Mrs. Sylvester Pratt
abt 1828-May 6, 1882

Niles Democrat, Saturday, May 13, 1882, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Sylvester M. Pratt, died at Albion, May 6th, in the 55th year of her age. Her remains were brought to this city for interment.

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, May 10, 1882, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Sylvester Pratt, an old resident of the city, died, at Albion, Mich., May 6. She was buried from the house of Stephen Moore on Sunday afternoon. She was [illegible] since the death of her husband she has resided at Albion, but the large attendance at her funeral gave sure indication that her old friends here held her in high esteem.

Eunice L. (Chase) Pratt
May 28,1804-April 19, 1888

Niles Republican, Thursday, April 26, 1888, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

At the home of her daughter, Mrs. Stephen Moore, Thursday, April 19, Mrs. Eunice L. Pratt.

Eunice L. Chase was born at Coxsackie on the Hudson, May 28th, 1804. her parents moved to Ithaca while she was an infant and in 1819 she was married to Daniel Pratt.  She was united with the Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, under Dr.William Wisner's ministry, in 1823.  In 1840 she removed with her husband and family to Marshall, Mich. and nine years later from thence to Niles, which has since been her home.  Such is a brief sketch of the life of one who nearly forty years ago came in the prime of her womanhood to reside among us.  Those of her friends at the time who remain will recall her fine presence, her attractive manners, her ready wit and unusual conversational powers, which made her the life and centre of every social gathering.  She was also for many years active in all that pertained to the welfare of the Church or the happinnss[sic] of her friends.  Married at the age of 15 and thus early entering upon lifes' cares and responsibilities, her buoyancy of spirits and cheerful disposition helped her to bear its vicissitudes serenely. This happy trait which Mrs. Pratt manifested when suffering from the loss by death of her husband and two oldest sons followed her into the decline of life and infirmities of age, where as she relinquished active duties and sought the sheltering care of her children, she was not only the helpful and sympathizing mother, by also their delightful companion, her mind retaining all  the freshness of youth.  The only shadow that darkened her spirit was the dread of death, but as she found herself entering the dark valley, this cloud was lifted and her Christian faith triumphed over all her fears and she met the King of Terrors bravely and cheerfully and spoke confidently to all her friends of her hope in her Redeemer.

During the last days of her life she beguiled the anxious watching of her devoted children with cheerful conversation and to the last showed a keen interest in every passing event. Mrs. Pratt leaves four surviving children, Mrs. Wright, of Boston, Mrs. Stephen Moore, of this place, H.O.Pratt, Ogden,Utah, and Chas. O. Pratt, Lansing, all of whom were present at the funeral.

Rev. J.G. Lowrie, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, conducted the funeral services.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, April 28, 1888, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District
Library

Mrs. E.L. Pratt, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Stephen Moore, on Thursday evening last, aged 84 years.  The funeral took place on Saturday and was largely attended by old residents.

Elizabeth Williams
abt. 1814-May 1, 1882

Niles Democrat, Saturday, May 13, 1882, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Entered Into Rest

Mrs. Elizabeth Williams departed this life at her residence in West Niles, on Monday, May 1st, aged 68 years. Mrs. Williams was born in Delaware, and emigrated to Michigan during its pioneer history, living in Niles for 46 years. Her husband, William Williams, an esteemed and prominent citizen, brother of Caleb Williams of this city, died many years since, leaving eight children, six of whom preceded her to the spirit world. These repeated afflictions were heavy trials to her, especially the loss of two sons, Will and Frank, grown to manhood, upon whom she had placed so many hopes. for her declining years. Yet she bore all with the calmness and fortitude that marked her life; her trust in every sorrow being, in the "Rock that is higher than I."  She was ever hopeful, and could sing in almost the darkest hour. To her friends she was steadfast, and so helpful, tender and kind, that those who knew her best, and were the recipients of her cheering Christian words and offices, feel now that she is gone, as one tried and true, who ministered to her during her last illness, emphatically says: "I have lost my best friend."  Naturally retiring and unobtrusive, absorbed in her family cares and duties, the world knew little of her worth; but in the quiet home circle or at her neighbor's hearth in time of trial, the many excellent traits of her character, shone forth with richest lustre. her sickness of months was borne with fortitude, and her last hours were triumphant. Patient, toiling, and suffering, yet sustained by a precious hope, she has entered into rest. For her the warfare is over, the victory gained, the crown won. Why should we weep when the exchange is so full of peace and happiness. Tears, sorrow, and disappointment in our thorny pathway here, but immortal love, joy and life, "over there."

