Obituaries (April 22)

Martha (Grant) Conklin

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1, 1919

 

Martha (Grant) Conklin

1872 - 1919

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Martha Grant Conklin, wife of Jesse M. Conklin died at her home on Plymouth street on Saturday, February 15.  Private funeral services were conducted on Tuesday afternoon by Rev. H.R. MacMillan, pastor of the First Baptist Church, friends being permitted to call between the hours of 4 and 5 o'clock on Monday afternoon. Deceased was the daughter of Frederick and Josephine Grant and was born in Chester, Pa., May 3, 1872.  Her girlhood was spent in Wilmington and Dover, Delaware.  On September 15, 1892, she was united in marriage with Jesse M. Conklin and they came to Norwich to reside. Ten children were born to them, seven boys and three girls.  One boy died in infancy. Surviving her, besides her husband, are six sons, First Class Sergeant Charles Conklin, recently discharged after serving 10 months in  the aviation corps in France; First lieutenant Raymond Conklin, now at Camp Dix in the veterinary corps after serving nine months in France as a member of the purchasing board; Lester Conklin, of Utica, a Delaware, Lackawanna & Western trainman and Jesse Conklin, Jr. in the transfer department of the Ontario & Western station in this city. Two sons, Ivan and Harry and three daughters, Nellie, Mildred and Alveretta, are living at home.  A brother of the deceased, George Grant, and a sister, Mrs. Agnes Weaver, reside at Northeast, Md.

 

William R. Hammond

Norwich Journal, December 6, 1820

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 2nd instant, Mr. Wm. R. Hammond, only son of Mr. Samuel Hammond, age 38 years.  He left a wife and four children to lament his loss. This afflicting visitation of Providence has deprived an aged father of the solace of his declining years, an amiable wife of a affectionate husband, and society of one of its most valuable members.

 

Lucy A. (Thompson) Gale

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1, 1919

Lucy A. Thompson, wife of Winslow Gale, died Friday morning after a long illness at her home in McDonough at the advanced age of 80 years and 21 days.  A prayer service at her late home Sunday noon was followed by funeral services in the Congregational Church, conducted by Rev. Mr. Webb, of McDonough.  Interment was made in the East Pharsalia Cemetery.  Mrs. Gale had passed her whole long life in McDonough and Pharsalia and had made a wide circle of friends who deeply mourn her demise.  They will miss her sorely from the home in which they were always welcomed. They all appreciated her warm and generous heart and never-varying hospitality. She was always ready to help others, not merely with kind words, but with timely deeds which often meant so much more to those in need of aid. She seemed to keep always in mind:

 

"That the pathway of the living is an ever-present care.

Let us do our best to smooth it and to make it bright and fair;

Let us travel it with kindness, let's be careful as we tread

And give unto the living what we'd offer to the dead."

 

Besides her husband, deceased is survived by three children.  Mrs. Abernee Wells, of Oxford; Abner and Frank Gale, of McDonough, and by four grandchildren. She leaves one brother, Abner Thompson, of Pharsalia, and a sister, Melissa Montgomery, of Troy.

 

Winslow Gale

Norwich Sun, March 1, 1925

Winslow Gale, aged and respected resident of McDonough, Chenango county, died at his farm home about three miles north of East McDonough March 11.  Mr. Gale was born on the same farm in a log cabin on October 11, 1836, the son of Alpheus and Margaret (Strong) Gale.  His father came to McDonough in 1816 on an ox sled and with his own hands cleared away most of the forest then covering what is now a fertile farm.  Mr. Gale was married Jan. 12, 1856 to Lucy Thompson. After the clearing of the farm he erected a steam saw-grist and cider mill and a blacksmith shop, besides building two large modern frame houses, a barn and silo. The old log cabin which was inhabited by Winslow's father, also by his grandfather, Alpheus Gale, Sr. stood until a few years ago, a reminder of the hardy frontier days that are forever past.  Winslow Gale lived an active and industrious life until poor health and advanced years compelled him to let his sons Abner and Frank take charge of the farm.  He was prominent in town politics and in the affairs of the school district for most of his life, serving one term as highway commissioner of McDonough and occupying other local posts.  He was an ardent Democrat and up to a few years ago on hand at the polling place every election day from morning until the votes were counted in early years.  Like most of the Chenango county Gales, he attended the universalist church and his religious sympathies were always on the side of liberalism.  A machinist and mechanic of marked ability, a man of unusual energy and perseverance, and a citizen of strong character and strict integrity.  Mr. Gale had the respect and esteem of all who knew him.  Mrs. Gale passed away some years ago and the youngest son, Frank, died about two years ago.  The survivors are a daughter, Aberene (Mrs. William Wells, of Oxford) and a son, Abner Ensign Gale, who lived with his father on the old homestead and who was supervisor of McDonough a few years ago. There are also several grandchildren.  Miss Ruth Wells of New York city, George Wells of Binghamton, Mrs. Ora Jones of McDonough, Miss Goldie and Jesse and David Gale. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 14 in the Baptist church at East Pharsalia, the Rev. Wayman of McDonough officiating.  Interment was made in the East Pharsalia cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

Delay Frink, WWI soldier - 1917

Delay Frink, Now with Forces in France Writes Norwich Relatives

Utica Saturday Globe, February 1917

 

 

Delay Frink

1888 - 1947

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Norwich relatives have just received letters from Delay Frink, who is with the American expeditionary force in France.  He enlisted at Syracuse as a private in Company G, Twenty-third Regiment, United States infantry.  He writes that he is well and glad to be in the service.  Private Frink is a son of David Frink, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].  He formerly made his home in Norwich and still has five sisters, all residing in this city. They are Mrs. Milton Steward, Mrs. James H. Westcott, Jr., Mrs. Charles P. Chesebro, Mrs. Belle Van Dusen and Miss Mary Frink.

 

Somewhere in France

Norwich Sun, December 19, 1917

Mrs. Eva M. Westcott of 50 West Main street is in receipt of the following letter from her brother, Delay Frink, Co. G, 23 Infantry A.E.F., N.Y.

 

France, Nov. 28--My dear sister and all:

I will now answer your letter that I received last night.  I am ashamed that I have not written before but there are so many of you, I don't know which one to write to first, but nevertheless, I am somewhere in France and having the time of my life; airplanes in the air, everything is fine in France.  I like it here as well as I do in the States. We have turkey dinner tomorrow (Thanksgiving).  Wish you were here to eat with me.  I was down to one of the cities last week and had a fine time.  I can't send you my picture because it won't go through the mail.  You know soldier's mail is all censored, so I don't know what to write about. The weather here is not cold, yet but it rains every day and it snowed here this morning.  I don't think the snow gets over six inches deep where I am.  I think I will be able to talk French if I stay here long enough.

Delay Frink, Co. G 23 inf, N.Y. A.E.F.

 

Discharged From Army

Norwich Sun, September 10, 1919

Delay Frink of Norwich, who has been in the service of his country for the past two years, has arrived at his home in this city, having obtained his honorable discharge.  Mr. Frink was a member of the 23rd infantry, Second Division.

