The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 22, 2022 — Page 7On September 18, 2022, Ralph
Briggs passed away unexpectedly, yet
peacefully in his home on the lake.
He is survived by his brother Jerry
and his five children, Shellie
McQueen, Michael, Carl, Benjamin,
and Nathan Briggs, eight grandchil-
dren, and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in passing by his
loving wife of 64 years Gladys Faye,
and his two grandsons, Bryan
McQueen, and Matthew Briggs.
Ralph was born in Battle Creek,
MI on July 3, 1938 to Howard and
Elva Briggs. Ralph grew up in a time
that was simpler, and an appreciation
for simple things was enough. Ralph
participated in football, and baseball
where he excelled as an athlete and
an active member of his small com-
munity of Hickory Corners.
Ralph’s plans to continue his educa-
tion and sports were in one moment
changed, when he met the love of his
life, Gladys Faye. Anyone who met
him has heard his “love at first sight”
story and how he beamed sharing the
introduction from a friend to the one
true love of his life “Faye”. There are
many other stories he loved to share
about his 14 years in the service
including time spent in Vietnam, Ger-
many, Okinawa, and teaching at the
engineering school in Ft. Benning
Georgia. The place and times would
change but with every story, there was
always the common theme of Gladys,
and family that truly was the center of
his purpose as well as the message of
love he was always so willing to share.
In his 84 years on earth, anyone
lucky enough to know him and get a
glimpse of his story, truly left know-
ing they had met a man who had truly
found the meaning of life and the
contentness that comes with being
humble as well as appreciative of
sharing life with those he loved. For
those who got closer, they were
shown the clear example of what
being a father, grandfather, friend,
and husband is supposed to look like.The years of walking to work multi-
ple jobs to feed his family, as well as
the way he never missed an event for
either his children and or grandchil-
dren. Ralph loved with a passion for
life that was both selfless as well as
committed to others, never wavering
for what he believed to be right to
him as well as what he thought was
right for you.
You set the bar high for us Pop,
and for that we are forever grateful
for the time we had! We will forever
be grateful for the example of how to
be Human and optimistic in the “Not
so Simple” time we are currently in.
I know if you had your way, you’d be
here to continue showing us the path,
but rest peacefully with Gladys. Your
work here is done, and you have hon-
orably left a proud legacy and exam-
ple of what being a Husband, Father,
Grandfather, son, and Friend should
look like
Ralph’s family will receive friends
on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022, 4 to 7 p.m.
at the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home
where his funeral service will be con-
ducted on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 at
9 a.m. Burial will take place in Mount
Hope Cemetery.
Please visit http://www.beelergoresfu-
neral.com to share a memory or to
leave a condolence message for
Ralph’s family.Ladies Foreign Missionary Society (part III)
Editor’s Note: The following series was
originally researched and written by Joyce F.
Weinbrecht in 1996 for the From Time to Time
column. This series chronicles the early days of
the Ladies Foreign Missionary Society in
Woodland. Weinbrecht used meeting minutes to
let readers get a feel for the Woodland of the
1870s.
Some of the women mentioned in this series
are referred to by their husbands’ names instead
of by their own individual names and identities.
It is unfortunate these ladies’ names have been
lost to the Banner archives, but their individual
impact has left a lasting impression on local
history.
Banner Jan. 2, 1997
On July 25, 1877, the ladies of the Methodist
Church of Woodland Centre organized a Ladies
Foreign Missionary Society. While most of the
members were associated with the Methodist
Episcopal Church, they accepted ladies who
belonged or were affiliated with other area
churches. Members were accepted by a vote of
the body. Apparently, some of the ladies just
dropped out without any formal recognition.
On March 10, 1880, a rule was made that if a
member wished to withdraw from the society,
they had to bring it before the society them-
selves, or send it in writing for a vote of accep-
tance from the membership.
One member who was regular and faithful to
the society was Celestia Cole St. John. She was
called “Aunt Celestia” by the children of the
area. Her husband, Joel St. John, owned and
operated the sawmill on Mud Creek, southwest
of Woodland in the Kilpatrick neighborhood.
Celestia was a schoolteacher and a writer. She
often wrote poetry and essays to be read at the
meetings. She also taught Sunday school most
of her life.
The society assembled at the home of Mrs.
Stinchcomb on Dec. 1, 1880. The committee on
delinquent members was discharged. The quilt
and the quilt blocks were to be brought to the
January 1881 meeting. A reading, “Light In the
Darkness” was read by Mrs. Stinchcomb.
