Dr. Burton D. Giddings
Aug. 21, 1873-April 29, 1936
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, April 30, 1936, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
Dr. Giddings Dies, Victim of Heart Disease
WIDELY KNOWN NILES PHYSICIAN SET UP PRACTICE HERE IN 1903
Became Seriously Ill Two Weeks Ago; Once Had Small Hospital
Dr. Burton D. Giddings, 62, one of the oldest Niles members of the medical profession, died at his home, 112 South Fourth street, Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock.
Coming to Niles after receiving his degree at Hahnemann Medical college, Chicago, in 1903, Dr. Giddings has been closely connected with the life of the city since that time. The news of his death brought mourning in all sections of the city—his associates in the profession which he had followed for many years, his fraternal and church affiliates, and from the great cross section that made up the patients to whom he had ministered.
Ill Seven Years
Dr. Giddings' death terminated a serious illness extending over two weeks. His health, however, had been failing for more than seven years. His death was due to heart trouble.
Dr. Giddings was born in Portage county, Ohio, Aug. 21, 1873. He was educated in Hiram college, Ohio; the University of Idaho, Bennett Medical college, Chicago, and the Hahnemann Medical college from which he received his degree as doctor of medicine.
He was married in 1900 to Miss Lavinia Harper, Chicago, who died in 1918. In 1920, he was married to Miss Olga Harper, her sister, who survives him.
Starts Hospital
Dr. Giddings' first home in Niles was on Broadway. His first professional experience was as an associate of Dr. Z.L. Baldwin. Together they conducted a small hospital in the building now occupied by Dr. R.S. Waterson, North Third and cedar streets.
This partnership was dissolved in 1905 and his offices were moved to Main street, from which he moved last June to occupy the building at North Fourth and Cedar streets.
For more than [illegible] years Dr. Giddings had been chief surgeon for the Michigan Central railroad, and held the same position for the Northern Indiana railway and the Big Four.
He was a member of the Berrien County Medical society, the Elks, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, Modern Woodmen of America, Yeomen and Maccabees. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and of the board of trustees.
Wife, Son Survive
Beside his wife, he leaves on e son, Lyle Giddings, and a brother, L.C. Giddings, Akron, Ohio.
Services will be Friday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock in the Presbyterian church, the Rev. Dr. G.W. Simon officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
The body will be taken from the Price and Kiger funeral home tot he family home tonight, where friends may call tonight and Friday morning.
The body will lie in state in the Presbyterian church from 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon until the hour of he service.
Niles Daily Star, Friday, May 1, 1936, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Six Physicians Pallbearers for Dr. B.D. Giddings
Six members of the medical profession were to act as pall bearers at the funeral of Dr. Burton D. Giddings in the Presbyterian church this afternoon. They are Dr. Edwin P. Vary, Dr. Russell T. Hart, Dr. L.L. Harrison, Dr. Clarence Gillette, Dr. N.A. Herring, and Dr. R.S. Waterson.
The body was to lie in state in the church from 2:30 to 3:30 o'clock this afternoon. The Rev. Dr. G.W. Simon is the officiating clergyman and the Knights of Pythias will give the ritualistic service at the grave in Silverbrook cemetery.