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.

Corell, Ann Elizabeth

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
Ann Elizabeth Corell
November 1, 1818 to June 12, 1916

MRS A. CORELL DEAD, AGE 98
Well Known Lady Was a Pioneer Resident--Came to Niles Township in 1850 and Had Since Resided There.

    Mrs. Ann Elizabeth Corell, aged 97 years, a prominent pioneer resident of this section, passed away last evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Ferguson, three miles west of Niles. Her death resulted from the injuries received from a fall sustained just seven weeks ago, when the aged lady broke her hip.
    Mrs. Corell was born at Cambridge, N.Y., Nov. 1, 1818. She was married to A. Corell in Sheridan, N.Y. in 1838.  Eleven children were born of this union, five of whom are still living.  They are Mrs. S.E. Chamberlain, of Kansas City, Mo., who has been here for several weeks;  Mrs. D.E. Terriere of Chicago; P.D. and H.G. Corell of Plainview, Ueb.[sic], who are expected tonight and Mrs. John Ferguson of this city.
    Mr. and Mrs. Corell came to Michigan in 1850, from Pennsylvania, and settled on the farm where her death occurred.  Mr. Corell died in 1883.
    The deceased had a number of grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.  Mrs. T.C. Hance and G.E. Corell of Niles are among the grandchildren of the deceased.
    The aged lady was much beloved by a large circle of friends and she will be sadly missed.  She had until lately been in good health in spite of her advanced years, and it was the pleasure of many to seek her company and enjoy a visit with her.
    The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the house.  Rev. W.H. Phelps will officiate.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery. (Source: Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, June 13, 1916, page 4, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library.)
    
and
SHE CROSSES THE SPARKLING RIVER
Well Beloved Lady Passes to Her Final Reward

    Ann Elizabeth Corell, age 98, passed away last evening about 8 o'clock, at the homestead where she had resided for the last 66 years. A few weeks ago a fall that resulted in a broken hip marked the beginning of the end, although she was hale and hearty, and probably would have otherwise survived to pass her centenary.
    Mrs. Corell was born In Washington county, N.Y., November 1, 1818.  When seven years of age she removed with her parents to Chautauqua county, New York, and afterward to Erie county, Pennsylvania.  Her parents were from Rhode Island and her father, Benjamin Brownell, was a descendant of Ethan Allen, the noted patriot leader in the Revolutionary war. She was married to Abram Corell February 10, 1839, and in March, 1850, after an overland trip, the couple settled on the site of their present home, which was then all forest land, and where Mrs. Corell has resided ever since.
    Two sons H.G. and P.D. of Plainview, Neb., survive her; also two daughters, Mrs. S.E. Chamberlain of Kansas City, Md.,[sic] who has been at the home for the past month, and Mrs. D.E. Teriere of Chicago.
    She will be laid to rest by the side of her husband who died in 1883. Rev. W. H. Phelps will officiate at the funeral, which will be held from the late residence Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  (Source: Niles Daily Star, Tuesday evening, June 13, 1916, page 1, col 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Edwards, William

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
William Edwards
October 22, 1834-June 12, 1916

WM. EDWARDS WAS A PIONEER


    William Edwards, whose death was briefly referred to yesterday, was born October 22, 1834, on a farm near Sumnerville.
    On June 1, 1869 he was married to Miss Marian Josephine Baxter, who survives.  The wedding occurred in Niles and Mr. and Mrs. Edwards went to Missouri and spent eight years there.  They then returned to the old Edwards homestead and later purchased a farm in Howard township and resided there for 21 years, or until they came to Niles 10 years ago.  Mr. Edwards on two occasions, spent a year in the west.
    Seven children were born to them of whom five survive, viz: Mrs. Ella Leach of Mantan, Mich.: Frank B. of Dowagiac; Mrs. Addie Burkett of St. Joseph; George and Miss Clara Edwards of Niles.  A son, Edwin Clifford Edwards was killed four years ago by a train and a daughter, Mrs. Delbert Mittan died February 28, 1915.
    Mr. Edwards had always followed farming until his health failed. The immediate cause of death was gangrene of the foot from which he had been a sufferer for several months.
    The deceased was highly respected and he enjoyed a wide acquaintance.
    Two brothers, Henry Edwards of Dowagiac and Joseph Edwards of Albany, Ore., who is 92 years old, and a sister, Mrs. Mattie Griswold of Denver, survive.
    The funeral services will be held from the residence at 312 Broadway tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock.  Rev. R.A. Wright will officiate.
    The committal service at Silver Brook cemetery, will be in charge of St. Joseph Valley lodge No. 4, F. and A.M. Mr. Edwards had been a Mason for over 50 yars[sic], having joined that fraternity at Pokagon when a young man and later becoming a member of the Niles lodge.
(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, June 13, 1916, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

