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.

Janice Ann Colcord,of Niles
June 2, 1963 ~ April 9, 2023 (age 59) 

Niles Daily Star, Published online 5:04 pm Tuesday, April 11, 2023  

Janice Ann Colcord, age 59, of Niles died Sunday, April 9, 2023 at her home following an illness. Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles.

Read more at: https://www.leaderpub.com/2023/04/11/janice-ann-colcordof-niles/

Published on website for Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home

Obituary

Norma Davis, of South Bend
June 27, 1927-April 17, 2023

Niles Daily Star, Published online 6:52 pm Thursday, April 20, 2023  

Norma Davis, 95, of South Bend, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2023. Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

William Samuel Forrest
December 3, 1922 ~ April 2, 2023 (age 100)

Published on website of Palmer Funeral Home:

Obituary

William Samuel Forrest, 100, of South Bend, passed away at 5:16am on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Brickyard Healthcare.

William was born on December 3, 1922, in Brownsville TN to the late Marshall Darnell Forrest and Dorothy Pamela (Lurks) Forrest. William was married to Willie Mae Forrest and she passed away in 2004. William was also preceded in death by a son William Forrest, and a daughter Miller Jean Forrest.

William is survived by his daughters, Emily Briggs, Niles Michigan, Dorothy Forrest, South Bend Indiana, Judy Forrest, Mableton Georgia, and a son Melvin Forrest, Mableton Georgia. 14 grandchildren; 26 great -grandchildren; and 31 great great grandchildren ;sister Margie Dennard; and brothers, Frank Forrest and Eddie Forrest.

William honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He was a farmer, had worked at Clark Equipment and worked in construction for 45 years.

Rudy Yakym, Indiana’s Second District Congressman, recently wrote a letter to William in recognition of his 100th birthday. Mr. Yakym wrote “Dear Mr. Forrest, Happy 100th Birthday! It is my privilege to join with you, your loved ones, and neighbors in celebrating this incredible milestone. As a World War II veteran, you are part of the Greatest Generation. Your selfless sacrifice helped pave the way for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future. We are forever indebted to brave men and women like yourself who have devoted their lives to serving our country. As you celebrate this remarkable occasion, I hope you may enjoy many more years of good health and happiness. God Bless!”

Funeral Service will be at 12noon on Friday, April 14, 2023, in Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, IN 46628, where family and friends may begin to gather at 11am. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, MI.

Larry Rubel Johnson II,
Aug. 3, 1971-Sept 15, 2022

Published on website of Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home:

Obituary