Obituaries (June 13)

Fanny DeShon

Norwich Journal, May 13, 1829

Died at Preston, Chenango county, on the 25th ult. after a severe and protracted illness, of which she bore with Christian fortitude and patience, Mrs. Fanny, consort of Henry DeShon, aged 36 years.  Called from this world in the midst of her usefulness, a numerous circle of friends, whom her amiability and uniform goodness of heart had won, have suffered a severe loss; and her death is peculiarly afflicting to her husband and family, who have been deprived of a most affectionate wife and a kind and excellent mother.

 

John Horton
Northern Christian Advocate, April 1846

John Horton died at his residence in Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., N.Y., Jan. 22d, in the 71st year of his age.  Father Horton was born on Long Island, in the year 1776, and when about 8 years of age, went to live with an aunt in Goshen, Orange co., N.Y., where he remained until the age of 21, when he removed to the town of Cherry Valley, where he resided at the time of his death.  He was converted when quite young, and joined the Presbyterian Church, Jan. 3, 1801; was ordained elder, June, 1807, and remained such until 1828, when he left the Presbyterian, and joined the M.E. Church, to which he was an ornament, and of which he continued a consistent and faithful member to the close of life.  He died, as he lived, full of faith and the Holy Ghost. A short time before his departure, when asked the state of his mind, he said; "My work is done. I can be of no more use here.  To live is Christ, but to die will be gain, and I feel that to me it will be great gain."  Again he said, "I long for the time to come when I shall depart and go to Jesus, and be at home, for this is not my home."  He then shouted, "Victory, victory through the Lamb; yes victory.  O, I praise the Lord that my memory is so good, that I can call to mind so much of the word of God that I have read.  It is now a great comfort to me." and then exclaimed, "O, the blessed promises of God!  I believe them; O how precious."  While blessed with health, and when practicable, his seat was never vacant in the prayer of class meetings; and not only was he there, but he would so worship God as to get blessed in them. While others complained of their leanness and want of enjoyment, on returning from the above named means of grace, he was often known to say, " I had a good time--I feel well."  In this aged disciple, who, we doubt not, has gone to his reward to glory, were combined these excellent traits of character; the accommodating neighbor, the judicious and safe counsellor, the kind husband, the affectionate and tender father, and the sincere, self-denying, consistent and persevering Christian.  With the world under his feet, Christ, in his heart, and glory in his view, he died, to live again.  "For the righteous hath hope in his death."  William Southworth, Middlefield, April 6, 1846

 

Andrew B. Knapp

North Christian Advocate, March 28, 1849

Mr. Andrew B. Knapp died, of consumption, in Cherry Valley [Otsego Co., NY], Feb. 4, 1849.  Having resided in our family for many years, and at a period in life when his habits and character were being formed and developed, we confidently speak what we know, and testify to what we have seen, when we say that his whole character was a combination of excellence, peculiarly amiable and lovely.  With a heart which was the home of kindness, a conscience remarkably sensitive upon moral subjects, and a desire to do right, his strong point of character was his unflinching integrity.  He was born in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N.Y., and born again in the winter of 1841, in Madison, where he became a member of the M.E. Church. During the ensuring spring, he removed to the far west, and located in the village of Green Bay, where he found the Chruch of his choice, and in which he officiated as steward, class-leader, and Sabbath School superintendent, with great acceptability and usefulness.  In the spring of 1848 he returned to his native town, with a view of improving his health.  But, alas, it seemed otherwise ordered by a kind Providence. Though surrounded by the best of earthly friends, he gradually sunk under the influence of disease.  His last hours, which were peculiarly peaceful and happy, were employed in recommending that religion which was his only support and hope.  W.C. Loomis.  Cherry Valley, March 13th, 1849

Lewis Eugene Sweet

1866-1937

Lewis Eugene Sweet, died suddenly last Saturday ight at his home, 16 Hubbard avenue, Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], as the result of a heart attack.  Mr. Sweet was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on June 12, 1866, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Sweet, and for many years he followed the occupation of a farmer, residing near Union Valley. About sixteen years ago he moved to Norwich where he has since conducted a home bakery business on East Main street. The deceased was a member of Broad street M.E. Church, and was held in the highest regard by many friends.  He had not been in good health for several months and his sudden demise will be a shock to those who knew him.  He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Loomis Sweet, whom he married in Bainbridge, July 7, 1892, and the following nieces and nephews, Mrs. Eva Jones, of Bainbridge, Mrs. Ella Cornell, of Union, Clayton Sweet of Bainbridge, Claude Sweet of Johnson City, Myrtle Sweet, of Curtis, Neb., Howard Shapley, of Norwich and Joseph Shapley, of Binghamton.  Funeral services were held from the Breese Funeral home at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, Rev. George B. Callender officiating with burial in Mt. hope cemetery [Norwich, NY]. The services were largely attended by Friends and relatives and acting as bearers were Herman C. Miles, Robert J. Fahy, E. P. Tobey, Grant Balcom, W.B. Brant and M.D. Aldrich.