Carrie Chapin Bracken
1849-Nov. 21, 1871

Niles Republican, Thursday, November 23, 1871, page 3, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

At Port Huron, Nov. 21st, 1871, of dropsy of the chest, Carrie Chapin, wife of Rev. Thomas E. Bracken, and daughter of H.A. and R. Chapin, aged 31 years.

The startling telegram, announcing the above sad intelligence, came suddenly to the many warm friends of Mrs. Bracken in this city, where her childhood and youth had been spent, and where the memory of her true womanly virtues will long be treasured by those who now so deeply mourn her early death.

Less than a year ago she went from us, a happy bride, followed by the best wishes of all our people; to-day, the stricken husband brings back her precious remains to her doubly bereaved parents, that loving hands may lay them tenderly to rest beside those of her sister Sarah, whose ransomed spirit, we trust, has are this, welcomed her to the abode of the blessed.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, November 25, 1871, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

In Port Huron on Thursday, November 21st, Mrs. Carrie B. Bracken, wife of Rev. Thomas S. Bracken, and daughter of H.A. Chapin, Esq. of this city, in the 31st year of her age.

Her remains were brought to Niles, and interred in the cemetery on Thursday afternoon.

None but those who have passed through the same trying ordeal can fully appreciate the feelings of those who are called upon to take the last farewell look at the idol of their hearts
and the light and joy of their homes. She was indeed, the dearest of object on earth, not only to her fond husband but to her parents who now mourn her death. Her death was a dispensation of Providence. But a little more than eleven months ago, we beheld her arrayed in her bridal robes, with health and happiness gleaming from every features, receiving the congratulations of numerous friends. She was the happiest of brides. Alas how soon has death turned joy into sorrow, by taking from the fond embrace of a devoted husband his dearest object. Mrs. Bracken was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and a bright example to all who knew her - Her amiable and Christian qualities had endeared her to all with whom she became acquainted, and her untimely death has cast a gloom over the entire community. Death loves a shining mark, and the fairest and loveliest of earth are called
by his ruthless hands.

The father, mother, husband and brother have the sympathy of the community in their sad bereavement.

Carrie is gone from this world, it cares and its strife.
Gone from the dear ones beloved during life.
Gone to a home with the ransomed above.
Gone to a Saviour whose fullness is love.

Charles A. Chapin
Feb. 1845-Oct. 22, 1913

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, Oct. 23, 1913, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

DEMISE OF C.A. CHAPIN

Funeral Services to be Held

at Old Niles Homestead.

WAS A MODEST MAN

Principal Owner of Electric Plants

Along the St. Joseph River,

Also With Other Large

Interests.

Charles Augustus Chapin was born in February, 1845, at Edwardsburg, Cass county, and came to Niles with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Chapin, a year later. Chas. A. Chapin graduated from the Niles High school and later engaged wtih his father in the real estate and insurance business.

Immense iron industries developed in the northern peninsula of Michigan when the Chapins became fortunate investors, which reaped to them many thousands of dollars. The father died in 1898, and the mother about six years later.  C.A. Chapin and family moved to Chicago in 1898, where they have since resided.  Unto them was born seven children.  Besides the widow the following sons and daughters survive, all of whom are residing in Chicago:  Homer, Henry, Lowell and Charles, Jr. also, Mrs. Lucile Robertson, Mrs. Helen Bishop and Miss Ruby Chapin.

C.A. Chapin died last night at 9 o'clock at his home, 61 east Goethe street, Chicago. He had made two trips to Europe for his health. Returning last July he went to his summer house at Harbor Springs, Mich., where he was suddenly stricken with organic heart disease. Taken to his home in Chicago in a special train, he lived just two months longer.

The deceased was a multimillionaire, thought to be worth $15,000,000.  He was principal owner of the several electric plants along the St. Joseph river at Berrien Springs, Buchanan, Niles, South Bend, Hen Island and Elkhart.  He owned considerable real estate in Chicago, inclucing the Unity office building.  He was president of the Michigan and Indiana Power company with headquarters at 38 south Dearborn street, Chicago.  In Chicago he was a member of the Union League, the Glen View and Chicago Yacht club.

In Niles he owned the old Chapin homestead at Main and south Fifth Streets, one of the most beautiful mansions in the city; also the Niles Board and Paper mill, located at the river dam; the building at Main and south Second streets and other belongings.

Mr. Chapin was a modest man, unassuming, strictly honest, possessing native wit. He was a member of the Presbyterian church.  Mrs. Chapin is a sister of Mrs. O.W. Coolidge of this city.

FUNERAL

Prayer will be said at the home in Chicago at 11 o'clock a.m. Saturday morning, when the body will be conveyed to Niles, arriving here at 3:40 p.m., and funeral services will be held later at the Chapin Mansion, 510 Main street, conducted by Rev. W.R. Yonker.  The pallbearers will consister of the children of the deceased. Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.  Members of the family and many Chicago friends will be present.

