1893 obituary. Contributed by Jim Petrimoulx - April 2008.
The Bay City Tribune -- December 30, 1893 (Page 7)
W. R. McCormick Dead
Pioneer Resident of Bay City Passes Peacefully Away
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The End Came at 8 o'clock Last Evening After A
Bried Illness From Bright's Disease-Biographical
The Funeral Takes Place Monday
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Wm. R. McCormick died at 8 o’clock at the residence of his son-in-law Mr. F.B. Chesbrough 1615 Center avenue, of acute Bright’s disease, after an illness of a few weeks. About three weeks ago, Mr. McCormick became ill while visiting his daughter and although every effort was made by medical skill to prolong his life he steadily declined, passing peacefully away at the hour mentioned.
Mr. McCormick was born August 16, 1822, at Bethlehem, Albany county, N.Y. and was consequently in his 72nd year at the time of his death. He came to Bay City in 1832 with his father James McCormick, and with the exception of a residence of ten years in New York from 1849 to 1859, has resided here ever since. He was engaged in the lumber business for many years, was deputy salt inspector and held various positions of village boards . He was well-known throughout the city, valley and state, and in his death Bay City lost one of its oldest and most honored pioneers.
About a year ago Mr. McCormick went abroad, spending some time in England, Scotland and France. This trip severely taxed his strength and he has never been well since his return. Although in feeble health, he visited the World’s Fair during the summer, and was about the streets as usual up to the time of the attack, which resulted in his death.
Six children survive him: H. W., W. J., and Louis McCormick and Mrs. Fremont B. Chesbrough and Mrs. Frank B. Chesbrough and Mrs. F. M. VanLiew, of West Bay City, all of whom were present when the final summons came.
The funeral will be held from the family homestead on Twenty-Third street, Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock and will be under the auspices of Bay City Lodge, No. 120 F. &A. M. of which the deceased was a member.
