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PAYTON H. GEASLER, SR.
Published in the Big Rapids Pioneer, May 15, 2001
BARRYTON - Payton H. Geasler, Sr., 98 of Barryton, passed away Sunday; May 13, 2001, at his home.
He was born June 22, 1902, in Essex Village in the Upper Peninsula to Joseph and Myrtle (Haight) Geasler. He married
Helen S. Kummerow on Aug. 31, 1923, in Grand Rapids. They made their home in Grand Rapids for many years. Pay ton was employed as a Tool and Die maker at AlloyTek in Grandville for more than 20 years. He retired in 1963. Following retirement, Payton and his wife Helen moved to their present home near Barryton.
He is survived by one son, Payton H. (Donna) Geasler, Jr., of Mecosta; five grandchildren, Rebecca (Brian) Potter of Cadillac, Ramona (Bill) Hancock of Big Rapids, Scot Geasler of Grand Rapids, Roxane Sellers of Lansing and Teresa Edwards of Augusta; two brothers, Raymond Geasler of Lake and John (Barbara) Geasler of Canadian Lakes; three sisters, Maggie Boger of Lake, Jean Wilson of Hudsonville and Joan Geasler of Canadian Lakes; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Payton was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, of 73 years on Jan. 22, 1997; four brothers; and three sisters.
Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday; May 17, at the Daggett Funeral Home in Barryton with Pastor John Mellish officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday; May 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be at Flake cemetery in Barryton.
The Franklin County Times
December 25, 1909
IN MEMORY
Corridon Dexter Britton was born June 22, 1854, and departed this life November 17, 1909, aged 55 years, four months and 25 days. He was married
to Miss Rebecca C. Ezzell January 21, 1879. He joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Mountain Home in the 1882 under the pastorate of Rev. Rome Pickens, when the church was organized at that place. After he moved to Belgreen he joined the Methodist church at that place in August, 1908, yet he never changed his religious views. To this union was born ten children, all living but one little girl who proceeded him eight years ago to that beautiful home in heaven. All the children are in this country except the oldest son who lives in Oklahoma. Hearing his father was seriously sick he came home and spent two months with his afflicted father. Brother Britton was an honest hard working man, a good neighbor, a kind husband, a loving father, a good citizen. He will be badly missed in his community as well as in his home. His heart, his home and his purse were all open to all good people and worthy causes. His hospitality was full and abundant. His affliction was long and severe, yet he bore it all as only a true Christian can--without a murmur. He received all that kind and loving hands could do for him, together with all that skillful aid could bestow. He was an Odd Fellow and Woodman, in both of which he so demeaned himself so as to merit the highest respect of his brethren and country at large. This fact was prominent from the long procession and vast throng that attended his funeral and burial. I have known him near all of his life. I shall miss his kind and hearty welcome when I visit his pleasant yet sad home. May the rich blessings of God be poured out on his bereaved family and relatives. We hope to meet him again in the sweet bye and bye where afflictions and death are no more.
One of his many friends,
B. E. Finch.
The Franklin Times.
August 29, 1929. (abstracted)
Mr. L. C. Bendall
Confederate Veteran
Saturday, August 24, 1929, marked the passing of one of Franklin County's most highly respected Confederate veterans. He was nearing his eighty fifth birthday being eighty four years and nine months of age.
Mr. L. C. Bendall passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Fred Henley, where he was living at the time.
Funeral services were held, Sunday, August 25, 1929 at the First Baptist church by Rev. Davis of Mt. Hope. Interment was in the old cemetery, on Jackson street.
Mr. Bendall was a charter member of the Baptist church and was a Confederate soldier, serving through the war.
Mr. Bendall is survived by eight children, thirty-four grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren. All of his children were at his bedside when he passed. They are: J. A. Bendall, C. F. Bendall, C. E. Bendall of Russellville; B. H. Bendall, of Sheffield; Mrs. J. E. James, of Florence, Mrs. Louis Norton, of Attalla; Mrs. Joseph Holt, of Prospect, Ala., and Mrs. Fred Henley, of Russellville.
