CHAPTER I

HENRY LAWTON

 

First Generation

 

1. Henry1 LAWTON, son of JOSIAH T. LAWTON and BETSY BRADLEY, was born in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence, New York 20 FEB 1811. Henry died 8 FEB 1896 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, at 84 years of age. His body was interred FEB 1896 in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery.

He married twice. He married Elizabeth NEWTON in Fowler, St. Lawrence, New York, 9 MAR 1832 in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Elizabeth was born 1812. She died 11 FEB 1853 in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, at 40 years of age. He married Sarah A. MERRICK Ottawa Co, Michigan, 26 MAY 1856. Sarah was born in Mt. Gilead, Miami, Ohio 09 NOV 1819, the daughter of Amos MERRICK and Catherine BONECUTTER. She had married Jacob TURNER before 1849. Jacob and Sarah had daughter, Catherine TURNER, who was born about 1849 in Ohio. Nothing more is known about her at the present time. They also had a son, Fillmore W. TURNER, who was born in 1853 in Ohio and married first Sarah CUSICK and then Henriette "Etta" FERGUSON. Fillmore had children Elta L. TURNER, who married Albert J. OMLOR; Clara A. TURNER who died young; Guy F. TURNER, who married Orpha R. (last name unknown); Robert W. TURNER who moved to California and a baby boy, who died a few days after birth. Sarah died 13 APR 1915 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 95 years of age. Her body was interred 16 APR 1915 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery. Henry grew up in Fowler, St. Lawrence Co, New York. He and his first wife, Elizabeth, had lived in DeKalb, St. Lawrence County, New York, where they are found in the 1850 census. At the age of 34 (in 1845), he moved to Coopersville along with his parents, his wife and 8 children. A couple of years after arriving in Ottawa County, Henry's wife, Elizabeth, died. Three years later, he remarried Sarah Merrick, by whom he had three more children. She also brought to the household her two children from her previous marriage. Henry had by that time settled on a farm in Dennison, northwest of Coopersville, where he remained for many years. This property adjoined that owned by Lewis Gates, who was married to Henry's niece, Lucy Lawton.

Taken from an affidavit written by Henry Lawton June 20, 1890: "My family in 1862 consisted of seven children including two children that belonged to my wife when I married her. W. F. Turner age 8 years and Catherine age 12y. And my own children were Albert H. Lawton 18 years old. Silas age 15 Charles 12 years. George 4 year and Susan 2 year old."

Coopersville Observer 3/6/1896: In Memoriam.
Henry Lawton was born in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence county, New York, February 20, 1811. He died at his home in Coopersville, February 8, 1896. Mr. Lawton's ancestors came from Wales, and his great grandfather was a Quaker preacher in Rhode Island. His father, Josiah T. Lawton, was born December 5, 1785, in Rhode Island, and was married to Betsey Bradley in Gouverneur, New York, November 26, 1809. By this union there were born eight children, six boys and two girls. Four of the boys are still living.

Henry Lawton was married to Elizabeth Newton, March 9, 1832. To them were born nine children, five boys and four girls. Silas W. died in infancy. Betsy, wife of Albert Randall, died in March, 1857. Sarah A., wife of Joseph Brown. Alma E., wife of R. S. McLain. Lucinda L., widow of James Peterson. Albert H., who died in the army December 8, 1862. Lyman P., Silas W. and Charles B. He moved with his family to Michigan about the year 1850, and three years later his wife died. He then settled on his farm near Dennison, and on May 26, 1856, was married to Sarah Merrick. To this union there were born three children, George A., Susie, wife of C. O. Smith, and Malvin R.

Mr. Lawton was one of the old settlers here and endured the hardships of pioneer life. He was always respected for his honesty and integrity of character. The funeral services were held in the F. M. Church, Elder J. C. Mead officiating. Text, Rom. 8:18.

From Link Collection: "HARRIS, Mrs. M. visited by aunt Mrs. Sarah Lawton age 93, of GR 8-1912"

The Grand Rapids Herald, Thursday, April 15, 1915, Page 6: MRS. SARAH LAWTON - Mrs. Sarah Lawton, 96 years old, died yesterday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Smith, Knapp avenue, N.E. The body will be taken to Coopersville for services and burial.

The Coopersville Observer, April 23, 1915, Pg 5, Column 4: OBITUARY
Sarah A. Lawton died Tuesday, April 13, 1915 at the home of her daughter Mrs. C. O. Smith in Grand Rapids, aged 95 years, 5 months and 4 days.

Sarah A. Merrick was born in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, November 9, 1819, and was married to Jacob Turner. To this union were born two children, Catherine and Filmore W. Turner. She was left a widow in 1853 and married Henry Lawton, May 26, 1856. To this union were born three children, George A., Susie and Malvin R. She is survived by four children, three step-children, Alma E. McClain, Lyman P. and Charles B. Lawton and a throng of grand and great grand children, who dearly loved her.

She was converted in early life and has always been a faithful and devoted Christian to the last. The funeral was held in the F. M. Church at Coopersville on Friday at 2 p.m., Rev. H. D. F. Ganin officiating. Text, Job 8:22. The casket was covered with beautiful flowers, tributes of sympathy from loving friends.

Henry LAWTON and Elizabeth NEWTON had the following children:

2 i. Silas W.2 LAWTON was born in New York ABT 1833. Silas died ABT 1833 in New York. No gravesite has yet been found for Silas, but he died in St.Lawrence County before the family moved to Michigan.

3 ii. Betsey A. LAWTON was born in St. Lawrence Co, New York in 1834. Betsey died MAR 1857 in Michigan, at 22 years of age. She married Silas "Albert" RANDALL in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, 20 MAY 1852 soon after she had moved to Ottawa County with her family. Albert was born in Michigan CA 1835. They were married just 5 years before Sarah died, and they had no children. There were no death records kept at that time, as the area was still wilderness, so the cause of her death is not known. Silas was listed in the 1867-68 Grand Rapids City Directory as a carpenter, residence 6 W. Park Place. It is thought that Silas remarried, as he is shown in the 1880 census in VanBuren County, Michigan as a widower with children Emerson, Albert and Jennie.

His occupation was listed as section boss. He died AFT 1896.

+ 4 iii. Sarah Almira "Sally" LAWTON was born 13 FEB 1837.

+ 5 iv. Alma Elizabeth LAWTON was born 17 JUN 1839.

+ 6 v. Lucinda L. LAWTON was born 31 JAN 1842.

7 vi. Albert H. LAWTON was born in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence, New York 20 NOV 1844. Albert died 8 DEC 1862 in Nashville, Davidson, Tennessee, at 18 years of age from pneumonia while a private in the Civil War in Co. G, 21st Michigan Infantry. His body was interred DEC 1862 in Nashville, Davidson, Tennessee, National Cemetery.

+ 8 vii. Lyman Pearly LAWTON was born 11 APR 1845.

+ 9 viii. Rev. Silas Wright LAWTON was born 24 APR 1848.

+ 10 ix. Charles Bradley LAWTON was born 24 JUN 1850.

Henry LAWTON and Sarah A. MERRICK had the following children:

+ 11 x. George A. LAWTON was born APR 1857.

+ 12 xi. Susan A. LAWTON was born APR 1858.

+ 13 xii. Malvin R. LAWTON was born 13 JAN 1863.

 

 

Second Generation

 

4. Sarah Almira "Sally"2 LAWTON (Henry1) was born in Pitcairn, St. Lawrence, New York 13 FEB 1837. Sarah died 5 MAY 1913 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, at 76 years of age.

She married Joseph A. BROWN in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, 28 DEC 1852. Joseph was born in Colerain, Franklin, Massachusetts 7 AUG 1825. Joseph died 17 JUN 1908 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, at 82 years of age. His body was interred JUN 1908 in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery. He was a Corp. Co. I, 3 Mich Inf.

Sarah moved to Michigan with her family at the age of 13. At the young age of 15, she married Joseph. Joseph was on the original Coopersville Village Council as recorder. In 1866 Joseph was elected clerk of Polkton Twp. and Justice of the Peace. Except for 1869, he remained clerk through at least 1880, when there was a large gap in the records. Joseph was appointed postmaster of Coopersville in October 14, 1867 and served in that capacity until October 1883. He served in the Civil War as a Corporal in Company I, 3rd Michigan Infantry, and received a gunshot wound to his left thigh. Meanwhile, Sarah was left home with the four children they had at that time. The family belonged to the Free Methodist Church. After Joseph died, Sarah lived with James and Margaret Wilder and her daughter and husband, Edith and William Gleason.

The Coopersville Observer, January 2, 1891: Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Brown of Nunica 38th anniversary last Sat.

The Coopersville Observer, June 26, 1908:
DEATH OF JOSEPH BROWN - Joseph Brown died at his residence in Nunica, Mich., June 17, 1908, aged 82 years, 10 months and 10 days.

Mr. Brown was born in Colerain, Franklin county, Mass., August 7, 1825, and came to Michigan in April, 1850. He bought a piece of wild land just north of Coopersville, now owned by L.E. Peck, and was one of the oldest settlers in this locality. He was married December 28, 1852, to Sarah A., oldest daughter of Henry Lawton. He enlisted in Company L., 3rd Reg. Infantry as corporal, May 13, 1861, at Grand Rapids, Mich; was mustered June 10, 1861, and participated in the first battle of Bull Run, battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Manassas, the seige of Yorktown and the second battle of Bull Run, and on the second day of this battle, August 29, 1862, he was shot thru the left thigh and left for dead. After three days he was removed to a hospital, and on March 21, 1863, he underwent an operation of excision of the head, neck and trocanter of the left femer, and was discharged from Fairfax Seminary Hospital August 25, 1863.

In the fall of 1867 he was appointed postmaster at Coopersville, which office he held for sixteen consecutive years, and was also Justice of the Peace for several years.

In November, 1883, he moved to Nunica and went in partnership with his son Fremont in the grist-mill which burned about six years ago.

He joined the I.O.O.F. in 1849 in Hyde Park, now Scranton, Penn. He was also a member of the G.A.R., but owing to his disability he could not attend their meetings.

He was a lifelong republican, was a consistent Christian and was honored and respected by all who knew him. To his children he left the heritage of an unblemished life, and to them he was the standard of perfection.

He leaves an aged widow, seven children, 22 grand-children, one great-grand-child and a host of friends. His funeral was held at Nunica Sunday, June 21, and was buried in Coopersville cemetery, Rev. Ingalls officiating. The text was: "Yea, though I walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

 

Sarah Almira "Sally" LAWTON and Joseph A. BROWN had the following children:

+ 14 i. Arathusa-Arethusa E.3 BROWN was born 26 SEP 1854.

+ 15 ii. Fremont BROWN was born 10 OCT 1856.

+ 16 iii. William A. BROWN was born 4 SEP 1858.

+ 17 iv. Edward A. BROWN was born 4 JUL 1860.

18 v. Andrew L. BROWN was born in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 25 JAN 1864. Andrew died 28 APR 1867 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, at 3 years of age.

+ 19 vi. George P. BROWN was born DEC 1866.

20 vii. Alma V. BROWN was born in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 29 JAN 1869. Alma died 26 AUG 1869 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, at seven months of age.

+ 21 viii. Almina "Mina" BROWN was born 13 JAN 1872.

+ 22 ix. Joseph P. BROWN Jr. was born 3 AUG 1876.

+ 23 x. Edith J. BROWN was born 30 JAN 1879.

 

5. Alma Elizabeth2 LAWTON (Henry1) was born in Fowler, St. Lawrence, New York 17 JUN 1839. Alma died 2 MAR 1917 in Benton Harbor, Berrien, Michigan, at 77 years of age. Her body was interred in 1917 in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery.

She married Rascelas S. MC CLAIN in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, 18 DEC 1859. Rascelas was born in Lincoln Twp, Delaware, Ohio 22 JUN 1832. Rascelas was the son of John S. MC CLAIN and Zillah SCOTT. He had married Sarah Church IRISH in Chester Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, 11 SEP 1851. Sarah had died in Ottawa Co, Michigan 24 FEB 1857 and was buried in Big Spring Cemetery in Chester Twp, Ottawa Co, Michigan. She was the daughter of George and Sophia IRISH. She and Rascelas had had a son who died young (name unknown). They also had a son, Albert D. MC CLAIN, who was born 16 APR 1852 and died 5 DEC 1920. He had lived in the Ottawa County Infirmary from the age of 14. They also had son, Franklin C. MC CLAIN, who was born 14 FEB 1857, married first Julia C. BLAIN and then Amelia (last name unknown). Frank is the only child of Rascelas to grow into adulthood and have children of his own. Rascelas died 9 JUN 1909 in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, at 76 years of age. His body was interred 13 JUN 1909 in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery. Alma was the second wife of Rascelas. He and Alma must have met near Chester Twp, Michigan where he lived, and they moved to a wilderness area near what is now Cadillac, Michigan between 1860 and 1870. They lived at a lumber camp at Clam Lake, and he kept the boarding house there. He served in Company C, U.S. Sharpshooters in the Civil War 21 Aug 1861-22 Feb 1864. He received a gunshot wound in the right arm at Chancellorsville, Virginia in the battle of Mine Run or Locust Grove, Virginia on November 27, 1863 and was promoted to Corporal. He joined the Free Methodist Church in 1870. Alma's children all died at a very young age. She had a step-son, Franklin, who had children, but had no surviving children of her own. In 1914 Alma lived in Custer.

