Descendants of William Carpenter of Rehoboth, Plymouth Colony, now part of Bristol County, MA

Notes


23254. Carl Ward Carpenter

Sources:  Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter of Athens, MI.  Birth and death dates from tombstones.  Information from two reunion journals in possession of Irene Chichester, Athens, Calhoun, MI in the early 1980's; sent to this typist by Elma Carpenter of Battle Creek, Calhoun, MI.

MARRIAGE. Calhoun County, MI, Family History Center, Salt Lake City, UT, Film 1009297, Vol 4, page 206, #3081, Married 20 Mar 1895, in Athens, Carl W. Carpenter of Athens, age 20, b. MI, a farmer, and Maggie Pratt of Athens, age 21 b. (not listed). Parents:  Henry L. Carpenter and Susan Palmer and Frank Pratt and Mariah McNeil.  Witnesses were John Robinson and Zoa Pratt both of Athens. Married by F. Ware, M. G.

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Twp., MI, ED30, taken 23 April. 23/23 Carpenter, C. Ward, head, age 35, married 15 years, b. MI, parents b. NY, farmer; Margaret, wife, age 36, 2 children, 2 children living, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. MI; H. Neil, son, age 9, b. MI; Wayne, son, age 6, b. MI; Lulu, cousin, age 30, b. MI, parents b. NY, dress making.

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Twp., MI, taken 6, 7, 8 January, ED 35, sheet 4A, line 11.  250/260 Carpenter, Carl Ward, head, age 46 b. MI, parents b. NY, farmer; Margaret, wife, age 46, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. MI; H. Neil, son, age 19, b. MI, parents b. MI; Wayne E., son, age 16, b. MI; Brownell, Lulu, cousin, age 41, b. MI, parents b. NY, dressmaker.  Lulu was a daughter of Parker Hall Brownell and Melissa Carpenter.  Carl's father was Henry Leighton Carpenter.  Henry and Melissa were brother and sister.

The Athens Times, Friday, May 17, 1912.  C. W. Carpenter made a business trip to Battle Creek, Monday.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Monday, June 20, 1949. Athens - Carl Ward Carpenter, 74, died at 6:30 a.m. today on the same farm he was born in Athens Twp., four miles west of here.  He was born Aug. 15, 1875, in Athens Twp., a son of Henry and Suzanne (Palmer) Carpenter, and was a farmer.  He was a member of the Congregational Church.  Surviving are the wife, Margaret; two sons, Neil Carpenter of Route 6, Kalamazoo, and Wayne Carpenter of Sturgis.  The body is at the Spencer Funeral Home.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Tuesday, June 21, 1949. Athens - Services will be held by the Rev. J. D. Perrin at 2 p.m. Wednesday from the Spencer Chapel for Ward Carpenter, 74, who died Monday on the same farm where he was born.  He was a member of the Grange and Congregational Church.  Burial will be in Burr Oak Cem. here.


Margaret Pratt

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Thursday, May 30, 1963.  Athens - Mrs. Margaret Carpenter, 89, died Thursday morning at the home of her son, Neil Carpenter of 225 Osterhout Road, Kalamazoo, where she had made her home for the past six months.  She was born in Athens, the daughter of Frank and Maria (McNeil) Pratt.  She was married on March 20, 1895, to Ward Carpenter.  He died on June 20, 1949.  Mrs. Carpenter was a member of the Congregational Church in Athens and the Macabees.  Surviving are two sons, Neil of Kalamazoo and Wayne E. of Burr Oak; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren.  Services were held from the Spencer Funeral Home on Saturday afternoon, the Rev. Phillip Crubaugh officiating.  Burial in Burr Oak Cem., Athens.

DEATH:  Kalamazoo County Clerk, Kalamazoo, MI, 1963, Vol. 1, #104. Died 23 May 1963, Margaret Carpenter, residing at 225 Osterhout Road, Portage, MI, age 89y, b. 17 Nov 1873 in Athens, MI, husband: Ward Carpenter. Informant: Neil Carpenter of Kalamazoo. Buried: Burr Oak Cemetery, Athens.  Cause: Heart disease.


29043. Wayne E. Carpenter

There were no children found on the chart made by Lorna Carter for Wayne to Esther Wilbur.  We have verified that there were none.  Lois Perry, his second wife, had two children by a previous marriage, sons Douglas M. Perry and Walter L. Perry.

The Athens Times.  November 5, 1925.  Wayne Carpenter who teaches in the Grand Ledge schools spent the weekend with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Carpenter. The Athens Times, Aug. 6, 1930.  Wayne was of Bowling Green, OH. In June 1949 Wayne was of Sturgis, MI.

MARRIAGE.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, book 8, page 310, #223. 16 Jun 1928, married at Athens, MI, Wayne E. Carpenter, age 25, teacher, and Esther M. Wilber, age 24, teacher, both of Athens, MI.  Parents of the groom:  C. W. Carpenter and Maggie Pratt; parents of the bride:  F. B. Wilber and Mary Soursby. Witnesses: Esther Doty and Harold J. Wilber.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer and News, 3 Jun 1986, p. 3B.  Burr Oak--Wayne E. Carpenter, 83, of 61031 Long Lake Road, died Monday in Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo after a short illness.  He was born in Athens, graduating from Athens High School and Western Michigan University.  He taught industrial arts 40 years in Sturgis High School, retiring in 1967.  He moved to Long Lake from Sturgis in 1955.  He was a member of First Church of God in Sturgis, where he was a Sunday School teacher and choir member, and had been treasurer 18 years.  He was a member of Athens F&AM Lodge 0220, the National, Michigan, St. Joseph and Branch County retired school personnel associations, St. Joseph County Hammond Organ Society, and was active in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Association.  Survived by his wife, the former Lois Severance; stepsons, Walter L. Perry of Grand Rapids and Douglas M. Perry of Sturgis; seven step-grandchildren; one stepgreat-grandchild; and a brother, Neil Carpenter of Portage.  Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in First Church of God, Sturgis.  Memorial donations may be made to the church. Arrangements are by Schipper Funeral Home, Colon.

DEATH.  Kalamazoo County Clerk, Kalamazoo, MI. 1986 Deaths, p. 875.  Died 2 Jun 1986, at City of Kalamazoo, Wayne E. Carpenter, age 83, b. 1 Jun 1908 in Kalamazoo, married to Lois Severance, occupation: teacher, residence: 61031 Long Lake Road, Colon Twp., St. Joseph , MI, father: Carl Ward Carpenter, mother: Margaret Pratt. Informant: Lois Carpenter. Buried: Lakeside Cem., Colon, MI.  Cause: Heart failure.


Lois May Severance

WEDDING.  Wednesday, June 22, 1955.  Lois May Perry of 207 S. Mattison St., Bronson, a teacher in the Bronson Community Schools, and Wayne E. Carpenter of 212 Virginia Ave., Sturgis, a member of the Sturgis High School faculty, were united in marriage Sunday afternoon in the Church of God, Sturgis. The Rev. Forrest M. Plants read the double ring service at 2 o'clock in the presence of 300 relatives and friends. . . Walter and Douglas Perry of Bronson, sons of the bride, and Joe Leatherman of Sturgis, ushered. . . Mrs. Laura Severance of Bronson, the bride's mother. . . Mr. Carpenter's mother, Mrs. Margaret Carpenter of Sturgis. . .

MARRIAGE.  Branch County Clerk, Coldwater, MI, Vol. I, p. 296, #15,618. Married 12 June 1955 at Sturgis, MI, Wayne E. Carpenter, age 52, b. MI, residing in Sturgis, occupation: teacher, father: Carl Ward Carpenter, mother: Margaret Pratt, and Lois May Perry, age 53, b. MI, residing in Bronson, occupation: teacher; father: Lemuel Severance, mother: Laura LaChapelle, both had been married once previously; officiant: Forrest M. Plants, MG, witnesses: Retha Olson and Arner Olson, both of Coldwater.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer and News, August, 1993 (MI).  Lois M. (Severance) Carpenter, 91, of 2900 Thornhill Drive, S.E., Grand Rapids and formerly of Long Lake and Sturgis, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1993, at Kent Community Hospital, Grand Rapids.  Mrs. Carpenter was born Oct. 8, 1901, in Spring Prairie, Wis., to Lemuel and Laura (LaChapelle) Severance.  She was a 1920 graduate of Hastings High School, attended one year at Barry County Normal School and was a 1929 graduate of Western Michigan University (then a normal school).  She had retired in 1966 from Bronson Schools, where she had taught for many years.  She was a member of the First Church of God of Sturgis, Sturgis Womens Club, Colon Womens Club, Branch County Retired Teachers Association and Hammond Organ Society.  She made her home on Long Lake from 1955 to 1986, returning to Sturgis in 1986 and later moving to Grand Rapids.  She married Wayne E. Carpenter on June 12, 1955, in Sturgis.  He died June 2, 1986.  She also was preceded in death by sisters Helen VanDyke and Beulah Minford. Surviving are sons Walter L. Perry of Grand Rapids and Douglas M. Perry of Sturgis; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Ernest Severance of Walled Lake; and sisters, Alice Gordon of Holland and Hazel Severance of Northville.  Burial:  Lakeside Cem., Colon.


23256. Jessie Ford Carpenter

The Athens Times, Friday, ---, 1907.  Jessie Carpenter of Tacoma, Washington, visited Saturday with the family of Will Lewis.


