Notes

[NI0001] Article published in the Allegan Gazette, Monday, July 31, 1950 reads as follows:

DUMONT PARK

Belden Family Reunion Here, July 23

The Belden family held their 14th annual reunion at Lake Dumont Park, Sunday, July 23. A long table laden with a carry-in dinner and super seated about fifty members. This reunion is held each year at Lake Dumont. Bert Belden received first prize for being the eldest person present and Dennis Charles Hageman took the second prize for being the youngest.

There was another happy feature celebrated when a large, lovely cake centered the table in honor of the 16th birthday of Francis Cook, Jr. All enjoyed generous slices. The afternoon was passed with games and prizes for the children and visiting by the grown ups.

[NI0002] Kathryn V. Beldens Obituary published in the Kalamazoo Gazette reads:

Kathryn V. Belden, 61, died Aug. 3 in Kalamazoo

Services for Kathryn V. Belden, 61, 1969 Miner Lake Road, Allegan, were Saturday in the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, the Rev. Emerson Minor officiating. Burial was in Hudson Corners Cemetery, Allegan Township.

Mrs. Belden died Aug. 3 in Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo. She was born April 10, 1922 in Allegan County, the daughter of Herman and Lena Slater.

Surviving are her husband, Gerald; four children, Rodney, Larry, and Dannie Belden, all of Allegan, and Mrs. Linda (Richard) Beilby of Richland; 12 grandchildren; her mother, Mrs. Lena Griffith of Allegan; a sister, Mrs. Doris Hinkle of Allegan; and two brothers, Cecil Slater of Plainwell and Ray Slater of Kalamazoo.

[NI0003] Harvey bought a Model T in 1925.

[NI0007] Step-children are:
Henry (Barry) Stancliff Junker, III - b. 31 Aug 1963
Bart Michael Junker - b. 6 May 1968
Marnie Marie Junker - b. 5 Jun 1971

Step-grandchildren are:
Mitchell Grant Null, Jr. - b. 8 Aug 1990
Michael Lee Null - b. 2 Sep 1991
Ernest Nathanial Junker - b. 8 Feb 1997

[NI0010] Flossie Rosa Stevens

Flossie Rosa Stevens, age 87, of South Haven, died Saturday, January 11, 1997 at Countryside Nursing Home.

She was born February 27,1909 in Allegan County, the daughter of Harvey and Mabel (Zoll) Belden.

She had lived in the Pullman, South Haven and Grand Junction area most of her life, and was a homemaker.

She is survived by a daughter, Dorothy Wank of south Haven; a son, Robert (Lois) Stevens of Pullman; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers; Gerald (Ann) Belden of Allegan; and Earl (Lee) Belden of Gobles; five sisters: Ann (Gerald) Belden [THIS IS AN ERROR] of Plainwell; Mildred Miller of Bangor, Beatrice Fuller of Otsego; Clarabell Ferguson of Otsego; and Verladene (C.L.) Goodwell of Otsego.

She was precededin death by her husband, Andew Stevens, on Jul 13, 1968; two sisters; Florence Fullegar and Lillian Klaus; a brother, Lee Belden; and a grandson, William Want, in 1993.

Visitation was held Sunday, January 19, prior to the service at the Chappell Funeral Home of Fennville. Burial was at McDowell Cemetery in Casco Township.

Memorial docations may be made to the charity of ones choice.

Arrangements by Chappell Funeral Home of Fennville.

[NI0012] LEE H. BELDEN'S OBITUARY:


BELDEN, Mr. Lee H.
1316 James St.

Passed away Tuesday, March 26, 1991. Mr. Belden was born February 29, 1913 in Allegan, Michigan the son of Harvey and Mable (Zoll) Belden and was a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area. He was preceded in death by a sister, Florence Fullagar. On July 17, 1936 he was united in marriage to the former Dorothy Bush, who survives. Also surviving is a son and daughter-in-law, David and Irene Belden of Kalamazoo; 2 grandchildren, Christine Moldovan and her husband, Otto and Tadd Belden and his wife, Jackie, all of Kalamazoo; a great-granddaughter, Amanda Moldovan; 2 brothers, Gerald and Earle Belden; and 7 sisters, Flossie Stevens, Beatrice Fuller, Lillian Klaus, Mildred Miller, Verladene Goodwill, Clarabelle Ferguson and Bessie Larsen; several nieces and nephews. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service for committal of created human remains will be held at 3:00 oclock Monday in Riverside Cemetery with Pastor Tom Tufts of the Westwood Church of God officiating. Arrangements by Langeland Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick, a Trust 100 Chapel.

[NI0024] Charles H. Fullers Obituary:

FULLER
Mr. Charles H.
326 McKinley St.
Otsego

Passed away Friday, September 9, 1983. Mr. Fuller was born January 16, 1910 in Allegan. He was a resident of Otsego most of his life, and had retired from he Otsego Sanitary Milk Products Co. in 1965. On April 19, 1930 in Vicksburg he was united in marriage with Beatrice Belden, who survives. Also surviving are 1 daughter, Mrs. Betty Bonnell of Alamo; 2 sons, William and Robert, both of Otsego; 9 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Mrs. Cecil Brown of Allegan; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call beginning at 7 p.m. this evening at the Winkel Funeral Home Otsego where services will be held Monday at 11 a.m., Rev. Wesley Crocker officiating. Interment in Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego. Friends desiring may make memorials to the Heart Association.

[NI0045] Larry and Judy were divorced and remarried.

Step-children:
1. Shannon Lorraine DALRYMPLE m. Mark Allen CUNNINGHAM, their children:
Sydney Allyn CUNNINGHAM
Rylee Lorraine CUNNINGHAM
2. Shelley DALRYMPLE m. Robert Lee McNEES, their child:
Austin David McNEES

[NI0069] ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN 1895:

GAZETTED IN BRIEF. The Marsh Real Estate Agency during the week sold the John W. Stone place, six acres on the Paw Paw Road, to Charles Hughes, for $1,200, and Mr. Hughes' house and lot in town to Emmett Ward for $800; also the Partridge house and lot in Otsego to Frank Pierce; and S.E. Bishop's fame, Monterey, forty acres, to SOLON BELDEN for $800.

Solon owned a sawmill in Monterey Township, Allegan County, Michigan.

Allegan County Death Record #36/326, Volume 9, Page 23.
SOLON BELDEN died October 25, 1936 at 1:30 PM, Allegan, Allegan County, MI. He was born March 26, 1856 in Ohio. Cause of death: Arteriosclerosis cefl hemiplegia, blood clot on right side of brain (5 weeks). Age 80 years, 6 months, 29 days. Occupation: Retired. Sex: Male. Marital Status: Married. Spouse: Margaret. Race: White. Father: Newton Belden, born NY. Mother: Margaret Reid, born PA. Information obtained from: Alvin Belden. Burial date: October 27, 1936. Cemetery: Poplar Hill, Monterey Township, Allegan County, MI. Attending Physician: Dr. James Mahan.


SOLON BELDEN'S OBITUARY:
Published in the Allegan News, October 28, 1936

SOLON BELDEN Funeral services for Solon Belden, eighty years of age, were held from Benson's funeral home Tuesday afternoon with burial in Poplar Hill cemetery. He was a native of Ohio, coming to southwestern Michigan when a small boy to spend the rest of his life. Surviving are seven children: Albertus of Monterey, Alson of Allegan, Alvin and Amelia of Valley, Mrs. Alma Buskirk of Hopkins, Harvey of Mentha, and Mrs. Adelia Hutty of Dorr.

1880 Monterey Township, Allegan County Census:
NAME RACE SEX AGE
Belden, Solon W M 24
Belden, Viola W F 22
Belden, Albustios (Albertus) W M 3
Belden, Alston (Alson) W M 1

[NI0072] Alburtus "Burt" never married.

(ALBERTUS) BURT BELDEN'S OBITUARY (1952):

Bert Belden, 76, died at the home of his cousin, Leon Belden, in Otsego Township Wednesday morning. Funeral services were held from Gorden funeral residence, Saturday at 2 p.m. with burial in Poplar Hill Cemetery.

He is survived by three brothers, Alson of Allegan; Harvey of Trowbridge and Alvin of Monterey; a sister, Mrs. Howard Buskirk of Martin, and several nieces and nephews. He was born October 24, 1976 in Monterey Township, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Solon Belden and lived his entire life in this vicinity.

[NI0073] ALSON BELDEN'S OBITUARY:

ALSON J. BELDEN, 75, of 531 Maple St., died at the Allegan Health Center Sunday evening. Funeral services were held at the Gorden funeral home Wednesday at 2 p.m. with burial in Burnips cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Venora of Allegan, two sons, Elson and Arlie, both of Grand Rapids and one step son, Dr. Darwin J. Belden, Detroit; four grand children, one brother, Havey Belden of Merson and one sister, Mrs. Alam Buskirk, Martin, several nieces and nephews.

[NI0074] ALMA BELDEN BUSKIRK'S OBITUARY:

BUSKIRK

Mrs. Alma Buskirk, AGED 84 of Moline, passed away Tuesday. Survivors include four sons, Everett of Niles, Kenneth and Richard of Hastings and Dale of Martin; three daughters, Mrs. Edward (LaBerta) Herbert of Martin, Mrs. Fred (June) Korreck of Grand Rapids and Mrs. Kenneth (Marie) Rose of Moline; one brother, Alvin Belden of Allegan; one sister-in-law, Laura Peters of Detroit; 25 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, 1:30 PM from the Archer-Hampel Funeral Home, Wayland, with her pastor, Douglas Bennett of the Moline Baptist Church officiating. Burial Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego. Visitation 7 to 9 Wednesday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 Thursday.

[NI0075] Article published in the Allegan Gazette, December 31, 1982:

30 Years Ago
A seven month restoration program, costing over $12,000 was completed this week as contractor Alvin Belden made final clean-up operations about the exterior of the 77 year old First Presbyterian church at Allegan. An entire new layer of face brick has been laid around the tall tower that supports the familiar spire, and delicate patchwork has been done wherever the old-style clay bricks have decayed elsewhere in the big church.


AVLIN BELDEN'S OBITUARIES:

Pubished in the Kalamzoo Gazette reads:
BELDEN, Alvin
formerly of
2990 - 126th Ave.
Monterey Twp.

Died Thursday morning, October 28, 1982 at the Allegan County Medical Care Facility. Mr. Belden was born in Allegan County on December 26, 1894, the son of Solon and Violet Belden. he was a self-employed contractor, and served with the United States Army during W.W.I. He was preceded in death by his wife, Olive, and 1 son, Donald. surviving are 1 son Jerry Belden of Niagara Falls, N.Y., 2 daughters, Mrs. Raymond (Mary Lou) Brennan of Monterey Twp., and Mrs. James (Phyllis) Thomas of Allegan Twp.; 11 grandchildren. Friends may call beginning 3:30 p.m. today at the Allegan Chapel, Gorden Funeral Residence. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at the South Monterey Methodist Church, with Rev. Lewis Church officiating. Interment Poplar Hill Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of the South Monterey Methodist Church.


BURIAL WAS IN MONTEREY FOR ALVIN BELDEN, AGE 87

Services were Saturday in the South Monterey United Methodist Church for Alvin Belden 87, formerly of 299 126th Ave., Monterey Township, who died Oct. 28 in the Allegan County Medical Care Facility.

Born Dec. 26, 1894 in Allegan County, the son of Solon and Violet Belden, Mr. Belden was a self-employed contractor, who built homes in the Grand Rapids area. He also did steeple work on both the United Presbyterian Church of Allegan, and the South Monterey United Methodist Church. Mr. Belden served with the U.S. Army during World War I.

Surviving are a son, Jerry Belden of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Lou (Raymond) Brennan of Monterey Township, and Mrs. Phyllis (James) Thomas of Allegan Township; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Olive, and a son, Donald.

The Rev. Lewis Church officiated at the services, and burial was in Poplar Hill Cemetery, Monterey Township, with arrangements by the Allegan Chapel of the Gorden Funeral Residence.

Memorial contributions may be made to the memorial fund of the South Monterey United Methodist Church.

[NI0076] Amelia Beldens Obituaries:

AMELIA BELDEN
Amelia Belden, 56, Monterey Township, died Friday evening. Funeral services were held from the Gorden Funeral Residence Tuesday at 2 p.m. with burial in Poplar Hill cemetery.

She is survived by three brothers, Bert of Monterey, Harvey of Trowbridge and Alvin of Monterey. Two sisters, Mrs. Adelia Hutty, North Dorr; Mrs. Alama Buskirk of Martin. Several nieces and nephews.

The Rev. George Wingaard of Hopkins officiated.


Services at Allegan For Amelia Belden

Allegan -- Funeral services for Mrs. Amelia Belden, 56, of Monterey, who died Friday, will be held at 2 Tuesday at the Gorden funeral home with burial in Poplar Hill cemetery.

She leaves three brother, Bert of Monterey, Harvey of Trowbridge and Alvin, with whom she made her home, and two sisters, Mrs. Adelia Hutty of North Dorr and Mrs. Alma Buskirk of Martin.

[NI0077] Marguerite Beldens Obituary:

Marguerite Belden, 80 died in Allegan General Hospital last Friday morning. She was born in Pennsylvania and lived in Allegan the past twenty-five years. She was the wife of the late Solon Belden and is survived by one grandson, Warren Morrison of Chicago. Funeral services were held Sunday morning from Bensons funeral home with Rev. F. J. Feather officiating. Burial was in Poplar Hill Cemetery (June 1938).

[NI0086] June 1, 1870 Monterey Township, Allegan County, MI Census:

NAME AGE SEX RACE OCCUPATION BORN

Zoll, John 51 M W Farmer OH
Susan 48 F W Housekeeper PA
Mary M. 17 F W OH
Sarah E. 14 F W OH
Rufus H. 6 M W OH



John Zoll could not read or write.

Real Property Value: $800.00

Personal Property Value: $300.00

[NI0094] Information on Herman was obtained from the
HONOR ROLL OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY
WW I, 1917-1918-1919 Published 1920 by Mrs. O. H. CLARK
Pages 66 & 67.

Cpl. Co. L, 55 Inf. 7 Div.; son of Will and Eliza Slater; husband of Lena C. (P.) Slater; born July 12, 1892, Turtle Point, PA; ent serv. May 10, 1918, Kalamazoo; sent Columbus Bks.; tsfd. Cmp. MacArthur, assigned Co. L, 55 Inf.; overseas serving on Lorraine Front; mustered out Apr. 5, 1919, Cmp. Mills, N.Y. (picture on page 67).

[NI0095] Lena operated the first Pizza Place in Allegan, MI.

After Ebb Griffith's death, Lena lived with Glenn McPeck.

Lean's death record #86-379, Allegan County, shows her date of death as November 24 1986, Allegan Township, Allegan County, MI. She was born April 17, 1894. Cause of death: Cardio Pulminary Araelt 4-10 minutes. Age at death: 92 years. Occupation: Homemaker. Sex: Female. Marital Status: Widow. Race: White. Father: William Caswell. Mother: Nellie Smith. Information obtained from: Doris (Slater) Hinkle, daughter. Funeral Home: Winkle Funeral Home, Otsego. Date Buried: November 26, 1986, Mt. Home Cemetery, Otsego, Allegan County, MI. Attending Physician: James R. Wheat, M.D. Lena died while a resident at the Allegan County Medical Care Facility.

Lena's last home was located at 203 Park Drive, Allegan, Allegan County, MI.


Lena P. Griffiths Obituary (1986):

GRIFFITH,
Mrs. Lena P.
203 Park Dr.
Allegan

Passed away Monday, November 24, 1986 in Allegan. Mrs. Griffith was born April 17, 1894 in Otsego. She was a member of the Senior Citizens Club and the Golden Years Senior Citizens Club. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Herman Slater, in 1938 and her second husband, Ebbie Griffith in 1954. Also a son, Cecil Slater in 1983 and 2 daughters, Kathryn Belden in 1983 and Iva Slater in 1921. Surviving are a daughter and son and their spouses, Doris and Clarence Hinkle of Allegan and Ray and Wava Slater of Kalamazoo; and a son-in-law, Gerald Belden of Allegan; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; 3 step-sons and 1 step-daughter, Harry Griffith of Jennison, Wayne Griffith of Wayland, Ebbie Griffith of Otsego and Vada Cornell of Allegan. Friends may meet with the family today 2-4 and 7-9 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego where services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. Rev. Robert Pumfrey officiating. Interment in Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego. Friends may make memorial contributions to the Diabetes Association or the Cancer Society.

[NI0132] HOWARD C. BUSKIRK'S OBITUARY:

HOWARD C. BUSKIRK

OTSEGO--Howard C. Buskirk, 68, of Otsego, died Monday morning in a Moline hospital. Services will be held a 2 Thursday at the Sponable funeral home in Otsego. Burial in Mountain Home Cemetery.

[NI0135] LABERTA ALMA BUSKIRK'S OBITUARY:

FOOTE
Mrs. LaBerta Alma (Herbert)
1140 122nd Ave., Martin

Passed away late Wednesday, January 30, 1991 in Plainwell. Mrs. Foote was born on September 29, 1915 in Otsego, the daughter of the late Howard C. and Alma B. (Belden) Buskirk. A lifetime Martin area resident, LaBera was married to H. Edward Herbert on November 19, 1936 and he preceded her in death on December 17, 1977. She was a member of the Martin Methodist Church, Allegan Co. Retired School Personnel, Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #169, World War I Veterans Auxiliary, the Martin Methodist Church Circle I and the Crispe Hospital Guild Martin Unit. She was employed at the State Technical Institute and Rehabilitation Center until her retirement in 1979. On March 15, 1981 she was married to George R. Foote, who survives. Also surviving are her children and spouses, Albert and Florence Hoekstra of Carmel Valley, CA., Oren Herbert of Plainwell, Max and Denise Herbert of Grand Rapids, Barry and Linda Herbert of Allegan, Frank and Kathleen Herbert of Martin, James and Terralyn Herbert of Portage; and daughter-in-law, Grace Herbert of Martin; 23 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 5 step-children; 2 sisters Mrs. Fred (June) Korreck of Grand Rapids, and Mrs. Kenneth (Marie) Rose of Wayland; 3 brothers, Everett Buskirk of Niles, Richard Buskirk of Hastins, Dale Buskirk of Martin; 1 sister-in-law, Cleo Buskirk of Hastings; a dear friend, Bertha Lynema of Martin; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 2 sons, Lee Edward Herbert in 1979, and Stever Foster Herbert in 1986, and 1 brother, Kenneth Buskirk in 1988. Friends may call at the funeral home today where family will present 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 2, 1991 at 11:00 A.M. at the Martin Methodist Church with Rev. Lee Zachman officiating, Burial will follow in East Martin Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Martin Methodist Church Building Fund. MARSHALL-GREN Golden Rule Funeral Home, Plainwell, A Forethought Member.

[NI0139] The largest portion of the "Belden Family Tree" was researched by Mae Buskirk Rose. Tim Brennen and Janet Merchant Smith, have continued to research this line.

[NI0140] MARJORIE BUSKIRK'S OBITUARY:

Marjorie Buskerk (Buskirk) Dies at Wayland

Wayland- Marjorie A. Buskerk, 19, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Buskerk of this city, died at her home here Wednesday after a long illness. She was a former student at Wayland High School.

Survivors are the parents; three sisters, Mrs. Edward Herbert of Martin, June of Wayland and Mae of Ypsilanti; four brothers, Everett of Chicago and Kenneth, Richard and Dale of Wayland, and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Buskerk of Bradley.

Funeral services will be a 2 Saturday at the Archer mortuary at Wayland, with burial in Otsego Cemetery.

[NI0148] H. EDWARD HERBERT'S OBITUARY:

HERBERT - H. Edward Herbert, 1140 122nd Ave., Martin, MI passed away December 17, 1977 at Pipp Community Hospital. Mr. Herbert was born February 7, 1891 in Martin, MI and was a farmer and resident of the area all his life. He was a member of the Bradley Lodge No. 296, F and AM and a veteran of World War I. Surviving are his wife LeBerta; one daughter, Mrs. Albert (Florence) Hoekstra of Martin; seven sons, Oren of Plainwell, Lee of Martin, Max of Byron Center, Barry and Frank of Martin, Steve of New York City and James of Kalamazoo; twelve grandchildren; several nieces and nephews also survive. Friends may call Monday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at the Marshall-Gren Chapel, Plainwell where services will be held Tuesday at 2 o'clock, Pastor Richard L. Dix officiating. Interment.......?

[NI0184] Elson L. Beldens Obituary:

BELDEN -- Elson L. Belden, aged 62, of Alto, passed away at his home Saturday evening. He is survived by his wife Laura; two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Wubben of Alto, Mrs. Helen M. Harvey, Grand Rapids; one brother, Arlie of Grand Rapids; six grandchildren; one niece and one nephew. Mr. Belden reposes at the Roth Funeral Home in Lowell where friends may meet the family Monday evening from 7 to 9. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph, Mich.

[NI0187] Arlie Beldens Obituary:

BELDEN -- Arlie Belden, aged 76, of 2440 140th St., Dorr, passed away Thursday, February 6, 1986 upon arrival at the Metropolitan Hospital. Surviving are his son, Gayle M. Belden of Dorr; and many grandchildren. Mr. Belden was preceded in death by his wife Ella Mae in 1980. Funeral Services will be held Monday 1:30 p.m. at the Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel. Burial will be in Salem Township Cemetery, Burnips, MI. Mr. Belden retired in 1975 from the C & O Railroad after 45 years of service. The family suggest memorials to the American Heart Association, 950 28th St. SE. Family visitation hours are Sunday 3 to 5 p.m. Eggebeen-Gerst 300 Eastern SE.

[NI0188] Mrs. Venora Jones Beldens Obituary:

Mrs. Venora Jones Belden, formerly of Allegan, dies

ALLEGAN -- A former Allegan resident, Mrs. Venora (Felts) Jones Belden of Highland Park, died Sunday in Detroit at the age of 90.

Born May 8, 1881, in Monterey Township, the daughter of Albert Thomas and Lourhaney Catherine Felts, Mrs. Belden lived most of her life in the Allegan area until moving to Highland Park 11 years ago.

She was a member of the Ebenezer A.M.E. Church of Nardin park.

Mrs. Belden is survived by a son, Dr. Darwin J. Belden, Detroit; a step-son, Arlie Belden, Dorr; a brother, Cavious C. Felts, Altadena, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Orphana A. Bush, Highland Park; a granddaughter, Lorie Elyse Belden, Detroit; and a niece, Mrs. Ramona Murkock, Altadena, Calif.

Funeral services were conducted at the Allegan Chapel of the Gordon Funeral Residence by the Rev. William Pannell of Tom Skinner Associates, New York, and Bethany Tabernacle, Detroit. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan.

[NI0189] OLIVE H. SHARPLESS BELDEN'S OBITUARY:

BELDEN, Mrs. Olive H.
Rte. 5, Allegan

Passed away at the Allegan Health Center Thursday morning (Aug. 6, 1970). Mrs. Belden was born Feb. 7, 1899, in East Leroy, the daughter of Preston and Florabelle Sharpless. She was a member of the South Monterey United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years, also serving on the church board. She and her husband, Alvin, celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary July 3, 1969. Mrs. Belden is survived by her husband, Alvin; 3 children, DeVere (Jerry) Belden of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Mrs. Ray (Mary Lou) Brennan of Rte. 5, Allegan and Miss Phyllis Belden, at home; 2 sisters, Mrs. Hattie Shannon of Otsego and Mrs. Marion Coney of Holland; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. A son, Donald proceeded her in death in 1965. Friends may call at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan, where services will be held Saturday at 1:30 p.m., Rev. Stanley Finkbiner officiating. Interment, Poplar Hill Cemetery.

[NI0191] Newton came from Madison County, New York to Geauga County, Ohio in 1835 with his parents. He mustered out of the 24th Infantry, Company E, June 30, 1865, Allegan County, Michigan.

Newton had 210 acres in Monterey Township, Allegan County, Michigan, Sec. 19 on 34th and 128th.

SECOND MARRIAGE: Newton was 73 years old at the time he married 48 year old Elizabeth L. Whitby. His mother was listed, on marriage record, as Sarah Turrell. Justice of the Peace: Wm. E. Stedman.


