Emma Christina Niebling, daughter of Jacob Michael (1848 Germany - 1936) and Eliza Louise “Lizzie” (Horning; maiden surname spelling on her death certificate) (1858-1940) Niebling, was born 20 January 1877, Washtenaw County, Michigan. Emma was about 6 weeks of age when her parents moved to Okemos and she received her first 8 years of education in the old Okemos school house. She was listed as a student on the 1888 Okemos Union School enrollment.
After completing 8th grade Emma went on to attend high school in Williamston where she graduated, participating in the commencement ceremony 24 June 1897. Emma furthered her education and graduated from Michigan State Normal School, Ypsilanti, with a teaching certificate and, along with good friend Caroline Bray of Okemos, took the “teacher's exam” at Williamston on 18-19 October 1900. Passing, she was certified to teach 3rd grade in Ingham County. Emma for the next 40 plus years dedicated herself to teaching within Ingham County, in and around Okemos and Williamston. She never married. For at least 4 decades Emma remained living in her parents home in Meridian Township. In 1949 her address, listed in the Okemos directory, was recorded as Hamilton Road.
Emma's father Jacob was an officer in Meridian Township for many years. In 1936, with seriously declining health, Jacob took his own life. His wife Lizzie passed away in 1940. Their farm was, according to census, situated along Okemos Road.
Emma retired from teaching about 1945. She was always involved in numerous clubs and activities in the Okemos area and remained very active right up until her death. She died in her home, in her own bed, 8 April 1960 and was interred near her parents in Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.
Niebling, Emma (never married) Williamston school graduation The State Republican Thursday June 17, 1897
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Neibling, Emma (never married) teaching, Lansing State Journal, 22 Nov 1901
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Niebling, Jacob, (father of Emma) obit, Lansing State Journal, 24 April 1936, Page 6
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Niebling, Emma (never married) oldest teacher at Okemos, Lansing State Journal, 25 Oct 1936, Page 13
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Niebling, Eliza Louise, (mother of Emma) obit, Lansing State Journal, 4 June 1940, Page 15
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Niebling, Emma (never married) obit Lansing State Journal Saturday April 9, 1960
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