Obituaries (April 11)

Frances Elinette (Burnham) Packer

Utica Saturday Globe, February 1919

 

Frances Elinette (Burnham) Packer

1851 - 1919

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Frances Elinette Packer, who died in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on Friday, February 14, after a long period of patient suffering, was one of six children of James W. and Chelista Burnham.  She was born in Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] March 22, 1851, and in another month would have reached her 68th birthday.  On June 3, 1873, she married William H. Baldwin, of Pitcher, who died in the summer of 1876.  A daughter by this marriage, Grace, married Owen Bliven, of Preston, and at her death, aged 38, August 19, 1912, left six sons, all now living in Preston.  On February 26, 1878, Mrs. Baldwin married William H. Packer, of Preston, where they had since resided.  They reared two daughters, one of whom, Achsa, married William Harrington, of Pharsalia.  She died in 1900.  The other daughter married William Evans and is now a resident of this city.  Besides her husband, Mrs. Packer leaves a brother, Charles Burnham, of Jersey City, and three sisters, Mrs. Robert Olendorf, of Nineveh; Mrs. C.P. Murphy, of Bristol, Conn., and Mrs. E.A. Wilson, of Binghamton.  Another brother, Lucien Burnham, was killed by the Indians at the time of the Custer massacre.  Mrs. Packer was a member of the Methodist church in Preston, a singer in the choir and very active in all church work, as long as her health permitted.  She was kind and thoughtful in her treatment of others and had made a large circle of friends by whom she will be greatly missed.  At the funeral services on Sunday there was a large number of beautiful floral offerings. Rev. William Rozell officiated and the remains were laid at rest in the Mason Packer Cemetery on Halsey hill [Preston, NY].

 

William H. Packer

Norwich Sun, November 10, 1931

The funeral of William H. Packer, whose death occurred November 5, was held at his late home in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] Sunday afternoon at two o'clock, the services being conducted by Rev. Clyde Schaff of Schuyler lake, assisted by Rev. Clifford Bound of Preston. A large number of relatives and friends were present to pay their last respects to the deceased. Burial was made in the Packer-Mason cemetery at Preston. William H. Packer was the son of James B. and Achsa Turner Packer and was born in the town of Preston, August 6, 1854, being therefore in his seventy-eighth year at the time of his death.  He always resided on the farm on which he was born.  In his early manhood he was married to Mrs. Frances E. Baldwin, who died in February 1919. He was married in 1924 to Mrs. Aurelia Breed of Pharsalia, who survives him.  Mr. Packer was essentially a friendly man, one who delighted in the society of his family and of his neighbors. Few men in private life have acquired a wider circle of friends and acquaintances than he, or have enjoyed them more.  Having a keen sense of humor, an excellent memory and a large fund of anecdotes and reminiscences, he was ever a welcome addition to any social group.  Mr. Packer had for many years been a member and officer of the M.E church at Preston, and active in its support, being especially interested in the work of the Sunday school.  Although he experienced his full share of the troubles of life, he maintained his trust in God, his love for his fellow man and his interest and joy in life to the last.  His mental faculties were unimpaired, and physically he was remarkably strong and active, until he was stricken with pneumonia week before his death. Besides his widow, he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. William Evans of Norwich, one granddaughter, Mrs. Ivon Wright, also of Norwich, and four great grandchildren. Another daughter, Mrs. Achsa Harrington of Pharsalia, and a loved step-daughter, Mrs. Grace Bliven of Preston, died some years ago.  He also leaves a host of sorrowing friends who extend their sympathy to those who have suffered the greater loss.

 

Lieut. Lewis German

Norwich Journal, April 29, 1819

At Sacket's Harbor, on the 14th inst. Lieut. Lewis German of the U. States' Navy, son of Gen. German, of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Lieut. German was a brave and gallant officer.  He fought and distinguished hisself under Capts. Hull and Bainbridge in the captures of the Guerriere and Java.  His services should never be forgotten, though he "sleeps with the honored dead."  His spirt, which was undaunted amidst the din and carnage of battle, has joined in the "mansion of rest" those of the gallant Lawrence, Lublow, Burroughs and Allen.  he was buried on the 15th inst. with military honors. He has left a disconsolate widow and two children to lament his loss.

"Death strikes the young hero, a glorious mark.

He falls in the blaze of his fame"