formerly Miss Lillian Carpenter. The couple began housekeeping on what was known as the old Woodruff farm, Mr. Woodruff's birthplace. They have two daughters, Mrs. Madge Lewis of Athens and Mrs. Leo Harrison of Mason. On the first day of 1903 Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff moved to the village of Athens where they have since resided. Mr. Woodruff has been in the lumber business for the last 31 years and still takes an active interest in the firm. Mrs. Woodruff is able to be around the home and helps with the housework. In the summer she spends much of the time with her plants and flowers. At the luncheon Tuesday a wedding cake in yellow and white was flanked by gold candlesticks with yellow tapers, forming an attractive centerpiece for the table.
OBITUARY. The Athens Times, June 5, 1935. Lifelong Resident Taken by Death. Mrs. F. G. Woodruff Passed Away Saturday Night After An Extended Illness. Mrs. Lillian A. Woodruff, wife of Frank G. Woodruff, passed away at the family home in this villlage Saturday evening at 10:30 following an extended illness. She was the daughter of Henry and Susan Carpenter and was born in Leonidas Twp. Oct. 8, 1858, but the larger part of her girlhood days were spent on the present Carpenter farm, west of Athens. She attended school in the Carpenter District and later the Rork High School in Athens, following which she spent several years teaching. She was married to Frank G. Woodruff on Jan. 8, 1885, and the couple celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary last January. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff began housekeeping on the old Woodruff homestead in North Athens and resided there until 1903 when they and their family moved to the present residence on Kingsbury Street in Athens. Mrs. Woodruff was a beloved and active member of the Congregational Church and the Ladies Guild for many years, and even during her latter years when her health did not permit her to attend its meetings regularly she nevertheless manifested a loyal, unfailing interest in the work of her church in so many ways, and continued also to show her interest and solicitude for her friends. She will indeed be greatly missed by her family and by those to whom she has endeared herself through the years by her kindness and friendly interest. She was a great home lover and very fond of flowers. Since she has been unable to attend her household duties she has made many lovely quilts and took great pride in this work. She is survived by her husband, Frank G.; two daughters, Mrs. Madge Lewis of Athens, and Mrs. Lorna Harrison of Mason; one son-in-law, Leo H. Harrison of Mason; three grandchildren, Doris Harrison of St. Louis, Mich., and Hubert and Dale Harrison of Mason; one brother, C. W. Carpenter of Athens, and many other relatives. Funeral services were held from the Spencer Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon at 2:30, with her pastor, Rev. J. E. Cook officiating. Interment in Burr Oak Cem..
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI vol. 17, p 10. Died 1 Jun 1935 at Athens Village, Lillie A. Woodruff, age 76y7m23d; father: Henry Carpenter; mother: Susan Palmer; buried Burr Oak Cem.; spouse, Frank G. Woodruff; informant: Frank G. Woodruff.
1893 Reunion: Place of residence for Frank and Lillie was Athens,
Michigan.1894 Reunion: Calvin L. Carpenter Family, Athens, Calhoun, MI. Frank was 34 yrs. old. Frank may have had a brother because M.A. Woodruff signed in as a visitor at the 1893 reunion. He was 46 with wife, Frances,age 44, Phina W. age 17.
OBITUARY. May 1936. Bank President Dies in Athens. (Believe this is from a Battle Creek newspaper.) Frank G. Woodruff, 75, Banker for 28 Years, Dies After Day's Illness. Athens - Frank G. Woodruff, 75, who was elected president of the board of directors of the Athens State Bank in January for the 28th consecutive year, died at his home at 4 p.m. Thursday following an illness of one day. Mr. Woodruff had lived in Athens since 1903 when he went into partnership with Leo E. Wood in a lumber business known as Wood and Woodruff. He was born July 11, 1860 on a farm four and a half miles northwest of Athens. On January 8, 1885 Mr. Woodruff married Lillian Carpenter, and they observed their golden wedding anniversary before her death on June 1, 1935. Mr. Woodruff was a member of the Congregational Church and had been chairman of the board of trustees for 13 years. He also had been Twp. supervisor several times. Surviving him are two daughters, Mrs. Leo H. Harrison of Mason and Mrs. Madge Lewis of Athens; three grandchildren, Mrs. Harry Graichen of Trenton and Hubert and Dale Harrison of Mason; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held from the Spencer Funeral Home at 3 p.m. Sunday in charge of the Rev. J. E. Cook of Clarksville and burial will be made in Burr Oak Cem..
OBITUARY. May 1936. Death Takes Director of Athens Bank - Funeral Services Will Be Held Sunday for Frank G. Woodruff. Athens, May 22 - Funeral services will be held from the Spencer Funeral Home Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock for Frank G. Woodruff, 75, who died at his home Thursday afternoon after a short illness. The Rev. J. E. Cook, of Clarksville, will officiate and burial will be in the Bur Oak Cem.. Mr. Woodruff was president of the board of directors of the Athens State Bank, a position he had held for many years, senior member of the firm of Wood and Woodruff, lumber dealers and contractors, and a member of the Congregational Church. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Madge Lewis, Athens, and Mrs. Lorna Harrison, Mason; three grandchildren, Mrs. Harry Graichen, Trenton, and Hubert and Dale Harrison, Mason. His wife, Lillian, died in June of last year.
OBITUARY. The Athens Times, May 27, 1936. Frank G. Woodruff is Taken Very Suddenly. Lifelong Citizen, Banker and Prominent Business Man, Dies of Apoplectic Stroke. Stricken with apoplexy last Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Frank G. Woodruff, for 32 years one of the leading business men and influential citizens, president of the Athens State Bank, and prominent in community and church affairs, passed away Thursday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock at his home on Kingsbury Street, having never regained consciousness. Mr. Woodruff went to his work at the lumber office as usual in the morning, apparently in the best of health, and drove out to the D. W. Kinyon farm to consult Mr. Kinyon concerning a house building project, but on returning complained to his business partner, Carlton N. Wood, that he was not feeling well. Mr. Wood went to dinner at about 11:30 and when he returned he found Mr. Woodruff violently ill. He was removed to his home where the doctor was summoned. Not long afterward he suffered the stroke that proved fatal in less than 28 hours. Mr. Woodruff was a native of Athens, having been born July 11, 1860, on the old Woodruff homestead, and still owned by him at the time of his death. Here he took his bride, Lillian A. Woodruff, to whom he was married Jan. 1, 1885, and this was their home until Jan. 1, 1903, when they moved to the present residence in Athens, where Mrs. Woodruff passed away June 1, 1935, a few months after the couple had celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. In June, 1904, Mr. Woodruff and the late Leo E. Wood bought the lumber yard of A. H. Harrison and had taken an active part in the business up to the time of his last brief illness. When Mr. Wood died in 1931 the latter's son, Carlton, became a member of the firm, the name of which remained unchanged. Late in 1908 he helped to organize the Farmers State Bank, become its president. Later the Athens State and Savings Bank was taken over by the new bank and the name changed to the Athens State Bank, Mr. Woodruff continuing as president of the new set-up and in January of this year he was elected for his twenty-eighth consecutive term as president of the institution. We all know the record of our local bank, which was one of the few banks that weathered the financial storm of 1933. He was also a member of the Congregational church and president of its board of trustees for the past 13 years, his term of office terminating only when death claimed him. In his earlier years he was supervisor of the Twp. and taught in the rural schools. He was also president of the village for several terms a few years ago. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Madge Lewis, at home, and Mrs. Leo H. Harrison, of Mason; three grandchildren, Mrs. Harry Graichen of Trenton, and Hubert and Dale of Mason, besides numerous other relatives and a wide circle of friends. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Spencer Funeral Home, with the Rev. J. E. Cook of Clarksville in charge. Burial in Burr Oak Cem..Newspaper obituaries also are in the Coller Collection, Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, vol 18, p. 5. Died at Athens Village, 21 May 1936, Frank G. Woodruff; age 75y10m10d, b. Athens Twp., occupation: Lumberman; father: Nelson Woodruff, b. OH; mother: Sophia Boughton, b. OH; buried: Burr Oak Cem., Athens; widowed; Lillian Carpenter, spouse; informant: Madge Lewis of Athens.
1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI taken 15 Apr. 11/11. Madge, daughter, age 24, single, is in the home of her parents.
WEDDING. The Athens Times, Friday, June 24, 1910. June Weddings. Woodruff-Lewis. The pretty home of Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Woodruff in this village was the scene of a quiet wedding Wednesday evening when their daughter was given in marriage to Harry G. Lewis, son of Robert H. Lewis. Rev. Harbridge performing the ceremony in the presence of only the members of the immediate families of the contracting parties and a few intimate friends. Miss Lorna Woodruff, a sister of the bride, and Leo H. Harrison of Mason, acted as a bridesmaid and groomsman. After the ceremony a wedding supper was served and sincere congratulations were offered, the same being emphasized by substantial gifts that in years to come will be continual reminders of the happy event. They will commence housekeeping at once in the house adjoining the Woodruff home, which was recently purchased by Mr. Woodruff, evidently with this event in view, and will be at home to their friends after June 27th. The bride is a graduate of the Athens high and for two years taught in the schools of the village. She has been retained for another year. Mr. Lewis is also a graduate of the local high school and now holds a good position with the local lumber firm of Wood & Woodruff. Both are well known and highly respected in this vicinity where practically their whole lives have been spent, and where they have hosts of friends who join with The Times in extending congratulations.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. Book 6, p. 62, #274. Married 22 Jun 1910 at Athens, Harry G. Lewis, age 26, of Athens, b. Athens, bookkeeper, father: Robert H. Lewis, mother: Elizabeth Frye, and Madge L. Woodruff, age 24, of Athens, b. Athens, teacher, father: Frank G. Woodruff, mother: Lillie Carpenter, married by E. H. Harbridge, Clergyman, witnesses: L. H. Harrison and L. F. Woodruff, both of Athens.
