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Transcripts of Obituaries & Notices

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12/08/1862 Schuyler V. Fish 02/08/1865 John M. Fish 05/13/1887 Celia (Seamans) Fish 10/05/1891 Edward Millard 07/17/1921 Ann Eliza (Fish/Baldwin) Mantel	10/14/1929 John Henry Mantell 12/12/1929 Julia A. (Stevens/Fish) Garrison 05/13/1930 Jesse A. Fish 08/02/1948 Maude E. (Hunt/Page) Minty

Schuyler V. Fish
(son of Silas & Rebecca Fish)
December 8, 1862
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January 20th 1863

Mrs. Mary Jane Fish
I write you informing you of the death of your husband S.V. Fish --- he died in Washington Dec 8th ---- he was a good man ----- In the loss of your husband you have lost a kind man and the country a good Soldier he was Always Prompt to Perform his duty and done it cheerfully ----- In this your hour of affliction you have my heartfelt Sympathys ----- the receipt I send you you will Present to A Noble Esq. Battle Creek and he will see that you Rec the money ----- this is money Schuyler did not Rec in Jackson ----- It is as you see cavalry Bounty ----- you are entitled to get.

Respectfully
Capt. Geo. C. Barnes
Co "C" 20th Mich. Vols

P.S. his pay I will draw and send you ----- If they will allow me to draw it.
Capt.

Note:
Schuyler V. Fish enlisted on 7/28/1862 at Battle Creek, MI, as a private.
On 8/16/1862 he mustered into "C" Co. MI 20th Infantry Volunteers.
Schuyler is buried in the Alexandria National Cemetery, Alexandria, VA.
Schuyler was the son of Silas and Rebecca (Millard) Fish.

John M. Fish
(son of Silas & Rebecca Fish)
February 8, 1865
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Headquarters Regt. Merrill Horse
Nashville Tenn
Sept 16th, 1865

I, MH Barrett Certify, on honor, certify that Sergeant John M. Fish of Co. "L" Regt. Merrills Horse MO Vol died at Gayoso General Hospital Memphis Tenn of Chronic Diarrhea -- said disease was contracted in the U.S. service whilst in the performance of his duty as a soldier.
Said Sergt John M. Fish died Feby 8th 1865

My knowledge of the above facts is obtained from the following source: Official Records of the regiment in my possession.

Respectfully, your OB servt
- MH Barrett
Sergeon Merrills Horse
Mo Vol.

To Joseph H. Barrett
Commissioner of Pensions, D.C.

Note:
John M. Fish enlisted on 11/22/1862 at Leroy, MI, as a private.
On 11/22/1862 he mustered into "L" Co. MI MI Battn Cavalry.
John M. Fish was the son of Silas and Rebecca (Millard) Fish.
Documents were provided in response to the widow, Nancy Fish's application for Widow's Pension Benefits (Pension No. 86670).
John is buried in the Memphis National Cemetery, Memphis TN.

Celia (Seamans) Fish
(wife of David C. Fish)
May 13, 1887
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Mrs. Celia Fish

Mrs. Fish, whose death occurred at the residence of her son-in-law, A.J. Quick, of Leroy, on Friday, the 13th of May, 1887, had reached the advanced age of 83 years, and retained to a remarkable degree her vigor of mind and body up to a short period before her demise. She, with her husband, was one of the early pioneers of Leroy Township, which was named after her son, Leroy, the first male child born in the township. She was a woman of rare originality of thought, earnest conviction, strong practical judgement and fine social qualities, a combination which fitted her for the part she has borne in developing our community from the pioneer condition of half a century ago.

The deceased leaves nine children, six of whom were at the funeral; three sons, William, Leroy, and Washington, and three daughters, Mrs. Copeland, wife of the Rev. Wm. Copeland, of the M.E. church, Mrs. A.J. Quick, and Mrs. Cordelia Johnson.

Mrs. Fish possessed a wide acquaintance in this section of the state by whom her memory will be affectionately cherished. We here present the concluding portion of the funeral discourse by Rev. James Berry: "We halt to-day for a few moments in the journey of life to say the last farewell over one of our number. The skeleton foot of death, which enters the loftiest as well as the humblest stations of life, has invaded our circle. But a week ago a commanding presence moved in our midst, whom we shall see no more, a cheerful companion who will no more make glad our hearts by her happy life and encouraging words, a kind neighbor who will no more be ready with willing hands to minister to the wants of those about her, a loving mother whose labor of love for her children is ended, a witness to the power of Jesus Christ to save on earth has gone to join that innumerable company of the redeemed on the other shore.

