Obituaries

John C. Krauss
Feb. 7, 1843*-May 7, 1888

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

John C. Kraus[sic], died at his residence on Second street, in this city, after a few days' illness, on Sunday last, in the 38th year of his age. He leaves a wife and interesting daughter  to mourn his untimely end.  His remains were followed to their last resting place in Silver Brook cemetery, on Tuesday last, by a large procession of friends and neighbors.

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

J.C. Krauss was taken with an epileptic fit on Friday afternoon last and died on Sunday evening at 8 o'clock, aged 39 years and three months.

*based on age stated in obituary

James E. Cummings
Oct.7, 1834*-Jan. 12, 1875

Niles Democrat, Saturday, January 23, 1875, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

At the residence of his sister, Mrs. Ira Shepardson,  On Tuesday, January 12th, 1875, of consumption, JAMES E. CUMMINGS, aged 41 years.

He returned from Virginia City, Nevada, last fall, whither he had gone in the hope of benefitting[sic] his health. Finding no relief, he returned home to die, and be buried near kindred. His death was calm and peaceful.

*Age at date of death appears to be 40y, 3m, 5d.

Ethel A. Hart
October 17, 1881-May 7, 1882

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

Ethel A., only child of L.G. and Nettie Hart, died very unexpectedly Sunday afternoon, aged 6 months and 20 days. She was a beautiful child, perfect in form and feature, and was the joy of parents and grandparents. With the exception of troubles incident to teething, she appeared to be in the best of health, but Saturday she seemed to suffer somewhat, but no danger was apprehended. Sunday she went into spasms and died about 2 o'clock. The bereft parents have the sincere sympathy of all our citizens.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, May 13, 1882, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

On Sunday afternoon, May 7th, Ethel A., only child of L.G. and Nettie Hart, aged six months and twenty days.

"Safe in the arms of Jesus."

Christina Schmidt
1862-April 30, 1888

Niles Democrat, Saturday, May 5, 1888, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Christina Schmidt, wife of Chas. A. Schmidt, died on Monday evening last after a protracted illness of consumption, aged 27 years. The funeral took place Thursday from the German church was was largely attended. She leaves a husband and two young children.

Sherwood Earl
1845-May 2,1888

Niles Democrat, Saturday, May 5, 1888, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of Sherwood Earl

Sherwood Earl of Niles, while crossing the Jefferson street bridge, in this city this morning between 7 and 8 o'clock, bearing a bundle of wooden slats upon his back, when near the east end of the bridge, suddenly let fall his bundle, sat down upon it, leaned over against the bridge railing gave a few gasps and was dead.  George Haasse and James Rogan who were not far distant and saw the man's singular actions hastened to his side and raised him up, but he was past all human help, as life was extinct.  Marshall Turnock and Coroner Montgomery were notified and the body was removed to the residence of John Durst, just east of the bridge. Subsequently it was taken to the residence of Noah Smith, 412 north Hill street, where the deceased had made his home for a short time.

Earl came here from Niles a few days ago and asked to stay with the Smith family while he was waiting for a job of work to open for him at Mishawaka. Meantime he was engaged by Mr. Smith to build a chicken park, and he was in the act of bearing material for this from the Hodson & Stanfield Works on the west race to the Smith place when overtaken by swift death on the bridge. His relatives in Niles have been notified of the sad event and came here this afternoon to claim the body and take it home with them.

Earl was an old resident of Niles and was about 45 years of age. He served in the late war as a member of Company E. 12th Michigan infantry. He was unmarried and leaves two sisters in Niles, Mrs. Wm. McDonald and Mrs. W.W, Fowler.

Earl's death was undoubtedly the result of heart disease, with which he had been troubled for some time. He complained yesterday of severe pains in the chest and stomach. He was a carpenter by trade and worked a great deal in this city.  --South Bend Tribune.

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

The remains of Sherwood L. Earl, were brought here on Wednesday, and taken to the residence of his sister Mrs. Wm. McDonald, from whence the funeral was attended on Thursday.

Nicholas G. Polis
abt. 1887-March 27, 1945

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, March 29, 1945, page 2, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

Committal Services to Be Held Here Friday

Committal services for Nicholas G. Polis, 58, who died in Hackley hospital, Muskegon, on Tuesday after a week of illness, will be conducted at 10 :30 a.m. Friday in Silverbrook cemetery by the Rev. O.H. Gerstenkorn.

Friends may call at the Kiger funeral home, 615 East Main street, between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Friday.

A chef by profession, Polis was born in Greece and came to the United States when he was 19 years old.

Surviving are his widow, Vassie; a son, Sgt. Fred Thompson, Fort Custer; a niece, Mrs. Mildred Roy, Muskegon, and a sister, Mrs. Stella G. Pappaen, Muskegon Heights.