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.
Hannah Cummings
1801-Sept. 27, 1860
Niles Republican, Saturday, October 6, 1860, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
In this township, on the 27th September last, MRS. HANNAH CUMMINGS, aged 59 years.
Mrs. Cummings was a native of Massachusetts, and the daughter of Capt. Amaziah Park, of the Revolution. She was one of the oldest residents of the township of Niles, and was universally respected.
Martha B. Fish
Jan. 4, 1859-Dec. 9, 1859
Niles Republican, Saturday, December 17, 1859, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
On Friday morning, Dec. 9, after a short illness, MARTHA B., only child of William C. and Martha M. Fish, aged 11 months and 5 days.
To the high and golden palace,
Where the loving Savior dwells,
Where the harping of the harpers,
On the air forever dwells.
There amid the amaranth blossoms,
Beyond the swelling tide;
She smiles on Jesus' bosom.
Jennie Lizzie Forrester
Sept. 7, 1858-Dec. 9, 1859
Niles Republican, Saturday, December 17, 1859, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
At Homer, Ill., on the 9th inst., JENNIE LIZZIE, daughter of J.C. and E.A. Forrester, aged 1 year, 3 months and 2 days. Her remains were brought to this City and interred by the side of a little sister and brother.
Silas Rowley
Aug. 17, 1794-Aug. 9, 1875
Niles Democrat, Saturday, August 14, 1875, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Another of our aged and much esteemed citizens has passed away. Silas Rowley, who but a short time ago was among us, apparently well, is now no more. Mr. Rowley was born in Shoreham, Addison County, Vermont, in the year 1794. He took an active part as an officer in the war of 1812. He came west about 18 years ago,and has been a resident of Niles the most of that time. A few weeks ago he concluded to visit his son, who resides in Ossian, Iowa, and soon after his arrival there, was taken sick and died after an illness of eight days. His remains were brought to this place and intered[sic] in Silver Brook Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon last. Mr. Rowley was for many years, and up to the time of his death, an exemplary member of the Presbyterian Church. He leaves many friends to morn his loss. He was in the 81st year of his age.
Flora J. Kist
Nov. 24, 1894-May 12, 1952
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, May 13, 1952, page 2 col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
Flora J. Kist, 57, a life-long resident of Niles, died Monday at 4:30 p.m. at her home, 314 Woodruff street. Death followed an illness of five years.
Funeral servcis will be held at St. John's Evangelical and Reform church at 3 p.m. Thursday, with the Rev. H.A. Meussling officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery. Friends may call at the Kiger funeral home until 1 p.m. Thursday.
Surviving are: her husband, Henry; a daughter, Mrs. Clayton P. Hill, of Niles; and a brother, Frank F. Schanbacher, also of this city. Mrs. Kist was born in Niles on Nov. 24, 1894, and married Henry Kist on Feb. 23, 1921.
She was a member of St. John's Evangelical and Reform church., the St. John's Women's guild, and American Legion auxiliary.
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, May 14, 1952, page 2 col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Other survivors of Mrs. Flora J. Kist, 57, of Niles, who died Monday afternoon at her home are two grandchildren. Due to an oversight on the notice from the funeral home the grandchildren were not listed as survivors in Tuesday's Niles Daily Star.
Thomas Ray Chapman
March 2, 1900-May 4, 1952
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, May 5, 1952, page 2 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library
Thomas Ray Chapman, of 1997 Baldwin drive, died at 7:55 p.m. Monday in Pawating hospital after a month's illness.
He is survived by his father, A.B. Chapman of Virginia, Ill.; his widow, Matilda B. Chapman, of Niles; six brothers, John, of Jacksonville, Ill., Dean, of St. Charles, Ill., Donald, of Pontiac, Orville, of Roodhouse, Ill., Neil, of Moline, Ill., and Wilbur Chapman of Merdosia, Ill., and four sisters, Mrs. Fay Nicholson, of Roodhouse, Ill., Mrs.Homer Rohn, of Beardstown, Ill., Miss Peggy Chapman, of Virginia,Ill., and Mrs. James Taliente, of Chicago.
Chapman was born on March 2, 1900, in Virginia, Ill., and came here from Evanston,Ill, nine years ago. He was employed at the Niles post office.
Friends may call at the Pifer funeral home, where services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday by the Rev. Vern Barr, pastor of the First church of Christ. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
Larry Wayne Dixon
April 18, 1952-April 20, 1952
Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 21, 1952, page 2 col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
Larry Wayne Dixon, two-day-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dixon, of 1547 Huron street, died at 11:35 p.m. at Pawating hospital Sunday.
Commital[sic] rites will be held at Silverbrook cemetery at 2 p.m. Tuesday with the Rev. L. George Beacock, pastor of the First Methodist church, officiating. The body is at the Kiger funeral home.
Surviving, besides the parents are: two sisters, Linda Ramsby and Sandra Kay Ramsby, both at home; the maternal grandmother, Mrs. Dorothy Webber, of Niles; and the paternal grandfather, Wade Dixon, of South Bend.
