My Genealogy Hound

GIBSON P. WORDEN. Among the prominent furniture dealers in the thriving little village of Marcellus is G. P. Worden, who is also engaged in the real-estate business and farming. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, July 15, 1861, to the marriage of Ira and Melissa (Probosco) Worden, both natives of the Empire State. The father was but a child when his parents left New York State for Ohio, and he grew to mature years near Cleveland. His youthful days were spent in assisting on the farm and in attending the common schools, in which he received a fair education. After his marriage to Miss Probosco he went to Grand Rapids, Mich., and about 1866 engaged in farming. Later, he embarked in the boot and shoe business and continued in this business for twelve years in Charlotte, Eaton County, Mich., or until his death, January 22, 1877. His wife is now a resident of Charlotte, Mich., where they made their home for many years. Mr. Worden was a Republican in his political views and a man possessed of an unusual amount of good business acumen. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years and took a deep interest in all its affairs. In his political predilections he was a stanch Republican, advocating the principles and platform of that party with much enthusiasm.

Four of the five children born to this worthy couple are now living: Lizzie, wife of Mr. Van Tears, who is a traveling salesman for a clothing house; Lillian, a teacher in the public schools at Schoolcraft, Mich.; and Nora, who is a book-keeper in Charlotte, Mich. Our subject was reared in Charlotte, and there received a fair education, attending school until sixteen years of age. After this he was engaged in business in Charlotte for four years, and then came to Marcellus, where he was engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. He started out in business on a small scale, his capital being about $300, and since that time he has built up a very good business.

He has a large store, 132x22 feet, and carries a very large stock of the very best goods. He has three hearses, and takes charge of all the details of funerals entrusted to his care, supplying crape and all the necessaries, while his charges are moderate. He has coffins and caskets of all grades, etc., and his perfect knowledge of his business and his pleasant, genial manners have made him a favorite with all. He was married in the year 1881, to Miss Ida King, a native of Cass County, and the daughter of Josiah King, who was for many years a very prominent farmer of this county. Mrs. Worden was educated in this county, and was a lady whose many estimable qualities endeared her to all. She died on the 11th of July, 1883, leaving one child, Ira, who died the same year.

Mr. Worden’s second marriage occurred in 1892, to Miss Kate King, sister of his first wife, and they now have a very pleasant home in this city. Politically, Mr. Worden is a Democrat, and has held a number of township offices, being Township Treasurer for two years and Trustee of the town for some time. He is a member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons and is interested in all their affairs. Mr. Worden owns a farm two miles from Marcellus, two hundred and forty acres, all well improved and in a good state of cultivation. He raises stock and grain. For some time he has been interested in the Worden &, Shellito Addition to the village of Marcellus, and of one hundred and thirty-six lots in the addition one hundred and twenty have been sold. He has also been engaged in buying and selling real estate and has done well at that business. Public-spirited and enterprising, he takes a deep interest in anything that has for its object the growth and advancement of the town or county.