William H. Messenger
Feb. 4, 1900-April 28, 1952
Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 28, 1952, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library
William Hall Messenger, of rural route four, was found dead near the barn on the Messenger farm at about 5 a.m. Sunday, by his brother, Arthur. Messenger was pronounced dead as the result of self inflicted shot gun wound by coroner Louis Kerlikowske, of St. Joseph. Arthur told state troopers he knew of no reason why his brother should have ended his life as he had been in good spirits.
Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Eva Messenger of Niles; his widow, Julia; three sisters, Mrs. Carrie Sweisberger of South Bend, Mrs. William Champion, of Great Lakes, Ill, and Mrs. Eva H. Messenger of Niles; and two brothers, Arthur of Veteran’s Administration, Fort Custer, Battle Creek, and Charles Simmons Messenger of Niles.
Messenger was born on Feb. 4, 1900 in Niles, and had lived her all his life. He was a veteran of World War I.
Friends may call at the Pifer funeral home, where services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday by the Rev. T. M. Greenhoe, Presbyterian pastor. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.
(NB: Gravemarker bears name William H. Messinger, Feb. 5, 1900-April 27, 1952)