Person:Johanan Willmore (1)

from A History of Jackson County, Michigan

Johanan Willmore grew to manhood on his father's farm in Waterloo Township. A common school education was all that was accorded him, but, coupled with much native ability and many sterling qualities, it sufficed to make him very successful in all that he undertook. Some time after attaining his majority he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Barker and soon thereafter they took up residence on what is known as the Derby farm in Stockbridge Township, Ingham County. They remained there two years, when he was invited by his father to return to Waterloo Township and take charge of the old home farm. There the family lived until 1885, when they moved to Stockbridge and Mr. Willmore engaged in the mercantile business. He purchased a stock of clothing and gent's furnishing goods and soon enjoyed a most prosperous trade. He continued in that business until 1899, having a store in the city of Jackson five years of that time, when he retired, since when he and his wife have made their home in Stockbridge. Both are members of the Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican and served two terms on the board of supervisors when he resided in Ingham County. He was also president of the village board of Stockbridge. Although taking an active part in politics the greater part of his life, he was too much engrossed in his own private affairs to care for public position. He is a Royal Arch Mason and takes much interest in the affairs of the fraternity. Mr. and Mrs. Willmore are the parents of five children, viz: Nellie, William T., Charles, Sylvia and Minnie. The two younger daughters still reside with their parents; Charles died at the age of two years; William is the subject of this sketch; and Nellie is the wife of Dr. Bert Green, a dentist of Stockbridge, and they are the parents of two children. Each was favored with a good education and the girls are all accomplished in music.

from Waterloo County History

Johanan Charles Willmore, farmer, was born in Schulykill County, Pennsylvania April 22,1848, the son of Thomas and Ellen Willmore of England (father) and Ireland (mother). They came to Waterloo County, Michigan in 1850, first located on 90 acres land, now own 348 acres. Married Eliza Barker, born in Washtenaw County, Michigan, 1855, daughter of William and Eliza Barker. Their children are Nellie and Willie. Politically, Mr. Willmore is a Republican.

In 1896, J.C. was Stockbridge Village Treasurer.

From Letters of Daniel Alonzo Nash

[Early 1850's in the wilderness in Michigan] It was before shoes, cloaks, and overcoats came into use. Cowhide shoes and boots were the only kind to be had, and shawls and home-made clothing that mother made.

The winter meant hard work, to chop ten or fifteen acres of heavy timber ready to burn - log and fence during the summer and fall season. Time rolled along and hard labor kept apace. But what was the difference as long as we were happy and full of contentment - plenty of wild duck in the forest, deer , turkey, and smaller game in plenty.

Obituary from The Stockbridge Brief, 28 Sep 1905

Willmore, J.C. A Good Man Gone J.C. Willmore, son of Thomas and Ellen Willmore, was born in Sckykill Co., Pennsylvania, of English parents, April 22, 1848. They came to Waterloo in 1850 and located on a farm. He received his education in our common schools and married in 1872, Miss Eliza H. Barker.

In all his varied employments, as farmer, merchant, and in his public official duties, he ever exhibited the characteristics of a true manhood, and has gone to his reward, a highly honored and respected citizen.

He leaves a widow, four children, five sisters and friends to mourn their loss.

In the death of Mr. Willmore Stockbridge has lost one of her best citizens, one who always had the interest of his home town at heart. He has served his township as supervisor and treasurer and president of the village with credit to himself and the people he represented.

Those from out of town to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. M.I. Fisher, Mrs. Sarah Kline and daughter, Eva, William Daniels and Mrs. Elizabeth Nims of Jackson; and Mrs. George Judson of Leslie; Mr. and Mrs. George Case of Locke; Dr. L.C. Williams of Cheboygan; I.J. Kellogg, W.C. Nichols of Mason; Rev. and Mrs. S.S. Chapin of St. John's; Frank Barber and two sons of Lansing.

The funeral services were held from the house Tuesday afternoon, Rev. S.S. Chapin of St. John's, officiating, and the remain laid to rest in Oak Lawn cemetery.

The Masonic order of which he was an honored member conducted the burial ceremonies.

Of those attending the funeral

Mr. and Mrs. M.I. Fisher - his sister Anna Mariah Mrs. Sarah Kline and daughter, Eva - another sister and niece William Daniels - presumably Ann Hawkins' husband Elizabeth Nims - resided in Jackson with her daughter Grace and son-in-law William S. Allen. They were neighbors of AB and Nellie Green. Mrs. George Judson - Sarah King, a Barker relation Mr. and Mrs. George Case - she was Cora Cushman, daughter of Julia Bark Dr. L.C. Williams - unknown I.J. Kellogg - unknown W.C. Nichols - unknown Rev. and Mrs. S.S. Chapin - Seth Chapin officiated at the marriage of Johanan's daughter Nellie Frank Barber - if this was a typo, Frank could be a grandson of John and Susanna Barker.

From The Ingham County Democrat Thursday 28 Sep 1905

J.C. Willmore passed away at 6:20 p.m. last Saturday at his residence in Stockbridge, after a long illness, aged 51 years. Deceased was born in Pennsylvania, coming to Michigan with his father when a young boy. For some years he was engaged in business at Jackson, and about 15 years ago removed to Stockbridge. He was highly esteemed there and his loss of health has been a source of regret to his many friends. Deceased is survived by a wife and four children. The funeral was held at the residence in Stockbridge Tuesday at two o'clock.