Obituaries (February 10)

Joseph Quinn

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1908

 

Joseph Quinn

1869 - 1908

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]  Joseph Quinn, who was suffocated recently in the Commercial Hotel at Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], had been in that place but a week, having secured a position there at his trade in the Delaware & Hudson Railroad shops.  He was boarding at the hotel and had retired apparently feeling as well and as cheerful as usual.  In the morning the odor of gas pervaded the hall and when his room was entered he was found lying dead on the bed.  From his investigation of the case the coroner decided that death was accidental.  It is supposed that in turning out his light Mr. Quinn did not close the jet entirely and, tired after his day's toil, dropped asleep without noticing the escaping gas which overcame him.  About a year ago Mr. Quinn came from Sayre, Pa., to Norwich and was employed in the Ontario & Western Railway shops.  He was 39 years of age and leaves a widow, who was formerly  Miss Lillian Wilson, of Susquehanna, Pa., to whom he was married November 27, 1901.  He is also survived by his father, Michael Quinn, and five sisters, Mrs. H.E Collier, of Norwich; Mrs. Ella Damon, of Port Jervis, N.Y.; Mrs. Mary Horton, of  New London, Conn.; Mrs. Lucy Washburn and Mrs. Emma Horton, of Susquehanna, Pa.  The remains were brought to Norwich and funeral services were held from the residence of Mr. Quinn's sister, Mrs. H.E. Collier, on Birdsall street, Rev. Ira W. Bingham, pastor of the Calvary Church, officiating. The bearers were members of the local Machinists' Union of which the deceased was a member.  The floral offerings included emblem pillows from the machinists and from the Modern Woodmen of America who had charge of the interment at Sayre, Pa., deceased being a member of that order.

 

Clarence Newcomb

Chenango Union, December 15, 1892

Last Saturday, the funeral of Clarence, oldest son of Giles and Grace Newcomb, took place at their residence, east of this village.  Clarence was an unusually bright and active little lad of six summers, and was the pride of his parents and his grandmother's favorite.  Although so young, he was a regular attendant at the Norwich M.E. Sunday School.  Beautiful flowers decorated the little body, a present from his Sunday School teacher.  The little lad will be greatly missed by all his former associates.  The remarks by Rev. Olmstead, and singing by Messrs. Cary and Blackman and Miss Scott were excellent.  When we think of the loved one who has departed, we cannot help repeating:

Not a sparrow in the air

Falls without the tender care

Of our heavenly Father.

Surely, then, a child shall be

Watched and cradled tenderly

By the heavenly Father.

Preston, N.Y., Dec. 15, 1892

 

Capt. Nelson W. Schemerhorn

DeRuyter Gleaner, May 26, 1910

Nelson W. Schermerhorn, who answered to the last roll call on Saturday evening, May 21, 1910, was born in Columbus, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY], October 12, 1838.  He was the son of Homer and Mary Schermerhorn.  Mr. Schermerhorn was of patriotic ancestry, his great-grandfather serving in the Revolutionary War and two of his great uncles in the War of 1812; and two of his uncles fought with him in the war for the Union.  He enlisted as a private in Co. I, 114th Regiment N.Y. Volunteers, August 4, 1862, and at the company's organization was chosen its Second Lieutenant.  He was subsequently promoted and mustered as First Lieutenant of the same company, and on January 17, 1865, received the rank of Captain and was assigned to Co. D.  In August, 1863, by special order No. 203 Department of the Gulf, he was detached on recruiting and draft service in Elmira, N.Y., where he remained until May, 1864.  Captain Schermerhorn's army record was a most honorable one.  He participated in the engagements of Bisland, Port Hudson, Opequon, Fisher's HIll and Cedar Creek, and at the last name battle received a slight flesh wound in the leg.  Says Pellett's History:  "Captain Schermerhorn won a good name in the army and was always prompt and efficient in the discharge of his duties."  October 12, 1870, Captain Schermerhorn was married to Miss Ella E. Corey, who survives him.  Three children were born to them of whom two, Mrs. W.D. Blanchard of Rensselaer, N.Y., and Miss Blanche Schemerhorn of DeRuyter, survive;  he also leaves a sister, Angelia, Mrs. E.B. Ames of Redlands, Cal.  Mr. Schermerhorn had resided in DeRuyter and Cuyler most of the time since the war. For a few years he lived in Otselic and served a term as town collector.  He possessed a remarkable memory and a keen mind and had he entered the profession of law, which he studied a few months, would doubtless have won high honor.  He took a deep interest in political affairs and being well informed on all questions of the day, was no mean antagonist in a discussion of any subject.  He was a good citizen and neighbor and will be widely missed. Brief services were held at the house Tuesday afternoon, the comrades of the G.A.R. following the remains in a body to their last resting place in Hillcrest Cemetery.