Alta C. Witherell
F, (1858 - 3 November 1931)
Alta was born at Addison, Steuben County, NY, USA, in 1858. Birth according to the 1870 Census of Ossian, Livingston Co, NY. The 1860 census of Addisonm Steuben Co, NY shows her as 3 years old.. She was the daughter of John S. Witherell and Catherine Rolls. She married Saul (Solomon) Horton at Ossian, Livingston County, NY, USA, circa 1876. Alta C. Witherell died on 3 November 1931 at Allegany County, NY, USA. She was buried at Canaseraga Cemetery, at Canaseraga, Allegany County, NY, USA.
Last Edited=25 Aug 2019
Children of Alta C. Witherell and Saul (Solomon) Horton
- Carrie May Horton (1879 - 2 Feb 1972)
- Clifford John Horton (18 Jan 1885 - 17 Feb 1981)
Annie (Joann) Witherell
F, (9 January 1837 - 1 July 1924)
Annie (Joann) Witherell was born on 9 January 1837 at NY, USA. She was the daughter of Joel C. Witherell and Julia Ann Shank. Annie (Joann) Witherell married William B. Kennicott on 1 January 1853 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. Annie (Joann) Witherell died on 1 July 1924 at Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI, USA, at age 87. She was buried at Germond Cemetery, at Wayland Twp, Allegan County, MI, USA.
Last Edited=15 May 2015
Children of Annie (Joann) Witherell and William B. Kennicott
- Julia Georgeann Kennicott (1855 - 15 May 1927)
- George William Kennicott (31 May 1861 - 1 Sep 1910)
Bessy (Bissie) Witherell
F, (28 April 1898 - 15 January 1997)
Bessy (Bissie) Witherell was born on 28 April 1898 at NY, USA.1 She was the daughter of Wells Walter H. Witherell and Emillie Kingsley. Bessy (Bissie) Witherell died on 15 January 1997 at Daytona Beach, Volusia County, FL, USA, at age 98.1
Last Edited=15 Aug 2021
Citations
- [S218] Social Security Death Index 1935- 2014.
Burton Lewis Witherell
M, (31 August 1873 - 21 February 1923)
Burton lewis Witherell
1873-1923
1873-1923
Last Edited=9 Jan 2021
Child of Burton Lewis Witherell and Kittie Mae Bush
- LeGrand Burton Witherell+ (20 Jul 1907 - 1 Nov 1973)
Catherine Rosena Witherell1
F, (19 November 1875 - 1 August 1956)
Catherine Rosena Witherell Smith, taken 1930.
There was always a family mystery as to the parents of my grandmother and she didn't want to talk about it. Her son Leo told Leroy O. Voorkies who passed the information on to Sanford Witherell that she didn't know who her mother was;as if to imply that she did know her father. Her brother Walter was too young to be her father, but brother Charles could have been.
Last Edited=9 Sep 2015
Children of Catherine Rosena Witherell and Edgar Almiron Smith
- Elizabeth May Smith+ (4 Jul 1894 - 20 Sep 1974)
- Edith Catherine Smith+ (23 Apr 1895 - 17 Feb 1955)
- Edgar James (Jim) Smith+ (30 Nov 1898 - 6 Jan 1977)
- Margaret Josephine Smith+ (18 Jul 1901 - 16 Jul 1990)
- Mary Jane Smith+ (10 Mar 1905 - 2 Nov 1990)
- Leo J. Smith+ (15 Dec 1910 - 30 Apr 1988)
- William Carl Smith+ (15 Mar 1915 - 16 May 1984)
Charles E. Witherell
M, (28 June 1857 - 8 July 1919)
Charles E. Witherell was born on 28 June 1857 at Addison, Steuben County, NY, USA. 1860 census of Addison, Steuben Co, NY shows him as 6 years old. 1900 census says Jun 1853.1 He was the son of John S. Witherell and Catherine Rolls. Charles E. Witherell appeared on the census of 1910 at Pleasant View Twp, Emmet County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Charles Witherell, 53, single, born NY, parents born NY; lodger in home of Merritt Ronney, 27; wife Josephine, 21.. He died on 8 July 1919 at Traverse City State Hospital, Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, MI, USA, at age 62.1 He was buried at Pleasant View Cemetery, at Pleasant View Twp, Emmet County, MI, USA.
Charles is buried in Pleasant View Cemetery, Emmet Co, MI.He died at the Traverse City State hospital of Tuberculosis. At the 1880 census he is still in NY, and is not found at the 1900 census.
