Maria "Mary" Dorothea Benkelman

Notes:

BonnieMargaret Jacobs writes that Mary Dorothea met and married John Webster Crocker in Saginaw, Michigan, where she had moved to work as a Mother's helper.

Cass City Chronicle
Friday, March 28, 1952
Page 6

Mrs. Mary Crocker Dies in Saginaw

Burial services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Salem United Brethren Church for Mrs. Mary D. Crocker, 95, who died at the home of her daughter in Saginaw Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Crocker, the former Mary Dorothy BENKELMAN, was born in Germany February 23, 1857, and moved to Cass City 75 years ago. She married John Crocker in 1877 in Saginaw. Mr. Crocker died in 1936. Mrs. Crocker was spry and active until death came suddenly. She was a resident of Cass City for many years. Mrs. Crocker was a member of the Evangelical Church in Cass City. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at the Reitz Funeral Home, the Rev. Carol Lundbom officiationg. Mrs. Crocker leaves a daughter, Mrs. John P. GIBBS of Saginaw; four sons, Louis CROCKER of Cass City; Henry, George and Ben of Saginaw; a sister, Mrs. Rose JOOS of Cass City; 16 grandchildren and 15 great great grandchildren. The Rev. S.R. Wurtz officiated at the services in Cass City and burial was in Elkland cemetery.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong)

Maria married John Webster Crocker on 10 Mar 1879 in Saginaw County, Michigan. John was born on 20 Jan 1848 in Attica, Seneca County, Ohio; died on 11 Feb 1936 in Saginaw County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(Research):

Census Listings:

1920 Census
Michigan, Saginaw County, Saginaw Twp, Saginaw City
Enuemrated 2 Jan 1920
SD 8 ED 177 Ward 4 Sheet 12A
N. 7 Street
415-270-300
Gibbs, John Head M W 43 M Mich England/English Ireland/English Welder Subward?
Gibbs, Julia Wf F W 40 M Mich Ohio Germany/Germand
Neindorf, Glynn Stepson M W 18 S Mich Mich Mich
Neindorf, Rosmond StepDtr F W 14 S Mich Mich Mich
Gibbs, Harriett Dtr F W 2 S Mich Mich Mich

Julia married George Niendorf on 29 Oct 1899. George was born in Dec 1878 in Michigan; died on 3 May 1915. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Julia married John P. Gibbs after 1915. John was born about 1878; died on 11 Jul 1949 in Saginaw County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
December 5, 1947
Page 1

Fred Crocker killed in Auto Accident

Mr. and Mrs. Louis CROCKER, Mrs. Leonard BUEHRLY and Mr. and Mrs. Grant BALL attended the funeral of Fred CROCKER, 67, at the Wallace-Packard Funeral Home in Saginaw Thursday afternoon. Burial was made in Saginaw.

Surviving are a son Webster of California and a grandchildren; also one sisters, Mrs. Jack GIBBS of Saginaw; four brothers, Henry of Saginaw, Louis of Cass City and George and Ben of Saginaw; and his aged mother, Mrs. J. CROCKER of Saginaw.

Mr. and Mrs. Webster Crocker came from California for the funeral.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong)

(Research):
Census Information:

1900 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp, Cass City Village
Enumerated 12, 13 and 14 June 1900 by John Marshall
SD 8, ED 110, Sheet 7A Stamped 110
137-137
Striffler, Samuel W M Feb 1872 28 M2 Mich France Germany
Striffler, Mary L W F May 1879 21 M2 1/1 Germany Germany Germany
Striffler, Catherine W F Dec 1899 5/12 Mich Mich Germany
Striffler, Louisa W F Sept 1853 57 7/3 Germany Germany Germany
Crocker, Fred W M Apr 1880 20 Mich Ohio Germany

1910 Census
Michigan, Saginaw County, Saginaw City
Enumerated 9 Jan 1920
SD 8 ED 189 Sheet 18A
South Fourth Avenue
804-388-411
Crocker, Frederick J Head M W 39 M Mich Oh Germany/German Merchant Ship Plumbing/Fueling Co
Crocker, Mollie Wf W W 22 M Mich Germany/German Germany/German
Crocker, Webster Son M W 8 S Mich Mich Mich