Howard Vernon Webster

Sources of information:  From his son, Carroll Howard Webster, by correspondence over several years.  They lived in Canby, Oregon, and in the winters in Arizona.  They came to Donna Hellewell's home (in Idaho at that time) in about 1960.  Information was exchanged.


23257. John Wallace Carpenter

Information received in 1960 from Carroll Howard Webster of Canby, Oregon, who was the son of Jessie Ford Carpenter, John Wallace's sister.  County of birth may not be Lake.


23258. Flora Rowena Simmons

Pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter.  Parents of Flora signed in at the 1893-94 Calvin L. Carpenter Family Reunion in Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Family reunion material received from Ahlene Doubleday in Feb. 1983.

Birth date for Flora is from article written by her grandson, Lyle D. Brundage, of Big Rapids, MI in 1974; birth year also from Cem. marker.

MARRIAGE.  Benzie County Clerk, Beulah, MI, marriages, vol. 1, page 5, #68, married 17 May 1873 at Inland, Daniel Elmer Sherman, b. NY, age 20, of Inland, farmer; and Flora R. Simmons, b. NY state, age 16, of Inland; by H. Henry Howes, Justice of the Peace; witnesses: Frank G. Murrell and Frances Murrell, both of Blaire, Grand Traverse , MI.

1880 U.S. Census, Benzie , Inland Twp., MI taken 18 Jun. 213/213 Sherman, Daniel E., head, age 26, farmer, b. NY, parents b. NY; Flora, wife, age 21, b. NY, parents b. NY; Lois, daughter, age 6, b. MI; Sarah, daughter, age 4, b. MI; Rose, daughter, age 1, b. MI.

1884 Michigan Census, Benzie , Inland Twp., taken Jun.  40/41 Sherman, Elmer, age 31, husband, b. NY, parents b. NY, farmer; Flora R., age 27, wife, b. NY, parents b. NY; Lois M., age 10, daughter, b. MI; Sarah A., age 8, daughter, b. MI; Rosa V., age 5, daughter, b. MI; Elmer resided in state 20 years, Flora resided in state 27 years.

1900 U.S. Census, Benzie, Inland, MI taken 7 Jun.  39/40 Sherman, Daniel E., b. Jul 1852, 47, m 26y; Flora R., b. Jan 1857, 43, b. NY, 4 children, 3 alive; Bowen, Glen S., grandson, b. Sep 1893, age 6; Bowen, Emilie, granddaughter, b. Sep 1890, age 9.

Benzie Banner, Benzie, MI April 1902.  Bendon - Mrs. Flora Sherman is now carrying the mail to Turtle Lake and Inland.  (Flora's husband, Daniel Sherman, died in January 1902.)

1910 U.S. Census, Homestead Twp., Benzie , MI taken 28 Apr. 188/189 Flora R. Stiles, FW, age 52, married twice, is a boarder in the home of Emily L. Gokey and Alger V. Gokey.  (Is this Flora Rowena Simmons Sherman, Emily's grandmother?  We need to check marriages in Benzie County between 1902-10.)

1920 U.S. Census, Lansing City, Ingham , MI taken 3/4 Jan.  625 Main St. 41/45, Guthrie, Ephriam, head, owns, mortgage, wm, age 61, md b. IN, fa: b. MI, mo: b. IN, machinist, auto ; Flora, wife, fw, age 63, md, b. NY, parents b. NY; Guthrie, George, son, mw, age 16, b. MI, father b. IN, mother b. MI (Ephriam's son from a previous marriage); Bowen, Glen S., step-son (Flora's grandson), mw, age 26, md., b. MI, machinist, auto ; Bowen, Hazel, step daughter (Glen's wife), fw, age 18, md., b. MI, parents b. MI; Russell, Alvin T., step-son (Flora's son-in-law), mw, age 43, md. b. MI moulder, iron foundry; Russell, Rose V.,
step-daughter, (Flora's daughter), fw, age 41, md. b. MI, parents b.
NY.

The Athens Times, January 30, 1929.  Mrs. Flora Gutherie and daughter, Mrs. Russell H. Wing (perhaps this should be Mrs. Alvin Russell, Rose's first husband was Nathan Wing) and Fred Tupper of Lansing . . . gathered at the home of E. P. Simmons to assist Mr. Simmons and Mrs. Hattie Seedorff celebrate their birthdays.  Mr. Simmons' birthday was Sunday and Mrs. Seedorff's birthday was Saturday.

In 1931, Mrs. Flora Guthrie was of Lansing, MI.

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

March 28, 1997, visit to Old Inland Cem., on US 31, in Inland Twp., Benzie County, MI, where Flora and Daniel E. Sherman are buried.

Nov 1998.  Ingham County Clerk, Mason, MI, death records checked for Flora Guthrie's death, but no record was found.  Also marriages checked for marriage to Guthrie - not found.


Daniel Elmer Sherman

Daniel Elmer Sherman's father, Daniel was the first settler in Inland Twp., Benzie County, MI.  He recorded his claim, under the Homestead Act of 1862, on November 27, 1863, in the Northwest Quarter of Section 13 (160 acres) of what became to be known as Inland Twp..

"The Beginning - Daniel Elmer (El) Sherman married Flora R. Simmons in Inland Twp., Benzie County, Michigan on May 17, 1873.  According to the best available evidence, El was 20 and Flora was 16.  They settled in Bendon, Michigan area.  (The Village of Bendon was not platted and established until 1892, however, according to county records.)  There they raised their family.  Family tradition indicates that the marriage was opposed by the parents of Flora.  They thought that El was too wild.  However, if this be true, after their marriage at a neighbor's home, he settled down. It was a truly romantic love affair which never ended until the death of each.  Flora measured all men in terms of El long after his death.  Her standards were always high.  El and Flora had the following children:  Lois, Sarah, Rose, Pearl (died in childhood)."  Written by Lyle D. Brundage, August 4, 1974, Big  Rapids, MI.

OBITUARY.  Benzie Banner, Benzie, MI, January 1902: Bendon--Elmer Sherman, one of the oldest pioneers of Inland Twp., passed away Sunday morning, of consumption of the blood, aged 49 years.  His father, Daniel Sherman, was the first man to settle in what is now Inland Township, in 1862.  Elmer has always lived here, except a short period spent in Frankfort many years ago.  He leaves a wife, three daughters, and a sister to mourn his loss.  Mrs. Sherman's father, L. B. Simmons, arrived Monday evening from Athens, Calhoun County, to stay with his daughter.

DEATH.  Benzie County Clerk, Beulah, MI, Deaths.  Vol. 1, page 102, #24, died 26 Jan. 1902, Daniel Elmer Sherman, at Inland, age 49y6m21d, father Daniel Sherman,  mother Christine Sherman, occupation: farmer, cause of death: bright's disease.

28 Mar 1997 visit to Old Inland Cem., Inland Twp., Benzie , MI where there is a marker for Daniel Elmer Sherman and Flora.


29051. Pearl Elmer Sherman

DEATH.  Benzie County, MI, deaths.  Vol 1, page 30, #41, died 23 May 1882, Pearl Sherman, male, age 9m10d, b. MI, at Inland, father Elmer Sherman, mother Flora Sherman, cause of death malarial fever.


Ephriam A. Guthrie

1900 U.S. Census, Homestead Twp., Benzie , MI taken 27 Jun, ED7, 14A. 203/205 Guthrie, Ephriam A., head, WM, b. Nov 1859, age 40, md twice; Mana A., wife, WF, b. Nov 1857, age 42, md. twice, 7 children, 6 alive; Sidney D., son, WM, b. Oct 1890, age 9; Hassen (crossed out), Joseph, step-son, WM, b. Aug. 1888, age 11; Rust, Sarah A., step-daughter, WF, b. Dec 1890, age 9; Rust, Ema M., step-daughter, WF, b. July 1891, age 8; Rust, Louis W., step-son, WM, b. June 1894, age 5; De--, Richard A., boarder, WM, b. Aug 1847, age 52.

1910 U.S. Census, Homestead Twp., Benzie , MI, taken 28 Apr, ED 7, sheet 9B.  180/181 Guthrie, Ephriam, head, MW, age 50, b. IN, father b. OH, mother b. NY, farm; George, son, MW, age 6, b. MI; Cunningham, David, boarder, MW, age 76, married once, 50y; Emily, servant, wf, FW, age 70, Md twice, 8 children, 5 alive; Ferry, Ancil, boarder, MW, age 3.

1920 U.S. Census, Lansing City, Ingham , MI taken 3/4 Jan, ED95, sheet 2B. 625 Main St. 41/45 Guthrie, Ephriam, owns, mortgage, MW, age 61, Md, b. IN, father b. MI, mother b. IN, machinist, auto company - see wife's, Flora's, notes for this census.

DEATH.  Ingham County Clerk, Mason, MI. Vol. 11, p. 23, #209, City of Lansing. Died 4 Mar 1929 at City of Lansing, Ephria A. Guthrie, age 70y3m10d, b. IN, male, white, married, parents unknown, cause: apoplexy.


23259. Emery Potter Simmons

1880 U. S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI,  277/288 Emery is 21 and in the home of his parents, Levi B. Simmons and Ellen Maria (Carpenter) Simmons.

Notes from Eloise Stormshak, grand-niece of Emery:  Emery Simmons ran a grocery store in Pine Creek, in the old building where the hall now stands, while the new little store at the end of the road was being built. After he moved into the new building old Mr. Gregg occupied the old one for a shoe shop. Grandfather (Ora L. Simmons) and Great Uncle Emery Simmons built all the stores in Pine Creek, which are now all gone.  1997

1893 Calvin L. Carpenter Family Reunion, Athens, Calhoun, MI, Emery was 35, Hazel D. 6, Sarah 36. 1895 Calvin L. Carpenter Family Reunion, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  L. B. (Levi B. Simmons) was 59, E. P. (Emery P.) was 37, Sarah A. 38, Hazel D. 8, and Ora Simmons was 22.

1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI, taken 2 Jun.  55/55 Simmons, Emery P., head, W M, b. Jan. 1859, age 41, married, b. MI, parents b. NY, occupation:  painter; Simmons, Sarah A., wife, W F, b. Aug 1857, age 42, md., 1 child born, 1 child living, b. MI, parents b. England; Simmons, Hazel D., daughter, W F, b. Jun 1887, age 12.


1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI taken 15 April. /176, Simmons, Emery P., head, age 51, married 24 years, b. MI, parents b. NY, drayman; Sarah N., wife, age 52, 2 children, 1 child living, b. MI, parents born England;  Hazel, daughter, age 22, single, b. MI.

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI taken 15 and 16 January, ED 35, sheet 13B. 214/221 Simmons, Emery P., head, age 60, b. MI, parents b. NY; Sarah A., wife, age 62, b. MI, parents b. England.

The Athens Times, Thursday, May 11, 1922.  E. P. Simmons, Mr. and Mrs. Mahlon Gould and Mrs. Agnes Carpenter attended the funeral of their cousin, Robert Carpenter, near Union City Friday afternoon. (This Robert Carpenter is the husband of Sarada Place and the son of Calvin Loomis Carpenter's brother, Robert Carpenter, and his wife, PlexanaWood.)

The Athens Times, Thursday, November 20, 1929.  A four-generation party took dinner at the home of E. P. Simmons Sunday.  Those present were Mr. Simmons' sister, Mrs. Flora Guthrie who resides with him, Rose Russell of Lansing; Mrs. Gladys Sessman of Jackson, and the latter's daughter, Phyllis Jean.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 7, page 306, #50, 4 Feb. 1931, Simmons, Emery P., died at City of Battle Creek, male, 72y0m7d, widower, b. MI, father Levi Simmons, mother Maria Carpenter, both parents b. NY.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times.  Emery P. Simmons Died at Brother's Home February 4, 1931. Once again our community is saddened by the death of one of its older and best knowncitizens, Emery P. Simmons, who passed away last Wednesday at the home of his brother, Ora Simmons, in Battle Creek, following a long illness, during which he had been practically helpless much of the time.  For a number of years Emery operated a dray and express line in Athens and later made a business of selling automobiles.  A more honest or kind-hearted man than he would indeed be hard to find. Emery Potter Simmons was one of three children born to Levi and Maria Simmons on January 27, 1859.  In 1886 he was married to Sarah Lewis and to them was born two years later a daughter, who was given the name of Hazel, who with his wife, have preceded him in death.  Following the death of these two members of his family, his sister, Mrs. Flora Guthrie, came to make her home with him in his lonliness.  Late last fall he went to the home of his brother, Ora Simmons, in Battle Creek, where he spent the remainder of his days, passing away on February 4, 1931, at the age of 72 years and 7 days.  Forty years of his life was spent in Athens where he had many friends.  He is survived by the brother and sister above mentioned, and also by two grandchildren, Ruth and Homer Robinson, beside many other relatives. The funeral services were held at the Congregational Church Friday, with the Rev. Carleton Brooks Miller, officiating, assisted by Rev. J. E. Cook.  Burial in Burr Oak Cem..

Card of Thanks.  We take this way to express our gratitude to the friends for their kindness and sympathy during the illness and following death of our loved one.  Mr. and Mrs. Ora Simmons and family.  Mrs. Flora Guthrie.


Sarah (Sate) A. Lewis

OBITUARY. The Athens Times, Thursday, Feb. 17, 1927.  Well Known Citizen Taken by Death. Mrs. E. P. Simmons, a pioneer resident of Athens and vicinity, died at her home in the Village Sunday morning, Feb. 13, 1927, following about four years of ill health. Sarah A. Lewis, daughter of William and Ann Lewis, was born Aug. 8, 1857, in the Twp. of Leonidas, St. Joseph County, Michigan, where most of her girlhood was spent.  On July 8, 1886, she was united in marriage to Emery P. Simmons, and to this union was born one daughter, Hazel, who preceded her mother to the Great Beyond Dec. 20 1924.  Hers was a very quiet nature and those who new her best, knew her only to love her.  Her husband, two grandchildren, Ruth and Homer Robinson, of Battle Creek; one sister, Mrs. Jennie Wood, one brother, Wm. Lewis, and many friends are left to mourn their loss. The funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. F. A. Stephens officiating.  Burial in Burr Oak Cem.. Passing out of the shadow Into eternal day, Why do we call it dying, This sweet going away?

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Death Records, 1926-27, Athens Village, p. 8, #11. 13 Feb 1927, Sarah A. Simmons, FW, married, 69y6m10d, b. MI; father William Lewis, b. England; mother Anna Stancer, b. England.


23260. Ora Levi Simmons

1880 U. S. Census of Athens, Calhoun, MI. 277/288, Orrie, age 7, male, son, b. MI is in the home of his parents, Levi B. Simmons and Ellen M.

Ora Simmons was 22 when he attended the 1895 Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Family Reunion in Athens, Calhoun, MI.

Ora L. Simmons and Nellie Simmons' first home was in Pine Creek, Calhoun, MI. In 1907 they moved to Battle Creek.  Information from granddaughter, Eloise Stormshak, Battle Creek in 1997.

The Athens Times, Thursday, April 10, 1924.  Simmons Family Reunion Held at Battle Creek.  The Simmons family held a happy reunion Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Simmons, Battle Creek, Sunday afternoon.  Dinner was served at 2 o'clock to 24 guests, who represented four generations of this family. The guest list included Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Guthrie, Miss Rose Russell and Miss Reva Widrig, of Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. Carl Huffman and daughter, of Woodland; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Widrig and son Billy of Mendon (this should be Bendon); Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Simmons of Athens; Mr. and Mrs. John Robinson and family, Mr. and Mrs. George Voyce, of Battle Creek, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Carpenter and son, Billy, of Athens.  The afternoon was spent with visiting and taking pictures.

ANNIVERSARY.  O. L. Simmons to Mark 50th Anniversary.  Mr. and Mrs. Ora L. Simmons of 23 Janoah Avenue will hold open house for their friends and relatives from 2 to 5 o'clock and from 7 to 9 o'clock next Sunday in observance of their golden wedding anniversary.  The Simmons were married on May 7, 1898, (some records say 1897) in Athens. They moved to Battle Creek nine years later and Mr. Simmons himself built the house on Janoah Street in which they have lived ever since.  Mr. Simmons worked 10 years for the Duplex Printing Press ; and then went into the contracting business for himself.  He later was employed by the Kellogg  for 13 years, retiring at the age of 65.  During the war his services were needed by the H. B. Sherman Manufacturing  and he still is employed there.  The couple have a son, Leo Simmons of Melvindale, Detroit, and a daughter, Mrs. George Voyce who lives on the Four Mile Road in East Leroy.  There are two grandchildren, Mrs. Gus Stormshak of 29 East Kingman Avenue, and Jerry Lee Voyce.  The family and relatives from Traverse City and Detroit will be entertained Saturday evening at the Voyce home.  Dinner will be served at 6 o'clock and the out-of-town relatives will be Mrs. Bessie Clement and children, Jerome and Jeannette, Miss Louise Porter, Mr. and Mrs. George Sayre, Mr. and Mrs. Louis O'Banion, Mrs. Blossom Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Jensen Yockey and Mr. and Mrs. Leo Simmons, all of Detroit.

ANNIVERSARY.  1947 Newspaper clipping.  Ora Simmons Observe Their Golden Wedding. Two hundred friends and relatives attended the open house given by Mr. and Mrs. Ora Simmons of 23 Janoah Sunday afternoon in celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary which they observed Friday. Mrs. Simmons greeted her guests wearing a gold dress with a corsage of orchids and lillies-of-the-valley.  Her granddaughter, Mrs. Gus Stormshak, met them at the door, and her grandson, Jerry Lee Voyce, was in charge of the guest book. Cup cakes decorated with gold roses and punch were served from a table laid with a white cloth and centered with arrangements of yellow flowers in tiny vases backed by the numerals "50" in gold, as well as gold and white tapers in candelabra.  Hostesses were Mrs. Richard LaForce, Mrs. Charles Huff and Mrs.Donald Warren. Out-of-town guests were from Traverse City, Detroit, Marine City, Olivet, Athens, Fulton and Delton.  The Simmons' son and daughter, Mrs. George Voyce of East Leroy and Leo Simmons of Melvindale, were present for the event. Both Mr. and Mrs. Simmons, she the former Nellie Aplin, were born in Inland, Benzie County, near Traverse City.  They were married in Athens and made their home there for the first 10 years of their married life.  They then came to Battle Creek, taking up residence at their present address, where they have been ever since. Mr. Simmons, who is now employed as a millwright by the H. B. Sherman Manufacturing  was at one time in the contracting business.  He was employed by the Kellogg  for 13 years and by Duplex Printing Press  for five years.

