Copyright © 2004 Submitted by: Lori Buchanan This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ******************************************************************************* ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ******************************************************************************** Erastus Kellogg Parmalee, who has stood so long between the cold and barren peaks of two eternities, departed this life on March 10, 1896, at the advanced age of 86 years, seven months and ten days, being the oldest resident in the township in which he has lived since 1858. The subject of this brief notice was born August 23, 1809, in the township of Spafford, Onondaga Co., N.Y., where he grew to young manhood and was married. Feeling a desire to battle with the stern realities of the life of a pioneer, he turned his face toward the setting sun and scarcely slackened his rapid pace until he set his foot in the wilderness of Michigan. His choice of forest land was found in the township of Jefferson, Hillsdale Co. After remaining alone for six months with no companions but wild beasts and the uncivilized natives, he sent for his family which he had left behind to come and enjoy with him the habitation he had reared by his own energies. His corner stakes were set and he knew no fear and no fatigue came upon him while the forest yielded to his powerful steady stroke and his three hundred acres began to blossom and produce abundantly, and he was soon enjoying the rich rewards of his industry. His manner of transacting business in the proper time and manner won the confidence of his fellows. Deserving honors came to him unsought and in various ways he was soon a leader of men in his new country, but in an unexpected hour there came upon him reverses in a financial point of view. The panic of 1857 had its effects upon him and without losing courage he gathered his family together and migrated to Bowne, Kent Co., where in an unsettled condition of mind he remained but one year, then came to Parmalee (so named from the subject of our sketch). The railroad coming through soon after, the company invited him to be their agent here, which position he occupied to the day of his death. He was the postmaster at this place for many years and a worthy leader in all reforms. His final sickness was of short duration. His aged wife and three sons and three daughters together with sympathizing neighbors stood at his bedside and listened to his latest counsel, which we are pleased to say was spoken audibly in a rational manner. The separation was so peaceful and the end so imperceptible that those around him could but believe that he was simply resting while he slept and sleeping when he died. Thus passed away the fearless Christian gentleman. The funeral took place at the M. E. Church March 12 at 10:30 a.m., to which place he was borne by the aged friends and neighbors whom he had so long respected. Rev. Freeman delivered the funeral discourse to the living multitude assembled, assisted by Rev. Woodlock of Caledonia. The interment was at the Parmalee Cemetery, which was incorporated through the instrumentality of the deceased. He sleeps his last sleep, He has stamped his last ticket, The train shall arouse him to duty no more. Mr. Parmalee was a brave and tender man, in every storm of life was oak and rock, but in sunshine he was vine and flower. In life he acted well his part, loved his friends, was willing to help others, true to every obligation, a man of large heart, deep sympathies and freely gave to others the rights that he claimed for himself. He added to the sum of human joy and, were every one for whom he did some loving service to bring a blossom to his grave, he would sleep tonight beneath a wilderness of flowers. Truly, J.M.Z.