Mary (Exner) Knauf
Oct. 2, 1872-Dec. 26, 1939

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, December 26, 1939, page 2, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Mary Knauf, Mother of Eight, is Taken by Death

Mrs. Mary Knauf, 67, lifelong resident of Niles, died early today in the family home 810 Cass street.  She had been in ill health nine years, her condition becoming serious last Wednesday. A heart ailment was the cause of her death.

She was a member of St. John's Evangelical church, where she was married Feb. 22, 1892, by the Rev. Frederick Rahn and where her funeral services will be held. The day and hour of the funeral have not been announced.  She was also a member of the Loyal Star of America.

Mrs. Knauf was the wife of Frederick Knauf who survives and the mother of eight children--Frank, Raymond, Frederick, Jr., Richard and Mrs. Ora Sherer, all of Niles; Albert and Louis, Three Oaks, and Edmund, Ann Arbor.

She also leaves six brothers, Charles, Louis, August, Fred and John Exner, all of Niles, and George Exner, Buchanan, twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren also survive.

She was born Oct. 2, 1872, in Niles and had lived here continuously since.

Friends and family may call at the family home on Cass street.

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, December 28, 1939, page 2, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

Final Arrangements are Announced for Mrs. Knauf's Service

Six friends of the family will act as pallbearers at the funeral service for Mrs. Mary Knauf Friday afternoon at 2 in St. John's Evangelical church.

They are Henry Exner, Herman Exner, William Dixon, Everett Horner, Harold Shumaker and Floyd Siebert.  The body will be taken from the family home , 810 Cass street, to the church at 1 o'clock where it will lie in state from 1 to 2, the hour of the service.

The Rev. Theo Eisen will officiate and burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery. Friends may call at the family home tonight.

Mrs. Charles (Caroline E.) Sbarbaro
1864-April 8, 1915

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, April 8, 1915, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

STRICKEN LADY DIED FROM STROKE

Mrs. Carrie Sbarbaro Was Found Unconscious in Home by Frank Teska, a City Light Employe

CAME RECENTLY FROM CHICAGO

Was Last Seen by Neighbors Tuesday Raking Yard--Discovered Yesterday and Died This Morning

Mrs. Carrie Sbarbaro, wife of Chas. Sbarbaro, of 1201 North Front street, was found in an unconscious condition yesterday morning in her home and died this morning about 4 o'clock without regaining consciousness.

Mrs. Sbarbaro was seen by her neighbors raking and cleaning her yard Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday morning Frank Teska, a city employe in the electric light service, called at the house about 10 o'clock to read the electric meter.  Receiving no response to his knock and finding the door unlocked he called to Mrs. Sbarabro and again received no response.  He entered the house and then heard a sound as of someone snoring heavily and in a peculiar manner.  As he passed the open door of Mrs. Sbarbaro's room he observed her lying on the bed breathing with difficulty and heavily as stated.  Mr. Teska called a neighbor, who, when she was unable to arouse Mrs. Sbarbaro, summoned a physician.  Dr. Giddings responded and he found that the sick woman had suffered a stroke caused by a hemorrhage on the left side of the brain which was due to over exertion the day before.  Mrs. Sbarbaro had had several slight attacks somewhat  similar to the one which caused her death, although she had always on these occasions found it more comfortable to sit up.  It is probable she was stricken as she slept and had been unconscious the greater part of the night.  A four year old child of Harry Root had spent the night at the Sbarbaro home and in the morning when Mrs. Sbarbaro failed to respond to his effort to play, he went to his own home on North Fifth street.  Except for the child Mrs. Sbarbaro was alone when stricken.

Mr. Sbarbaro, who is in business in Chicago came to Niles last night, but his wife never regained consciousness.

Mrs. Sbarbaro came to Niles from Chicago to reside last July. Her husband remained in Chicago on account of his business, but frequently came to Niles, and only last week his wife visited him there. However, she preferred Niles and they planned to make this city their permanent home.

