General Notes: Belding, MI newspaper article, late Sep 1938, about daughter Mary C. DeGlopper; 1850 Census, Gorham, Ontario, NY, 264; notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson (death location of Harbor Springs, Emmet, MI questionable); notes of August Chapin over phone from Verna Moran Nov 1999.
According to Verna Lu Marie Johnson the Chapin's came from Wales, British. The 1850 Census indicates Horatio was born in NY. Father may possible be Theodore and mother Augutus? There is a Chapin, Ontario, NY. It is unknown if there is a connection. From researcher Maggie McCarthy of Belding, MI, 1980: "The log cabin at Chapin Lake was still standing in the 1930's or later. Next Spring I will go over & take a look & see if there are any of the remains. A neighbor lived over there then & said they used it at that time to put their pigs in it.", Chapin Lake is in section 4, Township 8N, Range 9W, in Grattan Twp., Kent County, MI. It is located on Lessiter Road 2 miles north of Belding Road. The cabin is supposed to be the homestead of Horatio Chapin. Not listed in Emmet County Death records 1867-1920.
From Early Settlers of Ontario Co., NY, Town of Hopewell, by George S. Conover: - In 1789 a Dist. set off from Easton was formed all that is now Gorham and Hopewell changed to Lincoln Apr. 16, 1806 in 1807 to Gorham. In 1822 Gorham divided, north half known as Hopewell. Pioneers :- ... Geo. Chapin, Irael Chapin, Jr., ...
Richard Robert Moran has picture of Mrs. Mary J. Chapin, age 66, Oct 21, 1901, born in Ypsilanta, MI in 1835, an Aunt to Augusta Fidelia Chapin. (ChapinMr1.jpg)
Horatio married Elizabeth R. Lindsley, daughter of Unknown and Rachel Lee Walkins, in , , NY. Elizabeth was born on 27 Jan 1824 in Of Gorham, Ontario, NY and died on 24 Dec 1884.
General Notes: death record of daughter Augusta F. Johnson; death record of daughter Mary C. Chapin; 1850 census, Gorham, Ontario, NY, 264; notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson; notes of Augusta Chapin over phone from Verna Johnson Nov 1999.
From the notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson is a reference to 'Lester', this may be Elizabeth Lindsley mother, Horatio Chapin mother, or ?. Marguerite Johnson state had red hair.
Michigan online 1870 census index:
Lester Lindsley, Grattan twp, Kent, MI, page 435
Mary J. Lindsley, Lyons Vill., Ionia, MI, page 535
Children from this marriage were:
+ 2 F i. Mary C. Chapin was born on 27 Sep 1840 in , Ontario, NY, died on 5 Oct 1939 in Belding, Ionia, MI and was buried on 7 Oct 1939 in Greens Cemetery, Belding, Ionia, MI.
+ 3 M ii. Thales Levi Chapin was born on 22 Mar 1844 in , Steuben, NY and died on 18 May 1919.
4 F iii. Rachel P. Chapin was born on 8 Sep 1846 in Of Gorham, Ontario, NY and died on 8 Apr 1921.
General Notes: 1850 Census, Gorham, Ontario, NY, 264 (deaf) [Rachel T.]; notes of Augusta Chapin over phone from Verna Moran Nov 1999 [Rachel P.]
5 M iv. Rosella Chapin was born in Jul 1849 in Of Gorham, Ontario, NY and died on 5 Dec 1856.
General Notes: 1850 census, Gorham, Ontario, NY, 264; notes of Augusta Chapin over phone from Verna Moran Nov 1999.
+ 6 F v. Augusta Fidelia Chapin was born on 12 May 1854 in Grattan Twp., Kent, MI, died on 13 Oct 1945 in Belding, Ionia, MI and was buried on 15 Oct 1945 in Greene Cem., Belding, Ionia, MI.
