Joel H. Gillette
March 22, 1851-Dec. 23, 1928
Passes away at Oak Street home at age of 77 years
Lead in Civic affairs
Served Berrien County in several positions during active life.
Joel H. Gillette, 77, pioneer resident of the Niles section, widely known in political circles and the last of the three charter members of the Berrien county Sunday school association organized in 1878, passed away at 7:30 o’clock Sunday, Dec. 23, 1928, evening at his home, 721 Oak Street. Death resulted from an attack of influenza and heart complications. He had been hearty and acive until stricken with influenza a week ago. His condition had not been considered serious until two days before the end.
Mr. Gillette besides being active in church work through 63 years of membership in the first Baptist Church of Niles, served two terms as county register of deeds, 1892 to 1897, and two terms as a member of the state legislature, 1899 to 1903. Also he served a number of terms as township clerk and county supervisor. In his church work Mr. Gillette served 28 years as superintendent of the Sunday school. He also served many years as a deacon, as chairman of the board of deacons and also as church trustee. He was a teacher of the Men’s Bible class and a deacon at the time of his death. During the last seven years Mr. Gillette was a retired farmer. He had operated a rather large farm two and half miles southwest of Niles many years. When he retired he moved to the Oak Street residence where he resided until his death.
Mr. Gillete was born on a farm in Bertrand township on March 22, 1851, the son of Charles and Hannah Gillette who had migrated some years previously from New York. He was married in 1880 to Miss Ida May Wells who was the daughter of Francis and Rachel Wells, also a pioneer family from the east. The death of Mr. Gillette removes the last of three charter member of the Berrien county Sunday School association. E.K. Warren of Three Oaks, who died several years ago, and Dr. J. D. Greenameyer who died last November, having been the other two. The association was organized in 1878 and throughout the years Mr. Gillette had continued his interest in Sunday activities. He had served as president of the county and Niles city Sunday school associations and had been for many years superintendent of the First Baptist Sunday school.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Baptist church. Rev. O.P. Miles will officiate. A Masonic Ritual service will be held at the grave, deceased having been one of the oldest members of the Niles lodge, No 4 F. & A.M. Owing to the large number of acquaintances and friends of the deceased in the community arrangements have been made for the body to lie in state in the church for one hour prior to the funeral services. A Masonic guard will served during that period.
Surviving, besides the widow, are three sons, and a daughter, all widely known in this section. All reside on farms close to Niles, although in Bertrand Township. They are Charles E., Dr. Clarence and Francis LaRue Gillette and Mrs. John H. Young.
Dr. Gillette is widely known in medical circles. He is considered one of the ablest physicians and surgeons in southwestern Michigan. His services often are called for in emergency surgical cases. Although he keeps much in retirement.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown