Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Merchant, Watson July 18, 1924
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Nan Wheaton wheaton1624@yahoo.com September 13, 2013, 1:28 pm

Portland Observer - Thurs. July 24, 1924


ANOTHER AGED PIONEER SETTLER TAKEN BY DEATH



Watson Merchant Died Friday At Ripe Old Age Of 83 Years

After a long lifetime of 83 years filled with kindly acts for his fellow men, 
Watson Merchant, one of Portland’s early pioneer settlers, died at his home 
Friday morning, following an illness from ailments incident to old age. Funeral 
services were held from the home, Sunday afternoon.

Mr. Merchant came to Portland from Warsaw, N.Y. with his parents when about one 
year old. For many years he was one of Sebewa Township’s most prominent 
farmers, having served that township in the capacity of supervisor for ten 
terms. He was also a director of the Ionia County Mutual Fire Insurance 
company. After giving up actual farming a number of years ago he came to this 
village to reside, making his home on the west side of Grand River. 

In disposing of his estate, which was estimated at $31,800, of which $11,000 is 
in real estate and $20,000 in personal property, he continued to carry out the 
policy which had endeared him to so many people of this vicinity by naming 23 
beneficiaries in his will, many of whom were distant relatives and friends, no 
near relatives surviving him.

The estate of $31,800 is divided into 26 shares, each share accounting to a 
little over $1,000 when the expenses of the funeral and administration of the 
estate are paid. These shares will go to the following relatives and friends:

Wilbur Merchant, a brother whose death occurred after the will was executed, 
February 18, 1920, 2 shares; Mrs. Ida Huhn, niece, 1 share; Mrs. Carrie 
Faugher, niece 1 share; Watson Merchant, nephew, 1 share; Homer Pierce, nephew, 
3 shares, Helen Teachout, niece, 2 shares; Elon Merchant, son of a deceased son 
of testator, 2 shares, Mrs. Will Prentiss, mother of Elon, 2 shares; Mrs. Mary 
Davis, for some time housekeeper of testator, 2 shares; Morrison Sandborn, 2 
shares, Ernest Sandborn, ˝ share; L.W. Sandborn, 1 share; Herbert Sandborn, ˝ 
share; Jacob Sandborn, ˝ share; Chester Sandborn, ˝ share; Eva A. Dickson, a 
former house-keeper, ˝; Mrs. J Hill, house-keeper, 1 share; Harry Corey, of 
Grand Ledge, who, testator says, was “given” to him by the lad’s father and who 
lived with him 7 years, 1 share; Carl Pierce, distant relative, ˝ share; George 
Hutchinson, distant relative, ˝ share; Byron Smith, distant relative, ˝ share; 
Eston Smith, distant relative, ˝ share; Frank Sprout, friend, ˝ share. 

Mrs. Jennie Hill has looked after the household affairs at the Merchant home 
since April, 1923. Morrison Sandborn has lived with Mr. Merchant for more than 
30 years.



Additional Comments:
Portland Cemetery EMD – 50



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