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.

Utter, Norma

Norma Utter
Aug. 12, 1903-Feb. 26, 1974


Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, February 27, 1974, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES--Mrs. Norma M. Utter, 70, of 2887 Detroit Rd., died at 1:20 p.m. Tuesday in the Cardinal Nursing Home, South Bend, after an illness of several months.

A retired employe of Simplicity Pattern Co., Mrs. Utter was born Aug. 12, 1903, in Lawrence, and had lived here since 1929, coming from Benton Harbor. On Nov. 17, 1922, in St. Joseph, she married Jack L. Utter, who died in 1947.

Surviving are two sons, William of Niles and Charles of Dowagiac; a daughter, Mrs. Jacqueline Wheeler of Niles; two brothers, Lee and Lester Nower of St. Joseph; five sisters, Mrs. Donna Eiserman of Florida, Mrs. Ruth Day, Mrs. Virginia Agens, Mrs. June Dreeves and Mrs. Shirley Hosner, all of Benton Harbor, and one grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in the Halbritter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Ralph Pletcher of Coulter's Chapel officiating.  Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call beginning Thursday at the funeral home.

 

Vandenburg, Lena B.

Lena B. Vandenburg
Feb. 26, 1889-Oct. 30, 1976


Niles Daily Star, Monday, November 1, 1976, page 8, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES--Miss Lena B. Vandenburg, 87, of 41 S. Third St., died at 6:10 a.m. Saturday at Unity Hospital, Buchanan after an extended illness.

A former clerk at the Fair Stor[sic] of Niles, she was born Feb. 26, 1889 in Berrien township and had lived in the area her lifetime.

She is survived by two brothers, Lester and Henry, both of Niles.

Funeral services will be at  2 p.m. today at the Halbritter Funeral Home with the Rev. David L. Litchfield of the Grace United Methodist Church officiating. Burial was to follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church.

 

Warburton, Lawrence Glenn

Lawrence Glenn Warburton
Sept. 8, 1895-June 15, 1964

Niles Daily Star, Monday, June 15, 1964, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Lawrence Glenn Warburton, 68, of 1217 Barron Lake Road, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Pifer Funeral Home. The Rev. Theodore Laesch, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery, with pallbears[sic] from American Legion Post No. 26, who will fold the flag.

He died at 1:05 a.m. today in Pawating Hospital, where he had been a patient two days.

Mr. Warburton, a retired grocery store owner and former employe of the Simplicity Pattern Company, was born Sept. 8, 1895, in Canton, Penn. He came to Niles from Chicago in 1936.

Survivors include his widow, Evelyn; a daughter, Mrs. Grace Phillips, Dowagiac; two sons, Richard K., Niles, and Dr. Robert G., Columbus, Ohio; two sisters, Mrs. Grace Gomery, Norristown, Pa., and Mrs. Lillian McIlwain, Jersey Shore, Pa., nine grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

He was a veteran of World War I.

Friends are being received at the funeral home.

 

Ward, Hattie

Hattie Ward
Feb. 4, 1905-June 24, 1964


Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, June 24, 1964, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Hattie Ward, 59, of 1228 N. 10th St., died at 6:30 a.m. today in St. Joseph Hospital, South Bend, following an illness of several years.

Mrs. Ward was born Feb. 4, 1905, in Nachitoches, La. She came to Niles in 1948 from San Diego, Calif.

Survivors include her husband, William; a daughter, Mrs. Curtis Daily, Compton, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Ollie Jones, Nachitoches; a brother, John Huston, Leesville, La.; and a grandson.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday in Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a member. The Rev. Theodis Hadley, pastor, will officiate.  Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends are being received at the Kiger funeral home.

 

Warrell, Earl E.

Earl E. Warrell
Aug. 17, 1905-Jan. 27, 1974


Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 28, 1974, page 2, col. 3-4, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES--Earl E. Warrell, 68, of Cassopolis, died at 2 p.m. Sunday in Pawating Hospital, where he was admitted Jan. 18.

A security guard at Hickerson Modular Components, Edwardsburg, Mr. Warrell was born Aug. 17, 1905, in South Bend, and had lived in Cass County most of his life. On Aug. 17, 1970, in Dowagiac, he married the former Lucille Miller, who survives. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge of Niles.

Also surviving are two stepsons, Dale Miller of Seattle, Wash., and Wilson G. Miller of Oak Harbor, Wash.; three daughters, Mrs. Nancy Tuesberg of LaPorte, Ind., Mrs. Miriam Detert of Mishawaka and Mrs. Janet Johnston of Edwardsburg; four step-daughters, Mrs. Helen Harrison of Pendleton, Ore., Mrs. Barbara Snapp of Boise, Idaho, Mrs. Shirley Glynn of Cassopolis and Marilyn Miller of Japan; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Johnson and Mrs. Marge Robbins, both of Niles, and Mrs. Ella Ridinger of Brownsville, Ore.; six grandchildren; 13 stepgrandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Pifer Chapel of the Swem-Smith Funeral Home, with the Rev. Irvin Nussdorfe of Westminster Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call after 7 tonight at the funeral home.

