Obituaries (September 25)

Daniel Sherwood

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1904
 

 

Daniel Sherwood

Daniel Sherwood, who died last week at his home in Beaver Meadow [Chenango Co., NY], after a three weeks illness of pneumonia, had been 60 years a resident of that vicinity and was well known throughout the county.  About 12 years ago he had a shock of paralysis and had since been a great sufferer from rheumatism.  Mr Sherwood was born at McGrawville, Cortland county [NY], November 20, 1821.  He was twice married, his first wife being Sally Robbins, of Smyrna, to whom he was married in 1840.  In 1882 he married Olive Greenman, of DeRuyter, who survives him.  He is also survived by five sons, Jerome, of Norwich; Deloss and Lafayette, of Beaver Meadow; Wallace, of Fayetteville, and Carl, of Greene, and by one daughter, Mrs. Orville Foster, of East Pharsalia.  Deceased was much esteemed by all his acquaintances and for many years had been a deacon of the Christian Church at Beaver Meadow.  His funeral was largely attended from the church on Sunday last, Rev. Mr Flory, of Plymouth, officiating.  Interment was in the Cole Hill Cemetery [Otselic, Chenango Co., NY].

Mary E. (Sheldon) Stead

Norwich Sun, January 2, 1925

Not only the Yaleville [Chenango Co., NY] community, but the whole countryside as well was shocked and felt that they had sustained an irreparable loss, on hearing that Mrs. James L. Stead had been suddenly called to her coronation Wednesday morning, Dec. 24, at 8:45 o'clock due to cerebral hemorrhage.  Apparently in her usual rugged health she awoke at about 3:30 o'clock Monday morning, Dec. 22, complaining of a severe pain in her head and the back of her neck, becoming unconscious within half an hour, and although all that loving care and the best medical skill could suggest was done, she gradually sank, without regaining consciousness, until her spirit was caught up by the angel host.  Being converted, she professed her faith in Christ as her Savior, giving her heart to Him and consecrating her life to His service.  She united with the Presbyterian church at New Berlin in her girlhood, transferring her membership to the Methodist Episcopal church in Guilford after her marriage, where she has ever since been active and efficient in church and Sunday school work.  At the time of her summons she had a class of fifteen boys, for which her last work was the preparation of a present for each member of the class, to each of whom, through the years, her memory should prove a benediction. 

Mrs. Stead was a splendid type of the American country woman, making American country life attractive.  An earnest advocate of civic righteousness, a home builder in its finest, highest sense, queen of her home and receiving the homage and devotion of her subjects, devoted to her husband and ever solicitous for his comfort, best pal to each of her boys, cordial in her hospitality, unassuming, unostentatious, of pleasant personality, affable and kind, she was the center of any group of which she was a part.  Broad minded, she took great interest in national affairs and world conditions.  When the United States entered the World War and there was the call to arms, she offered of her sons, a sacrifice, if needs be, on her country's altar, with that fortitude and characteristic fervor, not less heroic than the Spartan mothers of old, and pound of her soldier boy.  It is the sons of such mothers that have made American soldiery the pride of the nation and the admiration of the world.  Mary E. Sheldon was born in Morris, Otsego  county, N.Y., March 29, 1867, and was therefore in the 62nd year of her age at the time of her death.  She was married to James L. Stead Jan. 14, 1891.  To this union four sons were born Lester A., Bainbridge, N.Y., Lieut George S., World War veteran, Norwich, N.Y., J. Otto, remaining on the farm and Kenneth R., student at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa., to each of whom she has left, in memory a priceless heritage.  She also leaves one sister, Mrs. Ella M. Smith, Los Angeles, Cal. whom she, accompanied by her son, George, crossed the continent by automobile one year ago to visit, but who was unable to make the long journey to be here at this time.  While all hearts go out in deep and sincere sympathy to the bereaved family they must go doubly so to the stricken husband, who confined to the home with an affection of the sciatic nerve, will infinitely more than all others, miss her gentle companionship and kindly loving ministrations.  Largely attended funeral services, conducted by her pastor, the Rev. C. Hazeldine Osbourne, amid floral offerings both profuse and beautiful, were held at the home at 1:30 p.m., Dec. 26, 1924.  "Sun of My Soul" and "Heaven is My Home" were impressively rendered by Earl Oldfield and Mrs. E.L. Totman, Miss Ono Bradley presiding at the organ.  Interment was made in Sunset Hill cemetery [Guilford, Chenango Co.,  NY]. The pall bearers were Thomas Hubbard, Fred Cheny, George Plum, H.L. Gridley, Frank C. Hale and C.D. Whittemore. 

