Henrietta Babcock
June 12, 1896-Oct. 5, 1970

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, October 6, 1970, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES--Mrs. Henrietta Babcock, 72, of 2569 Lake Shore Dr., died at 6:20 p.m. Monday in Pawating Hospital.

Born June 12, 1896, in Plymouth, Ind., Mrs. Babcock had lived here most of her life.  Her husband, Loren, died in 1964.

Surviving is one brother, John D. Bowerman of Mentone, Ind.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Pifer Funeral Home with burial in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call after 7 tonight at the funeral home.

Cecil Cole
1916-August 15, 1931

Niles Daily Star, Monday, August 17, 1931, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES BOY KILLED WHILE RIDING ON BICYCLE ON US-31

Cecil Cole, 14, Fatally Injured Late Saturday Evening; Brother Is Hurt

Berrien county's auto traffic death toll was increased to 20 with the death Saturday night of Cecil Cole, 14, son of Mrs. Mae Cole, 851 S. Eleventh . . .[illegible]. . . when a bicycle on which he and a . . .[illegible] . .U.S. 31, a mile south of Brandywine creek was struck by an automobile driven by Rudolph Depaepe, 22, of 606 Birdsell street, South Bend.  He died while being taken by a passing autoist to St. Joseph hospital in South Bend.

Marvin Cole also was injured, receiving a fracture of the right arm and body lacerations and bruises. Deputy Coroner, Paul E. Healey of South Bend ordered an inquest to be held in the Indiana city this afternoon, although the accident took place in Michigan and the boy is believed to have been dead before his body was carried over the state line.  Early this afternoon, Dr. Healey said he expected the inquest verdict would declare the death to have been caused by an unavoidable accident.

The dead boy when examined at the hospital was found to have sustained a skull fracture, arm fracture, and fractured ribs, as well as internal injuries.

Depaepe, accompanied by Julius Vadas, 1813 S. Catalpa street, South Bend was enroute to Barron lake about 7:30 when he saw the bicycle with the two boys riding it ahead in the center of the lane of the northbound two lane traffic way of the four lane highway.  Both told the deputy coroner the bicycle was zigzagging. They were travelling about 35 or 40 miles an hour, they said, and attempted to swing to the left of the boys.

At that instant the bicycle swung right toward the outer lane. Cecil Cole, who was pedalling the bicycle, also swung right at the same time and crashed into the side of the automobile, according to the report to the coroner. Depaepe swung off the pavement into the ditch, shattering the windshield of his car.

Depaepe and Vadas sprang to aid the boys. A motorist who was traveling south stopped and they were loaded into his car and taken to St. Joseph's hospital. Cecil Cole was unconscious when picked up from the pavement. He was dead when the hospital was reached.

Cecil is survived by his mother, his brother Marvin and a young sister, Catherine. His father also survives but lives in Wisconsin with his second wife.

The funeral service will be held at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning from the Rutherford funeral home with the Rev. Frank Burnette of the Pentecostal church, officiating. Burial will be in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, August 18, 1931, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

The Rev. Harry Barnett, pastor of the Full Gospel Assemble church, conducted the funeral service this morning for Cecil Cole, 14, Niles youth who was killed on Saturday evening when he was riding on U.S. 31 south of Brandywine on a bicycle and the bicycle was struck by a motorist driving in the same direction. Burial was made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Russell Eugene Finley
August 11, 1904-Aug. 15, 1931

Niles Daily Star, Monday, August 17, 1931, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

RUSSELL FINLEY DIES ON VACATION VISIT

Former High school Track Star and cheer Leader is Stricken

Russell Eugene Finley, 37, died at Pawating hospital Saturday evening at 11 p.m. where he had been taken on Tuesday morning from the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Liggins, 509 North Seventh Street after his condition became alarming.

He had been in Ill health since September, at which time his Chicago physician pronounced him diabetic. Although in ill health he has been continuously employed since that time except for a few days spent in the hospital in Chicago while under observation, and a week spent in Niles last February. He came home Saturday, August 8th, to spend a two weeks' vacation as was his usual custom. On Sunday he attended the Shepard reunion near Kalamazoo and seemed apparently well. It was not until Tuesday that his condition became alarming.

