Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Eggleston, Ralph 1869-1919

Ralph Eggleston
Dec. 14, 1869-July 28, 1919

 

Niles Daily Sun (Niles, Michigan), Tuesday, July 29,1919, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

INJURIES RESULT IN DEATH OF RALPH EGGLESTON
Well Known Restaurant Proprietor Succumbed Monday Afternoon

Ralph Eggleston succumbed to the injuries he received Sunday evening when he was thrown from his car as he was returning from Barren lake, the accident which resulted fatally occurring near the Fink farm on Yankee street. Mr. Eggleston's death occurred at Clark hospital at Buchanan Monday afternoon about 4 o'clock. The immediate cause of death was hemmorrhages[sic].  Shortly before 4 o'clock word was received by the relatives here that Mr. Eggleston was dying and although his son and his brothers rushed to Buchanan, Mr. Eggleston was dead when they reached the hospital. During the day he had been conscious most of the time and had visited with his son and brothers and given direction concerning his business. It was by shortly before his death that he lapsed into unconsciousness.

Mr. Eggleston was born in Niles, Dec. 14, 1869, in the house at the corner of Ferry and Thirteenth streets which is still the Eggleston family home. For a number of years Mr. Eggleston engaged in the business of a painter, until about 14 years, when he opened a restaurant which he had successfully conducted up to the time of his death, the restaurant being a favorite eating place for many people not only account of the service given, but the genial qualities of Mr. Eggleston who was well-liked. Mr. Eggleston was married in South Bend to Clara Kline of Niles, a sister of Chief of Police Kline of South Bend. One son, Elmer, was born to them, who, with the wife, survives Mr. Eggleston. He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Lucinda Eggleston, two brothers, M.J. Eggleston of Chicago and William Eggleston of Niles, and by one grandson. Mrs. William Wolfard, an only sister of the deceased, died about two years ago.

The body was brought to Niles from Buchanan last evengin and taken to the Price undertaking rooms, from which place it was later removed to the home of Mr. Eggleston's son in Elm street, west Niles, where the funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. Rev. Harold Holt, rector of Trinity Episcopal church, will officiate. Burial will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

Mr. Eggleston was a member of the Moose lodge, Niles camp, M.W.A. and of the Niles Chamber of Commerce.

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Thursday, July 31, 1919, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Ralph Eggleston were held this morning at 10 o'clock from the home of his son, Elmer Eggleston, 102 Elm street. Rev. Harold Holt officiated. Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery. The Loyal Order of Moose had charge of final arrangements and its members acted as pallbearers. Many friends of the deceased were present to pay their las respects. The floral offerings were numerous and beautiful.

Fiske, Charles E. 1856-1914

Charles E. Fiske
Nov. 19, 1856-Sept. 2, 1914

 

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, September 2, 1914, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLAIMS HIGHLY RESPECTED CITIZEN
Charles E. Fiske Had Been Ill For Many Months With No Hope for Recovery.

Charles E. Fiske passed away about 6:45 o'clock this morning at his home five miles north of the city after a prolonged illness from a complication of diseases. Mr. Fiske has been ill since last march and little hope for his recovery has been entertained since he was first stricken.

The death of Mr. Fiske removes a well known citizen and one who was highly esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Although he had been a resident of Niles but a few years he enjoyed a wide acquaintance and the respect of everyone who knew him

Mr. Fiske was born in Colon, Mich., Nov. 19, 1856. For 27 years he was employed in both the express and Pullman service on several railways. He served for 12 years in the express service. A few years ago he came to Niles to reside and two years ago he moved from South fifth street to the farm where his death occurred.

Mr. Fiske and Miss Lottie Demott were married at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Demott 13 years ago by Rev. C.E. Marvin, then pastor of the Presbyterian church of Niles. They were the parents of twins, a boy, Demott and girl, Isabel. The children are now eight years of age. Besides the widow and the two children, Mr. Demott [sic] is survived by one brother and three sisters. The latter are F.A. Fiske,. . .illegible.. ment, Mrs. A.C. Judd, all of Colon.