NEWTON BELDEN'S OBITUARY:

Newton Belden of Monterey died last Saturday in the home of his grandson, at the age of eighty years. Heart disease was the cause of death, though he suffered much from rheumatism. The funeral was held Monday from the Adventist church and burial made in Poplar Hill cemetery.


1860 CENSUS:

1 Son under 5
1 Son over 5 under 10
1 Son over 21 under 45
/1 married, 2 unmarried
1 daughter under 5
2 daughters over 5 under 10
1 daughter over 18 under 40
/1 married, 3 unmarried

[NI0192] Angeline Beldens Obituary:

Mrs. Belden, a resident of Heath, was buried from the South Monterey church last Monday. She was a lady respected by those favored with her acquaintance and leaves a husband and several children.

[NI0193] Charles Belden, III came from Madison County, NY to Geauga County, Ohio in 1835.

[NI0199] Charles Belden, Ist resided in Dover, he was on the School Board December 12, 1760; Made a voter and always on town ticket. Inhabitant July 31, 1749; he was elected fence viewer December 9, 1755; also, December 3, 1751 School Commissioner. (December 13, 1757). Two of his sons represented Lenox in Congress.

Information on Charles Belden, I and family obtained from Dr. C.L. Belding's family Bible and Records, Chicago, Illinois.

[NI0221] Dr. Miles Belden settled on a farm on Belden Street, first North of the Merritt Spaulding farm on the west side of the road and opposite his brother Captain Henry Belden, where they lived until 1870 when they moved to Canaan Village or Canaan Deport and lived until his death (Miles). They were prominent in the Methodist Church and assisted in building the new Methodist Church about 1869; they are both buried at Stoney Hill Cemetery, Canaan, CN

Information obtained from John H. Belden, Hartford, CN.

[NI0224] Joel resided at Berlin, CN.

[NI0228] Asahel Benedict resided in Salisbury, CN.

[NI0230] Ambrose Belden had the nickname "Barefoot" because he often didn't wear shoes.

Ambrose's brother, Newton and his nephew, Solon are buried by him but they have no head stones. Ambrose has a large monument situated on the right front of the cemetery.

Ambrose built a saw mill in 1856 in Heath Township. He held many offices in this township. He also owned property, in 1836, in Monterey Township.

1860 CENSUS:
Ambrose 40 BN: NY
Sarah 68 BN: CN
Augustus 23

[NI0233] Milton M. Belden lived in New York until 1838, he moved to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, came to Michigan in 1858.



MILTON BELDEN'S OBITUARY: (1888)

Milton Belden died at his residence in Trowbridge on the 8th inst. of congestion of the lungs, at the age of 61 years. His funeral was held at the school house of his district the Sunday following and was largely attended. Mr. Belden was born in Madison County, N.Y. where he lived with his parent until 1838, moving then to Cayuga Co., Ohio. there he married and soon after came to Michigan, in 1858, settling in this county, in Trowbridge, where he remained till his death. He leaves a wife, two sons and a daughter. His first wife, the mother of his children, died a few years ago. He became a firm believer in the intrinsic doctrines of Spiritualism in which faith he died. His kindness, generosity, pure public and private life and many other excellent qualities, won for him the universal esteem of the community. A poet of considerable ability, he lately published a collection of his poems. The following appropriate lines from the volume we append:
I leave this world with some request,
Through other scenes to roam,
My life has been a pleasant life,
My home a happy home,
I know there is a home above,
Ive seen its portals fair,
Ive heard the strain of music sweet,
From Gods immortal choir.

BELDEN -- At his home in Cheshire, Sunday, April 8, of lung trouble, Milton Belden, aged about 54. DATE AND AGE WRONG?

[NI0245] EVALINE "CHARLOTTE" BELDEN MOON'S OBITUARY:

FUNERAL AT ALLEGAN

ALLEGAN, May 19 -- Funeral services for Mrs. Charlotte Moon, 79, who died Sunday at her home in Monterey Township, will be held tomorrow from Benson funeral home with Rev. H.L. Potter officiating. Burial will be made in Poplar Hill cemetery. One daughter, Mrs. Cora Morris of Monterey township, survives.

[NI0246] ARTICLE PUBLISHED MAY 10, 1902:

Report of school in district No. 10, Salem, for the month ending May 2. Number of days taught 20, total enrollment 31, average daily attendance 27. The following named pupils were not absent a day nor a fraction thereof during the month: John Wycoff, Emmet Shields, Sarah Bonney, Pearl Mellish, Lucy Bonney, Allegan Shields, Guy Mandokey, ALMA BELDEN, Ethel Mellish, AMELIA BELDEN, Lawrence Shield, Peter Selby, ALVIN BELDEN, John Mellish, and Hazel Bonney. Those absent but on day were Roy Shields, Herbert Selby, Jennie Pigeon, and Elyet Stephens. Deportment good. Claude M. Van Buren, teacher.

[NI0250] The following obituary was found in a scrap book compiled by Vera Cook:

MRS. OMAR BELDEN
Allegan-Services for Mrs. Cora Belden, 74, will be at 2 Wednesday in the Gordon funeral home here with burial in Poplar Hill cemetery. The widow of Omar Belden, former Bravo township farmer, she died Saturday night in Bronson hospital, Kalamazoo, after a short illness. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Austin, she was born December 28, 1873, in Cheshire township. she leaves four sons, Oscar of Kalamazoo, Newton of Grand Junction, Leon of Route 1 Otsego, and Vergil of Allegan; seven daughters, Mrs. Roy Ackerman, Mrs. Walter Hoke, Mrs. Herman Hageman, and Mrs. Lewis Hageman, all of Kalamazoo, and Mrs. William Oisten, Mrs. James Gibson, and Mrs. Francis Cook, all of Allegan; 27 grandchildren and sever great-grandchildren; and two brothers, the Rev. Otis Austin of Grand Junction and Clifford Austin of Kalamazoo.

[NI0251] Elisha Martin died in the Civil War.

[NI0253] Silas Belding was one of the original proprietors of Canaan, Connecticut. He bought land there in 1739, but died before he could move there. He owned land in Duchess County, New York, Berkshire County, Mass. From this branch arises the Beldens of Litchfield County, Connecticut; Hampshire County, Mass and Duchess County, New York. Original papers in the clerk's office at Falls Village Town of Canaan, show that the General Assembly appointed Silas Belden of Wethersfield, Humphery Avery of New London, Connecticut and John Beebe of Litchfield, Connecticut to survey, stake out, etc. what became the town of Canaan which is about 30 miles from Dover, New York.

In the summer of 1741 Silas returned to Wethersfield, Connecticut to settle up his affairs, and remove his family to his new possessions; at the time a malignant dysentery prevailed in Wethersfield; he was seized with it and died.

Information obtained from "Selleck Memorial" 1916 Perry Vanzele Belden, N.E. Hist. and Gen. Register.

[NI0254] Jonathan Belding resided in Wethersfield where he took a large part in town affairs.

Colonial Records of Connecticut Volume 5, page 168, listed him as a member of the assembly of 1710 as "Lieutenant Jonathan Belding".

In 1712, he appears as a Deputy from Wethersfield during the assembly. He was Ensign of the first train band in the town of Wethersfield and was so commissioned. There is a marker of Queen Anne's War on his grave.

He had come into possession of the original home site of his grandfather and Wethersfield Land Records, Volume 5, page 70, has record that he deeded this site to his son Silas; he in turn sold it to Capt. Josiah Smith in 1741 and the Smith family still retain title to the land and some of them lived there as late as 1948 and perhaps still do (1957). It faces a broad street that had been intended as the home of Yale University. The town of New Haven secured the university.

[NI0255] John Belding was a Trooper under Captain John Mason the most important man in the military in the colonies.

John left an estate of $5,000.00, a sizable amount for those days. Colonial records of Wethersfield, Connecticut list him along with others in Volume 11, Page 520 as being a freeman and Townsman. His signature is the earliest Belden known to date and he spelled the name plainly BELDEN*.

*NOTE: When researching records you need other spellings such as Belden, Belding, Beldon and Beldin.

Much search has been made for the name of his wife; the record says John Belden and wife, Lydia, were married on the 24th of August 1657. Colonial records of Connecticut have many references to John Belden.

After his death his children were involved in court proceedings over the boundaries of farm lands he owned on the east side of the Connecticut River, some 900 acres being part of the disputed territory. They collected some damages. Gersom Bulkeley was a partner with John as an overseer of the land. He is list in "1st Puritan Settlers of Connecticut" by Hinman.

[NI0268] In Mary Wright Belding's 76th year at Wethersfield, Connecticut she gave all her estate to her daughters Mary, wife of David Wright and Elizabeth, who married her cousin Ezra Belding, was presented in her will. Their husbands were named executors.

[NI0275] Abigail Robbins Belding lived her last years with son, Joshua.

[NI0279] Silas Belding, Jr. settled in Canaan on a farm inherited from his father. He was the 1st Town Clerk of Canaan, CT.

[NI0295] Donald V. Beldens Obituary:

BELDEN, Mr. Donald V.
Rte 4, Allegan

Passed away Sunday morning at Blodgett Hospital as result of injuries suffered in a car accident March 19th [1965]. Mr. Belden was born June 4, 1920, in Flint, Mich. He was employed at Rockwell Standard Corp., Allegan, for the past 19 years and was a veteran of World War II. Mr. Belden is survived by his wife, Margaret; 4 children, Mrs. N. Edward (Barbara) Adams, Mrs. Kenneth (Donna) Unger, Allen Dale and Norman Lee, all of Allegan; 4 step-children, Mrs. James (Betty) McDaniels, Mrs. Robert (Judy) Sandefur, Linda Fales, all of Allegan and Robert L. Fales of Otsego; 3 grandchildren; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Belden of Allegan; 2 sisters, Mrs. Ray (Mary Lou) Brennan and Miss Phyllis Belden of Allegan; one brother, DeVere [Jerry] Belden of Niagara Falls; 3 aunts, several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Gorden Funeral Residence, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Rev. Stuart Werner officiating. Interment in Poplar Hill Cemetery.

Article published in the Kalamazoo Gazette March 21, 1965:

Allegan Man Dies of Crash Injuries
Blowing Snow, Slippery Roads Blamed for Rash of Accidents
Blowing snow and icy roads were blamed for the weekend death of an Allegan man and a rash of accidents, one of which resulted in 17 persons being injured.

Donald V. Belden, 44 of Allegan Route 4, died Sunday morning in Grand Rapids Blodgett Hospital of injuries sustained Friday evening when his pickup truck hit a tree in Allegan.

A total of 15 persons died on Michigan highways during the weekend period.

Belden, a 19 year employee of Rockwell-Standard Corp. in Allegan, was a Navy veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; two daughters, Mrs. Edward Adams and Mrs. Kenneth Unger, and two sons, Allen and Norman, all of rural Allegan.

Also surviving are three step-daughters, Mrs. James McDaniels, Mrs. Robert Sandefur and Linda Fales, all of Allegan, and a stepson, Robert Fales, Otsego; three grandchildren; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Belden, Allegan Route 5; two sisters, Mrs. Ray Brennan and Phyllis Belden, both of Allegan; and a brother, DeVere Belden of Niagara Falls, N.Y.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Gorden Funeral Residence and burial will be in Poplar Hill Cemetery.

[NI0314] Article published about Betty Jane Beldens death (1935/36):

STOVE LIGHTS DRESS; BURNS KILL GIRL
HALF OF BODY IS BURNED; SISTER VIEWS TRAGEDY

Betty Jane Belden, 7 Years Old, Victim of Kitchen Death
---------
FIGHTS TO SAVE SELF
--------
Climbs Into Sink and Her Sister Sprays Water on Flames
--------

Betty Jane Belden, 7-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elson L. Belden of 1019 Broad Street, died at 1:45 a.m. today at the St. Joseph Sanitarium of burns sustained when her dress caught fire over a stove flame in the family home shortly after 4 p.m. Monday.

The child had returned from school with an older sister and was said to have been preparing a bowl of sauce for a cake on the stove when her clothing became ignited.

