Obituaries

Lorinda Batson
Abt. 1820-Jan. 16, 1870

Niles Republican, Thursday, January 20, 1870, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

On Sunday evening, January 16th, 1870, Mrs. LORINDA BATSON, aged 50 years.

Dr. Lafayette Batson
1850-November 22, 1880

Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, December 1, 1880, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Dr. Lafayette Batson, son of Wm. Batson, of Bertrand township, died at Wakelee on Monday morning of last week, aged about 31 years. Dr. Batson studied medicine with Dr. Mead, of this city, and went to Ann Arbor and was a graduate of the medical department there. He located at Wakelee, Mich., about three years since where he was well received and promised a life of much usefulness. He leaves a wife and one child, and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.

William Batson
March 29, 1868-July 3, 1932

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, July 5, 1932, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

WILLIAM BATSON DIES AFTER SHORT ILLNESS

Passes Away Sunday Morning at Home, 1428 Sheffield Avenue

William Batson, 63, employed at the Kawneer company's plant as a polisher and miller, died on Sunday morning at 10:30 in his home, 1429 Sheffield Ave., after a week of illness. He had engaged in his work until stricken by the illness which proved fatal.

Mr. Batson was born in Bertrand township on March 29, 1868. He came to Niles from Baroda five years ago. He was married in November 1882 at Berrien Springs to Miss Emma Martin who survives him. Besides the widow he is survived by two daughters, one son, nine grandchildren and three sisters. The daughters are Mrs. Ina Reed and Mrs. Marie Gulbranson, of Niles, and the son is Harold Batson of Niles. The sisters are Mrs. William Estes of Benton Harbor, Mrs. Lewis Putnam of South Haven and Mrs. Lena Moran of Chicago.

The funeral services will be held in the Rutherford funeral home on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30. The Rev. Harry L. Nicholson, rector of Trinity Episcopal church, will officiate. Burial will be be made in Silverbrook cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home to view the body.

Cornelia Batson
1840-October 13, 1875

Niles Democrat, Saturday, October 16, 1875, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

At her residence in Bertrand township, on the 13th inst., MRS CORNELIA BATSON, aged 36 years.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, October 16, 1875, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. William Batson, sister of Mrs. J.B. Young of this city, died suddenly at her residence in Bertrand, Tuesday night. She was a very estimable lady, and her sudden death is lamented by many friends. Her funeral took place from her sister's residence on Main street, on Thursday afternoon.

Lizzie Demott
December 4, 1858-Oct. 11, 1875

Niles Democrat, Saturday, October 16, 1875, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

At the residence of her father John E. Demott, in this county, on Mondy[sic] morning last, of Typhoid Pneumonia, Miss LIZZIE C. DEMOTT, aged 16 years, 10 months and 7 days.

The Angel of Death has entered the household and taken away from loving hearts, one whose memory will last so long as life lasts with them. Death is always sad, but to the young, in the spring-time of life and joyous anticipations, it is doubly so.   We can hardly realize that one who so lately joined us in the social circles and made home so pleasant with her bright smiles and helpful ways, has passed forever from our sight. Sixteen beautiful summers rested lightly upon her sunny head, but with the flowers which fade with the first chill breath of autumn, she has faded and gone, deeply mourned and regretted by a large circle of friends.

We have taken the last look at the dear countenance so changed; the loving light has been shut out forever from the dark eyes, and the rosy lips are blemished and cold, but as we lay her away in the embrace of mother earth we feel that she has only gone on a little before us.  She has passed over the river and the mystery of death and the life beyond is solved now for her. She has entered into rest and in the mansion prepared for her is awaiting the arrival of father, mother, brothers and sisters, who like tired children they too shall lay down the burden of life and go to meet that which is beyond. Thoughts of that happy meeting will come like gleams of sunlight through the dark clouds which now over shadow this bereaved family. May they all be enabled to go for strength and consolation to One who so tenderly invites them and is so abundantly able and willing to administer consolation to stricken hearts in this their direst need.

"Come unto me when shadows darkly gather,

When the sad heart is weary and distressed, Seeking for comfort from your Heavenly Father;

Come unto me and I will give you rest.

Come unto me when flow'rets sweet are taken,

When the Ripe fruit falls rightly to the ground,

When loved ones slept in brighter homes to waken,

Where now their brow with spirit wreaths are crowned."

Merrill Smith Harrison
July 4, 1888-July 6, 1932

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, July 7, 1932, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH MERRILL HARRISON

Merrill Smith Harrison, 44, president of the Vaporine Co., of Chicago, and a brother-in-law of W.S. Barron of Niles, died last evening at 7:20 in the home of Mrs. Harrison's mother, Mrs. M.V. Barron in Dowagiac. He had been in ill health since last January. He was born in Peoria, Ill., on July 4, 1888. He is survived by a widow, Mrs. Clara B. Harrison, and by three brothers, Lee and Murray Harrison of Chicago and Ward of Los Angeles, Calif. The funeral services will be held at 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon . . . [illegible] . . . dian Ave., Dowagiac.  The Rev. Harry L. Nicholson, rector of Trinity Episcopal church, of Niles, will officiate.  The body will be brought to Niles for burial in Silverbrook cemetery.