Lillian B. (McLanathan) Whitcher
November 28, 1876-September 3, 1941


    Funeral services for Mrs. W.C. Whitcher, who died Wednesday morning in Three Rivers, will be conducted Friday afternoon at 2:30 in the Price and Kiger funeral chapel.  She had been ill for some time.
    Mrs. Whitcher, the former Lillian B. McLanathan, was born in Leavenworth, Kans., Nov. 28, 1876, the daughter of F.H. and Mary McLanathan.  She spent the early years of her life in Kansas City where she was married to Mr. Whitcher in 1905.
    The Whitchers lived in Kansas city several years before coming to Niles.  They lived here 18 years and three years ago moved to Three Rivers.
    Mrs. Whitcher was a member of the Christian Science church and was first reader of the church here for three years.  Mr. Whitcher was formerly general manager of the Dry Kold Refrigerator company here.
    Beside her husband she leaves one son by a former marriage, Frank Woodward, Three Rivers.
    D.N. Wheeler will read the Christian Science service Friday with burial in Silverbrook cemetery.  The body will be brought to Niles from Three Rivers just before the service.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, September 4, 1941, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Charles Linsenmier
April 11, 1859-Sept. 3, 1941


    Charles Linsenmier, 82, lifelong resident of Niles community, died Wednesday afternoon at 3:15 at his home on M-40. He had been ill several years.
    Mr. Linsenmier was born April 11, 1859, in Niles and had lived 46 years in the home where he died.  He was the son of William and Fredericka Linsenmier. He was a farmer by occupation.
    On July 22, 1885, he was married in Niles to Matilda Ranft, who preceded him in death.  He was one of a family of nine children.  Two brothers, Fred Linsenmier, Buchanan, and Albert Linsenmier, South Bend, and a sister, Mrs. Ida Nieb, Niles, survive.
    Mr. Linsenmier also is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Charlotte Weller, and a granddaughter, Miss Allene Weller, at home. A son, Arthur, died several years ago.
    Friends may call at the home on M-40 where funeral services will be conducted Friday afternoon at 2:30 by the Rev. Theo Eisen. Burial will be in Silverbrook.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Thursday, September 4, 1941, page 2 col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library)

Mary E. Canfield
Died May 21, 1897

Special to the Niles Daily Star,
CHICAGO, Ill., May 21

    As we go to press the sad news is flashed over the wire that Mrs. Canfield died today.  The body will be brought here for interment.
    The family formerly resided here.
Particulars later.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Friday, May 21, 1897, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)


    Mrs. Mary E. Canfield, formerly of this city, well and pleasantly known, died yesterday at her home 127 Dearborn Avenue, Chicago, aged 60 years.  She was the mother of Bertha E. and Geo. E. Canfield.
    The remains will arrive in NIles at 12:56 p.m. on Monday, and at 2 p.m. short services will be held at the Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. J.G. Lowrie.  Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.  Friends are invited.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Saturday, May 22, 1897, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

also

    The remains of Mrs. Mary E. Canfield, who died in Chicago on the 21st inst., arrived here Monday accompanied by her son and daughter Miss Bertha E. and Mrs. R. Brady of Chicago.  Her brother of Shiawasee Co., Mich., was present and Mrs. M. Martin of St. Joseph accompanied the remains from the depot to Silver Brook cemetery, where Rev. J.G. Lowrie officiated in a most appropriate manner.
    Mrs. Canfield will be remembered by many here as one of the most pleasant ladies of our city.  She formerly kept a millinery and dress making store on Main street.

(Source: Niles Mirror, Wednesday, May 26, 1897, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Irvin Miller
May 15, 1868-March 20, 1916


