Obituaries

Harriet A. Stupplebeen
February 17, 1844-January 5, 1912

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, January 6, 1912, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library


    Word has been received here of the death of Mrs. Henrietta Stupplebeam, which occurred last night at 9 o'clock at the home of her brother, Charles Ells of Muskegon, Mich.
    The deceased was a resident of Niles until one year ago, when she went to Muskegon to make her home with her brother. She was about 68 years of age.
    She is survived by two brothers, Charles of Muskegon, and Timothy of Jackson.
    Her remains will be brought to this city Monday afternoon at 2:40 o'clock and taken to the home of Mrs. John L. Reddick, where funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, Rev. Yonker of the Presbyterian church officiating.  Interment in Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, January 6, 1912, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. H.A. Stubblebeam, a former well known Niles resident for many years, passed away last evening at the home of her brother, Charles Ells at Muskegon.
    Ater the death of her mother and brother, here Mrs. Stubblebeam went to Benton Harbor to reside with her uncle, Joshua Ells and after his death a few months ago, she went to her brother's home. She has been an invalid for some time.
    The remains will be brought to Niles Monday afternoon and taken to the home of Mrs. John L. Reddick, an old neighbor and friend.
    The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock.  Rev. W.R. Yonker of the Presbyterian church of which the deceased had long been a member will officiate.

(NB: There is conflicting information in the obituaries as to the name.  The death certificate uses Harriet A. Stupplebeen.)

Caroline Stupplebeam
February 13, 1812-December 2, 1911

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, December 7, 1911, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library


    Mrs. Caroline Stubblebeam, who would have been 100 years of age had she lived until February 13, 1912, was found dead in bed this morning by her daughter, Mrs. L.E. Mather at their home two miles east of Niles.
    The aged lady had not been sick but her health gradually failed within the past few weeks and the end came peacefully.
    Mrs. Stubblebeam was born in Connecticutt[sic].  She came to Niles with her husband over 50 years ago and at once they purchased the land where she has lived continuously ever since.  Mr. Stubblebeam has been dead for a number of years.
    Mrs. Stubblebeam is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Mather, who is 75 years of age and by a son, who resides in Connecticutt[sic] and who is older.
    Ambrose Mather of Niles and Mrs. John Muffley of Kalamazoo are grandchildren.
    Mrs. Stubblebeam was wonderfully active in household duties in spite of her advanced years and her mind was also well preserved.
    The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the house.

(NB: Death certificate spells name Stupplebeam.)

Jane Stupplebeam
abt. 1812- April 30, 1889

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, May 8, 1889, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Mrs. M.H. Stupplebeam, an old resident of this city, formerly Mrs. Wm. G. Wood, died very suddenly on Tuesday morning of heart disease, aged over 70 years. She was of kind disposition and a lady with many friends.

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, May 8, 1889, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

    Walter Wood and wife, of Ovoco, N.Y., and Charles Wood, of Long Mount, Colorado, who were called here by the death of their mother, Mrs. M.H. Stupplebeam, started for their homes today.

(NB: Jane Hubbell Wood m. Michael H. Stupplebeen Jan. 21 1880 Berrien Co.)

William W. Stevens
Feb. 19, 1867-March 20, 1946

Niles Daily Star, Thurs., March 21, 1946, page 2

FORMER NILES RESIDENT DIES IN CALIFORNIA; WILL BE BURIED HERE

Word was received today by Mrs. Harry L. Fox, 215 Broadway, of the death of her uncle, W.W. Stevens, 79, of Hollywood, Calif., in that city this morning.

Born in Paw Paw in 1867, he had lived most of his life in Niles until 101 when he moved to California.

Surviving is his wife, the former Lillian Lacey, who was the daughter of one of Niles pioneer residents.

The body is expected to be brought to Niles where burial will be made in Silverbrook cemetery.

Thomas A. Stevens
July 4, 1851-Aug. 6, 1876

Niles Republican II, Tues., Aug. 10, 1876, page 3

    Last Saturday morning the announcement was made that Thomas A. Stevens had passed to the other world, having died at his father's residence, about 6 o'clock that morning.  For some time he has been in bad health, and a few weeks ago he started for Colorado, hoping that its salubrious climate would prove beneficial.  He did not reach the objective point, the fatigue of traveling being more than his debilitated condition would bear.  He returned home and gradually grew worse until last Saturday morning when his eyes closed on all earthly things.
    He was a young man of noble impulses, of a nature that could never condescend to anything dishonorable-of a warm, impulsive temperament-ever ready to defend the right.  Such qualities, as a natural result, made him many warm friends, and especially among the young men of the city was he highly esteemed.  Generous and warm hearted, ever ready to encourage all pleasurable amusements, and with a hand always open to charitable objects, his name will be long remembered by those who knew him best; and the feeling of sadness which his death produced was the most touching evidence of how greatly he was esteemed.  Cut down in the prime of life, when prospects were the brightest and the future most inviting, his death has touched many tender chords, and there are hearts only bound by the ties of affinity which deeply feel his loss.  Good-bye, dear boy.  When the veil which now hides futurity from mortal vision shall be drawn aside, then we shall know why a heart so true and full of hope has been stilled in death.

George B. Stevens
Jan. 10, 1858-Aug. 6, 1889 

Niles Mirror, Wed. Aug 14, 1889, page 3

 Burial Of Geo. B. Stevens

            The Rev. C.C. Tate of Englewood, Chicago, was called, and the last sad rites were performed by him on Saturday, at 10 a.m., at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. T.L. Stevens, parents of the deceased, in West Niles.  There were present a large number of people, who sympathized deeply with the aged father and mother, the broken hearted wife who could not part with him, the fatherless little daughter clinging to her side, the brothers and sisters who moved with trembling steps to the carriage which conveyed them to the last resting place of him whom they loved, and who was brutally shot down by a man who had robbed him of his claim while he was paying his wife and friends a visit at home.  The beautiful Episcopal service was read at the dwelling and concluded at the grave in a most solemn manner.  The wife gave full vent to her sorrow as the casket was lowered, and lingered long in sadness, taking a last look at what contained the remains of him she so much loved.  It is hoped that the one who has brought such affliction upon worthy and esteemed citizens will not escape the punishment which they deserve.

 * * *

 Berrien Springs Era, Wed. Aug. 14, 1889, page 3

            Geo. B. Stevens, of Niles, well known in this place, was shot to death at Guthrie, Oklahoma, last Tuesday, by a Dr. Townsley, with whom he had some business difficulty.  From the accounts telegraphed to the Chicago papers it is inferred that the case was one of cold-blooded murder.

            In speaking of the affair the Niles Democrat says:  “he was the oldest surviving son of Mr. Thomas L. Stevens, president of the First National Bank of this city.

            George was known far and near for his generous, open hearted ways—his faults were all on the surface, covered by no cloak of hypocricy[sic]; his good deeds were never a subject for boasting yet they were not a few.  He will be remembered and sincerely mourned for by many whose hearts he had won by virtues that are only too rare.”

            He was buried Saturday morning.