John W. Carter Died Suddenly
Wednesday afternoon our city was shocked by the sudden and unexpected death of City Tax Collector John W. Carter. Mr. Carter had been apparently in his usual health except for a day or two past he had suffered from neuralgia. Just before his death he was sitting in a chair at home when some friend started to rub his arm that had been giving him much pain, and almost instantly the pain went to Mr. Carter's heart and he was dead in a few moments.
The sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Carter will be sad news to his many friends throughout the county as he was a man held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. Beside being city tax collector he was also justice of the peace.
The deceased leaves a grief stricken wife and several grown children and a host of relatives and friends throughout the county to mourn his death.
The Franklin County Times
December 25, 1909
Alabama News:
Short Items Culled from our State
Exchanges of Important Happenings
of Past Week.
Lillian Bowden, the eight-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Bowden, who reside two miles north of Prattville, was so severely burned Saturday that she died five hours later. She and her oldest sister were standing by the fire in their home warming, when the skirt of the little one caught in flames.
Aunt Julia Asher, 106 years old, and by many years the oldest inhabitant of Lauderdale county, died at her home in Florence under very distressing circumstances. For many years she had lived alone, though almost perfectly helpless from old age. A colored woman, who looked after her, found a large hole burnt in the floor before the fireplace when she went there early in the morning. Not seeing the old woman she commenced a search and finally discovered her under the bed, unconscious, with her clothes almost burned off and a large burn on her back. She never regained consciousness and died at noon.
Eliza Ann Bolton Hooper
wife of James Welsey Hooper
On March 26, 1916, our church and community suffered an irreparable loss in the death of Mrs. Eliza Ann Hooper, nee Bolton, born March 12, 1845. She joined the church in early life, being one of the charter members of Belgreen church. On December 29, 1864, she was married
to Jas. W. Hooper, who preceded her to a home of rest, February 11, 1902. To them were born eight children, five of whom are left to mourn her departure.
In all of these children with whom we have become acquainted we find the principals inculcated by the mother, whose desire it was to see them walking in the way of truth and righteousness.
She was an untiring Christian found at her post of duty until she became too feeble. She was sick for several weeks during which time she never murmured seeming to desire to be as little care as possible.
Her life was one of devotion to her family and church. She was never happier than when serving others. To all we would say let's strive to follow the example set by Sister Hooper of love, kindness and patience and thus prepare to meet her in that land where no partings are.
(Hand written at the top of this original newspaper clipping are the words "Green County". There is no indication of the newspaper's name in which this obit was printed.)
The Franklin Times.
August 29, 1929. (abstracted)
J. T. Southgate Dies
Suddenly in Columbia
According to Chief of Police, H. C. Quillin who received this advice from his daughter, Mr. J. W. Noland, of Columbia, stating that Mr. J. T. Southgate, of Nashville, died suddenly at Columbia, Tenn., Monday afternoon at 5:30 o'clock.
Mrs. Noland's husband was employed by the same company with which Mr. Southgate was employed.
Mr. Southgate superintended paving construction last year in Russellville.
The Franklin County Times
December 25, 1909
Died at the Age of 115 Years in this City Saturday.
When old "aunty" Eliza Bell, a good ole time slave darkey, peacefully closed her eyes and passed into the great beyond Saturday morning at the home of her daughter in Reedtown, the southern suburb of our city, death came to the oldest person in Franklin county, she having passed her one hundred and fifteenth birthday several months ago according to the records in the Harris family to whom she belonged and was brought to Alabama one hundred years ago.
"Aunt" Eliza was born in Jamestown, Va., and at the age of fifteen years was sold to Jack Harris who brought her to Lawrence county. Mr. Harris paid $1, 800 for her as she was a very fine cook and extra good home servant.
She had been a member of the Baptist church for more than fifty years.
She was the grandmother of Tom James, principal of the negro city school, who gave the reporter these facts. He said the Messrs. Harris often told of them.
Until about six months ago she kept up and able to go around home and wait upon herself.
The Franklin Times.
August 29, 1929. (abstracted)
Claude Isbell
Killed in Auto Accident in Gadsden
Claude Isbell was killed when his car crashed into the rear of a street car in Gadsden, crushing his scull, breaking his arm in three places and a leg is two places.
