Anita L. Fowler
Nov. 11, 1877-Nov. 15, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 16, 1918, page 1 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Miss Anita Fowler, a former well known and prominent Niles resident, died at her home in Chicago after about two years' of illness.
    The body will be brought to Niles via the Michigan Central at 12:59 p.m. and removed to Price's chapel where the funeral services will be held. Burial will occur in Silver Brook cemetery.
    Miss Fowler was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Fowler, both now deceased. She was born in New York but came to Niles when a child and grew to young womanhood here. She was endowed with much talent as an actress and for a number of years or until stricken with illness, she successfully appeared in the play, "Old Homestead," and later in "Within the Law."
    Miss Fowler is survived by two sisters, Miss Mabel and Kate Fowler, both of Chicago, who wil accompany the body to Niles tomorrow as will also Mrs. Benjamin Schneewind.
    Mrs. Jane McDonald of this city and the mother of the deceased were sisters.
    Mrs. Belle Babcock of this city and Mrs. Stephen Arney of Buchanan are cousins of the deceased.
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 16, 1918, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    Miss Anita Fowler, formerly of this city, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Fowler, passed away at her home in Chicago yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock. Miss Fowler has been ailing for several years and about three weeks ago was taken very seriously ill with tubercular trouble.
    She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Niles when but a small child.  She resided here until 16 years ago, when she went to Chicago to live. After that she entered in a stage career and took leading roles in many of the most popular plays.
    Miss Fowler is survived by two sisters, Mabel and Kathryn, both of Chicago.
    The body will be brought here tomorrow at 1 o'clock and taken to Price's chapel. Funeral services will take place at 1:30 o'clock.  Burial at Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Monday, November 16, 1918, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    At H.E. Price's chapel Sunday afternoon funeral services were held for Miss Anita Fowler, who passed away Saturday at her home in Chicago. The Christian Science service was used, Mrs. H.O. Parker, reader, having charge.  A wreath of lovely flowers were testimonials of love and friendship from many. Misses Kate and Mable Fowler, sisters of the deceased, accompanied the body to Niles.  Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Benjamin/Beniwill Swartz
June 12, 1840-November 15, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, November 16, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

    Beniwill Swartz, aged 78 years, a respected and well known resident of Niles for 68 years, died last night at 7:35 o'clcok at his home 813 Clay street, after about a week's illness with pneumonia.
    Mr. Swartz was born in Parisburg, Pa., in 1840, and had reached the age of 78 years, 5 months and 7 days, when his death occurred.  When he was a boy of 10 years, he came to Niles with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Swartz, and had since resided here.
    Mr. Swartz was a veteran of the Civil war, having served in Co., E, 12th infantry, from Feb. 23, 1865, until he was mustered out at Campden, Ark., Feb. 14 1866, when he returned to Niles.
    The deceased had never married.  He is survived by five brothers and four sisters who are: Joseph, Milton and Wilson Swartz, Mrs. William Webber, Mrs. Lydia Loane, Mrs. Henry Weiser, all of Niles; Frank and Jacob Swartz of South Bend, and Mrs. Ella Clark of Chicago.
    The funeral services will be held on Sunday at 2:30 o'clock from the house.  Rev. Camfield will officiate.
* * *
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 16, 1918, page 1 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Bennial Swartz, one of the oldest residents of West Niles, died at his home in Clay street last evening after an illness of two weeks with pneumonia.
    Mr. Swartz was 78 years of age and a veteran of the civil war.  Four sisters and five brothers survive.
    Funeral will be held from the home tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Rev. W.H. Camfield, of the Evangelical church will officiate.  Burial will take place at Silver Brook cemetery.

 

NB: Obituaries have variable spellings of name; Michigan Death Certificate has first name as Benjamin.

