John W. Bacon
April 30, 1918
John W. Bacon, passed away this morning.
Death removed today from our midst another of the ole citizens and pioneer residents of Niles. John W. Bacon.
Mr. Bacon was taken ill a week ago today with pneumonia, which was serious from the first owing to his advanced age. He passed away at 10:30 o’clock this morning at his home, 701 Grant Street.
John W. Bacon was born in Buffalo, New York, but had been a resident of Niles for the past 53 years. He was a mason by trade and built the home in which he died about 50 years ago where he continuously resided during that number of years.
Mr. and Mrs. Bacon were married in St. Louis, Mo. In 1857 and celebrated their golden weeding 11 years ago. The death of Mr. Bacon severs a happy and devoted companionship of 61 years. With Mrs. Bacon survives their only child, Frank of this city, who has been with his mother at his father’s bedside during his illness.
For the past 22 years Mr. Bacon has been the faithful efficient superintendent of Silver Brook cemetery, fulfilling his daily duties until illness came. His passing removes a valued public servant, a sterling citizen, a king and true neighbor and fiends, and a loving husband and there. He was the type of man that has helped to make America what it is and he leaves the world better for his having lived.
One brother, Fred Bacon, of Mattoon, Ill, who with his wife, have been here since Sunday survives, and one sister, Mrs. Edmund Morgan of Kokomo, Ind.The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the home, 701 Grant Street. Rev Harold Holt, rector of Trinity Espicopal Church, officiating. Burial at Silver book Cemetery.
By a Friend
It will be difficult to find one who can fill the place of John W. Bacon. Those with whom he has associated for long years will miss him most. He was fond of friends and of the people of his adopted city as a whole. In days long gone by as a mason by trade, he helped make Niles grown with his trowel and today there are still standing, and as good as new, many brick structures in all parts of town constructed by Mr. Bacon. Hence was one of the men who was a vitalizing force in making our city what it is today. Mr. Bacon has served his people faithful and well, and was ever honest. As sexton of Silver Book Cemetery, he was the only one that ever made this beautiful resting place of the dead self-sustaining. Held in universal esteem, let be pile his bier with garlands of love and appreciation and let us also unite in saying “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Mr. Bacon had hosts of sincere and admiring friends, all of whom will sadly miss him. Through sympathy is extend to the bereaves wife and son, the bother and sister, and all relatives John W. Bacon, was a white-souled, and no person ever left a better name.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown