John W. Smith
Feb. 18, 1856-April 23, 1938

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 25, 1938, page 2, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

John W. Smith, 82, Dies at Son's Home

John W. Smith 82, died in the home of his son, Albert E. Smith, 1238 South Fifteenth street, late Saturday night. He had been ill for one and one-half years but his illness became serious three weeks ago.

Mr. Smith was born in Ohio in 1856 and came here from Peoria 15 year[sic] ago.

Services will be held in the Rutherford funeral home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

George Edward Flower
Feb. 21, 1872-April 22, 1938

Niles Daily Star, Friday, April 22, 1938, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLAIMS G.E. FLOWER, NILES BANKER

Prominent Citizen is Stricken at 12:30 Today

Came Here is 1897

Was Long Active in Community and Church

George E. Flower, president of the State Bank of Niles, and prominent in county and state banking circles, died at 12:30 this afternoon in his home, 513 Broadway. Funeral services probably will be held Monday afternoon.

With him when he died was his wife, Mrs. Emma Flower, the only surviving member of his immediate family.

Mr. Flower's death ended a long period of illness. His last illness became serious early in October.  Treatment in the University of Michigan hospital and in a Chicago hospital failed to relieve the Niles man, who returned to his home here a few weeks ago from his final trip to a hospital.

Mr. Flower had been president of the State Bank of Niles since its reorganization April 19, 1934.  He was a former president of the old Reliable Home Building and Loan association, and at the time of his death was a director of the Niles Federal Savings and Loan association, which absorbed the former organization.

Long Banking Career

As vice president of the old Newman and Snell State Bank, which was located in the building now occupied by the Economy Drug store, he gained his early experience in the banking profession. He entered banking circles at the insistence of the late Wingate W. Newman, who recognized his ability in that line.

Mr. Flower came to Niles in 1897 from Cleveland, and opened a department store which he operated until 1914, when he sold out to live in retirement for two years.

Served in Old Bank

During that time, the late Mr. Newman, president of the Newman and Snell State bank, as it was named before the 1916 reorganization into the State Bank of Niles, often urged Mr. Flower to become an official of the bank.

When it was reorganized in  1916 and the name changed, Mr. Flower accepted the offer and became cashier.

He was elected president of the reorganized bank in 1934 after being identified with the old institution 19 years. He served as cashier and vice president--sometimes in the dual capacity.

He was active in Trinity Episcopal church and for a number of years was lay reader, conducting services in the absence of the rector.

Association Official

For a number of years, Mr. Flower was secretary of the now-defunct Business Men's association of Niles, which ante-dated the Chamber of Commerce. In that capacity, he was largely instrumental in bringing in new industries.

Among the plants that came while he was secretary were the National-Standard company; Garden City Fan company; National Printing and Engraving company, and the Kawneer company.

He was also a leader in building the Community House, raising $23,000 for the purpose before the structure was completed.

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, April 23, 1938, page 1, col. 6-7, microfilm Niles District Library

G.E. FLOWER SERVICES IN TRINITY MONDAY AT 3

Church, business and lodge associates of the late George E. Flower will be represented at the funeral of the Niles  banker in Trinity Episcopal church Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The services, which will be held in the church where he had served long as an official and active member, will be conducted by the Rev. H.L. Nicholson.  Mr. Flower's body will lie in state in the church from 1 o'clock to 2:45. Burial will be in Silverbrook abbey.

The State Bank of Niles, of which he had been president since its reorganization in 1934, will be closed Monday afternoon.

Mr. Flower, whose death Friday afternoon terminated a seven months' illness, was born in London, England, Feb. 21, 1872. He came  with his parents to Toronto, Ontario, when he was three years old. Fifteen years later he moved to the United States, coming to Niles in 1897 from Monmouth, Ill.

He was married to Miss Emma Weess in Keokuk, Iowa, Oct. 10, 1893. Mrs. Flower survives him, also two sisters, Miss Annie Flower, Los Angeles, and Mrs. Mayflower Littlefield, Santa Barbara, Calif.

Mr.  Flower was a member of Trinity church and Niles Lodge No. 1322, BPOE.

Friends of the family will be received in the home at 513 Broadway until noon Monday.

LEONA FRITZ
Sept. 21, 1899-April 11, 1938

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 11, 1938, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Leona Fritz, Ex-Resident of Niles, Stricken

Mrs. Leona Fritz, Wilmington , Calif., daughter of Mrs. M.E. Gorton, Niles, died at 8:30 o'clock this morning in Epworth hospital, South Bend. She had been ill for one year. Mrs. Fritz was a native of Niles.

