Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Westbrook, Thomas 1891
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Marilyn Ransom mlnransom@chartermi.net August 13, 2010, 7:24 pm

The Lowell Ledger, April 3, 1891
Thos. Westbrook died Tuesday, March 24, 1891 at his home in Vergennes.  He was 
one of the pioneers of this section.  His remains were buried Thursday, at the 
Fox’s Corners burying ground.  Thos. Westbrook was born in Canada West. Aug. 
12, 1809; was bereft of his last parent at the tender age of 13 years.  After 
living 2 years with an elder brother, he was compelled to care for himself.  
In 1829 was united in marriage to Christie Dewer; 8 children was born to them—
two of whom are now living, Mrs. Angeline Sayles, of Waterford, Canada, and 
John Westbrook, of Eureka, Ionia Co.

In the fall of Polk’s election (1844) deceased came to Michigan with his 
family, setling in Grand Rapids.  February 15th, 1845, his wife was buried 
there.  In April following he moved his motherless family on the place now 
known as the Soule’s farm, remaining there until Nov.  Just a year to a day 
from the time he arrived in Michigan he turned his face toward his native 
land.  Can we imagine he trials he must have undergone, going so far, driving 
his team and caring for five small children. 

Remaining single five years he was united to Mary Birch.  The 3d day of Jan., 
1855, he again arrived at Benjamin Fairchild’s (his brother-in-law), with his 
family, seeking another home in Michigan, settling on the old Montague place.  
Before his household goods were all unpacked and arranged his wife was 
stricken and died the 12th day of April, leaving three children.  The fruits 
of this marriage are all now living—Elizabeth Farr, residence unknown, Thos. 
Westbrook Jr., of Spencer, Kent Co., and Janie Rouse, of Lowell.

The 2d of May, same year, he again turns with heavy heart and four little 
children toward Canada.  Leaving his children with relatives he again 
returns.  In May, 1856 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Hubbell, of 
Keene, going again to Canada, bringing his children to be card for by their 
new mother.  Three children blessed this union—Mrs. Christie Condon, of 
Otisco, and Prindell Westbrook, of Vergennes, who shares the late home of the 
deceased.

He was a man who had seen adversity enough to sympathize with his fellow men 
when in trouble.  His neighbors will all testify that in sickness he was 
unusually anxious to see or hear from them every day, visiting them very often 
and, indeed, his good will was not forgotten when sickness came.  Indeed many 
worse men have fallen.  During his sickness all the pain and suffering were 
borne without murmuring.  His patience surprised us all, but he is gone to 
meet his reward, where there is no more pain or suffering.


File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/w/westbroo7884nob.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/

File size: 3.2 Kb