Andrew T. Foote
Aug. 13, 1834-Feb. 6, 1917


    Andrew Foote, only brother of A.C. Foote, suffered a stroke of apoplexy yesterday morning and died this morning abut 1 o'clock without regaining consciousness.  Mr. Foote had been in comparatively good health until he was stricken, although he had reached the advanced age of 82 years.
    Mr. Foote was a pioneer resident of this section.  He was born in Pennfield, Pa.  He came to this section and took up his residence on the farm on Yankee street, in Howard township, which has since been his home, about 62 years ago.  Except for two or three years he had continuously resided there.
    Mr. Foote was a stalwart republican in politics and until the last presidential election he had never failed to cast his presidential vote.  He never sought office, but on one occasion he was elected justice of the peace of Howard township.
    Mr. Foote was a good citizen and was highly esteemed in the community.
    Besides his brother, Amos C. Foote, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Albert Collins of Mishawaka. Mrs. Howard Ridely[sic] of Yankee street, is a niece of the deceased.
    The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the house.  Interment will occur in Silver Brook cemetery

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, February 6, 1917, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library.

Amos C. Foote
Dec. 26, 1848-March 13, 1918


    The announcement of the sudden death of Amos C. Foote, which occurred at his home on Yankee street at about 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, came as a shock to the many friends of the genial and well  known farmer, and especially to those with whom he had mingled and transacted business while in the city  the day before.  The cause of his death was apoplexy.  About noon yesterday he was stricken with a severe pain in his lungs.  His daughter, Mrs. Howard Ridley, attended him while her husband came to Niles for medicine. About 4 o'clock he said he felt better and started to go out to do some work and was on the porch when he dropped to the floor and was dead within a few minutes.
    Mr. Foote was born in Mishawaka, Ind., Dec. 26, 1848. He came to the farm on Yankee street, two and one-half miles out, where his death occurred, 63 years ago and had always since resided there.  Mr. Foote was twice married.  His first marriage was to Miss Helen Bennett of Adrian.  Three children were born of this marriage, all of whom survive their father.  They are Mrs. Howard Ridley of Niles, A.C. Foote Jr. of Detroit and Mrs. Richard Hicks of Seattle, Wash.  Mr. Foote's second wife, formerly Miss Lottie Bradbury, died in 1909.  About a year ago Mr. Foote's brother, Andrew, died at his home and now a sister, Mrs. Albert Collins, of Mishawaka is the sole survivor of the family.
    Mr. Foote was highly esteemed for many excellent qualities he possessed and as his geniality and courtesy won for him hosts of friends during his long residence in this community in the passing of Mr. Foote many lose a good friend and the community a good citizen.
    Fraternally Mr. Foote was a member of Niles camp, M. W. A.
    The deceased was a stalwart Republican and on Tuesday he was nominated by his party for the office of justice of the peace.
    The funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ridley.

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, March 14, 1918, page 1 col. 3, microfilm  Niles District Library

Amos C. Foot
Nov. 4, 1801-Sept. 3, 1877

Niles Republican, Thursday, September 6, 1877, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Sudden Death

    On Monday afternoon, Mr. A.C. Foot, and[sic] old and highly esteemed citizen, who resided about three miles east of this city, while walking on Front Street, just above the post office, suddenly fell on the pavement and expired in a few moments. His body was carried into the post office, and a messenger sent to inform his family of the sad event.  In short time two of his sons arrived and his remains were taken to his late residence.  Mr. Foot was a native of Massachusetts, being born in Berkshire county in that State on the 4th of November, 1801.  He had lived for 22 years near this city and was much esteemed for his correct, upright life. He was a good citizen, honorable in all business transactions, and his sudden death has closed a true and earnest life.  He was subject to heart disease, but the physicians are of the opinion that he died of apoplexy. The funeral took place yesterday morning at 10 o'clock from the late residence of the deceased.
 

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

Very Sudden Death
    On Monday afternoon last Mr. A.C. Foot, living 2 1/2 miles east of this city, on Yankee street, came to Niles to attend to some little business, being in his usual health.  After going to the postoffice and getting his mail and to several other places, he was walking along Front street, and when near Mr. Schmalzried's meat market, he sank down upon this knees and then fell back, and was dead in less than two minues[sic].  A number of persons, among them Drs. Egbert and Bonine, seen him fall and ran to his assistance, but life was extimpt[sic] so that noting could be done.  His remains were taken into the post-office building and his friends sent for, who came and took him home.  The cause of this sudden and unexpected death was undoubtedly heart disease. He was in the 76th year of his age.  Mr. Foot was a prominent and well-to-do famer of Howard Township, Cass County, of which he had been a resident for many years, and by his honesty, integrity, and gentlemanly deportment, had won the confidence and respect of all.

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Niles Mirror, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 1877, page 4, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mr. A.C. Foot, who has resided two and a half miles east of this city, on Yankee street, for 22 years, came in this city on Monday afternoon last as well as usual, and when about six rods south of the post office, he was seen to fall suddenly upon the side walk. Dr. Bonine was with him immediately but he quickly expired.  A messenger was immediately despatched[sic] to his family and two sons arrived and conveyed the body, which was in the post office, to his residence.  Mr. F. was born Berkshire county, Mass., in 1801.--He leaves four children. He was much beloved and respected by all who knew him. The cause of his sudden death was heart disease.