1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI, taken 6, 7, 8 January, ED35. 155/162 Lewis, Harry G., head, age 35, b. MI, parents b. MI; Madge L., wife, age 34, b. MI, parents b. MI.
The Athens Times. February 26, 1920. Mrs. Madge Lewis resumed teaching in the grammar room Tuesday after two weeks' illness.
Madge was of Athens, Calhoun , MI at the time of her mother's death according to her mother's obituary.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. 1971, #988. Died 7 Sep 1971 at Battle Creek Twp., Calhoun County, Madge L. Lewis, fw, widow, age 84, b. 19 Dec 1986, residing in Athens, father: Frank Woodruff, mother: Lillian Carpenter, occupation: retired school teacher; informant: Mrs. HarryGreichen,Ypsilanti, MI.
The Athens Times, Friday, Sept. 16, 1904. R. H. Lewis and son, Harry G. Lewis, are out with letter heads showing that they are dealers and growers of pure American ginseng. This is becoming a profitable business. The root isworth $9 the pound when dried.
Information and obituary from Coller Collection, Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI. October 30, 1908, Harry G. Lewis, age 23, cashier involved Athens State Bank, bound over to Circuit Court on charge of forgery. Sept 23, 1909 - changes plea to guilty to forgery; is given 1-year probation by Judge Walter H. North; held innocent of intentional crime.
Battle Creek Enquirer, Saturday, October 31, 1908. Harry Lewis Waives Preliminary Examination. Athens Banker Will Go Direct to the Court Court forTrial. After having been continued times without number to Justice Batdorff, the hearing of Harry Lewis of Athens, charged with forgery, did not come off yesterday as usual, but this time Lewis was bound over to the circuit court for trial. Lewis furnished bonds of $2,000 to appear before the circuit court at the November term. The hearing was called yesterday afternoon and at that time Lewis, accompanied by his father and his attorney, J. M. Powers, were present in the court room. Mr. Powers announced, however, that preminimary examination in the lower court would be waived and that Lewis would go direct to the circuit court for trial. The case is down for November.
Battle Creek Enquirer, Tuesday, November 17, 1908. Harry Lewis Arraigned and Stands Mute but His Case is Continued Over Until Next Term. Harry G. Lewis, who was arrested on the charge of forgery, was arraigned, but when asked to plead, stood mute. A plea of not guilty was entered for him and his trial was continued over the term.
OBITUARY. Coller Collection. Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI. Battle Creek Moon Journal, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 1932. Athens Lumberman dies of Pneumonia. Harry G. Lewis, 47, assistant manager of the Wood and Woodruff Lumber Company, at Athens, passed away at 8:05 o'clock Monday morning at the home of Herbert Leppo, 73 Champion street, following an illness of only 48 hours, death being attributed to influenza and pneumonia. Mr. Lewis came to Battle Creek about seven weeks ago to receive treatment for an injury to his back, sustained when he fell down a flight of stairs five years ago. While here he contracted influenza and pneumonia developed. Saturday morning he lapsed into a state of coma and never regained consciousness. Besides his widow, Mrs. Madge Lewis, the deceased leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Lewis of Athens, and a sister, who does not reside here. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at Spencer's Funeral Home in Athens, with the Rev. J. E. Cook officiating. Burial will be made in the Athens Cem..
OBITUARY. The Enquirer and Evening News, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 1932. Harry G. Lewis, 47, died at a local hospital Monday, his residence is in Athens. He was assistant manager of Wood Woodruff Lumber Athens. He is survived by his widow, Madge, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Lewis, of Athens. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from Spencer's funeral home. The Rev. J. E. Cook will be in charge.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. Vol. BC15, p. 49. Died at City of Battle Creek, 26 Dec 1932, Harry G. Lewis, mw, married, age 48, b. MI, father: Robert H. Lewis, mother: Elizabeth Frye, occupation: bookkeeper.
Sources: Pedigree chart from Mrs. Lina Snyder, now deceased; Portraits and Biographical Album of Calhoun County, MI, pub. Chicago 1891. Information gleaned from the Calvin L. Carpenter Family reunion journal in Athens, Calhoun, MI. Tombstone dates for Alva, Zingara and Claude A. and wife, Ethel, from Burr Oak Cem. in Athens, Calhoun, MI. A Vira Wells 1860-1953 was buried on same lot.
1893 Reunion: Calvin L. Carpenter Family, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Zingara was age 30, Allie, age 33, Claud, age 9, H. Ray, age 5. 1895 Reunion: Calvin L. Carpenter Family, Zingara was 32 when she attended.
1910 U.S. Census, St. Joseph , Leonidas Twp., MI, ED 128, page 1A, taken 15 April. 2/2 Tiffany, Allie, head, MW, 50, married 1, 27 years, b. MI, father and mother b. NY, occupation, merchant; Zingara, wife, FW, 47, 2 children born, 2 alive, all b. MI; Ray, son, MW, 21, single, b. MI.
OBITUARY. The Athens Times. Thursday, August 11, 1921. Mrs. Melvin Alvord Dies from Apoplectic Stroke. Was Helping to Prepare New Home for Occupancy. The community was greatly surprised last Friday afternoon when the news of the death of Mrs. Melvin Alvord gained circulation. Mr. and Mrs.Alvord, who have lived on the Sarah Huxley farm for the past year, had gone to their own place, known as the Tabor farm, near the Kirby school house, to spend the day in preparing the house for their own occupancy this fall. Mrs. Alvord was helping Ed Cross with the papering in an upstairs room, while Mr. Alvord was cultivating in the garden. At about eleven o'clock she complained of not feeling well. She descended the stairs and sat down at a chair where she was instantly stricken with apoplexy, from which she never regained consciousness, dying at about one o'clock, before some members of her family were able to reach her bedside. The funeral services were held at the Congregational Church, of which Mrs. Alvord was a member, Sunday afternoon, Rev. Dawe officiating. Burial in Burr Oak Cem., the O.E.S. having charge of the service. Zingara M. Carpenter, second daughter of Henry and Susan Carpenter, was born December 4, 1862, in the Twp. of Athens, where her girlhood days were spent. She received her education in the village school and, after teaching school for two years, was united in marriage to Alva Tiffany of Athens, Jan. 1, 1883, at Mendon, Mich. To this union two children were born: Claude A. Tiffany of Sherwood, and Ray of Battle Creek. They lived in Athens and vicinity until the purchase of a farm in Leonidas Twp., living there until the death of her husband, which occurred March 16, 1912, after a long illness. In the autumn of 1912 she moved to Athens to live with her aged mother, remaining there until her marriage to Melvin Alvord of Athens, July 24, 1913. They made their home in Athens until the spring of 1920, when they moved to a farm west of town. She was suddenly stricken while working in her newly acquired home in Sherwood Twp. and passed to the great beyond August 5, 1921, aged 58 years, 7 months and 1 day. She leaves to mourn her loss, a husband, one sister, one brother, two sons and six grandchildren. She was a member of the O.E.S. in which she served as Worthy Matron for two years and was also a member of the Congregational Church of this place. Her cheerful disposition and ever readiness to help others in time of need has made her a host of friends, by whom she will be greatly missed.
Card of Thanks. We desire in this way to express our heartfelt thanks to ourkind friends and neighbors, the O.E.S., the minister, the singers and all others who assisted us during our sorrow. Melvin Alvord. Claude Tiffany and family. Ray Tiffany and family.DEATH. Branch County Clerk, Coldwater, MI, Vol. C, p. 227, #4937. Died 5 Aug 1921 at Sherwood Twp., Zingara Alvord, FW, Md, age 58y8m1d, b. MI, father: Henry C. Carpenter, b. NY, mother: Susan Palmer, b. NY, cause: cerebral hemmorage.
1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI. 289/206 Alva was age 20, nephew to George and Polly Outman, (Parents are Issac B. Tiffany, 1838 to 5 Sept 1883, wife, Lucy B. 20 Jul 1836-29 May 1914. This couple is buried in the same Burr Oak Cem. in Athens, Calhoun, MI. There was also a Delbert 1879-1955 and Vella Tiffany 1883-1955. They were the only Tiffanys that could be found in that Cem..)
Allie gave his father as born in Ohio and his mother in NY.
OBITUARY. The Athens Times, Friday, March 22, 1912. Three More Answer Last Summons. Mrs. Favorite, Mrs. Lee and Alva Tiffany Dead. Alva Tiffany, aged 52 years, one of the well known farmers of this section, passed away Saturday afternoon at his home in Leonidas Twp., southwest of town, after a lingering illness. Mr. Tiffany was for several years past engaged in hay buying and at one time served as highway commissioner of Athens Twp., where he formerly lived. Mr. Tiffany was married to Zingara Carpenter in 1882, she together with two sons, Claude and Ray, of this place, one sister, Mrs. Elmore Swartz, of Battle Creek; two brothers, Calvin H. of Battle Creek and Brade of this place, and his mother, Mrs. Lucy Tiffany of Battle Creek survive him. The funeral was held from the Congregational Church in Athens Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Gadd and Albright officiating. At the request of the Wakeshma Lodge F.&A.M. of which Mr. Tiffany was a member, the funeral was held under the auspices of Athens Lodge, No. 220. He was also a member of the Athens Grange. Interment in Burr Oak Cem..
