Minerd.com Biography of Dennis and Caroline (Miner) Musser of Portage and Prairie Depot, OH

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Caroline (Miner) Musser
(1842-1930)

Caroline Musser

Caroline (Miner) Musser was born on Nov. 16, 1842 in Unity Township near East Palestine, Columbiana County, OH, one of 15 children of Jacob and Julianna (Forney) Minor.

At a young age, Caroline moved to Wood County, OH, where the families of her uncle Samuel Minerd and aunt Sophia Van Horn were already living.

On Aug. 30, 1857, when she was but 14 years of age, Caroline married 26-year-old Dennis Musser (1831-1916), a native of Beaver County, PA, and the son of Michael Musser of Maryland. The ceremony took place in Wood County. They were 11 or 12 years apart in age.

Their six children were Silas Alvin Musser, Clayton Musser, Benjamin F. Musser, Annetta "Nettie" Metter Graham, Lewis Musser and one unknown.

Because Caroline had lived away from her family for such a long time, even her eldest children did not know the precise names of her parents.

The federal censuses of 1870 (Portage Township) and 1880 (Montgomery Township) show that Dennis and Caroline were farmers and lived in Wood County. Later in life, they resided one mile southeast of Six Points at Prairie Depot, now known as Wayne.

West Main Street in Prairie Depot, OH, a town now known as Wayne

Mt. Zion Cemetery

In 1900, when the federal census was taken, six-year-old granddaughter Gladys Musser resided in their home following the divorce of her parents.

The Mussers were married for 53 years.

Bowling Green Daily Sentinel

Dennis died on Nov. 25, 1916. The Bowling Green (OH) Daily Sentinel Tribune reported that he died "due to infirmities of age, he being 85 years old." His death certificate listed the cause as "aortic regurgitant," presumed to be heart disease.

Caroline outlived her husband by 14 years. In 1920, at the death of her sister Eliza Mathany, Caroline was mentioned in Eliza’s obituary in the Warren (OH) Daily Tribune as a surviving sister.

She made her home with her married son Lewis in her later years. She passed away of hardening of the arteries on Nov. 29, 1930. On her death certificate, son Silas marked her father as "J. Miner" but with "No record" of her mother's name.

They are buried in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Wood County. Resting directly beside them are son and daughter in law Lewis and Georgia Musser. Also buried at Mt. Zion are son and daughter in law Silas and Eliza J. Musser, and grandson Brice D. and Sophronia Musser.

Caroline's genealogical information is posted by the International Genealogical Index (IGI).

The Mussers' attractive final resting place at Mt. Zion Cemetery

~ Son Benjamin Franklin Musser ~

Son Benjamin Franklin Musser (1867-1954) was born on May 31, 1867 in Ohio.

He grew up in Portage and Montgomery Townships, Wood County, OH.

On Sept. 22, 1895, Benjamin entered into marriage with Nellie May Hillard (Jan. 12, 1876-1962). Rev. William Musser officiated. On the marriage license, Benjamin fibbed his age as 21 when in reality he was closer to 28.

The couple went on to bear a brood of offspring -- Eugene Wade Musser, Golda Evelyn "Goldie" Van Sickle, Gertrude Meredyth Hawk, Helen Violet Bousman, Mildred Irene Cunningham, twins Harold Benjamin Musser and Herbert Franklin Musser, twins Louise Velma Corey and Lucille Thelma "Lucy" Haddad, plus one who died young prior to 1900.

The family grieved when firstborn son Eugene died at the age of only three months on March 1, 1897.

Wood County oilfield workers, early 1900s, filling a torpedo with nitroglycerin to inject into a well.

United States Census records for the year 1900 show the Mussers dwelling in Bloom Township, Wood County. At that time, he earned a living as an oilwell driller. Living under their roof was Nellie's teenage siblings Frank (age 19), Lora (16) and Daisy (13).

With the local oil boom over, the family relocated within Wood County during the decade leading up to 1910, and resided on a farm in Liberty Township.

In 1918, the Mussers and their eight children migrated into Michigan and settled on a farm in Eaton Rapids, Eaton County. The Lansing State Journal said that Benjamin "came before them in a horse and buggy and bought a farm" and that Nellie "and the eight children came by train, at night, with all of their belongings to a home none of them had seen before."

Benjamin found work again as a well driller during the 1920s, and the family pulled up stakes and moved once more, this time to East Lansing, Ingham County, MI. The federal census enumeration of 1930 shows husband and wife with six children still in the household, plus son-in-law Melvin Hawk.

The 1940 census of Lansing shows the 73-year-old Benjamin continuing to earn income as a well driller for a well contracting firm. By that time, all of their children had moved out, except for married daughter Louise Corey and her husband and children.

Streetscape in Lansing, MI

Benjamin was retired at the time of the 1950 census of Lansing, when he declared that hist last work was farming.

Sadly, Benjamin passed away at the age of 87 on Dec. 2, 1954. Burial of the remains was in Deepdale Memorial Park in Delta Township, Eaton County.

Nellie outlived her husband by eight years. During that time, she endured the tragic death of her grandson Earl Van Sickle in an automobile crash. She died in 1962.

Daughter Golda Evelyn "Goldie" Musser (1898-1983) was born in June 1898 in Portage, OH. Having moved to Michigan with her family, she was employed at age 20 in 1920 as a telephone operator in Eaton Rapids. On Jan. 14, 1923, when both were 23 years of age, she wed World War I veteran Floyd I. Van Sickle (1898-1971), a contractor of Albion, MI and the son of Elmer and Grace (Billinghurst) Van Sickle. Rev. Richard M. Hillard officiated the wedding, held in Eaton. Floyd served France during the war. The couple made a home for many years in Albion, MI and begat a family of two -- Earl Elmer Van Sickle and Helen Murdock. Goldie earned a living for 17 years with Lonergan Manufacturing Company and its successor company McGraw-Edison. Floyd was the owner and operator of Van Sickle Graven and Machine Company. Then in the 1940s, said the Battle Creek Enquirer, "he began dividing his time between the machine shop and veterans affairs. He had held offices at the state, district and local levels of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and has held nearlyoffice in Albion's VFW Post 3672." He also belonged to the local American Legion post and Disabled American Veterans. They held a membership in the Albion First Presbyterian Church. The family address in the early 1940s was 212 East Erie Street, Albion. Sadly, Floyd surrendered to the angel of death on Nov. 13, 1971 at the age of 71. His obituary was printed in the Enquirer. Goldie lived as a widow for another dozen years. Toward the end, she became a resident of Marshall Provincial House. She died there at age 84 on Feb. 7, 1983. The Enquirer published an obituary.

Grandson Earl Elmer Van Sickle ( ? -1959) was born on the Fourth of July 1924 in Albion, MI. He was a 1942 graduate of Albion High School. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Air Force on March 8, 1943 and trained as a radio operator at a school held at Scott Field, IL. Then in July 1944, he is known to have been with an Air Force unit in Normandy, France and in February 1945 in Luxembourg. After the war's end, he returned home. On April 26, 1948, in Albion, he was united in matrimony with 18-year-old Joyce N. Marshall ( ? - ? ) of Albion. News of their marriage license was published in the Battle Creek Enquirer. Five daughters born to the pair were Brenda Van Sickle, Bonnie Van Sickle, Beverly Van Sickle, Barbara Van Sickle and Billie Jo Van Sickle. Earl received a degree in 1951 from Albion College in preparation for a career as an educator. He became a teacher at the Yale School (1952-1953) and Harper Creek School (1953-1955) before joining the staff of Tekonsha Schools, to teach 7th grade. The Van Sickles relocated from Girard, MI to Tekonsha, MI in September 1958. They belonged to the Union Church and he was a member of the Lions Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Their address was 212 East Erie Street, Albion. Tragically, reported the Enquirer, "while returning home from a family pic" on June 14, 1959, Earl was killed in an automobile collision. Joyce suffered a fractured pelvis, ribs and contusions of the chest, while their elder four children also were hurt. The crash occurred seven miles northeast of Coldwater, MI at the intersection of Bidwell and Gorbell Roads. The other driver told officials he had been unable to see Earl's approaching car, and the "intersection was described as having no stop signs or other traffic warning signs, and with tall grass and brush obscuring vision for drivers coming from either direction." Following funeral services in the family church, led by Rev. Albert C. Schue, interment was in Riverside Cemetery. In 1980, Earl's sister Helen was in the attic of the Van Sickle home and found a collection of Detroit Tigers memorabilia from the 1930s. Reported the Enquirer, "In the collection are 6-inch-long pennants, including pennants for the now-defunct St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators and Philadelphia Athletics, the New York Yankees of 1936, the Chicago White Sox and long-forgotten minor league teams like the Blues, the Colonials and the Bees. Van Sickle, who died in 1959, also kept a scrapbook containing news clippings on the Tigers of the 1930s, a 1935 Tiger souvenir edition of the now defunct Detroit Times and photographs of Tigers greats Charlie Gehringer and Marvin Owens."

Great-granddaughter Brenda Van Sickle (1951- ? ) was born in about 1951.

Great-granddaughter Bonnie Van Sickle (1953- ? ) was born in about 1953.

Great-granddaughter Beverly Van Sickle (1954- ? ) was born in about 1954.

Great-granddaughter Barbara Van Sickle (1955- ? ) was born in about 1955.

Great-granddaughter Billie Jo Van Sickle (1959- ? ) was born in 1959. She was not involved in the automobile accident in June 1959 that killed her father, as she had been left in the care of friends that day.

Walter Van Sickle's workplace, Post Cereal in Battle Creek, MI

Granddaughter Helen Van Sickle (1926-2007) was born on July 17, 1926. She was a 1944 alumna of Washington-Gardner High School. Helen went on to study art and theatre practice at Albion College. On June 11, 1955, when she was 29 years of age, Helen married Walter M. Murdock (Dec. 7, 1915-2002), son of William and Ona (Parrish) Murdock of Batavia, MI. Their union endured the ups and downs of 47 years. The pair resided in Marshall, MI and produced five known children -- Thomas Murdock, Timothy Murdock, Daniel Murdock, David Murdock and Lynda Moreno. Helen is known to have been employed for a decade as an assistant librarian at Albion Public Library. Walter in young manhood, during the 1930s, worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. He went on to employment in Battle Creek with a number of manufacturers and then for 29 years with Post Cereals. He retired from Post as head mill operator in 1978 following 29 years there. In their free time, with an interest in carpentry, Walter liked to design and build things, while Helen enjoyed drawing, genealogy, painting, cooking, travel and Bible study. Over the years, Helen was active with the choir and Toujour Fidele Sunday School class of the Presbyterian Church. She also was involved with the Wilder Creek Women's Rifle Club, Marshall Civic Theatre and the Daughters of the American Revolution, Marshall Chapter. Walter held memberships in the Calvary Baptist Church, Zion Lutheran Church and Christ Apostolic Church. Sadly, Walter died in Marshall, MI on July 22, 2002. Rev. David Trammell led the funeral seervice. Helen outlived him by five years. Death claimed her at the age of 80 on April 26, 2007. Leading her funeral at the Christ church was Rev. Steven Green. They sleep for all eternity in Albion's Riverside Cemetery.

