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.

Fink, Edward

Edward Fink
Oct. 22, 1896-Oct. 2, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, October 2, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES BOY VICTIM OF INFLUENZA
EDWARD FINK, AGED 22 YEARS, DIED TODAY AT GETTYSBURG, PA., OF DREADED AILMENT
WAS IN TANK SERVICE
Body Will Be Shipped to Niles for Burial
Entered Military Service on Aug. 28.

    Another star in the city's service flag has turned to gold in the death of Edward Fink, who died this morning at Gettysburg, Pa., a victim of the Spanish influenza. Word was received last evening that the young man was seriously ill. The telegram announcing his death was received at noon.
    The erlatives[sic] have advised the officer who sent the message to ship the body to Niles for burial.
    Edward would have been 22 years of age had he lived until the 22d of this month. He was born in Niles and had practically spent his entire life here until he entered military service. He went to Camp Custer on Aug. 28, and two weeks later he was transferred to Gettysburgh to enter the tank service, his naturally inventive and ingenious turn of mind, which had indicated a promising career since his early youth, rendering him of special value in this line of work. He was enthused with his work and his letters home expressed his pleasure at being transferred to this kind of service.
    Last June he was united in marriage to Leota Stratton, who resides at 1206 Oak street.  Besides his wife, he is survived by his mother, Mrs. George Fink, of Yankee street, and by three brothers--Elba, Charles and George--all of Niles.
    The young man was well known through the community and the announcement of his death is mourned by many.

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 7, 1918, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

MILITARY HONORS FOR EDW. FINK
Niles Young Man, Victim of Spanish Influenza, Buried Here Sunday

    Military funeral services for Edward Fink, who died at Camp Colt, Gettysburg, Pa., a victim of Spanish influenza, were held Sunday afternoon from the home of his mother, Mrs. George Fink. The body reached Niles Saturday evening and was accompanied here by Sergeant Brown of Camp Colt.  Rev. A.W. Lyons of the First Baptist church conducted the services. A quartet comprising Mrs. Verne Hinkle, Miss Hamilton, Messrs. Martin and Ruckle, sang.  Members of the state constabulary stationed in Niles as guards, acted as pallbearers.  The body was laid to rest at Silver Brook cemtery[sic] amid a wealth of beautiful flowers, as the taps were sounded and a volley of shots were fired.  A large concourse of friends gathered at the home and at the cemetery to pay their last respects to the well known young soldier.
    Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Romy and Mrs. Barbara Romy of Fort Wayne, Ind., were among those from out of the city who attended the funeral.

Frizzell, Ruth (Ausmus)

Mrs. Sherman (Ruth Ausmus) Frizzell
September 2, 1893-November 1, 1918


Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, November 2, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLAIMS MRS. S. FRIZZELL
Well Known Young Woman Was A Victim of Influenza

    The death of Mrs. Sherman Frizzell, which occurred Friday afternoon at 4:35 o'clock at her home on North Fifth street, brought sorrow to a large circle of friends of the well known and highly estimable young woman.  Mrs. Frizzell became ill with influenza about a week ago and few days ago pneumonia developed which resulted in her death.
    Mrs. Frizzell, whose maiden name was Ruth Ausmus, was born in Niles Sept. 2, 1893, and had spent her entire life here. She was married in Niles on March 4, 1914, to Sherman Frizzell, who is a brakeman in the employ of the Michigan Central Railway Co.  About two years ago they purchased the bungalow built by Guy Whelan on North Fifth street and where they have since resided.
    Mrs. Frizzell is survived by her husband, her mother, Mrs. August Ausmus, of North Eleventh street; four brothers, Charles C. and George F. Ausmus of North Twelfth street and Ralph Ausmus of North Eleventh street, Niles, and John Ausmus of Kalamazoo, and by two sisters, Mrs. David Evick, Cass street, and Mrs. Edward Punderson, 1329 North Eleventh street.  The father of the deceased died four years ago.
    The deceased was a member of Niles hive, No. 39.
    The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence.  Rev. P.G. Saffran of St.John's church will officiate. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
* * *
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 2, 1918,  page 1, col 4, microfilm Niles District Library

