Copyright © 2004 Submitted by: L. Talbott, This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. *********************************************************************** USGENWEB 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 *********************************************************************** Muskegon Daily Chronicle, February 25, 1909 CAME TO MUSKEGON WHEN IT WAS A HAMLET MRS. FANNY SHEPHERD ARRIVED IN 1847-RESIDENCE CONTINUOUS. DEATH CAME LAST NIGHT Pioneer Reached Age of 78 Years-Worked at Tailoring for Four Decades. Mrs. Fanny Shepherd, who came to Muskegon to live in the “40’s”, and who was one of the founders of the Central Methodist Episcopal church, died at 8:45 last evening at Hackley hospital. She had been ill all winter and because of her advanced age, her condition was considered hopeless. Four weeks ago was moved from her residence at 6 Prince street to Hackley hospital for especial care. Mrs. Shepherd was the daughter of one of the first settlers of Muskegon. Her maiden name was Fanny Witherell. She was born at Sparta, Livingston Co., N.Y. June 25, 1830. When nine years old she came west with her parents to live. They settled in St. Charles in Kane County, Ill. It was in 1847 that the family moved to Muskegon, her father selling a fine farm to do so. He built three early mills. They were what was known as Stanner’s mills, and two others situated on Green’s creek and Ruddiman’s creek. Built Water Mill Afterwards, he built for himself a dam and water mill on a creek emptying into the head of what is now known as Mona Lake. It was not long, however, before the family prosperity was clouded. A freshet broke through the dam and drove the mill seven feet off from its foundation. The damage was repaired at a great loss. The result was that at Christmas time in 1857, the family moved into the village, and Mrs. Shepherd’s mother took charge of the Lasley boarding house. Center of Social Life The latter speedily became one of the centers of pioneer social life. Mrs. Shepherd thus formed many pleasant memories that in after years she enjoyed repeating to those about her, for she was one of Muskegon’s early belles. The family then owned extensively of real estate situated in what is now the heart of the city. From Terrace Street to the Lumberman’s bank belonged to them, and they built a boarding house there. Later, a house was erected by them at 34 E. Muskegon avenue, where Mrs. Shepherd resided until she moved to Prince street eleven years ago. In 1863 she married James Shepherd. Her husband was employed on the t***ing Muskegon boom holding the office of foreman of the pens. He only lived two years after their wedding, however, and then her long widowhood began. Became a Tailoress She took up the work of tailoring and became very skilled in it. All these many years she had plied her needle and continuously for one establishment. The latter is what the present clothing firm of T. B. Callan, previously that of Callan & Dratz, and prior to that the concern of William Herbst & Co. Such a life of unremitting toil in now way interfered with her naturally sunny disposition, however, and few homes in Muskegon were there as cheerful to visit as the little cottage on Prince Street, where Mrs. Shepherd sat so constantly with her needle and her reminiscences. All of her spare moments were given to her church of which both she and her mother were charter members and to which she was devoted. Quite a number of relatives are gathering here to attend the funeral. The include the following: Joel Witherell of Conklin, a brother, with his daughters and son; Mrs. William McCord of Grand Rapids, Mrs. Edward Burns and John Witherell of Conklin; Mrs. William Kennicott of Shelbyville, Allegan county, a sister with her daughter Mrs. H. B. Miller of Grand Rapids; Mrs. John Witherell of Grand Rapids, the widow of Mrs. Shepherd’s brother, Captain John Witherell and also a sister of her husband; Mrs. W. B. Kallmbach of Grand Rapids, and George Witherell of Dalton, a daughter and son of Mrs. John Witherell; and Mrs. H. B. Bowler of Grand Rapids, a daughter of Mrs. Jane Hodge, the latter being a sister of Mrs. Shepherd who died three years ago. The funeral will be held at the parlors of the Central Methodist Episcopal church at 3 o’clock tomorrow afternoon.