Obituaries (December 9)

Daniel Somers Bristol - 1912

Friends in Sidney, Bainbridge and vicinity were deeply pained last Sunday morning, 15th inst., to learn of the death of Daniel Somers Bristol, who after a useful and well spent life, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles A. Wood, in this village [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY], at the age of 85 years.  Those who knew this excellent character, while the lamp of life shined more brightly, can best appreciate the depth of sorrow into which the afflicted ones are plunged.  Faithful until the end was the loyalty of those about him, more especially his daughter to whom the good father was bound by ties of the most tender affection.  Every want was ministered to with that zeal and devotion which true filial love alone can inspire.  His was a life well spent, one that ended glorious in its peacefulness. We expect next week to give a more extended review of Mr. Bristol's life, most of which was spent in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] only the last five years being spent in Sidney.  On Wednesday, 18th, funeral services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Weller, Rector of St. Peter's church in Bainbridge, at the family home in Sidney and the interment held in the beautiful Hillington cemetery at Morris, N.Y.  Mr. Bristol is survived by one son, Adelbert Bristol, of Bainbridge and Mrs. C.A. Wood, of Sidney. The deepest sympathy is extended to the afflicted family; their loss is shared by the entire community.  [Sidney Record, Dec. 21, 1912]

 

Daniel Somers Bristol

 

Daniel Somers Bristol, was born near Hamilton, Madison county, June 5th, 1828, educated at Smyrna Academy, united in marriage on Feb. 20th, 1851, by Rev. W.H. Hill, Rector of Zion Episcopal church, Morris, to Miss Sarah Elizabeth  Nearing, only child of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nearing, of Morris, N.Y.  Later on Mr. Bristol engaged in various branches of business until in the latter part of his business life the firm name of Bristol & Card was a guarantee of all that is satisfactory and dependable to the insurance branch of business; indeed a more pleasing and courteous solicitor could not be found.  In his kindly interest in the welfare of his patrons, a warm place in their hearts and a hearty welcome to their homes, was the outcome of his untiring efforts in their behalf.  In his early years, he enjoyed the companionship of two sisters and three brothers, now, only one dear invalid sister, Mrs. Mary J. Hollenbeck, , of Belvidere, Ill., survives him.  they were a remarkable family in their tender, considerate love for one another and as she recently remarked, from a wee child, "brother Daniel was, as is, my model man."  A zealous and faithful churchman, serving as treasurer, vestryman and Sunday School Superintendent of St. Peter's Episcopal church of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], happy in joining in the service of prayer and praise of the mother church.  Aye!  Almost beyond belief, was his heartfelt enjoyment of these services, especially the musical part, gifted with a sweet and correct voice, he never missed in his earlier years, singing as did the Psalmist of old, "Bless the Lord, O My Soul, and All That is Within Me, Bless His Holy Name."  Agnes B. Wood, of Sidney, and J.D. Bristol, of Bainbridge, are his only surviving children, three grandchildren, Herbert Bristol, of New York, Mrs. Mae E. Greene and Master Daniel C. Bristol, of Bainbridge, and one great-granddaughter, little Florence Greene, are the only survivors of the immediate family of this dearly beloved man.  Genial, honorable, true, beloved all the country through, was our dear father; on bended knee, with bowed head, lovingly, we speak his name, with choking sobs, and blinding tears, his priceless worth proclaim.---His Children [Sidney Record, Dec. 28, 1912]



Stearns A. Williams - 1913

Stearns A. Williams

Last Monday morning, 13th inst., the announcement of the death of Stearns A. Williams, brought an added sorrow into the hearts of the numerous and cordial friends of the family in this community.  Although it had been apparent that the inevitable summons must come, yet grief was none the less poignant to a devoted family and beloved friends.  Two years ago Mr. Williams' serious illness, which nearly proved fatal, result in a physical decline.  It was as though a staunch ship that had braved the storms had struck a rock; after that the journey soon ends.  On the 16th of December another attack removed all hopes of recovery.  It is quite customary to say kind words of friends who have gone "to that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler ever returns."  But with Mr. Williams it is not necessary to follow mere traditions.  Nature had endowed him with the attribute of love for the Brotherhood of Man which God alone can inspire.  During a residence of ten years in Sidney[Delaware Co., NY] the family endeared themselves to many friends, who now deeply sympathize with the relatives who best knew his worth but more especially his widow, who now parts with a devoted husband, a loyal, true hearted companion for thirty-five years.  Mr. Williams, in his immediate family, is survived by his widow; one brother, W.W. Williams, of Cobleskill, N.Y.; three sisters, Mrs. Helen Humphrey, of Binghamton, Mrs. Loren Goodrich, of Worcester, N.Y., and Mrs. Howard Bennett, of Bainbridge, N.Y.  Before coming to Sidney ten years ago, the family resided for many years at Cortland, Wolcott and at Penn Yan, N.Y.  Mr. Williams was a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory of Syracuse; Cortland Commandery and Bainbridge Lodge, F.&A.M.  The services were held Wednesday afternoon, 15th inst., at the family home on Bridge street.  Rev. Ernest Russell Ladbrook, Rector of St. Paul's church officiating.  A large number of beautiful floral remembrances were in evidence from friends, the family and lodges.  The casket was of solid mahogany, ordered by Carr & Hare from Oneida, N.Y.  The bearers were, James L. Clark, F.H. McKinnon, H.J. Godfrey, Physician Young, Frank Butterfield, Myron J. Kipp.  The interment was held in the family, facing the West slope of Prospect Hill cemetery [Sidney, NY].  [January  1913]

