Robert C. Pierce
Feb. 16, 1878-Dec. 17, 1955

Deaths and Obituaries

Robert C. Pierce, Niles Civic Leader Dies at Age 77

            ROBERT C. PIERCE, 77, at 124 North 13th Street, a Niles civic leader for a number of years, died at 6:15 p.m., Saturday at Pawating Hospital.  Death followed an illness of one day.

            Mr. Pierce was a consulting engineer for National-Standard Company of Niles, a position he held since coming to Miles in 1926.  He developed the “Woven Pierce Tape” which was used extensively for many years to reinforce automobile tires.  Before coming to Niles he was associated with the B.F. Goodrich Co., of Akron, O., and American Chain and Cable Co., of Bridgeport, Conn.

            Mr. Pierce was very active in civic affairs.  He was particularly interested in the development of Pawating Hospital, having been a member of the board of trustees for about 12 years and having served as president of the association for several years.  Mr. Pierce was especially active at the time of the first hospital addition was constructed and served as chairman of the building committee for the project. He retired from the board in 1954.

            He also was a member of the Niles Board of Public Works from 1934 to 1939, and chairman of the board from 1936 to 1939, a member of the Recreation Board from 1936 to 1940 and a member of the Park Board from 1953 to 1955.  He also was a director of the Niles Federal Savings and Loan Association.

            Mr. Pierce was born Feb. 16, 1878 at Tallmadge, O. His wife, Grace, died Sept. 27, 1952.  Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Frances Markley and Mrs. Richard C. Williams, both of Niles; a son, Charles S. Pierce of Niles; five grandchildren, and a brother, Roger B. Pierce of Cuyahoga Falls, O.

            He was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church and had served on the session of the Board of Trustees.  He also was a member of the Rotary Club.

            The body is at the Kiger Funeral Home and will be moved to the Presbyterian Church where it will lie in state from noon Tuesday until funeral services, which will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.  Rites will be conducted by Dr. T.M. Greenhoe and burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday, Dec. 19, 1955, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

Mrs. John (Helen Scouton) Woodruff
Died June 20, 1896

Passed Over The River

    It is with deep regret we are called upon to announce the death of a good neighbor and friend, one who has resided among us for many years and has ever been loved and respected.  Mrs. John Woodruff, age 58 years, who passed away at the noon hour Saturday, from a complication of diseases.  Her great virtues, social standing and prominence, won for her that high esteem to which she was entitled.  Always charitable, a Christian lady, her loss will be keenly felt not only by the family, but by host of friends and acquaintances, who will ever cherish her memory. Time of funeral undecided.  Rev. R.H. F. Gairdner will conduct the services.
(Source:  Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, June 24, 1891, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

David O. Woodruff
1813-1891

    Death of David O. Woodruff

    One of our best known and esteemed citizens, David O. Woodruff, died at the home of his son-in-law, E.C. Griffin, last evening.
    He was born in New York City in 1813. At an early age he moved to Saratoga county, N.Y., with his parents.  Shortly after he became of age he engaged in the mercantile business, first in Albany, and subsequently in Philadelphia.  When about thirty years of age he removed to Canada where he resided several years engaged in farming and teaching school.  While there he was married to Jane Duncombe, by whom he had one child, Charles Woodruff, who was a lieuten-[sic] in the 25th Mich. Reg. during the war, and who died several years since.
    Mrs. Jane Woodruff died in 1848.
    Mr. Woodruff removed from Canada to St. Joseph about the year 1845. There he lived on a farm near the village until 1849 when he went to California and was engaged in business with Chas. Hoppin and John Hoppin for some time.
    He returned from California in 1852 and purchased the farm on the west side now occupied by David Gitchell.  He was married a second time shortly after his return from California to Miss Clara Hurd, by whom he had two children, of whom one, Mrs. E.C. Griffin, survives her father.  Mrs. Clara Woodruff died many years ago.
    For many years, and until he became feeble from disease, Mr. Woodruff was one of the most active and public spirited citizens, always ready to lend a helping hand to every worthy object.
    He was active and instrumental in securing the adoption of the present union school system and in securing the fine building and grounds for our present Central school. For many years he was President of the Board of Education, and was a member of same from 1855 to 1871. He was also Supervisor of the 1st and 4th wards of the city for several years and was repeatedly chosen President of the Berrien County Agricultural Society in its prime, when it was supported by the farmers of the whole county.
    He was a man of unusual attainments in a social way; of extensive reading, travel and acquaintance, and was affable and courteous toward all.  His natural generosity and vivacious temperament, combined with his varied stores of information, made him many friends and gave him a commanding influence in our early history.
    By the older residents he will be missed as one of the strong men among that race of old pioneers which is now nearly extinct.
    For several years prior to his death his health has been very feeble and he was seen but little except by his intimate friends. (Source:  Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, April 30, 1891, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library, reprinted in Niles Republican, Thursday, May 7, 1891, page 2, col. 4)

