Coopersville Observer, September 25, 1908 Ezra Townsend Kirkbride Ezra Townsend Kirkbride was born in Philadelphia, New York, June 6, 1836 and passed away September 6, 1908. He served in the 20th New York Infantry, Co. G, in the Civil War, and moved to Ottawa County, Mich. in 1865, where he married Ellen Elmendorf, October 11, 1866. A son and daughter were born to them. Here they lived continuously with the exception of seventeen years spent in Big Rapids and Grand Rapids. During his illness he expressed his love and faith in Jesus Christ and desired baptism. He was accordingly baptized by Rev. Ford and felt the peace of God. He suffered in patience, and passed to the better world Sunday morning, September 6, at 1:30 o’clock. His wife and two children survive him. (Buried in Coopersville Cemetery.)