John A. Montague
Dec. 28, 1841-Jan. 30, 1903

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Friday, January 30, 1903, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

CAPT. MONTAGUE WAS WIDELY KNOWN
Sudden and Unexpected Demise of Mrs. Walter A. Noble This Morning

John A. Montague passed away last evening at 7:30 o'clock at his home on North Fourth street, after an extended illness, he having been confined to the house for a period of upwards of three months. When it became known a week ago that he was dangerously ill, those who knew him in his former rugged strength and vigor were not only anxious, but apprehensive, for they were sure it was no trifling matter. It was soon learned that Mr. Montague was sinking gradually, despite all efforts to counteract his disease, and the worst fears were realized last evening when he sank peacefully into the dreamless sleep.

Sketch of his Life

John A. Montague was born in Conneautville, Crawford county, Pas., Dec. 25, 1841. While a young man he held a position in the postal department at Washington, and at the breaking out of the civil war, he enlisted and went into the fight as 1st. Lieutenant of the 137th Pennsylvania Regular Volunteers. His ability, courage and intrepidity on the field soon won recognition and he was promoted to the captaincy of the 56th Pennsylvania Regular Volunteers, which office he filled in a most creditable manner.

In 1867 the deceased came to Niles, and since that time had been continuously engaged in the hardware business. His mercantile career was characterized by earnest, intense and untiring work. He was distinguished for ability and character.

Such men are not found in every hamlet, nor yet in every city. Indeed, too few of them are found among the millions. He was notably a man of character, and when we say this we do not mean merely that he was honest in his dealings; that he got what he to honestly. Most men do that. We mean that he had characteristics; that his was a personality standing out in bold relief, and not to be lost to view as a unit in the mass.

John A. Montague had no religion if by religion we mean adherence to any church or cult, but he was deeply religious in the deeper and broader sense. His religion was to do his duty as he saw it and let the consequences take care of themselves. Above all things he believed in one world at a time:

That the way from world to world

Lies o'er the finished business of a world'

Duties undone and functions unperformed

Fasten regrets u[upon the memory,

Soul wearying burdens. No place is so fit.

Nor time so opportune, nor need so great

To do earth's duties upon the earth.

So believing he lived his life and met death fearlessly. From the time that he took to his bed he believed that the end was near, but he was ready.

Fraternally the deceased was identified with St. Joseph Valley Lodge, No. 4, F.&A.M.; St. Joseph Valley chapter, No. 2, R.A.M.; Niles Commandery No. 12, Knights Templar and K.O.T.M., No. 90.

The deceased is survived by a widow; one son, Charles M. Montague; one brother, W.H. Montague, of Conneautville, Pas., and two sisters, Mrs. J. Balard, of Cambridge Springs, Pa., and Mrs. T.D. Irwin, of Conneautville, Pa.

Funeral Announcement

The funeral will take place from the home on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, under the auspices of the Blue Lodge of Masons, Rev. C.J. DeCoux officiating. Interment at Silver Brook.

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, February 5, 1903, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

The funeral of the late Capt. John A. Montague was held at his residence on Fourth street yesterday at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. J.C. DeCoux was the officiating minister and a prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. J.G. Lowrie. Two sets of bearers bore the remains, one consisting of Masons and the other of Mr. Montague's four employes. The service at the grave was conducted by the Masons, James M. Babcock, as acting Worshipful Master, read the ritual. W.H. Montague, of Conneautville, Pa., a brother of the deceased, and Mr. and Mrs. Bolard, of Cambridge Springs, attended the funeral.

Jennie O. Langston (McBain)
Sept. 10, 1886-June 12, 1930

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Friday, June 13, 1930, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library.

MRS. HARDY LANGSTON PASSES AWAY AFTER TWO YEAR ILLNESS

Mrs. Jennie McBain Langston, wife of Hardy Langston, Sr., and mother of five children, the youngest of whom is less than three years of age, died last evening at 8:45 in the home of her mother, Mrs. Fannie McBain, widow of Charles McBain, 8 N. St. Joseph Ave. Mrs. Langston had been in ill health for more than two years and during the time she had an operation. About two weeks ago when she became seriously ill she was removed from her home at 18 N. St. Joseph avenue to her mother's home.

