Sources: Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter, Athens, MI.
1893 Reunion - Calvin L. Carpenter Family, Athens, Calhoun, MI. H. Ray Tiffany attended with his parents, Allie Tiffany and Zingara M. Carpenter Tiffany. H. Ray was 5 yrs. old.
1910 U.S. Census, St. Joseph , Leonidas Twp., MI. Ed 128, p 1A, taken 15 April. 2/2 Ray, son, MW, 21, single, b. MI, is in the home of his parents.
The Athens Times, Friday, February 9, 1912. Factoryville. Married at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Harmon, their daughter, Etta, to Mr. Ray Tiffany, Feb. 2nd.
MARRIAGE. St. Joseph County Clerk, Centreville, MI, Vol. H, p. 32, #5599. Married 2 Feb 1912 at Leonidas, Ray Tiffany, age 22, residing in Leonidas, b. MI, father: Allie Tiffany, mother: Carpenter, occupation: farmer; and Ettie Harmon, age 18, residing in Leonidas, b. MI, father: Harry Harmon, mother: Reichert, occupation: housekeeper; witnesses: Carrie M. Harmon and Myrtle Harmon, both of Leonidas; officiant: Harry C. Harmon, Justice of the Peace; neither had been married previously.
1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun , City of Battle Creek, MI taken 7 Jan, ED 50, sheet 9A, 82 Green Street. 184/235 Tiffany, Ray, age 31, b. MI, father b. IL, mother b. IA, mechanic, food factory; Etta, wife, age 26; Lelia, daughter, age 7; Alvah, son, age 4 11/12; Robert, son, age 2 11/12; Harman, Clinton, boarder, age 18, baker, food factory; Nichols, Fred, boarder, age 18, core maker, food factory; Bartsky, Frank, boarder, age 42, carpenter, contractor; Snyder, Carl, boarder, age 22, laborer, food factory; Snyder, Millard, boarder, age 23, moulder, threshing; Snyder, Gerald, boarder, age 19, laborer, food factory.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Sunday, June 8, 1975, pA12. Jonesville - Ray H. Tiffany, 87, of 669 Bunn St., a former Battle Creek resident and shoe repair shop owner, died Saturday at the Hillsdale Medical Facility. He had been in failing health the past year. During his early years he was employed at Post Division, General Foods Corp. In 1930 he left Battle Creek to take up farming in Sherwood Twp.. He retired about 25 years ago. His wife, the former Miss Etta Harmon died in 1937. Survivors include his daughters, Mrs. Robert (Elvah) Carr of Jonesville and Mrs. George (Lilah) Jackson of Mendon; a son, Robert L. Tiffany of Sherwood; 15 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Spencer Funeral Home, Athens.
The first name of Henry was taken from the obituary of Henry Ray Tiffany's daughter, Lila M. Tiffany Hayes Jackson, in June 1998.
DEATH. Branch County Clerk, Coldwater, MI, Vol. D, p. 168, #11,161. Died 21 Nov 1937 at Vicksburg, MI, Mary Etta Harmon Tiffany, FW, Md, age 43y9m29d, b. MI, father: Harvey Harmon, b. OH, mother: Carry Reichert, b. MI, occupation: housewife, cause: ruptured appendix. Record is marked "transcript from Kalamazoo County."
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and Evening News, Monday, November 22, 1937. Mrs. Ray Tiffany. Athens - Mrs. Etta Marie Tiffany, 43, died at 12:45 a.m. Sunday in the Vicksburg Hospital after an appendectomy. She was born in Leonidas Twp. Jan. 22, 1894. She leaves a husband, Ray Tiffany; two daughters, Mrs. Milo Jackson of Leonidas and Elvah at home; two sons, Alva of Battle Creek and Robert at home; her mother, Mrs. Carrie Harman of Leonidas; two sisters, Mrs. Ambrose Yoder of Detroit and Mrs. Albert Correll, 43 Central, Battle Creek; two brothers, Clifford Harmon of Burr Oak and LaVerne of Fulton; five grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday from the Spencer Funeral Home. The Rev. Cecil DeKraker will be in charge. Burial will be in Burr Oak Cem. here.
Etta Harmon's first name was listed as Mary Etta on her death record and in the obituary of her daughter, Lila M. Tiffany Hayes Jackson, in June 1998.
Sources: Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter, Athens, Calhoun, MI. Dates and other information came from two Journals of Reunions of the Calvin L. Carpenter Family, held in Athens, Calhoun, MI, in possession of Irene Chichester, Athens, MI. Sent to typist in approximately 1982 by Elma Carpenter, Battle Creek, MI. The information was then compiled into families from the reunion journals as well as other information from family members.
1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Athens Twp., MI taken 23 April. 23/23. H. Neil, son, age 9, is in the home of his parents.
1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Athens Twp., MI taken 6, 7, 8 January. 250/260. H. Neil, son, age 19, is in the home of his parents.
The Athens Times, Thursday, February 14, 1924. Neil Carpenter was home from the Western State Normal to spend the week end.
MARRIAGE. Kalamazoo County Clerk, Kalamazoo, MI, vol. 10, p. 102, #24,571. Married 24 Jun 1926 at Athens, Neil Carpenter, age 25, b. Athens, residing in Kalamazoo, occupation: student, father: Carl W. Carpenter, mother: Margaret Pratt, and Frances Marian Davis, age 22, b. Broadlands, IL, residing in Athens, occupation: teacher, father: Earl J. Davis, mother: Josephine Wilson, witnesses: Dorotha J. Tiffany of Climax and Wayne Carpenter of Athens. Officiant: F. A. Stephens, MG.
Henry was of Portage Center, Kalamazoo , MI in Jun 1949.
The Athens Times. Wednesday, April 5, 1950. Mrs. Neil Carpenter of Portage Center spent Friday afternoon with Mrs. Ward Carpenter.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. The Athens Times, Thursday, October 31, 1957. Mr. and Mrs. Neil Carpenter and son Kenneth of Portage, Mr. and Mrs. W. TerBerg and sons of Augusta and Mr. and Mrs. John Hiatt of Mendon were Saturday dinner guests and supper guests of Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Davis.
1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun , Athens Twp., MI, ED35, sheet 2A taken 6-8 January. 25/26 Davis, Earl G., head, age 47, married, b. IL, father b. IN, mother b. IN; Josie F., wife, age 41, b. IL, father b. Ireland, mother b. NC; Frances M., daughter, age 15, b. IL, parents b. IL; Robert T., son, age 13, b. IL; Paul W., son, age 11, b. IL.
Frances' brother, Paul, married Margaret Carpenter, daughter of Carl Mitchell Carpenter.
WEDDING. The Athens Times, Wednesday, December 19, 1951.Smith-Carpenter Wed in Kalamazoo. A Christmas tree ornamented in green and silver keynoted the color scheme for the nuptial ceremony uniting Miss Gene Ardith Carpenter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Neil Carpenter, Osterhout Road, and Cpl. Dale Herbert Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Smith of Vicksburg. The Rev. Elton Mills officiated at the double-ring ceremony at 4 Saturday afternoon in Kanley Memorial Chapel, Western Michigan College. The bridegroom's sister, Miss Charlotte M. Smith, provided vocal music for the service. The bride wore an heirloom gown of white satin and Alencon lace, the wedding gown of her aunt, Mrs. R. T. Davis, at whose marriage Miss Carpenter acted as flower girl. . . .Miss Joyce Carpenter, maid of honor for her sister, was gowned in green taffeta. The bridesmaids, the Misses Charlotte M. Smith and Dorothy Carpenter, the bride's sister, each wore a costume similar to the honor attendants. . .Paul Smith was best man for his brother and ushers were Edwin Smith, another brother, and Ronald Lude. . .Mrs. Smith was graduated from Central High School and is a senior student in WM-College, majoring in home economics. Cpl. Smith is a graduate of Vicksburg HighSchool and is stationed with the 11th Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY. Guests from this area were Mrs. Edna Cartledge of Battle Creek, Mrs. Maggie Carpenter and Wayne Carpenter of Sturgis, and Mrs. Lulu Miller and Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Davis.
MARRIAGE. Kalamazoo County Clerk, Kalamazoo, MI. 1951, #45,849. Married 15 Dec 1951 at Kalamazoo, Dale Herbert Smith, age 22, b. Kalamazoo, residing in Vicksburg, occupation: U.S. Army, father: Clark Smith, mother: Dorothea Schilling, and Gene A. Carpenter, age 22, b. Lansing, residing in Kalamazoo, occupation: student, father: H. Neil Carpenter, mother: Frances Davis, witnesses: Joyce Carpenter of Kalamazoo and Paul Allen Smith of Vicksburg, officiant: Elton Mills, MG. Neither had been married previously.
OBITUARY. The Athens Times, Wednesday, January 9, 1952. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Neil Carpenter in Fatal Auto Accident. Mrs. Gene Smith, 22, wife of Cpl. Dale Herbert Smith, a bride of three weeks, was fatally injured Thursday night when the car she was driving home from Fort Campbell, KY, collided with a truck on the icy pavement near Lafayette, Ind. Mrs. Smith was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Neil Carpenter of Portage. She had been with her husband at the camp and had left for home to resume her work as a senior in home economics at Western Michigan College, where she was married to Mr. Smith on Dec. 15. She was a granddaughter of Mrs. C. W. Carpenter and the late Mr. Carpenter and of Mr. and Mrs. Earl G. Davis and was a frequent visitor at these homes. Funeral services were at Kalamazoo Sunday afternoon, with burial at Portage. Mrs. Smith is survived by her parents, two sisters, Miss Joyce, at home, and Miss Dorothy, in nurse's training at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing; and one brother, Kenneth, at home, the grandparents named above, and hosts of other relatives and friends.
Information was received from Eleanor's brother, Carroll Howard Webster (Bill and Veta Webster), Canby, Oregon 97013 in 1960.
Information by was received correspondence from Mr. Carroll Howard Webster, over several years to Donna Hellewell. They were in Canby, Oregon in 1960. They were a very gracious couple!
Dates of death for Carroll and Veata were received in June 1999 from their son, Richard.
MARRIAGE. Benzie County Clerk, Beulah, MI, Marriages, Vol 2, page 9, #34, married 22 Oct 1890, Morris H. Bowen, age 18, b. Barry , MI, of Benzie , father: Henry Bowen, mother: Roseletha Barlow, farmer; and Lois M. Sherman, age 16, b. Benzie , of Benzie , father Elmer Sherman, mother Flora Simmons, married at Inland by Elmer E. Bowman, Justice of the Peace, witnesses: George Barton and Laverna Barton, both of Inland.
