Frank Gitchell
April 30, 1855-July 15, 1926

Niles Daily Star, Friday, July 16, 1926, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    Injuries received Wednesday morning by Frank Gitchell, 71, a well known farmer of this section, proved fatal, his death having occurred last evening about 6:30 at his home about four miles west of Niles where he had lived for 50 yeas.
    Mr. Gitchell was riding on a mower to which was hitched a young colt and an old horse.  One of the team fell down and Mr. Gitchell was thrown from the mower to the ground.  When the team ran up the field toward the barn separately, a farm hand saw them, and realizing that an accident had occurred, he ran to warn the field and met Mr. Gitchell walking toward the house and assisted him to his house and to bed.  Three physicians attended the injured man, and it was their diagnosis that the gall duct had been ruptured.  There was no mark of any kind on the body, and Mr. Gitchell probably was thrown clear of the mower and horses and his injury resulted from falling heavily to the ground.  He retained consciousness until a few minutes before his death.
    Frank Gitchell, a son of Mr. and Mrs. David Gitchell, deceased, was born on April 30, 1855, on a farm opposite the home of the family of the late David Gitchell, Jr. and which has since been removed.  Gitchell corner is one of the landmarks west of Niles.
    Fifty-two years ago Mr. Gitchell was married to Dora Walters, of Niles,  sister of George Walters, of Hickory street.  Of the four children born to them, three survive their father. They are Mrs. William Hall, of Howell, Mich.; William Gitchell, of Detroit, and Mrs. Arthur Dillenback, of Niles.  Hiram, the other son, died several years ago.
    Mr. Gitchell was one of a family of eight children of whom Ms. Emma Janery of Chicago, is now the sole survivor. Thirty years ago he was married to Mrs. Sylvia Price Miller, who survives him.  Besides the widow, the children and sister, he is survived by four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
    Throughout his lifetime, the deceased had engaged in farming. He was a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of this community, and was widely known and his death is a shock to his many friends.
    The funeral services will be held at the home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Rev. Staver, pastor of the Presbyterian church at Buchanan, will officiate in the absence of Rev. H.T. Scherer.  Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Friday, July 16, 1926, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mrs. Emma Janery, of Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. William Hall, and son, of Howell, and William Gitchell, of Detroit, arrived in Niles today on account of the death of Frank Gitchell.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, July 19, 1926, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL TODAY

    Funeral services for Frank Gitchell were conducted Sunday afternoon by Rev. Staver, pastor of the Presbyterian church at Buchanan at the home west of Niles.  Mr. and Mrs. Rex Leach sang.  Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery.  The pallbearers were Arthur Dillenback, William Gitchell, William Hall, Frank Hall, Louis Miller and Water[sic] Jeffery.  Among those from out of the city who attended the services were certain members of the South[sic]: Emma Jenery and son, and  Mrs. Walter Jenery and daughter, Elizabeth of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Voigh, Grand Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. William Hall and son, of Howell; William Gitchell, Detroit; Mrs. Alice Gitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Orville Gitchell, Mr. and Mrs. George Walters and son, Boyden, South Bend; Mr. and Mrs. John Gaskill and daughter, and Mrs. Arille Walters, of South Bend.

Ella (Lambert) Hilderbrand
Dec. 15, 1854-Feb. 19, 1914

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, February 19, 1914, page 1, col 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    The death of Mrs. Ella Hilderbrand this morning at her home, 205 south Fifth street, was most shocking to that lady's many Niles friends, not one of whom had realized that her illness was so serious.
    Mrs. Hilderbrand had contracted a severe cold about three weeks ago but was able to be about as usual until a week ago today.  Yesterday a decided change was noted in her condition and a trained nurse was placed in charge.  Last evening she became alarmingly ill, pneumonia having developed, and she passed away at 6 o'clock this morning.
    Mrs. Hilderbrand was a life long resident of Niles.  She was the daughter of George Lambert, a pioneer of this section.  She was born on a farm just north of the city.
    Since the death of her husband, John Hilderbrand, who was a well known furniture dealer of Niles, Mrs. Hilderbrand has conducted a boarding house with a remarkable degree of success, her excellent executive ability and the social and homelike atmosphere, which she had always endeavored to maintain contributing largely to her success.
    Mrs. Hilderbrand is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Frank Bracelin of Fargo, N.D. and one son, Frank Hilderbrand of Niles.  She has also has[sic] three sisters, Mrs. Susan Rowley of Byron, N.Y., Mrs. M. Skinner of Battle Creek and Mrs. Lavicia Young of Three Rives.
    Mrs. Bracelin was notified of the mother's condition yesterday and she will arrive in Niles tonight about midnight.
    The funeral arrangements have not been made pending the arrival of Mrs. Bracelin.
    Mrs. Hilderband was a faithful member of the Methodist church of this city, having united with the chruch twenty-four years ago under the pastorate of Rev. Angus Ranton who recently conducted a series of revival meetings in this city.
    Perhaps no lady in Niles would be missed outside the family circle more than this lady whose gracious personality and unassuming manner had won for herself many friends by whom she was most beloved.
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, February 19, 1914, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. Ella Hilderbrand, widow of John Hilderbrand, died at 6 o'clock this morning at the home, 201 south Fifth street.  Although she had suffered three years with diabetes, pneumonia, with which she was stricken one week ago today, was the direct cause of her death.
    Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Lambert, for many years residents of three miles north of Niles, in the cooperage business, and where she was born 59 years ago.  The husband, in the furniture business here several years, died nine years ago. Soon after, Mrs. Hilderbrand started a boarding house, which has ever been popular, and was a splendid success.
    Mrs. Hilderbrand was an every day Christian, a member of the Methodist church.  The beautifying influences of a pure religion were spread over a life and character as spotless and charming as was ever possessed by any of the noble women who have lived and died during the ages that are gone.  Her life was embellished by the most charming and lovable attributes of her sex.  A perfect lady at all times under all circumstances, she seemed born to inspire the love and respect of all who were so fortunate as to be acquainted with her. She was a kind neighbor, indulgent, and a good mother.
    She leaves one daughter, Mrs. Frank Bracelin of Fargo, North Dakota, who will reach here tonight, also one son, Frank, at home. Besides, there are three sisters, Mrs. Milo Skinner of Battle Creek, Mrs. A.D. Young of Three Rivers, Mich., and Mrs. L.B. Rowley of Byron, N.Y.  The latter two are enroute to Niles.  Funeral announcement later.

