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.

Lambert, George A.

George A. Lambert, Attorney

Died November 3, 1910

Niles Daily Star, Friday Evening, November 4, 1910, page 2, col. 4-6, microfilm Niles District Library

GEO. A. LAMBERT PASSED AWAY
SYMPATHY EXTENDED TO FAMILY
WAS A PROMINENT LAWYER
Graduated From Niles High School and Ann Arbor Law College

    Indisposed for about one year, it was on Aug. 24 last that Attorney George A. Lambert went to Kalamazoo for treatment. He died there today of apoplexy, aged 55 years.  The deceased was born in Niles and had ever resided here.  He acquired his education in the public schools and graduated from Niles High school.
    Lawyer Lambert had occupied different positions of trust, such as city recorder during 1887-88, supervisor four years, city attorney, a member of the legislature, and other offices. He belonged to the Berrien County Bar association.  He first commenced the study of law with Franklin Muzzy, then with Col. Edward Bacon.  He had a bright mind during his palmy days and was considered one of the best criminal lawyers in the country, his services being sought after in many prominent cases.  He had ever affiliated with the Democratic party and made key-note speeches on many occasions.
    Lawyer Lambert's parents were Mr. and Mrs. James Lambert, old time and highly esteemed residents of this place, both now deceased.  Mr. Lambert was a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World, with an insurance of $2000.  He leaves a wife, one son, John, who is coming from Phoenixville, Pa., and Miss Georgiana R. of this city.  Besides, four sisters, Mrs. Oscar Hart of Grand Ledge, Mrs. D.W. Sitts of Dowagiac, Mrs. Newell Barbour of Cressie, Mich., and Mrs. Tyler Swain of Niles.
    The remains arrived here this afternoon at 1 o'clock and were conveyed to the late home, 799 Bond street.
    The funeral will probably take place Sunday afternoon from the house, Rev. W.R. Yonker to conduct the services.
    To the broken hearted wife, son, daughter and sisters, who sit in sorrow where his footsteps shall never again find echo, is extended the sympathy of this entire community.

and

Niles Daily Sun, Friday, Nov. 4, 1910, page 1, col. 1-2, microfilm Niles District Library

GEO. A. LAMBERT PASSES AWAY
Well-Known Lawyer Died Last Night at Kalamazoo
LONG IN POOR HEALTH
Had a Brilliant Mind and Wonderful Memory

    George A. Lambert, the well-known Niles Attorney, died last night at 9:30 at the state hospital for the insane at Kalamazoo where he was taken a few weeks ago in order that he might receive better care.
    The death of Mr. Lambert had been expected for two or three days.
    His decline in health during the last two years had been rapid and particularly so since he has been confined at the asylum. The malady from which he suffered was parenia[sic] which is a progressive disease and the person so afflicted has no chance for recovery.
    Mr. Lambert seemed to have a realizing sense of his condition and before he was taken to Kalamazoo he had personally visited the institution it is said having in mind the thought that he might go there sooner or later.
    Mrs. Lambert, their son, John Lambert and their daughter Georgiana, were with him at the asylum in his last hours.
    Mr. Lambert was in his day one fo the brainiest lawyers, and so conceded by all who knew him, in southwestern Michigan.  In his prime he was without a peer and his services were sought for by clients having important cases who had the highest confidence in his ability and legal acumen.
    He was possessed of a most remarkable memory and it is said of him that he could read a page of poetry or a law case and then repeat it verbatim from memory.
    He was a student of the best literature and his brilliant and retentive mind was stored with the richest treasures fo the classics as well as of current literature.
    He was particularly strong and resourceful in debate and his quick wit, sharp repartee and intimate knowledge of the law made him when he was at his best an antagonist to be reckoned with.
    He was a stalwart Democrat and had served his party in various capacities. He was a member of the legislature of 1891, one of the few in the history of Michigan that has been under the control of the Democratic party.
    Mr. Lambert is survived by his widow, a daughter, Miss Georgiana, and a son, John, who has a lucrative position at Phenixville, Pennsylvania.
    There are four sisters, vis. Mrs. Tyler Swain, Niles, Mrs. R.W. Sitts, Dowagiac; Mrs. Newell Barbour, Kalamazoo; Mrs. Electa Hart, Grand Ledge, Mich.
    The remains arrived from Kalamazoo at one o'clock today and were conveyed to the family home on Bond street.
    The funeral services had not been arranged today but is thought they will be held Sunday afternoon, Rev. W. R. Yonker officiating, with burial at Silver Brook.
    

Lambert, George

George Lambert

Died March 12, 1881

    Another of the early pioneers of this section of the county died at his residence near this city at one o'clock on Saturday morning last.  Mr. Lambert has been gradually failing for the past year with throat and lung difficulties, which finally ended his career as above stated.  He was one of our most energetic and prudent business men, and all of his dealings with his fellow men was strictly honest and honorable, and he leaves many friends to mourn his loss.  He remains were followed to their last resting place in Silver Brook cemetery on Monday last by a large procession of sympathizing friends. He was in the 58 years of his age.

