Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Johnson, Elizabeth T. Beauchamp

editor Obituaries
Elizabeth T. (Beauchamp) Johnson
January 24, 1813-February 19,1888

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

Death of Mrs. Daniel Johnson

    Elizabeth T. Beauchamp, daughter of Isaac and Mary Beauchamp, was born near Milford, Delaware, January 24, 1813.  At the age of 20  she moved with her sister Mrs. R.A. Collins, to the then territory of Michigan and began a pioneer life. One year later she married Daniel C. Johnson, who whom she lived happily till his decease ten years ago.  Mrs. Johnson was the mother of two children, a son who died in infancy, and a daughter, Mrs. R.H. Stoll, now living in Kansas.
    She was more than a mother the motherless little daughter of her husband by a former marriage.  Mrs. Johnson was a woman of rare domestic qualities and motherly affection.  A Christian from her early girlhood, she knew nothing higher than allegiances to her "Heavenly Father," whose name was last upon her dying lips.

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Niles Democrat, Saturday, Feb. 25, 1888, page 5. col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mrs. Daniel C. Johnson, died on Sunday, aged seventy four years.  She was a native of Delaware and removed to this state in 1838.

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Niles Republican, Thursday, February 23, 1888, page 5, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mrs. Daniel C. Johnson, . . a well known and highly esteemed lady of this city, died on the 19th inst., aged 75 years. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Beauchamp, and she was a native of Delaware. When 20 years old she moved with her sister, Mrs. R.A. Collins, to the then Territory of Michigan where she remained until her death, being one of the early pioneers of this part of the country.  Soon after her arrival here she married D.C. Johnson, with whom she lived until about ten years ago when his death broke the bonds of a long and happy, wedded life.  Mrs. Johnson was a woman of rare domestic and motherly qualities, the aim of her life seeming to be to do good to those around her.  She has gone to her reward, and her memory will long be cherished.

King, John

editor Obituaries
John King
Abt. 1834-Feb. 14, 1888

Niles Republican, Thursday, February 16, 1888, page 5, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

    John King, a former well known resident and business man of this city, died at his home in Chicago last Tuesday, after a few weeks illness, of apoplexy, aged about 54 years.  Mr. King was in the real estate business here for some years, and engaged in mercantile pursuits for a short time. He removed to Chicago a few years ago to be with his sons. He will be pleasantly remembered by many friends. His remains were brought here on the 10:40 train this morning, and the funeral took place from the home of his mother, Mrs. Darius King, at 1 o'clock this afternoon.
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Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 22, 1888, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    There are two funerals today, that of John King, and Mrs. D. Mather, both of whom died in Chicago. . .

    Birdie and Didy King, sons, and James King, a brother of the deceased, were in the city yesterday from Chicago, having accompanied the remains of John King their last resting place.

Comley, John

editor Obituaries
John Comley
Dec. 25, 1829-Feb. 15, 1888

Niles Republican, Thursday, February 16, 1888, page 5, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

The Old Settlers are Fast Passing Away

    John Comley died at his home in this city yesterday afternoon, February 14, in the 59th year of his age, after a short illness, although he had been in failing health for some time.
    Mr. Comley belonged to one of the very oldest families in Niles. He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, on the 25th of December, 1829, and was brought to this city by his parents when but ten months old, in October, 1830, nearly 58 years ago.  There were but few cabins in Niles at the time.  Mr. Comley was a genial pleasant man, and had many friends.  He leaves two sisters, Mrs. A.M. LaPierre and Miss Mary Comley.  His funeral will take place from his late home on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
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Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 22, 1888, page 5, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    John Comley, one of the oldest residents of this city, died Feb. 15, afternoon at 3 o'clock, aged 59. He was born in Jefferson Co., Ohio, and was brought to this city with his parents when he was but 10 months old.  He is the last of a family of eight by two--Miss Mary Comley and Mrs. A.M. LaPierre.
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Niles Democrat, Saturday, February 18, 1888, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    John Comley died on Wednesday last, aged 58 years. He was brought to this country in October 1850 when but ten months old, and has resided here ever since.  He leaves two sister, Mrs. A.M. LaPierre and Miss Mary Comley. The funeral takes place on Sunday from his late home at 2 p.m.