Nov. 1998. Ingham County records were checked for Lois' death record and none was found. We find a remarriage for Lois' second husband, Allie Brundage, in 1916. Lois and Allie's three surviving Brundage children are with Allie and his new wife on the 1920 U.S. Census.
1884 Michigan Census, Benzie , Inland Twp., taken 2 Jun 1884. 5/5 Johnson, Norman W., age 54, MW, husband, b. NY, father b. NJ, mother b. VT, occupation: carpenter; Rosetta, age 38, FW, wife, b. NY, parents, b. NY; Bowen, Morris H., age 12, son, b. MI, father b. MI, mother b. NY.
DEATH. Benzie , MI, vol. 1, page 66, #52, died 26 Feb 1894, Daniel Bowen, age 2y1m6d, b. MI, father Mort Bowen, mother Lois, at Inland, of scarlet fever.
1880 U.S. Census, Benzie , Inland Twp., MI, taken 18 Jun. ED 52, p. 18. 170/170 Brundage, Alphonso, son, age 1, is in the home of his parents.
1884 Michigan Census, Benzie , Inland Twp. 72/75 Brundage, Alphonso, son, age 5, is in the home of his parents.
1890 U.S. Census, Benzie , Homestead Twp., MI taken 7 Jun, ED7, 21A. 297/302 Brundage, Alfonzo, son, WM, b. Feb 1879, age 20, is in the home of his parents. There are also 13 boarders in this home.
MARRIAGE. Benzie County Clerk, Beulah, MI, Vol. 2, p. 84, #17. Married 21 Feb 1903, at Honor, Allie Brundage, age 24, b. MI, residence: Honor, laborer, father: R. Brundag, mother: Mary M. Amidon; and Lois Bowen, age 25, b. MI, residence: Bendon, housekeeper, father: L. Sherman (should be El or Elmer), mother: Flora Simmons; officiant: Edward J. Burgess, of Honor; witnesses: Marian E. Sharp of Benzonia and Richard Brundage of Honor. Each had one previous marriage.
MARRIAGE. Ingham County Clerk, Courthouse, Mason, MI. Vol. 8, p. 271, #9230. Married 18 Nov 1916 at Lansing, Allie Brundage, white, age 37, b. Benzie , residing in Lansing; father: R. Brundage; mother; Mary Hammond (should be Amidon); occupation: millright; and Nina M. Gregory, white, b. Benzie , age 18, residing in Lansing, father: Tobias Gregory; mother: Emma Kimble; officiant: Joseph Dexter, Elder; witnesses: Frank P. Saxton and Anna Saxton, both of Lansing. He had been married once previously; she none.
1920 U.S. Census, Lansing, Ingham , MI, taken 7 Jan, ED111, sheet 7A. 511 Avon St., 128/142. Brundage, Allie, head, owns, mortgage, MW, age 39, married, occupation: millright, auto factory; Nina, wife, FW, age 21; L.D., son, MW, age 16; Dorothy, daughter, FW, age 13; Ruth I., daughter, FW, age 7. (The three children listed in this census, are Allie's by his marriage to Lois Sherman.)
1920 U.S. Census, City of Lansing, Ingham , MI, taken 7 Jan, ED 111, sheet 7A. 511 Avon St. 128/142. Brundage, Allie, head, owns, mortgage, MW, age 39, md., millright, auto factory; Nina, wife, FW, age 21, md.; L. D., son, MW, age 16, laborer, wheel factory; Dorothy, daughter, FW, age 13; Ruth I., daughter, FW, age 7.
Marian died in childhood.
Visit to Brundage Cem. in April 1997. It is on Carmean Road, in Inland Twp., Benzie, south of state highway 31, up on a high hill on the left side of Carmean Road. In the winter, Carmean Road is not plowed. The Cem. is at the end of the plowed portion. Due to the height of the hill, it cannot be seen from the road.
"They lived in Bendon, Benzie (County, MI) until moving to Gaylord, MI in the early 1920's. All family died there except Flora and Helen who were in Gaylord as of Dec 1982. Earl was a blacksmith." Source of this information is unknown.
1910 U.S. Census, Benzie , Inland Twp., MI taken 29 and 30 Apr. 128/130 Widrig, William E., head, age 35, married one time, 11 years, occupation: blacksmith, own shop; Sarah E., wife, age 33, 4 children, 2 alive; Daniel E., son, age 10, Reva M., daughter, 1 6/12.
1920 U.S. Census, Benzie , Gilmore Twp., MI taken 2 Jan. 52/52 Widrig, W. Earl, owns home, mortgaged, age 41?, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. Canada, occupation blacksmith; Sarah E., wife, age 43; Daniel E., son, age 22; Reva M., daughter, age 11; Elizabeth F., daughter, age 8; Flora P., daughter, age 7; Helen S., daughter, age 5; William E., son, age 2 6/12.
The Athens Times, Thursday, March 27, 1924. Pine Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Widrig and son Billy, of Bendon are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Carpenter.
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. (Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. Earl Widrig and son, Billy of MENDON [This should be Bendon]).
On 28 March 1997 a visit was made to Old Inland Cem., Inland Twp., Benzie , MI, and the marker was located.
