Obituaries (December 17)

Fred N. Storrs

Utica Saturday Globe, January 1921

 

Fred N. Storrs

1892 - 1920

 

Fred N. Storrs, who passed away at his home in Denver, Col., on December 27 last, at the age of 28, was born and lived in Chenango County the greater part of his life until about three years ago he went west on account of ill health, expecting to recuperate and return.  During his absence his family and friends have waited patiently for the realization of his hopes.  For a time there appeared to be a marked improvement in his condition and on October 16 last, a beautiful autumn day he was united in marriage with Miss Florence Shay, of Denver. Two months later he was stricken with pneumonia to which he succumbed after a week's illness.  His friends were greatly saddened when the news of his death reached them for he had been a favorite with all who knew him.  Besides his bride, he leaves a father, Rayard Storrs, of Plymouth, and four sisters and brothers John Storrs, of Buffalo, La Mott Storrs, of Sherburne; Leslie Storrs, Mrs. Ada Kenney and  Mrs. Charles Burchard, of Norwich; Leon and Donald Storrs, Mrs. Walter Brown and Mrs. Leroy Bowers, of New Berlin.  The burial was made in the west where he resided.

 

Samuel Seymour

Chenango Union, June 22, 1876

We buried yesterday in Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], near North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], the oldest inhabitant of the latter town.  His remains were interred upon the farm where he first settled, seventy-one or two years ago.  Perhaps he has lived in Chenango County longer than any man now living.  His father settled in the town of Guilford, near the Centre, upon what is known as the Fitch farm. This settlement was begun when Samuel Seymour was but seven years old.  So for eighty-six years he has lived in our County; for he died on Friday last, June 16th, at the age of ninety-three years.  He has seen great changes in North Norwich and vicinity during his long and useful life.  He went into the forests of this region with strong hands and brave heart, possessing a strong constitution and iron will.  The forests receded before him; and today smiling fields and prosperous farmers are on every side, where was unbroken wilderness seventy-one or two years ago.  He retained his bodily and mental powers in a good degree till the very close of life; though for the past winter and spring confined mostly to the house.  A good man has fallen.  He died in the faith of the Gospel; a living Christian man for some sixty years or more.  He said to me once, as I called upon him, " I have seen great changes in my day; many ups and downs; I have been young, and now am old, yet have I never seen the righteous forsaken, not his seed begging bread."  So the links that bind us to former generations are being severed one by one.  But while the fathers fall asleep, and we bear our loved ones to the Silent City, all is not dark and sad about us.  The beauty of spring and the glory of summer are upon us. Evil auguries and apprehensions of men do not thwart the grand dealings of God with us.  The fields stand dressed in their beautiful green, and everything at present foretokening abundant harvest.  Just enough of rain and showers to put our weather prophets to the blush, for their prophesies of drought, thus far have failed.  Pity people wouldn't move out of Grumbling Avenue over into Thanksgiving Street.

King Settlement, June 19, 1876   B.B.C.

 

Lucy Warren

Chenango Union, September 21, 1893

The funeral of Mrs. Lucy Warren was attended at her late home in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday, September 12.  She was ninety-four years old, and until within a year her life has been one of remarkable health and activity.  A brother, Mr. Lemuel Lewis survives her, and although not far from ninety, in looks and appearance he might be taken for seventy.

 

Clark P. Miner

Chenango Union, September 21, 1893

Mr. Clark P. Miner, who for some time past has been gradually failing in health, was called home on Friday last.  he was one of the very few yet remaining to us, of his generation  His quiet and exemplary life bears testimony that he has only entered upon a higher one.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. M. Whitney, on Saturday afternoon, at his late home, and were largely attended.  Of relatives from other places were his son, W.H. Miner and wife, of Towanda, Pa., Mrs. Sarah Franklin, of Norwich, sister, and only one left of the family; C.C. Rogers and Dwight Rogers, of Binghamton; Mrs. Darwin and children, Afton, and Mrs. Maria Pearsall and son, Bainbridge.

September 18, 1893   B.

 

John Hinman Sherwood

Chenango Union, March 24, 1887

John Hinman Sherwood, the well known and wealthy resident of New York city, died Thursday morning at his home on Sixth avenue, after an illness that had lasted for several years.  Deceased was a native and for years a resident of Chenango county [NY], and the following sketch of his long and useful life, which we copy from the New York Tribune will be read with interest by many who knew him in former as well as in later years.

 

"His career was an exceedingly active one from his boyhood.  He was born in the village of Guilford, Chenango county, New York, on February 9, 1816, and he received what education could be obtained at a country school.  Early in life he learned the trade of a shoemaker and he worked at that trade in his  native town until his early manhood.  When twenty years old he went to Monroe, Mich., and there established a leather and hide business.  Three years later he returned to Greene, Chenango Co., this state, and engaged in the dry goods business.  He came to New York in 1852 and became associated with the firm of Wesson, Vanderhoff & Co., in the boot and shoe trade.  In 1857 he withdrew from that firm and opened a real estate office, beginning his building operations, which made him a prominent and wealthy man.  His first buildings were erected in Park place, which was then a narrow and irregular street. As business increased and he could do so he put more money into his buildings, putting them up in a strong and substantial manner.  Over a hundred structures were put up by him. The Sherwood apartment house is one of these, and together with an old acquaintance he put up the block of houses between forty-third and Forty-Fourth sts., in Fifth avenue. This plot of ground was the site of the colored Orphans Asylum which was burned down by a mob during the draft riots of 1863.  Mr. Sherwood bought the ground for $200,000.  He was  a large owner of real estate, and had a considerable amount of property north of Central Park.

 

"After the financial troubles of 1873 he was instrumental in organizing the Fifth Avenue Bank, for which he subscribed most of the stock, and he was a prominent officer of the institution for many years.  He was a member of the finance committee of the Mutual life Insurance Company, for which his acquaintance with New York real estate especially fitted him, and was also a trustee in the company, and a director in the Washington Life Insurance Company.  The Real Estate Exchange was instituted principally through his efforts and he was a prominent member of it.  He took an active part in the fight against the gas monopolies, and as President of the Gas Consumers' Association he performed an important part of the work of securing the passage through the Legislature a year ago of the bill reducing the cost of gas.  He was also a stockholder of the Sun and was one of Mr Dana's warmest friends.  he had at one time a large collation of paintings, but when they were sold they were disposed of at a sacrifice.  He built and owned the Sherwood studio building at Sixth Avenue and Fifty-Seventh street.

 

"Mr. Sherwood was liberal in his charities and built a church and gave it to the Protestant Episcopal Society at Greene.  He was a member of Holy Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church in Harlem.  In Politics he was an ardent Republican and during the war did much to sustain the Administration. All who had dealings with him, found him a man of spirit and strong opinions, but strictly honorable in all his business affairs, and an old associate with whom he had handled millions of dollars paid a high tribute to his uprightness yesterday.  His property is estimated to be worth $2,000,000. 

 

"A widow and one daughter, the widow of J.H.A. Blodgett, survive him and a brother and other relatives are living in and near his birthplace. The funeral will be at his home at 4 P.M. Sunday. The burial will be at Greene" [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Greene [Chenango Co., NY]:  The remains of the late John H. Sherwood, who died at his home in New York, last Thursday, arrived here this afternoon on the 4:30 train, for interment tomorrow.  Deceased had many friends in this vicinity, where he spent considerable time in his early manhood in business pursuits.  For many years he has been a successful business man in New York, and acquired a large fortune, much of which was derived from real estate transactions and the erection and disposal of buildings of different kinds. At the time of his decease he was connected with several important business interests in New York.  One of the last of his many acts of liberality, was his munificent gift of $25,000 towards the erection the new stone Episcopal church in this village, now in process of construction, and which, although it will become a source of gratification and pride to the town, it is to be regretted he could not see completed.  Deceased was seventy-one years of age.  Funeral services are to be held a Zion church at half-past two tomorrow and the remains will be interred upon tthe Sherwood lot in Sylvan Lawn Cemetery. 

Marriages (December 17)

Robinson - Walker

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1919

Roswell Warner & Mabel Evelyn (Walker) Robinson

Miss Mabel Evelyn Walker, the accomplished daughter of Ray E. Walker, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] and Roswell Warner Robinson, of Cleveland, Ohio, were married at the Congregational Church in Oxford at 5 o'clock Sunday afternoon.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. Willcox, pastor of the church, in the presence of about 30 immediate relatives and most intimate friends.  The bride was attired in a becoming blue going away gown and the couple were unattended.  After a brief visit to the groom's mother in New Berlin and among relatives in Middletown, Mr and Mrs. Robinson will make their home in Cleveland. The bride is well known in this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] where she had been in the employ of the Chenango National Bank. She previously had been successfully engaged in teaching. The groom is in the employ of the Harvey H. Brown Company, which operates one of the leading lines of lake steamers running out of Cleveland.  Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are receiving the most cordial congratulations of their friends.

Mr. & Mrs. J.H. Bump

Norwich Sun, January 10, 1924

The 50th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Bump of Deposit [Delaware Co., NY] was recently celebrated in the community Hall, Guilford Center, a central gathering place for the friends and family.  Relatives and friends to the number of thirty-five from Cobleskill, Milford, Unadilla, Whitney Point, Binghamton, Greene and Walton gathered for the festivities of the day.  R.K. Teller, an employer for a number of years of Mr. Bump spoke in a happy mood of the earlier days in Unadilla where the family formerly lived.  Readings by Mrs. Ella Slater, letters from absent loved ones and music, by the company made the day pass only too fast.  Mr. and Mrs. Bump were presented with a purse of $50 in gold.

Marriage Notices

Chenango Telegraph, January 2, 1861

SMITH - CRANDALL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. L. Wright, Sidney Smith, of North Norwich, to Miss Malissa Crandall, of this village.

BUTTS - WELLS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 30th, by Rev. L. Wright, Volney Butts to Miss Lauraetia Wells, both of this village.

NEWALL - CAHOON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 26th, by Rev. W. M. Otis, Horace Newell to Miss Phebe Cahoon.

KNAPP - COLLINS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. A. Huntington, David H. Knapp, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary A. Collins, of Smyrna.

AYLESWORTH - FOSBURY:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 26, by Rev. J.D. Webster, Geo. A Aylsworth, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Robie A. Fosbury, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

YAUGER - PRATT:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Greene, Dec. 26, by Rev. B. Shove, John N. Yauger to Miss Caroline Pratt, both of Colesville, Broome Co.

TUBBS - LEACH:  In Afton, Dec. 26, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Orris Tubbs to Miss Ann Augusta Leach, both of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

HUNTLEY - SLATER:  in Greene, Dec. 24, by Rev. A.B. Jones, Helam Huntley to Miss Mary Elizabeth Slater, all of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Norwich Past & Present - Old Randall Homestead

The Past & Present of Norwich

S.S. Randall

The Old Randall Homestead

Chenango Telegraph, January 7, 1875

Nearly two centuries of recorded time have elapsed since (according to a veritable tradition handed down from generation to generation, and sustained by ancient records recently brought to light by one of the most intelligent and worthy young scions of the race residing in your village) three brothers of the name of Randall, found their way from England to this continent, and after many devious wanderings, effected settlements in the territory of New England--one in Rhode Island, and the two others in Connecticut.  John Randall, the first of that name, early in the last century [1700s], fixed his residence at North Stonington, near the present or late dwelling house of Darius H. Randall of that town, a descendant, it is presumed, of the race.  John Randall, second of the name, born in 1730, became the father of John, the third, in 1754, and afterwards of Roswell, in 1756, Jedidiah, 1758; William, 1768; and Dudley, 1772.  This John, the third in direct succession, according to this genealogy, it was who, through his intermarriage with Mary Swan, daughter of John Swan, of Haverhill, Mass., gave origin to the innumerable tribes of Randall, who have for nearly a century past, swarmed through the flourishing valley of the Chenango, and even extended their borders to the city and suburbs of New York.  I cannot undertake to answer for the strict genealogical accuracy of this table of descent, least of all, to trace it down in all its involutions and evolutions, to the present date.  I only propose on this occasion to take a brief survey of the original settlement of Capt. John Randall, third of the name, at the commencement of the present century [1800s], on the old farm, then known as "the (Indian) Castle," about one mile south of the present village of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the bank of the Chenango River.

 

From a statement made a few years previous to his death, by the late Deacon Randall, to the compiler of Childs' "Gazetteer of Chenango County," it appears that his father, Capt. John Randall, came from Stonington, Conn., where he had previously resided, to the present town of Pharsalia, in Chenango county, in the autumn of 1797, that after the erection of a log house, and the clearing up of a small patch of ground, during the fall and winter, he removed his family, consisting of a wife and ten children, to his new home in the wilderness, in the spring of 1798, his son Charles, then eighteen years of age being employed during a period of three entire weeks, in driving an ox team of three yoke of oxen from Hartford to Pharsalia, crossing the Hudson at Catskill, and terribly annoyed by wolves on the Plymouth hills, as he neared his destination, with provisions for the family, over which a furious battle raged for hours with a pack of these ferocious animals, terminating in a hard won victory for the young emigrant and the forest allies, and that in the ensuring year, 1799, he erected the first frame house in Pharsalia, afterwards occupied by his son, Denison Randall, Judge Hezekiah Read, Charles Browning, B.H. Wheeler and others, and now probably demolished. The next year, 1800--the last of the century, he purchased of Avery Power, the "Castle" farm, of about two hundred and eighty-six acres, lying on both sides of the river, for the sum of about $4,000, and again transferred his family to their new and for a long time permanent home.

 

Avery Power was one of the earliest pioneers of the Chenango Valley, having settled himself as a "squatter" on this tract of land, then a dense wilderness inhabited only by Indians of the Oneida tribe in the year 1788, and afterwards purchasing his farm of the State, at the rate of about seventy-five cents per acre, paying for it by assisting the State surveyors and boarding and lodging their hands.  Here, in a little hut erected by him, was born his daughter Lucy, the first child born in the town, and two other daughters, all of whom, the "delight of his eyes," died in their early infancy, within a few weeks of each other, leaving his lonely wilderness home desolate.  Their little coffins were deposited in a grave upon the present or late Burlingame farm, on the east side of the river and after advantageously disposing of his property in 1800, the stricken and bereaved mourner, again took up his pilgrim staff, and with his childless mate buried himself in the deep recesses and hitherto unexplored regions of the "far west."

 

Fifty years ago this present winter [1825], I spent several pleasant weeks on this old farm, in the family of my uncle Charles York, who, after his retirement from mercantile business in the village, had taken up his residence there, having become the owner by devise, descent or purchase, of about one third of the original property--Col. John Randall succeeding to another third, south of that allotted to Judge York, both on the west side of the river, and Deacon Charles Randall to the remaining third, lying wholly on the east bank. The "old homestead," situated about half way between the highway and the river.  In the midst of surrounding meadows and fields in a high state of cultivation, was at this time, a long, low rambling, story and a half cottage, unpainted, much dilapidated and bearing manifest traces of the wear and tear of a quarter of a century's occupation.  Since the death in 1816, of the good old patriarch, who may be regarded as its founder, it had been temporarily occupied for a few years, by Col. Sam Randall and his family, and perhaps by others, previous to the occupancy of Judge York. The later, after the labors and supervision  of the farm during the day, was accustomed to spend the long winter evenings, up to a late hour, in the midst of his family circle, arranging official papers connected with his Supervisorship of the town, reading, and cheerful, social conversation, and here I first became acquainted with and deeply interested in "Zimmerman on Solitude," "Henry's Meditations,: "Children of the Abbey," and similar popular works of the period.