Fights to Save Self
Dr. P. G. Hanna and Dr. A. F. Bliesmer, who were called to attend the girl after she was rushed by ambulance to the sanitarium, said they were told she displayed remarkable presence of mind. When her sleeve caught fire and the flames spread rapidly over her clothing, Betty lifted herself into the kitchen sink and her sister, Helen Mae, turned on the water in a vain attempt to extinguish the flames.

Attending physicians said half the surface of the girls body was burned. The dress was entirely burned off and the body was charred. Dr. Hanna said survival would have been impossible had only a third of the bodys surface been burned.

The parents, who are both employed at the Williams Bros. box factory, were not at home at the time of the tragedy.

Funeral Is Thursday
Betty Jane Belden was born in St. Joseph, Oct. 9, 1928. She was a pupil in the second grade of the Lincoln school and in the Sunday school of the First Methodist church.

Surviving besides the parents are two older sisters, Helen Mae and Dorothy.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday afternoon at 2 oclock from the Beardsley chapel with Rev. O.R. Grattan, pastor of the First Methodist church, officiating. Burial will be in Riverview cemetery.

[NI0325] Obituary published in the Monday, October 30, 1972 edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette:

OISTEN, Mrs. Caroline C.,
313 Russell St.,
Allegan

Age 69, passed away at Allegan General Hospital Sunday night. She was born Nov. 15, 1903 in Bravo, Mich., been a resident of this area all of her life. Member of First Baptist Church. Surviving are her husband, William; 3 sons, LaVern of Allegan, Melvin of Otsego and Albert of Allegan; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Also 5 sisters, Mrs. Hazel Gibson of Allegan, Mrs. Esther Hagerman of Plainwell, Mrs. Cora Hagerman, Kalamazoo, Mrs. Ethel Hoke of Gobles, Mrs. Sarah Akerson of Kalamazoo; one brother, Virgil Belden of Allegan. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 Tuesday evening at the Nyberg Funeral Home, where services will be ehld Wednesday at 1:30 oclock, Rev. Raymond Mayhew officiating. Interment in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Missionary Fund, envelopes available at the funeral home.

[NI0328] Obituary published in the March 16, 1978, edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette:

AKERSON
Mrs. Sarah H.,
341 Knight St.
Comstock

Passed away Thursday morning, March 16, 1978, in Lee Township, Allegan County, Mich., daughter of Omar and Cora Belden and was a resident of Comstock for 52 years. On June 25, 1921, she was married to Roy D. Akerson, who survives; also surviving are 2 daughters, Mrs. Car (Mable) Bowman of Kalamazoo and Mrs. Fred (Marion) Wittmer of Abington, PA; 4 grandchildren, Fred and Paul Wittmer of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Donna Schipper of Ft. St. John, British Columbia, Douglas Adams of Kalamazoo, 3 great-grandchildren; one brother and 4 sisters, Virgil Belden of Allegan, Mrs. James (Hazel) Gibson of Allegan, Mrs. Walter (Ethel) Hoke of Gobles, Mrs. Herman (Ester) Hageman of Plainwell, Mrs. Louis (Cora) Hageman of Allegan; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 5 brothers and 6 sisters. Memorial services will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Langeland Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick, Rev. Mr. Thomas Evans, of Comstock Untied Methodist church, officiating. Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery. Friends may meet the family at the chapel 7 to 9 this evening and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 Friday. Memorials may be made to the Comstock United Methodist Church.

[NI0329] Obituary published in the Saturday, November 13, 1965, edition:

BELDEN, Mr. Leon,
Route 1, Otsego

Passed away at the Allegan Health Center Friday afternoon at the age of 68. Mr. Belden was born in Lee Twp., October 15, 1897 and had been a resident of the area most of his life. Surviving are his wife, Rachel; two sons, Clifford of Rte 1, Allegan, Cleo Belden of Rte 1, Otsego; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Virgil, Rte 4, Allegan; six sisters, Mrs. Roy (Sarah) Akerson of Kalamazoo, Mrs. William (Caroline) Oisten of Allegan, Mrs. Walter (Ethel) Hoke of Kalamazoo, Mrs. James (Hazel) Gibson of Allegan, Mrs. Herman (Esther) Hageman, Plainwell, Mrs. Lewis (Cora) Hageman, Kalamazoo. Friends may call at the Nyberg Funeral Home where services will be held Monday at 1:30. Rev Raymond Mayhew officiating. Interment, Poplar Hill Cemetery.

[NI0330] NEWTON E. BELDEN'S OBITUARY:

Hold Services Today For Drowning Victim

Newton E. Belden, 61, Rt. 1, Otsego, a victim of drowning was found Monday night in Schnoble Brook, just off M-89.

He was born in Monterey Township, Sept. 4, 1893.

Services will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. from Nyberg funeral home, burial in Poplar Hill Cemetery, the Rev. Ralph L. Reed in charge.

He is survived by three brothers; Leon of Rt. 1, Otsego; Virgil of Monterey; Oscar of Plainwell; seven sisters, Mrs. Sarah Ackinson of Comstock; Mrs. Hazel Gibson, Allegan; Mrs. Verna Cook, Allegan; Mrs. Ethel Hoag, Kalamazoo; Mrs. Esther Haggerman, Plainwell; Mrs. Cora Haggerman of Kalamazoo and Mrs. Caroline Oisten of Allegan.

[NI0333] Obituary published in the Sunday, February 12, 1956, edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette:

BELDEN, Mr. Oscar C.,
Plainwell, Mich

Age 64, passed away Saturday. Mr. Belden was born September 12, 1891, in Monterey Township, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Omar Belden. He is survived by his wife, Rose Belden; one daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Stonerock of Comstock; 2 sons, Milford of Pontiac and Edwin of San Leandro, Calif.; 3 step-children, O.D. Barnes and Gerald Barnes of Plainwell and Mrs. Marjorie Wiley of Allegan; 19 grandchildren; 2 brothers, Leon Belden of Otsego and Virgil Belden of Allegan; 7 sisters, Mrs. Sarah Akerson, Mrs. Cora Hageman and Mrs. Ethel Hoke all of Comstock, Mrs. Caroline Oisten, Mrs. Hazel Gibson and Mrs. Vera Cook, all of Allegan, and Mrs. Esther Hageman of Plainwell. Friends may call at the Marshall Funeral Home, Plainwell. Services will be held at 2 oclock Tuesday at the Baptist Church. Rev. Stanley Watts officiating, Interment Comstock Cemetery.

[NI0360] Charles S. Beldens obituary, published in the Allegan News and Gazette, May 15, 1969, edition reads:

Funeral Services For Charles Belden Set For Thursday

Mr. Charles S. Belden, Route 1, Allegan, passed away Tuesday Morning at the Allegan Health Center. Mr. Belden was born June 19, 1892, in Trowbridge Twp., the son of Myron and Evaline Belden. He has lived and farmed in Trowbridge Twp. all of his life. He was a member of Trowbridge Grange, No. 296, and the Allegan County Farm Bureau.

Surviving are his wife, Hazel, and four children: Carlton and Robert, of Otsego, Lloyd of Rte. 1, Allegan, and Mrs. Marshall (Norrine) Myers, of Rte. 4, Paw Paw; 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; one niece and one nephew.

Funeral services will be held today, Thursday, May 15, at 2 p.m. from the Gordon Funeral Residence, Rev, Theodore Philips officiating. Interment in Mallory Cemetery. Those who desire may make memorial contributions to the Allegan County Cancer Society.

[NI0361] BELDEN, Mr. Carlton
Otsego, MI

Passed away Saturday, August 16, 1997, in Plainwell. Mr. Belden was born December 19, 1913, in Trowbridge Township, the son of Charles and Hazel (Rockwell) Belden. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Otsego. From 1933 to 1957 he was employed with the Otsego Creamery. Together with his wife he owned and operated the Olympia Restaurant from 1947 to 1991 and the Olympia Truck Stop from 1967 to 1987. Surviving are 2 daughters and their husbands, Sally and Robert Brown of Otsego and Nancy and Allen Strong of Allegan; a daughter-in-law, Betty (Belden) Hurst of Otsego; 7 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a brother and his wife, Lloyd and Loretta Belden of Allegan; a sister and her husband, Noreen and Mark Myers of Paw Paw; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine, in 1996; his son, Richard Dean Belden, in 1969; his brother, Robert Belden, in 1972; and his grandson, Link Strong, in 1982. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. A Memorial Service will be held Friday at 7:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church of Otsego with his grandson, Pastor Brett Strong, officiating. Burial of ashes well be at Mallory Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church of Otsego Building Fund. Arrangements by Winkel Funeral Home Otsego.

[NI0364] JANE EGGLESTON KENYON'S OBITUARY:

Mrs. Jane Kenyon, one of the pioneer settlers of Monterey Township, died New Year's day, aged about eighty years. She had been ill several weeks with troubles incident to old age. She was very well known and highly respected in the township which was her home for many years. Two sons, Freeman of Chicago and Hiram of Monterey, and one daughter, Mrs. Ferris of Traverse City, survive, and all were present at the funeral, which was held from the house Friday morning at eleven o'clock.

[NI0370] BIRTH NOTES: Weighed 7 pounds, delivered by Dr. Smith.

[NI0371] CLARENCE BELDEN

ALLEGAN - Clarence Newton Belden, 52, died Tuesday evening at his home in Monterey township. Surviving are the widow, Henrietta; a daughter, Alice, of Saugatuck; two step-daughters, Mrs. Clarence Hiscock, Millgrove, Mrs. John Gardiner, Flint; step-mother, Mrs. Cora Belden, Comstock; four brothers, Oscar of Kalamazoo, Milton of Allegan, Leon of Otsego, Virgil of Monterey; seven sisters, Mrs. William Oisten, Mrs. James Gibson, Mrs. Francis Cook, Allegan, Mrs. Walter Hoke, Pullman, Mrs. Roy Ackerson and Mrs. Lewis Hagerman, Comstock, Mrs. Herman Haggerman, Kalamazoo. Funeral services will be from the Gorden funeral home a 2 p.m. Saturday with burial in Poplar Hill cemetery. Allegan Odd Fellows lodge 105 will be in charge of services at the cemetery.

[NI0450] Virgil's wife, Henrietta Dannenburg-Gardiner was the wife of Virgil's half brother, Clarence Newton Belden. Clarence died in 1940, Virgil and Henrietta were married in 1943.

Virgil O. Beldens Obituary, published in the Allegan County News & Gazette, February 14, 1985, page 13, reads:

Services will be Friday for Allegan resident, 80

Funeral services for Virgil O. Belden 2520 35th St., Allegan, will be Friday at 1 a.m. at the Millgrove Christian Reformed Church. Mr. Belden, 80, died Monday at Pine Oaks Nursing Center in Allegan.

Mr. Belden was born Dec. 28, 1904 in Allegan, the son of Omar and Cora Belden. He was a member of the Millgrove Christian Reformed Church.

Surviving are his wife, Edna; three step-children, Mrs. Clarence (Alice) Hiscock of Allegan, Mrs. John (Dorothy) Gardiner of Flint, Mrs. Richard (Gladys) Chase of South Carolina; four sister, Mrs. Herman (Esther) Hageman of Plainwell, Mrs. Louis (Cora) Hageman of a, Mrs. James (Hazel) Gibson of Allegan, Mrs. Walter (Ethel) Hoke of Delton; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may meet with the family at the Allegan Chapel, Gorden Funeral Residence, from -9 p.m. tonight (Thursday). Pastor Pete Battjes will officiate at Fridays services and burial will be in Poplar Hill Cemetery in Monterey Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Millgrove Youth Building Fund.

[NI0451] HAZEL M. BELDEN GIBSON'S OBITUARY:

GIBSON, Hazel M.
Allegan

Died Tuesday, December 31, 1991, at Pine Oaks Nursing Center, Allegan. Mrs. Gibson was born July 12, 1906, in Lee Township the daughter of Homer and Cora (Austin) Belden. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Allegan. Surviving are 1 son and his wife, LeRoy and Colleen Gibson of New Mexico; 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Cora Hageman of Allegan, Ethel and Walter Hoke of Plainwell; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James in 1983; and 14 brother and sisters. The family will receive friends today from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Gorden Funeral Residence Allegan Chapel, A Trust 100 Firm, where services will be held Friday at 1 p.m., Pastor Raymond Mayhew officiating. Interment Poplar Hills Cemetery, Monterey Township. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Allegan.