OBITUARY. Otsego County Herald Times, Gaylord, MI, Thursday, November 28, 1929. Mrs. Wm. E. Widrig Died Tuesday Night. Had Been Ill but a Week; Body Will be Taken to Old Home at Mendon [should be Bendon] for Burial. Mrs. Wm. E. Widrig died at her home here last night about 9:30, after a serious illness of one week, though her health has been failing for several months. The body will be taken to Mendon for burial Friday. Elder Allen Schreur will officiate. Mrs. Widrig is survived by her husband and six children, a mother and sister. Two children preceded her in death, those surviving being D. E. Widrig, Mrs. Dwight Henretta, Elizabeth, Flora, Helen and Wm. E., Jr., all of Gaylord. Sarah Ellen Sherman was born at Inland, Benzie County, Michigan, April 7, 1876, (other records said she was born 17 Apr 1876) being 53 years, seven months and nine days of age at the time of her death. March 2, 1897, she was united in marriage to Wm. E. Widrig at Mendon [Bendon], and in this town they made their home until five years ago when they came to Gaylord. She had been a devoted member of the Latter Day Saints Church for many years and was also a member of the Rebekahs. Her entire life was devoted to her home and church affiliations, and was an ideal mother, kind, considerate and ambitious for her children. Since living here she has made many friends who have given every assistance possible in the last days of her life to lift the burden and sorrow of the family, who express themselves as very appreciative, stating that everything possible was done for them. The community as a whole extend sincerest sympathy to the family in this, their hour of bereavement.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. Otsego County Herald Times, Gaylord, MI, Thursday, December 5, 1929. Card of Thanks. We wish to take this opportunity to thank our many friends and neighbors for their consideration and help to us during the illness and death of our beloved wife and mother. Wm. E. Widrig and family. Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Widrig and family. Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Henretta.
DEATH. Otsego County Clerk, Gaylord, MI, 1929 deaths, p. 172, #2037. Died 26 Nov 1929 at Gaylord, MI, Sarah E. Widrig, wf, single (she was not single, she was married to William Earl Widrig), age 53y7m9d, b. MI; father: Daniel Sherman, father's residence: MI; mother: Flora Simmons, mother's residence: MI; occupation: at home.
March 28, 1997, visit to Old Inland Cem., Inland Twp., Benzie, MI, found marker, "Dad Wm. Earl 1875-1957."
OBITUARY. Otsego County Herald Times, Gaylord, MI, Thursday, Oct. 10, 1957. William Earl Widrig, about 82, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Searles Vandenberg in Grayling sometime Wednesday morning, Oct 9, following a prolonged illness. He established the Widrig Farm Store in Gaylord a number of years ago. His body is at Walker's Funeral Home. Funeral arrangements hadn't been completed at the time the Herald-Times went to press.
OBITUARY. Otsego County Herald Times, Gaylord, MI, Thursday, Oct. 17, 1957. Widrig Services Held in Gaylord. Funeral services for William Earl Widrig, Sr., were held in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Saturday, October 12, at 2:00 p.m. Burial was at Inland Cem. near Traverse City. Graveside services were held at the Cem. at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Mr. Widrig died on Wednesday, October 9, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Searles VandenBerg of Grayling, following a long illness. A long time resident of Gaylord, he had resided in Grayling for the past two years. Born March 28, 1875, in Monroe Center, Michigan, he came to Gaylord in 1922. In 1924 he founded the W. E. Widrig and Son Farm Store, operating the business until 1943 when it was sold. Mr. Widrig was an active member of the Latter Day Saints Church here, serving as a deacon for many years. He was also a member of the Oddfellows Lodge. Surviving are a son, William E. Widrig, Jr., of Gaylord; two daughters, Mrs. Helen Jensen and Mrs. VandenBerg, both of Grayling; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
DEATH. Otsego County Clerk, Gaylord, MI. Died 9 Oct 1957 at Grayling, Crawford County, MI, William Earl Widrig, age 82, b. 28 Mar 1875; father: George Widrig; mother: Elizabeth Helrigle; residence: Gaylord, MI; occupation: farm implement merchant; buried: 12 Oct 1957, Inland Cem., Benzie , MI; informant: William Earl Widrig, Jr. (William's father's name is given as George on this record; however, on his two marriages in 1931 and 1942 it is given as Allen. We will assume Allen is correct since William himself probably gave the information at the times of marriages.)
28 Mar 1997 visit to Old Inland Cem., Inland Twp., Benzie , MI on US31, west of Honor. There is a marker for Allen.
28 Mar 1997 visit to Old Inland Cem., Inland Twp., Benzie , MI on US31, west of Honor. There is a marker for Glada.
Otsego Area Library, Gaylord, Otsego , MI, Fairview Cem. Inscriptions, Otsego , Gaylord, MI, by Otsego County Historical Society, Gaylord, MI 1978. VandenBerg, Flora P., b. 1912, d. --; VandenBerg, Searles A., b. 20 Jun 1907, d. 13 Jul 1975, SFC, U.S. Army, WWII, married 16 Mar 1946.
In 1942 Mrs. Ed Schmid was living in Ypsilanti, MI according to her step-mother's, Julia's, obituary.
In 1957 Flora VandenBerg was living in Grayling according to her father's obituary.
In 1973 Flora Vandenberg was living in Grayling according to her brother's, William E. Widrig, Jr's. obituary.
