Person:Mary Bender (4)

Branch County Marriages, Quarter ending December 31, 1886, Record number 221. Warren J. Sisson - Mary E. Bender. Age and residence of each: 23, Quincy Michigan - 20 Quincy, Michigan. Birthplace and occupation of each: Tecumseh, Michigan, Farmer - Ohio. (Names of father, maiden name of mother, times previously married are blank.) Date of marriage: November 24, 1886. Place of marriage: Quincy. Name and Official Title of Person by Whom Married: A.B.Nichols, Clergyman. Witnesses to Marriage: Phoebe Webster of Quincy and Electa Bender of Quincy.

Place of Birth: Branch County, Quincy Township. Full Name: Myrna Elenor Sisson, Female, Legitimate, born 14 August 1902. Father: Warren James Sisson, Residence: Quincy, Michgan, White, Age at last birthday: 49, Born: Adrian, Michigan, a farmer. Mother: Mary Elizabeth Bender, Residence: Quincy; white, Age last birthday: 36; Born: Hancock County, Ohio. Occupation: Housewife. NUMBER OF CHILD OF THIS MOTHER: 5. NUMBER OF CHILDREN NOW LIVING: 4. Recorded 11 July 1941

Mary E. Sisson, Born June 3, 1866 in Ohio. Passed away Dec 28, 1954 in Romulus, Michigan. Burial: Lakeview Cemetery, Quincy, Michigan

Warren J. Sisson, Born Thurs. June 9th, 1853 at Tecumseh, Lenawee County, Michigan.
Mary E. Sisson, Born June 3rd 1866 at Orange, Hnacock County, Ohio.
Loren John Sisson, Born 24 Nov. 1888 and on Saturday at Quincy, Branch County, Michigan.
Melfin James Sisson, Born Sat. May 19, 1894 at Allen Township, Hillsdale County, Michigan
Laverne Hubert Sisson, Born Thurs. Nov 14, 1900 in Quincy Township, Branch County, Michigan.
Myrna Eleanor Sisson, Born Thurs, Aug 14, 1902 in Quincy Township, Branch County, Michigan

1880 Census – Quincy, Branch County, Michigan
5 June 1880

Bender, Jacob, white male, age 50, head, married, occupation: farmer, born Germany, parents born Germany
Melissa, white female, age 48, wife, married, occupation: housekeeping, born New York, parents born New York

Franklin E., white male, age 22, son, single, farming, born Ohio.
Phebe C., white female, age 17, daughter, single, housekeeping, attended school, born Ohio
Mary E. white female, age 14, daughter, single, housekeeping, attended school, born Ohio
Electa A., white female, age 12, daughter, single, housekeeping, attended school, born Ohio
Ruby, white female, age 6, daughter, single, attended school, born Michigan

1870 Census – Algansee, Branch County, Michigan
25 July 1870

Bender, Jacob, age 40, white male, farmer, 1,400 real estate value, 390 personal estate, born Holland, parents of foreign birth.

Melissa, age 38, white female, keeping house, born New York,
Lucy, age 14, white female, at home, born Ohio, father of foreign birth.
Franklin, age 12, white male, at home, born Ohio, father of foreign birth.
Phoebe, age 7, white female, born Ohio
Mary, age 5, white female, born Ohio.
Electa, age 3, white female, born Ohio

Mary E. Sisson, Born June 3, 1866 in Ohio. Passed away Dec 28, 1954 in Romulus, Michigan. Burial: Lakeview Cemetery, Quincy, Michigan

Mary E. Sisson died 28 December 1954 in Romulus Township, Wayne County, Michigan -- at 14180 Wayne Road. She was widowed. Born June 3, 1866, died at age 88, occupation: housekeeping; born Ohio; Citizen of USA; Father: Jacob Bender. Mother: Melissa Van Orthwick Husband: Warren Sisson (deceased). Informant: Myrna E. Scheurich. Condition leading to death: Bronchopneumonia. Burial: December 30, 1954 in Lakeview Cemetery, Quincy, Branch Co. Michigan

The doctor said there was pneumonia, too. But at the end she just quit breathing and very quietly went.