[NI0452] LAST RITES HELD FOR VERA D. COOK

Mrs. Vera D. Cook, 128 Wayne St., Allegan passed away at her home early Monday morning. She was born October 1, 1908 in Lee Twp. Mrs. Cook was a member of the First Baptist church of Allegan.

Surviving are her husband, Francis; three children; Mrs. Thelma Payne of St. Joseph, Mrs. Esther Merchant, Rte. 4, and Francis Jr., of Rte. 1, Allegan; one step-son, Vern Cook of Grand Rapids; 13 grandchildren; six sisters and two brothers; Mrs. William Oisten, Mrs. Hazel Gibson, Leon and Virgil Belden all of Allegan, Mrs. Sarah Akerson, Mrs. Ethel Hoke, Mrs. Cora Hageman and Mrs. Esther Hageman all of Kalamazoo; several nieces and nephews.

Services were held from the Gorden Funeral Residence at 2 p.m. Wednesday; Rev. Clair Saliers officiating. Interment in Poplar Hill Cemetery.

[NI0453] HOKE, Mrs. Ethel M.
Plainwell, MI
Formerly of Comstock

Passed away Monday, January 5, 1998, in Plainwell. Mrs. Hoke was born May 14, 1911, in Lee township, Allegan County, to Omar and Cora (Austin) Belden. Ethel enjoyed bingo, reading, bird watching and the out-of-doors. On august 17, 1929, in Allegan, she was untied in marriage to Walter L. Hoke. Surviving are 2 sons, 2 daughters and their spouses, Donald and LaDonna Hoke of Baldwin, Patricia and Richard Hayward of Shelbyville, Jean and Donald Sutton and lee and Janet Hoke, all of Plainwell; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; a sister, Cora (Belden) Hageman of Allegan; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter, in 1994; her son Roger Hoke, in 1959; a grandson Mark Hayward, in 1996; also 14 brothers and sisters. Friends may meet the family from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 P.M. today (Wednesday) at Winkel Funeral Home Otsego where services will be held Thursday at 11:00 A.M., Rev. Darwin VanderWal officiating. Interment will be at Comstock Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Wings of Hope Hospice.

[NI0455] HAGEMAN, Mrs. Esther T.
Plainwell

Passed away Friday evening, December 9, 1988. Born in Lee Township on January 7, 1915, the daughter of the late Omar and Cora Belden. She was a resident of this area all of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband Herman in 1984. Survivors include 5 sons and their spouses, Virgil and Rika Hageman of Delton, James and Wanda Hageman of Pine Lake, David and Janis Hageman of Kalamazoo, Delbert and Marcia Hageman and Dennis and Kathy Hageman of Plainwell; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters, Cora Hageman and Hazel Gidson [Gibson], both of Allegan, and Ethel Hoke of Pine Lake; many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the funeral home today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Monday, December 12, 1988, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Eric Geib of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell. Memorial contributions can be made to the Allegan County Community Action Agency. MASHALL-GREN Golden Rule Funeral Home Plainwell A Forethought Member.

[NI0461] Obituary published in the May 23, 1972 edition:

BELDEN, Mrs. Henrietta
Rte 5, Allegan

Age 83, passed away Monday evening in Monterey Twp. Mrs. Belden was born August 13, 1888 in Masauke Co, Michigan, daughter of Henry and Mary Dannenberg. She was a member of the Victor Rebekah Lodge No. 358 in Allegan. Mrs. Belden is survived by her husband, Virgil; one son, John L. Gardiner of Flint; one daughter, Mrs. Clarence (Alice) Hiscock, Rte 3, Allegan; one step-daughter, Mrs. Alfred (Alice) Hentzelman of Alpena, Mich; one sister, Mrs. Minnie Willyard of Rte 3, Allegan; three grandchildren, John Hiscock of Kalamazoo, Mrs. Jeanette Veenkant of Allegan, Rte 1 and Mrs. Johnelle Ash of Flint; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Allegan Chapel of the Gorden Funeral Residence where services will be held Thursday at 1 oclock, Pastor Willard Willink officiating. Interment, Poplar Hill Cemetery.

[NI0474] Obituary for Milo Belden, published in the Monday, March 24, 1947, edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette reads:

Milo Oscar Belden Dies at Hospital

Milo Oscar Belden, 29, son of Oscar Belden, Kalamazoo and Mrs. Chase Robinson, Fort Wayne Ind, died Sunday at a local hospital after a lingering illness. He had lived his entire life in this community and employed by the Petto Celery Company prior to his illness.

He leaves, in addition to his parents, two brother and a sister, Milford, Kalamazoo, Edwin, stationed with the navy in Boston harbor, and Mrs. Dorothy Stonerock, Kalamazoo; a grandmother, Mrs. Cora Belden, Kalamazoo; and one niece.

[NI0516] BELDEN, Mrs. Rachel J.
Allegan, MI

Died at the Pine Oaks Nursing Center Tuesday, August 9, 1988. Mrs. Belden was born September 21, 1902 in Monterey Township, the daughter of Frank and Anna Julien. Surviving are a son and his wife, Cleo & Margaret Ann Belden of Allegan; 2 daughters-in-laws, Marjorie Dorman of Holland and Eva Belden of Allegan 5 grandchildren ; 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, in 1965 and a son Clifford, in 1978. The family will receive friends, at the GORDEN Funeral Residence Allegan Chapel A Trust 100 Firm, From 2-4 and 7-9 on Thursday, where funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, pastor Dennis Remenschneider officiating. Interment in Poplar Hills Cemetery.

[NI0517] Obituary for Clifford L. Belden, published March 27, 1978 reads:

BELDEN,
Clifford L.
Rte 1, Allegan

Age 56, passed away at Bronson Hospital, Sunday morning. He was born in Lee Twp., May 29, 1921; been a life resident of the area. Was retired from Smith Sand and Gravel Company. Surviving are: his wife, Eva; three children, Ronald L., Leon C. and Steven A., all of Allegan; his mother, Mrs. Rachel Belden of Allegan; brother, Cleo of Otsego; six grandchildren, one niece and one nephew. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 this evening at the Nyberg Funeral Home, where services will be held on Tuesday at 1:30, Rev. Paul Ray officiating. Burial in Mallory Cemetery.


A second bituary for Clifford L. Belden reads:

Clifford L. Belden dies following brief illness

Clifford L. Belden, 56, of Route 1 107th Ave., Allegan died Sunday in Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo following a brief illness.

Services for Mr. Belden were Tuesday in the Nyberg Funeral Home, the Rev. Paul Ray officiating, and burial was in Mallory Cemetery.

Born May 29, 1921 in Lee Township, the son of Leon and Rachel Belden. Mr. Belden had lived in the area all of his life and was retired from Smith Sand & Gravel Co.

He is survived by his wife, Eva; his mother, Rachel Belden of Allegan; three sons, Ronald L., Leon C. and Steven A., all of Allegan; a brother, Cleo Belden of Otsego; six grandchildren; and a niece and nephew.

[NI0528] AKERSON,
Mr. Roy D.,
431 Knight St.

Passed away Saturday evening, April 13, 1985. Mr. Akerson was born August 7, 1895, in Chicago, and was a resident of Kalamazoo for most of his life. Before his retirement, he had been employed by the Kalamazoo paper Co. for 15 years, previously by the Rex Paper Co. for 30 years. He had served in the U.S. Navy during W.W.I. on the U.S.S. North Carolina, S.S. Virginia and U.S.S. Champlain. On June 25, 1921, he was married to Sarah Helen Belden, who passed away on March 16, 1978. Surviving are 2 daughter and sons-in-law, Mable and Carl Bowman of Kalamazoo, Marion and Fred Wittmer of Abington, PA; 4 grandchildren, Fred and Susan Wittmer, Paul and Deborah Wittmer, all of Pennsylvania, Donna Traynor of Victoria, B.C. and Douglas Adams of Kalamazoo; 8 great-grandchildren including 2 set of twins; 3 brothers and 2 sisters, Louise Miller of Plainwell, Ruth Jennings of Kalamazoo, Edward, James and Theodore Sandell, all of Sturgis; several nieces and nephew. Services will be held Tuesday at 3 p.m. at the LANGELAND MEMORIAL CHAPEL 522 S. Burdick. Rev Mr. Edward Slate, of Comstock United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock. Friends may call at the chapel after 2 p.m. today, where the family will be present from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9.

[NI0529] Obituary of Mable Bowman reads:

BOWMAN (ADAMS),
Mrs. Mable D.
3117 Mt. Olivet Road

Passed away Monday evening, March 5, 1990 at her home. Mrs. Bowman was born April 15, 1922 in Allegan, MI the daughter of Roy and Sara (Belden) Akerson and was a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Wendell N. Adams on June 21, 1970. She is survived by her second husband, Carl H. Bowman; a daughter and a son, Mrs. Donna Traynor of Victoria, British Columbia, and Douglas W. Adams of Kalamazoo; 3 grandchildren, twins Sarah and Matthew Traynor and Lindsay Adams; her mother-in-law, Frances Reisig of Kalamazoo; a sister, Marian N. Wittmer and husband, Fred of Abington, PA; sisters-in-law, Eunice Kellogg and husband, Norbert of Mattawan, Mary Adams of Kalamazoo and Mary Bowman of Mattawan; a brother-in-law, Virgil Adams and wife, Joy of Kalamazoo; a special aunt, Cora Hageman of Allegan; several nieces and nephews. Services will be held Thursday at 3:00 oclock at LANGELAND MEMORIAL CHAPEL 622 S. Burdick A Trust 100 Chapel, with Rev. Valerie Hills of the Comstock United Methodist Church officiating. Interment in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may meet the family at the chapel this evening from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo or the Midwest Oncology Clinic at Borgess Medical Center.

[NI0541] GIBSON, Mr. James T.,
226 Kalamazoo St.
Allegan

Died at the Allegan General Hospital Tuesday, Sept. 20, 1983. Mr. Gibson was born August 20, 1906, in Charleston, W. Va., son of Dorvin and Maude Gibson. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and had been employed by the Baker Furniture Co. for 40 years, retiring in 1971. Surviving are his wife, Hazel; one son and daughter-in-law, LeRoy and Colleen Gibson of Kirtland, N.M.; 5 grandchildren, James of Tulsa, OK, Mrs. Phyllis LeRoy of Lansing, Harry and Cora Ann Jackson, both of Kirtland, N.M., and LeRoy Jr. of Warrenville, Il.; a half brother and half sister; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the Allegan Chapel, Gorden Funeral Residence, from 7 to 9 on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, where funeral services will be held Friday at 11 oclock, Rev. Raymond Mayhew officiating. Interment in Poplar Hill Cemetery.

[NI0552] Obituary published in the January 17, 1974 edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette.

OISTEN, Mr. William,
313 Russell St.,
Allegan

Passed away suddenly Wednesday morning at his home. Mr. Oisten was born Oct. 30, 1901. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. Mr. Oisten retired in 1970 as a carver for Imperial Carving Works. His wife, Caroline, preceded him in death Oct 29, 1972. Surviving are 3 sons, Lavern of Allegan, Melvin of Oshtemo and Albert of Allegan; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, McKinley of Allegan, Jeff of Watson, and Clayton of Trowbridge; one sister, Mrs. Edith Frisbie of Colon. The family will receive friends 7 to 9 Thursday evening at the Nyberg Funeral Home, where services will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m., rev. Raymond Mayhew officiating. Interment in Oakwood Cemetery.

[NI0559] COOK,
Mr. Francis H. Sr.
128 Wayne St.
Allegan

Died at the Allegan General Hospital Wednesday, April 18, 1979. Mr. Cook was born Jan. 9, 1902, in Allegan, son of Frank and Emma Cook. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge and had been employed at Rockwell International for 28 years, retiring in 1965. Surviving are 4 children, F. Lavern Cook of Grand Rapids, Mrs. Charles (Thelma) Payne of St. Joseph, Mr. Virgil (Esther) Merchant of Rte 6, Allegan, Francis H. Cook, Jr. of Allegan; one brother and one sister, Dewey Cook of Kansas City, Kansas, Mrs. T.C. (Thelma) Jones of St. Petersburg, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Allegan Chapel, Gorden. Funeral Residence from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 on Thursday, and where services will be held Friday at 1:30, Rev. Raymond Mayhew officiating. Interment, Poplar Hill Cemetery.

