Notes for John R. Kriger: Grandfather gave John and his bride eighty acres of land across the road from the first home. A new log house was built and the young folks went to live their own lives. On Apr. 20, 1864 a little son came to live with them. How happy they were. On June 27, 1864 word came that John had been drafted into the army for the Civil War was on. He went to Grand Rapids to answer the call, but on examination he was refused for military service because of health. He returned home to raise three hundred dollars ($300.00) with which to hire a man to go in his place. Now John and Helen set themselves to the task of clearing their land to make a real home. A little girl came to live with them on Oct. 28, 1865 and another little girl on Mar. 2, 1868.
Now the log house is too small for the family and a new, larger house is built. This is a frame house made from lumber cut at the home mill. This house is still standing and is located two miles west and one half miles north from Bailey, Mich. Six children came to this union. Melvin J., Lida E., Emma C., Silvia E. (died Oct. 3, 1872), Annie M. and Ernest M.
Father, Mother and us five children lived in the home until all of us were grown up. It was a happy home for it was a Christian home. As babies, we had been taken to church as soon as mother was able to take us, so naturally, when we were grown, we still went to church. Father and Mother were first members of the United Brethren church, then of the Methodist church. Services were held in the school house, but in due time a nice new church was built and we were members.
Obituary notice ---
John R. Kriger was born near Hillsdale, Mich., Sept. 19 1842 and died at his home in Kent City Dec 10, 1919. On Feb. 26, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Snow, who passed from this life in 1910. There were six children born to this union, five of whom, two sons and three daughters are still living, one daughter having died in infancy. He accepted Christ in early manhood and has spent nearly sixty years in Christian service. He truly made the world better by his having lived in it. His memory will abide as a benediction to all, and relatives, friends and neighbors will rise up and call him blessed.
Obituary notice 2 ----
John R. Kriger, the subject of this obituary was born near Hillsdale, Mich. Sept, 17, 1842 and died at his home in Kent City, Dec 10, 1919, being therefore 77 years, 2 months, 21 days of age. On the 26th day of Feb. 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Helen M. Snow, who passed from this life Aug 15th, 1910. There were six children born to this union, five of whom - two sons and three daughter, are still living, one daughter having died in infancy. The deceased is also, survived by a brother, Andrew C. Kriger of Portland, Ore. and sixteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. He accepted Christ in his early manhood and spent nearly sixty years in christian service. For months the familiar form of brother Kriger has been missed from streets from his accustomed work in the school, in garden and about the house. In the prayer meeting, Sunday School and church gatherings we have greatly missed him, for it was a religious duty with brother Kriger to lift everywhere and he everywhere acquitted himself as a man. He truly made the world better by having lived in it. His memory will abide as a benediction to all and relatives, friends and neighbors will rise up and call him blessed. Funeral services, were held at the M. E. church in Kent City, H. L. Rood officiating and the remains laid away in Idlewild cemetery.
More About John R. Kriger and Helen M. Snow: Marriage: February 26, 1863
Children of John R. Kriger and Helen M. Snow are:
+Melvin J. Kriger, b. April 20, 1864, Ashland Township Mich, d. March 19, 1949, Tyrone Township MI.
+Lida E. Kriger, b. October 28, 1864, d. December 25, 1932.
+Emma C. Kriger, b. March 02, 1868, d. December 17, 1957.
Sylvia Kriger, b. September 12, 1871, d. October 03, 1872.
Annie M. Kriger, b. October 12, 1873, Ashland Township MI, d. June 05, 1966, Sparta Nursing Home.
+Ernest M. Kriger, b. May 21, 1876, Ashland Township MI, d. January 01, 1952, Fruitport MI.
John R. Kriger (b. September 19, 1842, d. December 10, 1919)
Notes for John R. Kriger: