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.

Miller, Irvin

Irvin Miller
May 15, 1868-March 20, 1916


DEATH CAME LIKE FLASH
Irvin Miller, Prominent West Side Citizen, Church Worker and Supporter of Every Moral Issue, Died Last Night.
HE ATTENDED LECTURE AT THE TABERNACLE
Was One of the Most Active Members of the Evangelical Church and Was Lay Delegate to National Conference

    Irvin Miller, one of the most prominent and highly respected residents of the west side, died suddenly at his home about 11 o'clock last evening before a physician could be summoned.
    Mr. Miller, who has for several years been employed at the Laberteaux grocery store, was around as usual yesterday attending to his customary duties at the store, and in the evening attended the prohibition mass meeting at the tabernacle, which was addressed by Prof. Burton Rockwood in the interest of state wide prohibition.
    Returning to his home at 601 Grant street Mr. Miller prepared to retire for the, but had little more than gone to bed when he was seized with a heart attack.  He was able to arouse the family, but his daughters had scarcely time to answer his call when the end came before a physician could be summoned.
    Mrs. Miller was away from home at the time, being in attendance upon a sick person at the Howe farm, a mile south of Buchanan.  She was notified by telephone of the sad tragedy in her own home and she made the drive to Niles immediately, arriving here in about 30 minutes after being notified of her husband's sudden death.
    The death of Mr. Miller occurring so suddenly gave his wide circle of friends and admirers a great shock when the news became known this morning.  The fact that he had been attending to his daily duties as usual warranted the belief that he was in a fair state of health, although a friend observed yesterday that while walking on the street he had his hand over his heart as if he might have a pain or distress of some kind.
    Mr. Miller's life was devoted to high ideals. He supported every moral issue, and was a recognized pillar of the Grant street Evangelical church of which he had been one of the most active and loyal supporters since the erection of the edifice ten years and more ago.  He attended the district conference regularly as a lay delegate, and last year as a just recognition of his devotion to the church he was sent to San Francisco as one of the accredited Michigan delegates to the national convention of the association.  He was accompanied by Mrs. Miller and they spent several weeks visiting the scenic points of interest on the coast.
    The deceased is survived by his widow and four children.  The latter are the Misses Ilah, Martha and Genevieve, and one son Thomas, all residing at home.
    Mr. Miller was born at Mendon, Michigan, May 15, 1868.  He was married at Mendon to Miss Pearlie Hallam Nov. 10, 1892. One of their five children died in infancy. Besides his immediate family Mrs. Miller is survived by his aged mother, Mrs. Margaret Miller, who resides at Mendon, one brother, J.W. Miller, Mendon, and two sisters, Mrs. Perrin Heimbaugh, of Mendon, and Mrs. Harry Garman of Parkville, Mich.
    The funeral services will be held at the Evangelical church Thursday morning at 10:30, the Rev H.I. Voelker of Portage Prairie officiating. The burial will take place at Silver Brook cemetery, this city.

(Source; Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, March 21, 1916, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)


IRVIN MILLER LAID TO HIS FINAL REST TODAY
Funeral Services Were Held From Evangelical Church

    The funeral services for the late Irvin Miller were held this morning from the Evangelical church in which he had been active ever since coming to Niles and had been superintendent of the Sunday School in that church for a number of years.
    Rev Voelker of the evangelical church on Portage Prairie, conducted the service in the presence of a gathering of friends that completely filled the church edifice.  Miss Frances Whetstone, accompanied by Miss Lardner sang, "Asleep in Jesus" and "Peace, Perfect Peace".
    Rev. E.M. Renner, pastor of the Evangelical church; Rev. R.A. Wright of the Methodist church and Rev. Frye, pastor of the Evangelical church in Buchanan, assisted in the services.
    The following acted as pallbearers:  Walter Martin, Dan Nieb, Andrew Madison, H.B. Laberteaux, William Edwards and Fred Scheiback.
    The casket was covered with beautiful floral tributes.
    Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.
    Among those from out of the city who attended the services were Mr. and Mrs. John Miller and son, Ralph, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Garman, Mr. and Mrs. P.H. Heimbaugh, Mrs. Margaret Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hallum, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hallum, all of Mendon, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Miller, of Hinchman, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Miller of Vicksburg.

