Mrs. Harold (Fern Coates) Davis
July 1897-Oct. 18, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. Harold Davis, 21 years old, died at her home, 1212 Phoenix street, yesterday afternoon, having suffered with peritonitis for the past week.  Her two children, Dorothy and George are seriously ill with pneumonia, the latter not expected to survive the day.
    Mrs. Davis, whose maiden name was Fern Coates, was born in Benton Harbor in July, 1897. In the year 1916 she was married to Harold Davis in this city.
    Besides her husband and two children she is survived by her mother, Mrs. George Bennett, of northern Michigan, two brothers, Ralph Coates of Eau Claire and Leon, residing north of town.
    Mrs. Davis was a woman of estimable character, kind hearted neighbor and was highly esteemed by all of her acquaintances. Her death is indeed a great shock to all who knew her.
    Private funeral services will be held at 3:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the residence. Dr. E.G. Lewis officiating. Burial to take place at Silver brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. Fern Davis, wife of Harold Davis, passed away Friday afternoon at 4:15 o'clock at their home 1208 Phoenix street, from peritonitis.
    Mrs. Davis was formerly Miss Fern Coates-Bennett.  She was born in Benton Harbor in July, 1897.  She was married to Mr. Davis in February, 1915.  Besides the husband, Mrs. Davis is survived by two children, George and Dorothy.  George is critically ill with pneumonia and little hope for his recovery was entertained today.  The other child has also been ill but is improving and Mr. Davis is confined to his bed with illness.
    Besides the husband and children, Mrs. Davis is survived by her mother, Mrs. Bennett, of East Tawas, Mich., who has been in attendance upon her; and by two brothers, Ralph Coates of Eau Claire and Leon Coates of Niles, and by one sister.
    The funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the house and will be private. Rev. A.W. Lyons will officiate.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Sun, Monday, October 21, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    The death of Mrs. Fern Davis, wife of Harold Davis, 1208 Phoenix street, was followed by that of her son George, aged 2 years, on Saturday night at 11 o'clock. A double funeral service for the mother and son was held Sunday afternoon.  Rev. A.W. Lyons conducted the service.  Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.  Dorothy, aged 1 year, the only surviving child of the family, is seriously ill with pneumonia.
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. . .
MRS. HAROLD DAVIS
    Nothing could be much sadder than the one funeral for three members of the Harold Davis family, which occurred from the home yesterday afternoon.
    Mrs. Davis, who was only 21 years of age, had been ill with influenza several days.  Friday she gave birth to a baby boy, which came dead.  Coupled with the epidemic affliction, peritonitis set in and the mother passed away the same afternoon.
    Saturday night George, the two year old son, died and yesterday afternoon Rev. E.G. Lewis conducted one funeral for the three victims.  Mother and babe were lowered into the ground in one coffin and the boy in an adjoining grave.
    Harold Davis, husband and father of the unfortunates, who with Dorothy his one year old daughter, is seriously ill, has been removed to the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Davis.  Mr. Davis' mother, who has been caring for the victims, was herself stricken this afternoon.

[Note: Others in this article are Spencer Stratton, Mrs. Jesse Hill, Harry Faith, W.A. White]

LaVerne Zwergel
Dec. 11, 1890-Oct. 17, 1918

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, October 17, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    The death of LaVerne Zwergel, which occurred this morning at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zwergel, 107 North Sixth street, comes as a great shock to his many friends.  Mr. Zwergel was taken ill about a week ago with bronchitis but his condition was not considered serious until Tuesday morning when he was taken with pneumonia in his apartments at the Hilderbrand hotel, where he had resided since having sold out his electric shop last July.  After being removed to the home of his parents Tuesday, his condition gradually grew worse until he passed away at 4 o'clock this morning.
    Mr. Zwergel was born December 11, 1890, in this city, and has resided here for the greater part of his life. December 11, 1914, he was married to Miss Jeanette Bair. Mr. Zwergel was a member of the Niles order Elks. He was a well known electrical contractor, having been engaged in this work in Niles for the past five years.
    He is survived by his wife and parents, a sister, Alene, and two brothers, Russell and Herbert, who are now overseas.
    The funeral services will probably take place at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the home., Rev. L.A. Peatrose officiating.  Burial at Silver Brook cemetery.
* * *
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

SERVICES HELD FOR LA VERNE ZWERGEL TODAY

    Funeral services for LaVerne Zwergel were held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zwergel, 107 North Sixth street, Rev. L.A. Peatrose officiating.  Interment in Silver Brook cemetery.
    The pall bearers were Roy Rice, Clifford Eden, Frank Hilderbrand, Ed. Donahue, Dr. George Vetter and H.W. Quackenbush.
    Many beautiful floral offerings showed the deep sympathy felt for the bereaved family and wife, and the high regard in which the young man was held by his scores of friends here.
* * *
Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, October 17, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Suffering an attack of influenza on the 8th instant, LaVerne F. Zwergel developed a case of pneumonia on the 15th instant and died about 4 o'clock this morning at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zwergel, 107 North Sixth street.
    La Verne was born in Niles Dec. 11, 1890.  He attended the public schools, was of a studious nature and applied himself to electrical science for which he had a natural bent, and with leaving school served an apprenticeship, becoming very proficient in the work of making and repairing electric instruments, installing lighting systems, wiring buildings, etc.  Until a few weeks ago, he conducted an electric shop; which he closed with a view to entering a government training school, preliminary to entering the service of Uncle Sam as an electrician.
    A few years ago, he was married to Miss Nettie Bair, who survives him, as do his father, mother and two brothers, Corporal Russell Zwergel, who is with the quartermaster's motor corps, with headquarters in Brest, France, and Private George H. Zwergel, who is with the famous 32d division, which has been in the thick of the fighting overseas; and by one sister, Miss Allene, of this city.
    La Verne was a quiet and unassuming young man and was popular with a wide circle of friends, who will deeply deplore his untimely taking off.  Fraternally, he was identified  with the Niles lodge of Elks. The bereaved relatives of the young man have the heartfelt sympathy of the community.
    The funeral services will  be conducted at the home by Rev. L.A. Peatross, rector of Trinity church, on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Interment will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, October 19, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    Funeral services for the late LaVerne Zwergel were held this afternoon from the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zwergel, on North Sixth street.  Rev. L.A. Peatross conducted the funeral service of the Episcopal church. Mrs. R.L. Schell sang the favorite hymn of the deceased, "Face to Face."
    A large gathering of friends, including a large representation of the Elk lodge, paid their last respects to the young man whose untimely death occasioned much sorrow among a large circle of friends.  The flower-laden casket was borne by Frank Hilderbrand, Hugh Quackenbush, Attorney E.J. Donahue, Roy Rice, Clifford Eden, Dr. George I. Vetter.

William N. Holtz
Dec. 13, 1851-June 2, 1919

Niles Daily Star, Monday, June 2, 1919, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    William N. Holtz, 710 Emmons street, died this afternoon at 2 o'clock following an illness of several weeks.  A more extended notice will be given tomorrow.

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, June 3, 1919, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    William N. Holtz, a well known and highly esteemed resident of this city, died yesterday at his home, 710 Emmons street after being confined to his bed since April with anemia.
    Deceased was born in Canton, Ohio, Dec. 13, 1851.
    Besides his wife he is survived by three children, Harry Holtz of Dowagiac; Mrs. Andy Forger, South Bend and George, at home, and one sister, Mrs. Sperenze Ferguson, of Lowell, Ind.  Mrs Gusta Pollock, a daughter, passed away at Seattle, Wash., Saturday, May 31.
    Mr. Holtz worked at the French paper mills up to February of this year, when he met with a minor accident. He was a member of the Loyal American lodge, No. 1003
    Mr. Holtz worked at the French pa-habits, industrious and home loving. [repetition/omission in original]
    Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon from the home at 2:30 o'clock. Dr. E.G. Lewis of the M.E. church, of which Mr. Holtz was a devoted member will officiate. Interment in Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, June 3, 1919, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    William N. Holtz died at his home, 710 Emmons street, west Niles, Monday afternoon about 2 o'clock. His death followed an illness with anemia which had caused him to be bedridden since April 15.
    Mr. Holtz was born in Stark county, Ohio, near Canton, in December, 1851. He had resided in Niles for about five years, during which time he had been continuously employed at the French Paper mills until he became ill.
    Mr. Holtz is survived by a widow, three children--Harry Holtz of Dowagiac, Mrs. Andy Troger, South Bend, and George Holtz, who is at home, and by one sister, Mrs. Sprenca Ferguson of Lowell, Ind.  A daughter of the deceased died at Seattle, Wash., as the result of an operation last Saturday.
    The deceased was a member of the Methodist church. He was also a member of Loyal American lodge, No. 1003.
    The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the residence.  Dr. E.G. Lewis will officiate.  Burial will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

