Obituaries (August 12)

William E. Gibbon

1878 - 1936

Death claimed one of Oxford's best-known business men, at 1:30 o'clock last Thursday afternoon when William E. Gibbon, 58, failed to respond to medical aid after being stricken by a heart attack at his place of business on Lafayette Square at 3 o' clock that afternoon.  Dr. Mat Boname, a nephew of Mr. Gibbon, was summoned immediately, as was Dr. B.A. Hall.  The treatments were given at the deceased man's late home on Clinton street.  Mr. Gibbon was a native of Oxford and a lifelong resident.  A successful and highly respected business man, he operated, for many years, a department store. and since 1933, a restaurant and grill.  His sudden passing is a shock to his friends and a distrint loss to the community.  The deceased was born March 16, 1878, the son of Henrietta Fraser and Mat H Gibbon.  On December 15, 1910 he married Miss Idalene Talada of Elmira.  As a young man he learned the plumber's trade from W.P. Roname.  Working at this for Clark Barlett for some time, he later conducted a shop of his own.  Later he abandoned the plumbing business to go into retail trade and about 20 years ago he conducted a store in the Jones block.  In 1924 he purchased the Clarke block, where his two places of business are now located. When the post office was moved to the Navy Island block in 1933, the part of the block thus occupied was remodeled and made into a grill.  The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the late home.  Dr. H. Curtis Whedon, rector of St. Paul's church, officiating. Burial, with a Masonic service, was made in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Gibbon is survived by his wife and a daughter, Betty Jean; one sister, Mrs. Edith Boname; two nieces, Mrs. Van Woert Ellis of Margaretville, Mrs. Edgar R. Mallory of Detroit, Mich., and two nephews, Dr. Mat Boname of this village and Arnold Gibbon of Norwich. 

 

Josephine E. (Richards) Secor

1853 - ca 1858

Mrs. Josephine E. Secor, who had been a member of the Home since October 1927, passed away, February 8, aged eighty-five years.  For the past several years she had been a patient in the hospital and had been in failing health. Funeral services were held from the parlors of Colwell brothers, in Bainbridge, on February 11, and interment was made in Greenlawn cemetery of that village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  A brother, Frank M. Richards, a sister, Ardelle Gale, and a son James W Secor survive.

 

Mary Ardell Sweet

1863 - 1939

Mrs. Mary Ardell Sweet, died Feb. 12, 1939, at Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] of a cerebral hemorrhage.  She was born on Oct. 29, 1863 at Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], and lived her entire life here except a few years that she was in Nebraska.  Mrs. Sweet was a member of the Methodist church and the Rebekah Lodge.  The funeral was held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Colwell's Funeral Parlors, the Rev. Underwood officiating.  The burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  The pallbearers were Chas. Puffer, Wm. Davis, Chas. Ireland and Robert Hollenbeck.  She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Orville Jones of Bainbridge and Mrs. Ella Cornell of Endicott, one sister, Mrs. Carrie Loomis of Schenevus, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

 

Stephen L. Gifford

1872 - 1939

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Stephen L. Gifford 66, died suddenly, January 28, at 11:25 a.m., at his home on the Guilford-Bainbridge road, following a heart attack.  Mr. Gifford was born, in Masonville, Sept. 13, 1872, the son of George and Mary Jane (Carrol) Gifford.  He had always lived in the vicinity of Masonville until he came to Bainbridge seventeen years ago.  He was engaged in active dairy farming and had done his work as usual on the day of his death.  He is survived by his wife, Nellie Gifford; four daughters, Mrs. Stratford Van Valkenburg and Mrs. Lewis Peck of Masonville, Mrs. Kenneth Wackford, of Oxford and Bernice, at home; two sons, Austin and William Gifford, of Masonville.  Three sons and one daughter passed away several years ago.  Other survivors include three sisters, Mrs. Henry Merritt, Mrs. Anna Peters, of Binghamton, and Mrs. Bertha Van Epps, of New York City, The three brothers surviving are John Merton and Guy, of Masonville.  There are thirty-one grandchildren and one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held Tuesday Jan. 31, at 1:30 p.m. at Colwell Funeral Chapel with the Rev. G.N. Underwood of the Methodist Episcopal church officiating. "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," "Lead kindly light," and "He Leadeth Me," were sung at the end of the service.  Pall bearers were James Becker, Otto Neidlinger, Henry Gardner, Elmer Niles, Guy Smith and Harold Campbell.  Interment was made in the family plot at Masonville ][Delaware Co., NY].

 

 

Obituaries (August 11)

Etta Banner

d. 25 February 1937

Mrs. Etta Banner, wife of Frank D. Banner, a former resident of this village, passed away at their home in Madison, Wisconsin, Feb. 25, 1937.  She is survived by her husband, three sons, William Minor of Bainbridge, James Minor of Berlin, Wis., and Howard Minor of Madison, Wis., one sister in Ohio and one in Walton, N.Y.

