Census: July 12, 1860, Dayton, Newaygo County, Michigan

Emigration: December 15, 1855, New York City, New York on ship Cornelia/Lawrence

Military service: 1865, Michigan 15th Regiment Company F Infantry-March 16, 1865

Occupation: Sailor/Mariner

Census: August 13, 1870, Grand Rapids P.O., Paris, Kent County, Michigan

Immigration: 1852

Residence: July 1897, 157 Fourth Street, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan

Immigration: 1844

Family Story about Elizabeth (Muir) Paul

Added by SBonadeo on 17 Aug 2007

Jayne Cooper Moore's (Whitecloud, MI) research notes from interview with Mabel Cooper Smith:

"She (Mabel) has three books, printed in the early 1800's that had been given to Mabel's grandmother, Elizabeth Muir, from Sir Hugh Welch of Creetown, Scotland, who wanted to marry her, but his family objected, and sent him off to war--where he was killed--and then his family wanted to "adopt" her. But suitor, James Paul, told them that if she was not good enough to be their daughter-in-law, she sure was not good enough to be their "daughter".

James Paul and Elizabeth Muir were married in 1849 and came to Grand Rapids in 1851; their only child, Elisabeth, was born en route at Black Rock, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. Elisabeth, the wife, never fully recovered from the birth of her child, and died three years later. Elisabeth, the child, was then reared by her mother's brother, Captain John Muir and family, first of Grand Rapids, and then of Holland, MI, where he captained a Lake Michigan ferry boat to Chicago...after having plied the river between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven, back when it was navigable.

Grand Rapids and Kent County, Michigan: Historical Account of Their Progress from First Settlement to the Present Time

By Ernest B. Fisher

Published by , 1918

p. 350:

John Paul was born at Whithorn, Wigtownshire, Scotland, April 1, 1849. He was educated in the district schools. While he was quite young, his parents located on a farm near Reed's Lake, where he later assisted his father in the rough work of clearing the land, attending school during the winter. During his entire active career he was engaged in farming and in the real estate and insurance business. He served as school trustee, village president, trustee, justice of the peace, supervisor and county treasurer. He was a Republican and was elected to the Senate Nov. 3, 1914. He died before the expiration of his term, July 23, 1915

Added by SBonadeo on 18 Jan 2009

The City of Grand Rapids and Kent County, Mich.: up to date, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens.

A. W. Bowen, 1900.

p. 215-217:

JOHN PAUL, farmer and dealer in real-estate, is an illustrious example of that successful class of individuals known as self-made men. His father, also named John Paul, was born in Whithorn, Wigtonshire, Scotland, November 15, I822, and in 1852 became a resident of Grand Rapids. He lived in Kent county from that time until his death, November 8, 1893, spending the last twenty-five years of his life at Reed's lake. He was one of the leading spirits of East Grand Rapids, and it was through his influence that a post-office was secured and named in his honor, and the place brought to the notice of the public. He was twice married and left a family of five children, four sons and one daughter, his second wife dying several years prior to his own departure. The subject of this sketch is the only child of the first marriage; the other children are Henry B., a carpenter of East Grand Rapids; William W., a painter; Edwin S., carpenter and builder, and Margaret Jane, wife of Charles Davis, who resides at Pasadena, Cal.

John Paul, Jr., was born on the ist day of April, 1850, in the town of Whithorn, Wigtonshire, Scotland, and at the age of three years was brought to Kent county, Mich., where he has since resided. While he was quite young his parents moved from Grand Rapids to a farm near what the old settlers call "The Saddlebags Swamp," and there he grew to manhood, assisting his father in the rough work of clearing land and attending in the winter seasons such indifferent schools as the country afforded. Notwithstanding his meager educational advantages, Mr. Paul early manifested a decided taste for study, and he eagerly read such books as fell into his hands, and long ere reaching manhood's estate he was the possessor of a fund of knowledge much greater than many obtain in long courses in the schools. Additional to his general love of literature, his inquiring mind led him into the domain of the practical, and this, with his strong and vigorous physique, in due time made of him a splendid specimen of symmetrically developed manhood.

When quite a small child, Mr. Paul lost that best of all earthly friends, mother, one of the pathetic phases of his life that he retains no recollection whatever of her. When sixteen years old he began life for himself, and the position he has since attained is due to his unaided exertions; in fact, it may be truthfully observed the he is indeed the "architect of his own fortune." With an energy born of determination to succeed, within a few years what many do not achieve in a much longer life, and in due time became the possessor of valuable real estate in the vicinity of Reed's lake, which he has since platted as an addition to East Grand Rapids. The territory embraced within the present limits of the place was then in its primitive condition, and it seemed like a long ride from the subject's home to Grand Rapids, a trip which now requires but fifteen minutes' ride on the electric line to very heart of the city.

