John C. Bracken
Feb. 14, 1839-Feb. 26, 1916
Niles Daily Sun, Monday, February 28, 1916, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
LATE JOHN C. BRACKEN LIVED HERE 65 YEARS
For Over 40 Years Was a Michigan Central Employe
John C. Bracken, aged 79[sic] years, whose death occurred Saturday afternoon at his home, 512 North Sixth street, had been a resident of Niles for over 65 years. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, Feb. 14, 1839. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Reed Bracken came to Niles with their children when the subject of this sketch was a small boy. Niles has always since been the home of the family. Feb. 14, 1859, the anniversary of Mr. Bracken's birth, he was married to Miss Sarah Matilda Carter, at Monmouth, Ill. They came to Niles at once and have since resided here. Feb. 4, 1916,[sic] they quietly observed the fifty-seventh anniversary of their marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Bracken were the parents of three sons, only one of whom, John W. Bracken, of Wabash, Ind., survives. Besides the widow and son, Mr. Bracken is survived by one sister, Mrs. Sarah McDonald, of Jackson, and one brother, Wallace Bracken of Niles. The late Miss Rebecca Bracken was a sister.
Mr. Bracken entered the employ of the Michigan Central Railway company when a young man and continued in the service over 40 years continuously, or until he became 70 years of age, when he was honorably retired on a pension. He was employed in the building department.
Fraternally Mr. Bracken was a member of Niles camp K.O.T.M.M.
He was a highly respected citizen and by reason of his long residence here and his continuous years of service with the railway company, he was well known. His faithfulness to duty made him a valuable employe of the company for many years.
The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence. Rev. W.H. Phelps of the Presbyterian church will officiate. Interment will occur in the family lot at Silver Brook cemetery.
Mr. Bracken had been in ill health for about a year with heart trouble and complications. Eight weeks ago his condition became serious, gangrene developing in his foot and this ultimately caused his death.
His son, John, assisting in the care of his father. Mrs. John Bracken and two sons of Wabash are also here to attend the funeral.
Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 28, 1916, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
JOHN C. BRACKEN RESIDED IN NILES ABOUT 57 YEARS
Valued Citizen Passes Away After an Extended Illness; Funeral Wednesday Afternoon
John C. Bracken,, aged 77 years, died Saturday afternoon at 3:45 at his home in north Sixth street, after an extended illness, in which he had been bedfast for over three weeks.
Mr. Bracken was born in Washington county, Pa., Feb. 14 1839, and came west with his parents about 64 years ago. He had resided in Niles since the date of his marriage, 57 years ago. He was a member of the Supreme lodge of Maccabees, in which he carried life insurance.
For over 40 years he was in the employ of the Michigan Central railroad, in whose service he was considered a most faithful employe. His loss will be sincerly mourned in the community by the many friends that he had made in his years of good citizenship.
Besides the widow he is survived by his son, John W. Bracken of Wabash, Ind., a sister, Mrs. Sarah MacDonald of Jackson and brother W.W. Bracken of this city.
Funeral services will be held at the home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment will take place in Silver Brook cemetery, Rev. W.H. Phelps will officiate.