By Townships - Emerson

page 286

From: Gratiot County, Michigan.  Historical, Biographical, Statistical, by Willard D. Tucker, Saginaw, MI. 1913.

SHOOK

Mortimer G. Shook, late resident on section 3, Emerson, now residing near Wolverine, Mich., was born in Bethany Township, November 6, 1872, being the fourth, in their regular order, of the children of John J. and Eliza (Chase) Shook. John J. Shook, the father, was born in Phelps, Ontario County, N. Y., March 20, 1829. The mother was born June 11, 1839, in Oneida County, N. Y. They were married in Bethany, this county, April 21, 1861. The family resided in Bethany until Mortimer was eleven years of age, and then—in 1883—removed to Emerson Township.

Shortly after his marriage John J. Shook took leave of his bride and other friends in answer to his country’s call for volunteers to put down the rebellion that was inaugurated that spring. He enlisted in Company I, Third Mich. Cavalry. After serving two years he was wounded at Petersburg, Virginia and was sent home for treatment. After recovering from his wound he returned to his regiment and served eight months more, to the end of his term of enlistment. He was a participant in several battles and skirmishes, acquitting himself as a true and loyal soldier. He was honor­ably discharged, and, returning to his home, resumed his occupation as a carpenter, which trade he followed as long as his health would permit. He died March 1904, in his 75th year.

To John J. and Eliza Shook five children were born in the following order: Alfred H. ; Walter B. ; Bessie M. ; Mortimer G., who furnished the data for this family history ; Carrie E. Mortimer G. Shook was married in Alma, May 29, 1897, to Miss Edith E. Clark, daughter of Gardner and Mary (Fenton) Clark, of Alma. Gardner Clark was born in Merrillsville, Madison County, N. Y., November 28, 1834. His wife, Mary Fenton, was born February 19, 1847, in Oneida County, N. Y. To them were born seven children as follows: George G., Ashley J., Mary E., Lillian A., Edith E., Francis. A., and Florence M. Edith E. lived at home until her marriage to Mr. Shook. After their marriage they resided on the old homestead in Emerson, engaged in agricultural pursuits for more than fourteen years.

December 20, 1911, Mr. Shook sold his Emerson farm, and on the 13th of March, 1912, removed to a farm of 120 acres which he purchased, lying three and a half miles southeast of Wolverine, Cheboygan County, Mich., where he still lives, engaged in farming. His aged mother, who lived with him and whom he cared for loyally, died in Emerson, October, 1910, aged 77 years.

While a resident of Emerson Mr. Shook was connected with the I. O. O. F., No. 375, of Emerson, and also with the Ancient Order of Gleaners. He is a reliable citizen and he and his estimable wife are justly popular in their community.