 

Obituary

Binghamton Press, August 6, 1947

Delay Frink, 59, of 2 Lincoln Avenue, died at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday at the Veterans Hospital, Bath.  He is survived by six sisters, Mrs. Mary McNitt, Mrs. Belle Van Dusen and Mrs. Martie Steward, all of Norwich, Mrs. Pearl Greenleaf of North Pharsalia, Mrs. Edna Aldrich of Endicott and Mrs. Eva Westcott of Buffalo; two brothers, Grover Frink of Plymouth and Otto Frink of Endicott, also several nieces and nephews.  He was a veteran of World War I. The body was removed to the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott. Funeral arrangements will be made later.

 

[Buried Vestal Hills Memorial Park, Vestal, Broome Co., NY]

 

Obituaries (April 21)

Helen (Woodard) Hunter

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1900

  

 

Helen (Woodard) Hunter

1855 - 1900

 

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Helen Hunter, wife of Charles Hunter, passed away at her home Saturday evening.  She was taken ill on Thursday morning of last week, but until a short time before her death, was not considered in a serious condition.  Mrs. Hunter was 45 years of age.  She was born in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] and her maiden name was Helen Woodard. She married Mr. Hunter in 1875, and for the past few years they had made their home on the farm known as the Charles Stratton place, about three miles below this village.  Mrs. Hunter was a member of the Episcopal Church and was a woman much respected among a large circle of friends and acquaintances.  She is survived by her husband, an aged father, her sister.  Mrs. Philo Billings, and a brother, Devillo Woodard. The funeral was conducted by Rev. E.W. Colloque Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock at the house, interment being made in Ten Broeck Cemetery.

 

Alfred Harris

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, November 12, 1884

Alfred Harris, a lad 17 years of age in the employ of Clarence Rowe, a farmer of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], was shot dead Sunday morning by his brother, Wm. Harris. The facts concerning the shooting as gathered by our reporter were as follows:  Alfred Harris for the past two months has been employed by Mr. Rowe as a farm laborer.  his mother, Mrs. Charlotte M. Harris, was also employed in the family as a domestic, in which capacity she has acted since last March. Wm. Harris has lived with an older brother in the town of New Berlin up to last Thursday, when he came to Guilford to pay a visit to his mother and brother.  On Saturday, Alfred and William went hunting squirrels and the utmost good feeling prevailed between the brothers.  On Sunday morning they proposed again to go hunting, and after finishing the chores William got the shotgun and stood near the door on the east side of the house conversing with his mother and waiting for Alfred to come from the barn. During this time he pointed the gun several times toward his mother.  Soon his brother, Alfred, came from the barn and climbed over the door yard fence within a few feet of where his mother and brother were standing.  While on the fence, William turned and said "there comes a bird over the fence," and raised his gun, and as Alfred struck the ground, fired, the charge (shot), striking him in the lower left cheek, passing backward and upwards lodging in the base of the brain. Death was instantaneous. Coroner Avery was notified, who hastened to the scene of the shooting, and empanelled a jury, whose verdict was in accordance with the above facts, accidental killing. William was arrested and taken before Justice Bartles, of Guilford, and held until after the inquest.  When he was released and repaired at once to assist his mother in preparing for burial the victim of the unfortunate affair.  Mrs. Harris and William were prostrated with grief.

 

Charles Clark & Calvin Carver

Chenango Union, July 6, 1893

Our North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] correspondent gives the following account of a sad drowning accident in that place Sunday:  One of the saddest drowning accidents in the history of this town occurred here Sunday afternoon at about three o'clock when Charles Clark, with his wife's brother Calvin Carver, went in bathing at a point on the river known as Scotch Cove, where is very deep in places. The accident was witnessed by two young boys, who report that Carver waded into deep water and called to Clark that he was sinking. Clark immediately went to his rescue, but, being unable to swim, they both sank to the bottom The boys at once gave the alarm. The bodies were quickly recovered and removed to Clark's home. The coroner was summoned, but deemed an inquest unnecessary. Charles Clark was about twenty-three years of age.  He leaves a wife and an infant daughter to mourn his loss. Calvin Carver was about sixteen years of age.  He leaves a father, two sisters and one brother. They have the sympathy of the entire community in their great affliction.

 

John Snow

Chenango Union, July 6, 1893

John Snow, an old and well known resident of East Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], visited town Monday morning, and on his return home took the Ontario and Western track, as was his custom. While crossing the river bridge south of the village, he was struck in the back by the Delhi flyer, hurled against the side of the bridge and instantly killed.  The whistle was blown, when the old gentleman was discovered by the engineer, but he was partially deaf, and probably did not hear it.  He is survived by three sons, Orson and Thomas Snow, of Norwich, and W.H. Snow, of Bloomfield, Florida and three daughters, Mrs. Rhoda Kendall, of Hammond, Ind.; Mrs. Susie Hardin, of Morley, Mich. and Mrs. George W. Brooks, of this village.

Dr. Mary A. Case celebrates 82nd birthday - 1900

Dr. Mary A. (Packer) Case

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1900

 

Dr. Mary A. (Packer) Case

1818-1902

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Dr. Mary A. Case, formerly a physician of Norwich, celebrated her 82d birthday at her home in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on Tuesday evening, December 4, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the evening was very much enjoyed despite her feeble state of health.  Dr. Case is the daughter of Deacon Elisha and Lucy Mason Packer and spent her early life in Preston.  In the spring of 1854 she graduated from the first medical school opened for ladies in New York city.  Coming to Norwich in 1856 she enjoyed a successful practice of nearly 20 years, when overwork began to affect her health. As a reformer in curative methods and as a lady physician she met with the usual opposition which, instead of discouraging, only urged her to closer study and high aim and resulted in the kindest appreciation from her brother physicians. The thought and feeling that in the near future "physicians are to become teachers and that their work is to be preventive rather than curative" was fully believed and acted upon by Dr. Case in her professional life. Though confined to her room most of the time at present, her cheerful face and helpful words encourage many to a better case of their bodies and a preparation of heart that will insure a joyful entrance into the life beyond.

