Obituaries

Bessie Woodruff
Oct. 12, 1899-Sept. 12, 1913

GIRL OF 15 YEARS DIES AT HOSPITAL

            Bessie Woodruff, 15 years of age, died at Dr. Carr’s hospital about 3 o’clock Friday afternoon.  She had been an invalid and was brought to the hospital from Kenosha, Wis.

            The child was born in Grand Rapids but had resided almost all her life with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Bourden. After Mr. Bourden’s death Mrs. Bourden and her granddaughter went to Kenosha to reside with Mrs. Bourden’s daughter, Mrs. Charles Sutton.

            The child is survived by her mother, Mrs. Lillian Ruff of Chicago who came to Niles with her on Monday as did also Mrs. Bourden. Mrs. Sutton is here and Henry Bourden and Miss Matilda Bourden of South Bend, uncle and aunt of the child will be here for the funeral which will be held Monday morning at 10 o’clock from the hospital.  Rev. G. Huntington of Trinity Episcopal church will officiate. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.

(Source:  Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, Sept. 13, 1913, page 1 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library)

Desire/Dezire Johnson
1815-October 18, 1896

Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1896, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

    Entered into rest on Sunday, October 18, Mrs. Dezire Johnson, widow of the late Alfred W. Johnson, aged 81 years.
    Tenderly and reverently her weary body has been laid by the side of this husband of her youth and age, in the beautiful cemetery where repose so many of our loved ones.  Together they had lived for many years in the home fashioned by his own hands for his young bride, into which home were builded the bright hopes and dreams of youth, which were fully realized.  In this happy home were born to them eight children, to "rise up and call her blessed."  No marvel was it that her heart's tendrils were so entwined around that dear home, with its holy and happy associations, that no inducements could prevail upon her to leave it, even though the family circle was broken. In her later years, her memory traveled back to the scenes of youthful days, and she lived more in the past then the present.  Tenderly and with devoted care for her pathway to the grave was smoothed by her devoted children. Until age and infirmity prevented her coming, her attendance at her chosen church was very regular, and we sadly "missed her in the accustomed place," when she was too feeble to attend its services.
    Mrs. Johnson was the daughter of the late Frederick Howe, of Courtland county N.Y., one of the early settlers on Terre Coupe prairie,  She was married in 1837, and nine years ago celebrated her golden wedding.  Two years afterward her husband was taken from her side, the first to be called by death from the large and united family.  Her children had left the paternal roof, one by one, to enter into positions of trust and hone in the busy world, yet frequently met at the old home, for wich they never lost their true love and reverence.
    From the "sweet home" has the wife and mother gone to the "house not made with hands--eternal in the Heavens."

"Rest comes at length, though life be long and dreary.
The day must dawn and derksome night be past;
Faith's journey's end is welcome to the weary.
An Heaven, the heart's true Home, will come at last"  LBI

and

Buchanan Record, Thursday, Oct. 22, 1896, page 3, microfilm Buchanan District Library

Mrs. Desire Johnson, widow of the late Alfred W. Johnson, of Niles, died at her home in Niles, Sunday, Oct. 18, aged 81 years. She was a daughter of the Late Frederick Howe, who was one of the early settlers of Terre Coupe prairie, coming there from Courtland county, N.Y.  She was married in 1837, and nine years ago celebrated her golden wedding. Her husband died in 1889. Mrs. Johnson leaves a family of eight children, all of whom occupy responsible positions in this busy world.  The funeral services were held, Tuesday afternoon, from her late residence in Niles.

Alfred W. Johnson
Died June 9, 1889

    
    Alfred W. Johnson died on Sunday at 1 o'clock p.m., June 9, of dropsy of the heart, aged 79 years.  He was a native of Vermont, and came to his city in 1834. He was a carpenter and contractor. He built the house where he died in 1835, and has resided there continously ever since. He was married to Miss Dezire Howe in 1837, the oldest daughter of Frederick Howe, who then resided in Bertrand township, on the Indian reserve, six miles west of this city.  He was the father of five sons and three daughters. Four sons reside in Chicago and one here, Charles A. Johnson, cashier of the First National Bank. His two daughters, Mrs. John A. Montague and Mrs. Orson McKay, also reside here. Mrs. Kimmel, another daughter, resides in Omaha, Nebraska.  Mr. Johnson was elected one of the first trustees of the village in 1837, and several times since. He was elected Sergeant at arms of the State Senate about 1846.
    As a master builder there stands today the first house on Broadway (Peak house), built in 1835, the farm house of S. Messinger, Hoag, Hart's, Dye's and others on the reserve.  In town, the dwelling of R.W. Landon, the house of S.S. Dodge, J.A. Montague and many others.  The last was the Montague dwelling erected 15 years ago.
    Up to the last two years Mr. Johnson had enjoyed excellent health, when he had a slight stroke of paralysis, which confined him but a short time to his bed.  Two weeks last Sunday he was taken down with the dropsy, which caused his death as above stated.
    Those who know Mr. Johnson can testify he was one of our most honest and honorable citizens, generous hearted, a most indulgent kind husband and father.  He has raised a family, all of whom are patterns of their parents, and all hold honorable positions in life.  He was a man of retiring habits, a great lover of his pleasant home made so by the kind disposition of the excellent companion he leaves behind and all connected with the household.
    The funeral of Mr. Johnson will take place from his late residence on Hickory Lane tomorrow at 3 p.m., Rev. Mr. Lowry officiating.
(Source: Niles Mirror, Wednesday, June 12, 1889, page 4, col. 2, reprinted from Niles Daily Star, Monday, June 10, 1889, microfilm Niles District Library)