OBITUARY.  1966.  Ora L. Simmons Succombs at 93.  Ora L. Simmons, 93, a 60-year resident of Battle Creek, died Wednesday night in the American Legion Hospital where he had been a patient for two and a half years.  Before entering the hospital Mr. Simmons lived at 23 Janoah Street.  The son of Levi B. and Mary Simmons, he was born July 29, 1873 in the log cabin which his father had built on the timber claim he had homesteaded in Inland Twp. in Benzie County. Mr. Simmons was married to Nellie Aplin on May 7, 1897 in Athens. The couple spent the first nine years of their marriage in Athens. They moved in 1909 to Battle Creek where Mr. Simmons was employed by the old Duplex Printing Company.  Later he established his own business as a carpenter contractor and worked for the U.S. Government on construction of the first buildings at Ft. Custer during World War I.  In 1918 Mr. Simmons went to work for the Kellogg Company as a millwright, leaving 13 years later to assume a similar position with H. B. Sherman Manufacturing Company, retiring in 1953. Mrs. Simmons died October 18, 1964, five months after she and her husband had celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.  Mr. Simmons is survived by a daughter, Mrs. George (Neva) Voyce of Route 1, East Leroy, Michigan; a son, Leo Simmons of Marine City; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Vol. 48, p. 101.  Died 23 Nov. 1966 at Springfield, Calhoun , MI, Ora Levi Simmons, age 93, b. 29 Jul 1873, mw, widow; father: Levi Simmons; mother: Aplin; spouse: Nellie; informant: Mrs. George Voyce; buried: Burr Oak Cem., Athens, MI.


Nellie Aplin

Birth date for Nellie taken from the Aplin Family Bible in possession of Eloise Stormshak in Nov 1996, Battle Creek, Calhoun , MI.

1884 Michigan Census, Benzie , Inland Twp, taken Jun.  47/48 Aplin, Edward P., age 40, b. RI, inn keeper, 16 years in state; Mary E., age 38, b. WV, parents b. WV; Emily, daughter, age 9?, b. MI; Nellie, daughter, age 2, b. MI.

Nellie Aplin Simmons' mother, Mary Eveline Jarrett Aplin, marriedNellie's husband's, Ora's, father, Levi Benjamin Simmons.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer, 19 Oct 1964, p. 4.  Mrs. Nellie A. Simmons, 83, of 23 Janoah Ave., died Sunday morning in a local hospital where she had been a patient for more than two years.  She was born July 25, 1881, in Benzie County, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Aplin.  She came to Battle Creek at an early age with her family.  She was married to Ora Simmons May 7, 1897, in Athens and the couple farmed in the Athens area until 1906, when they came to Battle Creek.  The couple celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary last May in the American Legion Hospital where they were both patients.  Mr. Simmons is still a patient there.  Surviving besides her husband are two children, Leo Simmons of Marine City, and Mrs. George (Neva) Voyce of East Leroy; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Vol. 46, p. 99.  Died 18 Oct 1964 at Springfield, Calhoun , MI, Nellie Simmons, age 83, b. 25 Jul 1881, fw, married; father: Pason Aplin; mother: Nellie; residence: 23 Janoah St., Battle Creek; occupation: housewife; buried: 21 Oct 1964, N. Athens Baptist Cem., Calhoun , MI; informant: Mrs. George Voyce, East Leroy, MI.


23264. William D. Carpenter

1880 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI, taken 16 Jun 281/298 William Carpenter, age 10/12, born August, is in the home of his parents, Robert Carpenter and Alice.  Based on this census, we are assuming that William was born in Calhoun County.

1900 U.S. Census, Inland Twp., Benzie , MI, William was 20 years old and in the home of his parents, Robert Carpenter and Alice W. Dexter Carpenter.

1910 U.S. Census, Benzie , Benzonia Village, MI taken 2 May. 289/292 Carpenter, William D., head, WM, age 30, married once, 7 years, b. MI, parents b. NY, occupation tin smith, general store; Freda A., wife, WF, age 27, 0 children, b. Sweden; Zenna I., WF, adopted daughter, age 8, b. MI, parents b. MI; Robert, father, WM, age 70, widower, b. NY, father b. NY, mother b. CT; Calvin L., brother, WM, age 24, single, b. MI, parents b. NY, occupation house painter.

1920 U.S. Census, Benzie , Benzonia Twp., MI taken 2 and 3 Jan. 18/18 Carpenter, William D., head, owns, mortgage, MW, age 40, occupation:  field secretary, ??? World Monument; Freda, wife, age 38, year immigrated 1887, year naturalized 1892, b. Sweden, parents b. Sweden; Zenna, daughter, age 18, b. MI.

Some family records say William was a school teacher.  However, census records show differently.  He married Freda, but family records say there were no children.  He died in the state of Washington (source of death information unknown).

William's date of birth is taken from a statement made by his father in his Civil War Pension records.  He is listed as Willis D. Carpenter.

Copied from the Carpenter Family Reunion Journal:  "Robert married Alice Dexter and they had two boys, Will and Calvin.  Will lives in Washington. Calvin has passed on." Will probably refers to Robert's son, William.  Many family signatures are in the reunion books from Athens, MI from 1893 on, but little is written about this particular family.


29056. Zenna I. Carpenter

1910 U.S. Census, Benzie , Benzonia Twp., MI taken 2 May. Zenna, age 1 is in the home of her parents.  It states Zenna was adopted. Since she is not of the Carpenter blood line, no further research is being done at this time (1997).

1920 U.S. Census, Benzonia Twp., Benzie , MI taken 2 and 3 Jan. 18/18 Zenna, daughter, age 18, b. MI, is in the home of her parents.


23266. Harriett Marie Brownell

Sources: Correspondence in 1982 from daughter, Carol Elizabeth Seedorff (Mrs. Leon B. Smith), Battle Creek, MI.  Also from son, Charles P. Seedorff of Ceresco, MI 49033.  Carpenter reunion book states of "Pine Creek, MI in 1894 and 1895, and of E. Leroy, MI."

1870 U.S.Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Hattie was age 5 and in the home of her parents, Parker Brownell, and Melissa.

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Hattie M. was age 14, and in the home of her parents, Parker H. Brownell and Melissa.

MARRIAGE. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI; Vol. 4, p. 97, #1450; 4 July 1891 married "at the bride's mother's, MI," Frank E. Seedorff, age 31, residing at Pine Creek; b. Canada; occupation: Mason; father: Charles S. Seedorff; mother: Elizabeth Heck; previous marriage: 1; and Hattie M. Brownell, age 25, residing at Athens; b. Athens; father: Parker H. Brownell; mother: Melissa L. Carpenter; officiant: Rev. J. W. Heminger, Clergyman; witnesses:  Wm. Seedorff and Mary Rogers, both of Athens.

See mother's notes about reunions attended from 1893 until her death in 1925, then the following is noted:   Hattie Seedorff attended all four years. Copies of the reunion sign in sheets are with Elma Carpenter of Battle Creek, MI and Donna H. Hellewell, Aptos, CA 95003. (Name, Seedorff, has been spelled with two "ff's" on the end and with one "f").

The Athens Times, Saturday, Feb. 2, 1901.  East Leroy, Michigan - Frank Seedorf and family and Mrs. F. Heck visited at Mr. and Mrs. Charles Seedorf's, north Athens.

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun , MI Leroy Twp., taken 30 Apr and 2 and 3 May. 136/137 Seedorff, Frank D., head, age 58, married two times, 17 years to present wife, b. Canada, parents b. Germany; Seedorff, Hattie M., wife, age 44, 6 children born, 5 alive, b. MI, parents b. NY; Maggie L., daughter, age 16; Seedorff, Harry A., son, age 14; Seedorff, Laurel M., daughter, age 11; Seedorff, Carol E., daughter, age 8; Seedorff, Charles P., son, age 6.

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Leroy Twp., MI taken 9 January, ED 75, sheet 4A. 66/67 Seedorff, Hattie M., head, age 54, widow, b. MI, parents b. NY, laundress; Elizabeth C., daughter, age 18, single, b. MI, father b. Canada, mother b. NY; Charles P., son, age 16, b. MI; Chichester, Raymond A., boarder, age 20, single, b. MI, parents b. MI; Miller, gristmill.

The Athens Times, December 16, 1920.  East Leroy.  Mrs. Seedorff entertained Mrs. Maggie Spooner and daughter on Thanksgiving day.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI vol. 30, p. 9.  Died 21 Nov 1948 in Leroy Twp., Harriet M. Seedorff, age 83y1m23d, white, female, widow, residence: RFD, East Leroy, Calhoun MI; father: Parker Brownell, b. NY; mother: Mellisa Carpenter, b. NY; Occupation:  retired; spouse: Frank Seedorff; informant: Mrs. Oscar Brownell, East Leroy, MI. Buried at N. Athens Cem. on 24 Nov. 1948.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer and Evening News, Monday, 22 Nov 1948. Athens - Mrs. Harriet M. Seedorf, 83, died at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. R. E. Romig in Leroy Twp.. She had been in poor health for one year.  She was born Sept. 28, 1865 in Athens, a daughter of Arthur [should be Parker] and Millisa [should be Melissa] (Carpenter) Brownell and was married to Frank Seedorf who died 30 years ago.  Surviving besides the daughter at whose home she died is another daughter, Mrs. Leon Smith of Newton Twp.; two sons, Harry of East Leroy and Charles of Ceresco; a step-daughter, Mrs. Herman Nagle of East Leroy; a brother, Lloyd Brownell of Battle Creek, and a sister, Mrs. Lula Miller of Athens. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday from the Spencer Funeral Home, with the Rev. L. M. Rigelman of Battle Creek officiating. Burial will be in North Athens Baptist Cem..