DEATH. Otsego County Clerk, Gaylord, MI. Died 24 May 1989, Flora Pauline VandenBerg, age 76, b. 25 Oct 1912 Bendon, MI; wf, widow; father: William Earl Widrig, Sr.; mother: Sara Sherman; residence: 508 Random Lane, Gaylord, MI; occupation: registered nurse; buried: Fairview Cemetery, Gaylord; informant: Helen Louise Jensen, Route 3, Gaylord, MI.
Otsego Area Library, Gaylord, Otsego , MI, Fairview Cem.
Inscriptions,
Otsego , Gaylord, MI, by Otsego County Historical Society,
Gaylord, MI 1978.
VandenBerg, Flora P., b. 1912, d. --; VandenBerg, Searles A., SFC,
U.S. Army,
WWII, b. 20 Jun 1907, d. 13 Jul 1975. Married 16 Mar 1946.October 1997 - Visit to Fairview Cem., Gaylord. Marker reads: VandenBerg,
Searles A. 1907-1975; Flora
P. 1912-1989; married Mar 16, 1946; Searles A. Vandenberg, SFC US
Army, WWII,
Jun 20, 1907-Jul 13, 1975.
MARRIAGE. Benzie County Clerk, Beulah, MI, vol. 2, page 33, #34, married 15 Aug 1895 at Honor, Nathan Wing, b. Eaton , MI, age 21, of Inland, father Daniel Wing, mother Dora Pickand, laborer; and Rosa Sherman, b. Inland, age 16, of Inland, father D. E. Sherman, mother Flora R. Simmons, by H. D. Mc--lyn, Clergyman; witnesses: Luther L. Johnson of Inland and Armittie M. Miller of Honor.
1910 U.S. Census, Benzie , Homestead Twp., MI taken 30 April (another note says the census was taken 2 May). 200/201 Wing, Nathan J., head, MW, age 35, married once, 15 years, b. MI, father b. OH, mother b. NY, occupation laborer, lumber woods; Rose V., wife, WF, age 31, 4 children, 2 alive, b. MI, parents b. NY; Herschel C., son, age 13, single; Gladis R., daughter, age 11, single.
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. (Among those present was Rose Russell of Lansing.)
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 Seseman of Jackson and the latter's daughter, Phyllis Jean.
DEATH. Ingham County Clerk, Courthouse, Mason, MI. Vol. 401, CL (City of Lansing), #401. Died 30 April 1949 at Lansing, Rose V. Russell, b. 28 Jan 1879 in Benzie , MI, age 70y3m2d, FW, widow, father: Elmer Sherman, b. Benzie , MI; mother: Flora Simmons, b. Calhoun Co., MI; residence: 517 N. Sycamore, Lansing, in Lansing 33y; occupation: housewife; spouse: Nathan James Russell (Rose's first husband was Nathan James Wing; her second husband was Alvin Russell); place of burial: Deepdale Memorial Cem., Eaton , MI; informant: Mrs. Carl Sesman, Route 2, Three Rivers, MI. Estes-Leadley , funeral home, Lansing; cause: cardiac decompensation.
1920 U.S. Census, Lansing City, Ingham , MI, taken 3/4 January, ED 95, sheet 2B, 625 Main St., 41/45 Alvin T. Russell, step-son (he was a son-ini-law to the head of the household), MW, age 43, married, b. MI, and his wife, Rose V. Russell, are in the home of Rose's mother, Flora Gutherie and her husband, Ephriam Guthrie.
In 1998 a note from Eloise Stormshak, Battle Creek, said Alvin Russell owned a store, but she did not know where.
Nov. 1998 the Ingham County Clerk's records were checked for Alvin Russell's marriage to Rose Verna Sherman Wing. No record was found.
DEATH. Ingham County Clerk, Courthouse, Mason, MI. Vol. 8, p. 93, #282, CL (City of Lansing). Died 18 April 1924 at City of Lansing, Alvin Russell, MW, married, age 45y6m19d, b. MI; father: George Russell, b. NY; mother: ? Hummell, b. NY.; occupation: merchant; cause: pulmonary tuberculosis.
1893 Reunion, the Calvin L. Carpenter Family, Athens, Calhoun, MI. Hazel attended with her parents Emery P. Simmons, age 36, her mother, "Sate," age 36, and Hazel D. was 6 yrs. old.
The Athens Times, June 10, 1904. Miss Matie Lewis and niece, Miss Hazel Simmons, left for Battle Creek Saturday to visit Mrs. Floyd Rhodes and others.
WEDDING. The Athens Times, Thursday, January 1, 1914 - Married at New Home. A very pretty but quiet wedding took place Christmas Eve, when John C. Robinson of Battle Creek and Miss Hazel D. Simmons of Athens were united in marriage at their newly furnished home at 251 Calhoun Street in the former city. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Wm. Chapman, pastor of the Maple Street Methodist Church. The bride was neatly attired in a pale blue silk gown trimmed with lace. Mr. Robinson is employed by the Kellogg Toasted Corn Flake Company. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Simmons of this place, a graduate of the Athens High School, Ypsilanti State Normal College. For the past two or more years has been holding positions as stenographer in Detroit and Battle Creek. Both young people are held in high esteem in their home towns, where they have many friends who join in extending congratulations. After the marriage ceremony and luncheon, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson came to Athens and have been visiting the former's parents.
