Benjamin Franklin Toney
April 9, 1837-June 27, 1921
B.F. TONEY, FORMER RESIDENT OF NILES, DIES SUDDENLY MONDAY
Body Will be Brought to Niles From Mishawaka Tomorrow for Burial in Silver Brook Cemetery
Benjamin Franklin Toney, a former resident of Niles, died at the home of his grandson, J.C. Locke, 1101 Lincoln way W., in Mishawaka Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock after a day's illness of organic heart trouble.
Mr. Toney was born on what is known as the Harter farm northeast of Niles, April 9, 1837, being 84 years of age. He was for many years while a resident of Niles a Michigan Central railway engineer with a run between Chicago and Niles. He recently moved to Mishawaka from South Bend. Mr. Toney was twice married. His first wife was Sarah Beall, a sister of the late Mrs. E.J. Bonine and the late Mrs. Evan Harter. Both wives are now deceased. Of the family of seven children, of whom Frank Toney of Niles now deceased was one, but two survive their father. They are Edward Toney of Kalamazoo and Mrs. Mary Locke of Mishawaka. He also leaves 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was a Christian and life long member of the Methodist church.
The funeral services will be held at the J.C. Locke residence tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The body will be brought to Niles for burial in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery, tomorrow afternoon.
Mrs. Frank Toney, Mrs. John Keller, Mr. and Mrs. George Kneeshow and Edward Toney went to Mishawaka today on account of Mr. Toney's death.
Niles Daily Star-Sun, Tuesday, June 28, 1921, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library