Her body was brought to the Price and Kiger funeral home, Niles, where services will be held. Arrangements for the funeral are incomplete.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, April 12, 1938, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

SERVICES THURSDAY

Depending on the arrival of her husband, Edward, and sister, Mrs. James Stacey, Los Angeles, calif., funeral services for Mrs. Leona Fritz, will be held at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon in the Price and Kiger funeral home. The Rev. T.O. Lee will officiate with burial in Silverbrook cemetery. A former Niles resident, Mrs. Fritz died Monday morning in Epworth hospital, South Bend.

Mrs. Charles Goodling
1880-April 23, 1938

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 25, 1938, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

FORMER RESIDENT OF NILES STRICKEN

Mrs. Charles Goodling, 58, to be Buried Here Tuesday

Mrs. Charles Goodling, 58, who lived in Niles for 25 years prior to 1920, will be buried in Silverbrook cemetery Tuesday afternoon at 4.  Burial will follow services at 2:30 in the Forest Hayes funeral home, South Bend.

Mrs. Goodling's death occurred at the state hospital in Longcliff, Indiana, Saturday night, after an illness of four years. She was born in Mattawan in 1880 and was married in 1899.

While living in Niles, Mrs. Goodling was active in the Methodist church and for several years had charge of the cradle roll department.

She leaves her husband, 602 Lincolnway East, South Bend; four sons, Herbert, Springfiled, Ill., and Homer, Harold and Gordon, all of South Bend; also a brother, Frank Hardenburgh, South Bend.

Ara Gimlin
Feb. 22, 1869-July 13, 1910

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, July 13, 1910, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

DEMISE OF MISS GIMLIN

At Home of Her Brother, A.B. Gimlin in West Niles

Miss Ara Gimlin passed away about 10:30 o'clock this morning at the home of her brother, A.B. Gimlin, in West Niles after a prolonged illness from carcimona[sic].

Miss Gimlin was brought to Niles on Monday from Evanston, Ill., where she had been in a hospital for six weeks and as her strength was rapidly ebbing away it was advised that she be brought to her brother's home.

About a year ago Miss Gimlin underwent an operation at Evanston following which she came to Niles and apparently completely regained her health. She returned to Chicago but again began to fail and she was taken to Evanston for another operation  but this was not attempted owing to her serious condition.

During the time Miss Gimlin was in Niles last summer she was identified with the Presbyterian church and her charming personality and beautiful traits of character soon won for her many friends all whom deeply sympathize with the bereaved relatives.

The funeral will be held Friday after noon at 2 o'clock from Mr. Gimlins' home. Interment will occur at Silver Brook.

Sophia Jordan
Dec. 28, 1819-June 8, 1910

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, June 8, 1910, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. HENRY JORDAN

Pioneer Resident of Niles Passed Away This Morning

Mrs. Sophia Jordan, wife of Henry Jordan, passed away this morning at 2:45 o'clock at their home 1101 Regent Street.

Mrs. Jordan was past 90 years of age but had always been in excellent health until a few weeks ago when she suffered a fall and had since gradually failed.

Mrs. Jordan was born in Germany Dec. 28, 1819. She had resided in Niles about 45 years.

Besides her husband, one daughter, Mrs. B. Mack and one son, Henry F. Jordan, Jr., both of Niles survive., also two granddaughters, Miss Clara Mack of Niles and Mrs. F. Porter of Lansing.

The deceased was a most estimable lady and was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends.

The funeral arrangements have not been made.

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, June 8, 1910, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH OF MRS. HENRY JORDAN

Was Early Settler of Niles--Died at Age 91 Years

Mrs. Henry Jordan passed away at her home, 1101 east Regent street this morning at 2:45 o'clock. Death was due to old age the deceased being 91 years old.

Mrs. Jordan was born in Germany where she was married to Henry Jordan in 1853. The couple came to Niles direct from the old country 41 years ago and have since resided here.

Four children were born to the union, two of whom survive their mother: Mrs. B. Mack and Henry Jordan, Jr. both of this city. The funeral arrangements have not as yet been made pending the arrival of Henry Jordan, Jr., who is traveling through the state. However, they will probably occur Friday afternoon, and will be private.

Niles Daily Star, Friday, June 10, 1910, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

The funeral of the late Mrs. Henry Jordan occurred this afternoon from the residence on east Regent street. The funeral services were private only the immediate relatives and friends of the deceased being present.  Rev. F. Rahn conducted the last rites and the body was laid to rest in Silver Brook cemetery.  With Mrs. Jordon's demise, passes one of the oldest early settlers of Niles.