William S. Stoughton William S. Stoughton, of the firm of Hester & Stoughton, and an experience undertaker, embalmer and funeral director of Grand Rapids, was born on his father’s farm in the Buckeye state July 5, 1867, a son of Col. S. J. and Helen a. (Shannon) Stoughton. S. J. Stoughton, a successful lawyer in Ohio, at the breaking out of the Civil war recruited a company of men and entered the service as first lieutenant in the Forty-fourth Indiana volunteer infantry, and through his gallantry and meritorious conduct was promoted, step by step, until he attained the rank of colonel of the One Hundredth Indiana regiment, but his hard service so affected his rugged constitution that he was completely broken down, and he was eventually discharged, near the close of the conflict, his death taking place four years later. His widow is now living in Grand Rapids, Mich., and is the mother of two children—Clara A., wife of C. F. Parmalee, of this city, and William S., the subject of this biography. William S. Stoughton, two years after his father’s death, was taken to Canada by his mother, and there passed ten years, after which they went to North Dakota. His education has been somewhat neglected, as when seven years of age he was compelled to go seven miles to school, driving an old horse with his sister for a companion, but years later he had an opportunity of attending a business college in Minnesota. After working on a farm two years in North Dakota, Mr. Stoughton secured a position with an uncle, who was in the furniture business and undertaking business, and was experienced in his line. For four years he worked and studied hard and gained a thorough knowledge of the business in all its details, and for two years was a partner with his uncle. His health, however, began to fail, and a change became necessary, and he sought out-door work as a carpenter; through this means he regained his health and strength and some twelve years ago settled in Grand Rapids, where his skill with tools readily secured him steady employment. About 1896 he formed a partnership with Mr. Hester in his present line, and did a good business of about $12, 000 per year, at the corner of Fountain and Ionia streets, until its dissolution, June 20, 1898, Mr. Stoughton now being the sole proprietor. Mr. Stoughton was married in Grand Rapids, on the 16th day of October, 1895, to Miss Mina Lyon, of Kent county and one child blessed this union—Arthur Tracy. Mr. and Mrs. Stoughton attend the Congregational church, and in politics Mr. Stoughton is a republican. For four years he was a trustee of East Grand Rapids, and for four years also, was a member of the board of revision for the township. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and he and wife are among the most respected citizens of their neighborhood. Mr. Stoughton is a member of the North American, and owns two houses and lots adjacent to the city, besides other realty.