Russell was born in Niles on August 11th, 1904. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Garfield Finley. His mother, formerly Miss Edith Liggins, died when Russell was but 15 months old and he was raised by his grandparents.

Russell, known to his school chums . .[illegible] ..  While in school, was a member of the track team, the football squad, and the high school orchestra. He was also yell leader of the school during '21, '22 and '23. After finishing school here "Russ" went to Chicago where he further developed his musical talents and since has made his home in Chicago.

He is survived by his grandparents, Mr.and Mrs. Eugene Liggins, his father, Garfield Finley of Ladysmith, Wis., and the following uncles and aunts, Clarence and Schuyler Finley of this city, Herbert Finley of Tecumseh, Mich.,and Mrs. Bell Hills of Kalamazoo and a number of cousins.

The funeral services will be held at Troost & Augustine funeral parlors Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.  Burial will be made at Silverbrook cemetery. The body may be viewed at the undertaking parlor.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, August 18, 1931, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Russell Finley, Niles high school graduate and athletic star, who died on Saturday evening in Niles while on a vacation visit with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Liggins, were held this afternoon. The Rev. Allen, of Dowagiac, conducted the services. Burial was made in Silver Brook Cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, August 20, 1931, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

HERE FOR FUNERAL SERVICES

Among the relatives and friends from out of the city who on Tuesday afternoon attended the funeral services for Russell Finley were Miss Ocena Marshall, Luther Gildon, Mary Stoner, Mrs. Mangree, and Mr. and Mrs. John Harrison and Stella Mangree of Chicago, Ethel Mitchell, Pearl Mitchell, Crol Mitchell and Mrs. King of Kalamazoo, Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Shepherd, Mr. and Mrs. Othal Sheperd of South Haven and Mrs. Ella Woods of Benton Harbor.

Lucy Culver Finley (Griffin)
July 6, 1841-May 25, 1922

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Thursday, May 25, 1922, page 8, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Lucy G. Finley Dies in Duluth

Mrs. Lucy Finley, a former resident of Niles for many years, died this morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. William P. Lardner in Duluth.

Lucy Culver Finley was one of the three children of Samuel and Maria Griffin, the others being Major Eli Griffin and Mrs. Lydia  Griffin Bacon.  Mrs. Finley was born July 6, 1841, in Edwardsburg, Cass county, Mich. At an early date she removed with her parents to the old Griffin home which stood at the northwest corner of Main and Fifth streets, from which she was married to Thomas F. Finley, July 2, 1862.  To them were born two daughters, Belle (Mrs. Frank Landon) who died several years ago and Mrs. Lardner. Mrs. Finley taught in the primary department of our pubic schools for 18 years and was considered by state authorities the most competent phonic teacher in the state at that time.

Mrs. Finley was a woman of more than ordinary intellectual ability. She was a charter member of the ladies' Reading club and active in all literary work. After the death of her [missing words] her home with her daughter, Mrs. Lardner. She leaves two nephews, Edwin C. Griffin of this city and Ernest Bacon of Poplar Bluffs, Mo., two nieces, Mrs. F.N. Bonine, of this city, and Mrs. Daisy Baldwin of Kenosha, Wis., one grandson, Worth Landon, connected with the medical corps of the civil service in Washington, D.C., and many old friends to regret her death.

The funeral party will arrive in Niles some time Saturday.  Further announcement as to the hour of arrival and other arrangements will be made later.

William Batson
1806-Jan. 8, 1892

Niles Daily Sun, Friday, January 8, 1892, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

An Old County Resident Gone

William Batson, one of the oldest residents of this county, and one of our oldest citizens as well, died at his home in Buchanan this morning.

Mr. Batson was a native of Ohio, but came to this county and settled near Niles in 1832. He resided on his farm southwest of this city, and a few years ago moved to Buchanan.  He was 86 years old. He lost his first wife several years ago, and afterwards married his deceased wife's sister, who survives him.  He leaves four children, three sons, William of Niles township, John A., of Reynolds, Indiana, A.B., of Arlington, Neb., and Mrs. Lydia Younker, of Rockford, Iowa.  All of the sons were with their father when he died, but the daughter was detained at home by sickness.

Mr. Batson will be buried in Silver Brook Cemetery in this city to-morrow afternoon, under the auspices of the Masonic Fraternity.

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, January 14, 1892, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Wm. Batson, of Buchanan, died of paralysis at 3 a.m. Friday morning, aged 86 years. He came here in 1832 and bought a farm of Geo. [illegible] about four miles southwest of Niles, where he resided until about 1881, when he retired and moved to Buchanan, where he died.  He leaves a wife, three sons and one daughter, all of whom are married.  He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity about 30 years, and is a member of St. Joseph Valley Chapter No. 2. He was buried Saturday afternoon in Silver Brook cemetery, at 3 o'clock, by the Buchanan lodge, who were joined by the fraternity here.  Mr. Batson was well known as one of the best of men, among the old pioneers. He was one to welcome and assist all new comers and made himself useful to all. Peace to his ashes.

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, January 14, 1892, page 5, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Andrew B. Batson, of Arlington, Neb., was called here to attend the funeral of his father. Also, John A. Batson, of Reynolds,Ind., was here on the same mission.

*NOTE: 1st wife Lorinda buried at Silverbrook; 2nd wife Sarah, 1820-1900, wife of Wm., our mother, buried at Oak Ridge. Per death record Sarah Robinson, 1818-9 Sept. 1902.

Charles Brunk
Sept. 22, 1843-Dec. 16, 1908

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, December 17, 1908, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

CHAS. BRUNK IS DROWNED

SAD FATE BEFALLS AGED DRAYMAN LAST NIGHT

CRIES FOR HELP ARE HEARD

But None Went to Assistance--

Plunged About in the River for Hours.

About 6:45 o'clock this morning, a gang of Big Four men discovered the body of Charles Brunk, the drayman, lying face downward in about eight inches of water in the river just north of Cass street and opposite the section house. The attention of the men was first attracted by Brunk's horse, which was standing in the river, a few yards from shore and upon closer investigation, the body of Brunk was seen lying in the rear of the wagon, one of his hands clinging to a wheel in the death grip.

The section men notified Marshal Francis, who hurried to the scene. Upon ascertaining that Brunk was dead, the officer sent for Coroner Platt, and then summoned a veterinary surgeon to treat the poor shivering horse, which had remained in the icy water and withstood the chilling rain during the night.

Upon his arrival, Coroner Platt impanneled a jury. The remains were then viewed by that body, after which an adjournment was taken until tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock, at which time the  inquest will be held at the office of Attorney W.N. Burns. The body of the dead man was taken to Skalla's undertaking establishment.

WHEN BRUNK WAS LAST SEEN

Brunk was last seen about 6 o'clock last evening.   Marshal Francis says he saw him at that hour heading down Front street with a load of refuse. Brunk evidently drove north to Sycamore street and thence to the river, intending to dump the load into the stream. The night was very dark, and it is thought that after driving out into the river, as he frequently did, he became confused and headed down stream in his efforts to get out. In any event, he drove the distance of a couple of blocks down the river, but it is thought he moved only a short distance at a time, as he was heard shouting (evidently for help) at different times from 7 til 11 last night.

At 7 o'clock, Wm. Weiser was crossing the Main street bridge when he heard and recognized Brunk's voice, but he did not know he was in the river, and not being able to distinguish what he said, didn't know but what he was shouting at his horse.

At 8 o'clock, Abner Kugler's son heard someone crying for help down toward the river. The boy went home and reported what he had heard and one of the inmates of the house went out and listened, but could hear nothing.

At 11 o'clock, Alonzo Platt, watchman at the Lincoln Avenue crossing of the Michigan Central, heard a man shouting from the direction of the river, but did not realise that it was the agonized cry of a man who was freezing to death from exposure to the elements.

Having evidently given up hope of rescue as the night advanced, Brunk managed to unhitch his horse from the wagon, evidently with the intention of leading the animal to shore, but being benumbed and exhausted, he fell upon his face and drowned in a few inches of water.

Fraternally, the deceased was identified with the Knight of the Modern Maccabees, and carried insurance. He is survived by a widow and six children, the latter being Mrs. Wm. Nichols of Chicago Heights; Albert Brunk of Marquette, Kas.; Mrs. Theron Long of Gary, Ind.; Miss Marie Brunk of South Bend; Frank Brunk of Au Sable, this state; and Carl Brunk of Niles.

At this writing, the funeral arrangements have not been made.