Frank Edwin Seedorff

The Athens Times, Friday, May 3, 1912. Local News.  Charles Seedorff [Frank Edwin Seedorff's father] and sons, Joseph and Frank, were in Battle Creek Wednesday night to attend the wedding of the former's granddaughter, Ethel Seedorff.

We believe that Frank Edwin Seedorff had a daughter, Flossie Seedorff, b. 11 Jan 1887, at the time of his marriage to Harriett Marie Brownell in 1891.  Records indicate that Flossie was born before the marriage. Also Frank's marriage license said he had been married once previously.  Since Flossie is not a Carpenter descendant, we will include her information here in her father's notes for the benefit of any of her descendants. Flossie Seedorff, daughter of Frank Edwin Seedorff and Margot Heck, was born 11 Jan 1887 and on 1 Mar 1907 in East Leroy, Calhoun, MI, married Herman L. Nagel, son of George John Nagel and Catherine Gensley, who was born 8 Jun 1878 in Orangeville, Barry, MI.  Flossie died on 16 Dec 1969 in Battle Creek, Calhoun, MI, and was buried on 19 Dec 1969 in N. Athens Baptist Cem., Calhoun , MI.  Herman L. died on 5 Aug 1964 in Battle Creek, Calhoun , MI and was buried on 8 Aug 1964 in North Athens Baptist Cem., Athens Twp., Calhoun , MI.  OBITUARY of Herman L. Nagel was found in the Athens Times, Thursday, August 13, 1964:  "East Leroy - Herman L. Nagel, 86, a farmer on Five-Mile Road for 54 years, died Wednesday at the Battle Creek Health Center where he had been a patient a few hours.  He was born in Orangeville, Barry County, a son of George J. and Catherine (Gensley) Nagel.  He was married to Miss Flossie Seedorff in East Leroy on March 1, 1907.  He and his son were sextons at the Mather Cem. for many years.  Mr. Nagel was a member of the Calhoun County Farm Bureau.  He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Clarence (Margaret) Hull of East Leroy and Mrs. R. P. (Elizabeth) Russell of Route 7, Battle Creek; a son, George J. of Climax; five grandchildren and three great- grandchildren."   Flossie and Herman had three children: Elizabeth S. Nagel who married Randolph P. Russell; Margaret Nagel who married Clarence Hull; and George J. Nagel.  Flossie's death record is recorded with the Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1969 deaths, #1464 and states that her mother was Margot Heck and her father was Frank Seedorff. Herman Nagel's death record is recorded with the Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Vol. 46, p 391.  Herman's obituary was found in the Local History Room, Willard Library, Battle Creek, MI, in the 13 Aug 1964 Athens Times newspaper on microfilm.  Frank's second wife's (Harriet Marie's) obituary states that she was survived by a step-daughter, Mrs. Herman Nagel.

DEATHS.  Calhoun , MI, death records, book 6, page 96, #2, 16 Apr 1916, Seedorff, Frank E., died at Newton Twp., male, 56y3m17d, white, married, Hodgkins disease, b. Canada, farmer, no parents listed.

Cem. marker readings in book at Willard Library, Battle Creek, for North Athens Baptist Cem. for Frank, son of Charles, says 1859-1916. The date of birth is different than what we had.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer, 18 Apr 1916, p. 4.  Frank E. Seedorf of Newton Twp. died at 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon at his home.  He was 56 years of age and is survived by a widow and six children:  Mrs. Herman Nagle, Mrs. Herbert Spooner and Harry, Lyle, Elizabeth and Charles Seedorf; four grandchildren and three brothers, Ernest and William Seedorf of Battle Creek and Joseph Seedorf of Athens.  Mr. Seedorf was a member of the Home Grangers Society of the I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 272.  He has lived in Newton Twp. for the past 14 years.  Funeral services will be held from the residence Wednesday morning at 10:30.  The Rev. Exner will officiate.  The services at the grave will be conducted by the I.O.O.F.


29060. Laurel Naomi Seedorff

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, City of Battle Creek, MI taken 9 and 10 Jan. 209 Lathrop St.  213/278 Laura Seedorff, boarder, age 20, FW, single, b. MI, parents b. MI, is in the home of Howard L. Spooner and Lottie E. Spooner.  Her brother, Charles, age 16, is also a boarder in the home, as well as their older sister, Maggie Spooner, sister-in-law to the head of the household, age 25.

WEDDING.  The Athens Times, Thursday, February 5, 1920.  Stanley Burgett Weds An East Leroy Girl.  Stanley Burgett, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Burgett, of this Twp., and Miss Laurel Seedorff, daughter of Mrs. Hattie Seedorff of East Leroy, were married at Marshall on Thursday, Jan. 29th, by Rev. Blanchard of the Presbyterian Church.  Mr. Burgett is an ex-service man, having served with the 22d Engineers on the principal battle fronts in France.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Burgett are very highly esteemed in their respective communities, and their many friends join in congratulations.  They will reside on Aunt Martha Fuller's farm in the north part of Athens Twp..

MARRIAGE.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Vol. 7, p. 203, #100. Married 29 Jan 1920 at Marshall, MI, Laurel N. Seedorff, age 20, b. E. Leroy, residing in E. Leroy, father: Frank Seedorff, mother: Harriett Brownell; and Stanley R. Burgett, age 31, b. Athens, residing in Athens, occupation: farmer; father: John, mother:  Laura Bauer, witnesses:  Mrs. C. E. Blanchard and Agnes Blanchard; officiant:  Charles E. Blanchard.  Neither had a previous marriage.

The Athens Times, Thursday, January 20, 1921. East Leroy. Mrs. Ralph Romig is caring for her sister, Mrs. Stanley Burgett, who is suffering with an infected hand and also bronchitis.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 429, #350, 17 Jul 1921, Burgett, Laurel Naomi, died at City of Battle Creek, female, age 22, white, married, b. MI, housewife, father Frank Seedorf, mother Hattie Brownell.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times.  Thursday, July 21, 1921.  Mrs. Stanley Burgett Passes Away at Hospital.  Mrs. Stanley Burgett, a well known young woman of Athens Twp., died at Nicols Hospital, Tuesday, from blood poisoning, having been taken to that institution only Sunday morning with the hope that her life might be saved.  The fatal malady started from an infection in her nose.  Mrs. Burgett was formerly Miss Laurel Seedorff, daughter of Mrs. Hattie Seedorff of East Leroy, and was most highly esteemed and loved by all who knew her.  She was married to Stanley Burgett in 1919, following his return from France, and for the past few months they have resided on what is known as the Eatinger farm which place they purchased early in the spring.  Her sudden death came as a great shock to her family, who have the sincere sympathy of the whole community in their sorrow.  The funeral is to be held this afternoon (Thursday) at 2:00 at the Congregational Church in Athens, Rev. Dawe officiating, Naomi Chapter No. 59, O.E.S., of which Mrs. Burgett was a member, having charge of the burial service.  Interment in Burr Oak Cem..

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times.  Thursday, July 28, 1921.  Laurel Seedorff Burgett. Laurel Naomi Seedorff was born May 2, 1899, at East Leroy, Michigan, where her babyhood days were spent.  When three years of age, with her parents, she moved to a farm in Newton Twp. where she lived until 1917, when, following her father's death, her mother moved back to East Leroy.  The year prior to her marriage was spent in Battle Creek where she made a host of friends.  January 28, 1920, she was united in marriage to Stanley Burgett of Athens Twp.. After eighteen months of great happiness in her own home near EastLeroy she was suddenly stricken and taken from us to a better home after an illness of six days, passing away at 11:30 a.m. July 19, 1921, aged 22 years, 2 months and 17 days.  Her life was short on this earth but was filled with good work and kindness to everyone, and in times of trouble she was always ready to lend a helping hand and was a great solace to all with words of comfort. Being of sunny disposition she had a host of friends wherever she was known. It can truly be said that to know her was to love her.  What better tribute can be paid to anyone?  She became a member of the O.E.S. of Athens a few months ago. She leaves to mourn her loss a stricken husband; her mother, Mrs. Hattie Seedorff of East Leroy; three sisters, Mrs. Herman Nagel and Miss Elizabeth Seedorff of East Leroy, and Mrs. Ralph Romig, of Battle Creek; two brothers, Harry and Chas. Seedorff, of Newton Twp.; and four nieces and one nephew, beside an aged grandmother and a host of other relatives and friends. Card of Thanks.  We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation for the many kind services rendered us by friends and neighbors, the singers, the O.E.S. and Rev. Dawe in our bereavement.  Stanley Burgett.  Mrs. Hattie Seedorff and Family.  John Burgett and Family.


