Person Page

     Edna M. Williamson was born on 8 October 1906.^4,5 She married Eugene M. Slagle on 14 November 1925 in Whitley Co., Indiana.⁶ She died on 9 August 2000 at age 93.^4,7 She was buried at South Whitley Cemetery in Whitley Co., Indiana.⁵
     In her grandmother Melzene M. Williamson's will, dated 11 July 1921, she and her siblings Icel, Dollie, and Merritt were left just $100, because "I feel that this is ample provision for my said grandchildren in view of the manner in which they have treated me in that none of them have ever manifested any particular affection for me." (At the time, she was about 15 years old.)^8,9 She was living in Argos, Marshall Co., Indiana, in 1980.¹⁰

     Icel L. Williamson was born on 6 November 1911 in Cleveland Twp., Whitley Co., Indiana.³ She married Francis W. Brock on 24 December 1928 in Whitley Co., Indiana.⁴ She died on 2 June 1985 at Bayonet Point Regional Medical Center in Hudson, Pasco Co., Florida, at age 73 after a four-month illness.³ She was buried at South Whitley Cemetery in South Whitley, Whitley Co., Indiana.⁵
     She went by the nickname "Icy."⁶ In her grandmother Melzene M. Williamson's will, dated 11 July 1921, she and her siblings Edna, Dollie, and Merritt were left just $100, because "I feel that this is ample provision for my said grandchildren in view of the manner in which they have treated me in that none of them have ever manifested any particular affection for me." (At the time, she was about 9 years old.)^1,7
     After their marriage she and her husband Francis lived in Detroit, Wayne Co., Michigan, and later built a house on Lake St. Clair.³ They moved to Florida in 1978, after her husband's retirement.³

     Hamilton H. Miller was born on 17 February 1919 in Washington.^2,3 He died on 23 January 1976 in Holland, Ottawa Co., Michigan, at age 56.⁴
     In December 1968 he was appointed administrator of the estate of his uncle Calvin Packer Williamson, who had apparently died intestate.¹
     He was living on R. R. #1 in West Olive, Ottawa Co., Michigan, in 1970.¹

     Gladys T. Williamson was born on 8 March 1893 in Glenn, Allegan Co., Michigan.^4,5 She married Elmer H. Ormiston, son of John Ormiston and Addie Allen, on 15 June 1916 in Albion, Calhoun Co., Michigan.^2,4 She died on 4 February 1945 at her home in Benton Harbor, Berrien Co., Michigan, after a four-month illness.^4,6 She was buried on 6 February 1945 at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Berrien Co., Michigan.⁴
     She graduated on 15 June 1916 (the day of her marriage) from the School of Music at Albion College in Albion, Calhoun Co., Michigan.⁴
     She and her husband Elmer moved to Benton Harbor, Berrien Co., Michigan, in 1917.⁴
     She and Elmer adopted Harold Emory Ormiston, probably in either 1920 or 1921, since Harold does not appear with them in the 1920 census, enumerated on 6 January 1920, and a 6 June 1941 newspaper column titled "Do You Remember? 20 Years Ago" refers to "Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Ormiston and son, Harold."^1,7,8
     The family moved to Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan, in 1925⁴, then to Holland, Ottawa Co., Michigan, about 1932.⁴ They returned to Benton Harbor, Berrien Co., Michigan, about 1937.⁴
     She was an active leader in the Methodist Peace Temple in Benton Harbor, serving as the first president of its Women's Society of Christian Service, and president of the Sigma Tau Sunday School.⁴ She also served on the board of the Eleanor Club, and was active in the Red Cross.⁴
     She was a well-known singer in the Benton Harbor area, and a member of the Monday Musical Club, serving as its librarian. She also sang in the church choir, often as the soprano soloist.⁴

