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.

Price, Joseph B.

Joseph B. Price
March 1, 1888-March 13, 1975

Niles Daily Star, Friday, March 14, 1975, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES-- Joseph B. Price, 87, formerly of Niles, died Thursday in Rosemead, Calif., after a long illness.

Born March 1, 1888, in Lancaster, Pa., he was a retired employe of Simplicity Pattern Co.

His wife, the former Anna Parsons, died Nov. 4, 1955.

Surviving are six grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granchild[sic].

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Pifer Chapel of the Swem-Smith Funeral Home.


Niles Daily Star, Monday, March 17, 1975, page 2, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES--Graveside committal services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday with the Pastor James Redfield officiating for Joseph B. Price, 87, formerly of Niles, who died March 13 in Rosemead, Calfi.

Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call after 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Pifer Chapel of the Swem-Smith Funeral Home.

 

Brown, Albert E.

Albert E. Brown
March 4, 1868-Dec. 12, 1939


Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, December 12, 1939, page 2, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library


Albert E. Brown, 71, Dies at Rural Home After Long Illness

 

Albert E. Brown, who had lived in and near Niles all of his life, died early this morning in the family home on Route 4.  He had been ill several years.

Surviving are his wife, Lydia, and a son, Glen Brown, Niles. He was born March 4, 1868, and prior to his illness had been a laborer.

The body was taken to the Price and Kiger funeral home where services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2, the Rev. G.W. Simon officiating.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery. Friends of the family may call at Price and Kiger's funeral home.

 

Brown, Etta

Etta Brown
May 22, 1879-July 1, 1964


Niles Daily Star, Thursday, July 2, 1964, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Etta Brown, 85, of Kalamazoo, formerly of Niles, died at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo. She had been a patient there since May 18.

She was born May 22, 1879, in LaPorte, Inc. She was a member of the Order of Eastern star and White Shrine, both of Niles.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. George Cartland, Kalamazoo, Mrs. Rex Barron, Niles, and Mrs. John Elwell, Ypsilanti; seven grandchildren and11 great- grandchildren.

Her husband, Earl, died in 1955. A Christian Science service conducted by Mrs. Dorothy Brand will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Pifer Funeral Home. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home.

 

Roskay, Charles Sr.

Charles Roskay
Nov. 22, 1840-Jan. 5, 1915


Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, January 5, 1915, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


DEATH LAST EVENING OF CHARLES ROSKAY, SR.

Was Born in Germany 74 Years Ago.

 

Charles Roskay, Sr., aged 74 years, a highly respected resident of Niles, died last evening at 8 o'clock at his home 706 East Cass street, after a brief illness due to a general breakdown form old age.

Mr. Roskay was born in Germany, Nov. 21, 1840, but had long been a resident of Niles. For 34 years continuously, until two years ago, Mr. Roskay was employed by the Niles Board and Paper company. He was a Christian man and was always a faithful and valued employe.

Besides the widow, four children survive him. The latter are Charles Roskay, Jr. Mesdames Claude Dickery, Abbott and John Walters, all of Niles.

Fraternally Mr. Roskay was identified with the Knights of the Modern Maccabees and carried $1,000 insurance.

The funeral services will be held from the residence Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. W.J. Phelps, pastor of the Presbyterian church, will officiate. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.


Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, January 5, 1915, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


AN EXEMPLARY LIFE BROUGHT TO A CLOSE

Charles Roskay Passed From This Life Last Evening--Funeral Services Thursday Afternoon

 

After a brief illness, Charles Roskay passed from this life last nght at 7:15, after a long period of upright living and usefulness.  Mr. Roskay resided at 706 Cass street, and for about two weeks had been suffering from heart disease. His friends, however, had hoped for his ultimate recovery, but the grim reaper had his way, and the old gentlemen, Mr. Roskay being 74 years old the 22d of November, passed peacefully away.

Deceased was born in Germany. Wedded in the old country, Mr.and Mrs. Roskay came to American in the prime of their youth, experienced the trip together and settled in America in the home in which the husband passed away, residing there continuously 43 years. This is a remarkable record, and when the picture of the aged lady, left alone after so many years with her companion, is a most pitiful one.

Mr. Roskay lived an exemplary life. Although not affiliated with any church organization, he was a devout Christian and his record of 34 years at the French Paper mills, filled with honesty and integrity, is one of which the bereaved widow and children may always be proud. He was always ambitious, continuing his daily labor until he had reached the age of 72 years., enjoying good health. An insurance was carried in the Knights of Modern Maccabees, and the old age benefit from this order were enjoyed during his declining years.

Besides the widow, four children are left: Mrs. Claude Dickey, Mrs. John Walters, Chas. Roskay, Jr., and Mrs. Guy Abbott, all of Niles. The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home. Rev. Phelps will officiate. Interment will be made at Silver Brook cemetery.

 

 

 

Roskay, Louisa (Mutz)

Louisa Roskay
Nov. 21, 1840-May 21, 1915


Niles Daily Sun, Friday, May 21, 1915, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH OF MRS. ROSKAY AFTER BRIEF ILLNESS

Widow of Charles Roskay Survives Him But a Few Months

 

Mrs. Louisa Roskay, widow of Charles Roskay, and a highly respected resident of Niles, died at 11:15 o'clock this morning at her home, 706 Cass street. Mrs. Roskay had been ill just ten days with asthma and other diseases and on account of her advanced age, 74, she was unable to withstand the attack.

Mrs. Roskay was born in Germany, her maiden name being Louisa Mutz. She was married in Germany to Mr. Roskay, and came to Niles with her husband about 45 years ago., and since resided here. Mr. Roskay died January 4, 1915.

Mrs. Roskay is survived by four children, all of whom reside in Niles; also by two brothers, Herman and August Mutz, both of Niles and a sister who resides in Germany.

The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon from the house. Rev. W.H. Phelps of the Presbyterian church will officiate.


Niles Daily Star, Friday, May 21, 1915, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. CHAS. ROSKEY[SIC] SURVIVES HUSBAND BUT A FEW MONTHS

 

It seems that after losing her companion for nearly half a century, Mrs. Chas. Roskay, Sr. was unable to travel this life alone and she passed away this noon. Her husband died in January of this year and since then the aged lady had been gradually failing.

For 45 years she had resided  in Niles, a good Christian woman, well thought of by all and loved by those who knew her best.  Four children remain to revere her memory and profit by the example of a good life.

The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon from the home, 706 Cass street, by Rev. W.H. Phelps, with interment in Silver Brook cemetery.

 

Cousins, Jeannette

Jeannette Cousins
Jan. 1, 1840-Jan. 7, 1915


Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, January 7, 1915, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

HAD LIVED IN NILES FOR OVER 50 YEARS

Mrs. Jeanette Cousins Died This Morning, Aged 75

 

Mrs. Jeanette Cousins, who has been a resident of his city for the past 50 years passed peacefully to rest this morning at 6 o'clock. She was afflicted with a broken leg from falling down stairs. She was born in Boston, Mass. There are no relatives except her son-in-law, E. L. Curtis, who has cared and looked after her since her daughter died last June.  She is well known in this city and was a member of the A.M.E. church. She leaves a host of friends who will miss her presence in their midst.

The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. In accordance with Mrs. Cousin's request Wm. Putnam will conduct the services. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.


Niles Daily Star, Thursday, January 7, 1915, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library


DEATH CAME WITH DAWNING OF THE DAY

Mrs. Jeanette Cousins Passed Away This Morning as a Result of Injuries

 

With the dawning of the day the spirit of Mrs. Jeanette Cousins was called home. Several weeks ago Mrs. Cousins fell down a flight of stairs receiving a broken leg among other injuries, the result of which was her death, which occurred this morning at 6 o'clock.

Deceased was born in Boston, Mass., January 1, 1840. She lived as she died, peacefully and with a contentment which was inspiring. She had a wealth of true friends, won through her unselfish and ever ready kindness.

Since the death of her daughter, which occurred last June, she had been cared for by her son-in-law, E.L. Curtis. Mrs. Cousins was a member of the A.M.E. church. She will be sadly missed. Funeral services will be held from the late residence, 704 Cass street, Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with Wm. F. Putnam in charge. Interment will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Note: First name is spelled Jeannette on Death Record

 

Copp, Caroline E.

Caroline E. Copp
Oct. 8, 1852-Jan. 6, 1915


Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, January 5, 1915, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Carrie E. Copp, aged 62 years, a lifelong resident of Bertrand and an only sister of John Copp, of this city, died last evening at Bertrand at the home where the family has always resided.  Besides the brother, John, three other brothers, Charles of South Bend; Edward of Bertrand and Frank of Crocker, Mo., survive; also a daughter, Mrs. Lela Fisher and one grand-daughter.  The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon.  Burial will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.


Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, January 6, 1915, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

CAROLINE E. COPP DIES IN BERTRAND

 

Caroline E. Copp expired this morning at the old homestead in Bertrand,. She was born in Oct. 1852 and is survived by the following brothers: Frank W. Copp of Missouri, Charles L. and Edward M. of Bertrand, and John  Copp of Niles.

Date of funeral has not yet been decided upon, but interment will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.