Mrs. Charles Spencer - 1913

Last Tuesday afternoon when the O&W milk train arrived at Sidney, there was witnessed a very sad homecoming.  On January 27 Mr. & Mrs. Charles Spencer started for a visit with relatives and friends in the West, a visit they had long planned and looked forward to.  While in Bridgeville, Mich., at the home of Mrs. Gardner, a sister of Mrs. Spencer, the latter was taken ill with a cold on Saturday night, the 8th inst. and died at 2:30 Sunday morning, the direct cause of death being due to goiter.  Her sudden death was a great shock to the family, and neighbors and friends were very kind and did everything in their power.  Mrs. Spencer resided in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] many years and was always highly esteemed by many friends as a good, devoted mother and wife; one who always tried to do right, giving her whole time and best efforts for her family.  Her loss at the age of 46 years is a very sad one indeed for the home circle, leaving a husband, Charles Spencer and six children to mourn her loss.  The deepest sympathy of friends is expressed in behalf of the afflictions. Funeral services were held on Thursday Feb. 13th, at 2:00 PM, Rev David MacDonald officiating at the family home on Riverside Dr. followed by interment in Prospect Hill Cemetery [Sidney, NY].  [February 1913]

Lavina Silvernail - 1913

The death of Mrs. Lavina Silvernail, occurred at her home in Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], on Monday, Sept. 1st.  The deceased died in her 90th year, and is survived by one son, Mr. Charles Silvernail, who is a resident of Masonville.  Services were held at the Baptist church in the above named village on Thursday of this week.  Mr. and Mrs. James Jameson, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Jameson, of Sidney, and Mrs. G.L. Holcomb, of Middletown, relatives of the deceased, attended the funeral.  [September 1913]

Sarah Stillwell - 1913

 

Expressions of regret are everywhere heard regarding the death at her home near Afton [Chenango Co. NY], on the 1st inst. of Mrs. Sarah Stillwell, wife of Mr. Page Stillwell, for many years residents of Sidney [Delaware Co. NY], well known and highly respected.  Mrs. Stillwell was an invalid for a great many years and her death was due to an illness of about two weeks.  In her immediate family Mrs. Stillwell is survived by her husband, Page Stilwell, two sons, and one daughter, Mrs. H.S. Wilber, of Binghamton.  The services were held at the family home near Afton last Saturday and interment was held in Prospect Hill cemetery in Sidney. The heartfelt sympathy of all is extended to the ones in affliction.  [October 1913]

Agnes Bristol Wood - 1913

Friends in town were deeply pained Monday morning, 8th inst., to learn of the death at her home in this village of Mrs. Agnes Bristol Wood.  Comparatively few were aware of her illness and surprise was added to the pain of the news.  Mrs. Wood had resided most of her lifetime in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and located in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] about five years ago after her marriage to the late Charles Wood.  Her father and mother Mr. and Mrs. D. Bristol both died  a few years ago, and her grief was greatly intensified by the death of her husband.  Mrs. Wood was of keen intelligence and a kind heart; her life's sorrows were more than she could bear, gradually the earth seemed to fade away from her, then came illness which her physical frame could not withstand.  As a writer of prose and poetry Mrs. Wood had few equals and her conversation was always interesting.  Her death will long be deeply mourned by a large circle of friends both in Bainbridge as well as Sidney. The services will be held at the family home at 10 o'clock Thursday morning, 11th inst.  Mrs. Wood was laid to rest in the Morris Cemetery [Otsego Co., NY] by the side of her husband.  To the afflicted family is offered the deepest sympathies of all.  Mrs. Wood is survived by Herbert Bristol of New York and brother D.S. Bristol, of Bainbridge [December 1913]

  

Minnie Beardsley - 1944

Mrs. Minnie Beardsley died Thursday, Oct. 26 in the Stevens Hospital in Walton as a result of injuries received the previous Saturday in a truck-car crash in the village of Walton [Delaware Co., NY].  Mrs. Beardsley suffered a fractured skull, fractured left forearm, compound fracture of the left thigh, possible fracture of one or more ribs.  Her left thumb was torn off, her left leg terribly cut and gouged and her right leg, arms, and face severely cut and bruised.  She never regained consciousness although blood transfusions, blood plasma and penicillin were used.  Mrs. Beardsley lived on a small farm at Loomis, about six miles west of Walton, on the Masonville road.  Accompanied by Charles Walker, she had been to the village and at the time of the accident Walker was driving her truck westerly along Mead street from Townsend street. Burton Wayman, of Walton, home on furlough from Sampson Naval Training center, was driving southerly down Liberty street in a car.  Mr. Walker stated that on reaching the Mead-Liberty street intersection, he stopped the truck and waited for a car coming up Liberty street to pass, but did not notice the Nash car coming down the street and started to go on.  The Nash car crashed into the side of the truck, which was thrown diagonally from near the center of the intersection until it hit the curb where it came to a stop headed in the opposite direction.  The Nash came to a stop near the curb on the other side of the street.  As the truck spun around after the crash, the right door flew open and Mrs. Beardsley was thrown violently out, a wheel resting across her legs.  So extremely severe was the nature of her injuries that little hope of her recovery was entertained from the first, but nothing was left undone, on the chance that her marvelous vitality might carry her through.  The end came Thursday shortly after noon.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 2, 1944]