Coolidge Family Video Text

Orville Coolidge was born in Edwardsburg on October 9, 1839 to parents, Judge Henry H. Coolidge and Sarah Mead. 

Orville followed in his father’s footsteps, working as a Berrien County lawyer and circuit court judge. He also served as mayor of Niles in 1890.

In 1906, Coolidge authored the book titled A 20th Century History of Berrien County Michigan.

Orville Coolidge studied literature at the University of Michigan. He then attended law school in Massachusetts, graduating in 1865.

In 1867, Orville married Katie Pettingill.  The couple had three children; Florence, Orrill, and Clarence.

Florence Claudine Coolidge was born in Niles on December 15, 1868. Like her father, Florence was an author. She also taught literature and public speaking in the Niles Community Schools.

She was an active member in a number of local clubs, including the Women's Progressive League, League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women, Ladies Historical Society and the Niles Club of Home Gardens.

Clarence Coolidge was born in 1873 and worked as an attorney, like his father and grandfather.

Orrill Pettingill Coolidge was born in 1881. She served as the community’s first public librarian. She was nominated to that position in 1904 when the Niles Carnegie Library opened on the corner of Main and 4th Streets. She retired from the library in 1940.  

The Coolidge family is buried at Silverbrook Cemetery in the CITY section.

Orville Coolidge was Emily Chapin’s brother. To learn more about Emily, check out the Chapin Family video on this virtual tour!