Helen Mary Montague 
March 10, 1875-Feb. 27, 1903

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, February 28, 1903, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

SLEEPING IN PEACE
Sorrow Attendant Upon Visitation of “Angel of Death”
DEAR ONES ARE GONE

Mrs. Helen Montague Called Beyond While Still in the June of Life's Summer

MRS. HELEN MONTAGUE

Helen Mary Quimby, wife of Charles M. Montague, and daughter of the late Captain and Mrs. Quimby, passed away at her home on North Fourth street, Feb. 27, 1903. She was born at Fort Davis, Texas, March 10, 1875.

One year after the death of her father, in 1883, the family came to Niles, where they have since resided.

Mrs. Montague united with the Presbyterian church in 1896. She graduated from the Niles High school with the class of 1895 and in 1897 from the Michigan Seminary at Kalamazoo. She was married Sept. 20, 1899, to Charles M. Montague.

At the time of her death, she was president of the Seepewa Reading club. In this, as in every other work of her life, her bright intellect served her purpose well. Her force of character, her faculty of accomplishing any task assigned or chosen, her fine artistic capabilities were an inspiration for those who knew her best. Words are bu useless portrayals of a life which seemingly was all too short; yet stands well posed in the balance with those of many years. She cannot be forgotten. The influence of her happy, genial spirit will ever linger in the hearts and homes of hosts of friends.

Besides her husband, she leaves a brother and two sisters, Charles and Alice Quimby of this city and Mrs. Harry W. Cook of New York City.

The funeral services will be held from the late residence, Monday, March 2, at 2 p.m., Rev. J.G. Lowrie officiating. Interment will be at Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, March 5, 1903, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

HAND OF DEATH
Brings Sorrow into Three Homes in Niles

MONTAGUE

Entered into rest on February 27th, Helen Mary Quimby Montague. She was born at Fort Davis, Texas, March 10, 1875; graduated from Niles High School in 1865[sic] and from the Kalamazoo seminary in 1897. She was married to Charles Marion Montague Dept. 20, 189999, and is survived by her husband, two sister, Miss Alice Quimby, of Niles and Mrs. Harry Cook, of New York city, and a brother, Charles Quimby of Niles. She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church and the beloved president of the Seepewa Club. The funeral services will be held at the home of Mrs. John A. Montague at 2 o'clock on Monday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Lowrie officiating.

To those who read “between the lines', this announcement tells the sad story of a home made desolate by the loss of a tender, inning presence and the hearts which ache with longing, through feeling that she has found “peace, perfect peace.”

Gifted with unusual artistic talent, yet simple and unpretentious, all who knew her will felt the influence of her earnest and practical religion, her absolute truthfulness, her devotion to the Presbyterian church, her Christian charity as shown in ministering with her own hands to the poor and afflicted and her brightness in social life, where she fulfilled the requirements with the conscientiousness which was her distinguishing characteristic:

“God's peace be with thee pure and spotless soul!

Few pass away so free from earthly stain,

His spirit whisper (while the death bells told)

“Courage, sad hearts! We shall all meet again,””

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, Mar 5, 1903, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

News of the Week: Saturday: The funeral services for the late Mrs. Helen Quimby Montague and the late Miss Jennie Charles were held this afternoon, one at 2 o'clock the other at 3:30, and their remains now rest in the silent tomb at peaceful Silver Brook cemetery.

John A. Montague
Dec. 28, 1841-Jan. 30, 1903

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Friday, January 30, 1903, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

CAPT. MONTAGUE WAS WIDELY KNOWN
Sudden and Unexpected Demise of Mrs. Walter A. Noble This Morning

John A. Montague passed away last evening at 7:30 o'clock at his home on North Fourth street, after an extended illness, he having been confined to the house for a period of upwards of three months. When it became known a week ago that he was dangerously ill, those who knew him in his former rugged strength and vigor were not only anxious, but apprehensive, for they were sure it was no trifling matter. It was soon learned that Mr. Montague was sinking gradually, despite all efforts to counteract his disease, and the worst fears were realized last evening when he sank peacefully into the dreamless sleep.

Sketch of his Life

John A. Montague was born in Conneautville, Crawford county, Pas., Dec. 25, 1841. While a young man he held a position in the postal department at Washington, and at the breaking out of the civil war, he enlisted and went into the fight as 1st. Lieutenant of the 137th Pennsylvania Regular Volunteers. His ability, courage and intrepidity on the field soon won recognition and he was promoted to the captaincy of the 56th Pennsylvania Regular Volunteers, which office he filled in a most creditable manner.

In 1867 the deceased came to Niles, and since that time had been continuously engaged in the hardware business. His mercantile career was characterized by earnest, intense and untiring work. He was distinguished for ability and character.

Such men are not found in every hamlet, nor yet in every city. Indeed, too few of them are found among the millions. He was notably a man of character, and when we say this we do not mean merely that he was honest in his dealings; that he got what he to honestly. Most men do that. We mean that he had characteristics; that his was a personality standing out in bold relief, and not to be lost to view as a unit in the mass.

John A. Montague had no religion if by religion we mean adherence to any church or cult, but he was deeply religious in the deeper and broader sense. His religion was to do his duty as he saw it and let the consequences take care of themselves. Above all things he believed in one world at a time:

That the way from world to world

Lies o'er the finished business of a world'

Duties undone and functions unperformed

Fasten regrets u[upon the memory,

Soul wearying burdens. No place is so fit.

Nor time so opportune, nor need so great

To do earth's duties upon the earth.

So believing he lived his life and met death fearlessly. From the time that he took to his bed he believed that the end was near, but he was ready.

Fraternally the deceased was identified with St. Joseph Valley Lodge, No. 4, F.&A.M.; St. Joseph Valley chapter, No. 2, R.A.M.; Niles Commandery No. 12, Knights Templar and K.O.T.M., No. 90.

The deceased is survived by a widow; one son, Charles M. Montague; one brother, W.H. Montague, of Conneautville, Pas., and two sisters, Mrs. J. Balard, of Cambridge Springs, Pa., and Mrs. T.D. Irwin, of Conneautville, Pa.

Funeral Announcement

The funeral will take place from the home on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, under the auspices of the Blue Lodge of Masons, Rev. C.J. DeCoux officiating. Interment at Silver Brook.

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, February 5, 1903, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

The funeral of the late Capt. John A. Montague was held at his residence on Fourth street yesterday at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. J.C. DeCoux was the officiating minister and a prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. J.G. Lowrie. Two sets of bearers bore the remains, one consisting of Masons and the other of Mr. Montague's four employes. The service at the grave was conducted by the Masons, James M. Babcock, as acting Worshipful Master, read the ritual. W.H. Montague, of Conneautville, Pa., a brother of the deceased, and Mr. and Mrs. Bolard, of Cambridge Springs, attended the funeral.

Jennie O. Langston (McBain)
Sept. 10, 1886-June 12, 1930

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Friday, June 13, 1930, page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library.

MRS. HARDY LANGSTON PASSES AWAY AFTER TWO YEAR ILLNESS

Mrs. Jennie McBain Langston, wife of Hardy Langston, Sr., and mother of five children, the youngest of whom is less than three years of age, died last evening at 8:45 in the home of her mother, Mrs. Fannie McBain, widow of Charles McBain, 8 N. St. Joseph Ave. Mrs. Langston had been in ill health for more than two years and during the time she had an operation. About two weeks ago when she became seriously ill she was removed from her home at 18 N. St. Joseph avenue to her mother's home.

Mrs. Langston was born in Niles on September 10, 1886 and was an only child of her parents. She attended the Niles public school grades and high school. She was married 20 years ago to Mr. Langston, who survives. Besides her husband and mother she is survived by her children. Hardy, Jr., a member of the '30 class of the Niles high school. Mrs. Donna Walls, wife of J.J. Walls, Keith, Barbara and Jacqueline, all at home except Mrs. Walls who is a resident of Buchanan. Mrs. Langston's father died in 1923. Mrs. Langston had spent her entire life in Niles and by birth and marriage was connected with two pioneer families of Niles and vicinity. The bereaved family have the sympathy of a wide acquaintance. Mrs. Langston was a member of Trinity Episcopal church and of Niles Chapter Order of the Eastern Star.

The funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 3:30 in the home of Mrs. McBain. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, June 14, 1930, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library.

