Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Toney, Frank S.

editor Obituaries
Frank S. Toney
Dec. 26, 1860-Dec. 4, 1917

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, December 5, 1917, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

SUDDEN DEATH CAUSED BY A BLOW ON THE HEAD
Frank Toney, M.C. Car Inspector Struck by Handle of Windlass That He Lost Hold of While Lifting Heavy Wheel

    Frank S. Toney, 906 North Seventh street, a car inspector for the Michigan Central railroad company, met a tragic death yesterday from injuries received while at work near the car shops in the local yards.
    Mr. Toney was engaged in winding a windlass, on one end of which was a heavy car wheel, which by the winding process was being raised to a flat car.  Mr. Toney evidently lost his grip on the heavy handle of the windlass and as it was released from his hand, it flew backward and struck him on the back of the head, fracturing his skull. The heavy wheel at the other end of the windlass made the handle or bar spin rapidly and it struck him with terrific force.
    Mr. Toney was able to walk with assistance into the car barns and his fellow workmen thought at first he ws not seriously injured.
    Dr. Giddings, the railway physician brought Mr. Toney down to his office and found that the unfortunate man's skull was fractured. An immediate operation was decided upon and Dr. Giddings made  Mr. Toney ready for a trip to South Bend for the operation at a hospital.
    Mrs. Toney was notified of the accident by the doctor, who brought her to her husband's side. As he sat in a chair in Dr. Giddings' office surrounded by his wife, two sons and other relatives awaiting the arrival of the 7:30 car, Mr. Toney suddenly expired.
    The accident occurred about 3:30 o'clock and his death occurred about 7:25 o'clock.  The injured man was in a semi-comatose state after the accident, but he never uttered a word after the accident, the force of the blow on the head having crushed his skull, thus affecting the brain.
    Mr. Toney was born in Niles and would have been 56 years of age had he lived until Dec. 26. He was married at Kensington to Miss Dora Guideman of Niles.  Four children were born to them all of whom are left with the widow to mourn his death.  The children are Benjamin Toney, Niles, Mrs. Caroline Kneeshow, Guelph, Ont., Edward Toney of Niles, and George Toney of Guelph, Ont.  Besides the widow and children, Mr. Toney is survived by his father, Benjamin Toney, aged 82 years of South Bend, one brother, Edward Toney of Kalamazoo and by two sisters, Mrs. A. Dyke and Mrs. John Locke of South Bend.  The aged father of the deceased, the brothers and sisters and Mrs. Edward Toney, Mr. Dyke, Mr. Locke and Frank Guideman of Michigan City are here today and the children from Guelph are expected tonight.
    Mr. Toney had been in the employ of the Michigan Central Railway company for about 35 years. He was highly regarded as an employe and was respected throughout the community for his many excellent qualities.  The deceased was a member of the Royal Arcanum lodge.
    The funeral services will be held on Friday at 2:30 o'clock from the house. Rev. Paul Saffran of St. John's German church of which the deceased was a member will officiate.
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Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, December 5, 1917, page 1 col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

INJURY IS CAUSE OF DEATH

    Death came quickly last evening to Frank S. Toney, an employe of the Michigan Central railroad.  He died four hours after he was injured in a tool car in the yards yesterday afternoon, a fractured skull bringing the sudden end.
    In company with a number of other workmen, Mr. Toney was engaged in unloading wheels from the tool car. He was alone in the car when the accident happened, and his companions heard some part of the hoisting machinery give way acompanied[sic] by a scream.
    The workmen hurried into the car where they found the unconscious form of the truckman. He was picked up and Dr. Giddings was immediately summoned.  The physician gave first attention and then removed Mr. Toney to his office where he treated the wound.
    In the back of the skull Dr. Giddings found a depression the size of a silver dollar.  It was a bad fracture . .[illegible] . . made to convey him to the Epworth hospital in South Bend Mr. Toney died. He was in a semi unconscious condition from the time the injury was received up to his death.
    The windlass on which the victim of the accident was working was the cause of his death. In some manner the handle slipped and the crank struck him in the back of the head, causing concussion of the brain.
    Mr. Toney was a thrifty and energetic citizen.  He was 56 years of age and the father of three sons and a daughter, who with his wife survive him.  Almost all his life he as worked for the Michigan Central, a greater portion of the time as baggageman.  Eight years or more ago he changed his calling to that of truckman in the regular department, where he was employed at the time of his death. The funeral will probably be held Friday afternoon from the residence on north Seventh Street.
* * *

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, December 6, 1917, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral services for the late Frank Toney will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence.  Rev. Saffran of St. John's German Evangelical church will officiate.


    

Moore, Mary E. (Pratt)

editor Obituaries
Mrs. Stephen (Mary Pratt) Moore
July 31, 1825-December 5, 1917

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, December 5, 1917, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLAIMS NILES' PIONEER
Mrs. Stephen Moore, age 92 Years, After Months of Suffering Passed Away This Morning

    Death claimed one of Niles most beloved and oldest residents this morning when Mrs. Stephen Moore answered the call of her Maker, the summons for which she had patiently waited for the past 11 months on her bed of illness and pain. Her death occurred about 5 o'clock and was due to the infirmities of age, she having reached the advanced age of 92 years.
    Mrs. Moore's death occurred at the home of Mrs. A. Abbott, 505 Sycamore street, where she was lived for several years.
    Mrs. Moore was born in Ithaca, N.Y., July 31, 1825. Her maiden name was Mary Pratt.  Her father, Daniel Pratt brought his family to Niles by the Erie canal route and oxen team from Detroit in 1838.  Sixty-five years ago Mrs. Moore was married, her husband's death occurring in 1907.  No children were born to them and the only relatives surviving Mrs. Moore are her niece, Mrs. C.C. Hanlin of Pasadena, Calif., and a number of grand nieces and nephews, who reside in Marshall, Mich., where Mr. Pratt and his family first located upon coming to Michigan.  Of the grandnieces, Mrs. H.C. Brooks of Marshall is in the city and George Wright, Mr. Brooks and Mrs. T.M. Wright are expected for the funeral service which will be held on  Friday.
    Mrs. Moore was one of the oldest members of the Presbyterian church, having joined the church when a little girl and was one of its most faithful attendants when health permitted and delighted in its services.
* * *
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, December 5, 1917, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

LIVED TO GOOD AGE 92 YEARS

    At 5 o'clock this morning there passed to her reward Mrs. Mary Pratt Moore, who for the past few years had made her home with Mrs. Ophelia Abbott, 505 Sycamore street.  Mrs. Moore lived to the good old age of 92 years and with the exception of the past year had been in excellent health and the possesor[sic] of sound facilities, to which was attributed her long life of usefulness.
    Mrs. Moore was a splendid type of Christian womanhood. Her wonderful vitality despite her years and her cheerfulness and companionable qualities claimed for her a host of friends, whose lives she always helped fill with cheer. She always brought happiness to those with whom she came in contact and all her life was actively connected with the Presbyterian church.
    Born in Ithaca, N.Y., July 31, 1825, Mrs. Moore migrated to Michigan in 1838, the year the state was admitted into the union, and the Pratt family located in Marshall, where they lived for a time and then came to Niles.  It was in this city that Mary E. Pratt was married to Stephen Moore 66 years ago and was one of the pioneer settlers here.  Mr. Moore died ten years ago.  There were no children, the nearest kin being two nieces, Mrs. T.W. Wright, Marshall, Mich., and Mrs. C.C. Hamlin, Pasadena,Cal.
    The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the Abbott residence, 505 Sycamore street, Rev. W.H. Phelps officiating, with burial in Silver Brook cemetery.
* * *
Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, December 6, 1917, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral services for Mrs. Stephen Moore will be held Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home of Mrs. Abbott, 505 Sycamore street. Rev. W.J. Phelps will officiate.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

Davis, George

editor Obituaries

George Davis
Oct. 28, 1916-Oct. 19, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 21, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

DOUBLE FUNERAL HELD SUNDAY   


    The death of Mrs. Fern Davis, wife of Harold Davis, 1208 Phoenix street, was followed by that of her son George, aged 2 years, on Saturday night at 11 o'clock. A double funeral service for the mother and son was held Sunday afternoon.  Rev. A.W. Lyons conducted the service.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.  Dorothy, aged 1 year, the only surviving child of the family, is seriously ill with pneumonia.