The Compiler recently found a note in his mother's handwriting, on the back of an envelope and stuck in a Witherell genealogical history. This note said that Walter Witherell bought 80 acres in Section 28, Pleasant View for $240.00 and Charles Witherell bougnt 40 acres in Section 15 for $160.00.
The Compiler is not aware of any marriages but his Death Certificate says that he is a Widower.
Charles is buried in Pleasant View Cemetery, Emmet Co, MI.He died at the Traverse City State hospital of Tuberculosis. At the 1880 census he is still in NY, and is not found at the 1900 census.
The Compiler recently found a note in his mother's handwriting, on the back of an envelope and stuck in a Witherell genealogical history. This note said that Walter Witherell bought 80 acres in Section 28, Pleasant View for $240.00 and Charles Witherell bougnt 40 acres in Section 15 for $160.00.
The Compiler is not aware of any marriages but his Death Certificate says that he is a Widower.
Last Edited=20 Apr 2018
Citations
- [S1009] Charles (Charley) Witherell, Copy.
Charles E. Witherell
M, (26 January 1876 - 17 January 1879)
Charles E. Witherell was born on 26 January 1876 at Ravenna, Muskegon County, MI, USA. He was the son of Joel C. Witherell and Martha M. Green. Charles E. Witherell died on 17 January 1879 at MI, USA, at age 2. He was buried at Ravenna Cemetery, at Ravenna, Muskegon County, MI, USA.
Last Edited=18 Aug 2015
Charles H. Witherell
M, (24 April 1829 - 25 November 1918)
Charles H. Witherell
Last Edited=2 Jun 2013
Children of Charles H. Witherell and Cordelia Ann Lindsey
- George W. Witherell (Mar 1862 - 1943)
- Mary E. Witherell (23 Mar 1866 - Aug 1867)
- William J. Witherell+ (Jan 1868 - 1945)
- Charles H. Witherell+ (25 Mar 1871 - 1952)
- Burton Lewis Witherell+ (31 Aug 1873 - 21 Feb 1923)
Charles H. Witherell
M, (25 March 1871 - 1952)
Charles H. Witherell was born on 25 March 1871 at Ossian, Livingston County, NY, USA. 1900 census. He was the son of Charles H. Witherell and Cordelia Ann Lindsey. Charles H. Witherell married Marie (Mary) L. Covill in 1903 at NY, USA. Married once, 6 years at the 1910 census.. Charles H. Witherell appeared on the census of 1910 at Ossian, Livingston County, NY. The census lists the family as: Charles H. Witherell, 39, married once, 6 years, born NY, parents born NY; wife Marie L., 31, married once, 6 years, 1 child, 1 living, born NY, father born NY, mother born PA; mother-in-law, Clara M. Covill, 54, widow, 5 children, 4 living, born PA, parents born PA.. He died in 1952 at Ossian, Livingston County, NY. He was buried at Ossian Center Cemetery, at Ossian, Livingston County, NY, USA.
Last Edited=28 Feb 2014
Child of Charles H. Witherell and Marie (Mary) L. Covill
- Edwin H. Witherell (1905 - 31 May 1959)
Charles Leslie Witherell
M, (4 June 1879 - 25 August 1972)
Charles Leslie Witherell was born on 4 June 1879 at Cornwall, Addison County, VT, USA. He was the son of Charles Royal Witherell and Flora Elizabeth Stowell. He married Estelle Dana Lane at Cornwall, Addison County, VT, on 18 December 1901. Charles Leslie Witherell died on 25 August 1972 at Middlebury, Addison County, VT, USA, at age 93.1 He was buried at Lake View Cemetery, at Shoreham, Addison County, VT, USA.
Last Edited=27 May 2015
Children of Charles Leslie Witherell and Estelle Dana Lane
- Stuart Theodore Witherell (5 Nov 1906 - 23 Apr 1984)
- Sanford Stowell Witherell Sr.+ (22 Mar 1909 - 22 Oct 2005)
Citations
- [S218] Social Security Death Index 1935- 2014, SS #009-32-6909.
Charles Royal Witherell
M, (October 1848 - 20 January 1927)
Charles Royal Witherell was born in October 1848 at Shoreham, Addison County, VT, USA. He was the son of Royal F. Witherell and Lucy Doolittle. He married Flora Elizabeth Stowell at Shoreham, Addison County, VT, on 19 September 1876. Charles Royal Witherell died on 20 January 1927 at Cornwall, Addison County, VT, USA, at age 78. He was buried at Lake View Cemetery, at Shoreham, Addison County, VT, USA.