[NI0573] TROY STEVEN SMITH'S OBITUARY:

Troy Steven Smith, 22

Troy Steven Smith, 22, of Allegan, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 1990, at Bronson Methodist Hospital from injuries sustained in an auto accident.

Mr. Smith was born July 28, 1967, in Plainwell, the son of Roger and Janet (Merchant) Smith. He was a 1986 graduate of Allegan High School where he was a varsity basketball standout. He married Particia Blank, May 14, 1988, in Allegan. He worked as a loader-operator in the family business, Roger Smith Gravel of Allegan.

Surviving are his wife, Patti, a son Matthew Wayne, at home; his parents, Roger and Janet of Allegan; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Trent and Peggy Smith and Trevor Smith, off of Allegan; grandparents, Virgil and Esther Merchant and Helen Smith, all of Allegan; a great-grandfather, Wayne Merchant of Allegan; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 16, 1900, at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, A Trust 100 Firm, Pastor Don Miller officiating. Interment was a Lindsley Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to establish a trust fund for Mr. Smith's son, Matthew.

[NI0587] HOKE, Mr. Walter L.
of Kalamazoo
Formerly of Plainwell & Comstock

Passed away Friday, April 15, 1994. Mr. Hoke was born December 24, 1908 in Otsego, the son of Charles and Anna (Peterson) Hoke. For many years, he was employed with International Paper, retiring in 1971. He was a past member of the Paper Makers Union. On August 17, 1929 in Allegan, he married Ethel Belden, who survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, 2 daughters, and their spouses; Donald & LaDonna Hoke of Baldwin, Patricia & Richard Hayward of Shelbyville, Jean and Don Sutton and Lee and Janet Hoke, all of Plainwell; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Nora Hoke of Comstock and Cora Hageman of Allegan. He was preceded in death by his son, Roger Hoke in 1959. Friends may meet the family today from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday from 3-5 and 7-9 at the Winkel Funeral Home Otsego where services will be held Monday at 11 a.m., Interment in Comstock Cemetery. Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Assoc. or the American Lung Assoc.

[NI0592] Obituary published in the Monday, May 25, 1959 edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette:

HOKE, Roger W.,
480 N. Shields

Passed away Saturday evening. Roger was born May 31, 1939, in Allegan Mich., the son of Walter and Ethel Hoke. surviving besides his parents are; 2 sisters and 2 brothers, Donald, Mrs. Patricia Hayward, Mrs. Jean Sutton, all of Kalamazoo and Lee, stationed in Korea; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Services will be held at the Langeland Memorial Chapel Tuesday at 3 o'clock. Interment in Comstock Cemetery. Friends may call at the chapel.

[NI0595] HAGEMAN,
Mr. Herman H.
299 4th St.
Plainwell

Passed away July 10, 1984 in Kalamazoo. Mr. Hageman was born May 17, 1907, in Vincennes, Ind., and had been a resident of this area for the past 34 years. He had retired from KVP in 1972, after 45 years of service. He was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters. Surviving are his wife, Esther; 5 sons, Virgil of Delton, James of Pin Lake, David of Kalamazoo, Delbert and Dennis, both of Plainwell; one sister, Mrs. Frances Resnik of Kalamazoo; 17 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the chapel, where funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 11 oclock, Rev. Eric Geib officiating. Interment in Hillside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Retarded Citizens of Michigan. MARSHALL-GREN CHAPEL Plainwell.

[NI0621] Louis Leo Hageman, 68, of 696 Lake 16 Drive, Allegan, a former Comstock resident, died Aug. 27 in Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo.

He was born Sept. 16, 1912, in Glen Ullin, N.D.; and on Sept. 28, 1935, he married the former Cora Bell Belden.

They lived in Comstock for 40 years before moving to Trowbridge seven years ago.

Mr. Hageman worked at the Hawthorne Paper Co. for 40 years; and he later worked for Comstock Public Schools for six years.

Surviving are his wife; four children, Robert A. and Danney E., both of Allegan, and Gary L. and Mrs. Ann (David Shrauger, both of Kalamazoo; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Mildred Winn, Mrs. Helen Flood, and Mrs. Agnes Blood, all of Oregon, and Mrs. Esther Seaman of California; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were last Saturday afternoon in the Allegan Chapel of the Gorden Funeral Residence, the Rev. Raymond Mayhew officiating, and burial was in Mallory Cemetery, Trowbridge Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Heart Association.

[NI0645] Obituary for Mabel E. Stewart, published in the Thursday, September 23, 1965, edition of the Allegan News and Gazette reads:

Allegan Woman Killed In Auto

Funeral services for Mrs. Mabel E. Stewart of Allegan, killed in a Thursday morning crash on M-89 near the Blackman School, were held from the Gorden Funeral Residence, September 18, at 1:30 p.m., Rev. John Cermak (sp?) officiating.

Mrs. Stewart was driving in the wrong traffic lane east, toward Otsego, when she struck a car operated by ??? Roth, 2406 W. 13 Mile Rd., Royal Oak, head-on, according to Sheriffs department deputies.

Roth was taken to the Allegan Health Center, and later transferred to Borgess Hospital, suffering from multiple fractures of the leg and other injuries, according to the official report.

Mrs. Stewart, who was born January 20, 1890, in Allegan County, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Allegan Health Center by Dr. James Mahan, medical examiner.

Surviving are two children, Elwyn Sprague and Mr. Roy (Winnie Jo) Stone, both of Otsego; one step-son, Kenneth Stewart of Allegan; four grandchildren; one brother, Charles Belden of Allegan, Rt. 1; and several nieces and nephews.

[NI0651] Obituary for Hazel Belden, published in the Wednesday, March 2, 1983, edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette reads:

BELDEN, Mrs. Hazel
Trowbridge Twp.

Died at the Pine Oaks Nursing Center Tuesday, March 1, 1983. Mrs. Belden was born January 23, 1897 in Trowbridge Twp. the daughter of Ralph and Winnie Busfield. She was a member of the Trowbridge Grange and the Farm Bureau. Surviving are 2 children, Lloyd of Allegan, and Mrs. Marshall (Norine) Myers of Paw Paw; 1 stepson, Carlton Belden of Otsego; 2 sisters, Mrs. Nina Bares and Mrs. Edward (Wilma) Moored, both of Allegan; 1 brother, Howard Busfield of Allegan; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephew. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, in 1969. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Allegan Chapel, Gorden Funeral Residence, where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday with Rev. John E. Miller officiating. Interment Mallory Cemetery.
----------------------------------

A 2nd obituary for Hazel Belden reads:

Services are in Allegan for Mrs. Hazel Belden, 86

Mrs. Hazel Belden, 86, of Trowbridge Towhsip, died Tuesday in Pine Oaks Nursing Center.

Born Jan. 23, 1897 in Trowbridge Township, the daughter of Ralph and Winnie Busfield, Mrs. Belden was a member of the Trowbridge Grange and the Farm Bureau.

Surviving are two children, Lloyd of Allegan and Mrs. Norine (Marshall) Myers of Paw Paw; a step-son Calton Belden of Otsego; two sisters, Mrs. Nina Bares and Mrs. Wilma (Edward) Moored, both of Allegan; a brother Howard Busfield of Allegan; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, in 1969.

Visitation will be in the Allegan Chapel of the Gorden Funeral Residence form 7-9 p.m. today (Thursday), where services will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, with the Rev. John E. Miller officiating. Burial will be in Mallory Cemetery.

[NI0655] Lloyd Belden, 76

Lloyd F. Belden, 76, Allegan, died Oct. 17, 1997.

Mr. Belden was born May 1, 1921, in Allegan, the son of Charles and Hazel Belden. He married Loretta Ring who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Donald and Angela Belden, of Allegan; a daughter, Caroline and Walt Leslie, of Allegan; a step-daughter, Maxine and Richard Mack, of Hammond, Ind.; and a stepson, Mike Ring, of Glenn; 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a sister, Norrine and Mark Myers, of Paw Paw and several nieces and nephews.

Private graveside service was at Mallory Cemetery.

Arrangements were by Avink Funeral Home, Cremation Society of Michigan, Schoolcraft.

[NI0657] Robert Beldens obituary, published in the Monday, May 22, 1972, edition reads:

BELDEN, Mr. Robert,
623 S. Farmer St.
Otsego

Passed away suddenly Saturday afternoon. Mr. Belden was born April 19, 1915, in Allegan. He was manager of the Otsego Sanitary Milk Products Co. and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Otsego. Mr. Belden is survived by 2 sons, Douglas and Jeffrey of Otsego; one brother, Carleton of Otsego; his step-mother, Mrs. Hazel Belden of Allegan; a half brother, Lloyd Belden of Allegan; many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, where services will be held Tuesday at 1:30 oclock, Rev. Theo Phillips and Rev. Gail Pike officiating. Interment in Mallory Cemetery, Allegan.

[NI0658] BELDEN, Mrs. Josephine M.
Otsego, MI

Passed away Monday, November 4, 1996, in Allegan. Mrs. Belden was born April 19, 1915, in Dowagiac, the daughter of Albert and Martha (Briney) Franklin. Together with her husband she owned and operated the Olympia Restaurant in Otsego from 1947 to 1991, and the Olympia Truck Stop from 1966 to 1987. She was a loving and caring person, and everyone call her "Grandma Belden." She was member of the First Baptist Church of Otsego. On October 6, 1933, in Trowbridge Twp. she married Carlton Belden, who survives. Also surviving are 2 daughters and their husbands, Sally and Robert Brown of Otsego, Nancy and Allen Strong of Allegan; a daughter-in-law Betty (Belden) Hurst of Otsego; 7 grandchildren, Bobbi Brown, Ricky Brown, Toni Nakken, Terry Strong, Brett, Strong, Carlton Belden and Mary Rice; 19 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister, Pauline Harvey of Plainwell; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Richard Dean Belden in 1969; and a grandson, Link Strong in 1982. Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. A Memorial Services will be held Thursday at 7:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church of Otsego, Pastor Brett Strong officiating. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church of Otsego. Arrangements by Winkel Funeral Home Otsego.

[NI0659] BELDEN, Dollie E.
Of Allegan

Died Friday, October 1, 1993, at her home. Mrs. Belden was born August 28, 1922, in Clyde Twp., Allegan County, the daughter of Ora and Dollie (Harring) Emerick. She had attended the M-89 East first Church of God. She loved square dancing. Surviving are her husband, Lloyd; 2 children, Donald and Angela Belden and Caroline Minegar, all of Allegan; 5 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Blanch (Ocie) Barnes, Fennville, Lucille (Ralph) Veenkant, Allegan, Evelyn (Roland) Moore, Kalamazoo and Rose (Ival) Jorgensen, Niles; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, George, Ora, Jr. and Donald. Memorial graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Mallory Cemetery, Trowbridge Twp. Pastor Don Miller officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by the GORDEN Funeral Residence Allegan Chapel A Trust 100 Firm.

[NI0677] Obituary for Otis L. Sprague published in the Saturday, March 12, 1932 edition reads:

Otis L. Sprague passed away suddenly March 2, just a week previous to that time he had moved to a farm in Trowbridge. The funeral was held March 5, from the Gorden funeral residence, Rev. Feather officiating, burial in Oakwood. He is survived by the wife, Mrs. Mabel Sprague; one daughter, Winifred, on son, Elwin; his mother, Mrs. Rosalie Sprague; five sister, Mrs. Helen Graham, Mrs. Mildred Jennings, Mrs. Minnie Adams, and Mrs. Birdie Houseworth, all of Allegan and Mrs. Myrtle Bullock of Kalamazoo; and Clare Sprague of Marshfields, Oregon.

[NI0701] CALEB KEYON'S OBITUARY;

Wednesday noon, occured the death of Caleb Kenyon, an old and respected citizen of Monterey.

[NI0758] Information on Charles was obtained from the
HONOR ROLL OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY
WW I, 1917-1918-1919 Published 1920 by Mrs. O. H. CLARK
Pages 66 & 67.

