Mary (Fowler) Hamilton
Feb. 5, 1845 to May 17, 1939
Niles Daily Star, Wed. May 17, 1939, page 1
MRS. HAMILTON, OLDEST RESIDENT OF NILES, IS DEAD
PROMINENT PIONEER PASSES AFTER LONG ILLNESS; RITES FRIDAY
Mrs. Mary Hamilton, one of Niles’ oldest women, died early this afternoon. Her death terminated a long period of illness.
Mrs. Hamilton was a member of an old pioneer family, prominent in the city’s history. She was the oldest member of the First Presbyterian church. She was well versed in the history of this locality and of the nation. When her failing health made it impossible for her to leave her home, she kept informed on leading topics of the day by listening to radio programs. She was a member of the What-soever class and of the O.N.O.
Mrs. Hamilton was a member of an old pioneer family, prominent in the city’s history. She was the oldest member of the First Presbyterian church. She was well versed in the history of this locality and of the nation. When her failing health made it impossible for her to leave her home, she kept informed on leading topics of the day by listening to radio programs. She was a member of the What-soever class and of the O.N.O.
Daughter of Pioneers
Mrs. Hamilton was the daughter of Thomas and Margaret Griffin Fowler, and was born in Brighton, Ia., Feb. 5, 1845. Her father died when she was two years old. She returned to Niles to make her home with her grandfather, Robert S. Griffin. Her mother married Dr. Joseph Mansfield in 1852. Mrs. Hamilton was sent to the best of public and private schools. She taught successfully in Michigan and Indiana schools until her marriage to Asa D. Hamilton in 1866. Her husband was the uncle of the late U.S. Senator E.L. Hamilton.
Since the death of her husband in 1897, she and her brother, Harry J. Mansfield, have lived in the family home on North Fifth street.
Members of Family
Beside her brother she leaves a son, Louis Hamilton, Eau Claire, and six grandchildren, Asa D. Hamilton, Mrs. Warren Martin and Mrs. Leon Anderson, Niles; Lawrence Hamilton, Chicago; Mrs. Otto Schneider and Mrs. Harold Wolcott, Ithaca, N.Y. A son, Frank Hamilton, died in 1919.
Services will be held in the home on North Fifth street Friday afternoon at 4 o’clock, the Rev. Guy W. Simon officiating. Dr. Simon will be assisted by the Rev. Harry L. Nicholson.