Philip Whalen
March 17, 1829-May 25, 1897
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, May 25, 1897, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
LIFE'S TORCH EXTINGUISHED
Philip Whalen, At a Ripe Old Age,
Peacefully Expires.
At mid-day Philip Whalen, an old, highly respected resident of this city, peacefully expired at this home on north State street.
Born in Waterford county, Ireland, March 17, 1829, he had arrived at a mature old age of 68 years of age and was acquainted personally with almost every resident of the county. When still a young man he emigrated to this country and came to Niles in 1844. Mr. Whalen followed various pursuits in life and was for years connected with the J.M. Wells grocery.
The old gentleman has been on the decline for some time and a post mortem will be held to ascertain the definite cause of his death, which is supposed to have resulted from consumption of the bowels. He First entered upon public life in 1886 at which time he served as alderman. In 1895 he was called upon to act in like capacity but the beginning of the end compelled him to resign before the completion of his term. He was a member of St. Joseph Valley Lodge, No. 4, F.&A.M., and they will have charge of the funeral.
The deceased leaves a wife and four sons, all of whom have shown marked kindness and indulgence during their father's lingering illness. The family circle: Mrs. Philip W., Henry E., Wm. E., Edgar P. and Guy T., all of whom are grown to manhood. The funeral announcement later.
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Friday, May 28, 1897, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Laid to Rest
The funeral of the late Philip Whalen took place this afternoon from his home on State street. The Masons marched to the house in a body, where a throng of people awaited to pay the last tribute to an honest, upright and respected man. Rev. Gairdner, acting as chaplain of the order, conducted the pretty service. Many carriages follwed the Silver Brook cemetery, where the Masonic rite was further conducted. “May he rest in Peace.”