General Notes: death record, Ionia county, MI, 15384-E64; newspaper articles Belding, Ionia, MI, Sep 1938, Sep 1939; 1850 census Gorham, Ontario, NY, 264
From Belding, MI newspaper article: "Aged Lady Still Activate at 98th Anniversary. Friends Help North Side Resident Celebrate 98th Birthday. On Tuesday, September 27th, Mrs. Mary C. DeGlopper observed her 98th birthday quietly with a few friends and her devoted sister, Mrs. Augusta Johnson, with whom she makes her home at 314 Lewis St. Mrs. DeGlopper at 98 is a well preserved old lady who enjoys life still as she sits serenely day after day in a sunny window and stiches of her bright quilt blocks. She takes a great deal of pride in her work and keeps at it almost unceasingly. Blindness is nearing for this aged lady and she intends to make the most of her sight while it remains. An attack of scarlet fever at four robbed Mrs. DeGlopper of her hearing and from childhood she had borne the cross with patience and graditude. Mrs. DeGlopper has experienced many of the hardships and thrills of [picture of Mrs. Mary DeGlopper] by gone pioneer days. Born in 1840 at Ontario, N.Y., she was the eldest child of Horatio and Elizabeth Chapin. In the early 50's the family moved to Michigan and settled at Grattan Center. Here the five Chapin children grew up and of this place does Mrs. DeGlopper recall many interesting events of early life. Vivid in her mind has always been the memory of the narrow passageway between Bostwick lake and the now-far-receded Little Bostwick through which her family traveled enroute to their Grattan home. In 1866 Mary Chapin married Peter DeGlopper, of Chicago. Two daughters were born of them, Ett[missing letter] May, who died at the age of 19 and Emily C., who died at 32. For the past 34 years Mrs. DeGlopper has made her home with Mrs. Johnson. It is touching to see the loyalty of the younger sister who at 84 years of age, is as active in her ways as a much younger woman. Mrs. Johnson previously resided in the city before moving to Rapid City, Kalkaska county, several years ago. Two years ago she purchased the residence at 314 Lewis street. To Mrs. DeGlopper and her achievement of nearly a century of living and to her sister, Mrs. Johnson, who displays a loyalty and kindness of spirit which we all admire, we extend sincere congratulations." Belding newspaper article, "Death Follows 99th Birthday. Mrs. Mary C. DeGlopper Expires at Belding Home of Sister. Belding - Mrs. Mary Chapin DeGlopper, who last Wednesday celebrated her ninety-ninth birth anniversary, died Thursday at the home of her sister, Mrs. Augusta Johnson in this city. Mrs. DeGlopper for years was known for her quilt-making, a work she continued up to two weeks ago when she was confined to her bed because of illness. She was born in New York state and came with her parents, Horatio and Elizabeth Chapin, to [picture of Mrs. Mary DeGlopper] Michigan when a young girl. They settled at Grattan in Kent county. She was married to Peter DeGlopper at the age of 26 and she and her husband started housekeeping at Cannonsburg. Later they went to Grand Rapids and then took up a homestead near Alpena. In later years Mr. and Mrs. DeGlopper entered the Michigan Soldiers home where Mr. DeGlopper died, and in 1904 Mrs. DeGlopper went to reside with her sister, at that time a resident of Rapid City. They moved to Belding nearly three years ago. Besides the sister, Mrs. DeGlopper is survived by two grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 Saturday at the Fitzjohns funeral home, Burial will be in Green cemetery." Richard Robert Moran photographed the home at 314 Lewis in 1979. It appeared to still be in excellent condition. Died from valvular insufficiency of heart.
Mary married Peter Deglopper in 1866 in , Of, MI. Peter was born in Of Chicago, , IL and died before 1904.
General Notes: Belding, MI newspaper article about Mary C. Chapin, late Sep 1938
From researcher Maggie McCarthy, Belding, MI, 1980: "There are a few DeGlopper names in the area [Belding, MI]"
Children from this marriage were:
7 F i. Ett. May Deglopper was born in 1866-1890 in , , , USA.
General Notes: Belding, MI newspaper article about Mary C. Chapin, late Sep 1938 (died age 19); notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson
From notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson she may have been married to Mr. Gould.
8 F ii. Emily C. Deglopper was born in 1866-1890 in , , , USA.
3. Thales Levi Chapin (Horatio E.1) was born on 22 Mar 1844 in , Steuben, NY and died on 18 May 1919.General Notes: Belding, MI newspaper article about Mary C. Chapin, late Sep 1938 (died at age 32); notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson
From notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson she may have been married to Mr. Gould.