Stanley Ross Burgett

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, deaths, book 6, page 413, #546, 19 Dec 1932, Burgett, Stanley Ross, died at City of Battle Creek, b. MI, male, 43y11m21d, white, married, road construction, father John Burgett, b. MI, mother Laura Bauer, b. OH.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek (Michigan) Moon Journal, Tuesday, December 20, 1932. Stanley R. Burgett, World War veteran, died in a local hospital Monday afternoon.  He leaves his widow, Anna; two daughters, Thelma and Lois, both of Athens; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Burgett, of Athens Twp.; three sisters, Mrs. Hurl Moore, Athens; Mrs. E. L. Pilkington, Detroit, and Mrs. Floyd Wing, Jackson; two brothers, Clark, of Cuba Ill., and Nolan, of Athens. The deceased was a member of the Athens Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star and of Union Post, American Legion.  Funeral services will be held from the Congregational Church Thursday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. J. E. Cook officiating. Burial will be made in Burr Oak Cem..


29061. Carol Elizabeth Seedorff

Information received by correspondence from Carol Elizabeth Seedorff Smith. There were no children.

Carol was of Newton in 1948.

MARRIAGES.  Calhoun County, book 8, page 181, #678.  26 Aug 1925, married at Athens, MI, Leon Smith, age 23, of Newton Twp., factory worker, and Elizabeth Seedorf, age 24, of Athens.  Parents of the groom:  John Smith and Rena Boylan; parents of the bride:  Frank Seedorff and Harriet Brownell.  Married by Joseph H. Charles, MG.  Witnesses:  Harlow Bennett and Mrs. J. H. Charles.

ANNIVERSARY.  The Athens Times, Wednesday, August 30, 1950.  Silver Wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Leon Smith of Newton celebrated their silver wedding anniversary Saturday evening with a surprise party by Mrs. Smith's brothers and sisters. Refreshments of a wedding cake and ice cream were served and the evening spent in visiting.  Sunday they also celebrated by having the Smith reunion at their home with 24 present.  All enjoyed a carry-in dinner with the table decorated with flowers and a wedding cake all trimmed with white and silver, presented to the Smith's by the cousins.  Absent and missed very much were A. H. Smith, confined to a hospital following an operation on Friday and Elmer J. Smith and family of Detroit.  After a treat of ice cream all departed wishing the Smith's many more happy anniversaries.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer, 11 Dec 1987. C. "Elizabeth" (Seedorff) Smith, 86, of 6553 H Drive South, Newton Twp., died Wednesday at her home after a short illness.  She was born in East Leroy and was a 1920 graduate of Athens High School.  She had worked with her husband, Leon, on their farm for 60 years.  In addition to helping with the farming, she was employed by Post Division of General Foods and was a teacher for the former Newton Township Dodge School.  In addition to her husband of 62 years, she is survived by a brother, Charles P. Seedorff of Cereso.  Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Spencer Funeral Home in Athens.  Memorial donations may be made to Newton Twp. Church.

Carol is buried on Lot 126, grave 4, Section C, Newton Cem..

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1987 Deaths #1316.  Died 9 Dec 1987 at home, 6553 H Drive South, Newton Twp., Calhoun , MI, Carol Elizabeth Smith, age 86, b. 15 Aug 1901, f, w, married; father: Frank Seedorff; mother: Harriet Brownell; occupation: production line worker, cereal factory; buried: 12 Dec 1987 Newton Cem., Newton Twp., Calhoun , MI; informant: Leon B. Smith.


Leon B. Smith

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer.  9 April 1996, p. 4A.  Leon B. Smith, 93, of Battle Creek, died Saturday, April 6, 1996, in Springhill Manor.  He was born April 25, 1902, in Newton Township to John A. and Ethel I. (Boylon) Smith and was a lifelong Newton Twp. resident.  He owned and operated a farm on H Drive South where he raised sheep, hogs and cattle.  He married C. Elizabeth Seedorff on Aug. 26, 1925, in East Leroy.  She preceded him in death. Visitation:  6 to 8 p.m. today at Spencer Funeral Home, Athens. Services:  11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with Rev. John Dosh officiating. Burial: Newton Cem..  Memorials:  Charity of one's choice.

Leon B. Smith is buried on Lot 126, grave 3, Section C in Newton Cem..

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1995, #1006. Died 6 Apr 1996, Leon B. Smith, age 93, b. 25 Apr 1902 in Newton Twp., Calhoun , at Springhill Nursing Home, Battle Creek; father: John A. Smith; mother: Ethel Irene Boylon; residence: 6555 H Drive South, Battle Creek; occupation: retired farmer; buried: Newton Cem.; informant: Shirley Kelley, 6555 H Drive South, Battle Creek.


23269. Lloyd Parker Brownell

MARRIAGE.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, marriages, Book 5, page 47, #176. 12 June 1901, Lloyd Brownell, age 21 of Athens, and Dollie Mae Henry, age 18, of Athens. Married at Marshall, MI, by H. M. Merrill, Justice of the Peace. Parents of the groom:  Parker Brownell and Melissa Carpenter; Parents of the bride: A. Henry and S. Wineburg.  Witnesses:  Archer Henry and Sarah Henry.

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun , MI, Leroy Twp., taken 2 April. 115/118 Brownell, Lloyd P., head, age 29, white, male, married 1 time, 9 years, b. MI, father and mother b. NY; Brownell, Dolly W., wife, white, female, age 26, 0 children, 0 alive, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. PA; Brownell, Oscar L., adopted son, age 2, b. MI, father and mother b. OH.

See mother's notes about reunions attended from 1893 on.

DEATH. Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI.  1963, #300. Lloyd P. Brownell, age 83, born 18 Feb 1881, in MI, died 26 May 1963 at Battle Creek Sanitarium Hospital, Battle Creek, Calhoun, MI.  Residence:  37 Taft Street, Battle Creek; occupation:  retired millwright, Post cereals; married; spouse: Dottie E. Brownell; mother:  Melesia Carpenter; father: Parker Brownell, buried 19 May at Oak Hill Cem., Battle Creek.  Informant:  Dottie E. Brownell.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Monday, May 26, 1963, page 3.  Lloyd P. Brownell, 82, of 37 Taft Ave. died Sunday in a local hospital where he had been a patient since May 15.  He had been in failing health the last year and critically ill two months.  Born at Athens, the son of Parker and Melisia (Carpenter) Brownell, he was a lifelong resident of this area.  He was employed by the Post Division of General Foods Corporation from 1917 until 1946 as a millwright and was a member of the Post 25-Year Club.  He was married April 1, 1933, to Dottie E. Carpenter, who survives.


Bessie M. Arnold

MARRIAGE.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, marriages, Book 7, p. 39, #1002.   Married 25 Dec. 1917, at Battle Creek, Lloyd P. Brownell, age 36, occupation: carpenter, of Battle Creek, and Bessie M. Arnold, age 29, of Battle Creek.  Parents of the groom: Parker Brownell and Melissa Carpenter; parents of the bride: Maurice Arnold and May Harrison; married by William Chapman, MG. Witnesses: Maurice H. Arnold and May Arnold.

1920 U.S. Census, City of Battle Creek, Calhoun , MI, taken 3 Jan., ED58, sheet 2B.  46 Fairview Avenue.  Brownell, Lloyd, head, MW, age 38, married, b. MI, father b. MI, mother b. NY, millwright, food factory; Bessie, wife, age 31, b. MI, parents b. MI; Oscar, son, age 13, b. MI, parents b. unknown.  (On the 1910 Census, Oscar, age 2, was listed as the adopted son of Lloyd and his first wife, Dolly W.)


29064. Ardith Mae Brownell

DEATH.  Calhoun County, MI clerk's records, book 6, page 434, #454, 30 Sep 1921, Brownell, Ardith Mae, female, 2m22d, white, single, b. MI, father Lloyd P. Brownell, mother Bessie Arnold, both b. MI.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times.  Thursday, October 6, 1921.  Talked In Town. Ardith Mae, the twelve-week-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Brownell of Battle Creek, died Friday morning.

The Athens Times.  Thursday, October 6, 1921.  Mr. and Mrs. M. D.
Gould and Miss Lulu Brownell attended the funeral of little Ardith Mae Brownell at Battle Creek Sunday.


Dottie E. Thorpe

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 1978, p. A6. Mrs. Dottie E. (Carpenter) Brownell, 91, died Tuesday in Battle Creek Provincial House, where she had been a patient since 1977.  She was born in Ohio and resided in Battle Creek most of her lifetime.  She was employed as a floorlady by the Post Division of General Foods Corp. for many years and was a member of the division's 25-Year Club.  She had been a member of the First Baptist Church since 1904.  Her husband, Lloyd Brownell, died in 1963.  There are no known immediate survivors.  Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Farley Funeral Home.  Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church.


23271. Floyd O. Brownell

1880 U.S. Census, Athens, Calhoun, MI. Floyd was 3/12 yr. old and was in the home of his parents, Benjamin F. Brownell and Phebe Jane "Jennie" Carpenter Brownell.

1895, Reunions of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Family, Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Floyd attended with his parents from 1893 (age 12) to 1898.  Then again in 1900, and in 1901-1906 his wife Addie was there. In 1912 Floyd was there but Addie and child, Elaine, were not. All three, Floyd, Addie and Elaine were there in 1914 and 1915, but Addie is missing in 1916.  None of the family are found after that year. See mother's notes for more specifics.

1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI taken 1 and 2 Jun. 3/3 Floyd O., son, wm, b. Feb. 1880, age 20, md. 0y, b. MI is in the home of his parents with his wife Adaline, wf, b. Jul 1880, age 19, b. MI, parents b. NY.

