Painter Dies As He Runs For Help
This is the death notice for my mother’s father, Walter Anthony Dreffs. He died on December 3, 1958. The family story is that Grandpa died running through a field with a bucket of water, and his children joked that he “kicked the bucket.” I never knew it was because he was the one who set fire to the house! What a tragedy!
Painter Dies As He Runs For Help SAGINAW, Dec. 4 (AP) – House painter Walter A. Dreffs, 58, of Milwaukee, died of a heart attack Wednesday while running for aid after his blow torch set fire to a house. He had been using the torch to remove paint. The house, owned by Miss Frances Dreier, suffered an estimated $2,000 damage.
Published in The News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, Michigan on 04 December 1958, page 20.
I’m still not clear on how this ended up in a newspaper in Benton Harbor when he was painting the house in Saginaw. He lived in Zilwaukee which is near Saginaw, not Milwaukee as the article states. Ironically, this is an Associated Press article and I couldn’t find it in The Saginaw News.
Pine Grove Township, Van Buren County, Michigan, 1912
This is a plat map of Pine Grove Township in Van Buren County, Michigan in the year 1912. It can be found on FHL Film # 2022153C Item #3, Standard atlas of Van Buren County, Michigan, page 45.
This map is a treasure to me because it shows the 2nd great grandfather of my husband, Walter Henry Campbell. His land is listed in section 14, plot 80 (with the yellow highlight).
Walter Henry Campbell was born 31 May 1845 in Almena, Van Buren, Michigan, the son of Henry Campbell (1821 – 1873) and Ruth Newcombe (1823 – 1905).
He married Harriet Adela Fuller on 23 December 1869. Together, the couple had seven children: Shruid Grant Campbell (1871 – 1925), Willard De Forrest Campbell (1872 – ?), Herbert Henry Campbell (1875 – ?), Birdie Campbell (1882 – ?), Lee Campbell (1883 – 1961), Frank A. Campbell (1886 – 1902) and my husband’s great-grandmother, Wava Cecil Campbell (1888 – 1957).
We are proud to share that Walter Henry Campbell served our country as a Union Soldier in the Civil War. He was part of the 13th Michigan Infantry, Company G.
Walter is buried in Kendall Cemetery in Pine Grove Township.You can see his headstone on his Find a Grave Memorial. He died 14 January 1917 in Pine Grove, Van Buren, Michigan.
Be aware that if you click on this map to make it bigger, it will be MUCH bigger! You might have to scroll around a bit to close the image. I wanted to upload it here in high resolution in case you are searching for your own family on it.
Good luck in your research, and may you find many treasures of your own!
I would like to thank my friend Sarah for locating this map on microfiche for me at the Family History Library in Saline, Michigan.
Deposition of Hugh Cole at Plymouth Court - March 8, 1670
Hugh Cole is my 9th great-grandfather. He was born 29 Jun 1628 in Barnstaple, Devon, England and died 22 Jan 1699 in Swansea, Bristol, Massachusetts.
This article was printed in the Massachusetts Historical Society Collections, Boston MA, 1799: Volume 6, Issue 1, Page 211. It can be also seen on Google Books.
Deposition of Hugh Cole, at Plymouth Court, A. D. 1670 Hugh Cole, aged forty-three, or thereabouts, being deposed saith; – That in February last past before the date hereof, he went to Shewamett, and two Englishmen more with him ; and that their business was to persuade the Indians to go to Plymouth, to answer a complaint made by Hezekiah Luther. The Indians (saith he) seeing us, came out of the house towards us, being many of them ; at the least twenty or thirty, with staves in their hands ; and when the Indians saw there were but three of us, they laid down their staves again. Then we asked the Indians, what they did with those staves in their hands ? they answered, that they looked for Englishmen to come from Plymouth to seek Indians, to carry them to Plymouth. But they said, they were not willing to go. And some time after, in the same morning, Philip, the chief sachem, sent for me to come to him ; and I went to Mount Hope to him ; and when I came to Mount Hope, I saw the most part of the Indians that I knew of Shewamett Indians, there at Mount Hope. And they were generally employed in making of bows and arrows and half pikes, and fixing up of guns. And I saw many Indians of several places repair toward Mount Hope. And some few days after I came from Mount Hope, I, with several others, saw one of captain Willet’s rangers coming on post on horseback, who told us, that king Philip was marched up the neck with about three score men ; and Zacary Eddy, on his report, went to see if he could find them ; and he found them towards the upper part of the neck, in several companies. One Caleb Eddy further saith, that he saw many there in arms ; and I was informed by John Padduck, that he saw two several guns loaded with bullets or slugs. And I further testify, that those Indians that I saw come towards Mount Hope, as aforesaid, came better armed than I usually have seen them, Further saith not. The oath of Hugh Cole, taken in the court held at Plymouth, the eighth of March, 1670. Attested by me, Nathaniel Morton, Secretary.