General Notes: notes of Verna Lu Marie Johnson (b.1828 or 1838); 1850 Census, Gorham, Ontario, NY, 264; 1880 census, Fairplains Twp., Montcalm, MI, vol 19, ED 234, sheet 23, line 6 (Thayles); IGI 1396480-500187011; notes of Augusta Chapin over phone from Veran Moran Nov 1999
Verna Johnson's notes indicate two sons. Names of Clifford, Lyle, and Gladis are given. It is unclear if these are the son names or spouses? Do not know if related -> IGI M518462-960508 ('Theodore N. Chapin' to 'Sarah A. Underhill', 4 Jul 1857, 'Otisco, Ionia, MI', 'SS:2 Jul 1985 SG'); IGI M518212-980364 ('Theodore N. Chapin' to 'Vesla J. Hutchinson', 'Bellair, Antrim, MI', 29 Mar 1884, 'SS:Cleared'); according to Belding, MI newspaper article, Sep 1938, Mary C. Chapin was the oldest child and was born on 27 Sep 1840; marriage record Ionia County, MI, 36, LDS film #0960508; Theodore N. Chapin (age 28) to Sarah A. Underhill (age 21) (Theodore of Cortland, MI; Sarah of Vergennes, MI; 'Cyntha Underhil' witness of marriage, at Otisco, Ionia, MI); 'Theodore S. Chapin' to 'Olivia', 4 Jul 1857, 'SS: 2 Jul 1985 SG', 'Otisco, Ionia, MI'
searched Sep 2001 and did not find obituary in Belding, MI newspaper, which does have Grattan news.
Thales married Olivia Bradley. Olivia was born in 1848-1849 in , , MI and died after 1880.
General Notes: 1880 census, Fairplains Twp., Montcalm, MI vol 19, ED 234, sheet 23 line 6; IGI entry of son Vernon Clare
Children from this marriage were:
9 M i. Willie Chapin was born in 1866-1867 in , , MI.
General Notes: 1880 census, Fairplains Twp., Montcalm, MI, vol 19 ED 124 sheet 23 line 6
10 M ii. Orson Chapin was born on 10 Jun 1871 in MI and died on 3 May 1874 in Fairplains Twp., Montcalm, MI.
General Notes: Death record, 262-95, inflamation lungs
11 M iii. Vernon Clare Chapin was born on 4 Aug 1876 in Good Hart, Emmet, MI.
6. Augusta Fidelia Chapin (Horatio E.1) was born on 12 May 1854 in Grattan Twp., Kent, MI, died on 13 Oct 1945 in Belding, Ionia, MI and was buried on 15 Oct 1945 in Greene Cem., Belding, Ionia, MI.General Notes: 1880 census, Fairplains Twp., Montcalm, MI vol 19 ED 234 sheet 23 line 6; IGI 1396480-500187012
General Notes: Death record Ionia County, MI, #18337, page 187; Birth record of son Guy Victor Johnson, Montcalm County, MI number 59-11348; Obituary in Belding MI, newspaper; 1880 census Orleans, Ionia, MI 33-342
The Michigan web online index: 1870 US census, Augusta Chapin, Cannon township, Kent, MI, page 127
Verna Lu Marie Johnson has a oil lamp that she had electrified that was owned by Augusta.
