Scrapbook from Vermontville Library, Eaton County, Michigan Copyright © 1998 by Jan Sedore. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ GRACE KRIEGER WEDS NELSON VAN LIERE AT QUIET HOME SERVICE Mr. and Mrs. VanLiere Take Northern Wedding Trip Miss Katherine Grace Krieger became the bride of Nelson VanLiere, son of Henry VanLiere, of New Zealand, at a beautifully appointed wedding at the home of her parents. Mr and Mrs J. T. Krieger, W. St. Joseph St., Thursday noon, with Dr. E. W. Bishop of the Plymouth Congregational Church officiating. The nuptial vows were spoken before an improvised alter of ferns, palms and peonies. The Bride wore an ivory satin grown with cap shaped veil and she carried an arm bouquet of bridal roses. Miss Louise McClure, of Decatur, who was the only attendant, wore rose crepe and carried an arm bouquet of bridal roses. Leonard Kercher, of Kalamazoo attended Mr. VanLiere as best man. As the bridal party approached the altar, Mrs Robert Moore played the wedding march from Lohergrin. Following the ceremony a luncheon was served the sixty guests present. Guests from out of the city included Mr. And Mrs Robert Moore, Tecumseh; Mr and Mrs Christian VanLiere, Mr and Mrs Leonard VanLiere, Mr and Mrs Aris Knapp, Mrs Roosenraad, Dr. H. Knit, all of New Zealand; Dr. H. L. Coburn, of Grand Rapids. Mr and Mrs VanLiere left on a motor trip through northern Michigan and will be at home on their return at 717 S. Middle St. Both are graduates of State Teachers college at Kalamazoo. WILLIAM ESLEY SURINE William Esley Surine was born at Walton, Delaware County, New York, July 9, 1843. At the age of 13, he with his parents moved to Michigan where they settled in Shiawassee County, In 1861, at the beginning of the Civil War, he answered the country's call for soldiers, and at the age of 18 enlisted in the 9th Michigan Infantry. After loyal service for two years, in 1866 he was discharged from service on account of disability with the statement that he could not re-enlist because of this disability. In November 1872, he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Thomas of Unionville, Tuscola County, Michigan. To this union three children were born all of who survive him. Mrs. Lillie Taylor of Kalamo and Charles and Clara Surine, both of Vermontville. His wife preceded him in death in 1912; also 6 brothers and one sister have passed away before him. Only one brother still remains Emmet Surine of Battle Creek. For many years Mr. Surine has been a faithful and loyal member of the Edward Dwight Post of the G.A.R. In 1876 he experienced religion and has since been an active Christian. For 12 years he was a deacon in the country organization of the Baptist Church. He then joined the Baptist Church at Nashville and later transferred his letter to the Vermontville M. E. Church, where he retained his membership until death. For the past 8 months he has been gradually failing in health, and bearing intense pain in a wonderfully patient manner. Amidst it all he was cheerful, always ready to tell or listen to stories and a great lover of company, many people coming to see him. Knowing that he was ready for whatever the future held, his prayer was that he might be taken but still he was willing to suffer if it was God's will. Because of his cheerful disposition, his kindness and friendliness he will long be remembered by his three children and brother, and by many other relatives and friends. He passed away, September 9th, 1929 and the funeral was held Wednesday, September 11, 1929 at the M. E. Church, and burial was made in Woodlawn Cemetery. MRS. VIOLETTA CHILDS Violetta Andrews, daughter of Harvey and Charlotte Andrews, was born in Sunfield Township, December 16, 1861. Most of her childhood was spent at the place of her birth. On November 25, 1891, she was united in marriage to John J. Childs of Sunfield. Twin boys were born into this home in June 1896, one dying in infancy, the other J. R. Childs is now Superintendent of Schools in Vermontville. The husband and father passed into the other world September 6, 1910, after which Mrs Childs carried on the work of the farm in a remarkably efficient manner until the year 1926, when she moved to Vermontville. With the exception of the last few months when ill health made it impossible for her to be alone, she lived alone in her home in Vermontville enjoying the companionship of her son and his wife, who lived near. As ill health gradually closed in upon her, the best of medical advice was sought, but no cure could be found, and the evening of April 30th she quietly slept away into the future. In