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.
Ann Louise Wenzel
July 2, 1941-July 2, 1941
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, July 3, 1941, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Niles News in Brief: INFANT STILL-BORN
A daughter was still born Wednesday in Pawating hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Wenzel, 315 South St. Joseph avenue.
Mary Wadel* (Marie Katherine Wedel)
Jan 16, 1854-July 29, 1930
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Wednesday, July 30, 1930, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Mrs. Marie Katherine Wedel, 76, wife of Edward Wedel, 1713 N. Twelfth street, died on Tuesday morning at 10:30 in Epworth hospital in South Bend where she had an operation last Friday. She had been ill for three weeks.
Mrs. Wedel had been a resident of Niles for 46 years. She was born in Waldorf, Saxony Meinigen, Germany on Jan. 16 1854. Her maiden name was Marie Katherine Ricker. She was married to Mr. Wedel in Germany on March 10, 1879. The came to Niles in 1884 and had since resided here and in the same neighborhood in which they first located.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wedel and of these four survive their mother with her husband. The children are Fred Wedel, Gary Ind., Mrs. Margaret Dils and Albert Wedel, South Bend and August Wedel, Kalamazoo.
Friends may call at the home to view the body up to the hour of the funeral which is 2 o'clock on Friday afternoon. The services will be held in the home. The Rev. G.W. Webbink, pastor of St. John's Evangelical church of which Mrs. Wedel was a member for many years, will officiate. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.
Joel Wilson
August 24, 1847-July 21, 1930
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, July 21, 1930, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
Niles News in Brief: DEATH JOEL WILSON
Joel Wilson, 82, at 943 Cherry St., until a week ago when he was moved to Pawating hospital, died in the hospital this morning. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Anna Hackley of Kalamazoo who has been in Niles for several weeks assisting to care for him. Funeral plans will not be made until Mrs. Hackley's children come to Niles. The deceased had been a resident of Niles for many years.
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Tuesday, July 22, 1930, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL JOEL WILSON
Funeral services for Joel Wilson will be held tomorrow after noon at 3:30 in the Troost and Augustine chapel. The Rev. W.A. Reed, pastor of the A.M.E. Church will officiate. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Wednesday, July 23, 1930, page 1, col. 6-7, microfilm Niles District Library
Joel Wilson, colored Civil war veteran and pioneer Niles resident, was laid away today. His sister, Mrs. Anna Hackley, of Kalamazoo, his only surviving near relative was the chief mourner. Among those present at the graveside was Mayor Fred D. Cook.
With the light of reminiscence in his eyes, Mayor Cook, in commenting on the passing of Joel Wilson, said:
“I knew Joel well back in my boyhood days. My Father was publisher of the Daily Star, and the asthmatic old gas engine, which furnished power to operate the newspaper press, would balk now and then, and a hurry-up call would go out for Joel Wilson. A crank would be attached to the press and Joel would run off the edition by hand.
“Joel was industrious and dependable. He was liked by everybody for his sunny disposition and his rich, gurgling laughter. All this was contagious and dispelled gloom as the sun dispels the mist.
[illegible] Joel Wilson contributed his full share of mirth. I remember Joel as a sober, hard-working citizen, who proudly marched with the Civil war veterans in the memorial day parades. I also remember him in his gayer hours when his laughter rang out so cheerily.
“Well, Joe, as we called him, is climbing those 'golden stairs' he loved to sing about. And I'm sure his sunny disposition will help brighten up heaven as it did earth.”
Joel was born in Niles on August 24, 1847, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wilson. At the age of 18 on Dec. 24, 1863 he enlisted in the 102nd regiment of the Union army. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 17, 1865. For many years he worked at the Niles post office, churches and banks and at painting jobs. He was one of a family of eight children, one of whom survives him, Mrs. Anna Hackley of Kalamazoo. Mr. Wilson was married to Millie Alexander who died 26 years ago. He is survived by a step-daughter, Mrs. Lucy Gutherline, two nieces and two nephews, Mrs. Pearl Russell, Mrs. Ethel Mitchell and Messrs. Earl and Carrol Mitchell of Kalamazoo. He died Monday at Pawating Hospital . [Funeral services were] this afternoon by the Rev. W.M. Reid, pastor of the A.M. E. church. Burial was made in Silver Brook cemetery.