Mary E. Sisson, 88, native of Quiincy, expires at home of daughter at Romulus.
Mrs. Mary E. Sisson, 8i8, former Quiincy resident, died Tuesday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Myrna Scheurich, at Romulus, folowing a long illness. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon from the Rawson Funeral Home. Burial was in lakeview Cemebery.
Mrs. Sisson was born 3 June 1866 in Ohio, the daughter of Jaqcob and Melissa (Van Orsdal) Bender. She was married to Warren Sisson here in Quincy in November 1886. Before her husband died in 1933, the couple, for reasons of his health, had spent many years in the northern part of Michigan and in twestern states. She had lived with her daughter several years.
Surviving, besides the daughter at whose home she died, are two sons, Leon (sic) and Melvin Sisson, both of Montana.

My father’s mother, was, as I recall, quite a tall woman, possibly 6 foot tall and very slim woman and quite a nervous person.

You asked what I remember of Grandmother Mary Sisson. Here goes. My first memory of Grandma Sisson was, she always had a sugar cookie ready for us if we stopped by her home near Rock Springs Mt. I remember Grandpa and Grandma coming to our home north of Miles City with horse and buggy. I'm sure they did not own an automobile.

Also when Grandpa Sisson passed away in 1933, I remember everyone was sad. I was 4 years old at that time. Shortly there after Grandma moved with Myrna and her family to Dearborn Mich. I knew it would be a long time before I would see her again.

Grandma always remembered us children with a new pair of hand knitted mittens for Christmas and a birthday card with a dollar bill in it.

After W.W.II started she would make the long train trip to Montana to visit each summer. I'm sure she would stop in Miles City both ways on those trips. Since Plains was the end of the line for her trip west. She tried to teach me to crochet but I guess my heart was not in it. She always had a ball of crochet thread pinned to her dress and a doily and hook in her pocket so if she had a few minutes she would be adding stitches. She made many beautiful doilies.

Grandma came to Plains and spent the winter with our family the first winter after our mother passed away. This was 1945-1946. I believe she went back to Mich. in May of 1946. This must have been very hard for her, taking care of house and 4 children at her age of 85years. She never came west again.

We would correspond regularly and I always enjoyed getting a letter form her. When she passed away in 1954, I was married 4 yrs. and had 2 little ones, so was unable to go with Dad to her funeral.

I remember her as strict, proud and not given to smiling a lot. She did not give hugs or kisses either. Like must have been very hard for the women who came west with their families to live on the barren prairies with the wind, dirt, heat, cold and very little social contact.

When my mother came to Montana to teach school she roomed and boarded with the Sissons and that is how she met Dad.

I hope this gives you some insight into your great grandmother. So nice to hear from you and about your family. Love Betty

You asked what I remember of Grandmother Mary Sisson. Here goes. My first memory of Grandma Sisson was, she always had a sugar cookie ready for us if we stopped by her home near Rock Springs Mt. I remember Grandpa and Grandma coming to our home north of Miles City with horse and buggy. I'm sure they did not own an automobile.

Also when Grandpa Sisson passed away in 1933, I remember everyone was sad. I was 4 years old at that time. Shortly there after Grandma moved with Myrna and her family to Dearborn Mich. I knew it would be a long time before I would see her again.

Grandma always remembered us children with a new pair of hand knitted mittens for Christmas and a birthday card with a dollar bill in it.

After W.W.II started she would make the long train trip to Montana to visit each summer. I'm sure she would stop in Miles City both ways on those trips. Since Plains was the end of the line for her trip west. She tried to teach me to crochet but I guess my heart was not in it. She always had a ball of crochet thread pinned to her dress and a doily and hook in her pocket so if she had a few minutes she would be adding stitches. She made many beautiful doilies.

Grandma came to Plains and spent the winter with our family the first winter after our mother passed away. This was 1945-1946. I believe she went back to Mich. in May of 1946. This must have been very hard for her, taking care of house and 4 children at her age of 85years. She never came west again.

We would correspond regularly and I always enjoyed getting a letter form her. When she passed away in 1954, I was married 4 yrs. and had 2 little ones, so was unable to go with Dad to her funeral.

I remember her as strict, proud and not given to smiling a lot. She did not give hugs or kisses either. Like must have been very hard for the women who came west with their families to live on the barren prairies with the wind, dirt, heat, cold and very little social contact.

When my mother came to Montana to teach school she roomed and boarded with the Sissons and that is how she met Dad.

I hope this gives you some insight into your great grandmother. So nice to hear from you and about your family. Love Betty

I think my grandmother made a lot of quilts and did knitting to fill in her time.