early childhood she became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and at the time of her passing was a member of the church at Bismark, where her interests and support remained even after she moved to this village. Her life has been one of devotion and loyalty to the things that she was convinced were of supreme value. She was a hard worker and generous giver in all good causes, and she will long be remembered as a loyal friend, a thoughtful neighbor, and a devoted follower of the Man of Galilee. Besides her many friends who will miss the passing of such a spirit from our midst, she leaves a number of nieces and nephews, her son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Childs of Vermontville, and one sister, Miss Naomi Andrews, also of Vermontville. ASAHEL G. HAWKINS Asahel G. Hawkins, only child of Mr. and Mrs George B. Hawkins of Lansing, was born in Vermontville, October 14, 1889. When he was three years old his parents moved to Lansing where he has since resided. He was a home-loving boy and when he grew to manhood, the home ties were even stronger. He and his mother were real pals, and while his grandmother, Mrs. Lucinda Hawkins was living, he made frequent visits here to see her. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He passed away at his home, 309 West Grand River Avenue at 8:20 Sunday morning, April 28, 1929, aged 39 years, 6 months and 14 days. The body was taken to the Joy Funeral Home Tuesday where services were held at one o'clock. In the absence of his pastor, Rev. Thomas Sheehan, pastor of the First M. E. church, officiated. Burial was made in the family lot at Woodlawn Cemetery, Vermontville. MRS HENRY CAREY Grace E. Bale, oldest daughter of Joseph and Evangeline Bale was born in Vermontville Township, Eaton County, Michigan, January 15th, 1881 and passed away, March 21st, 1930 at the age of 49 years 2 months and 6 days. On February 22, 1900 she was united in marriage to W. H. Carey, to this union 10 children were born, all of who are living. Besides the husband, children and 1 grandson, 4 brothers and 2 sisters survive. Chas. And Lesley Bale of Portland Oregon, Joe of Seattle Washington, Shirley of Berkeley California, Mrs Bertha Purchaso of Columbus Ohio and Mrs Nellie Witchey of Blalock Oregon. Mrs Carey had been in poor health for the past 4 years and the doctors pronounced her disease Tuberc7ulosis. On November 2, 1928 she entered Howell Sanitarium and gained in health rapidly and February 10th was discharged being pronounced cured and returned to her farm home. On August 28, 1929 she and the children moved to Lansing where she lived until her death. She had been failing in health for the past 2 months and was planning on going back to the sanitarium when she was taken suddenly ill with pleurisy, March 15th, 1930 pneumonia followed so closely that in her weakened condition was unable to put up a winning fight and about 11 o'clock Friday morning, March 21, 1930 she passed away. Because of her loving disposition her kindness and her friendliness, she will long be remembered by her husband, children, brothers and sisters, other relatives and a host of friends. Funeral services were conducted from the Funeral Home in Vermontville at 2 o'clock Monday, March 24th. Rev. C. H. Phillips officiating. Burial was made in Freemire Cemetery. CATHERINE M. GREEN Catherine M. Rulison was the oldest of the three children of William and Polly Rulison, born in Newark, Monroe County, New York, December 4, 1840. She passed away at the home of her daughter Mrs A. L. Barningham, August 13, 1929. She was married December 24, 1857 to James L. Green whose death occurred April 17th, 1908. All of her twelve children except two sons Homer aged 69 and George aged 44 are living and have been present at her bedside to help care for her during her last sickness. Mrs Green's life has been one of toil having come to Michigan in 1854 with her parents in a covered wagon. She fully realized all the hardships of the first pioneers. With his axe her father cleared a spot for a little log cabin in the virgin forests of Michigan three miles northeast of Vermontville. Thus the labor of making a home for themselves was started. Mrs Green exemplified true Christian living and her faith and trust in God was complete. She was a life long member of the M. E. Church. She came down to the close of a long useful life with the same smile and kind word that all that had characterized her through her life. She leaves to mourn their loss ten children, Mrs Lillian Campbell, Mr Andrew Green, Mrs H. W. Dikeman, Mrs George Downs, Mrs. E. J> Sprague, Mr Philip Green, Mr Charles F. Green, Mr Albert Green, Mrs A. L. Barningham, and besides these many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. MRS CATHARINE GREEN PASSED AWAY Mrs J. L. Green passed away August 13, 1929 at the home of her daughter Mrs. A. L. Barningham. The funeral services were held this afternoon at two o'clock at the M. E. Church. Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. This village has a score or more of her residents who have passed the four score mark and none of has been held in greater esteem than Mrs. Green. For many years with failing eyesight, she has cared for her own home and garden of West Main Street, spending the winters mostly with her children. Another of the best of mothers has gone to her reward. MOSES HAWKINS Moses Hawkins, son of Moses L. and Elizabeth Hawkins, was born in Vermontville Township, Eaton County, February 8, 1861 and departed this life July 26, 1927, at the age of 66 years. Mr Hawkins was one of a family of twelve children, all of who preceded him in death, with the exception of two sisters, Mrs Elizabeth Warren of Galesburg and Mrs Adelaide Trumbell of Saranac. Mr Hawkins had lived in Vermontville Township all his life and for the past ten years he had lived on his little farm south of the village of Vermontville, sharing his home with his old friend, Mr Theodore Muir. "Uncle Mose," as he was known to everyone, was a good neighbor and a kind friend and will be greatly missed by those who knew him best. The funeral was held from the home near Vermontville Thursday afternoon at two o'clock. Elder J. W. Roach officiated. Interment was made in the Vermontville cemetery. Those attending the funeral from away were Mrs Elizabeth Warren and son, Bert Warren of Galesburg, Mrs Adelaide Trumbull of Saranac, Mr and Mrs Ray Trumbull, Mr and Mrs Walter Trumbull of Lansing; Donald Berger, Jackson; Mr and Mrs Albert Austin and Mr and Mrs Earl Austin of Battle Creek; Mr and Mrs Charles Austin, Charlotte, and Mr and Mrs John Lake, Nashville. MISS BERTHA ZEMKE DIES IN BAY CITY Had Been Active in Business and Social Circle Both in Caro and Cass City (Caro Argus) Miss Bertha Zemke died in _amaritan Hospital, Bay City, June 22, from complications resulting from a fall several weeks ago, thought at the time to be not serious. She was born in Germany 66 years ago, coming to this country in 1888, when the family settled near Vermontville, Eaton County, She lived there and in Lansing until 1909, when she came to Caro and has since made her home with her brother, O. A. Zemke. She was active in the stores of Zemke Brothers both in Caro and Cass City, devoting most of her time for ten years in the latter place, thus widely extending her circle of friends. In 1910 she visited her birthplace in Germany remaining there about 15 months and returning October 1, 1911. She was active in her membership of the Presbyterian Churches of Caro and Cass City and enjoyed a wide acquaintance in business and social circles in both towns. She leaves five brothers and one sister: Theodore of Berlin, Germany; Herman and Richard, Vermontville; Otto and Erwein of Caro and Mrs H. W. Cooper of Mayesville, South Carolina. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock at the home of Mr and Mrs O. A. Zemke with her old pastor Rev. N. D. Braby of Lapeer conducting the service and the Huston-Collon Company in charge of the arrangements. Burial will be in Caro mausoleum. Among the relatives and friends from out of town who attended the funeral of Miss Bertha Zemke Sunday afternoon were: Mr and Mrs. Herman Zemke, Richard Zemke, son Reishart and daughters Irene, Margareta and Martha. Mr and Mrs Erbie Zemke and daughter Beverly, Mr and Mrs Clifford Snider, Mr and Mrs Wm. Zemke and daughter Evelyn, Mr and Mrs Shirley Southern of Vermontville; Carl Zemke, Mr and Mrs Theodor Zemke, Mr and Mrs Loren Purchis and daughters, Marda and Elizabeth; Mr and Mrs Fred Zemke and Mr and Mrs VanCamp of Lansing; Mr and Mrs Theodor Zemke and son Ralph and Mr and Mrs Nitzke and son of Sebewaing; Mrs H. W. Cooper of Mayesville South Carolina; and Mr and Mrs Herman Walt of Richville; Mr and Mrs G. H. Morden and son of Saginaw and Mr and Mrs C. H. Clament of Deckerville. Newspaper source unknown, Scrapbook 1928, Vermontville Library, Vermontville Michigan HAWKINS-SNELL RITES HELD ON WEDNESDAY AT QUIET CEREMONY Young Couple Will Reside at Bert Following Trip Miss Iva Edythe Hawkins, daughter of Mr and Mrs Hector B. Hawkins, was married to Clair J. Snell of Bradley, son of Mr. and Mrs Birney Snell of Bradley, Wednesday at 3 o'clock in the North St. Church of the Nazarene. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Alva Beers of Lower Salem, Ohio, a classmate of the bridal couple, assisted by the Rev. James Landers, pastor of the North St. Church in the presence of about 40 relatives and friends. The bride who was given in marriage by her father, was attired in a gown of white georgette made of princess lines with an uneven hemline. Her cap-shaped veil was caught by a band of orange blossoms and she carried a bouquet of Johatina Hill roses and white sweet peas. Miss Juanita Hawkins assisted her sister as maid of honor. Her frock was of pink organdie, made with an uneven hemline. Her flowers were roses and snapdragons. The bridesmaids were the Misses Marjorie Hawkins, sister of the bride and Esther Blank of Akron Ohio. They wore gowns of green and orchid organdie, fashioned like that of the maid of honor, and carried bouquets of roses and snapdragons. Clyde Snell, brother of the bridegroom was best man. The ushers were Harrison Wilcox and Gaylord Logan. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the home of the bride. Mr and Mrs Snell left on a motor trip, after which they will reside in Burt, Michigan until October 1. Out of town guests at the wedding were: Mr and Mrs Birney Snell and family, Fred Snell, Mr and Mrs Bert Boxley and daughter, all of Bradley; Mr and Mrs Herbert Snell of South Haven; Mr and Mrs F. A. Warner, Mrs Mary Hope all of Nashville; Harvey Hawkins Vermontville; Mr and Mrs A. G. Leonard, and family, Farmington; Miss Esther Blank, Akron Ohio, Rev. Alva Beers, Lower Salem, Ohio, Rev. N. T. Brown, Eaton Rapids. MARRIED MRS CLAIR B. SNELL Mrs Snell before her marriage Wednesday at 3 o'clock at the North St. Nazarene Church was Miss Iva Hawkins. She is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Hector B. Hawkins, 1017 Orchard Street. Mrs Snell was graduated from Taylor university, Upland, Ohio and also received a degree from the School of Expression at Taylor University. For the past two years she has been an instructor at the Walter French Junior High School. Mr. Snell was graduated from Taylor University with the class of 1927, and is at present a student in the medical school at the University of Michigan. Newspaper source unknown, Scrapbook 1928- , Vermontville Library, Vermontville Michigan JOHN IRVING John Irving was born in Ashland County, Ohio November 11, 1855. He was the son of James and Mary Irvin and the next to the youngest of a family of eight children, three girls and five boys. He was married to Ida Kenworthy, March 22, 1884, who proceeded him in death, October 27, 1918. He leaves to mourn their loss, his son Dana and daughter, Nora also one brother, Geo. W. Irvin of Hillsboro, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews and many friends. He was a kind and loving father and loyal friend and will be greatly missed by them all. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. V. B. Niles with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Newspaper source unknown, Scrapbook 1928- , Vermontville Library, Vermontville Michigan WILLIAM LOUIS KING William Louis King was born in Boring County, Maryland, March 10, 1860, and departed this life January 25, 1931 at the age of 70 years, 10 months, 15 days. He was one of a family of ten children born to Frederick and Catherine King, six of whom are still living. At the age of eighteen years he came to Michigan. On January 16, 1884 he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Evalena Fuller, who preceded him in death five years ago. To this union six children were born; Charles Frederick, Zella I. Wells, Hazel E. Bosworth, Mable E. Johnson, Albert L. and Wm. Harold. Most of his life has been spent around Vermontville. The last three years he has made his home with his mother-in-law, Mrs C. F. Fuller. He leaves to mourn their loss his mother-in-law, six children, fourteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, four sisters, and two brothers of Maryland and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the home of Mrs Fuller, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock conducted by Rev. V. B. Niles and interment was at Woodlawn cemetery. Newspaper source unknown, Scrapbook 1928- , Vermontville Library, Vermontville Michigan MRS CHARLES H. WEILER PASSED AWAY THIS MORNING Mrs Chas. H. Weiler passed away at her farm home east of town at five o'clock this morning. She had been a sufferer with a goiter for some time, but had been doing her work as usual. She rested quite good last night, but at five o'clock this morning sat up on the bed