Mrs. Sbarbaro was 53 years of age.  Her husband, to whom she was married 22 years ago, is the only surviving relative.

The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 from the house and 2 o'clock from the Methodist church, of which Mrs. Sarbaro has been a member since the tabernacle meetings.  She has taken an active part in the work of the church, was faithful in her duties and generous of her means.  She was a member of the Woman's Adult Bible class of the church and of other organizations in the church. Rev. R.A. Wright will conducted the services.  Interment will be at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, April 8, 1915, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. CHAS. SBARBARO PASSES AWAY VERY SUDDENLY TODAY.

Over Exertion From Raking Yard Causes Cerebral Hemorrhages

Mrs. Charles Sbarbaro died about 4 o'clock this morning at her home in north Front street of cerebral hemorrhage. It is thought to have been caused by over exertion.

Tuesday evening she was seen raking her yard. Wednesday morning Frank Teske went to the house to read the electric meter and found her in an unconscious condition. Help was summoned and a physician called who at once was aware that her case was extremely dangerous.

Mr. Sbarbaro who is in business in Chicago was telegraphed and arrived here last night. Funeral arrangements have not been made.

Hiram Arthur
July 31, 1862-April 12, 1915


Niles Daily Sun, Monday, April 12, 1915, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH TODAY OF H. ARTHUR

After 20 Weeks of Illness Death Claims Highly Esteemed Resident of Niles--Funeral Wednesday

Hiram Arthur passed away this morning at 2:30 o'clock at his home, 701  Bond street, after an illness of about 20 weeks' duration.

Mr. Arthur was born in Macedon, Wayne county, New York, July 31, 1862.

He was married to Dora J. Bidwell, who survives him, Thursday, Aug. 7, 1884, at Girard, Mich.  For a time after his marriage Mr. Arthur was employed as a pharmacist by the Coleman Drug company, in Kalamazoo.

Eighteen years ago Mr. Arthur came to Niles to take a position with E.C. Griffin, and remained here for a number of years.  Since their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur have resided for the greater part of the time in Niles and Dowagiac.

Mr. Arthur has been in the employ of Dean's Sons, druggists, for nearly two years, but on account of ill health has been unable to be at the store but little of the time for several months.  His ambition was great, however, and his employers speak in the highest terms of praise of the deceased for his efficiency and faithfulness to duty. He was a man of good habits, a first class pharmacist, a genial companionable man in every respect and was highly esteemed by all who enjoyed his friendship. For a number of years Mr. Arthur was in the employe of E.C. Griffin in this city and the latter adds his testimony to the many excellent qualities of the deceased. As a mark of respect both the Dean and Griffin drug stores will be closed during the hours of the funeral.

Besides the widow, two children, Alan H. Arthur of Dowagiac, and Mrs. Lois E. Crawford, wife of Norris Crawford, also of Dowagiac, and one grandchild, Richard Arthur Crawford, survive Mr. Arthur and one sister, who resides in Chicago.

Mr. Arthur was a member of St. Joseph lodge No. 4 of Niles and the Tribe of Ben Hur.

The funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 o'clock from the residence, and will be under the auspices of the Masonic lodge.  Rev. A.W. Lyons, of the Baptist church will officiate. Members of the Masonic lodge at Dowagiac will attend also. Interment will occur at Silverbrook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 12, 1915, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

HIRAN[sic] ARTHUR PASSED AWAY THIS MORNING

Niles was saddened this morning by the word of the death of Hiram Arthur.  Although this gentleman had been in Niles only a comparatively short time, he had made an unlimited number of close friends, and those who had only a short passing acquaintance express deep regret at his demise. Dowagiac was formerly Mr. Arthur's original home, but he spent considerable time in this city, first as drug clerk for E.C. Griffin, and he last acted in that capacity for Dean's Sons.  A kindly man, he was patient and brave in the hours of deepest trouble and his gentlemanly, courtly manner won respect and highest regard of all.

