Lived in Rochester, NY.
Of Bristol, Ontario NY
Child #1, Jane, had reunion book, do not know where it is now. She died in 1972.
Never Married. It was said that Jane had the reunion book, do not know where it is now since her death.
Birth year was also given as 1891.
of Canandaigua, NY
26746. William N."Willis" Carpenter
1860 U. S.Census (Records sent in 1993 by family descendants said Willis was born in Belvidere, CAHOUN , IL. so the following may be incorrect ) of Bonus, Boone, IL. (Bellvidere, Boone County is close to Bonus). Willis is listed as Willie age 2, and in the home of his parents, William and Polly Carpenter. Census taken 28 June 1860. (This census was so difficult to read we may have coincidentally found a Carpenter family that almost matched.)
1870 U. S.Census of Prairieville, Barry, MI. Willis is listed as 12 b. IL and in the home of his parents William and Mary (Polly is often called Mary). This is not William Riley's second wife who was named Mary.
MARRIAGE. Allegan County Clerk, Allegan, MI, Vol. 5, Page 26, #376. Wm. N. Carpenter ("Willis"), of Martin, MI, age 22, b. IL, married Emma J. Warner of Wayland, MI, age 18, b. MI. Married, 23 March 1883, at Plainwell, Allegan , MI. Witnesses: Frank E. Randall of Plainwell, MI and Ella Warner of Wayland, MI. A. Churchill Roberts, Justice of the Peace. (Although not given here, we know from other research that the parents of the bride were George Warner & Mary J. Smith. Parents of the Groom: William Riley Carpenter and Paulina Cronkhite.)
1900 U. S. Census, Gun Plain Twp., Allegan, MI. Film 1240698 Vol. 2, Ed. 10, Sheet 2, Line 32. Willis Carpenter, b. May 1857 (tombstone 1859), age 41, b. IL md. 17 yrs; Emma G., wife, b.Mar 1865, age 35, b. MI, md. 17 yrs; Morrell E. (should be Earl Merrill), son, b. Oct 1886, age 13, b. MI. She said she had had only 1 child and 1 child was still living, so Morrell E. (Earl Merrill) was their only child. (See 1910 census).
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. Plainwell Enterprise, 14 Aug 1901 p. 8, col 1. A very pleasant social event occurred last Saturday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Willis Carpenter of Argenta, it being the fourth reunion of the Carpenter family of this county. (See Byron Carpenter file for 1899 and 1900 reunions). The porches were tastefully decorated with fags and streamers of the national colors, while beside of the house there were many beautiful flowers. At twelve o'clock dinner was served in the large dining room. The tables were loaded with everything that makes up a delicious dinner. On account of sickness there was not so large an attendance as usual, but everyone seemed to feel that they were being royally entertained. Those present from Plainwell were Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Stratten, Mrs. Helen Carpenter, Fred and Charles Carpenter, Mrs. P. A. King, Mrs. Will Grable, Mrs. T. Maurice, Effie Francis and Ruth Maurice and Lila Dewey. A short sketch of the family history is as follows: Robert Carpenter came to this country from England, bringing with him his wife and two children.(We now know this is incorrect, as several ancestors were here before Robert Carpenter who married Phebe McNair). Eleven children were born to them in this country. (All 13 were born in Ontario County, NY). In 1837 he was killed by falling from a wagon. Nathaniel Carpenter, the third son, was a native of Connecticut for a number of years. He may have followed the medical profession. He was married to Almira L. Lewis in 18_. (The remainder of the article could not be read. It was a very poor film!)
1910 U. S. Census, Barry , MI, Vol.5, Ed.49, #93. Carpenter, Willis age 30 (should be 50, his age was recorded wrong) b. IL. married . 27 yrs., father b. IL (not correct as William Riley Carpenter was b. NY, but lived in IL about 1860-1865), mother b. NY; Emma J., age 45, b. MI, father: b. Conn., mother: b. NY. She said she had 1 child, and 1 living; Earl L., son, age 23, b. MI, md 2 yrs; Edith O., age 20, b. MI, md. 2 yrs., daughter-in-law. (Earl and Edith had a child, Marion, who died at 5 months old the next year.) (Records sent by descendants in 1993, said they had 3 sons after Marion died.)
1920 U. S. Census, Barry MI Vol 7, Ed. 60, Sheet 2, Line 35; Carpenter, Willis, age 60, b. IL; Emma, age 54, b. MI; Warner, Frank BL(brother-in-law to the head of the house) 62, b. MI (We now know Emma had a brother Frank and a sister Ella, who was a witness at Emma's wedding.)
In May 1920 Willis was of Doster, MI according to his father's obituary.
OBITUARY. May 26, 1932. Willis N. Carpenter was born at Belvidere, Calhoun , Illinois May 17, 1859, and passed from this life early Monday morning, May 16, 1932. Death has called one who will be greatly missed. All that living heart and hands could do for his recovery was of no avail. Only those who knew him best realized how patient he was through the thirteen years his health has been broken. On March 20, 1883 he was united in marriage to Emmigene Warner, to this union was born one son, Earl, of Doster. He leaves a sad wife, one son and three grandsons, three brothers, Henry of Plainwell, Byron of Shelbyville and Edd of Wayland and one sister, Anna Noble of Wayland also three half sisters Mrs. D. A. Woodward of Vicksburg, Mrs. Ella Scott and Mrs Frank Scherer of Kalamazoo and one half brother, Roy of Comstock and a host of friends. The funeral was held at the residence Wednesday, May 18, at two o'clock conducted by Rev. L. D. Miles, pastor of Delton M. E. church, and laid to rest in Hillside Cem. at Plainwell (verse followed).
DEATH. Willis' death record from the Barry Index is 1932, Book C-304. His wife Emma's is 1933, Book C-324. Willis N. Carpenter, d. 16 May 1932, Prairieville, MI. b. 17 May 1959, Belvedere, IL. Father: Wm R. Carpenter, Mother: Unknown (Mother was Polly Cronkhite.) (Informant's name on our copy was blurred, but could be obtained). Willis was 72y11m29d at time of death.
Hillside Cem., Plainwell, Allegan, MI. There are six separate tombstones alike in the corner of the Cem. where two main roads (outside of the Cem.) meet. They are: Willis N. Carpenter 1859-1932; Emma G., his wife, 1865-1933; Henry C. Carpenter (Willis' brother) 1861-1946 & Sarah C. Carpenter (Henry's wife) 1863-1945; Earl M. Carpenter (Willis' son) 1886-1972 & Edith O. Carpenter (Earl's wife), 1890-1971. There are two children's stones, unreadable in 1993. There is a death record in Barry Index, B-234, for Marion E. 5 months old, parents Earl Carpenter and Edith Call. This explains one stone. (This record will be researched to determine sex).The other child was a child of Henry Carpenter and wife Sarah. They then adopted Bert.
See husband's documentation. In 1900 and in 1910 she stated she only had 1 child.