Coopersville Observer, July 23, 1909:
Rascelas S. McClain was born in the town of Lincoln, Ohio, June 22nd, 1832. He was married to Sarah Irish Sept. 11, 1851. To them was born three sons; two of them still living. His first wife died Feb. 25, 1857 and Dec. 18, 1859, he was married to Alma E. Lawton, who survives him. He enlisted in Co. C. 1st U. S. Sharpshooters Aug. 21, 1861 at Detroit, mustered Aug. 26, 1861, promoted corporal, wounded in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3rd, 1863, was discharged at Fairfax, Va., Feb. 21, 1864 on account of gun shot would on the right arm, received in action at Locust Grove, Va., Nov. 27, 1863. He was converted in 1869 and in 1870 joined the Free Methodist church and lived a faithful and consistent Christian life until the end, which came after four weeks illness, June 9th, 1909 at his residence in Coopersville, Mich. The funeral was held at the F. M. church June 13, Rev. S. W. Ingalls officiating.

Obituary of Alma E. Lawton McClain, Unknown Newspaper:
McClain-Alma E. Lawton was born in Fowler, New York, June 17, 1839, and died at the home of her adopted daughter, Mrs. George Brown, at Benton Harbor, March 2, 1917. She came to Michigan with her parents when she was eleven years of age. She was married to R.S. McClain December 18, 1859; was converted in 1869 in Colfax, and joined the Free Methodist Church in 1870, and was a faithful, devoted Christian to the end. She leaves to mourn their loss, four brothers, Lyman P., Chas. B., George A., and Malvin R. Lawton; one step-brother, F.W. Turner and one sister, Mrs. C.O. Smith besides a host of other relatives and friends. Her remains were brought to Coopersville and the funeral was held in the Free Methodist Church, Rev G. W. Cappy officiating. She was laid to rest in the Coopersville cemetery beside her husband, who died June 9, 1909.

 

Alma Elizabeth LAWTON and Rascelas S. MC CLAIN had the following children:

26 i. Edith MC CLAIN was born in Clam Lake, Wexford, Michigan JUN 1875. Edith died JUN 1875 in Clam Lake, Wexford, Michigan, as an infant.

27 ii. Orpha MC CLAIN was born in Clam Lake, Wexford, Michigan JUN 1875. Orpha died 10 JAN 1876 in Clam Lake, Wexford, Michigan, less than one year.

6. Lucinda L.2 LAWTON (Henry1) was born in St. Lawrence Co, New York 31 JAN 1842. Lucinda died 20 FEB 1909 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 67 years of age. Her body was interred 23 FEB 1909 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery.

She married James M. PETERSON in 1859. James was born in North Charleston, New Hampshire 13 OCT 1829. He died 13 JAN 1893 in Kent Co, Michigan, at 61 years of age. His body was interred 17 JAN 1893 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery. James and Lucinda lived in Coopersville. In 1860 he was a farmer; in 1870 he worked in a sawmill; and in 1880 was a store clerk. Lucinda moved to Grand Rapids from Coopersville after her husband died.

The Grand Rapids Herald, February 21, 1909, Page 3:
MRS. LUCINDA PETERSON.
Mrs. Lucinda Peterson, aged 67 years, died yesterday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Hodgkins, 202 Straight street. Mrs. Peterson was one of the early settlers of Coopersville, but for the past 12 years made her home in this city. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. B. Doyle and Mrs. Hodgkins. Funeral services will be held from the Methodist church at Coopersville at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon.

The Coopersville Observer, February 26, 1909:
Mrs. Lucinda Peterson, one of the pioneers at Coopersville, but during the last twelve years a resident of Grand Rapids, died Saturday at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Hodgkins, 202 Straight street. Mrs. Peterson was sixty-seven years of age and is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Hodgkins and Mrs. B. Doyle, both of Grand Rapids. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Free Methodist church in Coopersville.

Coopersville Observer, January 20, 1893:
Death of James M. Peterson.
    Mr. James M. Peterson died at Grand Rapids on Friday of last week, Jan. 13, and was buried at this place on Monday following.  The funeral services were held at the Free Methodist church at 2 o'clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. F. A. Smith, and were largely attended by mourning friends and citizens generally.
    Mr. Peterson was born in North Charleston, N. H., Oct. 13, 1829; came to Genesee county, Mich., in 1856; thence to Ottawa county, Sept. 8, 1858.  He was employed by the D. & M. R. R. company several years; was appointed the first deputy postmaster, in December, 1858; was the first man to distribute mail in the village.  He was married in 1859 to Miss Lucinda Lawton, daughter of Mr. Henry Lawton.  He leaves a widow and two daughters to mourn his death.
    Mr. Peterson was one of the very first settlers of Coopersville, and there are only about half a dozen persons now residing in the corporate limits who were here when he came.  In former days he was one of the best known men in this section and highly respected for his many good qualities.

 

Lucinda L. LAWTON and James M. PETERSON had the following children:

28 i. Gertrude M.3 PETERSON was born in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 9 APR 1869. She married Unknown HODGKINS. Nothing more is known about her at this time.

+ 29 ii. Cora M. PETERSON was born 10 FEB 1874.

8. Lyman Pearly2 LAWTON (Henry1) was born in Fowler, St. Lawrence, New York 11 APR 1845. Lyman died 21 APR 1925 in Ludington, Mason, Michigan, at 80 years of age. His body was interred APR 1925 in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, Brookside Cemetery.

He married twice. He married Margaret Jane "Maggie" HARRIS in Wright Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, 14 JUL 1867. Margaret was born in Wright Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 1851, the daughter of John and Susannah (GRAHAM) HARRIS. Margaret died 1877 in Wexford Co, Michigan, at 26 years of age. Maggie belonged to the Free Methodist Church. She and Lyman were living on their homestead property in Wexford until she got very sick with tuberculosis. They went back to her brother, George's house in Ottawa County to be near a doctor, but she soon died anyway.

He married Sarah Ann SMITH in Cadillac, Wexford, Michigan, 20 AUG 1877. Sarah was born in Danby, Duncan, New York 14 FEB 1852, the daughter of Sanford SMITH and Polly Ann OGDEN. Sarah died 11 MAY 1924 in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, at 72 years of age. Her body was interred 14 MAY 1924 in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, Brookside Cemetery. Sarah was a school teacher from New York State. She was left homeless at an early age and was raised by some people named Tuttle who were mean to her. A brother, Elijah Smith, had her come to Cadillac, Michigan in October 1876 to keep house for him. She married Lyman in 1877, and they moved to South Custer, Michigan in 1900, and in 1918 to Scottville, Michigan. She contracted diabetes in 1912, and got gangrene in her feet and legs, which ended her life in 1924.

LYMAN P. LAWTON DIES AT AGE OF 79(Unknown Newspaper)Lyman P. Lawton died Tuesday noon at the home of his daughter Mrs. Addie McClain, 421 north Robert street, Ludington.

Mr. Lawton was a resident of Scottville for eight years coming here from South Custer where he had lived on a farm since 1901. After moving here he followed the trade of carpentry and although 79 years of age, was very active up until a few months ago when he went to Ludington for the winter months and his health gradually failed. Mr. Lawton was born April 11, 1845 in St. Lawrence county New York. He was twice married, Miss Margaret Harris being his first wife. She was the mother of Mrs. Addie McClain of Ludington the only living child of that marriage.

In 1877 he married Miss Sarah Smith who preceded him in death May 11th 1924. The six living children born of this union are Mrs. Ethel Larr and Mrs. Maud Thompson of Custer, Mrs. Winnifred Standish and Mrs. Lulu McGhan of Scottville, Stowell and Lloyd Lawton of Manton, twenty-five grandchildren, two brothers and one sister also mourn his passing.

A devout Christian, in early life he affiliated with the Free Methodist church of which church he has remained faithful. Services were held from the daughter's home in Ludington at one o'clock and at two o'clock at the Free Methodist church in Scottville with Rev. F. O. Wyman of Custer and Rev. V. R. Russell in charge this afternoon. Interment beside the beloved wife and mother in the Brookside cemetery after 21 Apr 1925 at Mason Co, Michigan, USA.

From Historic Mason County, Michigan, 1980, Mason County Historical Society, Taylor Publishing Company:

Pgs 173-174: LAWTON
Lyman Pearly Lawton, born April 11, 1845 in St. Lawrence County, New York, was of pioneer stock that developed the state of Michigan, pioneering first with his parents with whom he came to southern Michigan when but five years of age.

The Lawtons settled near Coopersville and soon after the mother, Margaret, died leaving a family of eight young children. Their struggles can be imagined only by those who have gone through similar experiences.

When 21 years of age young Lyman married Miss Margaret Harris in Big Springs, Ottawa County about 18 miles from Grand Rapids. A daughter, Addie Lenora, was born July 11, 1868. When Addie was about three years old, Lyman went to a still more undeveloped area about 18 miles from Cadillac at Meawautaka to take up a homestead. He had to stay three months on the homestead. He built a small log house and a barn before returning for his wife and daughter. It took many days and nights to move. When they ran out of bread, wife Margaret rolled out biscuits on the wagon seat and baked them in hot coals of the camp fire. They had to keep fires burning to keep the wolves away.

When the Free Methodist Church was organized, both Lyman and Margaret became early converts.

A baby son George was born to Lyman and Margaret. He lived only three years--all that time being helpless and a great care to his parents. About this time Margaret became ill and was forced to return to her brother George Harris's home where she died at age 28 with tuberculosis when Addie was just 7 1/2 years old.

On August 20, 1877, Lyman married Sarah Ann Smith, a young school teacher from New York state. Sarah had been left homeless at an early age. She was raised by some people named Tuttle who were very mean to her. She taught school in New York state before coming to Michigan upon request of her brother Elijah Smith. It has been said that her brother told her he had a man for her. She was born in Danby, Duncan County, New York on February 14, 1852 and came to Michigan at age 19 where she met Lyman.

Sarah not only became a good mother to Addie but also had seven children of her own. Her family is as follows:

Stowell Ernest b. 3-18-1879 d. 4-28-1974 m. Miss Minnie Garn; children: Floyd, Leah, Evelyn, Verne, Grace, Lois. Earl Chesley b. 7-11-1880 d. 9-11-1881; death caused by whooping cough. Ethel May b. 10-23-1882 d. 1-11-1963 m. Orin Train Larr; children: Virtol, Milford, Bernice, Velma, Ernest and Dora. Maud Pearl b. 7-25-1885 d. 12-23-1958 m. Alfred Thompson; children: Della, Virl, Clarence, Doris, Laurel, June, Earl. Lula Elizabeth b. 5-29-1887 d. 6-12-72 m. Oscar McGhan; children: Lawrence. Winnifred Emma b. 9-5-1892 d. 7-8-1952 m. William Standish; children: Iva, Earl, Roy, Marshall. Lloyd Elijah b. 10-7-1895 m. Mrs. Minnie Laird Peters, and Mrs. Sophia Lyon Salisbury; step children: Myrtle and Earl Peters; Verda, Melbourne, Darwin, Velma and Vonda Salisbury.

In the spring of 1900 the Lawton family moved to Mason County. They started to drive through with the team and wagon. One of the horses balked and laid down. Since they didn't want to drive a balky horse they went back, disposed of things, and took the "state" from Uncle Elijah Smith's store to Cadillac. They took the Grand Rapids and Indiana train to Reed City, and the Pere Marquette train to Custer where they were met by relatives. The Lawtons lived in a house owned by R.S. McClain just south of Resseguie School. Later they lived on the Barrett place (now owned by James Allison), then they lived on South Tuttle Road just north of the Martin farm. Then they bought the farm now owned by Joe Giammalva. The first house they lived in was moved to the farm.

The younger children received all or most of their education at Resseguie School except Lula who went on to be a teacher.

The family raised apples and peaches besides other crops. It was necessary to carry all water from a spring at the foot of the hill near the creek. During this time much of the responsibility of the farm gradually fell upon the shoulders of Lloyd. Also it was during this time that Lula's husband died with tuberculosis. She brought her young son to his grandparents where Grandma Lawton and Aunt Winnie helped to care for him while his mother continued her education.

By 1917 Lloyd was old enough to register for the draft of WWI. The farm and everything was sold except the household furnishings. Lyman and Sarah moved to Scottville on North Thomas Street. Lloyd was called to military service in 1918. Sarah died on Mother's Day on May 11, 1924 with diabetes. After that Lyman lived with daughter Addie at 421 North Robert Street, Ludington. He passed away on April 21, 1925. Both are buried in Brookside Cemetery, Scottville, Michigan.

Daughter Addie's family included Eva, Grace, Hazel, Violet, Floyd, Ford. She married Andrew McClain in Wexford County. Daughter Hazel was a miniature sized person.