 

 

NOTE:  The obituary of Dr. Mary A. Case was posted to this blog August 17, 2015.

http://smdlocalhistoryblog.blogspot.com/search?q=Mary+A.+Case

 

 

Obituaries (April 20)

William T. Morse

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1901

 

 

William T. Morse

1818 - 1901

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The venerable William T. Morse, one of the oldest residents of Chenango county, died at his home in the settlement of White Store in the town of Norwich on Christmas day at the advanced age of 83.  He had been a resident of the county for more than three-quarters of a century, coming here from the place of his birth, Spencer, Worcester county, Mass., in the fall of 1824, when but 6 years old.  He was born April 21, 1818.  His father, Stephen Morse, brought his family and household goods overland from Massachusetts by way of Albany and Binghamton. The mother and children were drawn in a carriage by one horse.  A team drew the household goods and the father walked most of the way.  They settled first in Guilford on the farm now owned by Henry White.  Eight or nine years later they moved to White Store, where Mr. Morse had since lived. About 1840 he purchased the farm which is now occupied by his son and namesake.  Mr. Morse had a remarkable memory and was one of very few residents who could recall the circumstances of the hanging of Dennison which he witnessed March 19, 1833.  He had a large collection of family relics, a description of which with an account of his life appeared in the Globe of March 17, 1900.  Until about a year ago, when his health began to fail, he was hale and hearty and his physical powers were remarkably well preserved, except that he was very deaf.  He prided himself on always having been a Republican and having voted for Harrison in 1840.  For a dozen years or more he was one of the road commissioners of the town of Norwich during the period that there were three of these officials in the town.  Mr. Morse was the last member of his father's family.  Just one year before the day of his death, on Christmas, 1899, his only remaining brother, Edwin, disappeared from his home near Holmesville and the most diligent search failed to find any trace of him until more than three months afterwards on April 8, 1900.  His remains were discovered beside a fence within 20 rods of his own door, death being due to natural causes.  William Morse was the father of six children, two of whom died in infancy.  Mrs. Morse died about12 years ago. Four sons survive, William, with whom deceased made his home; Arvin, who lives on a farm in the town of Butternuts; Alah, a farmer in Holmesville, and Stanford G., of this village. The funeral will be held at 1 tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, burial being made at White Store [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Curtis E. Winsor

Oxford Review-Times, July 8, 1948

Curtis E. Winsor died at 7:45 Saturday morning at his home past south of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  Born in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], March 30, 1865, he was the son of the late Zenas and Amelia A. Gibbs Winsor.  On September 8, 1897 he was united in marriage with Jesse M. Davis. The resided in North Guilford until 1906 when they moved to Norwich and vicinity. They moved to their present residence in Oxford, four years ago.  Mr. Winsor was a member of the Calvary Baptist church of Norwich and was an honorary deacon of that church.  He is survived by his wife and three cousins.  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Breese Funeral home with Rev. Glen Wilson, pastor of the Calvary Baptist church officiating.  Burial was in the family plot in Mt. Hope Cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, March 2, 1864

 

BROWN:  At the residence of his father, Coddington B. Brown, Esq., in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], February 29th, of diphtheria, Mr. William F. Brown, aged 37 years.  Funeral this afternoon (Wednesday) at 3 o'clock.

 

WINSOR:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 23d, Mr. George Winsor, aged 54 years.

 

WALKER:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], January 17th, Mr. James Walker, aged 76 years. 

 

WALKER:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 19th, Frances A. [Walker], wife of Daniel Walker, aged 31 years. 

 

FREEMAN:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 21st, Betsy W. [Freeman], wife of Henry W. Freeman, in the 28th year of her age.

 

WILLIAMS:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 16th, Marshall D. Williams, aged 11 years and 7 months.

 

KING:  At Fort Schuyler, Feb. 17th, Mr. Almon King, of Lincklaen, a soldier recently enlisted for the 157th Reg. N.Y.S.V., aged 18 years.

 

LUCE:  At the residence of her son-in-law, Riley Bush, in Nineveh, Broome Co., Feb. 23d, Mrs. Susan Luce, aged 72 years.

 

STILES:  Jane M. [Stiles], daughter and only child of Otis B. and Louisa A Stiles, died Feb. 16th, 1864, after a short illness of pneumonia, aged 2 years, 5 months and 2 days.  Janie was an amiable child, too pure and tender for the storms of earth. Although her stay upon earth was so short, she was endeared to a large circle of friends.

This little bud, so young and fair,

Called home by early doom,

Just came to show how sweet a flower

In Paradise could bloom.

 

The little form we loved so well,

Grew like the marble, cold and white;

But round her lips there lay a smile,

After the spirit took its flight

W.S., Norwich, Feb. 26, 1864

 

Old Time View of South Broad Street - Norwich, NY

An Old Time View on South Broad Street

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1921

Norwich [Chenango County, NY]:  Can you recall the view on South Broad street before the new Turner Building was erected [corner of South Broad and West Main]?  If not, you will be interested in the accompanying picture showing the line of old buildings that were razed to make room for the new, commodious and handsome block.  All of the occupants of the barber shop, the express office and the millinery store here shown are dead.  The barbershop was the location for many years of the "Billy" Smith shoe shop, which many of the older residents will recall. Fred Houghton was proprietor of the barber shop; Daniel E. Comstock was the agent of the express company, and Mrs. DeLong conducted the millinery in the stand occupied by her for so many years.

Obituaries (April 19)

Susan A. (Ingraham) Knickerbocker

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1921

 

Susan A. (Ingraham) Knickerbocker

1835 - 1921

Norwich {Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Susan A. Knickerbocker, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles T. Willis, 8 Henry Street, on Monday night, had the misfortune to fall on the Sunday previous and fractured her hip.  Mrs. Knickerbocker was nearly 86 years of age and owing to her advanced age and weakened condition, she was not able to rally from the shock.  Susan A. Ingraham was born in the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], the daughter of Job and Eleanor Ingraham.  In her girlhood the family moved to Coventry were she spent the greater share of her life until she came to Norwich 14 years ago to reside with her daughter.  On March 27, 1853, she married Hezekiah P. Knickerbocker.  At the outbreak of the Civil War the husband enlisted, was taken prisoner by the confederates and confined in Salisbury prison. The hardships he underwent during this prison experience undermined his health and he died while on his way home after his release in 1865.  Despite the deep shadow this sorrow cast over her life, Mrs. Knickerbocker always lived in the sunshine of an abiding faith and her life was a beautiful example of fortitude and constancy.  Always patient and cheerful she showed these qualities even in her last illness, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.  The daughter, Mrs. Willis, is the only survivor of her immediate family. She leaves a granddaughter, Mrs. Alice Horton, and three great-grandchildren, Paul Case, Vivian Martha and William Willis Horton, all of this city. Funeral services were held at 1 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon from the home of Mrs. Willis, Rev. J.H. MacConnell officiating.  Burial was made in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Norwich Sun, May 31, 1921

Mrs. Susan A. Knickerbocker, aged 85 years, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Willis, 8 Henry street, on Saturday night at 10 o'clock.  She suffered a fall about a week ago, fracturing her hip, and owing to her general weakened condition and advanced age, was unable to rally from the shock.  Susan A. Ingraham was born in the town of Oxford on Dec. 18, 1835, the daughter of John and Eleanor Ingraham.  Her family moved to Coventry when she was very young, in which village she spent the greater part of her life until she came to reside with her daughter, fourteen years ago.  On March 27, 1853, she was united in marriage to H.P. Knickerbocker.  At the outbreak of the Civil War, her husband enlisted, and was taken prisoner by the Confederate forces during the conflict.  He was confined to Libby prison, where starvation and hardships so undermined his health that upon his release in 1865, he died while on his way to his home.  Despite the sorrow which she had then to bear, she always kept alive the spark of faith in the goodness of Providence, and her life was a beautiful example of fortitude and constancy.  Always patient and happy, she preserved these qualities even through her last illness. She will be greatly missed in the home of her daughter, where she has been for 14 years, and by the friends whom she made in Norwich. The funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the home of Mrs. Willis, the Rev. McConnell officiating. Burial will be made in Coventry.  The only immediate survivor is her daughter, Mrs. Charles Willis of this city. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Mrs. Alice Horton, and by three great-grandchildren.