     Elmer H. Ormiston was born on 8 July 1891 in Flint, Genesee Co., Michigan.^2,1 He married first Gladys T. Williamson, daughter of Willis Stanton Williamson and Julia S. Tourtellotte, on 15 June 1916 in Albion, Calhoun Co., Michigan.^1,3 He married second Dee (?).⁴ He died on 26 July 1975 at Blake Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, Manatee Co., Florida, at age 84.⁴ He was buried on 28 July 1975 at Mansion Memorial Park in Ellenton, Manatee Co., Florida.⁴
     He graduated from Albion College in Albion, Calhoun Co., Michigan.⁴
     He and his wife Gladys moved to Benton Harbor, Berrien Co., Michigan, in 1917³, where he began his educational career as a history teacher at Benton Harbor High School.^3,4
     He and Gladys adopted Harold Emory Ormiston, probably in either 1920 or 1921, since Harold does not appear with them in the 1920 census, enumerated on 6 January 1920, and a 6 June 1941 newspaper column titled "Do You Remember? 20 Years Ago" refers to "Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Ormiston and son, Harold."^5,6,7
     The family moved to Buchanan, Berrien Co., Michigan, in 1925³, where he served as principal of Buchanan High School^3,4, then to Holland, Ottawa Co., Michigan, about 1932.³ They returned to Benton Harbor, Berrien Co., Michigan, about 1937.³ He then went into the insurance business, and also served as a city commissioner starting in 1939.^3,4 He was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Benton Harbor, and twice served as a delegate to the general conference.⁴
     He retired from the insurance business in 1958⁴ and moved to Bradenton, Manatee Co., Florida.⁴ That same year (before moving to Florida?) he ran as the Prohibition Party candidate for the U. S. Senate seat from Michigan, but lost.⁸
     He was named co-executor of his mother-in-law Julia S. Williamson's will, dated 22 February 1945 and proved 9 Apr 1946, along with her brother Mack D. Tourtellotte. She left her entire estate to Elmer's adopted son Harold, but with the provision that if Harold were to die before she did, her estate was to go to Elmer "as an expression of [her] appreciation for the many kindnesses and courtesies" that he had given her, and "as full compensation for such contributions as he has made from time to time for my support, comfort, welfare and happiness."⁹

     Mary Jane Riheldaffar was born about 1819 in Pennsylvania.³ She married first (?) Simpson.² She married second William Dornan, son of John Dornan and Rachel Crow, on 23 November 1873.^1,2
     She and her first husband moved from Pennsylvania to Michigan in 1858.² She and her second husband William are listed in the 1880 census in Ganges, Allegan Co., Michigan, with William's son Ira E. (age 18), daughter Matilda R. Howell (age 22), and grandson Willie (age 2).³

     Mary Mariah Woodin was born on 2 August 1880 in Ganges Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.² She married John Franklin Repp, son of George Repp and Sarah Louisa Campbell, on 8 December 1897 in Allegan, Allegan Co., Michigan. They were married by Thomas Scott, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, and the witnesses were Riley Shelbert Williamson and Bertha Woodin.³ Mary filed for divorce on 3 October 1908, but the petition was withdrawn just over a month later, on 14 November.⁴ She died on 14 November 1958 at South Haven Hospital in South Haven, Van Buren Co., Michigan, at age 78.^5,6,7 She was buried on 16 November 1958 at Stephenson Cemetery. Funeral services were at the Calvin Funeral Home.⁷
     She and her husband John lived in Casco Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan, probably from at least 1900 to 1930.^8,9,10,11

     Lillie Mae Woodin was born on 11 March 1882 in Glenn, Allegan Co., Michigan.^1,3 She was married first, by Orval Lash, to Frederick Dwight Lindsey, son of John King Lindsey and Eunice E. Culver, on 6 August 1900 in Ganges, Allegan Co., Michigan.⁴ They were divorced on 13 January 1913 (filed by Lillie on 1 October 1912) in Allegan Co., Michigan.⁵ She was married second, by Truman H. Wright, to Royal H. Sherman, son of Wm. P. Sherman and Adeline Eaton, on 19 April 1913 in Glenn, Allegan Co., Michigan.^6,7 Royal filed for divorce on 29 September 1920 in Allegan Co., Michigan; the case was still pending at the end of the year.⁸ Then Lillie filed for divorce on 10 March 1921. This case was contested, but the divorce was granted on 18 July 1921 in Allegan Co., Michigan.⁹ She married fourth Ivo Mitchell, son of John B. Mitchell and Hannah Ingleright, sometime between 2 December 1939 and 26 July 1940.^10,11 She died on 4 November 1971 at the Bethany Nursing Home in Bloomingdale, Van Buren Co., Michigan, at age 89.^12,3 She was buried on 6 November 1971 at McDowell Cemetery in Van Buren Co., Michigan. Funeral arrangements were handled by the Frost Funeral Home.³
     She and her first husband Frederick Dwight Lindsey are listed with their children Gladys and Mabel in the 1910 census in Ganges Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.¹³ In 1920 she is listed in Ganges Twp. with her second husband Royal H. Sherman. Their daughter Doris Sherman and Lillie's daughter Mabel Lindsey from her first marriage were living with them.¹⁴
     She lived in the South Haven, Michigan, area from 1920 until her death in 1971.³ She was employed by Michigan Fruit Canners for 34 years before retiring.³

