Person Page - 369

     Julia Ann Shank was born on 24 October 1807 at Aurora, Cayuga County, NY, USA.¹ She married Joel C. Witherell, son of Joseph Witherell and Mary Polly Fuller, at NY, USA. Julia Ann Shank appeared on the census of 1860 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Julia Witherell, 52, boarding house operator, born NY; dau Fanny, 29, dress maker, born NY; Albert Hodge, 28, day laborer; John Witherell, 26, born NY, pilot; wife Cynthia, 18, born NY; 10 other unrelated boarders.. She died on 7 August 1895 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, at age 87. SOURCE: Muskegon Weekly Chronicle-Thursday, Sept. 7, 1893, Page 2, Column 3


Obituary Mrs. Julia Ann Witherell
Mon, Mich., Special, Aug 7, 1895

"Mrs. Julia Ann Witherell, aged eighty-eight years died today. She came to Muskegon in '47 with her husband, J. C. Witherell, who built and operated the first sawmill in this city, it being on Mona Lake. He also built the first three mills on Muskegon Lake, which afterward became famous for it's numerous saw mills.

Source: Muskegon Weekly Chronicle
August 15, 1895 - Pg. 1, Column 4


"Mrs. Julia A. Witherell----Among the early settlers identified with Muskegon and it's development, few, if any were better known than was Mrs. Julia A. Witherell, who died on August 7, 1895. She had been sick and blind since March 25, 1870. Mrs. Witherell was born in Aurora, Stueuben County, N.Y on the 24th of October 1807. She came to Soulesville, Mich., fifty-six years ago, from thence with her husband to Grand Haven and thence to Mona Lake, where her husband built the first saw-mill, making use of the small stream for water power. Mr. Witherell was a carpenter ans assisted in building some of the first mills in Muskegon, particularly that of Wm. Lasely, the father of S. H. Lasley, now register of deeds. Mr. Witherell died in 1851."
Source: Historical Collections Made By The Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society--Volume 2, 1896, page 167

.¹ She was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.

     John J. Witherell Jr. Capt was born on 16 November 1834 at Sparta, Livingston County, NY, USA. His death certificate has January as a death month which is lined off and Nov. written in above.¹ He was the son of Joel C. Witherell and Julia Ann Shank. John J. Witherell Jr. Capt married Cynthia C. Shepard on 26 September 1859 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.² John J. Witherell Jr. Capt died on 9 January 1907 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, at age 72. Death This Morning Came After Brief Illness---Was As Well As Usual Up to Last Thursday.