After a number of months of illness with heart trouble, the end came this morning at 2:30 o'clock at the home in Bond street.  He was born in Wayne county, New York, July 31, 1862.  A widow, of this city and a son and daughter are left, Allen and Mrs. Norris Crawford of Dowagiac.

Fraternally Mr. Arthur was affiliated with the Masonic order and with the Tribe of Ben Hur.  The former order will have charge of the body at the grave, burial to be made in Silver Brook cemetery., following funeral services which take place Wednesday morning at 10:30 o'clock from the home in Bond street, Rev. A.W. Lyons officiating

Emma C. Orr
April 10, 1858-April 9, 1915

Niles Daily Sun, Friday, April 9, 1915, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. A.R. ORR DIED AT NOON

Daughter of Judge and Mrs. Brown Was Seriously Ill but a Few Days With Grippe and Complications

Mrs. Orr, wife of A.R. Orr and a daughter of Judge and Brs. [sic] Brown, passed away at noon today at their home, 609 Platt street.  Mrs. Orr had been in ill health for some time, but she had been seriously ill only since last Sunday with grippe and complications.

Mr. and Mrs. Orr came to Niles about two years ago to reside and have made many friends, who deplore the death of the estimable lady.  Besides her husband and parents, Mrs. Orr is survived by three daughters--Mrs. Elbert Blake, who resides on the farm just east of her parents' home, Mrs. Fred Menhennette of Indianapolis, who came to Niles yesterday and Miss Mildred Bush, who resides at home.

The funeral arrangements have not been made.

Niles Daily Star, Friday, April 9, 1915, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. A.R. ORR PASSES AWAY AT THE NOON HOUR.

At noon today, after an illness which extended only from Sunday, Mrs. A.R. Orr of 609 Platt street, passed away.

Grippe with other attendant complications was the cause of her demise. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

The family and her entire large circle of friends are stricken with grief because of the sad occurrence.

Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, April 10, 1915, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

The funeral services for the late Mrs. A.R. Orr will be held from the residence on Platt street Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. W.H. Phelps of the Presbyterian church will officiate.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, April 12, 1915, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

OBITUARY

The funeral services for the late Mrs. A.R. Orr were held at her home yesterday, conducted by the Rev. Wm. Phelps of the Presbyterian church with interment at Silver Brook cemetery.

Emma C. Orr, only daughter of Judge and Mrs. C.R. Brown, was born at Beren, Ohio, April 10, 1858. Departed this life April 9, 1915, at Niles, Mich.

In 1879 she was married to Nye A. Bush, who died March 28, 1906. As the issue of that marriage there were three children: Mrs. Florence L. Blake, of Niles, Mich.;  Mrs. Helen Menhennette of Indianapolis, Ind., and Miss Mildred I. Bush of Niles. Mrs. Blake is the mother of four children and Mrs. Menhennette of two. Her daughters were all present at her death.

December 27, 1910, Mrs. Bush was married to Archie R. Orr, of Negaumee, Michigan.  In the spring of 1913 Mr. and Mrs. Orr removed to Niles and purchased "Melrose Farm," one of the pleasantest and most attractive houses in the city.

Mrs. Orr was an artist of marked ability and for many years was a teacher in oil, water color and tapestry.

She is survived by her husband, father and mother, the three daughters above mentioned and three brothers, George P. Brown of Marquette, Mich., Charles H. Brown of St. Louis, Mo., and William A. Brown of Cheboygan, Mich.

Among those present from out of the city were her brother Wm. A. Brown, Mrs. Menhennette, Mrs. Mary Brown and daughter, Mabel of Benton Harbor, a large number of Mr. Orr's immediate family and her cousins, Mrs. S.C. Van Antwerp and Mrs. Harvey C. Beeson of Vicksburg, Mich., the latter two with Mrs. D.D. Waltz of this city are own cousins of Mrs. Orr, the mothers being sisters.

