Obit courtesy of Diana Stevenson Wolfe - Otsego County Herald Times - March 23, 1933 G.M. STEVENSON DEAD AND COUNTY MOURNS Resident of County for Fifty-nine Years. Prominent in Social and Business Life Gilbert Marshall Stevenson, a well-known pioneer of Otsego County, died at his home in Vanderbilt March 16, 1933 in his 79th year. He had been ill for some time, but the end came peaceably. Mr. Stevenson was born in Milford, Michigan June 4, 1854, one of twelve children born to his parents John W. Stevenson and Francis Amelia Stevenson, who were residents of Michigan throughout their lives. April 7, 1881 Mr. Stevenson was married to Clara I. Pine of Dover, Michigan, and to this union three children were born. Besides his widow the three children survive him, Mrs. Elsie Rutan, the first child born in the village of Vanderbilt, Arthur C. Stevenson, also of Vanderbilt, and Mrs. Jessie Bostan, of Battle Creek, Michigan. Also three sisters, Mrs. Lettie Harper of Litchfield, Michigan, Mrs. Ella Wallbrecht of Central Lake, and Mrs. Jessie Lee of New York City, one brother, Loran Stevenson of Washington, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. On April 7, 1931 Mr. & Mrs. Stevenson celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. At the age of 16 years, Mr. Stevenson left Milford coming to Bagley, later, known as Salling, March 14, 1874 remaining there about five years of a rugged constitution and abundant health, he was able to meet the hardships attendant to pioneer life walking one day 32 miles to Louds Camp. Later coming to Corwith Township he assisted in raising 26 log homes then took on a homestead. One of the remarkable features of his long life was good health, never having been ill but one week previous to his last illness. His life was a series of helpful endeavors in helping to build up the community and exemplifying those sterling qualities which endeared him to all. Mr. Stevenson was the first member taken in the Masonic Order north of Bay City, and served as worshipful Master. He was also a life member of Marguerite Chapter. No. 87 of the Eastern Star, the Cyrene Masonic Lodge No. 352, both of Vanderbilt, being a charter member of both orders. For 40 years he maintained membership in the Maccabees. He served as superintendent of the Poor Board of Otsego County for 33 years. A deputy sheriff of Vanderbilt for 14 years and a member of the Vanderbilt school board for 16 years. Death has removed this outstanding character from our midst and we are reminded of the brevity of life, the swift termination of all that is mortal, but we look forward to that brighter day when all shall meet in the father's Home of Many Mansions. J. G. Holland has written: God gave us men. The time demands strong minds, great hearts, true faith, and willing hands; Men of whom the lust of office does not kill; Men of whom the spoils of office cannot buy; Men possess opinions and a will; Men who have honor; Men who will not lie: Men who can stand before a demagogue and dam his treacherous flatteries without winking; Tall men, sun crowned, who live above the fog in public duty and in private thinking; Such a man was Gilbert Marshall Stevenson, and it is fitting to give him honor and commend his valiant efforts. Funeral services were held Sunday, March 19 at 2 o'clock at the M.E. Church. Reverend David Shugg officiated. Interment was in the Vanderbilt cemetery, the Masonic ritual being used. Out of town relatives to attend the funeral were his daughter, Mrs. Jessie Bostan and son Kenneth and wife of Battle Creek; Mrs. Clarence Starnaman and granddaughter of Lansing; Mrs. Gus Wallbrecht and son in-law Martin Smith of Central Lake; Mrs. Jessie Lee of New York City; Clyde Rutan of Saginaw; Mr. And Mrs. Fred Cornell of Detroit, and Mrs. James Dixon of Boyne City.