Captain John Witherell, the oldest tug captain on Muskegon lake and one of the most prominent marine men of this city's palmiest lumber days, died at 7:15 this morning at North Muskegon. Hemorrhage of the brain was the cause of his death. He was 72 year of age.
In his brief illness he dramatically wandered back to early scenes, talking in the Indian tongue and with uplifted arm giving orders for driving piles or some other labor of years ago.
Well Till Last Thursday
Up to last Thursday Captain Witherell was apparently as well as usual. That morning he visited with friends on the streets of Muskegon. Then he trudged across the bridge to the north side of the lake, where he and his wife had been spending the holidays with their son, George Adelbert Witherell. The next morning he was carried downstairs helpless in his son's arms. From that time his case was hopeless.
The funeral will be held at 10 o'clock Friday morning at the Central Methodist Episcopal church in Muskegon.
Leaves Three Children
Besides his wife, there survive him three children, Mrs. Frank Towse of Grand Rapids, G. A. Witherell of North Muskegon and Mrs. William Kalmbach of Grand Rapids.
Mrs. Fanny Shepherd of this city is a sister. There are also a brother, Joel C. Witherell, of Conklin, and another sister, Mrs. Anne Kennicott of Shelbyville, Allegan County, who is of present visiting in Grand Rapids. The brothers and sisters of the family all lived to old age, the only other member being a sister, Mrs. Jane Hodge, who died in Muskegon two years ago.
Father a Settler in 1843
The career of Captain Witherell was very nearly as old as that of the history of the city of Muskegon. His father settled here in 1847, when there were only six white families and between 300 and 400 half-breed families. Originally the family came from the state of New York.
Captain Witherell was born at Sparta, Livingston Co., N.Y., November 16, 1834. At that place his father was a building contractor. Five years later they moved to St. Charles, Kane County, Ill., where the father erected a large hotel, store buildings and mills.
Captain Witherell's father came to Muskegon in advance of his family which did not arrive until April 17, 1847. The former made two trips to Chicago by walking on the beach along the shore of Lake Michigan.
Built First Mills in Muskegon
The father was the builder of the first three mills in Muskegon, Stoner's and those on Green creek and Ruddiman's creek. For himself he built a dam and water mill on a creek emptying into the head of what is now known as Mona Lake.
About the mill and the dam Captain Witherell played as a boy. Then the family prosperity was clouded. A freshet broke through the dam and drove the mill seven feet off from it's foundation.
The damage was repaired at a great loss and the family moved into the village at Christmas time 1857. Mrs. Witherell in the meantime took charge of the Lasley mill boarding house. In the fall they planned to return to Illinois, but the father died on October 9. The mother lived until 1895.
Because of their misfortune Captain Witherell's schooling was early followed by employment on the lake.
Boy Acts as Captain
Under the late Captain Mees he worked on a tug and did so well that when Captain Mees was obliged to be absent he asked the boy to act as captain. At that time Captian Witherell was about 17 years old.
That was the beginning of his long activity as a tug captian. The boats of which he was in charge were many.
The first he ran officially was the Croton on Grand River. Among others he was captain of the Alice Getty, the H. Warner, the A. C. Waters, (which he took for Captain Waters to Michigan City), the Hackley and the McGord*** for Hackley & Hume for ten years. The Pony for the Muskegon Booming company and the O. N. Field for the Crosby Transportation Company.
His work of towing logs was inconsiderable as compared with that of towing vessels. In those days Muskegon Harbor was not nearly so safely protected as it is now, and it was not easy to bring a boat into harbor, especially at night.
Seven Vessels in One Tow
As many as seven vessels were towed by him at one time up the lake.
So extended and arduous were the hours of lake traffic that once he and his men worked so long without sleep that they literally fell over. They were returning from taking a vessel out to the big lake when Captain Witherell noticed something wrong. Upon stepping down to the engine he found that the engineer and fireman had both fallen back asleep. He himself could hardly wait to bring the boat up to the first dock so that he could follow their example.
Ferryboat travel was another important part of marine life in those days. Captain Witherell ran ferryboats both between this city and Bay mill and this city and North Muskegon.
Turned to Resort Boats
When the tug traffic and the ferry boat business waned and he himself grew less vigorous, he took charge of one of the little steamers of the Lake Harbor hotel, which ply up the lake where he had spent his boyhood. For a number of seasons he ran boats for Proprietor Swett, not discontinuing his boat career until almost two years ago.
Since then he had resided with his children in Muskegon and Grand Rapids.
Mrs. Witherell who survives him, was formerly Miss Cynthia Shepherd, a sister-in-law of Mrs. Fanny Shepherd. Their marriage took place in 1852.

**Source: Muskegon Daily Chronicle
January 9, 1907
Pg 1, Column 1
Continued on Page 7,

.¹ He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.

     Fanny Witherell was born on 25 June 1830 at Sparta, Livingston County, NY, USA. Age 29 at the 1860 census of Muskegon, MI. She was the daughter of Joel C. Witherell and Julia Ann Shank. Fanny Witherell married James Shepherd on 4 August 1861 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. Married by George A. Kilbourn, JP in Muskegon.. Fanny Witherell appeared on the census of 1880 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI. The census lists the family as: Fannie Shephard, 50, born NY, father born VT, mother born NY; she is living with her mother Julia A. Witherell, age 73 in Muskegon. MI.. She died on 24 February 1909 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, at age 78. CAME TO MUSKEGON
WHEN IT WAS A HAMLET
MRS. FANNY SHEPHERD ARRIVED
IN 1847-RESIDENCE CONTINUOUS.