The Athens Times, Friday, March 22, 1912. Local News. F. E. Seedorff of East Leroy attended the funeral of Alva Tiffany Tuesday.
WEDDING. The Athens Times, Thursday, Aug. 1, 1913. Alvord-Tiffany. Melvin L. Alvord and Mrs. Zingara Tiffany, both of Athens, were united in marriage by Rev. W. A. Exner at the Alvord home on South Main Street last Thursday night, in the presence of a few guests. Mr. and Mrs. Alvord are both well known here, having resided in the vicinity for many years. They will make their home with Mr. Alvord's mother. Congratulations are in order.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. 1933, p. 5, #1. Died 19 Feb 1933 at Athens, Melvin L. Alvord, mw, widower, age 72y1m5d, b. 14 Jan 1861 in MI, father: Seymore Alvord, mother: Helen Bruce, cause: pneumonia, ocupation: farmer.
Sources: Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter of Athens, MI. Birth and death dates from tombstones. Information from two reunion journals in possession of Irene Chichester, Athens, Calhoun, MI in the early 1980's; sent to this typist by Elma Carpenter of Battle Creek, Calhoun, MI.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County, MI, Family History Center, Salt Lake City, UT, Film 1009297, Vol 4, page 206, #3081, Married 20 Mar 1895, in Athens, Carl W. Carpenter of Athens, age 20, b. MI, a farmer, and Maggie Pratt of Athens, age 21 b. (not listed). Parents: Henry L. Carpenter and Susan Palmer and Frank Pratt and Mariah McNeil. Witnesses were John Robinson and Zoa Pratt both of Athens. Married by F. Ware, M. G.
1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Twp., MI, ED30, taken 23 April. 23/23 Carpenter, C. Ward, head, age 35, married 15 years, b. MI, parents b. NY, farmer; Margaret, wife, age 36, 2 children, 2 children living, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. MI; H. Neil, son, age 9, b. MI; Wayne, son, age 6, b. MI; Lulu, cousin, age 30, b. MI, parents b. NY, dress making.
1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Twp., MI, taken 6, 7, 8 January, ED 35, sheet 4A, line 11. 250/260 Carpenter, Carl Ward, head, age 46 b. MI, parents b. NY, farmer; Margaret, wife, age 46, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. MI; H. Neil, son, age 19, b. MI, parents b. MI; Wayne E., son, age 16, b. MI; Brownell, Lulu, cousin, age 41, b. MI, parents b. NY, dressmaker. Lulu was a daughter of Parker Hall Brownell and Melissa Carpenter. Carl's father was Henry Leighton Carpenter. Henry and Melissa were brother and sister.
The Athens Times, Friday, May 17, 1912. C. W. Carpenter made a business trip to Battle Creek, Monday.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Monday, June 20, 1949. Athens - Carl Ward Carpenter, 74, died at 6:30 a.m. today on the same farm he was born in Athens Twp., four miles west of here. He was born Aug. 15, 1875, in Athens Twp., a son of Henry and Suzanne (Palmer) Carpenter, and was a farmer. He was a member of the Congregational Church. Surviving are the wife, Margaret; two sons, Neil Carpenter of Route 6, Kalamazoo, and Wayne Carpenter of Sturgis. The body is at the Spencer Funeral Home.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Tuesday, June 21, 1949. Athens - Services will be held by the Rev. J. D. Perrin at 2 p.m. Wednesday from the Spencer Chapel for Ward Carpenter, 74, who died Monday on the same farm where he was born. He was a member of the Grange and Congregational Church. Burial will be in Burr Oak Cem. here.
OBITUARY. The Athens Times, Thursday, May 30, 1963. Athens - Mrs. Margaret Carpenter, 89, died Thursday morning at the home of her son, Neil Carpenter of 225 Osterhout Road, Kalamazoo, where she had made her home for the past six months. She was born in Athens, the daughter of Frank and Maria (McNeil) Pratt. She was married on March 20, 1895, to Ward Carpenter. He died on June 20, 1949. Mrs. Carpenter was a member of the Congregational Church in Athens and the Macabees. Surviving are two sons, Neil of Kalamazoo and Wayne E. of Burr Oak; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Services were held from the Spencer Funeral Home on Saturday afternoon, the Rev. Phillip Crubaugh officiating. Burial in Burr Oak Cem., Athens.
DEATH: Kalamazoo County Clerk, Kalamazoo, MI, 1963, Vol. 1, #104. Died 23 May 1963, Margaret Carpenter, residing at 225 Osterhout Road, Portage, MI, age 89y, b. 17 Nov 1873 in Athens, MI, husband: Ward Carpenter. Informant: Neil Carpenter of Kalamazoo. Buried: Burr Oak Cemetery, Athens. Cause: Heart disease.
There were no children found on the chart made by Lorna Carter for Wayne to Esther Wilbur. We have verified that there were none. Lois Perry, his second wife, had two children by a previous marriage, sons Douglas M. Perry and Walter L. Perry.
The Athens Times. November 5, 1925. Wayne Carpenter who teaches in the Grand Ledge schools spent the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Carpenter. The Athens Times, Aug. 6, 1930. Wayne was of Bowling Green, OH. In June 1949 Wayne was of Sturgis, MI.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, book 8, page 310, #223. 16 Jun 1928, married at Athens, MI, Wayne E. Carpenter, age 25, teacher, and Esther M. Wilber, age 24, teacher, both of Athens, MI. Parents of the groom: C. W. Carpenter and Maggie Pratt; parents of the bride: F. B. Wilber and Mary Soursby. Witnesses: Esther Doty and Harold J. Wilber.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, 3 Jun 1986, p. 3B. Burr Oak--Wayne E. Carpenter, 83, of 61031 Long Lake Road, died Monday in Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo after a short illness. He was born in Athens, graduating from Athens High School and Western Michigan University. He taught industrial arts 40 years in Sturgis High School, retiring in 1967. He moved to Long Lake from Sturgis in 1955. He was a member of First Church of God in Sturgis, where he was a Sunday School teacher and choir member, and had been treasurer 18 years. He was a member of Athens F&AM Lodge 0220, the National, Michigan, St. Joseph and Branch County retired school personnel associations, St. Joseph County Hammond Organ Society, and was active in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Association. Survived by his wife, the former Lois Severance; stepsons, Walter L. Perry of Grand Rapids and Douglas M. Perry of Sturgis; seven step-grandchildren; one stepgreat-grandchild; and a brother, Neil Carpenter of Portage. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in First Church of God, Sturgis. Memorial donations may be made to the church. Arrangements are by Schipper Funeral Home, Colon.
DEATH. Kalamazoo County Clerk, Kalamazoo, MI. 1986 Deaths, p. 875. Died 2 Jun 1986, at City of Kalamazoo, Wayne E. Carpenter, age 83, b. 1 Jun 1908 in Kalamazoo, married to Lois Severance, occupation: teacher, residence: 61031 Long Lake Road, Colon Twp., St. Joseph , MI, father: Carl Ward Carpenter, mother: Margaret Pratt. Informant: Lois Carpenter. Buried: Lakeside Cem., Colon, MI. Cause: Heart failure.
The Athens Times, April 6, 1922. Miss Esther Wilber will teach in the Carpenter district the coming year.
The Athens Times, May 30, 1928. Shower Given for Miss Esther Wilber. Mrs. L. E. Doty and daugher, Miss Esther Doty, entertained sixteen friends Saturday afternoon at a very pretty pre-nuptial event for Miss Esther Wilber, in honor of her approaching marriage to Wayne E. Carpenter. It was in the nature of a miscellaneous shower. Miss Wilber first received a "telegram" which directed her to a certain place where she found a note directing her elsewhere, and while she was following these instructions, a prettily decorated clothes basket containing an abundance of beautiful and useful gifts for the future home of the bride-to-be was carried into the room and presented. This was followed by the singing of several old love songs and a social hour. Dainty refreshments were served before the guests departed.
WEDDING. The Athens Times, Wednesday Afternoon, June 20, 1928. Wilber-Carpenter Wedding Saturday. The home of Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Wilber was the scene of a very pretty home wedding when their daughter, Esther Marguerita, was united in marriage to Mr. Wayne E. Carpenter, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Carpenter, of Athens, on Saturday, June 16, 1928. The ceremony was solemnized at high noon by Rev. J. E. Cook. They were attended by Miss L. Esther Doty, a childhood friend, and Mr. Harold J. Wilber, brother of the bride, acting as best man. Mrs. Mary A. Wilber, of Detroit, was matron of honor and Miss Doris Stockford, of Greenville, was maid of honor. Promptly at twelve, Miss Mary Doty beautifully rendered "O Promise Me." To the strains of Lohengrin's Wedding March, played by Mrs. Charles F. Reebs, sister of the bride, the bridal party took their places before a bower of green, interspersed with yellow tulips and white peonies, preceded by Wendel Guchess, nephew of the bride, who scattered yellow rose petals, making a pathway to the altar. Soft music was played during the ceremony. The bride was given away by her father, the ring ceremony being used. The bride was charmingly attired in a gown of white satin, lace and pearls, wearing orange blossoms in her hair, and a bridal veil. She wore a string of Navarre pearls, a gift of the groom and carried a bouquet of ophelia roses, swansonia and sweet peas. The bridesmaid was lovely in sapphire blue georgett, carrying a yellow bouquet. The matron of honor was gowned in beaded white crepe, the maid of honor in coral flowered pussy willow taffeta and both carried old-fashioned bouquets. After congratulations, pictures were taken of the bridal party and guests. A dainty three-course luncheon was served.,Between courses Miss Mary Doty and Mrs. Charles F. Reebs sang solos. A color scheme of yellow and white was carried out in the decorations of the various rooms. The bride received many beautiful wedding gifts including silver, china, glass, linen and bric-a-brac. Mrs. Carpenter is a graduate of Athens High School and of Western State Normal College. For the past two years she has been supervisor of music in the Niles schools. Mr. Carpenter is also a graduate of Athens High School and of Western State Normal College. For two years he was instructor of manual arts in the Grand Ledge Schools and for the past year in the Sturgis Schools, a position he will occupy again next year. After a short honeymoon trip Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter will go to Bowling Green, Ohio, where the former will attend college. After September first they will be at home to their friends in Strugis, Michigan. The congratulations of a host of friends go with them.
WEDDING. Wednesday, June 22, 1955. Lois May Perry of 207 S. Mattison St., Bronson, a teacher in the Bronson Community Schools, and Wayne E. Carpenter of 212 Virginia Ave., Sturgis, a member of the Sturgis High School faculty, were united in marriage Sunday afternoon in the Church of God, Sturgis. The Rev. Forrest M. Plants read the double ring service at 2 o'clock in the presence of 300 relatives and friends. . . Walter and Douglas Perry of Bronson, sons of the bride, and Joe Leatherman of Sturgis, ushered. . . Mrs. Laura Severance of Bronson, the bride's mother. . . Mr. Carpenter's mother, Mrs. Margaret Carpenter of Sturgis. . .
MARRIAGE. Branch County Clerk, Coldwater, MI, Vol. I, p. 296, #15,618. Married 12 June 1955 at Sturgis, MI, Wayne E. Carpenter, age 52, b. MI, residing in Sturgis, occupation: teacher, father: Carl Ward Carpenter, mother: Margaret Pratt, and Lois May Perry, age 53, b. MI, residing in Bronson, occupation: teacher; father: Lemuel Severance, mother: Laura LaChapelle, both had been married once previously; officiant: Forrest M. Plants, MG, witnesses: Retha Olson and Arner Olson, both of Coldwater.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, August, 1993 (MI). Lois M. (Severance) Carpenter, 91, of 2900 Thornhill Drive, S.E., Grand Rapids and formerly of Long Lake and Sturgis, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1993, at Kent Community Hospital, Grand Rapids. Mrs. Carpenter was born Oct. 8, 1901, in Spring Prairie, Wis., to Lemuel and Laura (LaChapelle) Severance. She was a 1920 graduate of Hastings High School, attended one year at Barry County Normal School and was a 1929 graduate of Western Michigan University (then a normal school). She had retired in 1966 from Bronson Schools, where she had taught for many years. She was a member of the First Church of God of Sturgis, Sturgis Womens Club, Colon Womens Club, Branch County Retired Teachers Association and Hammond Organ Society. She made her home on Long Lake from 1955 to 1986, returning to Sturgis in 1986 and later moving to Grand Rapids. She married Wayne E. Carpenter on June 12, 1955, in Sturgis. He died June 2, 1986. She also was preceded in death by sisters Helen VanDyke and Beulah Minford. Surviving are sons Walter L. Perry of Grand Rapids and Douglas M. Perry of Sturgis; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Ernest Severance of Walled Lake; and sisters, Alice Gordon of Holland and Hazel Severance of Northville. Burial: Lakeside Cem., Colon.
The Athens Times, Friday, ---, 1907. Jessie Carpenter of Tacoma, Washington, visited Saturday with the family of Will Lewis.
Sources of information: From his son, Carroll Howard Webster, by correspondence over several years. They lived in Canby, Oregon, and in the winters in Arizona. They came to Donna Hellewell's home (in Idaho at that time) in about 1960. Information was exchanged.
Information received in 1960 from Carroll Howard Webster of Canby, Oregon, who was the son of Jessie Ford Carpenter, John Wallace's sister. County of birth may not be Lake.
They had no children.
"John Leland married, but we don't know where he lives," according to correspondence received in 1960 from Carroll Howard Webster, a cousin, of Canby, Oregon, who is the son of Jessie Ford Carpenter, John Leland's father's sister, Jessie Ford Carpenter.
Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter. Parents of Flora signed in at the 1893-94 Calvin L. Carpenter Family Reunion in Athens, Calhoun, MI. Family reunion material received from Ahlene Doubleday in Feb. 1983.
Birth date for Flora is from article written by her grandson, Lyle D. Brundage, of Big Rapids, MI in 1974; birth year also from Cem. marker.
MARRIAGE. Benzie County Clerk, Beulah, MI, marriages, vol. 1, page 5, #68, married 17 May 1873 at Inland, Daniel Elmer Sherman, b. NY, age 20, of Inland, farmer; and Flora R. Simmons, b. NY state, age 16, of Inland; by H. Henry Howes, Justice of the Peace; witnesses: Frank G. Murrell and Frances Murrell, both of Blaire, Grand Traverse , MI.
1880 U.S. Census, Benzie , Inland Twp., MI taken 18 Jun. 213/213 Sherman, Daniel E., head, age 26, farmer, b. NY, parents b. NY; Flora, wife, age 21, b. NY, parents b. NY; Lois, daughter, age 6, b. MI; Sarah, daughter, age 4, b. MI; Rose, daughter, age 1, b. MI.
1884 Michigan Census, Benzie , Inland Twp., taken Jun. 40/41 Sherman, Elmer, age 31, husband, b. NY, parents b. NY, farmer; Flora R., age 27, wife, b. NY, parents b. NY; Lois M., age 10, daughter, b. MI; Sarah A., age 8, daughter, b. MI; Rosa V., age 5, daughter, b. MI; Elmer resided in state 20 years, Flora resided in state 27 years.
1900 U.S. Census, Benzie, Inland, MI taken 7 Jun. 39/40 Sherman, Daniel E., b. Jul 1852, 47, m 26y; Flora R., b. Jan 1857, 43, b. NY, 4 children, 3 alive; Bowen, Glen S., grandson, b. Sep 1893, age 6; Bowen, Emilie, granddaughter, b. Sep 1890, age 9.
Benzie Banner, Benzie, MI April 1902. Bendon - Mrs. Flora Sherman is now carrying the mail to Turtle Lake and Inland. (Flora's husband, Daniel Sherman, died in January 1902.)
1910 U.S. Census, Homestead Twp., Benzie , MI taken 28 Apr. 188/189 Flora R. Stiles, FW, age 52, married twice, is a boarder in the home of Emily L. Gokey and Alger V. Gokey. (Is this Flora Rowena Simmons Sherman, Emily's grandmother? We need to check marriages in Benzie County between 1902-10.)
1920 U.S. Census, Lansing City, Ingham , MI taken 3/4 Jan. 625 Main St. 41/45, Guthrie, Ephriam, head, owns, mortgage, wm, age 61, md b. IN, fa: b. MI, mo: b. IN, machinist, auto ; Flora, wife, fw, age 63, md, b. NY, parents b. NY; Guthrie, George, son, mw, age 16, b. MI, father b. IN, mother b. MI (Ephriam's son from a previous marriage); Bowen, Glen S., step-son (Flora's grandson), mw, age 26, md., b. MI, machinist, auto ; Bowen, Hazel, step daughter (Glen's wife), fw, age 18, md., b. MI, parents b. MI; Russell, Alvin T., step-son (Flora's son-in-law), mw, age 43, md. b. MI moulder, iron foundry; Russell, Rose V.,
step-daughter, (Flora's daughter), fw, age 41, md. b. MI, parents b.
NY.The Athens Times, January 30, 1929. Mrs. Flora Gutherie and daughter, Mrs. Russell H. Wing (perhaps this should be Mrs. Alvin Russell, Rose's first husband was Nathan Wing) and Fred Tupper of Lansing . . . gathered at the home of E. P. Simmons to assist Mr. Simmons and Mrs. Hattie Seedorff celebrate their birthdays. Mr. Simmons' birthday was Sunday and Mrs. Seedorff's birthday was Saturday.
In 1931, Mrs. Flora Guthrie was of Lansing, MI.
"Besides farming, Levi Simons 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, August 4, 1974.
March 28, 1997, visit to Old Inland Cem., on US 31, in Inland Twp., Benzie County, MI, where Flora and Daniel E. Sherman are buried.
Nov 1998. Ingham County Clerk, Mason, MI, death records checked for Flora Guthrie's death, but no record was found. Also marriages checked for marriage to Guthrie - not found.
Daniel Elmer Sherman's father, Daniel was the first settler in Inland Twp., Benzie County, MI. He recorded his claim, under the Homestead Act of 1862, on November 27, 1863, in the Northwest Quarter of Section 13 (160 acres) of what became to be known as Inland Twp..
"The Beginning - Daniel Elmer (El) Sherman married Flora R. Simmons in Inland Twp., Benzie County, Michigan on May 17, 1873. According to the best available evidence, El was 20 and Flora was 16. They settled in Bendon, Michigan area. (The Village of Bendon was not platted and established until 1892, however, according to county records.) There they raised their family. Family tradition indicates that the marriage was opposed by the parents of Flora. They thought that El was too wild. However, if this be true, after their marriage at a neighbor's home, he settled down. It was a truly romantic love affair which never ended until the death of each. Flora measured all men in terms of El long after his death. Her standards were always high. El and Flora had the following children: Lois, Sarah, Rose, Pearl (died in childhood)." Written by Lyle D. Brundage, August 4, 1974, Big Rapids, MI.