Family/Spouse: Molly Hartel. Molly was born about 1887 in Michigan; died on 23 Mar 1952 in Saginaw County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
June 12, 1958
Page 11

Final Rites June 2 for Former Resident

Funeral services were held Monday, June 2, at the Cederberg Funeral Home, Saginaw, for Henry Crocker, a former Cass City resident, who died May 30. Survivors include his wife: three sons, John of Lansing and Bennett and Kenneth, both of Saginaw; a daughter, Dorothy WILDER of Goshen, Ind.; three brothers, George and Ben of Saginaw and Louis of Cass City, and a sister, Julia GIBBS of Saginaw.

Those attending the funeral from Cass City were: Mr. and Mrs. Louis CROCKER, Mrs. Grant BALL, Miss Minnie JAUS and Mr. Will JOOS.

(Research):
Census Information:

1910 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Elkland Twp
Enumerated 19 and 20 April 1910 by John A. Benkelman
SD 8 ED 112 Sheet 2A
28-29
Schwegler, William J Hd M W 30 M1 Mich Germany NY
Schwegler, Alice Wf F W 26 M1 1/1 Canada/Gaelic Canada/Gaelic Canada/Gaelic
Schwegler, Andrew Son M W 2/12 S Mich Mich Canada/Gaelic
Crocker, Henry Hired Man M W 26 S Mich Ohio Germany Laborer Farm

1920 Census
Michigan, Saginaw County, Albee Twp
Enumerated 24 Feb 1920
SD 8 ED 43 Sheet 5B
107
Newman, John Head M W 65 M Mich NY NY Farmer
Newman, Catherine Wf F W 53 M Mich Maryland Mich
Crocker, Henry Head M W 36 M Mich US US Laborer Farm
Crocker, Florence W F W 26 M Mich Mich Mich
Crosby, Emily --- F W 80 Wd Mich NY NY

1930 Census
Michigan, Saginaw County, Saginaw City, Ward 12
Enumerated 12 April 1930
ED 73-44 SD 9 Sheet 12A Stamped 283
223-281-303
Crocker, Henry K Home M W 46 M Mich Oh Germany Foreman Iron Foundry
Crocker, Florence R Wf F W 36 M 27 Mich Mich Mich
Crocker, John H Son M W 9 S Mich Mich Mich
Crocker, G. Bennette Son M W 7 S Mich Mich Mich
Crocker, Dorothy M Dtr F W 6/12 S Mich Mich Mich
Newman, Catherine M Mother-in-law F W 65 Wd Mich Mich Mich

1940 Census
Michigan, Saginaw County, Saginaw City, Ward 11
Enumerated 16 April 1940
SD 8 ED 73-46 SD 9 Sheet 16B
1716-312 O 1400
Crocker, Henry K Home M W 56 M No 8 Mich Same House Rough Binder Foundry Automobile
Crocker, Florence R Wf F W 45 M No 8 Mich Same House
Crocker, John H Son M W 19 S Yes H-4 Mich Same House Library Assistant NYA Library
Crocker, Bennette Son M W 17 S Yes H-2 Mich Same House
Crocker, Dorothy M Dtr F W 10 S Yes 4 Mich Same House
Crocker, Kenneth Son M W 3 S Mich

Henry married Bessie N. Shroyer before 1919. Bessie was born before 1901. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Henry married Florence Roberta Newman on 15 Nov 1919. Florence was born on 29 Jul 1893 in Albee Township, Saginaw County, Michigan; died on 25 Nov 1975 in Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Volume 10, dated September 1, 1947, reported that he had sold his milk route and was working as foreman for the Village of Cass City.

Cass City Chronicle
August 29, 1952
Page 4

The daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Crocker and their families enjoyed dinner together Sunday in their parental home in honor of the birthday of Mrs. Grant BALL, when guests were Mr. and Mrs. Norman ARMSTRONG of Bad Axe and Mr. and Mrs. Grant BALL and sons.

