Obituaries (April 19)

Eleazer Bidwell

Chenango Union, July 31, 1890

The death of Eleazer Bidwell, our veteran Democrat occurred at the home of his son, Alfred Bidwell in West Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on Friday last, at the advanced age of 87 years.  Deceased was born in 1803, and at six months of age came with his parents to Smyrna, where he has since resided.  He was honest and industrious and was honored and respected by all who enjoyed his acquaintance. Though an invalid during the last eight years of his life, he retained his mental faculties to the day of his death.  As a good neighbor and kind friend he will be missed in the community where he has so long resided.  He had a strong belief in universal salvation, and in politics was an unswerving Democrat, having voted the Democratic ticket for sixty-one consecutive times, a fact he was always proud to relate.  His funeral was largely attended on Sunday, at his late home, Rev. H.S. Baker officiating.  His sons and grandsons acted as pall bearers and the interment was in the West Smyrna burial ground.  

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, July 30, 1890

The funeral of Elizur Bidwell was held Sunday, at his late residence.  He was 87 years old, and leaves two sons, Alfred and Hosea. Deceased had been a patient sufferer for about eight years, having been bed ridden during that time. 

Melissa (Bidwell) Alcott

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 17, 1903

We have just learned of the death of Mrs. Orello Alcott of Smyrna hill [Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Alcott was formerly of this place being the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Bidwell.  She was of a quiet and retired disposition and was very highly esteemed by all who knew her.  Several years since she united with the Free Baptist church in this place, and although her work has been brief in years, being but 27 at her death, yet it has been effective and will long be felt for good.  She leaves besides her husband, a daughter about three years old, a mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Bidwell, one brother, C.P. Bidwell, who deeply mourn her departure. The funeral is to be held at the Friends church in Upperville on Wednesday at 1 o'clock, Rev. Mr. Baker officiating.

Alfred Bidwell

Norwich Sun, March 10, 1908

Alfred Bidwell died at his home in Bonney [Chenango Co., NY] Saturday evening.  The funeral was held at the home Tuesday conducted by Rev. H.H. Baker, singing by George Coy and wife.  He had spent nearly his entire life on his father's farm and was well known here.

Hosea P. Bidwell

Norwich Sun, April 3, 1917

Hosea P. Bidwell died at his home in Bonney [Chenango Co., NY], March 31, 1917, aged 83 years.  A son, Charles Bidwell, of Bonney with whom he has made his home survives.  The funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at 1 o'clock, Rev. Donald Williamson officiating and burial was made in the Friends' cemetery [Smyrna, Chenango Co., NY].

Charles L. Bidwell

South New Berlin Bee, February 10, 1939

The death of Charles L. Bidwell, 75, a lifelong resident of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] occurred Monday afternoon at the family home just south of Smyrna village.  Mr. Bidwell served for many years as a justice of the peace, retiring from the office a few years ago.  Besides his wife there survive one daughter, Mrs. Merton Leete of Earlville and one son, Earl Bidwell, of South New Berlin.  A prayer service at the family home Wednesday was followed by funeral rites in the Baptist church at Smyrna. Burial was in Maple Grove cemetery at Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].