Died in this village on Saturday morning, September 2Ist, 1861, at eight o’clock, Frederick Booher, in the 65th year of his age. The deceased was taken ill Tuesday evening; Wednesday, morning at three o’clock, complained of insufferable ? in the region of the heart. Dr. Lyon was called and prescribed the usual remedies. At 7 o’clock Wednesday evening the ? subsided until that period no ? was felt, excruciating pain tortured the whole system, drowsiness ensued, short ? of sleep, on waking each time the patient would inquire the hour, and remark “how long the time seems.” Friday evening dressed, shaved himself, and walked in the garden then retired to bed calm and happy; asked his daughter to make him a cup of tea (not being hungry or thirsty before) the tea and some alight refreshment was brought, he sat up in bed and enjoyed the tea; said everything looked nice, but tasted like husks, and she must feel bad, if he did not eat; the supper of the family was served in the parlor adjoining- which pleased him so well that he jested and laughed; had his bed made, too some medicine, it was not eleven o’clock at night, be requested the family, quite urging them to retire; was so quiet in the morning the family did not enter the room to disturb his repose, the daughter passing was called twice by same, went immediately to his bedside, conversing with her father, learned that he had slept and rested well; went to bring some coffee, returned in ten minutes; found him on his knees by the bedside; spoke to him not receiving and answer, raided his head and body gently on her arm sitting on the carpet, said if you know me father, open your eyes, they opened twice, disclosing a death film, then closed forever. The family, nearest neighbors and (Dr. Lyon being summoned) found his heart had ceased to beat; so calmly passed away the spirit, that death changed not the placidity of his features, a holy smile rested where pleasant words lingered. A post-mortem examination revealed his disease to be of the heart. The physicians, neighbors and all were so kind in our extremity, may our heavily Father bless them overmore. The clergymen and members of the Masonic fraternity, who assisted in the last obsequies of the departed, our Father will sustain and comfort them even as they have done in our great bereavement. The deceased was a native of Frederick City, Maryland, emigrated with his parents and family to Genova, N.Y., when twelve years old; was a soldier in the war of 1812, together with many other endured many ?; was present at the burning of Lewiston and Buffalo, and had charge of papers to convey to the captain’s wife who was killed at Lewiston; held responsible offices at Geneva and Clyde, emigrated to Detroit in 1833; left Detroit on account of Cholera, resided awhile at Sandstone; at the utmost solicitations of Gen. Justus Burdick and Thomas Sheldon then proprietors of this town, he removed with his family here, and has lived here since, a king hearted parent, a social friend, no person was turned hungry from his door. Let us remember his virtues, and leave his spirit with God.
Kalamazoo Gazette October 4, 1861