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UMLOR, Steven Edward & Jeanette Ann VEEN
Marriage notice –
Muskegon Chronicle September 17, 2001 page 3B

Information donated by  Barbara Hill  

URBAN,Paul & Jennifer,
Muskegon
Birth notice - a boy,at Mercy General, Muskegon Chronicle,Sept 22,2001,Page 5B

Information donated by  Joanne Wood

VALK, Drewes A.
Obituary
June 14, 1921 – Fourth Street Barber for Years Interesting Figure In Convention – Drewes A. Valk, aged 75, for many years a figure in Muskegon politics, especially in the old convention days, died at his home 117 Fourth street, Monday night of complications following an attack of pneumonia.  Mr. Valk had been a resident of Muskegon for 55 years and for 21 years he conducted a barber shop at 119 Fourth street.  He had been more of less active until a f ew weeks before his death.  Mr. Valk, with his large following in the so-called Holland wards in the old days was an interesting figure in political circles in Muskegon.  In the convention days he was considered a power to be reckoned with by candidates that sought political favor.  The coming of the primary saw the political power pass to a large extent, although even until he was taken ill  a few weeks ago Mr. Valk devoted much interest to politics.  In the olden days when Mr. Valk operated his barber shop, the place was frequently visited by politicians and candidates who sought favor.  In those days it is said that many of the political conferences took place at the shop.  Even during the campaign last fall Mr. Valk was more or less active, especially for Congressman James C. McLaughlin who was a close friend.  Came To Muskegon – Mr. Valk was born in Groningen, Holland, and was an only son.  He had four sister, one of whom survives, she being Mrs. H. Vos, Strong avenue.  He came to the United States in 1869, coming direct to Muskegon.  He was married the same year to Grietje Kuipers of Muskegon.  For several years Mr. Valk was employed in the mills and in 1884 he starte his barber shop.  At the end of 21 yeaars the shop was taken over by his son, John, and operated by him until two years ago.  Mr. Valk had not been active for the past 20 years in business, although occasionally he assisted his son in the shop.  Mr. Valk is survived by a widow, six sons, Allen, Eben, John Walter, Dan and Otto and two daughters, Mrs. E.G. Carter and Miss Jennie Valk, all residents of Muskegon.  He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  The funeral will be held from the residence, 117 Fourth street, Thursday afternoon at 3:15.  Burial will take place in Oakwood cemetery.  Friends have been requested to please omit flowers. Information was found in the “People’s Scrapbook” located in the Genealogy Room at Hackley Public Library.

Information donated by Barbara Hill 

VALLI, Eva S. (Mrs.) Weatherby
Obituary
Muskegon Chronicle  Valli (Morris) Mrs.  Eva S.  Muskegon  Mrs. Eva S. (Morris) Valli, 91, went to be with her Lord MON. March 25, 1991.  She was born March 12, 1900, in Big Rapids & had lived most of her life in the Muskegon area.  The former Eva S. Weatherby, she married Jack Morris on March 25, 1916, & he preceded her in death March 11, 1940.  ON May 17, 1941, she married Hugo M. Valli at Muskegon & he preceded her in death Feb. 2, 1978.  Mrs. Valli was a member of Grace Memorial Baptist church.  She is survived by 2 sons; Walter (& Genevieve) Morris of Muskegon, Jack (& Berniece) Morris of Ft. Smith, AR; 3 daughters; Virginia (Morris) (&Talbert) McClure, Doreen (Morris) Gassaway & Sharon (Valli) (& Fil) Herrera all of Muskegon; 28 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren & a sister Lila Cunningham of Muskegon,.  She was preceded in death by 2 children: Robert & Genevieve.  Services will be held Wed. at 1PM from the Sytsema Chapel with Pastor David L. Schaeffer officiating.  Burial will be in Sunrise Mem'l Gardens.  Visitation today; 3-5 & 7-9 PM.  Suggested Memorial Grace Memorial Baptist Church Penny Fund.  -Sytsema