Great-grandson Thomas W. Murdock has lived in Ann Arbor, MI.

Great-grandson Timothy L. Murdock made a home in 2002 in Marshall, MI.

Great-grandson Daniel R. Murdock ( ? - ? ) was a Marshall High School graduate. He relocated to Tucson, AZ, where he lived in the late 1980s and earned a living with Murdock's Installations. On Nov. 4, 1989, in nuptials held in Tucson's Botanical Gardens, he entered into marriage with Tracey DeKorte ( ? - ? ), daughter of William and Carol DeKorte. The pair were pictured in a wedding announcement in the Battle Creek Enquirer. She was a Battle Creek Central High School alumna and worked in Tucson for Hughes Aircraft. By 2002, Daniel resided in Marshall, MI.

Great-grandson David R. Murdock (1952-1995) was born on Sept. 29, 1952 in Jackson, MI and grew up in Marshall, MI. He was a 1971 alumnus of Marshall High School and proceeded to earn a degree in industrial engineering technology from Kellogg Community College. He went on to careers in shipping and packaging for 10 years by GHS Corporation and as a contractor in computer-aided drafting before joning Aerotek at Rapid Design Service in Jackson. When he was 35 years of age, on June 18, 1988, David wed Barbara Murdock ( ? - ? ). Together they bore a son, Jon W. Murdock. David was a talented percussion player and performed in bands such as Legend, Kaleidoscope, Amerrikesh, Countdown Band and the Curtis May Machine in Florida. He was a member of the Battle Creek Evangelical Church and enjoyed photography, theatre, movies and nature walks. He once received a blue ribbon in amateur photography at the Calhoun County Fair and was a theatrical performer with the Kellogg Community College Players and Marshall Civic Players. Sadly, after enduring cancer for a year, he died at home at the age of 42 on Aug. 21, 1995. An obituary in the Battle Creek Enquirer said that Rev. Thayne A. Thompson led the funeral, with interment in Memorial Park Cemetery. Barbara remained in Battle Creek as of 2007.

Great-granddaughter Lynda J. Murdock was in the 1987 graduating class of Marshall High School. She studied at Argubright Business College and Kellogg Community College and in 1998 was employed by the Battle Creek Area Transportation Study. Lynda went on to receive a degree in elementary education at Western Michigan University. In Oct. 1998, she was joined in wedlock with Mario Moreno, son of Jesse and Adelfa Moreno. He brought two stepdaughters into the marriage, Emily Moreno and Elizabeth Moreno. Mario was a 1985 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and was awarded an associate degree in arts from Kellogg Community College in 1998. Circa 1998, he worked in the corporate headquarters of Kellogg Company. The family was in Emmett Township near Battle Creek in 2002-2004.

Oldsmobile plant in Lansing, workplace of Melvin "Chick" Hawk

Daughter Gertrude Meredyth Musser (1900-1997) was born on Dec. 17, 1900 in Jerry City, Wood County. She was 17 years old when she and her parents relocated to Michigan and settled in Eaton Rapids. She went on to graduate from Eaton Rapids High School Just five days before Christmas 1924, when she was 23 years of age, she married 22-year-old mechanic Melvin "Chick" Hawk (1903-1981), of Lansing, the son of Sherman and Edna (Walters) Hawk. The event took place in Lansing, by the hand of Rev. Charles Bragg, with Gertrude's married sister Goldie and her husband Floyd Van Sickle serving as witnesses. They resided in Lansing for the rest of their lives. Circa 1930, Melvin is known to have labored as a factory machinist in East Lansing, and Gertrude as a bookkeeper for Industrial Bank, with the couple living under her parents' roof. He is known to have been employed for four decades with Oldsmobile, from 1925 to retirement on Jan. 31, 1965. The Hawks belonged to Walker Memorial Bible Church, with Gertrude serving as organist. She also held an interest in antiques, books, furniture and history, including the Civil War and Native American Indians. She also researched her genealogy, said the Lansing State Journal, "finding one young ancestor being taken prisoner by Indiana who was then rescued after many hardships. She also discovered ministers, authors and artists, a happy find in her Christian heritage. She always hoped all her loved ones would become followers of our Lord." Not having reproduced, the couple enjoyed interacting with their neighbors and church friends, especially children. Melvin died on July 11, 1981 at the age of 79. Rev. Glenn T. Johnson officiated the funeral, with the State Journal publishing an obituary. Gertrude lived as a widow for another 16-plus years. Sadly, at the age of 96, she passed away on Nov. 18, 1997. Her pastor Rev. Ralph Barton conducted the funeral, with an obituary appearing in the State Journal. Burial was in Deepdale Memorial Park.

