Charles Williams
Feb. 12, 1868-April 11, 1909

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, April 12, 1909, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. Hulda Williams received the sad news Sunday of the death of her son, Charles at San Antonio, Texas.
    Mr. Williams was born Feb. 12, 1868, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthis Williams, the former now deceased.
    By occupation he was a telegraph operator having learned his trade in this city under the direction of E.C. Dana.  At 17 he left Niles to begin his duties in a larger field and continued in this work until his last sickness.  Mr. Williams was considered amoung the most expert operators in the United States and has held many fine positions in the large cities.  When his health began to fail he was employed as wireless telegraph operator on a steamer running between New York and Porto[sic] Rico.  Being compelled to give up this work he returned to an office in New York and later held a position in Philadelphia until his health made in[sic] necessary for him to retire entirely.
    He came to Niles Nov. 11, 1908, and four months later on March 11 on the advice of physicians he left for Texas.  But in his weak condition, the long journey and change of climate was too great a tax upon his strength and he passed away April 11.    
    Besides his widowed mother, one sister, Miss Mabel Williams of Niles, survive him.
    The deceased was of a kind and genial disposition, always ready to help those less favored than himself, and thus made a host of friends to mourn his demise.
    The remains will be brought to Niles for interment.

Frances Claudine Smith
1883-1909

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, April 8, 1909, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    Miss Claudine Frances Smith of Niles, who attempted to commit suicide at South Bend by taking morphine but who was thought to be recovering, died yesterday at her apartments in that city.
    The remains were brought to Niles last evening by Undertake Price and taken to the home of a half-sister of the deceased, Miss Mary Smith, 723 Grant street.
    The funeral will be held tomorrow at 2 o'clock, Rev. F.H. Clapp, officiating.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
    The unfortunate young woman was 26 years of age and had spent almost her entire life in Niles until she went to South Bend a few years ago.
    Besides her mother who is Mrs. Ed. Shepherd of West Niles, three sisters and three brothers besides two half-sisters survive her.
    Despondency over an unrequited love affair is said to have prompted the girl to take her life.  That the rash deed was premeditated is shown . . .[illegible]. . . procured the poison on a physician's prescription which she claimed she wanted for her sick mother.  After having the prescription filled the second time, she took the two fatal doses at once.
Niles Daily Sun, Monday April 12, 1909, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


    South Bend, April 12--The recent death of Miss Frances Smith of Niles in an east side rooming house under rather suspicious circumstances, has attracted much interest and many wondered why a more thorough investigation was not made.  The woman died of morphine poisoning according ot the death certificate of Dr. Burget, but the question as to how the morphine was administered whether by her own hand with suicidal intent or not, was never investigated.
    Coroner Stanley Clark says he was not notified and the body having now been taken out of Indiana he has no jurisdiction.

Barbara Rose (Baker) Slates
Aug. 28, 1840-May 9, 1916

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, May 9, 1916, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. Rose Slates, aged 75 years, wife of George Slates, died this morning about 2:15 o'clock at 599 Pokagon street, where they have resided for the past 12 years.  Mrs. Slates was stricken with apoplexy a week ago last Tuesday, but rallied somewhat. Shortly after noon yesterday, she was again stricken and remained in a comatose state and did not regain consciousness.
    Mrs. Slates was born in New York state in 1841. She had been a resident of Niles for the past 40 years with the exception of short time when she lived in Dailey.  She was twice married.  her first husband was killed at Bowling Green, Ky., while serving the civil war. Thirty-three years ago she was married to Mr. Slates, the wedding occurring in this city.
    Mrs. Slates is survived by her husband, one son, by the first marriage, John Northrup, who home is near Dowagiac, but who is at present in Illinois, and by one sister, Mrs. Mary E. Gray of Three Rivers, who came to Niles Monday night at midnight on account of her sister's condition.
    Mr. Slates was an employe of the Michigan Central for about 25 years prior to September, 1914, when he was injured in the local yards and has for the past 85 weeks been unable to walk without the aid of crutches on account of the accident.
    Mrs. Slates was highly esteemed among a large circle of friends.
    The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon from the home. Rev. George Huntington of Trinity Episcopal church will officiate.  Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

Jason Mark Clendenin
Sept. 20, 1978-Dec. 20, 2006

By Staff
Jason Mark Clendenin, 28, of South Saint Joseph Avenue in Niles, died at 7 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, 2006, at his home of an apparent suicide.
A memorial with dinner will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at VFW Post 1855 in Dowagiac. Burial will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.
There will be no visitation.
Memorial contributions in the memory of Jason Mark Clendenin may be made to the memorial fund for his children.
Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Niles Daily Star, Published 1:11am Monday, December 11, 2006

Alvin Henry Hartline
Nov. 15,1915-Dec. 16, 2006

By Staff
Alvin Henry Hartline, 91, of Pine Lake Street in Edwardsburg, passed away on Dec. 16, 2006, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
In keeping with his wishes, he has been cremated and his ashes will be inurned at Silverbrook Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan.
Please visit www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com for more information or to leave a message for the family.
Arrangements were by Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Niles.

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:42am Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Edna Housman
Aug. 21, 1913-Dec. 17, 2006

By Staff
Edna Housam[sic], 93, of Eagle Street, Niles, died at 11 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006, at Riverside Manor, Niles.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
Arrangements are by Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:44am Tuesday, December 19, 2006