 

A quarter of a century then passed over.  the venerable patriarch had long been in his grave, and of those ten children transported through the wilderness, all save two, had grown up to men's and women's estate, and were flourishing and happy.  John, the eldest, was a wealthy citizen and farmer.  Denison cultivated a large farm in Pharsalia, and had represented his county in the State Legislature. Charles was an independent farmer on the "old homestead," and a respected deacon of the church.  Paul had emigrated with his sister to Ohio, from whence her husband, James W. Gaxlay, had been sent to Congress, by a political triumph over William Henry Harrison.  Leroy was County Clerk, and had also represented his county in the Legislature. Sam was a well to do farmer; Hannah was with her friends in Ohio; Esther was the beloved wife of Charles York, also domiciled in the "old home," and Roswell was a merchant in Pharsalia.

 

Fifty additional years have gone by, and "all, all are gone--the old familiar faces."  The last, Deacon Charles Randall, and Esther York, only within the past few years, were gathered in by the Great Harvester, "like shocks of corn fully ripe." in a good old age, far prolonged beyond the limited "three score years and ten."  The places that so long knew them shall know them no more forever. Their memories will ever be green.  The "old homestead" has passed into the hands of strangers, the old fields are cultivated by others; the old, rambling, moss-covered cottage, which so often resounded with the busy tread of young feet, has forever disappeared, and a new generation has arisen to beautify and adorn the old consecrated paths.  So must it ever be, as the years and centuries roll on.  So has it ever been since the first ages of recorded or unrecorded time:  "One generation cometh and another generation goeth, and by turns this vast inn-- the world, is evacuated and replenished by troops of succeeding pilgrims."

 

Let the passing traveler, as intent on business or pleasure, he wends his way past the "Old Randall farm" pause to reflect for a moment on its eventual history.  Here, less than one hundred years since, the "castle" of the Oneida sachems and braves resounded with the terrible Indian war whoop, or witnessed the deliberations and decisions of the Great council.  Here came the solitary pioneer, Avery Power, to plant fearlessly the first seeds of civilization and here his little ones in their infant innocence and loveliness and beauty were laid in their little graves.  From out his desolate log cabin in the wilderness, the strong man, who had braved so many perils, confronted so many wearisome labors, and enjoyed so many happy hours and days of domestic bliss, broken hearted gathers up his remaining strength and traverses anew the pathless wilderness towards the setting sun.  Here, in his stead, came another, wanderer from the far east, who after a long sojourn in a dense wilderness, planted here his standard and here deposited his household goods; and here were trained up the future fathers and mothers of a more advanced and rapidly expanding civilization.  Modern romance has few more elements of strange, vicissitude and change--of wild and stirring adventure--of solemn pathos--and tragic incident than may here be found in the sober and unexaggerated annals of frontier life.  Nor let it be forgotten that in the deep recesses of many another of the hills and valleys which encircle the quiet and silvery stream of the Chenango, similar experiences abounded where now peace, plenty and prosperity diffuse their innumerable and priceless blessings.

 

 

Obituaries (December 16)

Florence Tinker Browning

Utica Saturday Globe, January 1921

 

Florence Tinker Browning

1865 - 1921

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Florence Tinker Browning, wife of John Browning, died at her home in South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] on Tuesday aged 55 years.  Besides her husband she is survived by three daughters.  Mrs. Dever Simmons, of Norwich and the Misses Madeline and Alice Browning, who resided at home.  An only son, Ward Browning, who resides in Texas, was not able to reach the family home in time for the funeral which was held on Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock with the burial in Plymouth.  Mrs. Browning was a woman greatly beloved and her death is being sincerely mourned by all who knew her.

 

Hannah (Minor) Yale

Chenango Telegraph, February 10, 1876

"Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord."

Entered into rest, at Fort Collins, Latimer County, Colorado, on Sunday evening, January 16, 1876, Mrs. Hannah Yale, wife of Mr. Albert Yale, after an illness of some weeks, which she bore with Christian fortitude and resignation.  She was the daughter of John and Mary Minor, born in Guilford Chenango County, N.Y., Aug. 29, 1831; aged 44 yrs 4 months and 25 days.

 

Her remains were interred in the cemetery, Fort Collins, on the 18th.  the services were conducted by Rev. F. Birne, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal church, when a large congregation was present and followed in solemn to the tomb.  She has left a bereaved husband and two daughters to mourn the loss of a fond mother and beloved wife.  She was a true and devoted member of the Episcopal church and an affectionate and eficient teacher in the Sunday school. The scholars of her class, showing their appreciation of her worth and their loss, followed in a body to the grave.  Her labors of love in the interest of the church and Sunday school, were eminently undeputizable, as they were unostentatious and purely unselfish.  Her mildness of disposition and affability of Christian humility, won for her the esteem of all with whom she became acquainted.  Her attachments to her neighbors and friends and her readiness to make herself useful in the community had secured the kind approbation of all who knew her.  Her departure from our midst has left a painful void in the family circle, in the church, and in the community.  But she has passed away from all earthly pain or sorrow, having taken a final and tender farewell of the loved ones, commending her loving and youthful daughters to the care and blessing of God, expressing the pious wish and prayerful hope that they would follow in the path of Christian duty and faithfulness in the church, which she had tried, by the grace of God, to do, and to lead them to their loving Saviour.  Her last words, while conscious, were those of humble trust and unwavering confidence in God; through Christ, and of her acceptance at last through Him.  Thus our departed sister calmly and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus.  We do and will miss her--Larimer Express

Henry W. Yale

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 11, 1902

The death of Henry M. Yale of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], occurred Sunday, December 29, 1901, at his home of brain trouble, after a long period of sickness, at the age of fifty-nine years.  Mr. Yale was born in Guilford.  His father was Uriah Yale, a farmer, who was well known in this vicinity. the son, Henry, in early manhood did not care for agricultural pursuits and took up another line of business in New York city but finally came back to his father's farm, where he had resided until his death.  His wife was Miss Mary Pettys of Norwich, who survives. There were three children, all living and married.  Mr. Yale was a member of the M.E. church at union Valley, but his infirm condition had prevented his attendance at the services for several years. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon of last week at the home of the deceased, Rev. J.S. Crompton of the Bainbridge M.E. church officiating.  The interment was at Yaleville.  Mr. Yale was a brother of Isaac D. Yale of this village, and also of the late Mrs. Charity P. Cooper of Bainbridge. The Yale families of Guilford were among the first settlers of this section of the country, and became allied at an early date with the few families in Bainbridge then, among whom was the Banks family--Bainbridge Republican.

Dr. O.A. Young

Chenango Union, March 23, 1882 

We published recently a brief mention of the drowning of Dr. O.A. Young, in Oregon.  He was a former resident of Guilford Centre, this County [Chenango Co., NY], and the following letter to his brother, A.J. Young of that place, gives additional particulars of the sad event:

Tillamook, Oregon, Feb. 25, 1882
A.J. Young, Guilford Centre, N.Y.:
Dear Sir,
Your letter of January 24th is received, and in reply I will say that the report you received is only too true.  Dr. Young was drowned while crossing the Nehalem river about twenty miles from where I live.  He was drowned when starting to come to our settlement to visit a patient.  It will never be known how it happened, but it is thought they (he was in company with Mr. C.A. Lamb) had reached the shore, and were attempting to get out of the boat.  It was an Indian canoe; they are made of logs, and are very easily turned over, if a person does not understand them, and where they landed the bank is very steep--that is, goes right off into deep water, and is right at the mouth of the stream, where it empties into the ocean.  As it is very swift, it is supposed when they arose to get out of the canoe, it turned over, as their bodies were found only a few feet from the shore, close together.  I saw the Doctor a few days before his death.  He was at my father's house, was well and jolly, and full of fun, little thinking how soon he would be called on to travel that road from which none ever return. The Doctor had resided here but a short time, but during that time he had gathered around him a large circle of friends, composed of our best citizens.  I never met a better hearted man.  He was drowned January 7th, 1882.  His body was recovered on the 11th, in a good state of preservation, was brought to Kilchis, on Tillamook Bay, and buried in a respectable manner.
Yours with respect,  Charles H. miller, Postmaster.

