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.

Woodruff, Edgar

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries

Edgar Woodruff
1831-1891

A Good Citizen Passes Away

    Our readers will be pained to learn of the death at noon to day of Edgar Woodruff, after intense suffering for two weeks from injuries received by a fall on the night of the 5th inst., the particulars of which appeared in these columns at the time of the accident.  Despite the best medical attention and the watchful care of relatives and friends, he passed quietly away at the hour named.
    In the death of Mr. Woodruff our loses one of its best and most popular citizens--a man who was greatly esteemed, not for his conspicuousness in public affairs, but for his warm-hearted and generous nature, and his devotion to the right.  His figure, after so many years spent in business here, had become a familiar one on our streets, and his face and always pleasant manners will be sadly missed by the many who deal at the grocery house of J.& E. Woodruff, of which firm he was the junior partner.  The unfortunate accident which led to his death makes his demise more particularly sad, as he was in the full vigor of health when it occurred and bid fair to live for many years.  He will long be held in remembrance by a host of friends, and the needy, who never appealed to him in vain, will cherish his memory as one whose hand was always open to the appeals fo the the needy and the distressed.
    Deceased was a son of John and Ruth Grey Woodruff, and was born in Saratoga county, New York, March 12, 1831, making him, at the time of his death, 60 years, 8 months and eight days old.  He came to Niles, Dec. 31, 1853, and engaged in the business with his brother John, who preceded him five years, the only time that they have been separate in their lives.
    The funeral announcement will be made tomorrow.
(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1891, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

also

EDGAR WOODRUFF

    Our readers and citizens in general will be pained to learn that Edgar Woodruff, of the old and reliable grocery firm of J.& E. Woodruff, died at exactly the noon hour today.  Two weeks ago last night it will be remembered that Mr. Woodruff met with a very painful accident, falling through a hatchway in the rear of the store, fracturing both legs and being otherwise injured.
    It is from this cause that he ended life's journey and passed to the beautiful beyond.  His demise was unexpected by friends, but those to whom was confided the serious nature of his injuries, have been alarmed from the first, and all along it was feared the worst would happen.  Unable to move either way Mr. Woodruff only had the use of his arms, for his back was injured to such an extent that his condition was made critical. A competent and reliable nurse has been in attendance constantly, and the physicians, family and friends did everything in their power for his relief and comfort but to no avail--it was the will of HIm who "doeth all things well."  For the past 24 hours he was unconscious and he passed away quietly and with "peace to the whole world and malice toward none."
    Edgar Woodruff was born in Saratoga county, N.Y., in March, 1832, and consequently he would have been 60 years old the coming March.  Since 1853 he has been engaged in the grocery business in Niles with his brother, Mr. John Woodruff, and no other firm in this section has such a wide acquaintance, and reputation for strict integrity and honest dealings.  Who is there who don't know the Woodruff Brothers?
    Edgar Woodruff preferred a quiet life and so passed his days.  There was a brotherly love and devotion that could not be broken, and the business ties that bound the firm were always harmonious.  A worthy citizen, a good and kind-hearted man, whose acts and deeds were never questioned, has passed from the earth.  May he rest in peace.
    Funeral arrangements later.
(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1891, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)
    

Jerome, Louise

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
Mrs. Louise (Woodruff) Jerome
November 18, 1860-January 5, 1945

Mrs. Louise Jerome Dies in Hospital

    One of Niles' leaders in women's circles, Mrs. Louise Jerome, 84, of 36 North St. Joseph avenue, died in Pawating hospital at 3 Friday afternoon after several years of failing health.
    Born Nov. 18, 1860, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Woodruff, who played an influential part in Niles' early history.  Her father, together with his brothers, David and Edgar, came here from New York state during the city's early years.
    Married in 1884 to Newton Jerome she moved with him to York, Nebr., where he died two years later.  Returning to Niles, she has since lived in the same home in which she was born.
    Possessed Keen Memory
    Possessing a keen memory, Mrs. Jerome was acknowledged as an authority on Niles and Berrien county history as well as on other subjects.
    With a background of extensive travel, she was deeply interested in any movement that stood for community advancement and progress.  She was a charter member and a past president of the Niles Musical club which observes its 50th anniversary this year; a member of the Ladies' Historical Society, Library board, the Women's Progressive League and of the Trinity Episcopal church.
    Surviving are a cousin, Mrs. Jennie Woodruff Griffin, and the latter's daughter, Miss Jeanne Griffin, of Kalamazoo.
    Friends may call at the Price and Kiger funeral home until 1 p.m. Monday afternoon when the body will be taken to the Trinity Episcopal church where it will lie in state until 2.
    Funeral services will be conducted at 2 Monday by the  Rev. Harry L. Nicholson, pastor of  Trinity church, and burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Saturday, January 6, 1945, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

