Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Badger, Chester

Chester Badger
Sept. 7, 1847 – Aug. 14, 1909

Death Takes Chester Badger

Pioneer Resident of Bertrand Township

Passes away this morning

He was Justice of the Peace for 16 years and also county Superintendent for Poor.

Chester Badger, a prominent and well know early settler, passed away at his home in Bertrand Township at 10 o’clock this morning of heart failure.

Mr. Badger who was 62 years old was born Sept. 7, 1847 in Bertrand Township. He acquired his early education in the district schools and at Niles. He also spent one year as a student at Ann Arbor.

On Jan. 28, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Briggs.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Badger four children were born, three of whom are living. They are Mrs. C. French and Orville Badger of this city and Leroy Badger who is at the Philippines.

Besides a widow, Mr. Badger is survived by two brothers and three sisters, Wm. Badger of Arlington, Nev., Jacob Badger of Chicago, Mrs. Messenger of LaPorte, Ind., Mrs. Loomis of Lincoln, Nev. And Mrs. Clifford Knox of this city.

He has always taken an active interest in public affairs and stands for virtue and progress in citizenship as well as in business and private life, He was justice of the peace for sixteen years and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, winning him the approval [and] respect of all who have knowledge of his official service. He was also township treasurer for one year and was superintendent of the poor for the county. His political allegiance was given to the democrats and he is a member of the Royal Arcanum and of the knights of the Maccalberra at Niles. He was a member of the county . . . dates back to the pioneer epoch in its history, and while he has never sought to figure prominently as a leader in public life he was nevertheless displayed traits of character which may him valued as a citizen and which have gained for him a creditable position in agricultural circles.

The funeral will take place Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock at the house. The remains will be laid at rest in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Submitted by a family member; publication details unknown

Bacon, Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen Bacon
May 12, 1837- June 25, 1911

Death of Mary Ellen Bacon

This estimable lady died Sunday morning at the residence 208 South Fifth Street. She was in the 74th years of age, having been born May 12, 1837, of New Carlisle, Ohio.

She was twice married, the first husband being John Munson, who died shortly after the marriage, leaving her a widow at the age of 23.  Later she was married to Col. Edward Bacon, a prominent lawyer of his city.  Mr. Bacon died in April 1901.  She was childless by either marriage, and it is not known, since no will has been found, what may be the disposition of the estate. Mrs. Bacon was reputed to be wealthy.

The deceased was a thorough type of that fine rare of American women now passing so rapidly. She believed in a simple life and lived it almost with a touch of austerity.

The funeral will occur form the late home Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock, Rev. Huntington of Trinity Episcopal Church to officiate. Interment at Silverbook Cemetery.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Bacon, Kate G.

Kate Bacon
Nov. 13, 1870 – April 20, 1940


Niles Daily Star, Saturday, April 20, 1940, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Kate Bacon taken by death.


Mrs. Kate G. Bacon, 69, prominent in Niles club circles for a number of years, died this morning at 10:30 in Pawating hospital. Mrs. Bacon, who became ill Wednesday, was taken form her home at 16 North Fifth Street to the hospital Friday night in a diabetic coma.

She was born in Howard Township Nov. 13, 1870, and was the widow of the late Attorney, N.H. Bacon. Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. S.C. Thomson and Mrs. William VanNess, both of Niles; a brother, Charles E. Gerberich, Everett, and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Bacon was particularly interested in musical activities in the city. She was one of first members of the Niles Musical club although she had dropped her club membership in the past few years. At one time she was organist in the First Presbyterian Church.

The Christian Science church and the Seepewa club are other organizations of which she was a member.

Friends may call at the Rutherford funeral Home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 22, 1940, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Rites Tuesday Afternoon at 3 for Mrs. Bacon

 

Funeral services for Mrs. Kate G. Bacon, who died Saturday morning in Pawating hospital after an illness of a few days, will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 3 in the Rutherford funeral home.

The service will be under auspices of First Church of Christ, Scientist, and will be conducted by Durlin H. Wheeler.  Burial will be in Silverbook cemetery.

Mrs. Bacon, a member of the Seepewa club and a former member of the Musical club, had been prominent in club and musical activities in the city for a number of years.  She was the widow of the late Attorney N.H. Bacon.

Friends may call at the funeral home.


Bacon, John W.

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

Bacon, Ida M.

Ida M. Bacon
June 24, 1861 – Aug. 18, 1927

Mrs. Ida M. Bacon is taken by death

Passes away at her Hickory Street Home after a long illness.

Mrs. Ida Maria Bacon, 65, ill for about two years with Bright’s disease, died at her home at 728 Hickory street this morning at 3 o’clock.

