John Winn Sr.
May 9, 1840-Jan. 21, 1912

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, Jan. 22, 1912, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    John Winn, Sr., a highly respected pioneer citizen of Niles township, died very suddenly last night while at the barn on the old homestead with his son, John.
    He had spent the day at his son's and seemed to be in fine spirits and health, having eaten a hearty dinner.
    About 5 o'clock the father and son went out to the barn to see after the stock and in the barn they became separated for a few moments. The elder man was not out of his son's sight for more than two or three minutes and it was a great shock therefore when John Jr. came upon the body of his parent, who he left in such good spirits a few moments before, lying apparently lifeless upon the floor of the barn.
    Death came instantly to the elder man and is attributed to organic heart trouble, from which he had complained for several years.
    The deceased was native of Germany and had he lived until next May he would have been seventy-two years of age.
    He came to America when he was sixteen and for a time lived in Canada. He then came to Berrien county and on March 11, 1866, he was married after a short courtship to Miss Fanny Foster of Niles township. His bride was a member of the well known Foster family and was a sister of Robert, John and George Foster. Her death occurred on June 6, 1911.
    To this union three children were born, two sons, George and John Jr., both residents of Niles township, surviving.
    John Winn, Sr., was a successful farmer and was accounted one of the best stock men in the township.
    He bought the farm where he died, and which is now owned by his son John, about thirty-six years ago.  Following his wife's death last year he had made his home with his sons and this winter had been living with his son, George.
    Besides his sons, he is survived by one brother, Peter Winn of Kalamazoo. He had no other known relatives in this country.
    There are also three grandchildren, Fanny May, Lester F., and Frances Lucille Winn.
    Deceased was a good neighbor and a man of kindly nature, who was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone in need or distress.
    While he was a Democrat in politics he was never an office seeker or holder and was content to live quietly and attend to his duties as a farmer and stock raiser.
    The funeral services will be held at the home of his son, John Winn, Jr., Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock and the remains will be brought to Niles for burial beside those of his wife at Silver Brook cemetery.


Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 22, 1912, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


    John Winn, Sr., aged 71 years, died suddenly about 5 o'clock yesterday from heart failure.  Mr. Winn had been making his home of late with his son, Geo. F. Winn, but yesterday he spent the day with another son, John J. Winn.
    He has been in good health lately, with the exception of what was supposed to be a slight affliction of the heart, and yesterday was apparently feeling in the best of health, eating a good dinner and enjoying the visit with his son and family.  About 5 o'clock in the afternoon he went with his son to one of their adjoining farms to feed the stock. It was while thus employed that he was suddenly stricken.  Mr. Winn was born in Germany and came to America when 16 years of age, while his residence in Michigan covers a period of about 40 years years, which he devoted to the pursuit of agriculture and stock raising.  He was married to Miss Fannie Foster, a native of Niles township, March 11, 1866, who passed away June 6 last.  He leaves a brother, Peter Winn of Kalamazoo, two sons, Geo. F. and John J. and three grandchildren, Fannie Mae, Lester F. and Francis Lucile Winn, all of Niles township.
    After a long, busy and useful life, he died as he had lived--honored, trusted and loved.  He reared his own monument while he lived in the hearts of all who knew him.  His life was completed, if work all done and well done constitutes completion.  The funeral services will be held at the late home Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock. Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.

Christian Wedel /Wadel
Dec. 28, 1841-June 5, 1909

Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, June 5, 1909, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    The lifeless body of Christ. Wadel was found about 6 o'clock this morning in the boiler room of this Kompass & Stoll factory which is located just east of the main building.
    The body was discovered by the engineer, Herman Stedman and A.S. Lambert, an employe.
    About the hour mentioned the men attempted to enter the factory throug the door usually opened for employes but they found it locked.
    They then went around to the boiler room where they discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Wadel.
    Mr. Wadel has been in the employ of Messrs. Kompass and Stoll at their factory for over nine years, his work being the scaling of lumber.
    Last night he substituted for the regular night watchman.
    The time clock showed that Mr. Wadel had made his rounds regularly during the night until after 2:30 this morning this being the last  hour punched in the time clock used by the night watchman.
    It is evident that Mr. Wadel's death occurred a considerable time after than hour as the body was still warm when discovered.
    Messrs. Kompass and Stoll and Coroner Platt were immediately notified upon the discovery of the body and workmen conveyed the sad news to the family and all were soon on the scene.
    The coroner impanelled the following jury: Messsrs. Charles Stoll, Thos. Roach, Wm. Morris, Eli Leach, henry Austin and  Tyler Swain.
    After the jury viewed the body, it was taken to the late residence at 1208 Phoenix street.
    The jury adjourned to meet at Atty. W.M. Burn' office Monday morning at 9 o'clock.
    It is supposed that Mr. Wade's[sic] death was due to an acute attack of heart disease as there is absolutely no ground for any theory of foul play or death from any other cause.
    The factory was at once closed down for the day out of respect to the deceased who was highly esteemed by both the employers and the employed.
    Mr. Stoll expressed much sorrow over Mr. Wadel's death this morning as he was valued as a faithful and efficient workman and for his excellent personal qualities which made him an esteemed citizen in a wide circle of acquaintances.
    Christian Wadel was born in Altenereitungen, Province of Saxes, Germany, Dec. 28, 1841. He came to Niles with his parents in 1855.  For a number of years he engaged in farming in this vicinity until he accepted a position in the cooper mills of the late Granville and Solon Lacy and was a faithful employe during 38 years of continuous service.  In 1863 he was married to Miss Anna Margaret Simon of Niles, whose death occurred about eight years ago.
    Ten children were born to them of whom six are now living as follows:  Mrs. John Frances, Miss Louise, Charles and Edward of Niles; Mrs. M.E. Calkins and Mrs. E.M. Calkins, both of Toledo, Ohio.  The deceased had long been a consistent member of St. John's German church and for a number of years served the church as a trustee.  He was a member of the building committee when the new church was being erected and took an active part in promoting the project.
    The funeral will be held from the late residence Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock and from St. John's German church at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. Rahn will officiate.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.


Niles Daily Star, Saturday, June 5, 1909, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Christian Wedel, a well known citizen of Niles, was found dead at the factory of the Kompass & Stoll company by Engineer Stedman at 5:40 o'clock this morning. Mr. Wedel, who had been in the employe of the company for eight years as inspector of lumber and yard man, volunteered to relieve the regular nightwatchman at the factory last night, as the latter desired to get off.
    When Engineer Stedman found the dead body of Mr. Wedel in the boiler room at the factory this morning, he immediately notified relatives of the deceased, who hurried to the factory, where they found the dead man lying shovel in hand, the attitude of the body plainly indicating that he had been in the act of throwing fuel under the boiler when he fell.
    It was plain that Mr. Wedel had been dead for several hours. The fire under the boiler had burned out and the clock which the nightwatchman punches every half hour, had been punched last at 2:30 a.m.  One of the sons of the dead man stated that his father had been complaining about his heart for some time, and it is taken for granted that death was due to heart failure.
    Coroner Platt was notified, however, and after he had impanneled a jury and the remains had been viewed, an adjournment was taken until next Monday morning at 9 'clock, when the inquest will be held in the common council rooms.
    Undertaker H.E. Price took charge of the remains, which were removed to the home at 1208 Phoenix street.
    Messrs. Kompass & Stoll spoke in words of praise of the dead this morning, saying that Mr. Wedel had been a faithful, conscientious, industrious and valuable employe of the company.
    Christian Wedel was born at Alpenbreitungen, Saxony, December 28,  1841, and came to America with his parents when he was 14 years old, settling in Niles, where he had since resided.  For some time he was engaged in farming. In 1863, Mr. Wedel married Miss Anna M. Simon, who died nine years ago, and ten children were born of this union, of whom six survive. They are Mrs. John Francis, Miss Louise Wedel and Charles and Edward Wedel of Niles, and Mrs. Kate Calkins and Mrs. Minnie Calkins of Toledo, O.
    For 38 years, Mr Wedel was in the employ of the Lacey's who were engaged in the flouring and cooperage business, and for the last eight years, he had been with the Kompass & Stoll company, as previously stated.  He was a member of the German church and was identified with St. John's Workingmen's society.
    The funeral will take place next Tuesday afternoon. Services will be conducted at the German church at 2:30 o'clock by Rev. F. Rahn, the pastor.  Interment will take place at Silver Brook cemetery.