Marguerite M. Boyer, 92
Nov. 22, 1917 – Jan. 16, 2010

Marguerite M. Boyer, 92, of Niles and formerly of West Hamilton Street, Berrien Springs died at 8:47 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles following an extended illness.

She was born Nov. 22, 1917 in Benton Harbor to Dick and Elizabeth (Steele) Ingleright. She attended school in Berrien Springs and has lived in this area all of her life.

She was employed for 37 years in the offices of Clark Equipment Co., Buchanan.

Marguerite was a member of Berrien Springs United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling throughout this area, attending travelogues and reading. She also enjoyed caring for her yard.

She was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Boyer, on Dec. 3, 1985, and by a sister, Rosalie Buchanan.

Marguerite is survived by a son, Bruce’s twin, Burl Boyer of Niles; a daughter-in-law, Cynthia (Bruce) Boyer of Niles; grandchildren, Craig (Wendy) Boyer, Burl E. Boyer, Bruce “Todd” Boyer, Ginger (Steve) Bickes and Jamie Inglis; great-grandchildren, Ian, Arie, Derek, Samuel, Arron and Serena; her twin sister, Marjorie Russell of Buchanan; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Marguerite M. Moyer will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with the Rev. James Slack of Trinity Episcopal Church in Niles officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Contributions in memory of Marguerite may be made to the donor’s choice.

Niles Daily Star, Published 11:26am Monday, January 18, 2010

Margaret W. "Peg" Teeple / 1916-2005

Niles Daily Star, Published 7:10pm Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Margaret W. "Peg" Teeple, 88, of Colony Court, Niles, died at 1:37 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 2005, at Lakeland Hospital-Saint Joseph, following an extended illness.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, 2005, at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles. The Rev. Franklin P. Schuster III of Trinity Episcopal Church will be officiating.
Burial will take place at the Silverbrook Cemetery, in Niles. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements were by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Chester S. Teeple, 101
Sept. 17, 1908 – Feb. 14, 2010

He was born Sept. 17, 1908 in Monticello, Wis. to William Risley and Helen Bruce (Cummings) Teeple. He came to Niles in 1955, and later retired in Florida, and returned to Niles in 1998.

He studied engineering at the University of Wyoming (Laramie) and serving during World War II as a civilian employee of the U.S. Army, inspecting ordnance production.
Chet represented several equipment manufacturers, most notably Great Lakes Crane Co.
On Dec. 22, 1939 in Birmingham, Mich. he married the former L. Margaret “Peg” Warriner, who preceded him in death Sept. 12, 2005. He is also preceded in death by their daughter, Janet Teeple, Dec. 5, 1997.

Survivors include their children, William (Nancy) Teeple of Niles, Stephen (Melissa) Teeple of Roscoe, Ill., Douglas (Andrea) Teeple of Stow, Ohio, Margaret Ellen “Marti” (Ken) Briney of Omaha, Neb., Peter Roy (Judy) Teeple of Hamilton, Ohio and Donna (John) Vesey of Grand Rapids, Mich.; 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
The funeral for Chester S. Teeple will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles with the Rev. James Slack of Trinity Episcopal Church, Niles officiating. Internment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Chester may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:51am Monday, February 15, 2010

Martha M. Hoadley
Nov. 18, 1944-Feb. 15, 2010

Martha M. Hoadley, 65

She was born Nov. 18, 1944 in St. Joseph, Mich., to Howard Mitchell and Edith (Noble) Mitchell. She graduated from Galien High School and had lived in Niles since 2000.

She was a former employee at Diamond Bowl in New Buffalo, Mich., and was a member of Hope Community Church in Niles. She was active at the Niles Senior Center and enjoyed being with friends.

She was married Sept. 30, 1979 in New Buffalo to Robert E. Hoadley, who survives her. She was preceded in death by her mother, Edith Mitchell, and brother, George Mitchell. She is survived by daughters Renee (Troy) Mark of Niles and Robin (Brian) Ferry of South Bend, Ind.; grandchildren Cassy and Christy Mark; father Howard Mitchell of Niles; brothers Phillip “Butch” Mitchell of Dowagiac and Tom Mitchell of Niles; twin sisters Mary Ann Brandys of Statesville, N.C., and Marian Stinebaugh of Niles; sisters Bev Parnell of Benton Harbor and Diane Warr of Muskegon, Mich.; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, 2010 at Hope Community Church in Niles with the Rev. Michael Smith of Hope Community Church officiating. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hope Community Church.

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:56am Tuesday, February 16, 2010