Descendants of Captain Arthur Fenner

Nelson William Fenner

[b 12 July 1874 at Ovid Twp., Branch Co., MI; d 17 Feb. 1918 at Batavia Twp., Branch Co., MI] On 5 Sept. 1894, Nelson William Fenner m 1st Millie A. Olmstead [b 15 Mar. 1877; d 30 Oct. 1914], the only child of Moses Olmstead [1831–1914] and Irena Olmstead [1841–1929] (cousins) of Batavia Twp., Branch Co., MI. After Millie died of tuberculosis, Nelson m 2nd Miss Emma M. Shumway [b 19 Aug. 1880; d 21 Aug. 1977], daughter of Levi and Anna Shumway, on 28 June 1916. Nelson was originally a farmer in Branch Co., Michigan, but he lost part of his right hand while shredding corn. After the accident, Nelson decided to run for Under Sheriff on the Democratic Party, and he won in 1916. Then, at the death of sheriff George W. Ralston in 1917, Nelson became the sheriff. He was in that position only six months before he died of pneumonia. Funeral services were at Elks Temple, Coldwater Lodge #1023 B.P.O.E., and he was buried at Batavia Cemetery. Emma later remarried to Leander Gifford and kept that name until her death.

Children by Millie Olmstead, all born in Batavia Township:

Ruth Marie [b 29 Feb. 1896; d 9 Mar. 1917] unmarried; died of a burst appendix.
Howard William [b 28 July 1898; d 3 Apr. 1974] m Marjorie Straehly.
Hazel Dorotha [b 30 Apr. 1902] m 1st Howard Lockwood; m 2nd Claude Frazer.
Homer Collins [b 14 Apr. 1905; 8 Sept. 1981] m Eva May French.
Rolland Jasper [b 22 July 1907; d 18 Mar. 1986] married twice.
Leon Nelson [b 20 May 1912; d 15 June 1987] m 1st Marion Horton; m 2nd Maxine Smith.

Child by Emma M. Shumway:

Nelson William Jr. [b 27 Mar. 1917; d 1 Apr. 1989] m Marie Johnson [1910–1976].

Sources:
a. Eva Fenner, Notes, 32; Nelson’s obituary.
b. Eva Fenner, Notes, 786; letter to Eva Fenner from Emma Shumway, 24 Jan. 1962.
c. Eva Fenner, Notes, 1034-35; letter to Eva Fenner from Mabel Maakestad, 22 Dec. 1963.
d. Nelson’s memorial at FindaGrave, no. 28481610