DEATH CAME LAST NIGHT

Pioneer Reached Age of 78 Years-Worked at Tailoring for Four Decades.
_____
Mrs. Fanny Shepherd, who came to Muskegon to live in the "40's", and who was one of the founders of the Central Methodist Episcopal church, died at 8:45 last evening at Hackley hospital. She had been ill all winter and because of her advanced age, her condition was considered hopeless. Four weeks ago was moved from her residence at 6 Prince street to Hackley hospital for especial care.
Mrs. Shepherd was the daughter of one of the first settlers of Muskegon. Her maiden name was Fanny Witherell. She was born at Sparta, Livingston Co., N.Y. June 25, 1830. When nine years old she came west with her parents to live. They settled in St. Charles in Kane County, Ill.
It was in 1847 that the family moved to Muskegon, her father selling a fine farm to do so. He built three early mills. They were what was known as Stanner's mills, and two others situated on Green's creek and Ruddiman's creek.
Built Water Mill
Afterwards, he built for himself a dam and water mill on a creek emptying into the head of what is now known as Mona Lake. It was not long, however, before the family prosperity was clouded. A freshet broke through the dam and drove the mill seven feet off from its foundation. The damage was repaired at a great loss.
The result was that at Christmas time in 1857, the family moved into the villiage, and Mrs. Shepherd's mother took charge of the Lasley boarding house.
Center of Social Life
The latter speedily became one of the centers of pioneer social life. Mrs. Shepherd thus formed many pleasant memories that in after years she enjoyed repeating to those about her, for she was one of Muskegon's early belles.
The family then owned extensively of real estate situated in what is now the heart of the city. From Terrace Street to the Lumberman's bank belonged to them, and they built a boarding house there.
Later, a house was erected by them at 34 E. Muskegon avenue, where Mrs. Shepherd resided until she moved to Prince street eleven years ago.
In 1863 she married James Shepherd. Her husband was employed on the t***ing Muskegon boom holding the office of foreman of the pens. He only lived two years after their wedding, however, and then her long widowhood began.
Became a Tailoress
She took up the work of tailoring and became very skilled in it. All these many years she had plied her needle and continuously for one establishment. The latter is what the present clothing firm of T. B. Callan, previously that of Callan & Dratz, and prior to that the concern of William Herbst & Co.
Such a life of unremitting toil in now way interfered with her naturally sunny disposition, however, and few homes in Muskegon were there as cheerful to visit as the little cottage on Prince street, where Mrs. Shepherd sat so constantly with her needle and her reminiscences.
All of her spare moments were given to her church of which both she and her mother were charter members and to which she was devoted.
Quite a number of relatives are gathering here to attend the funeral. The include the following: Joel Witherell of Conklin, a brother, with his daughters and son; Mrs. William McCord of Grand Rapids, Mrs. Edward Burns and John Witherell of Conklin; Mrs. William Kennicott of Shelbyville, Allegan county, a sister with her daughter Mrs. H. B. Miller of Grand Rapids; Mrs. John Witherell of Grand Rapids, the widow of Mrs. Shepherd's brother, Captain John Witherell and also a sister of her husband; Mrs. W. B. Kallmbach of Grand Rapids, and George Witherell of Dalton, a daughter and son of Mrs. John Witherell; and Mrs. H. B. Bowler of Grand Rapids, a daughter of Mrs. Jane Hodge, the latter being a sister of mrs. Shepherd who died three years ago.
The funeral will be held at the parlors of the Central Methodist Episcopal church at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
. She was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.

     The following is more material gathered by Linda Talbott.
Muskegon Daily Chronicle
Feb 25, 1909.
     Social life of Muskegon in the 1850s was described in a June 10, 1899 Chronicle article by Mrs. Fanny Shepherd, who arrived here in 1847 at age 17.
     "In April, '47, I came here. I wasn't quite 17 at the time. My father was here four years before. He was a millwright and that was his business. There were but four mills here when we came and he had built three of them. One was Green's on Green's Creek, another on Ruddiman's Creek belonged to Stranner (a Scotchman), and another was Martin Ryerson's. The one he didn't build was the Baird and Bean Mill on Bear Lake. The last work he did was for S. and E. W. Merrill on Sand Creek in '51.
     There was no Muskegon here then. There were six white families and 300 or 400 half-breed families and they comprised the village.
     In the fall of '50 we came into town and mother took the Lasley Mill boarding house. There was a time when mother owned from Terrace Street to the Lumberman's bank. She put up a boarding house on those lots. Then she bought this house I am living in now and came here. There was a time when I had a speaking Acquaintance with every man, woman and child here, but I can't say that now.
     We used to have donation parties. What did we take? Why we used to take all kinds of provisions, quilts, and such things. Preacher Pratt, the first Methodist minister who had a donation party had everything from hogs to barrels of flour. Provisions and money weren't of much account and every one was just as generous as could be. When a case of destitution was discovered there would come a rap at the door and a basket would be dropped and they would never know whom it came from. Major Davis was very generous and used to send loads of wood and such things.
     Once, I remember, there was a Sunday school picnic dinner in the basement of the church. A lot of people came over on a boat ride from Grand Haven. Capt. Rand was marshal of the day. If there was one biscuit sent for the dinner there were six bushels. It seemed as if everybody had sent biscuits. Mother sent over some and a cake. I sent the biscuits back. She didn't know who did it and was just as provoked as she could be.
     I attended the first service ever held in St. Mary's old church. There were no windows there then-they were just shuttered up. People sat on boards across blocks. It was way out in the woods. Why, where the Dennis Smith block and Methodist Church are, we used to come to pick huckleberries. The first schoolhouse was built where the Denis Smith block now stands. The town had a meeting over it and one man was so disgusted, he stamped his feet and cried, "Why stick the school house way out in the woods! You might as well send the children to Black Lake." Miss McIntyre was finally moved across the street and sold to Gov. Holt. Then they built a new schoolhouse on the Hackley school grounds, which was in later years sold to L. G. Mason for a residence.
     We used to have dances. Invitations were sent to each of the gentlemen and he sent it to you when he asked you. Girls didn't have to stay at home in those days for lack of escorts. We always had beaux to take us when we went and a great deal of rivalry among the men. We did put on quite a bit of style for those days. The Ryerson girls, the Boyd girls and myself were the young ladies at the parties. We would get together and dress alike. One New Years party, I remember we wore book-muslin dresses, low neck and short sleeves. black silk aprons and black silk mitts to the elbow. I remember one winter a party went to Whitehall, where we took our thin frocks with us. There were two sleigh loads. It was bitter cold. We kept on our thick dresses the cold was so terrible and the snow drifted right in under the seats in the ballroom. There was a great big stove but they had to keep it red hot."

     Jane Witherell was born between 9 April 1841 and 1842 at Dansville, Livingston County, NY, USA. Age 40 at the 1880 census of Muskegon, MI. Her death certificate give age at death of 64 and birth on April 9. No year is given.^1,2 She was the daughter of Joel C. Witherell and Julia Ann Shank. Jane Witherell married John W. Hodge circa 1860 at MI, USA. Jane Witherell died on 17 February 1905 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. Mrs. Jane Hodge, a resident of Muskegon for fifty-six years died yesterday afternoon at her home, 223 Spring street. She had been ill nine days with pneumonia. She was born at Danville, N. Y. and was 65 years old.
Mrs. Hodge leaves a husband in the northern Part of Michigan and two daughters, Mrs. Alice MillerAnd Miss Della Hodge in Muskegon. She also leaves two brothers and two sisters, Captain John Witherell, city; Joel C. Witherell, Conklin: Mrs. Fannie Shepherd, city: and Mrs. Ann Kennicott, Shelbyville, Mich.
The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the residence.

SOURCE: Muskegon Daily Chronicle
Feb. 18, 1905
Pg. 1 - Col. 3.¹

     Joel C. Witherell was born on 11 May 1833 at Sparta, Livingston County, NY, USA. Age 38 at the 1870 census of Revenna, Muskegon, MI. Age 26 at the 1860 census.¹ He was the son of Joel C. Witherell and Julia Ann Shank. Joel C. Witherell married Martha M. Green on 15 August 1858 at Six Corners, Ravenna Twp, Muskegon County, MI, USA. Joel C. Witherell was a Private, andserved in 21st Infanty, Company E, during the Civil War. Military Pension File Number 851.974
Joel C. Witherell enlisted as a private during the Civil War in Chester Twp., Ottawa Co., Michigan on Aug 5, 1862. He served with the 21st Infantry, Company E. He was discharged at Detroit, MI., Aug 3, 1865 as a private.