DEATH. Book C, page 324. Died 16 Feb 1933, 67y,11m, at Prairieville, Barry, MI. b. 16 Mar 1865, Allegan , MI, father: George Warner, mother: Mary J. Smith, both b. NY. buried 18 Feb 1933. Hillside Cem., Plainwell, Allegan, MI. Informant: Mr. Earl Carpenter. Buried Lot A-1. (Earl was her son).
1880 U. S. Census, Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan, Chase, Jesse, wm, 57, farmer; Carpenter, Henry, wm 20 laborer.
MARRIAGE. Marriage record Index for Barry County 1882 or 1887 Book C-197 has a marriage record for Henry Carpenter and Sarah C. Marriage was also recorded in old Methodist Church records: Carpenter, Henry, age 22, married Sarah Carry (spelled this way), age 23, Nov. 27, 1882, b. Barry , MI. Residence: Prairieville, MI. Pastor: Farmes. Witnesses: Chas. Chase and Louise Chase. (We know her name is Sarah C. Carey from her death record. She died in Kalamazoo , but it is recorded in Allegan County also).
1900 U. S. Census, Plainwell, Gun Plain Twp., Allegan, MI, Vol. 2, Ed. 11, Sheet 4, Line 68. Household 100/101. Carpenter, Henry, Mar 1860, age 40, md. 17 yrs; Sarah, wife, b. Oct 1860, 39, b. MI, md. 17 yrs, 1 child, l living; Bertie, son, b. Feb 1887 (25th day), age 13, b. MI. (The original census was very difficult to read). Family descendants sent information in 1993 and stated that they had a child that died, and they adopted Bert.
1910 U. S. Census, Gun Plain Twp. Allegan, MI. Charles H (Henry C. on some records, 46, md. once for 20 yrs., b. IL, parents b. NY; Sarah, wife, 45, b. NY parents b. NY, 1 ch, 1 living; Bert, son, age 23, b. MI. (Ages are not quite correct, as they should be about 50 & 49 according to 1900, & 1920 census). They have a son, Bert 23, which agrees with the 1900 census as Bert was 13 then. Even with the descrepancies of their age on this census of 1910, we feel sure this is "our" family.) (Family records sent in 1993 said they had a child who died as an infant, and they adopted Bert.)
1920 U. S. Census, Allegan , MI. Vol 2, Ed. 16, Sheet 4,. Line 48. Household 117/118. Carpenter, Henry, age 61, b. IL; wife, age 59, b. MI (no name reported); Burton age 32. (Sarah Carey, his wife, died in the Kalamazoo State Hospital in 1945, possibly why she was not named. Her maiden name was given on her death certificate in Allegan County).
Henry was of Plainwell, MI in May 1920 in his father's obituary, and also in May 1932 in his brother's (Willis) obituary.
Cem. Tombstone in Hillside Cem., Plainwell, Allegan, MI. Henry and Sarah are buried by his brother, Willis Carpenter and wife Emma, and their son, Earl M. & Edith O., Earl's wife. They have separate stones. The stones are where two main roads (outside of the cemetery) intersect. The six stones are in the corner of the Cem.. The main road is the highway into Plainwell. Their lot is A-1 There is a very old child's stone that is unreadable in 1993, which we believe is the child they lost according to family descendant records in 1993. There is a second child's stone which is also unreadable, probably Willis' son Earl and his wife Edith's. They, Edith and Earl, had a child, Marion, that died at 5 months.
MARRIAGE. Marriage record Index for Barry County 1882 or 1887 Book C-197 has a marriage record for Henry Carpenter and Sarah C. Marriage was also recorded in old Methodist Church records: Carpenter, Henry, age 22, married Sarah Carry (spelled this way), age 23, Nov. 27, 1882, b. Barry , MI. Residence: Prairieville, MI. Pastor: Farmes. Witnesses: Chas. Chase and Louise Chase. (We know her name is Sarah C. Carey from her death record. She died in Kalamazoo , but it is recorded in Allegan County also). See husband's record for 1900, 1910, and 1920 Census Records.
Sarah's tombstone in the Hillside Cem., Plainwell, MI said she was born in 1863. I also found a 1900 original census, reference Vol. 3, Ed11, Sheet 4, Line 68, that said she was b. Oct 1865, age 31. Her death record from the Kalamazoo St. Hospital said she was born, Oct. 1860 in Brooklyn, NY and was age 83y 1m 22d when she died 15 Dec 1945. If this information for age is correct, she would have been born in Oct. of 1862. Her tombstone said 1863. These descrepancies still remain.
DEATH. Allegan County Clerk, Allegan, MI. Death Records: Vol.10, page 526. Sarah Carpenter, b. Brooklin, NY, died 15 Dec 1945, 83y1m21d, died Kalamazoo State Hospital. Parents ______Carey & Mother unknown.
Sarah is buried in the Hillside Cem., Plainwell, Allegan, MI. by her husband, Henry, and Henry's brother Willis and wife Emma, and their son Earl and his wife Edith. They are in the corner of the Cem., Lots A-1.
Source: Family records sent in 1993 by grandfather, William Riley Carpenter's descendants. This was their (Henry C. Carpenter and Sarah Carey's) only child. They later adopted Burton "Bert" as their son.
35291. Burton "Bert" Carpenter
DEATH. Allegan County Clerk, Allegan, MI, book 12, p. 364. "Bert" (Burton) Carpenter, d. 4 Apr 1955 age 68 yrs. died in Allegan Twp., Allegan MI. b. 25 Feb 1887, single, never married. Buried Hillside Cem., Plainwell, Allegan, MI. Bert was 68y. at time of death. Earl Carpenter, informant. (Earl Carpenter was his cousin, and son of Willis and Emma Carpenter.) Bert (Burton) was adopted by Henry and Sarah after they lost their only child.
1870 U. S. Census, Prairieville, Barry, MI, film 0552160, taken 25 July, 117/120, Anne (Anna) is age 6, b. MI, and in the home of her parents, William Riley Carpenter and Polly (Cronkhite) Carpenter.
1880 U. S. Census, Martin, Allegan, MI. Anna's parents are on this census, but Anna is not in the home, and was not found on this census. The following documentation is duplicated on her husband's record.
MARRIAGE. Allegan County Clerk, Allegan, MI. Marriages: Vol 6, page 112, #1666. Edmund H. Noble, age 28, of Shelbyville, MI, b. Ohio married Anna B. Carpenter, age 28, b. Prairieville. md. 6 Oct 1892 at Martin, MI. Parents: Byron Noble & Mary J. Ingraham. Bride's parents: William Carpenter and Paulina Cronkhite. Witnesses: Anna Donaldson of Martin & George Witt. George Donaldson, Minister.
1900 U. S. Census, Wayland, Allegan, MI (Soundex N-140) Film #1254082, Vol. 2, Ed. 32, Sheet 7, Line 35. Noble, Edmund H., b. Sept 1863, age 36, b. Ohio; Annie B., b. Jan 1864, 36, b. MI; Murl, dau., b. June 1893, age 6, b. MI.