and

ANOTHER OLD SETTLER GONE
From the Daily Star of Thursday

    David Oliphant Woodruff departed this life last evening at near 8 o'clock, after being confined to his bed since last Friday, although he has not been well for several weeks.  He was born in the city of New York in 1813, and left at an early age with his parents for Saratoga county, N.Y., where he resided for near 20 years.  From thence he went to Albany where he resided for a few years, then at Philadelphia, from there to Canada, near Brantford, where he resided four or five years.  From there to Benton township in this county in 1845.  In 1849 he went the overland route to California with his brother-in-law, Chas. Duncomb, now of VanBuren county.  He returned from California to Niles in 1852, where he purchased a farm, known as the Barker farm in West Niles which he carried on over 27 years.  He was Supervisor of Niles township for many years; President of the Agricultural Society for many years, and a member of our School Board for a long term, in all of which capacities he showed himself to be honest and competent.  He was well known as one of the most honorable of our citizens and his many friends deplore his loss.  His funeral will take place at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the house of his son-in-law, E.C. Griffin in West Niles, the Rev. R.H.F. Gairdner of the Episcopal church, (of which church Mr. Woodruff has long been a member), officiating. (Source:  Niles Daily Star, Thursday, April 30, 1891, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library, reprinted in Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, May 6, 1891, page 4, col. 2)
    

Miss Helen Woodruff
Died November 1, 1931

MISS HELEN WOODRUFF, DAUGHTER OF PIONEER MERCHANT, IS DEAD

    Miss Helen Woodruff died early Sunday evening in the home in which she  was born at 26 N. St. Joseph avenue.  The daughter of one of the leading pioneer families of Niles, Miss Woodruff is mourned among a wide circle of friends who loved her dearly because of her many excellent qualities and  her unusual attainments in church and social work.
    [Illegible].  the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Woodruff.  Her father and an uncle, Edgar Woodruff, [illegible] at the northwest corner of Front and Main streets in the early '50s.  After the death of Edgar Woodruff, the business was continued by Miss Woodruff's father until 1897 when it was sold to G.B. Winter.  John Woodruff was on several occasions a member of the Niles city council and played an important part in the business and civic life of Niles during its early days.
    Graduated from Niles High school, Miss Woodruff attended the C[illegible]Institute in Philadelphia where she prepared for her chosen profession, that of librarian,  After completing her course at the Philadelphia institute, Miss Woodruff was employed for several years at the libraries at South Bend and Kalamazoo.
    For several years and until her fatal illness made it impossible for her to continue, Miss Woodruff was always in the work of Trinity Episcopal church. She was known as one of the best teacher of the church school staff, as she had a native ability for conveying the great store of knowledge she possessed on a wide range of subjects.  She was also a member of St. Agnes guild of Trinity church.
    Miss Woodruff was a member of the  [illegible] club and had served as secretary and treasurer of the Progressive league at time. She also was a member of of[sic] the Musical club greatly interested in its work.
    Miss Woodruff is survived by a sister, Mrs. Louise Woodruff Jerome with whom she has resided for several years.  She was connected by kinship with the E.C. Griffin family.
    Funeral services for Miss Woodruff will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home and at 2:30 at Trinity Episcopal church.  The Rev. Harry L. Nicholson the rector will read the prayers at both services.  Burial will be in Silver Brook cemetery. (Source:  Niles Daily Star, Monday, Nov. 2, 1931, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)

Charles Woodruff
Died July 19, 1868

DIED

    At the residence of his father, in this City, on Sunday, the 19th last, of consumption, CHARLES WOODRUFF, aged 25 years.
    The deceased was a faithful soldier in the war against the rebellion, and there contracted disease that finally culminated in consumption and carried him to his grave.  He enlisted as a private soldier in Lansing' Company of the 25th Michigan Infantry, was soon promoted to the Adjutancy, and participated in all the marches and fights of his regiment in the campaign against Atlanta and about, Nashville and Franklin, serving until failing health compelled him to leave the service.  (Source:  Niles Republican, Thursday, July 23, 1868, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)