Descendants of William VanNess
Submitted by Charles Clemens
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Generation No. 1
1. William1 VanNess was born 07 Oct 1820 in Providence, Saratoga Co., NY, and died 27 Dec 1857 in Howard Twp., Cass Co., MI. He married Arietta Lee 28 Jan 1844 in Aurora, Erie Co., NY. She was born 05 Dec 1819 in Hudson, Columbia Co., NY, and died 11 Jul 1886 in Howard Twp., Cass Co., MI.
Notes for William VanNess: Farmer, Director of Niles Union School, Niles, MI 1856.
More About William VanNess: Residence: 1854, E. 1/2 of N.E. 1/4 of section 35, Twp 7S, R16W
Notes for Arietta Lee: In 1840 set type in the same newspaper office with Horace Greely at Lodi (Gowanda) NY.
Children of William VanNess and Arietta Lee are: + 2 i. William2 VanNess, born 20 Oct 1855 in Howard Twp. Cass Co., MI; died 15 Sep 1924 in Niles, Berrien Co., MI. + 3 ii. Carrie Leland VanNess, born 06 Dec 1857 in Cass Co., Michigan; died 22 Jan 1924 in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., IN. + 4 iii. Roderick L. VanNess, born 1845 in Howard Twp. Cass Co., MI; died 14 Nov 1889.
Generation No. 2
2. William2 VanNess (William1) was born 20 Oct 1855 in Howard Twp. Cass Co., MI, and died 15 Sep 1924 in Niles, Berrien Co., MI. He married Martha Ann Gerberich 14 Apr 1887 in Howard Twp. Cass Co., MI, daughter of David Gerberich and Catharine Miller. She was born 21 Sep 1862 in Howard Twp. Cass Co., MI, and died 02 Mar 1947 in Pawating Hosp., Cass Co., MI.
Notes for William VanNess: Lived in Niles, MI He farmed the land purchased by his father when he came to the area from NY in 1843. [history of the Gerberichs in America]
Notes for Martha Ann Gerberich: MRS WILLIAM VAN NESS
Mrs. Martha Ann Van Ness, aged 84, of 122 South Third street, Niles, who entered Pawating Hospital Sunday afternoon, died there at 10 40 pm Sunday. Services were conducted at the Kiger funeral home at 2 30 p m Wednesday by Rev T M Greenboe, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of which she was a member. Burial was in Edwardsburg, Mich. Miss Van Ness was a daughter of David Gerberich, a pioneer of Howard township, Cass county, and since the death of Charles Gerberich, a year ago, she was the last member of her family. She was born in Howard township Sept 21, 1862, and had spent her life in Niles and in Cass county. Her husband, William, died in 1924. Mrs. Van Ness is survived by two daughters, Miss Mary Van Ness and Mrs. Arthur Dodd, both of Niles, two grandsons, Lee Dodd of Niles and Lewis Dodd of Pokagon, and two great-grandsons.
More About Martha Ann Gerberich: Burial: Edwardsburg, MI
Children of William VanNess and Martha Gerberich are: + 5 i. Fannie Elizabeth3 VanNess, born 04 Jan 1895 in Howard Twp, Cass Co., MI. 6 ii. Mary VanNess, born 01 Dec 1890 in Howard Twp, Cass Co., MI.
More About Mary VanNess: Residence: 1947, Niles, Berrien Co., MI
3. Carrie Leland2 VanNess (William1) was born 06 Dec 1857 in Cass Co., Michigan, and died 22 Jan 1924 in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., IN. She married Franklin H. Clemens 12 Oct 1887 in Battle Creek, Calhoun Co., MI, son of Charles Clemens and Elizabeth Kocher. He was born 27 May 1855 in Granger, St.Joseph Co., IN, and died 23 Oct 1936 in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., IN.
Notes for Carrie Leland VanNess: Taught at "Shady Dell School" in Harris Twp. for a time
Obituary from the South Bend Tribune Tuesday 22 Jan 1924 "Mrs. Carrie Leland Clemens age 66, wife of Frank Clemens 116 E. Dayton Street, died suddenly this morning at 4:30 o'clock, death being due to heart disease. She was born in Cass Co. Michigan, Dec 6 1857, and came to this city from Granger, Ind. Seven years ago. Surviving are her husband whom she married in Battle Creek, Mich., two children, Charles W. Of Chicago, and Mrs. Robert B. Hill, of this city, and one brother, William Van Ness of Niles, Mich. Mrs. Clemens was a member of the Indiana Avenue Christian Church."
More About Carrie Leland VanNess: Burial: Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN
Notes for Franklin H. Clemens: Frank became owner of a major portion of John Kocher's farm, and worked as a farmer. He also worked for a time at the Oliver Farm Equip. Co. At about the age of 15 he played in the "Harris Prairie Cornet Band". He moved off the farm and into South Bend in 1918.