Last Edited=8 Sep 2009
Children of Charles Royal Witherell and Flora Elizabeth Stowell
- Stowell Royal Witherell (19 Jun 1877 - 29 Jun 1936)
- Charles Leslie Witherell+ (4 Jun 1879 - 25 Aug 1972)
- Albert Edwin (Edward) Witherell (11 Nov 1881 - Dec 1970)
- Stanley Guy Witherell (17 Nov 1887 - 7 Jan 1984)
- Harold Winthrop (Harry) Witherell (27 Nov 1893 - 27 Aug 1968)
Chirilla Witherell
F, (11 May 1804 - 24 April 1859)
Chirilla Witherell was born on 11 May 1804 at Shoreham, Addison County, VT, USA. She was the daughter of Sylvester Witherell and Abigail Turrill. Chirilla Witherell died on 24 April 1859 at Bridport, Addison County, VT, USA, at age 54. She was buried at Bridport Central Cemetery, at Bridport, Addison County, VT, USA.
Last Edited=29 Nov 2007
Clarissa Witherell
F, (15 March 1809 - 17 April 1876)
Clarissa Witherell was born on 15 March 1809 at Shoreham, Addison County, VT, USA. She was the daughter of Sylvester Witherell and Abigail Turrill. Clarissa Witherell died on 17 April 1876 at Bridport, Addison County, VT, USA, at age 67. VT Vital Records 1720 to 1908.
Last Edited=14 Aug 2016
Cora Witherell
F, (24 April 1872 - 19 March 1878)
Cora Witherell was born on 24 April 1872 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. She was the daughter of John J. Witherell Jr. Capt and Cynthia C. Shepard. Cora Witherell died on 19 March 1878 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, at age 5. Cemetery records say 18 Mar..1 She was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.
Last Edited=14 May 2015
Citations
- [S636] Obituary of Cora Witherell, Muskegon Chronicle, A little six year old daughter of Mr and Mrs John Witherell, of the First Ward, died on Tuesday night.
Dorothy A. Witherell
F, (30 March 1915 - 14 July 2000)
Dorothy A. Witherell was born on 30 March 1915 at NY, USA. Age 6 at the 1920 census.1,2 She was the daughter of William J. Witherell and Sarah F. McLean. Dorothy A. Witherell died on 14 July 2000 at Mount Morris, Livingston County, NY, USA, at age 85.1,2
Wife of Howard Gill.
Wife of Howard Gill.
Last Edited=19 Mar 2017
Ebenezer Witherell
M, (9 July 1801 - 20 August 1803)
Ebenezer Witherell was born on 9 July 1801 at Shoreham, Addison County, VT, USA. He was the son of Sylvester Witherell and Abigail Turrill. Ebenezer Witherell died on 20 August 1803 at Shoreham, Addison County, VT, at age 2.
Last Edited=20 Mar 2007
Edwin H. Witherell
M, (1905 - 31 May 1959)
Edwin H. Witherell was born in 1905 at Canaseraga, Allegany County, NY, USA. Age 5 at the 1910 cemsus. He was the son of Charles H. Witherell and Marie (Mary) L. Covill. Edwin H. Witherell died on 31 May 1959 at Seneca Lake, Seneca County, NY, USA. Edwin Witherell, 54, of Reeds Corners, died unexpectedly May 31, 1959, at Seneca Lake where he and Mrs. Witherell were vacationing. He is survived by his wife, Ethel Peters Witherell; two daughters, Mrs. Joanne Meyers of Dansville and Mrs. Thelma Wampole of Toranto; five grandchildren, and his mother, Mrs. Charles Witherell, Canaseraga.
He was born in Canaseraga and had lived in this area for 36 years. He was a machinist employed by Foster Wheeler Corp.
Services were held Wednesday afternoon, Rev. C. Dalton Scott officiating, burial in Greenmount Cemetery, Dansville.. He was buried at Green Mount Cemetery, at Dansville, Livingston County, NY, USA.
He was born in Canaseraga and had lived in this area for 36 years. He was a machinist employed by Foster Wheeler Corp.
Services were held Wednesday afternoon, Rev. C. Dalton Scott officiating, burial in Greenmount Cemetery, Dansville.. He was buried at Green Mount Cemetery, at Dansville, Livingston County, NY, USA.
Last Edited=22 Aug 2016
Eliza Ann Witherell
F, (1826 - 4 August 1849)
Eliza Ann Witherell was born in 1826 at Ossian, Livingston County, NY, USA. She was the daughter of Joseph Witherell and Mary Polly Fuller. Eliza Ann Witherell died on 4 August 1849.