 

Glenn A. Haas

1907 - 1937

Prof. Glenn A. Haas, 29 years of age, died of pneumonia at the House of the Good Samaritan in Watertown last Wednesday after a brief illness.  Mr. Haas was born at Chaumont, N.Y. [Jefferson Co., NY] Nov. 19, 1907, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank C Haas.  He had lived all of his life in Chaumont.  He was graduated from the Chaumont High School in 1925 and from St. Lawrence university in 1929 with the degree of bachelor of science.  Later he became a teacher in the Greenwich, Wash, County School.  He served at assistant principal for 12 months.  From Greenwich he returned to Chaumont in the fall of 1931 and since had been principal there.   He married Miss Kathryn Kentfield of Bainbridge, Dec. 23, 1933.  Mrs. Haas formerly taught at Chaumont.  Besides his wife he is survived by his parents, two brothers, Milford W. and Milton H. Haas, both of Chaumont.  Funeral services were held March 6, in Chaumont.  A prayer service was conducted at the house at 1:30 followed by the Episcopal service held in the Presbyterian Church, read by the Rev. Bradford H Tite of Bainbridge and the Rev. Walter C. Middleton of Watertown, assisted by Rev. Mr. Williams of Chaumont.  The Masonic ceremony concluded the last rites.  Interment was made in Cedar Grove Cemetery overlooking Chaumont Bay.

 

Florence Tracy

1883 - 1937

Funeral services were held for Mrs. Florence Tracy, 53, Tuesday afternoon, who passed away at her home in Franklin street, Saturday evening after a week's illness.  The services were held from the home with Dr. H.C. Whedon officiating, with burial in Craryville, Columbia county, yesterday.  Mrs. Tracy was born in Craryville but spent most of her life in Brooklyn until 1927, when she came to Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to live, after marrying.  She was a member of St. Paul's church and belonged to the Woman's Auxiliary and Parish Aid society.  Surviving her are her husband, Fred Tracy, and three children, by a previous marriage.  Miss Marjorie L. Nichols of Sherburne, Raymond and Charles . Nichols, Jr., of New York city; a sister, Mrs. Charles Lynch of Brooklyn, her mother, Mrs. Margaret O'Dell of Brooklyn, and four grandchildren.  F.W. Seymour & Son had charge of the funeral arrangements.

 

Frank L. Gates

1849 - 1936

Frank L. Gates, aged 87, died Friday night after a long period of ill health at the home of his daughter, Mrs. V.C. Stratton on Scott street.  He had been confined to his bed three weeks prior to his death.  Mr. Gates was the son of the late Lewis and Lucinda Gates and was born in Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] February 1, 1849.  In October, 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Richardson of Pharsalia.  They lived in Pharsalia until about 23 years ago when they bought a home on Pleasant street, and came here to reside.  Mrs. Gates died six years ago.  Mr. Gates was a prominent farmer in Pharsalia and had served as supervisor from that town and also road commissioner.  He belonged to the Odd Fellows' Lodge of McDonough.  Since his residence in Oxford he has served as street commissioner.  Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. V.C. Stratton; two sons, Gill of Oxford and Arthur Gates of Elmira. The funeral was held from the F.W. Seymour & Son funeral parlors Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Dr. H. Curtis Whedon officiating. Burial was made in Riverview [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Edson Foote Eccleston

1856 - 1936

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock for Edson Foote Eccleston, 80, who passed away after a three weeks' illness at his home on Clinton street [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  the Rev. H.C. Whedon will officiate at the funeral which will be held from St. Paul's Episcopal church.  Burial will be in Greene cemetery.  Mr. Eccleston was one of Oxford's well-known men and until he was the victim of a fall in the street three weeks ago, which was fatal to his health, he was a familiar character about the village.  The deceased was born in Oxford, February 1, 1856, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles D. Eccleston.  Graduating from Oxford Academy, he went to Michigan to study law.  Acting in accordance with his father's wishes, he came back here to join him in the dentistry, his father being the proprietor of the Union Tooth Company.  In 1880 he married Miss Clara Belle Homer of Elmira, where the couple lived for some time and where Mr. Eccleston took up decorating work.  Later the couple moved to Oxford where the deceased carried on his work.  All during his life here he was affectionately known as "Ed."  Mrs. Eccleston died March 4, 1924.  Surviving him are two sisters, Miss Mary McCall Eccleston of Washington, D.C., and Mrs. George D. Johnson of Plainfield, N.J.; two grandsons, Dr. Cecil Rogers of Hadley and Robert M. Rogers of Oxford, and one great granddaughter, Cecile Rogers of Hadley.  Besides being a member of the Episcopal church, Mr. Eccleston was a member of the Red Men when that organization was prominent some years ago.  He was also a musician in an army band late in the 19th century.  A musician of note since he was 14 years of age, he was the master of many musical instruments including the E-flat cornet, B-flat cornet, trombone and euphonia.  He played with leading band and orchestra organizations his entire lifetime. He was also a member of the Oxford band.  That he was a true lover of music is seen in one of his last requests when he asked that the Oxford band play at his funeral and that no dirges be played. The band will accompany the funeral procession Saturday.

NYSEG Employee Portraits - #2

Portraits of NYSEG Employees

from Scrapbook of A.P. Donahe

Marriages (August 10)

Marriage Notices - 1835

Anti-Masonic Telegraph, January 21, 1835

 

At South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, the 4th inst. by the Rev. W. Bullard, Mr. Smith Thompson, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Jane Eliza Rathbone, of the former place.

 

On Thursday, the 8th isn't. by te Rev. Mr. Chamberlin, of New Berlin, Mr. John Monroe, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emeline Palmer, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. by Elder J.S. Swan, Mr. Alfred Slocum, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Amelia B. Randall, daughter of Deacon Charles Randall, of Norwich.

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Nathan Taylor, esq., Mr. Theodore Tanner to Miss Susan Snow.

 

Anti-Masonic Telegraph, February 4, 1835

 

January 1st, by the Rev. L.S. Rexford, Mrs. Orrin B. Gilbert, of Lebanon [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Servilia Benedict.

 

January 6, by Philo Robinson, esq., Mr. H. Tinker to Miss Caroline Weeks, of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY].

 

January 13, by Elder J.S. Swan, Mr. Olney Davis to Miss Sarah Ann Sturdevant.

 

January 14, by the same, Mr. Benajah Benton to Miss Matilda Lewis.

 

Same date, by the Rev. L.S. Rexford, Mr. Hiram Pratt to Miss Marilla Harris, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Same date, by the same, Mr. J. Crane, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Abigail Harris.

 

January 22, by the Rev. Mr. Field, Willard Welton, esq. of Madison, to Mrs. Blair.

 

January 25, by the Rev. L.A. Barrows, Mr. Zebulon Willoughby to Miss Mary Jane Doty.

 

January 26, by the Rev. I.S. Rexford, Isaac G. Wheeler, esq. to Miss Nancy Palmer.

 

January 28th, by the same, Mr. Hezekiah Gifford of Illinois, to Miss Mary Jane Smith.

 

January 29 by Elder Jones, Mr. John Bressee to Miss Lucy M. Master.

 

Same date, Mr. House, organ builder, to Miss Moore, of Virgil, Cortland county.

 

January 15, by the Rev. Mr. Adams, Mr. Albert Card of Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Catharine Storrs of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY].

 

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by Richard D. Taylor, esq., Mr. Alonzo Bacon to Miss Sally Cutting.

 

Anti-Masonic Telegraph, February 11, 1835

 

In Butternuts (Otsego co.) on the 4th inst., by Elder Boynton, Doct. Andrew Farrell, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elvira P. Cady, of the former place.

 

 

Anti-Masonic Telegraph, February 18, 1835

 

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. by Elder Parker, of Coventry, Mr. Hiram Randall to Miss Lucy Tuttle, both of the former place.

 

 

 

Obituaries (August 10)

Rachel (Horton) Tew

1878 - 1937

Rachel Horton Tew, wife of Elmer Tew, died at her home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] Thursday, July 22, after a long period of ill health.  She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Clark Horton.  She was united in marriage to Elmer F. Tew of this village son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Tew. They made their home in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] for a number of years, going to Afton about 25 years ago.  She was a member of the Baptist church and is survived by her husband, two daughters, Mary and Martha Tew, one son, Robert, and one brother, Harry G. Horton, all of Afton. The funeral was held at the Baptist church, Afton, Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

 

Polly M. (Padgett) King

1854 - 1937

Mrs. Polly M. King, aged 82 years, widow of the late Fred King, died at the home of her son, Fred king, at Utica [Oneida Co., NY], Tuesday, May 18.  The body was removed to Seymour's funeral parlors where the funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with the Rev. Howard Deller, D.D., officiating. Burial will be made in the family plot in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Besides the son mentioned, Mrs. King is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Belle Cornell of Binghamton.

 

Fred Zwick

1863 - 1937

Fred Zwick passed away very suddenly, June 11th of an acute heart attack.  Funeral services were held Monday, June 14th, at the chapel of Colwell brothers, in West Main street. Rev. G.H. Orvis, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiated, followed by interment in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Zwick was born in Germany, April; 11, 1863, the son of George and Anna Binnie Zwick.  When six years of age he moved to this country with his family, where he has since resided. He has always lived in the town of Bainbridge and for many years conducted a farm on Searles Hill.  Soon after the death of his wife in 1928 he made his home with Fred L. Montgomery and family, where he will be greatly missed.  He assisted with all the farm work even to the afternoon of his death.  He is survived by a brother, Chas. Zwick, of Troy; a niece, Mrs. Frank Tuttle, of Schenectady; two nephews George Shelby, of Syracuse, and Ned Zwick, of Los Angeles, Calif.

 

Death Notices

Anti-Masonic Telegraph, January 21, 1835

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. of scarlet fever, George [Shattuck], youngest son of Leroy Shattuck, aged 6 years.

"All that's bright must fade,

And all that's fair decay,

And all we love, was made

To bloom awhile--then fade away."

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday last, Mr. Jabish Howel, aged 80 years.

 

Anti-Masonic Telegraph, January 28, 1835

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. Col. Caleb Seabury, aged 68 years.

 

On Tuesday, the 20th inst. in a fit of apoplexy, Mrs. Jerusha Burlingame, aged 58 years.

 

In Macdonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. Jonas W. Ogden, aged 28 years, and 10 months.

 

Anti-Masonic Telegraph, February 4, 1835

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday, 22d ult. at 10 minutes past 11 o'clock A.M. Mr. Bradford Willcox, son of Mr. Whitman Willcox, aged 21 years.  Also at 1:4 past 12 o'clock of the same day, Miss Almira Willcox, daughter of Mr. Whitman Willcox, aged 18 years.

 

Anti-Masonic Telegraph, February 11, 1835

 

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. Mr. Olney Eddy, a Revolutionary soldier, age 84 years.