SUDDEN DEATH OF YOUNG WOMAN IS DEPLORED

    Mrs. S.E. Frizzell died at her home, North Fifth street, yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock, following an illness of a week with influenza which developed into pneumonia.  Her condition became much worse Thursday and all efforts of her physician to save her life were fruitless.
    Before her marriage Mrs. Frizzell was known as Miss Ruth Ausmus, and was born in this city Sept. 18, 1893.
    Five years ago, March 4, 1913, she married S.E. Frizzell of this city.
    Besides her husband she is survived by her mother, Mrs. Kate Ausmus, four brothers, Charles C., George F. and Ralph Ausmus, of this city and John of Kalamazoo, and two sisters, Mrs. Ed. Punderson and Mrs. David Evick of Niles.
    To pluck the life of one so young, manifest great sorrow not only in family circles, but to the community at large.
    Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock form the residence.  Rev. Paul Saffran will officiate. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, November 4, 1918, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Funeral services for Mrs. S.E. Frizzell were held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence, North Fifth street.  Rev. Paul  Saffran officiated.  Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Bothwell, Lee Cornwell

Lee Cornwell Bothwell
Sept. 1, 1890-November 2, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, November 4, 1918, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


LEE C. BOTHWELL DEAD, AGED 28
Well Known Citizen Was a Victim of Influenza--
Funeral Today

    Lee Cornwell Bothwell, aged 28 years, died Saturday afternoon at his home, 1211 Phoenix street, after two weeks' illness from influenza.
    Mr. Bothwell was born in Indiana Sept. 1, 1890. About a year and a half ago he moved to Niles and took a position at the Kawneer as a machinist and was highly regarded as an employe and among his associates.
    The deceased is survived by his wife, whose maiden name ws Adaline Longenecker, by four little children--Lucille, aged 6 years; Leota, aged 4 years; Kenneth, aged 3 years, and Fern, 8 months old--by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Bothwell of Three Rivers and by the following brothers and sisters: Harry, Frank, Prentis, Mrs. Dan Langton and Miss Annette Bothwell, all of Three Rivers.
    The parents and the brothers and sistsers of the deceaed, also Mrs. Bothwell's father, Charles Longenecker, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Longenecker, Carl Longenecker, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Van Gilder and Miss Mabel Longenecker, all of Three Rivers, brothers and sisters of Mrs. Bothwell, were in attendance upon the funeral services which were held this afternoon from the residence.  Rev. E.G. Lewis, pastor of the Methodist church, officiating.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.
    Much sympathy for the bereaved family is felt by the large circle of friends the family has made since coming to Niles.
    Lucille and Leota, the older children of the family are both ill with influenza.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, November 4, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


DEATH CLAIMS LEE BOTHWELL

    Lee A.[sic] Bothwell, aged 28 years, died saturday night at his home, Phoenix street, after a two weeks illness of Bright's disease.
    Mr. Bothwell was born in Three Rivers, Sept. 1, 1890.
    Besides his wife and four small children he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Bothwell of Three Rivers.
    The young man had been employed at the Kawneer and was popular with his fellow workmen.
    Funeral services were held this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the residence, Dr. E.G. Lewis officiating. Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Wedel, Harold

Harold Wedel
May 22, 1909-Nov. 12, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, November 13, 1918, page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

HAROLD WEDEL, AGED 10, DEAD

    Sorrow was brought to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carl A. Wedel, 1315 North Eleventh street, last evening when Harold, the eldest of their six children, died at 9 o'clock after about two weeks' illness from liver trouble which, with other complications, developed from influenza. The other children and Mrs. Wedel have all been sick, but are now improving except Bernice, whose condition shows little improvement.
    Harold was born at Glenwood, in 1908. When he was four years old the family moved to Niles.  He was a bright little fellow and popular with his schoolmates at the Eagle Street school.  Besides his parents he is survived by three sisters and two brothers, who are Wilhelmina, Gertrude, Walter, Bernice and George.
    The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the H.E. Price chapel.  Burial will be at Silver Brook cemetery.
    Mr. Wedel, the child's father, is a Michigan Central section foreman.
* * *
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, November 13, 1918, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

HAROLD WEDEL PNEUMONIA VICTIM

    Harold Wedel, nine year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl A. Wedel, 1315 North Eleventh street, died last night after about two weeks illness with pneumonia following influenza. The mother and five other children are recovering from influenza.
    Harold was born May 22, 1909, in Glenwood, Mich., and moved to his city with his parents when he was four years old.  Besides his parents he is survived by three sisters and two brothers.
    Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from H.E. Price's chapel. Rev. Paul Saffran will officiate.  Burial will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
* * *
Niles Daily Sun, Friday, November 15, 1918, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

    Funeral services for Harold Wedel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Wedel, were conducted this afternoon from the H.E. Price chapel by Rev. P.G. Saffran. Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.
* * *
Niles Daily Star, Friday, November 15, 1918, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for the late Harold Wedel, were held this afternoon from Price's chapel. Rev. Paul Saffran officiated. Burial took place in Silver brook cemetery.

