Obituaries (July 1)

George Washington Lee

Utica Saturday Globe, January 27, 1906

 

 

George Washington Lee

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  George Washington Lee, who died on Wednesday of last week in Norwich, came up from most humble beginnings but developed a character and reputation in this community which many more favored citizens might study with profit.  Born a slave on a Virginia plantation over 80 years ago, at the breaking out of the rebellion he joined the forces of McClellan and followed the rigorous fortunes of the Army of the Potomac to the close of the war in 1865.  Very soon after the war closed Lee came to Norwich and entered the employ of the late Thomas Prentice, with whom he remained for many years.  After the death of Mr. Prentice he lived by himself in a house owned by the late Harvey Thompson.  For some years he was janitor of the Birdsall street school house.  He learned to read and to write his name, taking great pride in the latter accomplishment.  He also accumulated considerable property.  During the last few years he became quite infirm and had boarded in various families of his race.  He possessed a very devout and religious spirit and many years ago united with the First Baptist church, and was one of its most devoted and consistent members, being present at every service and always taking part in the prayer meetings.  His funeral was held from that church Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Dr. John L. Ray officiating.  Interment was made in Mount Hope [Norwich, NY].

 

Catharine (Covert) Breed

Chenango Union, February 21, 1884

Died at North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], February 8th, Mrs. Catharine Breed, wife of the late John R. Breed.  She was born in this State in the year 1807--was the daughter of Deacon John Covert, of Cincinnatus, N.Y.  Out of a large family of sisters, only one, the eldest, now remains.  The deceased was baptized in infancy, and reared to womanhood under strict Presbyterian training, but in later years her views and sympathies were more in accordance with the faith of the Baptists.  She was a daily and devout reader of the Bible, and in her declining years it was her constant companion and solace. Three children survive her, Mrs. Julia Randall, and John C. Breed, residents of Pitcher, N.Y., and Mrs. Nettie White, living at Oswego.  Services were held at her late residence in Pitcher, Rev. Leach and Huntley officiating.  The text for the funeral discourse Psalms 71-9, was chosen by herself.  The remains were interred in the family lot at Cincinnatus, N.Y.

Hattie (Genung) Stockwell
1882 - 1912

Mrs. Hattie Genung Stockwell died at her home on Mitchell street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] October 9 [1912], aged 30.  Private funeral services were held from the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Genung, on Mitchell street, Saturday afternoon, Rev. A.R. Burke of the Methodist Church, officiating.  Mrs. Stockwell is survived by her husband, Edward Stockwell, of Gilbertsville, and a son, Charles of Oneida; her parents Mr. and Mrs. Charles Genung of Norwich; two sisters, Mrs. Melvin Kemp, also of this village, and Mrs. Charles Kreis, of Union Hill, N.J., and two brothers, Charles and Alfred Genung of Oswego.

William J. Wightman

1909-1912

The home of Mr. and Mrs. James L. Wightman, of Pleasant street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], has been saddened by the death of their infant son, William J. Wightman, which occurred early Saturday morning.  He was 3 years and 5 months of age.  Death was the result of accidental poisoning, the child procuring from a dressing table an envelope of strychnine pills and had eaten several when discovered.  Medical aid was summoned and every effort made to save the life of the little one, but in vain.  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Monk officiating.  Much sympathy is felt for the afflicted parents.