Last Edited=15 Aug 2021
Evaline E. Witherell
F, (29 August 1880 - 22 March 1946)
Evaline E. Witherell was born on 29 August 1880 at Ossian, Livingston County, NY, USA. 1900 census.1 She was the daughter of Walter Scoon Witherell and Emma Fedelia Cutler. Evaline E. Witherell married John Filer Holdridge in 1899 at NY, USA. Married zero years at the 1900 census and 11 years at 1910 census.. Evaline E. Witherell appeared on the census of 1900 at Grove, Allegany County, NY, USA. The census lists the family as: Evelena Holdridge, aug 1880, 19 married 0 years, 1 child, 1 living, born NY; living with her parents and a niece and nephew. No husband there and a child isnot listed. The child must have been born after the census date. she is also listed elsewhere with her husband but no child.. She died on 22 March 1946 at Canaseraga, Allegany County, NY, USA, at age 65.1 She was buried at Canaseraga Cemetery, at Canaseraga, Allegany County, NY, USA. Buried in the Walker Section of the Cemetery..
The 1900 census says tht she hs been married 0 years and has one child with one living.
The 1900 census says tht she hs been married 0 years and has one child with one living.
Last Edited=26 Aug 2016
Children of Evaline E. Witherell and John Filer Holdridge
- Mildred Shirley Holdridge (18 Mar 1900 - 23 Apr 1989)
- Lester Walter Holdridge+ (1905 - 20 Jan 1964)
- Percy John Holdridge (23 Jul 1907 - 20 May 1975)
- Ethel Mae Holdridge (16 May 1909 - 25 Oct 2001)
- Dorothy Elizabeth Holdridge (4 Feb 1912 - 23 Nov 1987)
Citations
- [S163]
Fanny Witherell
F, (22 February 1804 - 30 August 1850)
Fanny Witherell was born on 22 February 1804 at Shoreham, Addison County, VT, USA. She was the daughter of Joseph Witherell and Mary Polly Fuller. Fanny Witherell married Amos Deming on 10 June 1821. Fanny Witherell died on 30 August 1850 at Berea, Cuyahoga County, OH, USA, at age 46. She was buried at Axe Factory Cemetery, at Norwalk, Huron County, OH, USA.
Last Edited=22 Aug 2016
Family: Fanny Witherell and Amos Deming
Fanny Witherell
F, (25 June 1830 - 24 February 1909)
Fanny Witherell was born on 25 June 1830 at Sparta, Livingston County, NY, USA. Age 29 at the 1860 census of Muskegon, MI. She was the daughter of Joel C. Witherell and Julia Ann Shank. Fanny Witherell married James Shepard on 4 August 1861 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. Married by George A. Kilbourn, JP in Muskegon.. Fanny Witherell appeared on the census of 1880 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI. The census lists the family as: Fannie Shephard, 50, born NY, father born VT, mother born NY; she is living with her mother Julia A. Witherell, age 73 in Muskegon. MI.. She died on 24 February 1909 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, at age 78. CAME TO MUSKEGON
WHEN IT WAS A HAMLET
MRS. FANNY SHEPHERD ARRIVED
IN 1847-RESIDENCE CONTINUOUS.
DEATH CAME LAST NIGHT
Pioneer Reached Age of 78 Years-Worked at Tailoring for Four Decades.
_____
Mrs. Fanny Shepherd, who came to Muskegon to live in the "40's", and who was one of the founders of the Central Methodist Episcopal church, died at 8:45 last evening at Hackley hospital. She had been ill all winter and because of her advanced age, her condition was considered hopeless. Four weeks ago was moved from her residence at 6 Prince street to Hackley hospital for especial care.
Mrs. Shepherd was the daughter of one of the first settlers of Muskegon. Her maiden name was Fanny Witherell. She was born at Sparta, Livingston Co., N.Y. June 25, 1830. When nine years old she came west with her parents to live. They settled in St. Charles in Kane County, Ill.
It was in 1847 that the family moved to Muskegon, her father selling a fine farm to do so. He built three early mills. They were what was known as Stanner's mills, and two others situated on Green's creek and Ruddiman's creek.
Built Water Mill
Afterwards, he built for himself a dam and water mill on a creek emptying into the head of what is now known as Mona Lake. It was not long, however, before the family prosperity was clouded. A freshet broke through the dam and drove the mill seven feet off from its foundation. The damage was repaired at a great loss.
The result was that at Christmas time in 1857, the family moved into the villiage, and Mrs. Shepherd's mother took charge of the Lasley boarding house.