Mr. Isbell, formerly of Russellville, was president of the City Council of Gadsden and owner and manager of furniture stores in Gadsden, East Gadsden and Attalla.
He was the son of J. W. Isbell and is survived by his widow, his mother, two brothers and four sisters.
Mourn Christiny Thompson
wife of Wiley Robertson Hester
On Tuesday mourning, November 16, 1920, Mrs. M. C. Hester calmly
passed away at the home of her son, W. A. Hester. She bore her last affliction with patience, which made it a pleasure to minister unto her. She was born March 4, 1845. Leaves a husband and eleven children to mourn her departure, all of whom still live.
In early womanhood she united with the Methodist church and remained a consistent member until the day of her death.
She loved her church and attended every service she was able to attend.
O, how sad it was to part with mother. She loved her children and was always doing what she could to bring them happiness. She cannot come back to us, but we can go to her if we live right here on earth. The effects of her influence and the fragrance of her memory will live forever.
One who loved her,
MRS. C. F. HESTER
Belgreen, Ala.
Mrs. Annie Wayne Funke, wife of John F. Funke, a well known and prominent business man of Tuscumbia, died Monday afternoon at the family residence, after an illness of several weeks from gastritis. She was born and reared in Tuscumbia, and was the only daughter of A. J. Wayne, deceased, a merchant of Tuscumbia many years ago.
Wiley Robertson Hester
Wiley R. Hester, Pioneer, Passes, Aged 85 Years
Copied from the Franklin County Times, Russellville, Alabama,
Dated: Thursday, August 29, 1929
Was last of his generation and was widely known and highly respected
Mr. Wiley R. Hester died Tuesday night, August 27, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. James Britton, at Belgreen. He had been ill some time and his death was not unexpected by his host of friends throughout Franklin county, of which he was an honored pioneer.
Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at Belgreen, conducted by the Methodist pastor, Rev. Bowen, and were largely attended by relatives and friends. Interment was in Belgreen cemetery.
Mr. Hester was the oldest member of the large Hester family in Franklin county, having celebrated his eighty-fifth birthday anniversary July 25. He was an upright citizen and enjoyed the respects and esteem of all who knew him. He reared eleven children, all of whom survive him. His wife died several years ago. His children are:
Mrs. Mollie King, Belgreen; Mrs. Ella Ezzell, near Pleasant Site; Ed Hester, Belgreen; Mrs. J. L. Sparks, near Frankfort; John Hester, Texas; Charles Hester, Belgreen; Walter Hester, Belgreen; G. Hester, near Boonville, Miss; Mrs. Dora Britton, Moorewood, Oklahoma; Herbert Hester, Spruce Pine; Mrs. Cora Britton, Belgreen.
Mr. Hester also is survived by over 100 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He served in the Confederate army, making a splendid record.
History of Hester Family
Mr. Marshall C. Hester, clerk of the circuit court, is a grandson of Mr. Hester, and he has kindly supplied The Times with a brief history of the Hester family of Franklin county, obtaining a large part of it from the 110-year-old Bible, which had been in the possession of his grandfather many years.
William (Buck) Hester was born January 27, 1780, and his wife, Amy Malone, was born March 17, 1789. They were married
October 18, 1805, in North Carolina, where they were born.
In the spring of 1818 Buck Hester and his oldest son, Roling Hester, came to Alabama and settled about four and one-half miles east of Russellville, built a log cabin, cleared a few acres of ground, made a little corn crop, and then in the fall of the same year they went back to North Carolina on their ox cart after the family.
Buck Hester and his wife had a family of eight boys and eight girls, to-wit:
Roling Hester, born January 23, 1807, married
Lucendy Richardson.
Nancy Hester, born October 11 1808, married
John Richardson.
John Hester, born July 16, 1810 married
Sarah Bowen.
Polly Hester, born July 24 1812; married
_________ Bourland.
Judy Hester, born June 13, 1814; married
Simeon Wates.
Salley Hester, born March 26, 1816; married
Linsey Moore.
Wm. H. Hester, Jr., born March 25, 1818, married
Milissia Lindsey.
Robt. B. Hester, Jr., born December 20, 1819; married
Sara and
__________ Williams (sisters).
Chesley B. Hester, born June 24, 1822; married
Salley Rickard.