Cass City Chronicle
February 10, 1966
Vol. 59, Number 43

Louis Crocker Dies Suddenly at Home

Funeral services for Louis Crocker, 77, were held Sunday at Little's Funeral Home following his death suddenly Thursday, February 3, at his home in Cass City.

Born in Saginaw, July 21, 1888, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Crocker. He married Miss Clementina MERCHANT in Saginaw, October 21, 1912, where they made their home following their marriage. They moved to Cass City in 1914, where the settled on a farm, later retiring and moving to Cass City. He was also employed at Farm Produce Company and for the Village of Cass City.

Mr. Crocker attended the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Cass City.

Survivors, beside his wife, are a daughter, Mrs. Grant (Laura) BALL of Cass City and two brothers, George and Benjamin, both of Saginaw. Also surviving are four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A daughter, a sister and two brothers preceded him in death.

Rev. Robert Betts, EUB Church pastor, officiated and interment was in the family lot in Elkland Cemetery.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1920 Census
Michigan, Tuscola County, Novesta Twp
Enumerated 15 Jan 1920
SD 7 ED 195 Sheet 8B
160-168
Crocker, Louis Head M W 31 M Mich Ohio Germany/German Farmer
Crocker, Clementina Wf F W 31 M Mich Mich Canada/English
Crocker, Julia Dtr F W 4 S Mich Mich Mich
Crocker, Laura Dtr F W 2 S Mich Mich Mich

1930 Census
Florida, Volusia County, Daytona Beach
Enumerated 10 Apr 1930
ED 64-30 SD 5 Sheet 5A Stamped 135
211-125-133
Crocker, Louis Head M W 25 Mich Mich Germany None
Crocker, Clemintina M Wf F W 42 M 25 Mich Mich Canada
Crocker, Julia Dtr F W 15 S Mich Mich Mich
Crocker, Laura Dtr F W 12 S Mich Mich Mich
Merchant, Margaret M-in-law F W 74 Wd 24 Canada/English Ireland Canada

1940 Census
Michigan, Sanilac County, Evergreen Twp
Enuemrated 9 Apr 1940
SD 7 ED 76-14 Sheet 3A
6675-430 O 1000
Crocker, Lewis Head M W 52 M No 8 Mich Same house Farmer
Crocker, Clementine Wf F W 52 m No 8 Mich Same house Housekeeper farm home
Merchant, Margaret Mother-in-law F W 82 W No 5 Canada Same Home
Armstrong, Norman Head M W 26 M No 8 Mich Bad Axe Huron Co Mich Truck Driver County Road
Armstrong, Julia Wf F W 25 M No 4 Mich Same House Housekeeper Farm Home
Armstrong, Richard Son M W 1 S Mich

Louis married Clementina Merchant on 21 Oct 1912 in Saginaw County, Michigan. Clementina was born on 15 Jul 1888 in Harbor Beach, Huron County, Michigan; died on 18 Apr 1975 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Michigan Birth Index instead shows his date of birth as 20 October 1893.

Cass City Chronicle
February 3, 1988
Page 2
Cass City Social and Personal

George CROCKER, 94, of Saginaw succumbed January 17 in St. Luke's Hospital as the result of being hit by a car when he was crossing Gratior Avenue in Saginaw before Christmas. He is an uncle of Mrs. Laura BALL.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1920 Census
Michigan, Saginaw County, Saginaw Ward 1
Enumerated 26 Jan 1920
SD 8 ED 172 Sheet 17B
N. Fifth Street
963-349-377
Newman, Josephine E. Head F W 65 Wd Mic NY NY
Crocker, Gertrude Dtr F W 25 M Mich Mich Mich
Corcker, George Son-in-law M W 26 M Mich Mich Germany/German Machnist Railroad

1930 Census
Michigan, Saginaw County, Saginaw City, Ward 9
Enumerated April 12, 1030
ED 73-38 SD 9 Sheet 11A Stamped 156
Sheridan
1120-264-282
Crocker, George Head M W 35 m 23 Mich Oh Germany Millwright Foundry
Crocker, Ruth E Wf F W 28 M 24 Mich Canada/English Mich
Crocker, George H Son M W 9 S Mich Mich Mich

George married Gertrude Newman on 3 Oct 1917. Gertrude was born about 1895 in Michigan; died in Nov 1922. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Ruth E. Pattison on 6 May 1926. Ruth was born on 29 Jul 1901 in Michigan; died on 1 Dec 1989 in Frankenmuth, Saginaw County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

When he registered for the World War I draft, he was a resident of Cass City, and farming for Alex Milligan.

