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

New! BOWEN, Dr. O. C. The Evening News (Sault Sainte Marie) Thursday, January 21, 1909 DR. BOWEN DIES, Well Known Resident of Manistique, Had an Active Career--Mrs. Robert P. Hudson received a telegram this morning announcing the death of her uncle, Dr. O. C. Bowen, at his home in Manistique. The
cause was not stated. The funeral will be held Saturday in that city and will be attended by Mr. and Mrs. Hudson. With the passing of Dr. Bowen, Schoolcraft county loses one of its oldest and most prominent pioneers. He was born in Hillsdale county and was almost 68 years old. He practiced medicine in Schoolcraft county a number of years and had been prominently identified with the democratic party. He was an ex-mayor of Manistique and had held at various times county offices.

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.

New! GRAY, Isabella (Schoolcraft County Pioneer, Aug. 6, 1884) Died on Saturday morning last, at the residence of her daughter near Kate's Bay, Mrs. Isabella Gray, aged 78 years. Mrs. G. was one of the pioneers of this peninsula, having lived near Garden creek for 24 years. She lived to see that wilderness opened up into one of the finest agricultural districts in the northwest; to see villages, churches and school houses spring up and flourish all around her. Mrs. G leaves quite a family of grown up children, who are married and settled in the immediate neighborhood, to mourn her loss. Mother Gray was a good woman with no enemies, but hosts of friends. Her loss will be deeply felt by her many friends and relatives on the peninsula. A kind mother and friend has gone to rest. Her funeral took place on Sunday last and was attended by a large concourse of citizens. Rev. Mr. Williams of this village attended and preached a splendid discourse. Mrs. Gray was the oldest settler on the Bay shore. One by one the old pioneers are called from labor to reward.

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.

New! NORTON, Ida (Ironwood Daily Globe, Oct, 28, 1933, Page 5) PIONEER IS DEAD, Manistique-- Mrs. Ida Norton, a resident of this city for the past 50 years, succumed Tuesday afternoon at 1:45 o'clock, at her home, 335 Chippewa avenue, as the result of complications due to advanced age. The deceased had been in failing health for the past two years and suffered a stroke last December. Two months ago her condition became serious and little hope was held for her recovery. Mrs. Norton, nee Ida Witter, was 78 years of age, having been born in Irwin Center, New York, July 23, 1855. She came to Manistique at an early age and on December 10, 1873, was united in marriage to James Norton, who preceded her in death twenty years ago. Mrs. Norton was a member of the First Baptist Church of this city.

New! SHINAR, Luke (Ironwood Daily Globe, Feb. 27, 1933, page 7) PIONEER IS DEAD, Manistique-- One of Manistique's oldest and most respected pioneers, Luke Shinar, quietly passed away Wednesday evening at 11:30 o'clock at the residen[ce] of his daughters, Mrs. J. W. Gilligan and Mrs. B. A. Craver, 202 Lake Street. Death was caused by metabolism due to senility. Mr. Shinar had been confined to his bed for the past week. Due to his advanced age, medical assistance was of little avail. The deceased was born in Dorchester, England in August of 1845 and immigrated to Canada in his early youth where he resided for sixteen years before coming to Manistique. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Dalley on September 12, 1871 at Brantford, Ontario, his wife having preceded him in death approximately twenty years ago.

WHITE, Elizabeth Allen (Died May 15, 1934) - RITES HELD FOR LOCAL PIONEER Funeral Services Conducted Sunday For Mrs. White Impressive rites were held Sunday afternoon for Mrs. Elizabeth White 82, one of the most colorful pioneers of Schoolcraft county, whose death occurred the preceding Thursday as a result of complications due to senility. The deceased had been bedridden for three months preceding her demise. Funeral services were conducted at the White residence, Garden avenue, by Rev. Deloyd Huenink, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. Interment was made in Lakeview cemetery under the direction of Gunnarson and Kefauver, local morticians.

Relatives of the deceased who served as pallbearers were: George Gray, Jr., Vernon Kolb, Vic Deemer, G. Leslie Bouschor, Ed Gray, and Nels Bouschor. A large attendance and numerous beautiful banks of flowers were testimonials to the high esteem in which Mrs. White was held by her many friends. One of the most beautiful of the floral offerings was a huge blanket of roses, containing 300 flowers, which was presented by the daughters of the deceased.

In Mrs. White's death, Schoolcraft county and this vicinity of the upper peninsula probably lost its most picturesque and colorful character, a definite link between pioneer and contemporary times. The distinction of being the first white child to live in what is now called the Garden peninsula, the first girl to carry United States mail between Garden and Manistique on horseback, and many pioneer days, gave to her life and eventful history.

Fate started her picturesque career when she was born on a canal boat in Monroe county, New York, on February 15, 1852. Soon after her birth her parents moved to Chicago where her father, Reuben Allen was employed as a carpenter. Two years later occurred the happenstance whereby, the infant Elizabeth became the first white child to live in Garden Bay, Mrs. Allen her mother, became ill with typhoid fever, and physicians advised her to go north to recuperate. Taking her two-year-old baby with her, Mrs. Allen came north to Garden to live with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Gray, the first white people to locate in that vicinity. Six months later they were joined by Mr. Allen, who in his new environment, devoted his time to fishing and trading.

Here Elizabeth grew up in a wilderness scarcely peopled by white folks, lived the crude hard life which is common to all pioneers who attempt to bring civilization into a new territory. When she became older she would go out on the lakes with her father, helped him pull in his trout-laden nets, while standing on the stern of the little fishing smack, clad in corksoled shoes which prevented her from sliding off the slippery deck

The catch used to be salted away in barrels and half-barrels until some trading vessel would call to take them to Chicago where they would be sold on the market. Later on Mr. Allen used his knowledge of carpentry by building a sailing vessel at Sac Bay and began trading provision and clothing which he would purchase at Green Bay and sell in the various fishing ports along the shores of Lake Michigan at points such as Garden, Sac Bay, Mackinaw City, Escanaba, Beaver Island, Washington Harbor, etc. Elizabeth always accompanied him on these trips and soon came to know almost every mile of the shoreline from Green Bay to Mackinaw City. They encountered many storms, but it was Mrs. White's opinion that storms are more prevalent and severe now than at that time.

But all of her adventures were not of a seafaring nature. Perhaps her most daring feat was the charge of carrying the U.S. mail from Garden to "Monistique" on horseback, taking a trail which was just wide enough for a single horse. It would have been quite a task for a man to take this semi weekly 25-mile round trip, but 16 year old Elizabeth accomplished this throughout the summer of 1868. A small sawmill was running here at that time and it was the only means which enabled the lumbermen to obtain contact with the outside world. Mail boats from Escanaba called at Garden twice a week, with a packet destined for Monistique.

On her return trip she forded the Indian River from where the trail skirted the shore of Indian Lake. Here lived the Chippewa’s who were very friendly with the girl with the long brown curls and who called her "The White Queen,” It was her custom to have lunch with the old chief after she had dispatched her mail. The following winter, the mail was entrusted to the care of an Indian who mushed over the deep snow with his dogs and sled.

The trail across the plains she described as leading through the most wonderful scenery she had ever seen, with virgin forests of tamarack and pine closing in on all sides.

Fifteen children were born to her, four having passed away. All of her nine daughters are married. She has 21 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.