     Minnie Belle Woodin was born on 8 April 1885 in Ganges Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.^2,1 She was married by Geo. N. Arnold to Claude Clarence Roe, son of George W. Roe and Adeline Pettit, on 2 April 1904 in Allegan, Allegan Co., Michigan.^3,1 She died on 27 November 1964 in Vicksburg, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, at age 79.⁴ She was buried at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo Co., Michigan.⁴
     She and her husband Claude were living in Kalamazoo Twp., Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, in 1910⁵, in the city of Kalamazoo in 1920⁶, and back in Kalamazoo Twp. in 1930 and 1940.^7,8 In 1920 she was working as a clerk at a sox factory.⁶ In 1940 their grand-nephew Paul Waldron was living with them.⁸

     Frances Deliaha Woodin was born on 21 September 1887 in Ganges Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.^3,5,2 She was married by John W. Vickers to Charles Oran Blades, son of George Frank Blades and Lydia Elizabeth Coon, on 17 October 1908 in Laketown Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan. The witnesses were the bride's brother Edward Woodin and sister Bertha Williamson.^6,3 She died on 12 May 1941 in Portage Twp., Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, at age 53.^3,1 She was buried on 15 May 1941 at Plummerville Cemetery in Allegan Co., Michigan.^3,1
     She also went by the nickname "Frankie."⁴ She and her husband Charles were living in Chicago, Cook Co., Illinois, in 1910.⁷ They moved to Oshtemo Twp., Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, sometime between 24 June 1912, when their daughter Dorothy was born in East Chicago, and 7 March 1914, when their daughter Alice was born in Oshtemo Twp.^3,8 They are listed in Oshtemo Twp. in the 1920 and 1930 censuses.^9,10

     Charles Oran Blades was born on 12 May 1883 in Laketown, Allegan Co., Michigan.^3,5 He was married by John W. Vickers to Frances Deliaha Woodin, daughter of Frank Henry Woodin and Isabell Delilah Dornan, on 17 October 1908 in Laketown Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan. The witnesses were the bride's brother Edward Woodin and sister Bertha Williamson.^4,2 He died on 12 May 1936, his 53rd. birthday, at Fairmount Hospital in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, from tuberculosis.⁵ He was buried on 14 May 1936 at Plummerville Cemetery in Allegan Co., Michigan.^5,6
     He and his wife Frances were living in Chicago, Cook Co., Illinois, in 1910.⁷ They moved to Oshtemo Twp., Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, sometime between 24 June 1912, when their daughter Dorothy was born in East Chicago, and 7 March 1914, when their daughter Alice was born in Oshtemo Twp.^2,8 They are listed in Oshtemo Twp. in the 1920 and 1930 censuses.^9,10 He was working as a laborer in a steel mill in 1910, a silo company in 1920, and a garage in 1930. At the time of his death in 1936 he was working as a buffer and polisher for the General Gas Co.^7,9,10,5

     John Franklin Repp was born on 14 January 1870 in Ohio.^3,1,2 He married Mary Mariah Woodin, daughter of Frank Henry Woodin and Isabell Delilah Dornan, on 8 December 1897 in Allegan, Allegan Co., Michigan. They were married by Thomas Scott, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, and the witnesses were Riley Shelbert Williamson and Bertha Woodin.² Mary Mariah Woodin filed for divorce from John Franklin Repp on 3 October 1908 in Allegan Co., Michigan.⁴ He died on 13 June 1955 in Van Buren Co., Michigan, at age 85.⁵
     He and his wife Mary lived in Casco Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan, probably from at least 1900 to 1930.^3,6,7,8 He was a farmer, growing grain in 1920.^2,3,6,7,8
     The 1910 census indicates that his marriage to Mary Woodin was his second, but no record of an earlier marriage has yet been found.⁶

