Obituaries

Fred Weaver

Died April 20, 1932

Funeral services for Fred Weaver were held this afternoon.  The Rev. M.R. Everett, pastor of the Evangelical church, conducted the services.  Burial was made in Silverbrook cemetery.  Mr. Weaver, who was 83 years of age, died on Wednesday morning in the home of his son in Dowagiac where he had lived for three years after having been a resident of Niles for nearly 50 years.  (Source: Niles Daily Star, Friday, April 22, 1932, page 4, col. 3, Microfilm Niles District Library)

 

Thomas L. Stevens
March 23,1815-May 2, 1891

Obituary

    Thomas L. Stevens died at his home in this city on Saturday, May 2 after a lingering illness.
    He was born at Tyngsboro, Mass., March 23 1815.  Soon after attaining his majority he came to what was then the far west, arriving at Paw Paw in the fall of 1836 and remaining at that place until 1839 when he removed to Berrien Springs.
    At this place in 1845 he was married to Hester B. Kimmell, who survives him.  In 1853 he returned to Paw Paw where he engaged in mercantile and manufacturing pursuits until 1868 when he removed to Niles with the intention of retiring from active business.  Upon the organization of the First National Bank, of Niles, in 1871 he took a prominent part as one of the original incorporators and became the first cashier of the institution.  The connection with it was maintained, first in the capacity of cashier and afterwards as its president until a few months before his death when, debarred by failing health from an active participation in its management, he insisted against the protests of his fellow directors in declining the re-election which was tendered him.
    Mr. Steven's career as a business man was long and honorable.  Identified in his time with many enterprises his prudence, sagacity and conservative management made him uniformly successful in all.
    For many years delicate health forbade any but the most limited participation in social pleasures and it was the good fortune of but few to know him except through the medium of business.  The few who advance beyond mere acquaintanceship and met him on terms of intimacy at his own fireside, found in him a genial companion and a kind friend.  Essentially domestic in his tastes, he was a devoted husband and an indulgent father. .

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Tues. May 5, 1891 page 2, Microfilm Niles District Library)

Henry Clay Gould

Died December 21, 1872

Obituary of Henry Clay Gould,

DIED
    Saturday afternoon, Dec. 21st, in this city, HENRY CLAY GOULD, age 29 years, 5 months and 4 days.
    Eight years ago Mr. Gould came to his city.  He remained two years, and then absent a year.  He returned and entered into business as a druggist, and during the past five years he rose into a position of great usefulness and honor.  Though being a young man of only twenty-nine years, his habits of life were of such an excellent character that  became a most influential and highly esteemed citizen.  About eight years ago he received Confirmation at Trinity Church by the Bishop of Michigan, and for a number of years was the leading person in the Sunday School.  In all religious and benevolent work he was ever faithful and efficient.  His prominent traits of character were truthfulness, amiability, and conscientiousness.  For nearly three years he has been a member of the Vestry of Trinity Church.  On the 18th of January, 1872, he was married, the bride being the daughter of the Hon. T.L. Stevens.  One year ago on the 21st of Dec., the same day of the month as his death, a daughter was born, now left fatherless.   On Monday last the burial took place from Trinity Church and was largely attended.  The pew occupied by Mr. Gould was very tastefully trimmed with evergreen and white immortelles.  The preparations for Christmas were evident throughout the church, and were very suggestive of the welcome of the Saviour of the world.  The hymns and chants were rendered very sweetly, especially the twenty-third psalm, and a solemn stillness pervaded the church as the simplicity and beauty of the life and character of the departed were gently and affectionately presented by the Rector.  The Scripture incident of Christ stilling the tempest, particularly the words, "Peace, be still," a subject selected b the deceased, was touchingly applied to the peaceful death after the storms of a severe sickness.  The death is deeply felt by all, but by none more than the parents again called to pass through the fires of an almost crushing affliction.-A profound sympathy has pervaded the community, and the great loss has been deeply realized.  Blessed is the memory of the departed one, and sweet is his rest in Paradise.  (Source:  Niles Democrat, Saturday, December 28, 1872, page 3 col. 4, Microfilm Niles District Library)

Henry E. "Red" Graham

1872-1949

NILES MAN BURNS TO DEATH IN FIRE

BODY OF HARRY GRAHAM PULLED FROM GRASS FIRE

 

            An elderly Niles man was found burned to death in a grass fire near Plym park Monday afternoon.

            The partially burned body of Henry E. Graham, 76, of 1219 Canal street, was found about 3:30 p.m. lying amid burning grass about 100 feet north of his home.  Members of the Niles high school cross county track team which was training in the area discovered the body.

            Coroner William Pifer retuned a verdict of accidental death.  Niles firemen who answered a call to the scene theorized that Graham had suffered a heart attack and fallen into the flames.

            Graham was born in Buchanan July 2, 1872.  He spent most of his life in Niles and was known familiarly as “Red” Graham.  He was a bachelor and had no immediate survivors.

            Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Pifer Funeral home.  The Rev. L. George Beacock will officiate and burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.  (Source: 

Niles Daily Star, Tues., April 12, 1949, page 1, Microfilm Niles District Library)

John A. Weaver

Died January 24, 1921

DEATH CLAIMS JOHN WEAVER

    John A. Weaver, a resident of Niles for about 45 years, making his home for a greater part of that time on an island in the St. Joseph river, died Monday afternoon at 3:15 o'clock after a brief illness from a complication of diseases, attendant upon old age, Mr. Weaver having reached the advanced age of 87 years.  The body was removed to the Troost undertaking rooms, where the funeral services will be held on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock.  Rev. Harold Holt will conduct the series.  Burial will occur at Silver  Brook cemetery. The remains may be viewed at any time on Wednesday, but the funeral services will be for the children of the deceased only.
    Mr. Weaver was a veteran of the Civil war, having served with the 86th Ohio regiment.  He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Frank Ullery, two sons, Edward and John Weaver of Niles, and by two brothers, Isaac Weaver, who is at present in South Bend and William Weaver of Niles.  The wife of the deceased died 14 years ago.  (Source: Niles Daily Star, Tues. Jan. 25, 1921; Microfilm Niles District Library)

Victoria Mae (Weaver) Ullery

1882-1960

DEATHS AND OBITUARIES
Mrs. Victoria M. Ullery

    Mrs. Victoria Mae Ullrey[sic], 77, 931 Hickory St., died at 1:20 a.m. today in her home following an illness of one year.
    Mrs. Ullrey[sic], a lifetime resident of this community and former employe of the Four Flags Hotel, was born in Niles on Oct. 6, 1882.  Her husband, Frank, preceded her in death.
    Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Olive Orem, Niles, and a granddaughter, Miss Faith Orem, also Niles.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Kiger and Halbritter Funeral Home with the Rev. John G. Carlton, rector of Trinity Episcopal church, officiating.  Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.  Friends may call at the funeral home.
    She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

(Source:  Niles Daily Star, Tues. Jan. 12, 1960, page 2, Microfilm Niles District Library)