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.

Forshee, Bernard V.

editor Obituaries
Bernard V. Forshee
April 22, 1839-Oct. 28, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, October 29, 1918, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLAIMS A PIONEER RESIDENT
Bernard Forshee, Aged 79, Answers Last Call--Funeral Thursday

    Death removed a pioneer and highly respected resident of Niles when Bernard Forshee passed away at his home, 809 South Fifth Street, at 4 o'clock Monday afternoon after a brief illness attendant upon old age, Mr. Forshee being nearly 80 years of age.
    Mr. Forshee was born April 22, 1839, in Orange county, New York.  At the age of 5 years, he came to Livingston county, Michigan, and in 1859 came to Niles and had since been a resident of this city.  In 1861 he was married to Miss Louisa Easterly whose death occurred about 12 years ago.  Of the four children born to them, two survive their father--Mrs. Fred Corey, 138 St. Joseph avenue, and Isaac Forshee of West Point, Va.  Besides the children he is survived by seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
    Mr. Forshee was a veteran of the Civil war, having been a member of the fourth Michigan regiment.
    No citizen in Niles has watched the growth of the city with more interest than Mr. Forshee.  Himself a carpenter and builder by trade when he was able to work, he had witnessed the building developments of almost every structure in the city, daily visiting the scene of building operations in any part of the city when health permitted and he had become a familiar figure where construction work was in progress.
    Mr. Forshee will be missed by old and young among a large circle of friends by whom he was highly regarded.
    The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Price chapel, Rev. E.G. Lewis officiating.  Interment will occur in the family lot at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, October 29, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

BERNARD FORSHEE CROSSES DIVIDE
RESIDENT OF NILES 59 YEARS--
FOUGHT THROUGH CIVIL
WAR--LEFT SPLENDID RECORD

    Bernard Forshee crossed the Great Divide at this home, 809 South Fifth street at 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon after a two weeks indisposition and old age.  Mr. Forshee was born in Orange county, N.Y., April 22, 1839 and came to Niles in 1859, where he resided continuously.  A carpenter by trade, he had seen Niles grow from a hamlet to its present greatly increased population since 59 years ago. Joining the ranks as a soldier he fought gallantly through the civil war and was discharged with a clear record.  Only in the past few years did he retire from active duties.
    His great delight was to discuss war, history and reminiscences of the earlier days of his home town and surrounding country and it is doubtful if another was better informed.  His narrations were indeed interesting and all delighted in hearing them. Whenever a new building started, or public improvements of all sorts were making, Mr. Forshee was there and it has been said of him that he "was always on the job."  And often he gave valuable information in the work as it progressed, trade and master workmanship furnishing knowledge that many others did not possess.
    Ever a good citizen, of a jovial disposition, kind hearted, and possessing many other well meaning and admirable traits of character, although 70 years of age is past the alloted space of time, he will be greatly missed by neighbors, especially and hosts of friends of all classes. He leaves a son and daughter, Mrs. Fred Corey of Niles and Isaac Forshee of West Point, Virginia.  Mr. Forshee was a member of Frank Graves post, G.A. R., and in all likelihood the post will turn out and have ritualistic exercises at the grave.  Funeral services will occur Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the H.E. Price chapel, conducted by Re. E.G. Lewis.  Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.
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Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, October 31, 1918, page 1, col 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Funeral services for Bernard Forshee were held this afternoon from the Price chapel. Rev. E.G. Lewis conducted the services.  Many old friends, including  Civil war veterans, were in attendance at the services.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.

Hill, Paul Sylvester

editor Obituaries
Paul Sylvester Hill
Oct. 16, 1913-Oct. 25, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, October 26, 1918, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

PAUL HILL DIED THIS MORNING

    Paul Sylvester Hill, the five year old son of Jesse Hill, 1108 Phoenix street, died early this morning of influenza. this is the second death occurring the Hill family in the past week, the mother having passed away last Monday.
    Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 10:30 from Price's chapel.  Rev. W.H. Camfield officiating.   Interment will take place at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 28, 1918, page 4, col 3, microfilm Niles District Library
    
    Funeral services for little Paul Hill, the 5-year old son of Jesse Hill, were held this morning from the Price chapel.  Rev. Camfield officiated.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery where the child's mother was laid to rest last Wednesday.  The little casket was covered with a floral tribute from the school friends of the child and neighbors of the family.