Celia Seamans was born February 2, 1804, in the state of Rhode Island. She moved with her parents to Connecticut, then to Vermont, and then to New York. In 1822 she was married to Mr. David Fish, with whom she shared the joys and sorrows, successes and privations incident to life in a new country, until four years ago, when he was taken from her side.

In 1832 with her family she came to Michigan. She lived in Washtenaw County for two years, and then moved to Leroy in 1834. This was then a wilderness, but she has been spared to see the forest give place to the cultivated fields, the log houses to beautiful dwellings, the wilderness to blossom as the rose. For over fifty years she has lived here and was well known to all. Said one of her neighbors, "I don't think Aunt Celia had an enemy in the world.

Everybody was glad to see her cheerful face and no one was more welcome to the social circle, or more sadly missed if she was absent."

Long has she been spared, but that summons to which every ear shall hearken and all mortality obey, reached her at last, and without a murmur or a fear she received it, and, folding her hands, she quietly fell asleep as an infant in its mother's arms.

Eternity beckoned to one whose labors here were ended, and she sank down to rest with resignation to the decrees as they were written.

Note:
Michigan Pioneers Collections, Vol. XI, (1888)
Celia (Seamans) Fish, wife of David C. Fish.

Edward E. Millard
(son of Jehoida Millard, jr)
October 5, 1891
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Edward E. Millard was born in Stillwater Saratoga county, N.Y., Oct 1, 1804, died [..] Milledgeville, Ill. Oct. 5, 1891, aged 87 years and 4 days. In 1806 his father moved to Campbell Steuben county, where the deceased resided until 1881, when he went west to Carrol county, Ill., and lived with his son, W.O. Millard most of the time until his death. In February 1831 he was married to Miss Eliza La Cost, who survives him. Six sons, all of whom are living, blessed his union: James E., Wm. Jehoida, Francis, Edward and Henry D. His death is the first that has occurred in this immediate family. Mr. Millard was a man whose social habits and business practices were above approach. He took an active part in the affairs of his own township. He was naturally pronounced in his convictions and had the courage to display them. Nothing could swerve him from what he believed to be right. He was one of a family of [..]teen, but one of whom survives him. In the spring of 1851 he professed a faith in Christ as a savior and was baptised into the Baptist church of Cooper's Plains, N.Y., by Rev. Benj. F. B[..]lcom. He never departed from that faith; but unto the time of his death -- whatever might had been his sense of his own personal weakness -- his faith in Christ remained unshaken. At the last, especially, the glories of the future life seemed to open before him with unusual vivid [..]. He longed to depart and be with Christ. A devoted husband, a kind father, an honest man, and a Christian soldier has fallen.

Bath Courier, N.Y. October 16, 1891

Note:
Sections marked by [..] are unreadable parts of copy.

Ann Eliza (Fish) Mantel
(daughter of Silas & Rebecca Fish)
July 17, 1921
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ANNA MANTELL LAID TO REST

PIONEER RESIDENT OF BEDFORD DID VALUABLE
WORK IN CIVIL WAR DAYS.

Was One of Oldest Worshippers at Seventh Day
Adventist Tabernacle - Born Here.

Funeral services for the late Mrs. Anna Mantell were held from the Spaulding funeral parlors Wednesday, with Rev. Arthur E. Serns, pastor of the Seventh Day Adventist Tabernacle, officiating.   Intermnet took place in Bedford cemetery.

Amid flowers that were beautiful and profuse, this pioneer woman who had made the influence of her life felt, was laid to rest in the family lot, her husand, four children, eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren having been with her up to the last.

Her death occurred Sunday, July 17, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. May Parrish, in this city, a stroke of paralysis being responsible for her passing, although she had been in rather delicate health for several years past.  She is survived by her husband, John H. Mantell, and four children:  Mrs. May Parrish and Mrs. Grace Sanborn, of this city, twin daughters, and John Mantell, of Vicksburg, and Arthur Mantell, of Galesburg, twin sons.

