Annie E. Finley
Feb. 2, 1865-Sept. 14, 1910

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, September 14, 1910, page 1, col. 2

MRS. WALTER FINLEY

Well Known Cateress Died Today Without Warning

Mrs. Annie Finley, the well known cateress, wife of Walter Finley died very suddenly this morning about 5 o'clock at their home 710 Emmons street while she was still in bed.

Mr. Finley had already arisen for the day and receiving no response from his wife went to her bedside to arouse her.  He found her in a dying condition and although a physician was hurriedly summoned she passed away before he arrived without regaining consciousness.

Mrs. Finley had not been ill and only last evening a social gathering was held at her home when she appeared in excellent health and spirits, hence her death was a great shock to her family and friends.

Mrs. Finley who was 41 years of age came to Niles 14 years [ago] and for the three years following she was employed as a domestic at the home of Mrs. Edward Bacon or until her marriage to Mr. Finley in 1910[sic].

Besides her husband, two children, aged six and three years respectively survive her also four brothers and two sisters.

Mrs. Finley was well and favorably known in Niles and her services as a caterer were greatly in demand.  By her industry and thrift she had assisted her husband in acquiring a nicely appointed home of their own in West Niles of which she was justly proud.

The funeral arrangements have not been made.

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, September 14, 1910, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. WALTER FINLEY DIES

Was One of the Best Known Caterers in the City

Mrs. Walter Finley, colored, aged 40 years, passed away at her home, 710 Emmons street, this morning at 5 o'clock of heart disease. Her demise comes as a sudden blow to a great many, she having been one of the best known colored women in this city.

She retired last evening about 10:30 o'clock in perfect health, having previously talked to a number of friends who were visiting her, of celebrating her 10th wedding anniversary, which would have occurred Oct. 31.

Mr. Finley having been awakened by her moans in her vain efforts to foil death, quickly ran for help from neighbors, but when he returned five minutes later she had passed away.

For many years Mrs. Finley had been a caterer, preparing luncheons and dinners for elaborate social functions in this city.  She was known as an excellent cook and her services, which had extended to different parties years after year, will be greatly missed.

Besides her husband the deceased is survived by two children--Mary Pauline, aged seven years, and Walter Julian, aged three years; three sisters and three brothers, The brothers and sisters all reside out of town.

The funeral arrangements will not be made until a brother and sister residing in Chicago arrive.

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, September 15, 1910, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

The funeral services of the late Mrs. Walter Finley will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the A.M.E. church, also short services at the home.  Chas. Ager will officiate.  Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.

Melissa Hill Finley
May 18, 1838-Nov. 14, 1912

Niles Daily Sun, Friday, November 15, 1912, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

A PIONEER RESIDENT

Was Mrs. G.P. Finley who died last evening

Mrs. Melessia Hill Finley peacefully passed away last evening at her home 1011 Lake Street after a four years' illness of paralysis.

The deceased was born in Pike Co. Ohio, 1838.

When she was six years old her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Hill moved to Niles where she was since lived.  On March 15, 1860, she was united in marriage to G.P. Finley.  To this union 10 children were born of whom seven survive her, also 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

The funeral will be held from the Second Baptist church Sunday at 1 o'clock. Interment will occur at Silver Brook.

Niles Daily Star, Friday, November 15, 1912, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

OLD PIONEER PASSES AWAY

Mrs. Melissia Hill-Finley quietly passed away last evening at her home, 1011 Lake street after a four years' illness of paralysis.
She was born in Pike county, Ohio in 1838. At the age of six her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Denis R. Hill moved to Niles, where she was since lived.  On March 15 ,1860 she was married to G. P. Finley to whom 10 children were born, seven of whom survive her, Mrs. Belle Wilson Hill of Dowagiac; Wm. P. Finley of Chicago; Herbert L. Finley, Clinton, Mich.; Schuyler, Clarence, Walter and Garfield of Niles. She was the last of a family of 13 children.
The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the Second Baptist church.  Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.

Note: Death record gives name as "Malissa Elvira Finley", cemetery record has "Melissa E. Finley".

Mrs. Ada Belle Finley
Oct. 14, 1879-May 29, 1956

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Franklin AME Church for Mrs. Ada Belle Finley, 1024 Lake Street who died Tuesday afternoon following a long illness.  She was 76 years old.

Mrs. Finley was born Oct. 14, 1879, in Sumnerville, but had been a lifelong resident of Niles.  She was a member of the Franklin AME Church and of the church's Board, and an honorary member of the Church Sewing Circle.

Mrs. Finley's husband, Clarence, died May 1, 1943.

Survivors include: four daughters Mrs. Anita Travick, Mrs. Esther Woodford, Mrs. Norma Taylor and Mrs. Marion Scruggs all of Niles; four sons, Homer Finley, and Lester Finley of Chicago; Clarence Finley of Niles, and Major Seth Finley with the armed forces in Germany; 25 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

The Rev. Emory G. Davis, Galesburg, Ill., will officiate at the services.  Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Kiger Funeral Home.

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, May 31, 1956, Page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

J.F. Hill
April 8, 1875-May 31, 1956

J.F. Hill, 81, a lifetime resident of the Niles area, died early today in the home of a son, John D. Hill. 707 West  High Street, Dowagiac. He had been ill two years.

He was born April 8, 1875, in Bainbridge Township, and had been a farmer until his retirement several years ago.  His wife, Mrs. Ethel Hill, preceded him in death in 1946.  He lived in the Niles area until moving to his son's home in Dowagiac last March.

Survivors include: two sons, John and Clifford K. Hill of Niles; three step-children, Donald Weber of Mishawaka, Mrs. Gretchen Seeberger of Benton Harbor, and Dr. Clayton Weber, La Juanta, Colo.; two brothers, George Hill of Benton Harbor, and Clinton Hill of Sister Lakes; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, May 31, 1956, Page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Henry George Shipperley
March 9, 1885-May 30, 1956

Henry George Shipperley, 71, died in his home at 1989 Lewis Drive, Wednesday morning following a two-year illness.

He was born March 9, 1885, in Middlesex, England. He moved to Niles from Bay City in 1917. He had been a brick mason.

Survivors include: the widow, Lucy; three daughters, Mrs. John Yeager of Buchanan, Mrs. Fred Labelle of Dearborn, and Mrs. Charles Mayhew of Niles; one son, M. Sgt. George N. Shipperley, Fort Riley, Kan.; three brothers, James of Niles, and William and Arthur of Detroit, and three grandchildren.

The Rev. L. George Beacok, pastor of the First Methodist Church, will officiate at funeral services at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Kiger Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, May 31, 1956, Page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Tommy Ryan Hardy
May 8, 1953-May 29, 1956

INFANT DIES

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday in the Kiger Funeral Home for Tommy Ryan Hardy, three-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Talmadge Hardy, 1110 Sycamore Street. The boy died Tuesday.

In addition to the parents, survivors include: the grandparents, Mrs. Elsie Bennett and Mrs. Joe Perkins of Caruthersville, Mo., and Newton Hardy of Flint, and a sister Tenna, at home.

The Rev. Lloyd Murphy of the United Missionary Church, will preside at services.  Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, May 31, 1956, Page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library