Judge Henry H. Coolidge
August 6, 1805 – May 31, 1884

Niles Democrat, Published June 7, 1884, page 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of Judge Coolidge.

Henry Hiel Collidge died at his residence in this city May 31st, age 79 years, 9 months and 25 days.

He was born at Leominster, Mass., August 6th, 1805.  He was left motherless when not quite two years old.  Leaving home at an early age he entered Amherst College, intending to study for the ministry but was prevented by causes over which he had no control.  In 1832 he removed to Montreal and engaged in teaching music and was for sometime an organist in the Roman Catholic Cathedral.  He came to Niles in 1833 or 1834, and entered the law office of Kidder Green.  In 1835 he removed to Edwardsburg and opened a store for George W. Hoffman, but soon after went into business for himself.  He was married July 11th, 1838 to Sarah A. Mead, who survives him.

Retiring from commercial life, he engaged in teaching day schools and singing schools evenings, reading and studying law whenever he could get a leisure moment, displaying that ceaseless industry and indomitable perseverance which were characteristic of him.

Together with his beloved wife, he united with the Presbyterian Church in 1841, under the stated supply of Noah M. Wells, of which Church he was a ruling elder for twelve years and ever an exemplary member. 

In 1844 he was admitted to the bar and immediately engaged in active practice being elected Prosecuting Attorney of Cass county in 1850.  In 1856 he was a delegate to the convention where the Republican party was formed.  He removed to this city in 1859 and in 1862 was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Berrien county.  He was a delegate to and took an active part in the deliberations of the State Constitutional Congress [illegible] Judge Blackman, in 1872, he was appointed Judge of this circuit, and was elected to the same position on the expiration of the term.  Resigning in 1878 he again engaged in the practice of the profession which he continued actively to adorn until April last, since which time bodily infirmity has, for the most, interfered with his labors.

This is but an outline sketch of one who did much in making our history and whose work is not yet ended.  He was a self-made man in every respect.  Quiet, unassuming and unostentatious, he never sought offices but filled those to which he was called, as a duty he owed to his fellow men – that he filled them not only acceptable, but what was far better, well, we all know.

Naturally possessed of a logical mind and being of studious habits he early attained a high place in his profession.  His decisions while on the bench were clear, and succinct, and conscientiously given.  His course as a prosecutor and as a judge showed that regarding the punishment of a criminal as a public necessity he believed the example to the community should never outweigh regard for the reform of the criminal.  His decisions were just but often tempered by a wisdom which time makes more and more apparent. 

Strong in his convictions on all subjects, particularly those of a religious nature, the broad charity of his character never suffered him to offend others – he contented himself with the endeavor to prove his belief more by his acts than his words.

Naturally a teacher he never laid aside this profession but unconsciously taught useful lessons to those about him each day of his life.  In social life he shone as few do – here his learning, his wit and his enjoyment of everything in the way of innocent amusement made his companionship a thing to be sought after and prized; never did he appear to more thoroughly enjoy himself than when among children, with whom he was a universal favorite.

He was essentially a man looked up to; who attracted attention and whose influence was felt.  The value of such a character cannot be overestimated; his silent influence and the acts of his life will bear fruit hereafter.

The gentle goodness of his heart was never better manifested than in his treatment of the young men with whom he came in contact.  He could not but know his superiority to them but never in act or in word did he show it and his unvarying kindness to them will long be remembered by those to whom “the judge” spoke a kind word of sympathetic encouragement when kind words were few.

In so public a life he could not but make some enemies yet they are but few while many are they who mourn that he has yielded his breath yet rejoice that he lived.

Now, indeed, does he rest in his God “to whom nothing is great or small but the doing His will.”

Niles Weekly Mirror, Published June 4, 1884, page 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of Judge Henry H. Coolidge.

