Obituaries

George S. Hoppin
June 24, 1824-May 9, 1919

George S. Hoppin, 94 years of age, of 698 south Fourth street, died this morning at 7 o’clock following a gradual decline due to the infirmities of old age. He had been in failing health for several years and was bedfast during the past year.
With the exception of about eight years, spent in South Dakota, Mr. Hoppin has spent his life since he was 18 years old in Berrien county, coming here from New York with his parents in 1844. He took charge of the farm known as the Hoppin farm, one mile south on the South Bend road, cleared away the timber and brush, placed the fields under the plow and greatly improved the farm, transforming it into the excellent property it now is.
In 1875 he was united in marriage to Miss Dora King, of Lyons, New York, and to this union were born four children: Clair, wife of Judge Charles E. White, of Niles; Rose, wife of V. Main, of Battle Creek; George S., and John E., who are employed in a bank at Detroit.
Mr. Hoppin was a member of the Presbyterian church for more than half a century and during that time filled a number of its offices, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. He was a man well liked by all, one who always had a kind word even for his enemies.
Funeral services will be held from the residence Friday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. Scherer of the Presbyterian church officiating, and interment will occur in Silver Brook cemetery.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Wed. May 9, 1919, page 1, Microfilm Niles District Library)

Burton Jarvis

Died January 2, 1902

          Burton Jarvis died last Thursday, Jan 2, aged 86 years, and was buried from his late home last Monday forenoon.

            That is the simple announcement of the departure form the activities of this life of one the best known men in this county.  Mr. Jarvis was a native of North Carolina who came, with his family, to this state in 1828.  At first they were located in Cass county where Mr. Jarvis was employed for a time at anything that he could find to do.  Then, for several years he followed the river in the days when it was an important artery through which the business of this section was done, and finally he located in “the bend of the river” several miles above this village and on the opposite side.  At first he owned and lived on the farm now owned by Mrs. Tichenor but later on the noble farm where his later days were spent and where he died.  People going toward Buchanan by rail have noticed and admired the fine house across the river on one of the most commanding sites in the county.  That place had become a landmark as had its sturdy old owner.

            His wife was Elizabeth Sparks, a sister of Levi and Spencer Sparks, both now dead.  Mrs. Jarvis died several yours ago and he five children born to them are all gone, all died before their mother. Two Brothers of Mr. Jarvis are living in Cass county but his sisters are all dead.

            He was one of the pioneers of the state who had been so fortunate as to survive to witness its splendid development.  The work he had done had left its impress and had earned for him a handsome estate which had been so employed as to make him respected by those who did business with him. Of late age and the accompanying infirmities had made him less a factor in the county’s affairs than formerly, but he had kept in touch with the world until he was finally called to leave it.  By his death is lost a man so well know that hundreds will feel a sense of personal loss.

Mrs. Burton (Elizabeth Sparks) Jarvis

Died April 29, 1896

Niles Weekly Mirror, Wed. April 29, 1896, page 5

	Mrs. Burton Jarvis, one of the pioneers of Berrien county, residing in the bend
of the river, died a 8 o’clock this morning, aged about 80 years.

(on same page) Miss Cynthia Sparks was stricken with appoplexy[sic] this
afternoon and a physician was hurriedly summoned. The Illness is said to be due
to the death of her sister, Mrs. Burton Jarvis.

Frances (Gephart) Langston
Died December 29, 1916

     Mrs. Frank Langston, who had not been well since her husband’s demise a couple of months ago, passed away at 11 o’clock last night at the home in West Niles.  Death resulted from heart disease.  Mrs. Langston, whose maiden name was Frances Gephart, has resided in this city and vicinity all of her life. She had a kindly disposition and made friends of all with whom she came in contact. She leaves four children, Hardy and Miss
Dorothy Langston, of this place; Mrs. Bert Andrews, of Jackson, this state, and Mrs. Frank Metcalf, of Winton, Minn., to mourn her death.

     The funeral will take place from the home at 3 o’clock Sunday afternoon. Rev. Mr. Phelps, pastor of the Presbyterian church officiating. Interment will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Sat. Dec. 30, 1916, page 1, Microfilm Niles District Library)

Almena Wood Millar
Sept. 2, 1831- March 12, 1915

Almena Wood, daughter of Edson and Elizabeth Wood, was born in Cayuga county, N.Y., Sept. 2, 1831. In her early childhood her parents moved to Ohio, and when she was fourteen years of age they came to Michigan, settling in Berrien county, near Niles. She was the fourth child of a family of fourteen children, eleven of whom were reared to manhood and womanhood.

 Source: Berrien Springs Era, Berrien Springs, Michigan, Thurs. April 15, 1915, page 3, Microfilm Niles District Library

Joseph Mitchell
abt. 1819-December 1877

Last Sunday morning Mr. Joseph Mitchell, an old citizen of this place, died at his residence on Ninth street. He had occupied the position of superintendent of the mason work on the Michigan Central railroad for 27 years, and the long time which he held the place is evidence of how faithfully his duties were performed. He was a good citizen, and was held in warm regard by a large circle of friends. His funeral took place Wednesday morning. He was 58 years old.