Tombstone Tuesday - July 14, 2015 - Catherine Best Carson

 Catherine Best was born in Doreham, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Conrad Best and Catherine Louks on June 11, 1836.  She married Stephen Crane in 1855 in Canada and they moved to Michigan a short time later.  On December 3, 1872, Stephen Crane died.

Catherine Ann Best about the time she married George W Carson

 Catherine married Reverend George W Carson on December 19, 1875.  They had one child, daughter Effie Carson, who was born in 1876 and died in 1886. Effie is buried in the Brant Township Cemetery.  Rev. George Carson died on  December 5, 1901 and Catherine died on July 12, 1915.

An aging Catherine with two of her grandchildren.

The following is the Obit published in the Chesaning Argus, Chesaning, Michigan.

"GRANDMA CARSON CALLED HOME - CHESANING PIONEER PASSES TO REST. RESULT OF PARALYSIS.FUNERAL WEDNESDAY

     Mrs. Catherine Carson, one of Chesaning's oldest resident, died Monday morning at the home of her son, George Carson, as a result of a stroke of paralysis suffered Tuesday morning, July 6th, while she was shopping in town.     The stroke affected her right side and rendered her helpless and confined to her bed with little hopes held out for recovery by the attending physician.  Though unable to speak, she apparently retained consciousness until Monday morning, July 12, when she passed peacefully away, at an early hour.
     "Grandma" Carson was widely known in this vicinity and surrounding community and was as widely respected and loved.  Her ever readiness to aid in troubles, together with her goodness of heart were traits of her noble character.  She will be missed by a large circle of friends who have long been benefited by her counsel, aid, and cheery optimism.  She had a good word for all, and all were her friends.
     Catherine Best was a native of Doreham, Canada, where in 1855 she was united in marriage to Stephen Crane.  The couple moved shortly to Chesaning locality, where with the exception of a few years, Mrs. Carson has resided.  After the death of her husband, Mrs. Crane, in 1875, was married to George Carson, whose death occurred in 1903.  Since that time Mrs. Carson has made her home with her step-son, George Carson Jr., at whose home she spent her last days.
     She is survived by no children of her own, but leaves four step children who will miss her as a mother.  They are:  Geo. B. Carson, of Chesaning; John F. Carson, Mrs. Lagrande Sanderson, of Brady; and Mrs. Martha Curry, of Portland, Oregon.
     Grandma Carson has always proven true to the faith of her choice and carried out the doctrines of the Methodist religion to the end.
     She was a most faithful and devoted member of the church, always in her place, close to the front; never missing a Sabbath, unless detained by illness.
     She spent her winters the past few years with Miss Gates, just across from the church, that she might be near to attend prayer meeting and Sunday services.  Here she will be missed as in the home, and the places she was wont to go.
     Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon in the church, at which Rev. Karr, of Millington, officiated, assisted by Reverends Seelye and DeWitt (former pastor of the Baptist church), and burial was made in Brant, beside her late husband.
     Many and beautiful floral offerings spoke of the love of the community, while tears freely flowed from the eyes of the aged and middle-aged and young, as they looked for the last time upon the face and form of the aged sleeper.
     Rev. Karr, her pastor for six years, spoke tenderly and feelingly of her as a church member and friend.
    Hers was a life of usefulness and self sacrifice.  She acted the part of the good Samaritan and many there are who call her "blessed".     Out of town relatives and friends present at the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Sanderson and son, Arthur, and Mrs. L. Horn and son, of Henderson; Mr. and Mrs. R. Watson, Mr. and Mrs. A. Smith and Mrs. M. Woodhull, of Hemlock."

I decided to share this with you even though I do not have a photo of her tombstone.  I will try to obtain it and could put it in later. I found this Obit on Ancestry and thought it was quite interesting.  Catherine Ann Best is the younger sister of John Landon Best, my 3X Great Grandfather.  I have been looking closely at Canadian Best Family these last few weeks. after discovering a Conrad Best in Ontario about the time of the Revolutionary war. 


Happy Hunting,

Jan