Obituaries (December 3)

Helen L. (French) Chapin

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1920

 

Helen L. (French) Chapin

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Helen L. Chapin, who passed away on Saturday morning at the home of Mrs. William White on Front street after a long illness, was 84 years of age, was born in the town of Norwich and had passed her whole long and worthy life here.  Her grandfather, Jonathan French, came to Chenango county from Massachusetts in 1816.  An epidemic of fever prevailed at the time and low lying farm lands along the river were considered less desirable because not so healthful as the higher lands among the hills......[rest of obit missing].

Norwich Sun, February 28, 1920

Mrs. Helen L. Chapin, 84 years old, died this morning at the home of her nephew, William White, 11 Front street.  Mrs. Chapin was the wife of Seth Chapin who died about 11 years ago.  The Seth Chapin farm at Norwich Quarter was noted for its production of fine grade maple syrup. Mrs. Chapin lost her only daughter, Ida, three weeks after the death of her husband.  She was born and raised in Chenango county nd lived in Norwich the later years of her life.  She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Adelaide White of Norwich and a brother, Lloyd French, living in Illinois.  Mrs. Chapin was a staunch member of the Congregational church and a member of The King's Daughters.  The funeral of Mrs. Chapin will be held Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock at the home of Mrs. William White on Front street.

 

Hannah (Stowell) Bixby

1811 - 1885

 

 Chenango Union, September 24, 1885

BIXBY:  In Canajoharie {Montgomery Co., NY], Sept. 13th, Mrs. Charles Bixby, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

 

Last week Wednesday, Charles Bixby, an old gentleman of nearly 80 year, and his aged wife accompanied by their daughter, Mrs. Don A. Gilbert, and Mr. Gilbert took the 9:35 a.m. train at this depot [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert for the State fair at Albany, and Mr. and Mrs. Bixby for Canajoharie where many relatives of Mrs. Bixby reside.  When nearing the junction of the Albany and Susquehanna and the West Shore road, Mrs. Gilbert noticed the weariness of her aged parents and concluded to forego the pleasure of the fair and accompany them on their journey.  At the junction Mrs. Gilbert assisted her father aboard the West shore train and was returning to assist her mother when she found her lying upon her back in nearly an insensible condition, and the lower half of her body paralyzed.  She was put aboard the train and taken to her relatives at Canajoharie, when Dr. Meacham of this village was summoned by telegraph and took the next train for that place, and after doing all in his power for the comfort of his patient he returned home convinced that her days here on earth were numbered.  On Sunday afternoon she passed from this life, and on Monday evening her remains were returned to her late home, in this village, that but a few short days ago she left with happy thoughts and pleasant anticipations of a few weeks' sojourn among kindred and friends at Canajoharie.  the funeral services were held at the Bixby residence on West Main street, at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon, where a large circle of relatives, neighbors and friends congregated to pay their last respects to one whom they had so long known, respected and loved for her womanly qualities.   The services were conducted by Rev. D.N. Grummon, pastor of the Presbyterian church, of this village, of which she had been a member for many years.

 

Charles Bixby

The Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, January 21, 1899

Charles Bixby, the oldest resident of this town [Bainbridge, Chenango Cop., NY] and probably of the county, died early this morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Don A. Gilbert, after an illness of only two weeks, the prevailing influenza being the direct cause of his demise.  Mr. Bixby had apparently recovered from his sickness and arose at 6 o'clock this morning seeming quite well, but at 7 o'clock he expired.  Probably heart failure was induced by the extreme debility which accompanies the epidemic.  He had been a rugged and healthy man all his life up to the time of his recent sickness.  Every pleasant day this winter he was seen on the streets with a courteous word of greeting for everyone he met.  Mr. Bixby embodied in great part the history of Bainbridge for he witnessed and took part in the town's development since the date of his birth which reaches as far back as the year 1805.  He was born in a log house up the river on the spot which is now called the Leonard place.  In 1866 he moved into the village where he has since lived.  Mr. Bixby's wife died in 1885 since which time he has made his home with his daughter on Kirby street.  Mr. Bixby was a strong party man of the Republican type and he never missed going to the polls to cast a ballot, having voted successively for 73 years. At the time Afton was separated form Bainbridge Mr. Bixby was supervisor of the town.  He also took an active part during the war of the Rebellion in raising recruits.  During the eighties Mr. Bixby was several times president of the village and always during his residence here he took an active part in all the improvements and enterprises connected with the village and town.  Mr. Bixby was a religious and kindly gentleman.  He was a member of the Presbyterian church and all through the years of his vigor he was associated with the church in the capacity of trustee and deacon.  Mr. Bixby leaves surviving one daughter and two sons, Mrs. Don A. Gilbert of this village, Charles Bixby of Belfast, N.Y., and Ira Bixby of Sharon Center, Pa.  The funeral will be held Friday at the house at 2 o'clock and will be conducted by Rev. Mr. Spaulding--Bainbridge Republican, January 18th.  The deceased was a cousin of J.J. Bixby Esq., of Norwich.

 

Death Notices

Oxford Times, October 29, 1862

 

POTTER:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Mrs. Lucy Potter, aged 84 years.

 

RACE:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Eugene [Race], only son of Nicholas Race, aged 11 years.

 

HAYWARD:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mr. Edmund Hayward, aged 60 years.

 

BIXBY:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 5th, Capt. Asahel Bixby, aged 93 years.  Capt. Bixby was one of the first pioneers of the Susquehanna Valley.

 

TRACY:  In the Battle of Antietam, on 17th ult., Charles Tracy, private in Company K, 12th Reg. Mass. Volunteers.  The deceased was a son of the late Colonel Otis j. Tracy of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Ghosts at Ingall's Crossing - 1899

Ghosts at Ingall's Crossing

The Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, January 21, 1899

Our readers will remember the early morning in September when the Chicago limited, a fast train on the O.&W. took a switch at Ingall's Crossing and ran into a tree and was wrecked, killing three persons.  Interest in the sad affair had about died out in the vicinity of the accident, until a short time ago, when it was revived by circumstances over which mortal man seems to have no control.

 

A flagman's cabin was located there, and a man was posted to watch through the long hours of the night, to see that all went well.  James Coe, of the section gang, was the one who first under took the lonely vigil and he preformed the duty for two nights.  On the third he asked a leave of absence for a few days on some pretense, which was granted.  Upon his return to work he refused to guard the crossing, protesting that ghosts and spirits annoyed him.  Another was detailed and he too saw strange and uncanny sights and resigned.  Another was sent, but he became touched with the cold and went into the adjacent lot, where the unfortunate trainman was found, and started to drag a brush to the shanty with which to kindle a fire.  A phantom wraith sought to prevent its being moved.  The field was left to the care of his mystic highness and the result was another watchman.

 

So the strange proceeding went on until nine men had reported there for duty, all seeing strange forms and hearing strange noises in the somber hours of the night, and all resigned. The time came when no Fulton man could be found who would go there to watch, but a man from Mexico who wanted work and wanted it badly, secured the position without opposition, and with no one to envy him he has held it for the past two weeks.  But three men were killed at the time of the wreck, but according to the number seen there, about three hundred, the place must be a ghostly stamping ground for all who get killed in railroad accidents.

Marriages (December 2)

Carr - O'Connor

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1919

 

Howard J. & Eleanore (O'Connor) Carr

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Many in this city will be interested to hear of the marriage at Inglewood, Cal. of Howard J. Carr, a former Norwich boy. The Inglewood News for September 5 gives the following account of the event:  "A wedding of interest to their many Inglewood friends was that of Miss Eleanore O'Connor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. O'Connor, and Howard J. Carr, of this city, who has just returned from overseas service.  The ceremony took place at the Hyde Park Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 3, Rev. Father Garsse officiating. The charming bride was attended by her sister, Miss Agnes O'Connor as maid of honor, and Richard Reagen acted as best man. The bride was dressed in a suit of blue tricotine, with a smart hat to match.  Following the ceremony, a delicious course dinner was served at the home of the bride's parents to the immediate relatives. After September 15, Mr. and Mrs. Carr will be at home to their friends at 811 South Grevillea avenue, Inglewood, where they will start their married life attended by the very best wishes of all for success and happiness.

 

Sullivan - Lane

Norwich Sun, September 25, 1919

The marriage of J. Edward Sullivan, manager of the Under Priced Shoe store and Miss Josephine Lane occurred in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] this week.  Mr. Sullivan is well known in this city and his many friends will wish him every possible success and happiness.  His bride is a popular Binghamton young woman and also has a wide circle of friends who will extend hearty congratulations at this time.  Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan will reside in the Glenmore on Henry street. While Mr. Sullivan is away, the Under Priced store is in charge of Edward Monroe of Binghamton.

