Oscar Copley
Jan. 3, 1876-Dec. 27, 1944
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, December 28, 1944, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
Hold Rail Worker in Man's Death
Niles police today held G.W. Foster, 56-year-old Negro railroad worker pending investigation of the death of Oscar Copley, 68, also colored.
Copley, an employe of the Clark Equipment Co., of Buchanan, died last night at Pawating hospital. An autopsy conducted today by Coroner William Pifer showed death caused by a cerebral hemmorage[sic], caused by a blow over the left ear.
Plan Further Probe
It was understood that he information procured by police may be turned over to a local justice of peace, who will be authorized to make further investigation.
Foster was held for questioning by authorities because he was allegedly involved in a fight with Copley Sunday night at the River View Inn, 22 Front street.
Acting on information supplied by patrons of the tavern, Foster was arrested Tuesday by police. Foster was reported to have “squabbled” with Copley in the basement of the tavern.
Copley's two daughters, who were with him at the tavern, related to authorities that their father had gone to the rest room of the tavern and failed to return. The husband of Copley's elder daughter subsequently went in search of his father-in-law.
Police Chief L.O. Bates said Copley was found with his hand cut and bleeding. However, no report was made to police until the following morning.
Native of Cass County
Copley was born in Calvin township, Cass county, on Jan. 3, 1876, and come to Niles 35 years ago.
He is survived by three sons, Delbert Harris; Orman Copley, and Kenneth Copley, all of Niles; four daughters, Mrs. Valma Flint, Mrs. Hortense Moffett, Mrs. Alene Stewart and Mrs. Joyce Hoover, Niles; and four brothers, Charles, Ira and Fred Copley, Calvin township, and Richard Copley, Cassopolis.
The funeral will be conducted from the Pifer funeral home at 2 p.m. Saturday with Rev. Emory Davis officiating. Burial will be made in Silverbrook cemetery.