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.

Perkins, William H.

William H. Perkins
1812-Sept. 20, 1875


Niles Democrat, Saturday, September 25, 1875, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Wm. H. Perkins, an old resident of Niles, died suddenly last Monday morning, of heart disease. Mr. Perkins was born in Henry Co., Ky., in 1812, and came to this city in 1858, where he has since resided. He had enjoyed apparently good health up the moment of his death, though sometimes complaining of a peculiar feeling about his heart.  On the morning mentioned, he had been out splitting wood, went into house, sat down in a chair, and died instantly, without a struggle. He was a man of quiet, unpretentious habits, and filled well his place in life. To his family and friends he leaves a blameless record. All of his children, eight in number, attended his funeral. It is a singular that, though the often visited home, it was the only time they all ever met beneath the parental roof.

Landon, Matilda

Matilda Landon
Abt. 1833-Sept. 17, 1875


Niles Democrat, Saturday, September 25, 1875, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

 

In St. Louis, Missouri, at the residence of M. Guiheen, on Friday, 17th inst., of embolism of the heart, MATILDA, wife of R.W. Landon, of this city.

One who possessed in unusual measure "the ornament of a meek  and quite spirit" has just "entered into rest."

By ceaseless effort and unselfish ministrations in the family circle, winning the affection and respect of those around her; by unostentatous charity gaining the blessings of the poor and the gratitude of friends and neighbors to whom her quiet care brought relief and comfort; by her ready and efficient help in Church enterprises, showing her heart felt Christianity she had gained more friends and is more generally regretted than her modest, unassuming nature could have dreamed of. She rests in peace, and her memory is blessed.


Niles Democrat, Saturday, September 25, 1875, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

The funeral of Mrs. R.W. Landon took place from Trinity Church last Monday afternoon, and was largely attended. She is sadly missed by many in the community. Her deeds, where charity was required, and her earnest Christian life will long  be remembered.

Batson, Andrew Balfour

Andrew Balfour Batson
July 12, 1847-March 9, 1928


Niles Daily Star, Thursday, April 12, 1928, page 8, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

A.F.[sic]  BATSON DEAD

 

Joel H. Gillette has received from a friend in Lincoln, Neb., a copy of the Lincoln State Journal in which appears an account of the death of Andrew Balfour Batson, who was a former old neighbor of Mr. Gillette, and who was known to many in this community. Mr. Batson was born on July 12, 1847 on a farm southwest of Niles on the edge of Portage Prairie. There he spent the first 40 years of his life. Mr. Batson was married to Flora A. Patton, of Laporte,Ind. To this union four children were born, three of whom survive their father. They are Samuel Ray of Lincoln, Mrs. Edna Louise Huff of Wisner, Neb., and Eva Genevieve Miller of Phoenix, Ariz.  In 1886 Mr.and Mrs. Batson moved to Arlington, Neb., and in 1906 moved to Lincoln.  Mr. Batson died on March 9 at the age of 80.  His widow survives with the three children. Mr. Batson had been a member of the Masonic lodge for more than 56 years. While living in Arlington he was postmaster for four years.

 

Batson, Carrie

Carrie Batson
abt. 1864-July 10, 1872


Niles Democrat, Saturday, July 13, 1872, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

In this city, at the residence of her aunt, Mrs. Young, on Wednesday morning, July 10, of cerebro-spinal meningitis, CARRIE BATSON, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. R. Batson, of Bertrand in the 9th year of her age.

Little Carrie had been a patient sufferer with this dreadful disease for nearly three months,and often during this period seemed near death's door, but would rally and hope would revive, but as oft would relapse, and week after week passed, leaving her weaker and weaker, until there remained scarcely a shadow of her former self.

Carrie possessed a sweet and amiable disposition, which had won the love of all who knew her. Her protracted illness had excited much sympathy in the community, and every one seemed anxious to do everything in their power for her relief, most prominent among whom was her aunt, Mrs. Young, who watched her with little less than a mother's devotion. But despite all this love, care and attention, little Carrie has left us for fairer and brighter scenes beyond this world.

 

Batson, Lorinda

Lorinda Batson
Abt. 1820-Jan. 16, 1870


Niles Republican, Thursday, January 20, 1870, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


DIED


On Sunday evening, January 16th, 1870, Mrs. LORINDA BATSON, aged 50 years.

Batson, Lafayette

Dr. Lafayette Batson
1850-November 22, 1880


Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, December 1, 1880, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Dr. Lafayette Batson, son of Wm. Batson, of Bertrand township, died at Wakelee on Monday morning of last week, aged about 31 years. Dr. Batson studied medicine with Dr. Mead, of this city, and went to Ann Arbor and was a graduate of the medical department there. He located at Wakelee, Mich., about three years since where he was well received and promised a life of much usefulness. He leaves a wife and one child, and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.

Batson, William

William Batson
March 29, 1868-July 3, 1932


Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, July 5, 1932, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

WILLIAM BATSON DIES AFTER SHORT ILLNESS

Passes Away Sunday Morning at Home, 1428 Sheffield Avenue

 

William Batson, 63, employed at the Kawneer company's plant as a polisher and miller, died on Sunday morning at 10:30 in his home, 1429 Sheffield Ave., after a week of illness. He had engaged in his work until stricken by the illness which proved fatal.

Mr. Batson was born in Bertrand township on March 29, 1868. He came to Niles from Baroda five years ago. He was married in November 1882 at Berrien Springs to Miss Emma Martin who survives him. Besides the widow he is survived by two daughters, one son, nine grandchildren and three sisters. The daughters are Mrs. Ina Reed and Mrs. Marie Gulbranson, of Niles, and the son is Harold Batson of Niles. The sisters are Mrs. William Estes of Benton Harbor, Mrs. Lewis Putnam of South Haven and Mrs. Lena Moran of Chicago.

The funeral services will be held in the Rutherford funeral home on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30. The Rev. Harry L. Nicholson, rector of Trinity Episcopal church, will officiate. Burial will be be made in Silverbrook cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home to view the body.