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.

Chipman, Ann (Wilson)

Ann (Wilson) Chipman
Dec. 25, 1822-March 7, 1906


Niles Daily Star, Friday, March 9, 1906, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. J.N. CHIPMAN
Was One of the Oldest and Most Respected Residents of Niles

    For the third time within a short period have the citizens of south Third street
been called upon to mourn the death of old and valued friends and neighbors.  The last one is Mrs. Joseph N. Chipman.  In the summer of 1834, Annie Wilson came to Niles to visit her aunt, Mrs. Judge Green.  Annie was a pleasing little maiden of some twelve years, mature in manner and conversation.  Before Mr. Wilson came to the west he had lived in the vicinity of Washington, D.C. where his daughter could have the advantage of superior schools and refined association.  From a neighboring town Mr. and Mrs. Wilson moved to Niles and for many years were of our notably fine class of citizens.
    Before Annie Wilson had attained her 17th birthday, the persuasions of a promising young lawyer from Vermont, of good character and fine education, had induced her to intrust[sic] her future happiness to his care; a trust he most honorably fulfilled.
    Mrs. Chipman was of a refined nature, possessed a bright quick mind and loved to read. Her husband gratified her taste and wisely selected for her perusal the best books published.
    One daughter, our much esteemed Miss Laura Chipman, and two sons, were given to them.  Soon after Mr. Chipman's return from California they had the misfortune to lose their youngest son, Sylvester, loving and lovable young boy of 15 years.  His sickness was the writer's first experience in watching a human being "fade like a flower" when prayers and tender nursing availeth nothing. Their next casualty was Mr. Chipman's violent sickness and death and, after some years, Robert, the eldest son, stricken with consumption, came from the west to spend the last few days with mother and sister.  All these sorrows told seriously upon Mrs. Chipman's health but her cup was not full, neither was her work done, when the invalid sister, Miss Caroline Wilson, was brought to her home also to die.  Bravely did Mrs. Chipman rally to this new trial.  She was a natural nurse.  No one ever moved about a sick room with greater grace, expedition or effect.  Her touch seemed always to sooth, her word to cheer. Through all these trials and sorrows the mother was sustained and supported by the unfailing love and assistance of her faithful daughter.  Words fail to tell of the devotion of that dear daughter but may her beautiful example spread far and wide and so impress the daughters of this community that they may see its beauty, its worth and its sure reward.
    "Honor thy Father and thy Mother!"  F.S.L.

Chipman, Julia

Julia Chipman
abt. July 1, 1821-Feb. 1, 1872


Niles Republican, Thursday, February 4, 1875, page 3, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

CHIPMAN--In this City, Monday, Feb. 1, 1875, Mrs. Julia Chipman, wife of Ashley B. Chipman, Esq., Aged 53 years and 7 months.
    Mrs. Chipman had resided in this City with her husband since 1847, and was a much loved member of a very large family circle.  She had been connected with the Presbyterian Church for many years, and was a faithful, devoted Christian, wife, mother, and friend.  Her last sickness, a very painful one, was born with exemplary patience and fortitude, and she left the legacy of a shiningg example and may precious memories.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, Feb. 6, 1875, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

    In this city, Monday morning, Feb. 1st, Mrs. JULIA A. CHIPMAN, wife of A.B. Chipman, Esq., aged 53 years and 7 months.

Chipman, A.B.

Elder Ashley B. Chipman
Died Abt. Feb. 12, 1892


Niles Daily Sun, Friday, Feb. 12, 1892, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

    A telegram was received here this morning announcing the death of A.B. Chipman, a former well known resident of this city, at his home in Muskegon.  Mr. Chipman was an old resident here, a merchant for many years, and for years an Elder of the Presbyterian Church.  No particulars of his death have been received.


Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, Feb. 13, 1892, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Word has been received here that the late Elder A.B. Chipman, whose death at Muskegon was announced in yesterday's DAILY SUN, will be buried in Silver Brook cemetery, this city.  His remains will reach here on the Wabash train at 4 o'clock this afternoon and will be taken direct to the cemetery.