 

Hezekiah P. Knickerbocker

NYS Adjutant General Annual Report, Vol II, 1894

Eighth New York Cavalry

Knickerbock, Hezekaih P.:  Age, 32 years. Enlisted January 8, 1864, at Coventry [Chenango Co., NY];  mustered in as private Co. C, January 9, 1864, to serve three years; prisoner of war, date not stated;  died March 16, 1865, at Annapolis, Md.

 

Gerusha Bissel

Norwich Journal, August 16, 1820

Died in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Mrs. Gerusha Bissel, consort of Mr. Rogher Bissel, of consumption.  She endured a painful and lingering sickness, with exemplary patience and fortitude.  In her death Mr. Bissel has lost a faithful and affectionate wife, her children a kind and tender mother, and her numerous relatives and friends a valuable member of their society.

 

Henry Grant Tiffany

Norwich Sun, May 31, 1921

At Saranac Lake, N.Y., on Monday May 20, 191, occurred the death of Grant Tiffany, a former Norwich resident. The body arrived in Norwich on Monday evening.  Henry Grant Tiffany was born on June 17, 1899, the son of Henry and Florence Grant Tiffany.  He was educated in the Norwich public schools and was one of the most brilliant students ever graduated from high school.  Finishing in the class of 1916 as valedictorian, the highest scholastic honor of the graduating class, he prepared for a college course, but his health failed later in the same year, and he was sent to Saranac Lake to recuperate. During his stay there, his mother died, leaving him with no immediate family, his father having preceded her by several years.  During the long illness which culminated in his death, no word of complaint came from him.  He was a boy of splendid qualities, manly and lovable, and scores of friends who have clung to the hope of his ultimate recovery were deeply grieved on Monday to learn of his death.  The funeral, which was private, was held from the undertaking rooms of Lawrence and Devine at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. J.H. MacConnell officiating. Burial was made in Mt. Hope [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Caroline H. (Wells) Aldrich

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, April 27, 1901

Mrs. Caroline H. Aldrich, widow of the late Consider Aldrich of the town of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bert Wales, on Friday morning, April 19, 1901, of heart trouble, aged 74 years.  Mrs. Aldrich was born in Bernardaton, Mass.  She was a daughter of John and Lucinda Wells, and one of a family of four children, only one of which still lives. George Wells of Rochester.  Her youth was spent in Massachusetts, where, when she was 18 years of age, she was united in marriage to Consider Aldrich.  Forty-six years ago Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich with their family came to Plymouth to reside, but in 1871, the husband and father was called to the spirit land, and Mrs. Aldrich was left to care for five children, one little daughter having died in infancy.  In early life she was converted and united with the Baptist denomination but after coming to Plymouth she united with the Methodist church, and at the time of her death she was a member of the Plymouth M.E. church. For a year Mrs. Aldrich has been a great sufferer, but bore her sufferings with Christian fortitude, never complaining or murmuring, and on April 19th she passed peacefully to the spirit land. She leaves five children, Lucius, of Springfield, Mass., Frank of Hartford, Conn., George of New York city, Mrs. Hattie Adams of Oxford, and Mrs. Bert Wales of Plymouth, to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother. Besides her immediate family, one brother, George Wells of Rochester and twelve grandchildren survive her.  The funeral was held on Sunday last at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Bert Wales, where she has made her home for the past 15 years.  The services were conducted by Elder Clark of Plymouth. The burial was made at Plymouth.

 

 

Annetta McCrea, Landscaper, 1900

Mrs. Annetta E. (Maxson) McCrea

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1900

 

Annetta (Maxson) McCrea

1858 - 1928

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Local interest attaches to the recent appointment of Mrs. Annetta E. McCrea as landscape gardener for Lincoln Park, Chicago, she having been a former resident of Norwich when she was known as Miss Nettie Maxson and made her home with her uncle, George W. Sholes. She is a sister of Mrs. A.E. Bradley, of this village, who recently returned from a visit to her in Chicago.

 

Mrs. McCrea was associated with her late husband, who was a landscape gardener, assisting him in perfecting his designs.  Upon his death it came very natural for her to take up his work which she has done with signal success.  She has laid out parks in Milwaukee, St. Paul and Detroit and many of the most beautiful private gardens of Chicago have been arranged by her all show an originality in groupings and selections which raises her work out of the stereotyped lines in which landscape gardening has a tendency to fail. She has traveled extensively and is possessed of wide knowledge of trees and shrubs.

 

In the creation of an ideal park, which Mrs. McCrea intends Lincoln Park will be, she means to set up a standard which eventually will be adopted by all the parks, and if this is done, Chicago will be famous for tis idyllic beauty.  One of her important innovations will be the labelling of the trees and shrubbery, her purpose being to make the park an institution of instruction as well as beauty. She has arranged her plan, she says, without any consideration of cost;  "I will leave cost to the board."

 

One of Mrs. McCrea's hobbies is to have landscape gardening taught in the public schools to those girls and boys who show any adaptability to the work.  Girls, she thinks, are particularly qualified to plan beautiful effects in shrub and plant arrangements.  Mrs. McCrea is petite and of charming personality and is believed to be the first woman in America to adopt landscape gardening as a profession.

 

Note:  For more information about her career see the following:  http://tclf.org/pioneer/annette-mccrea

Obituaries (April 18)

Katherine (Rice) O'Brien

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1921

 

Katherine (Rice) O'Brien

1869 - 1921

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of Mrs. Katherine Rice O'Brien was held in St. Paul's Church at 9:30 on Saturday morning and was attended by a large assemblage of relatives and friends. Rev. Father Tiernan officiated and burial was made in St. Paul's Cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Mrs. O'Brien died at her home, 31 Birdsall Street, on Thursday morning, May 26, aged 54 years.  Katherine Rice O'Brien was the widow of James T. O'Brien, whom she married in 1885 and was well known and much respected by her many friends and acquaintances.  Her family have widespread sympathy in the loss of a mother and sister of so many sterling qualities.  Mrs. O'Brien is survived by four sons, Francis, Edward and Raymond, all of Oneida, and James of Childs, Pa.; three daughters, Mrs. Thomas Strain and Miss Katherine O'Brien of Norwich and Mrs. harry Trickett of Lowell, Mass.; three brothers, Patrick Rice of Fish's Eddy, N.Y., James Rice of Hartford, Conn., and Peter Rice of Walton, and one sister, Mrs. Mary Brackett, of Whitney Point, eight grandchildren also survive.

