Mrs. Eunice A. (Hurd) Pettingil
Aug. 9, 1822-February 3, 1894

Niles Daily Star, Friday, February 9, 1894, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mrs. E.A.H. Pettingil passed away in this city at the residence of her son-in-law, Judge O.W. Coolidge on the 3rd inst. this being the 10th anniversary of the death of her husband.
    Mrs. Pettingil was born in Sweden, Monroe Co., N.Y., on the 9th day of Aug., 1822.  Her child-life was singularly happy and beautiful.  In a home where a cheerful and joyous religion was supreme; where thorough discipline was tempered with parental love and tenderness; where a limited competence was secured by severe economy and industry on the part of both children and parents; in the freedom of this country with field and wood and running brooks and birds and wild-flowers she passed her early years.  As I now recall her in her loving, dutiful, innocent, joyous girl-hood she seems a rare and radiant spirit; and I cannot remember anything wrong she ever did, or an instant when she required parental chastisement.  At eleven years of age she united with the Methodist Church.  At sixteen she commenced teaching the county district school, at from a dollar to a dollar and a half per week, earning at the same time with her needle more than her school wages.  Her faithfulness and success in this humble field opened to her higher positions and she was soon engaged in the large Union school.  In 1847, while completing the course in the seminary at Lima, N.Y., she was elected preceptress of the Rock River seminary, then a flourishing institution in northern Illinois.  Here she spent five years of most useful and successful work moulding and shaping the character and lives of large classes of young men and women. Among these there have been presidents and professors in colleges; men high in the professions and political life; and women of large culture and usefulness who have ever regarded her with a kind of half worship.  On July 11, 1853, she was united in marriage to Moses Pettingil then of Ogden N.Y., and with whom in Nov. 1856, sh removed to Niles.  Mr. Pettingil was a man of rare elevation of character and intellectual and business ability.  With him she passed thirty happy years, aiding him largely in his business and entering fully into every department of his intellectual and business life. In this relation she sweetly solved on the most difficult problems of human life.  I have never seen anything quite so beautiful and perfect as the love and homage with which she was regarded in her home-love and homage which she returned in overflowing measure.  But the happy years sped; and on the 3rd of Feb. 1884, her husband peacefully passed away in her loving presence and care in California where they were sojourning for his health. The last five years of Mrs. Pettingil's beautiful life were given in this great sacrifice to restoring a broken and clouded home for her brother Prof. Z. Hurd, of Lima, N.Y. Hither she brought and lavished the wealth of her love and taste and industry, transforming a desolation into a Paradise. During these  brief years spent in Lima she drew around herself the people of the town, the teachers and young ladies of the seminary, and especially the poor of his vicinity, who are saying, "The light has gone out of our neighborhood."
    Mrs. Pettingil, as all who knew her will attest more strongly than anything in this writing --blended in their character into a harmonious whole all the small elements that go to make up a large and will nigh perfect womanhood--viz., a tireless industry, a wise economy, intellectual strength developed and enriched by extensive reading, strong affection, self giving devotion to the good of others, refinement and polish of manners, unaffected dignity combined with humility, and a personal beauty that did not fade but only grew richer and more commanding with advanced years.
    Her peaceful departure in a home where she was loved and adored was the fitting outcome of such a character and life. She has passed into "the Everlasting Mansions"--into fitting companionships.  We will not mourn her.  Z.H.  Niles, Feb. 9, 1894
Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 7, 1894, page 5, col. 3, reprinted from Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 5, 1894, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mrs. M. Pettingill, widow of the late Moses Pettingill, died at the home of O.W. Coolidge Saturday afternoon. She was an old resident and a lady of fine literary tastes and education.  Her illness dates back for a number of years.  The funeral occurred from the house at 2 o'clock this afternoon and Rev. J. G. Lowrie, of the Presbyterian church, preached.  Interment took place at Silver Brook cemetery, by the side of her husband.

Belle Hilderbrand
abt. 1872-March 3, 1880

Niles Democrat, Saturday, February 28, 1880, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Belle

    It is our sad duty to record the death of Belle, an interesting and much beloved little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hilderbrand, which occurred in this city on Wednesday morning last, March 3d, from the sequelae of scarlet fever, in the 8th year of her age.  To those who knew this sweet and amiable little girl, and many there were, for she was a general favorite, this announcement will fall sadly upon many hearts. Six weeks ago she was taken down with the scarlet fever, the same time that an interesting little pet of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hulen was, and which was a great favorite of Bell's[sic] and who died within a few days; but Belle rallied through the various stages of the fever and was considered entirely well, and all fears of any further trouble was dispelled, but alas for earthly hopes and joys she took cold, and the dreaded sequelae of scarlet fever dropsy set in and resulted as above stated.  Belle was the only and idolized child of the family, and the sorrow and intensity of parental grief can be better imagined than described.  She was also the grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Lambert, and whose love for her was almost equal to that of her parents. There will be many an eye among relatives, friends and neighbors dimmed with tears, at the loss of dear little Belle, who was the light and joy of so many hearts: The bereaved parents, have the sympathy of the community in the loss of their best and most prized household treasure.
Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, March 10, 1880, page 5, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

--Mr. and Mrs. John Hildebrand mourn the loss of their lovely little daughter Belle, who died last Monday, aged about 8 years.