OBITUARY. Benzie Banner, Benzie, MI, January 1902: Bendon--Elmer Sherman, one of the oldest pioneers of Inland Twp., passed away Sunday morning, of consumption of the blood, aged 49 years. His father, Daniel Sherman, was the first man to settle in what is now Inland Township, in 1862. Elmer has always lived here, except a short period spent in Frankfort many years ago. He leaves a wife, three daughters, and a sister to mourn his loss. Mrs. Sherman's father, L. B. Simmons, arrived Monday evening from Athens, Calhoun County, to stay with his daughter.
DEATH. Benzie County Clerk, Beulah, MI, Deaths. Vol. 1, page 102, #24, died 26 Jan. 1902, Daniel Elmer Sherman, at Inland, age 49y6m21d, father Daniel Sherman, mother Christine Sherman, occupation: farmer, cause of death: bright's disease.
28 Mar 1997 visit to Old Inland Cem., Inland Twp., Benzie , MI where there is a marker for Daniel Elmer Sherman and Flora.
DEATH. Benzie County, MI, deaths. Vol 1, page 30, #41, died 23 May 1882, Pearl Sherman, male, age 9m10d, b. MI, at Inland, father Elmer Sherman, mother Flora Sherman, cause of death malarial fever.
1900 U.S. Census, Homestead Twp., Benzie , MI taken 27 Jun, ED7, 14A. 203/205 Guthrie, Ephriam A., head, WM, b. Nov 1859, age 40, md twice; Mana A., wife, WF, b. Nov 1857, age 42, md. twice, 7 children, 6 alive; Sidney D., son, WM, b. Oct 1890, age 9; Hassen (crossed out), Joseph, step-son, WM, b. Aug. 1888, age 11; Rust, Sarah A., step-daughter, WF, b. Dec 1890, age 9; Rust, Ema M., step-daughter, WF, b. July 1891, age 8; Rust, Louis W., step-son, WM, b. June 1894, age 5; De--, Richard A., boarder, WM, b. Aug 1847, age 52.
1910 U.S. Census, Homestead Twp., Benzie , MI, taken 28 Apr, ED 7, sheet 9B. 180/181 Guthrie, Ephriam, head, MW, age 50, b. IN, father b. OH, mother b. NY, farm; George, son, MW, age 6, b. MI; Cunningham, David, boarder, MW, age 76, married once, 50y; Emily, servant, wf, FW, age 70, Md twice, 8 children, 5 alive; Ferry, Ancil, boarder, MW, age 3.
1920 U.S. Census, Lansing City, Ingham , MI taken 3/4 Jan, ED95, sheet 2B. 625 Main St. 41/45 Guthrie, Ephriam, owns, mortgage, MW, age 61, Md, b. IN, father b. MI, mother b. IN, machinist, auto company - see wife's, Flora's, notes for this census.
DEATH. Ingham County Clerk, Mason, MI. Vol. 11, p. 23, #209, City of Lansing. Died 4 Mar 1929 at City of Lansing, Ephria A. Guthrie, age 70y3m10d, b. IN, male, white, married, parents unknown, cause: apoplexy.
1880 U. S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI, 277/288 Emery is 21 and in the home of his parents, Levi B. Simmons and Ellen Maria (Carpenter) Simmons.
Notes from Eloise Stormshak, grand-niece of Emery: Emery Simmons ran a grocery store in Pine Creek, in the old building where the hall now stands, while the new little store at the end of the road was being built. After he moved into the new building old Mr. Gregg occupied the old one for a shoe shop. Grandfather (Ora L. Simmons) and Great Uncle Emery Simmons built all the stores in Pine Creek, which are now all gone. 1997
1893 Calvin L. Carpenter Family Reunion, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Emery was 35, Hazel D. 6, Sarah 36. 1895 Calvin L. Carpenter Family Reunion, Athens, Calhoun, MI. L. B. (Levi B. Simmons) was 59, E. P. (Emery P.) was 37, Sarah A. 38, Hazel D. 8, and Ora Simmons was 22.
1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI, taken 2 Jun. 55/55 Simmons, Emery P., head, W M, b. Jan. 1859, age 41, married, b. MI, parents b. NY, occupation: painter; Simmons, Sarah A., wife, W F, b. Aug 1857, age 42, md., 1 child born, 1 child living, b. MI, parents b. England; Simmons, Hazel D., daughter, W F, b. Jun 1887, age 12.
1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI taken 15 April. /176, Simmons, Emery P., head, age 51, married 24 years, b. MI, parents b. NY, drayman; Sarah N., wife, age 52, 2 children, 1 child living, b. MI, parents born England; Hazel, daughter, age 22, single, b. MI.1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI taken 15 and 16 January, ED 35, sheet 13B. 214/221 Simmons, Emery P., head, age 60, b. MI, parents b. NY; Sarah A., wife, age 62, b. MI, parents b. England.
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 is the husband of Sarada Place and the son of Calvin Loomis Carpenter's brother, Robert Carpenter, and his wife, PlexanaWood.)
The Athens Times, Thursday, November 20, 1929. A four-generation party took dinner at the home of E. P. Simmons Sunday. Those present were Mr. Simmons' sister, Mrs. Flora Guthrie who resides with him, Rose Russell of Lansing; Mrs. Gladys Sessman of Jackson, and the latter's daughter, Phyllis Jean.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 7, page 306, #50, 4 Feb. 1931, Simmons, Emery P., died at City of Battle Creek, male, 72y0m7d, widower, b. MI, father Levi Simmons, mother Maria Carpenter, both parents b. NY.
OBITUARY. The Athens Times. Emery P. Simmons Died at Brother's Home February 4, 1931. Once again our community is saddened by the death of one of its older and best knowncitizens, Emery P. Simmons, who passed away last Wednesday at the home of his brother, Ora Simmons, in Battle Creek, following a long illness, during which he had been practically helpless much of the time. For a number of years Emery operated a dray and express line in Athens and later made a business of selling automobiles. A more honest or kind-hearted man than he would indeed be hard to find. Emery Potter Simmons was one of three children born to Levi and Maria Simmons on January 27, 1859. In 1886 he was married to Sarah Lewis and to them was born two years later a daughter, who was given the name of Hazel, who with his wife, have preceded him in death. Following the death of these two members of his family, his sister, Mrs. Flora Guthrie, came to make her home with him in his lonliness. Late last fall he went to the home of his brother, Ora Simmons, in Battle Creek, where he spent the remainder of his days, passing away on February 4, 1931, at the age of 72 years and 7 days. Forty years of his life was spent in Athens where he had many friends. He is survived by the brother and sister above mentioned, and also by two grandchildren, Ruth and Homer Robinson, beside many other relatives. The funeral services were held at the Congregational Church Friday, with the Rev. Carleton Brooks Miller, officiating, assisted by Rev. J. E. Cook. Burial in Burr Oak Cem..
Card of Thanks. We take this way to express our gratitude to the friends for their kindness and sympathy during the illness and following death of our loved one. Mr. and Mrs. Ora Simmons and family. Mrs. Flora Guthrie.
OBITUARY. The Athens Times, Thursday, Feb. 17, 1927. Well Known Citizen Taken by Death. Mrs. E. P. Simmons, a pioneer resident of Athens and vicinity, died at her home in the Village Sunday morning, Feb. 13, 1927, following about four years of ill health. Sarah A. Lewis, daughter of William and Ann Lewis, was born Aug. 8, 1857, in the Twp. of Leonidas, St. Joseph County, Michigan, where most of her girlhood was spent. On July 8, 1886, she was united in marriage to Emery P. Simmons, and to this union was born one daughter, Hazel, who preceded her mother to the Great Beyond Dec. 20 1924. Hers was a very quiet nature and those who new her best, knew her only to love her. Her husband, two grandchildren, Ruth and Homer Robinson, of Battle Creek; one sister, Mrs. Jennie Wood, one brother, Wm. Lewis, and many friends are left to mourn their loss. The funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. F. A. Stephens officiating. Burial in Burr Oak Cem.. Passing out of the shadow Into eternal day, Why do we call it dying, This sweet going away?
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Death Records, 1926-27, Athens Village, p. 8, #11. 13 Feb 1927, Sarah A. Simmons, FW, married, 69y6m10d, b. MI; father William Lewis, b. England; mother Anna Stancer, b. England.
1880 U. S. Census of Athens, Calhoun, MI. 277/288, Orrie, age 7, male, son, b. MI is in the home of his parents, Levi B. Simmons and Ellen M.
Ora Simmons was 22 when he attended the 1895 Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Family Reunion in Athens, Calhoun, MI.
Ora L. Simmons and Nellie Simmons' first home was in Pine Creek, Calhoun, MI. In 1907 they moved to Battle Creek. Information from granddaughter, Eloise Stormshak, Battle Creek in 1997.
The Athens Times, Thursday, April 10, 1924. Simmons Family Reunion Held at Battle Creek. The Simmons family held a happy reunion Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Simmons, Battle Creek, Sunday afternoon. Dinner was served at 2 o'clock to 24 guests, who represented four generations of this family. The guest list included Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Guthrie, Miss Rose Russell and Miss Reva Widrig, of Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. Carl Huffman and daughter, of Woodland; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Widrig and son Billy of Mendon (this should be Bendon); Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Simmons of Athens; Mr. and Mrs. John Robinson and family, Mr. and Mrs. George Voyce, of Battle Creek, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Carpenter and son, Billy, of Athens. The afternoon was spent with visiting and taking pictures.