 

Norwich Sun, May 26, 1921

Katherine Rice O'Brien, widow of the late James T. O'Brien, died at her home, 31 Birdsall street, early Thursday morning, May 26, 1921.  Mrs. O'Brien was well known and deeply respected by scores of neighbors and friends to whom her passing will come with a feeling of personal loss.  Her immediate family have the sympathy of  a large circle of friends in the loss of a mother and sister of many sterling characteristics.  She is survived by four sons, Francis, Edward and Raymond, all of Oneida, and James of Childs, Pa.; three daughters, Mrs. Thomas Strain and Miss Katherine O'Brien of Norwich and Mrs. Harry Trickett of Lowell, Mass., three brothers Patrick Rice of Fish's Eddy, N.Y., James Rice of Hartford, Conn. and Peter Rice of Walton and one sister, Mrs. Mary Brockett of Whitney Point. Eight grandchildren also survive. The funeral will be held form St. Paul's church at 9:30 o'clock on Saturday morning, the Rev. Father Tiernan officiating. Burial will be made in St. Paul's cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

James Thomas O'Brien

Norwich Sun, January 31, 1917

James Thomas O'Brien, for many years a resident of this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died at his home at No. 29 Birdsall street, Monday morning at 11:30, aged 57 years.  Mr. O'Brien's death was caused by weakness of the heart and infirmities due to old age.  He is survived by his widow, four daughters, four sons, and one brother.  Funeral arrangements have been made for Saturday morning, February 3, at 9:30 o'clock from St. Paul's church, Rev. J.S.Tiernan will officiate and burial will be made in St. Pau's cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Norwich Sun, February 1, 1917

The funeral of James Thomas O'Brien who died at his home at 29 Birdsall street Wednesday morning will be held from his late residence at 9 o'clock Saturday morning and all will proceed thence to St. Paul's church where Father Tiernan will celebrate a mass of requiem.  Interment will be made in St. Paul's cemetery [Norwich, NY].  For about two years Mr. O'Brien had been sorely afflicted with heart trouble and asthma and for some time past had not been able to work for the Clarke-Conroy Co., in whose employ he came to Norwich as a stone mason some ten or more years ago, moving here form Oxford, where he had previously been with W.H. Clarke in the quarries there.  He was a skilled workman and a good husband and father and is sincerely mourned by a group of close friends and his devoted wife and eight children, Mrs. Thomas Strain of this city, Mrs. Floyd Hall of Adams, Francis, Katherine, Edward, James, Elizabeth and Raymond O'Brien, all of whom resided at home.  One brother, David O'Brien of Kingston, which was the decedent's birthplace, survives and with his wife has come to this city to attend the obsequies.

 

Channing Yorke

Afton Enterprise, July 5, 1900

Thursday's storm struck with great violence about three miles northwest of Cobleskill in the town of Seward, blowing down trees and buildings, and resulting in the death of Channing Yorke, son of Frank Yorke of East Worcester.  Yorke, with three others, was in the large new barn belonging to Peter H. Borst, when the hurricane struck. They had taken refuge from the storm.  When the crash came, the others succeeded in escaping.  Yorke, however, was caught by falling timbers, which crushed his skull, killing him instantly.  He was 19 years of age and was employed on the farm as a laborer.

 

Ida A. (Rowe) Page

Afton Enterprise, July 5, 1900

Ida A. Rowe, wife of Robert D. Page died June 27 in the Albany Hospital.  She was born in the town of Sanford [Broome Co., NY] and was 40 years of age.  She left, beside her husband and one son, her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Seymour Rowe, a brother, Delbert Rowe, and two sisters, Mrs. Orbie Dimorier and Miss Nellie Rowe.  Mrs. Page was a member of the M.E. church on Perch Pond Hill.  She had been a great sufferer for several years and has borne her suffering with patience and fortitude. She went to Albany some two weeks ago in the hope that an operation might prove beneficial, but she was unable to survive the ordeal.  The remains were brought home on Thursday last. The funeral was held at her late home in this village on Friday last at 10 a.m. and was conducted by Rev. C.E. Sweet. The burial was in the Perch Pond Hill cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].  The funeral was under the charge of A.J. Holmes.

 

Fred Droxell

Afton Enterprise, July 4, 1901

The quiet of the village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] was unusually disturbed on Friday about noon as the drowning accident in the river became circulated.  Fred Droxell, a lad of about 17 years, who has been a driver of one of the milk teams from Coventry for a number of years and was well known here, in company with two other boys repaired to the river bank just below the creamery, after unloading their milk, and prepared for a swim. Fred was the first one to get in the water and struck out toward the middle of the stream, when he suddenly cried out and sank before help reached him; the swift current carrying him so fast that the boys could not overtake him. The alarm being given, a number of men soon arrived and Lasalle Newton succeeding, after a few attempts, in diving near the body and bringing it up. Dr. Taylor was summoned and strenuous efforts were made to resuscitate the lad but to no avail. Coroner Goodsell of Afton was notified and upon examination decided that death was due to cramps.  The boy's father arrived with an undertaker late in the afternoon and the remains were taken to Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Herbert W Smith Murder Trial - 1921/22

H.W. Smith Convicted of Murder of Johnson in Nineveh Junction

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1921

 

Herbert W. Smith

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Herbert W. Smith, who was sentenced to die in the electric chair during the week of May 23, was taken to Sing Sing by Sheriff Hovey to await the carrying out of the sentence. The journey to Utica was made in the sheriff's automobile and the prisoner was whisked out of the city before the time of his departure was known to more than a few of the county officials.  Smith apparently enjoyed his ride at the expense of the county especially the trip by auto to Utica, where transfer was made to the New York Central.  The convict reached Sing Sing in the best of spirits but was loth to part with Sheriff Hovey who has shown him many kindnesses during his stay in the Chenango County jail. which Smith has apparently appreciated.

 

Whether Smith's attorney, David F. Lee, will be able to secure a new trial for him on account of the jury receiving an demonstrating the use of a pair of handcuffs which had not been introduced into the evidence is the subject of much discussion.  It is not expected that judge Kellogg will grant a new trial, but if the case goes to the Court of Appeals it may be sent back for a retrial.  Sheriff Hovey admits carrying the handcuffs to the jury room and showing the jurors how to use them.  The jurors were seen by a crowd of spectators through the jury room window doing stunts by handcuffing one of their number in the same manner that Smith was supposed to be handcuffed at the time of the shooting and proving how readily he could still handle the shotgun.  Several jurors who have told of the proceedings in the jury room say that a verdict had been reached and a unanimous ballot of guilty taken before the handcuffs were brought to them.

 

Prior to his departure for Sing Sing Smith at the request of his lifelong friend, Justice Read, of Hancock, sat for a picture in the sheriff's office which was made by W.F. Chipman, Sr., of the Rembrandt Studio.  If compared with an earlier picture taken in the sheriff's office soon after the capture and on the morning of the day he set out with Sheriff Hovey to try and locate the handcuffs which Smith filed from his wrists and threw away a marked improvement will be noted in his personal appearance while a guest of Sheriff Hovey.

______________________________________

 

Sentence & Motion for New Trial

Norwich Sun, April 7, 1921

 

Upon the grounds that misconduct of the jury rendered their decision in the case of the People versus Herbert W. Smith illegal.  Attorney David F. Lee, counsel for the defense, appealed for a new trial when the prisoner was brought before the court for sentence on Thursday morning.  The first motion of the defense was a purely formal one for arrest of judgment and was denied by the court. But the second motion of Attorney lee was a surprising if not a sensational one.