Pvt. Co. A, 40 M. G. Bn. Div.; son of Willliam E. and Nellie M. Caswell; husband of Mildred M. Caswell; born Dec. 24, 1897, Allegan Col.; ent. serv. Aug. 26, 1918, Cmp. Custer; mustered out Jan. 24, 1919, Cmp. Custer (photo on page 67).

[NI0762] Information on Fredrick was obtained from the
HONOR ROLL OF KALAMAZOO COUNTY
WW I, 1917-1918-1919 Published 1920 by Mrs. O. H. CLARK
Pages110 & 111.

Pvt. 256 Amb. Corps, 14 Div.; son of Walter and Anna Slater; husband of Mable Slater; born Jan. 24, 1897, Kalamazoo; ent. serv. Aug., 1918; sent Cmp. Custer; remained there until mustered out Jan., 1919 (picture of page 111).

[NI0780] LILLIE AUSTIN

Mrs. Lillie Austin, 78, died Wednesday at the home of his [her] nephew Earl Whisler of Trowbridge.

Funeral services were held at the Gorden Funeral Residence Saturday at 2 p.m. with burial in Mallory cemetery. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

[NI0811] Obituary published in the Friday, December 28, 1945 edition:

MARTHA L. WHISTLER

Martha L. Whistler, 79, died at the home of her son, Earl Whistler Thursday.

Funeral services were held from Gorden Funeral residence at 2:00 p.m. Sunday with burial in Mallory cemetery.

She is survived by three sons, Earl of Trowbridge, Hale of Paw Paw, and Hayes of Kalamazoo. Also two sisters, Mrs. H.A. Vandercook and Mrs. Sherman Burnett of Kalamazoo and several grand children.

[NI0812] LAST RITES HELD HERE FOR EARL J. WHISLER

Earl J. Whisler, 67, passed away suddenly at his home in Trowbridge township Friday, Dec. 21, 1956. Funeral services were held from the Gorden Funeral Residence Monday, Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. with burial in Mallory Cemetery. Rev. William Short officiated.

He is survived by his wife Nellie of Rt. 1, Allegan; three daughters; Mrs. Lee Adams, Allegan; Mrs. Ray Myers, Martin; Mrs. Norman Brown of Gobles; three sons, Bernith, Lyle and Max, all of Allegan; 12 grandchildren; two brothers, Hale Whisler of Paw Paw and Hayes Whisler of Kalamazoo. Several nieces and nephews.

He was born December 7, 1889 in Allegan county, the son of Albine and Martha Emmons Whisler and has lived his entire life in this vicinity.

[NI0813] Obituary for Hale V. Whisler published in the July 23, 1981, edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette reads:

WHISLER,
Mr. Hale V. , Sr.
217 North St.
Paw Paw

Died this morning at Hope Nursing Home in Lawton. He was born March 14, 1897 and was a lifelong area resident. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Paw Paw. The Lodge No. 25 R & AM, Paw Paw. He founded the Paw Paw flashes in 1937 and operated the paper until his retirement in 1969. He is survived by his wife, Lena; 7 children, Mrs. Frank (Evelyn) Holder of Kalamazoo. Miss Edith Whisler of Mattawan, Mrs. Norman (Thelma) Bredeweg of Holland, Mrs. Robert (Donna) Fooy of Parchment, Mrs. Fritz (Avis) Fooy, Paw Paw, Mrs. Charles (Lois) Craddock, Paw Paw and Mr. Hale Whisler, Jr. of Tulsa, OK; 2 children died in infancy. Also surviving is one brother, Hayes Whisler of Portage; 16 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren and 10 nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the Hawley Funeral Home, Paw Paw.

[NI0814] Obituary for Hayes Whisler, pubished in the Thursday, November 27, 1986 edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette reads:

WHISLER,
Mr. Hayes J.
Formerly of
213 Schuring, Portage

Passed away Wednesday morning, November 26, 1986. Mr. Whisler was born July 27, 1902 in Allegan, MI, the son of Albine and Martha (Emmons) Whisler and had been a life resident of this area. He was a graduate of the Chicago Technical Institute and was a member of the Lake Center bible Church. Prior to his retirement he was employed as an electrical engineer for several electrical contractors in the Kalamazoo area. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers No. 131, a life member of the Portage Masonic Londge No. 340 F. & A.M., life member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Grand Rapids, and a member of the Pony Teamsters Club. He had served on the Portage School Board and was instrumental in getting the Tournament of Champions Track Meet at the Portage School. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Violet, on November 14, 1969 and also by 2 brothers and 1 sister. On June 19, 1970, he was untied in marriage to Dorothy L. (Matteson) Fletcher, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Bethjane Pomeroy and her husband, Donald, of Kalamazoo; a son, O. John Whisler and his wife, Elaine, of Coloma; 4 step-children, Mrs. Albert (Margaret) VanderVeen of Portage, Robert N. Fletcher, Mrs. William (Phyllis) Lightvoet, both of Kalamazoo, Mrs. James (Marcia) Gerow of Jupiter, FL; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; 3 step-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Services for Mr. Whisler will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 oclock from the LANGELAND PORTAGE CHAPEL - 411 E. Centre Ave. - with Rev. Dr. Terry Puett officiating. A Masonic graveside service will be held at the Central Portage Cemetery with Portage Lodge No. 340 F. & A.M. officiating. Friends may meet the family in the Portage Chapel after 2 oclock Friday afternoon.

[NI0838] Obituary for Mark R.Hayward reads:

HAYWARD, Mark R.
Shelbyville

Died suddenly March 8, 1996. Surviving is a daughter, Morgan Jane Hayward; parents Richard D. and Patricia Hayward, Sr., of Shelbyville; 4 brothers, Richard D. (Victoria) Hayward, Jr. of Alpena, Glenn W. (Loretta) Hayward, of Fountain Inn, SC, Craig R. (Michele) Hayward, of Traunik, MI and Bruce L. (Kerry) Hayward, of Holland; his grandmother, Ethel Hoke, of Kalamazoo; several nieces and nephews. Visitation 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM Monday at the Archer-Hampel Funeral Home in Wayland. Service 1 PM on Tuesday at the Wayland First Baptist Church, Pastor Kenneth Larson and Pastor Dewey Moore, officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Abused Children Fund.

[NI0840] Obituary for Nrs. Nellie May Whisler published in the Monday, February 5, 1973 edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette reads:


WHISLER,
Mrs. Nellie May
Rte 1, Allegan

Passed away at the Allegan Co. Medical Care Facility Monday morning. Mrs. Whisler was born Feb. 15, 1890, in Assyria, Mich. the daughter of Jay and Marian Prescott. Surviving are 6 children, Mrs. Lee (Doris) Adams, Allegan, Mrs. Raymond (Beatrice) Myers of Martin, Mrs. Norman (Barbara) Brown of Gobles, Bernith and Lyle, both of Allegan, Max of Allegan; one sister, Mrs. Hazel Baggerly of Battle Creek; 15 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.; several nieces and nephew. Friends may call at the Allegan Chapel, Gorden Funeral Residence, beginning at 7 this evening, and where services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m., Rev. Thurlin Meredith officiating. Interment in Mallory Cemetery.

[NI0844] Obituary for Lyle B. Whisler, Sr., reads:

WHISLER, Mr. Lyle B, Sr.
827 Williams Rd.
Allegan

Died at the Allegan General Hospital Wednesday, April 30, 1986. Mr. Whisler was born October 23, 1922 in Allegan, the son of Earl and Nellie Whisler. He had been employed as a foreman for Imperial Carving Co. for 34 years. Surviving are his wife, Nadine; and 2 children, Mrs. Gaylord (Diane) Emmons of Allegan and Lyle B. Whisler Jr. of Otsego; 6 grandchildren; 2 brother and 3 sisters, Bernith and Max of Allegan, Mrs. Doris Adams of Allegan, Mrs. Beatrice Myers of Martin and Mrs. Barbara Brown of Gobles; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the Allegan Chapel, Gordon Funeral Residence from 7-9 on Friday, where services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Rev. David Armstrong officiating. Interment in Mallory Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Allegan County Cancer Society.

[NI0850] Obituary for Vern Lee Whisler published in the Friday, November 1, 1940, edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette reads:

Baby Chokes on Cookie; Dies in Paw Paw Home

Burial of Lee Whistler to Be Held Sunday at Allegan

PAW PAW-Vern Lee Whistler, 11 month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Hale Whistler, 323 East Cedar Street, choked to death on a cookie in his home Thursday evening.

The baby was born in Allegan on Nov. 24, 1939. His father is the published of Flashes, a weekly advertising sheet.

Surviving besides his parents are five sisters and one brother. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. from the Hawley funeral home, Paw Paw. Burial will be in Mallory cemetery, Allegan.

[NI0859] Holder, Frank L., Obituary

HOLDER, Frank L.
Park Ave.
Parchment

Died Saturday Sept. 20, 1997 at Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo. He was born August 2, 1918 in Andover SD. He worked for nearly 30 years for Georgia-Pacific Paper Co., Kalamazoo until his retirement in 1977. Frank was a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor while serving in the US Navy aboard the USS Sumner. On January 19, 1946 he was united in marriage to the former Evelyn Whisler of Paw Paw, who survives. Also surviving is a daughter and her husband Jacqueline and Scott Halladan of Grand Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother Mark Holder and sisters Helen West and Doris Singer. Friends will be received Monday from 7-9 PM at the Thompson and Hawley Funeral Home, Paw Paw, where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 PM with Rev. Claudette Haney officiating. Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery in Lawton. Memorials to the American Cancer Society.

[NI0864] Obituary for Violet Whisler, published in the Friday, November 14, 1969 edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette reads:

WHISLER,
Mrs. Violet M.
213 Schuring Road,
Portage

Passed waya Friday morning. Mrs. Whisler was born Oct. 8, 1900, in Smithfiled, Ill., the daughter of Oscar and Jennie Couchman and had been a resident of Portage for the past 32 years, prior to that making her home in Kalamazoo. She attended the First Baptist church of Portage, was a graduate of the University of Chicago in 1922 and took advanced studies at Western Michigan University. She taught at Kalamazoo Central Hight Scholl for 8 years and also for the Lake Central School District. She was the Postmaster in Portage for 12 years until her retirement in 1962. Surviving is the husband Hayes J.; one daughter and one son, Mrs. Donald (Bethjane) Pomeroy of Kalamazoo and O. John Whisler of Portage; 5 grandchildren, Keven Shawn and Kennan James Pomeroy; Gregg Kelly, Cheryl Lynn and Jeff Scott Whisler; one sister, Mrs. Bert (Katherine) VerMeulen of Portage; several cousins. Memorial services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 oclock at the LANGELAND PORTAGE CHAPEL, 411 E. Centre, Rev. Fred M. Boatright officiating. Interment in Central Portage Cemetery. Friends may meet with the family at the Portage Chapel Saturday evening from 7 to 9 and Sunday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9.

[NI0873] Obituary for Richard D. Belden, published in the Kalamazoo Gazette, November 1, 1969, edition reads:

BELDEN, Mr. Richard D.
2196 Jefferson Rd., Otsego--

Passed away Saturday morning at Borgess Hospital. Mr. Belden was born October 7, 1935 in Trowbridge Twp., Allegan County, Michigan. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Otsego of which he was a board member and served as a director of the beginner's church. He graduated from Otsego High School in 1954 and Trinity Bible College of Clearwater, Florida in 1962. He managed the Olympia Truck Stop in Plainwell. On June 9, 1961, in Steubenville, Ohio, he was united in marriage with the former Betty Means, who survives. Also surviving are: two children, Carlton and Mary, at home; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Beldon of Otsego; two sisters, Mrs. Robert (Sally) Brown and Mrs. Allen (Nancy) Strong, both of Otsego; his grandparents, Mrs. Charles Belden of Allegan, several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, after 7 this evening. Services will be held Monday at 1:30 at the First Baptist Church, pastor Theo Phillips officiating. Interment, Mallory Cemetery.

