Another Pioneer Gone
GRAND LEDGE LOSES A GOOD CITIZEN BY DEATH OF SAMUEL CHADWICK.
Secretary of Masonic Lodge Thirty-Six Years.
By the sudden death of Samuel Chadwick, which occurred at his home on East Jefferson St., Monday evening last, our city loses one of its oldest pioneers and a highly respected citizen. He was born in Monroe Co., N.Y., March 10, 1829, and had, therefore, nearly reached the end of his 74th year.
The family moved to Delta, then known as Grand River City, in 1837. That town consisted of a saw mill and three log houses at that time. Mr. Chadwick came to Grand Ledge in 1849 and had lived here ever since. He had, therefore, seen this part of the Grand River valley develop from an almost unbroken wilderness to its present condition, and bad survived almost every one who had lived here in his youth.
He held many official positions, was a member of school board, of village council, township clerk, and held the office of justice of the peace no less than 24 years, in all of which positions he did his whole duty with concientious exactness.
He served in the Union Army in Co. D, 12 Michigan Infantry, in 1801 and 1862 but was discharged for disability in August 1862. He was a member of Earl Halbert Post, G. A. R., and was also a charter member of Grand Ledge Lodge, No. 179 F. & A. M. and his death leaves but two surviving charter members, Marvin T. Streeter and George W. Thomas. Mr. Chadwick was secretary of his lodge from its inception to his death and was, undoubtedly, the only man in Michigan who had held that office so long a time. If he had a hobby it was Masonry and the memory of his unwavering devotion to that order is a monument to his lodge of no small value. For many years the Grand Lodge officers have refused to examine his books, his name alone being sufficient guaranty of their correctness.
He was a life-long republican.
He was married October 8, 1851, to Abigal Russell. Three children of this union now survive, Mrs. Emily L. Newcombe of Colville, Washington, Daniel O. Chadwick of Sherman, Michigan, and Mrs. J. D. Summers of this city. He married Nancy A. Betts, June 3, 1868, who with their son, Floyd B. Chadwick, survives him.
Funeral services wore held at the home, yesterday, at 2 p. m. Rev. S. E. Kelley officiating, and were largely attended.
It was a favorite saying of Francis E. Willard that we live by our ideals i. e., that every man, woman and child knowingly or unconsciously shapes his or her life and conduct by that of some other whom they admire, their hero. If this be true, who shall say where ends the influence of a life like that of Samuel Chadwick? None can say with certainty, but we do know that he was one of those who go their way quietly, doing the daily duties with kindness and courtesy to all, which compels the same with whom they meet. Such a life is itself a volume of eloquent and practical sermons, for example excels precept.
To his bereaved family we extend our heartiest sympathy. So long as manly character is appreciated this people will join with them in cherishing his memory. Requieml in pace.
