Ira Newton Jerome

Died York, Nebraska, July 25, 1896

 

    A telegram was received in this city last Monday announcing the death of Ira Newton Jerome, at York, Nebraska, in the 28th year of his age.  Mr. Jerome was born in Iowa City, and came to Niles twenty years ago. The news of his early death created a feeling of deep regret among his numerous friends.  Few young men have been reared in Niles who were more generally esteemed.  Of a generous warm-hearted nature and polished manners he has made friends whereever known. In 1877 he graduated from the Niles High School, standing high in his class.  A few years later he went to York, Nebraska, and engaged in the drug business with his brother, Geo. Jerome. Two years ago last February he was married in this city to Miss Louise Woodruff, who now mourns the loss of a loving and devoted husband.  In early life he became a member of the Episcopal Church, and those who are familiar with his life know full well the earnestness of his devotion to the teachings of his church.
    His body arrived in this city Wednesday morning, and the funeral took place from the residence of his father-in-law, Mr. John Woodruff, on Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, being in charge of members of St. Joseph Valley Lodge, F. & A.M.  The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Jones, of Kalamazoo, and was attended by many sympathizing friends of the deceased. His bereaved wife has the heartfelt sympathy of a host of friends in her deep affliction, and his other relatives also share in the common sympathy.    
(Source:  Niles Republican, Thursday, July 29, 1886, page 5 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Jay Densmore
1839-1891


    Our well known fellow-citizen, Jay Densmore, died at his home on Main street this morning at 8 o'clock, of consumption, after a lingering illness, Mr. Densmore was born in Kendall, Orleans county, New york, on the 11th of August, 1839, and was 52 years 2 months and 9 days old at the time of his death. Mr. Densmore learned the printing business in his early youth and in manhood engaged in editorial work, publishing and editing papers at several places in New York and at South Haven, this this state.  He came to this city some years ago and engaged in photographing and for a time had a job printing office.  In 1861 he enlisted in the service of his country, serving about three years in the navy and was assigned to the Gulf squadron.
    Mr. Densmore leaved[sic] a widow and three children, Mrs. S.M. White and Leo G. Densmore, of West Superior, Wisconsin, and Miss Ida May.  Mr. Densmore's aged mother, Mrs, Sophronia Densmore, has lived in the family for some years past.
    Mr. Densmore was a member of the Frank Graves Post, G.A. R., of this city, and at his requiest the post will have charge at the funeral, the time for which is not yet known.
(Source:  Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1891, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

Charles Miller

1834-1917

    
    During the last 36 hours, the Angel of Death beckoned four pioneer residents of Niles to the Great Beyond, and today homes are in mourning in various parts of the city. . .

    Chas. Miller passed peacefully away at the home of his son-in-law, Thos. Trattles, 1004 Regent street, about 10 o'clock last night, aged 82,  Death resulted from a complication of diseases.  Mr. Miller was born in Germany on April 17, 1834, and crossed the Atlantic in 1854, taking up his residence in Canada, where he remained until 1882, when he came to Berrien county and settled on a farm near Berrien Springs, coming to Niles eight years ago to spend his declining years in retirement from active pursuits. His wife died in 1875. He leaves four daughters, Mrs. Mary Ettlein, of Benton Harbor; Mrs. H.I. Whaley, of Berrien Springs; Mrs. N.A. Brandon, of Memphis, Tenn., and Mrs. Thos. Trattles, of this place.  Mr. Miller was for many years an active and faithful member of the Methodist church.  The funeral will be held from the home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Monday, March 12, 1917, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Charles Thayer

1855-1917

    
    During the last 36 hours, the Angel of Death beckoned four pioneer residents of Niles to the Great Beyond, and today homes are in mourning in various parts of the city.

 

    Charles Thayer, who was stricken with paralysis 14 years ago, and who had been practically helpless ever since, passed away at 5 o'clock last evening at the home in N. Front street.  Mr. Thayer was born in Rochester, N.Y., 62 years ago, and when he was a year old, his parents brought him to Niles and he had since resided in this city and its vicinity.  Forty-two years ago, Mr. Thayer was married to Miss Ella Masten, who survives him, as do their two children, Mrs. Bertha Weaver and Harry Thayer, both of this place.  Mr. Thayer also leaves one sister, Mrs. Alice Jones, of Independence, Kas., and one brother, George F. Thayer, of Payette, Idaho.  During the dreary years that he suffered from his affliction, Mr. Thayer maintained a sunny disposition, and bore up bravely.  He was well liked and respected by all who knew him.  Fraternally, he was identified with the Knights of the Maccabees.  The funeral will take place from the home at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, Dr. Lewis, pastor of the M.E. church will officiate.  Interment will be made at Silver Brook cemetery.
(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Monday, March 12, 1917, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Shelton Beach Shepard
1816-1909


    S.B. Shepard died at 10:30 o'clock this morning at the age of 92 years and eight months.
    The funeral services will be held at the home of F.M. Gray, 306 north Fourth street, on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m.
    Shelton Beach Shepard was born in Marcellus, New York, May 20, 1815. He was married to Mrs. Mary Gray in Marshall, Mich., in 1846, where he was engaged in the foundry and milling business.
    Mr. Shepard removed to Niles in 1864 buying the Steam Cracker Bakery of G.A. Colby which business he carried on for some years in connection with his stepsons, Gordon Y. and Francis M. Gray.  At a later date they also established the private bank of Gray, Shepard & Gray which was finally converted into the Citizen's National Bank, Mr. Shephard holding a position as director for some years.
    After the death of his wife in 1885 Mr. Shepard retired from business and spent two winters with his son Gordon Y. Gray in San Diego, Cal.  For the remainder of his life his home [was] with the family of his son, F.M. Gray.
    Throughout his long life Mr. Shepard had known no illness until over taken by the disease and feebleness of the last few years. He was not a member of any church but a true Christian character and a regular attendant at the Methodist Episcopal church until his hearing became impaired.
    Mr. Shepard's great love for children, his sunny disposition and never failing kindness won him many friends wherever he was known but it was within the walls of his own home that the great unselfishness of his love was best appreciated where no words but of kindness ever passed his lips, and where his contentment and affection for his family was beyond expression.
    Mr. Shepard will be laid at rest by the side of his wife in Silver Brook cemetery.
(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, February 11, 1909, page 3 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library)
   

Mrs. Ellen Woodruff
1865-June 14, 1927

    Mrs. Ellen Woodruff, 62, 1104 Lake street, widow of Oscar Woodruff, died Tuesday afternoon at 5 o'clock after five days of suffering from septic poisoning resulting from infection on one leg.
    Mrs. Woodruff was born in Bay City.  She was married to Mr. Woodruff, a veteran of the civil war, on July 4, 1882.
    She is survived by two sons and one daughter and several grandchildren.  The sons are Walter Woodruff, of South Bend, and Russell Woodruff, of Niles, and the daughter is Mrs. Mabel Jenner 1104 Lake street, Niles. The grandchildren are Miss Josephine Jenner, 1104 Lake street, Niles, William, Walter and Anna Louise Woodruff, 1022 Lake street, Niles and Mildred Letz of Bay City.
    Mrs. Woodruff's death was shocking to her family and friends.  Her condition was not considered serious until yesterday but she steadily failed throughout the day.
    The funeral plans are not completed but the services will probably be held Friday morning.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, Wed. June 15, 1927, page 4 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)