Harriet Dexter was from Ionia, Michigan. She was the daughter of the Honorable John C. and Phebe Dexter and granddaughter of Samuel Dexter, the founder of Ionia. John C. Dexter owned and operated a flour mill in Ionia while also engaged in the lumber industry. Later, he owned a store in Evart, Michigan. Additionally, he served in the Michigan legislature from 1870 to 1871. Harriet’s mother, Phebe, died in 1855 when she was around 3 years old.
Harriet attended Michigan Agriculture College in 1870-1871. One of her classmates, Elizabeth Sessions, was her first cousin. They were both granddaughters of Samuel Dexter.
Around 1871, Harriet moved to Evart, Michigan which had just been established as a village. On October 15, 1879, she married Frank A. True in Evart. Frank was a jeweler and was originally from Flint, Michigan. A description of her wedding in The Evart Review, described the happy occasion.
The Evart Review, Friday, October 24, 1879, Page 3
The True household was comprised of the newlyweds, a servant, and Frank’s brother. The 1880 Federal Census was taken on June 18th as they awaited the birth of their first child.
Tragically, Harriet died on June 29th from convulsions during childbirth at the age of 28.
She is buried in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Evart.
She was survived by her husband who served as the administrator of her estate as she died without a will. Probate records of her estate which included land and household goods can be read on Ancestry.com.
Sadly, her father died a mere three weeks later.
Hattie’s obituary reads:
The Evart Review
Friday, July 2, 1880
DIED.
In this village June 29th, ult. Hattie A. wife of F. A. True, and only daughter of the Hon. John C. Dexter. Aged 28 years.
It is with feelings of the deepest sorrow and sadness that we chronicle the above event. No death in the history of this village since our residence here, has created such profound grief, and such intense regrets as the one above mentioned. The deceased came here some nine years ago, when, what is now a pleasant and thriving village, was simply a break in an almost unbroken forest, and all along, through these years has been closely identified with and an active agent in forwarding all its social and literary interests. Pleasing in her address, amiable in disposition, affable in all her intercourse with her acquaintances she won to her many friends, who, while they deeply and sincerely mourn her unexpected death, will ever cherish the memory of her many virtues. Her stricken and sorely bereaved husband, and father has the sincere sympathy of this entire community. Her funeral was largely attended yesterday from her late residence on Main street. The services being conducted by Mrs. R. Shepard of Minneapolis.
Written by Susan O’Brien. Original Blog Post.