    Beniwill Swartz, aged 78 years, a respected and well known resident of Niles for 68 years, died last night at 7:35 o'clock at his home 813 Clay street, after about a week's illness with pneumonia.
    Mr. Swartz was born in Parisburg, Pa., in 1840, and had reached the age of 78 years, 5 months and 7 days, when his death occurred.  When he was a boy of 10 years, he came to Niles with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Swartz, and had since resided here.
    Mr. Swartz was a veteran of the Civil war, having served in Co., E, 12th infantry, from Feb. 23, 1865, until he was mustered out at Campden, Ark., Feb. 14 1866, when he returned to Niles.
    The deceased had never married.  He is survived by five brothers and four sisters who are: Joseph, Milton and Wilson Swartz, Mrs. William Webber, Mrs. Lydia Loane, Mrs. Henry Weiser, all of Niles; Frank and Jacob Swartz of South Bend, and Mrs. Ella Clark of Chicago.
    The funeral services will be held on Sunday at 2:30 o'clock from the house.  Rev. Camfield will officiate.
* * *
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 16, 1918, page 1 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Bennial Swartz, one of the oldest residents of West Niles, died at his home in Clay street last evening after an illness of two weeks with pneumonia.
    Mr. Swartz was 78 years of age and a veteran of the civil war.  Four sisters and five brothers survive.
    Funeral will be held from the home tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Rev. W.H. Camfield, of the Evangelical church will officiate.  Burial will take place at Silver Brook cemetery.

Mrs. Harry (Freida Geishert) Sheldon
December 25, 1894-October 22, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, October 23, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    The sad message was received in Niles today of the death at Jackson of Mrs. Henry Sheldon, who was formerly Miss Freeda Geishirt, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Geishirt of this city.  Mrs. Sheldon's death was caused by pneumonia. Her mother was called to Jackson about a week ago and was with her daugher when her death occurred.
    Mrs. Sheldon was about 24 years of age. She was born in Niles and grew to young womanhood here, making many friends who deeply deplore her death.  She was married in August, 1917, to Mr. Sheldon and had since resided in Jackson.
    Besides her parents, Mrs. Geishirt is survived by two sisters--Mrs. Albert Lewis of Jackson and Mrs. Lloyd Williams of Niles--and by four brothers, who reside at the parental home in west Niles.
    The funeral arrangements will be announced later.
    Mrs. Lewis, sister of the deceased and her family are all ill with pneumonia.
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, October 23, 1918, page 1 col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. Henry Sheldon, formerly Miss Freida Geishirt of this city, died at her home in Jackson yesterday afternoon, following a two weeks' illness of pneumonia.
    Mrs. Sheldon was born in this city Dec. 25, 1894, and a little over a year ago was married to Henry Sheldon of Jackson.
    Besides her husband she is survived by her parents, Mr.and Mrs. C. Geishirt and four brothers, William, Louis, George and John of this city; two sisters, Mrs. Albert Lewis of Jackson and Mrs. Lloyd Williams of this city.
    Mrs. Sheldon had many friends in this city who regret her untimely death.
    Funeral announcement  later.
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, October 24, 1918, page 1 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    The body of the late Mrs. Henry Sheldon, whose death occurred at her home in Jackson yesterday, arrived in Niles this morning, and was taken to Price's chapel, where funeral services will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.  Rev. W.H. Camfield will officiate. Burial will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
    In the funeral party accompanying the body to the city was members of the immediate family, including Henry Sheldon and sister, Mrs. C.  Geishirt and Albert Lewis.

Eugene Albert Ausmus
Aug. 6, 1888-Oct. 18, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Friday, October 18, 1919, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


    Albert Ausmus of the firm of Ausmus and Leach, died at 3:15 p.m.  At his home on North Fifth street, aged 29 years.  The young man's death followed a prolonged illness.  He is survived by his wife, one child, his parents, Mr.and Mrs. Adam Ausmus, and by one sister, Mrs. Rex Leach, of Elkhart.
    The funeral announcement and further obituary sketch will be given tomorrow.
Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    The funeral services for Albert Ausmus will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Ausmus, on North Sixth street.  Rev. Saffran will officiate. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.  The funeral services will be under the auspices of  Odd Fellow lodge.
    Eugene Albert Ausmus was born in Niles, Aug. 6, 1888. His death on Friday afternoon, Oct. 18, followed an illness of six months' duration with a complication of diseases.
    Mr. Ausmus had spent his entire life in Niles.  For six years prior to his death he had engaged in the grocery business in Niles, for four years in partnership with Rex Leach and for two years had conducted business alone. He possessed many excellent qualities which made him friends in business and social life and in fraternal circles. He enjoyed the fraternal associations of those whom he met in the various lodges of which he was a member and he was faithful and conscientious in  discharge of his fraternal duties and all other duties which devolved upon him.  He was particularly fond of hunting, fishing and outdoor life generally.
    On Feb. 20, 1917, he was married to Miss Ruth Ida Linsenmier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Will Linsenmier, who survives him.  Besides the widow, Mr. Ausmus is survived by one son, aged 9 months, by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Ausmus, and by one sister, Mrs. Rex Leach, of Elkhart.
    The deceased was a member of the Odd Fellow, Rebekah, Moose and New Era lodges.
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    After six months of patient suffering Eugene Albert Ausmus passed away at his home 1101 North Fifth street, at 3:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon of complications.
    Mr. Ausmus was one of the city's most popular young men and to be taken away in the bloom of life is as irreparable loss, not alone to his parents and family, but to his legion of friends.
    Mr. Ausmus was born August 6, 1888 and was 30 years of age. He was married Feb. 20, 1917, to Miss Ruth Ida Linsenmier.  One child, a nine months old son, was born to them. Besides, he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Ausmus, 1103 North Sixth street and one sister, Mrs. Rex Leach of Elkhart, Ind.
    For a number of years the deceased successfully conducted a grocery business in North Fifth street. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, the Odd Fellows and the New Era lodges.
    Funeral will take place Monday afternoon form the home of his parents at 2 o'clock, Rev. Paul Saffran, pastor of St. John's church officiating.  Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.
    Funeral services will be under the auspices of the I.O.O.F.