Mrs. Langston was born in Niles on September 10, 1886 and was an only child of her parents. She attended the Niles public school grades and high school. She was married 20 years ago to Mr. Langston, who survives. Besides her husband and mother she is survived by her children. Hardy, Jr., a member of the '30 class of the Niles high school. Mrs. Donna Walls, wife of J.J. Walls, Keith, Barbara and Jacqueline, all at home except Mrs. Walls who is a resident of Buchanan. Mrs. Langston's father died in 1923. Mrs. Langston had spent her entire life in Niles and by birth and marriage was connected with two pioneer families of Niles and vicinity. The bereaved family have the sympathy of a wide acquaintance. Mrs. Langston was a member of Trinity Episcopal church and of Niles Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.

The funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 in the home of Mrs. McBain. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, June 14, 1930, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library.

Niles News in Brief: HERE FOR FUNERAL

Among those from out of the city who are here to attend the funeral services for Mrs. Hardy Langston this afternoon are W.H. Orr of Atchison, Kans., an uncle of the deceased, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Andrews of Jackson and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Archer of Benton Harbor. Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Archer are sisters of Mrs. Langston. Mrs. Susan Krell who had been visiting in Jackson came home last evening with Mr. and Mrs. Andrews to attend the funeral services. The services will be held at 3:30 in the home of Mrs. Langston's mother, Mrs. Charles McBain, 8 N. St. Joseph avenue. The Rev. W. Keith Chidester will officiate. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Jennie Charles
June 5, 1844-Feb. 28, 1903

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, March 5, 1903, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library; from Niles Daily Star, Saturday, Feb. 28, 1903

HAND OF DEATH
Brings Sorrow into Three Homes in Niles

CHARLES

At 3:30 o'clock this morning the gentle spirit of Miss Jennie Charles passed to its reward. She had been confined to her room for the past four months with tubercular trouble but up to last week had seemed to improve. Her condition, however, had gradually been growing more serious since.

Miss Charles has been a resident of Niles for many years and had endeared her herself to everyone with whom she came in contact by her sweet and sunny disposition. Those who knew her more intimately could best appreciate her sterling qualities, giving them a daily lesson in cheerfulness under adverse circumstance. She was a devout member of the Baptist church, having at heart always the good of the church. She is survived by her neice[sic], Miss Edna Randall, who has devoted her life to the care and happiness of her aunt, studying her every wish and well being first and last and bringing sunshine to the patient sufferer and other relatives.

Miss Charles was a native of western New York but had been a resident of Niles for upwards of thirty-five years. The family moved to Union, Mich., in the first place and later came to Niles where the deceased's father, the late R.K. Charles, was engaged in the dry goods business.

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, Mar 5, 1903, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

News of the Week: Saturday: The funeral services for the late Mrs. Helen Quimby Montague and the late Miss Jennie Charles were held this afternoon, one at 2 o'clock the other at 3:30, and their remains now rest in the silent tomb at peaceful Silver Brook cemetery.

Rufus K. Charles
1815-March 28, 1884

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, April 2, 1884, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Rufus K. Charles, Esq., died March 28th. He was born in Guilford, North Carolina, in 1815, and came with his father's family to Ohio in 1819, and removed to Baldwins Prairie, Cass Co, Mich., Sept. 16th, 1830. Soon after the death of his brother Martin, he removed to Niles in 1865 to take charge of the business interests and settle up his estate, and has continued to reside here up to the time of his death. He was Justice of the Peace for a long term of years, and after coming to Niles was elected to the office of Coroner of the county, which office he held for several terms. He was supervisor of 2d and 3d wards for several years. He was a man of strict integrity, and was honored and respected wherever known.