Belding, MI newspaper article: "Plans Birthday Open House. Mrs. Augusta Johnson, who has been seriously ill for past week at her home on Lewis street, is considerably improved and had as her guest several days this week her grandson, Alvah Johnson, of Royal Oak and a cousin, Mrs. Rev. Amos Wagley of Burnips, who is visting for several days. Mrs. Johnson is being cared for by her granddaughter, Mrs. Earl Rugg of Grand Rapids, who is assisting another grandson's wife, Mrs. Cecil Johnson, who has spent the winter months with the aged lady. Mrs. Johnson will be 91 years old on May 12th and is eagerly looking forward to the birthday anniversary which she hopes to celebrate at an open house, her health permitting the party plans. With her for the anniversary celebration this year will be her three grandchildren and five great grandchildren if all goes well and Mrs. Johnson continues to improve as she has in the past few days." Belding, MI newspaper article: "Many Greet Lady On 91th Birthday. With her bed banked by gifts, groups of floral plants and other remembrances, Mrs. Augusta Johnson smiled happily on Saturday, May 12 and stated "My 91st birthday was the biggest and happiest of them all." Her day was cheered when she felt able to sit up long enough to officiate at the cutting of her birthday cake, and enjoy the "Happy Birthday" song of her son Guy and her three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. [Article 12 May 1945] The day was made even more happy by a host of relatives and friends who filed in and out of her residence at 314 Lewis street to greet and cheer her with their thoughtful words and remembrances." Belding, Mi newspaper article: "Final Rites For Local Nonagenarian. Mrs. Augusta Johnson, aged 91 years, passed away Saturday at her home at 314 Lewis St. following an illness of several months and she had been cared for by her loving son and grandchildren. She was born in Grattan township, the daughter of Orantis Chaffan and had lived in this vicinity the greater part of her life. She is survived by her son, Guy; three grandchildren and five great grandchildren . Funeral services were held at the Fitzjohn Funeral Home Monday at 2 o'clock, Rev. Amos Wagley of Potterville officiating and burial was in Greene cemetery. Pallbearers were Leo McPherson, Henry Slocum, Ben Donovan, Leo Weiller, Frank Rowley and H. S. Rowley." According to death record died from valvular heart regurgitation and old age.
notes of Earl Wilbur Rugg: "born 12 May 1853"
NOTES: submitted by Jeanne Johnson, 'Augusta Fidelia Chaplin, born May 1853'; Bapt, endw, seal: cleared
Augusta married Francis Olin Johnson, son of Alvah Johnson and Lucretia M. Nichols, on 29 Mar 1875 in , Ionia, MI. Francis was born on 5 Nov 1851 in Leon, Cattaraugus, NY, died on 2 Jan 1928 in Clearwater Twp., Kalkaska, MI and was buried on 5 Jan 1928 in Clearwater Cem., Rapid City, Kalkaska, MI Another name for Francis was Frank Johnson.
General Notes: Death record, State of Michigan, Number 40-429. (Information provided by son Guy V. Johnson.); 1870 census, Orleans, Ionia, MI 595-58; 1880 census, Orleans, Ionia, MI 33-342; IGI 861780427-1396214; IGI M518463-960509
The Belding, Michigan Banner News, Belding, MI, 12 Jan 1928 and
The Leader and the Kalkaskian, Kalkaska, MI, 12 Jan 1928:
"Francis Olin Johnson, better known as Frank, or F.O., was born at Leon, Cattaraugus county, New York, on November 5, 1851, and passed away at Rapid City, Michigan, January 2, 1928 at the age of 76 years, 1 month, and 29 days. He married Augusta F. Chapin on March 29, 1875. At an early age he learned the carpenter trade, which occupation he hollowed principally through life, contracting and building in counties of Ionia and Montcalm, Michigan. He was a resident of Belding, Michigan, 18 years, and in 1902 moved to Clearwater township, Kalkaska county, where he engaged in farming some.
He always led a very active industrious life, having built and improved five homes for himself and family, sharing his homes with others, proving himself a good husband, a good father, a good grandfather, a good brother and a good citizen. He has been a member of Silk City Lodge No. 447 I.O.O.F., Belding, Michigan, for over 25 years. He leaves a widow, Augusta F., one son, Guy V., of Rapid City, Michigan; three grand children, Cecil T. Johnson, Greenville, Michigan; Mrs. Marguerite M. Rugg, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Alvah H. Johnson, Rapid City, Michigan; two sister. Mrs. Hattie H. Hall, Belding, Michigan; Mrs. Sophia Bates, Ionia, Michigan; and many relatives and friends, to mourn their loss. His many kind deeds will live in memory."