Obituary from the South Bend Tribune Friday 23 Oct 1936 "Frank H. Clemens age 81 of 815 East Dayton Street died at 5:30 o'clock this morning in the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Marietta Hill, with whom he made his home. He was born in Harris township, this county, May 27. 1855. and spent his entire life in this county He was a retired farmer and for some years was employed by the Oliver Farm Equipment company He was married in 1887 in Battle Creek, Mich. to Carrie L. Van Ness, who died in 1924. They came to South Bend in 1918. Surviving besides Mrs. Hill are a son, Charles W. Clemens; a grandson Charles W. Clemens Jr., both of South Bend, and a sister Mrs. Frank Ellsasser, of Mishawaka. The body will lie in the Charles W. Clemens home, 116 East Dayton Street, and the funeral will take place there at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon. Rev. H. R. Hosier, pastor of Indiana Avenue Christian Church, will officiate and burial will be in Highland cemetery. "
More About Franklin H. Clemens: Burial: Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN
Children of Carrie VanNess and Franklin Clemens are: + 7 i. Charles William3 Clemens, Sr., born 22 Nov 1891 in Granger, St.Joseph Co., IN; died 17 Oct 1970 in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., IN. 8 ii. Marietta Lee Clemens, born 29 Jan 1897 in Granger, St. Joseph Co., IN; died Feb 1985 in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., IN. She married Robert Burus Hill 04 Jun 1922 in South Bend, St.Joseph Co., IN; died 27 Sep 1971.
4. Roderick L.2 VanNess (William1) was born 1845 in Howard Twp. Cass Co., MI, and died 14 Nov 1889. He married Julia E. Gard 01 Oct 1876 in Cassopolis, Cass Co. MI, daughter of Newton Gard and Nancy Shaw. She was born 1852 in Volinia, Cass Co., MI.
Notes for Roderick L. VanNess: Former Treasurer of Cass Co.
Children of Roderick VanNess and Julia Gard are: + 9 i. Julie E.3 VanNess. + 10 ii. Newton G. VanNess, born 12 Jun 1885 in Howard Twp. Cass Co., MI; died 31 Aug 1941 in Bowling Green, OH.
Generation No. 3 5. Fannie Elizabeth3 VanNess (William2, William1) was born 04 Jan 1895 in Howard Twp, Cass Co., MI. She married Arthur Dodd 08 Dec 1914 in Wakelee, Cass Co., MI, son of Wesley Dodd and Minerva Snodgrass. He was born 18 Jan 1889 in Cass Co., MI, and died Aug 1971 in Niles, Berrien Co., MI.
More About Fannie Elizabeth VanNess: Residence: 1947, Niles, Berrien Co., MI
More About Arthur Dodd: Occupation: Machinist Social Security Number: 365-22-6287
Children of Fannie VanNess and Arthur Dodd are: 11 i. Lee William4 Dodd, born 26 Nov 1915; died 15 Aug 1994 in Niles, Berrien Co., MI.
More About Lee William Dodd: Social Security Number: 384-16-6616
12 ii. Lewis Dodd.
7. Charles William3 Clemens, Sr. (Carrie Leland2 VanNess, William1) was born 22 Nov 1891 in Granger, St.Joseph Co., IN, and died 17 Oct 1970 in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., IN. He married (1) Lola Dell Millbern 26 Jun 1920 in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., IN, daughter of Allen Millbern and Carrie Fesler. She was born 22 May 1891 in Mentone, Koskiusko Co., IN, and died 31 Oct 1934 in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., IN. He married (2) Bertha I. Arnold 01 Jul 1944 in South Bend, St. Joeseph Co., IN, daughter of Charles Arnold and Ida Harp. She was born 24 Feb 1899 in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., IN, and died 29 Dec 1981 in Cincinnati, OH.
Notes for Charles William Clemens, Sr.: Attended "South Bend (Central) High School" even though his home was in Granger. There he lettered and excelled in Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Track. Thus earning his scholarship to Lake Forest. Graduated from Lake Forrest Academy Where he was athletic director from 1913 to 1917. Enlisted in the Army Signal Corp/Air Corp in 1917. Shortly after his son was born Charles moved his family to Chicago where he had a job with Marshall Fields. They only stayed there a short time moving back to South Bend and into the home on Dayston Street with Charles's father Frank. Was in my humble opinion a truly great and wise man.
