| Obituary | Death of Mrs. Samuel J. Burpee
Mrs. Mary E. Burpee widow of the late Samuel J. Burpee died at her home on north Eagle street at three o'clock this morning after several weeks' suffering due to a fall received in the early part of February in W. A. Burman's store.
Mrs. Burpee was formerly Miss Mary E. VanBlariom and was born in Delhl, N. Y., Dec. 8, 1830. She removed with her parents to Girard, Branch county when a girl and afterwards became a tailoress, always boasting that she operated the first sewing machine in the state outside of Detroit. She later was employed by the late Geo. R. McCall in his shop in this city, where she met Mr. Burpee. They were married in Bellevue, Aug. 30, 1856, and the next year settled in the home in which both died. Mr. Burpee was a power in republican politics in this county and was appointed postmaster here by President Grant in 1874. He had previously served as alderman in 1868-72 and as mayor in 1873. Under his administration the first artesian well was sunk, which now bears his name at the west end park and the old court house square was transformed into the park which is now a matter of great pride to the city.
Mrs. Burpee is survived by one daughter Mrs. Ada Burpee, sister, Mrs. Martha Johnson, of Denver, and a brother, Chas. H. VanBlarcom, of Coldwater.
The funeral will be conducted by Rev. C. E. Blanchard Sunday afternoon.Marshall News Statesman, April 26, 1916
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Burpee, whose illness has been mentioned, died at her residence, 115 north Eagle street at 3:00 o'clock this morning of old age.
Mrs. Burpee fell in W.A. Burman's store Feb. 4 and while breaking no bones she injured her hip and had not been able to walk since. She was also afflicted with rheumatism.
Miss Mary Elizabeth Van Blaricon was born Dec. 8, 1836 in Deleware county, N.Y., being a daughter of John and Eliza Ann Van Blaricon. She came to Branch county with her parents in 1837 and in 1850 removed to Marshall taking a position as tailoress for McCall & Pratt. On August 30, 1856 she was united in marriage to Samuel J. Burpee who died Dec. 3, 1885. To this union two children were born, one dying in infancy and the other, Ada Aurora, survives. She is also survived by one brother C.H. Van Blaricon of Coldwater, who was here to see her last Thursday. For several years she attended the Baptist church but recently her age prevented her from attending any church.
The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at the house and interment will be given in Oakridge.Evening Chronicle, April 26, 1916
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