George K. Forler
July 26, 1831-March 5, 1909

Niles Daily Star, Friday, March 5, 1909, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    George K. Forler, a pioneer and highly esteemed citizen, passed away this morning at 2 o'clock at his home, 604 north Fifth street.
    Mr. Forler was born in Waterloo county, Ont., Can., in 1831. In 1854 he was married to Miss Kate Smith in Wellsley, Ontario.
    Together they came to Niles, Mar. 3, 1860, and he worked at carpentry until 1863, when he experienced a long siege of illness.  In 1865, Mr. Forler opened a boarding house and a grocery store at the corner of Fifth and High streets, near the Michigan Central, and the business prospered until April 1889, when that district was swept by fire. However, from the ruins of his establishment, Mr. Forler caused a fine, two-story brick building to arise, containing many airy and pleasant rooms and offering to the traveling public superior accommodations and excellent board. This hotel was christened the Forler House, which today is most favorably known to the many transient guests and the traveling public.
    In 1895 Mr. Forler retired from active business pursuits, he having, through perserverance[sic] and industry, acquired a competency.  He was succeeded in the management of the hotel by his son-in-law, the late Chas. Whetstone, while his sons, Geo. A. and John H., continue the grocery and retail liquor business, respectively.
    Mr. Forler was a devoted husband and a kind and indulgent father. But the greatest of all was he as a man.  And as a man it is that those who knew him best most love to contemplate him. He believed in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.
    His cheerful, helpful life; his devotion to his wife and family and kindness to everybody will long linger as a fragrant memory in the home which his presence brightened and which death has now darkened. Though he is gone his record has been made and will remain with us as a lasting treasure.
    Besides a devoted wife he leaves five daughters and four sons, Mrs. Alfred Massnick, Bay City; Mrs.  Joseph Reinicke, Marion, Ohio; Mrs. Julius Kaiser, Erie, Pa.; Mrs. Oscar Massnick; Detroit; W.S. Forler, Battle Creek; Henry Forler, Detroit; Geo. A. Forler, John H. Forler and Mrs. Chas. Whetstone, of this city.
    The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from St. John's German church, Rev. F. Rahn officiating.  The remains will be laid to rest in Silver Brook cemetery.
    

Niles Daily Star, Monday, March 8, 1909, Page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral of the late George K. Forler will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from St. John's German church, Rev. F. Rahn officiating.  Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.

Capt. Henry "Harry" Gephart
Oct. 20, 1820-March 12, 1901

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, March 13, 1901, page 3, col 6-7, microfilm Niles District Library


    The death of Capt. Henry Gephart occurred at this farm home one mile east of this city, at 11 o'clock Tuesday morning, March 12, 1901.  Senility was the cause.  Mr. Gephart was a native of the Buckeye State, born in Montgomery county ten miles from Dayton, October 20, 1820. His father, Daniel Gephart, was a native of the good old state of Pennsylvania, but moved to Montgomery county, Ohio, with his father when a boy. They located on the present site of the city of Cincinnatti, when but one other house was standing there. They were among the first in that region, and entered land from the government. The grandfather inherited the thrift and energy of his German ancestors and became quite well off.
    While a resident of Montgomery county, Daniel Gephart became acquainted with Miss Mary Engle, a native of Virginia and of German descent, and their nuptials were celebrated in that county.  After marriage, they located on the Big Miami, and there kept a hotel for twenty or twenty-five years. They also owned large tracts of land in that county, and gained it all through economy and industry, for they experienced all the privations and hardships of pioneers.  About 1833 they went to South Bend, Ind., and after residing there for three years, crossed the line into Michigan, locating in Niles township, Berrien county.  There they kept the old Digens Hotel for a few years, and there, in 1836, the father received his final summons, dying when sixty years old.  The mother survived him many years, and died in California when in her ninety-sixth year.
    The nine children born to this most estimable couple, were in the order of their births as follows:  David, William, Robert, Henry, John, Horace, Sarah Ann, Mary Jane and Harriet, the latter being Mrs. Bartlett Gray of this city. She and a sister in California are now the only surviving members of the family.
    Capt. Henry Gephart, the fourth son and fourth child of the above-mentioned family, was thirteen years of age when he went with his parents to South Bend, Ind., and sixteen years of age when he settled with them in Berrien County.  When 18 years old our subject was bound out to learn the carpenters trade to a man named Childs and he remained with him until 20 years. old. He then started out for himself, with a pair of overalls and a shirt , and made his way to Niles, where he began working at the carpenter's trade.  Later he began working as a shipcarpenter and followed this for about five years, helping to build several big boats.  From there he went to Michigan City, and worked on the big "Montezuma,", a sailing-vessel for some time. In 1848, he assisted in building the first railroad bridge over the St. Joseph at Niles, but being seized the following year by the gold fever, he went to California by way of Salt Lake City with horse teams.
    After remaining in California for about two years, engaged in mining, Capt. Gephart returned to the East, by way of the Isthmus, and landed New York without any trouble. From there he made his way to Michigan, and was engaged in the livery business in the State for some time.  Selling out, he began keeping hotel in Niles, and ran the {illegible] house for one year, then bought the Pavilion hotel and ran it three years, then trading it for city property, after which he bought a farm in Niles township, where he tilled the soil for about three years.  This farm he sold for $10,000, and in 1862 he raised a company which became a part of the Twelfth Michigan Infantry.  Although promoted to the rank of Major, for some reason he never served in that capacity. He participated in the following battles: Shiloh, Pittsburg Landing, Iuka and Hatchie.
    Just previous to entering the army Mr. Gephart loaned the $10,000 he had received for his land, and on his return received only one-third of the amount.  In 1866, he purchased the farm one mile east of town, where he has ever since resided.
    Miss Mary Baird, who became the wife of our subject, is a native of the Empire State, born in Ripley, Aug. 7, 1831, and came to Michigan in 1851. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gephart, vis: Emma, wife of Chas. Harris of Mackinac; Fannie, wife of Frank Langston, who resides at the homestead; Annabel, who died when four years old; Hattie, wife of Robert Probasco of Chicago; Mae, a teacher in the public schools in this city; Harry, occupying a positon in Manistee and Maude, who died at seventeen years of age.
    In politics, Mr. Gephart has always been a staunch Democrat. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and has always been one of the most prominent and highly respected citizens of the county. For several years past, owing to the infirmities which come with advanced years, he has led a quiet life and some time ago laid way the cares of his farm.
    The funeral will occur tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock at the residence, and will be in charge of the members of the G.A.R.  Rev. D.J. DeCoux of Trinity church will officiate.  Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.

Also Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, March 13, 1901, page 3, col 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mr. and Mrs. Robert Probasco of Chicago, accompained[sic] by Mrs. Henry Gephart, and Mrs. Chas. Harris of Mackinac,Mich., arrived in the city today, called by the death of Mr. Henry Gephart.  Miss Mae Gephart arrived from Chicago last night.
Niles Republican, Thursday, March 14, 1901, page 1, col. 6, reprinted from Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, March 13, 1901, microfilm Niles District Library


From Wednesday's Sun.

    The funeral services of the late Capt. Harry Gephart, who passed away at his home one mile east of town yesterday noon, will be held at the late residence tomorrow afternoon at 2 opclock, Frank Graves' Post, G.A.R., having the same in charge.  The cause of Mr. Gephart's death was senility. He has been failing for several years.
    Deceased has been a resident of Niles for many years and was formerly proprietor of the old Galt House, now burned down, and the "Old Pavilion."  He was also a well-known and prominent wheat buyer for many years. He was a captain in Co. E. 12th Mich. in the civil war.
    He leaves a wife and five children: Mrs, Charles Harris of Macinaw[sic] City, Mich.; Mrs. Robt. Probasco of Chicago; Mrs. Frank Longston[sic], residing at the old homestead; Miss Mae, at home; and Harry of Manistee, Mich.  He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Bartlett Gray, of this city.


    

William Smiedendorf
Sept. 6, 1872-April 18,1928

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, April 19, 1928, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    William Smiedendorf, 56, died last evening at his home, 1322 Main street, after a brief illness. He was born in Michigan City on Sept. 6, 1872.  He had been employed since coming to Niles at the Michigan Central terminal. He is survived by a widow and by the following children: Arthur, Wilford and Marie Smiedendorf, of Niles and Mrs. Oliver Olsen of South Bend. While the funeral plans are not complete it is expected that the services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. A more complete obituary will be printed later.

Niles Daily Star, Friday, April 20, 1928, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library


    Funeral services for William Smiedendorf, 1322 East Main street, will be held tomorrow afternoon. at 2 o'clock a prayer will be offered at the Troost and Augustine chapel and at 2:30 a service will be conducted in St. Paul's church. Rev. O.E. Sohn will officiate. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemtery[sic]

Earle G. Kegebein, 6 months
Died April 18, 1928

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, April 19, 1928, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    Funeral services for Earle G. Kegebein, six months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Kegebein, who reside south of Niles on R.R. No. 2, will be held at the home of Mr. Kegebein's sister, Mrs. Mary White, south of Niles, Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Rev. O.R. Grattan, pastor of the Methodist church, will officiate.  Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery. The infant died Wednesday evening after a brief illness with pneumonia.  Mrs. Kegebein was formerly Miss Elaine Hahn, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hahn.

Ida Kocher
Dec. 13, 1866-April 17, 1928

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, April 17, 1928, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. Ida Kocher, 61, wife of David Kocher, 1510 Hickory street, died this morning at 5:30 after a prolonged illness. She was born in Allen county, Ind., on Dec. 13, 1866.  She was married to Mr. Kocher 35 years ago in Fort Wayne, Ind.  The family moved to Niles from Pokagon.  Besides her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Helen Morr, of Midland, Mich., and Mrs. Maxie Marks, of Buchanan, and by one son, Fred Kocher, of Niles.  The funeral services will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home.  Rev. John W. Schurman will officiate.  Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.



