Obituaries (January 13)

George Wheeler

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1917

 

George Wheeler

1848 - 1917

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services for the late George Wheeler were held from his former home on Pleasant street at 2:30 Sunday afternoon.  there was a large attendance of friends and relatives, Rev. Walter L. Bennett, pastor of the Congregational Church, officiating.  Over 60 members of the Masonic fraternities formed an escort at Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY], where impressive ritualistic services were held.  Deceased was born in the town of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] December 3, 1848, the son of James and Eliza Handy Wheeler.  When a young man he came to Norwich and about 1876 purchased the old Red Mill property on Pleasant street, which at that time consisted of a sawmill and tannery building, the latter business having been abandoned.  In those days the mill pond was a favorite resort for skaters in winter and the principal source of the local ice supply.  Mr. Wheeler set about improving the property and commenced the manufacture of dressed lumber, stepladders, potato crates and other specialties. The water power becoming uncertain, other power was substituted and a prosperous, thriving business was built up, which Mr. Wheeler conducted until his death.  June 17, 1877, deceased married Miss Eva Bosworth, whose death occurred about two years ago after a long and wasting illness.  At the age of 20 Mr. Wheeler became a Mason and allied himself with the Norwich lodge November 5, 1872.  He was always active in Masonic circles, was master of the local lodge in 1883 and 1884 and served Harmony Chapter as high priest in 1885 and 1886.  He was a temple trustee and devoted much time to establishing and maintaining the Masonic Temple in his home city.  Sincere and thoughtful as a friend, in business affairs his integrity was never questioned.  he served several terms as a village trustee and in that, as in all official positions, he filled, he was found to be capable and painstaking. For several weeks before his death he was confined to his home. Borne down by a fatal malady he suffered much but patiently awaited the final summons, entering into rest at an early hour on Friday evening last. The nearest surviving relative is a brother, Delos Wheeler, of Smithville, besides whom he leaves several cousins.

 

Eva T. (Bosworth) Wheeler

Norwich Sun, October 18, 1916

Mrs. Eva T. Wheeler, the wife of George W. Wheeler, died at their home at 96 Pleasant street about 10 o'clock Tuesday night, Oct. 17, 1916, aged 65 years.  Private funeral services will be held at the home Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. Paul R. Allen officiating and interment will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Mrs. Wheeler was the daughter of Hendrick C. and Dianah Wood Bosworth, and was born on North Broad street in this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Until she was married June 17, 1877 to George W. Wheeler, the lumber dealer, she resided with her parents in the house now owned and occupied by Mayor Geo. W Brooks. For the past 37 years she has resided in the home which her husband built adjacent to his planing mill shortly after their marriage.  A life long resident of the city she was very highly esteemed by a large group of friends who sincerely mourn her decease. Cordial and generous she was not only the careful housewife and guardian of her charming home but she found time for many social activities. She was an attendant at the Congregational church and for a number of years was a member of the Willing Workers circle of the Kings Daughters and an indefatigable worker for the church and society. She was also a charter member of Norwich chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and filled all but one office within its gift, declining the heavy duties of the matronship. About three years ago Mrs. Wheeler sustained a slight paralytic shock which was the commencement of the breaking down of her health.  Thirteen weeks ago she suffered a second shock and since that time suffered greatly until death released her tired spirit.  Mr. Wheeler is survived by her husband, a sister-in-law, Mrs. A.W. Bosworth of this city and two nieces, Mrs. Hugh Bryan of Sherburne and Mrs. George Vermilyea of Brooklyn. To them the sincere sympathy of many friends of the deceased is extended.

Charles Henry Aldrich

Chenango Union, June 21, 1900

Charles Henry Aldrich, a life-long resident of the town of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] died at his residence at South Plymouth Saturday evening, aged 59 years.  He has been in failing health for several months and the end was not unexpected.  Charles H. Aldrich was born in the town of Plymouth May 8, 1841.  His family was one of the earliest to come to this section of New York state and clear and settle what is now the town of Plymouth.  In 1863 he married Miss Ruphina Barnes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lucius Barnes of Plymouth. The widow, together with two children, Arthur D. Aldrich of Norwich, and Mrs. William Guile of Plymouth, survive him.  he is also survived by two brothers, Noah and Albertus Aldrich of Plymouth, and two sisters, Mrs. Joseph Brooks of Plymouth, and Mrs. James O'Deli of Norwich. the funeral was held from his late residence at south Plymouth on Tuesday, Rev. Edwin Judson Klock, pastor of the First Congregational church, Norwich officiating. The burial was under the auspices of Norwich lodge no. 302, F.&A.M., of which Mr. Aldrich has been a member since 1873.  H. Deloes Mallory, chaplain of the lodge, conducted the Masonic ceremonies at the grave.  Services at the house and grave were very largely attended, many from Norwich being in attendance, besides a host of friends and neighbors.

Harry N. Kopf

Norwich Sun, October 18, 1916

Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY]:   Harry N. Kopf, eight-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kopf of 33 Hudson street, this city, was fatally injured yesterday afternoon when he was struck by a motor car driven by Leslie M. Payne of East Worcester, while playing in the street, near the schoolhouse where he had a short time before ended his day's work. The lad was picked up by Payne, placed in his car and rushed to Fox Memorial hospital, but he had expired before the institution was reached. Examination showed that the boy's skull was fractured at the base of the brain.  Witnesses of the accident asserted Payne was not driving fast but that the Kopf boy attempted to cross the street after the former had sounded his horn, directly in front of the machine. Coroner Norman Getman held Payne for an examination Thursday morning and bail, which was fixed at $2,000, was furnished by Fred Molcolm, a local automobile salesman.

Adelbert Smith

Cobleskill Index, July 1, 1920

Delbert Smith, a native of the town of Middlefield, Otsego county, but for the greater art of his life a resident of Schoharie county, died at 4 a.m. Monday at his home in Seward.  He had been ill since October last, and for five weeks had been receiving radium treatment at the Fox Memorial hospital in Oneonta. Two weeks ago he suffered a shock and on Wednesday last, at his earnest request, he was taken home that his last hours might be spent among friends in a town of which for forty years he had been a resident.  Mr. Smith was 74 years of age.  In early life he was a teacher, but his occupation for many years was a carpenter in which occupation he was unusually skillful.  For several years, he led a retired life.  He was a member of the Schoharie Board of Supervisors in 1909.  He was a loving husband and father, an upright Christian man, a member of the Lutheran church and a kind friend and neighbor.  He was fond of outdoor life and had made many trips to the Adirondacks in the deer season. The deceased is survived by his wife, one son, L.D. Smith of Oneonta, and by six grandchildren; also three brothers, W.C. Smith of East Worcester, Gilbert V. Smith of Schenevus and Edward of Warnerville. The funeral services were held at his late home in Seward Wednesday.  Interment was made in the Seward cemetery.  [Husband of Cora Ella (Akerley) Smith]

Renselaer W. Akerley

1821 - 1912

R.W. Akerly, one of the oldest residents of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] died Tuesday morning at 8:30.  Mr. Akerly was 91 years old, having passed his last birthday on the 22d day of this month [June].  His advanced age had brought on failing health for several weeks. Two days pervious to his death he took to the bed and his life gradually ebbed away.  Mr. Akerly had been a resident of Bainbridge for over fifty years and up to a few years ago successfully followed his trade of carpentry, and many of the houses which stand in this village today testify to his artisanship.  He was born in Delhi [Delaware Co., NY], June 22, 1821.  In 1848, he was married to Harriet L. Root, who died January 30, 1871.  Two daughters and one son, were born to this union, Cora E., wife of Adelbert Smith, who died November 30, 1874, Mary L., wife of Dewitt Chamberlain, who died some fifteen years ago and Owen Dwight Akerly, who went west when twenty years of age and since has been given up as dead as no information has come from him in many years.  In 1874, Mr. Akerly married Elizabeth Scriber, who survives him at the age of 92.  The deceased was a highly respected citizen.  He had been for many years a vestryman of St. Peter's church and was always a regular attendant at the church services.  He was a very friendly man, well liked and regarded.  He was much admired for his long life, retaining his capability and activities nearly to the last.  The funeral was held today, Thursday afternoon, with prayer at the house at 1:30, and services in St. Peter's Church at 2 p.m.  Members of the vestry acted as bearers, Rev. L.L. Wells conducted the services. Burial was in the Episcopal cemetery. Besides the aged wife, the deceased is survived by two nieces, Mrs. Daisy Akerly, of Binghamton and Mrs. Andrew Lawrence, of Windsor, and one grandson, Leon Smith of Schenevus.

[Compiler note:  Renselear ("Ransom") Akerley was a master carpenter of exceptional ability.  Around 1850 he was the "Boss" carpenter on the Enterprise project, the purpose of which was to build a large steamship to enable the utilization of the Susquehanna River for the transport of goods.  The steamship was intended to provide a direct means for transporting local area goods to distant markets, as well as facilitate bringing goods into Bainbridge.  The Enterprise was a 120 foot long, flat-bottomed, stern-wheel steamboat.  Construction took place on the west bank of the Susquehanna, just below the river bridge. Renselaer also applied his carpentry skills to the building of many of the homes and buildings in Bainbridge.  Evidence of his artistry is the house known at one time as the Danforth house on upper West Main street, for many years the home and office of Dr. Edward Danforth.  The house was built by Renselaer for Orrin Jacobs in 1849.  Its white pillars and classical lines make it a standout among the houses in the village of Bainbridge.]