AND

DEATH TAKES PIONEER RESIDENT OF CASS COUNTY
William Edwards Passes Away at His Residence on Broadway


    At 3:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon, death claimed William Edwards, pioneer agriculturist of Cass county.  Mr. Edwards had been in failing health for a long time, and had been confined to his bed for about a month.  Death was due to a gangrenous affection.
    Mr. Edwards was born in Sumnerville, Cass county, October 22, 1834, and the greater part of his life was spent in Pokagon and Howard townships up to the time he retired and came to Niles with his family a decade ago. He was married to Miss Marian Josephine Baxter of Sumnerville, on January 1, 1869.  To this union, seven children were born, and the mother and five of the children live to mourn the demise of a kind husband and indulgent parent.  The latter are Mrs. Ella Leach, of Manton, this state; Frank B. Edwards, of Dowagiac; Mrs. John Burket, of St. Joseph, and Miss Clara and George Edwards, who reside at home.
    Mr. Edwards had been affiliated with the Masonic order for over half a century.  He was an honorable, upright man, who was held in highest esteem by his wide circle of acquaintances.
    The funeral will take place Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home under Masonic aspices.  The services at the home will be conducted by Rev. R.A. Wright, pastor of the Methodist church, and the ceremony at the graveside will be in charge of the Masonic Order.  (Source:  Niles Daily Star, Tuesday evening, June 13, 1916, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library)

Hunt, Anson M.

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
Anson M. Hunt
Died November 14, 1886

Mr. Anson M. Hunt died at his residence in this city last Sunday night, aged 76 years. He was a native of Rochester, New York, and came to this city about 35 years ago, and, with the exception of a year or two spent in California, had lived here ever since. He was a marble cutter by trade, and followed that business until his health failed him. He leaves behind him the name of an honest, upright man.  The deceased was a brother of the Rev. T. Dwight Hunt, a former Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of this city.
(Source: Niles Republican, Thurs. Nov. 18, 1886, page 5, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library)

Anson M. Hunt died at his home in this city Sunday night, in the 76th year of his age.  Mr. Hunt was born at Rochester, N.Y.  He came to Niles about thirty five years ago, and with the exception of a year or two spent in California had resided here ever since, working at his trade as marble cutter until prevented by failing health. He was an honest, outspoken man of exemplary habits and leaves none but friends behind him.  His wife and two sons (both absent), survive hm. He was a brother of Rev. T. Dwight Hunt, for many years pastor of the Presbyterian church here, but at present in charge of a church at Chili, near Rochester, N.Y.
(Source: Niles Weekly Mirror, Wed., Nov. 17, 1886, page 5 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Anson M. Hunt, a marble cutter . .for thirty-five years, a resident of Niles, died Sunday.  (Source: Berrien Springs Era, Wed., Nov. 17, 1886, page 3 col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library)

Wood, Cornelius L.

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries

Colonel Cornelius Wood
1845-1911

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, Dec. 4, 1911, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

COLONEL WOOD WAS A PIONEER
Was brought to Michigan from Ohio when an infant. Died Sunday.

    Colonel L. Wood passed away Sunday morning about 11 o'clock at his home a mile and a half northwest of Niles where he has resided since came to Michigan in 1845.
    Mr. Wood's death was due to heart disease from which he had been a sufferer for about four years.  His death was sudden however, inasmuch as he was able to be in town a week ago and was sick in bed but one day prior to his demise.
    Mr. Wood was born in Oleary, near Cleveland, Ohio, July 12, 1845.  When he was but a few weeks old his parents came to Michigan overland, the subject of his sketch being brought on the long journey on a pillow.
    Mr. Wood's parents cleared the land and erected a log cabin and a part of this primitive home is incorporated in the larger and more modern house where Mr. Wood and family have resided for so many years.
    Mr. Wood was married in Niles 37 years ago to Miss Sarah Beswick, who with three daughters survive[sic] him.  The daughters are Mrs. Harry Scott of Buchanan, Mrs. Fred Klute of Three Oaks and Miss Gertrude Wood, who teaches in the South Bend public schools.
    A brother and four sisters, who reside at a distance also survive. They are all well advanced in years and will be unable to attend the funeral.
    The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the house.  Rev. G. Huntington of Trinity Episcopal church will officiate.  Burial will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