Asmus / Ausmus, Virginia Ruth

Virginia Ruth Asmus
Sept. 18, 1918-Sept. 23, 1918


    The week old child, named Virginia of Mr.and Mrs. Ralph Ausmus, 1338 Eleventh street, died yesterday afternoon of pleurisy.  Funeral services were held this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the grave, Silver Brook cemetery.  Rev. Paul Saffran of St John's church officiating. Mrs. Ausmus did not attend, owing to sever illness.

*Death record, cemetery record and gravemarker spell last name "Asmus"

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1918, page 4, col 1, microfilm Niles District Library



Stratton, Spencer K.

Spencer Stratton
Dec. 11, 1896-Oct. 21, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Monday, October 21, 1918, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


DEATH TOLL DUE TO INFLUENZA

    Today's death toll is the largest to be recorded in this city in years.  Of the five to succumb, four were stricken with the Spanish influenza.
SPENCER STRATTON
    Spencer Stratton, 1206 Oak street, 22 years of age, the eldest of nine children passed away this morning after a short illness.  His mother and eight children are all in a precarious condition with the disease.  The father and his sister, Mrs. Leota Fink, whose husband died in an army camp, at Gettysburg, Pa., two weeks ago, with the same disease, are the only members of this family who have so far escaped the malady.  Funeral will take place Wednesday and will be private.

[Note: Others in this article are: Mrs. Jesse Hill, Harry Faith, W.A. White, Mrs. Harold Davis]
* * *
Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 21, 1918, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Spencer Stratton, aged 22 years, died this morning at the  home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Stratton, 1206 Oak street, from pneumonia which developed from influenza.  The young man had long been in ill health and was a cripple as the result.  The funeral announcement will be made later.
* * *
Niles Daily Sun,  Tuesday, October 22, 1918, page 1, col 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral Announcements

    Funeral services for Spencer Stratton will be held tomorrow morning from the residence on East Oak street. The services will be private, the young man having died of influenza and there are several cases of illness in the large family of which he was a member.

Stratton, Bessie

Bessie Stratton
November 2, 1901-October 27, 1918


Niles Daily Star, Monday, October 28, 1918, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

FIRST DEATH AT CHURCH HOSPITAL
Women in Charge are Working Heroically and Ask Co-operation in Minor Ways

    Converting the Presbyterian church into a temporary hospital is the greatest act that could possibly have been performed for the unfortunate victims of influenza.
    This morning 26 patients were enrolled and this afternoon three more sufferers were received.
    Nurses, and the tired women in charge of the hospital have lost all respect for hours.  They are working night and day.  Miss Natalie French continued in her work 30 hours at one stretch and Mrs. Harrah completed the same mission, deducting a few short intervals for sleep.
    Help is wanted at the hospital.  Those who can give only a few hours will be doing a work of mercy that may mean the saving of several lives.
    Bessie Stratton succumbed to the dreaded influenza last evening.  She was one of the first patients to be received and her condition then was so critical that it was thought she could not live though the day.
    Miss Stratton was 17 years of age, and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Stratton, 1206 Oak street.  Her mother and seven sisters are also affected with influenza and are being nursed at the church hospital. The father is not ill, but remains at the bedside of wife and children continuously. . .
* * *

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 28, 1918, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

BESSIE STRATTON DIED AT HOSPITAL

    Miss Bessie Stratton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Stratton, East Oak street, aged 17 years, died Sunday evening at the Presbyterian church hospital after a few days' illness with pneumonia.  The death of the young woman was the second in the Stratton family within a week, her brother, Howard Stratton*, having died last week of the same disease.
    There are eight members of the family sick, the father being the only one of the family who has thus far escaped the disease.  Mrs. Stratton and her seven surviving children are all patients at the hospital and one of the latter, Mrs. Leota Fink, is seriously ill.
    The funeral announcement for Miss Stratton will be made later.

*Brother Spencer K. Stratton died Oct. 21, 1918 of influenza, see obit posted here. No obituary, death record or Silverbrook burial was found for "Howard" Stratton so it is presumed that this was an error in the obituary.
* * *
Niles Daily Sun,  Tuesday, October 29, 1918, page 4, col 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral services for Miss Bessie Stratton will be held tomorrow afternoon at 1 o'clock from the Price chapel. Interment will occur in Silver Brook cemetery.