Mary Bender Sisson also had a stereoscope and several shoe boxes full of cards with pictures from all over the world. I used to sit on her front porch and look and those cards.

And, of course, another thing, I always used to like to go over and see grandma because she gave me those white sugar cookies. I remember they were probably about 3-4 inches in diameter, and they were always good and I always went over to get those sugar cookies.

You asked what I remember of Grandmother Mary Sisson. Here goes. My first memory of Grandma Sisson was, she always had a sugar cookie ready for us if we stopped by her home near Rock Springs Mt. I remember Grandpa and Grandma coming to our home north of Miles City with horse and buggy. I'm sure they did not own an automobile.

Also when Grandpa Sisson passed away in 1933, I remember everyone was sad. I was 4 years old at that time. Shortly there after Grandma moved with Myrna and her family to Dearborn Mich. I knew it would be a long time before I would see her again.

Grandma always remembered us children with a new pair of hand knitted mittens for Christmas and a birthday card with a dollar bill in it.

After W.W.II started she would make the long train trip to Montana to visit each summer. I'm sure she would stop in Miles City both ways on those trips. Since Plains was the end of the line for her trip west. She tried to teach me to crochet but I guess my heart was not in it. She always had a ball of crochet thread pinned to her dress and a doily and hook in her pocket so if she had a few minutes she would be adding stitches. She made many beautiful doilies.

Grandma came to Plains and spent the winter with our family the first winter after our mother passed away. This was 1945-1946. I believe she went back to Mich. in May of 1946. This must have been very hard for her, taking care of house and 4 children at her age of 85years. She never came west again.

We would correspond regularly and I always enjoyed getting a letter form her. When she passed away in 1954, I was married 4 yrs. and had 2 little ones, so was unable to go with Dad to her funeral.

I remember her as strict, proud and not given to smiling a lot. She did not give hugs or kisses either. Like must have been very hard for the women who came west with their families to live on the barren prairies with the wind, dirt, heat, cold and very little social contact.

When my mother came to Montana to teach school she roomed and boarded with the Sissons and that is how she met Dad.

I hope this gives you some insight into your great grandmother. So nice to hear from you and about your family. Love Betty

You asked what I remember of Grandmother Mary Sisson. Here goes. My first memory of Grandma Sisson was, she always had a sugar cookie ready for us if we stopped by her home near Rock Springs Mt. I remember Grandpa and Grandma coming to our home north of Miles City with horse and buggy. I'm sure they did not own an automobile.

Also when Grandpa Sisson passed away in 1933, I remember everyone was sad. I was 4 years old at that time. Shortly there after Grandma moved with Myrna and her family to Dearborn Mich. I knew it would be a long time before I would see her again.

Grandma always remembered us children with a new pair of hand knitted mittens for Christmas and a birthday card with a dollar bill in it.

After W.W.II started she would make the long train trip to Montana to visit each summer. I'm sure she would stop in Miles City both ways on those trips. Since Plains was the end of the line for her trip west. She tried to teach me to crochet but I guess my heart was not in it. She always had a ball of crochet thread pinned to her dress and a doily and hook in her pocket so if she had a few minutes she would be adding stitches. She made many beautiful doilies.

Grandma came to Plains and spent the winter with our family the first winter after our mother passed away. This was 1945-1946. I believe she went back to Mich. in May of 1946. This must have been very hard for her, taking care of house and 4 children at her age of 85years. She never came west again.

We would correspond regularly and I always enjoyed getting a letter form her. When she passed away in 1954, I was married 4 yrs. and had 2 little ones, so was unable to go with Dad to her funeral.

I remember her as strict, proud and not given to smiling a lot. She did not give hugs or kisses either. Like must have been very hard for the women who came west with their families to live on the barren prairies with the wind, dirt, heat, cold and very little social contact.

When my mother came to Montana to teach school she roomed and boarded with the Sissons and that is how she met Dad.

I hope this gives you some insight into your great grandmother. So nice to hear from you and about your family. Love Betty

You asked what I remember of Grandmother Mary Sisson. Here goes. My first memory of Grandma Sisson was, she always had a sugar cookie ready for us if we stopped by her home near Rock Springs Mt. I remember Grandpa and Grandma coming to our home north of Miles City with horse and buggy. I'm sure they did not own an automobile.