     Royal H. Sherman was born on 15 March 1856 in Lorain Co., Ohio.^1,3 He married as his third wife Lillie Mae Woodin, daughter of Frank Henry Woodin and Isabell Delilah Dornan, on 19 April 1913 in Glenn, Allegan Co., Michigan.^1,4 Royal filed for divorce on 29 September 1920 in Allegan Co., Michigan; the case was still pending at the end of the year.⁵ Then Lillie filed for divorce on 10 March 1921. This case was contested, but the divorce was granted on 18 July 1921 in Allegan Co., Michigan.⁶ He died on 25 March 1934 in Allegan, Allegan Co., Michigan, at age 78 from a stroke.^3,7 He was buried on 27 March 1934 at McDowell Cemetery in South Haven Highlands, Allegan Co., Michigan.³
     He and his wife Lillie are listed in the 1920 census in Ganges Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan. Their daughter Doris Sherman and Lillie's daughter Mabel Lindsey from her first marriage were living with them.⁸
     He was a carpenter at the time of his marriage to Lillie Woodin, and grain farmer in 1920.^1,8

     Claude Clarence Roe was born on 1 June 1883 in Cheshire, Allegan Co., Michigan.^1,4 He was married by Geo. N. Arnold to Minnie Belle Woodin, daughter of Frank Henry Woodin and Isabell Delilah Dornan, on 2 April 1904 in Allegan, Allegan Co., Michigan.^4,2 He died on 27 May 1954 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, at age 70.⁵ He was buried on 29 May 1954 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan.⁵
     He and his wife Minnie were living in Kalamazoo Twp., Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, in 1910⁶, in the city of Kalamazoo in 1920⁷, and back in Kalamazoo Twp. in 1930 and 1940.^8,9 He was working as a laborer in a paper mill in 1910, milk wagon driver in 1920, and cement products truck driver in 1930.^6,7,8 By 1940 he and his son Earl had their own business, a burial vault manufacturing company, Claude C. Roe & Son, in Kalamazoo.^10,9,5 In 1940 their grand-nephew Paul Waldron was living with them, and working in the burial vault business.⁹

     Elmer A. Roe was born on 13 September 1904 in Van Buren Co. (his marriage record says Kalamazoo, which is in Kalamazoo Co.), Michigan.^1,2 He was married by Isaiah Wilson to Zada M. Holtz, daughter of Charlie Holtz and Elizabeth (?), on 1 June 1925 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan.^2,1 He died suddenly on 4 July 1975 in Battle Creek, Calhoun Co., Michigan, at age 70.^3,1 He was buried at Prairie Home Cemetery. Funeral services were at Schmitt's Funeral Home in Climax, Michigan, with Pator Bruce Love officiating.¹
     In 1930 he and his wife Zada were living in Kalamazoo Twp., Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, in an area called Recreation Park.⁴ They moved to Galesburg Farm about 1939 (when their son Richard reached sixth grade)⁵, then to Climax, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, about 1951, where they remained until his death in 1975.¹

     Zada M. Holtz was born on 12 September 1904 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan.^4,3 She was married by Isaiah Wilson to Elmer A. Roe, son of Claude Clarence Roe and Minnie Belle Woodin, on 1 June 1925 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan.^3,1 She died on 5 July 1986 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, at age 81.^2,4 She was buried on 7 July 1986 at Prairie Home Cemetery in Climax, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan. Funeral services were held at 2:30 at the Langeland Climax Chapel, with Pastor Tom Harrison of the Prairie Baptist Church officiating.⁴
     In 1930 she and her husband Elmer were living in Kalamazoo Twp., Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, in an area called Recreation Park.⁵ They moved to Galesburg Farm about 1939 (when their son Richard reached sixth grade)⁶, then to Climax, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, about 1951, where she lived until at least 1975, when her husband died.¹