Mr. Paul has in his possession the original deed issued by Andrew Jackson, January 20, 1836, conveying the tract of land he now owns from the government to Ezekiel Davis, and upon this land he has made his home continuously for over forty years.

In addition to agriculture, Mr. Paul, years ago, became interested in real estate, and to him more than to any one man is due the credit of inducing investments in and around East Grand Rapids, until the town has become one of the handsomest and most desirable suburbs of the metropolis of west Michigan. He has erected, in all, over thirty residences in Paul's addition and disposed of the same on terms to suit purchasers, thus bringing to the place an intelligent and desirable class of citizens. He has been an accommodating dealer, favoring in every reasonable way the purchaser of moderate means, until it is now possible for almost any man, possessed of thrift, to obtain a comfortable home in East Grand Rapids.

Mr. Paul was largely instrumental in inducing the Consolidated Street Railway company, of Grand Rapids, to extend their line eastward and otherwise make substantial improvements, which finally led to the establishment of the well-known and popular pleasure resort of Reed's lake. He has been indefatigable in his efforts to give this lake a wide publicity, and not without encouraging results, for every summer the village is thronged with tourists, who find it indeed one the most pleasant and most restful resorts in a state noted for such places.

Mr. Paul has been called by his fellow-citizens at different times to fill positions of trust, among which may be named those of justice of the peace and treasurer of Grand Rapids township, president of the village board and member of the school board of East Grand Rapids. He was reared in the political faith of the republican party and still believes its principles to be to the best interest of the country; consequently he takes an active part in every campaign involving party measures and has contributed much to the success of his ticket. He is a member of Valley City lodge, No. 86, F. & A. M., and with his wife belongs to Oriental chapter, No. 32, 0. E. S.

The marriage of Mr. Paul was solemnized June 7, 1876, with Miss Agnes Gilmore, of Grand Rapids, Rev. J. Morgan Smith officiating at the ceremony. Mrs. Paul was born in the same town in Scotland where her husband first saw the light, but had never met him until the year 1873 in Grand Rapids. She is the mother of three living children, the eldest of whom, Mary A., is the wife of Fred Van Bloois, an employee in a wholesale house of Grand Rapids; the second, Elizabeth Agnes, is still under the parental roof, and the only son, William J., is a bright lad of ten years. The mother and two daughters are members of the Park avenue Congregational church; Mr. Paul, although a friend and contributor to the cause of religion, does not subscribe to any creed or article of faith.

This brief outline of the leading facts of Mr. Paul's life and business career is given because the world claims a certain property in the lives of all its people, and biography is the lamp of experience to guide and encourage others in the path of success. He is regarded as one of many public-spirited and enterprising citizens of Kent county, and for years has been foremost in every project for advancing the material interests of its flourishing seat of justice. In every relation of life his character has been above adverse criticism, and his past reflects the greatest credit upon him.

Arrival: June 08, 1853, Ship name-Constantine

Departure: Liverpool, England

David Blair NELSON, Jr. (16 Jul 1862- 19 May 1897) Buried: Evergreen Cemetery Lot 19 B-4

Burial: May 21, 1897, Evergreen Cemetery, Lot 19 B-4, Houston, Harris County, Texas

Census: July 14, 1860, Dayton, Newaygo County, Michigan

Military: August 02, 1886, San Antonio, Texas 8th Cavalry Company L

Military service: June 1888, discharged

Occupation: Bet. 1890 - 1896, Collector

Residence: David and Laura lived at 124 Pless, between Engelke and Buffalo Bayou which is near Navigation, Houston, Harris County, Texas.

Mrs. Laura Arto, 76, 1912 Pease Ave. died 10:40 pm Wednesday in a Houston hospital. Survivors: Son, Paul B. Nelson, Houston; daughter Mrs Agnes Digen, Luling; six grandchildren. Services 10 am Friday, Earthman Funeral Home, the Reverend Elton Stephenson. Burial, Forest Park Cemetery. Earthman Funerals.