1880 Census listed as carpenter. According to Thelma Louise Rugg, Frank was a carpenter, contractor, and farmer. He was also an unfailing source of song & good humor. His son Guy (born 1875) owned a 80 acre farm in the SW corner of section 2 in Rapid River Twp, Kalkaska County, MI. It is located on the east side of Manley Road, 1/4 of mile south of Zimmerman Road. Guy's father, Frank, built the large barn located on the farm. The farm was latter owned by Guy's son Alvah (born 1908). The farm was a vacation home for Alvah who lived in Royal Oak, MI during the 1940's. In August 1948 Alvah broke his back as a result of sliding off the house roof while working on it. He latter fully recovered, but it prevented him from returning to work in Royal Oak. As a result, he was forced to live on the farm. He remained their until his death in 1971, at which time the farm was sold by his spouse Thelma. The farm was a favorite place to spend the weekends by Alvah's grandchildren, including myself, Richard Moran. As of 1991 the red barn, with white trim still stands in excellent shape. In 1991 I had the chance to walk through the back woods of the farm. Many of the pine stumps from the 1850/1870's logging still stand. The roads from the logging era still remain, but now have large trees in the middle of them. They are identifiable by the 6 inch deep wheel ruts that sometimes have a tiny stream flowing down them fed by springs. He had worked on the construction of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI.
notes of Earl Wilbur Rugg: "born in Jamestown, N.Y., silkmill employee, Belding farmer, carpenter"
on the 1899 county map of Kalkaska is P. Smith owned the farm. Oral Johson family history stated that Mrs. Smith was buried on the farm.
NOTES: IGI M518463-960509 ('Francis O. Johnson' to 'Augusta Chapin'); IGI 8617804-27-1396214 ('Francis Olin Johnson' father 'Alvah_ Johnson' mother 'Lucretia Nichols'); personal notes of Thelma Louise Rugg says he was born near Jamestown, NY
Children from this marriage were:
+ 12 M i. Guy Victor Johnson was born on 21 Dec 1875 in Fairplains Twp., Montcalm, MI, died on 14 Jan 1954 in Belmont, Kent, MI and was buried in Greens Cemetery, Belding, Ionia, MI.
General Notes: Birth record, State of Michigan, State Office Number 59-11348; death personal knowledge of Thelma Louise Rugg; 1880 census Orleans, Ionia, MI 33-342
Leader and Kalkaskian, Kalkaska, MI, 28 Jan 1954:
"Former Rapid City Man dies at Belmont. Guy V. Johnson, former resident of Rapid City, died January 14, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Earl Rugg, of Belmont. He was 78 years old.
Surviving besides the daughter are two sons, Cecil of Union City, and Alvah of Alden. Services were held in Belding Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2:30 with burial in Green cemetery."
The Belding and Banner News, Belding, MI, 21 Jan 1954:
"Former Resident Succumbs Thursday at Daughter's Home. Guy V. Johnson, 78, passed away very suddenly late Thursday night at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Earl Rugg, following a heart attack, which he has suffered earlier in the day. Mr. Johnson had been a resident of this city most of his life making his home here with his mother, Mrs. Augusta F. Johnson at 314 Lewis until her death several years ago. Last April he went to live with his daughter, Mrs. Rugg in Plainfield township. He was born Dec 21., 1875 in Montcalm county. Survivors include the daughter, Mrs. Rugg; two sons, Cecil Johnson of Union City and Alvah Johnson, Rapid City; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Funeral services were held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. from the Fitzjohn Funeral Home with Rev. Wilbur Kirby officiating. Pall bearers were Leo McPherson, Frank Rowley, Bert Cummings, H. S. Dowley, Stanley Middlebrook and Sim Donovan. Burial was in Green cemetery."
From Joylene Rugg the grave is unmarked, but once had a stone marking the site.
According to Verna Lu Marie Johnson: Divorced about 1916. From Daughter Marguerite purchased farm on Manley road after hearing about it from a friend.
notes of Earl Wilbur Rugg: "born in Grattan twp, Kent, MI, farmer, cabinet worker, Ford's in Detroit (tested first liberty plane motors)"
NOTES: IGI 8617804-32-1396214 ('Guy Victor Johnson' father 'Francis Olan Johnson' mother 'Augusta Fidelia Chaplin', '21 Dec 1875', 'Fairplain Twp, Montcalm, MI')
Guy married Verna Isabelle McLaughlin, daughter of Albert McLaughlin and Mary Elizabeth Burns, in , , MI. The marriage ended in divorce. Verna was born on 1 Jan 1883 in Rowland Twp., Isabelle, MI, died on 17 Nov 1966 in Mt. Clemens, Macomb, MI and was buried on 21 Nov 1966 in White Chapel Cem, Troy, Oakland, MI Another name for Verna was Puss McLaughlin.
