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

    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.

George Edward Arthur
1873-Aug. 23, 1914

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


    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.

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

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


    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.
Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 13, 1941, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


    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.

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


    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

Ambrose Mather
June 17, 1863-January 13, 1941

    Ambrose Mather, 77, last member of his family, died at 8;30 this morning at 524 Sycamore street after a week's illness.
    He was born in Niles, near Barron lake, June 17, 1863, and had lived all his life in and near Niles.  He was an employe of the Garden City Fan company for many years.
    Mr. Mather was married Sept. 21, 1887, to Miss Lizzie Miller, Buchanan. Mrs. Mather died June 14, 1939.
    Services will be conducted in the residence where the body will be taken tonight.  They will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2; 30, the Rev. G.W. Simon officiating.  Friends may call at the home Tuesday and Wednesday prior to the funeral.
    Burial will be in Silverbrook.

Source:  Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 13, 1941, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Elizabeth (Miller) Mather
abt. 1867-June 14, 1939


    Ill for the last three years, Mrs. Elizabeth Mather, wife of Ambrose Mather, 524 Sycamore street, died at 6:15 Wednesday night in her home. She was 72 years old.
    Born in Germany, Mrs. Mather came to the United States with her parents when she was six years old.  The family settled in Niles.
    Beside her husband she leaves a sister, Mrs. Ambrose Davis, Niles; also a brother, William Miller, Cudahy, Wis., There are no children.
    Mrs. Mather was an active member of the Presbyterian church and the Royal Neighbors.
    The body is at the Pifer funeral home, but will be removed to the Mather home tonight where friends may call.
    Services will be held in the home at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon with the Rev. Guy W. Simon officiating.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
    Friends are asked to omit flowers.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Thursday, June 15, 1939, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library)