Minnie Wetherby
Feb. 13, 1884-Nov. 2, 1920

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Tuesday, November 2, 1920, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

SUDDEN DEATH OF MRS. WETHERBY

Lives but a Few Hours After Birth of Daughter This Morning

The announcement of the death of Mrs. Minnie Wetherby, wife of Barrone Wetherby, which occurred this afternoon at their home in North Third street, will bring profound sorrow to the many friends of the young matron and the family throughout the community.

This morning at 9 o'clock Mrs. Wetherby gave birth to a daughter, and at 2 o'clock this afternoon the mother passed away, heart disease being the immediate cause of death.

Mrs. Wetherby is survived by her husband and by one son, William, the latter aged 13 years.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Wednesday, November 3, 1920, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. WETHERBY'S DEATH IS DEEPLY MOURNED

Funeral Services Will be Held Tomorrow Afternoon at the Episcopal Church

Mrs. Minnie Wetherby, wife of former City Clerk Wetherby, 305 North Third street, who died Tuesday afternoon under unusually sad circumstances, was born in Chicago, Feb. 13, 1884.  With her parents, Mr. and Mrs. August Groth, she came to Niles in 1900, and attended the Niles public schools. She was married to Mr. Wetherby in April, 1906.  Two children were born of this union, William, who is now 13 years of age, and the daughter, born yesterday morning and after whose birth the mother lived but a few hours.

Besides the husband and children, Mrs. Wetherby is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. August Groth of Chicago, who arrived last evening in response to the sad message, and by the following sisters and brothers, all of whom reside in Chicago: Miss Marie Groth, Mrs. Emma Zettwock, Mrs. Frank Schaffhousen, Mrs. Louise Jakway, August, John and Fred Groth. The stricken family circle also includes Mr. Wetherby's mother, Mrs. Amelia Wetherby.

The deceased was a member of Trinity Episcopal church and actively engaged in the work of the church. She was a member of St. Agnes guild and of the Altar guild, and it was her joy to discharge any duty she was called upon to perform faithfully and efficiently. She was for a number of years treasurer of St. Agnes guild. She will be sadly missed by her co-workers in the church who found her always a willing and cheerful worker.  She was a devoted wife and mother and loyal friend and the sympathy of the community is extended to the bereaved family.

The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon and will be conducted by Rev. Harold Holt, rector of Trinity Episcopal church.  A service will be held at the house at 2 o'clock for the members of the immediate family.  At 2:30 o'clock, a service will be held at the Episcopal church. Burial will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

Henry Rice
Nov. 8, 1852-Nov. 3, 1920

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Thursday, November 4, 1920, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

FORMER RESIDENT HENRY RICE, DEAD

Henry Rice, a cousin of W.C. Rice, and a former well known resident of Niles for many years, died last evening at the home of the late Frank Rice in Dowagiac. Mr. Rice had long been in ill health as the result of a stroke of paralysis. Last evening he went to the home  of the late Frank Rice on account of the death of Mrs. Mary Rice, and while there was stricken with a heart attack from which he did not rally.  He is survived by one son, Kenneth.

The body will be brought to Niles tomorrow at 1:30 o'clock and will be taken directly to Silver  Brook cemetery for burial in the family lot where the body of Mrs. Rice, who died several years ago, rests.

Note: Date of birth from gravemarker (Photo) and from Michigan Death Certificate of Henry Tilman Rice, son of John Rice and Sarah Webster Rice.

Nellie Miller
Nov. 15, 1920-Sept. 18, 1997

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, September 20, 1997, page 2, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Nellie Miller, 76, of Hampshire Road, Dowagiac, are Monday at 1 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, by Pastor Scott Goodman of First Baptist Church and Mr. James Topash of Niles.

Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Mrs. Miller died Thursday at 5:15 p.m. at her home, following an extended illness.

She was born Nov. 15, 1920, in Owensburg, Ind. On Jan. 22, 1941, in Paw Paw, she married Conrad Miller, who survives.

Mrs. Miller enjoyed many outdoor activities, including gardening; and as a hunter had a reputation for her marksmanship and maintained her own fishing boat.

Survivors also include a sister, Tryphena Suit of Cortez, Fla.; and a brother in law, Floyd Miller of Dowagiac.

She was preceded in death by sisters Wyoma Gray and Lucille Wisley.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Halbritter Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to TB and Emphysema Association.

Matthew A. McGrath, Sr.
Aug. 9, 1924-Sept. 11, 1997

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, September 13, 1997, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Matthew A. McGrath Sr., 73, of 110 S. 16th St., Niles, are Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, by the Rev. Fred T. Smith of South Niles Community church.

Burial wll follow in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Mr. McGrath died Thursday at 7 p.m. at his home, following an extended illness.

He was born Aug. 9, 1924, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and lived in Niles since 1966, coming here from Crown Point, Ind.

On Oct. 7, 1967, in Buchanan, he married the former Jacqueline "Jackie" Gentry, who survives.

Mr. McGrath was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II.  He was a life member and had served two terms as commander of the American Legion Post 26 in Niles.  He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4025 in Niles and the AmVets Post 1978, Niles, and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen.

Mr. McGrath retired as foreman from Conrail in Elkhart, Ind., in 1985, after 20 years of service.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include four sons, Matt McGrath Jr. and Joe McGrath, both of Owensboro, Ky., and Michael Gentry and Randy Dean McGrath, both of Niles; two daughters, Dee Regenos of Owensboro, Ky., and Donna McGrath of Crown Point, Ind.; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a sister, Josephine Cassidy of Broooklyn, N.Y.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jonni McGrath, in 1985.

Friends may call Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Halbritter Funeral Home.

Full military honors by American Legion Commander John McLaughlin will follow the committal Tuesday at graveside.

Karen E. Adams Clark
March 8, 1945-Sept. 3, 1997

Niles Daily Star, Friday, September 5, 1997, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Karen E. Adams Clark, 52, Randallstown, Md., are Monday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, by the Rev. Harry D. Pierson of Franklin A.M.E. Church, Niles. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Ms. Clark died Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at Northwest Hospital, Randallstown, following a brief illness.

She was born March 8, 1945, in Niles, to Irven L. Adams and Cecelia Williams. She graduated from Niles High School in 1963, and from Michigan State University in 1966. She had lived in Randallstown for 17 years.

Ms. Clark was employed for 24 years with the Social Security Administration, currently as personnel trainer. She enjoyed the cultural arts of the Baltimore and Washington area.

Survivors include a son, Christopher Clark of Washington, D.C.; her father and step-mother, Irven L. and Marguerite Adams of Niles; a sister, Ruth Ann Frasier of Southfield; and a brother, Richard Adams of Lansing.

Friends may call Monday at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, one hour prior to the services.

George Ausmus
July 21, 1859-Oct. 31, 1920

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Monday, November 1, 1920, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH REMOVES GEO. A. AUSMUS

Had Resided in Niles Since 1866; Funeral Services Wednesday

Death removed a highly respected Niles resident Sunday morning when George A. Ausmus died at his home 3101 North Fifth street at 3 o'clock after about three months' illness from a complication of diseases.

Mr. Ausmus was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1859. He sailed for America in 1866, came directly to Niles from New York and had always since resided here. He was carpenter by trade and for many years was in the employe of the Michigan Central railway company. Thirty-six years ago he was married to Anna Cook in Niles. He is survived by a widow, three children, Mrs. Louis Goodsell, Mrs. Marian Evans and Henry Ausmus, all of Niles, by two brothers, Adam and Charles Ausmus of Niles and by two sisters.  The latter are Mrs. Henry Kaiser of Niles and Mrs. David Harring of Wakarusha, Ind.

The deceased was a member of Niles Tent, K.O.T.M., of the German Workingmen's Benevolent association and of the Railwaymen's union.

The deceased was held in high esteem by all who knew him.

The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the residence.  Rev. H.T. Scherer will conduct the services. Burial will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

Note:  Obituary give middle initial as "A"; it is inscribed "C" on gravemarker; Michigan Death Certificate reads "George Ausmus" with no middle name or initial; dob from Michigan Death Certificate