Daughter Helen Violet Musser (1903-1973) was born on Feb. 16, 1903 in Prairie Depot, OH. When she was 16 years old, in 1920, she worked as a telephone operator in Eaton Rapids, Eaton County, MI. She appears to have been twice-wed and did not reproduce with either spouse. Her first husband, whom she married on Feb. 5, 1927, in Lansing, was Earl M. Whitehead ( ? - ? ). Age 39 at the time, and working as a mechanic, Earl was the son of Thomas and Belle M. (Powell) Whitehead and a native of Clyde, OH. Rev. Frank Kingdon led the nuptials. He is known to have been employed by Olds Motor Works in Lansing. The marriage dissolved and the couple divorced. Later, on on Jan. 26, 1935, she was joined in wedlock with 29-year-old Charles Bousman ( ? - ? ), son of George and Elizabeth (Philmleee) Bousman. Justice of the peace Sam Street Hughes officiated. They resided in Yale, MI at 10664 Jeddo Road. At the age of 70, Helen died on Feb. 21, 1973. Rev. Bruce Shrigley, of the Trinity Missionary Church, led the services, with an obituary appearing in the Port Huron Times Herald. The remains were laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery in Yale. Former husband Earl Whitehead, having remarried, died of a heart attack in Eaton Rapids on Dec. 29, 1935.

Daughter Mildred Irene "Millie" Musser (1906-2008) was born on Feb. 1, 1906 in Portage Township, Wood County. She and her parents migrated to a farm in Eaton Rapids, MI when she was 11 years of age. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School. Following in her elder sisters' footsteps, she was employed in 1930 as an operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company in East Lansing, MI. Mildred on Jan. 2, 1932, at the age of 23, was united in matrimony with 23-year-old salesman Clayton M. Cunningham ( ? -1964), of Lansing and a native of Carson City, MI. He was the son of George T. and Anastasia Marion Cunningham. Officiating the wedding ceremony was Rev. John A. Gabriels, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church. The Cunninghams did not reproduce. They put down roots in Lansing. Mildred was a Sunday School teacher for 30-plus years at the South Baptist Church and enjoyed youth evangelism. "She loved the children and led many of them to Christ," said the Lansing State Journal. "Many have kept track of Millie over the years and many have entered the mission field." Sadly, bringing to a close their marriage of 32 years, Clayton passed into the arms of the angels in 1964. Mildred outlived him by many decades. Having reached the age of 102, Mildred died on May 27, 2008. She was pictured in her State Journal obituary. Her remains were laid to rest in Deepdale Memorial Park.

Son Harold Benjamin Musser (1909-1999) was born on May 3, 1909, in Wood County, OH, a twin with his brother Herbert. After relocating to Michigan with his family, he obtained a job as a factory welder by 1930 in East Lansing, MI. In a wedding held in Angola, IN in 1937, he married Barbara Mae Bolter (1915-2003), daughter of Harry and Beatrice Bolter of 544 Norman Street, Lansing. Five children born into this family were Connie Kovall Price, Charlene Terrill, Donald Musser, Ronald Musser and Thomas Musser. Harold went on to become the longtime owner of Musser Standard Station at 3315 South Cedar in Lansing as a dealer in Standard Oil products. He belonged to the Lansing Moose Family Center, and the couple were members of Markey Community Baptist Church of Roscommon. Barbara liked to knit, swim, square dance and bake cookies, cinnamon rolls and pies. Their address in Lansing was at 1815 Donora Street. then in 1972, the pair moved to a new home at Higgins Lake, MI. Sadly, Harold died in Roscommon at the age of 90 on Aug. 24, 1999. His obituary was printed in the Lansing State Journal. The headcount of his survivors was a dozen grandchilren and many great-grandchildren. Rev. James Kent led the funeral proceedings. Barbara outlived him by four years. At age 88, she passed away on Nov. 29, 2003. The couple sleeps for the ages in Deepdale Memorial Park in Eaton County, MI.

Granddaughter Connie Musser ( ? - ? ) appears to hve been twice-wed. Her first husband was Adam Kovall (May 1, 1944-2019). A graduate of Lansing Eastern High School and having studied at Michigan State University, Adam came to Flushing, MI in 1973 after accepting employment with Uarco. Two years later, he founded a printing business in Flint which later grew into three firms -- Kovall Business Forms, Schneider Printing and Formaxx. He was a member of the Rotary Club and Flushing Valley Country Club and liked to golf, sail, work with wood and follow college sports. By 2003, the Kovalls had divorced, and Connie married Howard Price ( ? - ? ). Connie is known to have lived in Flushing in 1999-2003. Former husband Adam married again and lived in Boyne City, MI. He died on Feb. 2, 2019, with an obituary appearing in the Flint Journal.

Granddaughter Charlene Diane Musser ( ? - ? ) studied at Lansing Business University. On Nov. 20, 1965, Charlene entered into marriage with Harry S. Terrill ( ? - ? ), son of Gordon Terrill of 3116 South Cedar Street, Lansing. The wedding was held at Mt. Hope Methodist Church. In an announcement of the marriage, Charlene was pictured in the Lansing State Journal, which said she wore "a floor-length sheath gown of satin with empire waist and chantilly lace front panel..." Harry is known to have attended the University of California at Los Angeles. The pair relocated to North Carolina.

Grandson Donald G. Musser ( ? - ? ) made news with boyhood friends in 1948 when finding a three-headed dandelion in a field in Lansing at the corner of Alpha and Mt. Hope Streets. He joined the Michigan National Guard as a young man and was assigned to the Headquarters Company, 46th Infantry Division. For March 1956, he was selected as soldier of the month, as announced on the pages of the Lansing State Journal. Donald married Vicki ( ? - ? ). They put down roots in Owosso, MI.