General Notes: Death record, State of Michigan, State File Number 67059, Local File Number 926; Beatrice McLaughlin bible (also called Vernie); personal knowledge of Albert Irving McLaughlin; IGI 1553470-8600012
notes of Earl Wilbur Rugg: "born in Blanchard, MI, homemaker"
NOTES: death record indicates born in Blanchard, MI; IGI 'born 1 Jan 1885, Blanchard, Isabella, MI'
Children from this marriage were:
13 F i. Marguerite Merry Johnson was born on 25 Dec 1905 in Clearwater Twp., Kalkaska, MI, died on 25 Apr 1996 in Plainwell, Allegan, MI and was buried on 28 Apr 1996 in Plainwell Cem, Plainwell, Allegan, MI.
General Notes: birth record of child Joylene May Rugg; photo as child; Verna Lu Marie Johnson visit with Marguerite Aug 1994 and attended funeral latter; Life history by Marguerite Merry Johnson
School teacher. Born at farm on Manley Rd, section 2. Living in Plainwell, MI (1994)
"My life history by Marguerite Merry Johnson:
I was born December 25th, 1905 in Kalkaska County on my grandfathers farm, I had a two year old older brother Cecil and two years after my birth another brother Alvah was born. When I was ten, another brother Clifford was born, who lived only six months. Soon my parents divorced and we went to live with my grandparents in Rapid City. I helped cook for eight people. Sometimes I placed a lesson for the day on the warming oven of the wood stovewhile I baked pancakes. I was on the girls basketball team and was in school plays. I always had the comedy part. While I lived with my grandparents they built a new stone house which is still a landmark in Rapid City today. After high school I enrolled in Detroit Business College, and afterwards gained employment in the office of Detroit Cleveland Navigation Company on the Detroit river for the travel agent. I then went to county Normal in Kalkaska and then on to Michigan State College in Ypsilanti to obtain a teaching certificate. One summer when home from teaching I was invited to conduct a young peoples meeting at the Methodist church. As the meeting was about to begin, I saw Earl Rugg walk in. He asked me for a date that night. This was the beginning of our courtship and we were married 6 months later May 30, 1927. (Daughter Note: Mother and Dad Eloped.) We moved to Grand Rapids, this is where we raised our family Merlyn and Joylene. These were the depression years but Earl always had work. I returned to teaching when the children were older to help out. We had been a family of Witnesses' for many years as the truth was brought to us in Grand Rapids when Merlyn was three years old. As a family, we were active in Jehovah's service. In fact we were part of the original congregation of 13 Witnesses. It has been a privilege to announce an incoming Kingdom that would bring many blessings to all mankind. We sold our home to move where the need was greater. We were in Tennessee for there years, and Arizona for 6 years. We moved back to Michigan because of Dads health. He died Jan 24, 1979. He was a kind and devoted husband and father and I look forward to seeing him again as Jehovah's faithful servant in the resurrection. I am proud of my six grandsons and twelve great grandchildren, and of course my children. It has been as varied life but very rewarding. Jehovah has always been my strength and refuge. I hope to serve him faithfully as long as I can."
notes of Earl Wilbur Rugg: "secretary, teacher, homemaker"
Marguerite married Earl Wilbur Rugg, son of Edward Daniel Rugg and Lulu Belle Van Buren, on 30 May 1927 in , , , USA. Earl was born on 21 Jan 1903 in Rapid River Twp., Kalkaska, MI, died on 24 Jan 1979 in Plainwell, Allegan, MI and was buried in Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell, Allegan, MI.
General Notes: Birth record, State of Michigan, Sate Office Number 40-3487 (affidavit of his mother recorded in 1949); correspondence from Thelma Louise Rugg; obituary
The Leader and Kalkaskian, Kalkaska, MI, 8 Feb 1979:
"Kalkaska - Mr. Earl Rugg, former Kalkaska resident and descendent of two Kalkaska County pioneer families, passed away Jan. 24, in Plainwell, Mich., after a lingering illness. Mr. Rugg was born Jan 21, 1903, in Clearwater Twp., Kalkaska County, son of Edward and Lulu Van Buren Rugg. A dedicated member of the Jehovah Witness, for forty years he served congregations in souther Mich, Tenn, and Ariz. At his death, he was a beloved member of the Plainwell Congregation. Surviving are his wife, Marguerite; one daughter, Mrs. Joylene O'Neill of Grand Rapids; one son, Merlyn of Kalamazoo; 3 sisters, Mrs. Thelma Johnson of Florida, Mrs. Helen Kizer of Morley, Mich, Mrs. Maxine Ryckman of Kalkaska; 6 grandsons; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Donovan. Services were held Jan 27, at the Marshall-Gren Chapel, Plainwell, Mr. Terry La Fountain, officiating. He was laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery, Plainwell."
