Obituaries (January 31)

Louie M. (Brooks) Johnson

Chenango Union, July 31, 1890

JOHNSON:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], July 25, 1890, Louie M., wife of Melvin L. Johnson, aged 28 years.

 

Louie M. Johnson was the daughter of Charles and Lydia Brooks, who were old residents of Preston, in which town Louie M. was born in the year 1862.  Her father died when she  was about six years old, and her mother died about three years after.  Soon after the death of her mother she went to live with Mrs. Austin Case, of Preston, and there for a short time with a sister and friends in Hamilton.  When about sixteen years of age she came to live in the family of Marvin W. Tanner of Norwich, where she had a home for five or six years.  In June 1886, she was united in marriage with Melvin L. Johnson of South New Berlin, where they began housekeeping and lived until July 25th when she died after a lingering illness of about two years, consumption claiming her as its victim.  She leaves besides her husband, an infant son, a brother and two sisters.  For a number of years she was a member of the Baptist church of this place.  Near the last days she often spoke of the true and happy years of her married life, and of the faithfulness of him to whom she had given her heart and hand.  She desired very much to live, if it could only be God's will; but if not, she believed that her home would be in that city where only the true and beautiful are.  And so she prayed and asked others to pray that she might be prepared when the Master should come, and near the close said, "I am ready, and long to go."  The funeral service was held at her late home, Sabbath, July 27th, a large number of neighbors and friends being present, showing their esteem for one who had walked a rugged pathway of life, and in their midst had come to its end.  Rev. L.C. Hayes officiated, assisted by Rev. Mr. Jones.  May we not hope that the great love and abundant mercy of God will lead loved ones and neighbors and all to seek Him now, that "where He is they may be also."

 

Wilfred Sannicks

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, August 6, 1890

Oneida:  Wilfred Sannicks, a barber from Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], was jailed Friday morning, being found on the street in a semi-conscious and helpless state.  He claimed he was assaulted in the shop where he was employed, by masked men, who shot him twice in the head and once in the body.  Having the delirium tremens his story was but the hallucination of a diseased mind.  He was allowed to remain in the cell, although medical attendance was provided, until he died at 2:40 P.M.  Mr. Sannicks was twice married, the first wife dying and leaving two children, both daughters, aged 13 and 11 respectively, who reside with their uncle, Charles Robbins, of Norwich, and who have been telegraphed the sad intelligence. The second wife was a Miss Schuyler from near Utica, but she secured a divorce from him ad has a young son by him. 

 

The above is taken from the Oneida Union. Sannicks was thirty-two years old and was the son of Claus Sannicks, who, prior to the war, carried on a saloon in the old Arcade. Claus was better known in his occupation of bell ringer for auctions.  Wilfred, the son, resided here last winter and spring.  He was a good barber, but given to drink.  The first reports received here were to the effect that he had been shot, but the above clipping from the u\Union explains the origin of the rumor.

 

Michael Conway

Chenango Union, July 31, 1890

This community were startled this (Wednesday) morning, by the announcement that Michael Conway, one of our oldest and most respected citizens, was found dead in his bed at his residence on Hayes street. Mr. Conway retired Tuesday evening, apparently in his usual good health, he having appeared in unusually good spirits during the day.  About six o'clock this morning his daughter, Susie, went to his room and called him, when he did not reply, but turned upon his side in bed.  An hour later Mrs. Conway, who had been engaged about her household duties, entered his room and called to him.  Receiving no response, she approached the bed and tried to rouse him, when she found he efforts unavailing.  Calling her son-in-law, William C. Hartigan, who resides near by, he found him apparently unconscious.  Neighbors were summoned, and Dr. Brooks sent for, when it was found that the vital spark had fled.  He had evidently died quietly and without a struggle, probably from heart disease, although it was not known that he had suffered from any difficulty in that direction.

 

Mr. Conway was born March 14, 1820, in Crusheen County Chase, Ireland.  He came to America in 1842, landing at New York, June 27th.  He lived at Friendsville, Pa., one year, after which he removed to McDonough, N.Y., where he worked one year on the farm of Daniel Comstock, father of D.E. Comstock, of this village.  In the spring of 1845 he, with his brother Timothy, engaged in the clothing business,  at the store one door north of the Bank of Norwich.  His brother Timothy died in 1858, since which time deceased has conducted the clothing business in the same building.

 

In 1850, Mr. Conway, was united in marriage with Miss Bessie McGowan, of Smithville, by Rev. Father Stokes.  Their union was blessed with eight children, all of whom survive him as follows:  Cornelius B., John J., William H., Kittie M., (Mrs. Thomas k. Macksey) Minnie E., (Mrs. William C. Hartigan) Jennie, Annie E., and Susie A.  Of his father's family there were eight children, but two of whom are living:  Timothy, died in 1858; Patrick, died in 1880; Thomas, died in 1888; Dennis, died in 1888; Michael, died in 1890; Mrs. H. Harrihill, died in Springfield, Mass., in 1888; Cornelius, now living in Norwich; and Bridget, residing at Springfield, Mass.

 

Michael Conway had by his industry and strict integrity risen from comparatively humble circumstances to a position where he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the community in which so many years of his long and useful life have been passed, and had secured a competency. Although quiet and unassuming in manner, he was outspoken in his views, and positive in his convictions.  For seventeen years he has been a member of the Board of Education of Norwich, and was an active, zealous member of that organization having the cause of education and the interests of the High School at heart.  His death causes a felling of sadness among his associates on the Board, as it does throughout the entire community.  His surviving widow and children have the heartfelt sympathy of all in their sudden bereavement.  His funeral will be attended from his late residence on Saturday next.

Michael Conway's Funeral

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, August 6, 1890

The funeral of the late Michael Conway was attended Saturday  held in St. Paul's Church, Rev. Father Mahan, of Oxford, officiating, in the absence of Rev. Father Hart.  The attendance of business men and friends of the deceased and family was very large. The Board of Education, of which he had been a member for seventeen years, was present in a body. The Teachers of the school also attended. During the passage of the funeral cortege the business places in town were closed.  By request of the family, no funeral eulogy was pronounced at the church. The music was exceptionally fine, especially the solo, "Salutarius," by Miss Anna Hancock.  The display of flowers was profuse and most beautiful.  Everything connected with the sad event showed the high esteem in which the deceased was held.

Resolutions

At a meeting of the Board of Education, Saturday evening, August 2d, 1890, action was taken relating to the death of Michael Conway, a member of the Board, and the following were unanimously adopted.

Michael Conway, for seventeen years a member of the Board of Education is dead.  He had been spared to reach the ripe age of seventy years.  His life has been one of hard work, usefulness and prosperity.  His character was above reproach, and his influence was always on the side of right and truth.  He was the devoted friend of the young and an earnest laborer in the cause of education, and in all works having for their object the best interests of his fellow man  He was a worthy citizen, a good husband and a worthy citizen, a good husband and a kind, indulgent parent.  He will be missed by his fellow citizens and by this Board, and in the home circle where he was so well loved, his chair will be vacant.  His family has our warmest sympathy and we say to them, your loss is irreparable, yet God, who doeth all things well, will put it in your hearts to say, "it is all right."  Recognizing these facts:

Resolved:  That this expression of our esteem and good will for our departed associate, Michael Conway, be spread upon the records of this district and that a copy be engrossed and delivered to his family, and also
Resolved:   That the same be published in the county papers.
D.M. Holmes, President of the Board of Education
W.F. Jenks, Secretary