Wallace DeNille Anthony
Feb. 1873-July 24, 1873

Niles Democrat (Niles, Michigan), Saturday, August 2, 1873, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

Thursday night, the 24th of July, WALLACE DENILLE ANTHONY, aged 5 months, son of Byron D. and Harriet J. Anthony.

The parents reside in Detroit, and this bright little child died in that city. The burial took place in this city last Saturday afternoon. A beautiful Easter cross adorned the casket and saw beyond the blooming and the fading, rests the spirit that God gave and so soon called to Paradise.

Richard P. Barker
1803-Sept. 15, 1873

Niles Republican II (Niles, Michigan), Thursday, September 18, 1873, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of the Hon. R.P. Barker

The Hon. RICHARD P. BARKER, one of the oldest and best known citizens of this place, died quite suddenly on Monday last. He was on the streets on Friday afternoon, and was taken with pneumonia on the evening of that day, and gradually grew worse till he died. Mr. BARKER come[sic] to this place from New York city abut the year 1836, and for a time was in the mercantile business, keeping a dry goods store in the Arcade block corner. He soon quit this business, however, and purchased and settled on a farm adjoining the city. He has since led the life of a farmer, but has frequently engaged in manufacturing and speculation. MR. BARKER was elected to represent this district in the State Legislature in 1846, but we do not know that he aimed to remain in politics. Mr. BARKER was a man of many fine qualities, had throughout his life many warm friends, and was regarded by everybody, we think, an honest and honorable man. He was upwards of seventy years old at the time of his death.

Niles Democrat (Niles, Michigan), Saturday, September 20, 1873, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of R.P. Barker

On the morning of the 17th of September the people of the neighborhood with serious face, wended their way to the rural mansion, in the midst of a grove of tall oaks, of the late Hon. RICHARD P. BARKER. They were going to attend his funeral. He died last Monday morning.--The cortege proceeded from the house, about one mile south of the city, to Trinity Church, where divine services were conducted by the Rev. Wm. Lusk, Jr., with responses by a large and appreciative congregation―thence the remains were taken to Silver Brook Cemetery, where they now repose. He was born at Rye, Westchester county, New York, in 1803. Seventy winters had frosted his temples―the allotted duration of life. It is not easy to do justice to such a man―to say enough and not too much. We would not eulogize the dead nor the living. We come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. There are so many “mazes, waters, slaps, and styles” to be passed over and surmounted in life that but few escape without bruises and scars. The good that men do is often interred with their bones and forgotten―the evil is apt to be remembered. But men are known by their deeds, just as a tree is known by its fruits.--Nothing was ever formed in vain. Everything has its uses and its peculiar meaning. When such a man as Mr. Barker, with his evil and his good, starts from that point where time ends and eternity begins, he will not suffer from the test. The balance sheet of eternity, like that of time, will be in his favor. He came to Niles in the year 1839. In 1842 he married the accomplished Miss Phoebe S. Beeson, who has been to him a guardian angel, and is now his widow. He was all his life a man of business and means―a merchant and farmer. He lived to be the last of a large family. He had no children of his own. In 1858 he brought to his house four young children of a deceased brother, and to rear and educate them well was his earnest desire and constant endeavor. They have now come to maturity. In the year 1846 he was elected to the Legislature of the State and filled the position with usefulness and credit. To say he was a gentleman and scholar is true but common place. He had a character of his own, and few men would be more missed in this community. He made his mark, and his friends always knew where to find him. We are not aware that in this wide world he has left an enemy. He had his faults, but let him who is without sin cast the first stone.

“God knows he was not the thing he should be,

Nor was he even the thing he could be,

But twenty times rather he would be

An Atheist clean,

Than under Gospel colors he'd be

Just for a screen.”

He was not a poor man nor a great man, but with his active mind and quick perception, he was certainly a bright man; with his rugged independence and fearless spirit, he was certainly a brave man; with his ready sympathies and large heart, he was certainly a kind man. He was genial to a fault. He was fond of society, and of his companions. He liked to have his “ancient, trusty, droughty cronies” at his elbow; but he was staunch without a stain. There as no such word as mean in his vocabulary. His heart was always in the right place. He could not help but be an honorable and true man. We cannot realize that he is dead. His name was a household word. His opinion on various subjects were always worthy of attention and commanded respect. Although in no way connected with the legal profession, he was in many matters a sound lawyer.

In the sear and yellow leaf, he has gone to his last account, and left behind him many friends and hallowed memories.--And though the chasm caused by his death may be neither very deep nor very broad; though he may never live in the Pantheon of history, and the elastic elements of which society is composed will close over him forever, yet his is the lot of the myriads of earth. Let him rest in peace.