Harry Faith
1882-1918

Niles Daily Star, Monday, October 21, 1918, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    Today's death toll is the largest to be recorded in this city in years.  Of the five to succumb, four were stricken with the Spanish influenza. . .
HARRY FAITH
    Harry Faith, a valued employe of the Niles Gas Light Co., was stricken suddenly and taken to Epworth hospital, South Bend, last Friday.  His condition grew worse and the end came Saturday night. The body was brought to the Price Undertaking parlors. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery tomorrow morning with services at the grave.  Mr. Faith was 36 years of age. He was a nephew of Mrs. William Park, of Elkhart, Ind. who was formerly a resident of this city.

[Note: Others in this article are Spencer Stratton, Mrs. Jesse Hill, W.A. White, Mrs. Harold Davis]
Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 21, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Harry A. Faith died at Epworth hospital in South Bend on Sunday after a few days' illness with pneumonia following influenza.  The body was brought to the Price undertaking room in this city. The funeral arrangements have not been completed but burial will occur in Silver Brook cemetery. The deceased was 36 years of age. He resided in Niles when a boy with his aunt, Mrs. William Park. During the past summer he has been employed at the Niles Gas plant. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. William J. Flaherty, of Chicago, who is herself ill with influenza.  Mr. Flaherty is in the city to take charge of the body.

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, October 22, 1918, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library


    Private funeral services for Harry Faith were conducted this morning from H.E. Price's chapel.  Rev. A. W. Lyons officiated.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.  William Parks of Elkhart and William Flaherty of Chicago were among those from out of the city who attended the services.  Mrs. Parks, aunt, and Mrs. Flaherty, sister of the deceased, were unable to attend on account of being ill themselves with  influenza.

Orville W. Coolidge
October 9, 1839-October 15, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, October 15, 1918, page 1, col. 2-3, microfilm Niles District Library


    One by one the old pioneers of Niles are passing out, and today we are called upon to chronicle the death of a noble character, one who ever possessed the highest ambition, the greatest historical knowledge of any person throughout this section of the country, Judge Orville W. Coolidge. He was highly honored by an extensive acquaintance. Wherever his name was mentioned only the kindliest feelings were maintained.  Prominent as a lawyer and jurist, Mr. Coolidge was also a gentleman of the highest type, and while his presence in this community will be greatly missed his memory will also be ever revered.
    It was known for some time past that Judge Coolidge was ill but his case was not thought serious. He had not been confined to the house. Bronchitis set in followed quickly by heart trouble. Death came at 5 o’clock this morning, aged 79 years.
    Funeral services will occur Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the residence, 209 State street, Rev. W.H. Phelps, former pastor of the Niles Presbyterian church, now at Battle Creek, will officiate.
    The Berrien County Bar of which the deceased was a member will attend the funeral in a body. Interment will take place at the family burying ground in Silver Book cemetery.
    The whole people mourns.
    As a historian, author and editor of “The Twentieth Century History of Berrien County”, published in 1906, he weaved the material into a magnificient[sic] narrative which stands as the best text book on Berrien county now extant. Mr. Coolidge had collected books until he had accumulated an extensive historical and reference library pertaining especially to this region. Of this labor of love the public now gains the benefit. Much of the information was obtained from works long out of print and inaccessible except to the oldest citizen.  The Coolidge book constitutes a book of reference which the owner of no well furnished book shelf can afford to exclude.
    Unselfish, good at heart, kind hearted and generous always a nice word in the family circle, he was over just and righteous in his opinions, his spiritual manifesto being ever broad and clear, a life-long member of the Presbyterian church and an ardent Christian.
Sketch of O.W. Coolidge
    Orville W. Coolidge was born at Edwardsburg, Mich., Cass county, October 9, 1839. He graduated from the literary department of the University of Michigan in 1863 and at the Cambridge, Mass., law school in 1865. In the latter year he went into the practice of his profession with his father, Henry H. Coolidge.  In 1870 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Berrien county.  In 1890-91 he was elected mayor of this city and in 1893, judge of the Second Judicial circuit of Michigan. He was subsequently re-elected in 1899 and 1905.
    In the year 1867, Mr. Coolidge was married to Katie, daughter of Moses Pettengill, a prominent marble dealer in Niles.  Three children were born to this union, all of whom are living, as follows: Claudine and Orrill of Niles and Clarence Coolidge of Chicago, now overseas with the Y.M.C.A.  A sister is Mrs. Charles Chapin of Chicago.
    The parents of Judge Coolidge were early pioneers of Western Michigan.  Henry H. Coolidge, the father, was born in Leominster county, Mass. and was educated at Amburst[sic] College.  From 1833 to 1836 he taught music at Montreal, Canada. In 1836 he came to Niles and clerked for G.W. Hoffman in the dry goods business.
    
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, October 17, 1918, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


    Funeral services for Judge O.W. Coolidge were held at 2:30 o’clock this afternoon from the residence, 209 North State street, the attendance being one of the largest ever witnessed in this city.  The Berrien County Bar association was present in a body.  Rev. W.H. Phelps, former pastor of the Niles Presbyterian church, now of Battle Creek, conducted the services.  His eulogy was a splendid effort and brought comfort to the mourners.  The casket was covered with a blanket of ferns and a bower of roses, the Bar association furnishing a special and beautiful piece, or 79 roses the number of years the deceased was old.
    Mrs. Schell sang two beautiful selections.
    Pallbearers: Homer, Henry and Lowell Chapin, nephews of the deceased; Judge Chas E. White, Mr. Smith and E.C. Griffin.
    Business houses in general closed during the funeral hour and every possible respect was shown the dead.
    Among those who attended from out of the city were Mrs. Charles A. Chapin, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Chapin, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Chapin, Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Chapin, Mr. and Mrs. William Smith and Dr. and Mrs. Edgar Redding, all of Chicago.
    Interment was in the family burying ground at Silver Brook cemetery.
    
 * * *
Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, October 17, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Very solemnly was the funeral ceremony for the late Honorable Orville W. Coolidge performed at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon in the home, overlooking the placid St. Joseph river, where he lived in tranquility, admiring the handiwork of the Creator, and pondering o'er the blessings of life in his leisure hours, keeping the mind in a state of contemplation, such as is referred to in the Biblical lines, "Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things."
    There was special significance in the works of the song, "How Firm a Foundation," beautifully rendered by Mrs. R.L. Schell, by request, so expressive and suggestive of the life of him, who has crossed the darkling river that flows forever to the unknown sea.
    The last sad rites were performed by Rev. W.H. Phelps of Battle Creek, former pastor of the Chapin Memorial church, built in this city by his sister, Mrs. Emily Chapin, and of which the deceased was a devout member.
    The life of the deceased was visualized by the pastor who picturized in mental imagery the noble nature and noble heart of the deceased, his superiority or commanding excellence of mind and character, his generous ways, his open and lavish hand when called upon to aid the needy, the marks and indications of his soul, paying fitting honors to the memory of one of God's noblemen.  it was a deserved eulogy of a just, temperate, wise and high minded man.
    The vocal rendition of "One Sweetly Solemn Thought," by Mrs. Schell, followed, after which the remains of the beloved dead were tenderly removed from the old home, and the funeral cortege wound its pensive way to Silver Brook cemetery.
    At the request of Mayor Bonine there was a general suspension of business form 2 to 4 o'clock. The members of the Berrien County Bar association attended the funeral in a body.
    Among the numerous beautiful floral tributes to the memory of the departed was a pillow made up of 79 roses, one for each year of the life of the venerable jurist, from the above named bar association.