Obituaries (April 3)

Dr. George Sprague Skillman

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1917

 

Dr. George Sprague Skillman

1895 - 1917

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The accidental death of Dr. George Sprague Skillman shocked and saddened many friends in this city where he was born and where he attended the public schools.  He was the youngest student ever granted a diploma by the Norwich High School, completing the required course at the age of 16.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Skillman and was born January 22, 1895.  He was graduated form the High School in 1911.  On account of his youth, before taking up his college work, he spent a year in physical development in order that he might be better fitted to get the most out of his college course.  In September 1912 he enrolled as a student in the Veterinary College of Cornell University.  Keen, able, ambitious and genial, he quickly became popular with his classmates. Although an earnest student, he found time to give himself heartily to various social, pleasure and athletic pastimes.  He was a member of the veterinary fraternity, Onega Tau Sigma, Society of Comparative Medicine and his college track and cross country teams.  He completed his course in June, 1915, but because he was not then 21, the university could not confer on him his degree, nor could he receive his license from the State to practice as a veterinary surgeon.  Pending the attaining of his majority, he entered a leading Buffalo hospital and under veterinarians of experience, at once participated in the activities of their extensive practice. In January, 1916, upon attaining 21, he received his diploma from the university and in September, 1916, was given charge of a branch hospital at Ransomville, some 30 miles from Buffalo.  In the spring of 1917, Dr. Skillman purchased the interests of his employers in the practice at Ransomville and at the time of his death was doing excellent work in his profession in a prosperous section of the State.

 

When war was declared he offered his services to his country, but failed to pass his physical examination because of underweight. At the time of the accident, which cost his life, he was on the eve of returning to Ithaca for re-examination, having been assured of a commission if of the required weight.  While in Cornell, Dr. Skillman became engaged to Miss Gladys Vandemark, of Ithaca, and his betrothed was awaiting his arrival when the news reached her of his fatal injury.  His untimely death was due to an automobile accident which occurred about 1 o'clock on Friday morning in Niagara Falls.  Wearied from a hard country ride, he had retired early on Thursday evening, but was awakened later by a party of young men who wanted him to drive with them to Niagara Falls.  He demurred at first, wishing to rest after his hard day's work, but the men were so urgent he finally dressed and joined them in the car of Alfred Strubling, son of a neighboring farmer. Another member of the party was killed and the other three seriously injured. The survivors say that as they were driving along Third street at about 15 miles an hour they saw a street car near the corner apparently stopping for a moment. The motorists judged they could reach the intersection before the car resumed its trip, but misjudged time and distance. The auto was hit near to the front and carried half a block, the passengers wedged in their seats. Dr. Skillman sustained a fractured skull and other injuries from which he died within two hours without regaining consciousness.

 

The funeral services were largely attended from the home of his parents on Guernsey street on Monday afternoon.  There was a profusion of beautiful flowers expressive of the esteem in which the deceased was held.  Rev. H.R. MacMillan, pastor of the First Baptist Chruch, of which Dr. Skillman was a member, officiated and Dr. Maurice Quinn, of Norwich; Dr. E.V. Moore, of Ithaca; Dr. David Dalrymple, of Otselic; Dr. R.S. Banks of New Berlin; Dr. Raymond Conklin of Norwich and Dr. O.P. Jones of Sherburne, fraternity brothers, acted as bearers.  The deceased is survived by his parents, one sister, Mrs. Bennett Hasbrouck, of Elmira; a brother, Louis, also of Elmira, and a brother, Leigh, of this city.  He was a young man of clean life, generous spirit and worthy aim. His death removes a devoted son, a loving brother and a loyal friend.

 

Eunice Smith

Oxford Times, April 2, 1895

West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Eunice Smith, wife of Wheeler Smith, died at her home in this place on Sunday evening last, at the age of 72 years.  She had been an invalid for twelve years, but endured her suffering without a murmur. About a week ago she was stricken with paralysis which resulted in her death. She had been a member of the Baptist church in this place for a number of years.  Funeral services were held on Wednesday at 11 o'clock at the house, and 12 at the church. Rev. F.E. Benjamin officiated.  Interment at West Bainbridge. The deceased leaves six children to mourn her loss.

 

H. Henry Smith

Afton Enterprise/Harpursville Budget, September 14, 1933

H. Henry Smith, aged 80 years died suddenly at his home in Wilkins Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 5th.  He was born at Newton Hollow [Chenango Co., NY], May 6th, 1853 and was one of a family of six children of whom he was the last surviving member, his youngest brother, Charles, died May 28, 1933.  Early in life he married Miss Nettie Wilkins and one daughter was born to them.  January 8, 1923, Mrs. Nettie Smith died suddenly and in 1924 he married Mrs. Mattie Baker, who died February 14, 1933.  Since her death, Mr. Smith has been in poor health, but had been able to care for himself and enjoyed a birthday party, May 6th to celebrate his 80th birthday.  Labor day he was visited by his daughter, Mrs. G.W. Rice and a party of friends from Scranton, Pa. and when they left for home he seemed to be feeling as well as usual.  Morris Reynolds called at the home Tuesday and found Mr Smith dead. The body was removed to the Colwell Bros Funeral home at Bainbridge and the funeral was held Friday at 2 p.m.  burial was at West Bainbridge.  He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. G.W. Rice of Scranton, Pa. 

 

Death Notices

 

Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Smith of this town [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], have the sympathy of all in the death which occurred this morning of their little son Robert G. [Smith], aged 4 months and 12 days.  Inflammation of the bowels was the cause of death.  [Afton Enterprise, March 23, 1899]

 

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Giles Smith, an old resident of this place, died last Thursday afternoon from the effects of a paralysis shock.  He was 78 years of age, a member of Presbyterian church and for a long time an officer in the society of Salicia. [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Oct. 22, 1892]

 

Word was received here last week of the death of Wellsbridge of Frederick A. Landers, a former respected citizen of this place [Wilkins Settlement, Chenango Co., NY] whose funeral occurred at the home of his daughter where he had been stopping, on Tuesday of last week.  His age was 79 years.  [ Afton Enterprise, March 8, 1906]

 

Mrs. Nellie Smith Creighton, wife of James M. Creighton, died at her home in Phoenix, Arizona, Friday, January 28, 1937. She was the daughter of the late Edward C. and Eliza Hayes Smith of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] and sister of Anna L. and Clark E. Smith.  [Afton Enterprise & Harpursville Budget, January 14, 1937]