    Among those from out of the city who are here on account of the death of Mrs. David Kocher are her daughters, Mrs. Helen Morr, of Midland, Mich., and Mrs. Mazie Marks, of Buchanan, and Mrs. Frank Crance, of Fort Wayne, who is a sister of the deceased. Two other sisters also survive, and one brother. They are Mrs. Laura Jackson, of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Ollie Mason, of Roanoke, Ind., and William Gaskill, of Fort Wayne.  The funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, April 19, 1928, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Funeral services for Mrs.Ida Kocher, 61, wife of Davis Kocher, 1510 Hickory street, were held this afternoon at the home. Rev. John W. Schurman, pastor of the Evangelical church officiated. Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery.  Mrs. Kocher died on Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness from cancer. She was married to Mr. Kocher 36 years ago in Fort Wayne, Ind. The family moved to Michigan from Marion, Ind. Besides her husband she is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Helen Morr, of Midland, Mich., and Mrs. Mazie Marks, of Buchanan, and by one son, Fred, of Niles.  Three sisters, Mrs. Fred Crance, and Mrs. Laura Jackson, of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Ollie Mason, of Roanoke, Ind., and one brother, William Gaskill, of Fort Wayne, also 12 grandchildren. Nephews acted as pallbearers.

John Winn Sr.
May 9, 1840-Jan. 21, 1912

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, Jan. 22, 1912, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    John Winn, Sr., a highly respected pioneer citizen of Niles township, died very suddenly last night while at the barn on the old homestead with his son, John.
    He had spent the day at his son's and seemed to be in fine spirits and health, having eaten a hearty dinner.
    About 5 o'clock the father and son went out to the barn to see after the stock and in the barn they became separated for a few moments. The elder man was not out of his son's sight for more than two or three minutes and it was a great shock therefore when John Jr. came upon the body of his parent, who he left in such good spirits a few moments before, lying apparently lifeless upon the floor of the barn.
    Death came instantly to the elder man and is attributed to organic heart trouble, from which he had complained for several years.
    The deceased was native of Germany and had he lived until next May he would have been seventy-two years of age.
    He came to America when he was sixteen and for a time lived in Canada. He then came to Berrien county and on March 11, 1866, he was married after a short courtship to Miss Fanny Foster of Niles township. His bride was a member of the well known Foster family and was a sister of Robert, John and George Foster. Her death occurred on June 6, 1911.
    To this union three children were born, two sons, George and John Jr., both residents of Niles township, surviving.
    John Winn, Sr., was a successful farmer and was accounted one of the best stock men in the township.
    He bought the farm where he died, and which is now owned by his son John, about thirty-six years ago.  Following his wife's death last year he had made his home with his sons and this winter had been living with his son, George.
    Besides his sons, he is survived by one brother, Peter Winn of Kalamazoo. He had no other known relatives in this country.
    There are also three grandchildren, Fanny May, Lester F., and Frances Lucille Winn.
    Deceased was a good neighbor and a man of kindly nature, who was always ready to give a helping hand to anyone in need or distress.
    While he was a Democrat in politics he was never an office seeker or holder and was content to live quietly and attend to his duties as a farmer and stock raiser.
    The funeral services will be held at the home of his son, John Winn, Jr., Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock and the remains will be brought to Niles for burial beside those of his wife at Silver Brook cemetery.


Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 22, 1912, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


    John Winn, Sr., aged 71 years, died suddenly about 5 o'clock yesterday from heart failure.  Mr. Winn had been making his home of late with his son, Geo. F. Winn, but yesterday he spent the day with another son, John J. Winn.
    He has been in good health lately, with the exception of what was supposed to be a slight affliction of the heart, and yesterday was apparently feeling in the best of health, eating a good dinner and enjoying the visit with his son and family.  About 5 o'clock in the afternoon he went with his son to one of their adjoining farms to feed the stock. It was while thus employed that he was suddenly stricken.  Mr. Winn was born in Germany and came to America when 16 years of age, while his residence in Michigan covers a period of about 40 years years, which he devoted to the pursuit of agriculture and stock raising.  He was married to Miss Fannie Foster, a native of Niles township, March 11, 1866, who passed away June 6 last.  He leaves a brother, Peter Winn of Kalamazoo, two sons, Geo. F. and John J. and three grandchildren, Fannie Mae, Lester F. and Francis Lucile Winn, all of Niles township.
    After a long, busy and useful life, he died as he had lived--honored, trusted and loved.  He reared his own monument while he lived in the hearts of all who knew him.  His life was completed, if work all done and well done constitutes completion.  The funeral services will be held at the late home Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock. Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.