 

Hill, Grace (Mitchell)

editor Obituaries
Mrs. Jesse (Grace Mitchell) Hill
Oct. 21, 1891-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. . .
    MRS. JESSE HILL
    Mrs. Jesse Hill, 1108 Phoenix street, surrendered her life to the dreaded disease at 4:30 this morning, after an illness of less than one week.  Besides her husband she leaves four small children, Ruby, Paul, Dorothy and Albert, the oldest being seven years of age.
    Before her marriage in 1910, she was Grace Mitchell, of Buchanan. Today is the 27th anniversary of Mrs. Hill's birth.  This funeral will also take place Wednesday and will be private. Rev. W.H. Camfield, pastor of the Evangelical church, will officiate. . .

Note: Also listed in this article were: Spencer Stratton, Harry Faith, W.A. White, and Mrs. Harold Davis.

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 21, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH CLAIMS MRS. JESSE HILL
Pneumonia Developing From Influenza Takes Young Wife and Mother

    Mrs. Grace Hill, wife of Jesse Hill, died this morning at 4:30 o'clock at their home 1108 Phoenix street, after one week's illness with pneumonia. Her death occurred on her 27th birthday anniversary.
    The death of the young wife and mother leaves four little children without a mother's care.  Three of the children are ill with influenza as is also Mr.[sic] Hill's mother, Mrs. Albert Mitchell, who is at the Hill home.  Mr. Hill is slowly recovering from the same disease.
    Mrs. Hill was born in Buchanan., Oct. 21, 1891. She wa married to Mr. Hill in September, seven years ago, at St. Joseph.  They came to Niles at once to reside and had since made their home here.  Four children were born to them, all of whom survive their mother.  They are Ruby, aged 7; Paul, aged 5; Dorothy, aged 3; and Albert, 6 weeks' old.  Besides the husband and children, Mrs. Hill is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Mitchell, of Niles, and the following brothers and sisters:  Mrs. Kate Hurlbutt, Buchanan; Mrs. Gertrude Hughes, Dallington, Wis.; Iva, Guy, Gaylord and Harold, and Miss Helen, all of Niles.
    On account of the several cases of illness in the Hill home the body was removed to the Price undertaking rooms where private funeral services will be held probably on Wednesday.

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, October 22, 1918, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral Announcements

    Funeral services for Mrs. Jesse Hill will be held tomorrow afternoon, Rev. Camfield will officiate.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.  The services will be held at the Price chapel on account of the illness of two of the children of Mrs. Hill and  of her mother, Mrs. Mitchell.

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, October 23, 1918, page 4, col 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Funeral services for Mrs. Jesse Hill were held this afternoon from the H.E. Price chapel. Rev. Camfield officiating.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.  The children of Mrs. Hill and her mother, Mrs. Mitchell, who have influenza, are slightly improved. In the obituary sketch for Mrs. Hill, the date of her marriage to Mr. Hill was given as 1911 instead of 1910.

Smith, Mary B.

editor Obituaries
Mary B. Smith
Nov. 17, 1840-Oct. 27, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 28, 1918, page 1, col. 2-3, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. MARY SMITH DEAD AT ELKHART
Body of Former Well Known Resident Brought Here for Burial

    Mrs. Mary B. Smith, a well known and former resident of this city, died Sunday evening at 5:15 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles M. Salee, in Elkhart.  Mrs. Smith has been confined to her bed since last January.  Two weeks ago she had a stroke which caused her death.
    The remains arrived here this afternoon and were taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs. George R. Dittmar, 921 Hickory street.  Funeral services will be conducted at the residence Tuesday afternoon at 2:30.
    Mrs. Mary B. Smith, widow of the George W. Smith, who died 20 years ago, was born on Nov. 17, 1840, in Kent county, Delaware.  She was married Oct. 4, 1859, in Delaware and came to Michigan in March, 1870.
    She was the mother of 10 children, six of whom are living, namely:  Mrs. J. H. Quick and Mrs. W.S. Trudeaw of Chicago; Mrs. I.W. Leach of Petosky, Mich.; Mrs. Charles M. Salee of Elkhart; Major E. Smith and Mrs. George R. Dittmar of Niles; 16 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, and one brother, James W.G. Brown, of Niles, also survive.
    Mrs. Smith was a lifelong member of the Methodist church.  She was a charter member of the L.O.T.M., No. 39.
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Niles Daily Star, Monday, October 28, 1918 (Page is labeled Saturday, October 26, 1918), page 1, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