It seems that for some time he had been listed as a deserter. A letter to the Commissioner of Pensions from the Adjutant General's Office, dated April 1, 1887 reads:
" I have the honor to inform you that the charges of desertion of Aug 3, 1865, standing against Joel Witherell, as of Co. E. 21st Mich Inf'y Vols, has been removed from his record in this office and he has been discharged to date August 3, 1865.
All charges of absence without leave and desertion prior to May 1, '65 have also been removed, they having been erroneously made."
And another letter from the War Department, Washington City to the Commissioner of Pensions dated April 30th, 1891 reads:
"By direction of the Secretary of War I have the honor to inform you that the charge of desertion of Aug 3, 1865, standing against Joel Witherell, as of Co. E. 21st Michigan Vols. has been removed from his record in this Department, and a discharge certificate as of the date he left the service, Aug 3rd, 1865, has been issued to him..
It has been determined that the charges of desertion against him prior to Aug 3, 1865 are erroneous."

Declaration for Original Invalid Pension, dated May 23, 1891, gives his residence since service as Six Corners and Ravenna, MI., with no mention of Porter Co., IND. Residence at this time is Ravenna, Muskegon Co., MI. Witnessed by S. J. McDONALD and A. VanSLYKE, both of Ravenna. Approved to receive pension of Eight dollars per month commencing May 27, 1891

Testimony of Officer or Comrade dated Dec 15, 1891 submitted by Alexander H. STEWART of Ravenna, MI. states "on or about the 26th of December, 1862 at Mill Creek said disability (Rheumatism and Diarrhea) being caused by Marching and Exposure and laying on the ground while in the line of duty."

Claimant's Affidavit dated 1st February, 1892. Witnessed by Tom F. ROGERS and Henry GANNON.

Claimant's Affidavit dated 20th April, 1892. Witnessed by Charles H. A. STEWART and Tom F. ROGERS.

Claimant's Affidavit dated Sept 5, 1892 Witnessed by Mathias SIPPS and C. C. TUTTLE.

Claim for Increase Pension dated 4th April, 1898 states his residence is Ravenna, MI. Witnessed by S. L. ALBERT and Carrie BRADFORD.

Surgeon's Certificates dated October 28th, 1891, and March 15th, 1899 find him to be in poor physical condition one Certificate saying he is "debilitated and emaciated". Rheumatism on entire left side. Poor muscle development. Almost impossible to stoop or bend. Skin sallow, adipose tissue scanty, stomach tender and distended, the teeth are nearly all gone. Tenderness in liver and spleen.

Physician's Statements by Dr. Cha's H. A. Stewart of Ravenna on 25th November 1891 and 20th April 1892 agrees with above.

General Affidavit's attesting to Joel's poor health submitted by Charles MILLER of Burdick, Porter Co., IND (July 11, 1892); Henry HACKETT and Charles MILLER of Burdick, Porter Co., IND (21 December 1891); Thomas GILLHESPY of Conklin, MI (March 28, 1892) Witnessed by Wm BOOZER and F. HILLARD; Almond WILKINSON (30th January, 1892) of Conklin, MI;
NOTE: Henry HACKETT was a half-brother to Martha M. (GREEN). See GREEN family files for more information.

Declaration for Increase of Pension dated 29 Dec 1904 states his residence as RFD #2, Conklin, MI and that he is a pensioner enrolled at Detroit, MI., at the rate of Eight dollars per month. Witnessed by John W. COZIER and Burton R. COZIER, both of Conklin, MI.