 

Anti-Masonic Telegraph, February 18, 1835

 

On the 12th of December last, in Yorkshire, (England) where he had gone for the benefit of his health, Simeon [Kershaw] son of Thomas Kershaw, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], aged about 20 years.

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Friday last, Mr. Abner Giles, aged 29 years.

 

Anti-Masonic Telegraph, February 25, 1835

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday last, Mrs. Tamar Hull, aged 77 years.

Obituaries (August 9)

Rita (Cunningham) O'Connor

1812 - 1938

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] residents were shocked Monday morning to learn of the tragic death of Mrs. Paul O'Connor, which occurred that morning shortly after 6 o'clock in the Chenango Memorial Hospital, resulting from lysol poisoning.  Dr. William Mayhew, who was called to administer first aid by Mr. O'Connor, reported that he was notified by the husband of an emergency call shortly before 5 o'clock, and that after arriving at the home on Washington avenue, he applied restorative measures and then took the patient to the Chenango Memorial Hospital where further treatment was given, but to no avail.  Coroner Mat Boname, notified of the tragedy, investigated and gave a report of death caused from lysol poisoning.  Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor were married August 30 of last year [1937] and immediately set up their home in this community where Mr. O'Connor is a partner in the operation of the O-K Restaurant.  Although a stranger here, Mrs. O'Connor soon acquired a wide circle of friends and was especially well liked wherever she was known.  She was born in Middletown [Orange Co., NY], March 11, 1912, the daughter of Martin J. and Margaret Cunningham. She attended Middletown schools, graduating from the high school there and then attended New Paltz Normal.  For four years previous to her marriage she had been a successful teacher at East Hampton.  Besides her husband and parents, she is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Christopher Herman and Mrs. T.B. Henry of Middletown, and Mrs. Charles Bartholomew of Ridgewood, N.J., and two brothers, Thomas of Howells and Francis of Eldred.  Funeral services were held Wednesday morning in St. Joseph's Church with the Rev. Denis Lyons officiating.  The Rev. D. Gerard Horan of Syracuse and the Rev. Charles Coveney of Norwich were in the chancel during the services and Father Horan pronounced the final absolution at the grave.  Music during the service was under the direction of Mrs. H.C. Bartlett.  Bearers were John And Cornelius Keating, Clarence Munyan, Francis McEneny and Paul Dowd of Oxford, and Jack Buxton of Norwich.

 

Marilla A. (Hartwell) Gordon

1853 - 1937

Mrs. Marilla A. Gordon, aged 84 years, passed away early Thursday morning, February 4, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Alvin B. Stead, after a prolonged illness. The daughter of James L. and Cornelia R. Hartwell, she was born at Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] April 20, 1853.  On December 9, 1874, she married George Hovey. Two daughters and one son were born, all of whom survive and reside in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Homer G. Padgett, Frank L. Hovey, for 17 years town supervisor, and Mrs. Alvin B Stead.  Mr. Hovey died March 30, 1884.  December 16, 1903, she married David B. Gordon, his death occurring October 16, 1915.  The next year Mrs. Gordon moved to Oxford village and until about a month before her passing she lived in her home at 10 Washington Park. Becoming seriously ill, she was taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Stead, where she spent the few remaining weeks of her life.  Quiet and retiring, yet living an earnest, stalwart Christian life. Mrs. Gordon is missed by a large number of friends, as well as by her family.  She is survived by the three children already mentioned, a brother, Albert l. Hartwell, Oxford; three nieces, Mrs. Lynn Gear of Earlville, Mrs. Chester Bartle of Oxford, Mrs. DeWane Hill of Smyrna, and seven grandchildren, Miss Dorothy M. Hovey of New York city, the misses Grace E., Ruth F., Hazel R. and Catherine B. Hovey of Oxford, Mrs. Helen M. Grosse of Norwich, Jesse L. Padgett of Whitesboro, and two great grandchildren.  After a prayer service held at the home of the daughter, Mrs. Stead, the funeral service was held, Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Oxford Baptist Chruch of which church Mrs. Gordon had been a member for a number of years. The service was conducted by the pastor, Rev. Frederick L. Anderson, assisted by Rev. Leon Bouton of the Methodist church.  Interment was in Riverview cemetery, Oxford, F. W. Seymour & Son had charge of the arrangements.

 

Edwin J. Ives

1876 - 1938

Edwin J. Ives, one of Oxford's [Chenango Co., NY] best known business men, died in the Binghamton City Hospital, Saturday night, of pulmonary embolism following an operation earlier in the week for intestinal ulcer.  Mr. Ives stood the operation well and was making a splendid recovery when embolism developed and resulted in death within a few minutes.  He was born in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], Jan. 29, 1876, the son of Homer and Elizabeth Bailey Ives.  He lived in that village until about seven years of age when he moved with his parents to the vicinity of Binghamton, driving eight miles a day to attend the Binghamton city schools.  At the age of 17 he entered the employ of the Corbin drug store on Court street, leaving there in 1897 to become associated with E.L. Olmstead on the north side. After 12 years with Mr. Olmstead, he accepted a position as a salesman for the Walter R. Miller Co., wholesale stationers and it was on his trips through Chenango County as a salesman that he became acquainted with this community.  Mr. Ives came to Oxford in 1918 and entered into partnership with W.A. Jones in the Rexall drug store.  In 1923 he sold his interests to Mr. Jones and purchased the Oakwood Pharmacy which he has operated since then.  He was especially active in the business and community life of Oxford, and was a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce and on the executive committee this year.  He was an ardent golfer and had always been a member of the Blue Stone course. Bowling was another of his favored sports and in addition to taking part in league matches in Oxford, he had held membership in the Norwich club for years and was largely responsible for the number of local men who annually participate in the matches in that city.  He was united in marriage to Sarah Merritt in 1897 who survives him together with one daughter, Mrs. Roswell McCall, of Delhi, one granddaughter, Elamona McCall, and two grandsons, Roswell John and Edwin George McCall, all of Delhi; a sister, Mrs. Jennie Ives Thompson; a niece, Mrs. Hempstead, and two nephews, Robert and Donald Thompkins, all of Binghamton.  Mr. Ives was a past master of Binghamton lodge, 177 F.&A.M., past high priest of Norwich commandery, vestryman of St. Paul's Episcopal church, director of the National Bank of Oxford and a life member of the Exempt Firemen of Binghamton.  Members of Binghamton lodge and Oxford lodge conducted a Masonic service at the home, Monday evening at 8 o'clock, with Eddie Bohn, member of Binghamton lodge leading. Large delegations form both lodges were present.  Funeral services were held from the Seymour Funeral home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock with the Rev. Jackson A. Martin, Episcopal rector, of Delhi officiating. Burial was made in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, NY].  The bearers were C.D Sharpe, Fred Hamilton, John Cheney, John Wyckoff, Hubert Emerson and F.W. Seymour. 

Obituaries (August 8)

Rose Belle (Neff) Spohn

1882 - 1936

Rose B. Spohn, well known resident of this vicinity, passed away Wednesday, December 30th, following an illness of more than three months' duration.  Death occurred at the home of her step-daughter, Mrs. Rexford Thornton, West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], where with her husband, she had been receiving care since the first of October.  Mrs. Spohn was born in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] on July 12, 1882, the daughter of Reuben Le Durn and Eliza Morgan Neff.  In June, 1916, she was united in marriage with George J. Spohn and since then they have resided on a farm on the Guilford road, in Guilford township. Early in life, while a resident of the village of Guilford, she became a member of the Episcopal Church there, but since her marriage she attended the Methodist Episcopal Church in this village with her husband. She was also a member of Bridgehanna Rebekah Lodge, of this village, which she served as pianist at one time.  Her husband and step-daughter are the only members of her immediate family surviving.  The funeral was held Saturday afternoon, Jan. 2, at the chapel of Colwell Brothers, in West Main street.  On account of the illness of the Rev. George Underwood, pastor of the Methodist church, the services were conducted by the Rev. G.H. Orvis, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, and interment was made in the family plot in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY]. The bearers were Otto Neidlinger, Jay Smith, John Preston, Moritz Roehlk, Fred Sherman and Fred Neidlinger.

 

Rev. Charles A. Winters

1882 - 1936

After an illness of several months the Rev. Charles A. Winters passed away at his home on Mechanic street Thursday morning, Sept. 10.  Mr. Winters was born at Cuddebackville, Orange county, Mar. 28, 1882.  He studied for the ministry, graduating in May 1914.  In that same year he was ordained to the Christian ministry in the Baptist church at South Clinton, Pa.  In February, 1915, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna A. Temple of Philadelphia, Pa.  Mr. Winters served the Baptist churches of South Clinton and Maple Grove, Pa. until Dec. 1916, when he accepted the pastorate of the First Baptist church at Susquehanna, Pa.  In Sept. 1919, Mr. Winters entered upon his pastorate in the First Baptist church of Oxford, where he continued until May, 1924, at which time he became pastor of the Gospel Service Group, which pastorate continued until his death.  Funeral services were conducted at the parlors of F.W Seymour & Son, Saturday at 2 p.m. Sept. 12.  The clergymen in charge were the Rev. Leon Bouton, pastor of the M.E. church, and the Rev. William Montgomery, pastor of the Gospel Tabernacle, Syracuse.  Interment was in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Winters is survived by his widow and four children.  Ruth, Paul Albert and Grace, all of Oxford. 

 