Griffin, Jeanne 1887-1969

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries

Miss Jeanne Griffin
Jan. 13, 1887-January 5, 1969

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, January 7, 1969, page 2, col. 3-4, microfilm Niles District Library

Miss Griffin, historian

EDITOR'S NOTE: Out of respect for Jeanne Griffin who will be buried Wednesday at 2 p.m., the Fort St. Joseph Museum will be closed in the afternoon.  Miss Griffin served on the museum board of trustees for many years.

A requiem eucharist service for Jeanne Griffin will be held at 12:15 p.m., Wednesday in Trinity Episcopal Church, to be followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. also in the church.

Miss Griffin, 81, died Sunday evening in Pawating Hospital after a month's illness.  A retired librarian, she had resided at 409 N. 4th.  She is survived by several cousins.

An avid historian, Miss Griffin was well qualified for her role since her family had been in the Niles area since 1832, migrating from New York.

Her grandfather, Lt. Col. Eli Augustus Griffin, served with the 6th Michigan Regiment in Sherman's march to the sea and her maternal grandfather, David Oliphant Woodruff who migrated from New York State in 1852, owned all of the land adjacent to the Ballard farm in the section of Niles now known as Arrowhead.  It was then a cow pasture according to historical documents and Woodruff Street was named for the gentleman.

 An active worker for international peace, Miss Griffin waged a one-woman crusade for many years and served as delegate-at-large for the Michigan Division of the United Nations Assn. traveling extensively in its behalf and joining in a United Nations world tour.

 She had spent much of her lifetime in Niles, and had been librarian in Duluth, Minn., Detroit, and for 20 years in the Kalamazoo Public Library.  She also directed the museum there.  A member of the state board of the United Nations Association of the United States of America, Miss Griffin also served as president of the local organization.  She was a former member of the board of trustees of the Fort St. Joseph Historical Association.

   Miss Griffin, who attended the University of Michigan, was graduated from the Drexel Institute of Philadelphia, where she earned her degree in library science.  She was a member of St. Agnes Guild of Trinity.

 [Illegible] arrangements and burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.  Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today.

   Memorials may be given to the Fort St. Joseph Historical Society and Museum or to the Niles Public Library.

       

Griffin, Jennie

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
Jennie Woodruff Griffin
October 13, 1858-December December 31, 1955

Deaths and Obituaries

Mrs. Jennie Griffin Dies Today at Pawating Hospital

    MRS. JENNIE GRIFFIN, 97, 409 North Fourth Street, a prominent Niles woman and widow of E.C. Griffin, died at 2 a.m. today at Pawating Hospital after an illness of only a few hours.
    She was born in Niles on Oct. 13, 1858, the daughter of David O. and Clarissa Hurd Woodruff.  The Griffin, Woodruff and Hurd families were pioneer residents of Niles.  Her husband operated a drug store in Niles for many years.
    Mrs. Griffin was a life-long member of the Trinity Episcopal Church and honorary member of the Ladies' Historical Society. She was a charter member of the Niles Club of Home Gardens.
    She leaves one daughter, Miss Jeanne Griffin and a son-in-law Otto W. Haisley of Ann Arbor [illegible]. Her daughter, Harriet Griffin Haisley, preceded her in death in January of 1834.
    The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in Trinity Episcopal Church with the Rev. John G. Carleton officiating.  Memorials to her church or to Pawating Hospital, instead of flowers, are requested.  Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, Saturday, December 31, 1955, page 2 col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

Griffin, E.C.

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
Edwin Clarence Griffin
Died May 17, 1929

