Obituaries (May 11)

Lovina Richer

Northern Christian Advocate, June 22, 1871

Lovina [Richer], wife of Randall Richer, died at Columbus, Chenango Co., N.Y., April 7, 1871, aged 55 years.  She was born in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], and lived there until she was married.  Since then, she has resided where she died.  Her health was never good, and for several years she has not been able to attend Church.  She felt the loss of this precious privilege very much.  The last few weeks of her life she was a great sufferer, while consumption was rapidly taking down the earthly tabernacle.  She felt anxious to live, only for the sake of her son of seventeen years, the only surviving member of the family.  Her trust was firm in the Savior, and she said that all would be well.  She had been a member of the M.E. Church thirty-six years, and always delighted in its prosperity.  At her fireside the heralds of the Cross ever found a Christian welcome.  May her prayers be answered in the salvation of her friends, and may no one fail to embrace the terms of the Gospel, and be an unbroken circle in heaven.  S.D.B.  Smyrna, N.Y., June 8, 1871

John Richer

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, June 18, 1881

RICHER:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], June 9th, John Richer, aged 83 years.

The death of Mr. John Richer on last Saturday night was very sudden.  He was taken violently ill the previous night and after a short time sank into unconsciousness remaining so till the last.  Mr. Richer was one of the pioneer settlers identified with the growth of the town [Columbus, Chenango Co., NY] and has been a greatly respected and most useful citizen.  He and his companion have walked happily together for sixty-one years.  Years that have brought much of sorrow and trial, but sorrow which was sanctified and trial which led to an ever increasing affection and dependence upon each other and their children rise up to call them blessed.  The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Barnes of the M.E. church of which Mr. and Mrs. Richer have long been members.

Theron C. Soule

South New Berlin Bee, February 14, 1914

Theron C. Soule, a prominent citizen of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], died quite suddenly Tuesday afternoon Feb. 2nd, 1914, from complications following pneumonia, aged 47 years.  He was a farmer, a member of the Holstein-Friesian Association of America, a director in the Otselic Telephone Co., and in the Otselic Creamery Co., and engaged in lumbering.  He leaves a wife, and one son about six years old.  Funeral Friday afternoon at one o'clock.

James McFarlane

South New Berlin Bee, February 14, 1914

After a few months of sickness, James McFarlane died at his residence on Cushman street, New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Monday, Feb. 2, 1914, in the seventy-fourth year of his age.  He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, Dec. 1840, of Scotch Presbyterian parents.  As a child he received the rite of baptism administered by that church.  He has ever cherished a spirit of loyalty towards the church of his fathers.  When about 17 years old he came to this country and soon after was employed by M.B. Luddington, a thriving merchant in Columbus Center, taking charge of his tailoring department.  His reputation as an expert tailor attracted the attention of Messrs Morgan & Hawkins, general merchants in this place, who secured his services in 1861, remaining with them three years.  He entered into business for himself, and for many years had a successful business career.  Mr. McFarlane was a man of keen intellect, was of a very positive nature, which doubtless was in a inheritance from the land that gave birth to John Knox.  He was a kind father, who took just pride in his children who will miss his counsel.  He leaves four children, Charles McFarlane of Columbus University, Jessie an instructor in the Teacher's Training Class, New York, Mrs. Martha Chesbro of Brookfield and Mrs. B.J. Brooker of this place, whose privilege it was to minister to his comfort during his last days. Funeral was held at the late residence, Thursday the 5th inst. Rev. W. E. Tanner officiating.   Gazette

C. Berton Niles

Bainbridge News & Republican, August 10, 1944

C. Berton Niles died last Thursday night at his home in Crookerville [Otsego Co., NY] after an illness of over four years. The funeral was held in the Joyce Funeral home in Unadilla, Sunday, with burial in Trout Creek cemetery [Delaware Co., NY], The Rev. Archie Benedict of the Federated Church of Unadilla, officiated.  Mr. Niles was born in Masonville [Delaware co., NY], April 25, 1870, a son of George D. and Mary (Drake) Niles, May 23, 1891, he married Miss Anna J. Herrick and they have always lived in that vicinity, several years at Masonville, Trout Creek and Youngs and for 20 years in the home where he died.  During his long illness he was under the constant care of his wife.  He was a man of sterling character and highly esteemed in his community.  Mr. Niles was a member of the Baptist church and for several years served as deacon in that Unadilla Church.  He was  member of the Masonville lodge and of Trout Creek I.O.O.F.  Surviving are his wife, a son, Perey, of Young; a daughter, Mrs. Henry Wilcox, of East Masonville; a sister, Mrs. Austin Brundage, of Walton, and several grandchildren