Herman C. Luth
June 14, 1874-Oct. 25, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Friday, October 25, 1918, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Hermann Luth, who has been in ill health from Bright's disease for about two years, died this morning about 4 o'clock at his home at the corner of Hickory and Ninth streets, aged 44 years.  The immediate cause of death was heart disease resulting from an attack of influenza. He became ill last Wednesday while at his work at the Kawneer plant.
    Mr. Luth had resided in Niles about 12 years, the family coming to Niles from Hancock, Mich.  He is survived by his wife, who is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Pierre Burt of this city, and by seven children who are Bert and Collins, who are in the U.S.navy, the former stationed the Great Lakes Training station, and the latter at present in Washington; Gladys, Verna, Marion, Hari and Mary Rose. He is also survived by three brothers and six sisters.  The son Bert, and a brother and sister are expected this evening to attend the funeral services.
    The services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock and will be private on account of illness of several members of the household.  Rev. E.G. Lewis will officiate.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
    The deceased was well known and a highly respected citizen and many mourn his death.
Niles Daily Star, Friday, October 25, 1918, page 1 col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    Herman C. Luth, 44 years old, 709 Hickory street, died early this morning after an illness of two years with complication of diseases.
    He is survived by his wife and seven children, Burt and Collins, who are in the navy; Gladys, Verne, Marion, Harl and Ray Rose, residing at home.
    Mr. Luth was born June 14, 1874 in Germany.
    Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the house, Dr. E.G. Lewis to officiate.  Burial will take place at Silver Brook cemetery.

 

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Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, November 2, 1918, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mrs. Herman Luth expresses her thanks for the gift of money from the Kawneer management and employes sent her upon the death of her husband and especially appreciates the kindness that prompted it.

Anita L. Fowler
Nov. 11, 1877-Nov. 15, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 16, 1918, page 1 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Miss Anita Fowler, a former well known and prominent Niles resident, died at her home in Chicago after about two years' of illness.
    The body will be brought to Niles via the Michigan Central at 12:59 p.m. and removed to Price's chapel where the funeral services will be held. Burial will occur in Silver Brook cemetery.
    Miss Fowler was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Fowler, both now deceased. She was born in New York but came to Niles when a child and grew to young womanhood here. She was endowed with much talent as an actress and for a number of years or until stricken with illness, she successfully appeared in the play, "Old Homestead," and later in "Within the Law."
    Miss Fowler is survived by two sisters, Miss Mabel and Kate Fowler, both of Chicago, who wil accompany the body to Niles tomorrow as will also Mrs. Benjamin Schneewind.
    Mrs. Jane McDonald of this city and the mother of the deceased were sisters.
    Mrs. Belle Babcock of this city and Mrs. Stephen Arney of Buchanan are cousins of the deceased.
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 16, 1918, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    Miss Anita Fowler, formerly of this city, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Fowler, passed away at her home in Chicago yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock. Miss Fowler has been ailing for several years and about three weeks ago was taken very seriously ill with tubercular trouble.
    She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Niles when but a small child.  She resided here until 16 years ago, when she went to Chicago to live. After that she entered in a stage career and took leading roles in many of the most popular plays.
    Miss Fowler is survived by two sisters, Mabel and Kathryn, both of Chicago.
    The body will be brought here tomorrow at 1 o'clock and taken to Price's chapel. Funeral services will take place at 1:30 o'clock.  Burial at Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Monday, November 16, 1918, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    At H.E. Price's chapel Sunday afternoon funeral services were held for Miss Anita Fowler, who passed away Saturday at her home in Chicago. The Christian Science service was used, Mrs. H.O. Parker, reader, having charge.  A wreath of lovely flowers were testimonials of love and friendship from many. Misses Kate and Mable Fowler, sisters of the deceased, accompanied the body to Niles.  Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Benjamin/Beniwill Swartz
June 12, 1840-November 15, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, November 16, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

