Obituaries

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.

Ryder, Nora (Robinson)

Nora L. Ryder, 84
Dec. 15, 1926-Oct. 28, 2011

Niles Daily Star, Published online 7:35pm Sunday, October 30, 2011

Nora L. Ryder, 84, of Miars Drive, Niles, died at 2 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at her home following an extended illness.

Nora L. Ryder, 84

She was born on Dec. 15, 1926, in Manchester, Tenn., to John Townsend and Hester Elizabeth (Swoape) Robinson and spent her first 10 years in Manchester before moving to Niles in 1936.

She was employed for many years at the National-Standard Co., Niles.

Nora was a member of the New Apostolic Church, Niles. She enjoyed cooking and baking and spending summers at the family cabin in Wellston, Mich.

On March 14, 1943, in Niles, she married Rollie J. Ryder, who preceded her in death on March 11, 2006.

She was also preceded in death by sisters Ruth DeWachter and May Haron and by brothers Dawson Robinson, Fred Robinson, Robert Robinson, Thurston Robinson and Walter Swoape.

Surviving family included her children, Linda (and Don) Rajski of South Bend, Ind., and John (and Pat) Ryder of Niles; grandsons, Stephen (and Debbie) Rieman, Michael (and Susan) Rieman and Brian (and Sarah Woike) Ryder; and Nora’s brother, Paul Robinson of Kentucky.

The funeral service for Nora L. Ryder will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the New Apostolic Church, Niles, with the Rev. Michael Sirovica of the church officiating.

Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Contributions in memory of Nora may be made to Lakeland Hospice.

Arrangements were made at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Rau, William

William A. Rau
Abt 1899-March 23, 1919

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, March 24, 1919, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

WILLIAM RAU ELECTROCUTED

Grandson of Mrs. John Rau Touched Live Wire

 

William A. Rau, aged 20 years, a grandson of Mrs. John Ray, 406 Brookfield street, west Niles, was electrocuted while at work at the plant of Vacuum Ice Co. in South Bend Sunday morning when he came in contact with a live trolley wire of an electric crane and was electrocuted, 440 volts passing through his body.

No one was present when the accident occurred, but according to employes of the plant, Mr. Rau was working near the crane, which was idle at the time, with the switch out, which  left the current on. He had evidently attempted to do some oiling near the trolley wire and his hand came in contact with it, the current killing him instantly. When found, one arm was thrown across the live wire and both hands were burned severely. He was immediately taken to his home. Mr. Rau had been in the employ of the company for a year, but had recently taken a position in the machinery department of the plant.

The funeral arrangements have not been completed but the body will be brought to Niles probably on Wednesday afternoon for burial.

The young man was born in Niles.  He was a son of John Rau, whose death occurred in Florida about a year ago. The death by electrocution of William Rau, was the second in the family by electrocution, the young man's uncle, the late Fred Rau, son of Mrs. John Rau, and a brother of Nick Rau, Mesdames Ed. Larson and Frank Butts of Niles, having been killed in a similar manner seven years ago when he came in contact with a live wire at the city hall in Niles. The young man is survived by his mother, Mrs. Alfred Blodgett, who was formerly Miss Grace Lambert, a sister of Jack Lambert.


Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, March 25, 1919, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for William E. [sic] Rau, who was electrocuted in South Bend Sunday morning were held this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the residence. Rev. R. Everett Carr officiated. The body was brought to his city, burial taking place in Silver Brook cemetery.

 

Strome, Noah

Noah Strome
Dec. 2, 1844-March 17, 1919


Niles Daily Sun, Monday, March 17, 1919, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

NOAH STROME DIES, AGED 75

Had Resided in Niles or Vicinity for 15 years--Funeral Today

 

Noah Strome, a highly respected resident of this section for about 15 years, died Sunday morning about 2:20 o'clock at his home, 504 South Fifth street, after an illness from complication of diseases which culminated in Bright's disease., his illness having been of more than two years' duration.

The funeral services were held this afternoon from the residence, Dr. E.G. Lewis fo the Methodist church conducted the services. Burial occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.

Mr. Strome was 75 years old last December. He was born in Pennsylvania. He was married at Sturgis 52 years ago to Mary C. Heiss who survives him. Besides the widow, Mr. Strome is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Denora Rheinhardt of Indianapolis and Mrs. Cora Brohman, wife of Edward Brohman, residing north of Niles; also by one brother, Peter Strome, of Vicksburg, Mich., and by one sister, Mrs. Ella Gammett, of Chicago.

The deceased was a farmer by occupation and had resided on a farm north of Niles on the Sumnerville road for about 15 years, until his health prevented him from engaging in farming actively, and he sold the farm and purchased the home on South Fifth street, and came to Niles to reside about a year ago.

Among those from out of the city who attended the funeral services were Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Rhinehardt of Indianapolis and Peter Strome of Vicksburg.


