Obituaries (May 19)

Thomas Smith

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1913

 

Thomas Smith

1832 - 1913

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Thomas Smith, whose sudden death occurred recently at his home in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] at the age of 82 years, was a brother of the late William Smith, of Norwich, and was himself a former resident here.  Mr. Smith was born in Bristol, Eng., January 10, 1832, and when a young man migrated to America.  For the past 40 years he had been a farmer in Guilford.  He had been a member of the Methodist Church for over half a century and was a man of staunch Christian character.  His wife, who was Hannah Robinson, of Norwich, died January 18, 1912.  He is survived by two sons, Thomas, of Guilford, with whom he made his home during his last years and George Smith, of Gilbertsville.  He leaves four grandchildren, George Godfrey, of Guilford; Mrs. Clyde Miller and Edith and Clara Smith, of Gilbertsville.  A short time previous to his death he spent six weeks at the home of his niece, Mrs. Louis Phillips, of Piano street.

 

Harriet Woodard Porter

Afton Enterprise, February 11, 1915

The funeral of Mrs. Harriet Woodard Porter was held from her residence near Yaleville [Chenango Co., NY] on Wednesday of last week with burial at Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], aged 76 years.  Mert Hastings of Bainbridge had charge.  Rev. Mr. Joslyn of Coventry read the burial service.  Mrs. Porter is survived by a son, George Porter, one sister Mrs. Henry Merrell of Coventry and a brother Edwin S. Woodard also of Coventry.

 

Ella M. Fuller Pearsall

Afton Enterprise, January 14, 1915

Ella M. Fuller Pearsall was born in Unadilla,  N.Y. [Otsego Co., NY], February 7, 1855.  At about the age of fifteen her parents moved to Bainbridge.  In the spring of 1876 she was united in marriage to A.D. Pearsall.  In the new home thus formed she proved herself a devoted wife and an affectionate companion.  Though there were no children in their home, it was her delight to care for and make a home for the children of others. Early in life, she united with the Methodist Episcopal church and was a faithful attendant at the services.  She is survived by her husband, a brother, C.J. Fuller, and two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Wilber, Cleaver,  N.Y., and Mrs. Emma Gardner, Cooperstown, N.Y., also a large circle of friends and relatives.  She had been in poor health for some time, but was not considered serious until a few days before her death which occurred on January 9th, 1915.  The funeral was held in the Methodist Episcopal church, Afton, N.Y., Wednesday, January 13.  The sermon was preached by the pastor Rev. Ira l. Bronson.  Interment was made at Glenwood cemetery, Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Samuel A. Purdie

Chenango Union, September 23, 1897

Two weeks ago the Union contained an announcement of the death of Samuel M. Purdie, formerly of Columbus, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], at San Salvador.  The following letter from his son tells of his death and life:

San Salvador, C.A., August 14, '97

Wm. H. Purdie--Dear Uncle:--No doubt you have received the card notifying you of the death of my dear father.  I thought I would drop you a few lines giving you the particulars of his death.  On July 21st, while cutting paper for a book (life of Daniel Wheeler) he cut the forefinger of his left hand very badly.  Eight days after, the symptoms of lockjaw set in, and on August 2, he took to his bed, and after four days of intense suffering he quietly passed away in the arms of Jesus.  I enclose a slip of paper on which is printed his last words.  As we commenced the book of Daniel Wheeler, we shall strive to get it out before we go back to the states (as father wished us to go back) which by the aid of one of our missionaries and a little help from a native, we hope to get the book out by the last of September.  Samuel A. Purdie, the youngest son of Samuel and Watty H. Purdie, was born in Columbus, Chenango county, N.Y., March 5th, 1848, died August, 1897, at San Salvador, C.A.  He was a missionary in Mexico for twenty-four years and had been in San Salvador a few days over a year in the Lord's work among the heathen.  From your nephew, Joseph M. Purdie.

 

Christopher Cunningham

Chenango Union, September 23, 1897

Christopher Cunningham, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], a single man about 54 years of age, was killed about half way between Sherburne station and the quarter, last Thursday night, by an extra engine and caboose, running south.  The engineer saw Cunningham standing on the tracks holding up his hands, but was unable to stop the engine in time to prevent the accident.  After striking the man the engine continued on to the Sherburne station and notified the agent. A number of persons went up the track and found the mangled body.  The body was taken to Shaley's undertaking parlors where it was viewed by Coroner Fernalld and a jury. An inquest was held the following day and a verdict exonerating the railroad company was rendered.  Cunningham was a man of peculiar disposition and at time was thought to be insane.