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

DEATH TOLL DUE TO INFLUENZA


    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. . .
MRS. HAROLD DAVIS
    Nothing could be much sadder than the one funeral for three members of the Harold Davis family, which occurred from the home yesterday afternoon.
    Mrs. Davis, who was only 21 years of age, had been ill with influenza several days.  Friday she gave birth to a baby boy, which came dead.  Coupled with the epidemic affliction, peritonitis set in and the mother passed away the same afternoon.
    Saturday night George, the two year old son, died and yesterday afternoon Rev. E.G. Lewis conducted one funeral for the three victims.  Mother and babe were lowered into the ground in one coffin and the boy in an adjoining grave.
    Harold Davis, husband and father of the unfortunates, who with Dorothy his one year old daughter, is seriously ill, has been removed to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Davis.  Mr. Davis' mother, who has been caring for the victims, was herself stricken this afternoon.
 

Davis, Infant Son of Mr. & Mrs. Harold Davis

editor Obituaries

Infant Son of Mr. & Mrs. Harold Davis*
Oct. 17, 1918-Oct. 17, 1918

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

DEATH TOLL DUE TO INFLUENZA


    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. . .
MRS. HAROLD DAVIS
    Nothing could be much sadder than the one funeral for three members of the Harold Davis family, which occurred from the home yesterday afternoon.
    Mrs. Davis, who was only 21 years of age, had been ill with influenza several days.  Friday she gave birth to a baby boy, which came dead.  Coupled with the epidemic affliction, peritonitis set in and the mother passed away the same afternoon.
    Saturday night George, the two year old son, died and yesterday afternoon Rev. E.G. Lewis conducted one funeral for the three victims.  Mother and babe were lowered into the ground in one coffin and the boy in an adjoining grave.
    Harold Davis, husband and father of the unfortunates, who with Dorothy his one year old daughter, is seriously ill, has been removed to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Davis.  Mr. Davis' mother, who has been caring for the victims, was herself stricken this afternoon.

*This is how the name appears on the Michigan Certificate of Death

Davis, Fern (Coates)

editor Obituaries
Mrs. Harold (Fern Coates) Davis
July 1897-Oct. 18, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. H. DAVIS DIES OF PERITONITIS

    Mrs. Harold Davis, 21 years old, died at her home, 1212 Phoenix street, yesterday afternoon, having suffered with peritonitis for the past week.  Her two children, Dorothy and George are seriously ill with pneumonia, the latter not expected to survive the day.
    Mrs. Davis, whose maiden name was Fern Coates, was born in Benton Harbor in July, 1897. In the year 1916 she was married to Harold Davis in this city.
    Besides her husband and two children she is survived by her mother, Mrs. George Bennett, of northern Michigan, two brothers, Ralph Coates of Eau Claire and Leon, residing north of town.
    Mrs. Davis was a woman of estimable character, kind hearted neighbor and was highly esteemed by all of her acquaintances. Her death is indeed a great shock to all who knew her.
    Private funeral services will be held at 3:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the residence. Dr. E.G. Lewis officiating. Burial to take place at Silver brook cemetery.
* * *

Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLAIMS MRS. H. DAVIS
Sad Circumstances Surround Death of Young Wife and Mother

    Mrs. Fern Davis, wife of Harold Davis, passed away Friday afternoon at 4:15 o'clock at their home 1208 Phoenix street, from peritonitis.
    Mrs. Davis was formerly Miss Fern Coates-Bennett.  She was born in Benton Harbor in July, 1897.  She was married to Mr. Davis in February, 1915.  Besides the husband, Mrs. Davis is survived by two children, George and Dorothy.  George is critically ill with pneumonia and little hope for his recovery was entertained today.  The other child has also been ill but is improving and Mr. Davis is confined to his bed with illness.
    Besides the husband and children, Mrs. Davis is survived by her mother, Mrs. Bennett, of East Tawas, Mich., who has been in attendance upon her; and by two brothers, Ralph Coates of Eau Claire and Leon Coates of Niles, and by one sister.
    The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the house and will be private. Rev. A.W. Lyons will officiate.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
* * *
Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 21, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

DOUBLE FUNERAL HELD SUNDAY    

    The death of Mrs. Fern Davis, wife of Harold Davis, 1208 Phoenix street, was followed by that of her son George, aged 2 years, on Saturday night at 11 o'clock. A double funeral service for the mother and son was held Sunday afternoon.  Rev. A.W. Lyons conducted the service.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.  Dorothy, aged 1 year, the only surviving child of the family, is seriously ill with pneumonia.
* * *
Niles Daily Star, Monday, October 21, 1918, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH TOLL DUE TO INFLUENZA

    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. . .
MRS. HAROLD DAVIS
    Nothing could be much sadder than the one funeral for three members of the Harold Davis family, which occurred from the home yesterday afternoon.
    Mrs. Davis, who was only 21 years of age, had been ill with influenza several days.  Friday she gave birth to a baby boy, which came dead.  Coupled with the epidemic affliction, peritonitis set in and the mother passed away the same afternoon.
    Saturday night George, the two year old son, died and yesterday afternoon Rev. E.G. Lewis conducted one funeral for the three victims.  Mother and babe were lowered into the ground in one coffin and the boy in an adjoining grave.
    Harold Davis, husband and father of the unfortunates, who with Dorothy his one year old daughter, is seriously ill, has been removed to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Davis.  Mr. Davis' mother, who has been caring for the victims, was herself stricken this afternoon.

[Note: Others in this article are Spencer Stratton, Mrs. Jesse Hill, Harry Faith, W.A. White]

Zwergel, LaVerne

editor Obituaries
LaVerne Zwergel
Dec. 11, 1890-Oct. 17, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, October 17, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

YOUNG NILES MAN'S DEATH GREAT SHOCK

    The death of LaVerne Zwergel, which occurred this morning at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zwergel, 107 North Sixth street, comes as a great shock to his many friends.  Mr. Zwergel was taken ill about a week ago with bronchitis but his condition was not considered serious until Tuesday morning when he was taken with pneumonia in his apartments at the Hilderbrand hotel, where he had resided since having sold out his electric shop last July.  After being removed to the home of his parents Tuesday, his condition gradually grew worse until he passed away at 4 o'clock this morning.
    Mr. Zwergel was born December 11, 1890, in this city, and has resided here for the greater part of his life. December 11, 1914, he was married to Miss Jeanette Bair. Mr. Zwergel was a member of the Niles order Elks. He was a well known electrical contractor, having been engaged in this work in Niles for the past five years.
    He is survived by his wife and parents, a sister, Alene, and two brothers, Russell and Herbert, who are now overseas.
    The funeral services will probably take place at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the home., Rev. L.A. Peatrose officiating.  Burial at Silver Brook cemetery.
* * *
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

SERVICES HELD FOR LA VERNE ZWERGEL TODAY

    Funeral services for LaVerne Zwergel were held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zwergel, 107 North Sixth street, Rev. L.A. Peatrose officiating.  Interment in Silver Brook cemetery.
    The pall bearers were Roy Rice, Clifford Eden, Frank Hilderbrand, Ed. Donahue, Dr. George Vetter and H.W. Quackenbush.
    Many beautiful floral offerings showed the deep sympathy felt for the bereaved family and wife, and the high regard in which the young man was held by his scores of friends here.
* * *
Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, October 17, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

HE FALLS ASLEEP AND THEN THE CARE IS OVER
La Verne F. Zwergel Succumbs to Pneumonia, Superinduced by Attack of Influenza

    Suffering an attack of influenza on the 8th instant, LaVerne F. Zwergel developed a case of pneumonia on the 15th instant and died about 4 o'clock this morning at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zwergel, 107 North Sixth street.
    La Verne was born in Niles Dec. 11, 1890.  He attended the public schools, was of a studious nature and applied himself to electrical science for which he had a natural bent, and with leaving school served an apprenticeship, becoming very proficient in the work of making and repairing electric instruments, installing lighting systems, wiring buildings, etc.  Until a few weeks ago, he conducted an electric shop; which he closed with a view to entering a government training school, preliminary to entering the service of Uncle Sam as an electrician.
    A few years ago, he was married to Miss Nettie Bair, who survives him, as do his father, mother and two brothers, Corporal Russell Zwergel, who is with the quartermaster's motor corps, with headquarters in Brest, France, and Private George H. Zwergel, who is with the famous 32d division, which has been in the thick of the fighting overseas; and by one sister, Miss Allene, of this city.
    La Verne was a quiet and unassuming young man and was popular with a wide circle of friends, who will deeply deplore his untimely taking off.  Fraternally, he was identified  with the Niles lodge of Elks. The bereaved relatives of the young man have the heartfelt sympathy of the community.
    The funeral services will  be conducted at the home by Rev. L.A. Peatross, rector of Trinity church, on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Interment will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR LA VERNE ZWERGEL HELD THIS AFTERNOON

    Funeral services for the late LaVerne Zwergel were held this afternoon from the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zwergel, on North Sixth street.  Rev. L.A. Peatross conducted the funeral service of the Episcopal church. Mrs. R.L. Schell sang the favorite hymn of the deceased, "Face to Face."
    A large gathering of friends, including a large representation of the Elk lodge, paid their last respects to the young man whose untimely death occasioned much sorrow among a large circle of friends.  The flower-laden casket was borne by Frank Hilderbrand, Hugh Quackenbush, Attorney E.J. Donahue, Roy Rice, Clifford Eden, Dr. George I. Vetter.

Holtz, William N.

editor Obituaries
William N. Holtz
Dec. 13, 1851-June 2, 1919

Niles Daily Star, Monday, June 2, 1919, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

WM. HOLTZ DIES THIS AFTERNOON

    William N. Holtz, 710 Emmons street, died this afternoon at 2 o'clock following an illness of several weeks.  A more extended notice will be given tomorrow.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, June 3, 1919, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

WM. N. HOLTZ
VICTIM OF ANEMIA
Well Known Local Resident Died Yesterday

    William N. Holtz, a well known and highly esteemed resident of this city, died yesterday at his home, 710 Emmons street after being confined to his bed since April with anemia.
    Deceased was born in Canton, Ohio, Dec. 13, 1851.
    Besides his wife he is survived by three children, Harry Holtz of Dowagiac; Mrs. Andy Forger, South Bend and George, at home, and one sister, Mrs. Sperenze Ferguson, of Lowell, Ind.  Mrs Gusta Pollock, a daughter, passed away at Seattle, Wash., Saturday, May 31.
    Mr. Holtz worked at the French paper mills up to February of this year, when he met with a minor accident. He was a member of the Loyal American lodge, No. 1003
    Mr. Holtz worked at the French pa-habits, industrious and home loving. [repetition/omission in original]
    Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon from the home at 2:30 o'clock. Dr. E.G. Lewis of the M.E. church, of which Mr. Holtz was a devoted member will officiate. Interment in Silver Brook cemetery.
* * *
Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, June 3, 1919, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLAIMS W.N. HOLTZ
Funeral Services Will be Held
Thursday Afternoon

    William N. Holtz died at his home, 710 Emmons street, west Niles, Monday afternoon about 2 o'clock. His death followed an illness with anemia which had caused him to be bedridden since April 15.
    Mr. Holtz was born in Stark county, Ohio, near Canton, in December, 1851. He had resided in Niles for about five years, during which time he had been continuously employed at the French Paper mills until he became ill.
    Mr. Holtz is survived by a widow, three children--Harry Holtz of Dowagiac, Mrs. Andy Troger, South Bend, and George Holtz, who is at home, and by one sister, Mrs. Sprenca Ferguson of Lowell, Ind.  A daughter of the deceased died at Seattle, Wash., as the result of an operation last Saturday.
    The deceased was a member of the Methodist church. He was also a member of Loyal American lodge, No. 1003.
    The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the residence.  Dr. E.G. Lewis will officiate.  Burial will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

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