    Irvin Miller, one of the most prominent and highly respected residents of the west side, died suddenly at his home about 11 o'clock last evening before a physician could be summoned.
    Mr. Miller, who has for several years been employed at the Laberteaux grocery store, was around as usual yesterday attending to his customary duties at the store, and in the evening attended the prohibition mass meeting at the tabernacle, which was addressed by Prof. Burton Rockwood in the interest of state wide prohibition.
    Returning to his home at 601 Grant street Mr. Miller prepared to retire for the, but had little more than gone to bed when he was seized with a heart attack.  He was able to arouse the family, but his daughters had scarcely time to answer his call when the end came before a physician could be summoned.
    Mrs. Miller was away from home at the time, being in attendance upon a sick person at the Howe farm, a mile south of Buchanan.  She was notified by telephone of the sad tragedy in her own home and she made the drive to Niles immediately, arriving here in about 30 minutes after being notified of her husband's sudden death.
    The death of Mr. Miller occurring so suddenly gave his wide circle of friends and admirers a great shock when the news became known this morning.  The fact that he had been attending to his daily duties as usual warranted the belief that he was in a fair state of health, although a friend observed yesterday that while walking on the street he had his hand over his heart as if he might have a pain or distress of some kind.
    Mr. Miller's life was devoted to high ideals. He supported every moral issue, and was a recognized pillar of the Grant street Evangelical church of which he had been one of the most active and loyal supporters since the erection of the edifice ten years and more ago.  He attended the district conference regularly as a lay delegate, and last year as a just recognition of his devotion to the church he was sent to San Francisco as one of the accredited Michigan delegates to the national convention of the association.  He was accompanied by Mrs. Miller and they spent several weeks visiting the scenic points of interest on the coast.
    The deceased is survived by his widow and four children.  The latter are the Misses Ilah, Martha and Genevieve, and one son Thomas, all residing at home.
    Mr. Miller was born at Mendon, Michigan, May 15, 1868.  He was married at Mendon to Miss Pearlie Hallam Nov. 10, 1892. One of their five children died in infancy. Besides his immediate family Mrs. Miller is survived by his aged mother, Mrs. Margaret Miller, who resides at Mendon, one brother, J.W. Miller, Mendon, and two sisters, Mrs. Perrin Heimbaugh, of Mendon, and Mrs. Harry Garman of Parkville, Mich.
    The funeral services will be held at the Evangelical church Thursday morning at 10:30, the Rev H.I. Voelker of Portage Prairie officiating. The burial will take place at Silver Brook cemetery, this city.

(Source; Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, March 21, 1916, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)



    The funeral services for the late Irvin Miller were held this morning from the Evangelical church in which he had been active ever since coming to Niles and had been superintendent of the Sunday School in that church for a number of years.
    Rev Voelker of the evangelical church on Portage Prairie, conducted the service in the presence of a gathering of friends that completely filled the church edifice.  Miss Frances Whetstone, accompanied by Miss Lardner sang, "Asleep in Jesus" and "Peace, Perfect Peace".
    Rev. E.M. Renner, pastor of the Evangelical church; Rev. R.A. Wright of the Methodist church and Rev. Frye, pastor of the Evangelical church in Buchanan, assisted in the services.
    The following acted as pallbearers:  Walter Martin, Dan Nieb, Andrew Madison, H.B. Laberteaux, William Edwards and Fred Scheiback.
    The casket was covered with beautiful floral tributes.
    Interment occurred at Silver Brook cemetery.
    Among those from out of the city who attended the services were Mr. and Mrs. John Miller and son, Ralph, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Garman, Mr. and Mrs. P.H. Heimbaugh, Mrs. Margaret Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hallum, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hallum, all of Mendon, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Miller, of Hinchman, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Miller of Vicksburg.

(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, March 23, 1916, page 1 col 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Anna Hailstock/Halestock
1817-January 31, 1892


One of our oldest citizens, had been ailing with the grip for some time.  She  was a city charge and the Director of the Poor had seen that she was well card for, medicine, a physician, fuel and eatables being supplied.  She resided in part of a house on Pokagon street, where lived another family.  Sunday afternoon she was discovered lying upon the floor, and was removed to a sofa, a physician was sent for and when he arrived she was dead.  Deceased was about 75 years old.  The funeral occurred this aftenoon at three o'clock.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 1, 1892, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Also

    Mrs. Halestock was found dead at her home yesterday afternoon.  She had been ailing for some time with the grip.

(Source: Niles Daily Sun, Monday, February 1, 1892, page 1, col. 6, reprinted in Niles Republican, Thursday, February 4, 1892, page 5, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library)

Joanne H. Davidson
March 29, 1932-August 15, 1984


    BUCHANAN--Mrs. Joanne H. Davidson, 52, known for her volunteer work throughout the community, died at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Chicago following a brief illness.
    The Buchanan resident had recently been named "Woman of the Year" by the Clark Professional Women's Association, of which she was a member.  The organization said it made the presentation because of her "leadership, dedication, contagious enthusiasm, ability, personality, hard work and service to our organization, her church, as well as other community volunteer activities."
    Davidson was also the 1984 recipient of the "VIP of the Year Award" given out by the Berrien County Probation Board in the "Volunteers in Probation" program.  Twiced[sic] honored in this way, she was recognized for her administrative, fundraising and counseling efforts on behalf of the county probation program.
    Born March 29, 1932, in St. Joseph she was a lifetime area resident. She worked as a financial analyst with the Clark Credit Corporation in Buchanan and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Niles.
    She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Kretchman of Niles; one daughter, Mrs. Jill Copeland of South Bend; and one brother, Glenn Kretchman of Niles.  Another daughter, Joy Davidson, preceded her in death in September of 1980.
    Services are 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Niles with the Rev. Ray C. Cunningham of that church officiating.  Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery.
    Friends by call after 2 p.m. Friday at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
    Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Niles.
(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Thursday, August 16, 1984, page 2, col. 1-4, microfilm Niles District Library)