Obituaries (February 6)

Mrs. Elisha B. Smith

Chenango Union, April 23, 1891

Saturday evening a telegram was received by William Mason, from Miss Sarah L. Smith of Washington, D.C., announcing the death in that city, that morning, of Mrs. Elisha B Smith, a former well known and esteemed resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Smith was a daughter of Whitman Willcox, a prominent farmer and business man, who died on his farm on the east side of the river, south of East Norwich, upwards of forty years ago.  In September, 1840, she was united in marriage to Elisha B Smith, and for years they resided in this village.  Mrs. Smith was a prominent Democratic politician, who represented this county in the Constitutional Convention in 1846, was Postmaster of Norwich at one time, and held other positions of trust.  Upon the organization of the 114th Regiment in 1862, in response to President Lincoln's call for "three hundred thousand more," Mr. Smith was chosen by the committee of Chenango and Madison counties to lead the new regiment.  He accepted the responsible trust, was commissioned colonel, and left with his brave boys for the front. While leading his troops at the deadly assault upon Port Hudson, June 14th, 1863, he fell mortally wounded, and died on the 19th.  His death was a sad blow to his men, by whom he was beloved, and who shed bitter tears over his cot, in the green bower which they had lovingly constructed in the woods near the camp, where he breathed his last.  His remains were brought to Norwich, and many remember the largely attended and solemn funeral services of Sunday, July 12th.  Mrs. Smith and her family remained in Norwich for a few years, when they removed to Washington, where her daughter, Sarah, has secured a position in the Treasury Department, and which place has since been their home.  Mrs. Smith died of heart failure, after an illness of about ten days.  Her two daughters and only surviving children, Sarah L. Smith, of Washington, and Mrs. William G. Nicholas, of Chicago, were with her at the last.  Her remains were brought here Tuesday afternoon, and conveyed to the residence of W.N. Mason, Esq., on South Broad street, where funeral services were held Wednesday, at 11 A.M., conducted by Rev. W.H. Scudder.  Interment at Mt. Hope cemetery, beside the remains of her patriot husband.

 

Helen (Todd) Bartholomew

Sidney Enterprise, May 18, 1933

Mrs. Helen (Todd) Bartholomew wife of Emory Bartholomew ended her life by taking poison at her home on new street some time during last Thursday afternoon, after a long period of illness, following a nervous breakdown according to the verdict given by Acting Coroner, Dr. R.H. Loomis.  Mrs. Bartholomew was born in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] on February 27, 1880, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James E Todd. She was a graduate of the teachers training class of the Unadilla High School and taught school for a few years.  Later she graduated from the New York Conservatory of Music and for a number of years has been a very successful teacher of vocal and piano music in this village and vicinity.  As a musician she was especially talented and used her talent to add to the beauties of the church services in Sidney, especially at the Baptist church of which she was a member.  She was united in marriage to Emory Bartholomew nine years ago, and is survived by her husband and four sisters, Mrs. Flora T. Fuller and Mrs. Adeline Fuller of Spring Valley, Mrs. Anna T. Wright of Unadilla, and Miss Clara L. Todd of Yonkers, and one niece, Mrs. Anna Ashe of Unadilla.  Deep sympathy is felt for these in their sudden bereavement.  The funeral services were held at the home on New street, Sunday afternoon, and interment was made in Prospect Hill cemetery [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY]

 

Walter R. Sloan

Afton Enterprise, January 9, 1890

Walter Sloan is dead!  Four words; but, oh, so full of meaning; so full of sadness--and we ask "Can it really be so?"  Yes, it is true; we are obligated to admit that fact.  As is well known by those wo were acquainted with our departed friend, he had been in very poor health for some time past, though not confined to the house, and no one thought the end was so near; and when the news of this sudden death spread about our village only words of sadness could be heard on every side.  Mr. Sloan attended to his duties as Station Agent at this place [Afton, Chenango Co., nay] up to within a few hours of his death, and not until about five o'clock of the first day of the new year did he conclude to go to his home and rest.  Not feeling able to walk, he procured the assistance of a team and was taken to his residence, where he lingered but a few hours ere he was removed to that glorious and immortal throne where suffering is unknown.  It is indeed with a sad heart that we write these words; sad because we have lost a true friend; and because our community has been deprived of a noble young man, and sorrowful for those who held him so dearly.  Words are powerless in a time like this to express the deep sorrow over the loss of one who was everybody's friend.  Such was Walter Sloan.  He was always the happiest when making others happy.  Being of a bright and cheerful disposition a dutiful son, a kind brother, he was loved and honored for himself alone.  No man ever resided in Afton who was more highly respected ends than the subject of this sketch.  Being ever faithful in the discharge of his duties, always desirous of helping others, pleasant and courteous to those with whom he associated, he had won the respect and confidence of the officers of the D.L&H.R.R., in whose employment he had been for many years, and all with whom he had any business relations.  His age was 37 years.  The funeral was held from his late residence Saturday morning and was largely attended, Rev.  H.T. Perry, pastor of the Presbyterian church, officiating. The remains were taken to Cobleskill for burial.  The display of flowers at the burial services was beautiful and consisted of a handsome anchor, a broken cone, besides numerous cut flowers.  The deceased leaves a widowed mother, and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Gregory, of Afton; and Mrs. George Sackett, of Schenevus, and numerous relatives and friends by whom his death will be deeply mourned.

In Memory of Walter Sloan, For the Boys on the D.&H. R.R.

 

All day he toiled in his accustomed place,

None saw the change in that pale, patient face;

He gave the "order" as the message came,

Till he received the last one, with his name.

 

The sign of the Great Messenger it bore,

Releasing him from duty evermore.

And so he made the last "report" and best;

Then, pain aweary, gladly welcomed rest.

 

For years his smile and cheerful voiced content,

Have brightened life for those who came and went,

And yes he bore a cross the world could see,

And none knew more of pain and care than he.

 

Who knows a wrong he did, done to offend?

Who knows a wound he ever caused a friend?

Who knows a kindness he has left undone?

Denying self, he lived for everyone.

 

Ah! in the narrow station where he waits,

With window closed, no accident belates.

The trains and trav'lers as they pass that way.

The journey is forever, and for aye.

 

And over it now glow the "signal lights,"

The silent stars that gem the dreamless night.

No "messages" there received, and none he sends:

A new "road" there begins, and this one ends.

 

The rushing storm is now the living train

That passes by him signaling in vain;

The wind's loud whistle and the thunder roar,

And flushing light, awaken him no more.

 

So let him rest, a tired and patient one,

Whose life was humble and his task well done.

And from the station where night signals glow,

The "Road" leads on the Happiness, I know.