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.

Dial, Albert

Albert T. Dial
July 25, 1869-Oct. 9, 1940

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, October 9, 1940, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Albert Dial Dies; Ill One Week; Was Employe of M.C.

Albert Dial, 71, employe of the Michigan Central railroad, died in Pawating hospital this morning after one week's illness.

He was born in Nevada July 25, 1869, and came to Niles from Chicago 18 years ago.

Mr. Dial left no close relatives.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday afternoon at 2 in the Pifer funeral home.

Even, Louise

Louise Even
Oct. 10, 1863*-April 1, 1934

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 2, 1934, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Kin of Mrs. Harrah Dies Sunday Night

Mrs. Louise Even, wife of John Even, died at 7:15 o'clock Sunday night at their country residence near Niles.  Surviving besides the husband, who is a brother of Mrs. W.F. Harrah, is a brother, John Swartz, Peoria, Ill.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Harrah home, 615 East Main street. The body will be laid way in the Silverbrook abbey in Silverbrook cemetery, Niles.

*Date of Death from Michigan Death Certificate.

 

Fowler, Revell

Revell Fowler
Sept. 6, 1858-April 8, 1934

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 9, 1934, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Revell Fowler Dies of Brain Hemorrhage

Having lain down on a couch to rest, Revell Fowler, 75, 746 Hickory street, was found dead by his nieces at 11 o'clock Sunday morning. Apparently in good health, his sudden death was caused by a cerebral hemorrhage.

Besides two nieces, Mrs. Lena Morris and Miss Florence Fowler, his is survived by a brother, Archie Fowler, 717 Grant street, several other nieces and nephews.

The body was brought to the Rutherford funeral home where friends may call until the funeral which will be held at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon with the Rev. Robert E. Meader, pastor of the methodist Episcopal church, officiating.  Interment will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

The deceased was born in Milford, Del., in 1859 and came to Michigan with his parents in 1860. he lived in the vicinity of Niles practically all of his life and was popularly known as “Doc” Fowler.

 

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, April 10, 1934, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

 FOWLER FUNERAL WEDNESDAY

Funeral services for Revell Fowler, who died Sunday morning, will be held at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the Rutherford funeral home with the Rev. Robert E. Meader officiating.  Interment will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

 Note: DOB from Death record.

Harrell, Nancy (Leach)

Nancy Harrell (Leach)
March 30, 1844-April 9, 1934

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 9, 1934, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Nancy Harrell Dies at Age of 90

Mrs. Nancy Harrell, 90, 1630 Cherry street, died at 7 o'clock this morning at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Harry Marks, of arterio-sclerosis. She had lived there for the past nine years.

Surviving besides Mrs. Marks is another grandchild, Kenneth Searles, Marion, Ind.

Funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning at the Rutherford funeral home.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

 

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, April 10, 1934, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

HARRELL RITES WEDNESDAY

Funeral services for Mrs. Nancy Harrell, who died Monday morning, will be held at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning at the Rutherford funeral home with Captain Pearl Tanner of the Salvation Army in charge.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

Note:  DOB, maiden name from Michigan Death Certificate

Jones, Harry R.

Harry R. Jones
Sept. 8, 1865-Sept. 9, 1940

Niles Daily Star, Monday, September 9, 1940, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

HARRY R. JONES, 75, ILL 16 YEARS, DIES

Harry R. Jones, 704 Cass street, died this morning at 8:45 in the Berrien county hospital after an illness of 16 years.

Mr. Jones, a furniture finisher, was born Sept. 8, 1865, in Buchanan. He was married Sept. 29, 1889 in Niles to Anna Foster who survives, with a daughter, Mrs. Pearl Jeffries and a son, Henry Jones, both of Niles.

Other survivors include a brother, Frank Jones, Niles; two sisters, Mrs. Cora Collins and Mrs. Eva Dorsey, both of New York, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Friends may call at the family home Tuesday night. The funeral service will be at the Price and Kiger funeral home with burial in Silverbrook cemetery.  Other arrangements are incomplete.

 

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, September 10, 1940, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Jones Rites are Set for 3 Wednesday

The Rev. Harry Barnette will officiate Wednesday afternoon at 3 at services for Harry R. Jones whose death Monday ended an illness of 16 years. Services will be held in the Price and Kiger chapel.

Friends of the family may call at the family home, 704  Cass street, until Wednesday noon. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery

Jones, James Madison

James Madison Jones
Feb. 11, 1836-Feb. 23,1913

Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 24, 1913, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

SUDDEN DEATH OF J.M. JONES

Was visiting with a neighbor when he suddenly fell upon the couch dead

HE HAD NOT BEEN SICK

And appeared in excellent health. Was pioneer of this section.