Grandson Ronald James Musser ( ? - ? ) joined the U.S. Navy in young manhood. As of 1957, he was posted to the Naval Air Station Quonset Point in Rhode Island. On Dec. 20, 1957, in nuptials held at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Lansing, Ronald was joined in wedlock with Jean A. Hoffman (March 11, 1940-2019), daughter of Kenneth R. and Gladys (Hillard) Hoffman of 1518 South Pennsylvania Avenue. The service was performed by the hand of Rev. Charles F. Goudey and announced with Jean's photograph in the Lansing State Journal. The article said that the bride "chose a gown of white lace over white satin with a Peter Pan sequined collar, and she carried a bouquet of white pom pons and pink rosebuds." Four children born to this union were Lisa Mulvany, Lori Cushing, John Musser and Rowdy Musser. The newlyweds' first home was in Quonset Point. After his term of military service ended, they moved to Vermontville, MI and remained for good. Jean was an alumna of Eastern High School. As a young woman, she was employed by Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator. She spent the majority of her working life as a sales representative of Blair Cosmetics and Avon, achieving top sales marks and once receiving a new automobile. When time allowed, she liked to can, crochet, fashion stained glass, garden, paint and sew. At Christmas each year she her daughter made pajamas for the grandchildren. Said an obituary, "When Jean wasn't with her family and friends, her favorite place to be was in the passenger seat of their RV next to Ron, traveling the country together. Florida was always a favorite destination, especially the St. Petersburg Pier. They also traveled to Alaska, throughout the west and southwestern states, California, Oregon and Washington." Jean passed away at home on Dec. 13, 2019. She was survived by 16 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Great-granddaughter Lisa Musser married Donald Mulvany.

Great-granddaughter Lori Musser wed Brad Cushing ( ? -1992), son of Sharon Davis. Their three offspring were Marcus Cushing, Taylor Mae Cushing and Chase Allen Cushing. The family made their home in Vermontville, MI. Then in 1991, Brad appears to have established a lawn and landscape service in Nakomis near Fort Myers, FL. Tragically, on the fateful day of Oct. 7, 1992, Brad at age 31 was shot in the head and killed while in Punta Gorda, FL. The Fort Myers News-Press reported that witnesses saw six men arguing on Myrtle Street, with Brad having been shot after leaving the area and then returning. Police arrested a local man on charges of first-degree murder. His obituary appeared in the Lansing State Journal. The remains were transported home for burial.

Great-grandson John Musser ( ? - ? )

Great-grandson Roland "Rowdy" Musser ( ? - ? ) was joined in marriage with Penny. They lived in Lansing. They are the parents of Roland "Buddy" Musser, April Musser, Allen Musser, Andrew Musser and Cashel Shute. Roland later wed Kimberly ( ? - ? ). Sadness cascaded over the family when son Roland (1982-2021), a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and the father of four, died at the age of 38 on Jan. 22, 2021.
Grandson Thomas B. Musser ( ? - ? ) appears to have been twice-wed. His first spouse, with whom he tied the knot in Jan. 1960, at Mt. Hope Methodist Church, was Catherine Jean Curry ( ? - ? ), daughter of C. Harold Curry. They enjoyed skiing. Later, he was united in matrimony with Sandra. They resided in Metamora, MI in the late 1990s-2003.

Son Herbert Franklin Musser (1909-1979) was born in June 1909 in Wood County, OH, a twin with his brother Harold. He moved to Michigan in 1918 with his parents and siblings and was a 55-year resident of Lansing. In 1930, at the age of 20, he earned a living as a riveter in a factory in East Lansing, MI. In all he is known to have been employed for 40 years by Oldsmobile's Lansing plant. On April 10, 1937, when he was 27 years of age, he wed 19-year-old beauty operator Edith Alice Williams (1918- ? ), a resident of Lansing and an immigrant from Lancashire, England. Her parents were John and Ellen (Mee) Williams. Officiating the nuptials was Rev. Julius Fischbach of the First Baptist Church. Their marital union endured for 42 years until cleaved apart by death. The pair went on to become the parents of three -- James M. Musser, Jack E. Musser and Patricia Mask. The Mussers lived at 522 Stoner Road in Lansing in the late 1970s. Sadly, with his health in decline at the age of 70, Herbert was admitted to a local hospital where he succumbed to the spectre of death on May 14, 1979. An obituary in the Lansing State Journal noted that the funeral was led by the hand of Rev. Dr. A.W. Boymook of Colonial Village Baptist Church, followed by burial of the remains in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens..

Grandson James M. Musser ( ? - ? ) resided in 1979 in Lansing.

Grandson Jack E. Musser ( ? - ? ) has dwelled in Lansing.

Granddaughter Patricia "Pat" Musser (1937-2021) was born in 1937 in Lansing. She was a 1955 graduate of Sexton High School. From there she studied at Lansing Community College and Michigan State University. Patricia wed (?) Mask ( ? - ? ). One son born to this union was Michael Mask. Patricia resided over the years in Lansing, where she was employed as an account supervisor by the State of Michigan. She is believed to have served as an officer of the Michigan Association of Governmental Employees in the mid-1990s. She passed away in about Nov. 2021. Her remains were cremated.

Great-grandson Michael Mask is the father of Jessica Schroeder.

Daughter Louise Velma Musser (1914-1966) was born on Nov. 3, 1914 in Bowling Green, OH, a twin with her sister Lucille. She was a graduate of Eastern High School and is known to have resided in Lansing, MI for four decades. She entered into marriage with Elisha "Paul" Corey (1908- ? ). Together they produced a family of five -- Barbara M. Goulding, Marcia K. McDaniel, Richard P. Corey, Amy Butler, Paul Corey and Jean Lee Corey. When the federal census was enumerated in 1940, the Coreys lived in her parents' household in Lansing, MI, with Elisha working as a glass cutter in a glass job shop. The Coreys' address in the mid-1960s was 4561 Lansing Road in Lansing. Grief cascaded over the family when Louise died at the age of 51 on July 2, 1966. The Lansing State Journal published an obituary. Funeral services were conducted at the family house of worship, the Colonial Village Baptist Church, followed by burial of the remains in Deepdale Cemetery.