1910 U. S .Census, Martin, Allegan, MI. Film 1374647. Vol 2, Ed. 21, #128. Noble, Edmund H., age 45, b. Ohio, father: b. MI, mother: b. Ohio; Anna B., 46, b. MI; Mary Murl, dau., 16, b. MI. She stated she had 2 children, only 1 was still living. They were md. 18 yrs. (Family records sent in 1993, named the child as Harry Noble and said he only lived a few months.) Next door is Edmund's parents: #129, Noble, Byron M., age 72, md. 51 yrs., b. MI, father: b. NY, mother: b. NY; Mary Jane, wife, 72, b. Ohio, father; b. VT; mother: b. NY, 4 children, 2 living.
1920 U. S. Census, Wayland, Allegan., MI, Vol 3, Ed. 40, Sheet 4, Line 57. Noble, Edmund, age 55, b. Ohio, Anna, 55, b. MI; Mary, mother (of Edmund), age 81, b. Ohio.
Anna was Mrs. Edward Noble of Wayland in May 1920 in father's obituary, and also in May 1923 in brother's, (Willis'), obituary.
Anna was 81y2m22d at time of death 19 Apr 1945.
Family records sent in 1993 said she was from Angola, NY.
DEATH:
Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995
Name: Anna B. Noble
Gender: Female
Burial Date: 21 Apr 1945
Burial Place: Martin, Michigan
Death Date: 19 Apr 1945
Death Place: Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Age: 81
Birth Date: 27 Jan 1864
Birthplace: Plainwell, Mich.
Occupation: Housewife
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name: Edmund H.
Father's Name: William Carpenter
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother's Name: Polly Cronkite
Mother's Birthplace: Allegan Co., Mich.
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B01129-3
System Origin: Michigan-EASy
Source Film Number: 2075056
Reference Number: rn 213
Collection: Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995
Allegan Marriages: Vol 6, page 112, #1666. Edmund H. Noble, age 28 of Shelbyville, MI, b. Ohio md. Anna B. Carpenter age 28, b. Prairieville. md. 6 Oct 1892 at Martin, MI. Parents: Byron Noble & Mary J. Ingraham. Bride's parents: William Carpenter and Paulina Cronkhite. Witnesses: Anna Donaldson of Martin & George Witt. George Donaldson, Minister.
1900 U.S. Census, Wayland, Allegan, MI (Soundex N-140) Film # 1254082, Vol.2, Ed. 32, Sheet 7, Line 35. Noble, Edmund H. b. Sept 1863, age 36, b. Ohio; Annie B. b. Jan 1864, 36 b. MI; Murl, dau., b. June 1893, age 6 b. MI.
1910 U.S.Census, Martin, Allegan, MI. Film 1374647. Vol 2, Ed. 21, Household #128. Noble, Edmund H. age 45, b. Ohio, Fa: b. MI, M: Ohio; Anna B. 46, b. MI; Mary Murl, dau. 16 b. MI. She stated she had 2 children, only 1 was still living. They were md. 18 yrs. His parents are next door: Household #129, Noble, Byron M. age 72, md. 51 yrs., b. MI, Fa: b. NY, M: b. NY; Mary Jane, wife, 72, b. Ohio, Fa; b. VT, M: b. NY, 4 children, 2 living.
1920 U.S.Census, Wayland, Allegan. Vol 3, Ed. 40, Sheet 4, Line 57. Noble, Edmund age 55, b. Ohio, Anna 55 b. MI; Mary, mother (of Edmund), age 81, b. Ohio.
Information from the family in 1993 gave the names of her two husbands, Rev. Badden, and Sky C. Hill.
Family descendants gave the first name of this child and said he lived only a few months.
1880 U. S. Census, Martin Twp., Allegan, MI. Vol. 1, Ed. 13, Sheet 16, Line 1. Byron is 13 and in the home of his father William (Wm. Riley) Carpenter and step-mother Mary.
MARRIAGE. Allegan County Clerk, Allegan, MI. Vol 6, p. 89, #1322. Byron T. Carpenter, age 24, of Martin, MI, b. Barry , MI (other records said IL, and Gun Plain, Allegan MI) married Alice L. Pierce, age 17, of Martin, MI, b. Martin, MI, on 10 Oct 1891 in Allegan, Allegan, MI. Parents of the Bride: Joseph Pierce & Lovina Burnham. Parents of the Groom: William Carpenter and Paulina Cronkhite. Witnesses: Mary McKee & J. I. McKee of Allegan, MI. Married by: S. O. McKee, M. G.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. Plainwell Enterprise, 9 Aug 1899, p. 1, col. 3. Plainwell, Allegan, MI. This week Saturday will be held the annual reunion of the Carpenter family at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Byron Carpenter. A large number of guests will attend from out of town. Dinner will be served on the lawn about 1 o'clock and a general good time is expected.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. Plainwell Enterprise, 16 Aug, 1899, p. 1, col. 3. The members of the Carpenter family had a very pleasant reunion Saturday at the home of Byron Carpenter one mile east of this village. The weather was delightful for outdoor enjoyment. A sumptuous dinner was served on the tables on the lawn and thoroughly enjoyed by the 60 guests assembled. Those present from abroad were Wm. Carpenter and family of Bradley; Frank Carpenter and family of Shelbyville; Fred Carpenter and wife of Athens; Geo. Williams and wife of Prairieville; John Norton and family of near Kalamazoo; A. Randall and family and Mrs. J. L. Stratton from Otsego; Wilbur Starr and wife from Trowbridge. Among members in attendance from here were Mrs. J. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Stratton, Mrs. Helen Carpenter and family, Mrs. Fannie King, Mr. and Mrs. T. Maurice and family, Bryon Carpenter and wife. One accident occurred to mar the pleasure of the day just as the guests were about to disperse. A little child of John Norton climbed on the wheel of one of the wagons and was thrown to the ground by a sudden movement of the horses. His leg was severely bruised by the wheel but no bones were broken. The next reunion will be held at the home of George Williams of Prairieville, the second Saturday of August, 1900.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. Plainwell Enterprise, 20 June 1900 Plainwell, Allegan, MI. The annual reunion of the Carpenter of Allegan County will be held at the home of Byron Carpenter on August (the rest of the article couldn't be read on the film).
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. Plainwell Enterprise, 8 Aug 1900, p.1, col. 2. The Carpenter family will hold the annual reunion at the home of Byron Carpenter Saturday, Aug 11.
