Fenton J. Gilson

From the Atherton Papers, Oceana Co., Historical Society: Fenton Gilson:

Fenton James Gilson was born Coloma, MI Nov. 30, 1871, son of Marvin G. Gilson & Anna Marie Welch. On Feb. 7, 1900 he married Mae, daughter of Jesse Bearss. In his youth he lived on the Shelby-Ferry town line and attended Blooming Valley School. On Dec. 27, 1898, along with Frank Hawks, he started a barber shop, the partnership continued but a brief time and Mr. Gilson operated his business alone for well over 40 years. He had numerous apprentices, many of whom owned shops of their own. Prominent in Masonry. He died Jan. 25, 1943. Had 1 child, Russell Max born June 16, 1902 who married Bertha, daughter of Wm Pollitt on June 16, 1941 in Lansing. He was the head of Social Sciences in Eastern High School, Lansing.

UNKNOWN NEWSPAPER (He died Jan. 25, 1943) F. J. Gilson Dies Suddenly At Shelby Home:

Fenton J. Gilson, 71, well-known Shelby barber died suddenly at his home Monday afternoon. He had been in ill health for some time, but until just before the New Year, had been operating his shop as usual. During the past fall he had been driving to work each day on physician's orders but because of the heavy snows of early December he walked back and forth from his home, apparently with no ill effect. During the latter part of December, however, he stated that he grew very tired from the day's activities and decided to remain at home for a time. He was in good spirits and expected to be able to resume his shop work within a few days when fatally stricken. Mr. Gilson came with his parents to Shelby Township from Coloma 67 years ago and had spent the greater part of his life in this county. In December 1898 he started work as a barber in the shop of Frank Hawks with whom he formed a partnership and later purchased Mr. Hawk's interest. The first shop was in the old Rankin House. He later moved across the street just south of the present Sanitary Meat Market. He then purchased the building the second door north of his old location, which was destroyed by fire a few years ago. Since that time he has been in the Morningstar building. He was one of the oldest Shelby business men in point of service and had a wide acquaintance throughout western Michigan. On October 27th of Inst month he completed 44 years in his chosen trade. He served on the Shelby village council for several terms and had also been a member of the Mt. Hope cemetery board and was active in numerous other civic activities. He was always interested in the matters which affected the welfare of the community and a member of the Shelby Chamber of Commerce from the time of its organization. He was a past master of Benona Lodge No. 289, F. & A. M., a member of Hart Chapter R. A. M. Pentwater Council and Shelby Lodge No. 844, I.O.O.F. Surviving besides his widow is an only son, Russell Gilson, head of the history department at Lansing Eastern High School. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at the Cooper Funeral Home, in charge of Rev. Charles Pendleton of the Congregational church. Members of Benona Lodge, No. 289, F. & A. M., were in charge of the burial with Past Master Rex. R. Royal giving a special tribute and the regular ritualistic work. Burial will be made at Mt. Hope Cemetery.