 

Marriages (December 15)

Weeks - Aylesworth

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1919

 

Earl H. & Mabel C. (Aylesworth) Weeks

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  A very quiet wedding took place at the Broad Street M.E. Church parsonage at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning, at which time Miss Mable C. Aylesworth, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Aylesworth, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], became the bride of Earl H. Weeks, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Weeks, of Columbia street, this city. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Frank W. Young, pastor of the church. The bride wore a blue traveling suit and carried a bouquet of white roses.  The couple were attended by Miss Ella Aylesworth, of Sherburne, a sister of the bride, and by Ralph E. Weeks, of Ilion, a brother of the groom.  The bride is one of Sherburne's most popular young ladies and is well known in this city, where she has worked for the past few years.  Both young people are members of the Broad Street M.E. Chruch, and active in the work, the groom as a member of the Wesleyan Brotherhood.  He is a valued employee of the Ontario & Western Railway shops.  The happy couple left for a wedding trip to Rochester, Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada. After November 1 they will be at home to their friends at 15 Sheldon street.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Jerome Morse

Oxford Times, January 30, 1901

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jerome Morse celebrated their golden wedding on Wednesday, Jan. 23d, at the home of their son-in-law, F.M. Parker, at South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  It was also Mrs. Morse's birthday, her age being 71 years, and that of her husband, 74 years.  about twenty relatives were present, four generations being represented, and a remarkable thing in connection with the affair is the fact that not a death has occurred in the family thus far....Many costly presents were presented to the worthy couple.  Mr. and Mrs. Morse removed here form Sidney recently, and are at present living with their son-in-law, Mr. Parker, our station agent. They are hale and hearty and promise to be able to celebrate many coming anniversaries and share in life's pleasures, in fact Mr. Morse indulged in coasting with one of his grandchildren a short time since.

 

Stead - Hovey

Oxford Times, January 30, 1901

One of the most pleasant social gatherings it has been our privilege to attend of late, was the marriage of Miss Ethel M. Hovey, youngest daughter of Mrs. Marilla A. Hovey, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and Alvin E. Stead of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], at the residence of the bride's mother, Thursday evening, Jan. 24, 1901, in the presence of a large number of friends and relatives of the bride and groom.  Soon after seven o'clock the guests began to arrive and at the hour appointed for tying the nuptial knot the parlors were well filled.  Promptly at eight o'clock the bride and groom entered the parlor to the soft, sweet strains of the Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin, played by Miss Bertha C. Stead, sister of the groom.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. Charles E. Olmstead, pastor of the M.E. church of Guilford, under a bower of evergreens, in the center of which was suspended a horse shoe, tied with white ribbons. Green and white were the wedding colors. The bride was tastefully attired in a gown of green satin with trimmings of white silk and white chiffon and carried a bouquet of white hyacintha tied with white satin ribbon.  She wore a gold chain with an opal setting, the wedding gift from the groom. The groom wore the conventional black. Following the ceremony the bride and groom received usual congratulations and well wishes of the friends assembled, after which an elegant collation was served under the direction of Mrs. Kahl of Oxford.  During the congratulations the strains of Mendelssohn's grand wedding march was heard from the organ. They were driven to Norwich the same evening amid showers of rice, where they took the train the next morning for Utica and Syracuse.  Many elegant and valuable presents show the high esteem in which the recipients are held.  After a brief trip they will return to Guilford where they are to reside. The bride is a most estimable young lady and she will be sadly missed in Oxford, and the groom is one of our enterprising young farmers.  The young couple have the best wishes of their many friends for their future happiness.

 

Marriage Notices

Chenango Union, March 11, 1875

 

WIGHTMAN - BARBER:  In Otselic, Mar. 2, 1875, by Rev. D. Gibelow, Mr. Linus Wightman of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Nellie Barber of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

 

HARRINGTON - FERRIS:  In Smyrna, Mar. 3, 1875 by Rev. D.E. Loveridge, Mr. Hllen  Harrington of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elia C. Ferris of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

 

DUTELLIER - MARSHALL:  In New Haven, N.Y., Feb. 18, 1875, by Rev. A. Brown, Mr. Frank Dutellier of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lovella Marshall of New Haven [Oswego Co., NY].

Obituaries (December 15)

George A. Jacobs

Utica Saturday Globe, January 1921

 

George A. Jacobs

1842 - 1921

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  George A. Jacobs, for many years a resident of Norwich, died at the Women's Relief Corps Home at Oxford on Monday morning.  Mr. Jacobs was 78 years of age, and a member of Company H, Seventeenth Regiment, New York Volunteers.  He saw much service and received wounds which had incapacitated him for active work for much of the time since the closing of the war.  For a number of years he has resided at the home.  He is survived by his wife, and a son, Henry A. Jacobs, both of whom reside at the home.  Funeral services were held at the home on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and the body was then brought to the undertaking parlors of Lawrence & Devine in this city, where further services were held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon, Rev. Frank D. Gifford, rector of Emmanuel Church, officiating, the bearers being comrades in Smith Post, G.A.R., of which deceased was a member.

Elizabeth Moore

Oxford Times, January 30, 1901

Elizabeth, wife of Philip K. Moore, of this town, died quite suddenly last Sunday.  Mrs. Moore was about her household duties as usual Sunday morning, when she was taken seriously ill. She rallied somewhat from the first attack, but experienced another and died in about two hours from the time she was first taken.  Heart disease was the cause of her death.  Deceased was a sister of Dorus Holmes, and beside the husband is survived by two sons, Everett Moore of this village and Lavine Moore, who lives at home.  Funeral services will be held today from the residence on the East hill at 11 o'clock. Rev. Dr. Powell, pastor of the Universalist church, and Rev. Daniel Ballou, of Utica, will officiate.

Mollie Pellet

Oxford Times, January 30, 1901

The friends of E. Porter Pellet of Barranquilla, Colombia, South America, will sympathize with him in the death of his daughter, Miss Mollie Pellet, which occurred in December. She was 26 years of age.  Mr. Pellet has been vice consul from the United States at Barranquilla for the past 30 years or more, and was a native of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  He was an officer in the 114th Regt. N.Y. Vols., during the Rebellion, and afterwards wrote one of the histories of that regiment.

James L. Stead

Oxford Press, September 13, 1901

James L. Stead was born at Stockwood, Conn., May 18, 1817.  He died in Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] September 2, 1901.  Mr. Stead's father came from Connecticut and settled at Preston when this part of the country was a wilderness, and he was supposed to have been killed by the Indians. At the age of twenty-one James married Malinda Waite, and for nearly sixty years they walked side by side, but she was called away in 1888.  Seven children, two girls and five boys, blessed this long union.  Four children survive these parents, namely, Mrs. Horton of Columbus, Mrs. Marilla Wheeler, R.W. Stead, and James L. Stead Jr. all of Guilford.  Mr. Stead lived fifteen years in Masonville and the rest of his long life in Chenango county, four years in New Berlin, and the remaining years in Guilford. The mortuary services were held at the home of his son.  James L. Stead, Jr., his pastor, Rev. C.M. Olmstead, officiating.  He was laid to rest in the Guilford cemetery, Wednesday afternoon, September 4.

 

Frank E. Burdo

Chenango Union, December 3, 1974

Many of our citizens will recollect Frank E. Burdo, one of the first conductors on the Midland Railroad after the opening to this village--a fine looking young man, who was devoted to his business, and made hosts of friends among his associates and the traveling public.  Since that time he has been employed on different railroads in various parts of the country; but having become addicted to drinking, he failed to keep positions which were secured for him; the butterfly friends who stood by him as long as his money lasted, deserted him, and jeered at his misfortunes; and his repeated attempts to reform were failures.  On Monday of last week he went from Rome to New York, after more than a week of entire sobriety, in pursuit of employment as a street car conductor.  He went into a drug store on Wednesday evening, for the purpose of having a leech applied to a bruise over his eye, and after the application he seemed to become stupefied and entirely unable to move.  Thereupon a police officer was summoned, and the unfortunate man was taken to the Ninth precinct station house, between 9 and 10 o'clock P.M.  A comfortable room and bed were given him, and at intervals during the night the sergeant visited him--the last time at half-past 1 o'clock in the morning.  Each time he seemed to be sleeping soundly and was not awakened. At half-past three the sergeant again went to his room, but he was dead, and in the opinion of the physician, who was at once called, he had been dead about an hour.  A post mortem examination was made and it was found that the immediate cause of death was congestion of the rain.  His lungs were found to be nearly consumed and his heart was somewhat affected.  The remains of the unfortunate young man, accompanied by his devoted wife, were taken to Bridgewater, Oneida Co., where the funeral was held on Sunday afternoon.

