Donald N. Hamilton
June 18, 1894-May 14, 1911
Niles Daily Star, Monday, May 15, 1911, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
DEATH TAKES DON HAMILTON
BOY OF 16 DIES OF BRIGHT'S DISEASE
WOULD HAVE BEEN SOPHOMORE
Had Been Ill With Disease About Nine Months--Bedfast But One Week
Donald N. Hamilton, 16 years old, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hamilton, died at home of his parents, 701 Oak street, yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock, following an illness with Bright's disease of nine months' duration. The young man had been bedfast for a week.
Thus, another youthful person has been taken to serve in a greater and more beautiful realm. The boy's death came quite unexpectedly, for while he was in a semi-conscious condition up to 5 o'clock, hopes were entertained for his recovery. He was attacked with the disease last August. When school opened in the fall he attended the first two weeks but was compelled to stay out the rest of the semester. Two weeks prior to the time he was confined to the house he was employed at the Michigan Central dining hall.
If he had been physically able to attend school, Donald would have been in his sophomore year. He was bright and stood well in his studies. Because of a gentle, kind attitude to everyone and especially his school companions he was a favorite. He was of that quiet peaceful disposition that won those that were thrown in to his association at first meeting. He was a member of the Methodist Sunday school and an ardent worker.
Donald was born in Niles and would have been 17 years old June 18. He entered the public school when quite young.
A father and mother and one brother, Richard, 18 years old, survive.
The funeral will be held from the house tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. L.F. Fox, superintendent Niles district M.E. church will officiate and burial will be in Silver Brook cemetery. Boys from Donald's Sunday school class will act as pall bearers.
And so a life so fair and young.
Snatched in a moment's time,
Dwells in a far greater kingdom;
Surely one he can call mine.
Niles Daily Sun, Monday, May 15, 1911, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
YOUNG MAN IS TAKEN
Donald Hamilton, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hamilton Died Sunday
The death of Donald Hamilton, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hamilton occurred at 5:10 p.m. Sunday afternoon and was quite a shock to friends who did not know the young man was so critically ill.
Donald has suffered for several months from Bright's disease but had been much better during the winter. His health was such that he did not go to school this year.
Wishing to be employed a short time ago, he secured a position at the Michigan Central dining hall, but a little over a week ago he was compelled to give up on account of illness.
Up to Saturday he was not supposed to be seriously ill but on that day some bad symptoms developed. Sunday about noon he was taken with a sinking spell and he did not again rally.
The young man would have been seventeen had he lived until June 18. He was born in Niles and is survived by his parents and one brother, who is two years older.
Donald was a prime favorite with his companions and his untimely death is deeply deplored by his friends and the family have the sincere sympathy of the community in their bereavement.
The funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home on Oak street and will be conducted by Rev. M.L. Fox.