ANNIVERSARY. O. L. Simmons to Mark 50th Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Ora L. Simmons of 23 Janoah Avenue will hold open house for their friends and relatives from 2 to 5 o'clock and from 7 to 9 o'clock next Sunday in observance of their golden wedding anniversary. The Simmons were married on May 7, 1898, (some records say 1897) in Athens. They moved to Battle Creek nine years later and Mr. Simmons himself built the house on Janoah Street in which they have lived ever since. Mr. Simmons worked 10 years for the Duplex Printing Press ; and then went into the contracting business for himself. He later was employed by the Kellogg for 13 years, retiring at the age of 65. During the war his services were needed by the H. B. Sherman Manufacturing and he still is employed there. The couple have a son, Leo Simmons of Melvindale, Detroit, and a daughter, Mrs. George Voyce who lives on the Four Mile Road in East Leroy. There are two grandchildren, Mrs. Gus Stormshak of 29 East Kingman Avenue, and Jerry Lee Voyce. The family and relatives from Traverse City and Detroit will be entertained Saturday evening at the Voyce home. Dinner will be served at 6 o'clock and the out-of-town relatives will be Mrs. Bessie Clement and children, Jerome and Jeannette, Miss Louise Porter, Mr. and Mrs. George Sayre, Mr. and Mrs. Louis O'Banion, Mrs. Blossom Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Jensen Yockey and Mr. and Mrs. Leo Simmons, all of Detroit.
ANNIVERSARY. 1947 Newspaper clipping. Ora Simmons Observe Their Golden Wedding. Two hundred friends and relatives attended the open house given by Mr. and Mrs. Ora Simmons of 23 Janoah Sunday afternoon in celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary which they observed Friday. Mrs. Simmons greeted her guests wearing a gold dress with a corsage of orchids and lillies-of-the-valley. Her granddaughter, Mrs. Gus Stormshak, met them at the door, and her grandson, Jerry Lee Voyce, was in charge of the guest book. Cup cakes decorated with gold roses and punch were served from a table laid with a white cloth and centered with arrangements of yellow flowers in tiny vases backed by the numerals "50" in gold, as well as gold and white tapers in candelabra. Hostesses were Mrs. Richard LaForce, Mrs. Charles Huff and Mrs.Donald Warren. Out-of-town guests were from Traverse City, Detroit, Marine City, Olivet, Athens, Fulton and Delton. The Simmons' son and daughter, Mrs. George Voyce of East Leroy and Leo Simmons of Melvindale, were present for the event. Both Mr. and Mrs. Simmons, she the former Nellie Aplin, were born in Inland, Benzie County, near Traverse City. They were married in Athens and made their home there for the first 10 years of their married life. They then came to Battle Creek, taking up residence at their present address, where they have been ever since. Mr. Simmons, who is now employed as a millwright by the H. B. Sherman Manufacturing was at one time in the contracting business. He was employed by the Kellogg for 13 years and by Duplex Printing Press for five years.
OBITUARY. 1966. Ora L. Simmons Succombs at 93. Ora L. Simmons, 93, a 60-year resident of Battle Creek, died Wednesday night in the American Legion Hospital where he had been a patient for two and a half years. Before entering the hospital Mr. Simmons lived at 23 Janoah Street. The son of Levi B. and Mary Simmons, he was born July 29, 1873 in the log cabin which his father had built on the timber claim he had homesteaded in Inland Twp. in Benzie County. Mr. Simmons was married to Nellie Aplin on May 7, 1897 in Athens. The couple spent the first nine years of their marriage in Athens. They moved in 1909 to Battle Creek where Mr. Simmons was employed by the old Duplex Printing Company. Later he established his own business as a carpenter contractor and worked for the U.S. Government on construction of the first buildings at Ft. Custer during World War I. In 1918 Mr. Simmons went to work for the Kellogg Company as a millwright, leaving 13 years later to assume a similar position with H. B. Sherman Manufacturing Company, retiring in 1953. Mrs. Simmons died October 18, 1964, five months after she and her husband had celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Mr. Simmons is survived by a daughter, Mrs. George (Neva) Voyce of Route 1, East Leroy, Michigan; a son, Leo Simmons of Marine City; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Vol. 48, p. 101. Died 23 Nov. 1966 at Springfield, Calhoun , MI, Ora Levi Simmons, age 93, b. 29 Jul 1873, mw, widow; father: Levi Simmons; mother: Aplin; spouse: Nellie; informant: Mrs. George Voyce; buried: Burr Oak Cem., Athens, MI.
Birth date for Nellie taken from the Aplin Family Bible in possession of Eloise Stormshak in Nov 1996, Battle Creek, Calhoun , MI.
1884 Michigan Census, Benzie , Inland Twp, taken Jun. 47/48 Aplin, Edward P., age 40, b. RI, inn keeper, 16 years in state; Mary E., age 38, b. WV, parents b. WV; Emily, daughter, age 9?, b. MI; Nellie, daughter, age 2, b. MI.
Nellie Aplin Simmons' mother, Mary Eveline Jarrett Aplin, marriedNellie's husband's, Ora's, father, Levi Benjamin Simmons.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer, 19 Oct 1964, p. 4. Mrs. Nellie A. Simmons, 83, of 23 Janoah Ave., died Sunday morning in a local hospital where she had been a patient for more than two years. She was born July 25, 1881, in Benzie County, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Aplin. She came to Battle Creek at an early age with her family. She was married to Ora Simmons May 7, 1897, in Athens and the couple farmed in the Athens area until 1906, when they came to Battle Creek. The couple celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary last May in the American Legion Hospital where they were both patients. Mr. Simmons is still a patient there. Surviving besides her husband are two children, Leo Simmons of Marine City, and Mrs. George (Neva) Voyce of East Leroy; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Vol. 46, p. 99. Died 18 Oct 1964 at Springfield, Calhoun , MI, Nellie Simmons, age 83, b. 25 Jul 1881, fw, married; father: Pason Aplin; mother: Nellie; residence: 23 Janoah St., Battle Creek; occupation: housewife; buried: 21 Oct 1964, N. Athens Baptist Cem., Calhoun , MI; informant: Mrs. George Voyce, East Leroy, MI.
1880 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI, taken 16 Jun 281/298 William Carpenter, age 10/12, born August, is in the home of his parents, Robert Carpenter and Alice. Based on this census, we are assuming that William was born in Calhoun County.
1900 U.S. Census, Inland Twp., Benzie , MI, William was 20 years old and in the home of his parents, Robert Carpenter and Alice W. Dexter Carpenter.
1910 U.S. Census, Benzie , Benzonia Village, MI taken 2 May. 289/292 Carpenter, William D., head, WM, age 30, married once, 7 years, b. MI, parents b. NY, occupation tin smith, general store; Freda A., wife, WF, age 27, 0 children, b. Sweden; Zenna I., WF, adopted daughter, age 8, b. MI, parents b. MI; Robert, father, WM, age 70, widower, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. CT; Calvin L., brother, WM, age 24, single, b. MI, parents b. NY, occupation house painter.
1920 U.S. Census, Benzie , Benzonia Twp., MI taken 2 and 3 Jan. 18/18 Carpenter, William D., head, owns, mortgage, MW, age 40, occupation: field secretary, ??? World Monument; Freda, wife, age 38, year immigrated 1887, year naturalized 1892, b. Sweden, parents b. Sweden; Zenna, daughter, age 18, b. MI.
Some family records say William was a school teacher. However, census records show differently. He married Freda, but family records say there were no children. He died in the state of Washington (source of death information unknown).
William's date of birth is taken from a statement made by his father in his Civil War Pension records. He is listed as Willis D. Carpenter.
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.
1910 U.S. Census, Benzie , Benzonia Twp., MI taken 2 May. Zenna, age 1 is in the home of her parents. It states Zenna was adopted. Since she is not of the Carpenter blood line, no further research is being done at this time (1997).
1920 U.S. Census, Benzonia Twp., Benzie , MI taken 2 and 3 Jan. 18/18 Zenna, daughter, age 18, b. MI, is in the home of her parents.
Sources: Correspondence in 1982 from daughter, Carol Elizabeth Seedorff (Mrs. Leon B. Smith), Battle Creek, MI. Also from son, Charles P. Seedorff of Ceresco, MI 49033. Carpenter reunion book states of "Pine Creek, MI in 1894 and 1895, and of E. Leroy, MI."
1870 U.S.Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI. Hattie was age 5 and in the home of her parents, Parker Brownell, and Melissa.
1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI. Hattie M. was age 14, and in the home of her parents, Parker H. Brownell and Melissa.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI; Vol. 4, p. 97, #1450; 4 July 1891 married "at the bride's mother's, MI," Frank E. Seedorff, age 31, residing at Pine Creek; b. Canada; occupation: Mason; father: Charles S. Seedorff; mother: Elizabeth Heck; previous marriage: 1; and Hattie M. Brownell, age 25, residing at Athens; b. Athens; father: Parker H. Brownell; mother: Melissa L. Carpenter; officiant: Rev. J. W. Heminger, Clergyman; witnesses: Wm. Seedorff and Mary Rogers, both of Athens.
See mother's notes about reunions attended from 1893 until her death in 1925, then the following is noted: Hattie Seedorff attended all four years. Copies of the reunion sign in sheets are with Elma Carpenter of Battle Creek, MI and Donna H. Hellewell, Aptos, CA 95003. (Name, Seedorff, has been spelled with two "ff's" on the end and with one "f").
The Athens Times, Saturday, Feb. 2, 1901. East Leroy, Michigan - Frank Seedorf and family and Mrs. F. Heck visited at Mr. and Mrs. Charles Seedorf's, north Athens.