Both Sarah and Lyman Lawton were long time faithful members of the Free Methodist Church, with Lyman being a minister for his church.

Lyman Pearly LAWTON and Margaret Jane "Maggie" HARRIS had the following children:

+ 30 i. Adeline Lenora "Addie"3 LAWTON was born 11 JUL 1868.

31 ii. George LAWTON was born in Colfax, Wexford, Michigan 14 JUL 1872. George died 3 AUG 1875 in Colfax, Wexford, Michigan, at 3 years of age. His body is interred in Wexford County, Michigan, Meauwataka Cemetery. "[George] never being right, was helpless and was a great care for my mother. He lived to be three years old then died."-Addie Lenora Lawton McClain

 

Lyman Pearly LAWTON and Sarah Ann SMITH had the following children:

+ 32 iii. Stowell Ernest LAWTON was born 13 MAR 1879.

33 iv. Earl Chesley LAWTON was born in Meauwataka, Colfax Twp, Wexford, Michigan 11 JUL 1880. Earl died 1 SEP 1881 in Colfax, Wexford, Michigan, at 1 year of age from whooping cough. His body is interred in Wexford County, Michigan, Meauwataka Cemetery.

+ 34 v. Ethel May LAWTON was born 23 OCT 1882.

+ 35 vi. Maud Pearl LAWTON was born 25 JUL 1885.

+ 36 vii. Lula Elizabeth LAWTON was born 29 MAY 1887.

+ 37 viii. Winifred Emma LAWTON was born 5 SEP 1892.

38 ix. Lloyd Elijah LAWTON was born in Meauwataka, Colfax Twp, Wexford, Michigan 7 OCT 1895. Lloyd died 21 JAN 1980 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 84 years of age. His body was interred 25 JAN 1980 in Ludington, Mason, Michigan, Lakeview Cemetery. He married twice. He married Minnie Pearl LAIRD in Ludington, Mason, Michigan, 2 JUL 1927. Minnie was born in Ludington, Mason, Michigan 27 FEB 1883. She had married Theodore PETERS in Michigan in 1903. She and Theodore had children Myrtle PETERS, who married Edison WRIGHT; Pearl PETERS, who died in infancy; and Earle Leroy PETERS, who was born CA 1908 in Wisconsin and married Vivian Grace HARMON. Minnie died 22 NOV 1958 in Ludington, Mason, Michigan, at 75 years of age. Her body was interred 23 NOV 1958 in Ludington, Mason, Michigan, Lakeside Cemetery. He married Sophia Jane LYON in Holland, Ottawa, Michigan, 30 MAY 1960. Sophia was born in Hartford City, Indiana 14 SEP 1893. She had married Rev. Harry SALISBURY in 1910. She and Harry had children Verda SALISBURY who married George WYMA; Melbourne SALISBURY; Rev. Darwin R. SALISBURY; Velma SALISBURY who married Eugene KING; and Vonda SALISBURY who married Roger KRAAK. Sophia died 24 FEB 1982 Ottawa Co, Michigan, at 88 years of age. Her body was interred 26 FEB 1982 in Holland, Ottawa, Michigan, Graafschap Cemetery. Lloyd was a World War I veteran and a Free Methodist. He lived in Manton, Michigan, and in Holland, Michigan in the 1960s, and apparently didn't have children of his own.

 

9. Silas Wright2 LAWTON, Rev. (Henry1) was born in Fowler, St. Lawrence, New York 24 APR 1848. Silas died 11 JUN 1914 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 66 years of age. His body was interred 14 JUN 1914 at an unknown location.

He married Alice E. PEABODY Ottawa Co, Michigan, 05 JUL 1874. Alice was born in New York OCT 1857, the daughter of Daniel and Mary S. (Woodcock) Peabody. Alice died 4 OCT 1928 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 70 years of age.

In the 1880 census, Silas was listed as a farmer, living in Coopersville. By 1887 he lived in Ravenna, and by 1892 was a farmer in Nunica. In 1990 he was clergyman in Nunica, and 1910 showed him working on the railroad as a carpenter, perhaps to supplement his income? After Silas died, Alice went to live with her daughter, Edith Doddington, in Flint

        The Coopersville Observer, June 19, 1914, Page 5:
        NUNICA MINISTER'S SICKNESS IS FATAL
        Rev. Silas W. Lawton Died in Grand Rapids Last Week Thursday

Rev. Silas Wright Lawton, for many years a Free Methodist pastor, died last week Thursday, June 11th, at the home of his son William, from typhoid complications. He was in his sixty-sixth year and had been superannuated by the Free Methodist Conference some years ago.

The death of Rev. Lawton marks the closing of another career devoted to the welfare of the state of Michigan. During his long years as a minister none had a greater capacity for labor and none was so well received into a community.

Mr. Silas Wright Lawton was born in the village of Fowler, St. Lawrence county, New York, April 24, 1848. He was married to Miss Alice Peabody July 5, 1875. To this union were born four children, Arthur, of Fruitport, Alvin, of Waukesha, Wis., Edith Doddington, of Flint. He was converted to the Christian faith when a very young man and always lived a devoted Christian life.

He was a local preacher for a member of years and was later ordained and filled several appointments. After giving up his appointments, he filled several vacancies.

He leaves to mourn his departure a widow, three sons, one daughter, six grand-children, an aged mother, Mrs. Sarah A. Lawton, of Grand Rapids, five brothers, Lyman P., of Custer, Chas. B., of Alpena, George A., of Nunica, Malvin R., of LeRoy, and Filmore, of Coopersville, two sisters, Alma E. McLain, of Custer, Mrs. Chas. O. Smith of Grand Rapids, and a host of other relatives and friends.

After his marriage he lived in Polkton township thirteen years, then moved to Nunica where he resided until his death.

Funeral services were held in the F.M. Church Sunday, June 14, Rev. F.W. Feightner officiating.

The Grand Rapids Herald, Friday, October 5, 1928, Page 3: ALICE LAWTON
Alice Lawton, age 70, died Thursday afternoon at the home of her son, William D. Lawton, 2014 Francis Ave., SE after a long illness. Besides the son, she is survived by two other sons, Arthur Lawton of Fruitport and Alvin Lawton of Waukesha, Wis.; one daughter, Mrs. Bert Pond of Flint; one sister, Mrs. Bert Clark of Spokane, Wash.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The body lies in state at the Clarence D. Sullivan funeral home. Funeral arrangements later.

Rev. Silas Wright LAWTON and Alice E. PEABODY had the following children:

+ 39 i. Arthur J.3 LAWTON was born 23 SEP 1875.

40 ii. Alvin W. LAWTON was born in Polkton, Ottawa, Michigan 9 NOV 1877. Alvin died AFT 1938. He married Anna ROACH in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, 19 MAY 1913. Anna was born in England CA 1890. Alvin lived in Spring Lake in 1894; in 1900 was a fireman in Grand Rapids; then in Waukesha, Wisconsin in 1914; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1938. He died before 1947. Nothing is known about any possible children of this couple.

  • Coopersville Observer, June 1, 1894: Alvin Lawton of Spring Lake in town visiting.

    • + 41 iii. William D. LAWTON was born 19 JUN 1880.

    + 42 iv. Edith LAWTON was born MAY 1887.

     

    10. Charles Bradley2 LAWTON (Henry1) was born in Gouverneur, St. Lawrence, New York 24 JUN 1850. Charles died 25 DEC 1933 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 83 years of age. His body was interred DEC 1933 in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery.

    He married twice. He married Adeline "Addie" CUSICK in Polkton Twp,Ottawa, Michigan, 24 SEP 1870. Adeline was born in Parkson, Monroe, New York JAN 1851. Adeline died JAN 1921 at 70 years of age. Her body was interred 1921 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery. He married Harriett before 1920. Harriett was born in Michigan CA 1876. Harriett died before 1933. Charles was a farmer in the Coopersville area until 1914, when he is shown living in Alpena. By the 1920 census he was living in Saginaw working as a salesman, and Harriett was working as a tailoress. He must have moved back to Grand Rapids by 1933 when he died.

    Coopersville Observer, May 6, 1892: Mr. C.B. Lawton purchase Dan'l Woodcock farm opposite his place.

    The Grand Rapids Herald, December 26, 1933, Page 3
    Charles B. Lawton, aged 84, of 2030 DeHoop SW, entered into rest Monday evening. Surviving are three sons, Herbert and Frank of Grand Rapids, and Scott of Ravenna township; one daughter, Mrs. Colvin; one brother and one sister, all of Grand Rapids. The body was removed to the Clarence D. Sullivan Funeral Home, Inc. Funeral announcement later.

     

    Charles Bradley LAWTON and Adeline "Addie" CUSICK had the following children:

    + 43 i. Charles Francis "Frank"3 LAWTON was born AUG 1871.

    + 44 ii. Henry Scott LAWTON was born 19 NOV 1875.

    45 iii. Herbert D. LAWTON was born Ottawa Co, Michigan 1 OCT 1879. Herbert died 13 JUL 1944 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 64 years of age. His body was interred 17 JUL 1944 in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery. He married LenaDEAN in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, 15 MAR 1911. Lena was born in Michigan CA 1880. She had married Unknown TAYLOR before 1911. Herbert lived in Grand Rapids and apparently had no children.

    + 46 iv. Hattie B. LAWTON was born 24 JUN 1883.

     

    11. George A.2 LAWTON (Henry1) was born Ottawa Co, Michigan APR 1857. George died 29 DEC 1926 in Jackson, Jackson, Michigan, at 69 years of age. His body was interred DEC 1926 in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery. (No Stone Found)

    He married twice. He married Elsoia "Elsie" Violetta SMITH before 1880. Elsoia was born Ottawa Co, Michigan CA 1861,the daughter of Samuel and Mahala SMITH. Elsoia died 16 MAR 1887 at 25 years of age. Her body was interred MAR 1887 in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery. He married Hannah Lavinia HATCH in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, 5 AUG 1888. Hannah was born in Michigan 6 JAN 1865, the daughter of Charles B. and Louisa B.(BOTSFORD) HATCH. Hannah died 30 AUG 1904 in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, at 39 years of age. Her body was interred SEP 1904 in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery. In 1914 George lived in Nunica. He worked most of the time as a farmer or hired man.

    The Coopersville Observer, March 25, 1887, Page 1:
    OBITUARY.
    Died, March 16th, 1887, at her residence, Elsie, beloved wife of George A. Lawton, aged 26 years, of consumption. The deceased was a kind and loving wife, and beloved by all who knew her. She leaves an affectionate husband and one little son to mourn her loss.

    Thy dear precious form, we shall see it no more,
    We have tenderly laid it to rest,
    With tears in our eyes, but a smile in the heart,
    Believing our father knew best.
    May we, who survive thee, work faithfully on,
    And gain at the last the bright crown thou hast won.

    Coopersville Observer, 9/2/1904, Nunica-Mrs. Geo Lawton very sick.

    George A. LAWTON and Elsoia "Elsie" SMITH had the following child:

    47 i. Ray3 LAWTON was born in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 25 AUG 1881. It is thought that Ray probably died young.

    George A. LAWTON and Hannah Lavinia HATCH had the following children:

    + 48 ii. Lina "Linnie" B. LAWTON was born 5 AUG 1889.

    49 iii. Milo Charles LAWTON was born in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan 25 JUN 1892. Milo died 6 NOV 1975 in Casnovia, Muskegon, Michigan, at 83 years of age. His body was interred 8 NOV 1975 in Casnovia, Muskegon, Michigan, Bennett Cemetery. He married three times. He married Anna ZEEFF Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, 28 SEP 1916. Anna was born Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan 9 APR 1893, the daughter of Harry and Sena Zeeff. Anna was a stenographer. She married John D. BONTEKOE after 1916, so must have been divorced from Milo. She died 29 JUL 1972 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 79 years of age. He married Georgia S. DAVIS in St. Joseph Co, Indiana, 8 APR 1932. Nothing more is known about her. He married Alice D. before 1975. Alice was born 29 MAY 1898. Alice died 2 DEC 1998 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 100 years of age. Her body was interred 4 DEC 1998 in Casnovia, Muskegon, Michigan, Bennett Cemetery. Milo apparently had no children.

    Milo lived in Grand Rapids. In 1912 he worked as a machine hand in a feather company, and in 1920 worked as a mattress maker, presumably at the same company.

  • The Grand Rapids Press, November 6, 1975, Page 2F: LAWTON--(Casnovia) Milo C. Lawton, aged 83, of 2415 Hoover, passed away Thursday morning at his home. He is survived by his wife, Alice; one brother, John of Niles; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Saturday 1 PM at the Hessel Cheslek Funeral Home, with Rev. Dennis Boonstra officiating. Interment Bennett Cemetery. Friends may meet the family at the chapel Thursday 7 to 9 and Friday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9.

    • The Grand Rapids Press, December 3, 1998 - Alice D. Lawton, aged 100, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 1998 at St. Mary's Living Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milo.

    She is survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 4, 11 AM at the funeral home with Rev. Robert VanZyl officiating. Interment in Bennett Cemetery, Casnovia. Friends may meet the family at the funeral home on Thursday 7 to 9 pm. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of Greater Grand Rapids. Hessel-Cheslek, Sparta.

