Patricia Jane Urquhart

Notes:

Volume 17 of the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, published on September 6, 1954, reported that Patty Urquhart graduated from Cass City High School and would be attending Michigan State College in Lansing in the Fall.

Cass City Chronicle
Wednesday, March 12, 1997
Page Eight

Patricia Beecher

Patricia J. Beecher, 60, of Deford, died Saturday, March 8, 1997, at St. Mary's Medical Center, Saginaw.

She was born Nov. 12, 1936, in Evergreen Township, Sanilac County.

The former Patricia Urquhart, she and Herbert O. Beecher were married Nov. 12, 1961, in Caro. He died in 1992. She had been employed by General Cable Corporation for more than 30 years, currently as a quality control assurance superintendent. For years she actively helped her husband on their Hereford cattle farm near Deford. She bowled on leagues at Charmont in Cass City for many years.

Surviving are 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Sandy and Don HUNT of Webberville and Shelley and Mark NEWSOME of Otter Lake; one son and daughter-in-law, Leroy and Kellie BEECHER of Cass City; son grandson, Bradley HUNT; her mother, Emeline URQUHART of Caseville; a sister, Peg CZAPLA of Caro; her mother-in-law, Helen BEECHER of Caro, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her father, Leonard Urquhart, and father-in-law, Leroy Beecher.

Funeral services were held at Collon Funeral Home, Tuesday, March 11, with Mr. Tim Willis officiating.

Burial was in Ellington Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, August 2008)

Patricia married Herbert O. Beecher on 12 Nov 1961 in Caro, Tuscola County, Michigan. Herbert was born on 23 Sep 1930 in Ellington Township, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 23 Oct 1992 in Deford, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
The Striffler Benkelman Broadcast reported that their eldest daughter, Sandra Lee, was born on
March 23, 1962.

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, March 24, 1960
Page One

Final Rites Today for Len Urquhart

Funeral services for Leonard D. Urquhart, prominent Cass City businessman, will be held today (Thursday) at 2 p.m., at Little's Funeral Home.

Mr. Urquhart was stricken Friday morning with a stroke and died Monday evening at Cass City Hospital. He never regained consciousness. He had been suffering from the flu when stricken.

A master plumber contractor, Mr. Urquhart established the Ideal Plumbing and Heating in 1939 in Cass City and was a contractor for plumbing in many large buildings, including schools and hospitals.

He was Past Master of the Masonic Lodge F&AM, Tyler No. 317. He was a member of the Lions Club.

Born in Evergreen Township July 14, 1908, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Urquhart, he married the former Emiline Marks in Angola, Indiana, Oct. 23, 1933.

Surviving, besides his widow, are two daughters, Mrs. Theodore Czapla of Cass City and Miss Patricia Urquhart, at home, three sisters, Mrs. Fred Emight of Snover, Mrs. Oakley Phetteplace of Ypsilanti and Mrs. L.C. Sullivan of Northville, and one grandchild.

Rev. S.R. Wurtz, pastor of the Salem EUB Church, will officiate at the final rites. Commital services will be under the auspices of the Tyler Lodge No. 317.

Burial will be in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007)

(Research):
Census Information:

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated 4 April 1930
ED 79-11 SD 11 Sheet 2A Stamped 185
South Seeger
32-33
Urquhart, Daniel Hd M W 67 M 26 Canada Scotland Scotland English 1865 Carpenter Building
Urquhart, Ida G Wf F W 59 M 18 Mich England NY
Urquhart, Leonard D Son M W 21 S Mich Canada Mich Cement Mix Bridge Bldg
Whitfield, Albert E Nephew M W 43 D 26 Mich Canada Canada Dredge Operator Dredging

1940 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated April 2, 1940
SD 7 SE 79-11 Sheet 6A
S. Seeger St
4234-124-0-1500-No
Urquhart, Leonard D Head M W 31 M No H-4 Mich Same place plumber plumbing shop
Urquhart, Emmeline Wf F W 27 M No H-2 Mich Same place
Urquhart, Peggy Ann Dtr F W 5 S Mich Same place
Urquhart, Patty Jane Dtr F W 3 S Mich

Leonard married Emeline J. Mark on 23 Oct 1934 in Angola, Steuben County, Indiana. Emeline (daughter of Edward Albert Mark and Mary Jane Leitch) was born on 10 Aug 1912 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 4 Apr 2000 in Caro, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

A list of pupils at the Wright Rural School #4 in 1897 include Alice Striffler, Arlis Vaughan, Chancy Boulton, Emma Cole, Esther Blades, Effie Wallace, Eddie Mark, Frank Cranick, Flossie Wright, Georgie Denms, Johnie Hulburt, Lizzie Yoos, Lena Mark, Luke Wright, Mary Mark, Minta Wallace, Alice Charlton, Ada Cole, Chester Dennis, Ethel Cole, Etta Wickware, Ethel Charlton, Frank Striffler, Fred Yoos, George Cole, John Wallace, Lizzie Blades, Lillie Wallace, Lenne Striffler, Martha Wright, May Dennis, Ray Hulbert, Stanley Hulbert. Grace Kerr, teacher and S. Striffler, Director.

Cass City Chronicle
April 12, 2000
Obituaries, Page 9

Emeline Urquhart

Emeline J. Urquhart, 87, of Cass City, formerly of Caseville, died Tuesday, April 4, at Tendercare of Cass City.

She was born August 10, 1912, in Cass City, and was a lifelong resident until moving to Phelps Park, Caseville. The former Emeline Mark married L. D. Urquhart October 23, 1934. He died in 1959.

She was a homemaker and a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Cass City Echo Chapter #337.

She is survived by one daughter, Peggy Ann CZAPLA of Caro; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Betty AUBE and husband, Leo of Davison, and Bonnie DILL of Caseville, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one daughter Patricia BEECHER; 5 sisters, Stella MARTUS, Ruth WURTSMITH, Grace MARK, Frances KEHOE, and Mary LEESON; 3 brothers, Leitch, Archie and James MARK, and sons-in-law, Herbert BEECHER and Theodore CZAPLA.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements were made by the Cellon Funeral Home in Caro.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Notes:

A list of pupils at the Wright Rural School #4 in 1897 include Alice Striffler, Arlis Vaughan, Chancy Boulton, Emma Cole, Esther Blades, Effie Wallace, Eddie Mark, Frank Cranick, Flossie Wright, Georgie Dennis, Johnie Hulburt, Lizzie Yoos, Lena Mark, Luke Wright, Mary Mark, Minta Wallace, Alice Charlton, Ada Cole, Chester Dennis, Ethel Cole, Etta Wickware, Ethel Charlton, Frank Striffler, Fred Yoos, George Cole, John Wallace, Lizzie Blades, Lillie Wallace, Lenne Striffler, Martha Wright, May Dennis, Ray Hulbert, Stanley Hulbert. Grace Karr, teacher and S. Striffler, Director.

When he registered for the World War I draft, he was farming for himself in Elkland Township, and supporting his wife and five children. He was of both medium heighth and build, with blue eyes and light hair.

Cass City Chronicle
January 21, 1982
Page 8

Rites held for Edward Mark, 93

Edward Albert Mark, 93, a lifelong resident of the Cass City area, died Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Provincial House after a long illness.

He was born Jan. 1, 1889, in Elkland Township, the son of Archibald and Emeline (Striffler) MARK.

He married Mary LEITCH July 15, 1908, in Caro. They made their home in Cass City. Mrs. Mark died May 26, 1965.

Mark is survived by seven daughter, Mrs. William (Stella) MARTUS and Mrs. Elmer (Frances) KEHOE, both of Cass City, Mrs. Russell (Mary) LEESON, Pigeon, Mrs. Ruth WURTSMITH, Grosse Pointe Woods, Mrs. Emeline URQUHART, Caro, Mrs. Betty McLEOD, Sandusky, and Mrs. Richard (Bonnie) DILL, St. Louis, Mo.; one son, Archie MARK of Flushing; three sisters, Mrs. Mary BUEHRLY, Ubly, Mrs. Martha DARLING, Marlette and Mrs. Lena SCHWEGLER, Cass City; 26 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. One daughter, Grace, two sons, Leitch and James, and one sister, Alma SEEGER, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon at Little's Funeral Home, Cass City, with Rev. Eldred Kelley of the Salem United Methodist Church officiating.

Burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)

(Research):
Census Listings:

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 17 Jan 1920
SD 7 ED 178 Sheet 4A
81-84
Mark, Archie Head M W 57 M 1877 Pa Canada English England English Scotland English Farmer
Mark, Emeline Wf F W59 M Mich English New York State German Germany German
Mark, Alma Dtr F W 24 S Mich Canada English Mich Bookkeeper Hardware Store
82-85
Mark, Edward Head M W 31 M Mich Canada English Mich Laborer On Farm
Mark, Mary Wf F W 30 M Mich Canada English Canada English
Mark, Stella Dtr F W 10 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Ruth Dtr F W 8 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Emeline Dtr F W 6 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Grace Dtr F W 5 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Leitch Son m W 3 6/12 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Mary Dtr F W 1 6/12 S Mich Mich Mich

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated Apr 18, 1930
ED 79-11 SD 11 Sheet 6A Stamped 189
Woodland Avenue
159-168
Mark, Edward A Head M W m19 Mich Mich Mich Mechanic Implement
Mark, Mary J Wf F W 41 M 19 Mich Canada Canada
Mark, Ruth O (ab) Dtr F W 19 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Emeline Dtr F W 17 S Mich Mich Mich Servant Family
Mark, A. Leitch Son M W 13 S Mich Mich Mich Laborer Family
Mark, Mary A Dtr F W 11 S Mich Mich Mich Servant Family
Mark, Archie R Son M W 9 S Mich Mich Mich Choreboy Family
Mark, Betty R Dtr F W 7 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Frances L Dtr F W 5 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Bonnie Doreen Dtr F W 3 5/12 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, James Edward Son M W 11/12 S Mich Mich Mich

Edward married Mary Jane Leitch on 15 Jul 1908 in Caro, Tuscola County, Michigan. Mary (daughter of Angus Leitch and Jane McVannell) was born on 9 Apr 1889 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 26 May 1965 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried on 28 May 1965 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, May 27, 1965
Page Three

Mrs. Mark Dies at Local Hospital

Mrs. Edward Mark, 76, of Cass City died Wednesday morning in Cass City Hospital shortly after being admitted. She had been in ill health for some time.

The remains were taken to Little's Funeral Home where arrangements are pending.

Cass City Chronicle
Thursday, June 3, 1965
Page Two

Services Held for Mrs. Edward Mark

Funeral services for Mrs. Edward (Mary) Mark, 76, were held Friday, May 28, at Little's Funeral Home following her death Wednesday, May 26, at Cass City Hospital where she had just been admitted. She had been in ill health the past several years.

Born in Cass City April 9, 1889, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Angus LEITCH. She married Edward Mark in Caro, July 15, 1908, and they made their home in Cass City where she lived until her death.

Mrs. Mark attended the Evangelical United Brethren Church and was a member of the Echo Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Cass City.

Surviving, besides her husband, are: seven daughters, Mrs. William (Stella) MARTUS, Mrs. Elmer (Frances) KEHOE and Mrs. Russell (Mary) LEESON, all of Cass City; Mrs. Ruth WURTSMITH of Detroit, Mrs. Emeline URQUHART of Caro, Mrs. Donald (Betty) McLEOD of Sandusky and Mrs. Richard (Bonnie) DILL of Cincinnati, Ohio, and three sons, Leitch and Jim, both of Cass City, and Archie of Flushing.

Also surviving are: two sisters, Mrs. Grace CARPENTER of Delray Beach, Florida, and Mrs. John SIMKINS of Lapeer; 24 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. A daughter preceded her in death.

Rev. Roberts Betts, EUB Church, officiated and interment was in Elkland Cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Winter 2007)

Notes:

Married:
Cass City Chronicle
July 17, 1908
Local Items, Page 4

Edward Marks and Miss Mary Leach (sic) were married at Caro Wednesday afternoon. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Kerns, pastor of the Presbyterian church. The Chronicle joins their many friends in extending congratulations.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, October 2008)

Notes:

The Striffler Benkelman Broadcast, Volume 8, September 3, 1945, published, in a Column titled "Around the World with our Service Boys" (page 2), that Cpl. Archie Mark is located in Cham, Germany.

Cass City Chronicle
August 31, 1934
Page 5

Archie Mark

Archie Mark, whose death occurred August 25, was born March 22, 1862, in Whitby Township, Ontario. At the age of 14, he came to Michigan and was employed in the lumber woods, later coming to Cass City and engaging in farming.

