The following was found in the June 8, 1872, Lowell Star on page 5, column 1:
Mr. John J. Michael, of West Creek, reports corn a little backward in that neighborhood.
A copy of the following unidentified newspaper article was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:
John J. Michael was born in Schqharie County, New York, on March 22nd, 1811. In 1838 he moved with his mother to Jackson County, Michigan, his father having died in 1823 in the state of New York. The departed was married three times. In 1839 he was married to Wealtha A. Green. To this union were born two sons, Edwin and William. In 1840 Mr. Michael came to West Creek, Ind., and in 1847 Mrs. Wealtha A. Michael died. In 1848 he was married to Lydia Weed who died in 1854. In December, 1854, Mr. Michael was married to Mrs. Eliza Keep who with his two sons, Edwin and William, survive him and mourn his departure. In his younger years Mr. Michael made a profession of faith in Christ and united with the Baptist church of Westville, Ind., which church he also served as deacon. Through his long residence in West Creek, Mr. Michael was well known; he prospered in his business as a farmer, and was justice of the peace for 12 years. Fifteen years ago he moved to Coldwater, Michigan and in 1893 returned and settled in Lowell. Through his great age or some cause of late his mind had become somewhat unbalanced.
He died Nov., 24, 1896, aged 85 years, 8 months, and 2 days. The funeral services, conducted by Eld. Bruce, were held at the Methodist church of this place. The remains were interred at the West Creek cemetery by the side of loved ones gone before. We extend our sympathy to the bereaved widow, children and friends.
West Creek Cemetery records at Lowell Public Library indicate the three wives of John J. Michael who were buried there, as well as Mr. Michael himself. His third wife, Eliza, was buried next to Huldah and Adam Whitenbeck. (In this record book the Whittenbeck name was spelled with one "t" for Adam and Huldah and with two for Eliza.)