Obituaries (August 2)

John L. Parker

Smyrna Press, June 7, 1917

John L. Parker was born in the town of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] July 6, 1836, and died in the Norwich hospital May 28, 1917.  Mr. Parker was a resident of this town [Smyrna, Chenango Co., NY] for about fifty years, and for many years worked at the carpenter's trade.  About fifty-two years, ago Mr. Parker and Miss Lydia VanHovenberg, of Georgetown were united in marriage and to them was born one son, Clinton D. Parker, of Hinckley, who survives.  Mrs. Parker died twenty years ago.  A few years ago Mr. Parker had a shock and since then had not been very well, but was able to work some.  Early in the spring he was stricken with an illness that demanded the services of a nurse and as his son was so far away it was decided that he go to the hospital.  A few days before he died plans were being made for his return home, so well did he appear, but it was not so to be. Besides the son mentioned above he is survived by two brothers, Charles Addison Parker, of Norwich, and Albert Parker, of Grass Range, Mont., and a granddaughter, Miss Mae Parker, of Hinckley.  Mr. Parker was a man of excellent habits, fine moral character, and sturdy constitution and continued to be active in his accustomed pursuits till long past the age at which men ordinarily drop out of the ranks of the workers. When he died, full of years, and ready to be gathered to his fathers, the grief that was felt over the close of his long career was widespread and sincere.  His best monument will be the good report that he has left behind him in the community.  The funeral was held in the M.E. church Thursday, May 31st, at 2 p.m. Rev. H.E. brooks officiating, and burial was made in the Sherburne West Hill cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

Herbert O. Harrington

Smyrna Press, February 22, 1917

Herbert O. Harrington, the subject of this sketch, was born Sept. 11, 1842, in the town of Plymouth, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY], the son of Orlando and Hannah Brown Harrington, and entered into that rest that "He hath prepared for them that love Him," shortly before midnight Feb. 13, 1917, from his home here in this village [Smyrna, Chenango Co., NY].  For about eight months he had suffered with heart trouble, but up to within a very short time he had been able to get about the house and exercise some in the open air.  While still a young man, in January 1862, he was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal church in Plymouth under the pastorate of that man of God, Rev. T.P. Hallstead and Nov. 12, 1863 was married to Sarah [Butts], daughter of the late Gardner Butts, by Rev. C.T. Moss, of Plymouth and another Christian home was established which has shown as a beacon light through all the intervening years. After some more than a year spent on his father's farm in the vicinity of Irelands Mills, the young couple removed to Smyrna and lived some time on the farm now owned and occupied by E. Howard and later bought what is known as the Cox farm, near Dark Hollow.  In 1870 they removed to Lincklaen, where he had charge of a butter and cheese factory in addition to running a farm; where he resided for eleven years until in 1881 they moved to Montana.  Four years later, in 1885, they returned to Smyrna and for three years lived on the farm now owned by William Clark on the Earlville road, when in 1888 they removed to North Egremont, Mass., and again he worked in a creamery until 1910 when they returned again to Smyrna, bought a home, remodeled the house and beautified the place and settled down to enjoy the beautiful sunset years of their lives.  But these were not years of idleness.  In addition to the care of his own place he was interested in the work of the town and village and whatever made for righteousness; was an ardent Prohibitionist, and loved the work of the church.  He was for some years president of the board of trustees many years, practically all his life, a steward, was a teacher of the Men's Bible Class in the Sunday school until he became too ill to attend, was superintendent of the Sunday school in Lincklaen, North Egremont and at Smyrna, during his life here in 1885-88, was particularly interested in the young and tactful in his dealings with them and exerted a very helpful influence on all lives he touched, of which there were an unusual number, on account of his living in several different localities.  His wise counsels and unerring judgment made him an invaluable helper in the work of the church and he will be sadly missed.  His is survived by his wife, with whom he had lived a singularly happy life for fifty-three years, two brothers, Charles, of Plymouth and Orlando, of North Bangor, N.Y., and one sister, Mrs. Eva Tillinghast, of Oneonta, another sister, Alice, having died some years ago.  The funeral was held from his late home Friday, Feb. 16, 1917 at 2 p.m., his pastor, Rev. Harry E. Brooks, speaking from the words:  "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from henceforth:  Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."  It was attended by a large number of friends and relatives and their presence and the beautiful blossoms eloquently attested the esteem in which he was held.  Interment was made at the Sherburne West Hill cemetery, but he is not there but in "that sweet and blessed country where the daylight is serene," where "The pastures of the Blessed are decked in glorious sheen," he waits and to the full enjoys that "Life where Death is not."

John Henry Nhare

Smyrna Press, February 22, 1917

John Henry Nhare, 96, a retired wagon builder, died suddenly this morning at the home of his son, John A. Nhare, no. 3320 South Salina St. [Syracuse, Onondaga Co., NY].  Death was due to old age infirmities.  Mr. Nhare was born at Palatine Bridge June 20, 1820, and as a young man assisted in the construction of the New York Central railroad lines in that section.  In 1840 he settled in Chenango county where he engaged in the manufacture of wagons, cutters and sleighs.  He is said to have been the first man to build a one-piece, swell-box cutter in this part of the country.  During his early career as a wagon builder, Mr. Nhare was obliged to hew the timber he used in his work.  February 1st, 1844, he married Miss Lydia M. Newton.  Mr. and Mrs. Nhare came to this city to make their home in 1899.  Mrs. Nhare's death occurred three years later.  For one of his age, Mr. Nhare was quite active.  He was possessed of an exceptionally clear memory and keen intellect and was much interested in current events.  Mr. Nhare was the father of eight children, four of whom survive.  They are:  Mrs. Rose M. Burnett, of Burnwood; Mrs. C.D. Merrihew, of Binghamton; Fred C.  Nhare, of Phoenix, Ariz.; and John A. Nhare. Surviving, besides them, are eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home of the son in South Salina Street.--Syracuse Herald, Feb. 14, 1917.

Smyrna Press, February 22, 1917

F.C. Nhare was called to Syracuse today to attend the funeral of his grandfather, John H. Nhare, aged 96.  The deceased was formerly engaged in the manufacture of wagons and sleighs in Chenango county.  In his younger days he assisted in the construction of the New York Central railroad.  --Tully Times, Feb. 16.  Mrs. C.D. Merrihew, of Binghamton, well known here, is a daughter of the deceased.