Bracken, Carrie (Chapin)

Carrie Chapin Bracken
1849-Nov. 21, 1871


Niles Republican, Thursday, November 23, 1871, page 3, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

At Port Huron, Nov. 21st, 1871, of dropsy of the chest, Carrie Chapin, wife of Rev. Thomas E. Bracken, and daughter of H.A. and R. Chapin, aged 31 years.


The startling telegram, announcing the above sad intelligence, came suddenly to the many warm friends of Mrs. Bracken in this city, where her childhood and youth had been spent, and where the memory of her true womanly virtues will long be treasured by those who now so deeply mourn her early death.


Less than a year ago she went from us, a happy bride, followed by the best wishes of all our people; to-day, the stricken husband brings back her precious remains to her doubly bereaved parents, that loving hands may lay them tenderly to rest beside those of her sister Sarah, whose ransomed spirit, we trust, has are this, welcomed her to the abode of the blessed.


Niles Democrat, Saturday, November 25, 1871, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

In Port Huron on Thursday, November 21st, Mrs. Carrie B. Bracken, wife of Rev. Thomas S. Bracken, and daughter of H.A. Chapin, Esq. of this city, in the 31st year of her age.

Her remains were brought to Niles, and interred in the cemetery on Thursday afternoon.

None but those who have passed through the same trying ordeal can fully appreciate the feelings of those who are called upon to take the last farewell look at the idol of their hearts
and the light and joy of their homes. She was indeed, the dearest of object on earth, not only to her fond husband but to her parents who now mourn her death. Her death was a dispensation of Providence. But a little more than eleven months ago, we beheld her arrayed in her bridal robes, with health and happiness gleaming from every features, receiving the congratulations of numerous friends. She was the happiest of brides. Alas how soon has death turned joy into sorrow, by taking from the fond embrace of a devoted husband his dearest object. Mrs. Bracken was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and a bright example to all who knew her - Her amiable and Christian qualities had endeared her to all with whom she became acquainted, and her untimely death has cast a gloom over the entire community. Death loves a shining mark, and the fairest and loveliest of earth are called
by his ruthless hands.

The father, mother, husband and brother have the sympathy of the community in their sad bereavement.

Carrie is gone from this world, it cares and its strife.
Gone from the dear ones beloved during life.
Gone to a home with the ransomed above.
Gone to a Saviour whose fullness is love.

Chapin, Charles A.

Charles A. Chapin
Feb. 1845-Oct. 22, 1913


Niles Daily Star, Thursday, Oct. 23, 1913, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

 

DEMISE OF C.A. CHAPIN

Funeral Services to be Held

at Old Niles Homestead.

WAS A MODEST MAN

Principal Owner of Electric Plants

Along the St. Joseph River,

Also With Other Large

Interests.

Charles Augustus Chapin was born in February, 1845, at Edwardsburg, Cass county, and came to Niles with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Chapin, a year later. Chas. A. Chapin graduated from the Niles High school and later engaged wtih his father in the real estate and insurance business.

Immense iron industries developed in the northern peninsula of Michigan when the Chapins became fortunate investors, which reaped to them many thousands of dollars. The father died in 1898, and the mother about six years later.  C.A. Chapin and family moved to Chicago in 1898, where they have since resided.  Unto them was born seven children.  Besides the widow the following sons and daughters survive, all of whom are residing in Chicago:  Homer, Henry, Lowell and Charles, Jr. also, Mrs. Lucile Robertson, Mrs. Helen Bishop and Miss Ruby Chapin.

C.A. Chapin died last night at 9 o'clock at his home, 61 east Goethe street, Chicago. He had made two trips to Europe for his health. Returning last July he went to his summer house at Harbor Springs, Mich., where he was suddenly stricken with organic heart disease. Taken to his home in Chicago in a special train, he lived just two months longer.

The deceased was a multimillionaire, thought to be worth $15,000,000.  He was principal owner of the several electric plants along the St. Joseph river at Berrien Springs, Buchanan, Niles, South Bend, Hen Island and Elkhart.  He owned considerable real estate in Chicago, inclucing the Unity office building.  He was president of the Michigan and Indiana Power company with headquarters at 38 south Dearborn street, Chicago.  In Chicago he was a member of the Union League, the Glen View and Chicago Yacht club.