Buchanan Record, Thursday, April 3, 1884, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

RUFUS K. CHARLES, an old resident of Niles City and for a number of years a member of the Board of Supervisors, died at his home Friday evening. Aged 70 years.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, April 5, 1884, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Rufus K. Charles, an old and esteemed citizen, died on Friday last, aged 65 years. He came to Michigan with his parents in 1830, and removed to this city in 1865, taking control of and settling up the business of his brother, Martin V.B. Charles. He held the office of Coroner for several terms and served several terms in succession as Supervisor of the 2nd and 3rd wards. He had been confined to his home for a long time owing to a stroke of paralysis which unfitted him for active duties.

Adelaide Rea Taylor
Jan. 31, 1862-Feb. 27, 1903

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, February 28, 1903, page 2, col. 2-3, microfilm Niles District Library

SLEEPING IN PEACE
Sorrow Attendant Upon Visitation of “Angel of Death”
DEAR ONES ARE GONE

MRS. CHARLES TAYLOR

Mrs. Adelaide Rea Taylor, wife of Charles C. Taylor, died last night at 8:30 o'clock at her home on North Fifth street, of Bright's disease, aged 41 years. The deceased came her last September with her husband and family from Chicago, he being in the employ of the National Printing and Engraving company. During her brief residence here, Mrs. Taylor made a number of warm friends who deplore her taking off. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children, two girls and one boy;' also a mother and two sisters, all of whom with one exception--that of the youngest sister—were at the bedside when the end came.

The funeral will take place from the house tomorrow morning at 11.

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, March 5, 1903, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

HAND OF DEATH
Brings Sorrow into Three Homes in Niles

TAYLOR

Mrs. Charles Taylor died last night after a severe illness. She was the wife of Charles Taylor, an employee in the shipping department of the National Printing and Engraving Company. Mrs. Taylor was about forty years of age and was the mother of three children, two girls and one boy.

The funeal[sic] services will be held at the house, 704 north Fifth street tomorrow morning at eleven o'clock, the Rev. Charles Ager officiating. The remains will be laid to rest in Silver Brook cemetery.

Caroline Christine Belknap
Oct. 29, 1877-May 17, 1930

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, May 19, 1930, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. SIMEON BELKNAP IS STRICKEN AFTER AN APPENDICITIS OPERATION

Death came suddenly on Saturday evening about 10:30 to Mrs. Caroline Christine Belknap, wife of Simeon Belknap, Sr., 523 N. Fourth street. Her death is attributed to appendicitis from which she was a sufferer for a few days prior to her death. On Saturday afternoon she was taken to Pawating hospital where an operation was performed, an operation in which her brother-in-law, Dr. Fred R. Belknap of Benton Harbor assisted. Her condition seemed favorable for several hours after the operation or until about 10 o'clock when the change came.

Mrs. Caroline Christine Belknap was born in Niles on October 29, 1877, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John William Knott. She was married to Simeon Belknap on July 31 1902. She had spent her entire life in Niles. She is survived by her husband and by three sons and one daughter who are: Allan Belknap, of Chicago, Lydia, who is secretary to the Niles board of education, Simeon and Donald Belknap of Niles. The latter is a member of the Junior class of the Niles high school. Besides the husband and children she is survived by the following brothers and sisters, Mrs. Lena Blake, wife of H.O. Blake, Miss Ida Knott, Charles, Fred and William Knott, of Niles, Mrs. Elizabeth McPeck, wife of F.A. McPeck, of Selma, Ala. and Lewis Knott, of South Bend. On account of the illness of her daughter and of her granddaughters, both of whom have had operations recently, Mrs. McPeck will be unable to attend the funeral services.

The body is at the Rutherford Funeral Home and the funeral services will be held there tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be made at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, May 20, 1930, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL MRS. S. BELKNAP

Funeral services for Mrs. Simmeon[sic] Belknap, Sr., were held this afternoon with the Rev. G.W. Simon, pastor of the Presbyterian church officiating.

The following served as pallbearers: William Knott, Irving Knott of Benton Harbor, Henry Henkel, Fred Blackmond, I.P. Elder and Frank Sunday, the latter of Galien. Burial was made in Silver Brook cemetery.