The funeral services will be held from the residence Friday morning at 9:30. Rev. R.A. Wright of the Methodist church will conduct the service at the house. Mr. Fiske was a Mason and the committal service at Silver Brook cemetery will be conducted by St. Joseph Valley lodge No. 4.

During Mr. Fiske's long illness his little daughter, Isabel, contracted typhoid fever, but she has recovered from the severe illness. The sympathy of many friends has been extended to the family during the time that the home has been so sadly afflicted.

 

Niles Daily Sun, Friday, September 4, 1914, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for the late C.E. Fiske were conducted from the family residence north of Niles this morning by Rev. R.A. Wright of the Methodist church in the presence of a large gathering of friends and neighbors, many of whom also drove to Niles in the funeral procession to attend the committal service at Silver Brook cemetery. The committal service was in charge of St. Joseph Valley lodge No. 4, F.&A.M. Members of this lodge waited for the funeral procession in front of their hall and headed the procession to the cemetery. The ritualistic service at the grave was read impressively by E. L. Powell. A number of relatives from a distance were here for the funeral services.

 

Strauss, Mary M. (Boerner) Hamilton 1867-1914

Mary M. Hamilton
Nov. 26 1867-Sept. 4, 1914

 

Niles Daily Sun (Niles, Michigan), Saturday, September 5, 1914, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

WILL BE BURIED HERE

The remains of Mrs. Mary Hamilton of South Bend will be brought to Niles Sunday afternoon for burial at Silver Brook Cemetery. The funeral services will be held in South Bend at 3 o'clock and the funeral party will drive to Niles and expect to be here about 5:30 o'clock. Mrs. Hamilton was 45 years of age.  She is survived by her husband and two children. The latter are George Strauss and Mrs. Charles Emmons of South Bend.  Mrs. Hamilton was twice married, her first husband having been George Strauss, a brother of Philip Strauss of Niles.  George Strauss is buried at Silver Brook Cemetery and Mrs. Hamilton will be buried in the same lot.

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Saturday, September 5, 1914, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Mary Hamilton died yesterday at the home in South Bend.  She was 46 years of age and the widow of Geo. Strauss, a former Niles boy, brother of Phillip Strauss of this city. Funeral services will take place at South Bend tomorrow afternoon, when the body will be conveyed to Niles overland, interment to take place at Silver Brook cemetery.  A son of deceased, George, also a daughter, Evely[sic], both married, reside at South Bend.

Jacks, Carolyn (Rice) 1860-1917

Carolyn Jacks
Sept. 30, 1860-Nov. 11, 1917

 

Niles Daily Sun (Niles, Michigan), Tuesday, November 12, 1917, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR MRS. JACKS TOMORROW
Body of Former Niles Resident Brought Here From Chicago

The funeral services for Mrs. Carolyn Jacks, widow of Allan E. Jacks, will be held from Trinity Episcopal church tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. Harold Holt will conduct the funeral services. Interment will occur in the family lot at Silver Brook cemetery.

The body was brought to Niles last evening from Chicago by Phillip Jacks, a son of the deceased. Today the body was taken to Trinity Episcopal church where it will lie in state until tomorrow afternoon.

Mrs. Jacks' death followed an illness of several months' duration from heart disease. Her death occurred at the Hinsdale sanitarium.

Mrs. Jacks was a former prominent and beloved resident of Niles for many years, coming to Niles in the early seventies, with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Gates Rice, her sister, Virginia and brother Harry. The family possessed unusual musical talent and for a number of years Mrs. Rice was organist in the Episcopal church where Mr. Rice and his daughter Mrs. Jacks also sang, both possesing [sic] beautiful voices. Mrs. Jacks was a deeply religious woman and a devoted member of the church. Her death comes as a sorrow to many in Niles, to whom she had endeared herself. Although of late years Mrs. Jacks had made her home in Chicago, she frequently returned to Niles and only recently resided here for several months.

Mrs. Jacks is survived by six children, who are Phillip, Harry and Arthur Jacks, all of Huntington, West Virginia; Mrs. W.S. Kelly and Miss Carolyn Jacks of Chicago, and Mrs. Weisenberg, of Pitasburgh. Besides the children Mrs. Jacks is survived by one sister, Mrs. Worth Landon, of Chicago.