Obituary from the South Bend Tribune 18 Oct 1970 "Charles William Clemens Sr. 78, of 116 E. Dayton St., former director of athletics at Lake Forest Academy in Illinois died a 6:10 p.m. Saturday in Memorial Hospital after an illness of several months. He was born Nov 22, 1891, in Harris Twp. On June 26, 1920, in South Bend, he married Lola D. Millbern, who died Oct. 31, 1934. In July, 1944 in South Bend, he married Bertha Arnold who survives. He attended the old South Bend High School, and was graduated from Lake Forest Academy where he was athletic director from 1913 to 1917. He enlisted in the Army Air Force In December 1917, serving during World War I. He was a retired employee of George E. Burnett, Co. in South Bend, Also surviving are a son. Charles W. Jr. Of South Bend; a stepson, George E McLean of Cincinnati; two grandchildren, Dr. Charles W. Clemens III, an Intern at Memorial Hospital, and Miss Mary Ellen Clemens a student at Indiana University; three step grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Marietta Hill of South Bend. Friends. may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the Forest G. Hay and Son Funeral Home. Arrangements are incomplete." More About Charles William Clemens, Sr.: Burial: Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN Social Security Number: 312-03-0482
Notes for Lola Dell Millbern: Obituary from the South Bend Tribune Thursday 1 Nov 1934 "WOMAN ACTIVE IN CHURCH DIES Mrs. C. W. Clemens Headed Auxiliary of Aviation Club.
Mrs. Charles W. Clemens, aged 48. of 116 East Dayton Street, an active member of First Methodist Episcopal Church and of Parent Teacher groups, and president of the women's auxiliary of the St. Joseph Valley Aviation club, died in her home at 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. She had been ill three months. Born in Mentone, Ind., May 27, 1891 Mrs. Clemens lived here 20 years, coming from Columbus, 0. She was married in 1920 to Charles W. Clemens, who survives. She leaves also her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Millbern, of this city; a son, Charles W. Clemens, Jr., at home; two brothers, Harlan Millbern, of Kokomo, Ind., and Fesler Millbern, of South Bend, and three sisters, Opal, Gretchen and Dorothy Millbern, all of South Bend. The body will lie in the residence Friday and the funeral will take place there at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Rev. Gilbert S. Cox. D. D., pastor of First Methodist Episcopal Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the Highland mausoleum."
More About Lola Dell Millbern: Burial: Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN
Notes for Bertha I. Arnold: Obituary from South Bend Tribune Wed 30 Dec 1981 "Mrs. Bertha Clemens Services for Mrs. Bertha Clemens, 82, of Cincinnati, formerly of South Bend, who died at 4:05. am. Tuesday in Cincinnati were to be held in Cincinnati. A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Highland Cemetery Mausoleum. Burial will be in the Highland mausoleum. Mrs. Clemens was born on Feb. 24, 1899. in South Bend where she lived most of her life. She moved to Cincinnati in 1971. In June 1944 she. married Charles Clemens Sr. He died in November 1970. Surviving are a son, George McLean of Cincinnati: three grandsons, three great-grandchildren and a sister. Mrs. Helen Stegman of South Bend. She was a member of the First, United Methodist Church of South Bend."
More About Bertha I. Arnold: Burial: Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN Social Security Number: 312-03-1947
Child of Charles Clemens and Lola Millbern is: 13 i. Charles William4 Clemens, Jr., born 11 Nov 1921 in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., IN; died 26 Apr 1998 in South Bend, St. Joseph Co., IN. He married Mary Elizabeth Wolfram 21 Dec 1943 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX; born 25 May 1921 in Monterey, Pulaski Co., Ind.; died 02 Nov 1999 in South Bend, St.Joseph Co., IN.
Notes for Charles William Clemens, Jr.: Born Friday 11 Nov 1921 4:00 AM at Epworth Hospital South Bend, IN "Memorial Hospital of South Bend traces its roots back to 1894, when the Women's Home Missionary Societies of the Methodist Churches of South Bend founded Epworth Hospital and Training School. By 1901, the hospital had grown from three patient beds in a converted house to a 50-bed "modern" hospital - complete with a maternity room and an operating room - in the first building in South Bend designed specifically as a hospital.
The name officially changed in 1945 to Memorial Hospital of South Bend. Today, Memorial serves as a 526-bed regional referral center for cardiac, cancer, childbirth, emergency medicine and rehabilitation services."
Played Center on a prize winning football team for Riley HS, South Bend, IN. Pitched softball for the "Bendix Brakes" of South Bend 1940. Given athletic scholarship to Univ. of Illinois for football; but dropped it as his 140 lb frame was too light for a college center. Pitched softball in college as a semi pro to earn tuition. Served in both WWII and the Korean War as a Sergeant in the Air Force servicing electrical systems on B29 bombers. Received his bachelors degree in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois Worked as a designer at Aladdin Industries, first in Alexandria. IN, then Nashville, TN. Most of his design career was with "Good Design Associates" in South Bend, IN. He retired as sole remaining partner of that firm. His lifelong love was Magic. He performed as an amateur stage magician at every opportunity throughout his life; and always had a tabletop trick or two at hand, when out socially. He manufactured large stage illusions and small tricks as a hobby. He is featured at the American Museum of Magic in Marshall, Michigan.
