Schoolcraft County Michigan History & Genealogy

ARROWOOD-NELSON, Eileen D. (Messer) Eileen D. Arrowood-Nelson, Age 86, of Manistique, Michigan died October 10, 2007 at the Schoolcraft Medical Care faucility in Manistique. She was born march 11, 1921 in Manistique the daughter of Jesse Elmo and Muriel [Cornell] Messer and attended Manistique schools. On June 1, 1940 the former Eileen D. Messer married Robert l. Arrowood in Manistique. They lived in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area from 1950-1978 and returned to Manistique following Bob's retirement. Bob preceded her on October 21, 1991. Eileen was employed as the head cook at St. Mary's School in Hales Corners, Wisconsin for several years and later worked at Ace Cleaners and as a waitress in Hales Corners. Upon returning to Manistique, Eileen was employed as the custodian at Zion lutheran Church and also as a clerk at Putvin's Drug Store in Manistique. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Manistique and a member of the Zion Choir. She was also a member of the Zion Lutheran Church Women and the Manistique Womens Club where she served on the Medical Care Faucility birthday committee. She loved bowling and religion. Eileen is survived by: her children, Karen [Dick] Rapley of Milwaukee, Robert [Janet] Arrowood of Manistique, Bonnie Smith of Oconto, Wisconsin, Butch Arrowood of Muskego, Wisconsin and Babe [David] Gould of Manistique; several Grand, great grand, and Great-great grandchildren; sister Beryl Ouimette of Eau Claire Wisconsin; along with several neices and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceeded in death by a son Doug Arrowood on March 26, 1981, and her brothers, Henry, Jack and Boyd Messer. Visitation will be held from 1:30-3:30 pm, Saturday, october 13, 2007 at the Messier-Broulirre Funeral Home in Manistique. Funeral services will follow at 3:30 pm at the Funeral Home with Pastor David hueter officiating. Burial will be held in the Fairview Cemetary at manistique.
Contributed by Karen Gould Norman

CLEMONS, Nancy M. (Manistique Semi Weekly Pioneer, Sept. 28., 1886.) Sudden Death. Saturday last Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Clemons left their home, a few miles out in the country and came to town; he to attend to some business and she to visit her children and grand children; calculating to return home that evening. Mrs. C. went to the west side of the river and after making one of two calls started with one of her daughters, Mrs. Garland, and came back to the residence of another daughter, Mrs. Tousley. Soon after arriving there she complained of a pain in her head and gave other symptoms of rapid decline. Dr. Bowen was summoned at once and pronounced it an attack of appoplexy. Uncle Rufus was summoned and remained by her bed-side until the end. All was done that was possible to do but she gradually declined and about 7 o'clock that evening without a murmur, peacefully and silently crossed the "river that divides the living from the majority." Nancy M. Smith was born at Bainbridge, Chenango County N.Y. Aug. 20, 1820, and was married to Rufus Clemons in April 1841: thus for over 45 years this couple have lived happily together. To them were born six children, four of whom survive and are residents of this place, viz William Clemons, Mrs. Niles, Mrs. Tousley and Mrs. Garland. During their married life Mr. and Mrs C. resided in the state of New York; spent some twelve years in the state of Pennsylvania. They moved to this place six years ago and were well known and respected. Mother Clemons has been a consistent and zealous member of the Baptist church for the past 12 years; and died in the full belief of that faith. Her funeral took place yesterday afternoon, the services being held in the Baptist church. Elder Fowler preached a very appropriate discourse, from a text that Mrs. Clemons had selected before her departure. At the close of these services her remains were followed by her relatives and many friends to the "silent city on the hill" where they were deposited by the side of those of her daughter, Mrs.Oliver --who died some three years ago. This sudden death leaves a shadow of gloom over this entire community and the aged husband, the children and grand children have our deepest sympathy in this sad hour of their deepest affliction.

ELLIOTT, Charles T. Charles T Elliott, 71, of 11005W county Road 442 Cooks, died Jan. 28, 2008, at the Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility in Manistique. He was born Aug. 4, 1936, in Manistique, the son of Chester and Frances [Gould] Elliot and graduated from the Manistique High School. On Aug. 12, 1978, he married Bonnie L Desjarden in Manistique. They made their home in White Lake Township, Mich., and moved to Cooks in 2004. Charlie was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church of White Lake Township. He was an operator specialist in the Alaska oil fields for years. After returning to Michigan he was the general foreman on various tunnel and construction projects. He was a member of the Michigan Laborer's Internatioal Union Local 1098. He enjoyed trapping, huntin, fishing and sports and had a great sense of humor. He is survived by: his wife, Bonnie of Cooks; son Charles Elliott of Alaska; daughters, Terri [George] Tait of Harrisville Mich., and Tami [Raymond] Schemanski and Teresa [George] DeHart of Alaska; grandchildren, Niki [Andy] Mollison, Jamie [Ty] MacNeil, Ty [Niki] Schemanski, Ter [Levi] Doss and Daniel DeHart; Great-grandchildren, Joseph Mollison, Nay Joy Schemanski and Sadie Rae Doss; Brother Chester [Carol] Elliott Jr. of Mt Clemens, Michigan; Sisters, Betty [James] Tennyson of Manistique, Nancy Zellner of Manistique, Marijean Kerridge of Sanford Mich., and Ginger [Leonard] Aldrich of Manistique; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceeded in death by a brother, Thomas Elliott. Memorial Sevices will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Inwood Township Cemetary at Cooks. The Messier-Broullire Funeral Home in Manistique is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Contributed by Karen Gould Norman

FYDELL, Elva (Manistique Pioneer, Feb. 2. 1892) Laid at Rest. Yesterday and the day before there were many sad hearts in Manistique and the memory of the cause therefore will not soon be forgotten. On Sunday the lovely daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fydell was called to leave the scenes of earth to make her home in that land beyhond the dark river of death. About two weeks ago she was attacked with the diphteria and that was followed with other symptoms and medical skill seemed to be battled in every attempt to relieve her suffering. She grew weaker and weaker and finally her spirit took its eternal flight. She had every attention possible but at last her relatives could do nothing more than stand by her bedside and see her breathe out her last breath of life. True is the saying that "in the midst of life we are in death." Elva was 15 years old, the idol of her parents and brothers; a prominent member of youthful society, universally loved and respected. At one o'clock yesterday afternoon her remains were taken to the cemetery on the hill. Under the circumstances it was thought best not to have it generally known that the funeral would be a public one, still many were on the street and followed the hearse to her grave. Her body was put beside two other members of the family that were cut down by the terrible ravages of diphteria a few years ago. Rev. M. Rodgers conducted the services at the grave. The surviving members of that heart broken family have the most profound sympathy of this entire community in this terribly sad affliction.

LARSON, Axel (Manistique Semi-Weekly Pioneer, Jan. 17, 1893) His Sufferings Ended. Axel Larson, a gentleman sent from here several years ago to the Insane Asylum, died there last week. At one time the physicians reported him cured and he came home and for a time all went well but his mind gradually changed again until he had to be returned to the institution and soon he was reported among the incurable. A year or so ago his general health failed and he gradually sank away. For months his friends here have been prepared to hear of his demise at any moment. His remains will be brought here for interment. He leaves a devoted wife and brother, and many warm friends to mourn his sad fate.