Information donated by Anita Pugh 

VANDERLINDE, Andrew “Doc”
Obituary
Muskegon Chronicle  Muskegon, Michigan  6 September 1979  Page 39
1144 E. Forest Ave.  Mr. Andrew “Doc” Vanderlinde, 75 years, died Wednesday morning.  He was a native of Muskegon, born June 26, 1904, and had lived his life in this area.  On April 25, 1942, he married H. Matilda Lippenga, whose death occurred in September, 1973.  He married Angie Winsemius November 27, 1974, and she also preceded him in death in July, 1979.  Before his retirement, Mr. Vanderlinde was self-employed as a Builder and Contractor.  He was a member of First Christian Reformed Church.  During WW II, he served in the U.S. Army.  His SURVIVORS include a brother, Clarence Vanderlinde of North Muskegon; 3 step-sons, Russell Winsemius of Muskegon, Jerry Winsemius of Stevensville, MI, and Bruce Winsemius of California; step-grandchildren; nieces, and nephews.  The FUNERAL RITES for Mr. Vanderlinde will be Friday afternoon, 1:00 o’clock, in the Garden Chapel of the Achterhoff Mortuary with his pastor, Rev. Ecko DeVries, officiating.  VISITATION:  Family present 2 to 4 o’clock this afternoon and 7 to 9 o’clock this evening.  --Achterhoff.

Information donated by Matt Burns  

Vanderven, Hubert C. (Mr.)
Obituary
Muskegon Chronicle, Muskegon, Michigan, Thursday, September 20, 2001 page 4B
Muskegon - Mr.Hubert C. VanderVen, age 84, died Wednesday, September 19, 2001.  He was born in Grand Haven, MI on September 19, 1917 to Albert & Tracey (Boomgard) VanderVen & married the former Daisy Bonema in Muskegon on November 6, 1943.  Mr. VanderVen served his country in US Army during WWII.  He worked at Shaw Walker prior to retiring & was a member of Westwood Reformed Church.  Survivors - Wife, Daisy; daughter, Kay (Arthur) Cummings of Jupiter, FL; son, Greg (Joy) VanderVen of N. Muskegon; grandchildren, Chad & Jordan VanderVen, Meghan & Ross Cummings; sister , Agnes (Arnold) Kolberg of Grand Haven.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  Service - Friday, September 21, 2001, 2:30pm at the Clock Chapel with Rev. David D. Willerup officiating.  Interment at Oakwood Cemetery.  Visitation - Friends may meet with the family one hour prior to the service at the Clock Funeral Home.  Memorial:  American Cancer Society or Westwood Reformed Church.

Information donated by  Anita Pugh  

VEEN, Jeanette Ann & Steven Edward UMLOR
Marriage notice –
Muskegon Chronicle September 17, 2001 page 3B

Information donated by  Barbara Hill  

Vogel, Peter
Obituary
Muskegon Chronicle,  Saturday, June 13, 1891 Death of a Pioneer  Peter Vogel died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Peter Schuler, No. 37 W. Isabella street, at 3:30 o’clock this morning at the age of 83 years and six months.  He leaves two daughters, Mrs. Schuler and Mrs. Jacob Hetz, of Chicago.  He had been a resident of Muskegon for upwards of thirty-five years.  The funeral will take place from St. Joseph’s church Monday Morning at nine o’clock.

Information donated by Bill Moore  

VOGEL, Mrs. Virgina M "Ginger" / GUNN
Obituary for Virginia M. (Vogel) Gunn, Muskegon Chronicle, October 25, 1994 GUNN, MRS. VIRGINA M. “GINGER” Norton Shores Mrs. Virgina M. “ginger” Gunn, age 57, died early Sunday morning, October 23, 1994. The former Miss Virgina M. Vogel was born on April 8, 1937 in Muskegon, Michigan and married Mr. Kyren A. Gunn on August 8, 1959. She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a member of its Altar Society and the Catholic Daughters of American Court #599. Ginger had been employed at Straayer’s Pharmacy for over 17 years. Survivors include her husband, Kyren, her three daughters, Barbara Hartman of Holt, Kimberly (Jerry) Weigold of Farmington, and Anne-Marie Gunn of Grand Rapids; three grandsons, Scott, Matthew, and Eric Hartman of Holt; her brother, Robert (Barbara) Vogel of Muskegon; her two sisters, Barbara (Robert) Schucker and Jeri Mackey, both of Muskegon; several nieces and nephews; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arthur and Philomena Gunn of Muskegon. She was preceded in death by her son, Patrick A. Gunn on January 5, 1991. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 o’clock Wednesday morning at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Father John A. Johnson, as Celebrant. Entombment will be made in St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation hours today from 2 to 4 o’clock at the Pachesney-Jend Funeral Home, and from 7 to 9 o’clock this evening at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where a Scriptural Rosary will be prayed at 7 o’clock. Memorial: The Patrick A. Gunn Memorial Scholarship Fund with the Muskegon Catholic Education Foundation, inc.            -----------------Pachesny-Jend, 722-2488

