James Henry Mitchell
Sept. 30, 1857-June 12, 1945
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, June 13, 1945, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library
Illness Ends in Death for Man 87
Several years of failing health resulted int eh death sometime Tuesday night of James Henry Mitchell, 87, a well-known colored resident of Niles. He was discovered this morning by his daughter, Mrs. Ann Mitchell Chavis, with whom he lived at 12 South Fifteenth street.
Born in Green county, Ind., on Sept. 30, 1857, he came to Niles at the age of 11 and has lived here continuously since. He was engaged for some time as a farmer. His wife died 14 years ago.
In addition to Mrs. Chavis, he is survived by another daughter, Mrs. Arthur Harrod, also of Niles; two brothers, Charles, of Kalamazoo; and David, of Summerville[sic]; and one sister, Mrs. Maude Lane, Vandalia.
Friends may call at the Pifer funeral home where the Christian Science service will be read at 2 Friday afternoon by Mrs. Gertrude Ostrander. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, June 16, 1945, page 2, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library
Services Held Friday for James H. Mitchell
Nephews of James henry Mitchell, 87, who died Tuesday night here, served as pall bearers at his funeral held Friday afternoon at the Pifer funeral home. They included Kenneth and Max Mitchell, of Sumnerville, Oscar Mitchell and Clarence Brown, of Benton Harbor; Lyle and William Lawson, of Cassopolis, and Thomas Ampey, of Lawrence.
Out of town relatives who attended the services were Mr. and Mrs. Vern Ampey and son, Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. Orin Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Mitchell, Mrs. Melvin Mitchell and Vern Patterson, of Benton Harbor, Mrs. Ilah Bright and sister, Benito, of Chicago, Alonzo and Arthur Mahoney, of Decatur, Mrs. Maude Lane, of Vandalia, Mr. and Mrs. William Lawson and Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Lawson, of Cassopolis.