Hannah Gillette (Kinyon)
May 23, 1821- March 9, 1911
Mrs. Hannah (Kinyon) Gillette was born in Wales, Erie county, New York, May 23, 1821, and passed beyond March 9, 1911.
Her early years were spent in New York State, having received her education at the East Aurora New York Academy. She came to Niles in 1835, and engaged in teaching school, which occupation she followed or several years; her first school was in Dist. No 4 Milton Township, Cass County; in both this and in other school of Berrien and Cass counties, she was successful.
On May 15, 1848 she was married to Charles Gillette. After her marriage she resided with her husband on their farm in Bertrand Township, until the death of Mr. Gillette and for eleven years she still resided on the farm making in all thirty-five years of home life on the farm. In 1883 she moved to the city of Niles and has ever since resided here. In her early life she was interested not only in intellectual improvement, but religious growth, and was active in church and Sunday school work. She taught a mission class in Bertrand Township in 1946. Her associate teachers in this Sunday school were Andrew Cleland, Albert Cleland, Mrs. Hall, Salome Phelps and M.B. Gillette. There were enrolled in her class in May 1846 the following scholars, Sarah Smith, Lucy VanGorden, Miranda Ingersoll, Mary Glasby, Janes Brooks and Lydia Batson, names which are familiar to all the early pioneers. She was converted and received as a candidate for baptism Jan. 31, 1846; was baptized by the Rev. C. N. Richmond and united with the First Baptist Church of Niles and has remained a member continuously until her “call home” making an unbroken membership of sixty-five years. She entered into active service for her Master, was a member of the choir and number of years and also a teacher in the Sunday School. She continued in active work along allotted lines until advanced years necessitated an abatement of labor, yet she cherished a lively interest in Christian work to the end and was liberal supporter to all Christian work.
She is survived by a son, John H. Gillette; a daughter, Mrs. Gertrude E. Gillette; a granddaughter, Miss Irene M. Gillette and three grandsons, Charles E. Gillette, Clarence Gillette and LaRue Gillette. Of her it may be truly said, “The golden evening brightens in the west, Soon, soon to faithful warrior’s cometh rest, Sweet is the calm of Paradise the bleat.”
The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the residence. Rev. Trabert will officiate and will be assisted by Rev. W. J. Eyles, of Clyde, Ill. Interment at Silverbrook.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown