Arrilla Burdue
Feb. 24, 1886-July 23, 1923

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Tuesday, July 24, 1923, page 6, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Mother Four Children Dies of Heart Disease

Sorrow was brought to the home of Ralph Burdue, 211 Cedar street, yesterday afternoon when his wife, Arrilla, died about 4:30 o'clock, after a prolonged illness with heart disease. Since Mrs. Burdue first became afflicted with heart disease, the family have moved to several places in the hope of benefitting her health. They came to Niles about three months ago. Mr. Burdue is employed as a boilermaker by the Michigan Central railroad Co. Besides her husband, Mrs. Burdue is survived by four children whose ages range from 10 to 17 years. Mrs. Burdue was born in Nebraska, Feb. 24, 1886.

The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the Newell chapel.  Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Wednesday, July 25, 1923, page 6, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Mrs. Ralph Burdue who died Monday evening at her home, 211 Cedar street, were conducted at the Newell chapel this afternoon by Rev. Alfred Trennery, pastor of the First Baptist church. Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Arthur Pears
1871-Aug. 12,1923

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Monday, August 13, 1923, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

Arthur Pears Dies Sunday Afternoon

Arthur Pears, 52, widely known and respected citizen, officer, husband and father, died at his home, 105 Grant street, yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock, death climaxing a period of failing health that extended over all the present year.

It is evident that Mr. Pears realized death was approaching, for, shortly before he died, he called his children to his side and asked each to promise to love for his or her mother and to "be good" always.

Mr. Pears for the last 18 years has been in the employ of the city, first as fireman and fire chief, then as night patrolman on the police force.  His record in both departments is spotless, and the city forces join with others who knew him as a just, level-headed executive and officer in mourning his passing.

Arthur Pears was born in 1871 in England but with his parents and brothers and sisters came to this country when but a boy. His parents took residence on a farm a mile this side of Buchanan where Mr. Pears grew to manhood. Eighteen years ago he moved to Niles entering the employ of the city after working in a brickyard a short time.

Mr. Pears is survived by his widow and two children, Kathryn, 11, and Herbert, 9; also by four brothers and two sisters, as follows: Fred Pears, who is in England; John W., Mrs. George Thompson, Mrs. W.C. Rice, and Herbert Pears of Niles, and Albert Pears of Decatur, Mich.

The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. J.W. Sheehan will officiate. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Samuel C. Thomson
July 28, 1842-Aug. 11, 1923

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Monday, August 13, 1923, page 8, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

A TRIBUTE

Samuel C. Thomson

1845-1923

"The spirit of the Lord rested upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord,"

These words are peculiarly applicable to Samuel C. Thomson, who passed into the life everlasting, Saturday evening, August 11.  It is impossible to estimate the far-reaching influence of a good life, but no community can hold as a citizen for four-score years a man of gentleness and brotherly kindness, of sagacity and courage, without being immeasurably enlightened because of the luminous qualities of such a character; such was Mr. Thomson.  Born July 28, 1842, near Glasgow, Scotland, he was brought to this country in 1844 by his parents, who settled on what is still known as the Thomson homestead, two miles west of Niles.

His education was acquired in Niles, chiefly at private schools.  In 1882 he bought a farm in Cass county, five miles northeast of this city, bringing there as his bride in 1884, Miss Caroline Gerberich, who survives him. He was supervisor of Howard township for fifteen years, and his advice was sought in affairs political and personal upon all occasions.

He joined the Presbyterian church in 1858 and was was ordained as elder there in 1877, serving continuously and efficiently ever since.  Perhaps no other member of the board was better informed upon Presbyterian church law than Mr. Thomson, and his counsel was so deliberate and his pronouncements so fair that in his church, as in his political affiliations, his advice was a thing to be heeded and acted upon.

Because of failing health, Mr. Thomson established his permanent residence in Niles in 1917, and, until the summons came for him to go to a far country, he retained his vigorous interests in all that pertained to municipal, national and spiritual progress.

