MERLE VANCE AND ELLEN KOHLSCHMIDT BIGELOW

Merle Vance Bigelow was born 29 January 1900 in Jackson County, Michigan. His parents were Asa Barney and Lillie “May” Vance Bigelow.

In 1918, Merle is living in Lakefield Township on the Section Farm which was located in Section 11 and owned by the Holland-St. Louis Sugar Beet Factory. He worked for the Section Farm where his father, Asa Barney Bigelow, was Manager.

Merle married Ellen Elizabeth Kolhschmidt by H.P. Mason at St. Andrews Church, Saginaw, Michigan. Ellen was born 1903 in Saginaw, Michigan and her parents were John and Matilda Ducham Kohlschmidt.

Merle and Ellen were living on the Section Farm in Lakefield Township when their daughter, Doreen Lucille Bigelow, was born on 4 April 1922.  Doreen later married Bob O'Toole.

In 1930, Merle and Ellen with their children; Doreen, Eston, Robert, John, and Donald Bigelow and Merle's parents, Asa and May were living in Greenbush Township, Clinton County, Michigan.

SOURCES: 1920, 1930 Federal Census; Merle Bigelow's WWI Draft Registration; Merle and Ellen Bigelow's marriage record; Doreen Bigelow's birth record, marriage record and obituary; Eston Bigelow's marriage record, SS death record, U.S. Veteran gravesite; Robert Merle Bigelow's SS death record and WWII Military Record; John Bigelow's Michigan death record; Merle Bigelow's obituary from Della Miller McKay's obituary collection.