Category:Michigan

  Family: Whitney, Sybil Lyman (1821- 1896)

Married Oliver S Colwell 03 Sep 1841 Seneca Castle, Ontario, NY

     Obituary from The Hudson Post, Hudson, Michigan\

dated July 31, 1896

                   Death of Mrs Oliver S Colwell

  One by one are the pioneers of the Bean Creek Valley passing away. Few indeed are thos who remain, and it is an occasion of sadness when the tolling bell records the departure of one of thos who helped transform the wilderness into civilization. Another pioneer is gone' a lady who for a great many years has been a resident of Hudson township and city, and who has always enjoyed the respect and friendship of a large circle of acquaintances.
  After an illness of several months, Mrs Oliver S Colwell breathed her last yesterday. She was 74 years old. A husband, one son and one daughter remain to mourn their loss.
  The funeral will be from the house Sunday afternoon at Three o'clock. 

      Obituary from The Post, Hudson, Michigan
dated June 21, 1910

                        Obituary of Oliver S Colwell 

  Died June 15, 1910, at his residence on Lafayette St, Oliver S Colwell. The deceased was born in Seneca Castle, NY ., on the 13th day of June, 1820. His boyhood was passed in this vicinity, but in early manhood he came to Michigan, returning to New York to wed Miss Sybil Whitney in 1841. The day following the marriage they started for Michigan to take up the life of the pioneer. Mr Colwell bought land from his brother John, who had secured it from the government. This land he cleared and made into the productive farm which was his home for the greater part of his life. His later years were passed in Hudson, in the home where he died. Mr & Mrs Colwell had for children, of whom only one survives him, Mrs Elizabeth Root.
   He was on of the many early settlers who transformed southern Michigan from a swampy wilderness into the fertile, welltilled country of today. He was courageous, hosest and industrious, patient in time of suffering, and considerate of the welfare of others, passing out of his life quietly and peacefully as he had lived it. His sterling qualities endeared him to all who knew him. 
  His wife died in 1896, and gradually he saw on by one the old friends pas away until he was left almost alone with the younger generation.
  The funeral services were held at his home Saturday, June 18th, at 4:00 pm, Rev M J Sweet officiating. Very appropriate indeed, was the poem read, the tiltle of which were the last word of Mark Twain.

Children of Oliver & Sybil (Whitney) Colwell were Martha Amelia COLWELL b 26 Sep 1844 in Hudson, Lenawee, Michigan William Gates COLWELL b Dec 1846 in Hudson, Lenawee, Michigan Oscar Whitney COLWELL b 24 Feb 1847 in Hudson, Lenawee, Michigan Elizabeth M COLWELL b 03 May 1857 in Hudson, Lenawee, Michigan