Earl Wilbur Rugg notes: "baker, minister, born Rugg, Kalkaska, MI"
14 M ii. Cecil T. Johnson was born in 1906-1907 in , , MI and died after 1970.
General Notes: notes of Thelma Louise Rugg; photo as child; obituary of father Frank Johnson
from niece Joylene Rugg: Cecil hit a tree while sledding in the snow as a child. He was unconscious for several hours. As a result of the accident he was somewhat mentally limited but was able to support himself latter in life by winding wire on motors.
listed as living in brother Alvah's 1971 obituary
15 M iii. Alvah Horatio Johnson was born on 23 Feb 1908 in Clearwater Twp., Kalkaska, MI, died on 28 Jul 1971 in Clearwater Twp., Kalkaska, MI and was buried on 31 Jul 1971 in Evergreen Cem., Kalkaska, Kalkaska, MI.
General Notes: Birth record, State of Michigan, Registered Number 7; Death record, State of Michigan, number 42148-28; Marriage from notes of Thelma Louise Rugg; Tombstone
Leader and Kalkaskian, Kalkaska, MI, 5 Aug 1971:
"Life-Long Kalkaska Resident Passes: Alvah H. Johnson, 63, a life-long resident of Kalkaska county, died Wednesday, July 28, 1971 at his home on Manley Road near Alden. Mr. Johnson was born February 23, 1908 in Clearwater township. He retired from the Post Office department in 1966. He is survived by his wife, Thelma Rugg Johnson, whom he married May 24, 1930 in Toledo, Ohio. Also surviving are two sons, Alvah Jr. of Altamonte Springs, Florida and Glen of Clare; one daughter Mrs. Robert (Verna Lu) Moran of Maitland, Florida; one brother Cecil of Athens, one sister, Mrs. Earl Rugg of Vickenburg, Arizona; 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral service were held Saturday, July 31, 1971 at 1 p.m. at the Schwartz-Wolfe Funeral Home in Kalkaska with the Rev. Geary Bird of St. Paul's Lutheran Church officiating. Burial was made in Evergreen cemetery, Kalkaska."
NOTES: personal notes of Thelma Louise Rugg (pk9) ('Baptized 11 Jun 1916 - First Methodist, Highland Park, MI. Member of First Methodist, Royal Oak, MI)
From daughter Verna: born and died in house on farm at Manley Rd, section 2. Eloped to Thelma since her parents objected to a marriage.
Alvah married Thelma Louise Rugg, daughter of Edward Daniel Rugg and Lulu Belle Van Buren, on 24 May 1930 in , , MI. Thelma was born on 31 Jul 1908 in Rapid River Twp., Kalkaska, MI, died on 17 Dec 1990 in Fern Park, Seminole, FL and was buried in Evergreen Cem., Kalkaska, Kalkaska, MI.
General Notes: Notes of Thelma Louise Rugg; personal knowledge of Jeanne Johnson one day after death; Tombstone
Verna Lu Marie Johnson has a green tea pot & cake set that was Thelma's.
NOTES: notes of Thelma Louise Rugg ('Baptized 1921 in Peoples Church - Kalkaska. Member of First Methodist Royal Oak, MI. At present, 1976, member Asbury United Methodist of Maitland, FL.')
16 M iv. Clifford Johnson was born in 1903-1920 in , , MI, died in 1903-1920 and was buried in Clearwater, Rapid City, Kalkaska, MI.
General Notes: notes of Thelma Louise Rugg (died an infant)
Found a G. Johnson with small white cross #113 on back at cemetary at Rapid City, Rapid City, Kalkaska, MI