    + 50 iv. Cora M. LAWTON was born 25 SEP 1893.

    + 51 v. John S. LAWTON was born 21 DEC 1895.

    52 vi. Violet "Isabella" LAWTON was born in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 15 MAR 1899. Died young?

     

    12. Susan A.2 LAWTON (Henry1) was born in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan APR 1858. Susan died 24 MAY 1952 in Grattan, Kent, Michigan, at 92 years of age. Her body was interred 26 MAY 1952 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, Fairplains Cemetery.

    She married Charles O. SMITH in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, 19 NOV 1882. Charles was born in New York APR 1858. Charles died JUN 1933 at 73 years of age. His body was interred 12 JUN 1933 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, Fairplains Cemetery. Charles was apparently born near Canandagua, New York. He lived in Grand Rapids and worked as a stockroom clerk and then as a shipping clerk in a furniture factory. Susan and Charles lived in Grand Rapids in 1914/5 on Knapp Avenue.

    The Coopersville Observer November 23, 1882:
    MADE ONE--Chas. O. Smith and Miss Susie Lawton were married Nov. 19, by Rev. G.H. Joslin, at the residence of the bride's sister, Mrs. Jim Peterson, this village. A reception was given at the bride's parents' Monday evening.

    The Grand Rapids Herald, May 25, 1952, Page 16:
    SMITH--Mrs. Susan A. Smith, aged 93, formerly of 2056 Eastern Ave., NE., passed away Saturday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James E. McKee, 13172 Seven Mile Rd., Grattan R3. Besides Mrs. McKee she is survived by one other daughter, Mrs. Hazel Spoelstra of Arcadia, Calif.; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Mrs. Smith reposes at the VanStrien-Alman Funeral Home, where services will be held at 3:30 Monday afternoon, Rev. Leroy Whitney officiating. Interment Fairplains Cemetery.

     

    Susan A. LAWTON and Charles O. SMITH had the following children:

    + 53 i. Lulu M.3 SMITH was born 10 MAY 1885.

    54 ii. Hazel L. SMITH was born Ottawa Co, Michigan 13 FEB 1894. She married Unknown SPOELSTRA and lived in Arcadia, California. Hazel died 9 APR 1967 in Los Angeles Co, California, at 73 years of age. Nothing more is known about her or any possible children.

    55 iii. Harold SMITH was born Ottawa Co, Michigan FEB 1894 and was a twin to Hazel. Nothing more is known about him at this time.

     

    13. Malvin R.2 LAWTON (Henry1) was born in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 13 JAN 1863. Malvin died 3 MAY 1936 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 73 years of age. His body was interred 5 MAY 1936 in Hartwick Twp, Osceola, Michigan, Maple Valley Cemetery.

    He married Olive L. CHILDS in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, 20 NOV 1883. Olive was born in New York 28 JAN 1863, the daughter of Byron and Lucy (Mead) CHILDS. Olive was sister to Edwin Childs, who married Addie GATES, sister to Edward GATES (See Chapter III.) Olive died 1 OCT 1944 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 81 years of age. Her body was interred 4 OCT 1944 in Hartwick Twp, Osceola, Michigan, Maple Valley Cemetery. Olive was a very small lady that lived in a little tiny house. She was extremely religious. In 1910 Malvin was shown living in Cadillac and working in a sawmill. In 1920 he lived in Shingletown in Rose Lake Township, Osceola County, Michigan, where he farmed and held many township and county offices. In 1930 he was back in Grand Rapids working as a janitor in a department store.

    Coopersville Observer, 8/19/1892-M.R. Lawton of Leroy, Osceola Co., is in attendance as a delegate at the North Michigan annual conference of the M.E. Church, held at Sunfield this week, and at its close he will visit Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lawton (his parents) and other relatives of this village and vicinity.

    The Grand Rapids Herald, May 4, 1936, Page 2
    MALVIN R. LAWTON
    Malvin R. Lawton, aged 72, of east Duiker, NE., passed away Sunday. Surviving are his wife; one son, Earl; two granddaughters; a grandson, and one great-granddaughter, and a sister, Susan Smith, all of Grand Rapids, and a half-brother, F.W. Turner of Coopersville. Funeral services will be held a the Lyzen-Blanchard funeral home Tuesday at 10 o'clock and at the Rose Lake church at 2:30.

    Osceola County Herald, May 7, 1936, Page 1:
    FORMER CHAIRMAN OF BOARD PASSES
    Malvin R. Lawton, 73, Dies at Grand Rapids; Formerly Lived in Rose Lake

    Residents of Rose Lake township were saddened by the news of the death of M. R. Lawton, which occurred in Grand Rapids May 2 after a serious illness of the past six years.

    Mr. Lawton moved to Rose Lake townshp soon after his marriage and settled at the then busy mill community of Shingletown. He held several township offices. Mr. Lawton was elected clerk of Rose Lake townshp several years and in 1914 was elected as supervisor, which position he held for eight years. In 1918 he was chosen chairman of the Osceola board of supervisors.

    Malvin R. Lawton was born in Ottawa county in 1863 and was married to Olive L. Childs at Coopersville in 1884. After the couple moved to Shingletown Mr. Lawton joined the Free Methodist church and continued as a faithful member until his death.

    In 1925 he sold the farm and moved to Grand Rapids, where he continued to reside.

    Surviving are the widow and one son, Earl B. Lawton.

    Funeral services were held at the Free Methodist church in Rose Lake township Wednesday afternoon. Interment was made in Maple Valley cemetery in Hartwick township.

    The Grand Rapids Herald, October 3, 1944, Page 10
    LAWTON - Mrs. Olive L. Lawton, aged 81, of 1047 Duiker, NE., passed away Sunday evening. Surviving are one son, Earl D. Lawton of this city; one brother, Ed Childs of Chicago; one grandson, S. Sgt. Malvin in service in England; two granddaughters, Mrs. Mabel DeWitt and Mrs. Mildred Eicholtz, both of San Diego, Cal.; also three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the First Free Methodist church, 1320 Ashland ave., NE., Wednesday at 10 a.m. and at the Free Methodist church at Rose Lake (LeRoy) Wednesday at 3 p.m. Interment in Hartwick cemetery, Mrs. Lawton will repose at the Lyzen-Blanchard funeral home.

     

    Malvin R. LAWTON and Olive L. CHILDS had the following child:

    + 55 i. Earl B.3 LAWTON was born 8 NOV 1885.

     

     

    Third Generation

     

    14. Arathusa-Arethusa E.3 BROWN (Sarah Almira "Sally"2 LAWTON, Henry1) was born in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan 26 SEP 1854. Arathusa died 10 JUN 1933 in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, at 78 years of age. Her body was interred 12 JUN 1933 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery.

    She married Benjamin Franklin TREAT in Whitehall, Muskegon, Michigan, 18 JAN 1875 as his third wife. Benjamin was born in Bethel, Ontario, New York 26 NOV 1833, the son of Alvin and Elizabeth (Harris) Treat. He had married Jane SCOTT in Kinsman, Trumbull, Ohio, 4 JUL 1850. Jane was born CA 1829 in Trumbull County, Ohio, the daughter of William and Samantha SCOTT, and died 8 FEB 1852 in Ohio. Benjamin married Abuza Ann CONGDON in Colebrook, Ashtabula, Ohio, 2 APR 1853. Abuza was born CA 1835 in Ohio, and presumably died before 1870. Benjamin died 26 MAR 1899 Ottawa Co, Michigan, at 65 years of age. His body was interred 29 MAR 1899 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery. He was a Private in Company C, 8th Michigan Cavalry between 1861 and 1864. Benjamin was married three times. His first marriage was at the young age of 17. In the 1850 census, his first wife, Jane was shown living in Colebrook, Ashtabula, Ohio with an apparently unrelated Lawton family. He was living with what appear to be his parents in Kinsman, Trumbull Co, Ohio. They apparently had no children together. With his second wife, Abuza, he had children Emma TREAT; Frank Congdon TREAT, who married Mary "Mollie" BRADY; Ella TREAT; and Willard F. TREAT. He came to Michigan in 1856, and in the 1860 census was living in Pontiac, Michigan and working as a dentist with Abuza and their four children. 1870 showed him as a merchant living in Whitehall, Michigan with only daughter Emma, so Abuza must have either passed away by that time or they were divorced. After he moved to Coopersville about 1875, he was a charter member of the G.A.R. Charles Randall Post No. 238. Benjamin was a dentist and photographer, and had a shop located at First and Danforth Streets in Coopersville until 1883. He and Thusa had three children together. He is listed in daughter Bessie's birth record as an artist.

    Coopersville Observer, January 25, 1895: Several friends of Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Treat gave them a very pleasant surprise last Saturday, it being the twentieth anniversary of their marriage. They were presented with a handsome plush couch. All report a pleasant time.

    Coopersville Observer, March 31, 1899:
    Death of Benjamin F. Treat.
    Died, at his residence in Coopersville, Sunday, March 26, 1899, of heart trouble, Benjamin F. Treat, aged 65 years and 4 months. Mr. Treat was born November 26, 1833, in Bethel, Ontario county, New York. He came to Michigan in 1856, and in 1861 he enlisted in the First Michigan Cavalry. On November 2, 1862, he was promoted to second lieutenant in the Eighth Michigan Cavalry, and resigned in 1864, owing to disability. Since that time he has been a great sufferer from heart trouble and rheumatism.

    By profession he was a dentist, and has been a resident of Coopersville for the last twenty-three years. He has been a member of the Masonic lodge since the war of the rebellion and was a member of the G.A.R. at the time of his decease.

    He leaves a widow and six children, four by a former wife and two by his present wife, and a wide circle of friends, to mourn their loss.

    Mr. Treat was a good neighbor, a genial friend, and will be missed by his many friends and acquaintances.

    The funeral was held in the Methodist Church on Wednesday afternoon, under the auspices of Ottawa Lodge, No. 122, F.& A. M., Rev. Middleton officiating. He was a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church in his early life, and in his last days renewed his faith and died happy in his profession.

    Coopersville Observer June 19, 1931:
    FAMILY REUNION HELD IN LIVINGSTON COUNTY
    Mrs. Arathusa Treat of this city was the honored guest at a reunion of the Brown families in Wheatland township of Livingston county, at the farm home of Mr. and Mrs. David Gilmour last sunday. A dozen or more auto loads of Browns and their in-laws, the direct descendants of those who had settled there in the days immediately following the Civil War, Joseph Brown, Alvin Brown, Mrs. Arathusa Brown McClellan, Mrs. Mary Brown Everton, Thomas Brown and Dr. William Brown, the latter having settled in Minnesota in the early days. There were about fifty in the party, the oldest being 77 years of age and the youngest 15 months. A great day of family reminiscenses was held and the affair was voted a forerunner of many more of a like kind to be held in future years.

    Coopersville Observer June 16, 1933:
    DAUGHTER OF EARLY PIONEER PASSES AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS
    Thusa E. Brown, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah Brown, was born in Coopersville, Michigan, September 26, 1854. She was married to Benjamin F. Treat in Whitehall, Mich., January 18, 1875. Three children were born to this union: Harry B., who passed away in early childhood; Bessie, of this place, and Dean of Oak Park, Illinois.

    Mrs. Treat was a member of the Eastern Star, the Rebekahs and the Daughters of the Civil War Club. She was a member of the Methodist church, being especially active in the work of Circle No. 1 of the Ladies' Aid. She was a member of the official board and had filled the office of Communion steward for a number of years.

    She was highly esteemed and loved by all who knew her. Her greatest happiness was found in service to others and the beauty of her gracious Christian life will remain always a precious memory in the hearts of her many friends, and a rich heritage to her children and grandchildren.

    Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Walter Nixon of Coopersville; a son, Dean Treat of Oak Park, Illinois; two grandchildren, Helen and Harold Treat of Oak Park; Two brothers, Edward A. Brown of Nunica, and George E. Brown of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada; and one sister, Mrs. William Gleason of Nunica.

    Funeral services were held in the home at two o'clock Monday afternoon. Reverend Davis of the Methodist church gave the sermon, using First Corinthians, 13:12 as his text. Reverend Joseph Tuma, a former pastor, read a part of the last chapter of Proverbs, using Mrs. Treat's Bible, after which he offered paryer.

    Mr. James Zuidema, with Mrs. Howard Irish at the piano, rendered two beautiful solos, "Good Night and Good Morning" and "Rest, Sweet Rest."

    The floral offerings were profuse and very beautiful. The spacious home was filled to overflowing with friends who gathered to pay their last tribute to the dead.

    Members of the various organizations to which Mrs. Treat belonged were present in large numbers.

    Pallbearers were Messrs. Reed, Laug, Lubben, Nelson, Mohrhard and Fink.

    Burial was made in the Coopersville cemetery beside the husband who passed away March 26, 1899.

    Coopersville Observer, June 14, 1933, Page 3:
    George E. Brown, wife and granddaughter, who were here from St. Thomas, Ontario, for the funeral of Mrs. Treat, left Wednesday morning for their home.