Also when Grandpa Sisson passed away in 1933, I remember everyone was sad. I was 4 years old at that time. Shortly there after Grandma moved with Myrna and her family to Dearborn Mich. I knew it would be a long time before I would see her again.

Grandma always remembered us children with a new pair of hand knitted mittens for Christmas and a birthday card with a dollar bill in it.

After W.W.II started she would make the long train trip to Montana to visit each summer. I'm sure she would stop in Miles City both ways on those trips. Since Plains was the end of the line for her trip west. She tried to teach me to crochet but I guess my heart was not in it. She always had a ball of crochet thread pinned to her dress and a doily and hook in her pocket so if she had a few minutes she would be adding stitches. She made many beautiful doilies.

Grandma came to Plains and spent the winter with our family the first winter after our mother passed away. This was 1945-1946. I believe she went back to Mich. in May of 1946. This must have been very hard for her, taking care of house and 4 children at her age of 85years. She never came west again.

We would correspond regularly and I always enjoyed getting a letter form her. When she passed away in 1954, I was married 4 yrs. and had 2 little ones, so was unable to go with Dad to her funeral.

I remember her as strict, proud and not given to smiling a lot. She did not give hugs or kisses either. Like must have been very hard for the women who came west with their families to live on the barren prairies with the wind, dirt, heat, cold and very little social contact.

When my mother came to Montana to teach school she roomed and boarded with the Sissons and that is how she met Dad.

I hope this gives you some insight into your great grandmother. So nice to hear from you and about your family. Love Betty

Grandma Bender (Melissa) named her children after a lot of those Phillipses and others of her ancestors. For instance: Melissa’s son, Hiram , who died as a baby, was named after Hiram Phillips; Lucy Idella after Lucy Phillips; Mary Elizabeth after Elizabeth VanOrsdal (Melissa's Mother) and Ruby Bender after one of Isaac's children and born on the same day as Ruby R.. Oct. 9. Electa Belle Bender Strang maybe was named after Belle Fey, a niece in Ohio. Phoebe Catherine after Melissa's sister, Phoebe. Phoebe Catherine was always known as Cassie

Jacob Bender was born October 11, 1829 and died January 5, 1920, aged 90 years, two months and 24 days. He was married to Melissa Van Orsdal, March 22, 1853. Mrs. Bender died February 21, 1903, they having been married 50 years lacking one month.

The moved from their residence in Lorain County to Hancock County, Ohio in 1864, where they resided four years.

They then moved to Algansee, Michigan where they resided until 1877, from thence they moved to their farm in northeast Quincy, where they have made their home 38 years, moving to Qunicy Village five years ago. Seven children were born to them, five of whom are now living. Frank Bender of Litchfield, Cassie Soper of Quincy, Mary Sisson of Rock Springs, Montana, Electa Strang and Ruby Ryan of Quincy, Michigan, besides fifteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Mr . Bender was a man of great vitality, having had very little sickness during his long life, and retained his mental faculties perfectly up to a few hours preceding his death.

The funeral services were held at the home on Jackson Street Wednesday afternoon., January 7, Rev. C. D. Page officiating with burial at Lakeview cemetery.

1870 Census – Algansee, Branch County, Michigan
25 July 1870

Bender, Jacob, age 40, white male, farmer, 1,400 real estate value, 390 personal estate, born Holland, parents of foreign birth.

Melissa, age 38, white female, keeping house, born New York,
Lucy, age 14, white female, at home, born Ohio, father of foreign birth.
Franklin, age 12, white male, at home, born Ohio, father of foreign birth.
Phoebe, age 7, white female, born Ohio
Mary, age 5, white female, born Ohio.
Electa, age 3, white female, born Ohio

Jacob Bender was born October 11, 1829 and died January 5, 1920, aged 90 years, two months and 24 days. He was married to Melissa Van Orsdal, March 22, 1853. Mrs. Bender died February 21, 1903, they having been married 50 years lacking one month.

The moved from their residence in Lorain County to Hancock County, Ohio in 1864, where they resided four years.

