January 31, 1855-March 13, 1925
Mrs. James Whalen Claimed By Death After Long Illness
Mrs. James Whelan, 70, died this morning at 7 o'clock, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. R.G. Zimmerman, 1098 N. Sixth street, where she had been for five weeks. Mrs. Whelan had been in failing health since April 1923, with pernicious anemia. About five weeks ago her condition became more alarming than for several months and she was brought to her daughter's home from her farm home three miles north of the city.
Mrs. Whelan was born in Piketown, Ohio, on January 31, 1855. Her maiden name was Mary A. O'Brien, the eldest of the children of Michael and Margaret O'Brien. The family moved to Niles when Mrs. Whelan was a child, and she had since resided here. She was married in 1882 to Mr. Whelan who survives, and they went at once to housekeeping on the farm north of Niles which had since been their home. Besides the husband, Mrs. Whelan is survived by seven children who are Mrs. W.W. Smith, Dowagiac: Mrs. L.N. Curtis, and Forest Whelan, of Flint; Mrs. C.H. Higgins, Mrs. R.G. Zimmerman, Max and Gordon Whelan, of Niles. The following sisters also survive: Mrs. G.R. McCoy, of Otswego, N.Y.; Misses Anna and Melissa O'Brien and Mrs. John Line, of Aurora, Ill., and Mrs. Julia Brandenburg, of Jackson. The children and the sisters are all expected in Niles today or tomorrow for the funeral services.
Mrs. Whelan was a member of the Episcopal church, and of Niles Chapter, No. 332, Order of Eastern Star. She was well known and beloved throughout the community for many excellent qualities of character and for the gracious hospitality of her home.
The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home of Mrs. Zimmerman. Rev. Dymond, rector of the Episcopal church in Dowagiac, will officiate. Burial will take place in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, Friday, March 13, 1925, page 5, col. 2-3, microfilm Niles District Library)