(Source: Niles Democrat, Saturday, March 19, 1881, page 3 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

    DIED

    On Friday night, about 12 o'clock, of consumption, Mr. George A. Lambert, aged 58 years.
    Mr. Lambert was an old resident in this vicinity, and by his strict integrity, fair and honest dealing had numerous friends who deeply sympathize with his bereaved family.  His funeral took place on Monday, and a large concourse of people were in attendance--over 40 teams following him to his last resting place.

(Source:  Niles Mirror, Wednesday, March 16, 1881, page 4 col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library)

Lambert, Mary A.

Mrs. William (Mary A.) Lambert

Died September 8, 1891

            Mrs. Mary A. Lambert, wife of William Lambert, residing four miles northeast of Niles, died last evening of consumption of the bowels, aged 52 years.(Source: Niles Daily Star, Wed. Sept. 9, 1891, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

Murphy, Lettitia

Mrs. Lettitia G. Murphy
Died Sept. 5, 1870


    At her Father's house, three miles west of Niles, Sept. 5, 1870, Mrs. LETTITIA G. MURPHY, aged 27 years, daughter of Mrs. JOHN PLATTS.

(Source:  Niles Republican, Thursday, Sept. 8, 1870, page 3, microfilm Niles District Library)

McLauchlin, Marie E. (Holloway)

Marie E. McLauchlin
July 28, 1909-March 30, 1999


    Funeral services for Marie E. (Holloway) McLauchlin, 89, 125 Silverbrook Ave., Niles, will be Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, by the Rev. Leon Roggen of Niles.
    Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
    Mrs. McLauchlin died Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at her home following an extended illness.
    She was born July 28, 1909, in Delta, Ohio.  She had lived here since 1921 coming from Ohio.
    On Dec. 31, 1933, in Niles, she married Clarence E. McLauchlin, who survives.
    Mrs. McLauchlin was formerly a telephone operator and also worked at Western Union.
    She was a member of the Church of the Saviour, NIles, Phi Chi Epsilon Society and the Niles Music Club.  She enjoyed sewing and reading.
    Surviving family also includes a son, Larry McLauchlin of Grand Haven; three sisters, Olive Camp of Buchanan, Charlene Parker of Niles and Jackie Womack of Niles, three grandsons and four great-grandchildren.
    Friends may call one hour prior to the services at Halbritter Funeral Home.
    Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, March 31, 1999, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library)

Orrick, Frank Dosher

DOSHER FRANK ORRICK
1907-1986


    Dosher Frank Orrick, 78, 2471 Lake St., Niles, died at 1:20 a.m. Sunday in his residence following an extended illness.
    He was a retired employee of U.S. Aviex Co. and a member of the Church of Christ.
    Born May 14, 1907, in Warren County, Tenn., he lived in this area since 1935, coming from Tennessee.
    On May 15, 1936 in South Bend, Ind., he married Opal Tucker, who survives.
    Also surviving are a son, Willard Orrick of Niles; two sisters, Lena Williamson and Vera Hendricks, both of McMinnville, Tenn.; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
    Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at Halbritter Funeral Home with Robert F. Morris of the Church of Christ officiating.  Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery.
    Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday, January 20, 1986, page 2, col 2-3, microfilm Niles District Library)

Babbitt, John M.

JOHN M. BABBITT
1896-1966


John Babbitt Dies; Lumber Firm Owner

    John M. Babbitt, 70, died at 6:15 a.m. today at Pawating Hosptial where he had been a  patient about two weeks.
    He operated the Babbitt Lumber Company here for 50 years and was a past president of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Niles.
    Born July 13, 1896, in Crawfordsville, Ind., he came to Niles in 1907 from Louisville, Ky.  On Aug. 7, 1924, he married Fay Smith in Niles.
    Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter, Mrs. Milo L. Ruetz, Niles and two grandchildren.
    In addition to the chamber, he was also a member of the Niles Rotary Club, the Knights of Columbus, Niles Elks Club, Fraternal Order of Police, NIles American Legion Post 26, the Pickwick Club and St. Mary's Catholic Church.
    His tenure as president of the chamber was from 1932-1933. He was also a director of the Northern Indiana-Southern Michigan Retail Lumberman's Association.
    In 1914, he went into business with his father, W.L. Babbitt.  During World War I, he enlisted in the Navy.
    Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at the St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Rt. Rev. Msgr. John D. Slowey officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.
    Friends may call after 7 p.m., at the Halbritter-Swem Funeral Home.  Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
    The family has asked that memorials be given to charities.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, October 12, 1966, page 2, col. 2&3, microfilm Niles District Library)