Ross Collection Obituaries From the MINING GAZETTE Surnames beginning with U-V Copyright © 1998, 1999 by Dick and June Ross. This copy contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives. USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. ____________________________________________________________ The following obituaries were all extracted from the MINING GAZETTE by Dick and June Ross and transcribed by various volunteers for the Houghton Co., MI USGenWeb Project. ____________________________________________________________ Publication: The Mining Gazette Obit Date: September 6, 1925 Decedent: JOHN ERIC UITTI Headline: John Uitti, of South Range, Dead The death of John Eric Uitti, of South Range occurred at the Hancock, Sunday evening at unreadable time) after a two month's illness. The deceased was taken with a stroke of paralysis about (unreadable) years ago but had recovered sufficiently to enable him to be around at his duties since then. The late Mr. Uitti was born in Finland and spent 42 years in the Copper Country, 20 years of that time being in South Range. He is survived by three sons, Isaac of Wolverine and Jacob and Sam of South Range. The funeral will take place Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock fast time. Burial will be at Calumet. Services will be conducted at the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran church, Pine street. Rev. Mattala, of South Range, will officiate. Interment will be in Lake View cemetery. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman-Hiltunen ------------------------------------------------ Publication: The Mining Gazette Obit Date: March 11, 1926 Decedent: MISS KATHARINE UREN Headline: Miss Katharine Uren, Well Known Copper Country Teacher, Dies Miss Katharine Uren, well known Copper Country school teacher, died Thursday morning Shirley after 9 o'clock at her home, 705 Elm street. Miss Uren suffered a nervous breakdown two years ago when she was compelled to give up her duties at Calumet, and was in poor health since. Miss Uren had a large circle of friends not only in this city but in the Calumet district, where she taught for many years. To them the news of her death came as a severe shock. Miss Uren was known as a capable teacher and occupied important positions in both Quincy and Calumet school systems. She was a devout member of the First Methodist church of this city, and was an active worker on its behalf. Surviving are the mother, Mrs. Vincent Uren; three sisters, Mrs. Lidle Brewer, and Mrs. J. E. Bettens of Hancock, and Mrs. Arthur Foster of Detroit, and a brother, Vincent, of Milwaukee. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock with services from the home. The Rev. Matt Mullen, pastor of the First Methodist church, will officiate and burial will be in the Forest Hill cemetery, Houghton. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman-Hiltunen ------------------------------------------------ Publication: Mining Gazette Date: September 17, 1927 Decedent: LOUIS VADNAIS Headline: Louis Vadnais, Pioneer Paradise Farmer, Passes Louis Vadnais, aged 76 years, pioneer Paradise farmer, died suddenly Saturday afternoon. He was on the way home from the field when he was stricken, and he died a short time afterwards. The late Mr. Vadnais was born in Canada and came to Chassell 65 years ago. Later he lived in Ripley for few years but for the past 45 years has made his home on a farm in Paradise. He is survived by the widow, two sons, Edward of Paradise and Emil of Chassell, and three daughters, Mrs. Edward Beauchage, Mrs. Joseph Courchaine, and Mrs. Alphonse Chaput, all of Paradise. Funeral services will be held from St. Ann's church/Chassell, at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning, the Rev. Fr. Peltier officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill cemetery. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman-Hiltunen tookiefk@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Publication: The Daily Mining Gazette Date: January 15, 1927 Decedent: Mrs. P.R. VANKEUREN Headline: Mrs. P.R. Van Keuren, Former Resident of Houghton, Succumbs Mrs. P. R. Van Keuren, aged 72, mother of Walter D. Van Keuren, treasurer of the Michigan College of Mines, passed away at her home in Whitehall, Mich., yesterday morning following a lengthy illness. She was a former resident of the Copper Country, having lived both in Houghton and Calumet. The late Mrs. Van Keuren lived in Calumet from 1907 to 1917, after which she moved to Houghton where she made her home until 1921 when she moved to Whitehall. She is survived by her husband and two sons, Walter D. Van Keuren, Houghton, and William W. Van Keruen, Chicago. She and Mr. Van Keuren celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on May 21, 1926. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman-Hiltunen tookiefk@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Publication: Mining Gazette Date: April 8, 1927 Descedant's Name: MRS. W. D. VAN KEUREN Obituary Headline: MRS. W. D. VAN KEUREN, ESTEEMED HOUGHTON RESIDENT, SUCCUMBS--Remains Will Be Shipped to Indiana for Burial. Mrs. Walter D. Van Keuren, aged 39 years, well known and highly respected Houghton matron, passed away at noon yesterday at St. Joseph's hospital, following an illness of several months. Although she had been in poor health since Christmas, her death was unexpected and was a severe shock to the family and a host of admiring friends. The deceased, who was the wife of Walter D. Van Keuren, treasurer of Michigan Tech, had been a resident of Houghton for the past 11 years. She was extremely popular among her friends and active in the social and civic life of the community. Mrs. Van Keuren was born on a farm in Indiana, where she spent her early life. She was educated in the schools of Indiana, coming to Michigan with her husband in 1916. She is survived by her husband, one small daughter, Martha Lee, three sisters, Mrs. Stanley Thomas, Jasonville, Indiana, Mrs. O. E. Travis, Bloomington, Ind., and Miss Helen Brinton, Clay City, Ind., two brothers, E. A. Brinton, Clay City, and Lee V. Brinton, Houston, Texas, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Brinton, Clay City. Her mother has been with her in Houghton for the past month. The remains were removed to the Krellwitz funeral parlors and will be shipped to Clay City, Ind., at 4:45 o'clock this afternoon. Mr. Van Keuren and Mrs. Brinton, the deceased's mother will accompany the body. Funeral services, arrangements for which are incomplete, will be held in Clay City. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman Hiltunen ------------------------------------------------ Publication: Mining Gazette Date: Sept. 20, 1926 Decedant's Name: Mathew C. VAN ORDEN Obituary Headline: Mathew Van Orden, Pioneer Resident, Is Taken By Death-Passes Away Friday Afternoon at His Home in Houghton After Brief Illness Mathew C. Van Orden, a resident of Houghton County since 1872, passed away at the family home on College Avenue yesterday afternoon at 4:15 o'clock after a brief illness. Mr. Van Orden had been ailing since the early part of July but has been confined to his home only the last three weeks. He would have been 82 years of age on October 28. Mr. Van Orden ws born in New York City in 1844, a son of William Van Orden, a carriage manufacturer at West Farm, Westchester County. He attended school in that city and came to Lake Superior in the early sixties and took a position at Eagle River in the general store of Joseph Paul & Co., of which his brother, William Van Orden, was a member. In 1856 he was made manager of the store. Mr. Van Orden was appointed assistant postmaster at Calumet in 1867. In 1872, he became supply clerk for the Calumet and Hecla Mining Co., holding that position six months when he came to Houghton and entered the insurance business then conducted by the late Judge Hubbell. The firm was organized as Van Orden & Co. . When Judge Hubbell went to Washington in 1873 as congressman from this district, he sold out his interests, since which time the firm has been Van Orden Bros. . In 1885, the late William Van Orden became a member of the firm coming from Eagle River. Mathew Van Orden was the treasurer of Houghton County. In 1875, Mr. Van Orden branched out into the manufacture of lime and in 1879 established the business of M. Van Orden Co., of which he was president and directing head up to within a few weeks of his death. The firm entered into the coal and building supply business and recently into the oil business. In the early days of the Peninsular Electric Light & Power Co., which preceded the Houghton County Electric Light Co., Mr. Van Orden was secretary and manager of the company. In 1898 he was made receiver of the of Winona mining properties. He secured options on the adjoining properties to the extent of 1,500 acres and then organized the Winona Copper Mining Co. . He also organized the Wyandotte Mining Co. . Mr. Van Orden is survived by his widow, four daughters and two sons. The daughters are Mrs. Percy S. Williams of Duluth and Mrs. Andre A. Formis of Chattanooga, Tenn., Mrs. Stanley H. McArthur of Birmingham, Ala., and Miss Edith at home. The sons are Frank L. and William C. of Houghton. A sister, Mrs. Frank B. Lyon of Calumet also sruvives. Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Fermis are expected here for the funeral. Mrs. McArthur is already in Houghton. The funeral will be held from the residence Monday afternoon with the Rev. Clark L. Attridge, rector of Trinity church, Episcopal, officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetary. Friends are kindly requested to omit flowers. Mathew C. Van Orden wsa one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Houghton, his happy and kindly disposition being an outstanding feature of a lovable personality. He had many friends throughout the district, to whom the news of his death came as a distinct shock, eliciting comments of sincere regret. Mr. Van Orden had a keen intellect, his mind retaining a clearness and strength which enabled him to continue his actively in supervision of business affairs up to the time of his fatal illness. He was one of the few remaining pioneers of the older school and his familiar figure and genial presence will be greatly missed by those with whom he came in daily contact. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman Hiltunen ------------------------------------------------ Publication: Mining Gazette Date: December 24, 1926 Decedant's Name: Mrs. Adelia VAN SLYKE Headline: Mother of Hancock Physician Dies at Advanced Age of 92 Mrs. Adelia Van Slyke, mother of Dr. W. H. Van Slyke, Hancock physician, died Friday morning at the apartment of her son in the First National Bank building. She had been ill three weeks. Mrs. Van Slyke was born in Warsaw, New York, on Dec. 18, 1834. She came to the Copper Country 30 years ago. She was well known in the Copper Country and had a large circle of friends who will learn of her death with regret. The funeral will be held Mondy afternoon at 2 o'clock from the apartment of her son. The Rev. F. J. Clifford, pastor of the First United Methodist church will officiate and burial will be in the Forest Hill, Houghton. Transcribed by Kathleen G. Jackman-Hiltunen ------------------------------------------------ Publication: Mining Gazette Date: March 19, 1928 Decedent: PIERRE VEINNE Headline: Pierre Veinne, Old Resident of Torch Lake District, Dies Pierre Veinne, a resident of this district for many years, died Monday at his home in Lake Linden after a lengthy illness. He was 77 years of age. Surviving are the widow and the following children: Mrs. Marie Louise Paquette, Arthur and Mederick of Lake Linden and Miss Maria of Detroit. The latter arrived in Lake Linden Monday. Mr. Veinne was a member of the St. Jean Baptiste society. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning, with services at 9 o'clock at St. Joseph's church. The pastor, the Rev. Fr. N. J. Raymond will officiate, and burial will be in Mount Calvary. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman Hiltunen ------------------------------------------------ Publication: The Daily Mining Gazette Date: June 8, 1924 Decedent: BASILLO VENTURINO Basillo Venturino Is Summoned Here Basillo Venturino, aged 75, died at his home on Calumet street early Saturday morning after an illness of two weeks. Mr. Venturino was born in Italy and came to this country when a young man. He was one of the first Italians to settle in the Copper Country and was a gold medal employee of the C. & H. Besides the widow the following children survive: Mrs. Dominic Nozero of Dodgeville, Bert and John Venturino of Flint, Mrs. Rolland Melon, of Iron River, Wis., Mrs. Frank Banard, of Flint and a step son, Savine Lisa, of Milwaukee. All of the children are expected home for the funeral which will be held from St. Mary's Italian church Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock with interment in Lake View. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman-Hiltunen tookiefk@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Publication: Mining Gazette Date: April 8, 1923 Decedant's Name: Louis Verrier FORMER RESIDENT PASSES-------Resident of Calumet for Quarter Century Passes in Detroit. Louis Verrier a resident of Calumet for 25 years died in Detroit yesterday. Mr. Verrier came here from Ontonagon aobut 25 years ago and continued his residence up till about a year ago when he moved his family to Detroit. The deceased was 73 years of age and is survived by his wife and the following children: Mrs. J. C. Overman, of Duluth, Mrs. A. T. Burns of Hancock, Mrs. Louis Gipp of Kenosha, Wisc., Mrs. Robert Werner, Jackson, Mich., Miss Ella Verrier of Hancock, Louis Verrier of Mass., John P. Verrier of Detroit, Walter and Joseph at home in Detroit. All of the children will be in attendance at the funeral, Mr.and Mrs. Louis Verrier, Jr., Ella, Lawrence, and Mrs. A. T. Burns left yesterday and the rest of the family will be there in time for the funeral which will be held in Detroit tomorrow. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman-Hiltunen ------------------------------------------------ Publication: The Daily Mining Gazette Date: Sept 6, 1926 Decedent: FRANK VERVILLE Frank Verville, Well Known Hancock Man, Summoned by Death The body of the late Frank Verville, aged 71, well known Copper Country resident, was found in his home in Water street, Hancock early last evening by relatives. It is believed he had died some time Monday night or Tuesday morning. While Mr. Verville had not been in good health for some time, his condition was not serious and his death came as a decided shock to his many friends. Mr. Verville had resided in this district for the past 33 years. For 12 years he was employed as engineer on the steamer Hebbard.. He later resided in Baltic, where he was employed as an engineer at the Baltic Mine. Mr. Verville also was employed in a similar capacity at the Hancock Mine, until the property was closed down. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Joseph Sylvester of Flint; Mrs. Longhill of Detroit and Mrs. Joseph Morin of Atlantic; three sons, Alphonse of Rockford, Ill., and Clifford and Fred of Detroit. Two sisters, Mrs. Joseph Rousseau of Milwaukee and Mrs. Arthur Bonneau of Houghton, and one brother, Victor of Iron River, also survive. The body will be removed from the Krellwitz funeral parlors to the home of Mrs. Morin in Atlantic. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman-Hiltunen tookiefk@aol.com ---------------------------------------------- Publication: Mining Gazette Date: February 7, 1928 Decedent: Mrs. Victoria VERVILLE Headline: FORMER HANCOCK RESIDENT PASSES AT IMPERIAL MINE Mrs. Victoria Verville, 73 years of age, died Tuesday at Imperial Mine, where she moved three years ago to make her home with her daughter, Mrs. Rochon. She was born in Canada and came to this country when a young woman, locating in Champion and later moving to Hancock. Surviving are the following children: Mrs. Thomas DeRochers of Hancock, Mrs Rochon of Imperial Mine, Mrs. Fred DesRochers of Champion, Leo of Flint and Louis and Joseph of Champion. Mrs. Verville was a devout member of St. Joseph's church and a member of the St. Ann's society. The body will arrive here this evening. It will be accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Fred DesRochers, who left for Imperial Mine Tuesday. The funeral arrangements are incomplete. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman-Hiltunen ------------------------------------------------ Publication: The Daily Mining Gazette Date: Nov. 1, 1925 Decedent: FRANK VIAU Headline: Frank Viau, Former Calumet Resident, Passes in Detroit Word has been received here of the death in Detroit Sunday of Frank Viau, aged 67, former Calumet pioneer, at the home of his son Albert. Mr. Viau was born in Canada and for 45 years made his home in Calumet. He left here three months ago for Detroit. He was an active member of the St. John the Baptiste society and the Catholic Order of Foresters. The deceased is survived by five sons, Joseph, of Cleveland and Albert, William, Lawrence and Ernest, of Detroit. A sister, Mrs. Lanetot, of Lake Linden, and four grandchildren also survive. The remains arrived here last night and were taken to the home of John Trudell, of Rockland street. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman-Hiltunen tookiefk@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ Publication: Mining Gazette Date: December 17, 1926 Decedant's Name: Mrs. Mary J. VINE Headline: Mrs. Mary J. Vine, Highly Respected Resident, Dies Mrs. Mary J. Vine, highly respected pioneer resident, died Friday morning at her home. She has been ill for two weeks with pneumonia. Mrs. Vine was born in Cornwall, England, on October 18, 1848, and came to Phoenix, Keweenaw County, on July 4, 1873. She moved to Lake Linden in October, 1887. Mrs. Vine was well known in the Torch Lake district and had many friends, who were shocked when they learned of her death. Surviving are the following children: William J., Edward H. and Mrs. Mathew Nicholls at home; Mrs. Benjamin S. Rothwell of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.; and Arthur J. Vine of Flint. All of the children were at her bedside when Mrs. Vine died. Seventeen grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive. Mrs. Vine was a devout member of the Lake Linden Methodist Church. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon with services at the residence. The Rev. Alvin G. Doten, pastor of the First Methodist church, will officiate and burial will be in Maple Hill. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman-Hiltunen ------------------------------------------------ Publication: Mining Gazette Date: none written Decedent: Captain Johnson VIVIAN CAPTAIN VIVIAN DEAD. Houghton County Loses One of Its Most Prominent and Wealthiest Citizens. Ill for a Number of Months, Wellknown Retired Mining Man and Capitalist Passes Away at the Age of Eighty. Captain Johnson Vivian, one of the most prominent and wealthiest citizens of the copper country, passed away late last night after an extended illness. He was aged eighty years. Captain Vivian had been ailing for six months or more, but latterly had been well enough to be out of doors. He went for a drive Tuesday, and on returning to his home at East Houghton was seized with a recurrent attack of illness, from which he failed to rally. He sank gradually until midnight last night, when he passed peacefully from this life. Captain Johnson Vivian was born in Cornwall, England, May 20, 1820, coming from a family long identified with mining interests. His father, grandfather, and three brothers were mine agents, the brothers going to different