Besides his widow, Mr. Thomson is survived by a son, Samuel, and a daughter, Josephine. A sister, Miss Agnes B. Thomson, a brother James B. Thomson, and a large community of friends mourn his loss.

The funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian church. Tuesday, August 14, at 3 o'clock.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Tuesday, August 14, 1923, page 8, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for the late Samuel Thomson were held at the Presbyterian church this afternoon, Rev. Scherer, pastor of the church, officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Rex Leach sang.  The following of the elders of the church acted as pall bearers: James E. Harder, H.D. Donmall, F.E. Powell, Z.G. Allen, C.E. Moon and J.W. Wood.  Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Benton Weiser
1853-July 11, 1923

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Friday, July 13, 1923, page 8, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

BENTON WEISER, WELL KNOWN FARMER DEAD

Benton Weiser, 69, died Wednesday evening about 6 o'clock at his home three miles southwest of Niles.  While he had long been a sufferer from diabetes, he had been confined to his bed but three days. Mr. Weiser was born in Pennsylvania.  He had for many years resided in this section and was well known and highly respected.  He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Newton Long of Basil, Wyo., two grandsons, one sister, Mrs. Joseph Lipp of Niles and a brother, Jacob Weiser of Pennsylvania.  Mrs. Weiser died suddenly about six years ago.

The funeral . .[illegible] . .at the home Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Mr.and Mrs. Charles Long reside on Mr. Weiser's farm and he had been making his home with them.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Monday, July 16, 1923, page 8, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Benton Weiser were held at the home west of Niles yesterday afternoon. Rev. Alfred Trennery officiating. Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery. Mrs. Newton Long, of Basil, Wyo., a daughter of the deceased, who arrived on  Saturday to attend the services expects to leave for her home on Wednesday.

Rev. Robert A. Wright
Aug. 5, 1859-July 17, 1923

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Tuesday, July 17, 1923, page 8, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

REV. WRIGHT DROPS DEAD

Former Pastor of Niles Methodist Church Had Started on Vacation Trip

The announcement of the sudden death of Rev. R.A. Wright of Coldwater, at Tecumseh, brought sorrow to many in Niles, Rev. Wright having for a number of years been pastor of the Methodist church here.  His health had long caused his family and friends much concern, but lately there had apparently been an improvement in his condition and he had decided to take a vacation trip to Canada. With Mrs. Wright he left Coldwater early this morning, and they had evidently gone as far as Tecumseh when he dropped dead.  No particulars concerning his death were conveyed in the announcement received here this morning about 6 o'clock by his daughters, Mrs. Gorton Price and Miss Mildred Wright, but it is understood that he died on the train.

Mr. and Mrs. Price, accompanied by Miss Wright who came to Niles last Saturday for a visit, and Miss Vogt who accompanied her to Niles, left by motor for Coldwater upon receiving the message.

Rev. Wright after his first year here was repeatedly returned to this city by conference at the request of the local church congregation.  His influence extended far outside the circle of his own church and he was generally beloved.

Surviving Mr. Wright is his widow, two daughter[sic]x, Mrs. Gorton Price of Niles, and Miss Mildred Wright of Coldwater and two sons, Bruce of Chicago and Gerald of Coldwater.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Thursday, July 19, 1923, page 8, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

Body of Former Pastor Niles Church Buried Here Today

The body of Rev. Robert A. Wright, who died suddenly last Tuesday, was brought to Niles this afternoon from Coldwater and taken directly to Silver Brook cemetery for burial. The committal service was conducted by Rev. John C. Willetts, superintendent of the Niles district of the Methodist church.

