Obituaries (August 2)

Justine (Pellett) Olendorf

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1901

 

 

Justine (Pellett) Olendorf

1825 - 1901

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  A life of rare strength and sweetness, radiant with life's sunshine and full of good deeds, ended in the death of Mrs. Charles W. Olendorf, which occurred at her home on East Main street, April 4, at the age of 75.  Mrs. Olendorf's maiden name was Justine Pellett, and she was related to some of the prominent pioneer residents of Norwich, now deceased.  She was a sister of William B. Pellett, cashier of the old Bank of Chenango, of Elias P. Pellett, who founded the Chenango Telegraph, and of Nelson Pellett, who continued the publication after the death of his brother; also of Asa Pellett, formerly of Plymouth.  She was a sister of Mrs. Samuel H. Barnes, of this village.  Besides her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Julia Stuart, and two granddaughters survive.  Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. W.D. Benton officiating.  A long and happy life was her's by reason of her unusual intelligence, her equal grace of person and manner and the added charm of a spirit utterly unselfish. She was an ideal wife and mother, bearing patiently and cheerfully the cares and burdens of her daily life.  With tender devotion she ministered to those nearest her and gave gladly, freely and abundantly to the poor, the sick and the suffering.  The last work that her willing hands found to do was to make garments for the little ones orphaned by the fearful flood at Galveston. To bring to her notice a personal need or sorrow was to secure her sympathy and attention, which were always exercised with the utmost tact and delicacy. She reaped what she had sown.  Industry, purity, contentment, brought to her lengthened years and the respect and love of those who knew her.  Rounding out a life that was full of activity and usefulness, she went quietly to her last, long sleep as one who "lies down to pleasant dreams."

 

John Truesdell, Jr.

Bainbridge Republican, April 16, 1880

Harpersville (Broome Co., NY):  John Truesdell, Jr., whose home from his childhood has been in our vicinity, died on Monday last, after an illness of about five weeks.  The disease was located mainly on his brain producing temporary insanity which lasted till the time of his death. Deceased was a young man of sterling character, industrious, and upright.  he leaves a wife and three young children.

 

Mrs. George Wilcox

Bainbridge Republican, July 16, 1880

On the 7th inst., Mrs. Geo. Wilcox, of Millard, Adair county, Mo., formerly of this town, together with a sister of her husband, Mrs. Denniston, formerly Mary Wilcox, also of this town, started after blackberries with a sixteen-year-old boy for driver.  When about one mile from home, going through a new road where the timber had been lately cut off, the forward wheel of the wagon struck a stump, throwing the boy out, taking the lines with him.  The horse became frightened and ran about forty rods, when the ladies were both thrown out, Mrs. Wilcox striking against some hard substance.  Mrs. Wilcox was breathing when help arrived, a few moments after accident, but did not become conscious, and died a few moments after her husband got there.  Mrs. Denniston's left arm was broken, and she was otherwise bruised. Still she was able to write a long letter particulars to friends here, on the 10th inst., from which this item was taken.  The community for miles around was out to the funeral, manifesting their regard for the deceased and afflicted family--a husband and three children.  Mrs. Wilcox was 42 years old, and was the sister of Wm. H. Cannon, of this village [Bainbridge, NY].

 

Hector Ross

Chenango Union, July 31, 1872

Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] has suffered a sad and serious loss in the death of Hector Ross, who died at his residence near the Quarter, at half past five o'clock on Wednesday morning last.  Since February last the deceased has been afflicted with a complication of disorders, from which, at times, he endured great suffering, and for the last few weeks, little hope has been entertained of his recovery.  For some years Mr. Ross has borne a prominent share in the business interest of Sherburne; the town is largely indebted to his intelligence and energy for important improvements, and his distinguished success is so entirely due to his own unaided efforts and native force of character, that we deem it proper to note the leading events of his busy and useful life.  He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1811, and came to America at the age of 26 years; first landed in Canada, where he was employed for a short time in an iron foundry.  From thence he went to Morris, Otsego County, N.Y.  There he remained about twenty years, employed in a cotton factory--the latter portion of which time he was superintendent of the cotton mill; and there he acquired a knowledge and experience which qualified him for his subsequent success as a manufacturer.  From Morris he removed to New Berlin, Chenango County, in 1856, and in connection with his brother, the late Daniel Ross, and Mr. Wm. Clinton, purchased the cotton mill in that place. Subsequently he purchased the interest of Mr. Clinton, and himself and brother became sole owners. There he remained until the spring of 1862, when, having disposed of his interest, he came to Sherburne; and with characteristic sagacity and energy succeeded in enlisting several of our leading business men and capitalists in the new and important enterprise of erecting an extensive cotton mill at the Quarter.  In consideration of his practical knowledge of machinery, and the working details of a manufactory of this description, the planning and furnishing of the mill were placed entirely under his direction.  His task was accomplished with eminent success, and we are told by competent judges that few will compare with it in the completeness of its appointment.  For a time Mr. Ross continued the business for the benefit of the associated owners with varied success; but more recently he purchased the interests of the several stockholders, until, previous to his death, he became sole owner of the mill property, consisting of the mill itself, the ground and accessories, including several boarding and dwelling houses for operatives, which had been erected or purchased and improved under his direction.  During the few years he has resided in Sherburne he has completely revolutionized the Quarter, and made it an important auxiliary to the village proper.  Mr. Ross possessed the rare gifts of accomplishing large results with very little display of activity. While everything was moving on with celerity and precision under his hands, he never seemed to be busy, or in a hurry.  His judgment in business affairs was seldom at fault, and for one bred entirely to business pursuits he displayed uncommon taste and judgment in the arrangement and adornment of all his surroundings.  He was prompt to aid and liberal with his means in all matters of public utility, and never stinted his sympathy or means in cases of private suffering.  It will be long before the void made by his death will be completely filled, and the memorials he has left of his enterprise will give him a lasting hold on the gratitude of the citizens of Sherburne.  Of late years his business has been eminently prosperous, and he leaves his family amply provided for the future.  They had the unbounded sympathy of the whole community in their painful bereavement.  Mr. Ross was warmly attached to the order of Free Masons, and had recently joined the Norwich Commandary of Knights Templar, who served as an escort to the remains at the funeral Friday afternoon.  The services were conducted by the Order who, as well as citizens of all classes, were present in large numbers.