1900 U. S. Census, Gun Plain, Allegan, MI. Vol.2, Ed. 10, Sheet 3, Line 87. Carpenter, Byron F., b. Feb. 1867, age 33, b. MI; Alice L., b. Sept 1874, age 25, b. MI; Maudie M., dau, b. Sept 1893, age 6; Floyd B., son, b. Aug 1895, age 4, b. MI; Verne W., son, b. Apr 1898, age 2, b. MI.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. Plainwell Enterprise, Plainwell, Allegan, MI. 15 Aug. 1900, p. 8, col. 1. Happy Social Event. The Reunion of the Carpenter Family of Allegan County. Last Saturday was the occasion of the third annual reunion of the Carpenters of Allegan county and about sixty-five relatives and friends met at the home of Byron Carpenter to celebrate the event. Some time was spent in social converse or playing croquet, until the dinner hour, when the guests were served a very dainty dinner. The decorations were arranged by Mrs. Cora Carpenter, the colors being pink and green for the tables and for the house, yellow and white. After dinner a fine program consisting of recitations by Mrs. T. Maurice, Mrs. H. S. Stratton and Miss Mattie Norton. Vocal solo with guitar accompaniment by Miss Mae Carpenter, solos by Robert Allen, Edwin Elmer, Henry Carpenter and Lewis Cramer, songs and choruses by Lulu Hoose, Ellie and Francis Maurice, Harry Randall, Erncst Norton and others. A letter was read from Mrs. Grace Carpenter Grable of Fair Play, MO. After the business session which followed all were arranged in a group and their pictures were taken by J. H. Madden and without doubt they were excellent, for just at the proper time, all tried to look pleasant. Guests were present from Grand Rapids, Park Lake, Athens, Wayland, Bradley, Kalamazoo, Otsego and Plainwell. The reunion next year will be held at Pine Lake, the second Saturday in August.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. pLAINWELL eNTERPRISE, 7 Aug. 1901, p. 1, col. 2. The fourth annual reunion of the Carpenters of this county will be held Saturday at the home of Willis Carpenter at Argenta.
1910 U. S. Census, Watson, Allegan , MI. Vol 2, Ed. 32, Household 25. Carpenter, Byron, 43, b. MI, father: b. NY, mother: b. NY; Alice L., 35, b. MI, father: b. Ohio, mother : b. U.S. 3 children & 3 living, lst mg. for both of 18 yrs; Maude M., dau., age 16, b. MI; Floyd B., 14, b. MI; Verne W., 12, MI.
1920 U. S. Census, Allegan MI. Vol 3, Ed. 39, Sheet 1, Line 37. Byron Carpenter, 52 yr., b. MI; Alice, wife, 45, b. MI; Vern, son, 21 yrs., b. MI, Benard, grandson, 4 10/12, b. MI. (On Benard's marriage license, Benard is listed as Byron and Alice's son. He was, however, their grandson. He was raised by his Carpenter grandparents and used the name Carpenter. He might have been legally adopted. This should be researched to determine if there were a legal adoption or is he just used the name Carpenter.)
Byron was of Martin, MI in May 1920 in his father's obituary, and of Shelbyville in May 1932 in his brother's (Willis') obituary. He was of Shelbyville in his 1/2 sister's, Bertha May Scherer's, obituary, Jan 1947.
Byron and Alice's daughter, Maudie, (d. age 22) is buried by them, but it just says "Maudie, dau of B & A. Carpenter", so one cannot tell for sure if she were married or not. Since we cannot find her death record in Allegan, Barry or Kalamazoo under the name of Carpenter, we are inclined to believe she was married. (We have found [summer 1993] the marriage of Maude age 19 to Harley Bender age 23, on 12 Nov 1912. Maude died in 1915, Bernard Byron (nickname Peeley) was born in 1915. Benard Byron (born in March) was Maude's child and she died in June. (Family records received in 1993 stated she died of Bilious Fever). The grandparents, Byron and Alice, cared for the child and raised him as their own, using their Carpenter name and signing as his parents, because they, for all practical purposes had become his parents. We need to find a birth certificate for Bernard Byron Bender, and a death certificate for Maude Bender. Also a legal adoption by the grandparents if available.
DEATH. Allegan County Clerk, Allegan, MI. Death Records: " Byron Carpenter Book 11, page 168, b. 14 Feb 1867, Gun Plain Twp., d. 12 July 1948, 81y1m26d. (Should be 81y 4m 28d) d. in Martin, MI. Suicide-Cancer, bur: 14 July 1948. Father F. T. Carpenter & _____. (Parents were William R. Carpenter & Polly Cronkhite) Informant: LaVern Carpenter of Martin." (Family records have a copy of the suicide note, it reads, "Verne, I have been in such pain for 2 days and nights I can't stand it and this is the only way out of it I am sorry --will say good-bye to all." The family record said, "Byron Frank Carpenter, son of William and Polly, was born Feb 14, 1867, Gun Plains, Allegan County, MI. He was united in marriage on Oct 10, 1891 to Alice L. Pierce. Alice and Byron had 3 children, Maudie, died June 26, 1915, Floyd, Verne April 17, 1898 - Nov 1970. Byron bought an old homestead in Shelbyville and lived there until he sold it to Verne and moved to the house on old U. S. 131. After suffering with Gall Stones, and being afraid of an operation, Byron committed suicide at his home in Shelbyville, July 12, 1948, he was 81 years old. Services were held at Marshall's Chapel, Martin, MI. July 14, 1948, 2:p.m. by Rev. George Clernak of Martin Reformed Chruch, with interrenment in East Martin Cem."
East Martin Cem., Martin, Allegan, MI. Byron F. Carpenter 1867-1948, Alice L. Carpenter 1874-1932; Maudie, Daughter of B. & A. Carpenter, 1893-1915, Carpenter, (one stone) Marie E. 1901-1971, Floyd B. 1895-1939; Carpenter (one stone) Jessie M. 1905-1983, Verne W. 1898-1970; Gerald Verne Carpenter CM3 US Navy, World War II, Oct 25, 1925-June 1, 1973: Bernard Byron Carpenter PVT US Army, World War II, March 15, 1915-Sept 11, 1965; James E. Carpenter 1934-1947; Laverna Carpenter 1926-1933; Betty Jayne Carpenter 1929-1933; Bertha M. Washburn 1924 -____. (In August 1993, Bertha M. Washburn was contacted. She sent my letter of inquiry to Kathy Crow, daughter of Helen Ruth Carpenter [a name we didn't have] who was the daughter of Verne who was Byron's son. Kathy was able to send me a lot of information she had collected.)
"This is a copy of Alice's Biography written in her book from the funeral. 'Alice L. Pierce Carpenter, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pierce, was born Sept. 11, 1874 in the Twp. of Watson, passed away at her home in Martin Twp. April 6, 1932 at the age of 57 years, six months and 26 days. She was united in marriage to Byron Carpenter Oct. 10, 1891 and leaves to mourn their loss, the husband, two sons, eleven grandchildren, one sister, Viola Doxey of Shelbyville, other relatives and many friends. 'To this union was born three children, Maudie who passed away June 26, 1915, leaving one son Bernard, who has resided with his grand parents since her death. Floyd of Shelbyville and Verne who resides on the homestead in Watson Twp.. Mrs. Carpenter has been a patient, suffering for the past two years. Has always been a kind and loving wife and mother and was most loved by those who knew her best. Funeral services were held Sat. 2 p.m. April 9, 1932, 1:30 p.m. at the home, 2:00 p.m. at the M. E. church in Shelbyville with internment in East Martin Cem.."