Center of Social Life
The latter speedily became one of the centers of pioneer social life. Mrs. Shepherd thus formed many pleasant memories that in after years she enjoyed repeating to those about her, for she was one of Muskegon's early belles.
The family then owned extensively of real estate situated in what is now the heart of the city. From Terrace Street to the Lumberman's bank belonged to them, and they built a boarding house there.
Later, a house was erected by them at 34 E. Muskegon avenue, where Mrs. Shepherd resided until she moved to Prince street eleven years ago.
In 1863 she married James Shepherd. Her husband was employed on the t***ing Muskegon boom holding the office of foreman of the pens. He only lived two years after their wedding, however, and then her long widowhood began.
Became a Tailoress
She took up the work of tailoring and became very skilled in it. All these many years she had plied her needle and continuously for one establishment. The latter is what the present clothing firm of T. B. Callan, previously that of Callan & Dratz, and prior to that the concern of William Herbst & Co.
Such a life of unremitting toil in now way interfered with her naturally sunny disposition, however, and few homes in Muskegon were there as cheerful to visit as the little cottage on Prince street, where Mrs. Shepherd sat so constantly with her needle and her reminiscences.
All of her spare moments were given to her church of which both she and her mother were charter members and to which she was devoted.
Quite a number of relatives are gathering here to attend the funeral. The include the following: Joel Witherell of Conklin, a brother, with his daughters and son; Mrs. William McCord of Grand Rapids, Mrs. Edward Burns and John Witherell of Conklin; Mrs. William Kennicott of Shelbyville, Allegan county, a sister with her daughter Mrs. H. B. Miller of Grand Rapids; Mrs. John Witherell of Grand Rapids, the widow of Mrs. Shepherd's brother, Captain John Witherell and also a sister of her husband; Mrs. W. B. Kallmbach of Grand Rapids, and George Witherell of Dalton, a daughter and son of Mrs. John Witherell; and Mrs. H. B. Bowler of Grand Rapids, a daughter of Mrs. Jane Hodge, the latter being a sister of mrs. Shepherd who died three years ago.
The funeral will be held at the parlors of the Central Methodist Episcopal church at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
. She was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.
The following is more material gathered by Linda Talbott.
Muskegon Daily Chronicle
Feb 25, 1909.
Social life of Muskegon in the 1850s was described in a June 10, 1899 Chronicle article by Mrs. Fanny Shepherd, who arrived here in 1847 at age 17.
"In April, '47, I came here. I wasn't quite 17 at the time. My father was here four years before. He was a millwright and that was his business. There were but four mills here when we came and he had built three of them. One was Green's on Green's Creek, another on Ruddiman's Creek belonged to Stranner (a Scotchman), and another was Martin Ryerson's. The one he didn't build was the Baird and Bean Mill on Bear Lake. The last work he did was for S. and E. W. Merrill on Sand Creek in '51.
There was no Muskegon here then. There were six white families and 300 or 400 half-breed families and they comprised the village.
In the fall of '50 we came into town and mother took the Lasley Mill boarding house. There was a time when mother owned from Terrace Street to the Lumberman's bank. She put up a boarding house on those lots. Then she bought this house I am living in now and came here. There was a time when I had a speaking Acquaintance with every man, woman and child here, but I can't say that now.
We used to have donation parties. What did we take? Why we used to take all kinds of provisions, quilts, and such things. Preacher Pratt, the first Methodist minister who had a donation party had everything from hogs to barrels of flour. Provisions and money weren't of much account and every one was just as generous as could be. When a case of destitution was discovered there would come a rap at the door and a basket would be dropped and they would never know whom it came from. Major Davis was very generous and used to send loads of wood and such things.
Once, I remember, there was a Sunday school picnic dinner in the basement of the church. A lot of people came over on a boat ride from Grand Haven. Capt. Rand was marshal of the day. If there was one biscuit sent for the dinner there were six bushels. It seemed as if everybody had sent biscuits. Mother sent over some and a cake. I sent the biscuits back. She didn't know who did it and was just as provoked as she could be.
I attended the first service ever held in St. Mary's old church. There were no windows there then-they were just shuttered up. People sat on boards across blocks. It was way out in the woods. Why, where the Dennis Smith block and Methodist Church are, we used to come to pick huckleberries. The first schoolhouse was built where the Denis Smith block now stands. The town had a meeting over it and one man was so disgusted, he stamped his feet and cried, "Why stick the school house way out in the woods! You might as well send the children to Black Lake." Miss McIntyre was finally moved across the street and sold to Gov. Holt. Then they built a new schoolhouse on the Hackley school grounds, which was in later years sold to L. G. Mason for a residence.