Granddaughter Barbara M. Corey ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). On Sept. 25, 1954, in Lansing, she was joined in matrimony with Larry Lee Goulding ( ? -2012), son of Herbert and Melba (VanNest) Goulding. their union endured for a remarkable 57 years. Together, they produce a brood of five -- Mark Goulding, Greg Goulding, Bryan Goulding, Kelly Sanderson and Jennifer Terpening. Larry graduated in 1958 from Central Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree. He became an educator and was employed by four different school districts -- Hartland, Imlay City, Yale and East China. For 37 years, he was a teacher of American history. He also was a basketball, football and track coach for 15 years and a driver's education instructor for four decades, retiring in 1995. They belonged to Trinity Missionary Church in Yale. Circa 1966, they dwelled in Yale, MI and in 2012 in Brockway Township. When time permitted he liked to hunt for deer and pheasants, be out-of-doors and work in his garden. Larry died at the age of 76, as a patientin Port Huron Hospital, on Feb. 28, 2012. His survivors included 17 grandchildren. Rev. Ron Boggia conducted the funeral in the family church, with interment following in Elmwood Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Port Huron Times-Herald.

Great-grandson Mark Goulding was united in wedlock with Sandy. They moved to Destin, FL.

Great-grandson Greg Goulding wed Susan. They have dwelled in Jeddo, MI.

Great-grandson Bryan Goulding entered into marriage with Wenda. They dwell in Yale, MI.

Greeat-granddaughter Kelly Goulding married Scott Sanderson. Circa 2012, they were in Yale, MI.

Great-granddaughter Jennifer Goulding was joined in matrimony with Shawn Terpening. The couple lived in Yale, MI in 2012.
Granddaughter Marcia K. Corey wed (?) McDaniel. Her home in 1966 was in Lansing. At some point she took back her maiden name.

Grandson Richard P. Corey lived in Lansing in 1966.

Granddaughter Amy Corey married William Butler. She resided in Vermontville, MI in the mid-1960s.

Grandson Paul Corey ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2018.

Granddaughter Jean Lee Corey (1941-2018) was born on June 28, 1941. She appears to have remained single during her life. She is known to have lived in Lansing in 1966 and in Charlotte, MI in the 2010s. Toward the end, she was admitted to reside at Thrnapple Manor in Hastings, MI. She passed away on Feb. 10, 2018. Said an obituary, "Jean was a shining star, she had the most special love for life, people and the family. She never complained or asked for anything. Jean always had a smile and a hug for you." Pastor Randy Royston led the funeral service.

Daughter Lucille Thelma "Lucy" Musser (1914-1999) was born on Nov. 3, 1914 in Bowling Green, OH, a twin with her sister Louise. In a wedding held in Lansing on May 11, 1935, she wed 23-year-old grocery clerk Joseph "Joe" Haddad ( ? - ? ). A native of Lansing, he was the son of Frank and Martha (John) Haddad. Rev. Leo P. Szybowicz, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, officiated the wedding. The couple's longtime residence was in Lansing. Together, they produced a brood of five sons -- Robert C. Haddad Sr., Frank Michael Haddad, Raymond John Haddad, Norman Haddad and Frederick David Haddad. As time allowed she liked to write poetry, solve crossword puzzles, cook Lebanese dishes and imbibe sweets and coffee. Said the Lansing State Journal, "Lucille always had a kind word to say and would do anything for you. She was one of the most unselfish, giving, loving and sweetest people in the world." The family's address for many years was 311 Norman. Thelma surrendered to the angel of death on Feb. 22, 1999. Her funeral mass was sung at St. Casimir Catholic Churcy by Rev. Fr. Bill Lugger, with burial in sacred soil of St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery She was pictured in her obituary in the State Journal. Her survivors included 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Grandson Robert C. Haddad Sr. ( ? -1988) was born in (?). On April 23, 1960, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Beverly L. Tarwater ( ? - ? ), daughter of Ted and Luella Rolfe of 4413 Lansing Road. The wedding was held at the South Baptist Church. The Lansing State Journal reported that the bride "chose a floor length gown of silk organza designed with a tiered skirt. A lace pattern bordered the tiers, and a matching lace cap secured her veil. She carried a cascade of feathered white carnations centered by a lavender orchid." The couple established a home in Dimondale. Two known offspring born to the pair were Robert Haddad Jr. and Kimberly Haddad-Seibold. Robert had an entrepreneurial mindset and, said the State Journal, "used his high school education and work experience earned in his in-laws' hardware store. He got some help from his wife, Beverly, a beautician, and they opened their first business, Haddad's World of Wigs, [in 1967] on Lansing's south side. By 1985, that business was transformed into Haddad's Gifts, with stores in Lansing, Holt and St. Johns." In all, they operated these businesses for 22 years until fate intervened. Among the products they sold were Precious Moments figurines and greeting cards. The first store was located at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Jolly Road, with a move made in 1972 to Logan Square. In his free time Robert liked to hunt and gamble in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Sadly, the 48-year-old Robert Sr. lost his life on Oct. 28, 1988 as a result of a three-vehicle accident. Said the State Journal, "Haddad's vehicle was traveling west on Mary Street when it collided wth a vehicle going northbound on Pleasant Grove... Haddad's vehicle became airborne, flipped and struck [another] vehicle when it landed..." He was rushed to Ingham Medical Center and died shortly after arrival. Funeral services were held at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, co-officiated by Rev. Dr. Gary W. Cowall and Rev. Larry Mannino. The funeral was followed by interment in Deepdale Memorial Park. He was pictured in his State Journal obituary. Beverly retired from the business after a year as a widow, with her two adult children becoming its owners and operators.

