Obituaries (February 4)

George E. Mansfield

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1907

 

George E. Mansfield

1846 - 1907

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Apparently in his usual health, although he had within a few days intimated to his wife that he did not believe he would live a great while longer, George E. Mansfield was stricken in the street Saturday of last week and died before he could be carried to his home.  During the noon hour Mr. Mansfield left his home on East Main street to do several errands on Broad street.  Among these was the procuring of a newspaper from the Phetteplace & Prindle newsstand.  Having secured the paper, he passed out of the store and as he did so something in his actions attracted the attention of bystanders.  He appeared to be feeling ill and stepping into Conway's restaurant next door asked for a stimulant. Before this could be given him he became so ill that a physician was called.  Dr. E.W. Wilcox, who answered the summons, expressed the belief that Mr. Mansfield was suffering from a stroke of apoplexy and could not recover. Before he could be taken home he had breathed his last.  George E. Mansfield was born in Boston in 1846.  He was the son of John Alden and Hannah Kemp Mansfield, his father being a prominent shoe merchant.  He was the last of five sons in the family.  Mr. Mansfield was for years a star in the theatrical field. The accompanying picture shows him as he appeared in his prime.  When but 17 years of age he was a leading attraction at Wallack's old theater in New York.  He afterwards in partnership with Mr. Proctor, under the name of the Leoantine Brothers, traveled about the country and gave exhibitions of skill, agility and muscle that have never been excelled.  For seven years they were with Lent's New York circus which was open eight months in a year in an iron building opposite the Academy of Music.  In 1872 he dissolved partnership with Mr. Proctor and went to Europe and for 10 years abroad proved so profitable financially that upon his return to this country in 1883 he determined to retire wholly from business, but retirement after such an active life meant anything but contentment so he again joined forces with his old partner, Mr. Proctor, as joint proprietors of a profitable Boston theater.  In 1899 he married Mrs. Minnie Ludington Smith, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Luddington, formerly of a millinery parlor on Birdsall street and two years ago their business had increased to such an extent that larger quarters were required and they have since resided on East Main street.  Mr. Mansfield was a very kind-hearted, upright man and a most devoted husband.  The shock of his death prostrated Mrs. Mansfield who was unable to accompany the remains to Boston for burial in the Mansfield plot at Mount Auburn Cemetery.  There was a short service at the house Sunday evening, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.  Only the immediate family were present, Thomas R. Warner, a brother-in-law, left for Boston with the remains Monday morning.

Melissa Haight

Chenango Union, January 17, 1907

Mrs. Melissa Haight, widow of Zalmon Haight, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Pangburn, on Scott street, Monday afternoon, aged ninety-one years.  She was an old and faithful member of the M.E. church.  The funeral services were held Wednesday morning, Rev. F.A. Lendrum officiating.  Burial was made at Tyner [Chenango Co., NY].

Roscoe N. Johnson

Chenango Union, January 24, 1907

Roscoe N. Johnson, for many years a prominent resident of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] and for several terms an efficient highway commissioner, died at his home at Wood's Corners Tuesday morning, aged 61 years.  Funeral services will be held from his late home Saturday afternoon, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.

George M. Franklin

Chenango Union, January 24, 1907

George M. Franklin died at the Binghamton State Hospital on Thursday, January 17, 1907, aged 74 years.  He had been in poor health for some time.  George M. Franklin was born in the town of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on Nov. 21, 1833.  He was the son of Elisha and Hannah Barnes Franklin, who were pioneers to Chenango county, immigrating from Guilford, Vermont, and who located a farm on the Ravine road, about three miles south of the village of Norwich.  It was upon this family homestead, that their son, George M., resided at the time of his death.  George M. Franklin was united in marriage to Esther Terry, on January 16, 1857, and died January 17, 1907, the day following their golden wedding.  There was born to them three children a son who died in infancy and two daughters, Fredricka, wife of Rev. Charles E. Burr, of Providence, Rhode Island, and Gertrude, wife of Charles L. Benedict, of Utica, N.Y.  His funeral was attended form his old home, Monday afternoon.  Rev. L.M.S. Haynes, a former pastor and now of Binghamton, officiated.  Interment was in the family plot in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].