Daily Observer, Utica, NY, November 28, 1874

A telegram was received in Rome [Oneida Co., NY] yesterday from New York, stating that Mr. Frank E. Burdo, well known in this city, had been found dead in that city on Thursday evening.  A letter received later says that Mr. Burdo went into a drug store on Thursday forenoon for medical assistance, and that he sat by the stove for some time, and when he started to go out he was unable to walk.  He died in a few hours thereafter.  A second dispatch stated that the body would be brought to Utica and from thence taken to Bridgewater, on the Richfield Springs branch of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, for interment.  It was requested that the person to whom it was addressed would meet the body and friends at Bagg's Hotel at 7:30 this morning.  Frank Burdo was a comparatively young man, but had seen much trouble in the past few years.  He commenced work for the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad company a number of years ago and at first occupied but a humble position, but by strict attentions to business, he gradually rose until he became conductor of a passenger train on the above named road.  He was at that time a fine looking young man, and by his devotion and attention to business had won the respect of his associates and the railroad officials.  Some time after his marriage he left his position.  Since then he has been employed on different railroads in various parts of the country.  A kinder-hearted more accommodating man than Frank Burdo one seldom meets, and he had plenty of friends.

Death of Bernice Stone - 1920

Meets Tragic Death

Miss Bernice Stone killed When Auto Overturns

Utica Saturday Globe, August 1920

 

Bernice Stone

1902 - 1920

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Friday night's frolic at Chenango lake had a tragic ending in the violent death of one of the dancers, who, only a few moments before, had been enjoying, to the full.  the fun and the pleasure at this gay resort.

 

Accompanied by her sister, Miss Bernice Stone, aged 18, had gone to the lake in the car of their friend, Edward Waite, for an evening of enjoyment.  Miss Stone was popular among the young people and had indulged in most of the dances.  She had just completed one with Whitmore Babcock, son of Mayor Linn H. Babcock, when the young man invited her for an auto ride.

 

Seated in his high-powered Stutz, they had gone a short quarter of a mile down the South New Berlin road when the car left the traveled track, pitched down an embankment, and turning turtle, performed a complete rollover, landing right side up.  The car was a left hand drive and Mr. Babcock was thrown out, landing on his feet.  His companion, apparently, was caught under the car and her skull fractured and from the profuse bleeding, her life ebbed out within a short time.  She was picked up from between the car and the road, and carried by her escort to a Ford car which came upon the scene and conveyed her back to the hotel which she had left only a few minutes before.  Two physicians among the summer guests made a hasty examination and, discovering a hint of life, the injured girl was hurried to the Memorial Hospital, but death had intervened before her arrival there. The body was taken to the funeral parlors of Lawrence & Devine, where they were prepared for burial upon the certificate of Coroner E.W. Wilcox that death was caused by a fracture at the base of the skull received in an auto accident.

 

 

Motor Car in Which Miss Stone was Killed

As it landed in the fields after turning over completely on leaving the State road

 

Miss Stone, with her sister, Mildred, aged 22, had been employed at the Norwich Knitting Mill for nearly a year. She was a very pretty, and attractive young woman and popular among her friends.  The sisters roomed at the house of C.A. Bowers, 11 Walnut street, and the body was taken there Monday.  friends being permitted to call Monday afternoon.  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. H.R. MacMillan, of the First Baptist church. Burial was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Stone, who reside in Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], but until six months ago were residents of this city, where Mr. Stone had been employed in the condenser and in the hammer factory.  To the older sister fell the sad errand of carrying to the mother the message of her daughter's tragic death.  The family were bowed down with grief.  Besides the members mentioned, a married sister of the unfortunate girl, Mrs. Preston Wescott, resides at Laurens, Otsego county, survives.

 

Investigations into the death of Miss Stone have been started by both District Attorney Ward N. Truesdell and Coroner E.W. Wilcox, and the matter will no doubt be thoroughly sifted.  If there was any criminal carelessness in the manner in which the car was being driven, or any details indicating other than a purely accidental fatality, they should be brought to the surface in due time and through the regular legal channels.

 

A strange coincidence in connection with the affair is that on August 7, 1918, two years ago almost to a day, Linn Babcock, Jr., a brother of Whitmore Babcock, was so seriously injured in a collision between a motorcycle he was riding and a Ford car on the Chenango lake road, that he died the following day.

 

Whitmore Babcock was a star halfback on the Syracuse freshman football team last fall.  He was a leader in activities on the Hill last year, taking part in all affairs of a social character. The young athlete came into the limelight a few weeks ago when at 2 o'clock in the morning he met his father, Mayor Linn H. Babcock, of  Norwich, and Postmaster F.M. Hopkins, of Binghamton, at the New York Central station at Syracuse with a brass band when he returned form the Democratic Convention.

 

 

Whitmore Babcock

 

Many Deplore Death

Tragedy of Miss Stone Arouses General Interest

 

The tragic death of Miss Bernice Stone whose life was sacrificed in the awful automobile accident near Chenango lake, sent a wave of sorrow and sadness over the community that has seldom been experienced.  The victim of this fatal affair was so young, only 18, and life seemed to hold so much for her, that her friends of whom she had so many are at a loss to understand why she should have been chosen for the sacrifice.

 

Miss Stone was young and vivacious, full of the joy of life; commonly speaking she was fond of a good time.  It was in search of pleasure that she accompanied her sister to the resort at Chenango lake upon the fatal night; that she danced among the gay throng in the pavilion, and accepted the invitation for the auto ride that ended so suddenly in her death.  In all of this, she followed a perfectly human and natural desire for relaxation and entertainment.

 

Miss Stone was simply a type of hundreds of girls and young women who come in from the farms to work in the various industries of the city and who, when their day's work is done, are left high and dry for a place of entertainment other than the public dance hall, the movies or some more or less attractive place to go to spend their leisure hours.  Separated from home and its influence, where will they go?

 

Norwich is deeply concerned, and rightly, regarding its young men and boys for whom it is making more ample provision than ever before in its Y.M.C.A.  The children will soon have a public playground provided for them. But what about the girls and the young women?  Shall they be passed by?

 

Obituaries (December 14)

Hattie Marie (Dimmick) Martin Decker

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1920

 

Hattie Maria (Dimmick) Martin Decker

1862 - 1920

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Josiah W. Decker died at her home on East Main street early  Monday morning following a three weeks' illness, the result of uremic poisoning.  Mrs. Decker was 59 years of age and was born in Stony Forks, Pa., her maideame being Hattie Maria Dimmick.  On August 30, 1876, she married Frank S. Martin and they made their home in McDonough for a number of years, before moving to Oxford where Mr. Martin died in April, 1898.  On May 8, 1911, she married Josiah W. Decker who was then superintendent of the Borden milk shipping plant in Oxford where he was employed for 14 years before bringing his wife to this city to reside.  Mrs. Decker was a member of the Episcopal church and a woman much respected among her friends and acquaintances. Besides her husband, she leaves a daughter, Mrs. Myrtle l. Phillips, of Smithville, a son, Fred H. Martin of Berkshire, N.Y., two brothers, Frank and Henry Dimmick of Elmira, and a sister, Mrs. Jennie Rumsey of Oxford. Funeral services were held from her late home at 2 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon.

Mary L. (Emmons) Landers

1827 - 1907

Mrs. Mary Landers, wife of Thomas Landers, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F.F. Bullen in Chicago Dec. 31st [1907].  Deceased was born in New Hampshire, the daughter of Aaron and Betsey Emons.  While visiting in the family of her Uncle Moses Caswell of this place [Afton, Chenango Co., NY] she became acquainted with Thomas Landers to whom she was afterwards married. For some years they made Afton their home.  After quite a number of years of happiness and business prosperity here, Mr. L. engaged in business in New York, taking his family to Jersey city where he lived up to the time of his death.  Mrs. Landers continued her home in that city until the death of her son, Frank, when she went to Chicago and made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Bullen, who now deeply mourns the loss of a kind and loving mother.  Mrs. L. had enjoyed many pleasant and happy summers at the home of her cousins, Mrs. Dutton and Miss Ella Garreth where she always came with heart full of love and good cheer for many Afton friends who will greatly miss a kind and affectionate friend.  The remains, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Bullen, were brought to this place for burial. The funeral services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Dutton on Thursday, Jan. 2nd conducted by the Rev. Butter of Binghamton.  Interment took place in East Side Cemetery [Afton, NY].

Ellida Warner

1836 - 1900

The death of Miss Ellida Warner occurred Friday morning, Dec. 21, 1900, at her home on Kirby street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  Miss Warner had suffered several years from failing health, and two years ago dropsy developed which she became aware, after a time, was incurable.  Notwithstanding her evident decline towards death, and the constant aggregation of her disease, Miss Warner did not yield to despondency but was remarkably cheerful and patient at all times, relying upon the promise of the joys of the Eternal life.  She was a member of the Presbyterian church, united with the society fifty years ago. Miss Warner was 64 years old. She was the daughter of Robert Bostwick Warner and Priscilla Bisby, who was a sister of the late Charles Bixby.  Mr. and Mrs. Warner resided three miles above Bainbridge on the West side.  Of the seven children born to them of which Ellida was one, four remain; the sisters Miss Lois Warner and Mrs. Daniel Banner of Bainbridge and Miss Clarina Warner of Belfast, N.Y., and a brother, George Warner, of Emporium, Pa., who was the eldest child. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 9 o'clock, Rev. Arthur Spaulding officiating.  A quartette consisting of Messrs. D.A. Gilbert, Daniel Banner, E.C. Burdick and Dr. Evans sang several selections.  The burial was in the Episcopal burying ground and the bearers were Wm. Cartledge, Edgar Hayes, Bion Smith and Roswell Benedict. 

Breaking of New Berlin, NY Dam, 1885

New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY Dam Breaks

Chenango Union, November 12, 1885

It is well known to the citizens of this village [New Berlin], that there is--or rather was--a body of water on paper mill hill known as Woodruff Pond, from which in former years was obtained a portion of the motive power of the old paper mill.  This body of water was kept in place by a dam until Sunday night first, when it took a notion to push the dam over and with a rush it came down upon us sweeping everything before it.  The first warning that we had was the roaring of the water as it came river-like down Genesee street, bringing with it logs, barrels, wood, boxes and pigs--filling cellars, gardens and dooryards with mud and rubbish.  As good luck would have it, the water soon ran out and went down, leaving the streets in as wretched a condition as any one could imagine. The damage in the aggregate was considerable, and commenced at the wagon shop  occupied by Willis Eaton, which it took off from the foundation, carrying it a number of feet and leaving it in the road.  It swept away Jerry VanDeusen's winter pork and gave John Simonton a bridge view of the old original flood.  It filled the tannery vats with water and mud as well as the cellars of J.L. Dykes drug store., Fuller Brothers store, Biers' basement and many other cellars along the line of the street. It also made bad work with the ditches for the water pipe and caused a large amount of extra work in filling in and cleaning up. The old dam to this pond has been considered unsafe for some years, and it was expected that at some time the old thing would go out, and we are not sure, but after all, this was the best time that it could have taken, for if it had been in the spring when the pond was filled with ice and water it would probably have made it a great deal worse for us and added greatly to the damage. As it is, there will be no fear of the Woodruff Pond Hereafter.--Gazette./

Obituaries (December 13)

Leroy H. Adams

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1920

 

Leroy H. Adams

1878 - 1920

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services for the late Leroy H. Adams were held from the residence of his brother, Laverne Adams, 31 Maydole street, on Monday afternoon at 2:30-.  Rev. Frank W. Young, pastor of the Broad Street M.E. Church, officiating.  Mr. Adams, whose home was in Kingston, Pa., died in Wilkes-Barre on Friday and the body was brought to this city, his former home, for burial.  Deceased was 42 years of age and was one of the locally famous "Adams Triplets" who, so far as known, were the only triplets born in Chenango county to live to years of maturity.  His brother, Lewis Adams, came to his death about six years ago, while repairing a locomotive boiler at Sidney, during a violet thunder storm. The exact circumstances of his death cannot be told as he was alone at the time.  From appearances when he was found after his death he had completed the repairs and was using an electric light, carried on a cord, to inspect his work when in some manner he was caught in an electric current powerful enough to cause his death.  From an intimate family friend it is learned that Lewis, the first to be taken by death, was likewise the first to be brought into the world followed by his brother Leroy, whose death in order is the second to be recorded.

 

Norwich Sun, October 9, 1920

On Friday, Oct. 8, at his home in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., occurred the death of Leroy H. Adams, 42 years of age. The remains will be brought to the home of his brother, Laverne Adams, 31 Maydole street, Norwich, where the funeral will take place Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. F.W. Young of the Broad street M.E. church officiating.  Mr. Adams wa sone of the widely known "Adams triplets" who were, as far as is known, the only triplets ever raised to maturity in this county.

 

Louis Adams

Norwich Sun, July 6, 1914

About 5 o'clock Sunday evening, workmen employed at the O.&W. roundhouse in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] found the lifeless body of Louis Adams, a boiler maker, who 10 minutes before had been observed working inside the firebox of engine 178.  At first it was thought that his death resulted from heart disease as some suggested that he had a weak heart.  Later one of the attendants who found him received a severe shock of electricity when he touched the locomotive upon which Adams had been working and it is now known that he was accidentally electrocuted.  He was using an electric light inside the locomotive and while no spot on the wire could be found where the insulation had become worn, still the fact that electricity existed on the locomotive cannot be disputed.  Drs. Loomis and Palmatier were called, but the man was beyond help when they reached him.  His body had fallen across the electric wire, but there was no trace of any electric burn upon it. They finally decided upon an inquest.  The temperature in the fire box at the time Adams was working therein was very high, said to have been about 120, and this fact at first confirmed the idea that he may have been oppressed by the heat and the heart was overburdened.  Later developments confirmed the electrocution theory. 

 

Mr. Adams was very well known in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], being one of the widely known Adams triplets.  He was 36 years of age.  He spent most of his life in Norwich and vicinity and for a number of years worked as a boilermaker in the Norwich shops.  Three years ago, he and his wife, nee Ida Williams, removed to Sidney where he worked in a similar capacity.  Mrs. Adams and their two children, Freida and LeRoy, were in Norwich visiting her parents on Grove avenue at the time of the electrocution.  Besides his immediate family, Mr. Adams is survived by four brothers, John and George of Plymouth and LeRoy and LaVern of Norwich.  Four sisters, Mrs. Clara Fairbanks of New Woodstock, Mrs. Anna Breed of Ilion, Mrs. Bessie Breed of Syracuse and Mrs. Mary Hill of Morris, also survive.  Mr. Adams was a member of the local order of Red Men, the Knights of Pythias and Chenango Valley lodge 396 Boiler Makers.  Funeral services will be held from the Williams home, 25 Grove avenue, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and from Calvary church at 3 o'clock.  Rev. Alexander Fraser officiating.  Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

[Compiler Note:  The third triplet, Lavern L. Adams, survived his brothers by over 40 years.  He died 16 July 1962.  All three brothers are buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Norwich, NY]

 

William Hyer Smith

Chenango Union, November 12, 1885

William Hyer Smith, oldest son of Deacon Joseph and Abigail Hyer Smith, died in the town of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], October 27th, 1885, aged 74 years, 2 months, and 16 days.  His life having been passed in this vicinity, all who knew him can testify to his sterling worth, purity of life, and a Christian character seldom equaled.  An efficient member of the Baptist church, of which his father was long deacon, his loss will be felt by many besides the large circle of relatives. At the last annual reunion of the Hyer family, the next one was appointed to meet at his house, but the summons came that called him to join the company gone before, and when next June comes we shall meet, but his kindly smiles will not be there to greet us; his cordial hand clasp and gentle ways are no more for us, save in memory.