The one after another, of those identified with the early history of Niles are passing away. Soon, of the little struggling band that came to these unbroken wilds, and have lived to see this beautiful St. Joseph valley bud and blossom as the rose, none will be left. Even now the familiar faces are scarcely recognized amid the busy throng that fill our streets.

The preparation of this little tribute has been one of mournful pleasure. A friendship with the deceased, formed by the writer in childhood, and closely cemented through all the intervening years, gives poignance to the pang of separation, and makes her loss, a personal sorrow.  In her last hours, there was loving remembrance and now the thought that there will be no more meetings on earth, brings grief that cannot be assuaged. But by and by, in the beautiful beyond, we shall meet where there will no more partings.

To the now lonely daughters, Mrs. Mary Hustin and Miss Carrie Williams, the deepest sympathy will be extended in their irreparable loss. M.S.A.

Dr. James Lewis
Aug. 23, 1795-Sept. 3, 1887

Niles Republican, Thursday, September 8, 1887, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of Dr. James Lewis

Died, at his residence in this city, September 3, 1887, in his 93d year, Dr. James Lewis.

Dr. Lewis was born at Pawlett[sic], Rutland county, Vermont, August 23, 1795, and was 92 years and eleven days old at the time of his death. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, having been enrolled for military duty when but 18 years of age, at Salem, Washington county, New York, to which point his parents moved when he was five years old. He studied medicine at Henrietta, New York, and practiced there a short time. He came to Niles in June, 1835. The night after he came here was not so remarkable for his coming as it was for the fact that all the corn in this section of the country was killed by frost. The same year the Doctor purchased the business lot, corner of Main and Second streets, of Hiram Chilson, paying $800 for it. On this lot, a year later, he built the brick Arcade block that still stands there, and after a time, on the Second street front, he built his brick residence. The Doctor returned to Henrietta twice after coming to Niles, living there a few years each time. He never practiced medicine here, but kept a drug and prescription store.  In his early youth the Doctor was a member of the family of the father of the late Judge N. Bacon.

For a number of years past Dr. Lewis has been in very  feeble health, and during a few months past has not been out of his house.  In his declining years he has been tenderly cared for by Mrs. Mary L. Tibbetts, who was reared in his family, and who has been to him as dutiful as a daughter.

Dr. Lewis has all his life been a professing Christian and was a member of the Presbyterian Church.  His funeral took place from that church on Monday, Rev. R.K. Wharton officiating.

The Doctor's will was probated on Tuesday.  He leaves sums of money to Mrs. Tibbetts and to his nephew, James Lewis, of Batavia, New York. He also leaves to the American Bible Society $1,000, to a Theological Seminary in Chicago, $1,000, to which institution he had already given $2,000; to the City Council, in trust, $50, the interest on which is to be paid for keeping his lot in the cemetery in good condition.  The residue of his property goes to the American Missionary Society of New York.  Judge B. F. Fish is named as his executor.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, September 10, 1887, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Dr. James Lewis, one of the oldest residents of the city, died this morning morning[sic] at 5:15. He was born in Rowlett, Rutland county, Vermont August 23, 1795. He removed with his parents to Salem, Washington county, N.Y., while still young. He enlisted and saw considerable service in the  war of 1812. He studied medicine at Henrietta, N.Y.,,[sic] and removed to this city in 1835, soon after which he acquired the property at the corner of Main and Second streets, which he still owned at his death. He returned east twice, staying one year at one time and five at another.  He was married three times but leaves no family.  He was ever a good citizen but is little known to the newer settlers here, though in his prime an active and energetic business man.  For several years past he has hardly been outside his own door-yard, and for a number of weeks confined to his house. The last few years have been particularly productive of fatalities among the old settlers, and soon the last of those familiar with our earliest history will have passed away.

Caroline S. (Lord) Bacon
August 25, 1815-Sept. 4, 1887

Niles Republican, Thursday, September 8, 1887, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Judge Bacon

Caroline S. Lord, relict of the late Judge Nathaniel Bacon, died at one o'clock Sunday afternoon, September 4th, 1887, after an illness of about two months.

She was the daughter of John P. Lord, a merchant of Portsmouth, N.H., where she was born, August 25, 1815. Her mother was Sophia Ladd. Caroline was the oldest daughter of eight children and the death of her brother left the girl of fifteen to be nurse and protector of the younger children.

She came  to Niles in 1844, her brother Rev. Charles E. Lord, then being pastor of the Presbyterian Church, and on Jan. 1, 1845, she was married to Nathaniel Bacon.  The marriage was at the house of Bacon Wheeler, who at that time occupied the Major Graves house, and was perhaps the leading merchant here.  She resided on her husband's farm, two miles east of Niles, continuously until 1874, when she removed to town. Of her six children three only survive, Frederick H. of St. Louis, Nathaniel, who lives in Niles, and Mrs. Emily Hoppin, of California.    Mrs. Bacon was of refined and cultivated nature. She had read extensively and . . . [illegible] . .but her distinguishing characteristics were her charitable deeds and her lofty Christian faith which approached the sublime. She acted from principle and her life was an unblemished record of kindly acts and consistent growth in spirituality. In all church works she did her part, though lately her health prevented her bodily presence at meetings and church gatherings. She had a profound knowledge of the Bible. She was sympathetic and was always the adviser and friend of those who were in trouble.  She was reticent in regard to these matters, and none but those who lived under the same roof ever knew how many burdened and distressed people came to her with their perplexities.

Self-denial, love and faith were exemplified in her life of pure and unselfish doing, and her death removes one whose place must remain vacant for a long time.

Her last illness was borne with fortitude and patience and she often said that she was conscious of no other feelings at the near approach of death than those she had always experienced. Her end was peaceful, and shortly after death a sweet smile and expression of peace came upon her face.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, September 10, 1887, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Caroline Lord, relict of the late Judge Nathaniel Bacon, died at her residence in this city Sunday afternoon at one o'clock, after a painful and lingering illness of an aneurism.  She was born at Biddeford, Maine, August 25, 1815.  Her mother died when she was but fifteen years of age, and the care of the younger members of the family devolved upon her until the second marriage of her father, after which time she taught until her removal to the west.  She came to Niles with her brother, Rev. Charles Lord, who was in charge of the Presbyterian church here in 1844. January first 1845 she was married to the late Judge Bacon, then a practicing attorney in this city.  She was the mother of six children, three of whom Frederick H. Bacon, of St. Louis, Mo., Nathaniel Bacon, of this city, and Mrs. Charles R. Hoppin, of Yolo, Cal., survive and were with her at the time of her death.  She was a lady of fine education and of refined mind--devoted to her family and her church. She led one of those singularly pure and exemplary lives which give so much of comfort to all of those around and furnish to survivors and loved ones the sublime satisfaction and remembrance of a life well spent.

Geneviel ‘Genny’ Katherine Watkins
April 26, 1946-Oct. 4, 2009

Niles Daily Star, Published online 9:14am Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Genny’s life began on April 26, 1946, in Marion, Ind., the daughter of Homer Jackson and Mary Ann (Reeder) Denney.

Genny, 63, of Niles, enjoyed cooking and singing.

Her loving family includes: her children, Edward Ray (Edna) Watkins of Niles and Terri Lynn (Stanley) Horton of Tennessee; sister, Martha McKnight of Watauga, Texas; brothers, Joe (Darlene) Denney of Niles and Donald (Bernice) Harris of Arizona; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Genny passed away at Silverbrook Manor Nursing Home in Niles on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Graveside services for Genny will be on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles led by Pastor Darren Huff of the Church of God Prophecy at 2 p.m.

McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home is serving her family.

Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Genny at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.