In 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Emeline Striffler. To this union five children were born, all of whom survive. He leaves to mourn his faithful companion; one son, Edward Mark; four daughters, Mrs. Mary Buehrly, Mrs. Lena Schwegler, Mrs. Martha Darling, and Mrs. Alma Krahling, all of Cass City; 20 grandchildren; four brothers, Robert of Saskatchewan; Thomas of Idaho; Walter and John of Cass City; and two sisters, Mrs. Jane Muntz and Mrs. Johanna Wright of Alberta.

Funeral Services were held at the residence Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. G.A. Spitler. Interment was made in Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Name Archie Mark
Event Type Death
Event Date 25 Aug 1934
Event Place Elkland, Tuscola, Michigan, United States
Gender Male
Age 72
Marital Status Married
Birth Date 22 Mar 1862
Birthplace Ontario
Birth Year (Estimated) 1862
Father's Name Walter Mark
Mother's Name Elizabeth Mclean
GS Film number 001973113
Digital Folder Number 005240515
Image Number 01647

Citing this Record:
"Michigan, Death Certificates, 1921-1952," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KF7N-TG4 : accessed 29 Jul 2013), Archie Mark, 1934.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp excluding Cass City Village
Enumerated 12 Jun 1900
SD 8 ED 110 Sheet 6B
125-125
Marks, Archibald Head W M March 1862 38 M 13 Canada (Eng) England Canada (Eng) 1884 16 Ca Farm Laborer Yes Yes Yes
Marks, Emline Wf W F Sept 1860 39 m 13 5/5 Mich NY Germany
Marks, Albert E Son W M Jan 1889 11 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan At School
Marks, Mary E Dtr W F July 1890 9 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Marks, Johanna M Dtr W F Feb 1892 8 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Marks, Martha A Dtr W F Nov 1893 6 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Marks, Alma M Dtr W F Aug 1895 4 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
126-126
John and Mary Striffler and family

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 20-21 Apr 1910
SD 8 ED 112 Sheet 2B
40-42
Mark, Archa Head M W 48 M1 23 Canada (Eng) England Canada (Eng) 1885 16 Nat Laborer On Farm
Mark, Emeline Wf F W 49 m1 23 -/- Mich NY Germany
Mark, Edward Son M W 21 m1 1 Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan Laborer Home Farm
Mark, Mary E Dtr F W 19 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, J. Lena M Dtr F W 18 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, Martha A Dtr F W 16 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, Alma M Dtr F W 14 S Mich Canada (Eng) Michigan
Mark, Mary Dtr-in-law F W 21 m1 1 0/0 Mich Canada Galic Canada Galic English

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 17 Jan 1920
SD 7 ED 178 Sheet 4A
81-84
Mark, Archie Head M W 57 M 1877 Pa Canada English England English Scotland English Farmer
Mark, Emeline Wf F W59 M Mich English New York State German Germany German
Mark, Alma Dtr F W 24 S Mich Canada English Mich Bookkeeper Hardware Store
82-85
Mark, Edward Head M W 31 M Mich Canada English Mich Laborer On Farm
Mark, Mary Wf F W 30 M Mich Canada English Canada English
Mark, Stella Dtr F W 10 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Ruth Dtr F W 8 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Emeline Dtr F W 6 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Grace Dtr F W 5 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Leitch Son m W 3 6/12 S Mich Mich Mich
Mark, Mary Dtr F W 1 6/12 S Mich Mich Mich

1930 Census
Michigan, Tuscola, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated April 30, 1930
SD 79-11 SD 11 Sheet 11A Stamped 194
East Third
293-310
Mark Archibald Head M W 67 M 29 Canada England Canada English 1876 Com Laborer Bldg
Mark, Emeline S Wf F W 69 M Mich NY Germany
Striffler, Mary Sister-in-law F W 57 S Mich NY Germany Servant Family

Archibald married Emeline Striffler on 23 Dec 1886 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Emeline (daughter of John "Uncle John" Striffler and Anna Maria "Mary" Benkelman) was born on 5 Sep 1860 in Elkland Township, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 21 Oct 1939 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, October 27, 1939
Page 6

Mrs. Archie Mark

Mrs. Archie Mark, 79, passed away Saturday, October 21, in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Andrew Seeger, after a long illness.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm Monday in the home of another daughter, Mrs. Fred Buehrly. Rev. R.N. Holsaple, pastor of the Evangelical Church, officiated and burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

Emeline Striffler was born September 5, 1860, on a farm one mile east and one mile north of Cass City, and has lived in this vicinity all of her life.