Carmi R. Smith
May 19, 1862-July 17, 1939
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, July 17, 1939, page 1, col. 4-5, continued page 2, col. 4
Carmi R. Smith, industrial, civic and church leader in Niles for more than half a century, died suddenly in his home, 603 East Main street, this morning. His body was found in the bathroom by members of his household about two hours after death struck.
The message was received in stunned silence today by a city which owes much of its progress to the efforts and activity of the man who has lived and worked in Niles since 1886.
Mr. Smith had been in his customary good health Sunday, felt well when he retired and probably suffered a sudden attack when he arose this morning.
Nearly 53 years of his life had been devoted to his business career in Niles. His broadening sphere of usefulness extended gradually to the Methodist church, to civic duties and to welfare projects.
A staunch Republican all his life, he was chairman of the city committee for 10 years. He was elected mayor in 1903, resigning to accept the postmastership which he held until 1912, when he was again elected mayor.
In 1897-98 he was a member of the lower house of the state legislature and in 1924 was a state delegate to the national convention which nominated Calvin Coolidge for president.
Mr. Smith comes of a long line of Michigan pioneers. He was born in Girard township, Branch county, May 19, 1862. His grandfather was John R. Reddick, one of Michigan's famous pioneers. His father was one of the pioneer settlers of Branch county.
He received his early education in Branch county, graduated from Coldwater high school in 1882 and from Albion college in 1886.
Mr. Smith started his business career in Niles in 1886 by supplying
material to different paper mills until 1907 when he went into the real estate business.
In 1914, her and his brother, Ben, organized the Michigan Wire Goods company which is still a leading Niles industry.
1N 1890 he was married to Miss Mary E. Stafford who survives. He also leaves two sons, Stafford, an New York attorney, and Reginald, of Albion; two brothers, Ben H., Niles and Mark H. Smith, East Lansing; and a sister, Mable Blerry, East Lansing.
Although he retired from active business life, he still retained a deep interest in the affairs of the city, the church and the clubs and lodges of which he was a member.
Active In Red Cross
He resigned as chairman of the Berrien County Red Cross chapter in 1935 after 10 years of active service. However, he retained his association with the chapter and attended all the meetings.
His death came on the week of the Niles Old timers' Reunion. The Thursday event was one to which he looked forward eagerly as an assembly of persons with whom he had been associated for many years. Mr. Smith was treasurer of the association and a member of the executive committee.
Other affiliations were the Rotary club, Masonic lodge, Knights of Pythias, Elks and the Sigma Chi, Albion chapter of which he was a member for more than 50 years. Funeral arrangements have been delayed awaiting word from his son in New York City.
Fred N. Bonine
Oct. 21, 1863-Aug. 22, 1941
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, August 23,1941, page 1, col. 7-8, continued page 2, col. 4-5, microfilm Niles District Library
Dr. Fred N. Bonine, who for more than a half-century made Niles the mecca of the afflicted, is dead. . .[illegible] . Midnight Friday night in the Bonine home at 911 South Third street. Patients to whom he brought relief from physical and mental pain and countless friends are mourning with his family his loss today.
Early this morning the somber news of his death was flashing from metropolis to hamlet, penthouse to backwoods shack, continent to continent from whence had come the countless thousands who in that half-century had filed into his humble Mains street office for help.
Dr. Bonine, who retired June 25, 1938, because of failing health had been in critical condition since early June. It was then that he suffered the third of a series of strokes that left him continually weakened. He had been treated on several occasions in Pawating hospital but several weeks ago returned to his home for the last time.
With him at the time of his death was Mrs. Bonine, the former Viva Thomas. Surviving with Mrs. Bonine is their only child, Mrs. Willard French, Detroit, the former Natalie Bonine. He also leaves two grandchildren, Mrs. Joel H. Prescott, Jr., and Sherwin Bonine French, and a great grandson, Joel H. Prescott, all of Detroit.
Body to Lie in State
Before the service, countless friends will pass by his casket, to lie in state in the church sanctuary from noon until the funeral.
The body is now at the Pifer funeral home where friends may call until the casket is removed to the church Monday noon.