We used to have dances. Invitations were sent to each of the gentlemen and he sent it to you when he asked you. Girls didn't have to stay at home in those days for lack of escorts. We always had beaux to take us when we went and a great deal of rivalry among the men. We did put on quite a bit of style for those days. The Ryerson girls, the Boyd girls and myself were the young ladies at the parties. We would get together and dress alike. One New Years party, I remember we wore book-muslin dresses, low neck and short sleeves. black silk aprons and black silk mitts to the elbow. I remember one winter a party went to Whitehall, where we took our thin frocks with us. There were two sleigh loads. It was bitter cold. We kept on our thick dresses the cold was so terrible and the snow drifted right in under the seats in the ballroom. There was a great big stove but they had to keep it red hot."
WHEN IT WAS A HAMLET
MRS. FANNY SHEPHERD ARRIVED
IN 1847-RESIDENCE CONTINUOUS.
DEATH CAME LAST NIGHT
Pioneer Reached Age of 78 Years-Worked at Tailoring for Four Decades.
_____
Mrs. Fanny Shepherd, who came to Muskegon to live in the "40's", and who was one of the founders of the Central Methodist Episcopal church, died at 8:45 last evening at Hackley hospital. She had been ill all winter and because of her advanced age, her condition was considered hopeless. Four weeks ago was moved from her residence at 6 Prince street to Hackley hospital for especial care.
Mrs. Shepherd was the daughter of one of the first settlers of Muskegon. Her maiden name was Fanny Witherell. She was born at Sparta, Livingston Co., N.Y. June 25, 1830. When nine years old she came west with her parents to live. They settled in St. Charles in Kane County, Ill.
It was in 1847 that the family moved to Muskegon, her father selling a fine farm to do so. He built three early mills. They were what was known as Stanner's mills, and two others situated on Green's creek and Ruddiman's creek.
Built Water Mill
Afterwards, he built for himself a dam and water mill on a creek emptying into the head of what is now known as Mona Lake. It was not long, however, before the family prosperity was clouded. A freshet broke through the dam and drove the mill seven feet off from its foundation. The damage was repaired at a great loss.
The result was that at Christmas time in 1857, the family moved into the villiage, and Mrs. Shepherd's mother took charge of the Lasley boarding house.
Center of Social Life
The latter speedily became one of the centers of pioneer social life. Mrs. Shepherd thus formed many pleasant memories that in after years she enjoyed repeating to those about her, for she was one of Muskegon's early belles.
The family then owned extensively of real estate situated in what is now the heart of the city. From Terrace Street to the Lumberman's bank belonged to them, and they built a boarding house there.
Later, a house was erected by them at 34 E. Muskegon avenue, where Mrs. Shepherd resided until she moved to Prince street eleven years ago.
In 1863 she married James Shepherd. Her husband was employed on the t***ing Muskegon boom holding the office of foreman of the pens. He only lived two years after their wedding, however, and then her long widowhood began.
Became a Tailoress
She took up the work of tailoring and became very skilled in it. All these many years she had plied her needle and continuously for one establishment. The latter is what the present clothing firm of T. B. Callan, previously that of Callan & Dratz, and prior to that the concern of William Herbst & Co.
Such a life of unremitting toil in now way interfered with her naturally sunny disposition, however, and few homes in Muskegon were there as cheerful to visit as the little cottage on Prince street, where Mrs. Shepherd sat so constantly with her needle and her reminiscences.
All of her spare moments were given to her church of which both she and her mother were charter members and to which she was devoted.
Quite a number of relatives are gathering here to attend the funeral. The include the following: Joel Witherell of Conklin, a brother, with his daughters and son; Mrs. William McCord of Grand Rapids, Mrs. Edward Burns and John Witherell of Conklin; Mrs. William Kennicott of Shelbyville, Allegan county, a sister with her daughter Mrs. H. B. Miller of Grand Rapids; Mrs. John Witherell of Grand Rapids, the widow of Mrs. Shepherd's brother, Captain John Witherell and also a sister of her husband; Mrs. W. B. Kallmbach of Grand Rapids, and George Witherell of Dalton, a daughter and son of Mrs. John Witherell; and Mrs. H. B. Bowler of Grand Rapids, a daughter of Mrs. Jane Hodge, the latter being a sister of mrs. Shepherd who died three years ago.
The funeral will be held at the parlors of the Central Methodist Episcopal church at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
. She was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.