In Niles he owned the old Chapin homestead at Main and south Fifth Streets, one of the most beautiful mansions in the city; also the Niles Board and Paper mill, located at the river dam; the building at Main and south Second streets and other belongings.

Mr. Chapin was a modest man, unassuming, strictly honest, possessing native wit. He was a member of the Presbyterian church.  Mrs. Chapin is a sister of Mrs. O.W. Coolidge of this city.

FUNERAL

Prayer will be said at the home in Chicago at 11 o'clock a.m. Saturday morning, when the body will be conveyed to Niles, arriving here at 3:40 p.m., and funeral services will be held later at the Chapin Mansion, 510 Main street, conducted by Rev. W.R. Yonker.  The pallbearers will consister of the children of the deceased. Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.  Members of the family and many Chicago friends will be present.

The Acorn (Three Oaks, Michigan), Thursday, October 30, 1913, page 12, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library


Chas. A. Chapin, several times over a millionaire and president of the power company owning dams along the St. Joseph river from Elkhart to Berrien Springs, is dead.  He died Wednesday at his home in Chicago of organic heart trouble. He was 68 years old.

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, October 23, 1913, page 1


CHARLES A.CHAPIN DIED LAST NIGHT IN CHICAGO


Former Niles man of vast wealth succumbs to long illness.


LONG IN POOR HEALTH


Rise to wealth came while he and his father were in business here.


News of the death of Charles A. Chapin, which occurred at his home in Chicago about 9 o'clock last night, was received in Niles this morning.

CHARLES A.CHAPIN was born in Edwardsburg, Cass County, in February 1845, and came when he was an infant with his parents, Henry A. Chapin and Ruby N. Chapin to this city in 1846. He received his education in the city schools and graduated in the class of 1865. After his graduation he entered into partnership with his father in the real estate and insurance business.

In 1874 he married Emily M. Coolidge who survives. Eight children were born to this marriage, of whom the following are living, Homer, Mrs. Lucille Robertson, Mrs. Helen Bishop, Henry, Ruby, Lowell and Charles Chapin. In 1898 Mr. Chapin removed with his family has resided.

For some years previous to his death, Mr. Chapin had suffered from an organic disease of the heart.

Last spring he went with his wife and daughter, Ruby, to Germany where he received treatment from a skilled specialist. On his return from Europe his health appeared to be improved and he and his wife went to their summer home at Harbor Point, Michigan, In August he had a severe attack and a Chicago specialist was summoned by special train. Later he was
removed to his home in Chicago.

His father, Henry A. Chapin died in 1898 in his 87th year, and his mother died a few years later.

The management of the large Chapin estate devolved solely upon Mr. Chapin after his father's decease and for some time prior. About 1879 he and his father began the development of mining lands in the upper peninsula, which became very remunerative, leading to the accumulation of a considerable fortune.

Mr. Chapin for about thirty years had a beautiful summer home at Harbor Point, where his family spent a couple of months each year. Mr. Chapin was fond of outdoor sports and found recreation and health in this way at his summer home.

Mr. Chapin was the principal owner of electrical power plants on the St. Joseph river in southern Michigan and northern Indiana at Elkhart, Hen Island, South Bend, Buchanan, and
Berrien Springs, also Niles, managed by Mr. A.F. Bither, and also had a large real estate buildings in Chicago.

The fine home in which his parents lived had been kept in order since their death by Mr. Chapin and family. Reunions have often been held in it.

Mr. Chapin was a man of the strictest integrity and his word was as good as his bond. His personal character was beyound reproach.

He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a liberal contributor to the support of the church of this city.

He was modest, unassuming and plain in his manners, easy of access and approachable by all. The possessions of wealth did not lessen these traits of character.

He possessed native wit and in converse with friends his happy repartee and added to the pleasure of social converse.

He lived here for over fifty years, his children were all born here, and as he was identified with important business interest in this city, we may regard his death as skin to the loss of
one of our own citizens.

In his death, is the passing of a one who for many years was a prominent figure in our community and one who was esteemed by all who knew him as a man of sterling worth and noble qualities.

The remains were brought to Niles and the funeral will be held at the Chapin home at 3:45 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Rev. W.R. Yonkers of the Presbyterian church will conduct the services and interment will occur in the family lot at Silver Brook cemetery

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, October 25, 1913, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


The body of Chas. A. Chapin arrived in Niles this afternoon from Chicago by special train at 3:40 o'clock. at the Chapin house, 510 Main street, Rev. Yonker conducted services, reading a special scripture selection by request of the family. The pallbearers were Henry, Lowell and Chas. Chapin, Jr., sons of the deceased; two sons-in-law, Messrs. Bishop and Robertson, and a nephew, Clarence Coolidge. A large concourse of friends attended. Interment was at Silver Brook cemetery.