Information donated by Bob Nordstrand

Vozeng, Vincent
Marriage license
Muskegon News Chronicle,  7 March 1912 #8229 - Vincent Vozeng, 26, Muskegon Heights; Mona Latacki, 27, Muskegon Heights

Information donated by Bill Moore

Waldron, Albert
Obituary
Muskegon Daily Chronicle, Muskegon, Michigan Wednesday, January 20, 1904, page 1 
A WALDRON DIES  END COMES THIS AFTERNOON TO HIS LONG AND PAINFUL ILLNESS  Albert Waldron, after a long illness and prolonged suffering, died this afternoon a few minutes before 3 o’clock at his residence in the Lewis block on First street.  Mr. Waldron was born in Ogdensburg, N.Y., February 6, 1842 and came to Muskegon almost forty years ago.  He was well known in business and social circles and leaves a host of friends.  His health has been seriously impaired for several years and during this time his sufferings have been very great.  His cheerfulness and fortitude in his illness were remarkable.  He leaves a widow and five children as follows: Mrs. O.S. Hopperstead, city; Mrs. F.A. Fredericks, Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. E.D. Chinn, Whatcom, Wash.; Albert, Seattle, Wash., and Margaret, city.

Information donated by Bill Moore  

Wallace, William
Obituary
Muskegon Chronicle, Muskegon, Michigan 16 January 1904  WILLIAM WALLACE’S BODY BROUGHT HERE FOR BURIAL  The body of William Wallace, who was killed by falling down an elevator shaft in Heyman’s Department Store in Grand Rapids last Wednesday, was brought here on the 4:55 interurban train from Grand Rapids this afternoon.  The funeral will be held from the house at 101 Walton street at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon.  Wallace came to this city last June from Anderson, Indiana, where he had been employed in an undertaking establishment.  In November, he went to Grand Rapids and obtained employment in the Heyman store.

Information donated by Bill Moore  

WARD-Joshua David & Lori Ann MEYERS
Birth notice - Muskegon, a boy, at Hackley, Muskegon Chronicle,Sept.20,2001, Page 4B

Information donated by Joanne Wood  

WARRILOW, Denise Darlene & Darrell Dwayne WYATT
Marriage notice – Muskegon Chronicle September 17, 2001 page 3B

Information donated by  Barbara Hill  

WELCH - Elmer
from Virginia. Divorce Defendant may resume her maiden name.- Muskegon Chronicle, 9 July 1963

Information donated by Bill Moore  

Wells, William
Obituary
Muskegon Chronicle,  6 April 1916 William Wells, aged 69, died this morning at his home, 80 Prospect street, after a short illness.  Mr. Wells was born in Syracuse, N.Y. coming to Michigan 57 years ago.  He located first in Hillsdale, Mich. and was married 11 years ago yesterday at Holland, Mich. to Miss Elsie M. Anderson.  He was a member of Lovell Moore Lodge No. 182, F. and A.M. Mizpah Chapter, No. 88, order of the Eastern Star also of Muskegon Commandery, No. 22; K.T. Bethesda Shrine No. 21, W.S. of J., and the Saladin Temple.  He was a 32nd degree Mason.  He was also a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.  He enlisted in the Union army in the Civil war in 1863, serving through the war.  He leaves his widow.  The funeral announcements will be made later.

Information donated by Bill Moore  

WEST-James & Candace JONES  
Birth notice - a boy, at Mercy General Oak Campus, Muskegon Chronicle, Sept.20,2001, Page 4B

Information donated by Joanne Wood  

WHEELER, George
Article
SCHOONER NORTH CAROLINA - Muskegon Reporter, June 9, 1859 - PROBABLE LOSS OF THE SCHOONER NORTH CAROLINA, WITH ALL ON BOARD - The schooner North Carolina left Black Lake in this county, on the evening of the 26th ult., which, our readers will remember, was the evening preceding the late violent gale on Lake Michigan, bound for Milwaukee.  Aaron Ingraham, Esq., George Wheeler, and two other passengers, whose names we did not learn, and a crew of seven men were on board.  The principal part of her freight was rail road ties.  She has not since been heard of, and as we understand from Capt. Johnson, of the Kitty Grant , that on Sunday last he saw a large quantity of rail road ties floating in Lake Michigan, about twenty miles from Black Lake, some of which were picked up by his men, but they were unable to find any marks or other means of identifying them. Mr. Ingraham was last year the Supervisor of Township of Norton, was part owner of the steam mill at Black Lake, known as the Ingraham mill, and was a man universally respected.

Information donated by Bill Moore  

WHEELER, John B.
Obituary
Muskegon Reporter, June 17, 1859 - DIED   In this village, on the morning of the 12th inst. JOHN B. WHEELER, of the firm of Wheeler & Hugunin, in the 28th year of his age.   Seldom has the decease of one of our citizens caused more emotion in our midst, or deprived us of one whose claims to our respect and affection were better founded upon his virtues.  Coming to Muskegon, in the summer of 1853, he commenced a business, small in itself, but which, by his strict integrity and methodical business habits, soon became lucrative, and his exemplary and upright life soon formed for him a circle of warm and admiring friends.  With these, and with other of his later acquaintances, the bond of friendship widened and strengthened to the day of his death.   In 1854, upon the resignation of Postmaster Walton, Mr. Wheeler was appointed to the charge of that office by President Pierce, and he continued to fulfill the duties of his station with courtesy and public satisfaction, until his removal in 1857.   During this period he was elected to the office of Town Clerk which he also ably filled.   In 1857 his health seriously began to fail.  A bronchial infection insidiously extended its ravages, and unfitted him during the summer of that year for active duty.  From that time he slowly but surely faded.  Eminent physicians were consulted and the benefits of Hydropathy were applied, but Nature refused to restore his blighted strength and on Sabbath morning his spirit took its flight to the better land.  On Monday afternoon his funeral ceremonies were held at the Methodist Church, and under the ministrations of the Rev. Wm. Rounseville.   After a sermon, impressive, yet filled with consolations to his weeping friends, he was placed in his last tenement, deeply mourned by the large concourse, which accompanied his remains.   Mr. Wheeler was one of the first Trustees of the Methodist Church in this place, and his obsequies were the first since the dedication of that church.

Information donated by Bill Moore  

WHELPLEY, Mrs. Edith Rachel / WEBSTER
Obituary
Muskegon Chronicle Muskegon Michigan Whelpley, Mrs. Edith Rachel 2821 Eight St. Muskegon Hts.  Mrs. Edith Rachel Whelpley, age 86, died Thursday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Beverly Scott. She was born May 17, 1896 in Muskegon Hits.  and lived here all her life. The former Edith Rachel Webster married Wilber T. Whelpley July 15, 1916 in Muskegon Hts., who preceded her in death October 23, 1981. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Muskegon. Survivors include 1 son, Thomas A. Whelpley of New Lothrop, MI; 1 daughter, Mrs. Beverly L. Scott of Muskegon; 5 Grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Whelpley will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1070 Quarterline Rd. Monday 1:30 P.M., Rev. John H. Brown officiating.  She will be laid to rest in Mona View Cemetery.  Friends may meet with the family beginning Saturday 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 P.M. and Sunday 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. Those desiring to express their sympathy are asked to consider the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund envelopes available at the funeral home.--Lee

Information donated by Margaret M. Leafe  

Williams, Mrs. Emma A. / MOORE
Obituary
Muskegon Chronicle, Muskegon, Michigan December 13, 1928 Mrs. Emma Williams Here 42 Years Dies  Mrs. Emma A. Williams, 60 years old, widow of Dr. George S. Williams died Wednesday at Mercy Hospital after an illness of one year.  She was born Oct. 18, 1868 in Scoharrie, NY., and moved to Lakeview, Michigan with her parents where she grew to womanhood and was married to Edwin E. Andrus in 1885.  They settled in Muskegon.  Mr. Andrus died in 1914 in this city.  In 1915 she was married to Dr. George S. Williams at Muskegon.  Dr. Williams died in 1919.  Mrs. Williams was a member of First Congregational Church, and the Muskegon Woman's Club.  She leaves one daughter, Mrs. M.E. Page of Muskegon; three grandchildren and two brothers, Fred Moore of Portland, OR., and Frank E. Moore of Lakeview.