    Dean Treat and his wife, and their son and his wife and daughter, left Tuesday morning for Oak Park, Ill. They had been here for several days on account of the death of his mother, Mrs. Thusa Treat.

    Coopersville Observer, June 16, 1933:
    CARD OF THANKS

    We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the friends and neighbors for their many acts of kindness, and the kind words of sympathy, during the illness and death of our beloved mother and grandmother; to Rev. Davis and Rev. Tuma for the comforting words and to those who furnished cars and the beautiful floral offerings.

    Mr. and Mrs. Walter S. Nixon
    Mr. and Mrs. Dean Treat
    Mr. and Mrs. Harold D. Treat
    Miss Helen Treat

    "Chronicles of Coopersville", Page 108: The Treats can trace their history back to Major Richard Treat who was born in 1632 in Somerset, England. He came to Hartford, Ct. His descendant after a few generations, Benjamin Franklin Treat born in 1833 in Bethel Ontario, NY, came to Michigan in 1856. He married Thusa E. Brown from Coopersville. She was his third wife. They had 3 children: Harry Brown Treat (born 1876, died 1879), Bessie Frances (born 1878, died 1959) who married Walter S. Nixon, Carl Fremont Dean Treat (born 1881, died 1937) who lived in Oak Park, IL.

    Benjamin Treat was in the Civil War and served in the 1st Michigan Cal., 1861-1864. He was a dentist and photographer. He was located at First and Danforth Streets, at the site of the west edge of Heath Mfg. property. Benjamin Treat died March 31, 1899. He left 4 children from his second marriage and 2 from his third marriage.

    "Chronicles of Coopersville", Page 108: Thusa E. Brown, wife of Benjamin Treat, was born in Coopersville in 1854 and died in Jun 1933. She was the daughter of pioneer settlers Joseph and Sarah (Lawton) Brown. Thusa was a member of the Eastern Star, the Rebekahs and Daughters of the Civil War Club. Her daughter was Mrs. Walter (Bessie) Nixon.

    When she died Thusa had a brother Ed Brown of Nunica, a brother Geo. E. Brown of St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada and a sister Mrs. William Gleason of Nunica.

    Thusa was the first of 10 children. She was born in a log cabin northeast of Coopersville. Her father Joseph Brown was a Civil War veteran. He was appointed Coopersville postmaster in 1867. Mr. Brown also served as justice of the peace and town clerk.

     

    Arathusa E. BROWN and Benjamin Franklin TREAT had the following children:

    56 i. Harry Brown4 TREAT was born in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan 10 SEP 1876. Harry died 30 DEC 1879 of Diptheria in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, at 3 years of age. His body was interred 1880 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery.

    + 57 ii. Bessie Frances TREAT was born 30 APR 1878.

    + 58 iii. Carl Fremont "Dean" TREAT was born 18 SEP 1881.

     

    15. Fremont3 BROWN (Sarah Almira "Sally"2 LAWTON, Henry1) was born in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 10 OCT 1856. Fremont died 3 APR 1922 in Fruitport, Muskegon, Michigan, at 65 years of age. His body was interred 6 APR 1922 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery.

    He married twice. He married Della WRIGHT in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, 26 SEP 1880. Della was born in Elkhart, Elkhart, Indiana 27 JUN 1860. Della died 3 NOV 1888 at 28 years of age. Her body was interred NOV 1888 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery. He married Emma JUBB in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, 25 SEP 1890. Emma was born in Michigan SEP 1872, the daughter of Orange A. and Lucinda T. (Bartholomew) Jubb. She married Ren SLAGER after Fremont died. In the 1930 census Emma and her husband, Ren Slager, are shown living with daughter, Laura and her husband Earl Sweet, in Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri. Emma died 16 NOV 1955 in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, at 83 years of age. Her body was interred 19 NOV 1955 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery. Fremont Brown ran a general store for many years in Nunica. In 1910 it was taken over by Chauncey Westover. In 1904 Fremont lived in Grand Haven, in 1910 in Muskegon, and in Fruitport in 1921. He held several Crockery Township and Ottawa County offices.

    Nunica, Dec. 18, 1885: Brown & Son have so liberal a custom patronage at their mill that they find it necessary to run on an average of 18 hours out of the 24 each day.

    Coopersville Observer: 1901 Nunica: Supervisor Fremont Brown is building a general store in Nunica (This later became Westover's).

    February 16, 1902 Nunica: About fifty friends and neighbors both young and old, enjoyed a surprise party at the home of F. M. Brown last Thursday evening. The house being unable to hold the crowd, the younger portion repaired to Panel Hall where they enjoyed themselves with music and dancing.

    Oct. 11, 1902 Nunica: Fremont Brown has sold out his store to Wm. Barbrick and Charlie Jubb, who toke possession last monday (Charlie Jubb worked as a butcher for Fremont Brown and drove a meat route in the area as far north as Sullivan.)

    Grand Rapids Press, April 4, 1922, Page 1:
    FREMONT BROWN DIES IN FRUITPORT HOME, GRAND HAVEN--April 4--Fremont Brown is dead at his home in Fruitport. He was born 65 years ago in Coopersville and 20 years ago was a leader in Ottawa county, having served as county clerk and supervisor.

    Grand Haven Tribune, April 4, 1922, Page 1:
    Was Prominent in Republican Politics in Ottawa Many Years

    Fremont Brown, a former county clerk, which office he filled for four years, and prominent in county Republican politics for many years, died Monday at his home in Fruitport. Mr. Brown had been ill for a number of years.

    Previous to becoming county clerk Mr. Brown had been supervisor for a number of years from Crockery township and had also filled several other township offices there. He was prominent for years in the business life of Nunica and when elected county clerk was one of the very best known figures in the entire county. Leaving Grand Haven after his tenure of office at the court house Mr. Brown returned to Nunica. He remained there a few years and then moved to Muskegon but for the past few years has made Fruitport his home.

    Mr. Brown was 65 years of age. He is survived by his wife, four sons and two daughters as follows: Ray D. and Arza F. of Grand Rapids, Rolla J. of Detroit, William Alden of Chicago, Mrs. Clyde Tissue of Fruitport and Mrs. Earl Sweet of St. Louis, Mo., three brothers and two sisters, Mrs. Thusa Treat of Coopersville, Mrs. Wm. Gleason of Nunica, Edward A. and Wm. A. of Nunica and George E. Brown of St. Thomas, Ont.

    The funeral will be held Thursday April 6 at 12 o’clock from the family home at Fruitport and at two o'clock from the Methodist church of Nunica. The funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. H. W. Rogers of Otsego, formerly of Grand Haven. Interment will be in the Nunica cemetery and will be under the auspices of the Odd Fellow order.

    The Grand Rapids Herald, November 17, 1955, Page 16:
    SLAGER--Emma (Brown) Slager, aged 83 years, of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Nunica, passed away Wednesday morning. Surviving are the husband, Ren; four sons, Ray Brown of Marne, Rolla of Detroit, Alden of Oak Park, Illinois, Arza of Grand Rapids; two daughters, Mrs. Lulu Brush of Washington State, Mrs. Laura Sweet of Muskegon; two brothers, Charles Jubb of Nunica and Ray Jubb of Grand Rapids; 20 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Slager will respose at the Throop Funeral Home where funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment in Nunica Cemetery.

     

    Fremont BROWN and Della WRIGHT had the following child:

    + 59 i. Lulu T.4 BROWN was born JUN 1882.

    Fremont BROWN and Emma JUBB had the following children:

    + 60 ii. Ray D. BROWN was born FEB 1892.

    + 61 iii. Rolla J. BROWN was born DEC 1893.

    + 62 iv. William Alden BROWN was born 6 OCT 1895.

    + 63 v. Laura A. BROWN was born JUN 1898.

    + 64 vi. Arza F. BROWN was born 25 OCT 1899.

    65 vii. T. Harold BROWN was born in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan 28 DEC 1901. He died in 1911 at 9 years of age. His body was interred 1911 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery.

     

    16. William A.3 BROWN (Sarah Almira "Sally"2 LAWTON, Henry1) was born in Michigan 4 SEP 1858. William died 4 MAY 1927 in Newaygo Co, Michigan, at 68 years of age. His body was interred 7 MAY 1927 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery.

    He married Lena M. DOUCK in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, 29 NOV 1888. Lena was born in Michigan 28 DEC 1868. Lena was the daughter of Frederick and Caroline "Carrie" (Hemming) DOUCK, and sister to Frank DOUCK, who married William’s sister, Mina. Lena died 19 JUL 1938 in Walker Twp, Kent, Michigan, at 69 years of age. Her body was interred 21 JUL 1938 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery. William was a farmer in Nunica.

    Coopersville Observer, May 6, 1927, Page 11:
    NUNICA MAN DROPS DEAD WHILE ON FISHING TRIP
    William Brown of Nunica, aged 68, dropped dead Wednesday morning, while on a fishing trip near White Cloud. He and Chauncey Westover of Nunica had left their homes Tuesday and it is thought that Mr. Brown went on ahead Wednesday morning. When Mr. Westover reached him, he was beyond help. Death had come while he was fishing. He is survived by his wife and two children, Mrs. F. C. Hambleton of Coopersville and McKinley Brown, Fruitport. He was also a brother of Mrs. T. E. Treat of this place. Mr. Brown was a past noble grand of Nunica Odd Fellow Lodge.

    Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at two o'clock at his late home in Nunica.

    The Grand Rapids Press, July 20, 1938, Page 17:
    BROWN--Mrs. Lena M. Brown, aged 69, widow of the late William A. Brown, passed away at the home of her son, William M. Brown in Walker township. Surviving are the son, one daughter, Mrs. Frank Hambleton of Coopersville; two brothers, Frank Douck of Escanaba, Fred Douck of Nunica; one sister, Mrs. Charles Doddington of Benton Harbor. The body reposes at the VanAllsburg Funeral Home at Coopersville where services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. Burial in Nunica cemetery.

     

    William A. BROWN and Lena M. DOUCK had the following children:

    + 66 i. Edna T.4 BROWN was born FEB 1891.

    + 67 ii. William McKinley "Mac" BROWN was born 1 APR 1896.

     

    17. Edward A.3 BROWN (Sarah Almira "Sally"2 LAWTON, Henry1) was born in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan 4 JUL 1860. Edward died 12 JAN 1948 at 87 years of age. His body was interred 14 JAN 1948 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery.

    He married Eunice M. "Emmie" WESTOVER in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan, 7 DEC 1889. Eunice was born in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan NOV 1869, the daughter of J. and Jane (Ray) Westover. She died 1927 at 57 years of age. Her body was interred 1927 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery. Ed was born on a farm near Coopersville, Michigan, but went with his parents to Nunica, where his father built a grist mill in 1883, and he worked with his father in the business. After many years the mill was destroyed by fire, after which Ed operated a drug store in Nunica. In 1897 he was deputy sheriff in Ottawa County. He was appointed postmaster January 19, 1901 by President McKinley, and served in that position for fifteen years. He was very well known and loved by everyone for miles around. He served in WWI.

    Feb. 16, 1902 Nunica: Ed Brown entered upon his duties as postmaster Thursday night.

    Ed Brown’s store and Post Office in Nunica, Michigan

    From "The Crockery Collection Vol. II", Page 74:
    Ex-Postmaster at Nunica Dies
    Nunica--Edward A. Brown, former Nunica postmaster and businessman, died Monday afternoon (1948) at his home after a brief illness. He was 87 years old. Mr. Brown was born July 4, 1860 in Coopersville, but had lived in Nunica for the past 64 years. He operated a drug store here for many years, retiring 12 years ago. Always interested in civic affairs, he had served Crockery township as Supervisor and as Township Treasurer.

    Surviving are two sons, Harry L. and George E., 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. William Gleason of Nunica, and a brother, George of Ontario.Interment was in the Nunica Cemetery.

    The Grand Rapids Herald, January 13, 1948, Page 13:
    BROWN--Edward A. Brown, aged 87, of Nunica, passed away Monday afternoon. Surviving are two sons, Harry L. of Dearborn and George E. of Grand Rapids; 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. William Gleason of Nunica and one brother George of Ontario. Mr. Brown reposes at the Kammeraad Funeral Home Coopersville, where services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. Interment in Nunica Cemetery under the auspices of the Coopersville F&AM No. 13.

     

    Edward A. BROWN and Eunice M. "Emmie" WESTOVER had the following children:

    + 68 i. Harry L.4 BROWN was born 15 SEP 1890.

    + 69 ii. George E. BROWN was born 9 NOV 1897.

     

    19. George P.3 BROWN (Sarah Almira "Sally"2 LAWTON, Henry1)was born in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan DEC 1866. George died after 1948.

    He married Lillian (last name unknown) in Michigan, CA 1892. Lillian was born in Michigan AUG 1867. In 1900 George was working as foreman in the Brown family’s mill. George served in WWI from the U.S. He moved to St. Thomas, Elgin Co, Ontario, Canada, and not much is known about him or his family from that point. George had at least one granddaughter.

    George P. BROWN and Lillian had the following children:

    70 i. Thusa I.4 BROWN was born in Michigan JUL 1894.