1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun , MI Leroy Twp., taken 30 Apr and 2 and 3 May. 136/137 Seedorff, Frank D., head, age 58, married two times, 17 years to present wife, b. Canada, parents b. Germany; Seedorff, Hattie M., wife, age 44, 6 children born, 5 alive, b. MI, parents b. NY; Maggie L., daughter, age 16; Seedorff, Harry A., son, age 14; Seedorff, Laurel M., daughter, age 11; Seedorff, Carol E., daughter, age 8; Seedorff, Charles P., son, age 6.
1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Leroy Twp., MI taken 9 January, ED 75, sheet 4A. 66/67 Seedorff, Hattie M., head, age 54, widow, b. MI, parents b. NY, laundress; Elizabeth C., daughter, age 18, single, b. MI, father b. Canada, mother b. NY; Charles P., son, age 16, b. MI; Chichester, Raymond A., boarder, age 20, single, b. MI, parents b. MI; Miller, gristmill.
The Athens Times, December 16, 1920. East Leroy. Mrs. Seedorff entertained Mrs. Maggie Spooner and daughter on Thanksgiving day.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI vol. 30, p. 9. Died 21 Nov 1948 in Leroy Twp., Harriet M. Seedorff, age 83y1m23d, white, female, widow, residence: RFD, East Leroy, Calhoun MI; father: Parker Brownell, b. NY; mother: Mellisa Carpenter, b. NY; Occupation: retired; spouse: Frank Seedorff; informant: Mrs. Oscar Brownell, East Leroy, MI. Buried at N. Athens Cem. on 24 Nov. 1948.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and Evening News, Monday, 22 Nov 1948. Athens - Mrs. Harriet M. Seedorf, 83, died at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. R. E. Romig in Leroy Twp.. She had been in poor health for one year. She was born Sept. 28, 1865 in Athens, a daughter of Arthur [should be Parker] and Millisa [should be Melissa] (Carpenter) Brownell and was married to Frank Seedorf who died 30 years ago. Surviving besides the daughter at whose home she died is another daughter, Mrs. Leon Smith of Newton Twp.; two sons, Harry of East Leroy and Charles of Ceresco; a step-daughter, Mrs. Herman Nagle of East Leroy; a brother, Lloyd Brownell of Battle Creek, and a sister, Mrs. Lula Miller of Athens. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday from the Spencer Funeral Home, with the Rev. L. M. Rigelman of Battle Creek officiating. Burial will be in North Athens Baptist Cem..
The Athens Times, Friday, May 3, 1912. Local News. Charles Seedorff [Frank Edwin Seedorff's father] and sons, Joseph and Frank, were in Battle Creek Wednesday night to attend the wedding of the former's granddaughter, Ethel Seedorff.
We believe that Frank Edwin Seedorff had a daughter, Flossie Seedorff, b. 11 Jan 1887, at the time of his marriage to Harriett Marie Brownell in 1891. Records indicate that Flossie was born before the marriage. Also Frank's marriage license said he had been married once previously. Since Flossie is not a Carpenter descendant, we will include her information here in her father's notes for the benefit of any of her descendants. Flossie Seedorff, daughter of Frank Edwin Seedorff and Margot Heck, was born 11 Jan 1887 and on 1 Mar 1907 in East Leroy, Calhoun, MI, married Herman L. Nagel, son of George John Nagel and Catherine Gensley, who was born 8 Jun 1878 in Orangeville, Barry, MI. Flossie died on 16 Dec 1969 in Battle Creek, Calhoun, MI, and was buried on 19 Dec 1969 in N. Athens Baptist Cem., Calhoun , MI. Herman L. died on 5 Aug 1964 in Battle Creek, Calhoun , MI and was buried on 8 Aug 1964 in North Athens Baptist Cem., Athens Twp., Calhoun , MI. OBITUARY of Herman L. Nagel was found in the Athens Times, Thursday, August 13, 1964: "East Leroy - Herman L. Nagel, 86, a farmer on Five-Mile Road for 54 years, died Wednesday at the Battle Creek Health Center where he had been a patient a few hours. He was born in Orangeville, Barry County, a son of George J. and Catherine (Gensley) Nagel. He was married to Miss Flossie Seedorff in East Leroy on March 1, 1907. He and his son were sextons at the Mather Cem. for many years. Mr. Nagel was a member of the Calhoun County Farm Bureau. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Clarence (Margaret) Hull of East Leroy and Mrs. R. P. (Elizabeth) Russell of Route 7, Battle Creek; a son, George J. of Climax; five grandchildren and three great- grandchildren." Flossie and Herman had three children: Elizabeth S. Nagel who married Randolph P. Russell; Margaret Nagel who married Clarence Hull; and George J. Nagel. Flossie's death record is recorded with the Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1969 deaths, #1464 and states that her mother was Margot Heck and her father was Frank Seedorff. Herman Nagel's death record is recorded with the Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Vol. 46, p 391. Herman's obituary was found in the Local History Room, Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI, in the 13 Aug 1964 Athens Times newspaper on microfilm. Frank's second wife's (Harriet Marie's) obituary states that she was survived by a step-daughter, Mrs. Herman Nagel.
DEATHS. Calhoun , MI, death records, book 6, page 96, #2, 16 Apr 1916, Seedorff, Frank E., died at Newton Twp., male, 56y3m17d, white, married, Hodgkins disease, b. Canada, farmer, no parents listed.
Cem. marker readings in book at Willard Library, Battle Creek, for North Athens Baptist Cem. for Frank, son of Charles, says 1859-1916. The date of birth is different than what we had.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer, 18 Apr 1916, p. 4. Frank E. Seedorf of Newton Twp. died at 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon at his home. He was 56 years of age and is survived by a widow and six children: Mrs. Herman Nagle, Mrs. Herbert Spooner and Harry, Lyle, Elizabeth and Charles Seedorf; four grandchildren and three brothers, Ernest and William Seedorf of Battle Creek and Joseph Seedorf of Athens. Mr. Seedorf was a member of the Home Grangers Society of the I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 272. He has lived in Newton Twp. for the past 14 years. Funeral services will be held from the residence Wednesday morning at 10:30. The Rev. Exner will officiate. The services at the grave will be conducted by the I.O.O.F.
1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, City of Battle Creek, MI taken 9 and 10 Jan. 209 Lathrop St. 213/278 Laura Seedorff, boarder, age 20, FW, single, b. MI, parents b. MI, is in the home of Howard L. Spooner and Lottie E. Spooner. Her brother, Charles, age 16, is also a boarder in the home, as well as their older sister, Maggie Spooner, sister-in-law to the head of the household, age 25.
WEDDING. The Athens Times, Thursday, February 5, 1920. Stanley Burgett Weds An East Leroy Girl. Stanley Burgett, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Burgett, of this Twp., and Miss Laurel Seedorff, daughter of Mrs. Hattie Seedorff of East Leroy, were married at Marshall on Thursday, Jan. 29th, by Rev. Blanchard of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Burgett is an ex-service man, having served with the 22d Engineers on the principal battle fronts in France. Both Mr. and Mrs. Burgett are very highly esteemed in their respective communities, and their many friends join in congratulations. They will reside on Aunt Martha Fuller's farm in the north part of Athens Twp..
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Vol. 7, p. 203, #100. Married 29 Jan 1920 at Marshall, MI, Laurel N. Seedorff, age 20, b. E. Leroy, residing in E. Leroy, father: Frank Seedorff, mother: Harriett Brownell; and Stanley R. Burgett, age 31, b. Athens, residing in Athens, occupation: farmer; father: John, mother: Laura Bauer, witnesses: Mrs. C. E. Blanchard and Agnes Blanchard; officiant: Charles E. Blanchard. Neither had a previous marriage.
The Athens Times, Thursday, January 20, 1921. East Leroy. Mrs. Ralph Romig is caring for her sister, Mrs. Stanley Burgett, who is suffering with an infected hand and also bronchitis.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 429, #350, 17 Jul 1921, Burgett, Laurel Naomi, died at City of Battle Creek, female, age 22, white, married, b. MI, housewife, father Frank Seedorf, mother Hattie Brownell.
OBITUARY. The Athens Times. Thursday, July 21, 1921. Mrs. Stanley Burgett Passes Away at Hospital. Mrs. Stanley Burgett, a well known young woman of Athens Twp., died at Nicols Hospital, Tuesday, from blood poisoning, having been taken to that institution only Sunday morning with the hope that her life might be saved. The fatal malady started from an infection in her nose. Mrs. Burgett was formerly Miss Laurel Seedorff, daughter of Mrs. Hattie Seedorff of East Leroy, and was most highly esteemed and loved by all who knew her. She was married to Stanley Burgett in 1919, following his return from France, and for the past few months they have resided on what is known as the Eatinger farm which place they purchased early in the spring. Her sudden death came as a great shock to her family, who have the sincere sympathy of the whole community in their sorrow. The funeral is to be held this afternoon (Thursday) at 2:00 at the Congregational Church in Athens, Rev. Dawe officiating, Naomi Chapter No. 59, O.E.S., of which Mrs. Burgett was a member, having charge of the burial service. Interment in Burr Oak Cem..