FORMER RESIDENT OF THIS CITY DIES IN ELKHART

    Mrs. Mary Smith, aged 80, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Salee at Elkhart Saturday evening. She is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Joe Quick and Mrs. Tredeaux of of[sic] Chcago; Mrs. Will Leach, Petoskey, Mrs. Charles Salee, Elkhart, Mrs. George Ditmer of this city,and one son, Major Smith of Niles.
    The body was brought to this city this afternoon and taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Ditmer, Hickory street, where funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. Dr. E.G. Lewis officiating.  Interment will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.
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Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, October 29, 1918, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral services for Mrs. Mary Smith will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Dittmar, 905 Hickory street.  It had been planned and announced that the funeral services would be held this afternoon, but a telegram from two grandsons of the deceased, Russell Salee and Clifford, Dittmar, who are stationed at Portland, Me., that they were starting for Niles to attend the services, was the reason for the postponement.  George Salee is also expected from Hog island.
* * *
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, October 30, 1918, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Smith were held at 3:30 o'clock this afternoon from the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Dittmar.  A large number of friends attended, the services being conducted by Dr. E.G. Lewis of the M.E. church. Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Wood, Andrew J.

editor Obituaries
Andrew J. Wood
Aug. 11, 1881-Nov. 1, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Friday, November 1, 1918, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

TWO DEATHS DEATHS TODAY AT HOSPITAL
Chester Wertz and Andrew J. Wood Were Victims of Pneumonia

    Two deaths occurred this morning at the Red Cross hospital when Chester Wertz, aged 21 years, died about 4 o'clock, and Andrew J. Woods[sic], died about 5 o'clock. The death of the former was due to pneumonia, developing from influenza, and the latter a victim of influenza. Both  men resided in apartments at 102 Lincoln avenue.
    . . .

    Andrew J. Wood

    Andrew J. Wood was 37 years of age.  He had recently come to Niles from Benton Harbor, although his boyhood was spent on a farm near Niles.  He was a son of the late James Wood.  About two weeks ago he entered the employ of W. L. Babbitt but a week later was compelled to give up his work on account of illness in his family. He is survived by his wife and four little children, all of whom are sick with influenza and patients at the Red Cross hospital since Sunday.
    The funeral announcement will be made later.

Niles Daily Star, Friday, November 1, 1918, page 4, col. 2,  microfilm Niles District Library

ANDREW WOOD DIED THIS MORNING

    This morning at 4 o'clock, Andrew Wood died at the Presbyterian church hospital, having suffered with influenza and pneumonia for the past few days.  Mrs. Wood and four children are seriously ill with disease and are being cared for at the hospital.
    In the year 1881 Mr. Wood was born in Michigan City.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.M.  Wood, who were old residents of this city.
    He is survived by his wife and four children.
    Funeral announcements later.

Niles Daily Star, Friday, November 8, 1918, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral services for A.J. Wood who passed away at the Presbytreian[sic] hospital October 31, will be held from Price's chapel tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, Dr. E.G. Lewis officiating.  Interment will take place at Silver Brook cemetery.

Same page, col. 2:

Mrs. Andrew Wood, who is at the Red Cross hospital, ill with pneumonia is getting along nicely and will be removed to her home within a few days.

Kline, Mae Virginia (Kleinhaus)

editor Obituaries

Mrs. Delbert (Mae Virginia Kleinhaus) Kline
April 20,1894-November 18, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Monday, November 18, 1918, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. DELBERT KLINE DIED THIS MORNING

    Mrs. Delbert Kline passed away at the Niles sanitarium this morning at 9:30 o'clock. Her death was caused by influenza followed by pneumonia.  Mrs. Kline was formerly Mae Virginia Kleinhans[sic], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Kleinhans[sic], 1303 Maple street.  The deceased was born April 20, 1894 in Chicago. She moved with her parents to Niles and for several years was employed at the French paper mills. Two years ago she was married to Delbert Kline of this city and for some time after her marriage she was was bookkeeper at the Hildebidle's plumbing shop.  She is survived by a husband and one little daughter, four days old, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Kleinhans.
    Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
    Her passing is a shock to her many friends and to the stricken husband and parents much sympathy is expressed.

* * *
Niles Daily Sun, Monday, November 18, 1918, page1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

UNTIMELY DEATH OF MRS. MAY KLINE
Sad Circumstances Surround Death of Well Known Young Woman.