Texas Death Index File #7713

Glendale Cemetery Association 281-288-7888 (Martha Lee)

Burial: February 09, 1950, Forest Park Cemetery - Lawndale, Houston, Harris County, Texas

Cause of Death: Hemorrleoge caused by Carcinoma of Stomach

Census: June 05, 1880, Houston, Harris County, Texas

Fact 2: Earthman Funeral Home

Fact 3: February 07, 1951, County file # 7713

Fact 4: Houston Post February 9, 1951 section 3, page 7

Residence: Bet. 1882 - 1883, Martha Jane O'Leary, Houston, Harris County, Texas

Census: September 14, 1870, Hesperia, Oceana County, Michigan

Occupation: Professional horse shoer in Hesperia Michigan

Residence: 1910, Newfield, Oceana, Michigan

Name: Nelson, Cora

Born: 27 December 1869

Deceased: January 1941

Parents: Not Available

Married To: James Nelson

Date of Marriage: Not Available

Place of Marriage: Not Available

Survivors: daughters: Cora Richards and Mary Enders; son: James; sister: Lola Stearns; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren

Interment: Hesperia East Cemetery

Burial: Unknown, Hesperia East Cemetery

Residence: 1910, Newfield, Oceana, Michigan

1900 Census for Denver, Newaygo County, Michigan shows Agnes as mother of 5 children none living and married 9 years to Joseph Alexander Haines

1910 Census for White Hall, Muskegon County, Michigan show Agnes as mother of 6 children and none living and married 1 year to James Bloss.

James Nelson was called to White Hall on the death of his sister, Mrs. Agnes Bloss Wednesday Jan. 11th. Agnes Nelson was born Nov. 27th, 1863 in Denver township on the old Nelson Farm or better known as the Agnes Nelson Farm, died Jan.10, 1911at her home in White Hall. Interment was made at that place.

She spent her girlhood days on the farm in Denver township and was married to Swan Peterson, to which union five children were born all of whom have died. Mr. Peterson died 22 years ago, and Mrs. Peterson remained a widow about 20 years when she was married to James Bloss who survives her, with two brothers and two sisters.

Many of her old schoolmates and girlhood friends still live in and around Hesperia and will feel sad to learn of her death.

Census: September 14, 1870, Denver, Newaygo County, Michigan

Residence: 1880, Denver, Newaygo, Michigan, United States

Residence: Whitehall, MI

Residence: 1910, Whitehall, Muskegon, Michigan

The Grand Rapids Herald Friday 1-January-1954

LANE - Mrs. Jessie K. Lane, aged 85 formerly of 15 Albany, SW,. passed away at the Michigan Veterans facility Wednesday evening. Survivors are a niece Mrs. Cora Hummel of Cannonsburg and a nephew Paul Nelson of Houston Tex., Mrs. Lane repose at the Greenhoe-Van Zee Funeral Home where services under auspices of Lillian Rebekah lodge No. 196, will be held at 1 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Rev. C. W. Scheid officiating. Internment Hesperia Cemetery. Mrs. Lane was also a member of Eva Gray Tent No. 2 Daughters of Union Veterans Frances Finch auxiliary of the Sons of Union Veterans and Watson Relief corp.

Burial: Unknown, Hesperia Cemetery, Jan. 1, 1954 Published in Grand Rapids Herald

Census: September 14, 1870, Hesperia, Oceana County, Michigan

Residence: January 06, 1920, Grand Rapids Ward 3, Kent, Michigan^53,54,55

William Henry Lane Grand Rapids Herald Sat, 11 - Jan - 1930

William Henry Lane, aged 67 of 345 Hall St. SE, entered into rest Thursday evening. Surviving, besides the widow, is the mother Mrs. Sarah Lane of Stanwood, Mich. Funeral services will be held Clarence D. Sullivan funeral home Monday morning at 10 o'clock. Internment in the Stanwood cemetery.

LANE Wm. H. Private Big Rapids Mecosta 34th Michigan Volunteers Company A

Burial: Unknown, Stanwood Cemetery Sat. Jan. 11, 1930 Published in Grand Rapids Herald

Census: January 06, 1920, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan

Military service: May 16, 1898, 34th Reg. Co. A Michigan Volunteers Spanish American

Residence: 1920, Grand Rapids Ward 3, Kent, Michigan

Census: 1870

Residence: 1930, Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan

Residence: 1930, Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan

Woman Official

Claimed By Death

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mrs. Mary VanBlois Served in Public Life About 30 Years

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FUNERAL TO BE MONDAY

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Mrs. Mary VanBlois, 54, for many years connected with public office in Grand Rapids township, East Grand Rapids and Kent County and noted for her knowledge of taxation, died Friday night at St. Mary's hospital following an illness of six weeks. Since 1916 she had been secretary of the East Grand Rapids board of education.