It becomes our sad duty to chronicle the decease of our most worthy and esteemed citizen, Henry H. Coolidge, who died at his residence in this city on Saturday evening last, at 9 o’clock, after a short but painful illness.  Judge Coolidge was born at Leominster, Mass., August 5, 1805, and was near 79 years old.  He was educated at Amherst College and paid for his tuition by teaching school during vacation.  After leaving college he went to Montreal, where for two years he taught music.  He came here in 1836 and clerked, it for George W. Hoffman in a dry goods store for a short time.  In 1837 he went to Edwardsburg, in Cass county and was engaged in the dry goods business for four or five years.  After which he taught school, and all this time he was improving his leisure moments in studying law.  In 1838 he married Sarah A. Mead, of Edwardsburg.  He was admitted to the bar in 1844, and elected Prosecuting Attorney of Cass county in 1850.  He removed with his family to Niles in 1859 and has resided here ever since.  In 1862 he was nominated on the Union ticket and elected Prosecuting Attorney of Barrien county, the duties of which office he discharged with great fidelity.  In 1867 he was a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention.  In 1872 he was appointed by the Governor Circuit Judge in place of Judge Blackman, resigned.  In 1876 he was elected to that office by the people, and resigned in September 1878, having held that office about six years.  Great regret was expressed by all at his resignation, for he faithfully and honestly discharged its duties, and was frequently called to try cases outside his district.  Such satisfaction did he give that nearly every county in his district favored his nomination for Judge of the Supreme Court.  It was understood by a few that his resignation was on account of the meager salary and that his son Orville, being in active practice before him, made it somewhat unpleasant.  Since his resignation he has been engaged in the active practice of his profession, and up to the time of his last illness he was engaged in an important law suit at Berrien, when he was attacked with bilious cholic.  While he has been at his office since, he never recovered from this attack.  The serious illness of his companion, whom he loved so much, and with whom he had lived 46 years, preyed heavily upon him and no doubt hastened his death.

Judge Coolidge was noted in his ability in preparing carefully cases for trial.  Nothing escaped his observation in law or evidence.  His memory never failed him, but was brilliant up to the last.  His great benevolence and generosity led him into great pecuniary losses.  For over 40 years he was a member of the Presbyterian church, and while at Edwardsburg his home was ever open for ministers of all denominations.  He was a man of untiring industry, never wasting a moment’s time.  From the mental toils of the day it was a recreation to enjoy with friends innocent games, and he was one of the most social and genial members of society.  He will be greatly missed at the bar, in the church, the Sunday school, by his family, and hosts of friends.  The members of the bar attended his funeral in a body on Monday at 4 p. m., and conveyed his remains to the family burying ground, in Silver Brook Cemetery, followed by a large concourse of sympathizing citizens.

(Above was reprinted in Buchanan Record, Published June 5, 1884, page 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

St. Joseph Valley Register, Published June 4, 1884, page 8, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of Judge Coolidge.

Judge Henry H. Coolidge, of Niles, died Saturday night after a brief illness.  He was judge of the Niles circuit six years, and for many years one of the leaders of the bar in that county.  He was about 80 years old.

William T. Hurd
July 8, 1810 – April 16, 1875

Niles (Niles, Berrien Co., MI) Democrat, April 24, 1875, page 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Wm. Hurd, an old and highly respected citizen, died at his residence about two miles northeast of this city, on Saturday morning last.  He formerly lived in this city, and was always an active worker in everything which looked to his advancement.  He came here in 1836 and lived to see a wonderful progress in undertakings of which he was the prime mover, chief among which is our beautiful Central school building.  He was greatly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances.  His death is to be regretted.

Moses Pettengill
May 22, 1808 – February 3, 1884

Niles Democrat, February 9, 1884, page 5, microfilm Niles District Library

At Rest.

A telegram was received from John H. Hoppin, of Auburn, California, on Monday announcing the death of Mr. Moses Pettengill, which occurred the day previous.  Mr. Pettengill was a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Niles, and the unexpected news of his death was received by his many friends here with feelings of sincere sadness.  He was a native of Massachusetts, but had lived in this city since 1856, and until the last few years was an active business man.  His always courteous and pleasant manners won him many friends, and his upright Christian life could not fail to gain the esteem of all who knew him.  By nature he was generous, and his hand was ever open to calls of the needy.  For many years he was a member of the Board of Education of this city, and for a time was one of its Alderman.  As a member of the Presbyterian Church he was active, earnest, and did his whole duty faithfully, and he goes down to the grave without a stain or a blur on his reputation as an honest, upright man.  He was about 76 years old.

Funeral services were held in San Francisco on Wednesday.  The body has been embalmed and will be brought to this city for burial in Silver Brook Cemetery in the spring.

Niles Weekly Mirror, February 6, 1884, page 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of Moses Pettengill, Esq.

A telegram was received by friends on Monday, from John H. Hoppin, California, announcing the death of Moses Pettengill, which occurred on Sunday last.

The sad news of the decease of this widely known and universally esteemed citizen, will come with the force of a personal bereavement to many of our readers who honored, respected and loved him for his many admirable qualities of head and heart.  Mr. Pettengill was a native of Massachusetts, but removed while yet a child, with his parents, to near Rochester, N.Y.  In 1856 he came to Niles, and had lived among us until about a year ago, when he departed for California, in the hope and expectation that the change of climate would renew his strength.  While health permitted he took a lively interest in everything which tended to advance the best interests of the town.  He was a Christian gentleman, honorable and upright in all his dealings, ever careful of the rights and opinions of others.  His heart and hand were always open to supply the needs of the unfortunate and destitute and few gave more in proportion to their means and with less ostentation than he.  He was for many years a member of the Board of Education and served as Alderman as long as health would permit.  He was an earnest and active member of the Presbyterian church here, and through life he exemplified the doctrines he professed.  We do not know the cause of his death, but know that he had been troubled with heart disease for a long time and presume that he died from this disease.  He was about 76 years old at the time of his death.

Ann Katherine (Pettengill) Coolidge
May 26, 1840 – January 5, 1928

Niles Daily Star, January 6, 1928, page 1, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. O. W. COOLIDGE IS TAKEN BY DEATH AFTER LONG ILLNESS

Mrs. Katie Pettengill Coolidge, widow of Honorable O. W. Coolidge, died last evening at 6 o’clock at the family home at 217 North State street.  While Mrs. Coolidge had long been in ill health, her death was caused by bronchitis.

Katie Pettengill was born on May 26, 1840 in Monroe county, near Rochester, N. Y.  In 1856 her father, Moses Pettengill, brought his family to Niles from the east, and she had since resided here with the exception of the time spent in a girls’ seminary in Rochester.  Her father is well remembered by older residents of Niles, as one of the pioneers, who in addition to the attention demanded by his business, that of marble cutter, found time to engage in many of the worthwhile activities of the community, leading his efforts to promote the development of the public schools and other important community interests.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Coolidge took place in 1868.  The three children born to them, Miss Claudine, Clarence and Miss Orrill, survive their mother, the daughters being at the family home, and the son being engaged in law practice in Chicago.  The husband and father, Honorable O. W. Coolidge, for many years judge of the Berrien county circuit court, died in the fall of 1918.  Mrs. Coolidge had one sister, Marie, who was married to John Hoppin, and who died in California many years ago.

Mrs. Coolidge was the oldest member of the Presbyterian church in Niles, who had always lived in the city and she united with the church.  She had been active in its work and was at one time president of the Ladies’ Aid society, and was a charter member of the Ladies’ Historical society.  She was a woman of high intellectual attainment, and with it possessed a charm of personality which was exercised for many years, or until ill health prevented, over the gracious hospitality of the Coolidge home, but also in many other relations.

The funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 at the home.  Rev. Archibald McClure, pastor of the First Presbyterian church in South Bend, will officiate.  Burial will take place in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery.

Berrien County Record, January 12, 1928, page 2, microfilm Niles District Library

PIONEER WOMAN OF BERRIEN CO. DIES
MRS. O. W. COOLIDGE, HAD LED AN ACTIVE LIFE DURING 87 YEARS

Mrs. Katie Pettengill Coolidge was born on May 26, 1840, in Monroe county, near Rochester N.Y.  In 1856 her father, Moses Pettengill, brought his family to Niles from the east, and she has since resided here with the exception of the time spent in girls’ seminary in Rochester.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Coolidge took place in 1868.  The three children born to them, Miss Claudine, Clarence and Miss Orrill, survive their mother, the daughters being at the family home and the son being engaged in law practice in Chicago.  The husband and father, Honorable O. W. Coolidge, for many years judge of the Berrien county circuit court, died in the fall of 1918.  Mr. Coolidge was the author of a well known history of Berrien county.

Mrs. Coolidge was the oldest member of the Presbyterian church in Niles and was a charter member of the Ladies’ Historical society.

The funeral services were held on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 at the home.  Rev. Archibald McClure, pastor of the First Presbyterian church in South Bend officiated.  Burial was in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery.

Berrien Springs Journal Era, January 12, 1928, page 1, microfilm Niles District Library

WIDOW OF PIONEER CIRCUIT JUDGE, ORVILLE W. COOLIDGE, DIES AT NILES

Mrs. Ann Katherine Coolidge, age 88, one of the oldest residents of Niles, died at her home in that city last Thursday afternoon.