MARRIAGES, Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI; vol. 6, p. 222, #716; married 24 Dec 1913, John C. Robinson, age 27, b. Homer, MI, residing in Battle Creek; occupation: clerk; father Isaac Robinson; mother: Mary Loder; and Hazel D. Simmons, age 26, b. Athens, residing in Battle Creek; occupation: stenographer; father: Emory P. Simmons; mother: Sarah Lewis; officiant: Rev. W. Chapman, Methodist minister; witnesses: O. L. Simmons and Nellie Simmons; previous marriages: 0 for both.
OBITUARY, Athens Times, December 25, 1924. Mrs. John C. RobinsonDies in St. Mark's Hospital - Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Simmons Spent Most of Her Life in Athens. - Hazel D. Simmons was born June 7, 1887, at Pine Creek, Michigan, and passed on December 20, 1924, at 6 p.m., at St. Mark's Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, aged 37 years, 6 months and 13 days. She was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Simmons of Athens, in which place she passed the happy days of her girlhood among her many friends and relatives. She was graduated from the Athens High School in 1906, after which she taught school for 2 years. She then attended the Ypsilanti Normal, graduating from that institution in June, 1909. Having decided upon a business career, she took a course in stenography in a Battle Creek business college, after which she worked at her chosen profession in Battle Creek for two years. On Christmas Eve, 1913, she was married to John C. Robinson of Battle Creek, Mich. and in that city the happy couple established their home. Two children were born to this union, Ruth, in June, 1919, and Homer in Jan. 1922. All went well with this happy family until about a year ago when Mrs. Robinson's health begain to fail. In August of this year she went to a hospital in Savannah, Mo., returning in about a month somewhat relieved. Seven weeks ago she went to Detroit to receive treatment from an eminent specialist, and in the St. Mark's Hospital in that city put up her last brave fight for life, and today we have left with us but beautiful memories of her as a happy, loyal wife, a kind and conscientious mother, a faithful, loving daughter, and a true refined and cultured friend and neighbor. Of her immediate family she leaves a kind and indulgent husband, who ministered unto her until death relieved her of her suffering; two children: Ruth, aged 5, and Homer, aged 3, for whom she made such a brave struggle to live; her father and mother, who are deprived of the cheer and comfort of her presence in their declining years; three aunts, two uncles, three cousins and many other relatives and friends whose lives have been influenced by her presence and who hold her in tender memory. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock at the Hebble undertaking parlors in Battle Creek. Burial at Burr Oak Cem. at Athens, in charge of Rev. F. A. Stephens. Card of Thanks. We wish to express our sincere gratitude to the friends and neighbors, the ministers, the Battle Creek police force and others for the kindness and sympathy accorded to us in our sorrow. J. C. Robinson and Family. Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Simmons. Mrs. Jennie Wood. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Robinson.
Coller Collection, Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI. Newspaper clipping: John Robinson, Police Veteran, Retiring at 59. April 7, 1945. Desk Sergt. John Robinson, whose nearly 28 years of service makes him the oldest member of the police department, has decided to retire at the age of 59. He will finish up Saturday afternoon, take a week's vacation on full pay and then will start drawing his pension of half his regular pay. Eligible to retire on pension July 17, 1942, upon completion of 25 years service, Sergeant Robinson decided then to remain at his post "because I like the work. I've really been working for half pay since then, but I haven't minded that," he said today. "I did hope to continue on until 65, but I've become tired of my work." By "half pay" the sergeant meant he had been putting in full time on regular pay whereas if he had retired in 1942, he still would have got half pay. Sergeant Robinson has worried a great deal about his son, Staff Sergt. John H. Robinson, radio operator and gunner on a bomber who has been missing since a mission over Germany February 9. He has also witnessed a good many police department changes in the last year or two, including departmental realignments and numerous resignations and retirements, some involving men with whom he had long been associated. He joined the department under the late Chief William Farrington on July 17, 1917, and now has years of seniority over all other members of the force. He walked a beat for seven years, served the next four as a desk sergeant on the 4 p.m. to midnight shift, spent the next four as lieutenant in command of police headquarters between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. and is now in his 13th year as day desk sergeant from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sergeant was born at Homer and put in about 10 years there as a grocery clerk. "I learned in the grocery that the public is always right," he says, "and I've tried to maintain that policy in my police work." Coming to Battle Creek as a young man, Sergeant Robinson found his first employment at the Kellogg plant and worked for a time as a fireman on the Grand Trunk before filling a boyhood ambition by becoming a policeman. He was 59 in January and still enjoys excellent health. He said that a little later he "might look around for a light job just to keep me out of trouble," but would enjoy a good rest for a while. Much of his time will be spent with his daughter, Mrs. Jack W. Kewley and her family, with whom he makes his home at 76 Magnolia Avenue.