The Acorn (Three Oaks, Michigan), Thursday, October 30, 1913, page 12, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Chas. A. Chapin, several times over a millionaire and president of the power company owning dams along the St. Joseph river from Elkhart to Berrien Springs, is dead.  He died Wednesday at his home in Chicago of organic heart trouble. He was 68 years old.

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, October 23, 1913, page 1

CHARLES A.CHAPIN DIED LAST NIGHT IN CHICAGO

Former Niles man of vast wealth succumbs to long illness.

LONG IN POOR HEALTH

Rise to wealth came while he and his father were in business here.

News of the death of Charles A. Chapin, which occurred at his home in Chicago about 9 o'clock last night, was received in Niles this morning.

CHARLES A.CHAPIN was born in Edwardsburg, Cass County, in February 1845, and came when he was an infant with his parents, Henry A. Chapin and Ruby N. Chapin to this city in 1846. He received his education in the city schools and graduated in the class of 1865. After his graduation he entered into partnership with his father in the real estate and insurance business.

In 1874 he married Emily M. Coolidge who survives. Eight children were born to this marriage, of whom the following are living, Homer, Mrs. Lucille Robertson, Mrs. Helen Bishop, Henry, Ruby, Lowell and Charles Chapin. In 1898 Mr. Chapin removed with his family has resided.

For some years previous to his death, Mr. Chapin had suffered from an organic disease of the heart.

Last spring he went with his wife and daughter, Ruby, to Germany where he received treatment from a skilled specialist. On his return from Europe his health appeared to be improved and he and his wife went to their summer home at Harbor Point, Michigan, In August he had a severe attack and a Chicago specialist was summoned by special train. Later he was
removed to his home in Chicago.

His father, Henry A. Chapin died in 1898 in his 87th year, and his mother died a few years later.

The management of the large Chapin estate devolved solely upon Mr. Chapin after his father's decease and for some time prior. About 1879 he and his father began the development of mining lands in the upper peninsula, which became very remunerative, leading to the accumulation of a considerable fortune.

Mr. Chapin for about thirty years had a beautiful summer home at Harbor Point, where his family spent a couple of months each year. Mr. Chapin was fond of outdoor sports and found recreation and health in this way at his summer home.

Mr. Chapin was the principal owner of electrical power plants on the St. Joseph river in southern Michigan and northern Indiana at Elkhart, Hen Island, South Bend, Buchanan, and
Berrien Springs, also Niles, managed by Mr. A.F. Bither, and also had a large real estate buildings in Chicago.

The fine home in which his parents lived had been kept in order since their death by Mr. Chapin and family. Reunions have often been held in it.

Mr. Chapin was a man of the strictest integrity and his word was as good as his bond. His personal character was beyound reproach.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a liberal contributor to the support of the church of this city.

He was modest, unassuming and plain in his manners, easy of access and approachable by all. The possessions of wealth did not lessen these traits of character.

He possessed native wit and in converse with friends his happy repartee and added to the pleasure of social converse.

He lived here for over fifty years, his children were all born here, and as he was identified with important business interest in this city, we may regard his death as skin to the loss of
one of our own citizens.

In his death, is the passing of a one who for many years was a prominent figure in our community and one who was esteemed by all who knew him as a man of sterling worth and noble qualities.

The remains were brought to Niles and the funeral will be held at the Chapin home at 3:45 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Rev. W.R. Yonkers of the Presbyterian church will conduct the services and interment will occur in the family lot at Silver Brook cemetery

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, October 25, 1913, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

The body of Chas. A. Chapin arrived in Niles this afternoon from Chicago by special train at 3:40 o'clock. at the Chapin house, 510 Main street, Rev. Yonker conducted services, reading a special scripture selection by request of the family. The pallbearers were Henry, Lowell and Chas. Chapin, Jr., sons of the deceased; two sons-in-law, Messrs. Bishop and Robertson, and a nephew, Clarence Coolidge. A large concourse of friends attended. Interment was at Silver Brook cemetery.

Henry A. Chapin
Oct. 5, 1813-Dec. 17, 1898

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, December 17, 1898, reprinted Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, December 21, 1898, page 1, col 2,

H.A. CHAPIN ANSWERS

The summons of the "Death Angel" beckoning Him to Another World.

OUR WEALTHIEST CITIZEN

Surrendered all His Earthly Possessions, as His Soul Fled to Another World, Leaving His Mortal Remains to be Consigned to the Impartial Grave

Almost the hour of last midnight the "Death Angel" summoned the soul of H.A. Chapin to the great hereafter.