Declaration for Pension dated February 27, 1907 states his residence as Conklin, Ottawa Co., MI. His height is 5 ft 10 inches, light complexion, blue eyes, and light hair. Lists his residences since discharge as being Porter Co., IND to 1868 - Muskegon Co., MI to 1902 - Ottawa Co, MI., to date with his current address being Conklin RFD 2, Ottawa Co., MI. This statement is erroneous as proven by Federal Census records. Witnesses to this Declaration were John W. CAZIER and Wm. J. CONKLIN. Approved for pension increase to Fifteen dollars per month commencing March 1, 1907.

Declaration for Pension dated 12 May, 1908 states that he was born in Sparta, Michigan. This error probably occurred as he was born in Sparta, Livingston Co., NY. Places of residence since discharge show Six Corners, MI 1865 - 1899, Muskegon, MI., 1899 - 1901, Conklin RFD #2 1901 to present (1908). Federal Census records show this to be incorrect. Witnesses were John PRESTON and Theron EMMONS, both of Conklin, MI.

Several of the Pension records show that while on duty at Mill Creek, Tenn., on or about the Fall of 1862, he was disabled by Chronic diarrhea and was treated in the Convalescent Camp Hospital at Nasvhille, Tenn. One of the more detailed documents shows that he was in the Convalescent Camp Hospital at Nashville, Tenn., on Dec 3, 1862; Dec 26, 1862; (as Joel Wetherell) in Jan'y, 1863 for Bronchitis, Diarrhea and rheumatism; Feb 28, 1863; (as Joel Witherall) on Sept 28, 1863 for (no diagnosis); on or about Jan'y 26 1864 for (no diagnosis); (as Joel H. Witheral) on or about Feb'y 24, 1864 for (no diagnosis); (as Joel Witherell) on Feb'y 28 to March 9, 1865 (unreadable) ret'd to duty. This document dated Apr 1, 1892.

Declaration for Pension dated 20th May, 1912 gives his discharge as 26th March, 1865 at Washington, D.C. Witnesses to this Declaration were Ralph KYRANNIS and William WITHERELL, both of Conklin.
He appeared on the census of 1870 at Ravenna Twp, Muskegon County, MI, USA. The census lists the family as: Joel C. Witherell, 38, born NY, farmer; Martha M., 27, born IN; Thomas J., 10, born MI; Martha Ann, 8, born MI; Hattie M., 3, born MI; John J, 5/12, born MI.. He married Cornelia Hillard in 1909 at MI, USA. Joel C. Witherell died on 20 August 1916 at Coopersville, Ottawa County, MI, USA, at age 83. Deposition of Hattie (Witherell) BURNS, dated Sept 19, 1916 states that Joel Witherell died 20th August, 1916 at her home in Coopersville, MI., where he had been living for a period of six years. Names Dr. John N. WENGER as the last attending physician and the undertaker as Louis Van ALLSBURG. Names and addresses of the other children are: Annie McCORD, 1318 Union Ave., Grand Rapids, MI; John Witherell, Muskegon, MI; William Witherell, Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI; and that there are no other children of said deceased, and that said deceased left no widow. Hattie was applying to receive her father's back pension in the amount of seventy-six dollars which had not been rec'd at the time of his death. In a deposition dated Sept 29, 1916 Hattie states that her father had no life, accident or health insurance..¹ He was buried at Ravenna Twp Cemetery, at Ravenna Twp, Muskegon County, MI, USA.

     Thomas J. Witherell was born in 1859 at MI, USA. He was the son of Joel C. Witherell and Martha M. Green. Thomas J. Witherell died before 4 June 1898 at MI.

     Martha Ann Witherell was born on 12 February 1862 at MI, USA. She was the daughter of Joel C. Witherell and Martha M. Green. Martha Ann Witherell married Samuel Wilkerson before 1880. Martha Ann Witherell married William M. McCord circa 1882. Martha Ann Witherell died after 1920 at MI.

     Hattie M. Witherell was born on 29 August 1866 at Six Corners, Ravenna Twp, Muskegon County, MI, USA. Age 3 at the 1870 census of Revanna, Muskegon, MI. She was the daughter of Joel C. Witherell and Martha M. Green. Hattie M. Witherell married Edwin Milton Burns Sr. circa 1885 at MI, USA. Hattie M. Witherell died in 1938 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. She was buried at Coopersville Cemetery, at Coopersville, Ottawa County, MI, USA.

     Cynthia C. Shepard was born on 15 October 1841 at NY, USA. She married John J. Witherell Jr. Capt, son of Joel C. Witherell and Julia Ann Shank, on 26 September 1859 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.¹ Cynthia C. Shepard died on 11 October 1930 at Grand Haven, Ottawa County, MI, USA, at age 88. Living with her son George A. at the 1920 census of Muskegon, MI. Cemetery records give a death date of 7 Oct..¹ She was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.

     Ida May Witherell was born on 9 October 1862 at MI, USA. Date from Death Certificate. She was the daughter of John J. Witherell Jr. Capt and Cynthia C. Shepard. Ida May Witherell married Frank Peavey Towse in December 1882 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. Ida May Witherell died on 10 March 1908 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, at age 45. Date from Death Certificate. She was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.

     George Adelbert Witherell was born on 24 February 1869 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. He was the son of John J. Witherell Jr. Capt and Cynthia C. Shepard. George Adelbert Witherell married Minnie E. Smith on 8 February 1893 at Menominee County, MI, USA. George Adelbert Witherell married Josephine Fonger in 1905. Married 5 years at the 1910 census.. George Adelbert Witherell appeared on the census of 1910 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI. The census lists the family as: George W. With???( Transcriber says Willince), 41, born MI, parents born York state, married 5 years, house painter; wife Josephine V., 28, married 5 years, 3 children, 3 living, born MI, parents born CAnada; dau Marian W., 5, born MI; son George W., 2, born NU, dau ?????? O., 1 3/12, born MI. He died on 1 June 1951 at Kalamazoo State Hospital, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, MI, USA, at age 82. George Adelbert Witherell, 82, of West Spring Lake, died Sunday night at Kalamazoo state hospital where he had been for the past three and one-half years.
The deceased was born in Muskegon on Feb. 24, 1869, the son of the late Capt. and Mrs. John Witherell, pioneers of Muskegon. He had been employed as a cook on the U. S. engineering ships for many years.
He was a member of the Masonic lodge, F. & A. M. No. 139 of this city and the Spring Lake Order of Eastern Star No. 411. He was married to Miss Minnie Smith in Menominee, Mich., on Feb. 8, 1893 and she passed away on March 13, 1904. He later married Miss Josephine Fonger of Nunica.
Surviving are the widow; two daughters, Mrs. Joseph Susterich of this city; Mrs. Herbert Begin of Muskegon; two sons, Gerald A. Witherell of this city and George A. of Detroit; 12 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and two nephews.
The body reposes at the Kammeraad funeral home where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Ottawa Center cemetery with Masonic rites at the grave.. He was buried at Ottawa Center Cemetery, at Coopersville, Ottawa County, MI, USA.

     Cora Witherell was born on 24 April 1872 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. She was the daughter of John J. Witherell Jr. Capt and Cynthia C. Shepard. Cora Witherell died on 19 March 1878 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, at age 5. Cemetery records say 18 Mar..¹ She was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.

     Grace May Witherell was born in September 1877 at Muskegon County, MI, USA. She was the daughter of John J. Witherell Jr. Capt and Cynthia C. Shepard. Grace May Witherell married William B. Kalmbach on 12 October 1897 at Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI, USA. Married 3 years at the 1900 census..¹ Grace May Witherell and an unknown person were divorced on 9 May 1910 at Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI. MI Divorce records 1897- 1952. She died in November 1918 at Detroit, Wayne County, MI, USA, at age 41. Died of Pneumonia after an attack of Influenza.. She was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, at New Haven, New Haven County, CT, USA.

     At the 1910 census William is living with his parents and claims that he is divorced. Grace at the 1910 census is the head of a household with son Kenneth, mother Cynthia and 3 roomers. She says that she is married 11 years.

     Martha M. Green was born on 27 January 1843 at Newbury Twp, Lagrange County, IN, USA. Age 18 at the 1860 census of Muskegon, MI.¹ She married Joel C. Witherell, son of Joel C. Witherell and Julia Ann Shank, on 15 August 1858 at Six Corners, Ravenna Twp, Muskegon County, MI, USA. Martha M. Green died on 11 July 1908 at Chester Twp, Ottawa County, MI, USA, at age 65.¹ She was buried at Ravenna Twp Cemetery, at Ravenna Twp, Muskegon County, MI, USA.