On December 23, 1886, she was united in marriage with Archie Mark. He died in 1934 and for about a year after his death Mrs, Mark continued to make her home on 3rd Street, her sister, Miss Martha Striffler, living with her. Because of ill health, she has made her home with her daughters, Mrs. Buehrly, Mrs. Ben Schwegler and Mrs. Seeger.

She is survived by a son, Edward Mark, of Cass City; four daughters, Mrs. Buehrly, Mrs. Schwegler, and Mrs. Seeger, all of Cass City, and Mrs. Owen Darling, of Brown City; two brothers, G.A. Striffler of Cass City and David Striffler, of Columbus, Georgia; and two sisters, Miss Martha Striffler of Cass City and Mrs. W.R. Kaiser of Detroit.

She also leaves 23 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Six grandchildren acted as pallbearers. They were Mark and James Darling of Brown City, Keith Buehrly, Archie and Leitch Mark, and Leonard Urquhart.

Those from out-of-town who attended the funeral were David Striffler of Columbus, Georgia, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Kaiser, Mrs. Bernice Kleinschmidty of Detroit; Mr. and Mrs. Owen Darling and sons, Mark and James, of Brown City; Mrs. Jane Leitch, Mr. and Mrs. John Simkins and daughter, Maggie, of Pontiac; N. Karr of Kingston; and Mrs. Leon Ormes of St. Johns.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Notes:

Cass City Enterprise
Vol. XX, No. 41
May 30, 1901

EXPLOSION

Boiler Bursts-Angus Leitch Killed-Four Others Injured
The Cass City Brick and Tile Company's Yards the Scene of the Sad Disaster

At a few minutes past seven o'clock on Monday morning, the boiler exploded at the yards of the Cass City Brick and Tile Company, a little over a mile south of town, causing the death of Angus Leitch, who was acting as engineer at the time, and injuring four others. The report of the explosion was heard fully five miles away, and the concussion caused the windows to rattle in the houses about town. It was but a few minutes before a large number of men were on the spot and it was found that Angus Leitch was killed outright, while Perry Withey, Geo. Warner, Jas. Comstock and Hiram Baxter had received slight injuries and other employees had had very narrow escapes. The Cass City Brick and Tile Company was organized a little over two years ago and have done a thriving business. The boiler was purchased from a gentleman in Novesta, who was using it in a saw-mill and the company had to wait for him to saw out of his yard before it could be delivered. It was carefully inspected and re fitted where necessary and considered to be in good condition. During the former season Ed. Brotherton had charge of it, but owing to his connection with the Cass City Foundry and Machine Company, and being engaged this year as a manager, it was necessary to get someone else. Leitch was employed, but Mr. Brotherton started the machinery at the commencement of the season's run, testing the boiler with 110 pounds pressure, and instructing Leitch that sixty pounds was sufficient to do the work required. Mr. Leitch had had several years' experience about engines before coming from Ontario here and was considered thoroughly competent. No watchman has been employed by the company and we learn that the boys or young men have visited the place on Sundays and tampered with the gauges and stopcocks, and on Monday morning the steam throttle was found open. The fire was started and the steam gauge indicated forty pounds pressure. The engine was started at a slow speed, but steam began to blow off. It is stated that Leitch realized that something was wrong and appears to think it was about the safety valve, while in all probability it was the steam gauge, as there must have been more pressure than indicated, possibly as high as two hundred pounds. The opinions of engineers are different as to the probable cause of the explosion. Some claim that the water must have been low enough to allow the accumulation of gas in the upper part of the boiler, in order to get the force to throw the parts as far as it did, while others claim that a greater force would be obtained with a full boiler. It seems that the inspector would not work properly with less than sixty pounds of steam and some think that while the engineer was waiting for the gauge to indicate the amount, the water ran low causing the explosion. It is possible that the gauge had been tampered with on Sunday and not been noticed by the engineer. When the explosion took place, Leitch was standing between the boiler and engine, and it is not known positively whether parts of the boiler struck him or the force through him against a post near by. The injuries received were all about the face and head, rendering him unconscious instantly and causing his death a few moments later. Perry Withey was scalded slightly about the face and received a scalp wound but was able to resume work shortly after. Warner, Comstock and Baxter received slight bruises about the arms, shoulders and back?George Meiser had just picked up his wheel-barrow to start away from the engine when the accident occurred and the barrow was taken from him and smashed into kindling, while he escaped unhurt. Claude Bentley had just driven into the clay pit and does not know whether he jumped from the cart or was thrown from it but he was not hurt. The dome of the boiler was carried probably forty feet or more in height and fell about thirty rods away to the westward, while the head of the boiler was carried more than half as far?