Our wealthiest citizen, to whom this world offered much surrended all his earthly possessions and his soul took flight to another world, leaving behind the mortal remains to be consigned to the impartial grave.

Sketch Of His Life.

Henry Austin Chapin, owner of the famous Chapin iron mine and a resident of our city, originated in Leyden, Franklin county, Mass., Oct 5 1813, son of Lorenzo and Maria Kent Chapin, farmers. The lineage of this gentleman goes back to Deacon Samuel Chapin, a settler in Springfield, Mass., in 1642. Owing to migration westward. Mr. Chapin learned to read, write and do other things of that sort in a country settled in Portage county, Ohio, and he set foot on the first round of the ladder of business life as a clerk in a general store in Akron, Ohio, climbing high enough to open a store of his own in Michigan. How high he subsequently ascended is denoted by the fact that to Mr. Chapin belongs the fee of the land on the upper peninsula of Michigan upon which the Chapin iron mine is now operating. A royalty is paid for every ton of ore taken out, and, it is said, Mr. Chapin's revenue from that source has sometimes amounted to between $100,000 an $300,000 a year. The principle ownership of the paper mills on the east side of the river in this city and the electric lighting plant in South Bend are included among his holdings now, as well as real estate in Chicago and shares in various corporations not named.

Mr. Chapin first settled in Edwardsburg in 1836 and came to Niles in the spring of '46. He engaged in the business of buying produce and wool in frame building situated where Rudolf Wohlrah's business is now located, taking in S.S. Griffin as a business partner. Later he bought his partner's interest and moved his business now occupied by Snyder. Later in 1860 Mr. Chapin again transferred his quarters and was the first owner to occupy the Mirror building where Lowry is now situated. About the commencement of the civil war Mr. Chapin met with the tide of adversity which bore him under and he failed as did many others in war times. Later on he bought wood and produce on the streets and in 1870 he and his son, Charles A., engaged in the insurance business which they followed until 1880. Mr. Chapan's business career was checkered and he experienced not a little of the seamy side of life. At the time that the rich deposit of ore was discovered on Mr. Chapin's property, he had succeeded in satisfying the demands of his creditors. In 1865, he bought the fee to what is now known as the Chapin mine at Iron Mountain, Mich. In 1880 the mine was developed and it proved to contain the largest deposits of iron ore then discovered in the United States, was worked successful and through its operation he had amassed a very large fortune. A small city has sprung up about the mine, which gives employment for the majority of its people.

In 1836 he was married in Mattaway, Portage county, Ohio, and he and Mrs. Chapin had lived together 62 years last April. To them were born four children as follows: Sarah M.,
Carrie E., Charles A., and Henry H. Sarah, who married a Mr. Banfield, died at her home in Dowagiac at the age of 21 years. Carrie E. married a Mr. Bracken of Port Huron, and died at her home in the latter city at the age of 31 years. Henry E., the youngest child died at the tender age of two years and 11 months and Charles A. the youngest of the children but one, alone survived his parents. Mrs. Chapin also lives to mourn her companion of over three score years.

He was a member of the Masonic order, and once a Whig and later a Republican, and a man with a wide circle of friends.

Funeral Announcement.

The funeral service will be conducted at the late residence by Rev. J. G. Lowrie, pastor of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. Chapin belonged, at 2:30 Monday afternoon.

At the conclusion of the service the Masonic funeral will be conducted under the auspices of the St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4, F. and A.M. The remains will be interred in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, December 21, 1898, page 1, col 2-3,

Appears as above but substitutes portion headed "Funeral Announcement" as follows:

THE FUNERAL

The sad funeral bells will ring out no more for H.A. Chapin. His mortal remains, today were tenderly and reverentially consigned to the grave in Silver Brook cemetery--the silent city so rightly adorned by nature, so grand in its almost perrenial solitude.

Rev. J.G. Lowrie impressively performed the funeral service at the late residence at 2:30 p.m.

The remains of Mr. Chapin reposed in an elaborate oaken casket, handsomely trimmed and almost hidden from view by a profusion of flowers of varied hues. The Mason's blue emblem, the square and compass was simple; yet indicated taste and elegance combined.

The ceremony at the house was interspersed with vocal melody, furnished by Mrs. Wm. B. Bunbury, Mr. and Mrs. John Hamilton and J.D. Donmall, with Mrs. Chas. Harter, accompaniest. Among the selections rendered so prettily were these: "Asleep in Jesus," "The Shining Shore," and  "Evening."

The pallbearers, chosen from among the Masons by the Chapin family, were as follows: Dr. F.N. Bonine, W.J. Edwards, Jno. Woodruff, W.K Lacey, E.F. Woodcock and Jas. Harder.

The funeral cortege pensively wound its way to Silver Brook cemetery where the Masonic ritual was performed by Dr. W.T. Dougan, after which the remains were left to the repose of the grave.