Niles News in Brief: HERE FOR FUNERAL

Among those from out of the city who are here to attend the funeral services for Mrs. Hardy Langston this afternoon are W.H. Orr of Atchison, Kans., an uncle of the deceased, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Andrews of Jackson and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Archer of Benton Harbor. Mrs. Andrews and Mrs. Archer are sisters of Mrs. Langston. Mrs. Susan Krell who had been visiting in Jackson came home last evening with Mr. and Mrs. Andrews to attend the funeral services. The services will be held at 3:30 in the home of Mrs. Langston's mother, Mrs. Charles McBain, 8 N. St. Joseph avenue. The Rev. W. Keith Chidester will officiate. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Jennie Charles
June 5, 1844-Feb. 28, 1903

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, March 5, 1903, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library; from Niles Daily Star, Saturday, Feb. 28, 1903

HAND OF DEATH
Brings Sorrow into Three Homes in Niles

CHARLES

At 3:30 o'clock this morning the gentle spirit of Miss Jennie Charles passed to its reward. She had been confined to her room for the past four months with tubercular trouble but up to last week had seemed to improve. Her condition, however, had gradually been growing more serious since.

Miss Charles has been a resident of Niles for many years and had endeared her herself to everyone with whom she came in contact by her sweet and sunny disposition. Those who knew her more intimately could best appreciate her sterling qualities, giving them a daily lesson in cheerfulness under adverse circumstance. She was a devout member of the Baptist church, having at heart always the good of the church. She is survived by her neice[sic], Miss Edna Randall, who has devoted her life to the care and happiness of her aunt, studying her every wish and well being first and last and bringing sunshine to the patient sufferer and other relatives.

Miss Charles was a native of western New York but had been a resident of Niles for upwards of thirty-five years. The family moved to Union, Mich., in the first place and later came to Niles where the deceased's father, the late R.K. Charles, was engaged in the dry goods business.

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, Mar 5, 1903, page 5, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

News of the Week: Saturday: The funeral services for the late Mrs. Helen Quimby Montague and the late Miss Jennie Charles were held this afternoon, one at 2 o'clock the other at 3:30, and their remains now rest in the silent tomb at peaceful Silver Brook cemetery.

Rufus K. Charles
1815-March 28, 1884

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, April 2, 1884, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Rufus K. Charles, Esq., died March 28th. He was born in Guilford, North Carolina, in 1815, and came with his father's family to Ohio in 1819, and removed to Baldwins Prairie, Cass Co, Mich., Sept. 16th, 1830. Soon after the death of his brother Martin, he removed to Niles in 1865 to take charge of the business interests and settle up his estate, and has continued to reside here up to the time of his death. He was Justice of the Peace for a long term of years, and after coming to Niles was elected to the office of Coroner of the county, which office he held for several terms. He was supervisor of 2d and 3d wards for several years. He was a man of strict integrity, and was honored and respected wherever known.

Buchanan Record, Thursday, April 3, 1884, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

RUFUS K. CHARLES, an old resident of Niles City and for a number of years a member of the Board of Supervisors, died at his home Friday evening. Aged 70 years.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, April 5, 1884, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Rufus K. Charles, an old and esteemed citizen, died on Friday last, aged 65 years. He came to Michigan with his parents in 1830, and removed to this city in 1865, taking control of and settling up the business of his brother, Martin V.B. Charles. He held the office of Coroner for several terms and served several terms in succession as Supervisor of the 2nd and 3rd wards. He had been confined to his home for a long time owing to a stroke of paralysis which unfitted him for active duties.

Adelaide Rea Taylor
Jan. 31, 1862-Feb. 27, 1903

Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Saturday, February 28, 1903, page 2, col. 2-3, microfilm Niles District Library

SLEEPING IN PEACE
Sorrow Attendant Upon Visitation of “Angel of Death”
DEAR ONES ARE GONE

MRS. CHARLES TAYLOR

Mrs. Adelaide Rea Taylor, wife of Charles C. Taylor, died last night at 8:30 o'clock at her home on North Fifth street, of Bright's disease, aged 41 years. The deceased came her last September with her husband and family from Chicago, he being in the employ of the National Printing and Engraving company. During her brief residence here, Mrs. Taylor made a number of warm friends who deplore her taking off. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children, two girls and one boy;' also a mother and two sisters, all of whom with one exception--that of the youngest sister—were at the bedside when the end came.

The funeral will take place from the house tomorrow morning at 11.

Niles Republican (Niles, Berrien Co., MI), Thursday, March 5, 1903, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

HAND OF DEATH
Brings Sorrow into Three Homes in Niles

TAYLOR

Mrs. Charles Taylor died last night after a severe illness. She was the wife of Charles Taylor, an employee in the shipping department of the National Printing and Engraving Company. Mrs. Taylor was about forty years of age and was the mother of three children, two girls and one boy.

The funeal[sic] services will be held at the house, 704 north Fifth street tomorrow morning at eleven o'clock, the Rev. Charles Ager officiating. The remains will be laid to rest in Silver Brook cemetery.