 

Bixby - Blackmar

New York Times, October 1946

Scarsdale, N.Y.: Miss Anne Blackmar, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abel Edward Blackmar of this community and Litchfield, Conn., was married this afternoon in the Scarsdale lodge to Warren Newton Bixby, Jr., son of the Rev. and Mrs. Warren N. Bixby of Arlington, Mass. The Rev. Joseph P.F. Gallagher performed the ceremony. The bride escorted by her father, had a sister, Miss Joan Blackmar, as maid of honor.  Frederick Barnard of Boston was best man.  Mrs. Bixby, who was graduated in 1941 from Wellesley College, is a member of the Scarsdale unit of the New York Junior league. She served for two years with the American Red Cross in London and Vienna. The bridegroom, an alumnus of Harvard University and the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, is with Pan American World Airways.

Obituaries (December 2)

Riley Preston

DeRuyter Gleaner, September 3, 1903

 

Riley Preston

1817 - 1903

He was the son of Levi and Charity Olin Preston, and was born in Lincklaen, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], March 25, 1817.  His father settled on the farm now owned by H.D. Preston, Esq., then a dense wilderness, and with heroic labor cleared the land, erected commodious buildings and made a comfortable home for his devoted wife and twelve worthy children.  Here amid the labors and love of pioneer life, they laid the foundation for future usefulness in the sterling virtues of industry, honesty and Christian charity, then as now, the abiding basis of all noble character. 

 

It was but a little way through the heavy timber to Rhode Island street where the pioneer Baptist church of that section met in the school house and indeed often in his own hospitable home for worship.  Among these plain and pious people the children went to church and Sunday School and here Riley in mature manhood joined the church and was a faithful member and a generous giver through life.  In this same Baptist church, his sister, Mrs. Betsey Reynolds, though 91 years old, is still a member.

 

On Jan. 14, 1844, Riley Preston was happily married to Miss Lucy Loantia Maine, whose father's farm was in Lincklaen Center, and on this they began housekeeping and ever after made their home.  God blest them with four children, one dying in childhood, and the three still living are:  Emily A. - Mrs. B.F. Greenman, Eldred, Pa. who so tenderly cared for her father since the mother's death,  Arthur M., superintendent of schools, Attica, N.Y., and Miss Alva Nette Preston, Boston Mass.

 

During the many years of business and church life, Mr. Preston was a leading citizen in Lincklaen, a justice of the peace and Captain of the State Militia.  Indeed, he was so tall and straight and commanding in appearance, even down to old age, that he challenged respect by his manly appearance and courteous manners.  Since the mother's death, March 22, 1880, he has made his home with his daughter at Eldred, Pa. where his lifelong simplicity fo plain living and plenty of exercise, gave him a good old age and a serene and happy death.  He was confined to bed scarcely three weeks and with no disease whatever.  On Aug. 19, 1903, like the old patriarchs, he fell asleep.  His daughter was prevented by sickness from coming, and the son-in-law, Mr. Greenman, brought the body back and the services were held in the Seventh Day Baptist church, Lincklaen Center, just across the street from his former home.  A large congregation gathered that beautiful afternoon to look upon that venerable face and then to lay the body to rest in the cemetery on the hillside, overlooking his old home.  The relatives present from abroad were:  Principal A.M. Preston, Attica, Miss Alve-Nette Preston, Boston, Mass. his aged sister, Mrs. Betsey Reynolds, the last of his father's family, Seth Stearns and family, Cornelius Steele, and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Whaley, DeRuyter, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Cardner, Delphi Falls, Albert Preston, New Woodstock, Miss Delina Preston, Georgetown, Mrs. Spencer Styward and Mrs. Betsey Curtis, Otselic.   L.R.S.

Mary Jane (Hudson) VanDuesen

Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, August 26, 1903

Mrs. Jerry Van Dusen died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. O.P. Hazard in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Saturday morning, August 15, after an illness of several years, in the 76th year of her age.  She was a daughter of the late Col. George P. Hudson, and was born and always lived in New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].  She was first married to Daniel W. Putnam, who was killed at Port Hudson in 1863.  Several years later she married Mr. Van Dusen, who survives her.  She is also mourned by five children, Mrs. O.P. Hazard and Mrs. Lucy Gibbs of this place, Mrs. John Denton of Edmeston, Charles H. Putnam of Brookfield, and Lee A. Putnam of Utica.  For more than thirty years she has been a faithful member of the M.E. church.  Funeral services at 1 o'clock Monday afternoon, were conducted by Rev. G.H. Kirkland.  Burial was made in the Scribner cemetery--New Berlin Gazette.  Deceased was a grandmother of Mrs. John C. Robinson of this place [Norwich, NY].

J. Delos Bixby

Oxford Times, February 6, 1861

In Philadelphia, Jan. 14th, Mr. J.D. Bixby, aged 22 years, son of the late Rial Bixby of Bainbridge [Chenango, Co., NY].  and for six years past, in the store of Clarke & Co., of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Bixby was one of those quiet, unassuming persons, whose even tenor of life flows as silently as the streamlet whose existence is revealed only by the increased beauty and fertility of the verdue upon its borders. Faithfully he labored at his desk, until the pen dropped from his nerveless grasp, and physical debility compelled him to seek rest and medical aid.  But his own hopes of restoration and those of many friends, proved alike fallacious--slowly but surely, fell disease had wrought its effects, and in a few short weeks from his departure, he was brought to his early home of interment.  The funeral services, held in Bainbridge, Sunday, Jan. 20th, were attended by a sorrowing group of Oxford friends, who paid their last tribute of brotherly affection to him whom living they loved, and in death was not forgotten.  [Buried in St. Peter's Cemetery, Bainbridge, NY]

Dr. Daniel H . Shumway

Oxford Times, February 6, 1861

In Berlin, Wisconsin, January 2d, 1861, Daniel H. Shumway, M.D., formerly of Oxford, Chenango County, N.Y., aged 43 years.  The autumn of professional life has early appeared in our midst, and leaves of the choicest trees have fallen.  Within three brief months, a Dentist, a Druggist, and a Surgeon, each a leader in his profession, have yielded to the demands of death. The last was removed when limb and life were most in danger, and when valuable services were most required.  His native and accumulated resources gave him eminence in his profession, and which to the last he held in his power to maintain.  His ready perception, his unagitated nerve, and his ambition to do all that Surgery would allow, appeared to great advantage in the wide range of operations submitted to his treatment.  But though Surgery was his forte, yet as a physician he maintained equality with his medical brethren.  In the opening chapters of the history of this city, prominence will be given to his name, and his grave will tell of a broad chasm made in our midst.--Berlin Courant [Wisconsin]

Charles B. Sheldon

Oxford Times, February 6, 1861

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult.  Charles B. Sheldon, son of Stephen and Sarah Sheldon, aged 3 years.

Another little form's asleep,

And a little spirit gone;

Another little voice is hushed,

And a little angel born.

Two little feet are on the way

To the home beyond the skies;

Our hearts are like the void that comes

When a strain of music dies.

 

A pair of little baby shoes,

And a lock of golden hair;

The toy our little darling loved,

And the dress he used to wear;

The little grave in the shady nook

Where the flowerets love to grow--

And these are all of the little hope

That came three years ago.

 

The birds will sit on the branch above,

And sing a requiem

To the beautiful little sleeping form

That used to sing to them;

But never again will the little lips

To their songs of love reply--

For that silvery voice is blended with

The minstrelsy on high.

 

Obituaries (December 1)

Warren Newton

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 30, 1891

 

Warren Newton

1817 - 1891

The front of the bank building of the First National of Norwich draped with emblems of mourning tells the story.  Death has knocked at its shore and sought out, within his home, the president and chief executive officer and thinking brain since its organization.  The familiar form of Warren Newton will be seen no more.  His voice is forever hushed.  It will not seem like the old bank to go into its banking room and not see his familiar figure in the chair by the window, or to hear his genial voice asking some half humorous, but puzzling question.

 

Warren Newton, Esq. died at his residence in North Broad Street, December 25th, 1891--Christmas morning.  His illness was the culmination of physical ailments which had troubled him for years.  The last and final struggle with disease was of but two weeks duration.  He met pain with patience and death with serenity.  He was born December 1st, 1817, and had nearly attained his seventy-fourth birthday.  His birth place was the Newton homestead in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] where his father, William Newton, had located in the first decade of the century.  Though owning an extensive farm, his father was much engaged in contracts on public works.  He helped construct the Erie Canal and later was engaged for two years in excavating the Delaware and Hudson Canal in Pennsylvania.  He also built near Bethany, in the same State, a portion of the first railroad ever constructed in the United States.  It was while his father was engaged in this work that Warren, then a lad of ten, alone drove a team and wagon from Sherburne through the woods and wilderness to Bethany.  He was always proud of this early achievement, which was a type of the courage and earnestness of his nature.  Later he became associated with his father in business and with him was engaged in constructing the Chenango and Black River Canals.