[NI0878] Obituary for Douglas R. Belden reads:

BELDEN, Mr. Douglas R.
Otsego, Michigan

Passed away Thursday, August 28, 1997 in Kalamazoo. Mr. Belden was born May 29, 1943 in Allegan. He resided in Otsego for most of his life, and graduated from Otsego High School in 1963. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Italy. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Dorothy and Theron Martin of Otsego; 1 brother and his wife, Jeffrey and Tonnie Belden of Plainwell; his maternal grandmother, Geneva Clark of Alamo; 1 step-brother, Jeffrey Martin of Allegan; 1 step-sister, Kim Kanet of Otsego; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Belden. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday at 1:00 P.M. at the Winkel Funeral Home Otsego Rev. Timothy M. Foreman officiating. Private burial will be held later at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Kidney Foundation.

[NI0912] Obituary for Michael Oisten published in the Monday, October 12, 1964, edition of the Kalamazoo Gazette reads:

OISTEN, Michael Alan,
Route 4, Allegan

Five month old son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Oisten, died last evening at the Boldrey Childrens Home, Parma. Michael Alan was born May 15, 1964 in Allegan. Surviving besides the parents are one brother, Albert Lavern; two sisters, Robin Sue and Dorothy Ann; the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Teofil (sp?) Radney of Rte. 2, Grand Junction, Mr. and Mrs. William Oisten of Allegan, several aunts and uncles. Services will be held Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. from the Bloomingdale Chapel of the Robbins Funeral Home, Rev. Jay DeVries officiating. Burial in Lee Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home this evening.

[NI0947] Timothy Lynn Whislers obituary, published in the Kalamazoo Gazette, Nov. 12, 1981, edition reads:

WHISLER,
Timothy Lynn,
352 Terrace St.
Allegan

Died at Borgess Hospital Wednesday, Nov. 11, 1981. Timothy was born March 7, 1958, in Allegan, son of Max and JoAnn Whisler. He graduated from Allegan High School in 1976 and was a senior at Western Michigan University. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Allegan. Surviving are his parents; 2 brothers, Kenneth of Paw Paw and Jeffrey, at home; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Arndt of Allegan; many aunts, uncles and cousins. Family will receive friends at the Allegan Chapel, Gorden Guneral Residence from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 Friday, where funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m., Rev. Paul Patterson officiating. Interment, Mallory Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Allegan County Cancer Society or "Dollars for Scholars".

[NI0965] Obituary for Link Steven, published in the Kalamazoo Gazette, February 27, 1982, edition reads:

STRONG, Mr. Link Steven,
2135 102nd Ave.
Otsego

Passed away Thursday, Feb. 25, 1982. Mr. Strong was born April 29, 1958, in Plainwell. He was employed with the Kalamazoo Container Corp. and was a member of the Kalamazoo Chapter of the Outriders Motorcycle Club. Surviving are one son, Joshua Jameson of Plainwell; his parents, Allen and Nancy Strong of Otsego; one brother Terry of Allegan; grandparents, Leo and Bernice Strong of Allegan, Carleton and Josephine Beldon of Otsego; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Bradley in 1953. Friends may call beginning 7 p.m. this evening at the WINKEL Funeral Home Otsego where services will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m., Pastor Gail Pike officiating. Interment in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery.

[NI0968] Obituary for MRS. D.R. BELDEN (JoAnne Willard), published in the Kalamazoo Gazette, October 8, 1972

[NI1038] CASE, Mr. Randolph "Randy"
Pullman, MI

Passed away Friday, September 6, 1996, in Allegan. Mr. Case was born November 15, 1949, in Kalamazoo, the son of Luther and June (Anderson) Case. He was a Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, and a member of the Plumbers Union Local 337. On June 29, 1991, in Pullman, he married Robin Oisten, who survives. Also surviving are 3 children, Ronald Case of Alabama, Monica Case of Kalamazoo, and Larry and Kathy Huffman of Comstock; 2 grandchildren, Angel and Melody Huffman; his mother, June (Case) Carpenter and her husband Alton; 1 sister and 3 brothers, Chris Anderson of Kalamazoo, Sheriff of Newaygo County, Roger and Pat Altena of Newaygo, Karen Mulder of Plainwell, Joe and Sharon Case of Martin; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sue and Albert Oisten of Allegan; 2 brothers-in-law, Jim Oisten and Jamie of Allegan and Albert L. and Olivia Oisten of Pullman; a sister-in-law, Dorothy and Terry Fuss of Pullman; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sue Case in 1981; and his father, Luther Case in 1983. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held Monday at 11:00 A.M. at the Chicora United Brethren Church, 4399 - 108th Ave, Allegan, pastor Mark J. Wolfe officiating. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the church. Burial of ashes at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Arrangements by Winkel Funeral Home Otsego.

[NF001] At the time of their marriage license application Gerald Belden resided at R#2, Plainwell, MI (probably Marsh Road) and Kathryn Slater resided at 506 Catherine Street, Otsego, MI. Gerald was 20 and Kathryn was 18 years.

Witnesses of the marriage were: Leonard F. Marks of Doster, MI and Verladene Belden of Plainwell, MI.

[NF002] Harvey 21 years, Mable 18 years

[NF045] Witnesses: J.N. Spohn and Alma Belden.

[NF046] Witnesses: Miss Rose Martin and Leo LeBlanc. Thomas 33, Amelia 30.

[NF047] Alma was 19 years old at the time of her marriage to Howard Buskirk and lived in Monterey Township, Allegan County, MI.

[NF048] Both Everett and Rita were 19 years old at the time they married.

[NF146] Officiated: Rev. Ralph Dean.
Maid of Honor: Miss Dixie Bailey
Best Man: Charles Packer
Reception: Methodist Church Parlor.

[NF185] Hofstatter - Belden
Rites Read On May 1

Published in the Allegan News Gazette, May 20, 1965

Announcement is being made of the May 1 marriage of Miss Judith Hofstatter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hofstatter, Allegan Rte. 4, and Lawrence C. Belden, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cleo Belden, Otsego Rte. 1. Fr. Edward J. Jaworowicz officiated at the rites performed at Blessed Sacrament Church in the presence of 150 guests.

The bride wore a gown of delustered satin accented with Alencon lace and fashioned with a scoop neckline and tapered sleeves. The skirt fell into a chapel train. A seed pearl and crystal crown secured her illusion veil.

Mrs. Lois Brownell was matron of honor for her sister and bridesmaids were Miss Terrie Belden, sister of the groom, and Miss Fran English. They wore yellow lace gowns and carried May baskets of yellow and white daisies.

Alton Brownell, Jr., assisted as best man and ushers were Art Schmitt and Jim Guiderbeck.

The bride's mother wore a pink erepe dress with matching accessories, and the groom's mother wore a blue lace dress with matching coat.

Following a buffet served in the Blessed Sacrament School auditorium and an evening reception at the K. of C. Hall, the couple left on a wedding trip to Mammoth Cave, Ky. They are residing at 108 River St., Allegan.

[NF201] Oisten, Laverne and Lucille

Golden Anniversary - Laverne and Lucille Oisten of Allegan will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house hosted by their children from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30, at First Church of God, 1313 Marshall St., Allegan. Mr. Oisten and the former Lucille Miller of Otsego, were married Nov. 29, 1947, in Otsego. They have three children, Joan and Vaughn Rininger, Chester and Marilyn Oisten and Diana Covault, all of Allegan. Their grandchildren are Bruce and Donna Rininger of Lakeland, Fla., Kelly Rininger, Tracy and Barry Fowler, Kim Oisten and Cheryl Oisten, all of Allegan, Denise Wolfe of Plainwell and Chester and Beth Oisten of Bloomingdale. They have 12 great-grandchildren. Mr. Oisten is a veteran of World War II, He is retired from Rockwell International. Mrs. Oisten is retired from Chase Manufacturing. They are members of First Church of God.

[NF221] David, Janis Hageman 25th Wedding Anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. David L. Hageman of Kalamazoo recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a special dinner.

Mr. Hageman and the former Janis E. Jefferson were married May 4, 1968. Their children are Aimee and Bryan, both of Kalamazoo.

Mr. Hageman is employed at General Motors Corp. and Mrs. Hageman is employed at the Kalamazoo Public Library.

[NF318] Mrs. C. R. CRADDOCK (Lois M. Whisler)

Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette, February 16, 1964

Milwood Church Scene of Bridal

Two hundred and fifty guests attended the Saturday evening wedding of Miss Lois Maxine Whisler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hale V. Whisler, Paw Paw, and Charles Richard Craddock, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Craddnock, Bloomfield Avenue, Kalamazoo.

Rev. William A. Blanding performed the ceremony at the Milwood Methodist Church assisted by Rev. Dale D. Spoor of the Marcellus, Methodist Church. Mrs. Marston Dodge was organist and Mrs. Milton Zoschke was vocalist.

The bride chose a peau de soje floor-length gown fashioned with a sabrina neckline and princess bodice of alencon lace. The full skirt and chapel train were also enhanced with the lace. Her bouffant veil of English illusion was secured by a double crown of crystal and rhinestones-and covered with white roses and streamers of pink sweetheart roses.

Mrs. James Evans was matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Mrs. Randall Woods and Miss Carole Lewis, Clark Lake. Miss Sharon Bredeweg, niece of the bride, was flower girl.

Best man was Scott Evans. Ushers were Richard Yeckley, and Bruce Lyons. Ring bearer was Roger Craddock, brother of the bridegroom.

Following a reception in the church parlors, the couple left on a wedding trip to Washington, D.C. Upon their return they will reside at 1710 Golfview Ave.

[NF322] Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette, December 18, 1960

Couple Wed In Methodist Rite Saturday

Mr. and Mrs. Hayes John Whisler, Schuring Avenue, are announcing the Saturday marriage of their daughter, Bethjane, to Donald Arthur Pomeroy, son of Clayre Pomeroy, Glendale, Ariz., and Mrs. Theresa Pomeroy, N. Prairie Avenue.

The Rev. William A. Blanding performed the evening ceremony in the Milwood Methodist Church. Nuptial music was provided by Mrs. William Harris, organist, and Mrs. James Park, vocalist. Attending were 400 guests.

THE BRIDE was attired in a mist taffeta gown trimmed with Venice lace, sequine and pearls, and her bouffant skirt terminated in a brush train. Her fingertip-length veil of English illusion fell from a headband trimmed with tiny apple blossoms and seed pearls and she carried a white Bible topped with a heart-shaped bouquet of white sweetheart roses and lilies-of-the-valley.

Mrs. John Wagner was matron of honor and bridesmaids were Mrs. John Whisler, sister-in-law of the bride, and Mrs. Lawton Knapp. The attendants wore princess-style frocks of purple velvet with white fur headbands. They carried white fur heart-shaped muffs topped with pink sweetheart roses and fern. Miss Judy Timmer, flower girl, wore a purple frock and a white fur headband.

LAWTON KNAPP was best man and ushering were John O. Whisler, brother of the bride, and Robert Rewalt. Val Johnson was ring bearer.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held with the "Melodie-Mrs." providing the music. Upon their return from a northern Michigan wedding trip, the couple will reside in 3509 Duke St.

The bride, a graduate of Portage High School, received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Michigan University where she affiliated with Alpha Beta Epallon. She is employed as a kindergarten teacher at Ramona Lane School. The bridegroom, a graduate of Central High School, attended the Cincinnati Arts Academy. He is employed by Mastercraft Corp.

[NF353] BELDEN-WILLARD

Exchanging nuptial vows Friday evening were Miss JoAnne Gail Willard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lyle O. Willard, Otsego Route 1, and Douglas Robert Belden, son of Mrs. Dorothy Martin, Otsego, and the late Robert Belden.

Pastor Gale Pike officiated before approximately 125 guests in the Merson Church.

Mrs. Norma Jean Hendershot, Scotts, was matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Mrs. Jo Ann Russell and Miss Bev Brown, and flower girl was Miss Deb Morrell. All are from Otsego.

Best man for his brother was Jeff Belden. The bride's brothers, Steve Willard and Bob Willard, ushered, and Tom Morrell was ring bearer. All live in Otsego.

A reception in the church basement followed the ceremony. The couple will reside at 10179 W. Main.

Both are graduates of Otsego High School. Mrs. Belden attended Western Michigan University and is a student at Parsons Business School. Mr. Belden is employed by Clarage Fan Co.

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