The meeting was held at the M.E. Parsonage
on Jan. 5, 1881. The amount of the receipts at
the meeting was “nothing.” The quilt was to be
given to Mrs. Chatfield when it was done. The
quilt would be made into a comforter.
The meeting for Feb. 2, 1881, was held at
Mrs. Valentine’s home. The Constitution of the
Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society was read
by Mrs. H.D. Carpenter. The name of Mrs.
Emma Deria was accepted for membership.
There were 11 members present.
On March 2, 1881, the society met at the
residence of Mrs. A.P. Holly. There were 11
members present. The election of officers was
voted to be done by acclamation. A committee
was appointed to meet with the Baptist Com-
mittee about a public meeting. Harriet Holly,
Frances and Belle Stowell were appointed to
that committee.
On April 6. 1881, 10 members assembled at
the home of Mrs. N. Brown. Belle Stowell and
Mrs. Stinchcomb were appointed as delegates
to the district meeting. The committee for
arrangements of the district meeting was dis-
charged. Officers were elected as follows: Mrs.
A.P. Holly, president; Mrs. H.J. Stowell, vice
president; Mrs. Esther Jordan, recording secre-
tary; Eva Holly, corresponding secretary; and
Mrs. Belle Stowell, treasurer. A standing vote
of thanks was given (to) the recording secretary
for her services of the past four years.
Harriet Stowell Holly was married to Alan-
sen P. Holly, who was an engineer. He traveled
for the Holly Manufacturing Co. of Lockport,
N.Y. as an erecting engineer for the Holly Sys-
tem of Water Works. He installed plants in
Jackson, Adrian, Kalamazoo, Saginaw, Bay
City, Muskegon and other cities in Michigan as
well as other states.
The society met at the residence of Mrs. J.B.
Coville on May 4, 1881. There were eight mem-
bers present. Harriet Stowell presided at this
meeting. The minutes of the last meeting were
not accepted until they had been corrected. They
made a motion to have printed programs for this
meeting. The motion lost. No printed programs
for this meeting. Mrs. Brown read a letter from
Bulgaria. Mrs. Orwick read a piece entitled
“Father Weller and the Oregon Mission.” Sarah
King’s dues were remitted to her until August.
No reason for this action was given.
In June of 1881, the society met at the resi-
dence of Sarah King, with 11 members and
four visitors present. A reading entitled “Sand
Storm” was given by Frances Stowell and Mrs.
H. Brown, and a reading called “Rest” was
given by Mrs. Jesse Jordan. Dues were collect-
ed in the amount of 25 cents and 17 cents for
the mite box. A motion was made to have the
next meeting at the church. It was voted down.
They would meet at Belle Stowell’s home.
Mrs. Jesse (Esther) Jordan was married to
the man who supposedly was the first born
child in Woodland Township. At least he for
sure was the first boy child born there, on the
family farm in section four, of Woodland
Township. The contender for first born in
Woodland Township was Huldah Hager, who
was thought to have been born on May 14,
1838 while Jesse Jordan was born on Sept. 29- Jesse Jordan was a farmer on section 28.
He enlisted in the Civil War and send many
letters back to Michigan from the battlefields
describing the conditions there.
July 6, 1881 found the society assembled at
the residence of Belle Stowell. A total of $
was collected in dues, and 29 cents for the mite
box. Mrs. Ira Stowell read a piece entitled
“Woman’s Sphere of Action.” Eva Holly then
read, “A Rainy Day in China.” There were 10
members and four visitors present.
Aug. 3, 1881, found the group assembled at
the residence of Mrs. Henry Stowell. The trea-
surer’s report was referred to the auditing com-
mittee. This committee was Eva Holly and
Frances Stowell. Two new members joined,
Mrs. Anna Schantz and Mrs. J.W. Holmes.
Mrs. Stowell read “Silver Plate” and “A Meet-
ing in China.” Dues collected at this meeting
were $3 and 30 cents for the mite box. A
motion was made and carried to have the Sep-
tember meeting at the church and to invite area
societies to this meeting. Each society is to
furnish some reading matter for this meeting.
There were 12 members and four visitors.
Sept. 7, 1881, the meeting was held at the
church. Brother Orwick led the opening exer-
cises of this meeting. Dues collected were
$3.25. The first essay was by Almira Wheeler
and was on missionary work. Mrs. Lucy Bar-
num gave a reading entitled “Working For
Each Other.” Mrs. Keagle gave a reading on
missionary work. Celestia St. John then gave a
Bible reading in which all present participated.