 

....Harley Frink answered the knock at the jury room done when the foreman asked for the map (which was on exhibit and therefore properly brought to the jury room) and mentioned the need of a pair of handcuffs.  Going to the sheriff's office he told the sheriff of the request of the jury.  Sheriff Hovey procured the handcuffs, similar to those used by the Johnsons on the fateful night of January 30, when they caught and handcuffed Smith, took them over to the court house, stepped to the jury room, demonstrated to the jury how they locked and unlocked by going through the processes twice, and left them with the jurors. These facts the sheriff also state, saying that the call came from the jury about 9:20 o'clock Tuesday night, and that they had the handcuffs from that time until after the verdict was rendered.

 

At 10:30 o'clock, Thursday morning, Herbert W. Smith was sentenced by Judge A.L. Kellogg in the court house in this city to the supreme penalty of the law.  The strain of the last 43 hours showed plainly on the condemned man.  He was ghastly white as he stood to received his sentence.

 

"You have been convicted by a trials jury of the county of Chenango on April 5, 1921 for the crime of murder in the first degree in connection with the killing of Lewis H . Johnson on January 30, 1921, in the town of Afton.  I do therefore now sentence you to death during the week beginning on the twenty third day of May, 1921 as may be determined by the warden of Sing Sing prison."  Such was the sentence which the prisoner heard from Judge Kellogg. 

 

The judge reserved decision on the motion for a new trial.

___________________________________

 

Second Trial

Norwich Sun, January 19, 1922

 

District Attorney Ward N. Truesdell, representing the people of the state of New York, won a notable victory in court when the Smith jury brought in a verdict of "guilty of murder in the first degree" last Wednesday evening.  It was a repetition of the verdict as given in the first trial and leaves no doubt in the minds of any fair minded who have heard the evidence as to the guilt of Herbert W. Smith.  Mr. Truesdell conducted the trial without the aid of additional counsel, and has not caused the expenditure of a single penny for services of counsel or for services of detectives during this trial which has become a celebrated one in the history of the county.

 

The great wheel of justice completed another turning on Wednesday night.  Slowly it had begun its journey on Monday morning, plowing its cumbersome but direct way, gathering upon itself great weight of evidence, from which it gathered momentum to crash to the end of its journey.

 

After a deliberation of but little over an hour, the jury which sat in judgment upon Herbert W. Smith, accused of the murder of Lewis H. Johnson in Nineveh Junction on Jan. 30, 1921, filed into their places in the court room.  It was just 7:10 Wednesday evening when County Clerk I.J. Tillman rose and asked of the jury:

"Gentlemen, have you arrived at a verdict?"

"We have," the twelve answered.

"What is it"

Earl Thurston, juror number nine and foreman, rose

"The verdict," he said, "is that we find the defendant guilty of murder in the first degree."

The defendant's face was colorless and drawn, but he took the verdict without flinching.

 

....The defense waived the two days given a condemned man to hear sentence passed upon him, and at 8:45 Judge Abraham L. Kellogg, who presided at both of Smith's trials, sentenced him to death in the electric chair at Sing Sing prison during the week beginning Feb. 26, 1922.  Smith, in the custody of Sheriff Walworth, left for the prison Thursday morning at 6 o'clock....

_____________________________

 

Penalty Paid for Murder by Herbert Smith

Norwich Sun, September 1, 1922

 

Herbert W. Smith gave up his life in the electric chair at Sing Sing prison Thursday night for having shot and killed Louis Johnson at Nineveh Junction on the morning of January 30, 1921.  Smith appeared unmoved as he was led to the chair.

 

The convicted man was placed in the chair at 11:09 o'clock and was pronounced dead at 11:17.  Smith, who has attracted wide attention by his sketch work, spent his last day drawing.  When visited by the chaplain he said he was ready.

 

"I didn't see anything in the papers this morning in my favor," he said, putting a few finishing touches on a crayon drawing "so I guess there is nothing doing."

 

Smith's body will be brought to Hancock, his former home, and funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the undertaking parlors of Beers & Son of Hancock. the Rev. Harry E. Williams will officiate.  Smith's mother, two brothers and a sister reside at Hancock.  He will be buried beside is father in the family plot.

_________________________

 

Obituary

Findagrave.com, memorial # 146396515

 

The funeral of Herbert Smith, convicted slayer of postmaster Johnson of Nineveh Junction in 1919, who was electrocuted in Sing Sing Thursday night was held at the home of his mother, Mrs. George Smith, on Leonard Hill, Hancock, NY Sunday afternoon. The funeral was attended by a large number of friends and neighbors who still believe Smith innocent of the charge and that the killing was due to an accident.  The funeral service was in charge of Rev Williams, pastor of the M E Church, and the body was interred in the family plot at Hancock beside the grave of Smith's father, who died several years ago."   [Buried in Riverview Cemetery, Hancock, Delaware Co., NY]

_________________________________

 

NOTE:  information regarding the crime of which Smith was convicted was posted to this blog on Oct. 17, 2013.  See link below.

 

http://smdlocalhistoryblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/miscellaneous-nineveh-junction-murder.html

Post Listing for April 10-16, 2017

Listing of blog postings for the week of April 10-16, 2017

Marriages

Posted April 14, 2017

Lois Mildred Walrod - Daniel Hazard Burr (1919)

Remy V. Kane - Gladys Fahy (1921)

Gaitano Natoli - Josephine Casacell (1921)

Joseph Chillimi - Rosetta Giuffre (1921)

George C. Shampang - Emma M. Platmer (1921)

Posted April 15, 2017
Capt. Harry C. Carpenter - Margaret Louise Wick (1919)  photo
Marriage Notices - 1854
     Ervin Chase - Ursula Frink
     William W. Jacox - Sarah Bagg
     Abram Crandall - Susan Moon
     James Hughston - Mary Ann Hinkley
     George A. Cory - Adaline E. Crandall
     Joseph Baldwin - Julia E. Mathewson
     Ranslaer Coe - Ruth Webb

 

Obituaries

Posted April 10, 2017

John Howard King (Norwich, 1918)  photo

Frances Sprague (White Store, 1890)

Percy Springer (White Store, 1926)  Civil War veteran

Augustus Bradley (Rockdale, 1890)

Jessie Carpenter Ellis (Bouckville, 1926)

Pearl R. Tibbitt (Greene, 1926)
Josephine Knapp (San Jose CA, 1926)

Posted April 11, 2017
Frances Elinette (Burnham) Packer (Preston, 1919)  photo
William H. Packer (preston, 1931)
Lieut. Lewis German (Norwich, Sacket's Harber, 1819)

Posted April 12, 2017
Octabia (Aldrich) Holmes (Plymouth, 1919)
Joseph Adolphus Hamilton (Mt. Upton, New Berlin, 1921)
Death Notices
     Rebecca Stannard (1884)
     Mrs. Lemuel Stratton (1921)
     Mrs. William Swancott (1921)
     William Swancott (1930)

Posted April 13, 2017
Julius A. Schorn (Norwich, 1900)   photo
Lieut. Max Wagner (Norwich, Philippines, 1900)
Frederick Bisbee Hopkins (Norwich, 1900)
Albert I. Evans (Plymouth, 1900)