Dr. Bonine was Niles' most distinguished citizen.
To those whose cases were hopeless, he spoke words of comfort and brought relief from both physical and mental pain. Thousands in all parts of the world today remember the kindly physician as a friend. Their grief for him is genuine.
The Niles physician's fame was not limited to his professional skill. In the world of sports he achieved records that have come down, many of them unbroken, through more than 50 years. Boxing and foot racing were his favorites.
At the Elks' Club where he often chatted for hours with a group of old friends there was mourning today. From distant cities came messages of sympathy to the bereaved widow and family. In the unpretentious little offices over the Dean Drug store there was gloom and despondency, “The good doctor” was dead.
The son of the late Dr. Evan J. Bonine, Dr. Fred Bonine was born in Niles, east of the terminal in the old Loban Harter residence, Oct. 21, 1863. He lived for many years in the Bonine family home at Fourth and Ferry Streets.
He attended Niles high school, but completed his early education in Freiburg, Germany. Afterward, he was graduated from the University of Michigan medical school, (Continued on Page Two)
then returned to Europe and took graduate work in London and Paris, specializing in eye, ear, nose and throat. . .
Lloyd Marshall
Oct. 31, 1891-June 11, 1930
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Wednesday, June 11, 1930, page 1, col. 5, and page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Carbon monoxide gas from the exhaust of his automobile it is though today took the life of Lloyd Marshall, 38, of 1529 Oak street, one of the proprietors of the States Motor Sales, in the garage at his home. The body of the deceased was found shortly before 10 a.m. By Mearle Wideman of Buchanan, his business partner, and Carson Parker of this city.
This morning Mr. Marshall took his wife the home of her mother, Mrs. Fred Walters, 1507 North Twelfth street, who is ill. He told his wife something was wrong with his car and that he was going to take it back to the garage to fix it.
When Mr. Marshall did not arrive at the State Motor Sales for work this morning, Mr. Wideman went to his home in search of him. When he drove into the yard, he heard the motor of Mr. Marshall's car running in the closed garage, and suspecting that something was wrong, virtually tore the doors open, it is said. Mr. Parker arrived on the heels of Mr. Wideman, as, seeing him driving into the Marshall property and tearing the doors open, he felt that something was wrong.
Marshall's body was found on his face just inside the doors of the garage. The motor of his car was running and Marshall had a screw driver in his hand, indicating that he had been working on the car. A cigar had fallen from his mouth to the floor of the garage near his body. The position of his body indicated that when he felt himself being overcome by the deadly carbon monoxide gas, he tried to make his way to the door.
City firemen and police were called as soon as the body was found and firemen rushed to the Marshall home with a pulmotor. The prone method of artificial respiration was used, however, in an effort to revive the man before a physician arrived. Upon the arrival of the physician, Marshall was pronounced dead.
A coroner's jury was sworn in at the garage by Justice of the Peace Harvey W. Holbrook. The jury, composed of Ray DePoy, Carson Parker, B. Valance, M. Steere, C. Reynolds and Sheridan Cook was directed to meet at the Troost & Augustine Funeral home, to which the body was removed, at 1:50 p.m. today for an inquest.
The deceased was born at Mt. Morris, Ill., on Oct. 31, 1891. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Marshall of Mt. Morris, who with a brother, Walter Marshall, and a sister, Mrs. Otto
Continued on Page 2
Herzfeld, also of Mt. Morris, survive him. He is also survived by his widow, Mrs. Allena Marshall, who before her marriage to Mr. Marshall on Dec. 18, 1923, was Miss Allena Walters, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Walters, 1507 North Twelfth street, this city. He leaves no children.
Since 1923 Mr. Marshall was associated with Mearle Wideman of Buchanan in the business of the States Motor Sales, dealers in Star and Durant automobiles, with headquarters at 309 North Front street, this city.
Funeral arrangements will not be completed until the arrival of relatives from Mt. Morris, Ill.
The jury this afternoon returned a verdict that Mr. Marshall came to his death accidentally as a result of monoxide gas poisoning.
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, June 12, 1930, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL L.W. MARSHALL
Funeral services for Lloyd W. Marshall will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home, 1529 Oak street. The Rev. W.W. Slee, pastor of the Methodist church, will officiate. The American Legion and Masonic orders will assist in the services. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Marshall and Walter Marshall, parents and brother of the deceased, arrived in Niles yesterday afternoon in response to the message announcing his death.
