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.

Roberts, Nathaniel W.

editor Obituaries
Nathaniel W. Roberts
Aug. 3, 1861-May 8, 1913

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, May 8, 1913, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

NATHANIEL W. ROBERTS DIED TODAY
Former Niles Man Well Known and Well Liked in This Vicinity
HOME IN SOUTH BEND
Was a Travelling Salesman for the International Harvester Company--
Funeral Sunday Afternoon--
Interment In Niles

    Nathaniel W. Roberts, aged 52 years, died at his home, 510 east Monroe street, South Bend, Ind., at about 6 o'clock this morning, after a 10 weeks' illness of apoplexy.
    Deceased was born in Niles Aug. 3, 1861.  He had resided here until 12 years ago when he went to South Bend.  His occupation was that of traveling salesman for the International Harvester company.  His duties have taken him over a large territory.
    He was married March 12, 1904, to Miss Minnie Daily of Walkerton, Ind.  Besides the widow he is survived by two children, Edward and Daily E. Roberts.  Mr. Roberts was a member of the Knights of Pythias, Calanthe lodge No. 50, of Niles, and the Modern Woodmen of America of South Bend, having transferred his membership from the Niles camp.
    Funeral services will be held from the residence in South Bend Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. R.A. Wright of this city officiating.
    The body will be brought to Niles for interment.
    Mr. Roberts was well known in Niles, having an exceptionally large circle of steadfast friends who will be truly grieved to learn of his demise.

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, May 8, 1913, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

NAT ROBERTS DEAD AT SOUTH BEND
Was Well known resident.  Burial here Sunday

    Nathaniel Roberts, a former well known and native resident of Niles died this morning about 6 o'clock at his home in South Bend as the result of the fourth stroke of paralysis which he suffered two weeks ago.
    The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence, 510 East Mornroe street.  Rev. R.A. Wright of Niles will officiate.  The remains will be brought to Niles and the burial will occur abut 4:30 o'clock.
    Mr. Roberts was 52 years of age.  For years he engaged in the grain and feed business in Niles under the firm name of Roberts & Vincent.  He went from Niles to South Bend to act as agent there for the McCormick Harvester Company.
    Besides his mother, he is survived by a widow, two children and one sister, Mrs. Mollie Roberts Vincent, all of South Bend.
    Mr. Roberts had many friends in Niles.  He was a fine musician and for years played in the Niles band.

Seals, Pearl V.

editor Obituaries
Pearl V. Seals
June 24, 1877-September 17, 1947

PEARL SEALS SUCCUMBS

    Mrs. Pearl V. Seals, a former Niles resident, died at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Jess Willard, Cassopolis.  She was ill five years.
    Mrs. Seals was born in Rockridge county, Va., June 24, 1877. She has been a resident of Niles 22 years.
    Friends may call at the Pifer funeral home where services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Joseph Lindsey, Cassopolis pastor, officiating.  Interment will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
    Surviving are the husband and the following children: Mrs. Willard, Mrs. Leonard Steinman and Mrs. Claire McIntyre, all of Cassopolis; Mrs. Frank Leonard, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Mrs. Hubert Cole, Chesling; Frank, Allie and Jack Seals, all of Niles,  Also three brothers, Hugh, Herbert and Clarence Blackwell, all of LaFayette, Ind.; and sisters, Mrs. Roy Ross, Mrs. Lee Robinson, Mrs. Minnie Horn, all of LaFayette; Mrs. Bessie Van Ried, West Point, Ind.; Mrs. John Brooks, Williamsport, Ind.; and Mrs. Edward Kite, Waynesboro, Ind.