They then moved to Algansee, Michigan where they resided until 1877, from thence they moved to their farm in northeast Quincy, where they have made their home 38 years, moving to Qunicy Village five years ago. Seven children were born to them, five of whom are now living. Frank Bender of Litchfield, Cassie Soper of Quincy, Mary Sisson of Rock Springs, Montana, Electa Strang and Ruby Ryan of Quincy, Michigan, besides fifteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Mr . Bender was a man of great vitality, having had very little sickness during his long life, and retained his mental faculties perfectly up to a few hours preceding his death.

The funeral services were held at the home on Jackson Street Wednesday afternoon., January 7, Rev. C. D. Page officiating with burial at Lakeview cemetery.

Death of Lucy Idella Bender Poats

Mrs. Frank Poats of Algansee, was so terribly burned on Wednesday last by her clothing taking fire from a cook stove, that she died in about 12 hours from the time of the accident. She was the daughter of J. Bender, was 21 years of age, and had been married only about one year.


QUINCY ITEMS below:
Quincy, June 14, 1877
~~~A most distressing and fatal accident occurred in Algansee yesterday, some seven miles from here. Mrs. Lucy I. Poats, wife of Frank Poats, was at work about a cook stove, when she discovered that her clothing was on fire. She caught a quilt from the bed and tried to smother the fire by wrapping herself in it, but did not succeed in putting it out. Her husband, who was near, came to her help, but before the fire was extinguished it had burned off a large part of her clothing. From her waist down, and on both arms, the flesh was literally cooked. She lived some twelve hours afterward, when death relieved her sufferings. She had been married a little more than a year, and was in her 22nd year.

1880 Census – Quincy, Branch County, Michigan
5 June 1880

Bender, Jacob, white male, age 50, head, married, occupation: farmer, born Germany, parents born Germany
Melissa, white female, age 48, wife, married, occupation: housekeeping, born New York, parents born New York

Franklin E., white male, age 22, son, single, farming, born Ohio.
Phebe C., white female, age 17, daughter, single, housekeeping, attended school, born Ohio
Mary E. white female, age 14, daughter, single, housekeeping, attended school, born Ohio
Electa A., white female, age 12, daughter, single, housekeeping, attended school, born Ohio
Ruby, white female, age 6, daughter, single, attended school, born Michigan

Branch County Marriages, Quarter ending December 31, 1886, Record number 221. Warren J. Sisson - Mary E. Bender. Age and residence of each: 23, Quincy Michigan - 20 Quincy, Michigan. Birthplace and occupation of each: Tecumseh, Michigan, Farmer - Ohio. (Names of father, maiden name of mother, times previously married are blank.) Date of marriage: November 24, 1886. Place of marriage: Quincy. Name and Official Title of Person by Whom Married: A.B.Nichols, Clergyman. Witnesses to Marriage: Phoebe Webster of Quincy and Electa Bender of Quincy.

Copy of birth record of Loren J. Sisson. Born 24 November 1888, male, white, born Quincy, Michigan. Father: Warren J. Sisson, resides in Quincy, born Michigan, a laborer. Mother: Mary E. Sisson, born Ohio.

Place of Birth: County: Branch, Township: Quincy. Date of Birth: November 14, 1900; Name of child: Laverne Humbert Sisson, Male, White, Father: Warren J. Sisson, of Quincy, born Michigan, Occupation: Farmer; Mother: Mary E. Sisson, born Ohio. Dated 21 June 1901

County of Birth: Hillsdale, (but Recorded in Branch County) Allen Township, Born May 19, 1894. Name: Melvin J. Sisson, Male, White, Legitimate. Father: Warren Sisson of Butler Township, born Ohio, Occupation: Farmer. Mother: Mary E. Sisson of Butler, born Ohio. Date of Record: 4 May 1895

Place of Birth: County: Branch, Township: Quincy. Date of Birth: November 14, 1900; Name of child: Laverne Humbert Sisson, Male, White, Father: Warren J. Sisson, of Quincy, born Michigan, Occupation: Farmer; Mother: Mary E. Sisson, born Ohio. Dated 21 June 1901

Dorrance: ... The six-month-old baby of Mr. and mrs. Warren Sisson died Friday night of bowel trouble; the funeral was held Sunday at the home.

Place of Birth: Branch County, Quincy Township. Full Name: Myrna Elenor Sisson, Female, Legitimate, born 14 August 1902. Father: Warren James Sisson, Residence: Quincy, Michgan, White, Age at last birthday: 49, Born: Adrian, Michigan, a farmer. Mother: Mary Elizabeth Bender, Residence: Quincy; white, Age last birthday: 36; Born: Hancock County, Ohio. Occupation: Housewife. NUMBER OF CHILD OF THIS MOTHER: 5. NUMBER OF CHILDREN NOW LIVING: 4. Recorded 11 July 1941

Place of Birth: Branch County, Quincy Township. Full Name: Myrna Elenor Sisson, Female, Legitimate, born 14 August 1902. Father: Warren James Sisson, Residence: Quincy, Michgan, White, Age at last birthday: 49, Born: Adrian, Michigan, a farmer. Mother: Mary Elizabeth Bender, Residence: Quincy; white, Age last birthday: 36; Born: Hancock County, Ohio. Occupation: Housewife. NUMBER OF CHILD OF THIS MOTHER: 5. NUMBER OF CHILDREN NOW LIVING: 4. Recorded 11 July 1941

1910 Census for Quincy, Branch County, Michigan
28 April 1910
Enumeration District 20, sheet 5B

Sisson, Warren, head, white male, age 55, first marriage, married 23 years, born Michigan, father born New York, mother born New York, farmer.
Mary, wife, white female, age 43, first marriage, married 23 years. four children, three now living, born Ohio, father born Germany, mother born New York,

Melvin J., son, white male, age 15, single, born Michigan
Myrna, daughter, white female, age 7, single, born Michigan

Bender, Jacob, boarder, white male, age 80, widowed, born Germany, parents born Germany, occupation: illegible

Mary Sisson, wife of head of household.
She is a white female, age 53, and is married.
She can read and write.
She was born in Ohio, her father in Germany and her mother in New York.


Their native language was English (Even though her father was born in Germany.)
She speaks English and has ‘no’ occupation

Warren died in 1933, before Loren and Martha moved back to Wisconsin. Mary then moved to Michigan to live with her daughter, Myrna Scheurich. Loren probably inherited Warren’s land.

When Loren and Martha moved back to Miles City from Wisconsin, Mary visited them once.

You asked what I remember of Grandmother Mary Sisson. Here goes. My first memory of Grandma Sisson was, she always had a sugar cookie ready for us if we stopped by her home near Rock Springs Mt. I remember Grandpa and Grandma coming to our home north of Miles City with horse and buggy. I'm sure they did not own an automobile.

Also when Grandpa Sisson passed away in 1933, I remember everyone was sad. I was 4 years old at that time. Shortly there after Grandma moved with Myrna and her family to Dearborn Mich. I knew it would be a long time before I would see her again.

Grandma always remembered us children with a new pair of hand knitted mittens for Christmas and a birthday card with a dollar bill in it.

After W.W.II started she would make the long train trip to Montana to visit each summer. I'm sure she would stop in Miles City both ways on those trips. Since Plains was the end of the line for her trip west. She tried to teach me to crochet but I guess my heart was not in it. She always had a ball of crochet thread pinned to her dress and a doily and hook in her pocket so if she had a few minutes she would be adding stitches. She made many beautiful doilies.

Grandma came to Plains and spent the winter with our family the first winter after our mother passed away. This was 1945-1946. I believe she went back to Mich. in May of 1946. This must have been very hard for her, taking care of house and 4 children at her age of 85years. She never came west again.

We would correspond regularly and I always enjoyed getting a letter form her. When she passed away in 1954, I was married 4 yrs. and had 2 little ones, so was unable to go with Dad to her funeral.

I remember her as strict, proud and not given to smiling a lot. She did not give hugs or kisses either. Like must have been very hard for the women who came west with their families to live on the barren prairies with the wind, dirt, heat, cold and very little social contact.

When my mother came to Montana to teach school she roomed and boarded with the Sissons and that is how she met Dad.

I hope this gives you some insight into your great grandmother. So nice to hear from you and about your family. Love Betty

Warren died in 1933, before Loren and Martha moved back to Wisconsin. Mary then moved to Michigan to live with her daughter, Myrna Scheurich. Loren probably inherited Warren’s land.

When Loren and Martha moved back to Miles City from Wisconsin, Mary visited them once.

You asked what I remember of Grandmother Mary Sisson. Here goes. My first memory of Grandma Sisson was, she always had a sugar cookie ready for us if we stopped by her home near Rock Springs Mt. I remember Grandpa and Grandma coming to our home north of Miles City with horse and buggy. I'm sure they did not own an automobile.

Also when Grandpa Sisson passed away in 1933, I remember everyone was sad. I was 4 years old at that time. Shortly there after Grandma moved with Myrna and her family to Dearborn Mich. I knew it would be a long time before I would see her again.

