Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Woodruff, David Oliphant "D.O."

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
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)
    

Woodruff, Helen

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
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)

Woodruff, Charles

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
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)

Cowles, Ruth

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
Ruth Gray Woodruff Cowles
March 11, 1792-September 5, 1880


    OBITUARY

    Died, on Sunday, Sept. 5, 1880, at the residence of her son, D.O. Woodruff, in this city, Mrs. RUTH COWLES, in the 89th year of her age.
    Ruth Gray, the subject of this notice, was born on the 11th of March 1792, at the town of Lebanon, a few miles east of Albany, N.Y.  She was the grand-daughter of an English clergyman, the daughter of a revolutionary soldier, who, entering the army at the age of sixteen, served throughout the war, and shared in the victories of Bennington and Saratoga.  She was married at the age of seventeen to John Woodruff, a native of New Jersey, and for a few years they resided in the city of New York, thence removing to Saratoga county, which was her home until about sixteen years ago, when, upon the death of her second husband, Mr. Cowles, she came to this city where her children were residing, and has since made her home with her son, Mr. D.O. Woodruff. She was the mother of seven children, four of whom survive her.
    Mrs. Cowles was a woman of rare Christian virtues.  Uniting at an early age with the Baptist Church in the city of New York, she was for more than sixty years a devout and consistent member.  Toward the close of life she had been for many years at times a great sufferer, yet always patient, always resigned, her example was a sweet and noble one to all about her.  Of her it may truly be said, “Her children shall rise up and call her blessed.” (Niles Republican, Thursday, September 9, 1880, page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library)

AND

    Died in this city, on Sunday last, the mother of Messrs. D.O and J.E. Woodruff, in the 89th year of her age.  She as been almost entirely helpless from paralysis for a number of years.  She was a good mother, neighbor and friend and was highly esteemed during the many years of her life.  (Source:  Niles Democrat, Saturday, September 11, 1880, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)
___

Cowles, Enos M.

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries

Enos M. Cowles
Died January 3, 1895

            The remains of Enos M. Cowles arrived from Chicago this afternoon and were interred at Silver Brook cemetery beside his wife, who was bureid[sic] there three years ago.  Mr. Cowles was a prominent member of the Chicago Board of Trade.  He died last Thursday from bronichal[sic] asthma.  He was 61 years fo age and had a sister-in-law, Mrs. E. Stevens, residing in this city.

(Source: Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, January 9, 1895, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library)

Mayfarth, Jacob

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries
Jacob Mayfarth
Died January 2, 1883

    Jacob Mayfarth, a prosperous citizen and business man, died of heart disease, Tuesday morning, 4 o'clock, aged 45 years.  Mr. Mayfarth came to Niles in 1868, from Hessen Cassel, Lora .. doing business one thing and then another.  Since his first business career he has accumulated  wealth, and is worth quite a sum.  He was a member of the Working-mens' Association, Vice-President, and the first deceased since its organization.  A wife survives him. (Source:  Niles Weekly Mirror, Wed. January 3, 1883, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library)

AND

    Our people were startled on Tuesday morning last by the announcement of the death of Jacob Mayfarth, a prosperous saloonist of this city.  It appears that he was around on Monday and went to bed as usual in the evening and during the night, awakened his wife by his labored breathing, and expired almost immediately after his wife was awakened.  Apoplexy,was undoubtedly the cause of his sudden and unexpected death.  He came to Niles from Hessen Cassel, Lora, in 1868 and by his industry and perseverence, accumulated considerable property. He was a quiet, peaceable man and had many friends.  He was a member and officer of the Working-men's Association. He leaves a wife to mourn his loss.  (Source: Niles Democrat, Saturday, January 6, 1883, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

AND

    Jacob Mayfarth, a prosperous citizen and business man of Niles, died yesterday morning of heart disease, age 45 years.  (Source:  The Era (Berrien Springs, Mich.), Wednesday, Jan. 3, 1883, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

Smith, Meldon

Mary Ellen Drolet Obituaries

Meldon Smith
Died August 26, 1898

MELDON SMITH

    Telegraphic advice received here from Monroe, Mich., this morning conveyed the sad intelligence that Melvin[sic] Smith died at 7:00 a.m.
    Mr. Smith was brought up in Niles and was known only as an honest, industrious and upright man.  For some time he has been suffering from hernia and while at Monroe about two weeks ago be bacame worse and an operation was necessary, which proved unsuccessful.  The direct cause of his death was strangulated hernia.
    Mr. Smith leaves a mother, Mrs. Lyman Smith, and a sister, Miss Clara, both of whom were at Monroe at the time of his death; there is also a brother, Albert Smith, all of this city.  The deceasd would have been 37 years old December next.  He was  member of the Niles Council of the Royal Arcanum and carried a life insturance policy of $3,000 in the same.  For the past two years he has been in the employ of the Bell Telephone company as lineman and it was while on duty that he was taken ill.  (Source:  Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, August 31, 1898, page 1, col. 3)

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