Forshee, Bernard V.

Bernard V. Forshee
April 22, 1839-Oct. 28, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, October 29, 1918, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLAIMS A PIONEER RESIDENT

    Death removed a pioneer and highly respected resident of Niles when Bernard Forshee passed away at his home, 809 South Fifth Street, at 4 o'clock Monday afternoon after a brief illness attendant upon old age, Mr. Forshee being nearly 80 years of age.
    Mr. Forshee was born April 22, 1839, in Orange county, New York.  At the age of 5 years, he came to Livingston county, Michigan, and in 1859 came to Niles and had since been a resident of this city.  In 1861 he was married to Miss Louisa Easterly whose death occurred about 12 years ago.  Of the four children born to them, two survive their father--Mrs. Fred Corey, 138 St. Joseph avenue, and Isaac Forshee of West Point, Va.  Besides the children he is survived by seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
    Mr. Forshee was a veteran of the Civil war, having been a member of the fourth Michigan regiment.
    No citizen in Niles has watched the growth of the city with more interest than Mr. Forshee.  Himself a carpenter and builder by trade when he was able to work, he had witnessed the building developments of almost every structure in the city, daily visiting the scene of building operations in any part of the city when health permitted and he had become a familiar figure where construction work was in progress.
    Mr. Forshee will be missed by old and young among a large circle of friends by whom he was highly regarded.
    The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Price chapel, Rev. E.G. Lewis officiating.  Interment will occur in the family lot at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, October 29, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Bernard Forshee crossed the Great Divide at this home, 809 South Fifth street at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon after a two weeks indisposition and old age.  Mr. Forshee was born in Orange county, N.Y., April 22, 1839 and came to Niles in 1859, where he resided continuously.  A carpenter by trade, he had seen Niles grow from a hamlet to its present greatly increased population since 59 years ago. Joining the ranks as a soldier he fought gallantly through the civil war and was discharged with a clear record.  Only in the past few years did he retire from active duties.
    His great delight was to discuss war, history and reminiscences of the earlier days of his home town and surrounding country and it is doubtful if another was better informed.  His narrations were indeed interesting and all delighted in hearing them. Whenever a new building started, or public improvements of all sorts were making, Mr. Forshee was there and it has been said of him that he "was always on the job."  And often he gave valuable information in the work as it progressed, trade and master workmanship furnishing knowledge that many others did not possess.
    Ever a good citizen, of a jovial disposition, kind hearted, and possessing many other well meaning and admirable traits of character, although 70 years of age is past the alloted space of time, he will be greatly missed by neighbors, especially and hosts of friends of all classes. He leaves a son and daughter, Mrs. Fred Corey of Niles and Isaac Forshee of West Point, Virginia.  Mr. Forshee was a member of Frank Graves post, G.A. R., and in all likelihood the post will turn out and have ritualistic exercises at the grave.  Funeral services will occur Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the H.E. Price chapel, conducted by Re. E.G. Lewis.  Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.

    Funeral services for Bernard Forshee were held this afternoon from the Price chapel. Rev. E.G. Lewis conducted the services.  Many old friends, including  Civil war veterans, were in attendance at the services.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.