Rachel Ann (Herkimer) Wells
Sept. 19, 1830-October 25, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 28, 1918, page 4, col 4, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral services for Mrs. Rachel Wells were held Sunday afternoon, from the late residence in Bertrand township in the presence of a large gathering of friends.  Rev. Braby of Buchanan conducted the services.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, October 30, 1918, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library.


    Mrs. [Rachel] Herkimer Wells was born in Herkimer county, New York, on Sept. 19, 1830. When just a young girl she came with her parents to Bertrand township, Michigan, and from that time on made that locality her home.
    She was married to Francis Wells on Feb. 9, 1853, and to this union nine children were born, four of whom died in early childhood. The sadness of bereavement again came to Mrs. Wells, when, wfter 45 years of the closest companionship, her husband was called from this life on July 30, 1898. In 1915 the sadness caused by the loss of loved ones again was felt when her son Charles passed away.  Notwithstanding these times of sorrow, Mrs. Wells held close to her faith and  trust in the Great Father of us all.  She knew in whom she had believed and He was her strength and stay, the refuge in the time of storm.  She united with the First Presbyterian church in Buchanan on Oct. 2, 1886, and for 32 years had been a faithful and devoted member of that organization.  Because of increasing years and failing health she gave up her farm home about three years ago and made her residence in Buchanan, where her friends and loved ones kept in constant touch with her.  Though living to the venerable age of 88 years, her mind and intellect were as keen as ever and she took a lively interest in the concerns of her family and in the events of the community and the world.
    It was only a few weeks ago that a more serious breakdown in health occurred and from that time on weakness gradually increased until the final call came at 2 o'clock on Friday  afternoon, Oct. 25.  It was a call long anticipated in perfect tranquility and peace of mind. Mrs. Wells enjoyed her life and loved ones, but she was perfectly ready and content to go Home and meet the loved ones gone before. Her life had been a confession of faith and trust proving her unfaltering belief in her God.
    Mrs. Wells is survived by four of her children, two sons, Frank and Isaac M. and two daughters, Mrs. Joel H. Gillette and Mrs. Fred A. Tichenor.  Besides these there are seven grandchildren and one great grandchild and an innumerable host of friends.  Once again we together experience the sadness caused by the death of one grown dear, yet through the sorrow comes the ray of joy because our mother and friend has gone in to see the King and we know that she is satisfied and at rest in her prepared place among the many mansions.
    Funeral services were held at the old homestead Sunday afternoon, Oct. 27, conducted by Rev. N.D. Brady, pastor of the Buchanan Presbyterian church.
    Interment was made in Silver Brook cemetery at Niles.

Same appeared in Niles Daily Star, Thursday, Oct. 31, 1918, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Ebenezer F. Kizer
July 5, 1846-November 20, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, November 20, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    E.F. Kizer, 110 Lincoln avenue, died at 9:30 o'clock this morning after an illness with heart disease which has made him practically an invalid for a prolonged period.
    Mr. Kizer was born near South Bend, June 5, 1846. He was married July 4, 1867, to Miss Olive Loux. Four children were born to them of whom but one, Mrs. R.E. Rice, residing northeast of Niles, survives their father.  Mr. Kizer is also survived by his wife.
    Mr. Kizer was a farmer by occupation until ill health prevented.
    The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence. Rev. W.H. Camfield, pastor of the Evangelical church, will officiate. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
    The death of Mr. Kizer removes a well known pioneer resident, and one highly respected in the community.
* * *
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, November 20, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    E.F. Kizer, an old resident of west Niles, was called to his reward by death at 9 :30 this morning.  He had suffered from heart trouble and complications for some time.
    Mr. Kizer was born July 5, 1846 near South Bend and was 72 years of age. In 1867, on July 4, the deceased was married to Miss Olive Loux, of Bertrand.
    Mr. Kizer had been a resident of Niles 31 years. He is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Edward Rice, who resides two and one-half miles northeast of Niles. There are also three brothers, Robert of South Bend and James and Jacob, who live on farms near that city.
    Funeral will take place from the residence, 109 Lincoln avenue.  Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. W.H. Camfield officiating. Burial at Silver book cemetery.


Niles Daily Star, Friday, November 22, 1918, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Funeral services for the late E.F. Kizer were held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence.  Rev. W.H. Camfield officiated. Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.