DEATH. Martin Twp., Allegan, Michigan, Book 5 p 607, Alice L. Pierce Carpenter, dod 6 Apr 1932, 57y6m25d, in Martin Twp., parents Joseph Pierce and LeVina Burman.
1870 U. S. Census, Prairieville, Barry, MI, Film 552160, Census was taken, 25 July, 117/120. Edgar (Edward), age 1, b. MI, is with his parents, Wm. Riley Carpenter, age 39, and Mary (Polly), age 35.
1880 U. S. Census, Martin Twp, Allegan, MI. Edward, age 10, is with his father, William Carpenter, age 50, and step-mother, Mary age 29.
MARRIAGE. Allegan County Clerk, Allegan, MI. Vol 6, p. 120, #1791. Edward Carpenter, age 23, of Martin, MI, b. Martin, MI, married Nora Carpenter, age 18, of Wayland, MI, b. Wayland, MI. Married, 2 Jan 1893, in Allegan, Allegan , MI. Parents of the groom: William Carpenter & Polly Cronkhite. Parents of the bride: Milo Carpenter & mother Unknown. (Bride's mother was Sophia Button, given at her brother Edwin's mg in 1894.) Witnesses: Byron Carpenter, of Watson, MI, (groom's brother), and Alice Carpenter (Byron's wife), of Watson, MI. S. D. McKee, Minister of the Gospel.
1900 U. S. Census, Wayland, Allegan, MI, Film 1240698, taken 11 June,. 79/79, Ed. Carpenter, 30, md. 6 yrs; Nora, 24, md. 6 yrs., 1 child and 1 living; Zael, age 6. Next door, 80/80 is Nora's brother. (Nora's maiden name was Carpenter as well as her married name.) Carpenter, Min---(censustaker wrote over it, but it is believed to be Minor), b. MI, parents b. NY; b. Aug 1869, age 37, md. 10 yrs; Alice, b. Mar 1869, age 31, md 10 yrs. 1 child, l living; Ethel Mae, dau, b. Oct 1898, age 1. Next door to Nora on the other side are her parents: Carpenter, Milo, b. NY, July 1835, parents b. NY, age 64, md 43 yrs; Sophia, wife, b. NY, Aug 1838, parents b. NY, 8 children, 8 living. Hattie, dau, b. July 1871, age 28, b. MI; James, son, b. May 1872, age 27, b. MI.
1910 U. S .Census, Wayland, Allegan, MI, Vol 2, Ed. 34, #176, Carpenter, Ed. (Edward), 36, b. MI, married 20 yrs, father b. NY, mother b. NY; Nora, wife, 31, b. MI, 1 child, l living, parents, b. NY; Zael, son, 15, b. MI.
1920 U. S .Census, Plainwell, Allegan, MI. Vol 2, Ed. 16, Sheet 14, Line 41, Carpenter, Edward, age 50, b. MI; Nora, wife, 45, b. MI; Zale, son, 23, b. MI.
Ed was of Plainwell in May 1920 in his father's obituary, and of Wayland in May 1923 in his brother's (Willis') obituary. He was of Wayland in 1/2 sister's, Bertha's, obituary, Jan 1947.
DEATH. Allegan County Clerk, Allegan, MI, Death records, Vol. 13 page 126, "Edd Carpenter, b. 11 May 1869 in Martin, d. 17 Nov 1956, 87 yrs. old in Kalamzaoo, Kalamazoo., MI., bur: Elmwood Cem., Wayland. Parents: William Carpenter, mother unknown (mother was Pauline Cronkhite). Wife, Nora Carpenter was deceased." Zael, his son, of 1411 Race St. Kalamazoo, MI. gave the information.
Zael was Nora's only child. On two census, she said she had only one child and one child was still living.
DEATH. Allegan County Clerk, Allegan, MI, death records of Allegan , Book 9 page 119, dod 9 Oct 1938 Nora Carpenter's, Father Milo Carpenter was b. Cattarague, NY. Mother Sophia Button b. Wayland.* Milo's father was Carlton Carpenter and his mother was Polly Smith. Ed Carpenter, Nora's husband, was listed as "of Wayland" when Nora died. *There are several descrepancies in the birth place of Nora's mother on various documents. One Census, 1880, it stated Sophia was b. NY, and their first child on that census was b. NY. Then her birthplace was given as Coldwater (no state mentioned, possibly MI) and then on Nora's death record as Wayland, MI. This should be researched further, for those persons interested in this line. We are not following this Carpenter line. We are only following the line of Edward Carpenter, son of William Riley Carpenter and grandson of Nathaniel Carpenter, and great grandson of Robert Carpenter who married Phebe McNair.
1880 U .S. Census, Martin, Allegan, MI. Ada was 5 yrs. old and in the home of her parents, Wm. Riley Carpenter and Mary Jane Andrews.
MARRIAGE., Allegan County Clerk, Allegan, MI. Vol 6, p. 191, #2829. Dick A. Woodward, age 23, of Wayland, MI, b. Wayland, MI, married Ada B. Carpenter, age 19, of Wayland, MI, b. Martin, MI. Married, 31 Dec 1896 at Allegan, Allegan , MI. Parents of the Groom: David Woodward & Mary Henry. Parents of the bride: William Carpenter and Mary Andrews. Witnesses: Ella Carpenter of Wayland, MI, & Elizabeth H. Stockdale, of Allegan, MI (Ella was Ada's sister). John B. Stockdale, Justice of the Peace.
1900 U. S Census, Wayland, Allegan, MI. Soundex W-363, Soundex Film 1245164, Census film, Vol 2, Ed. 31, Sheet 10, Line 66. Dick A. Woodward, b. Jan 1872, age 28, b. MI; Ada B., wife, b. Mar 1876, age 24, b. MI; Leo. L., b. June 1899, 11/12, b. MI.
1910 U. S. Census, Kalamazoo , MI. Vol. 42, Ed. 139, #59 (Soundex W-363 Film # 1371010) Census Film 1374667 Dick A. Woodward, age 37, b. MI, Parents b. U.S., md. once 14 yrs; Ada B., 34, b. MI, father: b. NY, mother: b. MI, 2 children, 2 living; LaRue L., son, age 10, b. MI; Fay L, son, b. MI, age 5.
1920 U. S. Census Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, MI Film # 1820775. Vol 46, Ed. 161, Sheet 5, Line 12. 408/101 Dick A. Woodward, occupation: deptuy county treasuer, 47, b. MI, father: b. MI, mother: Penn; Ada B., 43, b. MI, father: b. NY, mother: b. MI; LaRue L., son, 20 b. MI, occupation: Repairman Telephone ; Fay L. SON, (son was capitalized in census), 15, b. MI.