Ruth A. Wilkinson
June 9, 1812-February 11, 1877

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 14, 1877, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mrs. L.F. Wilkinson who has been suffering for several months from cancer of the superior maxillary bone, died at her residence on Sunday morning last.  She was born June 9th, 1812, in Chester co., Penn., came to Michigan in 1857, moved to Niles in 1861.  Mrs Wilkinson was the centre of a large circle of acquaintances both here and in her native State. She was an affectionate wife and mother, a kind neighbor and a consistent Christian.
    Her suffering was intense from the first, but through all she was patient and gently, fearful of expressing anything that seemed like a murmer.  Her place in the social and family circle can never be filled and her pleasant countenance will long be missed in the congregation where she was a faithful worshiper.

Mrs. Eunice A. (Hurd) Pettingil
Aug. 9, 1822-February 3, 1894

Niles Daily Star, Friday, February 9, 1894, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mrs. E.A.H. Pettingil passed away in this city at the residence of her son-in-law, Judge O.W. Coolidge on the 3rd inst. this being the 10th anniversary of the death of her husband.
    Mrs. Pettingil was born in Sweden, Monroe Co., N.Y., on the 9th day of Aug., 1822.  Her child-life was singularly happy and beautiful.  In a home where a cheerful and joyous religion was supreme; where thorough discipline was tempered with parental love and tenderness; where a limited competence was secured by severe economy and industry on the part of both children and parents; in the freedom of this country with field and wood and running brooks and birds and wild-flowers she passed her early years.  As I now recall her in her loving, dutiful, innocent, joyous girl-hood she seems a rare and radiant spirit; and I cannot remember anything wrong she ever did, or an instant when she required parental chastisement.  At eleven years of age she united with the Methodist Church.  At sixteen she commenced teaching the county district school, at from a dollar to a dollar and a half per week, earning at the same time with her needle more than her school wages.  Her faithfulness and success in this humble field opened to her higher positions and she was soon engaged in the large Union school.  In 1847, while completing the course in the seminary at Lima, N.Y., she was elected preceptress of the Rock River seminary, then a flourishing institution in northern Illinois.  Here she spent five years of most useful and successful work moulding and shaping the character and lives of large classes of young men and women. Among these there have been presidents and professors in colleges; men high in the professions and political life; and women of large culture and usefulness who have ever regarded her with a kind of half worship.  On July 11, 1853, she was united in marriage to Moses Pettingil then of Ogden N.Y., and with whom in Nov. 1856, sh removed to Niles.  Mr. Pettingil was a man of rare elevation of character and intellectual and business ability.  With him she passed thirty happy years, aiding him largely in his business and entering fully into every department of his intellectual and business life. In this relation she sweetly solved on the most difficult problems of human life.  I have never seen anything quite so beautiful and perfect as the love and homage with which she was regarded in her home-love and homage which she returned in overflowing measure.  But the happy years sped; and on the 3rd of Feb. 1884, her husband peacefully passed away in her loving presence and care in California where they were sojourning for his health. The last five years of Mrs. Pettingil's beautiful life were given in this great sacrifice to restoring a broken and clouded home for her brother Prof. Z. Hurd, of Lima, N.Y. Hither she brought and lavished the wealth of her love and taste and industry, transforming a desolation into a Paradise. During these  brief years spent in Lima she drew around herself the people of the town, the teachers and young ladies of the seminary, and especially the poor of his vicinity, who are saying, "The light has gone out of our neighborhood."
    Mrs. Pettingil, as all who knew her will attest more strongly than anything in this writing --blended in their character into a harmonious whole all the small elements that go to make up a large and will nigh perfect womanhood--viz., a tireless industry, a wise economy, intellectual strength developed and enriched by extensive reading, strong affection, self giving devotion to the good of others, refinement and polish of manners, unaffected dignity combined with humility, and a personal beauty that did not fade but only grew richer and more commanding with advanced years.
    Her peaceful departure in a home where she was loved and adored was the fitting outcome of such a character and life. She has passed into "the Everlasting Mansions"--into fitting companionships.  We will not mourn her.  Z.H.  Niles, Feb. 9, 1894
Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 7, 1894, page 5, col. 3, reprinted from Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 5, 1894, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mrs. M. Pettingill, widow of the late Moses Pettingill, died at the home of O.W. Coolidge Saturday afternoon. She was an old resident and a lady of fine literary tastes and education.  Her illness dates back for a number of years.  The funeral occurred from the house at 2 o'clock this afternoon and Rev. J. G. Lowrie, of the Presbyterian church, preached.  Interment took place at Silver Brook cemetery, by the side of her husband.

Belle Hilderbrand
abt. 1872-March 3, 1880

Niles Democrat, Saturday, February 28, 1880, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Belle

    It is our sad duty to record the death of Belle, an interesting and much beloved little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hilderbrand, which occurred in this city on Wednesday morning last, March 3d, from the sequelae of scarlet fever, in the 8th year of her age.  To those who knew this sweet and amiable little girl, and many there were, for she was a general favorite, this announcement will fall sadly upon many hearts. Six weeks ago she was taken down with the scarlet fever, the same time that an interesting little pet of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hulen was, and which was a great favorite of Bell's[sic] and who died within a few days; but Belle rallied through the various stages of the fever and was considered entirely well, and all fears of any further trouble was dispelled, but alas for earthly hopes and joys she took cold, and the dreaded sequelae of scarlet fever dropsy set in and resulted as above stated.  Belle was the only and idolized child of the family, and the sorrow and intensity of parental grief can be better imagined than described.  She was also the grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Lambert, and whose love for her was almost equal to that of her parents. There will be many an eye among relatives, friends and neighbors dimmed with tears, at the loss of dear little Belle, who was the light and joy of so many hearts: The bereaved parents, have the sympathy of the community in the loss of their best and most prized household treasure.
Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, March 10, 1880, page 5, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

--Mr. and Mrs. John Hildebrand mourn the loss of their lovely little daughter Belle, who died last Monday, aged about 8 years.