"Vex Populi, Vex Dei"--"the voice of the people is the voice of God."  It makes but little difference what claims to personal perfection one may make, it is the simple, kindly, everyday life lived amongst neighbors and friends that reflects the Divine Image, and the heads of a whole community bowed in a common sorrow that bear eloquent testimony.  In the contemplation of such a character the pronouncement of fulsome eulogy would be a sacrilege, but worthy the highest encomiums of sincere praise.  In the full vigor of health, in the enjoyment of the rich fruition of a well rounded life, at the zenith of her usefulness the summons came:  "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord," admonishing us--"Be ye also ready."  We wish thus to offer our tribute to this noble woman, our neighbor. 
Robert D. Piper.  Guilford, N.Y, Dec. 30, 1924

Ole Christiansen

Norwich Sun, January 2, 1925

Ole Christiansen, aged 59 years, died at his home in King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY] on Dec. 29, 1924.  The funeral was held at  his late home Wednesday, Dec. 3d, The Rev. M.R. Weaver, pastor of the Baptist Church of South New Berlin officiating.  Interment was made in Fairview cemetery [New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Christiansen was a native of Norway, coming to this country at the age of 17 years.  He later joined the U.S. army and served for several years on the western plains in campaigns against the Indians, among them the famous campaign against Sitting Bull.  He was a scout under Buffalo Bill, and had some of the most thrilling experiences of his career in this capacity. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, he became a member of Roosevelt's Rough Riders, was in the charge up San Juan hill and was one of the first dozen men "over the top."  He next saw service in the Philippines, which was followed by his honorable discharge from the army.  In 1902 Mr. Christiansen was married to Miss Minnie Lokken.  They engaged in farming in Minnesota for many years, coming east some years ago and settling upon a farm in the western part of the town of New Berlin, near King Settlement.  They have since resided there, and Mr. Christiansen won a high place in the admiration and respect of all his neighbors.  He was one of the finest type of those from the "old countries" who sought prosperity in this new land, which they adopted as their own, fought and suffered for.  He was a splendid citizen, and a wide circle of friends and associates will deeply regret his passing.  Wide felt sympathy is extended to his widow and an only son, Christian Christiansen, also of King Settlement, who survive, together with two brothers and three sisters, all of whom are in Norway.

William A. Follett

1855 - 1933

William A Follett who lived west of Palisade ]NB], died Thursday, July 13, from a paralytic stroke.  He had been ill only a few days.  Mr. Follett was among the many pioneers who came to this part of the country in 1884 and took up homesteads.  Later he sold his land and returned to his home in New York, but came out here again in 1923.  He was a very retiring man.  Very fond of children and children loved him.  He was a brother of Ralph Follett who died a few years ago.  Funeral services were held at Mr. Follett's old home Friday afternoon.  Rev. A.O. Martin officiating.  The pall bearers were Merle Follett, Floyd Follett, Henry Egle and sons, Ralph and Robert, and Henry Witt.  Beautiful flowers covered the casket.  Interment was in the Palisade cemetery.  Hunt's Burial Service had charge of the funeral.  The Times joins with the community in extending sympathy to the bereaved ones.

William A. Follett was born in Chenango county, New York, February 22, 1855, and departed this life at his home at Palisade, Nebr., July 13th, 1933, at the age of 78 years, 4 months, 21 days.  he lived in New York state until 1884 when he came west, homesteading at Wauneta.  After a few years he returned to the east again.  Coming west about 10 years ago, he has made his home at Palisade.  Surviving his death are his brother, Hal, and sister, Lottie, both of New York state and a host of other relatives and friends.