(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, March 23, 1916, page 1 col 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Halestock/Hailstock, Anna

Anna Hailstock/Halestock
1817-January 31, 1892


Mrs. Halestock

One of our oldest citizens, had been ailing with the grip for some time.  She  was a city charge and the Director of the Poor had seen that she was well card for, medicine, a physician, fuel and eatables being supplied.  She resided in part of a house on Pokagon street, where lived another family.  Sunday afternoon she was discovered lying upon the floor, and was removed to a sofa, a physician was sent for and when he arrived she was dead.  Deceased was about 75 years old.  The funeral occurred this aftenoon at three o'clock.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 1, 1892, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Also

    Mrs. Halestock was found dead at her home yesterday afternoon.  She had been ailing for some time with the grip.

(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Monday, February 1, 1892, page 1, col. 6, reprinted in Niles Republican, Thursday, February 4, 1892, page 5, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library)

Davidson, Joanne H.

Joanne H. Davidson
March 29, 1932-August 15, 1984


Davidson, noted volunteer, dies at 52

    BUCHANAN--Mrs. Joanne H. Davidson, 52, known for her volunteer work throughout the community, died at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Chicago following a brief illness.
    The Buchanan resident had recently been named "Woman of the Year" by the Clark Professional Women's Association, of which she was a member.  The organization said it made the presentation because of her "leadership, dedication, contagious enthusiasm, ability, personality, hard work and service to our organization, her church, as well as other community volunteer activities."
    Davidson was also the 1984 recipient of the "VIP of the Year Award" given out by the Berrien County Probation Board in the "Volunteers in Probation" program.  Twiced[sic] honored in this way, she was recognized for her administrative, fundraising and counseling efforts on behalf of the county probation program.
    Born March 29, 1932, in St. Joseph she was a lifetime area resident. She worked as a financial analyst with the Clark Credit Corporation in Buchanan and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Niles.
    She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Kretchman of Niles; one daughter, Mrs. Jill Copeland of South Bend; and one brother, Glenn Kretchman of Niles.  Another daughter, Joy Davidson, preceded her in death in September of 1980.
    Services are 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Niles with the Rev. Ray C. Cunningham of that church officiating.  Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery.
    Friends by call after 2 p.m. Friday at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
    Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Niles.
(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Thursday, August 16, 1984, page 2, col. 1-4, microfilm Niles District Library)

Garwood, Clifford

Clifford Garwood
1876-1920


DEATH CLAIMS CLIFF GARWOOD
Body of Former Niles Resident Brought Here for Burial Thursday

    The body of Clifford Garwood,who died in Butterworth hospital in Grand Rapids on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. was brought to Niles Wednesday afternoon and removed to the home of his sister Mrs. Frank Bayles, 513 Cherry street.
    The funeral service will be held at the Methodist church tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. J.R.T. Lathrop will officiate.  Burial will occur in Silver Brook cemetery.
    Mr. Garwood was a former well known Niles resident. He had spent practically all his life in Niles until four years ago, when he went to Grand Rapids to be employed in the Bither paper mills, having, until the mills closed here, been employed by the Niles Board and Paper Co. for many years.  He was stricken with influenza and pneumonia last winter and had never recovered from the effects and had gradually failed until the end came.  The death of his only daughter, a child of 4 years, which occurred last winter, seemed to hasten his demise.  He was 44 years of age. He is survived by a widow, who was formerly Rosa Apple of Niles; by two sons, William, who is in military service and stationed at Fort Sheridan,Ill., and John of Ypsilanti, and by his father, Stacy Garwood, who resides on a farm south of Niles, and by his sister, Mrs. Bayles.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, Thursday, August 19, 1920, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

Garwood, John

John Garwood
April 29, 1842
-June 9, 1927

Niles Daily Star, Thurs, June 9, 1927, page 3 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