Miss Maude McNabb of his city rendered two beautiful solos.

Mrs. Orr will be missed by a large circle of relatives and friends, but by none more than her devoted husband.

Mrs. Orr's 57th birthday would have occurred on April 10, which occasion her family had hoped to celebrate with her.  Rev. Mr. Phelps in the course of his remarks read the following touching lines which we understand were composed by him on the occasion of his own mother's birthday. . .

Audrey Clark, 89
Jan. 30, 1922 — May 14, 2011

Audrey A. Clark, 89, of Windingwood Drive in South Bend, died at 12:20 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Hospice House in Elkhart, Ind. following a brief illness.

Audrey Clark, 89

Mrs. Clark was born Jan. 30, 1922 in Mishawaka, Ind. to Wilbur David and Harriet Beldine (Ritter) Nelson. She graduated from Central High School in South Bend with the Class of 1940. She was a lifetime Michiana resident.

Audrey attended Southwestern Michigan College from 1978 to 1988, focusing on art classes. She was awarded an honorable mention for her acrylic painting titled “Swamp Flower.” She was a freelance artist and co-owner of the Riverfront Gallery.

Audrey was a member of the Niles Lady Elks and Niles Art Association. She was a past president of the Niles PTA at Cherry Street School.

On Jan. 19, 1947 in Sturgis, Mich., she married Lee E. Clark, Sr., who preceded her in death Nov. 11, 1987.

She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Andrew Clark, who died in February 1989.

Surviving family includes a son, Lee E. (Maureen) Clark of Georgetown, Texas; a daughter, Kristina L. Pendley of South Bend; grandchildren, Sara (Joseph) Gillespie of Marietta, Ga., Patricia Clark of Berkeley, Calif., Molly Clark of Ann Arbor, Mich. and Erin and Catherine Clark, both of Georgetown.

Funeral services for Audrey A. Clark will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 18 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Carl W. Bassett of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Niles officiating.

Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Audrey may be made to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County in Mishawaka, Ind.

Niles Daily Star, Published 7:27am online Tuesday, May 17, 2011

John Wegner, 83
May 18, 1927 — May 14, 2011

John R. Wegner, 83, of Evergreen Road in Niles, died at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2011 at his home following an 18-month battle with lung cancer.

John Wegner, 83

Mr. Wegner was born May 18, 1927 in Plainwell, Mich. to Ralph H. and Virginia A. (Bell) Wegner. He moved from South Bend to Niles in 1940.

On May 1, 1987, he retired after 28 years of service at National Standard Co. in Niles. He was also formerly employed for 10 years at New York Central Railroad.

John was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy from Aug. 4, 1944 to June 19, 1946.

He was a member of the B.P.O. of Elks in Niles Lodge 1322 and American Legion Post 26 in Niles.

He was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying golf, baseball, basketball, bowling, pool and anything else with a ball in it. For 20 years, he held a Niles High School basketball record for the most points in a game. He was a big supporter of the NHS sports program. He was also an avid fisherman and loved to dance and watch his grandchildren’s sports and school activities.

On Sept. 7, 1946 in Niles, he married the former Dorothy R. “Dot” Welsher, who survives. Surviving family also includes their daughters, Stacey A. (Robert Evans) Wegner and Vicki L. Podjan, both of Niles; grandchildren, Heather (Billy) Zimmerman, Jamie L. (Jamie L.) Zimmerman, Joshua E. Weaver, Sarah (Casey) Gowen, Ben Evans, Jenny (Holli) Evans and Jessica (Nathan) Tonkin; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother, James (Nancy) Wegner of Niles.

He was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Ava Zimmerman, and a sister, Judith Kolig.

Funeral services for John R. Wegner will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 19 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Elder Ray Fulbright of First Presbyterian Church in Niles officiating.

Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of John may be made to Hospice at Home or Disabled American Veterans.

Niles Daily Star, Published online 7:29am Tuesday, May 17, 2011