Deposition of Hugh Cole, at Plymouth Court, A. D. 1670
Hugh Cole, aged forty-three, or thereabouts, being deposed saith; – That in February last past before the date hereof, he went to Shewamett, and two Englishmen more with him ; and that their business was to persuade the Indians to go to Plymouth, to answer a complaint made by Hezekiah Luther. The Indians (saith he) seeing us, came out of the house towards us, being many of them ; at the least twenty or thirty, with staves in their hands ; and when the Indians saw there were but three of us, they laid down their staves again. Then we asked the Indians, what they did with those staves in their hands ? they answered, that they looked for Englishmen to come from Plymouth to seek Indians, to carry them to Plymouth. But they said, they were not willing to go. And some time after, in the same morning, Philip, the chief sachem, sent for me to come to him ; and I went to Mount Hope to him ; and when I came to Mount Hope, I saw the most part of the Indians that I knew of Shewamett Indians, there at Mount Hope. And they were generally employed in making of bows and arrows and half pikes, and fixing up of guns. And I saw many Indians of several places repair toward Mount Hope. And some few days after I came from Mount Hope, I, with several others, saw one of captain Willet’s rangers coming on post on horseback, who told us, that king Philip was marched up the neck with about three score men ; and Zacary Eddy, on his report, went to see if he could find them ; and he found them towards the upper part of the neck, in several companies. One Caleb Eddy further saith, that he saw many there in arms ; and I was informed by John Padduck, that he saw two several guns loaded with bullets or slugs. And I further testify, that those Indians that I saw come towards Mount Hope, as aforesaid, came better armed than I usually have seen them, Further saith not.
The oath of Hugh Cole, taken in the court held at Plymouth, the eighth of March, 1670. Attested by me, Nathaniel Morton, Secretary.
In an effort to document my family treasures which cannot be scanned in, I am publishing this series of pictures as part of the Treasure Chest Thursday theme at Geneabloggers. Someday in the future, I hope to shed some light on these treasures for my family who might inherit them. What were they for? Who did they come from? Why were they considered treasures? Let’s find out.
Grandma's Toy from Mexico
This wooden ball and cup toy was a gift from my grandmother, Mary Rose (Stroik, Kasper, Karpuk, Dreffs) Romaine. She took a trip to Mexico in the early 1980’s and brought this back for me.
It’s a simple concept, really, The wooden ball is tied onto the handle by a piece of string. The goal is to flip the ball into the cup with a flick of the wrist. I used to play with this for hours on end, perfecting exactly the speed and angle at which to flick it to land the ball inside the cup.
I love this toy. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s a tangible reminder of Grandma Romaine.
Jessica's Starter Earring
Here it is – my “starter” earring. This gold and sapphire stud was the one I had installed in my ears at Claire’s Boutique in the Saginaw Fashion Square Mall, sometime around 1990. A starter earring is a stud that is thicker than most earrings to help keep your ear hole opened up. They punch it through your ear with a little gun after rubbing alcohol on the ear lobe. You have to keep it in your ear for six weeks, twisting and turning it every day and cleaning the area with peroxide.
Interestingly, I gave the other earring to my high school boyfriend, Corey Sundquist. He used to wear it on the pocket of his flannel shirts while we were dating. I’m guessing it has long since gone into the trash heap since we broke up in 1995 when I went to college.
The following article contains a detailed life account for Frances May (Green) Fenner, sister of Fred Ozro Green. It was published in the Kalamazoo Gazette in Kalamazoo, Michigan on March 9, 1958.
Life Account for Frances May Fenner Mrs. Fenner, Ill Several Weeks, Dies Mrs. Frances Fenner, 66, wife of Starr F. Fenner, 2202 Parkview Ave., widely known Townsendite and fraternalist, died yesterday at Bronson Hospital after an illness of several weeks. A native of Kendall, Mich., Mrs. Fenner came to Kalamazoo when a young girl and was graduated from Western Michigan University. She taught school until her marriage to Starr Fenner Feb. 24, 1910. She then became active in the fraternal field. Mrs. Fenner was best known for her ardent support of the Townsend Pension Plan and the organization of Townsend Clubs in Kalamazoo and Indiana. She was a past state organizer, past district chairman, and past club president, and devoted many years to delivering addresses on the Townsend Plan. She also was active in the Pythian Sisters in which she was a life member, and was one of the general committee that promoted the Kalamazoo Senior Citizens fund and home. She was known widely as a student of economics and political science. Her husband worked with her in the Townsend movement. Immediate survivors are the husband; four daughters, Mrs. Doris Lennon, Mrs. Theda Allen and Mrs. Bethel Burkam, Kalamazoo, and Mrs. Velma Dale, South Bend, Ind.; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Steve Greene [sic] and Fred Greene [sic], Kendall, and John Greene [sic], Corona Del Mar, Calif.; one step-brother, Francis Forbes, Otsego; one sister, Mrs. Nell Watkins, Kalamazoo; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Joldersma and Klein chapel, with interment in Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell.
Life Account for Frances May Fenner
Mrs. Fenner, Ill Several Weeks, Dies
Mrs. Frances Fenner, 66, wife of Starr F. Fenner, 2202 Parkview Ave., widely known Townsendite and fraternalist, died yesterday at Bronson Hospital after an illness of several weeks.
A native of Kendall, Mich., Mrs. Fenner came to Kalamazoo when a young girl and was graduated from Western Michigan University. She taught school until her marriage to Starr Fenner Feb. 24, 1910. She then became active in the fraternal field.
Mrs. Fenner was best known for her ardent support of the Townsend Pension Plan and the organization of Townsend Clubs in Kalamazoo and Indiana. She was a past state organizer, past district chairman, and past club president, and devoted many years to delivering addresses on the Townsend Plan. She also was active in the Pythian Sisters in which she was a life member, and was one of the general committee that promoted the Kalamazoo Senior Citizens fund and home. She was known widely as a student of economics and political science. Her husband worked with her in the Townsend movement.
Immediate survivors are the husband; four daughters, Mrs. Doris Lennon, Mrs. Theda Allen and Mrs. Bethel Burkam, Kalamazoo, and Mrs. Velma Dale, South Bend, Ind.; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Steve Greene [sic] and Fred Greene [sic], Kendall, and John Greene [sic], Corona Del Mar, Calif.; one step-brother, Francis Forbes, Otsego; one sister, Mrs. Nell Watkins, Kalamazoo; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Joldersma and Klein chapel, with interment in Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell.
This is the obituary for my husband’s great aunt Frances May (Green) Fenner, the sister of Fred Ozro Green. It was published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on March 9, 1958.
Obituary for Frances May Fenner FENNER, Mrs. Frances M., 2202 Parkview Ave.– Passed away noon Saturday in Bronson Hospital. She was born May 23, 1891 in Kendall, Mich., the daughter of Abner and Marion Root Greene [sic]. Mrs. Fenner had resided around Kalamazoo for the past 42 years. She was married to Starr F. Fenner, Feb. 24, 1910 in Plainwell, Michigan. Mrs. Fenner was a 1908 graduate of Western Michigan University, and had been a school teacher in Plainwell. She belonged to Syracuse Temple, Pythian Sisters and Townsend Club, No. 1, in which she held several offices, and was a willing worker in several civic affairs. Surviving are her husband Starr F. Fenner; 4 daughters; Mrs. Walter (Velma) Dale, South Bend, Mrs. William (Doris) Lennon, Mrs. Donald (Theda) Allen, Mrs. William (Bethel) Burkam, all of Kalamazoo; one sister, Mrs. Nell Watkins, Kalamazoo; 3 brothers Fred Greene [sic], Kendall, and John Greene [sic], Corona Del Mar, Calif.; a step-brother, Francis Forbes, Otsego; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the Koldersma and Klein Funeral Home Sunday eve., where services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The Dr. Frank Crabb and Rev. Theron Jenne officiating. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell. Friends may make contributions to the charity or memorial of their choice.