The following is more material gathered by Linda Talbott.
Muskegon Daily Chronicle
Feb 25, 1909.
Social life of Muskegon in the 1850s was described in a June 10, 1899 Chronicle article by Mrs. Fanny Shepherd, who arrived here in 1847 at age 17.
"In April, '47, I came here. I wasn't quite 17 at the time. My father was here four years before. He was a millwright and that was his business. There were but four mills here when we came and he had built three of them. One was Green's on Green's Creek, another on Ruddiman's Creek belonged to Stranner (a Scotchman), and another was Martin Ryerson's. The one he didn't build was the Baird and Bean Mill on Bear Lake. The last work he did was for S. and E. W. Merrill on Sand Creek in '51.
There was no Muskegon here then. There were six white families and 300 or 400 half-breed families and they comprised the village.
In the fall of '50 we came into town and mother took the Lasley Mill boarding house. There was a time when mother owned from Terrace Street to the Lumberman's bank. She put up a boarding house on those lots. Then she bought this house I am living in now and came here. There was a time when I had a speaking Acquaintance with every man, woman and child here, but I can't say that now.
We used to have donation parties. What did we take? Why we used to take all kinds of provisions, quilts, and such things. Preacher Pratt, the first Methodist minister who had a donation party had everything from hogs to barrels of flour. Provisions and money weren't of much account and every one was just as generous as could be. When a case of destitution was discovered there would come a rap at the door and a basket would be dropped and they would never know whom it came from. Major Davis was very generous and used to send loads of wood and such things.
Once, I remember, there was a Sunday school picnic dinner in the basement of the church. A lot of people came over on a boat ride from Grand Haven. Capt. Rand was marshal of the day. If there was one biscuit sent for the dinner there were six bushels. It seemed as if everybody had sent biscuits. Mother sent over some and a cake. I sent the biscuits back. She didn't know who did it and was just as provoked as she could be.
I attended the first service ever held in St. Mary's old church. There were no windows there then-they were just shuttered up. People sat on boards across blocks. It was way out in the woods. Why, where the Dennis Smith block and Methodist Church are, we used to come to pick huckleberries. The first schoolhouse was built where the Denis Smith block now stands. The town had a meeting over it and one man was so disgusted, he stamped his feet and cried, "Why stick the school house way out in the woods! You might as well send the children to Black Lake." Miss McIntyre was finally moved across the street and sold to Gov. Holt. Then they built a new schoolhouse on the Hackley school grounds, which was in later years sold to L. G. Mason for a residence.
We used to have dances. Invitations were sent to each of the gentlemen and he sent it to you when he asked you. Girls didn't have to stay at home in those days for lack of escorts. We always had beaux to take us when we went and a great deal of rivalry among the men. We did put on quite a bit of style for those days. The Ryerson girls, the Boyd girls and myself were the young ladies at the parties. We would get together and dress alike. One New Years party, I remember we wore book-muslin dresses, low neck and short sleeves. black silk aprons and black silk mitts to the elbow. I remember one winter a party went to Whitehall, where we took our thin frocks with us. There were two sleigh loads. It was bitter cold. We kept on our thick dresses the cold was so terrible and the snow drifted right in under the seats in the ballroom. There was a great big stove but they had to keep it red hot."
Last Edited=19 Jul 2019
Family: Fanny Witherell and James Shepard
Fanny Orcille Witherell
F, (24 January 1909 - 19 June 1962)
Fanny Orcille Witherell Begin 1909-1962
Wife Charles Harbert Begin
Wife Charles Harbert Begin
Last Edited=16 Jan 2021
George Adelbert Witherell
M, (24 February 1869 - 1 June 1951)
George Adelbert Witherell
The deceased was born in Muskegon on Feb. 24, 1869, the son of the late Capt. and Mrs. John Witherell, pioneers of Muskegon. He had been employed as a cook on the U. S. engineering ships for many years.
He was a member of the Masonic lodge, F. & A. M. No. 139 of this city and the Spring Lake Order of Eastern Star No. 411. He was married to Miss Minnie Smith in Menominee, Mich., on Feb. 8, 1893 and she passed away on March 13, 1904. He later married Miss Josephine Fonger of Nunica.
Surviving are the widow; two daughters, Mrs. Joseph Susterich of this city; Mrs. Herbert Begin of Muskegon; two sons, Gerald A. Witherell of this city and George A. of Detroit; 12 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and two nephews.
The body reposes at the Kammeraad funeral home where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Ottawa Center cemetery with Masonic rites at the grave.. He was buried at Ottawa Center Cemetery, at Coopersville, Ottawa County, MI, USA.
Last Edited=15 Jan 2021
Family: George Adelbert Witherell and Minnie E. Smith
Children of George Adelbert Witherell and Josephine Fonger
- Marian A. Witherell (27 May 1905 - 24 Nov 1975)
- George Alexander Witherell (5 May 1907 - 5 Feb 1996)
- Fanny Orcille Witherell (24 Jan 1909 - 19 Jun 1962)
- Gerald Aerhardt Witherell (18 May 1915 - 9 May 1960)
George Alexander Witherell
M, (5 May 1907 - 5 February 1996)
George Alexander Witherell
1907-1996
1907-1996
Last Edited=9 Jan 2021
George W. Witherell
M, (March 1862 - 1943)
George W. Witherell was born in March 1862 at NY, USA. Age 18 at the 1880 census. 1900 census. He was the son of Charles H. Witherell and Cordelia Ann Lindsey. George W. Witherell appeared on the census of 1920 at Ossian, Livingston County, NY, USA. The census lists the family as: George W. Witherell, 57, single, born NY, parents born NY; mother Cordelia, 88, widow, born NY, parents born NY; living next dorr to William J and wife Sarah F.. He died in 1943 at NY. Date according to Sanford Witherell.. He was buried at Ossian Center Cemetery, at Ossian, Livingston County, NY, USA. Obituary states buried in Canaseraga Cemetery, but no stone there.
From the records of The Painted Hills Genealogy Society, Ossian Center Cemetery.
He remained unmarried.
From the records of The Painted Hills Genealogy Society, Ossian Center Cemetery.
He remained unmarried.
Last Edited=22 Aug 2016
George Washington Witherell
M, (16 January 1812 - 4 January 1889)
George Washington Witherell was born on 16 January 1812 at Shoreham, Addison County, VT, USA. He was the son of Sylvester Witherell and Abigail Turrill. George Washington Witherell died on 4 January 1889 at age 76. He was buried at Lake View Cemetery, at Shoreham, Addison County, VT, USA.
Last Edited=8 Sep 2009
Gerald Aerhardt Witherell
M, (18 May 1915 - 9 May 1960)
Gerald Aerhardt Witherell
Last Edited=9 Jan 2022
Citations
- [S218] Social Security Death Index 1935- 2014.
Grace Elizabeth Witherell
F, (1912 - 19 March 1968)
Grace Elizabeth Witherell Herington 1912-1968
wife of Lawrence Ellis Herrington
wife of Lawrence Ellis Herrington
Born circa 1913
Died March 19, 1968
Mrs. Grace Herington of 19 Cottage St., died Tuesday (March 19, 1968) in Dansville Memorial Hospital. She was 55.
Surviving are her husband, Lawrence; three daughters, Mrs. Judy Gray of Groveland, Mrs. Janice Conrad of Perkinsville and Mrs. Joyce Payne of Los Altos, Calif; a sister Mrs. Dorothy Gill of Mt. Morris; five grandchildren.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. tomorrow in the Mann Funeral Home, Canaseraga.
Burial will be in Canaseraga Cemetery. (GCE, March 21, 1968, p1). She was buried at Canaseraga Cemetery, at Canaseraga, Allegany County, NY, USA.
Last Edited=16 Jan 2021
Family: Grace Elizabeth Witherell and Lawerence Ellis Herington
Grace May Witherell
F, (September 1877 - November 1918)
Grace May Witherell Kalmbach
At the 1910 census William is living with his parents and claims that he is divorced. Grace at the 1910 census is the head of a household with son Kenneth, mother Cynthia and 3 roomers. She says that she is married 11 years.
Last Edited=14 May 2015
Child of Grace May Witherell and William B. Kalmbach
- Kenneth H. Kalmbach (21 Jul 1898 - 6 Sep 1969)
Citations
- [S409] Michigan Marriage Records 1867 to 1952.
Harold Winthrop (Harry) Witherell
M, (27 November 1893 - 27 August 1968)
Harold Winthrop (Harry) Witherell was born on 27 November 1893 at Cornwall, Addison County, VT, USA.1 He was the son of Charles Royal Witherell and Flora Elizabeth Stowell. Harold Winthrop (Harry) Witherell died on 27 August 1968 at Rochester, Strafford County, NH, USA, at age 74.1 He was buried at Pine Grove Cemetery, at Barrington, Strafford County, NH, USA.
Last Edited=18 Aug 2015
Citations
- [S218] Social Security Death Index 1935- 2014.