Fred F. Tracy

1867 - 1938

Fred F. Tracy, outstanding contractor in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] for the past half century, passed away Tuesday morning, April 5, at his home on Franklin street after more than a year of ill health.  Mr. Tracy was born at Valonia Springs [Broome Co., NY], March 18, 1867, the son of Henry and Mary D. Brooks Tracy.  He is a direct descendant, a great grandson of Hon. Uriah Tracy, founder of Oxford Academy.  His father was also a contractor and within a few months after his birth, his parents moved to Oxford and he has lived in this village all his life.  There are many memorials of his ability existing in the village.  He constructed the band pagoda on Lafayette Park, the home economics bungalow at Oxford Academy, the present mill dam and also worked on the W.R. C. Home and the Power House, and scores of private dwellings.  His home on Franklin street was built 42 years ago.  He was united in marriage to Anona Arlette Curtis, daughter of Ethan and Sarah Ann Rogers Curtis of Tyner, Oct. 7, 1890. Mrs. Tracy died in 1920 and in 1927 he took for his second wife, Mrs. Florence O'Dell Nichols of New York city.  She passed away about a year ago.  Mr. Tracy was a baptized member of St. Paul's Episcopal church, a member of the chamber of commerce, formerly a member of the Lake Ludlow Club, and one of the charter members of the Lake Steere Club. Early in life he joined the Hook & Ladder company, and has remained an active fireman, until ill health prevented.  He is survived by four daughters:  Miss Viola Tracy of Syracuse, Mrs. Merritt Stone and Mrs. Frank Mowry of Oxford, Mrs. John Shea of Old Greenwich, Conn.; six sons, Bernard of Oxford, Cecil of Binghamton, Henry C. of Glens Falls, Otis of Kingston, Otto of Syracuse, and Ross of Deposit; one sister, Mrs. Joseph Collingwood of Windsor, Ohio and one brother, Ross W. Tracy of Philadelphia; also 16 grandchildren. A private prayer service will be held at the home at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon followed by services in St. Paul's church. Dr. H.C. Whedon will officiate and burial will be made in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  The sons will act as bearers.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, September 23, 1875

 

FISK:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 21 at the residence of her son-in-law, C.A. Houghton, Mrs. Delany Fisk, aged 70 years.

 

GRANT:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 21, Lydia [Grant] wife of Francis Grant, aged 55 years.

 

KERSHAW:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 11, Mr. John Kershaw, aged 71 years, 1 month.

 

PORTER:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 12, Martha E. [Porter], wife of Frank Porter, aged 22 years 8 months.

 

KIRBY:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 12, Mr. Joseph Kirby, aged 77 years.

 

HYDE:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 13, Augustus [Hyde], son of D.A. and Violet Hyde, aged 18 years.

 

MARCY:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 11, Johnnie C. [Marcy], son of John C. and Eliza Marcy, aged 11 weeks.

 

Obituaries (August 7)

Lola (Millard) Harrison

1876 - 1937

Mrs. Lola Harrison, wife of Judson L. Harrison, died at her home on Washington avenue early Friday morning, May 21, after several years of ill health.  Mrs. Harrison was the daughter of Frank S. and Della Soule Millard and was born at Ansonia, Conn., September 23, 1876.  A few years later her parents moved to Wellsboro, Pa., then to Elmira and when she was about 10 years old, they came to Oxford.  Here she attended and graduated from Oxford Academy and then studied music at a conservatory at Fort Plain.  She returned to Oxford and taught in the Academy for a year.  She also gave music lessons and became choir leader in St. Paul's Episcopal church, a position she held for many years.  In this connection she did considerable solo work in the community and always took a prominent part in any musical event in the village.

 

She and Mr. Harrison were married February 31, 1900, and to them were born four children, all of whom survive.  They are Arthur Millard Harrison of Binghamton, Mrs. Harold Walworth of Walton, Mrs. Charles Topping of New York city, and Richard Francis Harrison of the U.S. Navy. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by two grandchildren, Arthur John and Robert Lamont Harrison of Oxford.  Mrs. Harrison was a communicant of St. Paul's church, a member of the Parish Aid Society and Woman's Auxiliary, and Joseph Jefferson club.  She and Mr. Harrison were also original members of the incognito club.

 

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 3:30 at the home with the Rev. H.C. Whedon officiating. Burial was made in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  The bearers were George R. Stratton, Howard Hoffman, Jesse Jacobs, Charles Parker, R.H. Baldwin and C.D. Sharpe

 

Charles Herman Goodwin

1873 - 1936

The funeral of Charles Herman Goodwin was held from his late home near Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] Sunday, November 15, with the Rev. J.W. Bump officiating.  Mr. and Mrs. Earle Oldfield rendered two vocal selections.  Mr. Goodwin's favorite hymn "Sometime We'll Understand" and at the close of the service, "Loves Old Sweet Song," his most loved song and a fitting farewell to his beloved family.  The many exquisite floral pieces attested to the high esteem in which Mr. Goodwin was held.  Mr. Goodwin was a man of sterling qualities, meriting the respect of all who knew him.  He was unusually faithful to his family, untiring in his efforts to enhance and bring to fulfillment every aspiration of each member thereof. Besides being a successful progressive farmer and breeder of Brown Swiss cattle he worked for years as contractor and builder.  Many fine buildings in and around this section of the county stand as monuments to his handiwork and for years to come will be reminders of the integrity with which his work was performed.  Mr. Goodwin was a loyal member of Oxford lodge, I.O.O.F., a member of the Board of Education of Guilford Central School, a director of the local Dairymen's League, a committeeman of the Farm Bureau and District fire Farm Bureau and District fire warden.  He was interested in all movements for the betterment of his community. 

 

His survivors are his widow, Lillian Mench Goodwin, three sons, Ward, Charles and Richard, daughter-in-law, Mrs. Charles Goodwin; one granddaughter, Helen; one brother, W.L. Goodwin of Pulaski; six sisters, Mrs.. Willis Thompson of Guilford, Mrs. Samuel Dixson of Potsdam, Mrs. Eugene McNitt and Mrs. Frank Fosgate of Norwich, Mrs. Orville Alsip and Miss Fannie Anderson of South New Berlin. 