Cass City Chronicle
August 29, 1952
Page 4

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Crocker were called to St. Lukes Hospital in Saginaw Saturday by the serious illness of BEN CROCKER, Mr. Crocker's brother. Ben Crocker, who thought he sould assist in washing the church which he attends, after work Friday afternoon, fell striking his head on cement. Lastest report is that he is still unconscious.

(Research):

Census Listings:

1930 Census
Michigan, Sanilac County, Evergreen Township
Enumerated April 6, 1930
ED 76-14 ED 11 Sheet 2B
39-39
Crocker, Bennitte H Head M W 29 M 25 Mich Oh Germany Farmer
Crocker, Viola B Wf F W 25 m 21 Mich Mich Mich
Crocker, Bennitte J Son M W 3 3/12 S Mich Mich Mich
Crocker, Keith E Son M W 2 2/12 S Mich Mich Mich

Family/Spouse: Viola B. Musser. Viola was born on 27 Jul 1904 in Michigan; died on 19 May 1999 in New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

His wife was named Mildred.

Notes:

She married a Williams. According to the STRIFFLER-BENKELMAN BROADCAST, Volume 19, published on September 3, 1956, she worked for the Sonotone Hearing Aid Company, with her own office in the Pontiac State Bank Building.

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Vol. 7, September 4, 1944, noted that Jack Gibbs, Jr. had been in service for two years and was with the Infantry in California. As of the publication of Volume 19 of the same periodical, in September, 1956, it was noted that Jackie Gibbs was building a new home at 439 Elmhurst, presumably in Cass City.

JACK C GIBBS 10 May 1921 03 Sep 1994 48603 (Saginaw, Saginaw, MI) (none specified) 370-14-8745 Michigan

The Saginaw News - page F7 Obituary 4 Sep 1994

Jack married Clara Anspach about 1948. Clara was born on 7 Mar 1922 in Michigan; died in Mar 1995 in Saginaw County, Michigan; was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Saginaw, Saginaw County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Art Peck instead shows him as being born in December, 1912.

Webster married Erna Kaul on 1 Jul 1932. Erna was born after 1912. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From FindAGrave

Georgia, 97, 2901 Fair Rd., died at 10:30 a.m., at the Fair Haven Shelby County Home.

She was a daughter to Henry and Bessie (Shroyer) Crocker. On Nov 9, 1938, she married Harold G. Covault, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are three sons, Robert (Marilyn), Summerford, Ernest (Elaine), New Port Richey, FL, and Joseph (Martha), Sidney; two daughters, Shirley (Carl) Umstead, Anna, and Carol May Covault, Sidney; twelve grandchildren, twenty four great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; three half - brothers, John (Bee) Crocker, Saginaw, MI and Ken Crocker, Spring Hill, FL.

Deceased are a son, Ronald L.; a grandson, LaMar Covault; a half-brother, Duane Brown; two half-sisters, Dorothy Crocker and Opal Icenogle; and step father, Hershel Brown.

She was a homemaker and a member of the Maplewood United Methodist Church for the past 50 years.

Funeral Services are at the Maplewood United Methodist Church, with Rev. Chad Wilson, officiating.

Georgia married Harold G. Covault on 9 Nov 1938. Harold was born on 6 May 1916 in Ohio; died on 22 Apr 1973; was buried in Glen Cemetery, Port Jefferson, Shelby County, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Vol. 7, September 4, 1944, noted that John Crocker received his Bachelor's degree at Ann Arbor in June 1943, and was to teach music in a school near Ann Arbor. The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Volume 11, published September 6, 1948, reported that he and his wife had moved to Chicago, where they were both employed.

John married Alice Rebecca Whitener on 14 Jun 1947 in Lexington, Davidson County, North Carolina. Alice was born on 3 Jul 1923; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Volume 10, September 1, 1947, wrote that Dorothy Crocker graduated from Saginaw High School and was set to attend Albion College.

Dorothy married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cass City Chronicle
February 14, 1963
Page Two

Mrs. Armstrong Dies Suddenly Tuesday

Mrs. Julia Crocker Armstrong, 48, died suddenly Tuesday morning at their farm home in Colfax township, Huron County, after a brief illness.

She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis CROCKER of Cass City and was born February 9, 1915 in Cass City. She was married to Norman ARMSTRONG October 30, 1937. They had lived in Colfax township the past 22 years.

Mrs. Armstrong was a member of the Colfax United Missionary Church and was a nurse at Hubbard Memorial Hospital, Bad Axe.

Surviving are: her husband; a son, Richard, serving with the U.S. Navy in Japan; a daughter, Mrs. Beverly HAZARD of Bad Axe; one grandchild; her parents, and a sister, Mrs. Grant BALL of Cass City.

The remains are at MacAlpine Funeral Home, Bad Axe. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Fall 2007)

Julia married Norman Armstrong on 30 Oct 1937 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Norman was born on 4 Feb 1914 in Bad Axe, Huron County, Michigan; died on 3 Nov 1997 in Ocklawaha, Marion County, Florida. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Laura M. Ball, 88, of Cass City, died Monday, January 2, 2006 in Hills & Dales General Hospital. She was born August 24, 1917 at home in Tuscola County to Louis and Clemtina (Merchant) Crocker. She married Grant Wesley Ball July 15, 1938 in Cass City. He died September 18, 1976.

Laura graduated from Cass City High School in 1936. Over the years she was a caregiver to many friends and neighbors. She was a member of Salem United Methodist Church and then Cass City United Methodist Church totaling 72 years and was a member of the UMW. Laura was a member of Hills & Dales General Hospital Auxiliary for over 25 years. She served as a Cub Scout leader when her boys were little. Laura enjoyed working in her flowers, cooking and doing crafts.

Laura is survived by her sons: Wesley (Sharon) Ball of Reese, Donald (Barbara) Ball of Cass City; grandchildren: Mary Ann (David) Vanest, John (Cyndi) Ball, Grant Ball, Donald W. (Wendy) Ball, Douglas (Cathryn) Ball; great grandchildren: Courtney Ann, Collin, Dylan, Braeden, Morgan Jayne, Daymon, Kaitlyn; very dear niece, Beverly (Donald) Hazard; nephew, Richard (Kay) Armstrong; several great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister, Julia Armstrong in 1963.

Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 6, 2006 in Cass City United Methodist Church with her grandson, Rev. John Ball of Mayville United Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Memorials may be made to Cass City United Methodist Church. Pallbearers for Mrs. Ball: Donald Ball, Douglas Ball, Grant Ball, David Vanest, Brian Hazard and Michael Hazard. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2006; 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2006. 10 to 11 p.m. Friday, January 6, 2006 in church

Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, Michigan Debra L. Kranz - 989-872-2195

http://www.obitsforlife.com/obituary/139733/Ball-Laura.php

Laura married Grant Wesley Ball on 15 Jul 1938 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. Grant was born on 14 Feb 1917 in Elkland Township, Tuscola County, Michigan; died on 18 Sep 1976 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan; was buried in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Striffler-Benkelman Broadcast, Vol. 7, September 4, 1944, noted that Second Lt. Geo. Crocker, Jr. is in the Pharmacy and supervised food purchases for the Field Hospital and Convalescent Home at Randolph Field. As of the September 3, 1945 issue (Vol. 8), it was reported that he was a First Lt. in the X-ray Department at Randolph Field. In September, 1947 (Vol. 10), it was written that he had moved to Memphis, Tenn. where he was employed as a chemist in the Firestone Laboratory. Volume 11 of the same periodical reported that he had been called back to the army and was stationed in Iceland.

George married Ruth Joan Blancett on 5 Apr 1946 in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee. Ruth was born on 6 Dec 1920 in Mounds, Pulaski County, Illinois; died on 13 Feb 2007 in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee; was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]