JOHN WOODRUFF
1828-1906

OLD RESIDENT GONE.

John Woodruff Passed Away at His Home This Afternoon

            John Woodruff, one of the substantial pioneer residents of this place, died at his home on St. Joseph avenue, West Niles, this afternoon, at 2:30 o’clock.

            The two brothers, John and Edgar, came here from Saratoga Co., New York, in 1853, and engaged in the retail grocery business in a frame building at the northwest corner of Main and Front streets. The brothers prospered and in 1868, the old frame building was replaced by a four-story brick edifice, in which they transacted business until about fifteen years ago, when Edgar met with an accident, which resulted in his death. From then on until June, 1896, John Woodruff managed the business, which at that time he sold out to G.B. Winter.

            Mr. Woodruff was a highly respected citizen and was always relied upon as thoroughly loyal to Niles’ interest and an enthusiastic promoter of them.

            Mr. Woodruff was about 78 years of age and had been in failing health for some time.  The end was not unexpected.

            He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Louise Jerome and Miss Helen Woodruff.  Funeral announcement later.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Wed. May 9, 1906, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library)

Ira Newton Jerome

Died York, Nebraska, July 25, 1896

 

    A telegram was received in this city last Monday announcing the death of Ira Newton Jerome, at York, Nebraska, in the 28th year of his age.  Mr. Jerome was born in Iowa City, and came to Niles twenty years ago. The news of his early death created a feeling of deep regret among his numerous friends.  Few young men have been reared in Niles who were more generally esteemed.  Of a generous warm-hearted nature and polished manners he has made friends whereever known. In 1877 he graduated from the Niles High School, standing high in his class.  A few years later he went to York, Nebraska, and engaged in the drug business with his brother, Geo. Jerome. Two years ago last February he was married in this city to Miss Louise Woodruff, who now mourns the loss of a loving and devoted husband.  In early life he became a member of the Episcopal Church, and those who are familiar with his life know full well the earnestness of his devotion to the teachings of his church.
    His body arrived in this city Wednesday morning, and the funeral took place from the residence of his father-in-law, Mr. John Woodruff, on Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, being in charge of members of St. Joseph Valley Lodge, F. & A.M.  The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Jones, of Kalamazoo, and was attended by many sympathizing friends of the deceased. His bereaved wife has the heartfelt sympathy of a host of friends in her deep affliction, and his other relatives also share in the common sympathy.    
(Source:  Niles Republican, Thursday, July 29, 1886, page 5 col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Jay Densmore
1839-1891


    Our well known fellow-citizen, Jay Densmore, died at his home on Main street this morning at 8 o'clock, of consumption, after a lingering illness, Mr. Densmore was born in Kendall, Orleans county, New york, on the 11th of August, 1839, and was 52 years 2 months and 9 days old at the time of his death. Mr. Densmore learned the printing business in his early youth and in manhood engaged in editorial work, publishing and editing papers at several places in New York and at South Haven, this this state.  He came to this city some years ago and engaged in photographing and for a time had a job printing office.  In 1861 he enlisted in the service of his country, serving about three years in the navy and was assigned to the Gulf squadron.
    Mr. Densmore leaved[sic] a widow and three children, Mrs. S.M. White and Leo G. Densmore, of West Superior, Wisconsin, and Miss Ida May.  Mr. Densmore's aged mother, Mrs, Sophronia Densmore, has lived in the family for some years past.
    Mr. Densmore was a member of the Frank Graves Post, G.A. R., of this city, and at his requiest the post will have charge at the funeral, the time for which is not yet known.
(Source:  Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 1891, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)