Ada was Mr. D. A. Woodard (we have Woodward) of Kalamazoo in May 1920 in her father's obituary, and of Vicksburg in May 1923 in half-brother's, Willis', obituary. She is listed as Mrs. Ada Woodward, of Kalamazoo in her sister's, Betha's, obituary in Jan 1947.
DEATH. Kalamazoo County Clerk, Kalamazoo, MI., Ada B. Woodward, dod 6 Aug 1957, female, widowed, dob 6 Mar 1876, age 81, address 510 Pearl St. Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo, MI. In Kalamazoo 52 yrs. (came in abt. 1905) Father: William R. Carpenter, Mother: Mary Jane Andrews. Husband: Dick A. Woodward. Informant, LaRue R. Woodward, Kalamazoo. Buried: 9 Aug 1957, Riverside Cem., Kalamazoo, MI.
OBITUARY. Kalamazoo Gazette, Wednesday, 7 Aug 1957, p. 29.7. Woodward, Mrs. Ada B. 510 Peal St., passed away Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Woodward was born March 6, 1876, in Allegan County, Michigan, the daughter of William R. and Mary Jane (Andrews) Carpenter. She was married to Dick A. Woodward, December, 31, 1894 in Allegan County, who preceded her in death on November 29, 1923. Mrs. Woodward is survived by two sons, LaRue R. and Fay L. of Kalamazoo, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, one brother, Roy Carpenter of Comstock; one sister, Mrs. Ella Scott of West lake; several nieces and nephews. Friends are being received at the Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home where services will be held Friday at 2 p.m., Rev. Elizabeth B. Roche officiating. .Interment, Riverside Cem..
Dick's parents: 1900 U. S. Census, Wayland, Allegan, MI. Vol 2, Ed. 32, Sheet 5, Line 15, Film 1240698, taken 14-18 June . Woodard (Woodward), David, b. Feb 1845, age 55, md. 35 yrs., b. MI, parents b. NY; Mary A., wife, b. Penn. father: b. Ireland, mother: b. NY. b. Feb 1845, age 55, 4 children, 4 living; Ell, son, b. Dec 1873, age 26, single, b. MI; Jay, son, b. Dec 1886, 23, single, b. MI.
1910 U. S. Census, Allegan,, Vol 2, Ed. 34, # 142. Woodward, David, 65, b. MI, parents b. NY; Libbie, wife, 62, b. NY. parents b. NY. Both md. second time and to each other for 4 yrs. 0 children, 0 living. Couldn't find David and Libbie in 1920.
OBITUARY: Dick Woodward, Former Official of County, Dies. Ex-Treasurer and Well Known Man Expires in Vicksburg Hospital. Dick A. Woodward, former Kalamazoo County treasurer, died at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Vickesburg, late Wednesday afternoon after a three weeks illness of pneumonia. Early in the week it was reported that his condition was much improved but he later suffered a relapse and grew worse until the end. Mr. Woodward was 61 years of age and was born in Allegan county, Jan. 19, 1872. He had been a resident of this county for a great number of years. He served as county treasurer for two terms from 1927 to 1931. Prior to that he was assistant county treasurer under U. S. Acker two terms. Before that he was a deputy sheriff for two years under Elton R. Eaton. Upon his retirement from office Mr. Woodward moved to a farm on the Portage road in Schoolcraft Twp., 10 miles south of this city. Prior to that he had resided at 1322 Merrill street. Before becoming a county official he was employed in the office of the Henderson-Amers Company. Mr. Woodward was married to Ada Carpenter at Allegan, Dec 31, 1895. The wife survives as do sons, LaRue of Gourdneck lake, and Fay of Kalamazoo, the later a deputy county treasurer. Also there are two brothers surviving. John Woodward of Shelbyville and Eli Woodward, Kalamazoo. The deceased was a member of the Kalamazoo Masonic lodge, No. 22; a member of the Peninsular Commandery; and for years had served as secretary of the Moose lodge of this city. Services will be in charge of the Commandery will be held at 2 Saturday afternnon at the Joldersma and Klein chapel, West Lovell Street. Interment will take place in Riverside Cem..
Leo L. on the 1900 census b. June 1899, LaRue L. in 1910 & 1920.
In 1933 LaRue was of Gourdneck Lake in his father's, Dick's, obituary. In 1957 LaRue R. Woodward was of Klamazoo in his mother's, Ada's, obituary.
Fay is a male. In Nov. 1933, Fay was of Kalamazoo in his father's, Dick's, obituary. In Aug. 1957 Fay L. Woodward was a surviving son according to his mother's, Ada's, obituary. He was living in Kalamazoo, MI.
26753. Florence Ella Carpenter
1880 U. S. Census Martin, Allegan , MI. Ella was age 2 and in the home of her parents, William Riley Carpenter and Mary Jane Andrews.
1895, Ella was a witness of her sister's, Ada's, marriage. There was an Ella Warner as a witness at her brother Willis' wedding in 1883, but it was not this Ella because this Ella would be only 5 years old. Ella Warner was probably a sister to the bride, Emma Warner.
Family records sent in 1993 said her first husband was: Theodore Fenker, and second was James Scott.
Ella was Mrs. T. L. Fenker (article found in 1997) of Kalamazoo in May 1920 in her father's obituary. She was Ella Scott of Kalamazoo in May 1932 in half-brother's (Willis') obituary. In 1947, she was listed as Mrs. J. W. Scott of West Lake in her sister's, Bertha's, obituary. In 1957 Mrs. Ella Scott was of West Lake according to her sister's, Ada's, obituary..
OBITUARY;. Kalamazoo Gazetter, Saturday, 15 Mar 1958, p. 12.4 Scott, Mrs. Florence Ella, 1116 Forest Dr., West Lake, passed away at Franklin Memorial Hospital Friday morning (14 Mar 1958). Mrs. Scott was born July 6, 1879, in Wayland, Michigan, daughter of William and Mary Carpenter, and had been a resident of this community for 34 years. Surviving are: her husband, James Scott; one son, Edgar Fenker, Austin Lake; one brother, Roy Carpenter, Comstock; two granddaughters, Susan Fenker and Lou Ann Kemple, several nieces and nephews. Friends are being received at the Rupert-Durham FuneralHome, Vicksburg, until Monday morning. Graveside services will be held at the Portage Cem. at 11:15 Monday, Rev. Theodore Bennick of Comstock Methodist Church officiating. Memorial donations may be sent to Senior Citizens Fund."
1900 U. S. Census, Wayland, Allegan MI, Roy was age 10 and in the home of his parents; Wm. Riley Carpenter and wife, Mary Jane Andrews.
1910 U S. Census, Roy was not found. He should be searched for again.
In 1920 U. S. Census, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo , Ref. Vol. 45, Ed. 159, Sheet 5, Line 3, a Roy Carpenter (forgot to copy his age, or it didn't give it) was found with a wife, Ethel M., age 33, b. MI; John M., son, 4 9/12, b. MI; Joyce E., daughter, 1 6/12, b. MI. We know he lived in Kalamazoo , MI.
