Eleazor F. Crocker

1809-1886

Death of Eleazor F. Crocker

            Mr. Eleazor F. Crocker, an old and esteemed citizen , died at his home on north Sixth street, on Sunday morning last, aged 77 years.  Mr. Crocker was born in Washington county, New York, in 1809, and at the age of 18 removed to Pennsylvania, settling in Erie county.  His business life was a varied one.  His first business venture was in buying a lot of clocks and selling them in the South, Travelling at that day having to be done by steamboat, team or on horseback.  After this he purchased a stock of goods in Buffalo, shipped them to Detroit, and from there to Niles by team, in 1832.  Here he sold his stock to E. Griswold.  After a short time, he established a livery here, this being the end of the stage route, and Mr. Crocker carried passengers from here to Chicago by private conveyance, making it quite a business.  Later on he went into the milling business at Middleton, Indiana.  Selling out there he returned to Niles and engaged in the foundry business.  Merchandising here for a time, he lived later at Dowagiac and Watervliet. He engaged in various enterprises along until ten years ago when he purchased a saw mill near Buchanan.  Five years ago this mill was burned to the ground.  Mr. Crocker was something of an inventive genius, but this did not profit him.

            Mr. Crocker was a kind hearted, genial man, and had many friends, especially among the older settlers, who will remember his good qualities with pleasure.

(Source: Niles Republican, Thursday, Nov. 11, 1886, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

 Another Old Settler Gone

            Eleazor F. Crocker, one of the oldest settlers in this city died at 5 o’clock Sunday morning, aged 77 years.  Mr. Crocker has been a man of misfortune. He was a native of Washington county, N.Y., born in 1809.  At 18 years of age he moved to Erie county, Penn. Here he secured a lot of Yankee clocks and took them down the Alleghany river to Pittsburg, then by raft to Cincinnati, thence by steamer to Vicksburg, where he sold them on time, first at retail and closed out at wholesale.  He returned to Erie county and shipped a lot of dry goods to Detroit, and he started with a team for the same place and took the goods by team across the territory to Niles, where he arrived in 1832.  These he sold to Eber Griswold, the first baker in Niles.  He then went to Princeton, Tenn., going on horseback to Cincinnati to collect dues on clocks, and out of $400 only saved $100, the man to whom he sold having failed.  He returned to Cincinnati, took his horse and arrived home in January.

            He then opened a livery stable, and whenever the stage company brought four passengers he took them to Chicago for $6 each.  He traveled the south road via Laporte for some time and crossed the Calumet near Lake station.  By treaty with the Indians a strip of land for a road from Logansport to Lake Michigan was obtained and it struck the lake at what is now Michigan City.  A village was laid out there by a Laporte man and he offered Mr. Crocker a village lot if he would run his team and passengers that way.  He would not take the lot as a gift for there was nothing there but a log house for workmen that were opening the road, but he went that way for the reason it was “better” getting around the beach to Chicago than by the southern route.  He forded all the streams.  At Michigan City there was no visible stream. At Calumet he never went over the wagon box.  This he carried on for nearly two seasons and went to Middleton, Ind., bought a mill partly built, finished it, set it running and got a village started then called Middlebury and sold out, making a clean profit of $1,500.  He sold the obligations to Jasper Mason, merchant at Niles, for the foundry and flour shop that stood opposite Dennison’s plaining mill.  This he traded with Thad Warren for a stack of goods which he sold and trusted out, losing nearly his all.  He then leased a grist mill at Dowagiac and sold the lease and went to Watervliet and put a grist mill and saw mill in running order for Jesse Smith & Co., for the sue fo the mills three years.  He built the dam, the foundation of which is there now, and put in a lock. Here he made about $1,200.

