Obituaries (December 2)

Mary Lewis - 1879

It is with painful feelings that we record the death of Mrs. Mary Lewis, which occurred at her late residence in McDonough, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], January 15, 1879.  She was formerly of this place and her remains were brought  here for burial.  She had scarcely reached the prime of life, being only 36 years of age at the time of her death, and was consequently cut down in the flower of womanhood.  A contemporary honors her life, her departure, and her memory with a sketch of her many virtues and noble traits, in the following language:  "She was a woman of much moral, industrious, provident, gentle, affable; a dutiful wife, an affectionate sister, and a faithful friend.  Her memory will ever be cherished by the many who knew her but to love her."  Her long illness was borne with calm resignation and Christian fortitude; her attendants never heard a single word of impatience, or of complaint, or of murmur escape her lips; anxious for the sake of others to get well, yet perfectly willing to die if the Lord so willed, and for death she was not unprepared.  But she has gone from us to the beautiful summer land on the other shore, leaving us the example of  her amiable qualities, her eminent virtues, a life of usefulness, and a triumphant departure on the long pathway of eternity.  She has gone only a little in advance of admiring friends and sorrowing relatives in whose hearts and memories she still lives, and in whose affections she can never die.  What we call death is only a brief separation--the bridge that spans the narrow gulf between time and eternity--and although time may not heal the wounded hearts of those who have taken the last look at the earthly remains of a daughter, friend, and companion, it will, it must, hasten the period of reunion and mutual recognition.  May we all exercise that living faith which gives abundant assurance that we will rejoin one who has gone before, and may we so order our lives that we may realize the sense of the poets words when he says:  There is no death; what seems so is transition.  This life of mental breath is but a suburb of the life elysian whose portals we call death.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 30, 1879]

 

Albert C. Latham - 1883

 

Yaleville [Chenango Co., NY]:  Another of our old and esteemed citizens has been called to his reward.  Albert C. Latham died at his residence on Monday evening last, aged fifty-five years.  Deceased was the only son of the late John Latham, and was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  In 1849 his father was elected County Clerk, and removed with his family to this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Since that time, with the exception of a few years spent in the west, he has resided in this village, and was for a time a partner with the late Ralph Johnson in the hardware trade.  In 1864 he entered the National Bank of Norwich as bookkeeper, and afterwards became teller, which position he held until a few months since, when compelled by failing health to relinquish it.  In all the relations of life he was a strictly upright, conscientious man.  For many years an active member of the Baptist Church, he has discharged the duties of Librarian and Superintendent of the Sunday School with marked ability, and endeared himself to his associate, by his consistent Christian life.  As a business man he was industrious, correct and thorough. Socially he was genial, courteous, companionable. he will be missed in our community, but how sadly in the home circle, where his stricken widow mourns his departure.  Funeral services will be held at his late residence on Hayes Street Thursday afternoon at four o'clock, Rev. H.A. Delano officiating.

William Barr - 1894

William Barr, lately a resident of Brooklyn, died in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] on Wednesday, Sept. 26th, 1894, Aged 26 years. Mr. Barr and his wife came to Guilford from Brooklyn a little over two months ago.  He was in very poor health when he came but hoped to derive much benefit from the pure water and fresh air of Guilford.  Instead of improving in health however he gradually failed till Wednesday last when he quietly passed away in the comfort of a reasonable and holy hope.  He was attended during his sickness by his devoted wife who was kindly assisted by Mr. F.B. Robinson and family at whose house they were staying.  His body was taken to Brooklyn for burial.  [Guilford Mail, October 1894]

 

Amos Alcott - 1894

 

Died in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] August 23d, 1894, Amos Alcott aged 86 years.  A brief sketch of the life of this venerable representative of the early part of the nineteenth century may not be entirely without interest to many of your readers.  Uncle Amos as we all knew him was born in the town of Columbus, Chenango County in 1808 of New England parents.  His early life was devoted to farming, and mechanical work in both branches of which he was successful.  As a millright architect and builder he was favorably known in this and adjoining counties.  in 1836 he was married to Catherine Bennett daughter of James Bennett, one of the pioneer settlers on the Chenango River in the town of Oxford. Four years [later] he purchased and moved on to the farm where he spent the remainder of his life. To them were born eight children, four of whom survive him, his wife having passed away in 1884 at the mature age of nearly four score years.  As a father, husband and neighbor although never having united with any church, many who make larger professions, might with profit to themselves, pattern after his life's example.  [Guilford Mail, October 1894]

 

Archie J. McEschern - 1894

Toronto, Canada

 

It is our sad duty this week to chronicle the death of one of the most promising pupils of our sections Archie J. McEschern.  Just in his 16th year, yet cherishing in his mind high ambitions for a life of usefulness, he was taken away before the care of this life had yet fallen upon him, plucked by the all wise hand of Providence, as a bud ready to open its fragrance and beauty to the work around it.  In his studies at school Archie was diligent and attentive, always accosted with a desire to have himself prepared for the duties of manhood when he was called to them, and had in many respects traits of character and mind which often show themselves only in maturer years.  By his death many a tie of intimate friendship has been broken, and many are left to mourn the loss of one we loved.  The section extend to his bereaved friends their warm and heartfelt sympathy. [Guilford Mail, October 1894]