Mrs. Mantell was born in South Battle Creek, September 9, 1841, when there was nothing on the site of Battle Creek except one little log store and but a very few crude homes of these scattered early settlers, stumps were everywhere and only trails led out from the village through the heavy forest.  Indians passed through on their way to Detroit, the big trading post, and were a most familiar sight to the children of that day.

When 12 years of age she went to live in Bedford, where she spent the remainder of her life except 13 years when she was a resident of Urbandale.

Did Civil War Work
Mrs. Mantell was an ardent patriot, loving the sons of liberty as she did liberty.  Her four brothers entered the Civil war, two of them giving up their lives in the great cause, and her husband also enlisted as a soldier in the rebellion.  While her male relatives fought, she worked unceasingly to provide food and supplies for the wounded and comforts for the disabled soldiers, as well as their families.  She was president of what was known as the Soldiers' Relief Corps and addressed meetings, also labored in the interestof the patriots.

Along with it all she was a devout Christian, had been since childhood.  For the past 30 years she has been a member and teacher of the Seventh Day Adventist faith.

Note:
Battle Creek Enquirer and Daily News

John Henry Mantell
(2nd Husband of Ann Eliza (Fish) Baldwin)
October 14, 1929
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DEATH SUMMONS MERRILL HORSE VETERAN OF 84

John H. Mantell, Also Prominent in Three-Quarter Century Club, Passes.

John H. Mantell, 84, veteran of Merrill Horse and prominent member of the Three-Quarter Century Club, passed away Monday at 12:15 p.m. at the home of D. E. Merry, 35 Post avenue, where he had been staying with his daughter, Mrs. May Spaulding.  Eight days previous he was stricken with pneumonia, from which he never rallied.

Besides Mrs. Spaulding, he leaves another daughter, Mrs. J. E. Sanborn, of 322 West Van Buren street, a twin sister of Mrs. Spaulding, and a son, John Marshall Mantell, who resides in Vicksburg; also a sister, Mrs. Jennie Bushnell, and a brother, Cass Mantell, both of Jackson.   He is also survived by three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Mr. Mantell was born in Greece township, New York State, February 5, 1845, and came with his parents to Bedford when a lad of three or four years.  The remainder of his life has been spent there and in Battle Creek.

Enlisted With Merrill
When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in Company I, Merrill Horse, and served his country bravely for the full term of his enlistment.  The last event he ever attended was the recent annual reunion of the Merrill Horse veterans at G. A. R. Hall, where he was one of seven veterans present.

He was a man of exemplary habits, never used tobacco or liquor and never even played cards.  He long years ago became a member of the Blue Lodge F. & A. M. in Bedford and had passed through all the charis therin.   At the burial in Bedford cemetery four old lodge members will serve as honorary pallbearers.  They are Dr. C. C. Smith, George Smith, Emmett Smith and Frank Hughes.

The funeral services are to be held from the Hebble chapel Wednesday at 3 p.m, with Rev Clarence A. Brady, pastor of Central Christian church, officiating, and the W. R. C. and Daughters of the G. A. R. giving their rituals.   The son, John Marshall Mantell, grandson, Victor Spaulding, and son-in-law, John E. Sanborn, will be among the active bearers.

Was Cousin of Actor
John H. Mantell was a cousin to the well known actor, Robert Mantell, and took great pride in the fact.   During the Movie Week in Battle Creek he was one of the members of the Three-Quarter Century Club who was thrilled at attendance at the theaters.

Mrs. Mantell, whose death occurred July 17, 1921, was a grand-niece of the great John Marshall, for whom she named her son.  She was an ardent patriot and president of what was known in war days as the Soldiers Relief Corps.

Note:
Battle Creek Enquirer and Daily News

Julia Ann (Stevens) Garrison
(daughter of Edward & Mary Stevens)
(widow of Eugene P. Fish)
December 12, 1929
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GARRISON --- In Santa Ana, Dec 12, 1929, Mrs. Julia A. Garison, age 82 years. She is survived by one son, Louis A. Schlesinger of Santa Ana, and one brother, Charles Stevens of Pasadena. Funeral services, under the auspices of Sedgwick Post W. R. C. No. 17, will be held tomorrow at 2 o'clock, at the Harrell and Brown Funeral home, 116 West Seventeenth street, the Rev. Geo. A. Warmer officiating. Internment in Fairhaven cemetery.

