Dr. Thomas A. Bunbury
Dec. 9, 1845-Dec. 12, 1910
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, December 13, 1910, page 1, col. 3-4, microfilm Niles District Library
Dr. Thomas A. Bunbury Has Completed His Task on Earth
Dr. Thomas A. Burbury passed away last night at 11 o'clock at the home, 606 Grant street, after a lingering illness, with cancer of the intestines. Age, 66 years. He leaves a widow, three daughters and one son--Mrs. Guy Howe of Chicago, the Misses Sadie and Florence, and Edward Bunbury at home. Besides, two sisters--Mrs. Patrick Lyons and Mrs. Miles Blaine of Kansas City, and a brother, Wm. B. Bunbury of this city. The funeral will occur from the house, Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery.
LIFE SKETCH
In Cass County, Mich., near the Berrien county line, the subject of this sketch was born on the ninth of December, 1845. He was of Irish parentage, his father--Edward Bunbury, having been born in the Emerald Isle, while his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Kelley, was born in Quebec, Canada, of Irish parentage. The father first, located at Kalamazoo and later in Niles, embarking in the livery business in 1852, conducting a profitable trade until his death, Feb. 10, 1876.
Thomas. A. Bunbury received his education in the Union school of Niles and the knowledge there gained was afterwards supplemented by a thorough course of study at Notre Dame University. Upon leaving college he entered his father's employ, his special work being the care of sick horses, not only those belonging to the stables, but also to the people living in Niles and surrounding country. From necessity he was obliged to begin the study of medicine and the anatomy of the horse, and soon acquired a thorough knowledge of the profession. He commenced in business for himself and soon had a widespread reputation for skill and proficiency. He was often called to other parts of the state in consultation and in almost every case he met with success. He continued in business on south Second street until his last illness, dating back a few months.
In 1872 Dr. Bunbury married Miss Anna Machin of Bertrand, her parents, John and Elizabeth (Anslow) Machin, being early settlers of Niles township. Dr. Bunbury was energetic. Always attentive to business, he stuck to his office and night or day would drive many miles through storm and sleet to treat dumb animals, often without the slightest reward from poor people, and neither would he ask it. He was generous and kindhearted, and a man with many staunch friends.
The Dr. was a charter member of the Niles Tent No. 99, Knights of the Modern Maccabees.
Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, December 13, 1910, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
DR. BUNBURY SUCCUMBS
Well Known Veterinary Surgeon Died Last Evening
Dr. Thomas A. Bunbury, the well known vetinary[sic] surgeon, passed away last evening about 10 o'clock at his home on Grant street.
Dr. Bunbury had been in ill health for abut a year, having been forced to give up his professional work last January. In the spring he went to Ann Arbor and also to Chicago. On May 11, after undergoing an examination in Chicago his case was pronounced almost hopeless and since that time he had gradually continued to fail.
Dr. Bunbury was born Dec. 9, 1846 in Cass county near the Berrien county line and with the exception of about a year when he lived in St. Joseph had resided in Niles or immediate vicinity all his life.
Dr. Bunbury was educated in the Niles public schools and supplemented this with a course at Notre Dame College. Returning to Niles he became associated in the livery business with his father, Edward Bunbury and it was in this way that he received his early training for his career as a veterinarian and surgeon which he followed for so many years with a success that few attain.
In 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Machin of Bertrand a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Machin pioneer residents of this section. Besides the widow, four children survive as follow: Mrs. Guy Howe of Chicago, and Sadie, Florence and Edward Bunbury of Niles, also a brother, W.B. Bunbury of Niles and two sisters, Mrs. P. Lyons and Mrs. Miles Blain of Kansas City, Mo.
Dr. Bunbury was a democrat in politics and was twice the choice of his party for the office of city treasurer and was elected both times.
During his residence in St. Joseph where he engaged in the livery business the St. Joseph lodge, No. 28, F.& A.M. was organized and Dr. Bunbury became a charter member but a few years after returning to Niles again he withdrew from that lodge. He was a charter member of Niles Tent, K.O.T.M.M.
The death of Dr. Bunbury removes a citizen of prominence and one who was deeply concerned in the affairs of the city. He was an unusually well-read man and his knowledge of the early history of this section which he had gleaned both from his reading and personal observation had made him an authority on matters of history. Many sincerely mourn the loss of a friend in the death of Dr. Bunbury whose genial nature and the ever ready sympathy and kindness to those in distress had made him much beloved.
The funeral will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence.
____________________