Angus Leitch, the deceased, was forty-two years of age, and came here from near Dutton, Ont., some twelve years previously. He purchased and operated a farm in Novesta towship, which he still owned, but a few years ago he leased his farm and moved to the M. Sheridan farm, just west of town, now owned by C.H. Topping. Upon the farm being sold to Mr. Topping, Mr. Leitch moved to town, occupying the residence at the corner of Leach and Sanilac Street, owned by M. Sheridan. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn his sudden departure. The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian Church, on Wednesday afternoon, conducted by the pastor, Rev. A. Torbet. The father, three brothers and three sisters of the deceased, and the mother and two brothers of Mrs. Leitch, came from the vicinity of Dutton and Rodney, Ont., to attend the funeral. Mrs. John Campbell, of this place, is also a sister of the deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dan Gillies, of Port Huron, and Mr. and Mrs. Archie Gilles, of Millington, were among other relatives present. Deceased was a member of Elkland Arbor, A.O.O.G., and about sixty members of that order attended the funeral. The remains were laid to rest in the Elkland cemetery. The entire community is stirred with sympathy for the bereaved.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, April 2010)


The May 31, 1901 issue of the Cass City Chronicle had a follow article on the incident. It also listed his father as Archibald Leitch, brothers as Alexander, Duncan and Archibald, sisters as Mrs. Angus McArthur, Mrs. James Welsh, and Mrs. Alonzo Wisner.


(Research):

Census Listings:

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 19 and 20 June 1900
SD 8 ED 110 Sheet 9B
188-189
Leatch, Angus Hd W M Feb 1856 44 M13 Canada Eng Canada Eng Canada Eng 1889 11 Al Farm Labor
Leatch, Jane A Wf W F Marc 1864 36 M 13 4/3 Canada Eng Scottana Scottana 1889 11
Leatch, Mary Jane Dtr W F Apr 1889 11 Mich Canada Canada At School
Leatch, Grace A Dtr W F July 1896 3 S Michigan Canada Canada

Angus married Jane McVannell on 12 May 1887 in Dunwich, Ontario, Canada. Jane (daughter of Archibald McVannel and Mary McMillan) was born on 14 Mar 1864 in Dutton, Ontario, Canada; died on 20 Sep 1947 in Pontiac, Oakland County, Michigan; was buried on 23 Sep 1947 in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
Cass City, Michigan, Friday, September 26, 1947
Volume 42, Number 23, Page Four

Funeral of Mrs. Jane Leitch Here Monday?b?
?/b?
Mrs. Jane Leitch, for 27 years a resident of Cass City previous to moving from here to Pontiac in 1916, passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lester Carpenter, in Pontiac Saturday morning. She had been in ill health for some time. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Melvin R. Vender at the Edward Mark home on East Houghton Street in Cass City Tuesday afternoon. Burial was in Elkland Cemetery.

Jane McVannell, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Archibald McVannell, was born in Dutton, Ont., March 14,1864.

She was united in marriage with Angus Leitch May 12, 1887, in Dunwich, Ontario. They moved to Cass City in March of 1889. Mr. Leitch preceded her in death in May of 1901. In 1916 she moved to Pontiac to make her home with her daughter, Mrs. Carpenter, where she has lived until her death. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Pontiac.

Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Edward Mark of Cass City, Mrs. John Simkins and Mrs. Lester Carpenter of Pontiac; eighteen grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; and one brother, Peter McVannell, of Manitoba,Canada. A son, Archibald J., died in infancy.

(Copied by Melinda McLemore Strong, April 2010)