*****Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. This message must appear on all copied files. Commercial copying must have permission. ***** Submitted by Sherlene Belden Tobias MUSSULMAN'S Obituary, published in the Kalamazoo Weekly Telegraph, Wednesday, November 7, 1883 edition. EAST COOPER. November 5 The funeral of Tobias MUSSULMAN was held at the Congregational church last Tuesday, his home was outside of Cooper, but he was identified here as an old pioneer who lived beyond the allotted time in years, being 82. He was well cared for in his declining years by his son Merritt and family. His daughter, Mrs. SMITH of St. Joseph and his stepdaughter Mrs. HOPKINS of Detroit, came to pay their respects to his remains with the rest at his burial. An article published in the Kalamazoo Weekly Gazette, Friday, November 9, 1883: Mr. (Tobias) MUSSELMAN, an old and respected resident of Alamo, died last Sunday night. His funeral was held at the church at the (Cooper) Center. JACOB MUSSELMAN'S obituary, published in the Plainwell Enterprise, November 14, 1906. JACOB MUSSELMAN, a pioneer resident of this vicinity, died Saturday at him home in this village, after a brief illness. The funeral will be held from the home at two o'clock this afternoon, Rev. J. Fletcher officiating. The services will be conducted by Mark Thompson post, G.A.R. Jacob MUSSULMAN was born in Cayuga Co, N.Y., August 24, 1833. He came to Michigan in the early 40's, helping his father to clear up a homestead from the primeval forests of Alamo. He served in the war of 1861-65, enlisting at Kalamazoo September 30, 1861, in Company F, Third Michigan Cavalry. He served his term and re-enlisted January 19, 1864. He was finally discharged February 12, 1866, at San Antonio, Texas. He was married to Sarah PETTIT in Cooper, August 6, 1872, and moved from that place to Plainwell, eighteen years ago. he buried his wife here January 26, 1903. Mr. MUSSULMAN was one of a family of nine children, only two of whom are living, Merritt MUSSULMAN of this village and Mrs. Adelaide CALDWELL of Chase, Lake Co, this state. Both were present at the funeral. A note in the same paper read: Mr. and Mrs. James PETTIT of Lawton were called here Sunday by the serious illness of Jacob MUSSULMAN. SARAH ANN (Dunnead) PETTIT-MUSSELMAN'S obituary published in the Plainwell Enterprise, Wednesday, February 4, 1903. The funeral of MRS. JACOB MUSSELMAN was held from her late home at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Rev. J. Fletcher, officiating. Mrs. Sara Ann MUSSULMAN was born at Saltfleet, Canada, September 9, 1823, and was therefore 79 years old at the time of her death. She leases (leaves) a husband and six children. She came to Alamo, Kalamazoo Co, about 1869. She was married to Jacob MUSSULMAN on August 6, 1872, and resided at or near Cooper Center until fifteen years ago (circa 1888) when they removed to this village (Plainwell). Mrs. MUSSULMAN was a woman of good Christian character, quiet and retiring in manner, kind in spirit, and ready to sympathize with and help those in trouble. She was a kind and accommodating neighbor, a faithful wife and mother and a true friend. Although for many years afflicted, she was patient and cheerful, waiting for her Heavily Father's call to enter into rest. She was tenderly cared for by her husband and other friends, all of whom considered it a privilege to do what they could for her. Daniel H. MUSSELMAN'S Obituary, published in the Starke County Democrat, Knox, Indiana, October 12, 1932, front page. FORMER SHERIFF MUSSELMAN DIED SUNDAY MORNING Former County Sheriff Daniel H. MUSSELMAN died early Sunday morning at his home near Rye, Indiana (Wayne Twp) following a lingering illness of several months. He had been suffering from ulcers of the stomach and complications. News of Mr. MUSELMAN'S death was a shock to his host of friends throughout the community. All knew that he was in poor health but no one thought that conditions were as serious as they proved to be. Funeral services were held from the Knox Christian Church Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in charge of Rev. Hugh M. Ridlen, pastor of the local Christian Church and interment was made in the Round Lake Cemetery. Daniel H. MUSSELMAN was born near Dowagiac, Michigan, March 23, 1861 and departed this life at the family home near Rye, Indiana, Oct. 9, 1932 at the age of 71 years, 6 months and 16 days. Mr. MUSSELMAN was educated in the public schools of Michigan and continued to live near Dowagiac until 1890 when they moved to Starke County, Indiana, locating on the farm where he lived until his death. On April 26, 1885 at Cooper (Kalamazoo Co.), Michigan, Mr. MUSSELMAN was united in marriage with Miss Anna (Annetta) LENHART, who preceded him to the Great Beyond on February 18, 1927. Three children came to bless this union, on son who died in infancy and two daughters, Mrs. Blanche RADTKE, who also preceded the father in death on October 23, 1931 and Mrs. Ada SCHRIER, of Kalamazoo, Mich. Nearly fifty years ago Mr. and Mrs. MUSSELMAN moved to Starke County locating on the farm and Mr. MUSSELMAN has taken an active part in the growth and development of the community in which he lived. He