Rollo, Fannie T. Aiken

editor Obituaries
Fannie T. (Aiken) Rollo
May 17, 1808-Feb. 26, 1880

Niles Republican, Thursday, March 4, 1880, page 3, col 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED
    In this city, February 26th, 1880, of typhoid pneumonia, Fanny T. Aiken, wife of Chester Rollo.
    Mrs. Rollo was born in Antrim, N.H., May 17th 1808.  Removed with her parents in early childhood to Cayuga Co., New York, where she grew to womanhood surrounded by all the genial influences of a Christian household.  In 1836, in the flush and vigor of her days, she emigrated to Michigan with her husband, making the long journey in their own conveyance, and settling in Ypsilanti, where she spent her happiest and most active years.  Possessed of good musical abilities, well cultivated, there are many still living who will remember her face and voice in the church choir.  That she might be near a dear daughter, since deceased, she came twenty-two years ago to Niles, where, although somewhat past her prime, she made many friends by her bright, sunshiny presence.  Her religion was without ostentation, and the practical kind that showed itself in the cheerful bearing of all burdens laid upon her, sustained by an abiding faith in a higher power. No cloud was so dark but she could find a silver lining.  With mental faculties wholly unimpaired, and physical powers scarcely touched by time, devoted to an aged and invalid husband; to earthly vision her death seems premature, and yet,--"Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Without dying testimony, which she was unable to give, her friends are well assured that with her "It is well."  Many precious memories of a true, pure life are the comfort of the sorrowing ones who mourn that the cheery voice is forever hushed in mortal ears.
    Ypsilant papers please copy.

Arthur, George Edward

editor Obituaries
George Edward Arthur
1873-Aug. 23, 1914

Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, August 25, 1914, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH AT HAMMOND OF G. EDWARD ARTHUR
Body Will Be Brought to Niles Tomorrow Afternoon

    The remains of Edward Arthur will be brought to Niles tomorrow afternoon via the Michigan Central from Hammond, Ind., at 3:25 o'clock and will be taken directly to Silver Brook cemetery for buriel[sic].  Mr. Arthur is a former well known Niles young man. At one time he held a position in the Niles post office, but for a number of years he has resided in Hammond.  He was the son of Mrs. M.A. Arthur, of Hammond.  Leon Arthur is a brother of the deceased.  A widow and one child also survive. No particulars were received as to the cause of his death.  Mr. Arthur was a member of the Masonic order and an escort of Masons will accompany the body to Niles.  The committal service will be in charge of the local Masonic fraternity.  Mr. Arthur was about 40 years of age.

Exner, Mary Louise

editor Obituaries
Mary L. Exner
Sept. 22, 1918-Jan. 11, 1941

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, January 11, 1941, page 2, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

Mary L. Exner, 22, Ill Four Weeks, Taken by Death

    Miss Mary Louise Exner, 22, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Exner, 921 Ferry street, died at 5:30 this morning in Pawating hosptial. Death ended an illness of four weeks.
    Miss Exner was a graduate of Niles High school in the class of 1937. She was also active in St. John's Evangelical church where she was confirmed in 1933, and where funeral services will be conducted Monday afternoon at 3.
    Friends of the family may call at the home tonight and Sunday and until noon Monday. [illegible] . . The Rev. Theo. Eisen will officiate.
    Miss Exner leaves besides her parents, two brothers and two sisters, Herman and Gerald, Niles; Mrs. Margaret Mott, Benton Harbor, and Mrs. Janet Zalai, Niles.
    She was born in Niles Sept. 22, 1918 and had spent all her life here.
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Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 13, 1941, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Service Held Today for Miss Exner at St. John's Church

    Services for Miss Mary Louise Exner who died Saturday were conducted this afternoon at 3 in St. John's Evangelical church, of which she was a member.
    The Rev. Theo Eisen officiated and burial was in Silverbrook.
    Casket bearers were Arthur Beckman, John Buheker, Lester Wadel, Donald Whalen, Edward Dobrotka and Gerald Coffman.

Flannery, Julia

editor Obituaries
Julia Flannery
Sept. 8, 1881-January 10, 1941

Mrs. Julia Flannery, Mother of 3 Niles Residents Stricken

    Mrs. Julia Flannery, Route 4, South Bend, died Friday afternoon at 1  in St. Joseph hospital, South Bend, where she was taken for treatment two weeks ago.
    Mrs. Flannery, who is survived by her husband, James Flannery, was the mother of three Niles residents, Mrs. Edwin Port, Mrs. Harley Cole and Orval Flannery. She also leaves another son, Roy Flannery, Muskegon.  She was born in Fulton, Ind., Sept. 8, 1881.
    Friends may call at the Rutherford funeral home where services will be conducted Monday afternoon at 3:30.  The Rev. Floyd W. Johnston, pastor of the First Baptist church, will officiate, Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, January 11, 1941, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

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