            He then took a contract at St. Joseph to furnish the lumber to build the first railroad bridge in this city.  The logs were run down the Paw Paw river to the St. Joseph and sawed in steam saw mill and the lumber was towed to Niles by steamer in flat boats owned by Paine & Porter for $2 a thousand.  In this Mr. Crocker lost $700.  He then came back to Niles and bought out B.Y. Collins in the grocery business and did a prosperous business but sold out to Robert Gephart and rented Townsend’s mill on the Berrien road and ran it about three years, and the dam going off frequently he gave it up and went to Sumnerville and purchased a saw mill of Mr. Brookfield and started a carding machine and woolen factory and made a debt of $1,200 and paid $200 every six months.  He made the three first payments and sold out to Mr. Taylor for $2,300. He carried on woolen business there for three years and at the same time bought a carding machine and run[sic] it at Paw Paw.  He sold out all his interest in both places and bought a saw mill in Bloomingdale, Van Buren county, and run[sic] it about 18 months and made about $1,000.  He then bought car lumber for M.C.R.R. for 18 months, and finally went to inventing a new ay to propel steamboats, getting patent rights on water wheels, and by these invention lost all he had.  About his last venture was in 1876.  He bought a saw mill below Buchanan, which some one set fire to about 5 years ago and it finished up nearly all of his earthly possessions.  He was naturally a good man, meant well, and everyone felt a sympathy for him in his misfortunes.  He was always inventive, talked about patent rights even in his delirious moments on his death bed.  Every one liked him for the good nature, if nothing else.  He took misfortune well, and he, who should have been rich, died, poor and his casket is paid for by kind friends, and generous hearted Bunburys’ furnish the hearse and teams to give him a respectable burial which takes place  from his residence at 1 p.m. to-morrow, and it is hoped there will be a large number to pay respect to an old, enterprising, but unfortunate fellow citizen.  Mr. C. Leaves a wife, son and a married daughter.

[NOTE:  The above brief sketch was furnished by Mr. Crocker himself, at the solicitation of the editor of the MIRROR about two years ago.  It was left unfinished, but it will be interesting to the early settlers and all who knew Mr. Crocker.]

(Source:  Niles Mirror, Wednesday, November 10, 1886, page 5, col. 3 & 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

Elmira/Almira E. (Griswold) Crocker

June 5, 1809-December 12, 1888

Another old Settler Gone

(Thursday’s Star)

            Almira Crocker, widow of Eleazor Crocker (who died Nov. 7, 1886.) died at the dwelling of her daughter, Mrs. Elisha Buckley, at Eau Claire, on Wednesday, about 9 o’clock a.m., of general prostration, being about 78 years of age.  Mrs. Crocker came to this place with the Griswold family in October, 1830.—Was married to Mr. Crocker in 1838[sic].  Mrs. C. was the mother of five children, only two of whom are now living, Rodney and Mrs. Elisha Buckley. She was well known to all our citizens as a most excellent woman, kind and generous.  As one of the pioneers, she ever welcomed to her doors all new comers and was a mother to all in sickness and distress.  She has gone to her kindred in the eternal world and peace to her ashes.  The remains will be brought to this city and the funeral will take place from her late residence on 6^th street tomorrow at 1 o’clock p.m.  Friends are invited to attend.

(Source:  Niles Mirror, Wednesday, December 19, 1888, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

and

            Elmira E. Griswold, widow of the late Eleazer Crocker, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Elisha Buckley, near Eau Claire, on Wednesday last aged 78 years. She came here with her parents in 1830 and was married May 25, 1835 to Mr. Crocker.  She has resided here almost continuously since her marriage, and though many, very many of her old friends have preceded her to the better land many, old and young, will mourn [her] loss.  A more extended notice of her life will be given next week.  (Source, Niles Democrat, Saturday, December 15, 1888, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

 In Memoriam

            Elmira Griswold was born June 5, 1809 and removed to his place with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Eber Grisword[sic], arriving here Oct. 30, 1830.  They were among the earliest settlers in this vicinity few white familes being here at that time.  She occuppied[sic] a prominent position both in social and church circles from her first advent here.  Mary 25, 1835 she was married to Eleazer F. Crocker, then a prominent business man and contractor, with whom she lived until his death Nov. 7, 1886.  Five children were the fruit of this union three of whom died in childhood, a son Rodney and a daughter Mrs. Elisha Buckley surviving her.  Mrs. Crocker has lived here since her arrival in 1830 with the exception of short residences at Sumnerville and St. Joseph, and a few months in Indiana whence her husband’s business called him  She was thoughout[sic] life a consistent member of the Presbyterian chnrch[sic],  She was a woman of true heart finding her chief comfort in her home life—the singular strong love entertained for her son—a love and devotion which was reciprocated in every respect—was one of the most beautiful facts of her declining years.  She was, in her own home and among her long time friends an interesting conversationalist; having a retentive memory and being thoroughly familiar with the incidents of the early settlement of the country and with the pionerr[sic] settlers who subdued the wilderness, she was eagerly listened to by the writer of this imperfect sketch, as by many another, when telling of the days of long ago, the most interesting portion of our history and yet the portion about which so few have even the scantiest information. After near six decades spent in the valley of the St. Joseph she was laid to rest in our beautiful cemetery on Friday last, being followed to her sepulcher by many old settlers and friends none of whom but could recall some pleasant memory of the departed.  (Source:  Niles Democrat, Saturday, December 22, 1888, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

 also

Death of Mrs. E. Crocker

            Mrs. E. Crocker, of this city, died yesterday at the residence of her son-in-law E. Buckley, near Eau Claire, where she had been visiting for a few weeks past.  Mrs. Crocker was one of the very oldest residents of Niles, having come here in 1830, fifty eight years ago. She was in her 80^th year at the time of her death.  Mrs. Crocker had been a member for a great many years of the Presbyterian church.  Her funeral will take place from her late residence, on Sixth street, to-morrow at 1 o’clock p.m.  (Source: Niles Republican, Thursday, December 13, 1888, page 5 col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

