Joel Wilson
August 24, 1847-July 21, 1930
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, July 21, 1930, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
Niles News in Brief: DEATH JOEL WILSON
Joel Wilson, 82, at 943 Cherry St., until a week ago when he was moved to Pawating hospital, died in the hospital this morning. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Anna Hackley of Kalamazoo who has been in Niles for several weeks assisting to care for him. Funeral plans will not be made until Mrs. Hackley's children come to Niles. The deceased had been a resident of Niles for many years.
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, July 22, 1930, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL JOEL WILSON
Funeral services for Joel Wilson will be held tomorrow after noon at 3:30 in the Troost and Augustine chapel. The Rev. W.A. Reed, pastor of the A.M.E. Church will officiate. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Wednesday, July 23, 1930, page 1, col. 6-7, microfilm Niles District Library
Joel Wilson, Colored Veteran Of Civil War, Is Buried This Afternoon
Joel Wilson, colored Civil war veteran and pioneer Niles resident, was laid away today. His sister, Mrs. Anna Hackley, of Kalamazoo, his only surviving near relative was the chief mourner. Among those present at the graveside was Mayor Fred D. Cook.
With the light of reminiscence in his eyes, Mayor Cook, in commenting on the passing of Joel Wilson, said:
“I knew Joel well back in my boyhood days. My Father was publisher of the Daily Star, and the asthmatic old gas engine, which furnished power to operate the newspaper press, would balk now and then, and a hurry-up call would go out for Joel Wilson. A crank would be attached to the press and Joel would run off the edition by hand.
“Joel was industrious and dependable. He was liked by everybody for his sunny disposition and his rich, gurgling laughter. All this was contagious and dispelled gloom as the sun dispels the mist.
[illegible] Joel Wilson contributed his full share of mirth. I remember Joel as a sober, hard-working citizen, who proudly marched with the Civil war veterans in the memorial day parades. I also remember him in his gayer hours when his laughter rang out so cheerily.
“Well, Joe, as we called him, is climbing those 'golden stairs' he loved to sing about. And I'm sure his sunny disposition will help brighten up heaven as it did earth.”
Joel was born in Niles on August 24, 1847, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wilson. At the age of 18 on Dec. 24, 1863 he enlisted in the 102nd regiment of the Union army. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 17, 1865. For many years he worked at the Niles post office, churches and banks and at painting jobs. He was one of a family of eight children, one of whom survives him, Mrs. Anna Hackley of Kalamazoo. Mr. Wilson was married to Millie Alexander who died 26 years ago. He is survived by a step-daughter, Mrs. Lucy Gutherline, two nieces and two nephews, Mrs. Pearl Russell, Mrs. Ethel Mitchell and Messrs. Earl and Carrol Mitchell of Kalamazoo. He died Monday at Pawating Hospital . [Funeral services were] this afternoon by the Rev. W.M. Reid, pastor of the A.M. E. church. Burial was made in Silver Brook cemetery.