Notes:

From Bryan Cass:
Obituary from Cadillac Evening News:

Memorial By a friend.

The funeral of the late C.H. Cass was held at the family home on Copier Street Saturday at 2pm. The home and surroundings were inadequate to accomodate the large gathering of friends and neighbors and many remained in their cars. Rev. R.F. Strikler offered a fervent prayer and read a chapter from the Bible, selected by the family of the deceased. Rev. C.E. Zike, state evangelist of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, preached a sermon from the chapter read by the assistant pastor. At the conclusion of the sermon the Rev. Mr. Zike eulogized the kindness and courtesy that the deceased and family had bestowed on him during his pastorate in Cadillac and how, during his last visit to the home of the departed made a request for prayer by motion of his eyes and hands that had succumbed to almost helplessness. Mr. Cass sought no political honor or office, but worked incessantly for the welfare of himself and family. A man of honor, truth and integrity has left us. A husband of fidelity to his companion is gone. A father, indulgent and kind to his children, has passed away. A neighbor, honored and respected, has finished life's journey. "Count that day lost, whose low descending sun, points to thy life no worthy action done." That quotation was the motto embalmed in the life of the deceased and the many beautiful floral designs sent to the home of the departed were indicative of the estimation and extreme regard this man was accorded by the community and also were appropriate in symbolizing the pure and undefiled life of the deceased. His body was interred 19 Jun 1926 in Cadillac, Wexford, MI, Maple Hill Cemetery.(3519) Tombstone reads:

CASS

CHARLES H. 1858-1926

He married twice. He married Etta Bell Decker in Watkins, Schuyler, NY, 13 Mar 1878.(3520) Etta was born about 1861. (Additional notes for Etta Bell Decker(3521)) Little is known about Etta (also called "Ettie" in newspaper record of marriage), other than that she was married to Charles Henry Cass as shown on the 1880 census. Her maiden name was listed as "Decker" in the marriage record; however, I have not found any record of an Etta Decker alive in that area at that time. Her full name Etta Bell Longcoy was was written by her son Andrew on his Social Security application. This may be her name after her second marriage. She refers to someone named "den" in a letter below, so her husband could have been named Dennis Longcoy. I will do further research for an Etta Longcoy in Ithaca, NY.

Family members have cited that she may have been of Indian descent; she had dark hair and skin. This may account for her remaining a "family secret."

Here is a transcription of two letters written by Etta to her son Andrew Burdell "Dell" Cass and his family. Spelling and some grammar have been corrected for clarity: --------------------- 1927 February the 12th Ithaca N.Y.

My dear beloved ones, just a few lines this morning to all out there as I have felt as I was able to write you a few lines as I did not ever hear a word from you after you got home. Carrie, she wrote to Miles, but not to Pa or me. Tell Carrie not to tell Miles' son anything about me, what I have done or what I haven't done.

Well, I wish I had not come out there (warm weather). Just took the money and stayed here ... [page missing]

...on them and maybe I can get them out some place by that time. Don't forget to get it for me as soon as you get this letter, for they will sell them. I thought that you... [page missing]

...tell Carrie to write to me. Well, Dell, you sent den(?) and me 3 dollars to help me pay some storage on some things. I got here so they won't sell them. I can get along on them for about 3 months.

You got the money now, tell Carrie I'll write soon to her. Give my love. Best wishes to them all. This is from your mother, Etta.

---------------- 1924 Itha[ca] November the 29th My dear son Dell Boy, Just a few lines this morning. I am send[ing] this letter out to you, hoping you are well. And I am well for me, as I have been through the mill. I am not stout(?) as I was, but I am in hopes we can find some good business that will give us plenty of money without any more hard work, like we have been doing, and be happy all together. I am trying to get out there [as] soon as I can and see you all and live long to... -----------------

He married Marion Josephine Baker in NY, about 1889. Mame was born in Odessa, Schuyler, NY 17 Nov 1863.(3522) Mame(3523) was the daughter of William Harrison Baker and Antoinette Mann. Mame died 12 Jan 1929 in Cadillac, Wexford, MI, at 65 years of age.(3524) Died as a result of Aterio Schlerosis.