E.C. GRIFFIN, RETIRED NILES BUSINESS MAN, IS TAKEN BY DEATH

    In the passing of Edwin Clarence Griffin, early this morning, Niles mourns the loss of a man whose whole life was been an expression of his love for his community.  He was born in Niles, a member of a prominent pioneer family, his father having been Eli Griffin, a major in the Union army who gave his life during the Civil war, and his mother, Harriet Nichols Griffin, of an old Massachusetts family.
    Mr. Griffin was in the drug business here for over forty years.  He was actively concerned in the building up of a new Niles, being an officer in the Business Men's association which brought many of our present manufacturies here, and also an officer in several building and loan associations.
    He was a member of Trinity Episcopal church, and long connected with Niles Commandery Council, chapter and Blue Lodge.  He was secretary of the chapter for 38 years, very energetic in the Masonic Temple association and extremely interested in the organization of the De Molay chapter.
    Mr. Griffin married Clara Jane Woodruff, the daughter of D.O. Woodruff, long a leader of civic enterprises in Niles, who was a member of the school board and of Trinity vestry for several decades.  To her, the object of a life-times' devotion on the part of her husband and also to their two daughters is extended the sympathy of hundreds of loving friends.  The daughters are Mrs. Harriet Haisley, wife of O.W. Haisley, superintendent of schools in Ann Arbor, and Miss Jeanne Griffin of the Kalamazoo public library.  Miss Griffin is now traveling in Spain, and cannot be reached at this time.
    Funeral services will be held at Trinity church on Sunday afternoon at 3:30.  The ritual at Silverbrook cemetery will be conducted by the Blue Lodge, the members of the Niles commandery acting as escort.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, Friday, May 17, 1929, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

Pierce, Robert C.

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries

Robert C. Pierce
Feb. 16, 1878-Dec. 17, 1955

Deaths and Obituaries

Robert C. Pierce, Niles Civic Leader Dies at Age 77

            ROBERT C. PIERCE, 77, at 124 North 13th Street, a Niles civic leader for a number of years, died at 6:15 p.m., Saturday at Pawating Hospital.  Death followed an illness of one day.

            Mr. Pierce was a consulting engineer for National-Standard Company of Niles, a position he held since coming to Miles in 1926.  He developed the “Woven Pierce Tape” which was used extensively for many years to reinforce automobile tires.  Before coming to Niles he was associated with the B.F. Goodrich Co., of Akron, O., and American Chain and Cable Co., of Bridgeport, Conn.

            Mr. Pierce was very active in civic affairs.  He was particularly interested in the development of Pawating Hospital, having been a member of the board of trustees for about 12 years and having served as president of the association for several years.  Mr. Pierce was especially active at the time of the first hospital addition was constructed and served as chairman of the building committee for the project. He retired from the board in 1954.

            He also was a member of the Niles Board of Public Works from 1934 to 1939, and chairman of the board from 1936 to 1939, a member of the Recreation Board from 1936 to 1940 and a member of the Park Board from 1953 to 1955.  He also was a director of the Niles Federal Savings and Loan Association.

            Mr. Pierce was born Feb. 16, 1878 at Tallmadge, O. His wife, Grace, died Sept. 27, 1952.  Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Frances Markley and Mrs. Richard C. Williams, both of Niles; a son, Charles S. Pierce of Niles; five grandchildren, and a brother, Roger B. Pierce of Cuyahoga Falls, O.

            He was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church and had served on the session of the Board of Trustees.  He also was a member of the Rotary Club.

            The body is at the Kiger Funeral Home and will be moved to the Presbyterian Church where it will lie in state from noon Tuesday until funeral services, which will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.  Rites will be conducted by Dr. T.M. Greenhoe and burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday, Dec. 19, 1955, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

Pierce, Mary

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries

Mary (Woodruff) Pierce

Died January 29, 1894

 Died

            In this city, January 29, of heart disease, Mary, wife of H.O. Pierce and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Woodruff, aged 30 years.

            It is seldom so few words tell so sad a story.  The announcement that it is ended will recall to a very wide circle of friends that it was a beautiful life lived out here in our midst and had its type in some flower we watched in its budding and blossoming and alas! its premature cutting down.  It was life we had seen in a happy, carefully molded girlhood till it merged in equally happy womanhood and wifehood, in which parental love blended with a husband’s devotion to make the most perfect conditions for development.  The result was a character that will be missed by her church, and as well as in the literary and artistic circles in which she was such a power, and the social circles that knew so well her hospitality and helpfulness.  It was a life that constantly acquired friends and never lost one.  Underneath the artistic gifts and literary acquirements and social qualities were the more substantial vital elements of character, benevolence, unselfishness, courage of opinion, heart strength and patience in severest trial, that inspires the reflection how well it will be with this soul translated to all glorious things emancipated from all earth’s hindrances.

 

            “Somewhere in worlds we dream of

                        Beyond the grave’s cold sod,

            The soul of her we loved so

                        Stands face to face with God.

 

            As birds that dread the winter

                        Fly southward to the sun,

            Her soul sought endless summer

                        And deathless youth is won.

 

            For her, heaven’s gates have opened

                        To peace that will not end;

            She gains all things she longed for

                        And we have lost a friend.”

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday, Jan. 29, 1894, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library)

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