Elizabeth Winegar Babcock
August 17, 1810-June 8, 1886
Niles Democrat, Saturday, June 12, 1886, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Elizabeth Winegar Babcock, died at her home in this city, Tuesday evening, June 8, 1886. She was born in Nassau, Rensselaer county, New York, August 17, 1810, was married to George S. Babcock October 30th, 1831, and came to this city September 10th, 1838, where she has ever since resided. Thus briefly is chronicled the life history of a most estimable lady, a true and faithful wife, a devoted and affectionate mother, a warm friend and a truly good woman. Although a resident of Niles for well nigh a half century, she was but little known to any save the older families. Essentially a home person, in the sweetest sense of the word, her sphere was her own hearth stone, and family circle and her highest ambition was to minister to the comfort and render pleasant the home of her loved companion and their children. How nobly she succeeded is best known to those who knew her and the bereaved family which is left. She patiently and cheerfully did her every duty in this life and has gone to her reward beyond.
Niles Mirror, Wednesday, June 16, 1886, page 5, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library
OBITUARY
In Renselaer county, in the state of New York, fifty-five years ago, George S. Babcock and Elizabeth Winegar were married. They came west and located in Niles, September 10th, 1838. Last Tuesday eventing, June 8th, after a brief illness, sad farewells were uttered, and the shadows of death fell between the eyes of a kind and devoted wife, a noble Christian mother, a true friend, a perfect type of an incomparable woman, and the dear ones of home. Her eyes closed upon the scenes which had for years been all of life to her and opened upon the beauties of the home beyond. She died with the strains of "Rock of Ages" rendered in tones quivering with emotion , [illegible] in her ears, and the promise made years ago, that when one was called to go the other would sing that grand old hymn by the bedside, was fullfilled; the angels prolonging the refrain welcomed her to the presence of Him whom she had served so faithfully and so well. Tho' absent forever from her earthly home, the hallowed memories, centering around a correct and beautiful life, are enshrined within the sacred precincts of the hearts of husband and children.
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.
Eliza J. Babcock (Chilson)
March 19, 1824*-Nov. 27, 1885
Niles Mirror, Wednesday, December 2, 1885, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Mrs. Eliza, wife of Hiram Babcock, of Niles township, died on Friday evening last, aged 62 years. Mrs. Babcock was the daughter of Hiram Chilson, and came to Niles with him in 1831.
Niles Democrat, Saturday, December 5, 1885, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Mrs. Eliza Babcock, wife of Hiram Babcock, of Niles township, died at her resid[sic] on Friday last, aged about sixty-two years., She was the daughter of Hiram Chilson Esq., one of the oldest settlers of this vicinity and came here with her father in 1831.
*Age on death record is given as 61 years, 8 months, 8 days.
Frances Louise Babcock
April 29, 1857-Sept. 15, 1942
Niles Daily Star, Friday, September 17, 1942, page 2, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library
FRANCES BABCOCK STRICKEN AT 85
Mrs. Frances Louise Babcock, 85, Route 3, who was born in Niles and spent her entire life here, died Wednesday afternoon at 3:45 in Pawating hospital. She had been ill two weeks after suffering a stroke.
Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter G. Cutting, Mrs. Babcock was born April 29, 1857. Active in rural organizations about the city, she was a member of the Buchanan Road Home Economics club, the Rural Reading club, Bend of the River Grange and First Baptist church.
Her husband, James E. Babcock, to whom she was married in Niles May 18, 1880, died Feb. 5, 1934. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Eben Cutting.
Funeral Saturday
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Charles A. Hess; a granddaughter, Mrs. Alice Karstens, and a great-grandson, Jimmy George Karstens, Niles, and two cousins, Mrs. Bell Brandt, South Bend, and Mrs. Elsie Fry, Chicago.
Friends may call at the home of Mrs. Hess on Route 3 until 1 Saturday afternoon when the body will be removed to the Price and Kiger funeral home for the service at 3. The Rev. George Horst will officiate in the absence of the Rev. Floyd W. Johnston. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
Hiram Babcock
Abt. 1820-April 1, 1890
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, April 2, 1890, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
An Old Settler Gone
Hiram Babcock, one of our oldest settlers, died of dropsy of the chest, at his home two miles north of this city, on Tuesday afternoon, a few days over 70 years old. Mr. Babcock was an honest, upright citizen, "whose word was as good as his bond." He was a prominent member and officer of the Baptist church here, and was highly esteemed for his probity and strong, uncompromising Christian character. The funeral will take place at his late residence on Thursday.
Niles Republican, Thursday, April 3, 1890, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Hiram Babcock, an old settler, died of dropsy of the chest, at this home, two miles from the city, on Tuesday in his 71st year. Mr. Babcock was an excellent citizen, a Christian gentleman, and a prominent officer in the Baptist church. His funeral takes place to-day from his late residence.
James E. Babcock
1855-Feb. 5, 1934
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, February 6, 1934, page 1, col 1
James E. Babcock Dies Late Monday
James E. Babcock, 78, pioneer and lifelong resident of Niles, died Monday afternoon at 5:30 o'clock at his home, 102 Parkway.
Mr. Babcock's father was one of the early settlers who came to this section from New York state, and the deceased was born in a log cabin on the Babcock farm a mile and a half west of Niles. He spent his entire life there up until 9 years ago when he retired and moved to the present residence.
On May 18, 1880, he was married to Miss Frances L. Cutting, who was also born and reared in Niles. Four years ago they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.
Besides the wife, the deceased is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Charles A. Hess, living on the farm; the oldest sister of the a family of 16, Mrs. Emma White, living at the residence; and a granddaughter, Miss Alice Hess.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the Price & Kiger funeral home. Interment will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, February 8, 1934, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
HOLD BABCOCK FUNERAL
Funeral services for James E. Babcock, Niles pioneer who died at 5 o'clock Monday afternoon at his home, 102 Parkway, were held at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon at the Price and Kiger funeral home. The Rev. W.H. Turner was in charge. Burial was in Silverbrook cemetery.
Mrs. Mary A. Deam
Feb. 24, 1841-Nov. 27, 1885
Niles Mirror, Wednesday, December 2, 1885, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
Mrs. Mary A Deam, wife of John N. Deam, died at her residence on Fourth Street on Firday afternoon last, of neuralgia of the heart, after an illness of but a few hours duration. She had been in poor health for several years past but for a few weeks prior to her death had improved so rapidly that her nearly complete restoration was looked forward to. During the past season, Mr. Deam erected a new residence. Mrs. Deam but a short time ago moved out of the old house into the new, and is now called to dwell in "a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens." Mrs. Deam leaves behind to mourn her loss an affectionate husband, two sons and a daughter, and a host of friends. She was an exemplary member of Trinity Episcopal church. Mrs. Deam was born in Germany, Feb. 24, 1841, and came to this country 44 years ago. She was married to the husband who now mourns her loss on Oct. 29th, 1865. At the time of her death she was aged 44 years, 9 months and 2 days. The funeral services were conducted at Trinity church on Sunday afternoon, and the remains of the deceased were followed to their last resting place in Silver Brook cemetery by a large concourse of people.
Niles Democrat, Saturday, December 5, 1885, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Mrs. John Deam, died at the residence of her husband, upon Fourth street in this city, Friday afternoon, Nov. 27th, 1885, after an illness of but a few hours from neuralgia of the heart. Mary A. Opfel, was born in Germany, February 24th, 1841, and came when an infant of seven months with her parents to America, and for thirty-eight years has been a resident of this immediate vicinity. John Deam and Mary A. Opfel, were wedded October 29th, 1865, and here they resided and reared their family of three children, all of whom survive her. Mrs. Deam had not been in good health for years, but her sudden death was none the less unexpected to her immediate family and friends. Gentle and unobtrusive in all her ways, she acquired the respect of all with whom she came in contact, but it was those who knew her most intimately who loved her most dearly. An affectionate mother and devoted wife she will be most sadly missed about the family hearthstone, but in the community at large, wherever known, she will be remembered as a kind neighbor and a constant friend but above all as a good woman in all that the words imply. Her funeral was attended Sunday afternoon from Trinity Episcopal church, of which church she was a devout and consistent communicant and the large attendance was but the deserved tribute to the memory of a Christian woman.
Lansing G. Hart
1853-Aug. 28, 1893
Niles Daily Star, Monday, August 38, 1893, page 4, microfilm Niles District Library
The Death of Lansing G. Hart
Lansing G. Hart, one of our choicest and best known young married men, died at 5 o'clock this morning at the home of Mrs. Hart's mother, Mrs. Wm. G. Ferson. His illness has been long and trying but through it all, he has been patient and cheerful, and while he realized that death was very near, he faced the inevitable with unflinching christian courage and at the last with undimmed faith he closed his eyes in death as serenely as though dropping off to sleep. Mr. Hart was born in this city 39 years ago and this has been his home ever since.
He married Miss Nettie Ferson, who was also a native of Niles and his life has been a most happy and contented one. During the last year Mrs. Hart and their only surviving child Mabel, accompanied him on his business trips. His employers ever mindful of his health, gave him the southern field enabling him to spend the autumn and winter in Florida and the Gulf states. He continued to travel until increasing weakness admonished him that his work ended, when he returned to Niles to die as he said, among his friends. The funeral will take place at Mrs. Ferson's, at 3 p.m., Wednesday 30th inst.