Rochester Era [Rochester, Oakland, Michigan], March 9, 1944, p.1.:

Charles W. Case Dies in Florida, Saturday

Prominent Rochester Business Man for More Than Half Century Succumbs to Old Ailment; Funeral Services Here on Sunday

Charles W. Case, for 55 years a leading light in the business life of Rochester and Avon township, died at 3:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Petersburg, Fla., where he had gone with his wife to spend the winter to escape the rigorous Michigan winter, which aggravated an asthmatic condition which had troubled him seriously for several years.

Due to difficulty in getting railroad reservations, the body was not shipped from St. Petersburg until Wednesday this week and will arrive at the A.C. Hobart Funeral home on Friday this week.

Funeral services will be held from St. Paul's Methodist church, Rochester, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 12, with the Rev. Athanasius P. Rickard officiating.

Long A Business Leader

Born in Brandon township, Oakland county, March 13, 1870, the son of Joseph E. and Charlotte Taylor Case, he spent his early life on a farm in Brandon township and came to Rochester at the age of 19 to work for his uncle, Harvey J. Taylor in the hardware store which now, and for many years past, has gone by the title of C.W. Case Hardware.

On Jan. 1, 1899, after working for his uncle more than 10 years, Mr. Case and the late H. Frank Stone purchased the Taylor hardware store from Mr. Taylor. In the fall of 1899 Mr. Stone sold his interests to William Tienken, now a Rochester village councilman, and they continued in business together until Mr. Tienken sold his interest to Mr. Case in 1915. Mr. Case has carried on the business continuously since that time.

Was A Civic Leader

While his chief activity had to do with his business, Mr. Case found time to give to his civic, religious and political community interests, at one time serving as Rochester village president, and holding oher and varied smaller political offices.

Mr. Case was a member of St. Paul's Methodist church of Rochester and had served on the official board of that institution for many years. He was a life member of Rochester Lodge No. 5, Free and Accepted Masons. He took a great interest in the progress of the community and always was foudn in the vanguard of any movement to facilitate the growth and civic spiritedness of the community.

Delighted in Hobbies

Aside from his business, religious and political interests, he had a number of real hobbies, to which he devoted considerable time and attention. One was the raising of purebred poultry, and at this he succeeded in gaining international attention when, in 1912, at Madison Square Garden, New York, his pair of purebred Ruff Cochins won the international championship for pairs.

Hanging on the wall in the C.W. Case Hardware store in Rochester may be seen a picture of this pair, and of many other beautiful chickens which he raised and cared for in his spare time.

Was A Warm Friend

Success in his business brought Mr. Case many life-long friendships, based upon sound, honest, straightforward business dealings, and his genuine interest in his neighbors endeared him to many.
In 1933 Mr. Case called all his old business associates and friends and "cronies" together and spread a great feast for them, honoring the late Alexander Rose, who at that time was 86 years old and had spent almost half a century in the service of the C.W. Case hardware and its predecessors, as a tinner.

Gathered at this table were many of the former outstanding men of the community, most of whom are now dead. Such men as the late Lucius L. Frank, L.E. Palmer, forbear of the present Palmer family of jewelers, W.A. Fox of the Rochester Era, and Charles S. Seed of the Rochester Clarion, William Fox of Dutton road, and numerous others of that school.

This was a highlight in his latter years and reflected his complete enjoyment when surrounded by the men who he had known so many years. At the time of his death, Mr. Case was the oldest man in business in Rochester.

Raised A Fine Family

In his early manhood, Mr. Case wooed and won the hand of the late Georgie E. Mason, and they were wed on March 4, 1894, but she preceded him in death several years ago, having gone on Jan. 6, 1938. To them were born two sons, Mason A. Case and Charles Vern Case, both of Rochester, and to these sons and wives have been born five grandchildren, PFC Betty J. Case, now of Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.; Mary Lou, Thomas V., Charles M. and Donald, all of Rochester.

On Nov. 29, 1939, he married Elizabeth B. Casey, who survives him. He also is survived, in addition to the above, by one brother, Homer A. Case, of Rochester.