Santa Ana Daily Register Friday Evening, December 13, 1929

Note:
Julia Ann Stevens, married 1st, Eugene P. Fish, they later divorced.
Her 2nd marriage was to Louis Schlesinger. Her 3rd marriage was to B.S. Garrison.

Jesse A. Fish
(son of Leroy & Harriet Fish)
May 13, 1930
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DEATH REMOVES NIGHT SENTINEL

Jesse A. Fish, 62, Merchant Policeman for 27 years, Collapses on Duty.

STRICKEN MAKING ARREST

Guarded 103 Places in Downtown District and Cooperated with Police.

Watchman, what of the night?
To that legendary question Battle Creek had no official answer today for Jesse A. Fish, 62, for 27 years merchant policeman, and the town's nearest approach to the old-fashioned night sentinel, is dead.

Stricken Making Arrest
Mr. Fish was stricken with apoplexy about 9:30 Tuesday night while standing at the police call box at Jackson and Jefferson street.  He had taken a drunken man into custody, and was calling the patrol wagon to convey the inebriate to jail.  While Mr. Fish was ringing police headquarters, the drunk started to walk away.  George Mitas, a waiter in a restaurant nearby, saw what was happening and called to the watchman.   Looking around Mr. Fish suddenly collapsed.

Taken to Nichols hospital the special officer died shortly before 10 p. m.  He had been a sufferer from heart trouble, for three years and it was this condition that brought on the fatal attack.

Battle Creek business men who have employed him for years felt a sense of personal loss with his death.  He tried doors, turned out night-lights, kept watch on premises for 103 downtown business places.  About 10 or 12 years ago he acquired an assistant, who now is Charles Vaughn.

Cooperated with Police
During his life-time Mr. Fish must have tried two or three million doors.  But that was not all his work.  As a special policeman, appointed first by Chief Farrinton, he cooperated often with officers, and helped to keep order on the street, watch out for burglars, and rendered many a service to the department, although his duties in this connection were purely voluntary.  He was a member of the Metropolitan club for policemen, firemen and postal employees.

Mr. Fish lost one arm about 35 years ago while an empolye of the old Advance company shops.   He was off duty on a vacation and helping on a farm when he caught his arm in a corn shredder.

In the old days when there was a local morning paper, the Enquirer, a short feature entitled Watchman, What of the Night?  contributed to the popularity of the paper.   This traditional question could best be answered by Nightwatchman Fish whose duties took him through each night, from dawn to darkness.

Funeral Friday
He is survivied by his widow, Alice N., to whom he was married five years ago, their residence being at 53 Spring.  He leaves also a daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Hall, by a first marriage.   Mrs. Hall lives at Colver City, Calif., and has a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Rolfe, the wife of Raymond Rolfe, formerly of Battle Creek, both residing at Colver City.  The young couple has a son, Harold, Mr. Fish's grandson.

The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 3 p. m. from Hebble's chapel conducted by the Rev. Florence Gilbert [missing text] be made in Morgan Cemetery.

Note:
Battle Creek Enquirer & Daily News

Maud E. (Mulhallon) Minty
(daughter of William D. Mulhallon)
August 2, 1948
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Mrs. Harry M. Minty
Mrs. Maud Estelle Minty, 73, wife of Harry M. Minty of 111 Cherry, died at 3:15 p.m. Monday at the residence. For a number of years Mrs. Minty was prominent in Spiritualist church activities both in Battle Creek and on a statewide level. From 1939 to 1946, she served as a trustee on the Michigan State Spiritualist board, and at the time of her death was vice president of the First Spiritualist church of Battle Creek. Mrs. Minty has been seriously ill since July 7. She was born Oct. 6, 1874, in Battle Creek township, the daughter of William and Jennie (Trethrake) Mullahand, and on Dec. 4, 1904, was married to Mr. Minty in Sonoma. Besides her church connections, Mrs. Minty was a charter member of Winona Council No. 5 of the Pocahontas lodge. In addition to her husband she is survived by a niece, Mrs. Della Balch of Kalamazoo, and several cousins.

Battle Creek Enquirer & Daily News.

Note:
Maud, daughter of William D. & Jennie Mulhallon

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