    Beniwill Swartz, aged 78 years, a respected and well known resident of Niles for 68 years, died last night at 7:35 o'clcok at his home 813 Clay street, after about a week's illness with pneumonia.
    Mr. Swartz was born in Parisburg, Pa., in 1840, and had reached the age of 78 years, 5 months and 7 days, when his death occurred.  When he was a boy of 10 years, he came to Niles with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Swartz, and had since resided here.
    Mr. Swartz was a veteran of the Civil war, having served in Co., E, 12th infantry, from Feb. 23, 1865, until he was mustered out at Campden, Ark., Feb. 14 1866, when he returned to Niles.
    The deceased had never married.  He is survived by five brothers and four sisters who are: Joseph, Milton and Wilson Swartz, Mrs. William Webber, Mrs. Lydia Loane, Mrs. Henry Weiser, all of Niles; Frank and Jacob Swartz of South Bend, and Mrs. Ella Clark of Chicago.
    The funeral services will be held on Sunday at 2:30 o'clock from the house.  Rev. Camfield will officiate.
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Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 16, 1918, page 1 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Bennial Swartz, one of the oldest residents of West Niles, died at his home in Clay street last evening after an illness of two weeks with pneumonia.
    Mr. Swartz was 78 years of age and a veteran of the civil war.  Four sisters and five brothers survive.
    Funeral will be held from the home tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Rev. W.H. Camfield, of the Evangelical church will officiate.  Burial will take place at Silver Brook cemetery.

 

NB: Obituaries have variable spellings of name; Michigan Death Certificate has first name as Benjamin.

    Beniwill Swartz, aged 78 years, a respected and well known resident of Niles for 68 years, died last night at 7:35 o'clock at his home 813 Clay street, after about a week's illness with pneumonia.
    Mr. Swartz was born in Parisburg, Pa., in 1840, and had reached the age of 78 years, 5 months and 7 days, when his death occurred.  When he was a boy of 10 years, he came to Niles with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Swartz, and had since resided here.
    Mr. Swartz was a veteran of the Civil war, having served in Co., E, 12th infantry, from Feb. 23, 1865, until he was mustered out at Campden, Ark., Feb. 14 1866, when he returned to Niles.
    The deceased had never married.  He is survived by five brothers and four sisters who are: Joseph, Milton and Wilson Swartz, Mrs. William Webber, Mrs. Lydia Loane, Mrs. Henry Weiser, all of Niles; Frank and Jacob Swartz of South Bend, and Mrs. Ella Clark of Chicago.
    The funeral services will be held on Sunday at 2:30 o'clock from the house.  Rev. Camfield will officiate.
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Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 16, 1918, page 1 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Bennial Swartz, one of the oldest residents of West Niles, died at his home in Clay street last evening after an illness of two weeks with pneumonia.
    Mr. Swartz was 78 years of age and a veteran of the civil war.  Four sisters and five brothers survive.
    Funeral will be held from the home tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Rev. W.H. Camfield, of the Evangelical church will officiate.  Burial will take place at Silver Brook cemetery.

Mrs. Harry (Freida Geishert) Sheldon
December 25, 1894-October 22, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, October 23, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    The sad message was received in Niles today of the death at Jackson of Mrs. Henry Sheldon, who was formerly Miss Freeda Geishirt, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Geishirt of this city.  Mrs. Sheldon's death was caused by pneumonia. Her mother was called to Jackson about a week ago and was with her daugher when her death occurred.
    Mrs. Sheldon was about 24 years of age. She was born in Niles and grew to young womanhood here, making many friends who deeply deplore her death.  She was married in August, 1917, to Mr. Sheldon and had since resided in Jackson.
    Besides her parents, Mrs. Geishirt is survived by two sisters--Mrs. Albert Lewis of Jackson and Mrs. Lloyd Williams of Niles--and by four brothers, who reside at the parental home in west Niles.
    The funeral arrangements will be announced later.
    Mrs. Lewis, sister of the deceased and her family are all ill with pneumonia.
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, October 23, 1918, page 1 col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. Henry Sheldon, formerly Miss Freida Geishirt of this city, died at her home in Jackson yesterday afternoon, following a two weeks' illness of pneumonia.
    Mrs. Sheldon was born in this city Dec. 25, 1894, and a little over a year ago was married to Henry Sheldon of Jackson.
    Besides her husband she is survived by her parents, Mr.and Mrs. C. Geishirt and four brothers, William, Louis, George and John of this city; two sisters, Mrs. Albert Lewis of Jackson and Mrs. Lloyd Williams of this city.
    Mrs. Sheldon had many friends in this city who regret her untimely death.
    Funeral announcement  later.
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, October 24, 1918, page 1 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    The body of the late Mrs. Henry Sheldon, whose death occurred at her home in Jackson yesterday, arrived in Niles this morning, and was taken to Price's chapel, where funeral services will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.  Rev. W.H. Camfield will officiate. Burial will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
    In the funeral party accompanying the body to the city was members of the immediate family, including Henry Sheldon and sister, Mrs. C.  Geishirt and Albert Lewis.