 

Ruby Eleanor (Avery) Hill

1857 - 1937

Ruby Eleanor Avery, wife of Marshall G. Hill, passed away at her home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] on the morning of Sept. 15, after a three days' illness.  Ruby Avery was born at Ararat, Susquehanna county, Pa., March 5, 1857, the daughter of David and Levina Williams Avery.  She attended the local school and taught in several district schools before coming to attend the Afton academy.  After finishing school she taught in the primary department of the Afton Academy.  On Oct. 16, 1878, she was married to Marshall Graham Hill, and since that date has made her home in Afton.  Mrs. Hill was a woman of fine Christian character, devoted to her God, her church and her family, always ready to help anyone in trouble and held in the deepest affection by all who knew her. She was an active and devout member of the Afton Presbyterian church and was also a member of Cunahunta Chapter, D.A.R. being a descendant of several old New England Families of prominence.  Mrs. Hill is survived by her husband and three daughters, Mrs. George R. Stratton of Oxford, Nan Hill of Afton, and Mrs. S.L. Prime of Hartford, Conn.; one sister, Mrs. Lodema Lee of Thompson, Pa., and three grandchildren, Mrs. Edward F. Pilotti of Huntington, Conn., Natalie Prime of Hartford and Janet E. Vail of Afton.  Also several nieces and nephews.  Two other daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hill, Bernice, who died Feb. 20, 1895, and Erma E. Vail who died Oct. 13, 1927.  Funeral services were held from  her late home at the Afton Inn, Friday, Sept. 18, at 2 o'clock with the Rev. Clifford E. Webb, officiating.

 

 

 

Blog Listing July 31-August 6, 2017

Listing of blog postings for the week of July 31-August 6, 2017

 

Obituaries

Posted July 31, 2017

Dr. Heman D. Copley (Bainbridge, 1896)
Harriet Stryker (Rome, 1843)

Rev. Francis Wayland, D.D.  (Providence RI, 1865)

Posted August 1, 2017
Mary Ann Bushnell (Saybrook, CT, 1843)
Susan (Sheldon) Corliss (Union Village NY, 1843)
James S. Merithew (Oxford, 1901)
Isaac D. Richmond (Norwich, 1901)
Albert L. Spicer (Cortland, 1917)
Death Notices - 1901
     Levi G. Dutton (Georgetown, Oneida)
     Ralph Palmer (Walton)
     G.W. Cornish (Albany, Coventry)

Posted August 2, 2017
Joseph Willard Whiting (Guilford, 1843)
Margaret (Watkins) Jones (New York Mills, 1906)
Zidana E. (Greene) Rood (Guilford, Bainbridge, 1901)
Death notices
     Lucinda Whiting (Guilford, 1848)
     Willard N. Whiting (Guilford, 1848)
     Mary Elizabeth Fish (Oxford, 1851]
     Olive Landers (South Bainbridge - Afton, 1851]
     Eliza E. Blood (Guilford, 1851]

Posted August 3, 2017
Araminta (Davison) Jewell (Troy PA, 1905)
Sylvia Ford (West Stockbridge MA, 1843)
Jane Miller (West Stockbridge MA, 1843)
Death Notices - 1875
     William Wales (Smithville)
      Eva Badger (Greene)
      W.W. Kinney (Norwich, CT)
      David R. Randall (Wilkesbarre PA)
      Harry Stuart Ralph (Sparta, VA)

Posted August 4, 2017
Flora M. Wheeler (South Otselic, 1918)
Dr. Jane E. Hill (South Otselic, 1913)
Clarence Spicer (South Otselic, 1896)
Myra Cunningham (South Otselic, 1925)
Mrs. Lewis Brown (south Otselic, 1925)

Posted August 5, 2017
Antoinette Minor (Woodbury CT, 1843)
Dr. William E.H. Post (NYC, 1877)
Nettie Hill (Sidney Plains, 1874)
Bertha Winegard (Sidney Plains, 1874)

Posted August 6, 2017
Homer Padgett (Oxford, 1937)
May A. (Wheeler) Stoddard (Bainbridge, Coventryville, 1936)
Philip S. Stafford (Oxford, 1936)
Dr. Charles M. Olmstead (Milford, 1937)
     

 

Miscellaneous

Posted July 31, 2017

Chenango & Unadilla Valleys in 1820s, by S.S. Randall (written 1872)  Part 3

Posted August 6, 2017
Portraits of NYSEG Employees, from scrapbook of A.P. Donahe

Obituaries (August 6)

Homer Padgett

1872 - 1937

Homer G. Padgett, a lifelong resident of the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], passed away at his home on East Hill Saturday morning, April 11, after a long period of ill health, although he had been confined to his bed for only a few weeks.  He was born in Oxford, May 4, 1872, the son of G. James and Samira Russell Padgett.  He was educated in Oxford district schools and in Oxford Academy.  On November 16, 1898, he married Luella J. Hovey, who survives him.  His is also survived by two children, Jesse L. Padgett of Whitesboro, and Mrs. Helen M. Grosse of Norwich; two grandchildren, Pauline and Ruth Padgett, Whitesboro; one brother, Peter Padgett, and one sister, Mrs. Cora Cluff, Brisben; also by several nieces and nephews.  Mr. Padgett was a member of the Oxford Baptist church, having been baptized into its fellowship March 25, 1893, and he was a member of Oxford Lodge No. 175, F.&A.M.  In his earlier years Mr. Padgett was a contractor and builder in company with Frank E. Hogan until 1911, when he moved on the farm on East Hill which was his home until his death.  After a prayer service at the home, the funeral services were held in the Oxford Baptist church Tuesday afternoon with the Rev. F.L. Anderson, the pastor, officiating.  A recognition of his industry and honesty among many splendid qualities of character and his lifelong residence in Oxford was evidenced by the large attendance at the service.  The bearers were Jesse Jacobs, Leland Smith, Frank Hogan, I.A. Tillotson, Oliver Place and Leslie Bowers.  Interment was in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, NY].