Posted April 14, 2017
Lula May Ludwig (Norwich, Scranton PA, 1921)  Photo
Dr. Elisha Wales (Norwich, 1819)
Gen. James Mason (Preston, 1820)
Death notices
     Hattie E. Ireland (West Bainbridge, 1878)
     Two children of George Townsend (East Guilford, 1878)
     Rosa May Knowles (Smyrna, 1885)
     Stella Townsend (Holmesville, 1885)

Posted April 15, 2017
Frank E. Eccleston (Norwich, Oxford, Port Jervis, 1919)  photo
Charles R. Eccleston (McDonough, 1901)
Death Notices - 1854
     Alice Josephine Hubbard (Norwich)
     Emerson W. Brown (Pharsalia)
     Submit D. Smith (Oxford)
     Archibald Haynes (Guilford)
     Susan Todd (New Berlin)
     Eliza Jane Miller (Smithville)
     Harriet Brewer (Preston)

Posted April 16, 2017
Ida J. (Miller) White (Norwich, 1921)  photo
Hiram White (Norwich, 1928)
Corp. Harold Newman (Sherburne, 1918)  World War I, killed in action



 

Miscellaneous

Posted April 12, 2017

WWI Norwich NY Sailors, Albert Schraft, Emil Kern.   Photo

Posted April 13, 2017
Corp. Judson C. Miller - WWI Soldier - 1918

Posted April 16, 2017
Norwich Casualties, World War I:  Arthur Sterritt & Paul Sage, 1918

Obituaries (April 16)

Ida J. (Miller) White

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1921

 

Ida J. (Miller) White

1855 - 1921

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The sudden death of Mrs. Hiram White, of Brown Street, came as a distinct shock to her family and friends.  Mrs. White had been in her usual health until Saturday, when her condition became serious.  On Monday afternoon she was removed to the Norwich Memorial Hospital, and an operation was performed in the hope of prolonging life, but death occurred about 8 o'clock in the evening.  Funeral services were held from the family home in Brown Street Thursday afternoon, Rev. J.H. MacConnell, of the First Congregational Church, officiating.  Ida J. Miller was born in Sherburne June 15, 1855, the daughter of Gardner and Olive Miller. She was untied in marriage to Hiram White November 27, 1873, and came to Norwich, where the family has since resided. besides her husband, Mrs. White is survived by two sons, George, of Norwich, and Harry of Syracuse; also one sister, Mrs. Addie Wood, of Earlville.

 

Hiram White

Norwich Sun, June 5, 1928

Hiram White, aged 77 years, died Monday night, at the Norwich Memorial Hospital following a week's illness.  Deceased was born in South Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 12, 1851, the son of George White and Calancy Breed.  He had been a resident of Norwich since his 15th birthday.  A constable in the village of Norwich for a period of 17 years and a deputy United States marshal for a period of six years, Hiram White was well known to the older residents of the city.  With the exception of two brief visits with a son in Syracuse he had made his home with a son in this city at 41 Maydole street [Norwich, NY].  Insofar as is known, the late Mr. White was the last surviving person who had anything to do with the trial and execution of Felix McCann in Norwich.  Mr. White served as one of the death watchers and a warm friendship sprung up between him and the convicted murderer.  At the request of the doomed man, Mr. White marched to the scaffold with McCann, placed the straps about his legs and hands and fastened the noose around his neck.  Mr. White was one of the founders and originators of the old Norwich Gun Club and was considered an expert shot, one of the best in Chenango county.  That organization grew into the present Chenango County Fish, Game and gun Club.  He was a sportsman and possessed an inborn love for hunting and fishing.  He had the distinction of owning the first breech loading shotgun sold in the county.  The deceased throughout his life time was a Democrat in politics and had taken part in many warm fights in this county.  Coming to Norwich at the age of 15 years he was first employed in the Joe Brown sawmill on the land where the Paris Barnes farm is now located.  he later went to work for the meat firm of Butts and Marion, located where the present M.H. Fishman store is being erected on South Broad street.  When that firm dissolved partnership, Mr. White went as a meat-cutter with the late Henry P. Marion, working for him for a period of 55 years. The late Mr. White was a charter member of the old steamer company in Norwich and served many years as an active member in the old Norwich fire department.  Surviving him are two sons, George of this city and Harry L. of Syracuse; one brother, Curtis L. White, of South Pitcher and two grandchildren, Waldemar Bucksatch of Norwich and Miss Ruth White of Union Springs. The funeral services will be held from the home of his son George, at 41 Maydole street, Thursday afternoon at 21:30 with burial in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY], Rev. Lloyd S. Charters officiating

 

Corporal Harold Newman

Norwich Sun, November 12, 1918

The village of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] was saddened on Sunday to hear of the death of the first Sherburne boy killed in action in France.  Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Newman received an official notification of the death of their son Corp. Harold Newman on the battle fields of France.  When war was first declared Harold Newman was one of the first boys from that village to offer their services to their country.  Possessed of a splendid mental courage, he only asked to prove that the will might be made known by the deed, that he might test his physical strength in the great battle for democracy and freedom.  After enlisting and spending the usual time in the cantonments in this country, he was sent across in the spring of this year.  According to letters received from him, he had seen much active fighting and was bearing his share of the burden that rested on the manhood of the world.  The last letter received from him was on Sept 6, written on Aug. 17.  He stated that he had been over the top a number of times, but had come through each time unscathed.  Since that letter however, no word had bene received from him and the family had been under the terrible suspense of uncertainty until the telegram came Sunday with the news that the soldier boy had gone over the top for the last time and on into the west.  Corporal Newman was born, raised, and educated in Sherburne.  He was a young man of splendid reputation, and a favorite with his companions.  Besides his parents he is survived by three brothers, Leo, James and Robert of Sherburne, and three sisters, Miss Ella Newman of Frankfort and Mrs. Arthur Diongoole, and Mrs. Frances Doyle of Sherburne.,

 

 

 

 

World War I - Norwich, NY casualties 1918

Norwich Boys Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice for Their Country

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1921

Private Arthur F. Sterritt (left) and Private Paul F. Sage (right)

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The bodies of two more Norwich lads were laid to rest this week in their native land after the long journey from France.

 

Private Paul F. Sage and Private Arthur F. Sterritt were boyhood chums and both were members of Company M, One Hundred and Seventh Infantry and both were killed in action in the same battle September 29, 1918.  Their bodies were laid to rest in France, but upon the request of relatives, were later to be sent home.  They arrived in Hoboken this week and funeral services were held Thursdya in New York. Their final resting place will be in Arlington Cemetery.

 

The boys are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. George E. Sage, of South Broad Street, who were in New York City for the arrival and funeral services of their sons, Elmer Sterritt, a brother of Arthur, who resides in new York, was also present at the service.