Amy Pemie Hester, born January 12, 1824; married
Levi Rickard.
Sermirah Hester born December 8, 1825; married
Henry Rickard.
Pertheny Hester, born July 25, 1827; married
Juno. Pump Malone.
Huldah Hester, born March 31, 1829; married
Carioli Rickard.
Jackson Hester, born February 22, 1831; (not known if he married).
Hudson Hester, born September 5, 1833; married
Catherine Thorn.
Lucus N. Hester, born July 30, 1835; married
Martha Elledge.
Roling Hester’s Family
The following is the family of Roling Hester, the oldest son of Buck Hester:
Wm. Carroll Hester, born October 14, 1829; married
Jane Bolton.
John Chess Hester, born May 28, 1832; married
Mary Ann King.
James Goodloe Hester, born September 26, 1833; (never married).
Mary Ellender Hester, born August 22, 1838; married
Richard Green Malone.
Rolling B. Hester, born May 20, 1840; married
first, Welthy Malone;
second, Eva Malone; third ______Cantrell; fourth, Mahaley Stone.
Starling R. Hester, born August 9, 1842; married
Fannie Windom.
Wiley R. Hester, born July 25, 1844; married
Morn Christiny Thompson.
Nancy L. Hester, born September 26, 1846, married
Sidney King.
Robt. M. Hester, born August 26, 1848; married
first; Huldah Malone;
second, Mattie Warnick; third Susie Lee.
Wiley R. Hester’s Family
Mollie Joe Hester, born March 11, 1869; married
Wm. R. King.
Rebecca Luella Hester, born February 9, 1872, married
Garrison Ezzell.
Jas. Edward Hester, born September 21, 1872; married
Rebecca Sparks
Jeruther Alma Hester, born August 27, 1876; married
J. Lemuel Sparks
John Rolin Hester, born April 19, 1878, married
George Lowery.
Charlie Tartner Hester, born Nov-2, 1879; married
Annie Britton
Walter Alex Hester, born November 17, 1881, married
Jessie Hooper.
Wiley Gee Hester, born March 31, 188*, married
Alice Bolton.
Pobbie Eudora Hester, born August 12, 1886; married, Edgar Britton.
Wm. Herbert Hester, born June 13, 1889; married
Elizabeth Britton.
Cora Ethel Hester, born December 25, 1892; married
James Britton.
*Small hole in paper.
Mourn Christiny Thompson Hester
wife of Wiley Robertson Hester
On Tuesday mourning, November 16, 1920, Mrs. M. C. Hester calmly passed away at the home of her son, W. A. Hester. She bore her last affliction with patience, which made it a pleasure to minister unto her. She was born March 4, 1845. Leaves a husband and eleven children to mourn her departure, all of whom still live.
In early womanhood she united with the Methodist church and remained a consistent member until the day of her death.
She loved her church and attended every service she was able to attend.
O, how sad it was to part with mother. She loved her children and was always doing what she could to bring them happiness. She cannot come back to us, but we can go to her if we live right here on earth. The effects of her influence and the fragrance of her memory will live forever.
One who loved her,
MRS. C. F. HESTER
Belgreen, Ala.
Eliza Ann Bolton Hooper
Eliza Ann Bolton Hooper wife of James Welsey Hooper
On March 26, 1916, our church and community suffered an irreparable loss in the death of Mrs. Eliza Ann Hooper, nee Bolton, born March 12, 1845. She joined the church in early life, being one of the charter members of Belgreen church. On December 29, 1864, she was married
to Jas. W. Hooper, who preceded her to a home of rest, February 11, 1902. To them were born eight children, five of whom are left to mourn her departure.
In all of these children with whom we have become acquainted we find the principals inculcated by the mother, whose desire it was to see them walking in the way of truth and righteousness.
She was an untiring Christian found at her post of duty until she became too feeble. She was sick for several weeks during which time she never murmured seeming to desire to be as little care as possible.
Her life was one of devotion to her family and church. She was never happier than when serving others. To all we would say let's strive to follow the example set by Sister Hooper of love, kindness and patience and thus prepare to meet her in that land where no partings are.
