Linsenmier, William Sr.

William Linsenmier Sr.
April 22, 1827-Nov. 19, 1908

William Linsenmiers

Early settler passes away

William Linsenmier Sr., died at the age of 82.

William Linsenmier Sr., of the best known farmers in these parts, died at his home, three miles northwest of town, Nov. 19, 1908, at 5:10 o’clock this morning.Death was due to Bright’s disease. Mr. Linsenmier was in his 82 year, and had resided in this county for upwards of half a century. He was one of honored pioneer settlers of the county and was familiar with the entire history of development of this part of the state.

The people of the present, enjoying the advantages which civilization has brought, cannot realize the conditions that confronted the pioneer settler, a half a century or more ago.  At the time that Mr. Linsenmier arrived he lived among the Indians, who still regarded this part of the state as their hunting ground.  But few white settlers had penetrated into this region to plant seeds of civilization here.  Mr. Linsenmier worked early and late to clear the land, which he brought under a highs rate of cultivation. He, like the other early settlers, burned up valuable timer, of which there was such a superabundance in the early days.

The deceased was born in Wurtenburg, German, April 22, 1827.  He came to America in 1852 and was married in 1957 to Fredericka Greiner.

Mr. Linsenmier is survived by a widow and eight children, the latter being John of Arkansas, Charles who resided north of Town, William who resides west of Town, Fred whose home is west of Buchanan, Henry who lived in the state of Washington, Christ who lived on the homestead, Albert of Mishawaka and Mrs. Daniel Nieb of Niles. The funeral will leaves the house at 1 o’clock and services will occur from the Evangelical Church, West Niles Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock, to be conducted by the pastor, Rev. D.O. Ruth assisted by Rev. E.J. Erye, presiding elder from Detroit. Internment at Silver Brook Cemetery.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown