Obituaries (March 30)

William Smith

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1910

 

 

William Smith, 1824 - 1910

With Great-Grandchildren Majel Smith & Leland Benedict

William Smith, one of the oldest residents of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] and a lifelong resident of the county, died Tuesday, November 15, at his home in the town of Plymouth, aged 86 .  He was a son of Beebe and Betsey Smith and was born in a log house, on a farm in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] September 6, 1824.  His grandfather came here from Woodbridge, Conn., when the country was a wilderness and settled on the farm in Preston, which has been owned by the Smith family ever since and by the subject of this sketch for over 60 years. When about 24 years of age he went to Massachusetts and on January 2, 1851, he married Julia A. Howard, of Ewing, Mass., and they came at once to the farm which he had purchased a few years before.  Mrs. Smith died June 28, 1907.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith died in the home in which they began their married life over half a century before.  Seven children were born to them, four daughters and three sons, of whom two daughters and two sons survive.  He also leaves eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  Soon after his marriage Mr. Smith joined the Methodist Church at Preston which he had helped to found and from that time to his death he lived a consistent Christian life.  He had served his church as steward and trustee.  During his later years Mr Smith and his wife had lived with their eldest son, Leeman Smith, in the old home.  He was respected and loved by all who knew him.  During his last years he was somewhat physically incapacitated, but greatly enjoyed visiting among his children and grandchildren and was especially fond of his great-grandchildren, two of whom, Majel Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Smith and Leland Benedict, son of Mr. and Mrs. Burdette Benedict, appear in this picture with him.  Until very late in life Mr. Smith enjoyed hunting and outdoor sports and as late as last June joined in a game of quoits, enjoying the sport as much, apparently, as ever and his mind remained clear until a few weeks prior to his death.  His funeral was largely attended, Rev. James O. Rice, pastor of the Methodist church at Preston, officiating.

 

George W. Knight

Afton Enterprise, January 4, 1894

G.W. Knight who has been very ill with pneumonia, died at his home in this village Friday night [December 29, 1893], aged 66 years.  Deceased has been a resident of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] for a great many years and was a gentleman respected by all.  The funeral was held from the M.E. church Sunday afternoon, and the remains were interred in Glenwood cemetery [Afton NY] beside his wife [Aruba L. Hyde], who died a number of years ago.

 

Elizabeth (Wightman) Brown

1847 - 1921

Mrs. Elizabeth Brown departed this life from her residence on North Main street New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], December 4, 1921.  She was born in New Berlin, October 13th, 1847, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wightman, late of South New Berlin.  In January, 1866, she was united in marriage to Mr. Norman Brown, a prosperous farmer of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], where they resided many years.  About 30 years ago, they purchased the present home, where she has since resided until exchanged for that "house not made with hands."  Mr. Brown died suddenly in May 1908.  Mrs. Brown was a devoted wife and mother, taking a keen and loving interest in both relationships.  She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church of this place and a constant attendant upon its services when health would permit.  As a neighbor and friend, she was highly esteemed and loved.  Aside form her many friends, she leaves a daughter, Mrs. Frank Bryant of Brooklyn, whose presence and helpfulness was a source of comfort to the mother  heart; a granddaughter Hilda Bryant, a student in Smith College; a brother, Frank Wightman of South New Berlin.  Funeral services were held at the late residence, Tuesday, Dec. 6th, Rev. W.H. Niles of Roscoe, Sullivan county, a former pastor, with W.F. Werfelman, resident pastor, officiating. Burial was made in the family plot in St. Andrew's cemetery.--Gazette

 

Anna Byrd Bruce

1928 - 1931

Anna Byrd Bruce, little daughter of Robert E. and Amelia Byrd Bruce, was born May 24, 1928, in Atlanta Georgia.  An unusually sweet and lovable child, she came to the Otsego School last October where her sunny disposition and intriguing ways soon won her the name of "Little Ray of Sunshine."  She was a favorite with the entire staff and her passing Saturday morning, January 2nd, after an illness of but three days with pneumonia, leaves a feeling of deep sadness in the hearts of all who knew her.  Miss Susanne Jones accompanied the body to Richmond, Virginia, where services were held Sunday afternoon from the Christian Chapel in that city. Burial was made in the Byrd family plot in Riverview Cemetery. Besides the grief stricken parents, there remains one brother, Robert, 3rd, to mourn her loss.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, February 4, 1875

 

HICKS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday morning, Jan. 31st, Mr. John P. Hicks, aged 55 years.  He was a native of England, coming to this country when a youth.  He leaves a widow but no children.

 

GALLUP:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 2d, Mary [Gallup], wife of Noyes B. Gallup, aged 69.

 

DAVIS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 31st, Willie V.C. [Davis], son of Darwin Davis, 15 years.

 

CUSHMAN:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 31st, Ruth [Cushman], wife of Danforth R. Cushman, Esq. aged 65 years.

 

BRYANT:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 31st, Emily E. [Bryant], wife of Calvin Bryant an da sister of W.C. Main of Norwich, aged 40 years.

 

WORDEN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 29th, Abigail Worden, aged 67 years.