Mrs. VanBlois began her career in public office under her father, John Paul, about 34 years ago. She became treasurer of Grand Rapids township and for several years held the townships treasurership and the treasurership of East Grand Rapids to which she was elected in March, 1919 at the same time. She had served under County Treasurer Thomas Vidro the past five years.

Member of Daisy Chain.

Mrs. VanBlois was born in Grand Rapids and received her education here, being graduated from Central High School. Her contact with public office began when her father was supervisor from East Grand Rapids and continued with his election as county treasurer and president of the village of East Grand Rapids.

Because of her long continued activity in public place it is said more of her writing is in the the records at the state capital than of any other woman in the state.

Thirty-four years ago Mrs. Van Blois was married to Fred Van Blois, who died 13 years ago. She was a member of Park Congregational Church and of Daisy Chain.

She leaves her son, Paul Van Blois, her mother, Mrs. Agnes Paul, and a niece, Mrs. Walter Grill.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon at Metcalf's chapel. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

School to Pay Respect.

In respect to the memory of Mrs. VanBlois there will be no sessions in East Grand Rapids school Monday afternoon. The PTA of East Grand Rapids will not meet at 3 o'clock, as scheduled. the session having been indefinitely postponed.

Burial: Unknown, Woodlawn Cemetery, Michigan

Census: June 16, 1880, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan

Fact 2: Member of Park Congressional church

Occupation: Treasurer of East Grand Rapids and Kent county-1920, 1921-1923, 1925

Residence: 1900, Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan

Census: June 01, 1900, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan

Residence: 1900, Grand Rapids, Kent, Michigan

Luling Signal July 30, 1948

George D. (Red) Nelson died at the Luling Hospital at noon Tuesday July 27, 1948, and funeral services were conducted at the Pierce Chapel at 5 p.m. Wednesday by the Rev. W. G. Birkner, pastor of the First Methodist Church. Services were at the City Cemetery were under the auspices of Benton I. McCarley Post American Legion.

Deceased was born in Harris County, Texas on February 9, 1890, and came to Luling 28 years ago to engage in the plumbing business. He was married to Miss Mary Schuchardt here in 1926. He had been in bad health for more than a year and had been in the hospital for more than nine months.

Survivors besides his widow are four sons Georgie, Loyd and Eugene of Luling, Johnnie of Hawaii, in the Navy; one daughter, Annie Laura; one brother Paul B. Nelson of Houston; one sister, Mrs. Agnes Diggens of Ohio.

Burial: July 28, 1948, Luling City Cemetery, Luling, Caldwell County, Texas

Cause of Death: Scirrhosis of the liver

Census: June 27, 1900, Houston, Harris County, Texas-Precinct 8 - Bayland Orphans Home

Military service: Cpl, Marines

Mary Nelson died Sunday, August 30, 1981 in E. B. Davis Hospital, Luling at the age of 87. Funeral services were held Tuesday September 1, 1981 at 3 pm in O' Bannon Funeral Chapel. Burial followed in Luling City Cemetery under the direction of O'Bannon Funeral Home. Rev. Marc Tinstman officiated at the services.

Mrs. Nelson was born July 20, 1894 in Guadalupe County, Texas to Robert and Annie Hanks Schuchardt. She was a member of the First Christian Church and followed the occupation of house wife.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Annie Laurie Barnett of Palacios, four sons- George Nelson, John Nelson, Loyd Nelson, and Harold Eugene Nelson, all of Luling; a sister-in-law Mrs. Lillie Mae Cavallo of Luling; sixteen grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

Burial: September 01, 1981, Luling City Cemetery, Luling, Caldwell County, Texas

Census: June 18, 1900, Guadalupe County, Texas-Precinct 7

HUMMEL,LEONARD - HUMMEL,NELSON,CORA N RICHARDS~NELSON, KENT, 12 JUL 1944,stahrkzo@aol.com,CTY BK 72 PG 172,--

Census: June 16, 1900, Hesperia, Oceana County, Michigan

Occupation: April 14, 1930, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan--Secretary, Department Store

Residence: 1900, Hesperia, Oceana, Michigan

Census: April 14, 1930, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan

Military: Bet. 1917 - 1918, Not Stated, Newaygo County, Michigan-WWI⁸¹

Occupation: January 05, 1920, Dayton, Newaygo County, Michigan--Farmer

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:

Bonnie Petee Globetrotter101@juno.com August 9, 2005, 9:34 pm

Grand Rapids Press, January 12, 1967 page 52

HUMMEL - Leonard Hummel, aged 85, of Cannonsburg, passed away Wednesday.