Grandma always remembered us children with a new pair of hand knitted mittens for Christmas and a birthday card with a dollar bill in it.

After W.W.II started she would make the long train trip to Montana to visit each summer. I'm sure she would stop in Miles City both ways on those trips. Since Plains was the end of the line for her trip west. She tried to teach me to crochet but I guess my heart was not in it. She always had a ball of crochet thread pinned to her dress and a doily and hook in her pocket so if she had a few minutes she would be adding stitches. She made many beautiful doilies.

Grandma came to Plains and spent the winter with our family the first winter after our mother passed away. This was 1945-1946. I believe she went back to Mich. in May of 1946. This must have been very hard for her, taking care of house and 4 children at her age of 85years. She never came west again.

We would correspond regularly and I always enjoyed getting a letter form her. When she passed away in 1954, I was married 4 yrs. and had 2 little ones, so was unable to go with Dad to her funeral.

I remember her as strict, proud and not given to smiling a lot. She did not give hugs or kisses either. Like must have been very hard for the women who came west with their families to live on the barren prairies with the wind, dirt, heat, cold and very little social contact.

When my mother came to Montana to teach school she roomed and boarded with the Sissons and that is how she met Dad.

I hope this gives you some insight into your great grandmother. So nice to hear from you and about your family. Love Betty

"I wa taken with an awful lameness in my hips last week. I can hardly get u or down, in or out of a chair or walk."

You asked what I remember of Grandmother Mary Sisson. Here goes. My first memory of Grandma Sisson was, she always had a sugar cookie ready for us if we stopped by her home near Rock Springs Mt. I remember Grandpa and Grandma coming to our home north of Miles City with horse and buggy. I'm sure they did not own an automobile.

Also when Grandpa Sisson passed away in 1933, I remember everyone was sad. I was 4 years old at that time. Shortly there after Grandma moved with Myrna and her family to Dearborn Mich. I knew it would be a long time before I would see her again.

Grandma always remembered us children with a new pair of hand knitted mittens for Christmas and a birthday card with a dollar bill in it.

After W.W.II started she would make the long train trip to Montana to visit each summer. I'm sure she would stop in Miles City both ways on those trips. Since Plains was the end of the line for her trip west. She tried to teach me to crochet but I guess my heart was not in it. She always had a ball of crochet thread pinned to her dress and a doily and hook in her pocket so if she had a few minutes she would be adding stitches. She made many beautiful doilies.

Grandma came to Plains and spent the winter with our family the first winter after our mother passed away. This was 1945-1946. I believe she went back to Mich. in May of 1946. This must have been very hard for her, taking care of house and 4 children at her age of 85years. She never came west again.

We would correspond regularly and I always enjoyed getting a letter form her. When she passed away in 1954, I was married 4 yrs. and had 2 little ones, so was unable to go with Dad to her funeral.

I remember her as strict, proud and not given to smiling a lot. She did not give hugs or kisses either. Like must have been very hard for the women who came west with their families to live on the barren prairies with the wind, dirt, heat, cold and very little social contact.

When my mother came to Montana to teach school she roomed and boarded with the Sissons and that is how she met Dad.

I hope this gives you some insight into your great grandmother. So nice to hear from you and about your family. Love Betty

Electa Strang Dies in Quincy

QUINCY – Mrs. Electa Strang, 81, died today at her home in Quincy village. (Norma has written in 27 May)

Funeral services will be held Monday morning from the Diedrich funeral home, at 11 o’clock, with the Rev. W. L. Crothers having charge. Burial will be made in Lakeview cemetery. (May 30)

Survivors include three sons, Everett, Port Huron; Irvin, Quincy; and Arthur, Salt Lake City; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, and three sisters, Mrs. Ruby Ryan, Mrs. Cassie Kelsey, and Mrs. Mary Sisson, all from Quincy.

Mrs. Strang was born March 10, 1868, in Hancock county, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob and Melissa Van Orsdal Bender. She and George Strang were married 23 March 1892 in Quincy. Mr. Strang died a year ago.