Eugene Albert Ausmus
Aug. 6, 1888-Oct. 18, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Friday, October 18, 1919, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


    Albert Ausmus of the firm of Ausmus and Leach, died at 3:15 p.m.  At his home on North Fifth street, aged 29 years.  The young man's death followed a prolonged illness.  He is survived by his wife, one child, his parents, Mr.and Mrs. Adam Ausmus, and by one sister, Mrs. Rex Leach, of Elkhart.
    The funeral announcement and further obituary sketch will be given tomorrow.
Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    The funeral services for Albert Ausmus will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Ausmus, on North Sixth street.  Rev. Saffran will officiate. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.  The funeral services will be under the auspices of  Odd Fellow lodge.
    Eugene Albert Ausmus was born in Niles, Aug. 6, 1888. His death on Friday afternoon, Oct. 18, followed an illness of six months' duration with a complication of diseases.
    Mr. Ausmus had spent his entire life in Niles.  For six years prior to his death he had engaged in the grocery business in Niles, for four years in partnership with Rex Leach and for two years had conducted business alone. He possessed many excellent qualities which made him friends in business and social life and in fraternal circles. He enjoyed the fraternal associations of those whom he met in the various lodges of which he was a member and he was faithful and conscientious in  discharge of his fraternal duties and all other duties which devolved upon him.  He was particularly fond of hunting, fishing and outdoor life generally.
    On Feb. 20, 1917, he was married to Miss Ruth Ida Linsenmier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Will Linsenmier, who survives him.  Besides the widow, Mr. Ausmus is survived by one son, aged 9 months, by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Ausmus, and by one sister, Mrs. Rex Leach, of Elkhart.
    The deceased was a member of the Odd Fellow, Rebekah, Moose and New Era lodges.
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    After six months of patient suffering Eugene Albert Ausmus passed away at his home 1101 North Fifth street, at 3:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon of complications.
    Mr. Ausmus was one of the city's most popular young men and to be taken away in the bloom of life is as irreparable loss, not alone to his parents and family, but to his legion of friends.
    Mr. Ausmus was born August 6, 1888 and was 30 years of age. He was married Feb. 20, 1917, to Miss Ruth Ida Linsenmier.  One child, a nine months old son, was born to them. Besides, he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Ausmus, 1103 North Sixth street and one sister, Mrs. Rex Leach of Elkhart, Ind.
    For a number of years the deceased successfully conducted a grocery business in North Fifth street. He was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, the Odd Fellows and the New Era lodges.
    Funeral will take place Monday afternoon form the home of his parents at 2 o'clock, Rev. Paul Saffran, pastor of St. John's church officiating.  Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.
    Funeral services will be under the auspices of the I.O.O.F.

Harry Faith
1882-1918

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


    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. . .
HARRY FAITH
    Harry Faith, a valued employe of the Niles Gas Light Co., was stricken suddenly and taken to Epworth hospital, South Bend, last Friday.  His condition grew worse and the end came Saturday night. The body was brought to the Price Undertaking parlors. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery tomorrow morning with services at the grave.  Mr. Faith was 36 years of age. He was a nephew of Mrs. William Park, of Elkhart, Ind. who was formerly a resident of this city.

[Note: Others in this article are Spencer Stratton, Mrs. Jesse Hill, W.A. White, Mrs. Harold Davis]
Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 21, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Harry A. Faith died at Epworth hospital in South Bend on Sunday after a few days' illness with pneumonia following influenza.  The body was brought to the Price undertaking room in this city. The funeral arrangements have not been completed but burial will occur in Silver Brook cemetery. The deceased was 36 years of age. He resided in Niles when a boy with his aunt, Mrs. William Park. During the past summer he has been employed at the Niles Gas plant. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. William J. Flaherty, of Chicago, who is herself ill with influenza.  Mr. Flaherty is in the city to take charge of the body.

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


    Private funeral services for Harry Faith were conducted this morning from H.E. Price's chapel.  Rev. A. W. Lyons officiated.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.  William Parks of Elkhart and William Flaherty of Chicago were among those from out of the city who attended the services.  Mrs. Parks, aunt, and Mrs. Flaherty, sister of the deceased, were unable to attend on account of being ill themselves with  influenza.