Source: Niles Daily Star, Thursday, September 18, 1947, page 2 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Martin, Montgomery E.

editor Obituaries
Montgomery E. Martin
November 18, 1875-October 1, 1947

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, October 1, 1947, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

MONTGOMERY MARTIN DIES

    Montgomery E. Martin, 71, 548 West Main street, died at 2 a.m. today in Pawating Hospital of heart trouble. He had been in poor health eight years.
    Martin was born in Oronoko township Nov. 16, 1875, moving to Niles 66 years ago.  He was retired from the Kawneer company where he worked 20 years.  He was a member of the Modern Woodmen.
    Friends may call at the Pifer funeral home where services will be conducted 2 p.m.  Friday by the Rev. George A. Steeby.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
    He is survived by his wife, Molly; one son, Kenneth E. Martin; a brother, Walter D. Martin; and one grandchild, all of Niles.

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, October 2, 1947, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

MARTIN RITES SATURDAY

    Services for Montgomery E. Martin, 548 West Main street, who died yesterday in Pawating hospital, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Pifer funeral home by the Rev. G.A. Steeby.  It was stated in yesterdy's paper the services would be Friday.

Miller, Myrtle Mae

editor Obituaries
Myrtle M. Miller
July 24, 1884

Myrtle M. Miller, a darling daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Miller, died on Thursday evening last, at 9 o'clock, aged 10 years.

Source: Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, July 30, 1884, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Griswold, Juliet C.

editor Obituaries
Juliet C. Griswold
November 27, 1818-July 25, 1884

DIED

    July 25th, at the residence of her sister, Mrs. E.F. Crocker, after a lingering illness of three months, JULIET C. GRISWOLD.
    She was born at Ronce, N.Y., November 27th, 1818, and moved with her parents to this place in 1830, where she continued to reside until her death. She was well known to all old settlers and her fund of information regarding the early history of Niles was very great, and her narration of incidents of pioneer days extremely interesting to her younger friends. She was for more than forty years a faithful member of the Presbyterian church.
    Though at the last her mind was somewhat clouded on some subjects, she ever knew and appreciated the kindness of her friends.

Source: Niles Democrat, Saturday, August 2, 1884, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Asmus, Anna L.

editor Obituaries
Anna L. Asmus
July 17, 1884-Sept. 23, 1947

ANNA ASMUS SUCCUMBS

    Anna L. Asmus, 63, died at 11:35 p.m. yesterday at her residence, 1518 North Twelfth street, following a year's illness.
    Services will be held at the residence 2 p.m. Friday with the Rev. Theo Eisen, pastor of St. John's Evangelical and Reformed church, officiating.  Interment will be in Silverbrook cemetery.  Friends may call at the residence.
    Mrs. Asmus was born in Niles township July 17, 1884 and has spent her lifetime in the community. Her husband, George L., died in 1945.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Niles War Mothers, St. John's Women's Guild, and St John's Evangelical and Reformed church.
    Surviving are two children, Thomas Asmus and Mrs. George Hibbard; three grandchildren; a sister, Mrs Minnie Woodruff and a brother, George Knott, all of Niles.

Source: Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, September 24, 1947, page 2 col. 5; microfilm Niles District Library

Butts, Frank D.

editor Obituaries
Frank D. Butts
March 23, 1884-Sept. 27, 1947

FRANK D. BUTTS SUCCUMBS

    Frank D. Butts, 63, 1323 Maple street, died suddenly in his car of a heart attack at 2 p.m. Saturday, shortly after he parked in the Elks club parking lot.
    Born in Milton Township March 23, 1884, he had lived in Niles and the vicinity most of his life,  He retired three years ago from the Butts Sheet Metal company, and was a member of the Elks club, the Masons including the Knights Templars.
    He [is] survived by his wife, Minnie, and one sister, Mrs. Lyle Hubbard of Buchanan.
    Friends may call at the residence until noon tomorrrow when the body will be returned to the Pifer funeral home.  Services will be conducted from the funeral home at 2 p.m. Tuesday by the Rev. T. M. Greenhoe. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery with Masons in charge of graveside rites.

Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday, September 29, 1947, page 2, col. 5; microfilm Niles District Library

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