Shirley's Extended Family: The Lewises

Lewis Family Reunion, 1937
Hosted by Percy and Claris (Smith) Lewis

Shirley's maternal side of the family was very large because her mother was the seventh of 13 children, 11 of whom survived childhood.  Shirley's maternal grandparents and five of her mother's siblings lived in Muskegon County, so they are often mentioned in the diary.  Here's some background on that family.  I probably do not have an accurate account of all the cousins who were born by 1936.

Shirley's maternal grandfather was George Emmett Lewis, born 1868. In 1891, he married Mary J. Wilkinson, born 1872.  He was a carpenter and built many homes in Muskegon County throughout his lifetime. They lived in Muskegon Heights starting around 1913.

The thirteen children of George and Mary, and their birthdates, were: George Richard (1892; died 1913 in a motorcycle accident); Harrison "Harry" (1894); Alvin Lee (1895; died in infancy); Horace Russel (1897); David Alexander (1899); Donald (1901); Marie (1902 - my great-grandmother and Shirley's mom); Percy (1903); Bonnie May (1905); Leslie W. (1907 - a male); Bessie M. (1909; died in infancy); Bertha Katherine (1911); and James Preston (1913).  Although Marie was the exact middle child, she was the oldest daughter.

Harry was a pharmacist and lived in Grand Rapids, Kent County with his wife, Annie Foote.  They had a son, George, born in 1919.

Horace married Amelia "Belle" Brewer and they lived with their two children in Wadestown, West Virginia.

David and his wife, Jennie Batchelor, lived in Mecosta, Mecosta County, Michigan with their two children.

Percy and his wife Claris Smith also lived in Norton Township, Muskegon County.  They had eight children and at least three of them were born by 1936.

Bonnie was probably still married to her first husband, William Smith (no known relation to Clarice) in 1936.  She was married an additional two times, but I do not have the marriage dates.  She and William had at least three children.  I am unsure of where they lived in 1936 (more research will be forthcoming!).

Leslie, his wife Henrietta Dobb, and their three children lived in Muskegon.

Bertha was single at this time and probably living with her parents in Muskegon Heights.  

James was married to Alice Wheeler and they had two children.  They lived in Muskegon.

Lewis Family Reunions were held every year and they were a Really. Big. Deal.  Group photos were often taken, and they are treasured.  In the photo above, not only are most of George and Mary's children and grandchildren shown, but also some of George's siblings, nieces, and nephews, as well as many in-laws.

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, Shirley had an Uncle Don and Aunt Bertha on her father's side, who were a married couple, Don being her father's youngest sibling.  On the Lewis side, her mother had an older brother Don and a younger sister Bertha.  I'll clarify which Don and Bertha are being mentioned in the diary when their names come up.