Niles Daily Star, Monday, March 17, 1919, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

NOAH STROME DIES AT AGE OF SEVENTY-FIVE

 

Following an illness which has confined him to his home in 504 South Fifth street for more than a year, Noah Strome, aged 75, died Sunday morning at 2 o'clock.  Death was due to complications.

Deceased was born Dec. 2, 1844, in Vicksburg. A years ago he moved to Niles from Sumnerville, where he had made his home for 15 years.

Besides the widow he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. D.A. Rhinehardt of Indianapolis and Mrs. Edward Brohman of Berrien Springs; one brother, Peter Strome of Vicksburg and one sister, Mrs. Emma Gallet, Chicago; and four grandchildren.

Funeral services were held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence. Dr. E.G. Lewis officiated.  Interment occurred in Silver Brook cemetery.

Reynolds, Mary

Mrs. Paterson (Mary) Reynolds
1836-March 1, 1919


Niles Daily Star, Thursday, March 25, 1919, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

FORMER RESIDENT DIES IN CALIFORNIA

 

Word has been received here telling of the death of Mrs. Paterson Reynolds, which occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Tandy, with whom she resided in Porterville, Calif., on Saturday, March 1, following an illness of heart trouble.

Mrs. Reynolds was 83 years old and was well known in this city, where she resided for many years in Regent street prior to her removal to California about 32 years ago.

Deceased is survived by three daughters, two residing in California and Mrs. J. Best of Buchanan and one son, whose home is in California.

The body was cremated and the ashes are to be sent to Niles and buried in Silver Brook cemetery.

 

Leggett, Mabel Frances

Mabel Frances Leggett
Nov. 21, 1916-March 12, 1919


Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, March 18, 1919, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services were held for Mabel Frances Leggett at the residence of her parents, at 1320 North Fifth street, Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Rev. P.G. Saffran officiated. Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery. A large gathering of friends and neighbors attended the services. Relatives present from out of town were Mrs. John Reinke, William Reinke, Ed. Hamilton and daughter, Flossie, of Dayton; Mrs. Charles Sebasty, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Leggett and son Jessie, Mrs. B. Marrs and John Koons, Buchanan; Mrs. John Reroska, Michigan City and Miss Nettie Leggett, of Laporte, Ind.

Forrest, William

William Forrest
Jan. 18, 1844-March 13, 1919


Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, March 13, 1919, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLAIMS WILLIAM FORREST

Well Known War Veteran Had Lived Here since 1871.

 

William Forrest passed away this morning at 10:20 a.m., after an illness of three months' duration. Mr. Forrest was born at Jamesville, O., Jan. 18, 1844. The deceased was a veteran of the Civil war, having served five years in the 80th Ohio infantry. He was a member of G.A.R. since its organization.

He came to Niles in 1871 and has been resident of this place continuously since. He had resided at 510 Michigan street for 41 years.

Mr. Forrest is survived by one son, Alderman Clete Forrest, 711 South Ninth street, and Mrs. Frank Hardenburg  of 1011 North Seventh street., Niles; also by four grandchildren, Frank, Carrie Maud and Anna L. Forrest, and Frances Hardenburg, and by one sister, Mrs. Mellissa Richardson of Cross Limb, Mo.

Mrs. Forrest passed away 17 months ago.

The funeral announcement  will be made later.


Niles Daily Star, Thursday, March 13, 1919, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

WILLIAM FORREST PIONEER RESIDENT DIED TODAY


William Forrest, an old and highly respected resident of Niles, died at his home, 510 Michigan street, at 10:20 o'clock this morning, after an illness of three months.
Mr. Forrest had lived in this city 41 years, coming here in 1871. He was born a Jamsville[sic], Ohio, Jan. 18, 1844.
At the beginning of the civil war Mr. Forrest was one of the first to enlist and served  five years with the 80th Ohio infantry. He wa a charter member of the G.A.R.
Deceased is survived by one son, Alderman Clete Forrest, 711 south Ninth street, and one daughter, Mrs. Frank Hardenburg, 1011 north Seventh street. There are also four grandchildren., Frank W., Carrie Maude and Anna Leota Forrest, and Francis Hardenburg. An only sister, Mrs. Melissa Richardson, resides at Cross Limbers, Mo.
Mrs. Forrest passed away 17 months ago.
Funeral announcement will be made later.

Blake, Vida (Young)

Vida Young Blake
1856-March 10, 1919


Niles Daily Star, Saturday, March 15, 1919, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Mrs. Blake were held this morning from the home of her sister, Miss Carrie Young, in Michigan street.  Rev. Scherer of the Presbyterian church officiated. Burial occurred in Silver Brook cemetery.

 

Note; Vida Young, daughter of Cornelius Young and Harriet Drew married Nicholas Blake at Niles on May 9, 1981. She died at Logansport, Ind.