 

Private Paul Sage Offers the Supreme Sacrifice;

First Norwich Man to Lose life in Battle

Norwich Sun, November 12, 1918

Private Paul Sage, son of Mr. and Mrs. George E. Sage of 85 Rexford street, is believed to have been killed in action when the allied forces began their big drive of September 29th.  The news was conveyed to his parents in a letter received this afternoon from an Australian soldier who fought side by side with Paul in the trenches.  The Australian, British and American forces were evidently fighting together when the great drive began, as the letter from the Australian states that Paul, who was known to have been with the British, was shot and fell within a few feet of him.  The letter says that he, the Australian, picked up the body, and removed it from the immediate battle field.  Later he removed a diary, some pictures and other things from Paul's pockets and sent them to his parents in Norwich.  Together with the letter they were received today.  The information concerning his death is probably reliable as Mr. and Mrs. Sage identified the pictures found in his pockets as some which they had sent their son in France.  There appears to be little doubt, but that the information is correct, as it is presumed that the Australian soldier was personally acquainted with the Norwich boy.  The diary, the letter stated, was held up by the censor, but will be sent later.  Private Sage is the first Norwich boy to lose his life in action with the Expeditionary Forces, and is the fifth from this city to make the supreme sacrifice.  He enlisted in the Mohawk regiment early in the war and was later transferred to Co m of the 107th infantry when the militia was federalized and soon afterwards sent across.  Letters received form him say that he was company runner, that is, bearer of messages between commanding posts.  This detail is one of the most perilous engaged in by fighting men, the company runner being the mark for many German snipers and machine gun nests.  Mr. Sage is endeavoring this afternoon to get in touch with the war department and ascertain the truth.  The name of his son has not appeared in any of the American casualty lists, the delay probably being due to the fact that he was billeted with the British on the western front.

 

Arthur Sterritt Killed in Action

Norwich Sun, November 14, 1918

A double grief has come to the home of Mr. and Mrs. George E. Sage of 85 Rexford Street.  On Tuesday Mr. Sage received a letter from an Australian comrade of his son Paul telling of his death on the battlefield of France.  This afternoon, Mrs. Sage received an official notification from the war department stating that her son, Arthur Sterritt was killed in action on Sept. 29th.  Arthur Sterritt and his step-brother Paul Sage enlisted together in the Mohawk regiment.  Both were transferred to Co. M. of the 107th infantry and were doubtless killed in the same drive.  They had been overseas since May and had seen much of the hardest fighting that our American boys had to go through with.  Arthur was born on Oct. 3, 1891.  He had lived in Norwich almost all of his life, and was educated here, where he leaves hundreds of friends to mourn his death on the field of battle.  Beside his mother and step-father, he is survived by two brothers, Elmer, with the forces in France and George of this city, and one sister, Mrs. Julia Breed, also of Norwich.

 

Three Norwich Boys killed on Sept. 29

Norwich Sun, December 7, 1918

George E. Sage on Friday received official announcement from Washington of the death of his son, Paul Sage.  The message stated that he was killed in action on September 29.  Mr. Sage had a letter from an Australian soldier, received November 1, in which he told of the death of Private Sage, who was billeted with the writer and went into action with him.  The fact that the war department made no official announcement of the casualty was probably due to the fact that the soldier was not in an American detachment.  The date given in the telegram (September 29) was the same as that which Mrs. Sage's son, Arthur Sterritt, was officially reported as killed in action.  Private Floyd Pudney was the third Norwich boy to "go west" on that day, the first of the great allied drive that ended in the victory of our arms.

 

Splendid Tribute Paid to the Memory of Private Paul F. Sage

Norwich Sun, December 30, 1918

The memorial services for the late Pvt. Paul F. Sage, which were held in the Baptist church in South New Berlin Sunday, were among the most impressive ever held in that church or in that vicinity. A large number of the young man's former friends motored from Norwich to pay their last tribute to the dead. The Norwich Home Defense Corps also motored to the neighboring town and attended the services in a body.  Four cars made the trip from Norwich and arrived to find the church already well filled. At the opening of the services the auditorium was packed with one of the largest congregations ever seen there. The church choir and orchestra added materially to the memorial service and the sermon was an inspiring call for those remaining at home to live worthily of the boy who had died so gloriously.  The gold star placed on the service flag of the church for Paul Sage is the only one of its color among 24 stars of blue.  So far as is known, he is the only member of this church to give up his life in the cause for which he fought. The young man was the son of George E. Sage of the firm of Sage & Harrington of Norwich.

 

Norwich Pays Honor to its Soldier Dead

Norwich Sun, April 19, 1921

Dead, yet living on forever in the lives of those nearest and dearest to them, and held by their supreme sacrifice immortal among those that have given life for country's cause, two more funerals of this city's heroes who were killed in action in the World War, were held Tuesday, and fitting respect paid the memory of the departed.

 

The funerals were those of Arthur F Sterritt and Paul F. Sage, sons of Mr. and Mrs. G.E. Sage of this city [Norwich, NY].  Services for the former were held in St. Paul's church at 10:30 o'clock, with burial in St. Paul's cemetery, while services for the latter took place in the First Baptist church at 2:30 o'clock, with interment at South New Berlin.

 

Citizens and comrades united in the services and each was buried with military honors. Touching and beautiful were the services, the tributes of respect of Norwich residents to those who had fallen in battle.  Hundreds turned out to view the funeral processions and to participate in the grand memorial of the glorious dead. the streets were lined with solemn faces.  High school students and faculty formed a line either side of East and West Side parks while the funeral procession moved through the streets.

 

Business was suspended during the hours of the services, all stores being closed between 10 and 11 and 3:15 and 3:45.  The services were most impressive.  Over each casket there was an American flag, and there were many beautiful wreaths of flowers.  Between 60 and 70 American Legion members and former service men were in the line of march, to honor the Soldier dead.  Members of the G.A.R. ad Spanish War Veterans, also the Red Cross and many representative citizens were also in the funeral procession.

 

At the services for Mr. Sterritt in St. Paul's Church, the pastor, the Rev. J.S. Tiernan celebrated a solemn requiem high mass;  the Rev. Clement Shanehussy, formerly of this city, of Syracuse was deacon; the Rev. Theodore Provost of Oxford, sub-deacon; and the Rev. Walter A. Sinnott, who is chaplain of the local post of the American Legion, preached the funeral sermon at the close of the mass.

 

The Rev. H.R. MacMillan preached the funeral sermon over the body of Mr. Sage, paying a glowing tribute to his memory and the supreme sacrifice he had made for his country.  The services were largely attended.

 

Members of the local post of the American Legion had charge of the services. The bearers at both funerals were Charles Riley, Charles Pflanz, J. Edward Sullivan, J. Mason Taft, Francis Conroy and Charles Burgess, the latter who came as an escort to the bodies when they were brought home.  The color bearers were Clarence Wickman, Leroy Coe and George Rowe.  The firing squad was in charge of Leon Haines and was composed of Nathan Squires, Ernest Bennett, Geo. Johnson, Lester Rider, Glenn H. Sprague, Raymond Williams, Norman Tiffany and F.H. Moore.  The musicians were Earl Elliott, William Smith and Robert Hultzen.  the caisson riders were Fred Manning and Howard Gueker and the horsemen were Lynn Skinner, Fred Curnalia, Robert Soules and David Grant.