Van Allen, George W.
Posted By: LaVonne I. Bennett
Date: Wednesday, 13 October 2004, at 6:40 p.m.
THE IONIA SENTINEL, MICH.; June 7, 1888, page 2: "IN MEMORIAM. - DEATH'S DOINGS IN IONIA, - The Silent Messenger Invades Two of our Homes and Summons Two old and Respected Citizens. George W. VanAllen. who died in this city on Memorial day, was born at Lansingburg, Renselner county, New York, February 27th, 1811. February 15th, 1838, he was married in Starkey, N.Y., to Miss Susan Reeder, who survives him. Of this marriage nine children were born, of whom the eldest, Mrs. L. B. Townsend, and the youngest, Mr. Herman Van Allen, alone are living. Deceased was for many years a successful business man, engaged in milling in Elmira, N.Y., from which place he removed to Ionia, in June, 1870. Before going to Elmira he was engaged in farming at Starkey, Yates county. Since coming here he had been for the most part retired from business, though he was for some years a partner in the firm of H. VanAllen & Co., druggists.
George W. VanAllen, "Uncle George," as his friends were apt to call him, was a man universally esteemed. It was more than esteem that his friends felt for him. They were warmly attached to him, for he had the very qualities which we like in a man---a warm heart, a generous nature and a sunny disposition. He was always brim-full and bubbling over with good humor, ready for a joke and a hearty laugh. His humor was however, good-natured. It was never intended to wound or cause pain. He was a genial companion, a true friend, a loving and indulgent father, an honorable business man, an upright citizen. In politics he was an earnest republican. Always earnest in the support of the principles and candidates of his party, he never failed to be at the polls on election day and could generally be seen at the primary meetings of the party---the ward caucouses. He was almost a life-long member of the church, having joined the M. E. church at Starkey in 1838. He made no parade of his piety, but he was at heart as good and consistent a christian man as ever lived. He was constant in his attendance at the religious services of his denomination and his blameless life was the best evidence of the genuineness of his professions. He was bluff, hearty and whole-souled, entirely free from cant or pretense, open and frank in every way, generous to a fault, and full of charity and good-will towards others. The SENTINEL had for him a sincere liking of long standing and cherishes for his memory a warm regard. Those who have occasion to remember him for acts of neighborly sympathy and kindness are many, and his death is a public loss.
The funeral of the late Geo. W. Van Allen was held from the residence of his son-in-law, L. B. Townsend, Saturday a.m. at ten o'clock. The attendance was large, the number of men who are in the "sere and yellow leaf" being especially noticeable. The services were opened with a scripture lesson read by Rev. A. M. Gould, followed with prayer by Rev. Job Pierson. Mr. Gould then preached a very appropriate and solemn sermon from the text: "When a few more years are come then I shall go the way whence I shall not return." Job, 16 Chap. 22 Verse Rev. R. Lynn pronounced the closing prayer, after which the casket was borne to the hearse by four of the nearest neighbors of the deceased - A. W. Dodge, C. Waterbury, C. A. Preston and H. G. Thornton. The remains were interred in Highland Park cemetery."
VANDYKE, Faye
Posted By: Sandy Heintzelman
Date: Wednesday, 1 August 2001, at 4:00 p.m.
Faye VanDyke, 82 of Saranac passed away June 8, 1997. Surviving are 4 grand children and 4 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held June 11 with burial in Balcom Cemetery. Arrangements by Lake Funeral Home in Saranac.
VAN HOUTEN, Mrs. Hattie (Hay)
Posted By: Pam Swiler
Date: Saturday, 21 April 2001, at 12:40 p.m.
Funeral service was held Monday for Mrs. Hattie Von Houten, 84, at the Pickens funeral home. Burial in Lakeside cemetery. Rev. M.H. Dawson officiated.
Mrs. Van Houten lived here for about 25 years. She formerly lived in Woodland and Grand Rapids.
She was born January 26, 1869, the daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. George Hay, of Woodbury.
Mrs. Van Houten had resided in Flint for the last year and had spent five weeks in Hurley hospital.
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