Chipman, Robert Russell

Robert Russell Chipman
Abt. 1844-Died July 26, 1884


Niles Democrat, Saturday, August 2, 1884, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

    ROBERT RUSSELL CHIPMAN died at the residence of this mother in this city, on Saturday, July 26th, after lingering illness, in the fortieth year of his age.  Born and reared to manhood in Niles, his home for many years had been in the far Southwest, and even to those who in days gone by had known him best the announcement of his death was the first intimation had of his return.  With a full knowledge of the fact that it was a question of but a few days when he must pass away he came to the home of his childhood to die.  Wanderer as he had been in foreign climes, when he realized that his days on earth were numbered, and that number small, his most earnest wish was to see his mother 'ere he breathed his last and have his brow smoothed by her gentle hands as he fell into his last sleep.  Brusque and outspoken from boyhood he neither indulged in hypocrisy himself nor admired it in others.  While possibly at times unjust to himself he was singularly true to his friends, and in the hereafter, where honest intention weighs more than worldly pretense, he may rank far higher than many who ostentatiously flaunt the livery of the court of Heaven.  AMICUS.

Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, July 30, 1884, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Robert R. Chipman died of consumption, Saturday morning last, and was buried from the residence of his mother, Mrs. J.N. Chipman, on Monday.  He had been living in Texas for several years and came home some weeks ago to die among his kindred and friends.

Rutledge, John

John Rutledge
Abt. 1843-November 11, 1870


Niles Democrat, Saturday, November 19, 1870, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DIED

    On Friday, the 11th inst., JOHN RUTLEDGE, aged 27 years.  The deceased was born in Ireland.  His disease was consumption. He was a member of Second Michigan Regiment. He enlisted for three months, then for three years, and then for the war.  He probably contracted his disease in the army.  The close of his life was exceedingly peaceful and hopeful, and on last Sunday afternoon his burial was attended by a large number of friends and acquaintances.

Koehler, Antony

Antony Koehler
February 25, 1867-March 26, 1913


Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, March 26, 1913, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

A. KOEHLER A PIONEER BAKER
Death this morning closed a career of about 30 years in this business

    Antony Koehler, age 46 years, proprietor of Koehler's Vienna bakery, died this morning at 1:35 o'clock at his home, No. 24 Main street.
    Mr. Koehler's death was due to heart disease from which he has been sick in bed but a few days.
    Mr. Koehler was born in Austria, Feb. 25, 1867.  He came to Niles 27 years ago to engage in the bakery business with his brother, I.A. Koehler.  By industry and good workmanship they established an excelllent[sic] business. After the death of I.A. Koehler the business was conducted by the surviving brother and his son.
    In 1888 Mr. Koehler was married at South Bend to Katie Benzee who survives  him.  Of this two children born to them, one, the son, Fred, survives.
    Within nine years the death of Mr. Koehler and two brothers, all bakers, have occurred.
    Fraternally the deceased was a member of Niles Camp, M. W. A., and carried $2,000 insurance.
    The funeral arrangements will be announced later.
    Rudolph Hittle, who left two weeks ago for a visit in Germany, was a nephew of the deceased.

Whalen /Whelan, Edgar P.

Edgar P. Whalen/Whelan
Jan. 15, 1865-March 26, 1913


Niles Daily Sun, Wednesday, March 26, 1913, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

DEATH OF ED. WHELAN
Occurred at Eau Claire today.
Was former Niles resident

    Edgar Whelan, son of the late Phillip Whelan, a former well known resident of Niles, died about noon today at the home of his brother, Henry Whelan at Eau Claire.  He had  been ill in bed for six weeks with a complication of diseases although he has been a sufferer from ill health for many years.
    Mr. Whelan was about 48 hears of age.  He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Phillip Whelan of Eau Claire and three brothers, Henry of Eau Claire, Elmer and Guy Whelan of Niles.  James Whelan is a cousin of the deceased.
    The funeral arrangements have not been completed but the remains will probably be brought to Niles for interment in the family lot at Silver Brook cemetery and where the remains of Mr. Whelan's wife, whose maiden [name] was Jennie Beall, rest.

Niles Daily Sun, Friday, March 28, 1913, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

BURIED BY MASONS
Ed. Whalen laid at rest in Silver Brook cemetery

    The remains of the late Ed. Whalen were brought to Niles from Eau Claire this afternoon where services were held at 1 pm. at the home of his brother.
    The body was escorted to Niles by members of Lake Shore Lodge, No. 298, F. & A. M. of which he was a member.
    Niles Masons met the funeral party at the Big Four station and escorted them to Silver Brook cemetery where the committal service was conducted by Chief of Police Foeltzer of Benton Harbor, Chaplain of Lake Shore lodge.