The Athens Times, May 13, 1920.  F. O. Brownell and daughter Elaine, of South Bend spent the weekend with Mrs. Jennie Brownell.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Thursday, February 4, 1960.  Lloyd (his name was Floyd) Brownell, eighty years of age, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away in a hospital of that city on Wednesday, January 20, 1960.  The cause of his death was due to a stroke he suffered on December 26, 1959.  Funeral services were held on January 28th.  Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery in South Bend, beside his wife who preceded him in death three weeks ago, he leaves a daughter, Elaine; one grandson and nieces and nephews.  He was an only child of Benjamin and Jennie (Carpenter) Brownell, natives of Athens.


Adeline (Addie) Hulce

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Thursday, January 14, 1960.  Mrs. Floyd (Adeline) Brownell, passed away on January 5th, 1960 in South Bend, Indiana. She was the youngest daughter of Rughes and Mary Hulce and was born in Athens Twp. and attended the Athens schools, graduating in the class of 1899,  teaching school in the area for a time.  After her marriage to Floyd Brownell they moved to South Bend, which has been their home.  She leaves to survive her husband and one daughter, Elaine; one grandson and a sister, Mrs. Cora Wagner of Leonidas,
also several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held on January 7th, with burial in South Bend.


23272. Lina Estelle Carpenter

Information from Mrs. Lina Snyder of Athens, MI, and a pedigree chart made by Lorna Carter of Athens, MI.   A taped conversation with Mrs. Snyder at age 91 is in possession of Donna H. Hellewell, Aptos, CA 95003.  Lina was personally visited at age 93, 100 and again at 103.  She passed away 5 Mar 1982, age 104.  Grandmothers, (Rocina Hall Pierce Doty and Eleanor D. Pierce Carpenter), the mothers of, Melvina Elizabeth Doty and Rial Allen Carpenter, respectively, are sisters.

1893 Reunion of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families: R.A. Carpenter, age 48,  Mrs. R.A. Carpenter (Melvina) was age 47, Miss L. E. [Lina Estelle] Carpenter 16 .  See mother's record up to 1922 as it includes Lina and her family.

MARRIAGE.  Calhoun County, MI, Family History Library, Salt Lake City, UT, Film #1009297, Vol. 4, p. 248, #4617.  Married 7 Oct 1896 in Athens, John J. Snyder of Athens, MI, age 23, b. MI, a farmer, and Lina E. Carpenter of Athens, age 18, b. MI.  Parents:  Reuben Snyder and C. Mallow, and Rial A. Carpenter and M. Doty.  Witnesses:  Mr. Joel Shutt and Mrs. Maud Shutt of Athens, Calhoun, MI. Minister: F. Ware, M.G.

1900 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Twp., MI, taken 8 and 9 Jun. 190/191 Snyder, John J., head, WM, b. Nov. 1872, age 27, married 4 years occupation:  farmer; Snyder, Lina, wife, wf, b. Oct 1877, age 22, 3 children born, 3 children living; Snyder, Carroll, son, wm, b. Jul 1897, age 2; Snyder, Mary, daughter, wf, b. Oct 1898, age 1; Snyder, Merna, daughter, b. Feb. 1900, age 3/12.

1910 U.S. Census, Calhoun County, Athens Village, MI taken 15 Apr, ED30, sheet 11B.  --/19 Snyder, John J., head, age 37, married 14 years, b. IN, father b. NY, mother b. NY, retail merchant, implements; Lina E., wife, age 32, married 14 years, had 4 children, 4 living, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. NY; Carroll C., son, age 12, b. MI; Mary R., daughter, age 11, b. MI; Merna, daughter, age 10, b. MI; Neil A., son, age 8, b. NY.(Should be MI)

1920 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens, MI taken 15 and 16 January, ED 35, sheet 12A. 160/167 Snyder, John J., head, age 47, b. IN, father b. PA, mother b. IN; Lina E, wife, age 42, b. MI, parents b. NY; Carroll C., son, age 22, b. MI; Merna L., daughter, age 19, b. MI; Neil A., son, age 18, b. MI.

Aug 1923, Carpenter-Pierce Reunion had 110 Attendants  The Athens Times.  The thirty-first annual reuion of the Carpenter and Pierce families was held at the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Doty, in Athens village, [It was held there last year also.] Thursday, August 2.  It was a beautiful day and friends came from Los Angeles, Calif.  Holland, Mich., Kalamazoo, Three Rivers, Battle Creek, Union City, Sherwaood, Mason, Waukeshma and Sonoma.  110 being present.  Tables were spread on the lawn and well filled with the good things to supply the inner man.  Following dinner a very interesting program was given which was greatly enjoyed.  Mr. and Mrs. John Snyder offered their home as a meeting place in 1924 which was gladly accepted.  A rising vote of thanks was given the host and hostess for their entertainment and all felt as they left for their respective home it surely was the end of a "Perfect Day."

1922, 1923, 1924 Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Family Reunions. Lina Snyder attended the reunion all three years.  Her husband, John, the last two and her daughter, Mary, all three.  Marion Fox, Mary's husband, attended only 1923.  Merna Bishop and Neil Snyder are on the roll, but neither attended. 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929 - Lina Snyder and John attended all 4 years. Their son, Carroll's, name was there, but he did not attend.  Mary Fox and her husband missed 1927, John Fox was at 1926, and 1929.  His sister  Patricia missed 1927.  Merna Bishop attended only 1929.  Her husband none.  Their son, Bruce Allen, none.  Lina's son Niel, 1926 and 1929.

1930, 1931, 1932, 1933 - Lina and John Snyder were at the 1930 only. None of the rest were there.  None are shown attending the other years. That is the last of the record we have.

The Athens Times, Thursday, June 10, 1965.  Four generations at Athens High School.  (Photo of Lina Snyder, Mary Fox, Ann Marie Auten and Patricia Auten.) Mrs. Snyder graduated in 1895 in the third class to receive diplomas after the Athens school reached the high school level.  The superintendent was the late Elmer E. Overhold.  Mrs. Fox graduated in 1917 under the late Prof. C. S. Harman.  Mrs. Auten in 1940 under Mr. Robert Kellogg and Miss Ann, of course, graduated this year under Mr. Gordon Thompson.  Also, it might be of interest to note that all Mrs. Snyder's children graduated from this high school.  All her grandchildren graduated here and she still has 11 great-grandchildren attending school in the Athens system.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE.  Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Sunday, April 18, 1965. Sec. 2, p 2.  On the Road by Ned Boies.  In another six weeks high school graduations will be busting out all over like early roses . . . But one of the proudest of spectators in all the region is expected to be Mrs. John Snyder of Athens, who will be matriarch of three generations of a family that is expected to gather at Athens to witness the first graduation from its fourth generation. The rather unusual aspect of the affair is that when Ann Auten, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Duane Auten of Athens, walks across the stage and picks up her diploma, she will be the first of the fourth generation of the family to graduate from high school in Athens.  When Mrs. Snyder graduated in 1895, it was from the old wooden school that stood where the "old" elementary school is today in the village.  "It had been a 12-grade school only two years,"  Mrs. Snyder recalls.  All of her four children graduated from Athens High School. All of her 11 grandchildren graduated from Athens High School.  And now Ann is graduating.  One cannot expect to keep this up forever, and Mrs. Snyder will have to go out of town to catch the graduation of her great-grandson, Gregory Bishop, who will graduate this year from Lakeview High School.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Bishop.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer and News, Sunday, March 7, 1982, page B2. Lina Snyder Dies at Age 104.  Athens - Lina Estelle  (Carpenter) Snyder, 104, of 147 N. Park St., died Friday in Provincial House of Marshall, where she had been a resident 10 years.  Mrs. Snyder was the daughter of Athens pioneers and was a lifelong area resident.  She also was in the first class to graduate from Athens High School in 1896.  Mrs. Snyder and her husband, John, had a large farm and operated J.J. Snyder Hardware and J.J. Snyder Creamery until about 1915.  They continued running a business selling butter and eggs until 1935. After the death of her husband in 1952, Mrs. Snyder boarded teachers in her large home, which has remained in the family for more than 100 years.  A granddaughter now owns the home and a great-great-grandson was born there in 1977, 100 years after Mrs. Snyder was born in the same home.  Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Kellogg (Merna) Bishop of 5163 Hoag Road, Battle Creek; 11 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 35 great-great-grandchildren. Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Spencer Funeral Home.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, 1982 death records, #241.  Lina E. Snyder, age 104, born 23 Oct 1877, died 5 Mar 1982 at Provincial House, Marshall, Calhoun, MI;  father: Rial Carpenter; mother:  Melvina Doty; widow; buried 9 Mar, Burr Oak Cem., Athens, MI; informant: Merna Bishop.


John Jacob Snyder

1880 U.S. Census, Calhoun, Athens Village, MI, taken 3 Jun. 174/182 Snyder, Reuben A., age 41, farmer; Christina, wife, age 30, William, son, age 9, John, son, age 7, Maud M., daughter, age 5.

The Athens Times, Friday, Sept. 16, 1904.  L. E. Doty and J. J. Snyder, accompanied by their wives drove to the county fair this morning.

