Bert Brown
1868-Jan. 7, 1930
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Wednesday, January 8, 1930, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
BERT BROWN, FOR YEARS A PRINTER IN NILES, IS FOUND DEAD IN BED
Bert Brown, a printer in Niles for many years and for several years in the employe of the South Bend News Times, was found dead in bed in his room in South Bend about 10 o'clock. His death is attributed to heart disease from which he had suffered for several years. The body is now at the Forest Hayes Funeral home in South bend. The funeral plans are not complete pending word from his brothers, three of whom are said to survive him.
The death of Mr. Brown recalls days when he was prime mover in organizing minstrel show troops talent in Niles. He was a member of several such troops and during one season was associated with Harry Walker as a member of the Walker and Brown Minstrel Troop. Years ago in the old opera house or Peak hall in Niles was the place for presenting minstrel shows by groups of local young men, whom now prominent in the business and professional world recall the rehearsals and presentations of the shows with great interest. For several seasons Brown travelled with John F. Stowe as the “Uncle Tom” of his “Uncle Tom Cabin Show.”
Mr. Brown came to Niles from Canute, Kans., in 1882, then a youth of about 13 years. Soon after coming to Niles he entered the employe of F.W. Cook, pioneer editor of Niles, and was for almost 25 years continuously employed in the mechanical department of Mr. Cook's paper, The Daily Star. After leaving the employe of Mr. Cook he was employed at the National Printing and Engraving plant and then went to South Bend where for several years he had been employed in the classified ad setting department.
While in Niles he joined the order of Moose and was past dictator of the Niles lodge of Moose having for several years filled the office of dictator. Representatives of the Niles lodge of Moose went to South Bend this afternoon to offer assistance in making the funeral plans.