    71 ii. Addison M. BROWN was born in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan 6 MAR 1899.

     

    21. Almina "Mina"3 BROWN (Sarah Almira "Sally"2 LAWTON, Henry1) was born in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan 13 JAN 1872. Almina died 28 SEP 1904 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, at 32 years of age. Her body was interred 1 OCT 1904 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan.

    She married Frank F. DOUCK Ottawa Co, Michigan, 5 MAY 1889. Frank was born in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan 17 JUN 1867, the son of Frederick and Caroline "Carrie" (Hemming) DOUCK. He married Harriet "Hattie" RIETSCH after Mina died and had two more children—Carroll F. DOUCK, and Evelyn M. DOUCK, who married Ray Doty. Frank died 30 DEC 1942 in Escanaba, Delta, Michigan, at 75 years of age. His body was interred 1 JAN 1943 in Escanaba, Delta, Michigan, Lake View Cemetery. Frank and Mina moved to Escanaba, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula prior to 1920. There he worked on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad as a section foreman. Frank was brother to Lena Douck, who married Mina's brother, William Brown.

    Coopersville Observer, 7/22/1892-Born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Douck on Friday last, a fine baby girl.

    August 17, 1882 (Nunica): The farm residence of Fred Douck, east of this place, caught fire from a defective chimney this morning and burned. His numerous friends and neighbors arrived in time to save nearly all the household goods. Mr. Douck will rebuild. The house was insured for $100.

    Coopersville Observer October 7, 1904: Obituary.
    Mina, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Brown, was born in Coopersville, Mich., January 13, 1872. She was married to Frank F. Douck, May 5, 1889, and died in Nunica, September 28, 1904.

    She leaves a husband, four children, a father, mother, five brothers and two sisters, besides a host of friends to mourn their loss.

    She was buried from the M.E. church at Nunica, October 1, Rev. Manley DeFoe preaching the funeral sermon, and the Maccabee Ladies taking charge, as she was a charter member at that lodge.

    Coopersville Observer, January 26, 1917: A large barn belonging to Fred Douck burned in Nunica fire. A railroad section crew saved the house by shoveling snow up against the side and roof of the house.

    The Escanaba (Mich.) Daily Press, December 31, 1942, Page 5: FRANK F. DOUCK, ESCANABA, DIES
    Funeral Services Will Be Held Friday Afternoon

    Frank F. Douck, 75, of 1309 First Avenue North, died Wednesday morning at 5:05 o'clock at his home, following a five month's illness.

    Mr. Douck, who had lived in Escanaba for the past 17 years, was born in Nunica, Mich, on January 17, 1867. He came here from Cedar Grove, Wis. He was a retired section foreman for the Chicago & North Western Railway, serving the company for over twenty-five years.

    Fraternally he was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

    Surviving are his wife, four daughters and two sons: Mrs. Arthur Longfellow (Lillian) of Grand Rapids; Mrs. Claude E. King, (Elma) of Pontiac; Mrs. Ruth Linden, of Pontiac; Mrs. Ray Doty, (Evelyn) of Orion, Mich.; William of Milwaukee, and Carroll of Escanaba; thirteen grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Charles Doddington, of Benton Harbor, Mich.; and one brother, Fred, of Nunica.

    The body was taken to the Anderson Funeral Home where it is resting in state. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the funeral home chapel. Rev. J. Davis Barnard of the First Presbyterian church officiating, and burial will be made in Lakeview cemetery.

     

     

    Escanaba Daily Press. Page 2, Monday, Dec 28, 1970:
    Mrs. Frank F.(Hattie) DOUCK, 88 1309 1st Ave. N. died at 1 P.M. Sunday at Pinecrest Medical Facility following a lengthy illness. She was born 12-7-1882 in North Tonawanda, NY and was a resident of Escanaba for the past 43 years. She was a member of Odd Fellow Lodge.

    Survivors include 1 son Carroll F. Douck of Escanaba, 1 daughter Mrs. Ray (Evelyn) Doty of Lake Orion, MI , 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time at the Allo Funeral Home.

    Tue, page 2, 12-29-1970:

    Funeral arrangements for Hattie Douck are as follows. Friends may call at the Allo Funeral Home from 4-9 roday. Funeral services will be Wed at the funeral home. Burial at Lakeview Cemetery.

     

    Almina "Mina" BROWN and Frank F. DOUCK had the following children:

    + 72 i. William Alden4 DOUCK was born 24 SEP 1890.

    + 73 ii. Lillian I. DOUCK was born 15 JUL 1892.

    + 74 iii. Elma E. DOUCK was born 14 AUG 1894.

    + 75 iv. Ruth F. DOUCK was born 12 JAN 1897.

    76 v. Vera DOUCK was born in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 5 AUG 1899. Vera died 27 AUG 1899 in Michigan, at less than one month of age.

     

    22. Joseph P.3 BROWN, Jr. (Sarah Almira "Sally"2 LAWTON, Henry1) was born in Michigan 3 AUG 1876. Joseph died 6 OCT 1921 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 45 years of age. His body was interred 8 OCT 1921 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery.

    He married Lillian B. LEGNER before 1898. Lillian was born in Saugatuck, Allegan, Michigan 9 AUG 1876. Lillian died 18 APR 1950 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 73 years of age. Her body was interred 20 APR 1950 in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Coopersville Cemetery. Joseph was shown as a stationary engineer in the 1900 census, probably for the railroad. In 1920 he was an engineer for an oil company.

    Coopersville Observer, October 14, 1921, Page 2: NUNICA - George Brown and son Addison of St. Thomas, Ont. and Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Gleason of Janesville, Wisc. are here visiting relatives.
    (same page)Mrs. Wm. Gleason was called to Grand Rapids last week Wednesday to the bedside of her brother Joseph Brown who was critically ill and passed away Thursday morning, the 6th. The funeral took place in Grand Rapids Saturday, the 8th and burial was in Coopersville cemetery. Besides his widow, four brothers, Edward and William of Nunica, George of St. Thomas, Ont., and Fremont of Fruitport, and two sisters, Mrs. Thusa Treat of Coopersville and Mrs. Wm. Gleason of Nunica and several nephews and nieces survive him. He also had many friends in this town where he spent his boyhood days.

    The Grand Rapids Press, April 19, 1950, Page 17:
    MRS. L.B. BROWN DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS
    Mrs. Lillian B. Brown, widow of Joseph Brown, died Tuesday night in the home of her son, Thorne J. Brown, 937 Chippewa Dr., SE, after a long illness. She was 73 years old.

    Born Aug. 9, 1876, in Saugatuck, Mrs. Brown has been a resident of Grand Rapids for the past 60 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and East Congregational Church.

    Surviving besides her son are a brother, William Legner of Allegan; a sister, Mrs. Owen J. Prescott of Flint, three nieces, and five grandchildren.

    Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Metcalf Chapel. Interment will be in Coopersville Cemetery.

     

    Joseph P. BROWN Jr. and Lillian LEGNER had the following child:

    + 77 i. Thorne J.4 BROWN was born 8 MAR 1898.

     

    23. Edith J.3 BROWN (Sarah Almira "Sally"2 LAWTON, Henry1) was born in Coopersville, Ottawa, Michigan 30 JAN 1879. Edith died after 1967. The date is not known at this time.

    She married William GLEASON in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, 8 MAR 1896. William was born in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan AUG 1871. William died 14 OCT 1942 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, at 71 years of age. His body was interred OCT 1942 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery. (No stones were found in Nunica Cemetery for this couple.) William and Edith lived in Nunica. He worked as an inspector of Railroad cars and later worked for the highway department. Edith was in the 4-H canning club. She died after 1967.

    Coopersville Observer, Friday, December 29, 1933, Page 1:
    Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Gleason entertained Mr. and Mrs. S. Bartholomew and daughters, Norma Jean, Kathleen and Fay, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Bell and children, Marcia and Harold, and Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Gleason and son Billie of Grand Haven, at dinner Sunday.

    Grand Rapids Press, October 15, 1942, Page 25:
    GLEASON--William Gleason, aged 71, of Nunica, passed away Wednesday evening. Surviving are his widow, Edith; two daughters, Mrs. S. Bartholemew of Nunica, Mrs. L. Bell of Muskegon; one son, Glenn of Grand Haven; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. The body will repose at the Kammeraad Funeral Home, Coopersville, until Friday afternoon, when it will be returned to the residence for private services Saturday at 2, and public services at 2:30 at Nunica Methodist church. Interment in Nunica cemetery.

    Edith J. BROWN and William GLEASON had the following children:

    + 78 i. Beatrice A.4 GLEASON was born SEP 1896.

    + 79 ii. Eyla Gladys GLEASON was born 12 APR 1903.

    + 80 iii. Glenn Ardis GLEASON was born 10 JAN 1906.

     

    29. Cora M.3 PETERSON (Lucinda L.2 LAWTON, Henry1) was born in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 10 FEB 1874. Cora died after 1910. The date is not known at this time. She married twice. She married Clair V. HAINES Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, 14 JUL 1892. Clair was born in Kent Co, Michigan CA 1871, the son of Reuben F. and Hannah M. (Phillips) HAYNES. She married Albert H. "Bert" DOYLE Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, 21 SEP 1903. Albert was born Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan CA 1876, the son of James and Hannah (Breckon) DOYLE. He married Helen (last name unknown) after Cora died. In the 1910 census, Albert is shown as a yeast salesman living in Grand Rapids. In 1920 Bert was living in Detroit, was an express man on a steam railroad, and was married to Helen (last name unknown).

    Cora M. PETERSON and Clair V. HAINES had the following child:

    81 i. Harry G.4 HAINES was born in Michigan CA 1894. No more is known about him at this time, but there is a Harry Haines shown in the SSDI who was born 9 July 1893 and died June 1983, last residence Ann Arbor, Michigan. This may possibly be this Harry. No obituary was found in the Ann Arbor newspaper.

     

    30. Adeline Lenora "Addie"3 LAWTON (Lyman Pearly2, Henry1) was born in Big Springs, Ottawa, Michigan 11 JUL 1868. Addie died 23 JUN 1944 in Ludington, Mason, Michigan, at 75 years of age. Her body was interred 27 JUN 1944 in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, Brookside Cemetery.

    She married Andrew J. MC CLAIN in Colfax, Wexford, Michigan, 12 SEP 1885. Andrew was born Ottawa Co, Michigan 31 MAR 1862, the son of Thomas J. MC CLAIN and Elizabeth HOUSLER. Andrew and Addie were divorced, and he married Florence in Michigan, CA 1909. Andrew died 1937 at 75 years of age. His body was interred 1937 in Tustin, Osceola, Michigan, Sherman Twp. Cemetery. Addie's autobiography is published in the Lawton Ledger 1998 under the title "Old Pioneer Days". She was born in Big Spring, Ottawa County, Michigan in a log house belonging to her uncle, George Harris. When she was not more than three they moved to Wexford Co. about 18 miles from Cadillac. Her father had gone ahead to take up a homestead and clear land for a small log house and barn. He returned for his family, who moved their belongings by a wagon drawn by oxen for four days, clearing trees for their passage, as there were no roads, and cooking over campfires. Life was primitive, and the family subsisted mostly on potatoes they grew and on a wild game, mostly provided by friends or neighbors, as Lyman was apparently not a very good shot. When Addie was 7 ½, her mother died of tuberculosis. After her death, Addie stayed for a time with her aunt, Lucinda (Lawton) Peterson and then at her uncle, George Harris’. Finally, she stayed with her aunt, Alma (Lawton) McClain until her father married again. The family attended quarterly Free Methodist church meetings and went to hear circuit preachers when they were in the area. After Addie married Andrew McClain (cousin to Rascelas McClain who was married to Alma Lawton, Addie’s aunt) they went to live on a nearby farm. After their 4th child, Violet, was born, Alma and Andrew moved to Mason County. They lived in a house on what is now Rath Avenue until Andrew got a job in a lumber camp at Diaton, near Cadillac. Eva had just married Lewis Hayden, and they stayed behind in their parents’ house. After a time, Alma and Andrew divorced, and Alma went back to Ludington with Hazel, and her two small sons. Grace had stayed behind to go to school and teach. Andrew and his second wife lived in Highland, Osceola County.

     

    Adeline Lenora "Addie" LAWTON and Andrew J. MC CLAIN had the following children:

    + 82 i. Eva Agnes4 MC CLAIN was born 30 JUN 1886.

    + 83 ii. Ena "Grace" MC CLAIN was born 17 FEB 1889.

    84 iii. Edith "Hazel" MC CLAIN was born in Colfax Twp, Wexford, Michigan 20 JAN 1892. Edith died 1936 in Mason Co, Michigan, at 44 years of age. Her body was interred 1936 in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, Brookside Cemetery. Hazel was a little person, and was very short, even when she was fully grown. She had very dark brown hair and eyes nearly black.

    85 iv. Violet Margaret MC CLAIN was born in Wexford Co, Michigan 25 MAR 1895. Violet died 23 SEP 1895 in Custer, Mason, Michigan, at about 6 months of age.

