Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Rushford, Antoine 1925
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Ionia County News, 23 Jul 1925

Life Of Aged Ionian Fades Away Slowly

Antoine Rushford, 106, Succumbs From Infirmities of Old Age at County Farm

Was First Cousin Napoleon Bonaparte

Saw First Sail Boat Go Down St. Lawrence River; Last Rites Held Wednesday

Antoine Rushford, 106, Ionia county’s oldest resident, first cousin of Napoleon 
Bonaparte, died at the Ionia County Infirmary in Berlin township, last Sunday 
evening about 6 o’clock from infirmities of old age.  The end came peacefully 
and the aged gentleman had been ill from the effects of feebleness for only a 
few weeks.

The life span of Mr. Rushford began over a century ago, in 1819, when James 
Monroe was president of the United States.  The nation was scarcely developed 
west of the Allegheny mountains.  Ionia county was a wilderness.

He was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1819.  His father was a staunch advisor and 
kin to Napoleon Bonaparte, and Mr. Rushford would enjoy linking himself up with 
the famous warrior.  When 18 years old he came to America, where he lived for 
88 years.

The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon from the home of his son, Charles 
Rushford, 647 Bayard street, Rev. Alfred Trenerry, pastor of the Baptist 
church, was in charge.  Burial was made at Palo.

Until six months ago he lived alone on Bayard street, doing all his own 
housework and caring for himself.  At his own request he was taken to the 
county farm, following his refusal to live with his children, who extended him 
an invitation.  He was reputed to have a little money stored away and he paid 
his own upkeep at the farm at the rate of fifty cents per day.

His facial expression failed to tell the tale of his advanced age.  His hair 
was not entirely gray and his limbs were not stiff, as one would have in old 
age.  His eyesight was good, his mind was active and keen, he showed signs of 
strength and had plenty of pep and vitality.  His only handicap was his hearing 
and it was hard to make him understand.

But on careful examination, one would find very little flesh on the bones of 
his legs and arms.  His skin was like leather and his structure like steel.  He 
walked straight and erect, without the aid of a cane or a person helping him.  
In fact, he would shun and scold at those who would give him a lift.

He has four children living out of the eight that blessed his home: Mrs. Anna 
Ashley, 60, Grand Rapids; Mrs. Ettie Conklin, 42, Eaton Rapids; Mrs. Marshie 
McNabb, 34, of Detroit, and Charles Rushford, 38, Bayard street, Ionia, 
employee of the Hayes-Ionia company.

His wife died at the age of 63 years, about 18 years ago.  They were married 
when she was about 21 and he was 45, in New York state.  He told the story of 
calling at his wife’s parents’ home and rocking the cradle that contained his 
future companion.  He was then 23 years old.  When he came to Michigan it was 
about sixty years ago and the journey was made by ox-team in the most crude and 
tiresome method of travel.

On his arrival in Ionia county he purchased the Estep farm, near Hubbardston, 
where he resided with his family for many years.  Later he bought 140 acres 
near Pewamo.  Aside from being a farmer, he was a carpenter and at one time was 
one of the leading figures in that occupation in Ionia county.  Hundreds of the 
leading farm houses and barns have been constructed under his guidance and his 
work.

He recalled with interest seeing the first sail boat that went down the St. 
Lawrence river.  He also remembered vividly the first mowing machine that was 
ever invented.

In the days of youth he was fond of skating, skiing and hunting.  He was a 
jockey at one time in horse racing on ice, which was a favorite sport of the 
early days.  He attributes his longevity to the sound foundation he constructed 
and out of doors exercise during the early days of his life.

He had always been a man of good habits.  He had never been an excessive 
drinker, but admitted taking a sip now and then, but he knew enough to quit.  
He never smoked a cigarette, pipe or cigar.  He always retired early in the 
evening and got up early.  His only bad habit, if it might be called that, was 
chewing tobacco.  This, however, was not excessive.


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