Great-grandson Robert Haddad Jr. ( ? - ? ) - He and Laurie Mannino ( ? - ? ), daughter of Joseph and Harriet Mannino of Lansing, tied the knot at Christ Methodist Church on April 23, 1983. The wedding was announced in the Lansing State Journal, which included Laurie's wedding portrait. At least four children were born to the couple. Circa 1988, they resided in Dimondale. At the tragic death of their father in 1988, Robert and his sister Kimberly took over the family business, Haddad's Gifts, and he often was quoted in shopping related stories in the State Journal. They moved one of the stores in 1997 from Logan Square to Cedar Street and Edgewood Boulevard. Having become consumed by the continuing pressures of business, at the age of 39, he decided in 2000 to close and sell three of the stores and accepted a position in a telephone services firm, while Kimberly continued to run the store in St. Johns.

Great-granddaughter Kimberly Haddad ( ? - ? ) - On Oct. 15, 1983, she was joined in wedlock with Michael Seibold ( ? - ? ), son of Jerry and Elaine Seibold, in a ceremony held at Emanuel First Lutheran Church. Kimberly was pictured in a wedding announcement in the Lansing State Journal. The Seibolds made a home in Dimondale in 1988. After her father died in 1988, Kimberly took over part of the operation of the family stores, with a focus on the store in St. Johns. She continued to run the St. Johns store after her brother decided in 2000 to close the other three locations. Kimberly and her brother were pictured in a related State Journal article, headlined "Haddad's to Close Lansing Stores."
Grandson Frank Michael Haddad (1935-2018) was born on Dec. 3, 1935 in Lansing. He joined the Michigan National Guard in young manhood and went onto a long career with the Grand Trunk Railroad. Frank entered into marriage with Marrain ( ? - ? ). Their two sons were Michael Haddad and Andrew Haddad. Socially, he belonged to the local lodge of the Moose. Said Frank's obituary, he "loved the 'ponies' and made frequent trips to the Kentucky Derby. He was also an unyielding Detroit Tiger and Lions fan, even when they were 'stinking it up.' Frank had a kibee recipe rivaled by few and loved Lebanese food to no ends. He was also a closet wordsmith. You did not dare go head to head with him in Scrabble or crossword puzzle because he would leave you eating dust." Sadly, Marrain was deceased by 2012. Frank outlived her by many years. He died at the age of 82 on May 2, 2018. Interment was in Deepdale Memorial Gardens, with funeral services conducted by Chaplain Steve Ezop.

Great-grandson Michael Haddad ( ? - ? ) married Dawn Medler, daughter of Gerald and Marlene Y. (McBryde) Medler. They bore a daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Haddad. Daughter Sarah is known to have competed in 1992 in the Miss Michigan American Princess Pageant and the Frontier Days Princess Pageant.

Great-grandson Andrew Earl Haddad ( ? - ? ) was a graduate of Sexton High School. He then attended Lansing Community College while employed by United Parcel Service. Circa 1998, at the age of 26, he was united in matrimony with 26-year-old Dawn Marie Ciciora ( ? - ? ). The Lansing State Journal announced their marriage license. Two known offspring of the pair were Joshua Frank Haddad and Cora Marie Haddad. By 2018, the pair had separated.
Grandson Raymond John Haddad (1937-2012) was born in 1937. He apparently did not marry nor did he reproduce. In young manhood he earned a living as a dental technician. His address was near Mt. Hope and Cedar Street. He studied the Bible, worked crossword puzzles, played handball and performed a host of yo-yo tricks for admiring nephews. Said a newspaper, Raymond was a "good man who love to read, walk and share whatever little he had with those in need. Ray also had a great voice and loved singing Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra songs. He was extremely talented doing impressions of James 'you dirty rat' Cagney, Richard 'I am not a crook' Nixon and others. Ray was an excellent cook and loved to make Lebanese food. He made the best fatayer, kibbee, and true malted milk shakes." He was a longtime member of St. Casimir Catholic Church. He passed away at the age of 74 on April 28, 2012. Rev. Fr. Bill Lugger led the funeral service. Burial was in Deepdale Cemetery.

Grandson Norman Joseph Haddad (1941-2011) was born on July 13, 1941 in Lansing. He wed Mary ( ? - ? ). The pair's three offspring were Shawne Haddad, Angela Haddad and Nathan Haddad. They lived in Lansing. Norman earned a living for decades as a production worker for the Swiss-owned pharmaceutical giant Ciba-Geigy. Norman passed away on May 20, 2011, His funeral was led by Pastor John Elieff at Mt. Hope Church.

Great-granddaughter Shawne Marie Haddad ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). Circa 1984, when she was age 23, she wed 26-year-old Robert Hazen Grundner ( ? - ? ). The family made a home on Reo Road in Lansing. Two known sons born to this union were Levi Joseph Grundner and Evan William Grundner. Shawne also has served as her sister Angela's legal custodian.

Great-granddaughter Angela Louise Haddad ( ? - ? ) has dwelled in Lansing and is the mother of Alicia Lynne Haddad. She was a companion of Tom Dean in 2011.