Mr. Phillip Jacks and Mr. Weisenburg are in the city to make the funeral arrangements and the other children will arrive tomorrow.

Kehoe, Frank E. 1892-1952

Frank E. Kehoe
July 26, 1892-July 14, 1952

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Saturday, August 16, 1952, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Frank E. Kehoe, 60, brother of Lewis Kehoe, of Niles, were held today at the Geisler funeral home in Sturgis with the Rev. Richard E. Dunkleberger, of Sturgis, officiating.

Burial was made in Silverbrook cemetery here.

Kehoe, operator of the Montdale farms near Constantine, died Thursday evening in the Sturgis memorial Hospital where he had been a patient nine days.

Other survivors include his widow, Blanche, whom he married in 1918 in this city and a sister.

He was a member of the White Pigeon post of the American Legion and the Niles Elks Lodge. A former ticker agent at the New York Central Railroad station here, Kehoe was born in Niles and attended the local high school.

Myers, Wesley C. 1853-1914

Wesley C. Myers
Sept. 5, 1853-Sept. 4, 1914

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Friday, September 4, 1914, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Westly Meyers, who was formerly care taker at Crystal Springs camp ground, died this morning at his home west of Buchanan. Funeral will probably be held Sunday with burial at Niles.

 

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Saturday, September 5, 1914, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Wesley Myers, residing west of Buchanan, died yesterday. Funeral services will occur tomorrow afternoon from the house, when the body will be conveyed to Niles, burial to take place at Silver Brook cemetery. Mr. Myers was a member of Niles Camp No. 900 Modern Woodmen of America, with a $1,000 insurance, payable to his wife.

 

 

Pagin, Iona M. (Clark) 1861-1917

Iona M. Pagin
Sept. 30, 1861-Nov. 6, 1917

 

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, November 7, 1917, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. JOS. PAGIN HEART VICTIM

Highly Respected Lady, Wife of Third ward Alderman, Found Dead by Husband Sitting in Chair on Return From Work

The sudden death of Mrs. Joseph Pagin, of 923 Hickory street yesterday afternoon comes as a great shock to many friends, and especially to her husband, Alderman Pagin, who when he took his departure for the National Printing and Engraving plant after dinner yesterday to return to work left her apparently in her usual health and making plans for her work for the afternoon.

Mr. Pagin came home about 5:30 o'clock, and found his wife sitting in a chair dead, with her head upon a table.

Dr. Ullery believed that she had been dead about three hours.

Mrs. Pagin had done up her housework for the afternoon and on the kitchen table was a cake mixture. She had evidently started to make a cake when she was stricken with heart disease and had died apparently without a struggle.

Mrs. Pagin had for years been in ill health, and the physicians had warned the family that she might be thus stricken but she had been in comparatively good health of late.

Mrs. Pagin was 56 years of age. She was born on the old Bretschneider farm north of the city. Her maiden name was Ione Clark. She was married to Mr. Pagin in Niles in 1881. Two sons were born to them, who with the husband survive their mother. The sons are Harry Pagin of Grand Rapids and Albert Pagin of Michigan City. Besides the husband and sons, there are six grandchildren also her Mother, Mrs. Edna Clark of Chicago, three brothers, William and Dick of Chicago, Albert of Michigan City, and four sisters, Mrs. Otis Mikles, Kalamazoo, Mrs. Chas Higby, St. Joseph, Mrs. George Brewer and Mrs. Wm. Squint, South Bend. Mrs. Jane Brown of Niles is an aunt of the deceased, Mrs. Jane Manning and Mrs. George Foster are cousins and there are several other relatives in this vicinity.

Mrs. Pagin was highly esteemed and many friends mourn her untimely death.

The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon.

Harry Pagin, one of the sons of the deceased, was operated upon las Saturday, but it was thought by Fred Bither, to whom the word of his mother's death was sent, instead of tot he son on account of his condition, that the operation was not so serious but that the son would be able to come to Niles.