"None knew him but to  love him,

None named him but to praise."

The words of the poet apply to him so well, I think even the bereaved sisters will assent to their truthfulness:

"And I am glad that he has lived  thus long,

And glad that he has gone to his reward;

Nor deem that kindly nature did him wrong,

Softly to disengage the vital cord

When his weak hand grew palsied, and his eye

Dark with the mists of age, ti was his time to die."

His sisters, Mrs. James Metcalf and Mrs. Frederic Carhart, have the sympathies of many friends and relative in their affliction.  He was never married.

Rockdale, Nov. 3, 1885

 

Sarah Snyder

Chenango Union, August 9, 1888

The sudden death of Mrs. Sarah Snyder was one of the saddest which has occurred for some time. After seven years married life, she first knew what it was to enjoy her own home.  Her father, Mr. G.W. Winsor, purchased the Union parsonage, and presented it to his daughter, and all were rejoiced when Mr. Snyder repaired and fitted up the place endeared to the community by so many hallowed associations.  But alas!  Her house was not here.  She had chosen the "better part," and death had no terrors for her. She thought of her husband, and the friends she was leaving and took their hands while they knelt beside her, while Rev. Mr. King, her pastor, asked help from Him who alone has conquered death. Then she fell asleep in Jesus. The large gathering at her funeral which occurred on Wednesday, August 1st, attested the friendship all felt for her, and the beautiful flowers which adorned the casket were not more lovely than the white robed form which slept within.  Rev. W. C. King conducted the funeral services, choosing the words "What is your life?" for the basis of his remarks, which were full of earnest thought. She was laid to rest in the beautiful Evergreen Cemetery [White Store, Chenango Co., NYT], among her kindred, while her freed spirit rests with Christ her Saviour.

Rockwell's Mills, August, 1888,   E.J.R.

 

Obituaries (December 12)

John W. Ryan

Utica Saturday Globe, August 1920

 

John W. Ryan

1853 - 1920

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  John W. Ryan, who died at his residence on Hickok avenue last Monday morning [August 9, 1020], was a long time resident of this city, whose health had been failing for about a year. For three months he had been confined to his bed.  Mr. Ryan was the son of the late Andrew and Mary Ryan, of Kings Settlement, where he was born 68 years ago. As a young man he became a practical quarry man and discovered the deposit of excellent blue stone on West hill that led to the opening of the extensive quarries there, which are now operated by the Clarke-Conroy Company.  Besides his wife, deceased is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Mary A. Curley, Miss Anna Ryan and Mrs. Edward Haley and by four sons, John, William, George and Lawrence, all residents of this city.  Funeral services were held Thursday morning at 9:30 at St. Paul's Church, Rev. James S. Tiernan officiating. [Buried St. Paul's Cemetery, Norwich, NY]

Cyrus John Westcott

Oneonta Daily Star, Oneonta, NY, February 3, 1930

C.J. Westcott, one of the best known veterans of the civil war in this vicinity, formerly for many years active in the hops business of this section, died Saturday evening about 8:10 o'clock, following an illness of 13 months as the result of a shock.  Since Christmas he had failed steadily and his condition had been considered critical for the past 10 days.  Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, conducted by Dr. Herbert F. Randolph of the First Methodist church assisted by Dr. John W. Flynn of Binghamton, formerly pastor of that church.  The body will be placed in the vault of the Bookhout Funeral home for interment next spring in the family plot at Glenwood cemetery.  Cyrus John Westcott was born, February 5, 1843, at Richmondville, the son of Alonzo and Charlotte (Lane) Westcott. The family later moved to Worcester and it was from that village that he enlisted in August of 1862, in company I, of the 121st New York volunteers, with which he served until the close of the Civil war.  He was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, being shot in the hand, but after a short furlough he returned to his regiment.  Mr. Westcott participated in over 25 battles and skirmishes, taking part in the battle of Salem Church, in which the killed and wounded during the first 20 minutes totaled 62 percent of the strength of his regiment, in the battle of the Wilderness, of Gettysburg, of Cold Harbor, of Cedar Creek and of Appomattox.  Returning from the war, Mr. Westcott went to Decatur where his parents were operating a farm. There he married Miss Angelia Davis in 1865, and to them was born the surviving daughter, Mrs. George B. Brooks of Unadilla.  Mrs. Westcott died in 1868.  Mr. Westcott was later engaged in the lumber business in Guilford and there he took as his second wife, Miss Eva Norton.  Following her death he married on March 15, 1876, Miss Celia Stebbins, who survives him.  Their married life extended over nearly 54 years.  Shortly before 1880, Mr. Westcott removed to Milford, where he was for many years engaged with D. Wilber & Sons in the hop business, doing both buying and selling.  In 1889, Mr. Westcott came to Oneonta to make his home and later was employed in the hop business by Luzerne Westcott.  For a number of years before retiring about 20 years ago Mr. Westcott was engaged with Frank D. Miller, also in the hop business.  Mr. Westcott was a man of unusual activity, well read and keenly interested in local and national affairs; and these qualities he maintained through his advancing years and to a remarkable degree until his last illness.  He was one of the most active members of E.D. Farmer post, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he was for many years quartermaster, and he was one of the men instrumental in the organization of the 121st Volunteers veterans' organization, in which he had held office for a number of years.  Mr. Westcott was possessed of a friendly disposition and he had made wide circles of friends throughout the city.  He was a devoted member of the First Methodist Episcopal church. Surviving besides the widow and daughter mentioned are a brother, Orville D. Westcott, of Milford; two sisters, Mrs. Andrew J. Dillenbeck of Palentine Bridge and Mrs. Herman Van Cott of Bainbridge; and a number of nephews and nieces, among them Mrs. Leona Wilcox and Mrs. Barney Walrath of Milford, Earl A. Westcott of Bainbridge and Harrison H. VanCott of Schenectady.  To them the sympathy of hosts of friends will be extended.

Marilla Stead Wheeler

Bainbridge Republican, December 2, 1909

Marilla Stead Wheeler, wife of Randall A. Wheeler, died at her home about two miles west on the Oxford road, Thursday morning, November 18th, after a painful illness of several months.  The funeral services were held the following Saturday afternoon, and were attended by a large number of friends and neighbors. The service was conducted by Rev. R.M. Pascoe of the Methodist church of which Mrs. Wheeler had been a faithful member over 40 years.  Many beautiful floral offerings were in evidence. The interment was made in the family lot, Guilford cemetery, beside the grave of her son Myron H.  Mrs. Wheeler is survived beside her husband, by one son, Floyd, of Syracuse University and two brothers, Rial and James Stead of Guilford. She was born at Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], January 21, 1852, and her death is mourned by a large circle of friends.

Dexter Owens

Sidney Enterprise, March 24, 1920

Dexter Newell Owens, whose death has already been noted, was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Abrams Owens of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] who conducted a store for many years in that village and later in Unadilla.  Mr. Owens was united in marriage to a Miss Lemoyne a daughter of a Baptist clergyman at Unadilla.  The death of his wife occurred about 25 years ago. When a young man Mr. Owens taught school.  He was exceptionally well educated and was considered a very brilliant accountant, especially in the lumber industry where his services were always in demand.  He was very industrious all his life.  He served one term as postmaster at Unadilla and was considered very efficient. For many years he has been a resident of Sidney boarding at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Milligan where his death occurred last Wednesday morning.  The funeral was held Friday afternoon and the remains were taken to Bainbridge for interment in St. Peter's cemetery.  He was born in Cannonsville [Delaware co., NY] 75 years ago.  Mr. Owens is survived by three sons, Homer D. Owens of Bainbridge, Evan C. Owens of Wilcox, Pa., and Wilfred A. Owens of Ilion.
 