 

In 1844 he first came to Norwich, then being twenty-seven years of age.  Entering the office of the late Benjamin F. Rexford, he diligently pursued the study of law and three years later was admitted to practice.  His instructor offered him a partnership which was accepted, and the law firm of Rexford & Newton was formed.  The firm existed for six years, when his brother, Isaac S. Newton, Esq. having settled in this place, the old firm was dissolved and the two brothers formed the firm of W. & I.S. Newton which to this day is still famous in legal circles.  In 1856, in the office of this firm, the Bank of Norwich was organized.  Warren Newton was the prime mover.  When the officers were chosen he was made cashier.  He had now found his life work.  From that time till his death, thirty-five years, he devoted his energy, his time and great financial ability to the management of its every interest.  The bank has been a success from the start.  In 1857, when financial disasters swept over the entire country, the Bank of Norwich was one of two banks in the whole State which did not suspend payment.  He made it immensely profitable.  During its thirty-five years of existence, under is management, it has earned more than half a million dollars and paid the stockholders four hundred per cent upon its capital.

 

In 1851 he was united in marriage to Lydia Ann Wheeler, of Stonington, Connecticut.  One daughter was born to them, Louise M., now the wife of Joel J. Bixby, Esq. The widow and daughter and little grandson are left to mourn his loss.  He was a consistent member of the Congregational Church in this village, and one of its most regular attendants and liberal supporters.  In politics he was a Republican and took a deep interest in all public affairs.  He was never an office seeker, but consented to serve the people as village trustee and village President.  His predominant characteristics are well summed up in these words:  earnestness, vigor of intellect, sterling integrity, fidelity in all affairs and absolute temperance.

Benjamin T. Newton

Chenango Telegraph, August 26, 1903

Died:  NEWTON:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], August 25, 1903, Benjamin T. Newton, aged 18 years.

 Morning Sun, August 26, 1903

A sense of bereavement came to an unusually wide circle of friends yesterday with the announcement of "Ben" Newton's death, which occurred at 4 o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, August 25, 1903, after a severe illness of ten days.  Benjamin T. Newton was the second son of Rev. J. Burdette and Phebe E. Tucker Newton, and was born in Lindley, Steuben county, April 30, 1885.  About half of his short life of 18 years was spent in Norwich.  He leaves two brothers and one sister, Earl B., who recently went to Seattle, Wash., Lewis A. and Laura K., who reside with their widowed mother in this place [Norwich, NY].  Having lost his father in early childhood, he was thrown much upon his own resources, and grew up brave, helpful and self-reliant.  He has been, successively, carrier for The Morning Sun, office boy and assistant for Dr. C.M. Dunne, night operator in the Central telephone office and has also been employed in many other ways, winning the confidence and respect of all his employers, the love and admiration of the public, and carrying on his studies at the same time.  He graduated with high standing in the class of '03, of the Norwich High school, having taken the classical course.  He was treasurer of the class and was also a member of the Glee club.  Benjamin was a favorite with both schoolmates and teachers.  To those who knew him best, his intellectual promise and charm of character need no word of eulogy.  He was a great student and deep thinker, even after leaving school, reading abstruse philosophical works for the sheer love of knowledge.  With high ambition for the future he intended to enter college soon, and his friends looked forward to his attaining great achievements.  Yet, in the loving wisdom of God, his preparation was after all, a preparation for the unknown and grander uses of the life beyond.  he was a member on probation of the Free Methodist church and had the highest regards for all that was good and noble.  The funeral will be held from the home of his mother, No. 90 Silver street, Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. W.R. Tamblyn of Tunkhannock, Pa., a former pastor of his, officiating, assisted by Rev. M.H. Kendrick and Rev. Wilson Treible.  Interment in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].

Morning Sun, August 28, 1903

The funeral of the late Benjamin T. Newton was held from the home of his mother, no. 90 Silver street, yesterday afternoon, and was very largely attended.  Interment was made in Mt. Hope.  Rev. W.R. Tamblyn of Tunkhannock, Pa., a former pastor of the deceased, officiated, assisted by Revs. M.H. Kendrick and Wilson Treible, who made brief fitting remarks.  Mr. Tamblyn took for the subject of his well chosen remarks words found in the 20th chapter of First Samuel:  "But truly as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death."  The graduating class of 1903, of which he was an honored member, attended in a body.  The floral contributions were numerous and beautiful and were from the class of 1903, the condenser, hammer factory, Free Methodist church, W.C.T.U. and many individuals.

 

Olive (Dyer) Button Thompson

Morning Sun, August 26, 1903

After nearly a century of usefulness, the worn-out machinery of life ceased to perform its functions, and Mrs. Olive Thompson passed to her rest, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Olive R. Cooley, about two miles northerly of Oxford on the Georgetown road in the town of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday, August 22, 1903.  Mrs. Thompson was the daughter of Martin and Olive Dyer, and was born in Charlemont, Mass. November 7, 1806.  She was one of seven children.  When three months old her grandmother took her to Greene to live.  Upon recovering from her serious illness, her mother, with two sons and one daughter, joined them.  Her father died in Massachusetts.  After a short residence there and in Preston they moved to Pharsalia, and purchased a farm in Preston owned by Chauncey Hammond at the time of his death.  Here she married John Button and two children were born to them, both of whom are dead.  Ryal Thompson of Pharsalia was her second husband, and eleven children were born of this union, three of whom survive; Louis, James D. and Mrs. Olive Cooley of Preston.  They resided upon the farm mentioned and one nearby, purchased by Mr. Thompson, until September, 1884, when they moved to Chautauqua county.  Here them remained 14 years.  On returning to this county, Mrs. Thompson and her husband resided in Plymouth and Pharsalia until about 1865, when their sons Louis and James D. bought a farm in Preston, which they still own.  Here Mr. and Mrs. Thompson lived with their daughter, Mrs. Olive R. Cooley for a few years, in which time occurred Mr. Thompson's death.  December 1882.  Mrs. Thompson has since made her home with her daughter on that farm and the one where she died.  Deceased received Christ into her life when but 16 years old and has ever been a devoted Christian, a kind wife and loving mother. As long as her health permitted she did a great deal for the sick.  She was a member of the Free Will Baptist church until about three years ago when she was received into the Methodist church at Oxford.  The funeral was held from her late home in Preston yesterday, Rev. Mr. Lyttell of Cooperstown, her former pastor in Oxford, officiating.  Interment was made in the Lewis cemetery [Preston, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Howard Kinney

Morning Sun, August 24, 1903

Saturday a party of fourteen young people, among whom were Misses Gertrude and Fannie Amsden, Mr. and Miss Matterson, Howard Kinney and sister of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Irma Chaffee of Norwich, went to Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY].  About noon they took the steamer for a cottage at "Five Mile Point," to spend a ten days' outing.  After dinner four fellows started out for a swim. They got into a boat and went about twenty feet out from the dock when Kinney dropped over the side of the boat.  He took three or four strokes when he sank from sight.  His companions did not anticipate trouble at first.  When they commenced to fear something wrong, Kinney not coming to the surface, the Mabel Coburn, one of the steamers, approached the dock and, no doubt, its waves sent his body some distance from the spot where he sank.  The body was recovered about 6 p.m., and taken to Cooperstown in charge of an undertaker.  The parents of the young man, Mr. and Mrs. Clark Kinney, arrived during the afternoon and took the remains home Sunday morning.  Howard Kinney was 19 years of age, and an only son.  His parents and a sister, Elsie, survive him.  Howard was a popular young man and his death was a severe blow, not only to his family and party of friends, but to many friends as well. The funeral will beheld Tuesday at 1 o'clock in the Baptist church at New Berlin, of which church he was a member and a much beloved attendant. The party of friends who accompanied him to Cooperstown, returned to New Berlin that same afternoon.

 

Clinton Willis ("Clint") Blume, 1898 - 1973

Football Season is on; Coach Comes to  Norwich

Norwich Sun, September 17, 1919

That "there's nary an ill wind but blows some good has been demonstrated to the football squad of Norwich high, to the student body, and will later be proven to the army of Norwich backers and fans who will support the Purple team throughout the season of 1919.