She was born in 1840 near Churchville, Monroe county, New York, and came to Niles with her parents in 1856.  She was graduated from the Niles public schools and afterward attended a young ladies’ seminary in Rochester, N. Y.  In June, 1868, she was united in marriage to the late Judge Orville W. Coolidge.  Surviving her are three children, Miss Claudine, at home, Clarence Coolidge, who is an attorney in Chicago, and Miss Arrill [sic: Orrill], librarian at the Niles public library.

Mrs. Coolidge was the oldest member of the First Presbyterian church and was active in all the work of the church.  She served several years as president of the Ladies’ Aid society and was an active participant in the charitable and philanthropic work of the church and community.  She was the last of the original charter membership of the ladies Historical society of Niles.

Funeral services were held at the home Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Archibald McClure, pastor of the First Presbyterian church in South Bend.  Burial was made in Silverbrook cemetery.

Dr. Stillman Richardson, of Niles
December 22, 1805 – March 29, 1875

Niles Democrat (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Published April 3, 1875, page 3, column 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of Dr. Stillman Richardson.

On Monday, the 29th day of March, “Old Dr. Richardson,” in the seventieth year of his age, was called to rest from his earthly labors. His death was anticipated by those who noted the daily decline of his vital powers.

“After life’s fitful fever he sleeps well.”

Dr. Stillman Richardson was born in Cheshire county, New Hampshire, in 1805. Part of his youth was spent in Boston, Mass. He lived many years in Cortland county, N. Y., where he first read and afterwards practiced medicine. He married in 1835. The year following he came to Niles on horseback. His family, consisting of a wife and an infant son, following him in the latter part of the same year. He had been a live man in Niles from that date up to the time of his death. With an unusually strong constitution, he probably over estimated the natural powers of his system.

None but those who were intimate with him – and they were not many – ever knew of the continued and protracted toilsome service in which he was constantly engaged. Even the hours which nature demands should be devoted to rest, were not respected, but at all times of the day and night, in all kinds of weather, he promptly marched to the front at the call of suffering humanity. No time was allotted him for regular rest. No storm was sufficient to deter him from visiting his patients, when he considered it his duty to do so. During his last illness he bore his afflictions In silence. If he suspected the possibility of an unfavorable termination of his sufferings, he never made it manifest to his attendants. And this was eminently characteristic of the man.

As a rule, he preferred to manage his own affairs in his own way. Many sharp sayings, which the “Old Doctor” has bequeathed to the surviving members of the fraternity, will be long remembered. He was the Abernethy of this section, and, like his illustrious prototype, beneath a rough exterior lay hidden the inner and better portions of his nature. His great fear was that some one would discover that he was not an ogre, and yet a slight acquaintance would dispel the illusion. He was frequently breaking out in a fresh place in his short, cutting, imperative style, for no other purpose than to be consistent with himself in his assumed role. In his case the rule was reversed. The more intimate the acquaintance, the more one found in him to admire. Those who at first were repelled by his frigidities, on a further acquaintance, generally became his friends. His good deeds will obliterate all the heart aches caused by his hasty sayings. By his he will be known as a true philanthropist. He was more than ordinarily ​gifted as a conversationalist – always forcible in his remarks, and particularly happy in his conceptions.

As a physician his judgment was seldom questioned, and the confidence reposed in him by his patients was almost unlimited. The old settlers will miss him most, for he was with many of them in times of severe domestic difficulties. It was scarcely thought to be a regular, legitimate addition to a family, if “the old doctor” was not there to preside at the ceremony. So, too, when the angel of death came to claim one of the household, the old doctor was there; and who shall say how often the shafts of death were averted through his instrumentality. Like Napoleon’s old guard, he was always reliable. And now, in the front rank of the fight, with all his harness on, like an old war-horse, he has taken his stand, and like the old-time Roman sentinel, he, too, has perished at his post on duty. Others he saved - himself he could not save.”

Niles Democrat, April 24, 1875, page 3, microfilm Niles District Library

A more appropriate and expressive testimony of esteem and affection could not have been suggested than the erection of a monument to the memory of the late Dr. Stillman Richardson.  Hundreds will deem it a privilege to contribute to this worthy object; and as the subscriptions are limited to $1.00 each, every one can manifest in this way their love and appreciation for the “Old Doctor.”  The committee having the mater in charge are Messrs. Major Kimmel, R.T. Twombly, E.L. Hamilton, Geo. S. Hoppin and Granville Lacey.  The cost of the monument is to be $1,000, nearly all of which has been already secured.  Let the good work go forward, and ere the Autumn winds sigh around his last resting place, let a monument be raised that shall speak in silent, eloquent and imperishable language the grateful remembrance and honor in which he is held by this community.