Elbert B. Teeple, eldest son of George and Samantha (Cook) Teeple, was born in Plymouth, Wayne county, Michigan, 25 March 1833, and died at Alaska, Kent county, Mich., 12 September, 1914, aged 81 years, 6 months.

In 1837, when a child of 4 years, he removed with his parents to this county, making the trip in the winter with an ox team and sleigh and bringing all of their possessions with them making their own road through the forest in many places.

They went at first to the home of his mother’s uncle, Lewis Cook, whose home was at that time the only house in Cascade township.

Soon after reaching their destination, his father purchased land on section 6 of Cascade and built the second house in the township, which stood until five years ago, when it was torn down.

Mr. Teeple often told of those early pioneer days, when the family heard with joy the sound of an axe far off in the forest, telling them that they had a new neighbor, although they might be several miles away; also of going long distances through the woods to the home of some neighbor to get fire to rekindle their own, which through some mishap had gone out.

Of their struggles against the wild beasts of the forests, their fear of the red men, of the trials and hardships of wresting a home from the forest, and of Grand Rapids, than a mere hamlet, which he watched grow into the beautiful city that it is today.

In 1848 he removed with his father’s family to a farm on section 18, Cascade, where he resided until in 1861.

On 10 February 1861, he was united in marriage with Mary C. Fish of Otisco, Ionia county. Soon after their marriage they went to their new home which they had prepared on section 33 of Cascade and which was then a wilderness. Then began the struggle to hew from the forest a home and a competency. How well he succeeded is attested by the beautiful farm which he still owned at his death.

In 1905, Mr. and Mrs. Teeple left their farm and settled in Alaska, where they have since resided.

Mr. Teeple was a man of sterling worth, of high moral principles, strict integrity, indomitable courage and untiring energy.

He was respected by all who knew him for his high sense of justice, and loved by all his large circle of friends for his kindly disposition. He was a kind neighbor and a true friend, always ready to extend a helping hand.

He was a charter member of the Whitneyville grange and until failing health made it impossible for him to do so, took an active interest in it.

Beside his widow, Mr. Teeple is survived by two brothers and two sisters. They are Alfred C. Teeple of Grand Rapids, William Teeple of Cascade, Mrs. Almina D. Spaulding of Harbor Springs and Mrs. Harriet J. Sanford of Mineapolis, Minnesota. He is also survived by nine nephews and nine nieces and several grand nephews and grand nieces, besides many other relatives and friends, and also his tow foster sons, James Carlton and his son, Glen Carlton, of Grand Rapids.

Funeral services were conducted by Mrs. B. W. Woodward of Dutton at the Baptist church in Alaska. Music furnished by Mrs. D. McKersie, Mrs. Allie Gillett and Miss Grace McKersie.

Created: 1 July 2006
URL: http://kent.migenweb.net/obituaries/local/teepleElbert.html