Refreshments were served. Mite money of
$1.25 was received.
The society met at the parsonage on Oct. 5, - It was decided that the auditing commit-
tee report would be held over to the November
meeting. Eveline Stowell and Esther Jordan
were to be sent as delegates to the district meet-
ing to be held at Palo on the 18th of October.
An essay entitled “Work For Thee” was read.
The next reading, by Sister Orwick, was “A
Famine Cry.” The next piece was entitled
“Help those Women,” and was read by Miss
Sidal. A letter was read by Sister Orwick on
missionary work written by O.B. Hening. There
were eight members present. The group was to
meet in November at Mrs. Rising’s home.
The group didn’t meet at Rising’s in Novem-
ber, however. No reason was given for the
change. Instead, they assembled at the parson-
age for the second month in a row. The report
of the auditing committee was held over until
the December meeting. Dues collected were
$1.35. Eveline Stowell gave a report on the
District meeting which has been held at Palo.
Belle Stowell read “A Plea for a Missionary.”
“The Woman’s Work Among the Zelugans”
was read by Sister Orwick.
They did meet at the home of Mrs. G.W.
Rising on Dec. 6, 1881, with 10 members pres-
ent. The auditing committee report was held
over for another month. A total of $1 was col-
lected in dues. Mrs. Ira Stowell gave a reading
called “Women and the Bible.” “Stirring up
Gifts” was given by Eva Holly, and “Competi-
tion with an Idol” was read by Ellen Carpenter.Ellen Cooper Carpenter was often called Mrs.
Dr. Carpenter in the minutes of the meetings. She
was married to Dr. Henry C. Carpenter, who was
a homeopathic doctor, having attended the
Homeopathic College in Cleveland. He and his
sons Claude and George formed a partnership in
a hardware store in Lake Odessa. Claude bought
him out after a couple of years.
Ellen was the daughter of Israel Howell
Cooper, sister to Eva Cooper Holly, Cora Coo-
per Rowlader. Cora was the last of the 26 char-
ter members of the Woodland Methodist Epis-
copal Foreign Missionary Society, which had
been founded by Mrs. J. Roberts, the wife of
the Reverend J. Roberts.
On Jan. 4, 1882, the society met at the resi-
dence of Mrs. Carpenter. A reading was present-
ed by Mrs. James Jordan, entitled “True Liv-
ing.” “An Appeal to Young Women” was given
by Mrs. Carpenter, as well as one entitled “Indi-
vidual Responsibility.” There were nine mem-
bers present and three visitors. Dues collected
were 25 cents and for the mite box, 55 cents.
Mrs. A.P. Holly entertained the Woman’s
Foreign Missionary Society at her home on Feb.
1, 1882, with 12 members present. The auditing
committee gave its report and was discharged. It
was decided by a motion which carried that the
treasurer would give a report at each meeting of
the amount of money collected. Collected at this
meeting was “42.25 in dues and 20 cents for the
mite box. The March meeting was scheduled for
the home of Mrs. Ira Stowell.
Ira Stowell came to Woodland in 1858, set-
tling on section 17. He was a carpenter, and
helped build the schoolhouse in 1856 and the
town hall in 1858. He was supervisor and high-
way commissioner for Woodland Township for
many years. Desire Evaline Rising Stowell was
the daughter of Henry Jerome and Clarissa
Noble Rising.
The Ira Stowell home was the sight of theMarch 1, 1882 meeting of the society. The sec-
retary was absent, so no minutes were read.
Dues collected were $1.35. Sister Orwick was
paid 70 cents, no reason given. A reading enti-
tled, “For Love’s Sake” was read by Mrs. H.
Brown, and a second one entitled, “The Seal-
skin Hood” was done by Eva Holly. The Rev-
erend J.F. Orwick addressed the group.
April 5, 1882 found the society meeting at
the parsonage. The meeting opened in the usual
form. A total of $2.85 was collected in dues and
$1.62 for the mite box. Three new members
joined at this meeting. They were Mrs. A.J.
Carpenter, Mrs. I. Baughman and Mrs. William
Lee. Election of officers was held, with the
following person elected: president, Mrs. H.J.