and asked Mr. Weiler to open the windows as she was choking. He did so and called Walter, and she passed away suddenly in their arms from the effects of the disease. Funeral services will be held from the home at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon, and burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery. Newspaper source unknown, Scrapbook 1928- , Vermontville Library, Vermontville Michigan MRS HARRIET M. DICKINSON Harriet M. Belcher was born in Martngo, Calhoun County, Michigan, February 7, 1851. She spent her girlhood days and the first ten years of her married life in this place. In the year 1868, February 6, she was united in marriage to Alonzo Dickinson. After ten years at Martingo, they moved to Sunfield where they lived about thirty years. They then came to Vermontville about the year 1900 and she has lived here until last Tuesday, May 20, when she passed away, her husband preceding her in death, June 23, 1924. Six children were born to Mr and Mrs Dickinson, three of whom are still living; Mr George Dickinson of Vermontville, Mr Calvin Dickinson of Jackson, and Mr Bert Dickinson of Grand Ledge. Mrs Dickinson was a good mother, a loyal friend, and a faithful neighbor, and will be missed by her many relatives and friends. Besides her three sons she leaves to cherish her memory 2 brothers, Charles Belcher of Marshall and Samuel Belcher of Maringo, 11 grandchildren, 7 great- grandchildren, many nephews and nieces, and many friends. Newspaper source unknown, Scrapbook 1928- , Vermontville Library, Vermontville Michigan MAE MC WHA In noting the passing of Mae McWha, the human mind is unequal to the task of describing the virtues, kindness and charity of the departed. It is seldom that a town of our size has an angel of this character in its midst. There have been hundreds and hundreds of times when the poor, the unfortunate and the needy have been ministered unto in their time of want and sorrow and have been helped both spiritually and materially by Mrs McWha. At Christmas time, during the cold of winter, at Thanksgiving and at such other times as necessity has required she had gone out of her way causing herself untold labor to provide clothes, food and shelter for the unfortunate. This has been not just of late years, but has extended over a period of many years. The writer can vouch for around sixteen. Prior to that we believe that the same conditions obtained. This is a long stretch of time to be laboring for the benefit of unfortunate. This is a long time to be denying yourself the pleasures of rest and utilizing that time for the charitable benefit of others. Too much cannot be said in praise of this fine spirit and kindness, and when the rigors of winter again appear and the cold winds again blow and little children and their elders are without the supporting things of life, then, and fully then, will the loss of Mae McWha be realized. We are writing this at this time, because all these things have been done in such a manner that nobody apparently seems to know about it. In other words, it has been charity in the extreme, without any apparent fuss of feathers. It fulfills the description of charity. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own; is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in inequity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. I Cor., X, 4-7. And the King shall answer and say unto them. Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matt., XXV 40. Newspaper source unknown, Scrapbook 1928- , Vermontville Library, Vermontville Michigan BENJAMIN L. PORTER Early on Friday morning, March 14, Benjamin L. Porter, an old resident of Bismark, passed away. Mr. Porter was born in Canada in 1859 and came with his parents when about 14 years of age to Ionia County where his young manhood was spent and where he married. In the spring of 1898 he moved with his family onto the Loomis farm which he operated successfully for eleven years until they purchased the Charlotte Andrews farm north of the church where the family home has been made for twenty- three years. Some twelve years ago he fell from a roof and sustained severe injuries. This was followed by rheumatism and four strokes. During all these years he has been a constant sufferer. The funeral service was held at the farm home on Sunday afternoon. Rev. Hoffman former pastor from Sebewa, spoke consoling words. Interment was made in the Sunfield Cemetery. The widow, one daughter, Mrs Ethel Hager and a son Calvin, and grandchildren together with a host of friends mourn the passing of husband, father, neighbor and friend. dz