Obituaries

Hiram Chilson
1796-1889


    Uncle Hiram Chilson, at the ripe old age of 93 years, died last evening at the home of his son-in-law, Hiram Babcock. He was a native of Vermont.  When about 14 or 15 years of age, he volunteered with the other boys to fight the British at the battle of Plattsburg. After it was over he returned home, and his sister, who is living in this city, remembers distinctly his remark as he hung up his musket, "there, thank God, we have licked the British."  Mr. Chilson was one a month the very first to settle in this city. In 1848 he crossed the plains to California, where he remained a year or so and returned. He explored the northern Peninsula in this state years before the discovery of minerals. He finally settled down to his trade, a carpenter, and few are the dwellings in this city built at an early day which do not show his mark.  Uncle Hiram was too liberal and too honest to accumulate wealth.  He never sought a pension. A few years ago, in conversing with a friend relative to his history, he brought in the  battle in which he was engaged, and was informed he was entitled to a pension.  Hon. Z. Chandler, being informed of his services, promised to present his claim  to the [illegible] but did not live to do it, and it was not until the past year that the Hon. J.C. Burrows procured a pension of $8 per month, which really was cheering to a veteran, borne down with years and almost helpless.  Peace to his ashes.

(Source: Niles Mirror, Wednesday, November 6, 1889, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library)

    Hiram Chilson, one of the oldest men in this county, died on Friday last at the residence of Hiram Babcock.  Mr. Chilson was a soldier of the war of 1812, and at the time of his death lacked by three months of being ninety-three years old. He had been in fairly good health until the morning of the day of his death.

(Source: Niles Republican, Thursday, November 7, 1889, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

Ezra Chilson
1762-1838

Revolutionary War Soldier

   And yet another Revolutionary Soldier gone.--DIED--On the night of the 18th inst. at his residence in Bertrand, EZRA CHILSON, age 77 years.
    If usefulness and honesty give title to nobility , it may be said that he had attained it--for from his youth he had devoted his whole strength to the service of his country. First in fighting her battles which eventuated in her Independence--from that period, as an industrious citizen, laboring with his own hands, providing for the wants of a numerous family, all which he performed with a punctuality seldom equalled[sic], leaving behind him a name more enduring than riches; that of "an honest man." Those best acquainted with his worth, have faith to hope that the immortal Spirit of the old Soldier has, ere this, passed in honorable review before the Grand Marshal of the Universe, and received the plaudits of "well done, enter into the full fruition of that Pension you so richly deserve, and which can never fail."--Com.

(Source: Niles Intelligencer, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 1838, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library)

Albert Kizer
January 12, 1863-February 16, 1895

   Albert Kizer, aged 31 years, died at his home in Dowagiac this morning at 10 o’clock from consumption.  He was married about six weeks ago to Miss Emma Canfield, teacher of music at the Central school building in this city. The remains will be brought here from Dowagiac tonight and the funeral will probably occur Monday.

(Source:  Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 20, 1895, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

    The funeral services of Albert Kizer will occur tomorrow afternoon at the Methodist church, Rev. L. Grosenbaugh officiating.  As Mr. Kizer was a member of the A.O.U.W., the funeral will be under their auspices.

(Source:  Niles Mirror, Wednesday, February 20, 1895, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)


    Albert Kizer, formerly of his city, died of consumption on Saturday last at his home in Dowagiac, in his 31st year. The remains were brought here, to his father’s, and he was buried by Anchor Lodge No. 42, A.O.U.W., of which he had been a member, on Tuesday.  Rev. L. Grosenbaugh officiated.

(Source: Niles Republican, Thursday, February 21, 1895, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library)

Arthur C. Webber
May 26, 1900-June 12, 1977

    Arthur C. Webber, 77, formerly of Niles, of North Liberty, Ind., died at 10:40 p.m. Sunday at his home, following a short illness.
    Mr. Webber was an employe of and retired from the French Paper Co. of Niles after 45 years of service. He was born May 26, 1900 in Niles. On Oct. 9, 1930 in Crown Point, Ind., he married Lucy Cisler, who survives.
    Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Geraldine Chamberlin of North Liberty and Mrs. Gwendolyn Engle of Munster, Ind.; a sister, Mrs. Marie Long of South Bend; and nine grandchildren.
    Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with the Rev. Anthony Letcal officiating.  Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.
    Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the A.M. Manuel Funeral Home in North Liberty.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday, June 13, 1977, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

Eugene L. Young
1915-1997
Retired, Tyler Refrigeration

    No services will be offered for Eugene L. Young, 81, formerly of 202 Fort St., Niles.
    Mr. Young will be buried in Silverbrook Cemetery.
    He died Saturday at 12:30 p.m. at Woodfield Manor following a brief illness.
    Mr. Young was born in Niles June 6, 1915, and was a life-long resident.
    On Aug. 14, 1937, in South Bend, Ind., He married the former Marjorie Jean "Peg" Holmgren, who survives.
    He was a member of Teamsters Union Local No. 364 of South Bend.
    Mr. Young retired in 1975 after 27 years with Tyler Refrigeration in Niles.
    Survivors include, a daughter, Susan K. Gourlay of Niles; a son, Phillip L. Young of Niles; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister Florence Sommers of Niles; and a brother, Max Young of Niles.
    He was preceded in death by three brothers, Russell, Claude and Earl.
    Memorials may be made to Fernwood Botanic Garden or Greater Niles Babe Ruth Baseball Leagure.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday, May 19, 1997, page 2, col. 5-7, microfilm Niles District Library)

Richard Guy Holloway Sr.
1928-1997
Retired truck driver

    Private family services are planned for Richard Guy Holloway Sr., 69, 2472 Dick St., Niles.
    Mr. Holloway died Friday at 12:25 a.m. at Lakeland Medical Center, Niles of natural causes.
    He was born Feb. 14, 1928, in Rochester, Ind.
    On Aug. 30, 1946, in Rochester, Ind., he married the former Beatrice Pearl Rauch, who survives.
    Mr. Holloway served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
    He retired in 1918 from Associated Truck Lines, South Bend, Ind. where he was employed as a truck driver.
    Survivors include a daughter, Diane Meyer of Niles; two sons, Richard G. Holloway Jr. of Niles, and Donald I. Holloway of South Bend, Ind.; eight grandchildren; and a sister Geraldine Patzer of Edwardsburg.
    Cremation has taken place.  There will be no visitation.  The cremated remains will be buried at a later date in Silverbrook Cemetery.
    Memorials may be made to the Emphysema Foundation.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Saturday, May 10, 1997, page 2, col. 2-3, microfilm Niles District Library)