MIBARRY-L Archives

From: Leslie Bagwell <>
Subject: Hughes/Cooper obits
Date: Wed, 05 Feb 2003 08:46:12 -0500

From The Prairieville Press March 13, 1908 and April
30, 1909




Homer Clinton Hughes was born March 2, 1829 in Erie Co., N.Y. He came
to Michigan in 1846 and settled on a farm in Gaines, Kent County, living
there until 1850 when he removed to Prairieville, living 45 years on the
old farm homestead, now occupied by his son Will; so dear to him was
this old home that he requested his son never to sell it while he was
alive, and when he was on his way to his last resting place he wished
them to stop a few minutes at this old home. The past few years his
home has been in Plainwell.

Decedent was married to Mary C. Cooper December 16, 1848, who has been a
loving helpmate to him for nearly 60 years and who is now left to mourn
the loss of a most loving and devoted husband. Five children were born
to this union: Byron of Plainwell, Will of Prairieville, two dying in
infancy and George their eldest son, who passed away Nov. 28, 1907, and
whose death was such a shock to his father that he never fully
recovered.

"Uncle Dick" as he was so familiarly known, was loved by all who knew
him; he was a friend to everyone. Few are gifted with his sympathetic
nature that went out to share itself unstintedly with those in joy or
sorrow.

He loved his children and grandchildren with a devotion almost sublime,
and a shadow over their lives is cast because they will miss his fond
and earnest care, and the sunshine of his face; but, not only will he be
missed by his family but by his nephews and nieces whom he so earnestly
loved as well as a large circle of friends.

he entered into rest March 5, 1908, surrounded by his loved ones.

A short service was held at the family home in Plainwell Saturday
afternoon, March 7, Rev. Laity officiating, and at the home of W. D.
Hughes Sunday afternoon, Rev L. O. Bostwick officiating. Mrs. R. W.
Richards and Mrs. C. Doolittle sang very sweetly, "Nearer my God to
Thee," and "Bury Me Near the Old Home." He was laid to rest in the
Prairieville Cemetery where loving hands had covered the snow and ice of
winter with the green and brightness of Spring, there to sleep until the
morning cometh and the shadows flee away.
We miss thee from thy place;
A shadow o'er our life is cast;
We miss the sunshine of thy face
We miss the kind and willing hand,
Thy fond and earnest care;
Our home is dark without thee,
We miss thee everywhere.


Mary Cooper was born Nov. 5, 1829 in Dutchess county N.Y. Decedent came
to Michigan in 1846 and settled on a farm in Gaines, Kent county, living
there until 1850, when she removed to Prairieville, living 45 years on
the old homestead, now occupied by her son, ill. The remaining years of
her life being spent in Plainwell.

She was united in marriage to Homer C Hughes December 16, 1848. Five
children were born to this union: Byron of Alamo, Will of Prairieville,
George, the eldest son, died Nov. 28, 1907; Homer C Hughes, the father,
passed away March 5, 1908, and now, the mother entered into rest, April
16, 1909, surrounded by her loved ones, at the age of 79 years, 5
months, and 11 days, thus making three deaths in this family circle in
less than 17 mos. She was a kind and loving mother, and will be greatly
missed, not only by her children and grandchildren, but by a large
circle of relatives and friends.

A brief service was held at the home in Plainwell, April 18 at 8:30 am,
Rev. Laity officiating, and at the home of her son Will, Rev. Bostwick
officiating. She was laid to rest next to her husband in Prairieville
cemetery, and thus,
The family chain is broken,
The golden clasp is gone--
No more to be united
Except around the Throne.

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• Hughes/Cooper obits by Leslie Bagwell <>