     John W. Hodge was born circa 1839 at NY, USA. He married Jane Witherell, daughter of Joel C. Witherell and Julia Ann Shank, circa 1860 at MI, USA.

     Alice Hodge was born in February 1864 at MI, USA. She was the daughter of John W. Hodge and Jane Witherell.

     Della Hodge was born in March 1869 at MI, USA. She was the daughter of John W. Hodge and Jane Witherell.

     Isabel Hodge was born on 7 March 1869 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. She was the daughter of John W. Hodge and Jane Witherell. Isabel Hodge died before 1870.

     James Shepherd was born in 1839 at NY, USA. He married Fanny Witherell, daughter of Joel C. Witherell and Julia Ann Shank, on 4 August 1861 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA. Married by George A. Kilbourn, JP in Muskegon.. James Shepherd died in 1863 at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery, at Muskegon, Muskegon County, MI, USA.

     Hosea Babb was born on 28 March 1797 at Otis, Berkshire County, MA, USA. He married Mary J. (Polly) Witherell, daughter of Joseph Witherell and Mary Polly Fuller, at NY, USA. Hosea Babb appeared on the census of 1850 at Livonia, Livingston County, NY, USA. The census lists the family as: Hosea Babb, 53, born NY; Polly, 57, born NY; Ira, 25, born NY; Louise, 24, born NY; Joseph, 22 born NY; Mary, 17, born NY; Nelson, 13, born NY; Amanda, 2, born NY; Emegen, 6/12, born NY.. He died in 1881 at West Bloomfield, Ontario County, NY, USA. He was buried at Bronson Hill Cemetery, at Avon, Livingston County, NY, USA.

     Ira P. Babb was born in 1825 at NY, USA. Age 25 at the 1850 census of Livonia, Livingston, NY. Age 44 at the 1870 census of West Bloomfield, NY.¹ He was the son of Hosea Babb and Mary J. (Polly) Witherell. Ira P. Babb married Louisa A. Mattison at NY. Ira P. Babb appeared on the census of 1850 at Livonia, Livingston County, NY, USA. The census lists the family as: Ira Babb, age 25, born NY and wife Louise are living with Horea Babb amd Polly.. He died on 24 March 1906 at Honeoye Falls, Ontario County, NY, USA.¹ He was buried at West Bloomfied Rural Cemetery, at West Bloomfield, Ontario County, NY, USA.

     Joseph Witherell Babb was born on 13 July 1826 at Livonia, Livingston County, NY, USA. Age 22 at the 1850 census of Livonia, Livingston, NY. Birth date on gravestone. He was the son of Hosea Babb and Mary J. (Polly) Witherell. Joseph Witherell Babb died on 26 May 1906 at Ashland, Cass County, IL, USA, at age 79. Death date on gravestone.. He was buried at Ashland Cemetery, at Ashland, Cass County, IL, USA.

     James Nelson Babb was born on 18 April 1836 at Colfax, Fairfield County, OH, USA. Age 13 at the 1850 census of Livonia, Livingston, NY. He was the son of Hosea Babb and Mary J. (Polly) Witherell. James Nelson Babb died on 1 February 1915 at Colfax, Fairfield County, OH, at age 78. He was buried at Soper Cemetery, at Mesick, Wexford County, MI, USA.

     Louisa A. Mattison was born in 1824 at NY, USA. Age 45 at the 1870 census of West Bloomfield, NY.¹ She married Ira P. Babb, son of Hosea Babb and Mary J. (Polly) Witherell, at NY. Louisa A. Mattison died on 3 October 1906 at Honeoye Falls, Ontario County, NY, USA.¹ She was buried at West Bloomfied Rural Cemetery, at West Bloomfield, Ontario County, NY, USA.

     Amanda Babb was born in 1857 at NY, USA. She was the daughter of Ira P. Babb and Louisa A. Mattison.