     Earl L. Roe was born on 10 March 1910 in Michigan.^4,5 He died on 19 October 1982 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, at age 72.⁴
     With his father Claude, he owned a burial vault manufacturing company, Claude C. Roe & Son, in Kalamazoo.^6,7,8 He was living in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, in 1975², and in Comstock, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, at the time of his death.⁴

     Marie E. Roe was born on 1 September 1918 in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan.^3,1 She married Titus Melnyk.² She died on 24 January 1997 at age 78.³ She was buried at Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan.⁴
     She was living in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan, in 1975.²

     Titus Melnyk was born on 21 February 1924.² He married Marie E. Roe, daughter of Claude Clarence Roe and Minnie Belle Woodin.¹ He died on 4 March 2000 at age 76.²

     William Orr Woodin was born on 13 August 1914.^4,5,2 He married Leatha Helen Dauls.⁶ He died on 25 May 1984 in Grand Rapids, Kent Co., Michigan, at age 69.^4,3,5 He was buried at Plummerville Cemetery in Allegan Co., Michigan.⁵
     On 16 November 1927 Roy Repp filed a petition in court claiming that William Woodin, age 13, was a neglected and delinquent child, saying that "he wanders around nights without being on any lawful business or occupation. He at various times has entered houses in the absence of the residents, at times forcing an entrance. He habitually is a truant from school. He has no proper parental care or guardianship. He is an habitual smoker of cigarettes. He steals frequently. He took money out of the bank of my child and stole money from my house." An investigation found that the allegations were correct. His home surroundings were described as "poor," and his reputation and education as "fair." On 3 December 1927 the court found him delinquent, made him a ward of the court, and returned him to the custody of his father. He was placed on probation until age 21, and ordered to repay all damages.²
     He was living in Holland, Ottawa Co., Michigan, at the time of his death.⁴ He and Leatha had the following known children: Ruby, Vera, Erma, and William.³

     Harry Clayton Woodin was born on 19 February 1907 in Michigan.^4,5,1 He married Ada Frances Hiorns.³ He died on 14 February 1979 in Ganges, Allegan Co., Michigan, at age 71.^4,5 He was buried at Plummerville Cemetery in Allegan Co., Michigan.⁵
     He worked for the city of South Haven, Allegan Co., Michigan, as a mechanic and superintendant.⁶ He was a member of the F. & A.M., Lake Lodge 158, in South Haven, the Scottish Rite Consistory of Grand Rapids, and the Fennville Rod and Gun Club.⁶

     Milton E. Woodin was born on 17 April 1910 in Ganges Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.^1,4,2 He married, probably first, Florence H. Warner, daughter of Cole Y. Warner, about 1927 (based on their ages, and the birth date of their daughter Lillian).^5,6 He married, possibly second, Cecil Wilda Nichols, daughter of George Nichols and Anna Bell Bowder, about 1944 (based on Cecil's age at death).⁷ He died on 16 October 1979 in Holland, Ottawa Co., Michigan, at age 69.^1,4 He was buried at Graafschap Cemetery in Holland, Ottawa Co., Michigan.⁴
     In the 1930 census Milton Woodin is listed with his father in Ganges Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan. He is listed as married, but no wife is listed with him. His wife Florence, and their daughter Lillian, are listed with the surname Wooden living with Florence's father in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Co., Michigan. Florence is also listed as married.^8,6
     The number of marriages and children for Milton Woodin is unclear. Unsourced information received from one researcher shows one marriage for him, to Florence Warner, with children Lillian and Richard. Listings for Milton and Florence in the 1930 census support that marriage, with a daughter Lillian, but they were then living apart.^5,8,6 He apparently also married Cecil Wilda Nichols. Her death certificate lists her husband's name as Milton Woodin, age 37, living in Ganges Twp., Allegan Co., Michigan.⁷ And, unsourced information on Milton from another researcher lists just one marriage for him, but to Evelyn Schippa (died 18 December 1989 in Zeeland, Ottawa Co., Michigan), with children Lillian and Nancy.⁴

     May Belle Woodin was born on 26 April 1905 in Allegan Co., Michigan.^3,1,5 She was married by Samuel E. Kelley to William Edward Batey, son of Gorden Batey and Josephine Rice, on 6 December 1923 in Allegan, Allegan Co., Michigan.⁵ She died on 14 August 1999 at age 94.³