 

May A. (Wheeler) Stoddard

1884 - 1936

Mrs. Fred Stoddard, a resident of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] for the past thirteen years passed away at her home about 7 o'clock Monday morning, November 23rd.  She had been ill for about a week with pleuro-pneumonia.  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at Colwell Bros. Chapel with the Rev Bradford H. Tite, officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  Mrs. Stoddard was born in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 19, 1884, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Wheeler, who survive,.  She was united in marriage to Fred Stoddard in June, 1901.  They resided in Coventryville until they moved to this village, in 1923.  Surviving are:  her husband: her parents; three brothers, Leon Wheeler, of Oxford; Ray Wheeler, of Greene, and Florent Wheeler, of Binghamton; two cousins, Mrs. Ruth Day, of Oxford, and Mrs. John Taft, of Greene; two daughters, Mrs. Erford Hatton and Mrs. George Strait; two sons, Lee Stoddard of East Sidney, and Neal Stoddard, of this village and; two grandchildren.

 

Philip Sheridan Stafford

1870 - 1936

Philip Sheridan Stafford, aged 66 years, died at his home on State street, Saturday evening, March 20, at 11:30 o'clock.  Mr. Stafford suffered a shock in June of last year from which he never fully recovered, although, after a time, he was able to return to conduct his restaurant.  He was there until February 8, when he suffered another stroke and gradually failed until his death on Saturday.  He was born on the old Stafford farm in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on May 17, 1870, the son of Elmer and Harriett Horton Stafford.  He attended school in Preston, later going to Oxford Academy.  On February 8, 1893, he was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Wilbur of Oxford.  When about 20 years of age Mr. Stafford came to Oxford, where he worked for M.C. Griffin in the St. James Hotel livery barns, where Groden's Garage is now located.  Later he became clerk in the hotel, when the Brewster Brothers were proprietors.  For several years he was clerk for James G Van Wagoner in the Oakwood.  After the death of Mr. Van Wagenen he continued the business for a time.  In 1913 the family went to Little Falls where Mr. Stafford conducted a restaurant, staying there two years. Returning to Oxford, Mr. and Mrs. Stafford bought the restaurant and bakery located in the mill building, next to the bridge, then conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Miles, where they continued in business until Mr. Stafford's last illness.  Mr. Stafford was a communicant of St. Paul's church and the oldest member of the Hook and Ladder company, and held the office of town assessor at the time of his death. Besides the wife he is survived by two sons, John E. Stafford and Robert E. Stafford; three grandchildren, Catherine and Flora Stafford, and Bernard Stafford of Oxford; three brothers, Arthur and Clarence of this town, and Delbert of Gouverneur, one nephew, Herbert Stafford and three nieces, Mrs. Marion Huett of Ithaca, Miss Laura Stafford of Gouverneur, and Lucy Anne Stafford of this village.  The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon with a prayer service at the house at 1:30 and from St. Paul's church at 2 o'clock, Dr. H.C. Whedon officiated.  Burial was made in Riverview cemetery [Oxford NY].  The funeral arrangements were in charge of F.W. Seymour & Son. The bearers were Frank Dillenbeck, Frank Hovey, Clayton Blough, Burton Stork, James Kilroy and Stuart Adams.  The Hook and Ladder company attended the funeral in a body.

Dr. Charles M. Olmstead

1868 - 1937

News has been received here of the death of the Rev. Charles M. Olmstead, 69, who passed away Wednesday, May 26, in the parsonage of the Methodist church at Nicholson, Pa.  He was born in South Worcester, Otsego county, the son of Ira and Mary Monfort Olmstead.  He married Miss Lillian Beatrice Scott on Joly 31, 1895.  He graduated from Hartwick Seminary in 1886, Cazenovia Seminary in 1891, and from Syracuse university in 1895, with degree of A.B.  He was converted in a revival in 1880 at South Worcester.  He received the degree of Ph. D. from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1903.  Mr. Olmstead was pastor in Guilford in 1899 - 1902.  Many will be grieved to hear of his death.  Dr. Olmstead has served the following churches:  North Norwich, Castle Creek, Guilford, Chenango Street of Binghamton, Asbury, Scranton, Kingston; superintendent Wilkes-Barre district; Carbondale, assistant pastor, Elm Park, Scranton; Owego, Nicholson, Pa. The funeral was held Saturday at 11 a.m. and burial was made in Milford.  Those who survive are his widow, a daughter, Mrs. Wilma Pullis, of Binghamton; a son, Charles Jr. of Mount Vernon; two granddaughters, Nancy Ruth and Dione Olmstead, of Mount Vernon, also two sisters.

APD NYSEG Employee Scrapbook

Portraits of NYSEG Employees

from Scrapbook of A.P. Donahe