Obituaries (May 8)

Gilbert Dickinson

Northern Christian Advocate, February 12, 1851

Gilbert Dickinson died at  his residence, Hales' Eddy, Broome Co., N.Y., Jan. 11th having just entered upon the 59th year of his age.  Br. Dickinson was one of the old settlers of the place where he lived.  In about the 38th or 9th year of his age, he was happily converted to God, under the labors of Br. Calder, or his colleague, who, at that time, as I am informed, occupied the ground in that region as missionary ground.  He subsequently gave his hand and himself to the M.E Church, and from it he never withdrew.  He was firm to her interests, spiritual and temporal; and in each contributed greatly to her prosperity during the twenty years he was connected with it.  He sought with avidity and success the blessing of sanctification; and, during my short acquaintance with him, preached it by precept and example; and has done so for some years.  He was not, however, without his enemies; nor was he without the warm affections of the Church, and a major part of those who knew him.  In 1843, he was elected a member of the New York Assembly, which post of honor he filled with credit to the State as a Christian and statesman.  During the five or six weeks of his sickness he exhibited great composure and resignation to the will of God, and rejoiced in hope of resting with him.  Soon after his attack, which was of bilious intermittent fever, I visited him. Said he:  "Brother, I have made my will, and therein disposed of my effects to my mind.  I feel my work is done, and am only awaiting the coming of Christ.  To return and resume the business of life I feel would be a burden."  Yet he referred all to the Divine will.  During his short stay, a few weeks, he sought to impress every mind with the importance of religion. At a prayer meeting held at his house (for they were common) shortly before his decease, three souls professed to pass from death unto life, in which he vocally called upon God with his usual strength of faith, though his nerves were tremulous and feeble.  At the date first above written, suddenly, and unexpectedly to his physician and friends, he died (it is supposed with the palpitation of the heart) like Stephen, calling upon the Lord Jesus Christ to receive his spirit,, and upon his friends around him to join his prayer.  His companion and the church are in mourning indeed.  A strong man has fallen in Israel.   C.V. Arnold.  Lanesboro, Jan. 24, 1851

Mary Jane (Gage) Lum

South New Berlin Bee, May 9, 1914

She was born in the town of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] on the Israel Angell farm, March 30, 1859.  Died at her later home one mile and a half west of New Berlin, April 21, 1914 at 11 o'clock p.m.  Age 55 years and 21 days.  She was the daughter of Charles and Arline Phillips Gage.  She spent her girlhood days in the town of Morris, N.Y.  Being united in marriage to Ira Lum November 4, 1877, and unto them were born nine children,  Misses Nellie, Mira, Etta and Mabel Lum, Floyd Howard, Homer, Elmer and Stanley Lum.  She was one of a family of nine, all of whom survive her. She is also survived by her mother, husband and all her children.  Mrs. Lum joined the Baptist church in this village forty-one years ago. She was an earnest christen woman, a wise patient and helpful mother.  Her funeral was held from the Baptist church, April 23. Rev. L.E. Wheeler officiating and burial was in the family plot in Evergreen cemetery.

Etta Arlina Lum

South New Berlin Bee, May 9, 1914

She was born, June 12, 1893, at Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].  Died April 30, 1914, one mile and a half west of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], at 11 o'clock a.m.  Aged 20 years 10 months 18 days.  She was the daughter of Ira and Mary Jane Lum. She has three sisters and five brothers, Misses Nellie and Mabel Lum, Mrs. Rexford Silvey, Floyd, Howard, Homer, Elmer and Stanley Lum. She is survived by her father and grandmother, also by the brothers and sisters mentioned above. During the illness of her late mother, she ministered to her without ceasing and survived her only nine days. The funeral was held from the Baptist church, May 2, Rev. L.E. Wheeler officiating, and the interment was in Evergreen cemetery by the side of her mother.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, September 20, 1894

RIVENBURG:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 13, 1894, Mrs. Electa A. Rivenburg.  Aged 19 years (diphtheria).

GORKSTETTER:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 15, 1894, of diphtheria, Norman Lewis Gorkstetter, aged 14 years.

COX:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 15, 1894, Mrs. Catherine Cox, aged 68 years.

HARWOOD:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept.  18, 1894, Mr. John S. Harwood, aged 42 years.

KNAPP:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 17, 1894, Ralph B. [Knapp], son of Benjamin A. and Sarah knapp, age 1 year, 9 months, 17 days.

HATCH:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 14, 1894, Howard Hatch, son of Lewis Hatch of Norwich, age 15 years.