Obituaries (May 6)

Ann Bridgeman

Northern Christian Advocate, February 12, 1851

Mrs. Ann Bridgeman, mother of Rev. Peter Bridgeman, of the Oneida Conference, died at peace, at the residence of her son-in-law in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th day of Dec., 1850, aged 78 years.  Mother Bridgeman had been a consistent member of the M.E. Church, for nearly 30 years, and when the time of her departure drew near, she was found ready; and though she was called to suffer a great deal in her last sickness, she bore it all with Christian meekness and resignation, and finally fell asleep in Christ, to wait the resurrection of the just, and share a part in that resurrection, over which the second death shall have no power. She has left nine surviving children to mourn the loss of a beloved mother, all of which, I learn, are believed to be on their way to the land of promise, and expect, by and by to meet the departed one on the plains of glory, where parting shall be no more, forever and ever.   E.P. Beebe

O.F. Harper

Sidney Record, September 4, 1897

Seldom it is given to man to pass away from life's journey in the manner related of our esteemed friend, the late O.F. Harper.  If there be an ideal death his passing away may be so characterized.  While seated in his favorite chair in the parlor, surrounded by and conversing with the members of his family, without the least apparent struggle, his form suddenly became lifeless.  He seemed to have passed into a sleep.  The slender thread that holds to life had snapped but noiselessly as an autumn leaf detaches form the forest tree.  On Friday, Aug. 27th, there had been a family gathering at Mr. Harpers.  Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Harper, Mrs. Kingsley, Mr. Chas. Herdman, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Kellogg, Orrie Kellogg, Tremaine Burrows were present.  At the dinner hour Mrs. Harper asked her husband if he would be seated at the head of the table.  He readily complied and during the meal Mr. Harper was quite cheerful and seemed to enjoy the meal, fated, alas to be his last one on earth.  After dinner the family gathered in the parlor, Mr. Harper leading the conversation.  Only a few minutes before he died, speaking about death, he remarked to Mr. Herdman:  "Death seems to me as if only passing from one department to another."  He made this remark about two p.m. and died at 8:15 p.m.  His sudden passing away was a great shock to the family and some time elapsed before they could realize that one so dear to them in life was no more.  Not only is the loss a great one to them, but to our community also, in which Mr. Harper had lived so long, always retaining the high esteem of a large circle of sincere friends.  Mr. Harper attained the 79th year of his age on the 17th day of last May.  His health had been failing for several years.  In the winter of 1882 he contracted a severe cold.  From this sickness he never fully recovered.  His heart was the weakest organ.  The fact that his normal pulse never ran higher than 32 had been for years a puzzle and a surprise to everyone who knew him.  Many times he had been on the brink of the grave but it was largely owing to the very able and unceasing care of his excellent wife, Mr. Harper's life was prolonged many years.  Mr. Harper was twice married.  His first wife was Miss Lydia Hotchkiss, daughter of Ira Hotchkiss, Esq., Harpersfield.  About 16 years ago he was united in marriage to Mrs. King, the widow who now survives him.  His first union was blessed with five children, namely, Joseph H. Harper of Montana, L.P. Harper, of Lincoln, Neb., W.R. Harper, of Troy, Mrs. L.W. Kellogg of Sidney, George Harper, of Lincoln.  George is the youngest child and is about 40 years of age.  Mr. Harper came to Sidney in 1868.  He was a master mechanic, as many of the best examples of architecture in Sidney will readily attest. The first house he built in Sidney was the Ira Sherman residence.  The residence now owned and occupied by Mr. Jno. A Clark was also built by Mr. Harper, also the residence on liberty street now owned by Mr. Ed. Arms.  In 1882 Mr. Harper was elected justice of the peace. There are evil doers yet living who still have a lively recollection of Esq. Harper's term of office.  He was a just man, but an uncompromising opponent to all vice.  He was kind, patient and charitable in his relations with all who were worthy but drew a sharp line on vice of all kinds.  His family relations were always very happy, his friendship was strong and enduring.  The funeral services held at the house on Monday afternoon, were largely attended and were deeply impressive in character. Rev. T. A. Carlson spoke in feeling terms of the deceased, paying a just tribute to his exalted character. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful.  A selected choir consisting of Mrs. McKinnon, Miss Nellie Bartley, messrs. Fred Camerson and Alfred Jay furnished the music.  Then followed the interment in our beautiful Prospect Hill cemetery [Sidney, Delaware co., NY] and the earth closed upon the remains of one who leaves the example of a good life for others to follow.