OBITUARY. The Athens Times. Thursday, July 28, 1921. Laurel Seedorff Burgett. Laurel Naomi Seedorff was born May 2, 1899, at East Leroy, Michigan, where her babyhood days were spent. When three years of age, with her parents, she moved to a farm in Newton Twp. where she lived until 1917, when, following her father's death, her mother moved back to East Leroy. The year prior to her marriage was spent in Battle Creek where she made a host of friends. January 28, 1920, she was united in marriage to Stanley Burgett of Athens Twp.. After eighteen months of great happiness in her own home near EastLeroy she was suddenly stricken and taken from us to a better home after an illness of six days, passing away at 11:30 a.m. July 19, 1921, aged 22 years, 2 months and 17 days. Her life was short on this earth but was filled with good work and kindness to everyone, and in times of trouble she was always ready to lend a helping hand and was a great solace to all with words of comfort. Being of sunny disposition she had a host of friends wherever she was known. It can truly be said that to know her was to love her. What better tribute can be paid to anyone? She became a member of the O.E.S. of Athens a few months ago. She leaves to mourn her loss a stricken husband; her mother, Mrs. Hattie Seedorff of East Leroy; three sisters, Mrs. Herman Nagel and Miss Elizabeth Seedorff of East Leroy, and Mrs. Ralph Romig, of Battle Creek; two brothers, Harry and Chas. Seedorff, of Newton Twp.; and four nieces and one nephew, beside an aged grandmother and a host of other relatives and friends. Card of Thanks. We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation for the many kind services rendered us by friends and neighbors, the singers, the O.E.S. and Rev. Dawe in our bereavement. Stanley Burgett. Mrs. Hattie Seedorff and Family. John Burgett and Family.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 413, #546, 19 Dec 1932, Burgett, Stanley Ross, died at City of Battle Creek, b. MI, male, 43y11m21d, white, married, road construction, father John Burgett, b. MI, mother Laura Bauer, b. OH.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek (Michigan) Moon Journal, Tuesday, December 20, 1932. Stanley R. Burgett, World War veteran, died in a local hospital Monday afternoon. He leaves his widow, Anna; two daughters, Thelma and Lois, both of Athens; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Burgett, of Athens Twp.; three sisters, Mrs. Hurl Moore, Athens; Mrs. E. L. Pilkington, Detroit, and Mrs. Floyd Wing, Jackson; two brothers, Clark, of Cuba Ill., and Nolan, of Athens. The deceased was a member of the Athens Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star and of Union Post, American Legion. Funeral services will be held from the Congregational Church Thursday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. J. E. Cook officiating. Burial will be made in Burr Oak Cem..
2240. Carol Elizabeth Seedorff
Information received by correspondence from Carol Elizabeth Seedorff Smith. There were no children.
Carol was of Newton in 1948.
MARRIAGES. Calhoun County, book 8, page 181, #678. 26 Aug 1925, married at Athens, MI, Leon Smith, age 23, of Newton Twp., factory worker, and Elizabeth Seedorf, age 24, of Athens. Parents of the groom: John Smith and Rena Boylan; parents of the bride: Frank Seedorff and Harriet Brownell. Married by Joseph H. Charles, MG. Witnesses: Harlow Bennett and Mrs. J. H. Charles.
ANNIVERSARY. The Athens Times, Wednesday, August 30, 1950. Silver Wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Leon Smith of Newton celebrated their silver wedding anniversary Saturday evening with a surprise party by Mrs. Smith's brothers and sisters. Refreshments of a wedding cake and ice cream were served and the evening spent in visiting. Sunday they also celebrated by having the Smith reunion at their home with 24 present. All enjoyed a carry-in dinner with the table decorated with flowers and a wedding cake all trimmed with white and silver, presented to the Smith's by the cousins. Absent and missed very much were A. H. Smith, confined to a hospital following an operation on Friday and Elmer J. Smith and family of Detroit. After a treat of ice cream all departed wishing the Smith's many more happy anniversaries.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer, 11 Dec 1987. C. "Elizabeth" (Seedorff) Smith, 86, of 6553 H Drive South, Newton Twp., died Wednesday at her home after a short illness. She was born in East Leroy and was a 1920 graduate of Athens High School. She had worked with her husband, Leon, on their farm for 60 years. In addition to helping with the farming, she was employed by Post Division of General Foods and was a teacher for the former Newton Township Dodge School. In addition to her husband of 62 years, she is survived by a brother, Charles P. Seedorff of Cereso. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Spencer Funeral Home in Athens. Memorial donations may be made to Newton Twp. Church.
Carol is buried on Lot 126, grave 4, Section C, Newton Cem..
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1987 Deaths #1316. Died 9 Dec 1987 at home, 6553 H Drive South, Newton Twp., Calhoun , MI, Carol Elizabeth Smith, age 86, b. 15 Aug 1901, f, w, married; father: Frank Seedorff; mother: Harriet Brownell; occupation: production line worker, cereal factory; buried: 12 Dec 1987 Newton Cem., Newton Twp., Calhoun , MI; informant: Leon B. Smith.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer. 9 April 1996, p. 4A. Leon B. Smith, 93, of Battle Creek, died Saturday, April 6, 1996, in Springhill Manor. He was born April 25, 1902, in Newton Township to John A. and Ethel I. (Boylon) Smith and was a lifelong Newton Twp. resident. He owned and operated a farm on H Drive South where he raised sheep, hogs and cattle. He married C. Elizabeth Seedorff on Aug. 26, 1925, in East Leroy. She preceded him in death. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. today at Spencer Funeral Home, Athens. Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Rev. John Dosh officiating. Burial: Newton Cem.. Memorials: Charity of one's choice.
Leon B. Smith is buried on Lot 126, grave 3, Section C in Newton Cem..
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1995, #1006. Died 6 Apr 1996, Leon B. Smith, age 93, b. 25 Apr 1902 in Newton Twp., Calhoun , at Springhill Nursing Home, Battle Creek; father: John A. Smith; mother: Ethel Irene Boylon; residence: 6555 H Drive South, Battle Creek; occupation: retired farmer; buried: Newton Cem.; informant: Shirley Kelley, 6555 H Drive South, Battle Creek.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, marriages, Book 5, page 47, #176. 12 June 1901, Lloyd Brownell, age 21 of Athens, and Dollie Mae Henry, age 18, of Athens. Married at Marshall, MI, by H. M. Merrill, Justice of the Peace. Parents of the groom: Parker Brownell and Melissa Carpenter; Parents of the bride: A. Henry and S. Wineburg. Witnesses: Archer Henry and Sarah Henry.
1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun , MI, Leroy Twp., taken 2 April. 115/118 Brownell, Lloyd P., head, age 29, white, male, married 1 time, 9 years, b. MI, father and mother b. NY; Brownell, Dolly W., wife, white, female, age 26, 0 children, 0 alive, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. PA; Brownell, Oscar L., adopted son, age 2, b. MI, father and mother b. OH.
See mother's notes about reunions attended from 1893 on.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. 1963, #300. Lloyd P. Brownell, age 83, born 18 Feb 1881, in MI, died 26 May 1963 at Battle Creek Sanitarium Hospital, Battle Creek, Calhoun, MI. Residence: 37 Taft Street, Battle Creek; occupation: retired millwright, Post cereals; married; spouse: Dottie E. Brownell; mother: Melesia Carpenter; father: Parker Brownell, buried 19 May at Oak Hill Cem., Battle Creek. Informant: Dottie E. Brownell.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Monday, May 26, 1963, page 3. Lloyd P. Brownell, 82, of 37 Taft Ave. died Sunday in a local hospital where he had been a patient since May 15. He had been in failing health the last year and critically ill two months. Born at Athens, the son of Parker and Melisia (Carpenter) Brownell, he was a lifelong resident of this area. He was employed by the Post Division of General Foods Corporation from 1917 until 1946 as a millwright and was a member of the Post 25-Year Club. He was married April 1, 1933, to Dottie E. Carpenter, who survives.
1910 U.S. Census, Leroy Twp., Calhoun, MI, taken 2 April. 115/118 Oscar L., adopted son, age 2, b. MI, father and mother b. OH, is in the home with his parents, Lloyd P. and Dolly W. Brownell.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, marriages, Book 7, p. 39, #1002. Married 25 Dec. 1917, at Battle Creek, Lloyd P. Brownell, age 36, occupation: carpenter, of Battle Creek, and Bessie M. Arnold, age 29, of Battle Creek. Parents of the groom: Parker Brownell and Melissa Carpenter; parents of the bride: Maurice Arnold and May Harrison; married by William Chapman, MG. Witnesses: Maurice H. Arnold and May Arnold.
1920 U.S. Census, City of Battle Creek, Calhoun , MI, taken 3 Jan., ED58, sheet 2B. 46 Fairview Avenue. Brownell, Lloyd, head, MW, age 38, married, b. MI, father b. MI, mother b. NY, millwright, food factory; Bessie, wife, age 31, b. MI, parents b. MI; Oscar, son, age 13, b. MI, parents b. unknown. (On the 1910 Census, Oscar, age 2, was listed as the adopted son of Lloyd and his first wife, Dolly W.)
DEATH. Calhoun County, MI clerk's records, book 6, page 434, #454, 30 Sep 1921, Brownell, Ardith Mae, female, 2m22d, white, single, b. MI, father Lloyd P. Brownell, mother Bessie Arnold, both b. MI.
OBITUARY. The Athens Times. Thursday, October 6, 1921. Talked In Town. Ardith Mae, the twelve-week-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Brownell of Battle Creek, died Friday morning.
The Athens Times. Thursday, October 6, 1921. Mr. and Mrs. M. D.
Gould and Miss Lulu Brownell attended the funeral of little Ardith Mae Brownell at Battle Creek Sunday.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 1978, p. A6. Mrs. Dottie E. (Carpenter) Brownell, 91, died Tuesday in Battle Creek Provincial House, where she had been a patient since 1977. She was born in Ohio and resided in Battle Creek most of her lifetime. She was employed as a floorlady by the Post Division of General Foods Corp. for many years and was a member of the division's 25-Year Club. She had been a member of the First Baptist Church since 1904. Her husband, Lloyd Brownell, died in 1963. There are no known immediate survivors. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Farley Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church.