Obituaries (December 10)

Harriet Gage

Norwich Sun, April 10, 1914

The remains of Mrs. Harriet Gage, who died at Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] were brought to this village [South New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY] Wednesday night on the evening train.  The funeral will be held at the Baptist church Friday afternoon at 1:30.  Mrs. Gage had lived most of her life in the village.  Her husband died many years ago.  She continued to live alone until advanced years made it unsafe and since that time her home has been with her daughter, Mrs. Adelbert Wightman of Binghamton.  Mrs. Gage was about 83 years of age and was a woman liked and respected by all who knew her.  In her early years she united with the Baptist church in this village and has always been a faithful Christian. She is survived by her three daughters, Mrs. Adelbert Wightman of Binghamton, Mrs. S.L. Bailey and Mrs. Kate Mahan of this village, and one sister, Mrs. L. Skoonover of Utica.

 

Dr. John T. Hand

Norwich Sun, April 9, 1914

Dr. John T. Hand, prominent in Chenango county medical and political circles and a resident of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], died in St. Luke's hospital, Utica [Oneida Co., NY], Wednesday, April 8.  He had been in the hospital about ten days and had undergone an operation for appendicitis.  Dr. Hand was born in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], 55 years ago and for a long time lived in Norwich.  He was the adopted son of the late Dr. Stephen M. Hand, so long the Norwich Health Officer.  He began the practice of medicine in Columbus about 33 years ago and has been a resident of New Berlin for 18 years.  Dr. Hand was among the prominent physicians of Chenango county and has accomplished much through his benevolence and his professional and business abilities. The Chenango County Medical society elected him their president and he held that office at the time of his death.

 

Dr. Hand was particularly well known throughout the county as a member of the Board of Supervisors since February, 1913, and his thorough interest in the welfare of the Republican party.  During the annual session of the supervisors he was member of the committees on building, assessment rolls, constables, town indebtedness and coroners and at the end of the session was appointed on the special county tuberculosis hospital committee.  New Berlin as a village also will miss the doctor's efficient direction of its affairs for he was long a member of its board of trustees and on March 17th was elected its president.  From January, 1908 to January, 1914, he was one of the coroners of the county of Chenango.

 

Dr. Hand is survived by his wife, who was Lulu Hawkins of Edmeston, one daughter, Mrs. Arthur Deming of Indianapolis, Ind.; and one sister, Mrs. Mary Dexter of Rochester.  The funeral services will be held in New Berlin Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock and will be attended by a large number of the Norwich lodge of Masons and members of the Board of Supervisors and the Norwich Physicians club as members of the Chenango County Medical society.

 

Ery Camp

South New Berlin Bee, August 26, 1937

Sunday forenoon, Aug. 15, 1937, as the sun climbed high in the heavens, the death angel entered the Camp homestead at Early Sunrise Farm, West hill and bore from it the beloved husband and father.  Ery Camp was born Sunday, Jan. 6, 1867, in the home where he passed away and where he had always lived.  He was the youngest of the seven children born to the late Harvey and Abigail Jacox Camp.  On Oct. 17, 1894, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Addie Sergent Camp and unto them were born two children, Walter S. Camp and Lula A. Camp, both of whom reside at home.  A step-daughter, Elsie Camp Gage, who was like an own daughter to him, passed away in 1923.  Early in life he united with the Baptist church at South New Berlin where he was a faithful attendant as long as health permitted and his interest and support continued as long as life lasted. By his quiet nature and strictly honest and sincere character, he earned the respect of all who knew him.  The interests uppermost in his heart and plans were his church and his family.  One great joy in his life was to have a son who was a real partner and who loved the home acres as much as he did.  Another joy was to be able to have his children with him as long as he lived.  The family circle was a very devoted one; one whose members lived, loved, worked and played together.  Such closeness made the parting all the more deeply felt but it also left memories all the more blessed. 

 

He followed the profession of farming until health failed in March, 1934, since which time he had been unable to do any work.  The years of idleness must have been very hard to bear, but he was always so patient and bravely trusted that it was somehow for the best.  His health improved last summer so he was able to be about his farm and to drive a car short distances, but his condition became worse in April and he had been confined to his bed a greater part of the time since.  A severe cold suffered a week before his death was a greater strain than his heart could stand.  He was taken gravely ill Friday morning and nothing that medical skill or loving hands could do, could stay his passing.  His work on earth was done, he had heard his Master's call and with a smile on his face, he crossed the Great Divide. Besides the widow and two children he is survived by one sister, Mrs. H.A. Burlingame, two nieces, four nephews and four cousins.  Funeral services were held from the church, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  His pastor, Rev. C.H. Skinner officiated and he spoke words of such comfort and strength. The church choir sang two hymns he had loved to hear:  "Some Day the Silver Cord Will Break" and "Some Blessed Day."  The deacons of the church served as bearers. The beautiful floral pieces were mute expressions of the esteem in which he was held.  Burial was in the family plot in Riverside Cemetery [South New Berlin].

 

Emory J. Burke

South New Berlin Bee, August 26, 1937

Emory J. Burke, 58, well known resident of this village [South New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY] and a Spanish American War veteran, passed away suddenly Thursday evening, with heart ailment.  The deceased was born December 30, 1879, at Rogers hollow, near East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], the son of Christian and Nellie Harp Burke.  On April 20, 1906, he was united in marriage with Edith R. Hitt.  Unto them were born the following children:  Allie L., of Binghamton, Christopher J., of Deposit, Martha M., Margaret M., Dennis E., Robert H. and Edith M. all of South New Berlin;  Two other children died in infancy, Carl E. and Georgia M.  Other surviving relatives, Brothers and sisters fo the deceased are:  Mrs. Carl Swanson, of South New Berlin, Mrs. George Sexsmith, Oneonta, Mrs. Hattie Horton, Harpursville and Henry Burke, Binghamton.

 

Mr. Burke had been a resident of this village nearly all of his life.  He was a carpenter by trade, also sexton of the South New Berlin cemetery for the past 30 years.  For a number of years, Mr. Burke was a member of Victor lodge of Odd Fellows in this village.  He was also an officer of the law for several years.  Funeral services were conducted at the late home Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clo9ck.  Rev. Clinton H. Skinner officiating.  The American legion firing squad of Norwich and members of the Legion from nearby towns marched from the home to the cemetery where they conducted military services at the grave. Burial was in the family plot in the Cole cemetery.