Obituary from the South Bend Tribune 1 May 1998 "Charles W. Clemens Jr. Nov. 11, 1921 - April26, 1998 Charles W. Clemens; Jr., 76, of Martin Lane, South Bend, Ind., died following an illness at 6 a.m. on Sunday, April 26, in Regency Place of South Bend. Mr. Clemens was born on Nov. 11, 1921, In South Bend, to Charles W. and Lola (Millbern) Clemens, and was a lifetime area resident. On Dec. 21, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, he married Mary E. "Betty" Wolfram, who survives. He is also survived by a daughter, Mary E. Funkhouser of Bristol, Ind.; a son, Charles W. Clemens, III, of Carterville, IL.; and by three grandchildren, Kim Clemens and Matthew and Nicholas Funkhouser. Mr. Clemens retired as the owner of the Good Design Association after 30 years. He was a member of Elks Lodge No. 235 and the First United Methodist Church, both of South Bend, and was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday in the Welsheimer Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, with Dr. Ronald Harshman of First United Methodist officiating. Entombment will follow in Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Scholarship Fund or to the charity of donor's choice."
More About Charles William Clemens, Jr.: Burial: Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN Fact 1: Attended James Whitcomb Riley High School, South Bend, Ind. Fact 2: Batchelor of Art in Industrial Design From Univ. of Ill. Fact 3: First job of career at Alladin Ind. Alexandria, Ind. Fact 4: Retired from and retired the firm of Good Design Assoc. South Bend, Ind. Military service: Bet. 1942 - 1946, US Air Force Denver, CO Residence: Bet. Apr 1922 - 1923, 4267 Broadway, Chicago, IL
Notes for Mary Elizabeth Wolfram: Obituary from the South Bend Tribune 8 Nov 1999 "Mary E. Clemens May 25, 1921 Nov. 2, 1999 Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Clemens, 78, of Martin Lane, South Bend, Ind., died on Tuesday, Nov. 2, in her residence. She was born on May 25, 1921 in Monterey, Ind., to Ethel (Leiter) and Claude Wolfram. On Dec. 21, 1943 In San Antonio, Texas, she married Charles W. Clemens, Jr., who preceded her In death on April 26, 1998. She was also preceded in death by her parents and by her twin sister, Jean Quinn. Mrs. Clemens is survived by a daughter, Mary E. Funkhouser of Bristol, Ind.; a son, Charles W. Clemens III, M.D. of Carterville, Ill.; three grandchildren, Kim Clemens, Matthew and Nicholas Funkhouser; a sister, Nancy Logan of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and by a brother, Dwight Wygant of Los Gatos, Calif. Mrs. Clemens was a secretary for the South Bend Community School Corporation for 20 years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, South Bend, Tri Kappa and the Retired Secretaries Association. A memorial service for Mrs. Clemens will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, in the Welsheimer Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend, where the family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 8. Cremation will take place with entombment in Highland Mausoleum. The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Elks Scholarship Fund or to the American Lung Association, 319 South Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601."
More About Mary Elizabeth Wolfram: Burial: Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN Residence: 1999, 53449 Martin Ln, South Bend, IN
9. Julie E.3 VanNess (Roderick L.2, William1)
Child of Julie E. VanNess is: 14 i. Arietta4 VanNess, born 1887.
10. Newton G.3 VanNess (Roderick L.2, William1) was born 12 Jun 1885 in Howard Twp. Cass Co., MI, and died 31 Aug 1941 in Bowling Green, OH. He married Mary L. Crawford 19 Mar 1908 in Cassopolis, Cass Co. MI, daughter of George Crawford and Elizabeth Shingledecker. She was born 01 Dec 1883 in Cassopolis, Cass Co., MI, and died 16 Aug 1941 in Robinwood Hosp., Toledo, OH.
Notes for Newton G. VanNess: Newton G. VanNess, a native of this county and, for many years a resident of this village, died suddenly while sitting in a chair in his home in Bowling Green, OH, Sunday morning. His death followed only 15 days after the sudden and unexpected death of his wife. Mr. VanNess was graduated from Cassopolis High School with the class of 1903, after which he attended the University of Michigan for 2 years. For a time he was a clerk in the Cassopolis post office.
Notes for Mary L. Crawford: Mary Crawford, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Crawford of LaGrange Twp. was born in Cass Co. 1 Dec 1883. Her early life was spent on the Crawford farm northeast of town and in Cassopolis. She was married 19 Mar 1908 to Newton G. VanNess and they lived on the VanNess farm in Howard Twp. and in Cassopolis until 1924, when they moved to Bowling Green, OH.
More About Mary L. Crawford: Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Toledo, OH
Children of Newton VanNess and Mary Crawford are: 15 i. Roderick Lee4 VanNess. 16 ii. Jean VanNess.
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