Her body was interred 4 May 1929 in Cadillac, Wexford, MI, Maple Hill Cemetery.(3525) Marion's nickname was "Mame". She followed the Wesleyan Methodist faith in Cadillac. She was an avid reader - lots of books all over the house. She raised Jean, the wife of Charles Henry Cass, Jr.

Charlie's will was probated in Cadillac, Wexford, MI, 1928.(3526) Some interesting things happened during probate... Kathleen L. Biss showed up from Geneva, NY and claimed part of Charles' estate. Her exact relationship to Charles is unknown, but she may have been a child of his wife Marion Baker either from a previous relationship or with Charles out of wedlock. Charles learned the shoemaker trade with Lyman Ballard in Watkins, NY. He owned a shoe repair shop in Sodus, NY and later on Mitchell St. in Cadillac, MI, where he worked most of his life. He moved from Sodus to Reed City, MI, then to Cadillac around 1898. He lived on Breemer St. in Cadillac in 1900, and later moved to 122 Copier St., where he lived the rest of his life.

It is possible that Charles Henry was named after his mother's brother, Charles H. COLLINS.

Charles married Etta Bell Decker on 13 Mar 1878 in Watkins, Schuyler Co., NY. Etta was born about 1861; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Andrew married Harriet Collins about 1857. Harriet (daughter of Elijah Collins and Mary A. Harnet) was born about 9 Sep 1837 in Steuben, NY; died on 9 Sep 1871. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From Bryan Cass:
Aaron was last known to have lived in Yuba county, CA. He may have died and been buried there, however, no evidence to support this has been found. Another possibility is that he "went to Canada" with his brother John, as has been suggested in Selkreg's book on Tompkins County.

He married Anna French before 1822. Aaron and Anna were first cousins, being children of Ruth Bull and Desire Bull, respectively. There were several first cousin marriages between these two families.

The marriage date of "before 1822" is just an estimate based on the birth date of their son Miles.

Anna was born in Otsego, NY Jan 1796. Anna(1254) was the daughter of Judge John French and Desire Bull. Anna died 18 Feb 1860 in Tioga, NY, at 64 years of age. Anna moved to town of Dix in 1842, according to 1855 NY State Census. She lived on Franklin St., Watkins Glen, NY.

He bought property in Orange, Steuben, NY, 13 Jul 1838.(1255) From French's 1860 NY Gazetteer:

Schuyler County: ORANGE was formed from Wayne, (Steuben Co) Feb 12, 1813, as "Jersey". It's name was changed Feb 20, 1836.

Orange later became part of Schuyler Co.

He bought property in Orange, Steuben, NY, 18 Nov 1839.(1256) He bought property in Orange, Steuben, NY, 23 Mar 1841.(1257) He bought property in Yuba County, CA, 19 Feb 1859.(1258) Text of deed:

"This indenture made the nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine Between Daniel Wellman of the County of Yuba in the State of California party of the first part and Aaron Cass party of the second part Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of five hundred dollars lawful money of the United States of America to him in hand paid by the said part of the second part at or before the ensealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has remissed released and quit claimed and by these presents does remiss release and quit claim unto the said party of second part all that certain piece or parcel of land lying and situate in the County aforesaid: and being the Southeast quarter of Section number twenty-two (22) in Township number fifteen (15) North of Range Number five (5) East containing one hundred & sixty acres Together with all and singular the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversion and reversions and remainder and remainders rents issues and profits thereof. And also all the estate right title interest property claim and demand whatsoever as well in law as in equity of the said party of the first part of in or to the above described premesis and every part and parcel thereof with the appurtenances. To have and to hold all and singular the above mentioned and described premesis together with the appurtenances unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever. In witness whereof the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. Daniel Wellman XXX Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of Wm Singer, State of California County of Yuba S.S. On this nineteenth day of February AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine before me Wm Singer a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Daniel Wellman to me personally known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same freely and voluntarily and for the uses and purpose therein mentioned. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official Seal the day and year first above written. Wm Singer XXX Justice of the Peace in and for Yuba County aforesaid. Received for record February 24 1859 at 2 OClock P.M. at request of T.P. Otis. Recorded Feb 25 1859 at 2 PM. WH McKersham Recorder By RR McKersham Deputy."