Carl W. Eisner
June 17, 1887-February 18, 1888

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 22, 1888, page 5, col. 4, reprinted from Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 20,1888, page 3, col 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Carl W. Eisner, aged 8 months and one day, only son of Mr.and Mrs. Wm. Eisner, jr.,[sic] died suddenly at 4 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 18.  The child had only been sick for a short time, suffering from bowel complaint. The fond parents, grieved at their loss, have the sympathy of many friends.  The funeral will take place from the German evangelical church, tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Friends are invited.

    Little Carl W. Eisner, eight months old, and only son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Eisner, jr., died quite suddenly on Saturday afternoon last.  The funeral took place from the German Evangelical church on Tuesday afternoon last and was largely attended.

John L. Crofoot
Feb. 1, 1826-Jan. 23, 1923


    John L. Crofoot, died at the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Frank H. Edwards in Dowagiac Tuesday morning.  Mr. Crofoot was born in Barnsville, O., Feb. 1, 1826, and would have been 97 years old in a few days.  Oct. 2, 1848, he was married to Elizabeth Burt. To this union one son, Charles W., was born. He enlisted Sept. 14, 1861, at Niles, Mich., and served until the close of that memorable conflict.  After the war he took up his old trade of wagon maker with the Studebaker brothers' of South Bend.  Later he moved to Niles where he made his home for over 40 years.  Here he and his wife celebratd their golden wedding. Two years later Mrs. Crofoot died and Mr. Crofoot went to  live with his granddaughter, Mrs. Edwards, in Dowagiac.  He has been very feeble for the past five years and needed constant attention. The funeral will be held at the Edwards home, 421 Chestnut Street, Dowagiac, Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery, Niles.
    Mr. Crofoot is survived by one son, Charles W., and one grandson, Burt M., both of South Bend; also by four great grandchildren, Walter Burt of South Bend, and Miss Hazel, Richard and Burt Lucian of Dowagiac.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Tuesday, January 23, 1923, Page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library.

Elizabeth M. (Burt) Crofoot
June 24, 1830-May 9, 1902

Niles Republican, Thursday, May 15, 1902, page 1, col. 1, reprinted from Niles Daily Sun, Friday, May 9, 1902, microfilm Niles District Library


Friday's Sun.

    Mrs. John L. Crofoot, one of Niles best known residents, passed away very suddenly about two o'clock this morning at her home on south Third street.  She was taken ill last Friday morning while in South Bend in company with her husband visiting her son, Charles. It was thought at first she had typhoid fever and medical aid was immediately called.  She recovered so that she was able to return home yesterday. Last evening upon retiring she had almost entirely recovered and seemed to be feeling in good spirits. This morning about two o'clock Mr. Crofoot was awakened by a sudden jar and arising found his wife lying on the floor beside the  bed.  He attempted to arouse her but she was in an unconscious condition and died in a few moments.  It is supposed that she felt this congestion of the lungs and in an attempt to gain relief had arisen but shortly after was stricken down in a suffocating condition.
    Mrs. Crofoot, whose maiden name was Miss Elizabeth M. Burt, was born in Wilshire, England, in 1830. When she was seven years old she came to this country, her first home was in Ohio.  She was married at Painsville, O., in 1848 to John L. Crofoot and in 1857 they came to Niles, residing here ever since.
    Besides a husband and son, Charles, residing in South Bend, she leaves a granddaughter, Mrs. Hattie Edwards, of Dowagiac, and a grandson, Bert Crofoot, of South Bend.
    Mrs. Crofoot was for many years a faithful member of Trinity Episcopal church and was a woman, who all her years had lived a true, consistent, and lovely Christian life.  She was a loving character, full of good works and beloved by friends and neighbors.


Niles Daily Star, Friday, May 9, 1902, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    Yesterday afternoon Mr. and Mrs. John Crofoot returned home from South Bend where they had been visiting their son, Charles.  During their visit Mrs. Crofoot had experienced a sick spell but upon their arrival at home last evening she was feeling very well. At 10 o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Crofoot retired and about 2 o'clock he was awakened by a thud caused by the body of his wife falling from the bed to the floor.  Mr. Crofoot hurriedly replaced her upon the bed and a few seconds later she breathed her last without uttering a word. It is thought her demise was caused by congestion of the lungs.
    Deceased was  born in England, June 24, 1830, and was nearly 72 years of age.  She was married to Mr. Crofoot in Painseville, O., in 1848. They had lived happily together for over 53 years.  To them was born one child, Charles, who is in the grocery business at South Bend.
    Mrs. Crofoot, whose loveable disposition made her a host of warm friends, was a life-long member of the Episcopal church.
    Funeral announcement later.

Belle G. Palmer
Feb. 12, 1856-Feb. 13, 1877

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 14, 1877, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

    Miss Belle Palmer, died on Tuesday morning at 7 o'clock, aged just 21 years and one day, of consumption.  This is the last of five children of the family of Harvey Palmer.  Miss Palmer was a most lovely flower. The many tokens of affections exhibited towards her during her entire illness of near one year testify that she was beloved by all.  Some one sent her some beautiful flowers and geraniums after the death of Wm. R. Taggart and she requested on Saturday evening that the freshest of them be sent to adorn the casket of Mr. Taggart.  Her funeral will take place on Thursday afternoon at the Methodist church at 2 o'clock p.m.


Niles Republican, Thursday, February 15, 1877, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    Miss Belle G. Palmer, one of Niles' brightest young ladies, died last Tuesday evening.  Her deeply afflicted family have the warmest sympathies of the community. The funeral took place this afternoon, at 2 o'clock, from the Methodist Church.