Jacob Kline
April 3, 1827-July 15, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, July 15, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

    Death removed a pioneer and respected resident of Niles this morning when Jacob Kline passed away at his home, 804 Canal street, after suffering for over three years with afflictions attendant upon old age.
    Mr. Kline was 91 years old on April 3.  He had been a resident of Niles for over 60 years, coming here from Pennsylvania where he had learned the shoe making business in his youth and which occupation, with the exception of a few years' mining work, he followed practically all his life.  He was married to his second wife, Mrs. Caroline Widner, in Niles. Her death occurred 24 years ago.
    The deceased is survived by the following children:  Charles and John Kline, Mrs. Ralph Eggleston, Mrs. Samuel Tusing, all of Niles; Mrs. David Whitner and Peter Kline of South Bend, the latter the chief of police in that city.
    The funeral announcement will be made tomorrow.

 Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, July 16, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

    The death of  Jacob Kline, 804 Canal street, which occurred yesterday morning, comes as a shock to his many friends. He had been suffering for over three years with afflictions attendant upon old age.
    Mr. Kline was 91 years old.
    He was born in Connelsville, Pa., April 3, 1827, but came to his city while a boy, and established a shoe business here.
    He is survived by the following children: Charles and John Kline, Mrs. Ralph Eggleston and Mrs. Sam Tusing, all of this city, Mrs. David Whitner and Chief of Police Peter Kline of South Bend.
    Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence. Rev. E.G. Lewis of the Methodist church will officiate. Burial at Silver Brook cemetery.

 

    The funeral services for Jacob Kline will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. E.G. Lewis will officiate.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

* * *

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, July 17, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mayor C.R. Carson of South Bend and 10 policemen of the Indiana city drove to Niles this afternoon to attend the funeral of the late Jacob Kline.  It was a mark of respect shown for their superior officer, Peter Kline, who is chief of police.
    Among the officers were Officers Cutting, Miller, Van Dusen, Wesolick, Luther, Kemmerley, Rambo, Kellar, Baxter and Bloom.

Elizabeth Draves
March 19, 1854-July 14, 1918

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, July 15, 1918, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. Elizabeth Draves, wife of Fred C. Draves, was stricken with paralysis Sunday afternoon about 4 o'clock, Her husband who received no response to his calls, going out into the yard and finding her dead.  The stroke of paralysis followed about nine months'  illness with chronic nephritis.
    Mrs. Draves was 65 years of age. She was born in Indiana near Bremen. She was married in Niles about 46 years ago to Mr. Draves, who mourns in her death a devoted wife and companion and many will ever remember her as a kind neighbor and as a woman of many excellent qualities.
    Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Draves and of these but one survives their mother, a son, Fred, of Detroit, who is expected this evening. The funeral arrangements have not been made pending the son's arrival.
    Mrs. Draves was a member of the Presbyterian church in this city for many years.

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, July 16, 1918, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    Funeral services for Mrs. Fred C. Draves will be held Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock.  Rev. J.G. Lowrie will officiate. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, July 16, 1918, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    Paralysis was the cause of the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Draves, at her home, Oak street, Sunday afternoon.
    Mrs. Draves was 65 years of age, and was born in Indiana, near Bremen.
    She was highly respected in the neighborhood and was a member of the Presbyterian church in this city, the funeral services taking place tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock from the residence, Dr. Lowry officiating.  Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.
    Besides her husband she is survived by one son, Fred, of Detroit.

Corrydon E. Phelps
1856-May 17, 1890

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, May 17, 1890, page 3 col. 3, reprinted in Niles Mirror, Wednesday, May 21, 1890, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

    Corrydon E. Phelps died this morning about six o'clock, after a lingering illness of consumption, aged 34 years.  "Corry," as he was familiarly known, was born and raised in this city, and his warm hearted nature and generous disposition had won for him many friends who are saddened by his early death.  His long illness was bravely borne and his death was calm and peaceful. He leaves a wife and one child, who are bereft of a devoted husband and loving father.

[Note: Obituary spells name "Corrydon"; Photo of gravemarker shows it as "Corydon"]