Frank Merrill, the oldest son of Dwight Merrill of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], met with an accident on Monday afternoon last which resulted in his death. The facts as near as we can gather them are as follows: Frank was engaged in driving a team for Mr. Hamilton Mirsh, and had gone upon the east hill to a lot owned by Mr. Newton, for a load of bark. While coming down the hill with his load, he was observed by Mr. Edmonds who was some distance off, trying to keep his load, which was tottling and sliding forward, from slipping off, when suddenly Mr. E. saw Frank slip off the front end of the load under the wagon. Mr. E. ran to him as soon as possible, but he was unable to speak. One of his legs was broken twice, and his head and chest were badly bruised and crushed. He survived only about an hour after the accident. Frank was about sixteen years of age, and was a bright active boy and beloved by all who knew him. The blow comes with a crushing weight upon his father and mother, with whose tears are mingled the warmest sympathies of the whole community. [Chenango Telegraph, June 10, 1863]
Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]: Sylvester, a son of Mr. Gomes, the butcher, of Oxford, was drowned in the river on Saturday. The accident occurred at the slaughter house, which is situated upon the bank of the river just below the dam. This boy and another of about the same age were playing in the slaughter house, having been engaged in throwing worms into the water to see the fish jump to catch them when young Gomes lost his balance and fell out of the door into the river a distance of about ten feet. At this point there is a powerful eddy, with an undercurrent that draws all light objects under, and the boy disappeared at once. His father, who was near when he fell, plunged in and remained in the water nearly half an hour, searching for him, but to no purpose. The body was not recovered till near noon on Sunday. Mr. Gomes was very near drowning himself, and a boat had to be sent to his assistance before he could be taken from the water. The boy was about fourteen years old. [Chenango Telegraph, June 10, 1863]
SCOTT: Killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863, Mr. Stephen A. Scott, Co. G, 61st Reg., N.Y.S.V., aged 20 years and 8 months. Only 7 months before, his only brother died in the army of typhoid fever they have an only sister who deeply mourns their loss.
Though I mourn thy loss dear brother,
All thy conflicts now are o'er
The aching head is calmly resting,
Safe beyond the battle's roar.
For thy country thou dids't venture,
To engage in the deadly strife.
And while upon the field of battle,
Quickly yielded up thy life.
[ Chenango Telegraph, Sept. 16, 1863]
On Friday afternoon between five and six o'clock, the little four-year old son of D.R. Eells, who resides in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] at the little settlement known as "Georgetown," on the road to the county house, was found floating in a pool of water under the bridge that spans the creek at that point. He was dead when discovered and taken from the water by an elder sister. Mr. Eells is a painter by trade, who has been working in Guilford during the summer, and was away at his work at the time. The last seen of the boy alive was about five o'clock, when he and his sister were playing in the highway near the bridge. Later the sister discovered that he was missing, and that a sprinkling pot or pail that he had with him was on the abutment of the bridge. Going to the place, she saw her brother partly submerged in the water under the bridge. She alarmed an elder sister, who drew the body, for life was extinct, from the pool. Owing to the drought there is not much water in the creek except at this place, which is quite a deep hole that had been washed out by floods. There was a bruise on the boy's forehead, and it is supposed that he had attempted to get some water from the creek and stood on a loose flat stone that was most convenient for that purpose, which tipped and threw him into the creek. In the fall he must have struck his head on stones that lined the edge of the pool, which so stunned him that he was unable to help himself or make an out cry and was drowned.
The remains of John Ogden were brought here Monday night and the funeral services were held Tuesday forenoon at 10:30 o'clock, burial at Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]. Mr. Ogden went to Connecticut a short time ago to visit friends and relatives, but before he had been there very long he received a shock. He continued to grow worse until Sunday when he died.
Mrs. John Ogden died Monday morning a the age of 77 years. The funeral was held at the house Wednesday at 1 o'clock, Rev. M.S. Godshall, officiating. The body was taken to Riverview cemetery, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], for burial. She leaves a husband and one daughter, Mrs. Cornelius Brooks. [1897]
Ellen M. Ogden, only child of John and Betsey Ogden, was born Feb. 2, 1844. She was married to Cornelius Brooks Jan. 15, 1863, and died at her home in Guilford, April 21, 1897. For many years she was a consistent and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Though subject to deep affliction and intense suffering, her life was characterized by strong faith and Christ like submission, and her womanly gentleness and sweet disposition were an inspiration and a benediction to all with whom she associated. The funeral services were largely attended from her late residence, and conducted by Rev. M.S Godshall who officiated at the funeral of her only son, Clarence, in 1895, and also at the funeral of her aged mother a few weeks since. Interment in Riverview cemetery, Oxford. An aged father, a husband and one daughter survive her--Oxford Times
Miss Maud Nichols was born at North Afton [Chenango Co., NY] Sept. 8th, 1881, and died at the same place last Wednesday, Feb. 3d. The report of her death was a startling surprise to the community where she lived and her many friends at a distance who were not aware that she was sick. The nature of the disease that hastened her death was not known, but the physician thinks that possibly there was an internal abscess, which on discharging did the fatal work that took from the home a much beloved daughter, and from the community one whom everybody cherished as a dear friend, for she was a favorite with all. Dying at the early age of fifteen at a time when her bereft parents were planning and arranging for her future as to school life, for it was hoped she might receive an education, but it was not to be, nevertheless. She was a beautiful character, had a pure life, for she was learning in the school of Christ, was being fashioned and developed. She loved her Bible and in her brief life actualized the precepts and principles therein taught. Among her schoolmates who mourn her loss she was the peacemaker, the arbitrator, always striving to settle the little differences and grievances among the younger scholars. Indeed, with them Maud was a bright, loving, kind sister. Her religious life as to outward profession, was very brief, but long before our dear friend had confessed Christ, she was persuaded of the need of salvation and at the revival meetings held last December she with others knelt at the altar, expressed her desire to become a Christian and the first Sabbath afternoon of the new year she was baptized and received on probation. Those who have been permitted to listen to her testimony could not but be impressed with the fact that the blessed Savior was her joy, and her anxiety that many of her young friends might become Christians was always expressed. our dear young friend is gone, but she lives. She will be missed in school and church, but the fragrance of her sweet life will remain. funeral services were held at her late residence, Friday, Feb. 5, 1897, by her pastor, Rev. J.L. Thomas of Afton.
At 11:30 in the evening of Jan. 3rd, 1929 the spirit of Myra Jay LaGrange returned to it Maker. Mrs. LaGrange was born in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] Jan. 11, 1847 where a large portion of her life was spent. Since 1908 Mr. and Mrs. LaGrange have made their home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] where, until ill health and the infirmities of age prevented, she was an active worker in her church and deeply interested in the activities of the village. Her funeral was held from the late home on North Main street at 2:30 Sunday afternoon, Jan. 6th, with interment in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY]. Rev. Thoma J. Collar officiating. Many beautiful flowers bore silent testimony to the love and esteem for the departed. There survive besides her husband, her son-in-law, Frank J. Fletcher of this place, one grandson Wendell Fletcher of Los Angeles, California; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Minnie Leaman of Albany and Mrs. Althea Mack of Albany. [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 17, 1929]
Word was received last Saturday morning the 12 inst of the sudden death of Fred Hornshu of Indianapolis, Ind. He underwent an operation after which flu set in which resulted in his death. Mr. Hornshu was a former resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], residing on a farm on Searles Hill. He was a great railroad man having retired a few years ago. He has a brother Edward Hornshu now an engineer on the D.&H. running between Oneonta and Cooperstown. [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 17, 1929]