Information donated by William & Barbara Hill  

WILLIAMSON, Mrs. Millia / PERMELIA-FARRER
Obituary
Dies in Her Ninety-third Year  Mrs. Millie Williamson  Nettleton's Corners  Passed Away May 25^th.  Funeral service for Mrs. MIllie Willimson who passed away at her home in East Jordon, May 25, 1951, after an illness of four weeks from a heart condition, were held Monday, May 28, from Watson's Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Thompson.  Bearers were Fred Moore, John Hoffman, Robert Evans and Irvin Reed.  Interment at Sunset Hill.   Mrs. Williamson was born Millia (Permelia) Farrer March 2, 1858 at Richfield Springs, New York, later moved with parents to Mecosta, Mich.  She also lived at Central Lake before coming to East Jordon.   On June 28, 1874 she was married to George Reed at Mecosta, who passed away in 1917, and in 1921 was married to Sam Williamson at East Jordan who passed away April 30, 1930.  Her occupation consisted of being a house wife and mother. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Lilly McMillen, (McMillan) Trout Lake; Mrs. Emaline (Emeline) Anderson, Twin Lake.  Six sons:  Andrew Reed and Ira Reed, Bendon; Aseph Reed, Newberry, Sylvester Reed, Newaygo; Roy Reed, British Columbia, Canada; and Irvin Reed (Irvin was her grandson, son of  Emeline), East Jordon. Forty Grand children, 140 great grand children and 63 great great grand children and many other relatives.  Relatives from away who attended the funeral were:  Winifred Mercer, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Telgenhoff and family, Cadillac: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Reed and family, Ira Reed, Bendon; Thomas McCarry and family, Echerman; Robert Anderson Twin Lake; George Hall and family, Greenville; Mr and Mrs. Aseph Reed, Newberry; Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Reed, Newaygo; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert McCarry and family, Mr. and Mrs. William Reed and family Bendon; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Vincent, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis McMillan, Mrs. Lillian McMillan, Trout Lake; Dale Jewett, Newaygo; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson Twin Lake.  Albert Grant, Ellis (Alice) Cummingham (Cunningham), Agnes Oaks (Ochs), Mr. and Mrs. Orville Lanour (LaNore), Muskegon.

Information donated by: Anita Pugh  

Wilson, Margaret M.
Marriage License
Muskegon Chronicle, Muskegon, Michigan September 5, 1914  #9390, J. Francis Jacks, 21, city and Margaret M. Wilson, 20, city

Information donated by Bill Moore  

WISSMAN, Mrs. Beatrice / GROW
Obituary
Muskegon Chronicle  Muskegon, Michigan  25 June 1953  Page 12 Heart Attack Takes Life of Mrs. Wissman  Montague, June 25--A heart attack early today unexpectedly caused the death of Mrs. Lloyd Wissman, 35 years old, Montague mother of two.  Mrs. Wissman, a lifelong resident of Montague and a member of a well-known family here, died in her sleep.  She had been in apparently good health.  Born at Montague Oct. 27, 1917, the former Beatrice Grow was married at Montague Oct. 15, 1938.  Besides her husband, she leaves a son, Carl and a daughter, Shirley, at home; her father, Carl Grow of Montague; a sister, Mrs. Hazel Lundquist of Montague and eight brothers, Glen, Kenneth, Dwaine, Everett and Raymond of Montague; Lloyd of Muskegon, John in the Navy and Carl with the Army in Korea.  Funeral rites will be Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the Montague Methodist Church, with Rev. William Brown, officiating.  Burial will be at Oakgrove.  The body is at Purdy Funeral Home.

