Mrs. Fanny Nolan

Died February 10, 1883

            Mrs. Albert Nolan, of this city, died on Saturday last, rather unexpected to her many friends.  She had been sick for some days with what is now generally complained of – a bad cold –but a day or two before her death was taken with rheumatism in a severe form, but even of this she seemed to be better, and was feeling as comfortable as could be expected during the day and evening, and some time in the night she asked to be turned in her bed, this was done and she said she was more comfortable, but in a few minutes after she was found to be dying.  The disease had reached the heart.

(Source: Niles Democrat, Sat. Feb. 17, 1883, page 3, microfilm Niles District Library)

Mrs. Elijah (Susan) Lacey
1806-February 13, 1883

Niles Democrat, Sat. Feb. 17, 1883, page 3, column 3

Another of the old and prominent citizens of Niles has passed away and is at rest. Mrs. Elijah Lacey, who was among the early pioneers and settlers of Niles, died at her residence in this city on Tuesday last. She wad been gradually failing for some time past, and her departure was not unexpected, but when the sad news of her death was announced there was a general feeling of sorrow throughout the large circle of her acquaintance. She was a most estimable and highly respected lady, and leaves many to cherish her memory.

 

Niles Democrat, Sat. Feb. 17, 1883, page 3, column 4

DIED

LACEY—At her home in this city, Feb. 13, Mrs. Susan M. Lacey, in the 77^th years of her age.

Mrs. Lacey was so well and so favorably known in this community that anything more than the simple announcement of her death seems almost superfluous. She was the widow of Hon. Elijah Lacey, one of the first settlers of Niles and who gave it its present name. She was a woman of marked talents, fine education and well calculated to raise the standard of morality and religion in a growing community to a higher plane. The influence of her firm Christian character; the kindly aid and sympathy she extended to all around her and broad charity which thought . .which lead her to do good to all as . .. opportunity, have endeared her to his people and have left an impression upon society which not soon be effaced. Love for children was one of her marked characteristics and she seemed always to be devising little schemes for their pleasure, and this not for their parents sake, but for them and because they were children. She lived to an advanced age, but her councils and example will be missed by a large circle who were wont to defer to her long experience and ripe judgment. She was an honored member of the Presbyterian church, contributing freely to its support and as long as health permitted was a constant and devout attendant. Thus one by one of those who helped to lay the broad foundations of our society pass away leaving behind only choice memories of their bright example which we will do well to head and emulate. Her funeral was largely attended at her late residence yesterday morning.

St. Joseph Valley Weekly Register, Wednesday, February 21, 1883, page 5, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Elijah Lacey, a resident of Niles since 1836, died Wednesday, aged 77 years.  Her funeral occurred Friday at 10 a.m.

 

Emil Schrumpf

Died July 9, 1940

    Emil Schrumpf, who would have been 70 years old July 20, died Tuesday night at 1215 Ferry street. His brother, George W. Schrumpf, died Thursday of last week at the age of 72.
    Emil Schrumpf was born in Niles and lived here all his life.  He was employed as janitor of the Fourth Ward school until stricken by illness some time ago.
    Surviving Mr. Schrumpf are his wife, Bertha; four sons, Carl, Niles; Lorenz, Grand Rapids; Leo, Alhamra, Calif., and Elmer, San Gabriel, Calif.; a daughter, Mrs. Dolly Robinson, Los Angeles, Calif.; two brothers, Herman, Niles, and Fred, Elkhart, Ind.  Nine grandchildren also survive.
    Friends may call at the Pifer funeral home.  Funeral services will be held at the Pifer chapel Thursday afternoon at 2, with the Rev. Theo Eisen, of St. John's Evangelical church, officiating.  Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Wed. July 10, 1940, page 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

Mrs. Mary Cushman

    The remains of Mrs. Mary Cushman were brought to Niles today from Chicago and taken directly to Silver Brook cemetery where Rev. W.R. Yonker conducted the committal service.  The three daughters of Mrs. Cushman, Mrs. Florence Milner of Detroit, Mrs. Blanche Murry of Chicago and Mrs. Maude Thompson accompanied the body to Niles.

(Source:  Niles Daily Sun, Monday, Nov. 7, 1913, page 1; Microfilm Niles District Library)

Mrs. Cleola Boucree
Sept. 6, 1902-February 23, 1969

    NILES--Mrs. Cleola Boucree, 65, of 2846 Detroit Road, died at 9:30 p.m. Sunday in the South Bend Osteopathic Hospital.  She had been in ill health for the past three weeks.
    Mrs. Bourcree[sic] was born Sept. 6, 1902 in Muskogee, Okla. and had lived in Niles for the past 26 years coming from Chicago.
    In addition to her husband, Edward N., she is survived by a son, William Glover, Benton Harbor,; two brothers, Fred and Tom King, both of Chicago: two sisters, Della King, Chicago and Mrs. Fanny McIntoch, Muskeogee[sic] and one grandchild.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.  Thursday in the Pifer Funeral Home with  Rev. R.B. Nabors, pastor of the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, officiating.  Burial will be in the Silverbrook Cemetery.
    Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. Tuesday.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Monday, February 24, 1969, page 2, microfilm Niles District Library)

Louisa Bessemer
Died August 23, 1922


    Mrs. Louisa Bessemer, widow of George Bessemer, a well known and highly respected resident of the community  for many years, died this morning at 5 o'clock at the home of her son, William Bessemer, 713 Oak street, where she had made her home for the last 10 years.  Six weeks ago Mrs. Bessemer suffered a fall and broke her hip and was otherwise injured, and had since gradually failed until the end came this morning.
    Mrs. Bessemer was 78 years old.  She was born in Germany.  When she was 18 years old she came to Berrien county and soon after was united in marriage to George Bessemer, who died 14 years ago.  For many years, Mr. and Mrs. Bessemer resided southwest of Niles in Bertrand township  Mr. Bessemer being a successful farmer.  Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bessemer, five survive their mother.  They are Mrs. Mary Burbank of Morley, Mich.; John Bessemer, Niles; Charles of Elkhart; William of Niles and Lute of Crawfordsville, Ind.  The deceased children were George, Louisa and Rose.  Besides the children, Mrs. Bessemer is survived by one sister, Mrs. Chris Dittmar of Niles and by 22 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
    The funeral services will be held at the son's home Friday afternoon.  Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star/Sun, August 23, 1922, page 6, Microfilm Niles District Library)