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, June 14, 1930, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library
Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL L.W. MARSHALL
Funeral services for Lloyd W. Marshall were held this afternoon in his home, 1529 Oak street. The Rev. W.W. Slee, pastor of the Methodist church officiated. Mr. and Mrs. Rex Leach sang. Both the American legion and St. Joseph Valley lodge, No. $, F. and A.M., were represented at the funeral. The pallbearers were Robert Burch, Fred Babcock, L.L. Carr, Frank Zecklin, Frank Woods and Leland Funk. Burial was made in Silver Brook cemetery. Mr. Marshall was the victim of monoxide gas in the garage of his home on Thursday morning.
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, June 16, 1930, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Niles News in Brief: HERE FOR FUNERAL
Among those from out of this city who attended the funeral services on Saturday for Lloyd W. Marshall were Mr. and Mrs. John C. Marshall, Walter Marshall, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Herzseldt and children, Matilda Bock, Mrs. D. Bock, Rueben Bock and Clifford Lang, all of Mt. Morris, Ill.
Fred Marshall
April 3, 1876-June 4, 1930
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Wednesday, June 4, 1930, page 4, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library
Fred Marshall, a former resident of Niles and in business here, died quite suddenly this morning at his home in Sturgis. While Mr. Marshall had been in Ill health for several months, his condition was not considered serious until yesterday. This morning Niles relatives were advised that he was very ill and as they were in the midst of preparations to go to Sturgis, a message came announcing his death. His three sisters in Niles, Mrs. Scott Renz, Mrs. Edward H. Paulis and Mrs. Addison Whiteman, also two nieces, Mrs. Mertus Myiars and Mrs. Harvey Coleman, left at once for Sturgis. They plan to return to Niles this evening. They expected that the body will be brought to Niles and burial will be made here.
Mr. Marshall came to Niles from Sturgis and engaged in the billiard and pool room business and also in the restaurant business. He was particularly interested in Baseball and about 15 years ago was the manger of a local team which was part of a Michigan and Indiana league. About five years ago the family moved to Sturgis where Mr. Marshall resumed work in a cutlery polishing factory.
The deceased is survived by a widow, two sons, Fred Jr., who will be graduated in June from University of Michigan, and Donald of Sturgis, and by one brother and four sisters, who are John Marshall and Mrs. Emma Rummel of Sturgis, Mrs. Scott Renz, Mrs. Edward H. Paulis and Mrs. Addison Whiteman of Niles.
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, June 5, 1930, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library
Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL FRED MARSHALL SUN.
Funeral services for Fred Marshall who died in Sturgis Wednesday morning will be held on Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock, daylight savings in the Moon funeral rooms. The body will be brought to Niles for burial in the Marrs family lot in Silver Brook cemetery. The casket will be opened at the grave to permit Niles friends to view the body. The funeral party expect to reach Niles between 3:30 and 4 o'clock. Mr. Marshall who was 54 years of age was born in Meriden, Conn., on April 3 1876. He located to Sturgis when a young man and became one of the charter employes of the Beeidge Shear company. On August 10, 1898, he was married to Lois Marrs of Niles in Niles and soon after they came to Niles to reside. Five years ago the family moved again to Sturgis. Mr. Marshall was a member of the Woodmen of the World order.
Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Monday, June 9, 1930, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Niles News in Brief: FUNERAL FRED MARSHALL
Funeral services for Fred Marshall, formerly of Niles, and a brother of Mrs. Scott Renz, Mrs. E.H. Paulis and Mrs. Addison Whiteman, of Niles, were held on Sunday afternoon in the Moon funeral home in Sturgis. Mr. Marshall and his family moved to Sturgis from Niles five years ago and he died in that city on Wednesday morning. The pastor of the First Presbyterian church conducted the services in Sturgis and accompanied the funeral party to Niles and conducted the committal services at Silver Brook cemetery. A large group of friends, about 30 relatives from out of the city attended the committal services. Mrs. Marshall and her sons remained in Niles at the home of Mrs. Lucy Webber and will be here for a few days.