    + 86 v. Floyd Vernon M. MC CLAIN was born 19 NOV 1896.

    87 vi. Ford Pearly MC CLAIN was born in Mason Co, Michigan 8 FEB 1898. Ford died 23 DEC 1928 in Port Huron, St. Clair, Michigan, at 30 years of age. His body was interred 26 DEC 1928 in St. Clair Co, Michigan, Lakeside Cemetery. He married Frieda (last name unknown) and had no children.

  • Port Huron Newspaper, 24 December 1928, Page 1: Photographer Dies After Short Illness
    Ford P. McClain, 30, proprietor of the McClain studio, died Sunday in Port Huron city hospital after a short illness.
  • Mr. McClain, who had been in business here about five years, served four years with the Canadian army in the World war. He is survived by his widow, his mother, Mrs. Addie McClain, and a brother, Floyd, both of Ludington, Mich.; and two sisters, Miss Grace McClain, also of Ludington; and Miss Eva McClain, Davenport, Ia.
  • Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday from the Arthur E. Smith funeral home, followed by burial in Lakeside cemetery.

    •  

    32. Stowell Ernest3 LAWTON (Lyman Pearly2, Henry1) was born in Meauwataka, Colfax Twp, Wexford, Michigan 13 MAR 1879. Stowell died 28 APR 1974 in Muskegon Co, Michigan, at 95 years of age. His body was interred 1974 in Manton, Wexford, Michigan, Caldwell Cemetery.

    He married Minnie Viola GARN in Custer, Mason, Michigan, 29 NOV 1902. Minnie was born in Culver, Starke, Indiana 1 JAN 1881, the daughter of Martin and Sarah Jane (Hawkins) GARN. Minnie died 1 OCT 1938 in Caldwell Twp, Missaukee, Michigan, at 57 years of age. Her body was interred OCT 1938 in Manton, Wexford, Michigan, Caldwell Cemetery. In 1885, Minnie's family moved to Meauwataka (Cadillac), Michigan, and in 1891 to Mason County, Michigan, where she met Stowell.

    Evelyn Lawton Nye – "Jan 4, 1999: After my Stowell and Minnie were married and before they established their own home, they worked as cooks in a logging camp in Northern Michigan. They bought a farm east of Manton near to Cora and Aaron where they lived until after Minnie's death in 1938. Their first child died at birth."

    Stowell was a lay minister and was very strict, but a good and kind man. He lived in Florida in 1963.

    Leah Lawton Shue - April 16, 1982: "Grandpa Lyman used to send the family peaches on the train from Custer to Manton. The kids loved that. Minnie was always looking out for food for winter and she did a lot of canning. She made peach butter and pickled peaches. The pickled peaches recipe stayed in our family as we all relished them so much.

    I remember Grandpa and Grandma visiting us in Michigan when I was about 6 or 7 years old. That's the only time I remember seeing Grandma as she died when I was 9. Grandma had diabetes and major problems with her feet. Grandpa was a lay minister and he would always ask if I was saved. I didn't know what he was talking about - so I'd shy away from him. In those days, the teachings were a scare tactic. If we weren't good we would go to hell and burn forever. We went to church on Sundays, Sunday nights, and Thursdays and we had prayer meetings on Tuesdays. Leah was a convert at age 8 or 9. I still was very puzzled about it all. When I was in high school, one of my friends told me that God was a good God so I learned a different way.

    Papa was very strict. We had no freedoms except for church related functions and school. Mama went along with it as much as she could. They had prayer service every morning where we read the Bible and Mama, Papa, and Leah prayed. The rest of us refrained. No one ever talked to us about the real love of God - just the 'thou shalt nots'.

    When I was in high school, I went with some of my friends to their young people meetings which I enjoyed. I've been a United Methodist for over 45 years and I have a deep faith and love of God. I'm so thankful that I learned to be part of a church family. Free Methodists NOW are great people. In fact, I feel at home and very comfortable with different beliefs - the important part is to believe.

    Grandpa came to visit us one summer after Grandma died. He built a big kitchen for us. I was only 12 when he died. He was a good man - a kind man.

    My father had a temper that he didn't control very well. I don't know where that part of his personality came from. He was short on patience, too. He was determined that Leah and Charley weren't going to get married - but they did - at our home. Virgil and I eloped. Papa didn't try to control the boys, especially Floyd. Verne and Ruth got married at a parsonage. Grace wanted a church wedding, so I sat Papa down and talked to him. I told him that they were going to get married and wanted a church wedding at the Methodist church, where they could have music, and that she wanted him to give her away. But we wanted to be sure that he would control his behavior - he did! He was so handsome. Charley even got a tie on him - his first one. The wedding was lovely.

    After I got married and had a family I could talk to him and let him know my views and feelings and I think he listened (too late).

    I really didn't know anything about Grandma's temperament. I understand she was kind and loving. She was almost a stranger to me because we lived 80 miles apart and we were too poor for anything more than necessary travel.

    Once I was young and now I'm old, looking forward to 87 in May. I love people - most people, anyway. Virgil always said I picked my friends. I do. I have no time for whiners."

     

    MRS. STOWELL LAWTON (Obituary from Unknown Newspaper)
    MANTON, Oct. 1--A heart attack caused the sudden death this morning of Mrs. Stowell Lawton, 57. Although she had not been in the best of health in recent months, she had been able to attend church services last evening, and he death was unexpected.

    She was born at Knox, Ind., Jan. 1, 1881, and went to Meauwataka with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Garn, at the age of 4. At 11 she moved to Mason county, and lived there until her marriage to Mr. Lawton Nov. 29, 1902. They moved to Caldwell township shortly after their marriage, and had lived there since.

    She was a member of the Free Methodist church at Caldwell.

    Surviving, with the husband, are two sons, Floyd of Manton and Vern of Muskegon; three daughters, Mrs. Leah Shue of Ludington, Mrs. Evelyn Nye of Madison, WI, Grace, at home, five grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. C. M. Larr, of Manton; and five brothers, Aaron Garn of Manton, Charles and Jesse Garn of Meauwataka, Archie Garn of Cadillac and Chauncey Garn of Traverse City.

    Funeral services will be held at the Caldwell Free Methodist church Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. following a prayer service at the...

     

    Stowell Ernest LAWTON and Minnie Viola GARN had the following children:

    + 88 i. Floyd Earl4 LAWTON was born 23 JUL 1906.

    + 89 ii. Leah Helen LAWTON was born 13 JUN 1909.

    + 90 iii. Evelyn Belle LAWTON was born 18 MAY 1912.

    + 91 iv. Verne LeVoy LAWTON was born 10 APR 1914.

    + 92 v. Grace Velma LAWTON was born 26 JUL 1920.

    93 vi. Lois Viola LAWTON was born in Missaukee Co, Michigan 19 AUG 1923. Lois died 29 APR 1925 in Cadillac, Wexford, Michigan, at 1 year of age. Her body was interred 1925 in Manton, Wexford, Michigan, Caldwell Cemetery.

     

    34. Ethel May3 LAWTON (Lyman Pearly2, Henry1) was born in Meauwataka, Colfax Twp, Wexford, Michigan 23 OCT 1882. Ethel died 11 JAN 1963 in Custer Twp, Mason, Michigan, at 80 years of age. Her body was interred 14 JAN 1963 in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, Brookside Cemetery. She married Orin Train LARR in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, 5 JUN 1910. Orin was born in Williams Co, Ohio 14 AUG 1882. Orin died 8 MAR 1971 in Hart, Oceana, Michigan, at 88 years of age. His body was interred 11 MAR 1971 in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, Brookside Cemetery. They lived in Scottville, Mason Co, Michigan.

    The Ludington Daily News, January 12, 1963, Page 3:
    MRS. LARR, 80, DIES FRIDAY
    Mrs. Ethel Larr, 80, of Custer Township died suddently Friday evening at her home.

    She was born Oct. 23, 1882 in Wexford County. She was married in 1910 in Scottville to Orin Larr, who survives. She has been a resident of Custer Township for 61 years.

    Also surviving are two sons, Virtol at home, Ernie of Route 1 Custer, three daughters, Mrs. Anker (Bernice) Sorenson of Route 1 Pentwater, Mrs. Curtis (Dora) Duchenois of Pentwater, Mrs. Edward (Velma) Johnson of Bitely, 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild, two brothers, Stowell Lawton of Florida and Lloyd Lawton of Holland, one sister, Mrs. Lulu McGhan of Scottville, A son, Milfred preceded her in death in 1947.

    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday from Stephens Chapel. - LARR, MRS. ETHEL, Custer Township
    Funeral services for Mrs. Ethel Larr, who died suddently Friday, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday from Stephens Shapel with Rev. B. A. Wayer of Scottville Free Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery in Scottville. The family will be at the chapel from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight and Sunday to receive friends.

    Ludington Daily News, 9 Mar 1971, Page 2:
    DIES MONDAY IN HART - Orin T. Larr, 88, of South Custer, died Monday morning in Oceana County Hospital in Hart, where he had been a patient for two weeks. He had been in failing health for the past two years.

    He was born Aug. 14, 1882, in Williams County, Ohio, and came to South Custer at the age of four months with his parents. He had resided there since.

    He was married June 5, 1910, to Ethel Lawton, who preceded him in death in 1963.

    Surviving are two sons, Virtol at home and Ernest of South Custer Road; three daughters, Mrs. Edward (Velma) Johnson of Bitely, Mrs. Berniece Sorensen and Mrs. Curt (Dora) Duchenois of South Custer; one brother, Raymond, of Muskegon; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He also was preced in death by his parents and one son, Milford in 1947.

    Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Stephens Chapel.

    Same Page: LARR, ORIN T., South Custer
    Funeral services for Orin T. Larr, who died Monday, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday from Stephens Chapel in Scottville with the Rev. Russell Truesdale officiating. The family will be at the chapel from 7 to 9 today and Wednesday to receive relatives and friends. Interment will be in Brookside Cemetery, Scottville.

    Ethel May LAWTON and Orin Train LARR had the following children:

    94 i. Virtol M.4 LARR was born in Custer, Mason, Michigan 1 MAR 1912. Virtol died 25 AUG 1991 in Ludington, Mason, Michigan, at 79 years of age, and was never married.

    Ludington Daily News, August 27, 1991, Page 2:
    VIRTOL M. LARR - Died Aug. 25, 1991

    Virtol M. Larr, 79, of 2772 S. Kintner Road, Custer, died Sunday at Oakview Medical Care Facility, Ludington.

    Virtol M. Larr was born March 1, 1912, in Custer where he grew up and attended Resseguie School.He farmed in the Custer area, where he lived his whole life.

    Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Bernice Sorensen and Mrs. Dora Duchenois, both of Custer; and Mrs. Edward (Velma) Johnson, Bitely; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Geri Larr, Scottville; several nieces and nephews. Services for Mr. Larr will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Stephens Funeral Chapel, Scottville, with the Rev. David Gauthier officiating. Interment will be in Brookside Cemetery.

    The family will receive friends at the Stephens Funeral Chapel from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 today.

    95 ii. Milford E. LARR was born in Michigan 1913. Milford died unmarried in 1947 at 34 years of age. His body was interred 1947 in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, Brookside Cemetery.

    + 96 iii. Bernice O. LARR was born 29 NOV 1916.

    + 97 iv. Velma A. LARR was born 18 SEP 1919.

    + 98 v. Ernest Allen LARR was born 25 APR 1920.

    + 99 vi. Dora Mae LARR was born 9 MAY 1929.

     

    35. Maud Pearl3 LAWTON (Lyman Pearly2, Henry1) was born in Meauwataka, Colfax Twp, Wexford, Michigan 25 JUL 1885. Maud died 23 DEC 1958 in Midland, Midland, Michigan, at 73 years of age. Her body was interred after 24 DEC 1958 in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, Brookside Cemetery.

    She married Alfred Earl THOMPSON, Sr. in Ludington, Mason,Michigan, 30 APR 1906. Alfred was born in Elyria, Lorain, Ohio 5 NOV 1883, son of Herbert and Elizabeth THOMPSON. Alfred died 11 OCT 1953 in Custer, Mason, Michigan, at 69 years of age. His body was interred 14 OCT 1953 in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, Brookside Cemetery. After all the children were through school, Maud divorced Alfred. She lived in Custer, Michigan.

    Ludington Daily News, October 12, 1953, Page 3:
    CUSTER FARMER TAKEN BY DEATH
    CUSTER--Alfred Thompson, 69, died Sunday afternoon at his farm home in Custer township.

    He was born Nov. 5, 1883 in Sheridan O, came to Custer when he was nine years of age and had lived at his present home since that time.

    Mr. Thompson was a farmer and also served as Custer township highway commissioner for several years.

    Those who survive are four sons, Virl of Cheboygan, Clarence of Scottville, Laurel of Traverse City, and A. Earl of Scottville, three daughters, Mrs. Della Davison of Lapper, Mrs. Dora Schrader of Ludington and Mrs. Jane Cook of Midland; two brothers, George of Twinsburg, O, and Arthur of Bay City; two sisters, Mrs. Lena Hart of Lowell and Mrs. Maude Molineux of Bay City; 10 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday from Steppers? chapel with Harold Bothoven(?) pastor of Custer Baptist chapel officiating. Burial will be in Brookside cemetery, Scottville.