Surviving are his wife, Cora; two sons, Eugene Hummel of Grand Rapids,

Lester Hummel of Monroe, Conn.; four step daughters, Mrs. Leon (Monico)

Seeley of Ada, Mrs. Anthony (Orris) Mitchell of San Diego, Calif., Mrs.

Lenus (Ardith) Schnipke of Muskegon, Mrs. George (Dorothy) Johns of

Diamondale, Mich.; one step son, Daniel A. J. Richards of Hudsonville; 14

grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Johanna Mitchell of Grand Rapids, several

nieces and nephews. Mr. Hummel

The balance of this obituary was cut off during copying.

Arrival: 1892

Census: 1900

Military service: September 12, 1918, World War I Registration-

Residence: 1910, Grand Rapids Ward 2, Kent, Michigan

Census: April 23, 1910, Sheridan, Newaygo County, Michigan

Residence: April 03, 1930, Denver, Denver County, Colorado

Census: 1920, Hart, Oceana, Michigan

Military: Bet. 1917 - 1918, Hart, Oceana County, Michigan

Other-Begin: Oceana, Oceana

Residence: 1910, Sheridan, Newaygo, Michigan

Census: June 16, 1900, Hesperia, Newfield Township, Oceana County, Michigan

Residence: 1930, Detroit, Wayne, Michigan

Burial: May 11, 1980, Hillside Cemetery, Addison, Lenawee County, Michigan

Census: April 18, 1910, Hesperia, Newfield Township, Oceana County, Michigan

Residence: 1930, Hesperia, Oceana, Michigan

Annie Laura Barnett, 77, of Palacios, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2008 in Victoria, TX. She was born April 6, 1930 in Luling, TX to the late George David Nelson and Mary Schuchardt Nelson. She was a resident of the Palacios area since 1950 and a member of Trinity Baptist Church of Palacios.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Phyllis Gilbert & husband Don of Richmond, TX and Rita Di Sabatino & husband Dave of Wilmington, DE; by her sons: David Wayne Barnett & wife Pat of El Campo, TX, Glen Lee Barnett & wife Debbie of Palacios, TX and Kent Allen Barnett & wife Alta of Palacios, TX; by her brothers: Johnnie Nelson of Rockport, TX and George Nelson of Luling, TX; and by 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband: Billy Wayne Barnett; by her parents; and by her brothers: Loyd Nelson and Harold E. "Booger" Nelson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, April 5, 2008 at the Trinity Baptist Church of Palacios, TX. Graveside services will be held at 3:30 PM Saturday, April 5, 2008 at the Luling Cemetery, Luling, TX. Rev. Louis Rush will officiate. Pallbearers will be Josh Allgood, Searcy Barnett, Wylen Barnett, Jose Amstutz, Brent Schulz and Paul Hunt. Honorary pallbearers will be Adam Barnett, Herbert Schneider and John Ressler.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements are with Palacios Funeral Home, Palacios, TX (361) 972-2012.

Cause of Death: Myelo Fibrosis

L. D. "Loyd" Nelson

L. D. "Loyd" Nelson, 52, died Friday, August 2, 1985, at the E. B. Davis Hospital.

Funeral services were held Sunday, August 4, at 4 p.m. at Central Baptist Church with the Rev. Ralph Heikman officiating. Burial was in the Luling City Cemetery, under the direction of O'Bannon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers for the service were Uel Elam, J.W.Grogan, Bill McCarley, Wilburn Colwell, Harvey Barnett, and David Brent.

Survivors include his wife, Georgia Nelson, of Luling; two daughters, Crystal Perry and Cindy Williams, both of Luling; a son, Loyd David Nelson Jr., of Luling; a sister Laura Barnett of Palacios; three brothers, Johnny Nelson, George Nelson, and H. E. Nelson, all of Luling, four grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Nelson was born in Luling April 3, 1933 to George Nelson and Mary Schuchardt Nelson. He was a welder with Tiller Bros. Welding Works. Mr. Nelson was member of Central Baptist Church, and was a former volunteer with the Luling Fire Department.

Burial: August 04, 1985, Luling City Cemetery, Luling, Caldwell County, Texas

Austin American-Statesman

NELSON, Harold Eugene, 72, retired welder, of Luling died Friday. Visitation 10 a.m. today, O'Bannon Funeral Home, Luling. Services 2 p.m. today, Luling City Cemetery.

Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 11/19/2007.

Burial: November 19, 2007, Luling Cemetery, Luling, Caldwell County, Texas