countries. He was a direct descendant of Sir Vyoll Vivian, who married Margaret, daughter of the Earl of Kildare, in 1295, and removed at that time from Normandy to England. One of the family, Sir Henry Huzzy Vivian, was with the Wellington from 1809 to 1815, serving in the Peninsular war, and being present at the battle of Waterloo. Captain Vivian began work about the mines of his native place when fourteen or fifteen years old and continued in that occupation in Cornwall until 1853, when he came to the United States. He located at Eagle Harbor, Keweenaw county, and worked in the Lake Superior copper district as a miner for one year. He was then appointed mining captain by Samuel W. Hills, serving as such until July, 1856, when he went to Copper Harbor, took charge of the Clark mine, operated by a French company, and remained there until Feb. 1, 1857. At this time Captain Vivian returned to the Copper Falls mine and took a tribute lease of the Hill vein, which he worked until Oct. 1859 when he assumed charge of the Phoenix mine as chief mining captain, continuing in that capacity until 1863. He was then appointed superintendent and served as such until Feb. 1, 1867, when he was appointed agent of the Hancock mine, where he remained until June, 1868, during which time the mine was worked at a profit. He then took charge as superindendent of Schoolcraft mine, erecting mining machinery and operated the property until it was conclusively demonstrated that the vein would not pay, the mine then being abandoned. In 1874 Mr. Vivian left the company's employment and was appointed agent of the Franklin and Pewabic, contiguous mines, which were in poor condition, having been worked at a disadvantage. Captain Vivian instituted needed reforms and the mines are today being successfully operated under the management of the Quincy Mining company. In February, 1880, in addition to his regular duties, he took charge of the Huron mine, lying just south of the Portage lake, where is now located the Isle Royale group together with the Concord and Mesnard mines, and the Tecumseh property, all three being worked at intervals until a few years ago, since which nothing has been done, except at the Tecumseh, which is now the La Salle, and operated by the Calumet & Hecla interests. Captain Vivian remained actively in mining until 1896, when he retired to private life. In 1892, he took up his residence on College avenue in East Houghton, where he resided up to his death. Captain Vivian was extensively interested in the mercantile business in Laurium and Osceola where the firm of J. Vivian, Jr., & Co., conducts large stores. He was one of the promoters of the Superior Savings Bank in Hancock, now the Superior National, a promoter and for years a director of the State Savings bank at Laurium, a promoter of the old Peninsular Electric Light & Power company of Houghton and a director and promoter of the Lake Superior Soap company. He was senior member of the firm of Vivian & Prince, which for twenty years conducted a very successful business, manufacturing safety fuse for blasting purposes. In every business in which he engaged Captain Vivian met with good fortune and prospered. The deceased was married to Elizabeth Simmons of Camborne, England. Six children were born to the couple-----two daughters and four sons, of whom the sons alone survive. Transcribed by Kathleen G. Jackman-Hiltunen ------------------------------------------------ Publication: The Daily Mining Gazette Date: April 24, 1924 Decedent: J. R. VIVIAN Headline: J. R. VIVIAIN, Pioneer Resident of Copper Country, Summoned. James R. Vivian, esteemed Copper Country resident, died Wednesday morning at his home on Front Street, Ripley. Although ailing for some time, Mr. Vivian's recent condition was not regarded as serious. He continued active and spent the greater part of Tuesday visiting with friends. Mr. Vivian was born in Cornwall and in 1848 came to the United States in 1869 locating at the Centennial mine. A short time later he moved to Franklin and 35 years ago took up his residence in Ripley. Mr. Vivian was employed by the various mines and smelters for 20 years. During recent years, however, he acted as a solicitor for various magazines and periodicals and enjoyed liberal patronage. He was married in 1876 at Franklin. Mr. Vivian was a charter member of the local court of the Foresters of America and was active in the affairs of the First Congregational church of Hancock, having served as a deacon for several years. He enjoyed a wide acquaintance in the Copper Country and the news of his death has come as a shock to his many friends. Surviving are his widow and three sons, John of Houghton, James of Crystal Falls and Stanley of Albuquerque, N. M. The funeral arrangemnents are incomplete. Transcribed by Kathleen Jackman-Hiltunen tookiefk@aol.com ------------------------------------------------ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Dick and June Ross. plh