The Coldwater Reporter, in the account of the death of Rev. Wright states that he and Mrs. Wright had left Coldwater about 4 a.m. with Frank B. Kennedy, with whom the planned to motor to Detroit and from there Mr. and Mrs. Wright intended to go to London, Ont., to visit his only brother, Thomas Wright.  They had reached a point five miles east of Teconsha, when Mr. Kennedy got out of the car to adjust some minor mechanical difficulty and Mr. Wright also got out of the car and was standing by Mr. Kennedy when he fell backward dead.  It is believed that he was overcome with a sudden attack of heart disease.

Mr. Wright's heart began to fail a year ago," says the Recorder. "He had purchased an automobile but doctors soon after told him he must not drive it on account of his heart. However, he had seemed to gain of late.  He was anticipating the visit with his brother with a great deal of pleasure."

Mr. Wright was 63 years old. He was born in Ontario, Canada, August 5, 1859. he received his education at the University of Montreal and Northwestern university.  He had . . .[illegible]. ..over 28 years.

The Recorder refers at length to Mr. Wright's faithful service as a minister and his influence in the community, all of which is appreciated by his former parishioners and friends here.

He is survived by his wife, four children, and one brother. The children are Mrs. Gorton Price of Niles, Miss Mildred and Gerald of Coldwater and Bruce of Jackson.

He was a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Friday, July 20, 1923, page 8, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. R.A. Wright and children, also Mr.and Mrs. Thomas Wright of London,Ont., and Mrs. Wright's sister, whose home is in Hillsdale, who came to Niles yesterday with the body of Rev. R.A. Wright returned to Coldwater today. Tomorrow Mr.and Mrs. Thomas Wright will return to their home.  Twenty-six ministers attended the funeral services for Mr. Wright in Coldwater and four ministers accompanied the family to Niles for the committal service.  For the present Mrs. Wright plans to make her home in Coldwater, where her daughter Miss Mildred, will again teach in the public schools and where her son, Gerald, will complete his high school course next June.

Loren J. Riddle, 89
March 7, 1923-February 28, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published 5:26pm Sunday, March 3, 2013

Loren J. Riddle, 89, of Niles, died at 11:15 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at Riveridge Manor in Niles following a brief illness.

He was born on March 7, 1923, to John Harrison and Flora Bell (Lambert) Riddle in Bell, Calif., while they were visiting family there.

He was very active in the local troop of Boy Scouts of America, earning the ultimate rank of Eagle Scout, and graduated from Niles High School in 1943.

He joined the U.S. Army, serving in the European Theater, and being awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. He returned as a veteran of World War II.

Back in Niles, Loren farmed on Pucker Street and was employed at National-Standard for 25 years, retiring in 1982. He moved with his wife to Baldwin and then returned to Niles in 1991.

Loren was a member of the Amvets Post #1978 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2094, both in Niles. He enjoyed riding snowmobiles and motorcycles, and deer hunting – mostly “up north” – and camping with his family throughout both of Michigan’s peninsulas and Wisconsin.

On Nov. 26, 1949, in Niles, he married the former Lucille M. McLain with whom he celebrated the 57th anniversary of their wedding, prior to her death in 2007.

They were also preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Beckwith in 1983; and Loren’s sisters, Marguerite Lagodney and Virginia “Bunny” Repine and brothers, Marcius “Babe” Riddle, John Riddle and Floyd Riddle.

Surviving family includes grandchildren, Vickie Hoffman, of Morton Grove, Ill., and Jeff Plomb, of Harrietta; great-grandchildren, Cassie Brungardt, Michael (and Carrie) Archam USAF, Jeremy Hoffman, Devin Plomb, Brandy Hilts and Hunter Plomb; and Loren’s sisters, Flora M. Riddle and Lucia Thomas, both of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Loren Riddle will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Edward H. Slate of Faith United Methodist Church in Buchanan officiating.

Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with full military honors by the United States Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Loren may be made to the Berrien County Cancer Service, 7301 Red Arrow Highway, Stevensville, Michigan 49122.

www.halbritterfunerals.com