OBITUARY. Newspaper July 28,1962. John Robinson, Police Vet Dies. John C. (Jack) Robinson, 76, of 76 Magnolia Ave., who retired in 1945 after 28 years of service with the Battle Creek police department, died at 3:40 p.m. Saturday at a local nursing home. Mr. Robinson had been in ill health for several years. Mr. Robinson joined the police department in 1917 when William Farrington was the chief. He became a lieutenant in charge of the department at night, but in order to obtain a day job, he accepted a demotion to day desk sergeant, which job he held during the last 13 years he was on the force. He was born in Homer, Jan. 11, 1886, the son of Isaac and Mary (Loder) Robinson. He was a former member of the Masonic Lodge in Homer. He was married to Hazel Simmons in Battle Creek Dec. 24, 1912. She died in 1924. Surviving are one daughter of the Magnolia Avenue address, Mrs. Jack (Ruth) Kewley; one son, John H., of 342 N. 28th St. and four grandchildren.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. Vol 44, p. 76. Died 18 Jul 1962 at 1404 W. Territorial Road, Battle Creek (Twp.), MI, John Chem Robinson, age 76, b. 11 Jan 1886, at Homer, MI; father: Isaac Robinson; mother: Mary Loder; residence 76 Magnolia St., Battle Creek; occupation: retired, Battle Creek Police Dept., buried 30 Jul 1962, Burr Oak Cemetery, Athens, MI; informant: John Robinson, N. 28th St., Battle Creek.
It was said that Leo and Hazel had one child who died at or shortly after birth.
Leo was of Melvindale, Detroit area in 1949.
Leo Simmons Honored. Honored Retiree - Leo Simmons retired from 17 and a half years as head custodian of the Marine City Intermediate School is presented a Wyler watch from the school's staff and his close friends by principal Charles Cotton. Simmons was also given a wallet with money in it from the school custodians at an open house Jan. 9. The dinner was attended by 33 persons, including Dr. William Bowden of the school board and teachers and custodians from Schools in Marysville, St. Clair, and Marine City. Simmons will be ready to serve as a substitute custodian if needed. It was noted that he has never lost working time due to illness.
OBITUARY. Leo E. Simmons - Marine City - Funeral services for Leo E. Simmons, 69, of 666 N. Riverside, St. Clair, who died Saturday in River District Hospital, will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in Bower-Rose Funeral Home, Marine City. (MI)
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer, April 11, 1971, page A-3. A former Battle Creek resident, Leo Simmons, 69, died Saturday at his St. Claire home. Born in Battle Creek, he left the city 25 years ago.
In 1949 Hazel was of Melvindale, Detroit, MI area.
Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter, Athens, MI was used for information. Reunion books of Carpenter Family Reunions, Athens, MI 1893-95 were also used..
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Vol. 7, p. 376, #645, married 5 October 1922 at Battle Creek, MI, Neva Simmons, age 19, b. Michigan, residing in Battle Creek, occupation: stenographer, father: Ora Simmons, mother: Nellie Appleton [Aplin], and George H. Voyce, age 21, b. Leroy Twp., residing in Battle Creek, occupation: auto dealer; father: Peter Voyce, mother: Agnes Langs; witnesses: Leo Simmons and Bertha Crowell both of Battle Creek; officiant: William Horatio Phelps, MG. Neither had a previous marriage.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer, 19 Mar 1991. Neva E. (Simmons) Voyce, 87, formerly of 9497 4-Mile road died Sunday, March 17, 1991, in Mercy Pavillion where she had lived since June 1986. She was born in Athens Twp. and came to Battle Creek as a child, graduating from Battle Creek Central High School in 1922. She was a homemaker and enjoyed many hobbies. She served as presidentof the PTA at Roosevelt Elementary School in 1931-32. In 1983, she was honored by Roosevelt and was the oldest living past PTA president. She taught 4-H sewing and was sewing chairman of the old American Legion Hospital Auxiliary. She as a member of the Leroy Congretationl Ladies Aid. Surviving are a daughter, Eloise Stormshak, of Battle Creek; a son, Jerry L. Voyce of East Leroy; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Her husband of 63 years, George Voyce died in 1986. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Royal Funeral Home. Memorial donations may go to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Foundation.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1991 Deaths, #319. Died 18 Mar 1991 at Battle Creek, MI, Neva Ellen Voyce, age 87, b. 24 Jul 1903 in Athens Twp., white, female, widow; father: Ora L. Simmons; mother: Nellie Aplin; buried: Leroy Congregational Cem., Athens Twp.; informant: Eloise Stormshak, 107 S. 25th St., Battle Creek. (The date of death differs from that in Neva's obituary.)
1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Leroy Twp., MI taken 16 Apr. 38/40 Voyce, George H., son, MW, age 9, is in the home of his parents.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register's office, Marshall, MI; 1986 deaths, #41; George H. Voyce, age 85, born 5 Oct 1900, died 7 Jan 1986, in Calhoun County, MI; residence: Leroy Twp., occupation: auto mechanic; married; spouse: Neva E. Simmons; father: Peter M. Voyce; mother: Agnes Mae Langs; buried 10 Jan Leroy Congregational Cem.; informant: Jerry Voyce.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer and News, 9 Jan 1986, p. 3B. George H. Voyce, 85, 9497 4-Mile Road, East Leroy, died Tuesday at Community Hospital after a short illness. He was born in East Leroy and was a lifelong resident of the area. He owned and operated Meyers and Voyce Garage on Jackson Street from 1919 to 1942 and also worked at the Olmstead auto dealership and Holmes Buick auto dealership and also owned and operated Voyce Carburetor Service. He attended the Leroy Congregational Church. He is survived by his wife, the former Neva Simmons; a daughter, Eloise Stormshak of Battle Creek; a son, Jerry Voyce of East Leroy; a sister, Helen Brown of East Leroy; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at Royal Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be given to Alzheimer's research.