Mrs. M.A. Alward
Died November 9, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, November 9, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Word of the death at Gary, Ind., of Mrs. Alward, a former well known resident of Niles, and wife of the late Judge Alward, was received today by E.C. Griffin in a telegrarm fom her son, G. Florus Alward. The body will be brought to Niles for burial although the time of the arrival of the funeral party was not stated.
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 9, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    E.C. Griffin received a telegram this afternoon from F.G. Alward of Gary, Ind., that his mother, Mrs. M.A. Alward passed away this morning.  Mrs. Alward was an old resident of this city and will be remembered by the older people. The body will be brought here Monday. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Sun, Monday, November 11, 1918, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    The body of Mrs. M.A. Alward was brought to Niles today from Gary, Ind., and taken directly to Silver Brook cemetery for burial. Dr. Lewis conducted the commmittal services.
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, November 13, 1918, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    F.E. Alward of Lancaster, Ohio, G.F. Alward and wife of Gary,Ind., C.T. Alward and wife and C.F. Alward and Mrs. Ralph Dikerson of Chicago; D.E. Alward of Lansing, George H. and wife, and Robert Alward of South Bend were in the city yesterday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Mary F. Alward, which occurred yesterday noon.

Nettie (Wing) Alward
April 10, 1853-Dec. 21, 1919


    Mrs. Fred Alward, a former well known resident of Niles, passed away yesterday at her home in Pullman, Ill.  Mrs. Alward was formerly Miss Nettie Wing. She leaves a husband and daughter, Mrs. Medeline Peterson, to mourn her passing.
    The family left Niles about 35 years ago.  The body is to arrive here, accompanied by relatives, on Michigan Central train due here at 12:58 p.m.  on Wednesday, and will be taken directly to Silver Brook cemetery, where brief committal services will be conducted at the graveside by Rev. Harry Scherer, pastor of the Presbyterian church.  The regular funeral services will be conducted at Pullman.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Monday, December 22, 1919, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

Joseph Griffith
Oct. 16, 1828-Dec. 28, 1905

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, December 28, 1905, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Joseph Griffith, familiarly known by everyone as "Uncle Joe, " residing in the bend of the river, was found yesterday morning in an unconscious condition near the barn and never rallied. He passed away at 5 o'clock this morning.
    Mr. Griffith was 77 years of age and was a pioneer resident of this section.  He was well known all over the county and the news of his sudden death will be received with great regret by all.
    Besides a widow, Mr. Griffith leaves two daughters, Miss Effie, who is teaching in the northern part of the state and who is expected here today, and Mrs. Edna Quick of Seattle, Wash.
    Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made, pending the arrival of Mrs. Quick from Washington.
Niles Daily Star, Friday, December 29, 1905, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


    Following is a brief sketch of the life of Joseph Griffith, mention of whose death was made in yesterday's edition of the DAILY STAR.
    Joseph Griffith, son of Levi Griffith, was born in Kent county, Delaware, Oct. 16, 1828, and with his father and mother, moved to Michigan in 1834, and died Dec. 28, 1905.
    When 15 years old, he began an apprenticeship with the late Wm. Collins, to learn the trade of a mason, and remained with Mr. Collins until the age of 21.
    He then worked at his trade until 1853 at which time he had accumulated enough money to go into the mercantile business at Greenville, and followed it for 30 years, when he retired.
    He was married August 14, 1853,to Esther A. Truitt, youngest daughter of the late Peter Truitt, when they settled on the farm in Niles township and improved and built up their present beautiful home.
    Mrs. Griffith and two daughters, Mrs. J.B. Quick of Seattle, Washington, and Miss Effie Griffith of Escanaba, Mich., survive him. He also leaves two sisters and one brother.
    He was a man kind to animals, faithful to his friends, who will sadly miss his cheerful greeting and kindly hospitality.
Buchanan Record, Thursday, January 4, 1906, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral services of the late Joseph Griffith were held at his late home northeast of Niles in the bend of the river at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning and were under the auspices of Niles commandery Knights of Templar of which he was a member.  The funeral services were delayed pending the arrival of Mrs. Edna Quick the daughter of the deceased from Seattle, Wash.  Mrs. Quick arrived Monday.  All the other relatives were already here.  The remains were taken to Niles for interment in Silver Brook cemetery.

Fred Douglas Purcell
Abt. 1854*-Dec. 26, 1905

    The funeral of the late Douglass Purcell, the colored man who died at the county house, took place from the A.M.E. church at 10 o'clock this morning, Rev. Mr. Bird officiating. Interment took place at Siver[sic] Brook.

*Cemetery record does not include date of birth and death record gives age as 51y. with no date of birth.

Niles Daily Star, Friday, December 29, 1905, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles Daily Star.