    The untimely death of Mrs. May Kline, wife of Delbert Cameron Kline, which occurred this morning brought sadness to the large circle of friends of the young woman. After an illness with influenza, which developed into pleural pneumonia, and then giving premature birth to a daughter on last Friday, Mrs. Kline succumbed to these complications at 10 o'clock this morning at the Niles sanitarium.
    Mrs. Kline was 24 years of age. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Kleinhaus, 1303 Maple street, who are indeed bereft in the death of their only child.  Her marriage to Mr. Kline occurred four years ago.  Besides her parents and husband, she is survived by her infant daughter.  
    The funeral arrangements have not been made.
    Mrs. Kline was well known in this city where she was resided for a number of years and was popular with a large circle of friends who mourn her death.

 

* * *

 Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, November 21, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

 

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR MRS. D.C. KLINE
Body is Laid to Rest Wednesday afternoon at Silver Brook Cemetery


    Funeral services for Mrs.Delbert C. Kline, nee Mae Virginia Klinehaus[sic], and wife of Delbert C. Kline, who died at the Niles sanitarium on Monday, Nov. 18, after giving birth to a baby girl whose name shall be Shirley Blanche Kline, were held Wednesday afternoon at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Kleinhaus, 1303 Maple street.
    The funeral service of the Christian Science church at the residence and grave were read by Mrs. H.O. Parker, assisted by Mrs. Charles Kitterer, Mrs. Kline having been a member of the Christian Science church.
    Among those from out of the city who attended the services were Mrs. Albert Seeglitz and Mrs. William J. Kleinhaus of Chicago, Mrs. Kline's aunts, and Mrs. E.F. Wollin of Chicago, who will be the child's godmother.

CARD OF THANKS


    We sincerely thank our old neighbors of the Kawneer district, our new neighbors of the National district, the Typographical union, American Railway Express Co., and the Young Woman's club, Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Kitterer and other members of the Christian Science church, for kindness and sympathy and floweres on account of the death of our beloved wife and daughter.
DELBERT C. KLINE, MR. AND MRS. J. J. KLEINHAUS

* * *

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, November 21, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    SERVICES HELD FOR MRS. DELBERT KLINE YESTERDAY


    Funeral services for Mrs. Delbert C. Kline, beloved wife of D.C. Kline and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Kleinhaus, were held yesterday afternoon from the home of her parents, 1303 Maple street.  The services at the residence and at the grave were conducted by Mrs. H.O. Parker, assisted by Mrs. Charles Kitterer.
    The Christian Science service was interpreted by Mrs. O. Colclasser for the benefit of the deaf people who attended.
    Mrs. Kline passsed away at the Niles Sanitarium Nov. 18, after the birth of a baby girl, Shirley Blanche.
    Mrs. Albert Seights and Mrs. Wm. Kleinhaus were in the city to attend the funeral.

White, William Alfred

editor Obituaries
William Alfred White
1851-October 20, 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. . .
W.A. WHITE
    Mr. White was a resident of East Lake street, and suffered with intestinal paralysis.  He was taken to Epworth hospital Saturday night for an operation, but his condition would not permit of this ordeal, and he died yesterday morning.  He is survived by his wife and a sister, the latter, Mrs. J.J.A. Parker, who resides at Sylvania, Ohio. Deceased was 67 years of age.  Funeral will occur from the late residence at 1 o'clock tomorrow afternoon with burial at Silver Brook cemetery.

[Note: Others in this article are Spencer Stratton, Mrs. Jesse Hill, Harry Faith, Mrs. Harold Davis]
* * *

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

DEATH ON SUNDAY OF W. A. WHITE
Well Known Farmer Was Taken to Epworth Hospital For Operation

    William Alfred White, a well known and highly respected farmer residing two miles north and east of Barren lake, died at Epworth hospital at 6 o'clock last evening from intestional paralysis.  Mr. White was taken to the hospital Saturday night for an operation, arriving there about midnight, but his condition was so serious that an operation was not resorted to.
    Mr. White was about 68 years of age.  He is survived by a widow who was formerly Mrs. Nellie Doane of South Bend, and by one sister, Mrs. J. J. A. Parker of Slyvanus, O., who, with her husband, is at the brother's home.
    The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 1 o'clock from the house.  Rev. E.G. Lewis will officiate.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Sun,  Tuesday, October 22, 1918, page 1, col 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral Announcements

    Funeral services for the late William Alfred White were conducted by Rev. E.G. Lewis from the residence northeast of Barren lake this afternoon.  Interment occurred in Silver Brook cemetery.



 

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