 

Death came to James M. Jones, 1211 north Front street, without warning last evening about 5:40 o'clock and thus a pioneer and highly respected citizen is removed from this community.

During the latter part of the afternoon Mrs. Jones read favorite hymns of Mr. Jones aloud as has often been the manner of spending their Sunday afternoons. Toward evening Mr. Jones swept the snow from the walk in front of the house and returning he was about to tend the fire, when he dropped dead.

Mrs. Jones summoned a physician but Mr. Jones had expired almost immediately and was past human help.

Thos. Roach, a neighbor with whom Mr. Jones had spent many pleasant days during the summer fishing and hunting, for Mr. Jones was a skilled marksman, was talking with his friend when he was stricken with the fatal attack of heart disease.

James Madison Jones was born in Strawsburg, Va., Feb. 11, 1836 and was therefore aged 77 years and 12 days at the time of his death.  He came to Niles with his parents Mr. and Mrs. James Jones when a mere boy and has always since resided near or in Niles.

He enjoyed an extensive acquaintance throughout Berrien and Cass counties, having at one time resided near Sumnerville, and he was held in high esteem.  He came to Niles to reside two years ago.

Besides the widow, he is survived by nine children and grandchildren.  The children are Mrs. Wm. Fluke, Niles; Mrs. E.W. Moore, Salt lake City; Fred and Frank, residing near Dowagiac; Mrs. E.S. Hoover, Niles; Louis, Mobile, Ala.; Miss Alice E. Salt Lake City, Harvey residing near Niles and Carl Jones, of Niles. The following are brothers and sisters of the deceased: A.S. And John of Eureka, Nev.; Mrs. Eli Rodgers, Elkhart, Ind.; Mrs. Wm. Vanderbeck, Kirkwood, Ind.; Mrs. Eliza McCoy, Carson City, Mich., and M.W. Jones, residing near Barren Lake.

Mrs. Moore and Miss Jones will arrive in Niles on Wednesday.

The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Mr. Jones has been a member of the Methodist church for many years.

The deceased was a member of the Woodmen of the World and carried a $1,000 insurance in that order.

 

McConnell, Thomas

Thomas McConnell
March 7, 1917-March 29, 1934

Niles Daily Star, Friday, March 30, 1934, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES BOY DIES OF GYM SHOW INJURIES

Thomas McConnell, 17, Fails to Rally After Becoming Unconscious Wednesday

Injuries received while practicing for the annual gym show staged recently at the Niles high school resulted in the death of Thomas McConnell, 17, 1430 Sheridan avenue, high school junior, at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon in Pawating hospital shortly after he had been removed there in an ambulance.

At the time of his injury the youth was not considered in serious condition, however, following frequently reoccurring headaches, he was found to be suffering from intercrannial pressure. He lapsed into a coma Wednesday night and never regained full consciousness.

The student was very active in the physical education department of the high school and was prominent in Boy Scout activities of troops 70 and 71.

The deceased was born in Michigan City, March 7, 1917. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.J. McConnell; two sisters, Mrs. Elmer Bowers and Mrs. Frank Freeman, both of South Bend; a brother, Donald McConnell, 409 North Eighth street; and five brothers, Floyd Jr., James, Carl, Jack and Robert, all at home.

Charles Womble, William Brown, Paul Prenkert, Gerold Leet, Thomas Rice and Richard Strong, members of troops 70 and 71, will act as pallbearers.

Funeral services will be held at the home at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon with the Rev. G.W. Simon officiating.  Friends may call at the Troost and Turner funeral home until Saturday afternoon when the body will be removed to the home.

 

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, March 31, 1934, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

M'CONNELL RITES MONDAY

Funeral services for Thomas McConnell, Niles high school student who died Thursday as a result of head injuries received while practicing for the recent gym show, will be held at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon at the home, 1430 Sheridan avenue, with the Rev. G.W. Simon officiating. Members of Scout troops 70 and 71 will act as pallbearers.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

 

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 2, 1934, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Boy Scouts in Charge of McConnell Funeral

Funeral services for Thomas McConnell, high school student who died Thursday from injuries received recently while practicing for the annual gym show, were held at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon at the home, 1430 Sheridan avenue with the Rev. G.W. Simon officiating and the Boy Scouts of 70 and 71 in charge of the rites.

The scout guard of honor was comprised of Gordon and Howard Edwards, Richard Crouch and Clarence Thornton were the guards at the home. Charles [illegible] was the bugler.

Pallbearers were Jerome Leet, Thomas Rice, Paul Prenkert, Robert Charles Womble and William Brown.  The scout benediction was read at the close of the services. Interment was in Silverbrook cemetery.