A persistent rumor to the effect that Jack Sweeney, engaged tentatively as coach of the squad this year, had accepted a permanent position in Detroit, led to telegraphic inquiries at Sweeney's home by Superintendent Wassung Tuesday.  Sweeney had practically accepted the position offered him last spring, but agreed to let Prof. Wassung known within two weeks after the close of Colgate last June if he could not return to Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] in September.  Since no such word had been received from him, the squad was patiently awaiting his coming, and daily expecting him, until the disquieting rumor was noised about.

 

A message to his home in White Plains brought confirmation of the fact that Sweeney is in Detroit, and probably will not return to the east this fall. Whether there existed a misunderstanding on his part or not, no one is able to state, but at present his actions in the matter appear to be open to severe criticism, since through his neglect the team has lost two entire weeks of practice under a coach. The season was to have opened on Sept. 27, but since that is entirely impossible, the first game has been canceled, and the opening clash will occur on October 4.

 

Upon receipt of the information concerning the loss of the coach, Prof Wassung promptly marshalled his forces, and proceeded Hamilton-ward at an "average rate of 50 miles an hour," to quote the superintendent.  Gloom was written all over the party starting out, thick, gray, football gloom, than which there is none worse.

 

The success of the "scouting party" could be read from their faces upon their return to Norwich. they are even accused of singing on the way back.  For their efforts had met with splendid success and with them they brought a coach whose influence over the football men promises to be just as big, whose coaching system appears just as efficient, and whose training has equipped him even more thoroughly than the vaunted Sweeney methods.

 

Clinton Blume, D.K.E., Colgate university, class of '22, was induced by the committee from the local "high" to accept the position of coach for the football season, and within 15 minutes after meeting the Norwich men, he was being piloted in one National car to the scene of his future conquests in Norwich.

 

When the men, eighteen in number, reported for practice last night, they found their new coach, in football array, awaiting them.  Four letter men were out for practice, Capt. Devine, Norwood, Sullivan and Jones.  Another, Hazard, is expected to report tonight. The coach is banking on these letter men as the nucleus around which a speedy, brilliant eleven will be built.

 

There is also much promising new material out this year, many of whom have never played before, but who give promise of developing into valuable men. The season is too new to judge much of the eighteen members of the squad, but, though light, they give promise of developing under Coach Blume into as fast a high school team as might be found in the state. The material is there, and Coach Blume is ready to develop it.  The men were put through calisthenics and light exercises with the ball Tuesday afternoon. Today, a more extensive workout will be given them, and they will probably be put through a stiff drill and short signal practice.  Carter a valuable lineman of several seasons experience, will not return to school, and his loss in the line will be one which some of the newcomers will have to work hard to fill adequately.

 

At a rousing chapel "jubilation" Wednesday morning, the new coach was welcomed to Norwich with the usual vocal efforts of the entire student body, sufficient to shake the wall of "high."  Both Prof Wassung and Coach Blume addressed the assemblage briefly, the latter urging the men to "work with him" and voicing his confidence for a winning team this fall....Football practice has started. The coach is here!  Now, all Norwich get together and pull for the rest of the season.

 

Ready for the First Game

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1919

 

 

Clinton Willis Blume

Norwich High Football Coach, 1919/20

 

Norwich:  The Norwich High School foot-ball squad is being rapidly rounded into form for its opening scrimmage with the Johnson City team on Saturday of this week.  Coach Clinton Blume has kept the local team busy all week in anticipation of meeting a worthy opponent who will compel them to show their mettle. 

 

But little is known of the strength of the Purple eleven whom they will meet on Jones field tomorrow, but Johnson City has always fostered clean playing and aggressive football machine, and the same will no doubt be true of this year's team. Seven letter men are in the Johnson City line-up, a nucleus around which a fast and dangerous machine has been built and it is expected Norwich will have to look to her laurels.

 

Norwich Sun, September 20, 1921

Clinton Blume, former Purple and White gridiron mentor will be on the mound for the locals.  Blume is a Colgate man and a first string pitcher on the Maroon nine. This summer he has been on the big line winning baseball fame and laurels with B-- Fisher and his shoe town team.  Blume will be welcomed back to Norwich by hundreds of friends and he can be counted upon to twirl the locals to a great victory, if any way is possible.

 

The Otsego Farmer, July 21, 1922

Clint Blume, Colgate's star pitcher, has reported to the New York Giants, and is now a member of the world's champions.  Report has it that Blume received $2,000 for signing a New York National League contract, is to be paid $700 per month, and is to be included in a split of the world's series money should the Giants again jimmy their way into the annual baseball classic.

 

[Note:  The NY Giants played against the NY Yankees in the 1922 Baseball World Series.  The Giants beat the Yankees in five games.  Clint Blume was a starting pitcher for the Giants in the series]

 

Clint Blume

NY Giants

 

Lincoln Bank Names Blume Board Member

Leader Observer, Forest Parkway, NY, September 22, 1960

Clinton Willis Blume, president of Clinton W. Blume Company, Inc., New York, has been elected a trustee of the Lincoln Savings Brank.  The announcement was made today by Wilfred Wottrich, chairman of the board of trustees of the bank.

 

Born in Brooklyn, Mr. Blume started his real estate career there in 1926, following his graduation by Colgate university.  Later, Mr. Blume became vice president and director of William A. White and Sons and in 1952, started the real estate firm bearing his name.

 

Included among Mr. Blume's numerous affiliations in the real estate field are the Real Estate board of New York, of which he is governor and past president; he is a director of the National and New York State Associations of Real Estate boards; also past president of the Metropolitan Association of Real Estate Boards.

 

Always keenly interested in the civic affairs of the City, Mr. Blume includes membership on the Metropolitan Fair Rent Executive Committee, United Nations' Hospitality Committee and New York Convention and visitors Bureau, serving also as a director of the latter.

 

A prominent athlete at Colgate, Mr. Blume was a member of the New York Giants Baseball Club shortly after his graduation.  His keen interest in baseball  has continued and is reflected in his chairmanship of the Mayor's Trophy Game for the benefit of sandlot baseball and his membership on the Mayor's committee to bring baseball back to New York.  Other affiliations include Delta kappa Epsilon, Yale Club DKE, Union League Club, New York Athletic and the Realty Luncheon Clubs.

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (November 30)

Cora B. (Rose) Crumb

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1919

 

Cora B. (Rose) Crumb

1869-1919

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Private funeral services for Mrs. William P. Crumb were held from her late residence on Guernsey street at 2:30 o'clock on Sunday afternoon.  Mrs. Crumb passed away on Thursday evening after a two weeks' illness of pneumonia.  Mrs. Crumb was born March 7, 1869, near Manlius, and for a score of years had been a resident of this city.  She was a member of the Broad Street M.E. Church, of the W.C.T.U. and of the Grand Eagles, in all of which organizations she maintained an active interest. During the several local option contests in Norwich, she was an ardent advocate of prohibition. Besides her husband, she leaves two sisters, Mrs. Eva Helfer, of Daytona, Fla., and Mrs. George Price, of Syracuse, and also one brother, Wesley Rose, who resides in Syracuse. The body was placed in Mount Hope [Norwich, NY] receiving vault awaiting burial.

 

Sophronia Sumner Bixby

1860 - 1901

The illness of Mrs. J.E. Packard, which was so serious as to cause regretful chronicle in the Press of last Friday, met with fatal termination in the early hours of Sunday morning, at which time her spirit passed to life's fruition--the Great Beyond.  Funeral services, conducted by Rev. Charles Broughton of St. Paul's Episcopal church, were held at the house Wednesday morning at ten o'clock, after which the remains were taken to Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] for interment in the Bixby family plot in accordance with her expressed wish.  None but the family circle can fully measure the loss sustained by Mrs. Packard's demise.  To a large number of friends and acquaintances she was known as an amiable companion and a gracious hostess; but in the associations of the home life she filled with rare acceptance the more exalted position of a true wife and loving mother.  Her taking away at a time when her prospective view seemed brightest and when she was, as ever, enthusiastic in plans for the future, affords only a fresh manifestation of the mysterious ways of an all seeing God. The greater part of Mrs. Packard's life was spent in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], her native town, as told by the following quotation from the Morning Sun of Monday last:  "Sophronia Sumner Bixby was the daughter of Joel J. Bixby and Sophronia Sumner, and was born in Norwich, July 1, 1860. Three years later her parents removed to Bainbridge, where her girlhood and youth were passed.  In 1880, after the death of her father, she returned to this place with her widowed mother, to make her home.  Possessed of a remarkably active, imaginative and inventive mind and a peculiar adaptability for interesting and inspiring children, as well as by a great love for them, she determined to fit herself for kindergarten work.  With this object in view, she entered Miss Simons' kindergarten training school in Boston, one of the very best then in existence, where she spent two years.  Returning to this village, she established the first kindergarten in Norwich in 1883. From the first her school was a success and she was recognized as an exceptionably able teacher. She brought to her work untiring energy and zeal and limitless enthusiasm.  It gave full opportunity for the employment of her remarkable inventive faculty, especially in the matter of games, which she could originate on the spur of the moment with a readiness that amounted almost to genius.  In connection with her school work, she wrote many songs, which were published in kindergarten magazines and some of them, set to music, were printed in book form by a Chicago firm. She also wrote many more pretentious poems.  two of which, "The Easter lily" and "The Gold and Brown," had a wide circulation in the newspaper press.  Her kindergarten work in Norwich will long be remembered, especially by her pupils and their parents.  In 1891 she gave up her kindergarten work, and on October 11th of that year, was united in marriage to Joseph E. Packard, Esq., of Oxford, and removed to that village where she resided till her untimely death."  There survives her, her husband, Joseph E Packard, and his three children--Edith, Guthrie, and Catherine--and one brother, Joel J. Bixby, of Norwich.

