Legislator Details
Number of sessions served 4
Gender: Male
Age at election: 44
Vital Records Information:
Birth
Date: 12/26/1864
City: Coldwater Township, MI
County: Branch County, MI
Country: US
Death
Date: 11/8/1945
City: Grand Rapids, MI
County: Kent County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:
Burial
Date: 11/10/1945
City: Grand Rapids, MI
County: Kent County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Rest Lawn Memorial Park
Marital Information:
married Sarah Bell Depue, dau. of Jerry and Belle (Kelse) Depue, 11/6/1899, in Branch Co., MI; children: 6, Robert G., Mary, Sidney Fredric, Agnes, Henry Depue and Margorie Elizabeth (Way)
Number of Children: 6
Background
Religion:
Military Service:
Occupation: farmer, teacher, businessman, insurance
Race: Caucasian or White
Education:
district schools; graduated from the Tri-state Normal University of Valparaiso in Indiana; graduated from Ypsilanti Teachers College
Biographical Sketch:
Son of Willard Philetus and Mary Elizabeth (White) Straight. He held several township offices . He identified himself with grange and farmers' institute work, holding the office of worthy lecturer of Branch County Pomona, and for 4 years was secretary and treasurer of the Branch County Farmers' Institute Society. He was committee clerk in the senate in 1900. He is a member of Coldwater lodges B. P. O. E. [Elks] , and I. O. O. F. [Odd Fellows] and was for 6 years a member of company A, 2d regiment, M. N. G. [Michigan National Guard?] He was engaged in the clothing and gents' furnishing business in Coldwater. He served 2 terms as county clerk of Branch county. In 1910, he was a coal dealer in Coldwater. Later sold insurance for New Era Insurance before opening his own insurance company.
Notable Facts:
Served in both chambers.
Died of coronary thrombosis and had Parkinson's disease.
Sessions Served:
Committees Served On: Liquor Traffic , Rules and Joint Rules , Apportionment , Education and Public Schools , Elections , Normal School at Kalamazoo , Traverse City State Hospital
City of Residence: Coldwater
County of Residence Branch
District Description: Comprising the counties of Branch and Calhoun
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed
Notes: Chair of Liquor Traffic; and Rules and Joint Rules
Committees Served On: Elections , Executive Business , Military Affairs , Normal College , Normal School at Kalamazoo , Religious and Benevolent Societies , Rules and Joint Rules
City of Residence: Coldwater
County of Residence Branch
District Description: Counties of Branch & Calhoun
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Committees Served On: Education , Liquor Traffic , Rules and Joint Rules , Ways and Means
City of Residence: Coldwater
County of Residence Branch
Date Left Office: 12/31/1912
Reason for Leaving Office: See Notes
End of Term Status: Departed
Notes: Elected to the state senate for the 47th session.
Committee chairmanship: Education
Committees Served On: Eastern Asylum for Insane , Liquor Traffic , Military Affairs , Normal Schools
City of Residence: Coldwater
County of Residence Allegan
District Description: Branch County
Date Left Office: 1/1/1753
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Bibliography:
Manual 1913, p.739; USCen 1880, 1910; MIMarRec 1867-1952; Find-a-Grave.com; Michiganology
