William Wallace Dresden
Dec. 11, 1853-Aug. 21, 1924
Niles Daily Star, Friday, August 22, 1924, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
DEATH CLAIMS W.W. DRESDEN
Resides in Niles for 25 Years. Funeral Service Monday
William Wallace Dresden passed away at 12 o'clock last night at his home, "Castle Rest," on N. St. Joseph avenue. Mr. Dresden had been in ill health for several years, but was able to be about the house and grounds until about two weeks ago, when he began to fail rapidly, and the end was not unexpected. His daughter, Mrs. John Allan Grier of Detroit has been with him constantly during his last illness, and Mr. Grier arrived this morning.
Mr. Dresden was born in Michigan City, Ind., Dec. 11, 1853, and spent the greater portion of his life in Chicago, where he was very prominent in musical circles, being a pianist and organist of high accomplishment. For a time he was organist at the Roman Catholic cathedral in Indianapolis.
Mr. and Mrs. Dresden moved to Niles with their daughter, Plowdon, about 25 years ago, when they purchased the old Colby residence, which they restored and made extensive improvements to, making it one of the most beautiful homes in the city, which soon became the scene of many happy social activities, and continued to be until the death of Mrs. Dresden, about 10 years ago. Since that time, Mr. Dresden has lived very quietly, entering little into the life of the city. During their residence here, both Mr. and Mrs. Dresden took a keen interest in civic, social, and church affairs, and drew about them, a large group of friends, who mourn the passing of this family. Their charitable interests were numerous and generous, and many in Niles will today recall with gratitude their kind deeds. They have come into our midst and gone but the the impress of their lives here will long remain and be a happy memory, and their works will live after them.
The deceased was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of DeWitt Clinton Consistory, Saladin Temple, Order of Mystic Shrine, and Knights of Templar. For a number of years he served as a senior warden on the vestry of Trinity Epicopal[sic] church.
Besides the daughter, Mrs. Grier, there is a granddaughter, Dresden Grier, and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Henry Dresden, in South Bend, surviving.
The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the home and will be private. Rev. James W. Wilkinson, will officiate. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Monday, August 25, 1924, page 4, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library
Funeral Services
Simple funeral services were conducted at Castle Rest this afternoon for W.W. Dresden. Rev. James E. Wilkinson, rector of Trinity Episcopal church read the service. Harold MacNab, accompanied by Mrs. Fred Frankenberry, sang, "Abide With Me," and "Lead Kindly Light." The following acted as pall bearers: W.L. Babbitt, W.M. Burns, F.J. French, Walter Parkin, D.S. Scoffern and W.I. Tyler. The casket was covered with beautiful flowers. Burial took place in the family lot in Silverbrook cemetery.
Among those from out of the city who attended the services were: Miss Emma Coles, Michigan City; Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Durfee and Mrs. and Mrs. M.C. Safford, Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Merlin J. Loew, Three Rivers; Miss Marie Davis and Ralph Cunningham, Detroit; Mrs. Martin Beiger, Mishawaka, Mrs. Henry C. Dresden, Mrs. Voight, Mrs. Caroline Schaffer, Miss Kathryn Schafer and Mr. Byler, of South Bend.
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