Roy was of Kalamazoo in May 1920 in his father's obituary, and of Comstock in May 1923 in his half-brother's (Willis') obituary.
Roy was the Informant at his sister Bertha Mae's death in 1947 and listed his residence as Comstock, (Kalamazoo ), MI. Roy is listed of Comstock in his sister's, Ella's, obituary March 1958.
Family records sent in 1993, said he was "born March 7, 1890; married Ethel Maxson, August 8, 1914; (Ethel - b. Sept 12 1880; d. July 6, 1957); (the next is blurred, but it looks like a second marriage for Roy) married Edna M. Edgett, August 15, 1901; (Edna - b. July 7, 1893 d. June 13, 1965) Roy and Ethel had three children: John - b. March 12, 1915; married Pauline Burnham; Joyce - b. June 20, 1918; married James A Shoup, Sept 18, 1937; Allen b. April 9, 1921; married Sohpie Baron (or Barok). Roy died November 21, 1980"
OBITUARY:Kalamazoo Gazette, Saturday, Saturday, November 22, 1980.p. B9.3 Carpenter Funeral Set for Monday. "Funeral services will be held Monday for Roy Carpenter, 90, a former Comstock School Board member, who died here Friday. Capenter, who lived at 91 Henning, retired as a KVP - Southland Paper supervisor in 1956. He served on the Comstock School Board for several years. Services are being handled by Truesdale Chapel of the Pines and will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the chapel, Friends may call between 7 and 9 tonight and 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Carpenter was preceded in death by his first wife, Ethel, in 1958, and his second wife, Edna, in 1965. He was a member of the Kalamazoo Masonic Lodge and Civic League. Carpenter is survived by two sons, John of Silver Lake and Allen of Brighton; one daughter, Mrs. Joyce Shoup of Comstock; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. (Courtesy of David Rumery, Feb. 2000).
OBITUARY. Kalamazoo Gazette, Saturday, 22 Nov 1980, p B9.3. Carpenter, Mr. Roy William, Comstock, Michigan, passed away Friday, November 21, 1980. Mr. Carpenter was born March 7, 1890 in Martin, Michigan. He had been a supervisor at the KVP-Southerland Paper , where he retired in 1956. He was a member of the Comstock United Methodist Church, the Kalamazoo Masonic Lodge, and was a member of the Comstock School Board for several years. He was Treasurer of the Park Board, a member of the Civic League and a member of the National Rose Society. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ethel, in 1958, and by his second wife, Edna, in 1965. He is survived by two sons, John Carpenter, of Silver Lake, Michigan, and Allen Carpenter of Brighton Michigan; and one daughter, Mrs. Joyce Shoup of Comstock; several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the Turesdale Chapel of the Pines, Westnedge at Milham from 7 to 9 p.m. this evening an from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Funeral services will be held 11 o'clock Monday at the Comstock United Methodist Church, with Rev. Thomas Evans officiating. Interment, Mt. Ever-Rest Cem..
DEATH. Kalamazoo County Clerk Kalamazoo, MI Ethel M. Maxon, died 6 July 1957; age 70; born 12 Sept 1886.; father Charles A. Maxson, mother Mary E. Cove; residence: Comstock Twp., Kalamazoo , M; place of death: 91 Henning St., Comstock, MI. Informant Roy W. Carpenter, husband. Buried, Mt. Ever Rest Cem., Kalamazoo.
OBITUARY: Kalamazoo Gazette, Sunday, 7 July 1957. Carpenter, Mrs. Ethel M., 91 Henning St., Comstock. Passed away Saturday morning, Mrs. Carpenter was born September 12, 1886 in Detroit, Michigan, daughter of Charles A. and Mary E. Maxson and had been a resident of this community for 65 years. Mrs. Carpenter was a member of the Comstock Methodist Church, Comstock Civic Improvement League and the Kalamazoo Rose Society. She was a graduate of Kalamazoo College and the University of Chicago. Those who survive are: her husband, Roy W. Carpenter; the following children, John M. Carpenter of Comstock, Mrs. Joyce E. Shoup of Portage and Allen W. Carpenter of Dearborn, Michigan; nine grandchildren. Friends may call at the Truesdale Chapel where services will be held Monday morning at 11 o'clock, Rev. Theodore Bennink officianting. .Interment Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park.
DEATH. Kalamazoo County Clerk, Kalamazoo, MI. Records, Vol. 3, Page 526, Died 13 Jan 1965 at Kalamazoo (rural), Edna M. Carpenter, b. 7 July 1893 in Tustin, MI, age 71. Buried Mt. Ever-Rest Cem., Kalamazoo. Informant, Roy W. Carpenter, husband.
1870 U .S. Census, Prairieville, Barry, MI. Hattie was 2 yrs. old and in the home of her parents.
MARRIAGE. Allegan County Clerk, Allegan, MI. Marriages: Vol. 6, #16, #233, John S. Norton 24, of Plainwell, b. Otsego, md. Hattie M. Carpenter of Otsego, b. Prairieville, MI. on 14 June 1888 at Plainwell. Parents: Baxter Norton & Mary Statten; Fernando Carpenter & Helen Cook. Witnesses: Grace Carpenter of Plainwell and Fannie King, of Plainwell, Allegan, MI.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. The Plainwell Enterprise, Plainwell, MI, Wednesday, 13 June 1888 - Married. Norton-Carpenter. At the residence of the bride's parents in the village, June 7, by Rev. C. P. Bates, John S. Norton and Miss Hattie Carpenter.
1897 at father's death she is listed as "of Plainwell, Allegan, MI." Mrs. John Morton. (This should be Norton, not Morton).
Could not find Hattie and John Morton (Soundex M-635) in 1900, 1910, or 1920. Some films unreadable. (in July 1993, we found out it should be Norton, not Morton, the newpaper article at the time of her father's death was incorrect. Now maybe we can find them.)
1910 U. S. Census, St. Joseph County, City of Three Rivers, MI, taken 26/27 April, ED 142, sheet 16B. 391/396 Norton, John S., head, owns, mortgage, mw, age 46, married once, 21y, b. MI, father b. England, mother b. MI, laborer, paper mill; Hattie, wife, wf, age 43, md. once, 21 y, 7 children 6 alive, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. MI; Earnest L., son, age 19, b. MI, works in paper mill; Harold J., son, age 15; Fred B., son, age 9; Dale S., son, age 4; Donald L., son, age 2, all children b. Michigan.
In April 1919 Hattie was Mrs. John Norton of Three Rivers according to her brother's, Fred.s, obituary.