Catherine Hoffman
March 17, 1783-Aug. 14, 1873

Niles Democrat, Saturday, August 16, 1873, page 3, col 3,microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Major Hoffman died in Iowa, a few days since, at the advanced age of 90 years. She was one of the early settlers of Michigan, and resided in this city for a number of years, where she was greatly beloved by a large circle of friends. Her remains are expected here to-day (Friday) for Interment.

Niles Republican, Thursday, August 21, 1873, page 3, col., 6, microfilm Niles District Library

At the Scott House, Davenport, Iowa, on the 14th day of August, 1873, Mrs. Catherine Hoffman, aged 90 years, 4 mos. and 28 days, widow of the late Col. William Hoffman, U.S. A., who died at Corpus Christi, Texas, in Nov. 1845, having been an officer of the U.S.A. from 1813 to the period of his death.

The life of Mrs. Hoffman was a very active one, necessarily so from her position as the wife of an officer in the army, and one stationed at frontier posts. Her husband was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Second Infantry, and immediately after the war of 1812 was stationed at Sackett's Harbor, on Lake Ontario. A portion of his regiment was, in 1812, transferred to Sault de Ste. Marie, Michigan, then on the very verge of civilization. From the Sault she removed to Fort Niagara, later to Mackinaw, and still later to Green Bay. After a while the regiment of Capt. Hoffman was ordered to Fort Smith, Arkansas, in the midst of the Indian country, then in an uproar on account of the Seminole war. Like a true and faithful wife, she insisted on accompanying her husband. When the "Army of Observation" moved down into Texas her husband was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the Seventh Infantry, commanded by Colonel Zachary Taylor. At Corpus Christie, Texas, Colonel Hoffman died.

The remarkable courage and devotion she evinced in sharing all the rigors of frontier and campaign life with her husband was the subject of much remark and admiration about her acquaintances.--Gen. Scott once said of her that "her quarters were always ready for inspection and all knapsacks packed ready for marching orders." The most eminent trait of her character was a devout Christian spirit. By her example and her prayers she led all her children to believe that the Savior whom she trusted, and gained the reverence and did much to further the teachings of Christianity in the communities in which she resided.

Mrs. Hoffman was the mother of six sons and four daughters, and counted among her descendents at the time of her death 28 grand children and 29 great grandchildren.

For more than sixty years her life was a beautiful exemplification of the true Christian, full of faith and good works.--Detroit Free Press.

The deceased was a resident of his city from 1836 until six years ago, when she removed to Davenport with her daughter, Mrs. Penrose. Mrs. Hoffman was the happy possessor of all the Christian graces, and her life was one continuous sermon, full of correct precepts, timely admonitions, and noble examples. She was buried in Silver Brook Cemetery on Saturday last, where also rest the remains of her husband and deceased children.

Frederick L. Fisher
Sept. 30, 1869-May 22, 1928

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Wednesday, May 23, 1928, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

FREDERICK FISHER IS HEART VICTIM WHILE AT WORK IN BAKERY

Death came unexpectedly late yesterday afternoon to Frederick L. Fisher, 1417 Regent Street, as he was at his work as a baker at the Sommers bakery, 210 N. Front Street. Mr. Fisher was talking with another employe about 4:15 when he suddenly fell forward and was dead before medical aid could be summoned. The physician pronounced his death was due to heart disease. No inquest was deemed necessary.

Mr. Fisher had been a resident of Niles since 1909 and was highly regarded as a citizen.. He was born in Wurtenburg, Germany, on September 30, 1869. He came to America on June 6, 1885, and located in Philadelphia. Through out his life he followed the trade of a baker. He was married to Christina Wienman, In Lansing on February 23, 1892. She died in Niles on June 12, 1912.

Mr. Fisher moved to Niles from . . [illegible in original] . . business on May 1909 and continue in business for himself until 1913 and, then sold his business and since that time has been employed by other bakers. He had been in ill health for about two years and it was known that his heart was affected.

Surviving Mr. Fisher are six children, who are Mrs. Asa Hamilton, Mrs. Lawrence Webber and Frederick Fisher, of Niles, Mrs. Charles Atwood, of Dowagiac, Paul, of Benton Harbor, and Albert, of White Plains, N.Y. A brother, William Fisher of Mishawaka, also survives. The deceased was a member of the South Bend lodge of Odd Fellows.

