Kenneth L. Stratton, 75 
Nov. 5, 1934 — Sept. 24, 2010

Kenneth L. Stratton, 75, of Berrien Center, Mich., and formerly of Niles, died 6:25 a.m. Friday, September 24, 2010 at Lakeland Specialty Hospital in Berrien Center following a brief illness.

Kenneth was born November 5, 1934 in Niles to Thomas M. Stratton and Mildred M. (Carpenter) Stratton. Most of his life was spent in this area.

Kenneth served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956.

Surviving family includes sister Frances B. Syson-Bortz of Niles, nephew Jerry Syson of Niles and niece Sharie Hartline of LaPorte, Ind. He was preceded in death by brother Thomas Stratton and nephew Thomas R. Syson.

The family gathered privately for services with Pastor Catherine Cox of Living Faith Church in Niles officiating. Interment is at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

There will be no visitation. Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Niles Daily Star, Published 11:54pm Friday, September 24, 2010

Michael Ream
June 13, 1840-December 9, 1913

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, December 9, 1913, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library


Michael Ream, aged 74 years, died this morning about 4:30 o'clock at his home, No. 2 Marmont street.  He was been slightly indisposed for about a week, but took to his bed only on Sunday.
    Mr. Ream had been a resident of Niles for over 50 years.  He was born in Germany.  For a number of years he was employed by the Michigan Central railway company, but was injured while so employed and was afterward incapacitated for heavy labor.
    Mrs. Ream has been dead about 18 years.  Mr. Ream is survived by five children who are Mrs. Julius Reichert of Muskegon, Mrs. Bernard Stein of Adrian and Mrs. William Schrumpf, Ernest and Carl Ream of Niles.
    The funeral arrangements have not been made pending word from the daughters as to their ability to be present.
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, December 9, 1913, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Michael Ream, a resident of Niles 50 years, residing a greater portion of the time at one place, No. 2 Marmount street, on the flats, died this morning at 4:30 o'clock.  He was born in Germany and came to America when 20 years of age. First in Niles he followed the occupations of baker and tailor, and later was employed by the Michigan Central, being permanently injured 40 years ago while operating a snow plow, his face being mutilated and body badly bruised.
    Mr. Ream has ever been a good citizen, was well thought of and had many friends. The wife died 18 years ago.  The children are Ernest and Carl of Niles; Mrs. Will Schrumpf of Niles; Mrs. Julius Reichert of Muskegon and Mrs. Amelia Stines of Adrian; also one brother and a sister, Henry Ream and Mrs. Jacob Weiser, both of this city.
    Funeral services will occur from the house, Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.

Horace J. Adams
March 29, 1839-December 9, 1913

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, December 9, 1913, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Horace Adams died this afternoon at 12:30 o'clock at his home three miles north of Niles where he has resided for many years. He was 74 years of age.
    Mr. Adams was born in Batavia, N.Y., Mar 29, 1839. For many years he has followed the occupation of a farmer in the in the [illegible] where his death occurred.
    One daughter, Mrs. Edward Bair, and one son, Charles Adams both of Niles survive him; also two brothers and one sister, George Adams of Niles; Quincy Adams and Mrs. Mary Blair of Batavia, N.Y.
    The funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, December 9, 1913, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library


    Horace J. Adams, an old-time resident of his vicinity, passed away at 12:50 o'clock today at the home of son Chas. Adams, three and one-half miles on the Berrien road, with whom he had lived for a number of years. He was taken ill last Thursday evening with pneumonia, but grew suddenly worse this morning.
    Deceased was born in Batavia, New York, March 29, 1838.[sic]  He came to this section when quite young and won a reputation of honesty and good business methods, as well as for being charitable and kind.
    Besides the son, Mrs. Ed. Blair of Niles is a daughter, and George Adams a brother, Mrs. Mary Bair and Quincy Adams of Batavia, New York, are also sister and brother.
    Funeral announcement later.