    The family will be at the home from 7 to 98 p.m. tonight and Tuesday. (Part of this obit. was difficult to read on the microfilm.)

    From Historic Mason County, Michigan, 1980, Mason County Historical Society, Taylor Publishing Company, Page 191:
    THOMPSON

    Alfred Earl Thompson was born November 5, 1883 in Elyria, Cuyahoga County, Ohio to Herbert and Elizabeth Thompson. Elizabeth had come from Ireland with her mother. The mother didn't like America and returned to Ireland. Elizabeth remained and married Herbert Thompson. Herbert owned a farm five or six miles south of Custer.

    Alfred Thompson married Maul Pearl Lawton, April 26, 1906 and they lived the majority of their married life on the Conrad Road farm located one and one-half miles south and two miles east of Scottville.

    Maud Pearl Lawton was born to Lyman and Sarah Lawton near Meawatauka, in the Cadillac area of Wexford County July 25, 1885. She came to Mason County with her parents when she was 16 years old. En route they traveled the trader trails.

    To this union were born seven children. The eldest, Della Dennis, taught school four years, then married and moved to Traverse City where she lived two years. She then moved to Lapeer where she now resides.

    Virl Thompson helped with farming and later was employed at Traverse City State Hospital for several years. Then he was put in charge of social services in Cheboygan, Michigan. He is now retired.

    Clarence Thompson has just retired from work at the paper mills in Manistee.

    Doris Thompson is now Mrs. John Schrader and is employed at the Baywood Nursing Home.

    Laurel Thompson resides at Traverse City and is an employee of the hospital.

    Carol June married Richard Cook of Manistee who is employed by Dow of Midland.

    Alfred Earl Thompson Jr. lives at Manistee and is employed at the paper mills.

    Alfred Thompson Sr. farmed and worked at road construction using a team and wagon to haul gravel. Later he bought trucks and worked on construction jobs building the main highways through Mason County. Before the highways were built he kept the road between Scottville and Ludington in good driving condition by driving a team drawn float over the road. This was not a road grader. It was a float to smooth the road. -Della Dennis.

    Midland Daily News, Wednesday, December 24, 1958, Page 8: DIES AT HOME OF DAUGHTER
    Mrs. Maud Thompson, 73, former Scottville resident, died Tuesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Richard Cook, 3810 Lancaster.

    Mrs. Thompson was born July 25, 1885 in Wexford County and, until three years ago, she had made her home in Scottville. She came to Midland in 1955 to make her home with her daughter.

    She is also survived by several other children.

    Funeral services, as yet incomplete, are to be held in Scottville. The Stevens Funeral Home, Scottville, is in charge of arrangements.

    Maud Pearl LAWTON and Alfred Earl THOMPSON Sr. had the following children:

    100 i. Della H.4 THOMPSON was born in Lapeer, Lapeer, Michigan 25 MAR 1909. Della died 7 APR 2000 at 91 years of age. She married Ulysses Grant "Jake" DENNIS after 1930. Ulysses was born in Lapeer, Lapeer, Michigan 14 JAN 1902. Ulysses died 10 MAR 1993 in Rich Twp, Lapeer, Michigan, at 91 years of age. His body was interred MAR 1993 in North Branch, Michigan, Maple Grove Cemetery. In 1930 Della was a school teacher. She and Jake lived in Attica, Lapeer Co, Michigan.

    + 101 ii. Virl E. THOMPSON was born 1 SEP 1912.

    + 102 iii. Clarence R. THOMPSON was born 21 JUL 1914.

    + 103 iv. Doris L. THOMPSON was born 6 JUL 1916.

    + 104 v. Laurel L. THOMPSON was born 31 MAR 1918.

    + 105 vi. Carol "June" THOMPSON was born 17 JUN 1923.

    + 106 vii. Alfred "Earl" THOMPSON Jr. was born 10 JAN 1926.

     

    36. Lula Elizabeth3 LAWTON (Lyman Pearly2, Henry1) was born in Meauwataka, Colfax Twp, Wexford, Michigan 29 MAY 1887. Lula died 12 JUN 1972 in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, at 85 years of age. Her body was interred 15 JUN 1972 in Tallman, Mason, Michigan, Tallman Cemetery.

    She married Oscar Perry MC GHAN in Scottville, Mason, Michigan, 28 JUN 1908. Oscar was born in Newaygo Co, Michigan 27 NOV 1884. Oscar died MAY 1910 in Michigan, at 25 years of age. His body was interred 1910 in Tallman, Mason, Michigan, Tallman Cemetery. Lula was a teacher in a country school for 44 years, and according to Iva Calkins, her niece, was a good one. She had quit for a short time when she married and the couple moved to Ludington, where Oscar worked in a basket factory. After the birth of their first child, Oscar died of tuberculosis, and Lula moved to Scottville, Michigan.

    Ludington Daily News, June 13, 1971, Page 2:
    MRS. LULA MC GHAN - Mrs. Lula E. McGhan, 85, of 105 Gay St., Scottville, died Monday at the Taylor Nursing Home where she had been a patient for 2 1/2 weeks.

    She was born May 29, 1887, in Wexford County.

    She moved to Mason County in 1900, and had resided in Scottville since 1923.

    She taught in area schools for 44 years, retiring in 1954.

    Her teaching career included 26 years in Victory Township. She also did much private tutoring.

    Mrs. McGhan was a member of the Retired Teachers Association.

    Surviving are a granddaughter, Mrs. Kathleen Watchorn, Flint; three grandsons, Harlan McGhan, Richmond, Va., and Barry and Michael McGhan, both of Flint; three great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

    She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar, in 1910, and by a son Lawrence, in 1970.

    A scholarship in the name of Lawrence and Lula McGhan was established in 1970 at West Shore Community College. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions directly to the scholarship fund at the college.

    Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday in the Stephens Chapel at Scottville with burial in Tallman Cemetery.

    The family will be at the chapel from 7 to 9 p.m. today and Wednesday.

    Lula Elizabeth LAWTON and Oscar Perry MC GHAN had the following child:

    + 107 i. Lawrence Oliver4 MC GHAN was born 19 AUG 1909.

     

    37. Winifred Emma3 LAWTON (Lyman Pearly2, Henry1) was born in Meauwataka, Colfax Twp, Wexford, Michigan 5 SEP 1892. Winifred died 8 JUL 1952 in Eden Twp, Mason, Michigan, at 59 years of age. Her body was interred JUL 1952 in Custer, Mason, Michigan, Old Riverside Cemetery.

    She married William Riley "Tim" STANDISH in Ludington, Mason, Michigan, 11 SEP 1918. William was born in Jamestown Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 15 OCT 1878. William died 16 MAR 1944 in Eden Twp, Mason, Michigan, at 65 years of age. His body was interred 22 MAR 1944 in Custer, Mason, Michigan, Old Riverside Cemetery. William died of a heart attack. The couple lived in Scottville, Michigan.

    Ludington Daily News, March 16, 1944, Page 5:
    WILLIAM STANDISH CLAIMED BY DEATH - William Standish, Eden township farmer, passed away this morning at his home, one-half mile east of Jenks school.

    Mr. Standish was born Oct. 15, 1878, at Jamestown in Ottawa county. He lived near Shelby until 1910 when he came to Mason county where he has since resided.

    Sept. 11, 1919 he was married to Miss Winnie Lawton, who with their three children, survives. The children are Mrs. Iva Calkins of South Custer and Earl and Marshall at home.

    Also surviving is a sister, Mrs. Roena Elliott of Shelby.

    The body has been brought to the Stephens Funeral home where it will remain until the service Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Funeral home. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery, Custer.

    Ludington Daily News, July 9, 1952, Page 5:
    DIES SUDDENLY AT FARM HOME - Mrs. Winifred Standish, 59, died suddenly Tuesday at her home in Eden Township.

    Winifred Lawton was born in Wexford county Sept. 5, 1892, coming to Mason county with her parents when she was seven years old. They lived in South Custer and she attended Resseguie school.

    On Sept. 11, 1918, she was married to William Standish of Scottville. The couple moved to a farm in South Custer, where Mr. Standish died several years ago.

    Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. John Calkins of South Custer; two sons, Earl Standish who lives at the Eden farm and Pfc. Marshall Standish who is stationed at Grafenwohr, Germany; three sisters, Mrs. Lulu McGhan and Mrs. Maude Thompson of Scottville and Mrs. Ethel Larr of South Custer; two brothers, Stowell Lawton of Muskegon and Lloyd Lawton of Ludington.

    The body is at Stephens funeral home in Scottville, funeral arrangements pending word from the son in Germany.

     

    Winifred Emma LAWTON and William Riley "Tim" STANDISH had the following children:

    + 108 i. Iva S.4 STANDISH was born 23 JUN 1919.

    + 109 ii. Earl William STANDISH was born 21 DEC 1920.

    110 iii. Roy Lyman STANDISH was born 1923. Roy died 1923 at less than one year of age. His body was interred 1923 in Mason Co, Michigan, Brookside Cemetery.

    111 iv. Marshall Riley STANDISH was born in Custer Twp, Mason, Michigan 18 AUG 1926. Marshall died 6 JAN 1985 in Ludington, Mason, Michigan, at 58 years of age. His body was interred 9 JAN 1985 in Custer, Mason, Michigan, Riverside Cemetery. He had been a private, first class in the US Army in the Korean Conflict.

    Ludington Daily News, Monday, January 7, 1985, Page 3:
    MARSHALL STANDISH
    Marshall R. Standish, 58, of 6490 E. Marshall Road, route 1, Fountain died Sunday, Jan. 6 at Memorial Medical Center.

    He was born Aug. 18, 1926 in Custer Township. He attended Jenks and Resseguie schools and later attended Custer High School. He was a lifetime resident of Mason County.

    He served in the U.S. Army with the military police in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was employed with Harry Soule Landscaping Company for several years.

    Surviving are a sister, Mrs. John (Iva) Calkins of Custer; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Earl (Florence) Standish of Tallman with whom he made his home; two nieces, Mrs. Scott (Ardith) Empie of Walhalla and Mrs. Ronald (Judy) Sorensen of Tallman; two nephews, Earl Standish, Jr. of Walhalla and Kerry Calkins of Grand Rapids.

    The funeral for Mr. Standish will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Stephens Funeral Chapel, Scottville with the Rev. Frederick Stewart officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Custer.

    The family will be at the funeral chapel to receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. -Stephens, Scottville.

     

    39. Arthur J.3 LAWTON (Silas Wright2, Henry1) was born in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 23 SEP 1875. Arthur died 15 MAY 1938 in Grand Traverse Co, Michigan, at 62 years of age. His body was interred 19 MAY 1938 in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery. (No gravestone for him was found in Nunica.)

    He married Ada M. WISEMAN in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, 1 JAN 1896. Ada was born Ottawa Co, Michigan OCT 1873, the daughter of Geo. W. and Allie B. (Lillie) WISEMAN. Ada died 3 OCT 1928 in Muskegon Co, Michigan, at 54 years of age. Arthur was an engineer at the time of his wedding to Ada in 1896. They lived in Fruitport, and in 1920 he was listed as a blacksmith.

    The Grand Rapids Press, May 17, 1938, Page 18:
    LAWTON - Arthur Lawton, aged 62, of Muskegon, Mich. passed away Monday. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Beatrice Kieft; a sister, Mrs. Edith Pond of Flint; a brother, A.W. Lawton of Milwaukee. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Workman Funeral Home. Burial in Nunica. (No stone found for him in Nunica.)

    Arthur J. LAWTON and Ada M. WISEMAN had the following children:

    112 i. Stanley4 LAWTON was born in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 19 SEP 1897. Stanley died 20 SEP 1897 in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, a stillborn baby.

    113 ii. Nelley LAWTON was born 1898. Nelley died 1898 at less than one year of age. Her body was interred 1898 in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery.

    114 iii. Lillian Alice LAWTON was born in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 19 JUL 1899. Lillian died 13 AUG 1899 in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, at less than one year of age. Her body was interred AUG 1899 in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery.

    + 115 iv. Beatrice Ida LAWTON was born 18 SEP 1901.

    116 v. Myrtle LAWTON was born 30 OCT 1903. Myrtle died 30 OCT 1903 at less than one year of age.

    117 vi. Reginald LAWTON was born in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan 19 MAR 1907 and died the same day. His body was interred 19 MAR 1907 in Crockery Twp, Ottawa, Michigan, Nunica Cemetery.

     

    41. William D.3 LAWTON (Silas Wright2, Henry1) was born in Polkton Twp, Ottawa, Michigan 19 JUN 1880. William died 18 OCT 1937 Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan, at 57 years of age. His body was interred 22 OCT 1937 in Paris Twp, Kent, Michigan, Rest Lawn Cemetery.

    He married Mary M. BARTLETT in Nunica, Ottawa, Michigan, 21 SEP 1907. Mary was born in Hudsonville, Ottawa, Michigan 1 JAN 1885, the daughter