Edward P. Arms

Sidney Record, April 23, 1913

On Sunday, April 20, at his home on Liberty street [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY], at 10:55 p.m., occurred the death of Edward P. Arms at the age of 77 years, after an illness of over two years' duration as the result of a broken hip received by a fall on the ice January 31, 1911.  During that entire time of nearly 27 months, Mr. Arms has been confined to the house and from whom has never come a word of complaint.  Mr. Arms has been a resident of Sidney the past twenty years, moving here from a farm near Rockdale and during those years he has been on of Sidney's most respected and honored citizens. As a friend spoke of him "no better man ever lived than Ed Arms," and what better obituary can be written of any man.  He was married 36 years ago to Miss Georgia Hyatt of Rockdale who still survives him.  He was a native of Columbia county and with his parents, Samuel and Almira Arms, moved to Rockdale when he was a small child. Besides his wife he is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Sarah Arms Miller of Rochester, Mrs.. Fannie Arms Truesdell of Minneapolis, Minn., and Mrs. Mary Arms Knapp of St. Paul, Minn., and one brother, S. Dwight Arms of Syracuse. The funeral will be held today at 2 p.m. from his late residence. Rev. O.T Fletcher of the Congregational church officiating.  Interment will be in the Prospect hill cemetery [Sidney, NY].  Mr. Arms before removing to Sidney was a Presbyterian but on coming here he affiliated with the Congregational church and as long as he was able was a devout and active attendant of the church.  He has a large circle of friends in Sidney, who were deeply grieved to learn of his death and who extend their heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved wife in her sorrow.

Frederick Brownson

South New Berlin Bee, May 9, 1914

Frederick Brownson, a former resident of this village [Edmeston, Otsego Co., NY], died at his home in Yorkville, N.Y., April 27th, after a lingering illness.  He was born in Nottingham, England, in 1861, and came to this country when a boy of 15.  Since being here Mr. Brownson has returned several times to his native home, besides having traveled in other lands.  By occupation he was an electrical engineer, having been employed just previous to his illness as chief engineer in one of the large factories of New York Mills, N.Y.  In 1894 Mr. Brownson was married to Leila Stickney, of this village, who died in 1899.  Soon after the death of his wife Mr. Brownson accepted a position as engineer in the furniture factory of Whitesboro, N.Y., and went to live in the family of his former wife's uncle, Mr. Hoxie of Yorkville, N.Y..  Here he met Miss Mary M. Bell, to whom he was afterward married.  Mr. Brownson was a man of splendid character, and highly respected by all who knew him.  He was a member of the Episcopal Church of England.  He is survived by his wife and a brother, James Brownson of New Berlin.  Edmeston Local

Death Notices

Chenango Union, September 6, 1894

GOUCH:  In Kennebunkport, Me., Aug. 31, 1894, Miss Belle A. Gouch, niece of L.A Boothby of Norwich.

BRIGHAM:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 8, 1894, Ann [Brigham], widow of James Brigham, aged 78 years.

JOLES:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 2, 1892, Mr. Wm. H. Joles, aged 64 years.

TALCOTT:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 2, 1894, Mr. Albert Talcott, aged 82 years.

CONVERSE:  At the home of her son, Alvin Converse, near Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 3, 1894, Mrs. Caroline Converse, aged 72 years.

BARROWS:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 2, 1894, Lynn D. Barrows, aged 3 years, 8 months 27 days, Son of Geo. L. and Mary Barrows.