 

Rachel S. Brown

Chenango Union, September 6, 1900

Otselic [Chenango Co., NY]:  Once more the people of Otselic are called to mourn the loss of one of its oldest and most respected citizens, in the person of Rachel S., wife of Isaac C. Brown.  Mr. and Mrs. Brown were among the early settlers of Chenango county, having lived in the same for 57 years, or since their marriage.  their home for the last 11 years has been at Otselic.  They commenced their married life like others of their day, by building a log house and living in the same for nine years, with none of our modern conveniences, yet by patient toil, spinning and weaving home spun carpets and blankets, they made their home one that might be envied by those of our modern times. During the 57 years of their married life they were blessed with only one child, a boy who only lived two years.  Mrs. Brown had one brother, nine sisters and two half sisters, none of whom are living, except one half sister, besides whom she is survived by her husband, Isaac C. Brown, and several nieces and nephews.  She experienced religion at the age of 13, and has been a devoted worker and a prominent member of the M.E. Church at this place ever since.  Her last illness of cancer, has caused her much and prolonged suffering, yet she bore it like the brave Christian that she was, and although she was past 82 years old, she retained her reason and self possession almost till the last.  Few couples can boast of an unbroken married life of 57 years, and the separation at this ripe age strikes deeply at the heart of her companion, who is left to mourn the loss of one who has been near and dear to him, smoothing the pathway of age and loving as only devoted wife can love. The sympathy of the community is with the bereaved husband.

 

Susan Austin Hubbard

Chenango Telegraph, September 5, 1900

The many friends of Mrs. Susan Hubbard of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] were shocked to learn of her death at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M.A. Schermerhorn of Cortland. The news was received by a telegram which conveyed no further particulars.  Mrs. Hubbard left Norwich about three weeks ago in her usually good health for Skaneateles, where she attended a reunion of the Austin family.  Afterwards she went to Cortland to visit her daughter.  No word that she was ill had been received by her Norwich friends and they were not prepared for the sad news of her death.  She was in her 79th year.  Deceased was the widow of the late Harvey Hubbard and had lived in Norwich for nearly sixty years, coming to this place from McGrawville in 1842.  She was a teacher in the old Norwich academy for several years, being a member of the faculty of that famous institution of learning, when it first opened it doors to the public in November 1849.  She became the wife of Harvey Hubbard in 1844, and for eighteen years their married life was very pleasantly continued, until separated by the death of her husband in 1862.  Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard, two of whom, Mary and Julia, preceded her into the life beyond the grave. Those who survive are Helen, wife of Professor Hoose of Pasadena, Cal., formerly of Cortland, Myra, wife of Merton Randall of Pasadena, Cal., Frances, wife of M. A. Schermerhorn of Cortland and Harvey Hubbard, editor of the Kittanning, Pa, Globe.  One sister, Mrs. Mary Phelps of Morrisville, also survives.  Mrs. Hubbard was a cultured, Christian lady, highly respected and deeply beloved by a wide circle of friends. Quiet and unassuming in her everyday life, she was ever ready with heart and hand to do her part for the improvement and betterment of the community in which she lived so long and the sweet remembrance of her noble womanhood will be cherished by all who knew her so long as their lives shall last.  The remains of Mrs. Hubbard will arrive in Norwich at 4:39 p.m. Wednesday and will be taken to her late home No. 2 Hubbard avenue.  The funeral will be held from the house at 2 p.m., Thursday, with burial in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].

Marriages (November 29)

Waite - Herrington

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1919

Charles N. & Helena M. (Herrington) Waite

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The home of the bride in Greenwich, N.Y., was the scene of a pleasing social event on Monday  morning, when Miss Helena M. Herrington became the wife of Charles N. Waite, of this city.  The ceremony as celebrated at 11 o'clock, Rev.  Mr. Tibbitts, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating, the ring service being used. The home was very prettily prepared for the occasion. The bride was given in marriage by her father and was attended by Mrs. Alfred P. Waite, of this city. The bride's gown was of white satin and georgette. She wore a veil and carried a shower bouquet of white Killarney roses.  Her attendant was gowned in shell pink silk and carried a bouquet of pink Killarney roses. The bride's mother wore a gown of black satin.  The groom was attended by his brother, Alfred P. Waite. The ushers were Charles Benedict and Carroll Wilcox, nephews respectively of the bride and groom. The flower girl was little Miss Viola Herrington.  During the ceremony Miss Ida Mae Wilson, an intimate friend of the bride, played Lohengrin's Wedding march and Spring Song. After a wedding breakfast Mr. and Mrs. Waite left on a wedding journey to New York and Boston.  The bride is a charming and popular young woman in Greenwich, where she filled the important position of court stenographer and assistant county clerk. She is a sister of Mrs. John Wilcox, of this city, and will be a welcome addition to the city's social life. The groom is a sterling and stirring young business man.  With his brother he conducts a barber shop and is a wholesale dealer in barber supplies.  Like the bride he has numerous friends, who wish them both much happiness in their married life.  Upon their return from their wedding trip Mr. and Mrs.. Waite will be at home to their friends at 53 Rexford street [Norwich, NY].

 

Conroy - Scanlon

Norwich Sun, September 19, 1919

 

CONROY - SCANLON:  At Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 17, Francis D. Conroy and Miss Nellie M. Scanlon, both of Norwich.

 

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1919

Wednesday morning in St. Paul's Church [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Miss Nellie M. Scanlon was united in marriage to Francis D. Conroy, both of this city. The ceremony was solemnized with a nuptial mass by Rev. J.S. Tiernan, assisted by Rev. J.F. Canfield.  Preceding the mass Miss Mary Finigan sang "O Promise Me" with Miss Daley at the organ.   James Riley rendered "O Salutaris" at the offertory and the wedding march and recessional were played by Miss Daley with splendid effect. The bridal couple were attended by Miss Agnes Conroy, sister of the groom, and William Scanlon, brother of the bride. The bride wore a becoming gown of navy blue tricotine, with large velvet hat to match, and carried white Killarney roses. The bridesmaid was dressed in navy blue taffeta and Georgette, with large black velvet hat and carried pink ruffled roses.  Mrs. Conroy is the daughter of Patrick Scanlon, of Gold street. She is a graduate of Norwich High School and for four years has been employed in the Chenango National Bank in this city. The groom is the son of Mrs. Katherine Conroy, of Fair street, and a graduate of Norwich High School and the Albany College of Pharmacy.  Since his return from service he has been employed in Keeler's drug store.  Mr. and Mrs. Conroy will reside at 42 Gold street [Norwich, NY].

 

Marriage Announcements

The Chenango Telegraph, November 8, 1865

 

WINTON - GROSS:  In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], Oct. 22, by Rev. P.S. Worden, Henry Winton and Harriet Gross, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

 

PECKHAM - McGraw:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Oc.t 7, by Rev. Lewis Lawton, Samuel G. Peckham, of Madison [Madison Co., NY], and Helen McCraw of Eaton [Madison Co., NY].

 

TALMAN - KALES:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 18, by Rev. J.B. Hopwood, Adelbert V. Talman and Eliza A. Kales, all of Coventry.

 

JONES - FSTER:  At the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. M.G. Wadsworth, Wm. Henry Jones and Phebe A. Foster, all of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Obituaries (November 29)

Rev. John L. Ray

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1920

 

Rev. John L. Ray

1846 - 1920

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Rev. John Lafayette Ray, who died in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] on Monday morning at the home of his niece, Mrs. Mary Forward, following an attack of influenza and pneumonia, was born in Beaver Meadow, Chenango county, May 30, 1846.  After attending district school he completed his elementary education in Norwich Academy and afterward matriculated at Madison, now Colgate University.  While in the theological seminary Dr. Ray preached at New Berlin and after his graduation received a call to Bath-on-the-Hudson, now Rensselaer.  Germantown, Pa., the Mount Auburn Church in Cincinnati and the Marcy Avenue Baptist Church in Brooklyn in turn were served by Dr. Ray and in 1901 the First Baptist Church of Norwich, which he attended in his youth, called him for the longest pastorate of its long history.  For ten years Dr Ray labored for the spiritual and civic betterment of Norwich before he was compelled to relinquish all pastoral work because of ill health.  His friends urged him to remain here but there were constant calls for his help and after a few months he went to the Steuben sanitarium in Hornell and later to Saratoga Springs for treatment. For five years he had resided at the home of his niece, Mrs. Forward, in Binghamton, where he died.  Dr. Ray was one of the family of eight children of Melissa P. Ray, the only surviving member of which is Federal Judge George W Ray, of this city.  Other relatives are:  J. Johnson Ray of this city; Mrs. Mary Forward and Mrs. John Eisenhardt, of Binghamton; Lieut. Col. Hal S. Ray, of Des Moines, Iowa; Charles Van Patten, of Denver, Col.; Miss Minnie Calkins, of Lebanon; Charles Tallett, of Beaver Meadow; Mrs. Legrand Harris and Arthur Blackman, of Holmesville, all nephews and nieces of the deceased.  Prayer service was conducted at the home of Mrs. Forward on Wednesday evening.  The funeral cortege arrived in this city at 10 o'clock on Thursday morning and proceeded at once to the First Baptist church, where the body lay in state until the funeral services at 2 o'clock on Thursday afternoon.  Rev. H.O. Rolands, of Oak Hill, Ill., a lifelong friend and college chum of Dr. Ray, officiated.  Interment will be made in the family plot at a later date, the body being placed in Mount Hope receiving vault [Norwich, NY].

 

Marie Louise Newton Bixby

1854 - 1916

On Monday evening, there died at her home on North Broad street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] after an illness of about two weeks following a paralytic stroke.  Marie Louise Newton, wife of Joel J. Bixby.  Mrs. Bixby was born in 1854, in the same house in which she died. She was the only daughter of the late Warren Newton and Lydia Wheeler, his wife, long time residents of Norwich.  Her early education was first obtained in the Norwich academy; but later at various schools in new York and Boston, and finally in Europe, where she specialized in music, showing great proficiency. An exceedingly retiring temperament, when remorseless ill health came upon her in middle life, led her to withdraw more and more from intercourse with her old associates; so that there are now only those residents left of the earlier generation who remember "Lou Newton," who in her girlhood was the life of every social gathering and who in her early womanhood, with her mother, by their many charities, brought comfort and happiness to so many of the town's poor.  Besides her husband, Joel J. Bixby, whom she married in 1888, she is survived by an only son, Warren N. Bixby.  ---Sun Norwich.

 

Sophronia A. Bixby

The Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, September 7, 1896

Mrs. Bixby spent her girlhood in the village of her birth, and on the first of January, 1840, was married to the late Joel J. Bixby.  Removing with him to Bainbridge, she remained there for ten years, and then came to Norwich.  Mr. Bixby engaged in business here [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] for twelve years, or until 1862, when ill health compelled him to retire from it. The family then returned to Bainbridge, where Mr. Bixby died in 1865.  Two of the children were then very young and to their education, care and guardianship Mrs. Bixby devoted herself with untiring energy, and a single mindedness that never swerved from her appointed duty.  In 1886, after her son had attained his majority, Mrs. Bixby again became a resident of Norwich and so continued until the time of her death. She had four children, one of whom died at an early age, while three survive:  Mrs. T.R. Campbell of Binghamton, Mrs. J.S. Packard of Oxford, and Mr. Joel J. Bixby of this village. To have known Mrs. Bixby during these last ten years in Norwich is not to have known her thoroughly.  For, whereas none could fail to note her dignity of manner, her refinement, her intelligence, her affection for her children and her strong religious convictions, few would imagine from seeing her thus with the sunset of her life casting its calm over her, that she had borne exceptional responsibilities with uncommon bravery.  Into the twenty years beginning with her widowhood she entered with a firm resolve to be both father and mother to her children, to provide them with thorough educations, to be their guardian and counsellor, and to prepare them for the conflicts and trials of life. Their welfare was her only ambition; their happiness her one delight.  Hence today beside their burden of heavy sorrow, there rests a great burden of gratitude.  "Indeed they feel that, in the heavens above the angels, whispering to one another, can find among their burning terms of love, none so devotional as that of Mother."  From girlhood she was a devout communicant of the Episcopal church and regularly attended services until bodily infirmity prevented. At all times she was loyal to her church and its teachings.  In its rites and ceremonies she found pleasantness and peace; that peace, which now is her's forever. The funeral services, which at the request of the deceased, will be strictly private, will be held on Wednesday morning at her late residence on Hayes street. The burial will be made in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Mary Mitchell Newton

Chenango Telegraph, September 5, 1900

Mrs. Mary Mitchell Newton, wife of I. Burket Newton, Esq., died at her home in Los Angeles, Cal., on Saturday, September 1, 1900, after a long and painful illness.  Mrs. Newton, better known in this community as Mary Mitchell, was the younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Mitchell of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and was born June 2, 1863.  Her younger days were passed at her home, she was educated at the old Norwich academy and at Miss Dillaye's school in Philadelphia.  She was married to Mr. Newton in January, 1885, and took up her home with him in Los Angeles, Cal., where she has since resided.  For several years, Mrs. Newton had been in failing health and long visits to various foreign climes failed to restore her, and the skill of many physicians was alike futile.  She is survived by her husband and two children, Rowena and Burket.  She also has one sister, Mrs. Robbins Little of Pasadena, Cal., and three brothers, Dr. John W. Mitchell of Providence, R.I. and F.B. Mitchell and Fred Mitchell of Norwich. The burial will be in Los Angeles --Sun

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, November 8, 1865

 

HOVEY:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 23, of Typhoid Fever, Mary [Hovey], wife of Ransom Hovey, aged 25 years, 9 mos., and 7 days.

 

NEWELL:  In Martinsburg Hospital, L.D. Newell, aged 23 years.

 

BRIGGS:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 28, Mrs. Olive Briggs, aged 86 years.

 

HALL:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 5, Oliver P. Hall, aged 22 years, 10 months, 12 days.

 

LYON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] Oct. 29, Geo. M. Lyon, aged 23 years, 6 months, 14 days.

 

HALSEY:  Lost on board the steamer Chanticleer in the China Sea, during the month of July last, Smith W. Halsey, son of the late E.C. Halsey, aged 32 years.

 

CLARK:  At Portsmouth, Va., Sept 15, of quick consumption, Daniel D. Clark, late of the U.S. Navy aged 33 years, late of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

 

MEAD:  In Versailles, Cattaraugus Co., Oct. 11, Amos T. Mead, aged 3 years, 4 months.

 

BIXBY:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 1, of Typhoid fever, col. J.J. Bixby, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

 

 

Obituaries (November 28)

Susie O'Brien

Utica Saturday Globe, February 1920

 

Susie O'Brien

1897-1920

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Miss Susie O'Brien, who died early Tuesday morning at the Brookside Crest Sanitarium in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] after an illness of two years, was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael O'Brien of Waite street, in this city. She was educated in the public schools and was a great favorite among her acquaintances.  She was born in Norwich in 1897.  She went to the sanitarium two years ago in quest of health and her cheery ways and unselfish nature won the warm regard of all with whom she came in contact. A cold which she contracted shortly before Christmas developed into pneumonia and resulted in her death.  Besides her parents she is survived by three brothers, William, James and Matthew; and two sisters, Nellie and Catharine, all residents of this city.  Funeral services were held from St. Paul's Church at 9:30 on Friday morning, Rev. Father Joseph Tiernan officiating, and burial was made in St. Paul's Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Joel J. Bixby

The Oxford Review-Times, Feb. 2, 1923

Joel J. Bixby, a prominent attorney of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] was stricken with an attack of neuralgia of the heart while at work at his desk in his office on Monday afternoon and expired before any medical aid could be secured.  Coronel Earl W. Wilcox of Norwich pronounced death due to neuralgia of the heart.  Joel J. Bixby was the son of Joel J. and Sophronia A. Bixby and was born in Bainbridge July 17, 1863.  Before becoming a resident of Bainbridge, his father was engaged in the manufacture of wagons at Norwich.  Joel attended the Bainbridge schools and graduated from the High school of that village.  Soon after graduation he entered the office of the late judge Albert F. Gladding.  He was admitted to the bar in 1885.  He remained for a while in the office of Mr. Gladding.  In 1896 he entered into partnership with Hubert L. Brown which was dissolved in 1901.  From October 1902 until 1904 he was the partner of the present County Judge James P. Hill.  He was elected Clerk of the Town of Norwich in 1835 and was also elected Village Clerk for several terms.  He was elected attorney of the city of Norwich in 1899.  in 1921 he was elected Special County Judge and was serving in that capacity at the time of his death.  For many years he was director of the National Bank of Norwich and was also its attorney.  Mr. Bixby was a member of the Masonic Order, a member of the Order of Elks, the Norwich City Club and the Chamber of Commerce.  Mr. Bixby was twice married, his first wife being a daughter of the late Warren Newton, by whom he had one son, Warren N., rector of an Episcopal church at Arlingotn, Mass.  Mr. Bixby is survived by his son and his widow. Funeral services were held in Emmanuel church of Norwich Thursday afternoon.  His body was placed in the vault of Mt. Hope cemetery in Norwich awaiting burial in the spring in the family plot of the cemetery of St. Peter's Episcopal church, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Charlotte Webb McFarland

1836 - 1901

In the early morning of October 2d, Charlotte Webb McFarland, wife of Charles A. McFarland, of this town passed to her eternal home.  She was a daughter of the late Joel and Abigail Loomis Webb. She was born in 1836 and married to Mr. McFarland in 1856 and her whole life of sixty-five years was passed in the same locality, as her father's farm was adjacent to that of her husband.  She leaves, besides her husband, one son, Ira A. McFarland, of New York, and three daughters, Mrs. M.B. Stratton, Mrs. V.D. Stratton and Miss Lillian McFarland of Oxford.  her brothers are Benaiah and Whitman J. Webb of Greene, George M. Webb of Smithville, Alvin G. Webb of Oxford, and Edward l. Webb of Higganum, Conn., and her sisters Miss Harriet Webb and Mrs. Daniel Ballou of Utica, and Mrs. Clark McNeil of Oxford.  Mrs. McFarland possessed in an eminent degree those qualities that make the noblest womankind.  She was an affectionate daughter, a faithful sister, and friend, a tender and loving wife and mother.  In her home life her lovely character was best exemplified. To husband and children she must ever remain the embodiment of all that is true and tender in the character of wife and mother.  Her funeral, which was largely attended, was held October 4th at the family residence, Rev. Daniel Ballou, of Utica, officiating.  Interment in the cemetery at South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  Reared amidst the most beautiful scenes of wood and vale, she was an ardent lover of nature. It seemed especially fitting that she was called form her labors in the autumn time, for she loved it and was in sympathy with all its moods.  In the strength of her beautiful faith she calmly and sweetly arranged for her departure, and welcomed the messenger with a smile.  As she was gently lowered to her last resting place, covered with beautiful flowers, in the solemn silence, the soft sunshine and the glorious color of beautiful October, it seemed that nature paid fitting tribute and paused in her march to receive a treasure to her bosom.

Marion L. (Buckley) Stratton

1837 - 1901

Marion L., wife of Charles E. Stratton, died at the family residence corner of Scott and Taylor streets, Friday night, Nov. 8, 1901.  Her illness dates back a year ago when she was stricken with a disease that brought constant suffering, which she bore with Christian fortitude never complaining.  Mrs. Stratton was the daughter of Jacob and Clarinda Hastings Buckley, and was born in the town of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], March 16, 1837.  Jacob Buckley was the son of John Buckley, one of the early settlers of the towns of Oxford and Smithville.  On February 15, 1859, in Oxford, she was married to Charles E. Stratton by Rev. J.C. Ransom, and since that marriage she and her husband had resided in the town and village of Oxford.  Mrs. Stratton was a woman of many excellent qualities. She was a devoted wife and mother, rearing a family of children who have become distinguished in professional life and made good citizens.  Of her immediate family she is survived by the husband, a daughter and four sons, Mrs. E.L. Haynes, of Brooklyn; Hubert C. Stratton, Vernon D. Stratton and Carroll I. Stratton of Oxford, and Robert B. Stratton of Mt. Upton. Two daughters died in infancy. Funeral services were held from the family residence Sunday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Powell of the Universalist church attending.  Interment in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Blog Postings, November 21-27, 2016)

Listing of blog postings for the week of November 21-27, 2016.

Marriages

Posted November 23, 2016

Julia Hughes - Edward L. Thorpe (Norwich, 1919)  Photo

Clarence E. Vail - Sarah A. Cone (Unadilla, 1893)

Martha E. Colegrove - C.M. Totman (Portland OR, 1893)

Michael Brennan - Mary Erion (Norwich, 1893)

 

Obituaries

Posted November 21, 2016

Virgil C. McLagan (Norwich, Edmeston, 1919)  Train Accident  Photo

Julia (Beach) Clark (Beaver Meadow, 1919)

Death Notices - 1891

     Sarah (Sherwood) Ingersoll (Guilford)

     Hiram G. Zieman (Sidney, Guilford)

Posted November 22, 2016
Edwin J. Walworth (Norwich, 1919)  Photo
Jennie B. (Cuffman) Smith (Sidney, Oneonta, 1922)
Ivanhoe Hyer (Rockdale, 1922)
George W. Taylor (Bainbridge, 1922)

Posted November 23, 2016
Emma Ames Bacon (Hamburg IA, Norwich, 1919)  Photo
Ernest Zieman (Sidney, 1892)
Our Sarah--by Anna Nevins (1860)
Etta Hutchins (Norwich, 1893)
Lousetta Phetteplace (White Store, 1893)
Emma J. Purdy (Smithville Flats, 1893)

Posted November 24, 2016
Mary E. (Saunders) Terwilliger (Norwich, 1919)  photo
Nehemiah Leach (New Berlin, King's Settlement, 1891)
Andrew J. Lawrence (Bainbridge, 1896)
Death Notices - 1875
     Henry A. Van Wagner (Columbus)
     Charles Lansing Ryder (Beaver Meadow)
     Dever Atkins (Otselic)
     Duane D. Atkins (Otselic)
     Helen M. Stetson (Chicago, Otselic)

Posted November 25, 2016
Jane Rose (Norwich, 1919)  photo
Mary Cole (Norwich, 1919)
Margaret Lyon (Guilford, Bloomville, 1858)
Martha Olds (Oxford, 1876)
Betsy (Balcom) Lyon (Bainbridge, 1873)
Death Notices - 1873
     John Kipp (Trout Creek)
     David Beverly (Bainbridge)
     Mrs. Russel Waters (Coventryville)
     Susan Conklin (Bainbridge)
     Gurden Perkins (Oxford)

Posted November 26, 2016
Ralph Bliven (Preston, 1919)  photo
Grace (Green) Stevens (Afton, 1925)
Mrs. Dr. Charles S. Butler (Binghamton, 1`925)
Death notices - 1874
     Infant child of Jesse and Betsey Ann Tuttle (Greene)
     Emma J. Fineout (Page Brook)
     George A. Leadbetter (Bainbridge)
     Collins G. Briggs (German)
     Spardon Lyon (Bainbridge)
     Emily Niven (Coventry)
     Clinton Weed (Norwich)
     Polly Dimmick (Plymouth)
     Anna Holmes (Plymouth)

Posted November 27, 2016
Howard Christian (Norwich, 1919)  photo
Richard G. Lyon (Bainbridge, 1941)
Hon. H.G. Crozier (NYC, Smithville, 1880)
Job H. Knickerbocker (Coventry, 1872)
Death Notices - 1875
     Helen L. Thurston (Norwich)
     Gracie Whalen (Norwich)
     Hugh McCormick (Norwich)
     Augustus M. Gage (Sherburne, Utica)
     Nancy Winslow mason (Missouri, New Berlin)


 

Miscellaneous

Posted November 22, 2016

Frank Burdick, Last Soldier Home- 1919  Photo

The Old Yellow Tavern, Norwich, NY Part 3

Posated November 23, 2016
The Old Yellow Tavern, Norwich, NY Part 4

Posted November 24, 2016
Foster C. Potter, 1899 - 1977

Posted November 26, 2016
Cyrus Hopkins, 1828-1920, Civil War Veteran
The Old Yellow Tavern, Norwich, NY Part 5

Posted November 27, 2016
The Old Yellow Tavern, Norwich, NY Part 6 - Conclusion

The Old Yellow Tavern, Norwich NY - Part 6, Conclusion

The Old Yellow Tavern, and Allied History of Norwich

C.R. Johnson

Norwich Sun, March 13, 1920

Part 6 - Conclusion

 

Let me close this bit of Norwich history with a very pathetic incident which took place in the "Old Yellow Tavern," during the incumbency of "mein host" Capt. James Perkins.

 

A most pitiful sight suddenly appeared one day at the front of the tavern, in the person of a crazed, and had she been a normal, would have been a beautiful young lady; but her hair, though beautiful in texture, was hanging loose and very much disheveled and her clothing was very ordinary and had been put on without much care.  She was taken into the tavern and to a room.  She was from Preston or McDonough and in care of relatives and was being taken to some insane asylum.  Next day she was suddenly missing.  At once her caretaker and some form the tavern began a search for her in the spacious grounds in the rear of the tavern.  It was quite a time before she was located in a thick clump of bushes and trees, with her long fair hair flying in the breeze, and clothing torn, wildly reciting disconnected portions of poetry and love songs--

"They bid me sleep--they bid me pray--

They say my brain is warped and wrung.

I cannot sleep--I cannot pray!

 

Twas thus my hair they have me braid;

They bade me to the church repair--

It was my bridal morn they said.

And my true love would meet me there!

 

"Her frantic screams, as she was being taken back into the house, were agonizing in the extreme." Mr. Randall says, and adds --"Poor, broken-hearted Fannie Widger!  The image of your young, fair, tearful face, disheveled tresses, torn apparel, and the mournful music of that love-lorn ditty have remained in my memory for more than half a century!"

 

In a letter to Mr. Randall in 1871, John Clapp writes--"You call before me poor hapless Fanny Widger!  How cruelly she was treated, so great the ignorance of insanity and the proper mode of treatment.  I saw her in her father's house confined in a dungeon built of heavy plank, with an opening through the door, perhaps a foot square, through which came food and light.  Here the poor creature pined and mourned, singing the little fragments of songs of love.  I do not know what became of her, but it seems to me that death soon stepped in and removed her gentle spirit to a kinder home."

 

This was the John Clapp of the firm of Clark and Clapp formerly of Norwich, with whom Mr. Randall studied law.  He was living in Binghamton at the time the above was written.

 

The shows the agony the insane were compelled to endure, simply because no one at that time, and for centuries before that time knew that anything could be done with insanity except to shut the victim in solitary confinement, until merciful death separated body and spirit. We have some slight realization now of the horrible nightmare in which the tens of thousands of such wrecks of humanity lived, and some of them to a great age.  The correcting of such ignorance, and the abuses which followed, are among the triumphs--the victories of the nineteenth century.  We may in reverence and wonder exclaim with Balsam  "What hath God wrought?"

 

The End

Obituaries (November 27)

Howard Christian

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1919

 

Howard Christian

1884 - 1919

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Howard Christian, a carpenter, died a few minutes after 7 o'clock Tuesday morning at the Novwich Memorial Hospital from injuries sustained on Friday afternoon when a scaffolding upon which he and three other workmen were working on a new building at the plant of the Craine Silo Company, gave away.  Three of the men fell a distance of 20 feet to the ground.  Frank Edmunds suffered a broken shoulder and A.C. Phetteplace a fractured rib.  William Duncan escaped injury by catching hold and clinging to a secure portion of the scaffold.  Mr. Christian's injuries were soon shown to be most serious and an examination at the hospital on Saturday revealed a fractured pelvis.  Everything known to medical skill was resorted to, but without relief.  Deceased was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Truman Christian, of Oxford. The fatal accident befell him on the anniversary of his mother's death, 21 years previous.  He was born in Oxford on October 20, 1884, and when he was a lad the family moved to California, remaining there for eight years when they returned east and he came to Norwich.  For 12 years Mr. Christian was a polisher in the employ of the Maydole Hammer Company.  He was an adept in the work but the confinement impaired his health.  He sought relief in outdoor employment and about eight months ago engaged with Contractor Herman R. Hall as a carpenter.  He was a thorough workman and enjoyed the confidence of his employer and the esteem of his associates and acquaintances.  He was a member of the local Lodge of Odd Fellows and of the Red Men, and actively interested in both.  He was an attendant of the First Baptist Church.  In Oxford as well as in Norwich the news of his death was received with sorrow and caused keen regret.  Great sympathy is expressed for his bereaved wife and family.  On February 9, 1910, Mr. Christian married Miss Mary Curtis, of this city, who, with a 2-year-old son, Gilbert Curtis, survives.  He also leaves his father, Truman Christian, of Oxford; one sister, Mrs. Lynn A. Stilson, of Sidney; a brother, Harold C.D. Christian, of Elmira, and a half-brother, Fitzhue Allen, of Oxford, besides an aged grandmother, Mrs. Laura J. Heady, of East Pharsalia.  The funeral was held from his late home at 14 Marshall street on Christmas afternoon at 2:30, Rev. H.R. MacMillan officiating.  Burial was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Richard G. Lyon

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 31, 1941

Richard G. Lyon is dead at age of 94.  Was One of Oldest Residents in Town of Bainbridge.  Richard G. Lyon, one of, if not the oldest resident of the Town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], passed away last Thursday morning, July 17.  He would have been 94 years old had he lived to the middle of September.  Mr. Lyon was born on the farm once known as the Stowel place on the road from Union Valley to Afton, and almost opposite his late residence near Newton Hollow.  When an infant, his parents, Spardon and Almira Graves Lyon removed to the home farm of his grandfather, Samuel Lyon, who had become an invalid from the effects of a shock. This farm was later the home of his brother, Horace D. Lyon, and is now owned by Horace D.'s daughter, Mrs. Daisy Carl.  That farm has been in Lyon hands since it was bought by Richard's great grandfather, Israel Lyon, in 1802.  Indeed even longer for it had been purchased by Aaron Lyon, a cousin of Israel's somewhat earlier.  Mr. Lyon married Ellen E. Smith, December 23, 1874.  She died early in 1913.  He married second, Elsie DeForest, December 14, 1914, who died in January 1940.  Even before 1920, his brother, Ernest, had the care of the household and continued his services in a most efficient manner to the last.  Mr. Lyon was the eldest of a family of nine brothers and sisters, only two of whom, Ernest and Edward, survive, but there are numerous nieces and nephews who greatly mourn his passing.  All people in his community speak of the deceased as primarily an honest, industrious and generous man.  A most agreeable neighbor and friend, kindly in word and deed. Funeral services were held in the Colwell Funeral Chapel, Sunday afternoon, the Rev. P.L. Carpenter officiating.  Bearers were Isaac Carl, Erford Lyon, Jesse Lyon and Ward Searles.

 

Hon. H.G. Crozier

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 7, 1880

The many friends of Hon. H.G. Crozier of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], will be pained to learn of his death, which occurred at New York City, on Saturday evening last.  He had been in failing health for some time, and was several months since compelled to relinquish business, and had sought health in travel, and finally located in New York City.  The improvement in his health never came, and he slowly continued to fail until death removed his sufferings.  The deceased was about 65 years of age, and had for many years bene prominently identified with the politics of Chenango County, in which he took a deep interest.  He had been honored with important offices in the gift of the people, the duties of which he performed in an upright and conscientious manner, winning the approval of his constituents. His loss in Smithville and the entire County will be deeply felt.

 

Job H. Knickerbocker

Chenango Telegraph, May 1, 1872

KNICKERBOCKER:  In Coventry, April 22nd, Job H. Knickerbocker, aged 16 years, 5 months and 5 days. [Chenango Union, May 1, 1872] 

 

We learn of one of the most frightful and fatal accidents that has happened in this section in many years.  It appears that a young man, 16 years of age, by the name of Job Knickerbocker, in the employ of James M. Phillips, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], was on Saturday night boiling sap in an old house used for that purpose.  During the night, becoming somewhat weary, he crawled up over the pans, where it seems there was a second floor, or upper room, and while there he fell into a sleep, and rolled off into the pans below. these pans were full of boiling sap.  He struck on his stomach, between the two pans, his feet entering the boiling sap of one pan, while his hands were thrown into the other.  He was fearfully scalded at either extremity. We understand that he extricated himself from this perilous position and walked about half a mile to the house of his mother (a widow), where after lingering a short time in great agony, he died--Green American.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, July 1, 1875

 

THURSTON:  In East Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], June 265, Helen L. [Thurston], wife of Charles T. Thurston and daughter of Thomas Hall, Esq., 31 years 4 months 28 days. 

 

WHALEN:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], June 25, Gracie [Whalen], daughter of James and Fidelia Whalen, aged 7 months.

 

McCORMICK:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] June 25, Hugh [McCormick], son of the late Thomas McCormick, aged 19 years, 10 months.

 

GAGE:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] in a Railroad accident, June 25, 1875, Mr. Augustus M. Gage of Utica [Oneida Co., NY], aged 30 years.

 

MASON:  In Missouri, May 26, Mrs. Nancy Winslow Mason, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged 67 years.