Jacob K. Brown
Dec. 15, 1888-Febuary 5, 1916

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, February 7, 1916, page 1, col. 1-2, microfilm Niles District Library

JACOB BROWN CRUSHED TO DEATH IN DETROIT
Young man was killed in performance of duty of switchman. His death occurred on the fourth anniversary of marriage to Dowagiac lady. Burial here Tuesday

Jacob K. Brown, until December 1, 1915, a resident of Niles, the city of his birth, met with a fatal accident in the Michigan Central yards at Detroit about 4 o'clock Saturday morning, when he was terribly crushed between the side of a car on which he was clinging and a pile of steel I-beams that had been placed too close to the railroad tracks in the vicinity of the factory where they are produced.

Mr. Brown was rushed immediately to Grace hospital, but he did not live more than 15 minutes after reaching the hospital. He remained conscious to the last. He went to Detroit in December to work for the railroad company as a yard switchman. It was while in the performance of his duty that he received the fatal injuries that crushed out his life.

Niles relatives did not learn of the accident until Saturday afternoon, although Mrs. Brown had attempted during the day to get into communication with them, but without success. Her home being in Dowagiac, and not hearing form Niles, and not knowing what else to do she had her husband's body shipped to Dowagiac. Tomorrow the remains will be brought to Niles for burial. The body will arrive at 10:08 and will be taken to 1202 Oak street, where the funeral services will be held at the home of his father, William Brown at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, with burial at Silver Brook. Rev. George Huntington of Trinity church will officiate.

Mr. Brown met his death on the fourth anniversary of his marriage to Miss Ethelyn Wood of Dowagiac. They have one daughter, Jeanann.

The deceased was not a member of any fraternal society and carried no life insurance, but it is thought from the nature of the accident that his estate will be fully compensated under the Michigan liability law.

Mr. Browns was born in Niles and was 27 years of age Dec. 15th, last. Before going to Detroit he had been employed for a time at the Niles city plant.

Besides the wife and child the deceased is survived by his father and two brothers and two sisters. The brothers are Raymond of Chicago, and Lawrence of Donerail, Kentucky. Both are horsemen and up to this morning Niles relatives had not succeeded in locating them to notify them of the tragedy. The sisters are Mrs. C.H. Smith and Mrs. W.A. Smith, both of Niles.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 7, 1916, page 1, col. 7-8, microfilm Niles District Library

BODY CRUSHED BETWEEN STEEL BEAMS AND CAR
Jacob K. Brown Meets Sudden Death on First Night of Switch Duty.
WAS LOCATED IN DETROIT
Widow and Daughter Reside in Dowagiac, Also Father and Two Sisters in Niles; Funeral Here Tuesday

Just as he reached the goal for which  he had been striving two months, Jacob K. Brown met death in the Detroit Michigan Central switch yards Saturday. Since the first day of December , Mr. Brown had been working extra, but had been given a steady position.

He was hanging to the side of his car, signalling the engineer, when he was crushed between the car and a pile of steel I beams, which had been placed too near the switch track, which lead to the factory where the beams are manufactured.

The engineer stopped his train as soon as possible, but the body had been crushed along half the length of a car and was wedged tightly between the steel and wooden walls when removed. He was conscious and retained his senses while he was being rushed to a hospital in an ambulance. He survived about 15 minutes after reaching the hospital. In the meantime he gave the addresses of relatives and what directions were possible. Through a kindness of fate, his body is declared by physicians to have been partially paralyzed from the injuries and that thus much pain was avoided.

The widow, who resides in Dowagiac, was notified and at once went to Detroit. She returned to Dowagiac last night with the body, accompanied by members of the Switchman's union, of which Mr. Brown was a member. The body will be brought to Niles tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, where funeral services will be held in the afternoon at 2 o'clock, from the home of his father and sister, 1202 Oak street. Rev. George Huntington will officiate. Interment will be made in Silver Brook Cemetery.

Jacob K. Brown was born in Niles, Dec. 15, 1888. He was the son of Wm. Brown, his mother dying when he was but a baby.  On February 5, 1912, he was united in marriage with Ethelyn Wood of Dowagiac. One daughter, Jean Ann, was born to them. She is now three years old. His death, besides being on the first night of his regular position as switchman, also marked the fourth anniversary of their marriage.

Besides the widow, daughter and father, two sisters, Mrs. C.H. Smith and Mrs. Arthur Schmidt, of Niles and two brothers, Raymond of Chicago and Lawrence of Donerrail, Ky. survive.

For some time previous to his removal to Detroit, Mr. Brown was employed at the city power plant. He was a genial wholesome fellow, ready of wit and a general favorite.  "Jake" was he was familiarly known, was always the central figure in the perpetration of a joke and in the same spirit was the good natured object of pranks. His sad demise, as he was entering upon his new work, brings sorrow to the hearts of his many friends.

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, February 8, 1916, page 4, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

VICTIM OF ACCIDENT BURIED HERE TODAY

Jacob Brown, Killed in Detroit, Laid Away By Friends

The body of Jacob Brown, Michigan Central Switchman, who met his death in Detroit Saturday by being crushed between a car and a pile of I-beams, was brought  to Niles this morning from Dowagiac and removed to the home of his father, William Brown, on East Oak streeet. Funeral services were conducted this afternoon by Rev. George Huntington of Trinity Episcopal church. Mr. Hayward sang. Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery in the family lot.

Funeral services were also conducted this morning at the home of Mrs. Brown's parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Miller in Dowagiac.

Mrs. Brown was in Dowagiac when she received word of the accident to her husband and although she left at once for Detroit he was dead when she reached the hospital. Mrs. Brown had her household goods packed and expected to go to Detroit yesterday to reside, but she was not in Detroit when the accident occurred.

Both hips of the unfortunate man were broken and his abdomen crushed.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, February 8, 1916, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

The body of Jacob K. Brown arrived in Niles this morning at 10:08 o'clock from Dowagiac, and was taken to the home of his father and sister, 1202 Oak street, where funeral services were conducted this afternoon at 2 o'clock by Rev. George Huntington. Interment was made at Silver Brook cemetery.

Jacob K. Brown
Aug. 29, 1810-Oct. 14, 1890

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, October 15, 1890, page 3, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of Jacob K. Brown

Death is busy among the old settlers. Mr. Brown is the third to fall before his relentless scythe within the short space of six days.  He had been in failing health for several months, but till the last kept up a cheerful courage.  He was able to be about his room until 5 o'clock last evening, but sank peacefully into the sleep of death three hours later.

Mr. Brown was too well known to require a lengthy obituary. He was born in Liberty, Union county, Ind., Aug. 29, 1810, and removed to Niles Sept. 7, 1831. He was married Feb. 15, 1831, to Sarah J. Stith, the ceremony being performed by Judge Green, the first judge in Niles. Mr. Brown was one of the first trustees of the village of NIles, to which position he was repeatedly elected.

He was a soldier in the Black Hawk war, and has always taken an active interest in whatever promised to promote the welfare fo this city.

He was most conspicuous as a builder of public and private houses. During his residence here he superintended the construction of twenty-one school houses, a dozen mills and at least a half hundred of stores, dwelling houses and other buildings. His morality was never questioned. He stated once to the writer that he had never drank a glass of whisky or beer; had never tasted tobacco or smoked a cigar, had never attended a ball.  Notwithstanding his advanced age, he will be missed by his many friends.  He leaves no less than 60 descendants, having 18 or 20 great-grandchildren, one of whom is about 20 years old.

Thomas H. Dougan
July 24, 1908-Dec. 28, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Monday, December 30, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

MASTER THOS. DOUGAN VICTIM OF THE "FLU"

There is great sorrow in the home of Mrs. Thoams Dougan over the death of her 10-year-old grandson, Thomas H. Dougan, who passed away Saturday about midnight.

The little fellow was stricken with influenza several weeks ago. Pneumonia followed and caused his demise. His sister and two brothers were ill with the malady, but are now able to be up, although still in quarantine.

Walter Dougan, father of the little victim, left his work as building commissioner for the city of Gary, Ind., to come here and care for his son. He contracted the disease and was able to be out for the first time today.

Little Thoams was an unusually bright and industrious young man and a great favorite with his companions. The funeral will be held from the residence, 802 Bryant street, at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon and will be private on account of the influenza quarantine.  Mrs. Pearl Dougan and daughter, Miss Blanche, have been called here.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, December 31, 1918, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Private funeral services were held this afternoon at 2 o'clock for Master Thomas Dougan from the home of his grandmother, Mrs. Thomas F. Dougan. Burial took place at Silver Brook cemetery.

