Obituaries (June 2)

Lavern Bissell

Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, NY, February 6, 1861

Lavern [Bissell], only son of Seth H. Bissell, departed this life in Laurens, Otsego Co., N.Y., Jan. 15th, 1861, in the 12th year of his age.  The subject of this notice was one of those characters that everyone loves, and of much promise--a model of integrity and uprightness.  Around him entwined the tenderest affection of a doting father, whose lacerated heart bleeds under the ruthless hand of the destroyer of earthly hopes and joys.  Lavern was not only a dutiful, but also a good boy.  He loved the Sabbath School, and was not absent once the last season.  He loved to attend church, and was always at his father's side in the house of God.  His sickness was short but severe, and his end peaceful--Just before the spirit took its light, he of his own accord sang,

"There is a happy land,

Far, far away."

And the Lord took him, for he was not.  He sleeps in Jesus, and them will God bring with Him.  W.C. McDonald.

 

Bela Hammond

Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, NY, February 6, 1861

Bela Hammond died in Columbus, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], August 31st, 1860, aged 68 years.  Br. Hammond was born in Chesterfield, Mass., August 28th, 1792--removed from his native State to New York, at the age of 20 years--was converted at a camp meeting some thirty years since--lived a consistent Christian life until his death.  In the midst of all his sufferings, which were severe, grace triumphed.  The writer visited him frequently during his sickness, and always found him happy, and praising God aloud for his goodness.  New Berlin, Jan. 15, 1861, W. Burnside.

 

David Wykes

Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, NY, December 25, 1867

David Wykes, of Butternuts, Otsego Co.., N.Y., died Oct. 25th, 1867, aged 54 years.  Br. Wykes was born in England.  In 1831, he emigrated to this country.  About two years subsequent, he was married to her who has since shared life's joys and ills with him, and who, with four children, live to mourn his departure.  In the year 1887, in this town, he gave his heart to God, and became a member of the M.E. Church.  He shared in her burdens and in her honor, until released by death, having filled the office of a steward well, for several years last past.  Br. Wykes sickness was of several months' duration, during which time he was ripening for glory.  His last message to his brethren, by his pastor, was, "Tell them, it is well with me.  Tell them, I had rather go than stay."  Two days after this, after bidding his family an affectionate farewell, he sank to rest in the arms of Jesus.  May the bereaved ones follow in his steps as he followed Christ, and at last meet him in heaven.  Butternuts, Dec. 9, 1867, S. Moore

 

Charlie H. Wallace

Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, NY, December 25, 1867

Charlie H. [Wallace], only child of Charles and Eliza R. Wallace, died near Auburn, Nov. 23d, 1867, aged 8 years.  Charlie was intellectual, interesting and promising; and held a prominent place in the affection of father and mother, grandfather, and other relatives and friends.  To his parents, who were so entirely devoted to his interest, and who watched over him, during his sickness, with such sleepless sympathy and anxiety, the brightest star in the galaxy of mortal life has disappeared. The early death of Charlie, so afflictive now to surviving relatives, will in the light of eternity, reveal to them its glorious utility.  A short time before his death, he exclaimed, "O, Jesus, take me!"  Jesus, we trust has taken little Charlie to himself.  His musical voice is hushed, his tongue is motionless in death, his aching heart lies still, and his mortal remains--his emaciated but symmetrical form, rests in Fort Hill Cemetery, where, while in usual health, he requested his parents to bury him, if he should die first.   E.C. Brown.

 

John W. Baker

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, November 5, 1902

John W. Baker, who was shot through the left leg last week, Tuesday evening, by the accidental discharge of a shot gun, at the O.&W. station, while preparing to go hunting at Oswego the following day, died at his home on Grove avenue [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Monday night, November 1902.  The injured leg was amputated Thursday, and he was believed to be recovering, but pneumonia set in Saturday, and in his weakened condition he could not rally.  Deceased was born in the town of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], November 28, 1878.  He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and the National Protective Legion.  He was well liked by everyone and a general expression of sympathy is tendered to the bereaved mother, brothers, Walter and Hubert, and sister, Lillian, all of this village.  Mr. Baker had been employed by the O.&W. as a brakeman for the past five years.  He was also employed in the railroad shops for some three years previous to going on the road.  Funeral services will be held at the home Thursday at 12 o'clock noon, Rev. S.I. Ford officiating.  Burial in Mt. hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Edward W. Swancott

Sidney Record, June 21, 1934

Rockwells Mills [Chenango Co., NY]:  Edward W. Swancott, 64, was burned to death Saturday night as he sat helpless in his home in Rockwells Mills, while flames destroyed it.  Mr. Swancott was stricken helpless about three years ago by a paralytic stroke.  Alone in his house at the time, neighbors made futile attempts to rescue the victim, but were driven back by flames.  Mr. Swancott was known as an inveterate smoker and it is believed a lighted cigarette or match may have started the fire.  A small tank of gasoline was found intact in the ashes.  The Mt. Upton and New Berlin fire departments responded to a call but did not arrive in time to save the building.  the victim has been a lifelong resident of the county, having lived for many years at Latham's Corners before going to Rockwells mills.  Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. J.S. Jones of Utica, and Mrs. Florence Smith of Newark, N.J.