 

 AND


Niles Daily Star, Monday, Dec. 4, 1911, p. 4, col.19, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH OF COL WOOD
Well Known Resident Passed Away Yesterday

    Cornelius L. Wood, aged 66 years, a well known and highly respected citizen of this community, died at his residence, one and one half miles north-west of Niles, at 11 o'clock Sunday morning, from organic heart trouble.  Mr. Wood was born in O'Leary, Ohio, July 12, 1845, his parents moving to Niles a few months later, where he has since resided.
    He leaves a widow and three daughters, Miss Gertrude Wood of Niles, Mrs. H.W. Scott of Buchanan and Mrs. F.H. Klute of Three Oaks, beside a brother and three sisters.
    He was a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, and a tender brother.  He believed the man who scatters flowers in the pathway of his fellowmen, who let into the dark places of life the sunshine of human sympathy, and human happiness is following in the footsteps of his master.
    Funeral services will be held at the late residence, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev George Huntington officiating.  Interment at Silver Brook cemetery

Wood, Gertrude L.

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
Miss Gertrude L. Wood
1874-1947

RETIRED TEACHER SUCCUMBS

    Miss Gertrude L. Wood, 73, retired school teacher, died Sunday at 12:45 a.m. at her home, 517 West Main street, where she had been ill for 10 days.
    The daughter of Cornelius and Sarah Wood, she was born Jan. 28, 1874, near Niles, and taught school for 30 years prior to her retirement seven years ago.  For many years she taught third grade in the Muessel school in South Bend.  She was a member of Trinity Episcopal church.
    Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Harry W. Scott, Portage Prairie, and several nieces and nephews.
    Friends may call at the residence where the body was taken from the Swem funeral home in Buchanan.  Service will be conducted Turesday at 2:30 p.m. at the home by Rev. Harry L. Nicholson.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday March 3, 1947, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Hamilton, Margaret Ann

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
Margaret Ann Hamilton
Died May 15, 1892

Niles Daily Star, Monday, May 16, 1892, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Obituary

    Mrs. Margaret Ann Hamilton, widow of the late Edward L. Hamilton, died at the home of her son, E. LaRue Hamilton, yesterday afternoon in the 57th year of her age.  Mrs. Hamilton was a native of Warwick, Mass., and removed with her parents to Michigan when she was a child.  In 1856 she married E.L. Hamilton and removed to a farm in Niles Township.  After her husband's death she came to his city and has lived with her only son.  For several years she had been an invalid, and during the past year and up to the hour of her decease she was a great sufferer.  As long as health and strength permitted she was one of the most hospitable of entertainers and a host of friends will bear cheerful testimony to her many virtues.  The funeral will take place from the family residence on Broadway at 2 p.m. Tuesday.  (Same appeared in Niles Mirror, Wed. May 18, 1892, page 5, col 3.)

and

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, May 16, 1892, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library)

OBITUARY

    Died, Sunday afternoon, May 15, after a long and painful illness, Mrs. Margaret Ann Hamilton, aged fifty-two years.
    Mrs. Hamilton was born n Warwick, Mass., and came with her parents to St. Joseph, Mich., when a child.  She was married to Edward L. Hamilton in 1856.  Soon after the death of her husband she removed from the farm to this city with her only son, with whom she has since resided.  She has left a large circle of friends and relatives who can testify to her Christian patience and fortitude during her long years of suffering.
    The funeral will be held at the residence of her son, E.L. Hamilton, tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon at 2 o'clock.  (Same appeared in Niles Republican, Thursday, May 19, 1892, page 5, col. 3)

Dreher, Helen E.

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
Helen E. Dreher
1904-1991

    Funeral services for Helen E. Dreher, 87, 1711 Cedar Street, Niles, will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Halbritter Funeral Home, by the Rev. William H. Marshall, pastor of the First Baptist Church.
    Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
    Mrs. Dreher died at 10:25 a.m. Thursday at Pawating Hospital, following a brief illness.
    She was born March 27, 1904 in Cass County, and lived in Niles since 1946, coming from Benton Harbor.
    A graduate of Dowagiac High School, she was a member of First Baptist Church.
    On Oct. 17, 1922, in Dowagiac, she married Horace L. Dreher, who preceded her in death.
    Survivors include a son Dennis M. Dreher of Lander, Wyoming; a daughter, Cynthia D. Baker of Niles, five grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
    Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
    Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, Friday, May 31, 1991, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library)

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