Aside from the family and grandchildren of the deceased, the following relatives from out of the city were here to pay their respects to his memory:  Mrs. Frank Griffin, Bourbon, Ind.; Messrs. Anderson and Dushayn and  M.P. Chapin and daughter, of South Bend.

The large concourse of Niles people that followed the remains of Mr. Chapin to their last resting place, testified abundantly to the eminent esteem in which the deceased was held by the people generally.

Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, December 21, 1898, page 8, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Elsewhere in this issue the death of Henry Austin Chapin is noted. Mr. Chapin was well-known throughout the country, his name having become famous as owner of the Chapin mines in Northern Michigan.  He was a companionable citizen, always cordial to his friends in prosperity as well as in adversity. Not a few have been aided by his generosity, and in an unassuming way he has been liberal to many in want of the necessaries of life, and other creditable acts can be traced to his motto of life. He furnished one-third of the entire cost of the Presbyterian church organ, and aided this church in various other ways. General regret is manifest, and sorrow profound is expressed by the entire community.

The Buchanan Record, Thursday, December 22, 1898, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

HENRY C. CHAPIN DEAD

The death of Henry A. Chapin of Niles, which has been expected for a week or more, occurred last Friday night 11:45 o'clock.  He relapsed into unconsciousness in the afternoon from which he never recovered. The end was peaceful and quiet.

The funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock under Masonic auspices, at the house. Rev. J.G. Lowrie, officiating. Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.

Henry E. Chapin
Abt. 1851-Nov. 21, 1854

Niles Republican, Saturday, December 9, 1854, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

In this village, on the 21st November, Henry E., youngest son of H.A. & Ruby Chapin, aged 3 years.

*Note: This is followed by a four stanza poem; however, due to the poor quality of the original, it is not possible to accurately transcribe so has been omitted.

Ruby Nooney Chapin
August 28, 1815-Oct. 30, 1902

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, October 30, 1902, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. RUBY N. CHAPIN

Passes Peacefully Way in the Evening of Her Life

Full of years and loved and respected by the entire community, Mrs. Ruby N. Chapin, who for the past three years has been a patient invalid, passed peacefully away at her magnificant home this morning at 9 o'clock, surrounded by her dear ones.

Mrs. Chapin was born in Mantua, O., 87 years ago, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah Nooney. At the home of her parents she was married to the late H.A. Chapin, in 1836.  This union was blessed by four children, two boys and two girls, only one of whom, Charles A. Chapin, survives his parents.

Directly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Chapin came to Edwardsburg, where they resided unil 1846, when they came to Niles, where his business was that of selling goods, and buying produce and wool. In 1846 the late Mr. Chapin bought the fee to what is known as the Chapin mine, which was developed in 1880. It proved to contain the largest deposit of ore which had hitherto been discovered in the Untied States. The output has been millions of tons.

Possessing great wealth, Mrs. Chapin was able to do much good, and she was not backward in aiding a worthy cause, as is instanced in the case of the hospital, connected with the Children's Home at St. Joseph, which she endowed with several thousand dollars.

The deceased was a devout member of the Presbyterian church, and the pastor, Rev. Dr. J.G. Lowrie, will conduct the funeral service at the home on next Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Interment will take place at Silver Brook Cemetery.

In addition to her son, C.A. Chapin, and his wife, the deceased is survived by seven grandchildren.

Niles Republican, Thursday, November 6, 1902, page 5, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

The funeral services of the late Mrs. H.A. Chapin were held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at her late residence on Main street. The last sad rites were attended by a large body of sympathetic friends, and Rev. J.G. Lowrie, the deceased spiritual advisor for many years, conducted the sad services.  The remains were conveyed to Silver Brook cemetery and laid to rest beside her husband.

Zona Burton Chapin
March 20, 1904-July 10, 2002

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, July 10, 2002, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Zona Chapin, 98, of Sun City, Ariz.,and formerly of Niles, died Monday, July 8, following a brief illness.

Chapin was born March 20, 1904 in Unionville, Mo. She spent many years in Niles and moved to Sun City, Ariz in 1964. She was married to John W. Burton from 1922 to 1948. He preceded her in death. She was married to Barton Chapin from 1961 to 1976. He also preceded her in death. She worked for the Kawneer Company in Niles. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sun City, Ariz. and the Handicapables.

Survivors include three grandchildren, John E. Brockway of Grand Rapids, Kevin L. Brockway of Mishawaka, Ind., and Jodie (Brockway) Wait of Brentwood, Ind., and five great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Phyllis A. Brockway and her brothers and sisters.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 10 at 11 a.m. at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Prease meet at the front gate.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Arizona, 1510 Flower St., Phoenix, Ariz. 85014-5656.

Arrangements are by Menke Funeral Home, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, Ariz. 85351.