Harriet I. Hofferbert
Sept. 5, 1852-May 27, 1935

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, May 28, 1935, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH TAKES AGED RESIDENT OF NILES
Mrs. Harriet I. Hofferbert, 82, Succumbs Monday; Rites Wednesday.

Mrs. Harriet I. Hofferbert, 82, a resident of Niles since early childhood, died Monday afternoon at her home, 1315 Maple street. Her death was due to old age and complications.  She had been ill about two weeks.

Mrs. Hofferbert was the widow of George Hofferbert, who died in 1926. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hoover, who were among Niles early residents.

Mrs. Hofferbert was born in Pleasant Valley, Ind., Sept. 5, 1852. She was married May 17, 1877, to George Hofferbert at Mason township.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Fred A. Exner, Niles, and Mrs. Richard Edwards, Mishawaka, Ind.; two grandchildren, Lucile Edwards, Mishawaka, and Nordamyrth Exner, Niles; two brothers, Andrew Hoover, Parsonsburg, Md., and Elmer Hoover, Denver, Colo.; and two sisters, Mrs. S.E. Witmer, Niles, and Sarah Patterson, Riverside, Calif.

Funeral services will be held in the Rutherford Funeral chapel Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, with Mrs. Ila Wheeler officiating and burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery. Friends of the family may call at the Rutherford funeral home until the hour of the services.

Dr. Lester G. Platt
July 2, 1877-May 30, 1935

Niles Daily Star, Friday, May 31, 1935, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

DR. PLATT DROPS DEAD ON ORCHARD HILLS GOLF COURSE
Widely Known Niles Dentist Dies After Playing Round; Seemed in Perfect Health

The sudden death of Dr. L.G. Platt at Orchard Hills Country club Thursday morning came as a shock to the community of which he had been a life-long member.

Dr. Platt's death occurred at 11:15 o'clock in the morning.  Dr. Platt, the Rev. Harry L. Nicholson, Floyd Wood and Harry O. Parker had just finished nine holes on the golf course and were about to tee off for the second round.  Dr. Platt went to his car and while removing a package was stricken suddenly with a heart attack.

Dr. Platt was 57 years old. He was born in Niles July 2, 1877 and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Platt.  He was married Dec. 27, 1905 in Niles to Gayle King, the Rev. Decoux, of Trinity Episcopal church performing the ceremony.

He was graduated from the University of Michigan college of dentistry in 1898.  He leaves beside his wife and daughter, Mrs. Harold Hanlin, of Buchanan, and a twin brother, Dr. Leslie W. Platt, Elkhart. Efforts are being made by police  and radio broadcast to locate the latter who is en route to California by motor.

Dr. Platt was a past master of St. Joseph Valley lodge No. 4, F.& A.M. and of Niles chapter R.A.M.  He also was a member and active worker in Trinity Episcopal church.

Funeral arrangements will not be completed until Dr. Platt's brother is located.

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, June 1, 1935, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Dr. Platt Rites Set Monday P.M.

Efforts to locate Dr. Leslie W. Platt, twin brother of Dr. Lester G. Platt through radio broadcasts have been unavailing. Dr. Lester Platt, who died Thursday morning, will be buried Monday afternoon.

The body will lie in state in Trinity Episcopal church of which he was a member, from 1 o'clock Monday until 2:15.  Services will be held at 2:30, the Rev. Harry L. Nicholson, rector of the Trinity church, officiating.

Besides the brother whom the family is attempting to locate and who is enroute by motor to California, Dr. Platt leaves his wife, Mrs. Gayle Platt, a daughter, Mrs. Harold Hanlin, of Buchanan, and an elder brother, Ralph Platt, in Denver.

George C. Westfall
Oct. 9, 1868-May 30, 1935

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, June 1, 1935, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Westfall Rites Set

Funeral services for George C. Westfall, 68, who died Thursday morning at the home of Mrs. Raymond Parker, 637 North Fifth street, will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Price and Kiger funeral chapel, William Putnam officiating. Interment will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

Note: DOB from death record