Great-grandson Nathan Haddad ( ? - ? ) was a companion of Michelle Billip circa 2011.
Grandson Frederick David Haddad ( ? - ? ) - On March 21, 1970, in a wedding held in Bethany Baptist Church in Lansing, he married Ruth Ann Jackson ( ? - ? ), daughter of Fred N. Jackson of 1731 Ray Street.

~ Daughter Annette "Nettie" (Musser) Metter Graham ~

Daughter Annette "Nettie" Musser (1875- ? ) was born on Jan. 13, 1875 in Montgomery Township,, Wood County, OH.

She spent her growing-up years in Montgomery Township. .

When she was about age 18, on April 23, 1893, she is believed to have entered into marriage with George H. Metter ( ? - ? ). Justice of the peace T.C. McEwen officiated.

One daughter is believed to have been borne into this marriage, Gladys Fay Barden.

The Metters' marriage did not endure, and they divorced. She made her home circa 1899-1900 in Portage Township.

Then on Jan. 18, 1900, she married again to 29-year-old Charles R. Graham (April 3, 1870-1915), a Portage Township resident and the son of W.F. and Martha A. (Jarvis) Graham. The nuptials took place in Wood County by the hand of justice of the peace W.A. Esterly of Six Points, OH. At the time of marriage, Charles earned a living as a rig builder.

The Grahams established a home in Portage Township, as shown in the 1900-1910 federal census enumerations. Charles occupation in 1900 was farming and in 1910 was as a oilfield laborer.

The pair produced a daughter, Kittie Marie Graham. Sadly, the child died on July 18, 1904, a few months shy of her fourth birthday. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Grief again enveloped Nettie when Charles died in Wood County on Dec. 9, 1915. The cause of his passing is not yet known. His remains were laid to rest in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Wayne, Wood County.

Nettie lived on for another three-plus decades. In 1920-1940, she resided in the farming household of her married daughter in Geneva, MI.

The angel of death swept her away in Geneva on June 16, 1949.

Daughter Gladys Fay Metter (1894-1994) was born in April 1894. She was a young girl when her parents divorced, and she was taken into the residence of her Musser grandparents. She remained in the Musser household as she grew into adulthood. She became a teacher and in 1916 was assigned to a school in Prairie Depot (today Wayne), Wood County. Two days before Christmas 1916, in a wedding held in Monroe, MI, Gladys at age 22 wed 28-year-old Vernon Friend "Vern" Barden (Aug. 29, 1888-1973), a farmer of Delta, OH and the son of Henry and (?) (Morrison) Barden. Officiating was Methodist Episcopal pastor Rev. F.A. Landrum. Together, Gladys and Vernon bore two offspring -- Fred Vernon Barden and Keitha Caroline Nurnberger. When required to register for the military draft in 1917, Vernon disclosed that they lived in Coleman, MI and that he was a self-employed farmer. The family made their home in 1920-1940 on a farm in Geneva, Midland County, MI and took in Gladys' widowed mother. They also housed hired farmhands and boarders in those years. Vernon retired from farming sometime during the 1940s as shown in the 1950 United States Census. Sadly, Vernon passed away in 1973. His remains were lowered under the sod of Warren Township Cemetery in Coleman, Midland County, MI. Gladys outlived her spouse by two-plus decades. She celebrated her 100th birthday in April 1994. Sadly, seven months later, she surrendered to the spirit of death on Nov. 12, 1994.

Grandson Fred Vernon Barden (1918-1997) was born in 1918 in Michigan. In nuptials held in Coleman, MI on Oct. 23, 1937, he was united in matrimony with Lillian Moore (July 15, 1920-2011), a native of Owosso, MI and the daughter of George and Cecelia (Hoffman) Moore. Their only child was Larry Barden. The family resided in Coleman, where for many years Fred and Lillian owned and managed the Coleman Hotel. Fred died in Coleman, MI at the age of 79 on Oct. 15, 1997. The remains were laid to rest in Warren Township Cemetery in Coleman. Lillian survived for another 14 years. She succumbed to the spectre of death at age 90 on May 1, 2011, in the MidMichigan Medical Center in Clare, MI. Rev. Caroline Hart officiated the funeral, with burial following in Warren Township Cemetery. Her obituary was printed in the Midland Daily News.

Great-grandson Larry Barden married Louise. Four known children in this family are Shelly Vanacker, Toni Dudley, Larry Barden Jr. and Barbara Beatty. They were in Coleman, MI in 2011.
Granddaughter Keitha Caroline Barden (1921-2021) was born on May 17, 1921 on the family farm in Geneva, Midland County, MI. She received a 10th grade education at the Geneva Township School. On April 20, 1941, when she was 19 years of age, she was joined in wedlock with George W. Nurnberger (Sept. 3, 1918-2000) of Coleman, MI. They were the parents of Fred V. Nurnberger and James David Nurnberger. The couple spent their entire lives as farmers near Coleman until retiring in 1970. For the subsequent 26 years, they spent their winter seasons in Florida. Keitha liked to craft afghans and present them as gifts to relatives, friends and neighbors. Sadly, George died on April 19, 2000, bringing to a close their marital union which had endured for 59 years less one day. As with her mother, Keitha lived to the age of 100 and marked the milestone birthday on May 17, 2021. But within two weeks, she passed away on May 31, 2021. Burial was in Warren Township Cemetery, with an obituary published in the Midland Daily News.

Great-grandson Fred V. Nurnberger wed Hazle. They have dwelled in DeWitt, MI.

Great-grandson James David Nurnberger married Lavonia Sayers, daughter of Edward M. and Barbara Jean (Kennedy) Sayers. Their residence for years was in rural Coleman, MI.