Post listing, December 5-11, 2016

Listing of blog postings for the week fo December 5-11, 2016

Marriages

Posted December 6, 2016

Isabelle W. Barnes - Casper Stanton (1919)

Marriage Notices - 1875

     Eddie Gibson - Gertie Brown

     Stephen L. Lown - Sarah A. Shoales

     James L. Watson - Marice L. Harrison

     Frank Bingham - Julia Manning

     Theodore D. Hodge - Emma Ingersoll

     Edmund C. Roe - Mary L. Converse

     Jared h. Webb - Jennee Griswold

     Rufus Bennett - Mrs. Mary J. Juckett

Posted December 11, 2016
Ethel Hogencamp - Lee Crandall (1919)
Homer A. Searles - Mary Laura Manwaring (1888)
Will P. Shelton - Flora B. Bromely (1893)



 

Obituaries

Posted December 5, 2016

Mary (Crandall) Towner (Smyrna, 1920)

Catherine B. (Thomson) Pitts (South Otselic, 1945)

Dora (Richer) Stanard (South Otselic, 1938)

Henry W. Christian (North Fenton, 1873)

Death Notices - 1875

     Michael Murphy (Norwich)

     Lucinda Clark (Preston)

     James W. Thompson (Guilford)

     Alice T. Montrose Rittenburg (Fenton)

     James Andrew O'Daniels (Sherburne)

Posted December 6, 2016
Bernhard J. Hausheer (Norwich, 1920)
Catherine Keiser Hausheer (Norwich, 1917)
Nathan L. Briggs (Boonton NJ, 1917)
Dwight H. Hall (Preston, 1920)

Posted December 7, 2016
Julia a. (Taylor) Hakes (Pitcher, 1920)
Cyrus Smith (Coventry, 1874)
William L. Partridge (Bainbridge, 1874)
Lucy E. Aldrich (Plymouth, 1942)

Posted December 8, 2016
Nellie Arlena Ryan (Norwich, Sidney, 1920)
Almeda Graves (Mount Upton, 1864)
Arthur Phetteplace (White Store, 1932)

Posted December 9, 2016
William Henry McMahon (Norwich, 1920)
Captain Milton H. Root (Guilford, 1874)
Rufus C. Smith (Guilford, 1874)
Death Notices - 1864
     Blin Harris, M.D. (Norwich)
     Wilmarth Peters (White Store)
     Justus E. Dickinson (Preston)
     Henry Randall Bush (Guilford)
     John Wescott (Norwich)
     Henry Hall (South New Berlin)
     Ettie M. Jackson (Oxford)
     Theodore Lovell Porter (Oxford)
     Henry Whitmarsh (Omeo WI, Greene)
     Mary Harrington (Lisle, Greene)

Posted December 10, 2016
Spicer Chesebro (North Norwich, 1920)
Walter C. Chesebro (North Norwich, 1920)
Martin V.B. Winsor (Guilford, 1884)
Richard E. Windsor (Fredonia, 1893)
Death Notices - 1867
     John B. Miner (Norwich, 2y)
     Sophia Twichell (Norwich, 66y)
     Willie Ray Johnson (Bainbridge, 5m)
     Helen D. Winsor (Guilford, 29y)
     Clarence M. Winsor (Guilford, 8y)
     Emmet P. Winsor (Guilford, 2y)

Posted December 11, 2016
John F. Macksey (Norwich, Dannemora, 1920)
Milton Frisbie (Delhi, 1888)
Walter Pearce (Gloversville, 1888)
Frank L. Landers (NYC, Afton, 1904)
Hattie McCroy Seeley (East Guilford, Afton, 1939)
 



 

Miscellaneous

Posted December 5, 2016

First Baptist Church, Norwich, NY & Rev. H.R. MacMillan - 1919

Posted December 6, 2016
The Chenango & Unadilla Valleys, Fifty Years Ago - 1872  (The Denison Tragedy) Part 2
Wreck on the O.& W. at Ingalls Crossing - 1898

Posted December 7, 2016
The Chenango & Unadilla Valleys, Fifty Years Ago - 1872 (The Denison Tragedy) Part 3

Posted December 9, 1876
Death of Thomas Rooney, 1878

Marriages (December 11)

Crandall - Hogencamp

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1919

Lee & Ethel (Hogencamp) Crandall

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Leo W. Crandall and Miss Ethel R. Hogencmap, both well known young people, were married by Rev. H.R. MacMillen on Thursday October 16.  The bride was attired in a traveling suit of midnight blue and was attended by her sister, Mrs. James Mulligan.  A brother, Linn R. Crandall, attended the groom.  The bride is the accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Hogencamp, and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank I. Crandall.  He has a record of service in the regular army with the Seventh Bricklaying Construction Company of the United States Air Service with which he was employed for eight or nine months in England.  Mr. and Mrs. Crandall have returned from their wedding journey and will reside at 6 Beach street. They are receiving the heartiest congratulations of their many friends.

 

Searles - Manwaring

Bainbridge Republican, September 14, 1888

Married at the home of the bride's parents in Guilford, N.Y., Thursday evening August 30, 1888, Homer A. Searles, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], and Miss Mary Laura Manwaring of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  After the ceremony, occurred the conventional congratulations and varied expressions of sincere well wishing of about one hundred relatives and friends.  Refreshments were served, after which a pleasant social time was enjoyed.  The presents were choice, numerous and costly.  Among them were a beautiful gold watch and chain to the bride by the groom, a fine oil painting from Miss Ruth Manwaring, sister of the bride; also presents from friends in California, Binghamton, and other places, who were unable to be present.  At eleven o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Searles left amid a shower of rice and good wishes, for Syracuse. After a short bridal tour they will go to Binghamton, their future home.

 

Shelton - Bromley

Chenango Union, September 21, 1893

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], September 12, 1893, by the Rev. M.S. Gedshall, assisted by Rev. H.H. Wilber, of Lestershire, a former pastor, Will P. Shelton and Miss Flora S. Bromley, both of Guilford, N.Y., were united in marriage.  The marriage took place at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elnathan Bromley, and was witnessed by a large number of invited friends. The groomsman was Pascal Nash, jeweler at Guilford, an intimate friend of the groom, and Miss Susie Root, of Guilford, an intimate friend of the bride, acted as bridesmaid.  Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Burlison acted as ushers. The happy couple expect to make an extended tour through the west including a visit to the World's Fair. The groom is the only son of an honored citizen of Guilford, and the bride the daughter of one of our most respected townsmen, and a loved and valuable member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Both bride and groom are persons of high ideals and good habits, and their many friends wish them a happy and prosperous future. The day was a perfect one, and a goodly number of friends were present to enjoy a delightful evening.  The house was beautifully and tastily decorated, especially the room in which the ceremony took place, forming a canopy of evergreen and flowers over the head of the bridal pair.  Mrs. H. W. Cable an excellent musician, presided at the piano.  A. Ferris, of Guilford, very acceptably acted as caterer.  Soon after the couple were pronounced husband and wife a telegram was received bringing congratulations and best wishes from Miss Ruth Crandall, of Buffalo, N.Y. an intimate friend of the bride.  Among the invited guests present were...Mr. and Mrs. Elnathan Bromley and Mr. and Mrs. Philo Shelton, the parents of the bride and groom.... During the evening the following beautiful and timely poem from Miss Fannie Crosby, a loved friend of the bride, was received:

To Mr. and Mrs. Shelton, on Their Bridal Eve

You have linked your hearts together,

Through the joys and cares of life,

And the pastor with his blessing

Has pronounced you man and wife.

 

You have linked your hearts together,

At the altar's holy shrine;

May your sky be clear and peaceful,

And your love star n'er decline.

 

If you live for one another,

Trusting each for good or ill,

Though the clouds may sometimes gather,

Love will make you happy still.