1920 U. S. Census, St. Joseph County, City of Three Rivers, MI, ED 169, sheet 5A, 120/123 Norton, John, head, owns, mortgage, male, white, age 55, married, b. MI, father b. OH, mother b. MI, paper maker, paper mill; Hattie, wife, fw ,age 52, b. MI, parents b. NY, Fred, son mw., age 18, b. MI; Dale, son, mw, age 13, b. MI; Donald, son, mw, age 11, b. MI; all sons are single; Carpenter, Helen, mother-in-law, fw, age 73, widow, b. NY, parents b. NY
DEATH: St. Joseph County Clerk, Three Rivers, MI. Vol. 5, p. 297, #12. Died 16 Feb 1947 at City of Three Rivers, Hattie Marie Norton, widow, age 79y6m26d, b. Prairieville, Barry Co., MI, father: Fernando Carpenter, b. NY, mother: Helen Cook, b. Barry , MI
OBITUARY. Three Rivers Commercial, Three Rivers, MI, Monday 17 Feb 1947. Hattie Marie Norton. Hattie Marie Norton, 80, died at her home, 322 Fifth Avenue, Sunday after several months illness. She was born July 20, 1867 at Prairieville, Barry County, a daughter of Fernando and Helen (Cook) Carpenter. Her early life was spent in Barry county and in June 1888, she married John Norton at Plainwell. He preceded her in death July 19, 1930. In 1909 they moved to Three Rivers where she has since resided. She was a member of Bethany Chapel and Royal Neighbors. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Grace Price of Pueblo, Colo., four sons, Harold of Kalamazoo, Ernest, Fred and Dale of Three Rivers, two brothers, Frank of Cooper center, Henry of Kalamazoo, 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. A daughter Mable died in infancy and a son, Donald drowned in the St. Joseph River at the age of 13. Friends may call at the Austin funeral home until noon Wednesday when the body will be taken to Bethany Chapel for services at one o'clock. Rev. L. L. Case officiating. Burial in Plainwell Cem..
See wife's records of marriage and 1900, 1910 U. S. Census data
DEATH. St. Joseph County Clerk, St. Joseph, MI, Vol. 4. p5, #54. Died 19 July 1930 at City of Three Rivers, John S. Norton, age 66y1m9d. b. MI, father: Baxter Norton, mother: Mary Stratton, occupation: forman, cause: Chronic nephritis.
OBITUARY. Three Rivers Commercial, Three Rivers, MI, 21 July 1930, p. 6. John Norton Dead. Lived in Three Rivers and Vicinity for Past 21 Years. John S. Norton, for the past 21 years a resident of Three Rivers and vicinity, died at his home 322 Fifth avenue, at 10:30 Saturday night after an illness of seven months. He was born in Barry County, June 10, 1864, a son of Baxter and Mary (Stratton) Norton. He spent the early years of his life in Barry and Allegan counties. The greater part of the time in Plainwell. For a number of years he was employed on the railroad he also was engaged in farming for a few years. For the past 21 years he has been an employee of the Eddy Paper Corp. He was a member of the Knights of the Maccabees for a number of years. During his residence here he made a wide circle of friends by his kind and freindly disposition and splendid character. He was greatly devoted to his home and family. In 1888 he was married to Hattie Carpenter, who survives, besides one daughter, Mrs. Grace Sprung of Pueblo, Colo., four sons, Ernest and Harold of Three Rivers, and Fred and Dale, both in the U.S. Navy, nine grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Mattie Soles of Kalamazoo. Funeral services will be held from the Haring Chapel at one o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Andrew Telford officiating. Interment will be made in Plainwell.
1910 U. S. Census, City of Three rivers, St. Joseph , MI, taken 26-27 April. Norton, Donald L., age 2, is in the home of his parents.
1920 U. S. Census, City of Three rivers, St. Joseph , MI, Norton, Donald, age 11, is in the home of his parents.
DEATH. St. Joeph County Clerk, Centerville, MI. Vol. 3, p. 285, #41. Died 10 June 1921 at City of Three Rivers, Donald Norton, age 13y1m25d., b. MI, father: John Norton, mother: Hattie Carpenter, cause: accidental drowning.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE. Three Rivers Commercial, Three Rivers, MI, Friday, June 10, 1921, p. 1 DONALD NORTON, 13, DROWNS IN ST. JOE RIVER. Boy Chums hear cries for help but unable to save Norton from going down into 8 ft. of Water. Had been in Water Only a Short Time When Accident Happened. Doctors work Over Body for Hours. Parents of Boy out of City - Notified of Drowning. This p.m. Donald Norton, 13-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Norton of Riverside Drive was drowned in the St. Jose River about 1:50 this afternoon. The accident happened just south of the Barton residence on Flint Ave. Donald, in the company with Stuart Dougherty, Clarence Green and Dale Norton had been in the water a short time, when Donald, in attempt to follow the other boys in wading across the river, went down in about eight foot of water. His cries for help were heard by his boy friends who went to his assistance, but were unable to save him from a watery grave. Donald was unable to swim. According to the boys who were in the water with Norton, the body of the drowning boy came to the surface several times. Neighbors were summoned immediately and the alarm spread rapidly over the city. Marshall Cross and Claudia Collisi were the first to secure a boat and after searching for a few minutes the body was located in about eight feet of water where the boy had gone down. Collisi went down after the body and brought it to the surface, where it was placed in the boat and brought to shore. For more than an hour D. Seldmore, Dr. Kingsley, Mrs. Kingsley, Miss Ines Knapp, Harry King and others worked over the body but at four o'clock this afternoon there was no sign of live. The lungmotor was also used. According to the boys, who were swimming with the Norton boy, the body was in the water about fifteen minutes before brought to the shore. A sad part of the accident is the fact that the boy's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Norton, are out of the city, having started this morning for a visit with friends in Barry County. This aftenoon all efforts were being made to notify the parents of the sad death of their son. They were finally located at Kalamazoo at four o'clock and returned to Three Rivers. Besides the parents, Donald is survived by four brothers, Dale, Ernest, Harold and Fred Norton.
OBITYUARY. Three Rivers Commercial, Saturday 11 June 21, p. 1 Norton Funeral Monday 10 a.m. Will be Held From Home of Parents on Riverside Drive. Although doctors and others worked over the body of Donald Norton for several hours Friday afternoon in an effort to bring the boy back to life, their efforts were fruitless and at 4:30 attending physicians pronounced the young boy dead. The remains were taken to the Baird funeral parlors where thy were prepared for burial, and later taken to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Norton on Riverside drive. Funeral services will be held from this late home Monday morning at 10 o'clock fast time, conducted by Rev. D. P. Bair. The remains will be taken to Plainwell for interment. Donald was born at Wasepi, April 16, 1908 and came with his parents to Three Rivers in 1909 where he has since resided. He attended the second ward school, was a member of the Lutheran Sunday school and troop two boy scouts. Besides his parents he is survived by one sister, Mrs. Vern Sprung of Mendon, four brothers, Harold of Leonidas, Ernest, Fred and Dale of Three Rivers. A grandmother, Mrs. Helen Carpenter, also survives. The boy scouts will attend the services in a body and any person who will volunteer his car to take the scouts to Plainwell where interment will be made, is asked to notify H. L. Baird as soon as possible. Six or eight cars will be needed.