was a charter member of the Toto Arbor of Gleaners. For a number of years he served as road supervisor and very efficiently performed the duties of his selection. He was elected, and served as township assessor of Wayne Township, his home community. His services were so satisfactory in this capacity that he was re-elected several times, each time with an increased majority. In 1924 he was chosen by the Democratic party as their candidate for county sheriff and in the fall election was elected. He performed the duties of this office with credit to himself and was re-elected with increased majority in 1926. On December 26, 1928, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary DUX of Attica, Indiana, with whom he returned to his Wayne Township farm, following the close of his second term as sheriff of Starke County. Deceased is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary MUSSELMAN, one daughter, Mrs. Ada SCHRIER, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, three grandchildren, Miss Lucille SCHRIER, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Miss Ellinor RADTKE, of Knox and Mrs. Ferne JOHNSON, of Knox; one sister, Mrs. Minnie ULAM, of Almo (Alamo), Michigan, on great grand-daughter, Shirley Ann JOHNSON, of Knox, other relatives and a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. "Uncle Dan", as he was familiarly known to his neighbors and friends, was respected and honored by all. His confidence and advise was sought by many. His quiet and unassuming disposition, coupled with his willingness and anxiety to serve wherever possible made for him a large army of friends, who with the family, mourn his departure. He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity and square dealings and his memory will be revered by those whom he assisted. The community will remember him for his official and unselfish service to all. He left the work better than he found it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Obituary of Annette LENHART MUSSELMAN, published in the Starke County Democrat, Knox, Indiana, Wed., February 23, 1928. OBITUARY OF MRS. DAN MUSSELMAN The entire community was shocked and saddened Friday afternoon when word reached here that Mrs. Dan MUSSELMAN had passed away at the St. Joseph Hospital in South Bend at two o'clock that afternoon. Mrs. MUSSELMAN had been in the hospital just one week, having submitted to a mastoid operation the Saturday previous. All during the long week, while Mrs. MUSSELMAN suffered intensely, her loved ones hovered near her hoping against hope that her condition would change for the better and that she would come once more to take her place in the happy family circle over which she had presided for so many years. But God who know(s) best, took her Home and gave her a place among his fairest blossoms. For over forty years, she had been a devoted, faithful wife, a wonderful, loving mother, a cheerful, self-sacrificing neighbor, and she will be greatly missed by hundreds of friends all over the county. She was ever ready and willing to do her best and give her all in any cause that would benefit her neighbors, friends or the community in which she lived. She was an earnest, sincere Christian, with a kind word for everyone and charity in her heart for all. She was a member and ardent worker in the Round Lake Ladies Aid and the Ladies Aid of the Methodist Church in Knox. Annetta LENHART MUSSELMAN, the daughter of Jacob and Mary LENHART was born in LaPorte County, Indiana, September 11, 1866 and departed this life at South Bend, Indiana, February 18th, 1927 at the age of 60 years, six months and seven days. On April 26, 1885 she was united in marriage with Daniel MUSSELMAN at Kalamazoo, Michigan. To this union three children were born, Mrs. Blanche RADTKE of Toto, Mrs. Ada SCHRIER of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Jacob, who died in infancy. The daughters with the heartbroken husband and four grandchildren are left to mourn her loss. Mr. and Mrs. MUSSELMAN moved to Starke County, west of Rye in the Fall of 1885 and have resided in this community continuously since that time. Funeral services were conducted at the late home on Sunday afternoon at two o'clock in charge of an old friend of the family, Rev Herman Beauchamp, pastor of the United Brethren Church of South Bend. Misses Dorothy and Ruth Wiedergott sang several favorite hymns of Mrs. MUSSELMAN'S Burial was in Round Lake Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Obituary of Blanche MUSSELMAN RADTKE, published in the Starke County Democrat, Wednesday, October 1931, Page 8. OBITUARY OF THE MRS CHARLES RADTKE In the community in which she was born, reared and lived all her life, Mrs. Charles RADTKE was beloved by all who knew her, and her sudden passing on Friday morning came as a distinct shock to a legion of friends. Cheerful, kindhearted, affectionate to family and friends, interested in community affairs, a willing helper in time of need. Mrs. RADTKE had a definite place in the life of the community and had earned for herself the enviable reputation of living in the fullest sense, the splendid life of a good woman, a staunch friend and a kind, friendly neighbor. Her life was devoted