Obituaries (January 23)

James H. Van Valkenburgh

Utica Saturday Globe, February 1918

 

 

James H. Van Valkenburgh

1852 - 1918

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  James H. Van Valkenburgh, one of the veteran railroad men of Norwich, died recently at his home on Diamond street.  Mr. Van Valkenburgh was born in Canastota [Madison Co., NY] on February 17, 1852, and about 1870 came to Norwich and entered the employ of the New York and Oswego Midland Railroad, continuing with that company until the sale of the road to the New York Ontario & Western with which company he remained until October, 1915, when he was incapacitated for train service by the loss of a foot.  He had a varied experience as fireman, engineer, yardmaster, and conductor, serving in the first position for 22 years.  During his 45 years connection with the railway company, Mr. Van Valkenburgh, or "Vann" as he was familiarly called, had been regarded as a faithful employee, always ready when called upon and always giving his best to the service of the company.  He was a member of Canadawaren Division, No. 341 Order of Railway Conductors and for some time was secretary of the organization.  He was quiet and unobtrusive in manner, kind hearted and generous, ever ready to assist a fellow employee or another in need of help.  Since the loss of his foot he had spent much time at home, where he was tenderly cared for and his suffering alleviated as far as possible.  Mr. Van Valkenburgh was first married to Mary Gertrude Kellogg, who died in 1900, and in November 1903 he married Ella Clare Loucy, of Oneida, who survives him.  He is also survived by two daughters by the first marriage, Mrs. Lulu Murphy, of Philadelphia, Pa., and Mrs. Edna Colton, of Norwich, also one granddaughter, Gertrude Colton, of Norwich.  His funeral was largely attended from his late home Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m., Rev. Robert L. Clark, pastor of the Broad Street M.E. Chruch officiating.

 

Edward H. Porter

Norwich Sun, February 8, 1918

Edward H. Porter, one of the best known residents of the town of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], died at his home there Thursday afternoon, aged 73 years.  He is survived by his wife and one son Fred Porter, a former supervisor from that town.  Mrs. W.A. Baldwin of this city [Norwich, NY] is a niece.  Funeral services will be held from the family home at 1:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon.

 

George Newton

Afton Enterprise, January 26, 1904

Mr. George Newton died at his home in Newton Hollow, Town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 22, 1904, in the 84th year of his age.  He had lived all or most of his days on the farm where he died.  He was the oldest of twelve children, seven of whom survive.  He was loved by all who knew him for his tender, loving kindness.  He cared for some of his own family, friends in their sorrows and necessities, as a father for his own children.  His tender sympathies were seen and known of all with whom he mingled.  Early in life he gave his heart to God and his name and influence to the church and simply trusted in Him in whom he believed until the summons came to join the innumerable throng, that no man can number.  "An honest man and true has gone form our midst" is the testimony of many a kind neighbor and friend.  And we say as we look upon the triumphs of dying Christians, "Tis not the Christian but death itself that loses."  His funeral was attended at the home, Jan. 24, Rev. B.B. Carruth officiating. The old songs that he loved so well, "Home that is fairer than day" and "I am nearer my home today," were sweetly rendered by the North Afton choir. Burial in North Afton cemetery.  "He rests from his labors."  "Servant of God, well done."   B.B. C.

 

Emma Cole

Afton Enterprise, October 28, 1937

Belden [Broome Co., NY]:  Mrs. Emma Cole of 38 Rotary Avenue, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], died Thursday morning at the home of Mrs. Lizzie Lathrop in Belden. She is survived by one daughter, Maude Cole of Johnson City; two sons, Harry R. Cole and Durward Cole, both of Binghamton; two brothers, Edward Sharp of East Berkshire and William Sharp of Newark Valley; two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Casselman of Binghamton and Mrs. Alice Smith of Buffalo, and nine grandchildren. The body was removed to the J.F Rice Funeral Home, 150 Main Street, Johnson City.  The funeral was Sunday afternoon. The Rev. Henry Bailey officiated. Burial was in Vestal Hills Memorial Park [Broome Co., NY].

Your gentle face and patient smile

With sadness we recall.

You had a kindly word for each

And died beloved by all.

The voice is mute and stilled the heart

That loved us well and true.

Ah, bitter was the trial to part

From one so good as you.

You are not forgotten, loved one,

Nor will you ever be,

As long as life and memory last,

We will remember thee.

And so we will live for Jesus,

Him whom you loved so well,

And let us in our labors

His wondrous message tell.

Dear loved one, e're long we'll see you,

if we redeem God's time

To fill our place and duty,

Twill  make our meeting sublime.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, July 29, 1875

 

GOODRICH: In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 22d, Mr. Alva Goodrich, aged 70 years. 

 

SHEPARD:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 23d, Harris L. [Shepard], son of Harris and Hannah Shepard, aged 7 months and 21 days.

 

WILSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 27th, Mary [Wilson], daughter of William and An Wilson, aged 1 year and 4 months.

 

BARNES:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 23d, Mr. Seeley Barnes of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], aged about 60 years.

 

RUSSELL:  At Pitcher Springs [Chenango Co., NY], July 19th, Mrs. Sophia Russell, aged 83 years.

 

GRACE:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], July 21st, Mr. William Grace, aged 65 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

KING:  In Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY], July 20th, Mr. Uri King, aged 63 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]

 

WALES:  In Harpersville, Broome Co., July 3d, Freddie [Wales], aged 5 years; and July 5th, Nellie [Wales], aged 3 years, children of D.W. and Drucilla Wales.