Stowell; recording secretary, Mrs. Jesse Jordan
and Mrs. Ira Stowell were appointed as dele-
gates to the district meeting. A motion was
made that the newly elected president appointthe vice president. Resolutions were read by
Sister Orwick. A motion was made and carried
that the society adopt the resolutions. The trea-
surer was requested to give a quarterly report.
There was a memorial service in honor of Sis-
ter Hickmer, who had passed away. This was
conducted by Sister Orwick, Mrs. Haight,
Frances Stowell and Eva holly. There were 18
members and four visitors present.
On May 3, 1882, the society met at the home
of Eva Holly. A total of $1 was collected in
dues. The president appointed the following
officers: Mrs. Hellen Cooper, first vice presi-
dent; Mrs. Minerva Hough, second vice presi-
dent; Mrs. Eva Holly, committee of music;
Mrs. D.B. Coville and Mrs. Dr. Baughman,
Literary Committee. Mrs. H.C. Carpenter gave
the reading “Stone Hill Mission.” Mrs. St.
Johns gave a reading, “Questioning.” There
were eight members present and one visitor.
Mrs. David B. Coville was active in the com-
munity and the church. David B. Coville was
active in the Free and Accepted Masons. Mrs.
Coville was a charter member of the Woman’s
Foreign Missionary Society. The Covilles were
livery stable operators and hotel operators,
among other occupations.
In June of 1882, the society met at the home
of Mrs. D.B. Coville. Dues of $1.45 were col-
lected. Aunt Matilda Haight gave a reading
entitled, “Intelligent Giving for Missions.”
There was a reading by Mrs. Coville on Bible
work and a poem read by Mrs. H.C. Carpenter.
There were nine members present.
On July 5, 1882, the society met at the resi-
dence of Mrs. St. John. The Reverend J.F.
Orwick was in attendance at this meeting and
gave the opening prayer. There was one new
member, Mrs. Ruby Barber. There (were) 40
cents collected for the mite box and 20 cents in
dues. It was decided to pay $1 toward the Rulli-
son fund. (No explanation given as to what theRullison fund was.) “South Africa” was read by
Mrs. J.F. Orwick. Mrs. H.C. Carpenter contin-
ued with the reading on the same subject. There
were 12 members present and nine visitors.
Hellen Cooper opened her home to the soci-
ety on Aug. 2, 1882. A total of $1.80 was col-
lected in dues and mite money. There was a
motion made that the election of officers be
changed from April to October. There was also
a motion made and carried to hold a missionary
concert on August 25. Eva Holly and Hellen
Cooper were appointed to the auditing commit-
tee. Mrs. Carpenter, Mrs. Orwick and Mrs.
Holly gave readings at this meeting. There
were 10 members and three visitors present.
“Aunt” Matilda Ingerson Haight, daughter of
Ira Ingerson, wife of Johnathan Haight, one of
the three bachelors who settled Woodland, was an
early member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and a charter member of the Woman’s Fellowship
Missionary Society. Matilda Ingerson married
Johnathan Haight on Dec. 26, 1847. He had come
to the Woodland area as one of three bachelors
and was the last of the trio to marry.
Sept. 5, 1882, the society assembled at the
home of the H.C. Carpenters. Dues collected
were 55 cents and mite money was 29 cents. It
was decided by a vote that the society subscribe
to the paper entitled “Gospel in All Lands.” A
reading entitled “Vacation Is Over” was read by
Hellen Cooper. There were eight members and
one visitor present at this meeting.
Mrs. Baughman joined the society in 1882
when her husband Dr. John A. Baughman came
to Woodland to practice. He stayed in Wood-
land until 1890, when he moved his practice to
Hastings. They later returned to Woodland and
again practiced in Woodland until 1896. He
then moved to Alaska. Mrs. Baughman remained
a society member during her stay in Woodland.
The doctor was a graduate of Bellevue Medical
College, in New York City. He operated a drug-
store during his years in Woodland.
Oct. 11, 1882, the meeting was held at the home
of Mrs. Jesse Jordan. Mrs. Harriet Holly was nom-
inated to serve as delegate to the district meeting,
which was to be held in Lowell the last (week) of
October. Dues collected were $1.75. A reading by
Ruby Barnum was entitled “Left Undone.” “Mis-
sionary Revival” was read by Electa Cooper. Mrs.
Eva Holly also gave a reading.