Obituary for Frances May Fenner
FENNER, Mrs. Frances M., 2202 Parkview Ave.–
Passed away noon Saturday in Bronson Hospital. She was born May 23, 1891 in Kendall, Mich., the daughter of Abner and Marion Root Greene [sic]. Mrs. Fenner had resided around Kalamazoo for the past 42 years. She was married to Starr F. Fenner, Feb. 24, 1910 in Plainwell, Michigan. Mrs. Fenner was a 1908 graduate of Western Michigan University, and had been a school teacher in Plainwell. She belonged to Syracuse Temple, Pythian Sisters and Townsend Club, No. 1, in which she held several offices, and was a willing worker in several civic affairs. Surviving are her husband Starr F. Fenner; 4 daughters; Mrs. Walter (Velma) Dale, South Bend, Mrs. William (Doris) Lennon, Mrs. Donald (Theda) Allen, Mrs. William (Bethel) Burkam, all of Kalamazoo; one sister, Mrs. Nell Watkins, Kalamazoo; 3 brothers Fred Greene [sic], Kendall, and John Greene [sic], Corona Del Mar, Calif.; a step-brother, Francis Forbes, Otsego; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the Koldersma and Klein Funeral Home Sunday eve., where services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The Dr. Frank Crabb and Rev. Theron Jenne officiating. Interment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell. Friends may make contributions to the charity or memorial of their choice.
Rose Pin
This pretty red rose brooch pin was given to me during my senior year of High School by my good friend, Deidra (Eickholt, Penny) Moitzheim. It’s about three inches tall and is gold plated.
I tried wearing it a few times but it’s too large and heavy to fit nicely on most sweaters. I’ve kept it in my jewelry box and enjoyed looking at it all these years. It’s a nice reminder of our friendship.
This is the obituary of my husband’s great aunt, Rachel “Nell” Nellie (Green) Watkins, the sister of Fred Ozro Green. It was published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on July 15, 1973. I must admit, I have never seen so many spelling errors in a single obituary throughout all of my research…
Obituary for Rachel Nell Watkins WATKINS, Mrs. Rachel Nell Formerly of 346 S. Rose– Passed away July 13, 1973. She was born April 16, 1888 in Kendal [sic/Kendall], Michigan, daughter of Abner O. and Marian [sic/Marion] Root Greene [sic/Green]. She was a member of St. Augustine Church. Was the widow of Wortherington [sic/Worthington] G. Watkins who passed away July 15, 1959. She is survived by a step-brother, Francis Fobers [sic/Forbes] of Kalamazoo; one sister-in-law Mrs. John (Qave) Greene [sic/Green] of Yuciapa, Calif; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends are being received at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be held Monday at 10 O’clock at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Rev. Charles Crowley officiating.
Obituary for Rachel Nell Watkins
WATKINS, Mrs. Rachel Nell Formerly of 346 S. Rose–
Passed away July 13, 1973. She was born April 16, 1888 in Kendal [sic/Kendall], Michigan, daughter of Abner O. and Marian [sic/Marion] Root Greene [sic/Green]. She was a member of St. Augustine Church. Was the widow of Wortherington [sic/Worthington] G. Watkins who passed away July 15, 1959. She is survived by a step-brother, Francis Fobers [sic/Forbes] of Kalamazoo; one sister-in-law Mrs. John (Qave) Greene [sic/Green] of Yuciapa, Calif; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends are being received at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be held Monday at 10 O’clock at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Rev. Charles Crowley officiating.
Rock from the Park
This rock was picked up at a park in Saginaw, Michigan by my best friend, Jennifer (Strachan) Peck. She knew I liked rocks and she happened across this shiny piece, so she picked it up and gave it to me the next time she saw me. That was back in the summer of 1989.
It has chunks of quartz that shimmer in the light. There’s no particular reason that I kept it – I just liked it. Jennie gave it to me so it’s a symbol of our friendship.