to her family, and their affairs and wishes were of prime importance to her. She was a devoted, loving wife, a wise, judicious mother, a dutiful daughter and reared to splendid young womanhood, two fine daughters, who with their father and the other immediate members of the family are now bowed in deep sorrow at the affliction that has befallen them at her death. This noble woman has left to her family a glowing heritage of good deeds performed during her lifetime, and her taking away in the very prime of life has left a vacancy that can never be filled. Mrs. RADTKE was a member of the Round Lake Ladies Aid Society and active and interested in all things promoted by this organization. She was also a member of the Ancient Order of Gleaners and had served as secretary of the Toto Arbor for several years. Blanche MUSSELMAN, eldest daughter of Dan H. and Annette MUSSELMAN, was born in Wayne Township, Starke County, Indiana, n March 24, 1887 and departed this life at LaPorte, Indiana, on October 23, 1931, aged forty-four years, six months and twenty-nine days. She was educated in the schools of Starke County, where she grew to womanhood. On June 18, 1908 she was united in holy matrimony with Charles H. RADTKE, a childhood playmate. To this union were born two daughter, Ellinore and Mrs. George JOHNSON. Surviving Mrs. RADTKE are the husband, the two daughters, one granddaughter Shirley Anne JOHNSON, the father, Dan H. MUSSELMAN and one sister, Mrs. Ada SCHRIER, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, besides a wide circle of relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted in the Round Lake Church on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock in charge of Rev. Hugh M. Ridlen, pastor of the Knox Christian Church. Interment was given in the Round Lake Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- JOHN ALBERT MUSSELMAN'S obituary, published in the Otsego Union, December 31, 1903. John Albert MUSSELMAN died at Allegan last Saturday and his remains were brought to the home of his son, William, in this village where the funeral was held Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev Charles Owens. Interment was made in Alamo. The deceased was born November 17, 1824, in Cayuga Co, New York, his age at death being 79 years, 1 month, and 9 days. At age 25, [March 29, 1850] he married Miss [Eliza] Jane ALFORD of Alamo. Eight children were born to them of whom four survive: Daniel MUSSELMAN of Toto, Indiana [Starke Co], William of Otsego, Mrs. Josephine [Horace] ROOT of Kalamazoo and Mrs. Minnie [Frank] ULAN [ULAM] of Mattawan. Besides his children he leaves two brothers and one sister, of these Jacob and Mathew (Merritt) MUSSELMAN reside in Plainwell and Mrs. Margaret [Michael] SMITH at St. Joseph. In February of 1883 he united with the Methodist church at West Oshtemo, and retained his membership there until his death. For several years Mr. MUSSELMAN had been blind and for the last few weeks of his life was entirely helpless from a stroke of paralysis. ELIZA JANE ALFORD'S obituary, found in a scrapbook at the Otsego Library, newspaper it was published in was not indicated. Mrs. John MUSSELMAN died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Horace ROOT, of Alamo, February 25, [1901] after an illness of nearly two years, aged 70 years, 3 months and 14 days. Jane E. ALFORD was born in Eromosa Twp, Halton Co, Ontario, November 11, 1830, and came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. ALFORD, to Alamo in 1838, and, with the exception of ten years that she resided in Dowagiac she has resided in Kalamazoo Co. March 29, 1850 she was married to John MUSSELMAN, who survives her. To them were born five sons and 3 daughters. The three oldest boys died in infancy. One daughter, Flora CALDWELL, died 15 years ago [circa 1886]. There are four children living, Daniel of Tato [Toto, Starke Co], Ind., William of Otsego, Mrs. Josephine ROOT of Alamo, and Mrs. Marion ULAM of Paw Paw. She also leaves eleven grand children, an aged mother, one brother and three sisters. She was the oldest of a large family of children [14] and, coming here in an early day could tell many interesting stories of her pioneer life. Her father who was a patriot soldier (and son of a Revolutionary soldier) in the war of 1812, died in 1849 leaving his wife alone to bear the burden of rearing their children. The funeral services were held at her late home last week Wednesday at 2:00 conducted by Rev C.E. Deal of Parma. There were flowers from Mrs. J. CARPENTER and Mrs. J. WHEELER who were friends of her girlhood. Burial was made in Alamo cemetery [Greenbaur] near her old home. The bearers were three grandsons and a nephew. It seems a matter of interest to many that a person as old as Mrs. MUSSELMAN at her death should have a mother living. Mrs. MUSSELMAN'S mother was born in Ireland of Scotch parents, her father, Patrick McCULLOUGH, being a physician. They came to America when she was 12 years old and two years later she was married to Wm. ALFORD, twice her age, and until his death 20 years later they lived happily. Several years after his death she married John STEWART, who died 12 years ago. She now resides with her son, Wm. ALFORD.