Obituaries

Mrs. Flora Bell Riddle

1888-1970

Niles--Mrs. Flora Bell Riddle, 82, of 635 S. St. Jospeh Ave. died at 1:20 p.m. Monday in Pawating Hospital, after a brief illness.
    Born May 13, 1888, in Nilles, she had lived here a lifetime.  On Oct. 12, 1910, in St. Joseph, she married John H. Riddle, who died Sept. 2, 1969.
    Survivors include two sons, Loren and Marcius (Babe), both of Niles; three daughters, Mrs. Lucia Boyle and Flora Riddle, both of Niles, and Mrs. Virginia Repine of Mishawaka, Ind.; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Pifer Funeral Home, with the Rev. Robert C. Carson of the First United Methodist Church of Buchanan officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.
    Friends may call after 7 tonight at the funeral home.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 1970, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library)

John H. Riddle

1890-1969

Niles--John H. Riddle, 78, of 635 S. St. Joseph Ave. died at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Berrien General Hospital.
    A retired employe[sic] of Williams Supply Co., Inc., Mr. Riddle was born Oct. 12, 1890, in South Bend. He married the former Flora Lambert, who survives, on Oct. 12, 1910, in St. Joseph.
    In addition to his wife, Mr. Riddle is survived by two sons, Loren J. and Marcius Riddle, both of Niles; three dauthers[sic] Mrs. Lucia Boyle and Miss Flora Riddle, both of Niles and Mrs. Virginia Repine, Mishawaka; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Pifer Funeral Home, with the Rev. C. Robert Carson of the First United Methodist Church of Buchanan officiating. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery.
    Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 tonight.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, September 3, 1969, page 2 col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library)

Mrs. Harriet M. Teske

1884-1970

NILES--Mrs. Harriet M. Teske, 85, of 1431 Hickory St., died at 9:15 p.m. Saturday in the Bry-Fern Rest Home, Berrien Center, after an illness of one year.
    Born Sept. 26, 1884, in Harvey, Ill., Mrs. Teske had lived here since 1902, coming from South Bend.  On April 21, 1901, she married Frank C. Teske, who died, Aug. 26, 1952. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America.
    Survivors include four sons, Edward and Clifford, both of Niles, Gaylord of Milwaukee, Wis., and Frank Jr. Of Jacksonville, Fla;  two daughters, Mrs. Herbert (Gladys) Pagels and Mrs. Jay (Mildred) Griffee, both of Niles; two sisters, Mrs. Roy Besser of Chicago and Mrs. Arthur Manuel of South Bend; 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m today in the Halbritter Funeral Home, with Ernest Linstedt of the New Apostolic Church officiating. Burial was at Silverbrook Cemetery.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 1970, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library)

J. Clarence Humphrey

Aug. 15, 1894-Sept. 7, 1970

Niles--J. Clarence Humphrey, 76, of 320 Fort St. died at 10 a.m. Monday in his home.
    A retired contractor, Mr. Humphrey was born Aug 15 1894, in Knox, Ind. and had lived here for 51 years. On Aug. 1, 1919, in North Judson, Ind., he married the former Elizabeth Dux, who survives.  He was a veteran of World War I and a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the Berrien County Sheriff's Posse.
    Surviving are a son, John of Springfield, Ill.; a daughter, Mrs. Caroline Mikula of South Bend; two brothers, Charles of Niles and Jess Larimer of Pleasanton, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Violet Griffen of Silver Lake, Wis.; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
    Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m .Wednesday in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Theodore Laesch officiating.  Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.
    Friends may call after 5 today at the Pifer Funeral Home.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 1970, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library)

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

    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


    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.
    

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)