 

George E. Corell

1874-1957

 Former Justice of the Peace Dies

 

            George E. Corell, 82, former Niles justice of the peace and insurance broker, died at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in Wood Veterans Hospital, Wood, Wis.

            Mr. Corell was born Oct. 21, 1874 in Bertrand Township and had lived most of his life in this community.  He was a life member of the St. Joe Valley Lodge, F. and A.M. and the Niles Elks Lodge.

 [Picture of George E. Corell]

            A Spanish American War veteran, his memberships in other civic associations and lodges included charter membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and membership in the Shrine Club, Scottish Rite, Knights Templar, Rotary Club, Niles Centennial Committee and the Old Businessmen’s Association.

            He was a past commander of the DeWitt Clinton Consistory and [illegible] Church.

            Surviving are: his wife, Florence Beebe Corell; a daughter, Mrs. Randolph Kinney of Manitowoc, Wis.; five grandchildren; a brother, Horace B. Corell, of Lansing, and a sister, Mrs. Frank Cameron, of Niles.

            Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the First Presbyterian Church wit the pastor, the Rev. John MacLachlan, officiating.  Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery with Masonic rites at the graveside and color guard salute by the VFW and American Legion here.  Friends may call at the Pifer Funeral Home beginning Tuesday noon. (Source:  Niles Daily Star, Monday, May 13, 1957, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

           

John A. Hamilton
Jan. 30, 1855-May 10, 1944

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, May 10, 1944, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

JOHN HAMILTON, EX-BARBER, DIES

John A. Hamilton, 89, a resident of Niles for more than half a century, died in his home at 701 Oak street at 5:30 this morning after an illness of two weeks.

He was born in LaPorte, Ind. Jan. 30, 1855, and came here from Buchanan 55 years ago.  He was a retired barber.

He was prominent in old musical circles here as an instrumentalist, and was a member of the Niles City band in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Surviving are a son, Richard Hamilton, and a granddaughter, Glenell Hamilton, both of Evans City, Pa., and a sister, Mrs. Emma Eastman, St. Louis, Mo..

Friends may call at the Price and Kiger funeral chapel.

Hamilton was a member of the Masonic lodge and of the First Methodist church of Niles.

 

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, May 11, 1944, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

HAMILTON RITES

Funeral services for John Hamilton, 89, who died Wednesady morning after an illness of two weeks, will be conducted in the Pirnce and Kiger funeral chapel Friday afternoon at 3:30 by the Rev. J. Kenneth Hoffmaster, pastor of the First Methodist church, and the Rev. A.C. Geyer, retired Methodist minister of Niles.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

Edward M. LaPierre

 

    There went through this city a feeling of sadness and sincere regret when it was announced last Friday night that Edward M. La Pierre had shot himself, causing instant death.  Although it had been noticed for a few days that he seemed to be depressed and given to spells of melancholy, even his most intimate acquaintances hardly thought he was contemplating self destruction.
    On the night when the fatal shot was fired he eat[sic] a hearty supper, and later visited his friend, Henry Lardner, with whom he had a pleasant conversation.  Mr. Lardner came to Mr. Lapierre's store about 8 o'clock and told Guy LaPierre that his father had called and that he seemed somewhat nervous.  This aroused suspicion, and the son, accompanied by Dr. Clark, started in search of Mr. LaPierre.  As the latter was known to make frequent nightly visits to Silver Brook cemetery, the two started for that place.  After a short search the dead body of Mr. LaPierre was found on the top of the steps on the north side of the cemetery.  He was lying in an easy position, with hands clasped across his breast. In one hand was still held a revolver which told the story of the deed.  In the right side of the head was a bullet hole. The ball had passed through the head and struck the skull on the opposite side.
    Just what prompted the rash act will probably never be known, and we draw the mantle of charity over the memory of one who was honest in his dealings, true to his friends, kind hearted and generous. He was born in South Bend 45 years ago, and came with his father, the late A.M. LaPierre, to this city when but a child.  For the past 24 years he had conducted the jewelry business here.  He was a Mason, a Knight Templar, a member of the Royal Arcanum, a Knight of the Maccabees and a Knight of Pythias.
    The funeral occurred Monday afternoon from his late home, and was in charge of St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4, F.& A. M., with Niles Commandery, K.T., as escort.
(Source:  Niles Republican, Thursday, December 5, 1895, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library)


    Saturday morning our citizens were startled by the intelligence that Mr. E. M. LaPierre of Niles, who was well-known in Buchanan, had ended his life by shooting himself through the head, Friday night.
    During the day Mr. LaPierre had appeared to be in the best of spirits, and seemed to give no indication whatever of contemplating any such rash act. He ate supper as usual, after supper calling at a friend's house, and going to his store.  About 8 o'clock he left the store bidding his son Guy good night as was his custom. Shortly after, Guy LaPierre, became alarmed about his father, and in company with Dr. Clark, drove off in search of Mr. LaPierre, going direct to Silver Brook cemetery, where the bodies of Mr. LaPierre's parents are buried.  A search through the cemetery discovered the lifeless body of Mr. LaPierre with a 38 caliber revolver in his right hand and a bullet hole in the right temple.
    The following sketch of Mr. LaPierre is copied from Saturday's Niles Star:
    Deceased was born in South Bend, Ind., was 45 years of age on May 2 last. For twenty-four years he has conducted a successful business in Niles, owning his jewelry store, which was always a model of neatness.  Mr. LaPierre has resided in Niles since he was 1 year old.  He was a very conservative man, possessed with good business qualifications, and his friends are numbered among our best citizens. In manners, he was a refined gentle man, possessed with honor and staunch integrity, hating meanness and dishonesty. He was enterprising, upright and just in all his dealings, and was well liked by the whole community. He will be sadly missed.  The wife and son have the sympathy of all. Mr. LaPierre was a member of the Blue Lodge of Masons, a member of the Chapter and Niles Commandery, Knights Templar.  He also belonged to the orders of Knights of Pythias, the Knights of Maccabees with an insurance of $2,000, and a charter member of the Royal Arcanum, insurance $3,000.  The jury impanelled to determine the cause of his death, reached the verdict that he came to his death by his own hand, while temporarily insane, by shooting himself through the head.
    The funeral of Mr. LaPierre occur[sic] Monday afternoon under the auspices of the Blue Lodge of Masons, with a Knights Templar escort of forty-four swords.  At the cemetery a short service was read by Rev. R.H.F. Gairdner, and two selections were rendered by a quartette. The beautiful and impresive service of the Blue Lodge was held, and the remains of Edward M. LaPierre were left to rest, until the final summons of that great day is heard.
(Source:  Buchanan Record, Thursday, December 5, 1895, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

Amable M. LaPierre
July 15, 1814-March 27, 1894

Niles Republican, Thursday, March 29, 1894, page 5, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library


    Another old settler has joined the great majority in the better land.  Amable M. LaPierre died at his home in this city on Tuesday morning, March 27, after an illness of about two months, of cancer of the stomach.  He was in his 80th year.
    Mr. LaPierre was born in Montreal, Canada, on the 15th of July, 1814.  He was a mason by trade.  In 1836 he settled in South Bend.  He was in charge of the building of the first church at Notre Dame, and was engaged in the construction of the university building at that place.  He came to Niles in 1838, and followed his trade here.  He married Hester A. Comley in 1840, who still survives him, at the age of 72, but who is very low and not likely to recover.  In the same year they moved to South Bend.  During his residence in that place Mr. LaPierre, who was a very strong anti-slavery man, took an active part in assisting slaves who were escaping from the Southern States to Canada, and he was arrested under the fugitive slave law, heaviliy find, and in this way lost most of his property. Only a year or two ago he got back some of the money of which he was robbed by this old law.  Returning to Niles in 1850, this city hss been their home since that time.  Mr. LaPierre built the first school building in this city.
    Mr. LaPierre was an exceedingly generous man, and for a man of his means gave liberally and ungrudgedly to the poor and needy.  To soldiers during the war he was lavishly generous.  He was very kind hearted man and always had a good and encouraging word for children. He was a member of the Methodist church, and a consistent and earnest Christian.  Ed. M. LaPierre, our well known citizen, is is only living heir.  The funeral will take place tomorrow.

Buchanan Record, Thursday, March 29, 1894, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library.


MR. A. M. LAPIERRE, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Niles died Tuesday morning.  He was born in Montreal, Canada, July 15, 1814, and had been a resident of this section since 1836, in that year coming to South Bend, and removed to Niles in 1838, which place has since been his home with the exception of between 1840 and 1850, when he lived in South Bend.  He was a staunch Republican and a faithful member of the M.E. church.