See father's extensive notes. She is the daughter of: Margot Heck, and Frank Edwin Seedorff before Frank married Harriett Marie Brownell. Since this record is searching the descendants of the Carpenter's her record is detailed in her father's record.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, marriages, vol. 6, p. 191, #247. Married 28 May 1913 at Ceresco, Herbert S. Spooner, age 20, residing in Newton Twp., occupation farmer; father, James S. Spooner; mother, Ida Babcock; and Maggie Seedorff, age 19, residing in Newton Twp.; father: Frank Spooner; mother:-- --; previous marriages 0 for both; officiant: Rev. H. C. Grimes; witnesses: May L. E. Taylor and Howard Spooner.
1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, City of Battle Creek, MI taken 9 Jan, ED 59, sheet 9B, 206 Lathrop. 213/278 Spooner, Maggie, sister-in-law, FW, age 25, married, b. MI, parents b. MI, retail merchant, grocery, is in the home of Howard S. Spooner, head, MW, age 23, married, b. MI; Howard's wife, Florence B., age 22; Howard's daughter, Veldah, age 2 10/12; Charles Seedorf, boarder, age 16; Laura Seedorf, boarder, age 20.
The Athens Times, December 16, 1920. East Leroy. Mrs. Seedorff entertained Mrs. Maggie Spooner and daughter on Thanksgiving day.
The Athens Times, January 20, 1921. East Leroy. Mrs. Ralph Romig is caring for her sister, Mrs. Stanley Burgett, who is siffering with an infected hand and also bronchitis.
Maggie Romig was in Leroy Twp. 21 Nov 1948.
OBITUARY. Battle Creek Enquirer, 28 Jan 1977. East Leroy. Mrs. Maggie L. (Seedorff) Romig, 83, of 8297 5-Mile Road, died Wednesday at Leila Hospital. She was born in Leroy Twp. and was a lifelong area resident. She was a member of Naomi Chapter 60 OES, a member and past president of the Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Trainmen, and a member of the Leroy Congregational Church. She is survived by her husband, Ralph Romig, and the couple observed their 56th wedding anniversary earlier this month. Also surviving are daughters, Mrs. Merlah Green of East Leroy, Mrs. Wilton (Grace) Fry of East Leroy and Mrs. Harvey (Marian) Rolfe of Santa Ana, Calif; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Leon (Elizabeth) Smith of Battle Creek, and a brother, Charles Seedorff of Delton. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Spencer Funeral Home, Athens.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI. 1977, #120. Died 16 Jan 1977 at Battle Creek, Maggie L. Romig, age 83, b. 16 Jul 1893, residing on 5-Mile Road, Leroy Twp., occupation: homemaker, father: Frank Seedorff, mother: Hattie Brownell, spouse: Ralph L. Romig, informant: Mrs. Merlah Green.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 387, #12, 6 Nov 1918, Spooner, Herbert S., died at Newton Twp., male, 25y4m26d, white, married, b. MI, farmer, father J.S. Spooner, mother Ida May Babcock. Herbert and his son, Melvin, died on the same day. They are buried in the same coffin on Lot 60, grave 1, section C in Newton Cem..
OBITUARY. The Athens Times, Thursday, November 14, 1918. Death Visits One Home Twice in Few Hours. Herbert Spencer Spooner was born June 11, 1893, in Newton Twp., Calhoun county, state of Michigan, the oldest son of Spencer and Ida Spooner, and departed this life at midnight, Nov. 6, 1918, at his home in Newton Twp., being 25 years, 4 months and 26 days. He was married May 28, 1913 to Maggie L. Seedorff of Newton. And to this union was born two children, Merlah Arlene, aged 4 years, and Melvin Harold, one year, nine months and fifteen days, who passed away seven and one-half hours before his father's departure. The dear little one had a disposition that no one could help but love, always cheerful and happy. Although his life was limited, he has gone to answer the call of his heavenly father. Herbert's entire life has been spent in Newton Twp. except one year in Battle Creek and one year in Leroy Twp., his occupation being devoted to farming. This kind husband and loving father is survived by a wife and daughter, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Spooner, one brother Howard, all of Newton, and a host of other relatives and friends.
The Athens Times, Thursday, November 14, 1918. Card of Thanks. We wish to thank the friends and neighbors for the beautiful flowers and expressions of sympathy in our recent bereavement; also Rev. Hilburn, the singers and Mr. Hoffman for their kind help. Mrs. Herbert Spooner and daughter. Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Spooner. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Spooner.
DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 387, #11, 6 Nov 1918, Spooner,,Melvin Harold, male, 1y9m15d, b. MI, no father listed, mother Maggie Seedorff. Melvin's father died on the same day as Melvin. They are buried in the same coffin on Lot 60, Grave 1, Section C in Newton Cem.. Burial information is from the Cem. records.
See father's notes for obituary of father and son.
MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, marriages, vol. 7, p 276, #35. Married 5 January 1921 at Battle Creek, Ralph L. Romig, age 33, residing in Battle Creek, b. Marcellus, MI; occupation: railroad brakeman; father: Joseph Romig; mother: Amanda Parker; and Maggie L. Spooner, age 27, residing in Battle Creek, b. East Leroy; occupation: clerk; father: Frank Seedorff; mother: Harriet Brownell; officiant: F. E. George, pastor, Upton Avenue Methodist Church; witnesses: Minnie M. George and Ruth H. George; his previous marriage: 0; hers: 1.