Mary Porter
Feb. 26, 1854-May 16, 1932
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, May 18, 1932, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library
MRS. MARY PORTER, 78, DIES AT SON'S HOME
Is Found Dead in Bed During Night After Illness of a Week
Mrs. Mary Porter, 78, a former well known resident of Niles, was found dead in bed in the home of her son, D.D. Porter, in Kalamazoo on Monday evening. Mrs. Porter had been ill for a week but her death was unexpected. At 10 o'clock Monday evening she had been given medicine and at 12 o'clock when her son went to her room before retiring for the night he found her dead.
The funeral services will be held on Friday morning at 10 o'clock in Kohlerisma and Kline chapel in Kalamazoo. The body will be brought to Niles for burial in Silverbrook cemetery. The Rev. Robert Meader, pastor of the Niles Methodist church, will conduct the funeral service. The committal service will be held probably soon after noon.
Mrs. Porter was born in Navarino, N.Y., on Feb. 26, 1854, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.D. Robinson. When she was nine years of age the family moved to Spring lake, Mich., and a year later to Niles and at once established themselves in the social and business life of the city. Mr. Robinson was a pioneer blacksmith and iron worker of Niles. Mrs. Porter has for several years been the last surviving member of her family. She was particularly active in the work of the Methodist Church and in musical circles. She was for many years, a member of the Methodist church choir and also for a time sang in the vested choir of Trinity Episcopal church. She was a teacher in the Methodist Sunday school and otherwise engaged in its activities.