John Meek
1775-Jan. 6, 1841

Niles Intelligencer, Wednesday, January 6, 1841, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

In this village, on Wednesday, the 6th inst., JOHN MEEK, formerly of Indiana, aged 65 years. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Church, and one of our most respected citizens.

Mattie D. Cross
1867-Jan. 10, 1886

Niles Democrat, Saturday, January 16, 1886, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Mattie D. Cross, a daughter of Joel Cross, formerly of this city, died at Vandalia on Sunday, and was buried in this city on Wednesday.

Note:  Death record gives age as 18 years on date of death, Jan. 10, 1886; Cause of death: Bone cancer.

Willard Kellogg
Jan. 19, 1886-Jan. 20, 1886

Niles Democrat, Saturday, January 23, 1886, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

The infant son of Mr.and Mrs. James A. Kellogg died on Sunday last, of inflammation of the bowels. He was a very promising child and the afflicted parents have the sincere sympathy of the entire community.

Note: Death record for Willard Kellogg, son of James A. Kellogg, gives age at date of death on January 20, 1886 as 1 day.

Mrs. Eunice Griffith
1828-Oct. 2, 1877

Niles Democrat, Saturday, October 13, 1877, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Eunice Griffith, formerly of this city, died of consumption, at Decatur, on the second of October.

Esther Ann Griffith
Dec. 9, 1832-March 17, 1916

Niles Daily Sun, Friday, March 17, 1916, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

AGED LADY DIED TODAY

Mrs. Esther Truitt Griffith, a Member of Well Known Pioneer Family is Dead at the Age of 84 years.

Mrs. Esther Truitt Griffith, widow of Joseph Griffith and sister of the late James Truitt, passed away this morning at 3:45 o'clock, at her home five miles north of Niles, after a few days illness, although she has been in ill health all winter.

Mrs. Griffith was 84 years of age last November. She was a pioneer resident of this section and a highly respected and well known lady.

She is survived by two daughters, Miss Effie Griffith, who teaches in the northern peninsula of Michigan and who arrived in Niles today at noon, a few hours after her mother's death, and Mrs. Edna Quick, of Seattle, Wash., who is enroute to Niles, but who may not learn of the death until she reaches the city.

Charles and Elmer Butts are nephews of the deceased.

The funeral arrangements have not been made pending the arrival of Mrs. Quick.

Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, March 18, 1916, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE

Daughter of Mrs. Joseph Griffith Expected Monday

The funeral arrangements for Mrs. Joseph Griffith have not been made pending the arrival of her daughter, Mrs. Edna Quick, who is expected from Seattle, Wash., on Monday.

OBITUARY

Mrs. Esther A. Griffith was born Dec. 9, 1832 and died March 17, 1916 at 9 a.m.  She was a daughter of Peter Truitt of Milton township, Cass county. The family came from Delaware and settled in Cass county about 1820. Her brothers were Henry, David, John and James Truitt, all deceased. In 1852, the family moved to Montcalm county and lived in Greenville, Mich., until 1882 when they moved to Berrien county, and later to Niles. For 20 years she had lived at the bend of the river. She was a member of the Methodist church of this city. She was a woman of remarkable strength of character and a vivid memory of pioneer days of southwestern Michigan.

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, March 20, 1916, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

The funeral services for Mrs. Esther Ann Griffith will be held Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the residence northwest of Niles at the bend of the river. Rev. R.A. Wright of the Methodist church will conduct the services. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery in this city.

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, March 21, 1916, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Mrs. Esther Griffith were conducted this afternoon from the late residence by Rev. R.A. Wright. Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.

James B. Messler
1840-July 22, 1892

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, July 27, 1892, page 5, col. 5, same as Niles Daily Star, Friday, July 22, 1892, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED FROM SUNSTROKE

Jas. B. Messler Slips from a Straw Stack and Dies Shortly After

From the Daily Star of Friday.

Yesterday the threshers were busy at Chas. Linsemaier's about three miles north of this city, and the heat was very oppressive. Jas. B. Messler, a resident of West Niles, was among the number who were helping. He was working on the straw stack and about 11 o'clock began complaining of the heat, but nothing was thought of it, and he kept at his post.  In the afternoon he acted rather strange, but those who saw him thought he was fooling.  At 6 o'clock the men quit work in order to eat their supper. Messler slipped down from the stack and started with the rest, but staggered and fell.  He was picked up and carried to the house, where stimulants were given but all all efforts to bring him to his senses proved fruitless, and he expired in a few minutes.

Coroner Barron, of this city, was sent for and he quickly responded. A jury was impanelled and an inquest was held late last evening.  The jury will render their verdict this evening.

Mr. Messler was 52 years of age and resided on Lincoln avenue with his mother, Mrs. Virginia Loux. He was a son by her first husband, she having been married twice. Deceased was also a brother of Mrs. Jas. Webber, of this place.

The funeral occurred this afternoon at 3 o'clock from the house.

Rev. Chas. Ager delivered the sermon and the remains were buried in Silver Brook cemetery.