He sold property in Yuba County, CA, 19 Feb 1859.(1259) Text of deed:

"This indenture made the nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine Between Aaron Cass of the County of Yuba in the State of California party of the first part and Daniel Wellman of the same place party of the second part Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars lawful money of the United States of America to him in hand paid by the said part of the second part at or before the ensealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has remissed released and quit claimed and by these presents does remiss release and quit claim unto the said party of second part all that certain piece or parcel of land lying and situated in the County of Yuba State of California and being the Southwest quarter of Section twenty three (23) in Township fifteen (15) North of Range five (5) East containing one hundred & sixty acres. Together with all and singular the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversion and reversions and remainder and remainders rents issues and profits thereof. And also all the estate right title interest property claim and demand whatsoever as well in law as in equity of the said party of the first part of in or to the above described premesis and every part and parcel thereof with the appurtenances. To have and to hold all and singular the above mentioned and described premesis together with the appurtenances unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever. In witness whereof the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. Aaron Cass XXX Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of Wm Singer, State of California County of Yuba S.S. On this nineteenth day of February AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine before me Wm Singer Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Aaron Cass to me personally known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same freely and voluntarily and for the uses and purpose therein mentioned. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official Seal the day and year first above written. Wm Singer XXX Justice of the Peace in and for Yuba County aforesaid. Received for record February 24 1859 at 2 OClock P.M. at request of T.P. Otis. Recorded Feby 25 1859 at 4 PM. WH McKersham Recorder By RR McKersham Deputy."

He sold property in Yuba County, CA, 19 Feb 1859.(1260) Text of deed:

"This indenture made the nineteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine Between Aaron Cass of the County of Yuba in the State of California party of the first part and T.P. Otis and Wm H Knight of the same place and S.P. Kimball of San Francisco County State of California parties of the second part Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of eight hundred dollars lawful money of the United States of America to him in hand paid by the said parties of the second part at or before the ensealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has remissed released and quit claimed and by these presents does remiss release and quit claim unto the said parties of second part all that certain piece or parcel of land lying and situated in the County of Yuba aforesaid and being the Southeast quarter of Section number twenty two (22) in Township number fifteen (15) North of Range number five (5) East, containing one hundred and sixty acres. Together with all and singular the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversion and reversions and remainder and remainders rents issues and profits thereof. And also all the estate right title interest property claim and demand whatsoever as well in law as in equity of the said parties of the second part of in or to the above described premesis and every part and parcel thereof with the appurtenances. To have and to hold all and singular the above mentioned and described premesis together with the appurtenances unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever. In witness whereof the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. Aaron Cass XXX Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of Wm Singer, State of California County of Yuba S.S. On this nineteenth day of February AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine before me Wm Singer Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Aaron Cass to me personally known to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same freely and voluntarily and for the uses and purpose therein mentioned. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official Seal the day and year first above written. Wm Singer XXX Justice of the Peace in and for Yuba County aforesaid. Received for record February 24 1859 at 2 OClock P.M. at request of T.P. Otis. Recorded Feby 25 1859 at 4 PM. WH McKersham Recorder By RR McKersham Deputy." Aaron traveled to California before 1850 to join in the "gold rush." After settling first in Tuolumne County, CA, Aaron had apparently moved from there (probably to Yuba county) soon after the 1850 census, as he was not found in any local records at the Tuolumne County Genealogical Society - including the Miner's and Businessmen's Index, Pioneer Roster, Alley's Tuolumne County History, and the 1852 CA state census for Tuolumne County. Aaron was visited by at least one family member while in California, son George Whitman Cass, who shows up with him in the 1860 federal census of Yuba County, CA.

In Selkreg's book on Tompkins County (Landmarks of Tompkins County, NY by John H. Selkreg, 1894; D. Mason & Co., Publisher), Aaron is mentioned on page 283: "Aaron and John Cass went to Canada." So perhaps he moved from California after 1860 with his brother John to Canada. Further research is required to substantiate this.

Aaron married Anna French before 1822. Anna (daughter of Judge John French and Desire Bull) was born in Jan 1796 in Otsego, NY; died on 18 Feb 1860 in Tioga, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elijah + Mary A. Harnet. Mary and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]