JOHN GARWOOD, 85, CLAIMED BY DEATH

FARMER, WHO HAD LIVED NEAR BRANDYWINE FOR 40 YEARS, DIES


    John Garwood, 85, died this morning at 1 o'clock at the farm home two miles south of Niles near Brandywine creek where he had resided for 40 years.  His death followed a brief illness.
    Mr. Garwood was born in St. Joseph county, Indiana, near North Liberty.  He grew to manhood there and was married there.  Three years after his marriage he moved his family to Clyde, Kans., and they remained there about 14 years, and then came to Niles and had since resided on the farm where his death occurred.
    Mrs. Garwood died 10 years ago. Mr. Garwood is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Joseph Webber, who continued to make her home with him after her marriage. Besides his daughter, he is survived by a brother, Stacy Garwood, who lives on the farm next east from that on which Mr. Garwood lived, and three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
    The funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church in Niles.  Rev. O.R. Grattan will officiate.  Burial will take place in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery.
    Mr. Garwood was active in the affairs of the Methodist church in this city and a faithful attendant as long as his health permitted.  He was widely known and respected throughout the community.

also

John Garwood was born April 29, 1842, in Green Township, St. Joe County, Indiana. He was married to Lucinda Rupe in 1867. To this union two children were born, Letta Viola, who died when one year old and Nora who survives.  In 1871 he moved to Kansas, and there remained until 1884 when he moved to Niles, Michigan. He died on the farm where he had resided for 41 years, June 9, 1927.  Mr. Garwood joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when a young man and acted as steward until old age caused him to resign. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Joe Webber, with whom he made his home; three grandchildren, Mrs. Jessie Trowbridge of Niles. Mrs. Marie Long of South Bend and Arthur Webber who lives with is parents. two great-grandchildren are Joe Trowbridge and Jerold Long, both of Niles. The funeral services were held at the M.E. Church Saturday afternoon. The body was laid to rest in the Silverbrook Cemetery beside his wife who had been dead 11 years.

(Source: Unknown)

Webber, Guy S.

Guy S. Webber
December 14, 1883-March 2, 1965

    Guy S. Webber, 81, of 2299 Lake St., died at 11:35 p.m. Tuesday in Buchanan Community Hospital, where he had been a patient since Feb. 9.
    Mr. Webber, a former truck driver for Lork's Bakery, was born here Dec. 14, 1883, and was a lifetime resident of the community.
    Survivors include a son, Jacob G., and a daughter, Mrs. Irving Stotts, both of Grand Rapids; three brothers, Joseph and William, both of Niles, and Clarence, Kalamazoo; and two grandchildren.
    Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Pifer Funeral Home, Dr. Maurice McKean, pastor of the First Methodist Church, will officiate.  Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.
    Friends will be received at the funeral home after 7 p.m. Thursday.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, March 3, 1965, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

Ossmer, Daniel D.

Daniel D. Ossmer
March 5, 1921-October 25, 1950


DANIEL D. OSSMER, 29

    Daniel D. Ossmer, 29 of 223 South Third street, died at 11:45 p.m. yesterday at Pawating hospital where he had been confined since July 30. He suffered a fractured pelvis and friction burns of the back and shoulder when he was struck by a moving boxcar at the New York Central railroad terminal on that date.
    Ossmer was born at Somerset Center, Mich., on March 5, 1921, and is the son of Mrs. Ethel Ossmer, of Niles.  He lived in Niles since 1938 and was employed as a switchman on the NYC railroad.
    Surviving besides his mother is his wife, Marion Isabel; two sons at home, James and Jack; two brothers, David Ossmer, of Finley, O.; and William Ossmer, of Daytona Beach, Fla.; four sisters, Mrs. James B. Johnson, of Gleason, Tenn.; Mrs. Robert Anton, Mrs. William Taylor, and Margaret Ossmer, all of Niles.
    Friends may call at the Kiger funeral home where services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday with Rev. T.M. Greenhoe officiating.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Thursday, October 26, 1950, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library