While the funeral plans are not completed pending word form the son and brother in New York the services will be held probably Friday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Asa Hamilton, 1417 Regent street, with whom he had made his home for six years. Rev. G.W. Webbink, pastor of St. John's church, will conduct the services. Burial will be in Silver Brook cemetery where Mrs. Fisher is buried.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Thursday, May 24, 1928, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

News In Brief:

Funeral Services

Funeral services for Frederick Fisher will be held on Friday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Asa Hamilton, 1417 Regent street. Rev. G.W. Webbink, pastor of St. John's Evangelical church will officiate. Burial will take place in Silver brook cemetery.

Rev. G.W. Simon will conduct the funeral services for Alson Welling tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Troost and Augustine chapel.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Saturday, May 26, 1928, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

News In Brief:

HERE FOR FUNERAL

Among those from out of the city who attended the funeral services on Friday afternoon for Frederick Fisher were Mr. and Mrs. William Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Fisher and Mr. and Mrs Charles Fisher, of Mishawaka, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wieman and Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Wieman, of South Bend, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Atwood and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Atwood of Dowagiac and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Fisher, of Benton Harbor. The services were conducted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Asa Hamilton by Rev. G.W. Webbink. Mrs. Rex Leach sang. Burial followed at Silver Brook cemetery.

Alson Welling
Oct. 18, 1846-May 23, 1928

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Wednesday, May 23, 1928, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

ALSON WELLING TAKEN BY DEATH EARLY THIS MORNING AT AGE OF 81

Death removed one of Niles oldest residents and . .[original illegible] this morning at 5 o'clock when Alson Welling, 81, died at his home, 212 S. Fifth street. He had lived in Niles more than 60 years. He had long been in ill health from stomach trouble but was able to be about until recently.

Mr. Welling's name is associated with one of Niles oldest business places that of the Welling foundry on north Front street. The business was established by his father, William J. Welling during the Civil war, and his son was associated with him in business for many years prior to the death of the elder Mr. Welling. Alson Welling then continued the business until last fall when he was forced to give up all business activity on account of continued ill health.

Alson Welling was born in Jackson county, Mich., on October 18, 1846. He was married in Auburn, N.Y., on March 28, 1872 to Ellen Lawrence who died in Three Rivers in 1888. The three children born of this union survive their father. They are Bert Welling, of Niles, Mrs. J. Smythe, of New Orleans, and Mrs. Howard Ripley, of Montague, Mich. Mr. Welling was married in Niles on Sept. 19, 1893 to Mrs. Lettie Humphrey of Niles who survives him. Mrs. Ripley has been in Niles for several weeks on account of her father's illness and because of an accident to Mrs. Welling who fractured a hep bone when she fell down a flight of stairs in their home. Besides the widow and children, Mr. Welling is survived but[sic] two sisters, Miss Elisha Welling and Mrs. Olivia Antisdel, both of Dowagiac and who are 84 and 85 years of age respectively. A brother and a sister of Mr. Welling., George Welling and Mrs. Alice Patch died last fall within two days, Mr. Welling having died in Niles and Mrs. Patch in California. Four grand children and one great-grandchild also survive.

The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 at the Troost and Augustine chapel. Rev. G.W. Simon, pastor of the Presbyterian church will officiate. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Thursday, May 24, 1928, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

 News In Brief:

Funeral Services

Funeral services for Frederick Fisher will be held on Friday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Asa Hamilton, 1417 Regent street. Rev. G.W. Webbink, pastor of St. John's Evangelical church will officiate. Burial will take place in Silver brook cemetery.

Rev. G.W. Simon will conduct the funeral services for Alson Welling tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Troost and Augustine chapel.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Friday, May 25, 1928, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

News In Brief:

NEPHEWS PALLBEARS

Nephews acted as pallbearers at the funeral services this afternoon for Alson Welling, pioneer Niles business man who died on Wednesday morning. Rev. G.W. Simon, pastor of the Presbyterian church of which Mr. Welling was a member, officiated. The service was conducted in the Troost and Augustine's chapel. Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Betty Jane Williams
Aug. 3, 1926-May 21, 1928

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Friday, May 18, 1928, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

 News In Brief:

INFANT DIES

 Betty Jane Williams, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Williams who live near the state line, just off the Dixie highway, died this morning at 11:30. The funeral services will be held at 2:30 on Monday afternoon at the home. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Michigan), Monday, May 21, 1928, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

 News In Brief:

 Funeral Services

 This afternoon Rev. G.W. Simon, pastor of the Presbyterian church conducted the funeral services for the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Williams at their home near the state line. Burial took place in Silver Brook Cemetery.

Note: Full name and dob/date of death from Michigan Death Certificate.