On Nov. 7, 1882, the meeting was held at the
home of Mrs. C.C. Hough. The audit commit-
tee read its report and it was accepted. The
committee was discharged. Mrs. Colestalk and
Mrs. Vanderwalker were accepted as new
members. Dues collected were $2.14. Mite
money was 25 cents. Election of officers was
by acclamation, except for the president to be
elected by ballot. Eva Holly received the
majority of the votes and was declared to be the
president. Mary Lee gave the first reading,
entitled “Missionary Enthusiasm.” Eva Holly
read, “He Careth for Me.” There were 10 mem-
bers and three visitors present.
Mrs. A.J. Carpenter entertained the society
on Dec. 6, 1882. The meeting opened in regular
form. Collected was $1.01 for dues and 20
cents for the mite box. The first reading was
done by Eveline Stowell and was entitled “A
Great Revolution.” Mrs. A.P. Holly read a piece
entitled “Five Pennies.” The president, Eva
Holly, reported on the district meeting. Mary
Lee was appointed first vice president and A.P.
Holly was made second vice president. Mrs.
H.C. Carpenter gave some remarks on the work
of missionaries and temperance work. There
was a motion that the Ladies of Woodland meet
with the Baptist Society at Mrs. H.C. Carpen-
ter’s home to reorganize the W.C.T. Union
(Women’s Christian Temperance Union). There
were 10 members and three visitors present.
Mary Lee was married to William Lee, who
at one time owned the property where the Lee
schoolhouse stood. William Lee was a charter
member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and
was its first Senior Warden. Mar Lee was active
in the community and the church.
(To be continued...)Area Obituaries
Michael D. “Mike” Yarger, age
60, of Noblesville, IN, was taken
too soon and passed away sur-
rounded by his family on Thurs-
day, Sept. 15, 2022 at Community
Hospital North in Indianapolis. He
was born on June 26, 1962 in Hast-
ings, MI.
In his youth, Mike enjoyed
adventuring with his siblings,
hunting, playing baseball, and col-
lecting baseball cards. He was a
1980 graduate of Hastings High
School and received a bachelor’s
degree in business from Grand
Valley State University in 1984
where he met Sara. For over 20years, Mike worked as a manager
for Guide One Insurance.
He enjoyed working outside and
being in nature, and loved watch-
ing birds with Sara in their back-
yard. He loved to play with his
dog, Gracie, and walked her faith-
fully. Mike was an avid sports fan
and inherited his love for collect-
ing baseball cards and sports mem-
orabilia from his great grand-
mother.
From an early age, many of
Mike’s favorite memories revolved
around a multigenerational love
for the Detroit Tigers and the
Dodgers. Mike enjoyed coaching
his girls’ sporting teams over the
years and advocated for equal
opportunities in girls sports.
Mike was known to be fair in
everything he did. His helpful
ways, kind heart, and calming
presence in every situation made
him one in a million. His wise
counsel, patience, generosity, and
sense of humor were a gift to all
who knew him. Most of all, Mike
treasured his time with his family
through all of their life experienc-
es. He will be missed beyond mea-
sure.
He is survived by his wife of
nearly 37 years, Sara Yarger;
daughters, Emily Yarger andMelissa Yarger (fiancé Nick
Clapp); father, David (Alyce)
Yarger; mother, Patricia (Tom)
Chmiel; sisters, Kim (Craig)
Denny and Kelly Yoder; brother-
in-law, Jeff (Peggy) Brady; nieces,
Sarah Hayes, Rachael Hart, Sarah
Brady, and Lauren Brady; nephew,
Matthew Hayes; great-nieces,
Emma Morey and Alexa Morey;
and great-nephews, Drew Morey
and Carter Morey.
Mike was preceded in death by
his grandparents, Dennis and Win-
ifred Yarger and Ralph and Agnes
Andrews; his father-in-law and
mother-in-law, Robert and Lois
Brady; and his brother-in-law, Bill
Yoder.
A memorial service will be held
at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 26,
2022 at Randall and Roberts
Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield
Road, in Noblesville. Pastor Paul
Mumaw will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be
made to Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society-Indiana, PO Box 772389,
Detroit, MI 48277-2389 (www.lls.
org/donate); or Lupus Foundation
of America, 2121 K Street, NW,
Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037-
1830 (www.lupus.org).
Condolences: http://www.randallrob-
erts.comMichael D. YargerThis is a trick photograph of James Tyler pushing himself in a wheelbarrow. The
Methodist Episcopal Church can be seen in the background. He always joked about
it being a picture of James Tyler pushing Jimmy Tyler.Ralph Briggs