Information donated by Matt Burns  

Witcher, Mrs. Princella
Obituary
Muskegon Chronicle, Muskegon, Michigan, Thursday, September 20, 2001 page 4B
Muskegon Heights - Funeral Services for First Lady Mrs. Princella Witcher, age 66 will be held Saturday, 12noon, at New Mt. Zion Baptist Church.  Rev. Howard Farrell officiating.  Interment will be Oakwood Cemetery.  All visitation will be at the church, 2117 Baker St. Muskegon Heights, on Thurs. 5-9pm and Fri. 10am-9pm.  Survivors are husband, Rev. James Witcher; 5 daughters, Linda (Jessie) Franklin, Glory Witcher, Sandra Marion, Debra (Paul) Lintz, Wanda (Vernon Sr.) Nash; a brother, Earl Burse; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; her church family; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Information donated by Anita Pugh  

WITHERELL, John Capt.
Obituary
VETERAN CAPTAIN'S LIFE ENDS  John Witherell the Oldest Marine Man Connected With Muskegon.  JOINED FATHER IN MUSKEGON IN 1847  Death This Morning Came After Brief Illness---Was As Well As Usual Up to Last Thursday.   Captain John Witherell, the oldest tug captain on Muskegon lake and one of the most prominent marine men of this city's palmiest lumber days, died at 7:15 this morning at North Muskegon.  Hemorrhage of the brain was the cause of his death.  He was 72 year of age.  In his brief illness he dramatically wandered back to early scenes, talking in the Indian tongue and with uplifted arm giving orders for driving piles or some other labor of years ago.  Well Till Last Thursday   Up to last Thursday Captain Witherell was apparently as well as usual.  That morning he visited with friends on the streets of Muskegon.  Then he trudged across the bridge to the north side of the lake, where he and his wife had been spending the holidays with their son, George Adelbert Witherell.  The next morning he was carried downstairs helpless in his son's arms.  From that time his case was hopeless.   The funeral will be held at 10 o'clock Friday morning at the Central Methodist Episcopal church in Muskegon.   Leaves Three Children   Besides his wife, there survive him three children, Mrs. Frank Towse of Grand Rapids,  G. A. Witherell, of North Muskegon and Mrs. William Kalmbach of Grand Rapids.   Mrs. Fanny Shepherd of this city is a sister.  There are also a brother, Joel C. Witherell, of Conklin, and another sister, Mrs. Anne Kennicott of Shelbyville, Allegan County, who is of present visiting in Grand Rapids.  The brothers and sisters of the family all lived to old age, the only other member being a sister, Mrs. Jane Hodge, who died in Muskegon two years ago.   Father a Settler in 1843   The career of Captain Witherell was very nearly as old as that of the history of the city of Muskegon.  His father settled here in 1847, when there were only six white families and between 300 and 400 half-breed families.  Originally the family came from the state of New York.   Captain Witherell was born at Sparta, Livingston Co., N.Y., November 16, 1834.  At that place his father was a building contractor.  Five years later they moved to St. Charles, Kane County, Ill., where the father erected a large hotel, store buildings and mills.   Captain Witherell's father came to Muskegon in advance of his family which did not arrive until April 17, 1847.  The former made two trips to Chicago by walking on the beach along the shore of Lake Michigan.   Built First Mills in Muskegon   The father was the builder of the first three mills in Muskegon, Stoner's and those on Green Creek and Ruddiman's Creek.  For himself he built a dam and water mill on a creek emptying into the head of what is now known as Mona Lake.   About the mill and the dam Captain Witherell played as a boy.  Then the family prosperity was clouded. A freshet broke through the dam and drove the mill seven feet off from it's foundation.   The damage was repaired at a great loss and the family moved into the village at Christmas time 1857.  Mrs. Witherell in the meantime took charge of the Lasley Mill boarding house.  In the fall they planned to return to Illinois, but the father died on October 9.  The mother lived until 1895.  Because of their misfortune Captain Witherell's schooling was early followed by employment on the lake.  Boy Acts as Captain.  Under the late Captain Mees he worked on a tug and did so well that when Captain Mees was obliged to be absent he asked the boy to act as captain.  At that time Captian Witherell was about 17 years old.   That was the beginning of his long activity as a tug captain.  The boats of which he was in charge were many.   The first he ran officially was the Croton on Grand River.  Among others, he was captain of the Alice Getty, the H. Warner, the A. C. Waters, (which he took for Captain Waters to Michigan City), the Hackley and the McGord*** for Hackley & Hume for ten years.  The Pony for the Muskegon Booming company and the O. N. Field for the Crosby Transportation Company.   His work of towing logs was inconsiderable as compared with that of towing vessels.  In those days Muskegon Harbor was not nearly so safely protected as it is now, and it was not easy to bring a boat into harbor, especially at night.   Seven Vessels in One Tow   As many as seven vessels were towed by him at one time up the lake.  So extended and arduous were the hours of lake traffic that once he and his men worked so long without sleep that they literally fell over.  They were returning from taking a vessel out to the big lake when Captain Witherell noticed something wrong.  Upon stepping down to the engine he found that the engineer and fireman had both fallen back asleep.  He himself could hardly wait to bring the boat up to the first dock so that he could follow their example.   Ferryboat travel was another important part of marine life in those days.  Captain Witherell ran ferryboats both between this city and Bay mill and this city and North Muskegon.  Turned to Resort Boats   When the tug traffic and the ferry boat business waned and he himself grew less vigorous, he took charge of one of the little steamers of the Lake Harbor hotel, which ply up the lake where he had spent his boyhood.  For a number of seasons he ran boats for Proprietor Swett, not discontinuing his boat career until almost two years ago.
 Since then he had resided with his children in Muskegon and Grand Rapids.   Mrs. Witherell who survives him, was formerly Miss Cynthia Shepherd, a sister-in-law of Mrs. Fanny Shepherd.  Their marriage took place in 1852.  **Source:  Muskegon Daily Chronicle  January 9, 1907   Pg 1, Column 1  Continued on Page 7

Information donated by Linda Talbott 

WITHERELL, Mrs. Julia Ann
Obituary
Mrs. Julia Ann Witherell  Mon, Mich., Special, Aug 7, 1895  Mrs. Julia Ann Witherell, aged eighty-eight years died today.  She came to Muskegon in '47 with her husband, J. C. Witherell, who built and operated the first sawmill in this city, it being on Mona Lake.  He also built the first three mills on Muskegon Lake, which afterward became famous for it's numerous saw mills.  Source: Muskegon Weekly Chronicle   August 15, 1895 - Pg. 1, Column 4

Information donated by Linda Talbott

WELLS, Madge (Mrs.) Bowman
Obituary
Former Cleon Treasurer, Dies  Copemish-Madge Wells, 86, of Copemish, MI passed away July 7, 1974 at the Medical Care Facility in Ludington.  She was born September 22, 1887 in Indiana.  Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Thomas (LaVonne) Bair of Chase and Mrs. Henry (Mildred) Somero of Traverse City; four sons, Laverne of Ludington, Raymond and Gordon of Muskegon and William of Copemish, 29 grandchildren and 56 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband Vern in 1928; a daughter Helen Durga in 1967 and a grandson in 1971.  She was Cleon Townships Treasurer for 30 years and was a former member of the Copemish Consolidated School Board.  Funeral services are Tuesday at 1:30 from the Terwilliger Funeral Home with Rev.William Collins officiating.  Burial will be in the Cleaon Township Cemetery.

Information donated by Barbara Hill & Gail B. Hupp  

WOLF, Robert Lamar
Obituary
New Carlisle - Robert Lamar Wolf, 51, or 104 Deerfield Dr., New Carlisle, died at 11:15 p.m. Tuesday in Mercy Medical Center where he had been admitted earlier in the day.  He was born Nov.17, 1924, in Springfield, the son of Lamar and Della (Rice) Wolf, and had been a foreman at the Link Tool Co., Tipp City. A veteran of WWII, he was involved in the Pee Wee Football program in New Carlisle and was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church, Springfield.  Surviviors include his wife, Dolores; a daughter, Sheryl Lynn Wolf, Virginia; one son, Barry Steven Wolf, at home; and his mother of Springfield.  His body was taken to the Trostel-Chapman Funeral Home, New Carlisle, where friends may call from 1-4 and 6-9 p.m. Thursday. Services will be held there at 1 p.m. Friday in charge of the Rev. Kay Glaesner, pastor of the St. John Lutheran Church.  Burial will be in Ferncliff Cemetery

Information donated by William & Barbara Hill

WOLBRINK, Mrs. Viola E. GUNN
Obituary of Viola E (Gunn) Wolbrink, Muskegon Chronicle, 15 Dec. 1994, page 6C WOLBRINK, MRS. VIOLA E. Allendale  Mrs. Viola E. Wolbrink, age 87, went to be with her lord Tuesday December 13, 1994. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Victor Wolbrink, and her son, Ronald George. Surviving