Obituaries (November 14)

Dr. Dewitt Crumb

DeRuyter Gleaner, April 23, 1908

 

Dr. Dewitt Crumb

 

Dr. DeWitt Crumb was a veteran of the late Civil War and had a record for bravery and faithfulness while in the service that is a source of great pride to his family and will continue to be so for many generations to come.  He was born in the town of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 12, 1845, and attended the district schools.  Upon leaving school he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner with his father and continued in that line of work until Nov. 23, 1863.  He enlisted as private in Co. G, 22d Reg. N.Y. Vol. Cav., which regiment was at first assigned to the Army of the Potomac under Gen. Wilson, but later on June 9, 1864, was transferred to the Army of Shenandoah under Gen. Custer.  This company of brave troopers took an important part in some of the fiercest battles fought in that cruel war, and but seventeen of these heroes, who willingly and with light hearts left happy homes to fight for the Union, lived to return to those homes where loving ones awaited them.  They were actively engaged in the following battles:  Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Todd's Tavern, Cold Harbor, Paumonkey, Ream's Station, Wilson and Kants Raid. Winchester Cedar Creek, Waynesborough, Tom's Creek and 28 other engagements of lesser importance.  He received a wound in the leg at Stoby Creek and was also hit in the head by a bullet at Bottom's Bridge, but they were not of enough importance to prevent his participating in further service.  Aug. 1, 1865 he received his honorable discharge and returned to his home in Preston, having previously been promoted to the rank of sergeant.  After returning from the war, he entered Haverlin Union School of Bath and graduated in 1868.  He then began reading medicine with Dr. Thomas Dwight of Preston in the fall of 1868 and later entered the University of Buffalo, where he pursued the study of his profession until Feb. 20, 1871, the date of his graduation.  After practicing for 5-1/2 years in the County Home, he came to South Otselic. A few years since he sold his business to his son, Dr. J. Mott Crumb.  He had a large general practice and possessed the confidence of his patients.  Kind and charitable in all his dealings, he was well liked and could boast of many friends in this vicinity.

 

Dr. Crumb formed a matrimonial alliance May 30, 1871 with Miss Amelia G. Jaynes of Preston and two children blessed their union, namely:  May E. who married Dr. J. Perry Horle of Fly Creek, and Dr. J. Mott Crumb of South Otselic.  He was a member of the New York State Medical Society; the Central New York Medical Association and past president of the Chenango County Medical Society.  Socially he was a member of South Otselic Lodge, No. 659, F.&A.M. of which he was a Past Master; of the Norwich Commandery, No. 46; Lake Ontario Consistory, no. 12, A.A.S.R.; MoKanna Grotto, no. 1, of Hamilton; Cascadilla lodge, No. 478, I.O.O.F., of South Otselic of which he was Past Grand Master.  He belonged to J.E. Parce Post, no. 456 G.A.R., of South Otselic and had been commander for a number of years.  He always attended the State and national Encampments and had been sent as delegate to represent the State of New York at several National Encampments.  He was a Past Medical Director of the G.A.R. of the State of New York.

 

The deceased was a son of Ralph and Laura A. Clark Crumb.  He is survived by his wife, a daughter, Mrs. J. P. Horle, of Fly Creek and son, Dr. J. Mott Crumb, of this place; also by three brothers, Henry A. Crumb of Kanona, Lucius Crumb of Norwich, and Alson Crumb of Preston.  A sister, Amanda, who married George Nicholson, died some years since.

 

The deceased was ever interested in the "City of the Dead," and was a trustee of Valley View Cemetery Association and by hard work and the liberal use of his money had made this cemetery what it is today, one of the best kept grounds in Central New York.  His plot is located in one of the handsomest sections of the cemetery, adjoining that of the late and lamented Grace Brown.

 

The Dr. Was keenly interested in the welfare of the rising generation and largely through his efforts South Otselic has one of the best school buildings in this vicinity.  For a number of years he was trustee of this district and since the school was advanced to the grade of a union school had been a valued member of the Board of Education for a number of years.

 

As well as in everything else that was a benefit to South Otselic, he took a deep interest in the Fire Department and was one of the original organizers.  In honor to Dr. Crumb, the hose company bears his name.

 

The funeral services were held at the home of his son, Dr. J.M. Crumb, on Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock, Rev. J.C. Whitney pastor of the Baptist church officiating.  He was assisted by Rev. H.E. Springer, pastor of the M.E. church. The discourse by Mr. Whitney was one of the best we ever heard.  He paid a worthy tribute to the deceased which was highly appreciated by the immediate family and his innumerable friends. The beautiful casket was draped with the stars and stripes which were also in evidence in the rear of the case, in front of which was an open bible underneath the doctor's favorite sword which he carried through the Civil War.  Near by was a beautiful floral wreath from South Otselic Lodge, F.&A.M., and a handsome Floral pillow from Cascadilla lodge, no. 478.  I.O.O.F. Friends contributed a number of choice flowers. The services at the grave were conducted by South Otselic lodge, no. 659, F.&A.M. the ritualistic work being most impressively given by Psst Master George A. Spaulding of DeRuyter Lodge, No. 692, Cascadilla lodge no. 478, I.O.O.F. and Judson E. Parce, no. 456 G.A.R. acting as escort.  D.M. Webster filled the position of flag bearer.  The line of march comprised 12 Masons, 21 Odd Fellows and 17 veterans.  Nearly 200 friends paid their last tribute of respect to the deceased, showing the high esteem in which the Dr. was held.  In fact it was one of the largest funerals ever held in South Otselic.  All business places, including B.F. Gladding & Co.'s fish line plant and W.M. Reynolds & Son's box factory, closed in order that all might attend the funeral services.  The bearers were Harvey Stearns, T.D. Walker of Auburn, George B. Angell, Dr. L.C. Andrews of Pitcher, K.L. Park, Harvey Trans of Norwich, Stewart Warner of Syracuse and Frank Sherff of Syracuse.  Messrs. Trans, Walker, Warner and Sherff were comrades of the deceased.  Messrs. Walker and Warner had charge of the arrangement of flowers and flags. The burial services were in charge of Funeral Director Woodley, who was very ably assisted by T.D. Walker, manager for the past forty years of the Tallman undertaking establishment at Auburn. 

 

Among the relatives from out of town in attendance at the funeral were:  Dr. and Mrs. J.P. Horie, Fly Creek; Henry A. Crumb, Kanona; Lucius Crumb and Son, Will, Norwich; Alson Crumb and son, Dudley, George Nicholson and family, Bret Nicholson and family, Charles Powers and lady, Preston; Mr. and Mrs. M.A. Newton, North Pitcher; Charles Morgan and family and Mr. and Mrs. Cook, Norwich. The various lodges at DeRuyter, Cincinnatus and Georgetown were also represented.

 

The many friends of the deceased in this vicinity unite with the writer in extending heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family. 

 

Death notices

Chenango Union, September 28, 1864

 

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 14, Mr. Henry Ackley, aged 34 years.

 

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 17th, Mr. Elisha Crandall, in the 20th year of his age.

 

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 21st, Cornelia E. [Juliand], wife of Lewis Juliand, aged 58 years.

 

At Nashville, Tennessee, Sept. 10th, Daniel Keith Wescott, Jr., aged 34 years, 9 months and 10 days.

 

In Taylor, Cortland Co., Sept. 23d, Caroline [Sperry], wife of Henry D. Sperry, aged 49 years.

 

In Taylor [Cortland Co., NY], Sept. 25th, suddenly, while attending the funeral of her daughter-in-law, Demis [Sperry], wife of Nathan Sperry, aged 76 years.