Crofoot, Elizabeth M. (Burt)

Elizabeth M. (Burt) Crofoot
June 24, 1830-May 9, 1902

Niles Republican, Thursday, May 15, 1902, page 1, col. 1, reprinted from Niles Daily Sun, Friday, May 9, 1902, microfilm Niles District Library


Friday's Sun.

    Mrs. John L. Crofoot, one of Niles best known residents, passed away very suddenly about two o'clock this morning at her home on south Third street.  She was taken ill last Friday morning while in South Bend in company with her husband visiting her son, Charles. It was thought at first she had typhoid fever and medical aid was immediately called.  She recovered so that she was able to return home yesterday. Last evening upon retiring she had almost entirely recovered and seemed to be feeling in good spirits. This morning about two o'clock Mr. Crofoot was awakened by a sudden jar and arising found his wife lying on the floor beside the  bed.  He attempted to arouse her but she was in an unconscious condition and died in a few moments.  It is supposed that she felt this congestion of the lungs and in an attempt to gain relief had arisen but shortly after was stricken down in a suffocating condition.
    Mrs. Crofoot, whose maiden name was Miss Elizabeth M. Burt, was born in Wilshire, England, in 1830. When she was seven years old she came to this country, her first home was in Ohio.  She was married at Painsville, O., in 1848 to John L. Crofoot and in 1857 they came to Niles, residing here ever since.
    Besides a husband and son, Charles, residing in South Bend, she leaves a granddaughter, Mrs. Hattie Edwards, of Dowagiac, and a grandson, Bert Crofoot, of South Bend.
    Mrs. Crofoot was for many years a faithful member of Trinity Episcopal church and was a woman, who all her years had lived a true, consistent, and lovely Christian life.  She was a loving character, full of good works and beloved by friends and neighbors.


Niles Daily Star, Friday, May 9, 1902, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Yesterday afternoon Mr. and Mrs. John Crofoot returned home from South Bend where they had been visiting their son, Charles.  During their visit Mrs. Crofoot had experienced a sick spell but upon their arrival at home last evening she was feeling very well. At 10 o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Crofoot retired and about 2 o'clock he was awakened by a thud caused by the body of his wife falling from the bed to the floor.  Mr. Crofoot hurriedly replaced her upon the bed and a few seconds later she breathed her last without uttering a word. It is thought her demise was caused by congestion of the lungs.
    Deceased was  born in England, June 24, 1830, and was nearly 72 years of age.  She was married to Mr. Crofoot in Painseville, O., in 1848. They had lived happily together for over 53 years.  To them was born one child, Charles, who is in the grocery business at South Bend.
    Mrs. Crofoot, whose loveable disposition made her a host of warm friends, was a life-long member of the Episcopal church.
    Funeral announcement later.