Some notes taken while talking to John Snyder's daughter, Mary Fox, in Athens, MI July 1981.  "John J. Snyder's oldest brother was born on the Erie Canal.  Vera Snyder, wife of Mary Fox's brother Neil, in Athens, drapery business, Lyle Louise, Neil's daughter, married Dan Miller and they live in California.  Lyle Louise and Dan Miller one had child, Michael, he would be about 25 or 26 now, (1981).  Gayle Elaine, Neil's second daughter, married Bob Emerson.  Gayle and Bob had 3 children: (1) Steve about 24 or 25, (2) Julie, and (3) Scott.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Deaths, BC34, page 465, John J. Snyder, age 79, born 28 Nov 1872, died in Battle Creek, residence: Athens; married; spouse: Lina; father: Reuben Snyder; mother: Christine Mallow; occupation: retired merchant and factory worker; buried 23 Aug 1952, Burr Oak Cem.; informant: N. H. Snyder.

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, Wednesday, August 27, 1952.  John J. Snyder, 81, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 1952, at Community Hospital in Battle Creek, where he was a patient for about 12 hours.  Mr. Snyder was born in LaGrange, Ind., Nov. 28, 1872, the son of Reuben and Christina (Mallow) Snyder.  He came to Michigan as a child and lived on the farm now owned by Clarence Korn east of Athens.  Forty-seven years ago he entered the hardware business with the late Lynn E. Doty, later selling out to E. B. Hollenbeck, after which Doty & Snyder were engaged for some time in farm implement sales and service.  He later owned and operated the Nottawa Valley Creamery for several years as a partner of Robert P. Wisner whom he bought out and continued the business by himself.  During World War II he began work as a maintenance man for the Clark Equipment  in Battle Creek, a place he held for six years.  Mr. Snyder was a member of the board of education for many years, having been secretary of the board during the construction of the new school house in 1910-11.  He had also been a member of the village council and Twp. clerk. He was married to Lina E. Carpenter Oct. 7, 1896, and they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary last fall.  Mr. Snyder had been an invalid for the past five years and was confined to his bed during the past four months. Surviving besides the widow are three children:  Mrs. Marion A. (Mary) Fox, Mrs. Kellogg (Merna) Bishop, and Neil A. Snyder, all of Athens; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Wm. H. Snyder of Battle Creek, besides many other relatives and a host of friends who mourn his passing. Another son, Carroll, passed away 17 years ago.  Services were held from the Spencer Funeral Home Saturday afternoon, with the Rev. Lucy Wright of Grand Rapids officiating. Burial was in Burr Oak Cem..  The pallbearers were made up of the grandsons of the deceased.


29069. Carroll Carpenter Snyder

OBITUARY.  The Athens Times, September 4, 1935.  Carroll C. Snyder, 38, Artist-Musician Died at Hospital Wednesday.  Carroll Carpenter Snyder was the eldest child of John J. and Lina Carpenter Snyder.  He was born in Athens, July 6th, 1897, and most of his life was spent in his home town where he attended the public school and graduated from high school with the class of 1917, serving as the president of the class.  He was interested in all the activities of the school and was a member of the football team.  He attended Western State Teachers College for two years, taught the fifth and sixth grades in the Athens school. He was an accomplished musician and gave freely of his time and talent in the field of music.  His artistic nature led him to take a four-year course at the Chicago School of Applied Arts.  Following this training he spent several years in the west and then returned to his native town where he has since made his home with his parents.  Carroll was always of a studious nature, and his artistic ability was willingly shared with home, church and community, and the memory of his gifted contributions will linger long in the hearts and minds of those who knew him best.  The two beautiful screens, with their Biblical pictures done in oil that adorn the platform in the M.E. Church, and the works of art to be found in the Snyder home, are examples of the work of this gifted artist. It was with a deep sense of sorrow that his friends learned of his failing health, and ten months ago when he became a patient at the Calhoun County public hospital, it was hoped that his optimistic temperament, and his determination to put up a brave fight, might bring a recovery, but his strength gradually failed, and on Wednesday evening, Aug. 28th, he quietly passed into his eternal sleep.  We think of his going as a graduation into a higher rank of learning, better equipped for a larger life of service, where a richer, finer life exists.  He leaves his father and mother; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Fox of Athens, and Mrs. Myrna Bishop of Kalamazoo; one brother, Neil A. Snyder of Athens and ten nephews and nieces, John, Patricia and Richard Fox, and John, Bruce, Barbara, Mary and Frederick Bishop, and Lyle Louise and Gail Elaine Snyder, and many other relatives and friends.  Funeral services were held at the Spencer Funeral Home Friday afternoon, with the Rev. A. L. Ellsworth of Oshtemo, a former pastor of the Athens M.E. Church, officiating.  Interment in Burr Oak Cemetery.

DEATH.  Calhoun County Clerk-Register, Marshall, MI, Deaths, Vol. 17, p. 26, died 28 Aug 1935, Carol C. Snyder, age 38y1m22d, born 6 Jul 1897 at Athens; father: John Snyder; mother: Lina Carpenter; residence: N. Clark Street, Athens; place of death: Calhoun County Public Hospital, Emmett Twp., MI; occupation:  painter; cause of death:  tuberculosis; buried 30 Aug 1935, Burr Oak Cem., Athens; informant:  Mrs. Mary Fox.


23274. Mamie (Hattie) M. Carpenter

1900 U.S. Census, Union City Village, Branch , MI, taken 27 Jun, ED 21, sheet 19B.  490/509 Hattie Carpenter, niece, WF, b. Jan 1880, age 19, single, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. OH, is in the home of Merritt Griffith, head MW, b. Apr 1838, age 62, married 4y; Merritt's wife, Harriet, wife, FW, b. Mar 1843, age 57, married 4y; Hammond, Juliet, mother-in-law (to head of the household and Harriet's mother), WF, b. Mar 1822, age 78, widow, 8 children, 1 alive.  This would make Hattie Carpenter the niece of Harriet Hammond Griffith.  Harriet and Hattie's mother, Rose Ella Hammond Carpenter, were sisters.

MARRIAGES, Branch County Clerk, Coldwater, MI.  Vol G, page 308, #14593. Married 19 Oct 1904, Fred Lux, 28, of Union City, b. NY and Hattie Carpenter, 23, of Union City, b. NY.  Parents:  George Lux and Mary Cultzel and Augustus Carpenter and ____Locke. (We feel this is an error in recording, we know Rose Hammond was her mother.)  Witnesses: Claud D. Felkins of Coldwater, and Myrltle E. Felkins.

1909, 1910, 1911, 1912  Reunions of the Calvin L. Carpenter/Pierce Families held in Athens, Calhoun, MI.  Mamie, Fred Lux,  and child, Ellis, attend all four  years.  Step-mother, Amelia Carpenter, missed the 1911 reunion. See Alva Agustus Carpenter's notes for prior years.  Jay, Hattie's brother, attended the 1909 reunion.

1913, 1914, 1915, 1916 - Hattie, Fred and Ellis attended only the 1916 reunion.  Amelia Carpenter missed only the 1913.  Jay, Hattie's brother, attended the 1914 reunion.

1917, 1918, 1919, 1920 -  Hattie, Fred and Ellis attend all four years. Amelia Carpenter missed only the 1918. Hattie's brother Jay attended none.

1921, 1922, 1923, 1924 - Hattie and Fred attended all four years, Ellis missed 1923.  Jay, Hattie's brother, came to the 1921.

1925, 1926, 1927, 1928 - Amelia, her step-mother, attended the 1925, and then is marked dead.  Hattie and Fred attended only the 1926 reunion.  Ellis and Jay did not attend any. Hattie, Fred, Ellis and Jay are on the rolls but there is no attendance after 1926.

1910 U.S. Census, Branch, Union, MI taken 16 and 18 Apr.  15/15 Lux, Fred, MW, age 31, married once, 3 years, b. NY, parents b. NY; Hattie, wife, FW, age 28, 1 child, 1 alive, b. MI, father b. MI, mother b. OH; Fred E., son, WM, age 3, b. MI.

Next door at household 16/16:  Lux, John G., MW, age 62, married twice, age 36, b. NY, father b. France (German); mother b. Germany (German); Mary, FW, age 52, married once, 36 years, 6 children, 5 alive, b. NY; Louise, FW, age 26, single, b. MI; Eva, FW, age 22, single, b. MI; Leo, MW, age 20, single, b. MI.  These may be Fred Lux' parents.

1920 U.S. Census, Branch , Union Twp., MI, taken 5, 6, 7 Jan. ED 26, sheet 1B.  16/16 Lux, Fred E., head, MW, age 43, married, b. NY, parents b. NY; Hattie M., wife, FW, age 38, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. OH; Fred Ellis, son, MW, age 13, b. MI, father b. NY, mother b. MI; Wolf, Katherine, servant, age 16.

OBITUARY.  Battle Creek Enquirer and Evening News, Thursday, January 6, 1938, page 8.  Union City - Funeral services for Mrs. Hattie Lux, 56, who died Tuesday afternoon in a Battle Creek hospital of pneumonia after a major operation will be at 2 p.m. Friday from the Bartlett Funeral Home. The Rev. Roger W. Cough will be in charge.  Burial will be in Riverside Cem..  She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Carpenter of Athens and was born Jan. 16, 1881.  She was married here Oct. 19, 1903, to Fred Lux, who survives her. They spent their married life on the farm just west of Union City. A severe illness 26 years ago left her unable to walk.  Besides the husband she is survived by a son, Ellis; three children (believe this might be grandchildren), and a brother, Jay Carpenter of Battle Creek.  (The date of marriage in this obituary states 1903, we have 1904 from the marriage records.)