Mary R. (Burge) Hutson
May 6, 1848-December 8, 1913

Niles Daily Star, Monday, December 8, 1913, page 1, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mary R. Hutson, widow of Benjamin P. Hutson, died suddenly at 1 o'clock yesterday at her home, 1323 Oak street.  She had been ailing for two weeks with heart trouble but her death was very sudden and wholly unexpected.  She was born in Brighton, Lorain county, Ohio, May 6, 1848. At the age of 12 years she came to Michigan with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. Burge and has since resided here.
    She was united in marriage in 1870 to Mr. Hutson who died seven years ago. To them were born three children, Mrs. Joseph Smith, 1407 Oak street, Niles; Mrs. John Rohl of St. Joseph and Charles Hutson of Michigan City.
    Deceased was a member of the Woman's Relief Corps and a most noble, lovable woman. At the solicitation of working men at the National Printing and Engraving plant she started a boarding house, many taking their dinners there, it being convenient to the factory.  All entertained the highest respect for her, her quiet, motherly ways winning many steadfast friends.
    Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the house.  Rev. R. A. Wright of the Methodist church to officiate. Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, December 8, 1913, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. Mary R. Hudson[sic], a highly esteemed resident of Niles for many years, and widow of Benjamin Hudson[sic], passed away about one o'clock this morning at her home 1323 Oak street.  While Mrs. Hudsen[sic] had been in ill-health for some time her death occurred after about half an henr's[sic] illness with heart disease.  Mrs. Hedson[sic] was born in Brighton, Lorraine County, Ohio, 65 years ago last May.  She came to Niles at the age of 12 years with her parents Mr. and Mrs. W. Burge.
    Three children survive Mrs. Hudson[sic], Mrs. Joseph Smith of Niles; Mrs. John Rohl of St. Joseph, and Charles M. Hudson[sic] of Michigan City.  Henry Burge of Niles who himself is very low, is a brother of Mrs. Hudson[sic].  Twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild also survive.
    Mrs. Hubson[sic] was highly respected in the community and many mourn her death.
    The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the residence, Rev. R.A. Wright of the  Methodist church officiating .  Interment will be at Silver Brook cemetery where lie the remains of Mr. Hudson[sic] who died seven years ago.

Note: Cemetery, death certificate and Niles Daily Star spell last name "Hutson".

Ella Haynes, 67
Nov. 18, 1943 — Dec. 22, 2010

Niles Daily Star, Published online 8:34pm Monday, December 27, 2010

Ella Haynes, 67

She was born Nov. 18, 1943 in Catron, Mo. She lived in this area since she was 16.

Ella was a factory worker. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Niles, with Pastor Dennis Giden. She was loved by everyone; she never met a stranger and was a very giving person and hardworking; was very dedicated to her children, her family and church.

Ella is survived by her sons, Jonathan Haynes of South Bend and Otis Haynes of South Bend; daughter, LaToya Haynes-Whitaker of Chicago; stepdaughter, Sandra Davis of Indianapolis; brothers, Willie McKennis of Muskegon, Mich., Willie Kirtdoll of Detroit, Billy Kirtdoll of Dallas and Benny Kirtdoll of Grand Rapids; sisters, Frances Roland of Detroit, Betty Ward of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., Josephine Kirtdoll of Niles, Mary Cross of Niles, Martha Kirtdoll of Detroit, Debra Flemming of Benton Harbor; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Acie and Eva Kirtdoll; a daughter, Leslie Haynes; a brother, Clarence McKennis; and two sisters, Jessie Ballard and Barbara Hamilton.

Services will be held at noon Thursday, Dec. 30, 2010 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles with Pastor Bryant Bacon of the church officiating.

Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday at the church.

Helen Foote
Died February 15, 1888


Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 22, 1888, page 5, col. 3, reprinted from Niles Daily Star, Thursday, February 16, 1888, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral of Mrs. Amos Foot was attended yesterday by a large portion of the population of Howard township, and a large number from this city.  Mrs. F. was a great favorite with all in the circle of her aquaintance[sic].