Mrs. Bacon was born in Edwardsburg on June 24, 1861. She had been a resident of Niles for about 30 years. On July 4, 1899, she was married to Franklin Bacon, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bacon, deceased of Niles. Mr. Bacon died December 1920. Mrs. Bacon is survived by a sister, Miss Edna Cook, who made her home with her. Miss Cook is now the only surviving member of a family of 10 children.

The funeral services will be held at the home on Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. O.R. Gratfan., pastor of the Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will take pale in the family lot in Silverbrook Cemetery.

 Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Bacon, Harriett

Harriett Bacon
March 11, 1917

Mrs. Harriet E. Bacon a well known pioneer resident of Niles, passed away last evening shortly after six o’clock. Funeral services will be held at her late home on Broadway on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. More extended notice later.

In the passing of Mrs. Bacon one of our oldest residents is taken away. In September 1842, Joseph S. Bacon of Niles married in Dorset, Vermont, Harriet E. Holley, daughter of Justus Holley and Eliza E. Woodward.  A new house on the grounds about a half miles south of the town and across from the old George H. Jerome place, was ready for their occupancy.  It was a pleasant home with many tall forest trees about it commanding a pleasing view of the St. Joseph River in the distance. Here their five children were born, Gertrude, now Mrs. George H. Sheldon of Rock Island, Angeline, Mrs. Frederick Crosby of Evanston, Bessie who died a the age of 22, Mrs. Adolph Panhurst and Mr. N.H. Bacon, both of Niles. Besides there she leaves four grandchildren, one brother, W. J. Holley; two sisters, Miss A. M. Holley and Mrs. W.H. Sheldon of Vermont. When the children were still small they moved into the town and with the exception of eight years spent with her daughter in Erie, Pa, there in the same house on Broadway. Mrs. Bacon has lived for nearly forty years.

Mr. Bacon died in March 1882 and Mrs. Bacon lifted bravely the burden of redoubled care occasioned by his loss.

She has herself been, nearly helpless for eighteen years. It would be hard to imagine a greater trial for an active nature, one eager to work and do for those about her or for any whom she might serve; yet this trial she has borne with rare sweetness, patience and good cheer.

Her home has been a gathering place for many friends drawn  nearer but her heart of love and her winsome spirit, and her rooms have been fragrant with flowers, summer and winter, the offering of many friends.

To Mrs. Bacon every flower spoke of the infinite love of her Heavenly Father, and to His nearer presence we feel sure she has gone.

Mrs. Bacon was a charter member of the Ladies Historical club.

She passed peacefully away at sunset on Sunday, March 11 in her 81st year.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Bacon, Frederick H.

Frederick H. Bacon
1849-1928

Dies at St. Louis:

Burial to be in Niles

Frederick H. Bacon, 79, who had practiced law in St. Louis, Mo, for 54 years, but who was born in Niles and known to many here, died in St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis late Friday afternoon. The body will be brought to Niles tomorrow morning on Michigan central train due at 11 o’clock, and although complete arrangements for the funeral services will not be completed until the family arrives with the body, the services will be held tomorrow afternoon and will be under Masonic auspices. The body will be taken to the Troost and Augustine Chapel upon being brought to Niles. The death of Mr. Bacon brings to a close a brilliant career as a lawyer until ill health prevented. About a year ago an affliction of the throat was diagnosed as tuberculosis. For five weeks before last Monday he had been in Eureke Springs, Arkansas under the care of an old physician friends, and had returned to his home in a greatly undernourished condition, his affliction preventing him from swallowing readily and, the trip greatly weakened him, and on Wednesday morning he was removed to the hospital for care.

Mr. Bacon was born in Niles, a son of Judge Frederick Bacon, one of the prominent pioneer families of that name. The late N.H. Bacon of Niles was his cousin. He attended the University of Michigan after being graduated from the law school there he started his practice of law in 1871. Three years later he went to St. Louis. He was the author of a standard legal textbook and a lecture on law subjects. The textbook is “Bacon on Benefit Societies and Life Insurance.” For a number of years from 1858 he was a lecturer at the Benton College of Law.

Mr. Bacon is survived by a widow who was formerly Miss Clara Cleland of Niles, and by two daughters, Mrs. Marie Hagee of St. Louis, and Mrs. Ethel Faurote, wife of Faye Faurote of Long Island, NY. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 5 o’clock in St. Louis after which the funeral party will leave for Niles. Mr. Faurote and daughter Susanne, are expected to meet the funeral party her.

Mr. Bacon was Mason, a member of the Knights Templar and the Shrine. The committal services in Niles will be in charge of St. Valley Lodge. No. 4 F&AM.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown