Obituaries (April 8)

Stuart C. Nelson

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1921

 

 

Stuart C.  Nelson

1862 - 1921

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Stuart C. Nelson, senior, whose death at his home in Piano Street on Thursday followed several months of failing health, was among the best known of the middle aged residents of the city.  He was born in Norwich January 17, 1862.  He was educated in the old Norwich Academy and the same year that he attained his majority embarked in the manufacture of cigars, a business in which he engaged the remainder of his life covering a period of 38 years.  Since 1885 when he joined the local lodge, he had been identified with the various Masonic branches.  He was a member of the chapter, commandery and shrine and a 32d degree Mason.  He had been for several years a member of the local Lodge of Elks, a charter member of the Alert Hose Company and of the Norwich Club and president of the Club Bowling Association.  He was interested in all kinds of sport and through his staunch support of baseball and other popular games became known to his intimate friends as "Leaguer" Nelson.  For many years he was manager of the local baseball team and was largely instrumental in keeping alive the enthusiasm in the sport.  Frank and fair in his dealings and possessed of a ready wit he was always companionable and will be kindly remembered for his many good qualities.  Deceased is survived by his wife, a son, Stuart C. Nelson, Jr.; by a sister, Mrs. Anna Nelson Hunt, and a half-brother, George J. Sherritt.  Many friends attended the funeral from his late residence on Piano Street Saturday afternoon when brief services were conducted by Rev. Frank Dean Gifford, pastor of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The wealth of floral offerings was a tribute to the popularity of the deceased. The services at the Mount Hope Cemetery were in charge of Norwich Lodge, No. 302, F.&A.M., with the Sir Knights of Norwich Commandery, No. 46, acting as escort.  The deceased was also a member of Norwich lodge of Elks and the members of that organization attended in a body.

 

Norwich Sun, April 7, 1921

Stuart C. Nelson Sr., a well known and lifetime resident of this city died at his home, 42 Piano street, early Thursday morning following a long period of failing health.  By his death which occurred at the hour of 12:20 o'clock, Norwich has lost one of its best known citizens.  Born in Norwich Jan. 17, 1862, he grew to young manhood in this city and early in life engaged in the cigar manufacturing business.  He had been active in this enterprise for himself for a period of 38 years. For the past several months the deceased had been in ill health, but he had been confined to his bed only since last Friday.  His passing will be a source of keen regret to those who knew him.  He was a man among men and his demise will come as a deep sorrow to many.  Mr. Nelson joined the local Masonic order in 1885.  He was identified with all the Masonic branches, a member of the chapter, commandery, and shrine.  He was a 32nd degree Mason and the order with which he has been for so many years affiliated will have charge of the funeral services.  He was a member of the local Elks lodge, having joined that organization several years ago.  He was also one of the oldest members of the Alert Hose Company in point of service.  Mr. Nelson was a member of the Norwich Club and president of that organization, a bowling association at the time of his death.  In all these organizations Mr. Nelson took an active part.  He was interested in all kinds of sport, for whether it be baseball, basketball, football, bowling or what not, any clean manly sport always found a staunch and ready supporter in Stuart Nelson, Commonly referred to by citizens and intimate friends as "Leaguer," he was ever ready to promote and was ever instrumental in improving sports which were of benefit to the community.  For many years it was "Leaguer" Nelson who managed the Norwich baseball nine and it was he who kept the interest in the games at its peak.  He was always active in these forms of amusement, and had it not been for his interest, courage and efforts, it is more than probable that Norwich would not have been fortunate in enjoying many baseball games in years gone by.  Mr. Nelson was educated in the old Norwich Academy.  He possessed a ready wit, was always frank in his statements and stood well fortified to back up any argument which he presented.  Mr. Nelson will be kindly remembered for his many good qualities.  He was a companionable fellow, and his death although expected by his immediate family and friends, will never the less be a source of sorrow to all who knew him.  Mr. Nelson is survived by his wife, one son Stuart C. Nelson, Jr., one sister, Mrs. Anna Hunt and one half brother George J. Sherritt.  Funeral services will be held from his late home, Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, the Rev. Frank Dean Gifford officiating.  Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery. The committal services at the grave being conducted by the Masonic order.

 

Elizabeth A. Nelson

Norwich Sun, August 5, 1927

NELSON, MRS. ELIZABETH A.:  Died at her home, 42 Piano street, Norwich, Wednesday, August 3, at the age of 52.  Funeral services to be held Saturday. Deceased was a member of the Chenango county Republican committee.

 

Norwich Sun, August 4, 1927

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Nelson, widow of the late Stuart C. Nelson, for years one of Norwich's well known residents, died at her home, 42 Piano street, Wednesday afternoon at 4:55.  Although she had suffered from illness for a period of about five months she passed away peacefully at the end.  Born in Norwich 52 years ago last February 1, Mrs. Nelson had always resided in this city, where she had many friends who will deeply mourn her death.  Following the death of her husband about six years ago, she took over the cigar business conducted by him so long, and with the aid of her son, Stuart C. Nelson, had managed same since that date.  Mrs. Nelson was especially active in affairs, and had been a member of the Republican county committee since women were first elected to membership on that body.  She had faithfully represented ward one of this city on the county committee, and was also a member of the election board in that ward.  Her friends of whom she possessed many, will sincerely regret her passing.  The deceased was a member of St. Paul's church. There survive the son above mentioned and a niece, Elizabeth Lohnes, who had made her home with the deceased for several years.  Funeral services will be held at 9 o'clock from the house and at 9:30 in St. Paul's church, the Rev. J.S. Tiernan officiating.

 

Mary D. Smith

South New Berlin Bee, October 27, 1923

In the afternoon of October the thirteenth, the spirit of Mary D. Smith winged its flight into eternity, soothed and sustained by an unfaltering trust in her Saviour.  Prayer was the guiding power of her life as exemplified in this little poem from her own pen:

 

It was a bright and beautiful day,

And two children were at play,

Swinging merrily under the trees,

And chattering in childish glee.

Up rose the little one of three,

And to her sister says, "Now tell me

Who made our mamma dear?"

Eagerly waiting with anxious ear,

The little girl of six replies

With wisdom and love light in her eyes,

"God! and He made the beautiful trees,

The flowers, the grass and all we see."

Children of older growth are we,

But forgetful of the gifts from Thee.

Dear little girls, I pray that God will keep

And guide your wandering feet.

From the paths of vice and sin

May they never enter in.

But pure and true live noble lives,

Scattering golden seed again to rise.

 

The deceased was a teacher for several years and her interest in her scholars was rewarded by their loyal remembrance of her in later years. As a Sunday School teacher her consistent Christian life was a strong though quiet influence for good.  September 13, 1865, Mary D. Peabody, daughter of the late Betsey Breed and William Pitts Peabody, became the wife of Edward Smith.  Unto them were born two daughters, Nora and Edith.  Home was a most sacred place to this worthy couple. They were always faithful and most conscientious in the discharge of the duties of life.  Nearly fifty-eight years of happiness together and then the loved husband was called home last March, the eleventh, and the lonely wife knew not how to live without him.  Pathetic were her longings to join him and the little daughter, who passed on in 1890.  Then with a mother's love for her child she thought of Nora and wanted her to go to. 

Words have not been made which can set down

The longing for a loved one who has passed into the Great Beyond.

The memories of other years, which came at even-tide,

The small beginnings, which, when shared by both

With love to make them seem worthwhile.

And dearer than the memories of greater things

Which crown the later years.

And oh, that loneliness which none can share,

Which few can understand,

Which must be borne most bravely

A down the long sad journey of life's ending years.

 

The funeral services were held from the home Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock.  Rev. E.A. Silvernail, of the Mt. Upton Methodist church, officiated. The hymn, "When the Mists have Rolled Away," was read and "Crossing the Bar."  From the Psalms was offered comfort and consolation to the grief-stricken daughter who lives on in the memories of other years, and in the thought of the joyful reunion to be in the home above some sweet day by and by. The interment was in beautiful Evergreen cemetery, White Store [Chenango Co., NY].

 

She hath fallen asleep--it is well--

She hath thus lain her life burden down;

Long years hath she borne the stern cross.

But it fitted her brow for the crown.

She may have forgotten e'en now,

That ever earth taught her to weep;

Let us say, while in sorrow we bow,

It is well; she hath fallen asleep.

 

She hath fallen asleep; fold the robe

O'er the meek heart so pulseless and still;

She hath gone to her Father and ours,

And our grief is His sovereign will.

The rest which He gives His beloved

Is her's--the untroubled and deep

And because we so loved her we say

It is well; she hath fallen asleep.

 

She hath fallen asleep--it is well--

She will  not be weary again;

We shall lie down beside her 'ere long;

Then why should our weak faith complain

May we claim, on the morn of our rising,

Victor palms which the seraphim keep;

O, what glory will crown the beloved

In Christ who have fallen asleep.