Dorothea Kehr
Oct. 22, 1859-Jan. 31, 1932

Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 1, 1932, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mrs. Dorothea Kehr, 72, a highly esteemed German resident of Niles for 36 years, died on Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock in the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Wasson, 552 West Main street.  She had been ill in bed since last October suffering with nephritis and complications.
    Mrs. Kehr was born in Saxon, Meinengen, Germany on October 22, 1859.  She was married in Germany to Casper Kehr.  They continued to live in Germany for several years after their marriage and their two sons were born there. Thirty-eight years ago they came to the United Sates and while they were here Mr. Kehr became ill and was ill for more than a year.  Upon the advice of his physician he returned to Germany alone with expectation that his health might be restored within possibly a few months. However, upon reaching Germany he was advised that he would probably be required to remain there for two years before the treatments would be effective.  His wife and two little sons, then left America and returned to Germany. Thirty-six years ago they family returned to America and came at once to Niles.  Mr. and Mrs. Kehr then had three children, one a girl of six months.  For many years the Kehr family home was in north Seventh street until three years ago when Mrs. Kehr and Mr. and Mrs. Wasson moved to Mr. and Mrs. Wasson's new home in West Niles where she had since resided. Mr. Kehr died 15 years ago.
    Mrs. Kehr is survived by one son, Edward, of Chicago and two daughters, Mrs. William McElrath, of Jackson, and Mrs. C.J. Wasson, of Niles. Four grandchildren also survive.  A son, Alvin, died in 1920 and mother's death occurred on the anniversary of his birth.
    Mrs. Kehr was a member of St. John's Evangelical church, and of the Ladies Aid society of the church.
    The funeral serivces will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Mr. and Mrs. Wasson's home and at 2:30 in St. John's Evangelical church.  Burial will be made in the Kehr family lot in Silverbrook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, February 3, 1932, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Funeral services for Mrs. Dorothea Kehr were held this afternoon in St. John's Evangelical church.  The Rev. W.G. Webbink officiated.  Mr. and Mrs. Rex Leach sang.  The following were pallbearers: Ernest [illegible}, Carl Brunk, Fred Bachman, Fred Enderle, Clarence Shepherd and Thomas Britton.  Burial was made in Silver Brook cemetery.  Among thsoe from out of the city who attended the services were Mr. and Mrs. William Elrath, Jackson; Edward Kehr, his children, Mrs. Joseph Clark, Dorothea and Edwin Kehr, also Harold Brown, Mrs. Emil Schellhorn and Mrs. Emil Mueller, all of Chicago; Emil Schrumpf and family, Galien; Fred Koenigshoff and family, Buchanan; Mrs. Rose Wasson and son, Claude, of Goshen.  Mrs. Kehr died on Sunday in the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Wasson.

Amanda Pears
October 18, 1869-March 5, 1909

Niles Daily Star, Friday, March 5, 1909, Page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Amanda, wife of Arthur Pears, chief of the fire department, passed away this forenoon at 10:15 o'clock at the home on west Sycamore street, from cancer, after an illness of two years, aged 39 years.  She was the daughter of Joseph Swartz, and is survived by the husband, father and one brother, Chas. Swartz.  She was of an effectionate[sic] disposition, bright and winning in her ways, so that friendships's circle was to her a large one. Indeed, it may be said of her, that "none knew her but to love her." Later:  An aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. P.J. McDonald reside at Leavenworth, Kansas.  The funeral will occur from the house Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, March 8, 1909, Page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral of the late Mrs. Arthur Pears will take place Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the home on West Sycamore street.  Burial at Silver Brook cemetery.

Mrs. Barbara R. Asmus
Feb. 14, 1828-March 12, 1901

    Mrs. Barbara R. Asmus, aged 73 years and 26 days, passed away yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Ditmar, on St. Joseph avenue, West Niles.  She had been a sufferer for some time with paralysis and asthma. She was born in Saxingtan, Germany, Feb. 14 1828, and was married to Ernest Asmus in 1846.  Six years later she was left a widow with one child.  She came to America in 1867 and had resided in Niles for the past seventeen years. The funeral will occur Friday morning at the house at 9:30 o'clock. Rev. F.A. Chapman of the M.E. church will officiate and burial will be at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, March 13, 1901, page 3, col. 2-3, microfilm Niles District Library

Miss Mary Dickson
Died September 5, 1877

Niles Republican, Thursday, Sept. 6, 1877, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    Miss Mary Dickson, a very estimable lady of his city, died on Tuesday afternoon, after a long illness. She will be sadly missed by a very large circle of friends to whom she had endeared herself by kindly deeds and a pure life.  The Episcopal Church, to which she belonged, has lost a most faithful and earnest member, and its Sunday School has been deprived of a teacher whose devoted services will long be remembered. Her funeral took place Wednesday afternoon.

* * *

Niles Democrat, Saturday, Sept. 8, 1877, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Miss Mary Dickson, a highly esteemed lady of this city, died on Tuesday last after a lingering illness. Miss Dickson was a consistent and useful member of the Episcopal Church. Her presence and usefulness in and out of the church will be greatly missed.