Mrs. Strang was a life member of the Eastern Star chapter, and belonged to the Union church and Sunday School and the New Century club.


Services Held Monday for Electa B. Strang.

Eleta belle Strang, 81, of 90 East Chicago Street expired Friday, May 27 about 1:10 a.m. at her residence. Funeral services were held Monday, 11 a.m. from the Diedrich Funeral home with the Rev. William L. Cruthers officiating. Interment was in Lakeview cemetery.
Mrs. Strang had lived practically her entire life in Quincy and vicinity. She was a life member of Quincy Order of the Eastern Star and belonged to the Union Sunday school and the New Century club. She was born March 10, 1868 in Hancock county, Ohio, the daughter of Jacob and Melissa Van Orsdal Bender. George Strang, to whom she was married March 23, 1892 in this village, preceded her in death in June 1948.

Survivors include three children, Everett Strang of Port Huron; Irvin Strang of Quincy; and Arthur Strang of Salt Lake City, Utah; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Ruby Ryan, Mrs. Cassie Kelsey, and Mary Sisson, all of Quincy. A sister and two brothers preceded her in death.

Aunt Mary, of course, is the only one left and as she says, there's no guess – work now as to who is the last to go out of that generation. She will be 88 years old in June.

Mary E. Sisson, Born June 3, 1866 in Ohio. Passed away Dec 28, 1954 in Romulus, Michigan. Burial: Lakeview Cemetery, Quincy, Michigan

Mary E. Sisson died 28 December 1954 in Romulus Township, Wayne County, Michigan -- at 14180 Wayne Road. She was widowed. Born June 3, 1866, died at age 88, occupation: housekeeping; born Ohio; Citizen of USA; Father: Jacob Bender. Mother: Melissa Van O...... Husband: Warren Sisson (deceased). Informant: Myrna E. Scheurich. Condition leading to death: Bronchopneumonia. Burial: December 30, 1954 in Lakeview Cemetery, Quincy, Branch Co. Michigan

You asked what I remember of Grandmother Mary Sisson. Here goes. My first memory of Grandma Sisson was, she always had a sugar cookie ready for us if we stopped by her home near Rock Springs Mt. I remember Grandpa and Grandma coming to our home north of Miles City with horse and buggy. I'm sure they did not own an automobile.

Also when Grandpa Sisson passed away in 1933, I remember everyone was sad. I was 4 years old at that time. Shortly there after Grandma moved with Myrna and her family to Dearborn Mich. I knew it would be a long time before I would see her again.

Grandma always remembered us children with a new pair of hand knitted mittens for Christmas and a birthday card with a dollar bill in it.

After W.W.II started she would make the long train trip to Montana to visit each summer. I'm sure she would stop in Miles City both ways on those trips. Since Plains was the end of the line for her trip west. She tried to teach me to crochet but I guess my heart was not in it. She always had a ball of crochet thread pinned to her dress and a doily and hook in her pocket so if she had a few minutes she would be adding stitches. She made many beautiful doilies.

Grandma came to Plains and spent the winter with our family the first winter after our mother passed away. This was 1945-1946. I believe she went back to Mich. in May of 1946. This must have been very hard for her, taking care of house and 4 children at her age of 85years. She never came west again.

We would correspond regularly and I always enjoyed getting a letter form her. When she passed away in 1954, I was married 4 yrs. and had 2 little ones, so was unable to go with Dad to her funeral.

I remember her as strict, proud and not given to smiling a lot. She did not give hugs or kisses either. Like must have been very hard for the women who came west with their families to live on the barren prairies with the wind, dirt, heat, cold and very little social contact.

When my mother came to Montana to teach school she roomed and boarded with the Sissons and that is how she met Dad.

I hope this gives you some insight into your great grandmother. So nice to hear from you and about your family. Love Betty

Clifford has fond memories of his Grandma Mary Bender Sisson. Yes, he remembers the sugar cookies.
She loved President Roosevelt. She loved Arthur Godfrey, watched him on TV.
She played Solitaire all the time, and she would cheat! He would catch her cheating, and she’d reply, “Well, that’s the only way I can win!” He’d complain to his mom, Myrna, and she would say, “Just leave her be!”

“Grandma died on the farm.” (in Romulus) Clifford remembers when she died, he came downstairs and his mother was sitting by her bed crying. But his mom also realized it was for the best, because Mary had needed such continual care.