Obituaries (June 7)

Cyrus Herbert Matteson passed away at the home of Mrs. Berton Matteson, of Rockdale, Wednesday, March 11, at 10:15 P.M., E.W. Time, after a severe illness of 12 days.  Previous to this his health had been unusually good for one nearly 90 years of age.  He was born in Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], April 15, 1852, the son of Ryan Morgan Matteson and Margaret Ward Matteson.  He married Florence Idella Beardslee, April 16, 1879.  She died Oct. 27, 1930.  His only son, Charles Berton Matteson, died Nov. 8, 1937.  His survivors are a daughter Mrs. Homer Kentfield, of New Berlin; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Berton Matteson, of Rockdale; 12 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Grace Barstow, of Brighton, Colo.; two brothers, Elsworth Matteson, of Coventryville, and James M. Matteson, of Jersey City, N.J.; several nieces and nephews and a few cousins.  He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Sidney.  Funeral services were held Saturday in Colwell's Chapel in Bainbridge with Rev. Sidney E. Heath officiating.  Pall-bearers were Hugh Collins, Julian Corbin, Maurice Wilcox and Louis Fairbanks.  The body was placed in Greenlawn vault to await interment in Oulemout Cemetery in Franklin [Delaware Co., NY], in the Spring.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 19, 1942]

 

William A. Danforth, 79, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], and a native of England, died at the Chenango Memorial Hospital Saturday morning.  Mr. Danforth was an employee of the O.&W. Railroad for a period of 50 years working at his trade of painter.  He had been a volunteer fireman for 55 years and is believed to have been the eldest fireman in point of service in central New York and perhaps in the entire state.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 19, 1942]

Final rites for Willis Hyer of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], were held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Carr and Landers Funeral Chapel in Sidney.  The Rev. Graves, former pastor of the Mt. Upton Methodist church, officiated. Burial in Maplewood Cemetery, Mt. Upton.  Mr. Hyer was born at Ideuma [Otsego Co., NY], on Nov. 3, 1868, the son of Henry and Julia (Rowley) Hyer.  He was united in marriage to May Johnson, of Guilford, and they began their married life at what was then the old homestead at Mt. Upton and they have resided there ever since.  Mr. Hyer was a quiet home loving man, a kind and obliging neighbor.  He was highly respected in the community.  He was president for several years of the Maplewood Cemetery Association.  Surviving are his widow, a daughter, Mrs. Harold Teator, of Midland Park, N.J., a son, Robert Hyer, of Waterbury, Conn., one sister, Mrs. James Morgan, of Sidney.  His death occurred Monday at 4 P.M. on March 16.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 26, 1942]

Karl J. Weber, widely known furniture salesman, died at his home, 118 Wilson Place, Jamestown [Chautauqua Co., NY], on March 5.  He is survived by his wife, the former Ruth Peckham, of Bainbridge, daughter of Mrs. Oscar Fletcher who resides in this village; two sons, Karl E Weber and Robert P. Weber, and a daughter, Jeanne A. Weber  Mr. Weber was born in Austria and came to this country as a young man.  He has lived in Jamestown for 27 years.  At the time of his death, he was associated with the Crawford Manufacturing Corp. of Jamestown.  Funeral services were held on March 7, at 213 East Fourth street, Jamestown.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 26, 1942]

Don C. Pratt

 

Don C. Pratt, prominent business man and pioneer automobile mechanic of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], died Friday morning, Mar. 20, in Tampa, Fla, at the age of 62.  Mr. Pratt was the first machinist to take up the repair of automobiles in Bainbridge and in 1920 he built the first garage in the village in South Main street, known as the Bainbridge Garage.  After conducting this business for seven years he was forced to sell out because of poor health.  Two years later, he formed a partnership with his brother, Henry, and erected a new modern garage in North Main street, where he has since continued in business.  Born Aug. 30,. 1879, he was the son of James H. and Ettie (Miner) Pratt, of Bainbridge.  On Feb. 14, 1900, he was united in marriage to Mabel E. Myrick, of Gilbertsville, by the Rev. John H. Frisbee, in Sidney.  As a young boy, he conducted a popcorn and magazine stand near the present Coffee Shop.  At the age of 19, he went to work for the American Separator Co.  After his marriage, he resided in the Charles Clark house, South Main street, where he conducted an automobile repair business, evenings, in a barn, until his erection of the Bainbridge Garage.  He was a member of St. Peter's Church, the Susquehanna Lodge, 167, F.&A.M. and the Norwich Lodge of Elks.  For the past 19 years, Mr. and Mrs. Pratt had spent the winters in Florida because of Mr. Pratt's health.  He had suffered five attacks of pneumonia during his life which made it necessary for him to spend the Winters in a warm climate.  His many friends of the Southern Tier will always remember him for his genuine character, for his willingness to help others and his endearing sense of humor.  Even during his stay in Florida, Don's thoughts were with his home and friends.  He kept his presence eminent by cards and letters continually reminding us of his love for Bainbridge.  On Mar. 5, he was stricken with a heart attack and was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital, Tampa, where he died fifteen days later.  During his illness he was visited by his brother, Henry, who went from New York City to Tampa by plane.  Mrs. Pratt arrived in Bainbridge Monday evening accompanied by a close friend, Mrs. Bert Jones, of Tampa.  The deceased is survived by his widow, a brother, Henry Pratt, of Bainbridge; five sisters, Mrs. Lulu Dardis, of Detroit, Mich.; Mrs. Milo Marble, of Guilford; Mrs. William Hartmann, Mrs. Leo Wheeler and Mrs. Ralph Getter, all of Bainbridge; one aunt, Mrs. Angeno Hodge, one uncle, Don C. Pratt, both of Bainbridge; and several nieces and nephews.  Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock, Susquehanna Lodge, 167 F.&A.M. conducted funeral services at Colwell's Chapel, the R.W. Hugh E. Collins, past district deputy of the Broome-Chenango Masonic district, in charge, assisted by Otto F. Neidlinger, Master.  Following the Masonic service, the Norwich Lodge of Elks, held a service. Wednesday afternoon a prayer service was held at the house with the Rev. S.E. Health officiating.  At 4:30 Wednesday afternoon, funeral services were held in St. Peter's Church with the Rev.  J.T. Collar, of Aurora, officiating.  Bearers were:  H.C.  Newell, Fred Robbins, L.H. Hartmann, Frank Lewis, G.M. Skinner and Ray Searles.  Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 26, 1942]