Obituaries (February 9)

Mary Ann Mayhew

Afton Enterprise, May 9, 1929

Mrs. Mary Ann Mayhew, aged 65 years, wife of Hobert S. Mayhew, died Sunday afternoon at her home near Harpursville [Broome Co., NY] on Sunday, April 26th.  Besides her husband, she is survived by three brothers, George Mason and Frank Hollenbeck, all of Greene.  The funeral was held from her late home on Wednesday, the 29th, at 2 o'clock p.m., and burial was in the Nineveh cemetery.

 

Charles Sargent Dyer

Afton Enterprise, May 9, 1929

Chas. Sargent Dyer, widely known fiddler and dancer director, died Saturday at his home in Norwich [Chenango County, NY].  Four years ago, Mr. Dyer won recognition in an old-time fiddlers' contest conducted at Cornell University in which there were many contestants, players being present from four states.  Dyer's natural talent won first place, he being unable to read a note of music.  He was also invited to play before Henry Ford, an invitation he always regretted he could not accept.

 

Norwich Sun, May 4, 1929

Charles Sargent Dyer, noted musician of the old school, died suddenly at his home at 42 Borden avenue [Norwich, NY] at 10:10 Friday night.  There are few people residing in Chenango county who did not know the late Mr. Dyer and who did not enjoy the pleasure of his friendly welcome and cheerful disposition.  His demise occurred at the age of 76 years.  A man of unusual energy, his activity made him an outstanding character in the music world.  He was a violinist of accomplished talent and his appearance on programs of all musical entertainments was sought.  Mr. Dyer was the son of the late George Dyer and Julia Barr.  He was born in Susquehanna, Pa., Sept. 10, 1852.  During his life time, deceased followed the career of a farmer.  He later became a painter, but always displayed a natural talent for  music, an art in which he was recognized as a leader.  His presence at old-fashioned parties was a feature and his calling of dances spread his fame far and wide over this state.  His last rites will be observed at the First Baptist church Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev. W. A. Ashmore, pastor, officiating.  Burial will be made in South New Berlin.  Besides his widow there survive three nieces:  Mrs. H.K. Mandeville of this city; Mrs. H.E. Morrell of South New Berlin and Mrs. Arthur Hemingway, also of this city and three nephews, William, Fred and Warren Dyer, all of Norwich.  The news of his sudden death brought forth many expressions of regret over the loss of a man who has for many years been a public figure in the musical circles of this state.  He had been subject to slight periods of illness and suffered a heart attack Friday morning at about 11:30.  He continued to be about his home, however, and felt well upon his retiring last night.  At a few minutes past 10 o'clock Friday night his death came very peacefully.  About four years ago Mr. Dyer won much recognition in an old-time fiddlers' contest conducted at Cornell university at Ithaca.  Players were present from four states and first place was won by Dyer.  He was also invited to play before Henry Ford but was unable to accept the invitation. The most unique thing about his musical talent was the fact that Mr. Dyer had never been able to read a note.

 

Jesse O. Harper

Afton Enterprise, May 9, 1929

J.O. Harper of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] died May 1, 1929 in the Binghamton State Hospital [Broome Co., NY].  Mr. Harper was taken sick the first of February with the flu, and pneumonia followed by serious prostration which left his mind in  weakened condition and it became advisable to take him to the Hospital where he only survived three weeks.  Mr. Harper was born on Harper Hill, February 11, 1867, son of Simon and Polly Throop Harper.  On April 28, 1897, he was married to Mattie Wakeman, who survives him, also one daughter, Mrs. Arthur Carrol and two sons, Clifford of Binghamton and Bruce at home; their oldest daughter, Mary E. Holmes, died last June; one brother, B.E. Harper, of Johnson City; one sister, Mrs. Emeline Thompson, of Flowers.  The funeral was held at his late home in Afton Saturday, May 4, conducted by his pastor, Rev. H.E. Brooks.  Burial in the family plot at Nineveh.

 

Samuel Craig

Afton Enterprise, March 1, 1928

Samuel Craig died at his home here [Doraville, Broome Co., NY] Friday afternoon, Feb. 17th at 5 o'clock.  He was 65 years of age last December 8th.  He was one of a family of sixteen children, eight of whom attended the funeral:  Albert Craig, of Walton; John and Robert Craig, of Delhi; James, Maria, Emily, Matilda and Augustus Craig, of Meredith.  the funeral was held at the M.E. Church of this place of which he was a member Monday, Rev. H. Willets of Ouaquaga, officiating.  Two beautiful selections were sung by Mrs. H.B. Willets and Mrs. Ralph Muzzy.  He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, Hattie; a son, Allen Craig; a daughter, Mrs. Jessie Arno; and two grandchildren at home.  The bearers were:  Claude Moate, Charles Johnson, J.W. Springsteen, and Charles Warner.  He was laid to rest in the Harpursville cemetery.

 

Mrs. Floyd Castle

Afton Enterprise, March 1, 1929

The remains of Mrs. Floyd Castle of Brooklyn were brought to Harpursville Thursday morning.  Mrs. Castle was formerly a resident of this place [Doraville, Broome Co., NY]. The funeral was held at 10:30 Thursday in the M.E. Church at Harpursville, Rev. H. Willets of the Ouaquaga charge officiated.  She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, Floyd Castle; two daughters, Mrs. Lena Collins and Mrs. Susie Whitney, all of Brooklyn and one son, Dever Putnam of this place; also two brothers, George and Charles Pinney of Cannonsville.  The bearers were Clause Moate, Charles Johnson, William Morgan and J.W. Springsteen of this place.  She was laid to rest by the side of her former husband, David Putnam, in Plains Cemetery.