Obituaries (August 27)

James Harvey Benedict
June 5, 1852 - April 12, 1913

James Harvey Benedict, a prominent farmer of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], died Saturday morning from a shock sustained early in the previous morning, mention of which was made in The Review of last week.  Mr. Benedict was the eldest child of the late Caleb and Lucia Symonds Benedict of Smithville and was born 61 years ago.  He married, September 21, 1882, Lottie M. Stafford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Stafford of this village.  Mr. Benedict was industrious and a hard working farmer, quiet in his ways and seldom leaving his home for any length of time. He is survived by his wife, an adopted son, Edwin; one sister, Mrs. Floyd Breed of Smithville, ad one brother, Ellis C. Benedict of Amsterdam.  The funeral was held at the house on Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, Rev. A.O. Austin, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Chruch in this village, conducting the services.  Burial was in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Among the many floral pieces was a beautiful wreath given by neighbors and friends.

Lillian (McFarland) Cline
1872 - April 14, 1913

Lillian McFarland [Cline], wife of Arthur E. Cline of Boston, died Sunday night at the Moore-Overton  Hospital in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], following an operation.  Death was caused by lack of vitality to stand the shock.  Her age was 40 years.  Mrs. Cline was the daughter of the late Charles Arthur and Charlotte Webb McFarland and was born on the old homestead south of the village.  Her education was gained in the district school and at Oxford Academy, and for a number of years she was a stenographer in the State Hospital at Ogdensburg.  On the 2d of June 1906 she married Arthur E. Cline of that city, where they resided till their removal to Boston last summer.  Early in March Mrs. Cline came to Oxford and on Thursday of last week with her twin sister, Mrs. V.D. Stratton, went to Binghamton to undergo an operation.  The news of her death came as a shock to friends unaware of her serious condition.  Besides her husband, she is survived by two sisters and a brother, Mrs. Melvin B. Stratton and Mrs. Vernon D. Stratton of Oxford, and Ira McFarland of Indian Springs, Nevada.  

Near and dearer are the blessed dead

Than we are wont to think.

When with farewells and tears we bow the head

Beside the solemn brink,

And are they not then nearer, whom we see

With eyes no longer blind?

And is not love the sweeter, if it be

Of an immortal kind?

Oh, comforting, sweet thought--that though we stand

On death-divided shores,

Love still can stretch to us its angel hand,

And lay its heart on ours!

Edwin Brown Flagg

February 13, 1863 - April 29, 1913

With the taking away of Edwin Brown Flagg, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] has lost a true and conscientious character, such a quiet and unassuming man, that it doubtless never occurred to him that his influence was wide, that his life was at all remarkable and that no other life that touched his could fail to be impressed and helped.  Mr. Flagg, who resided with his niece, Mrs. Millard C. Loomis, was confined to his room a little over a week with a severe attack of typhoid fever, the end coming Tuesday afternoon at about 4 o'clock.  He was born in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] Feb. 13, 1863 and was the son of Henry and Sarah Mosher Flagg.  Completing his education at Oxford Academy he remained on the farm till he entered the store of Carl & McNeil in this village, following which he with Oscar J. Carhart purchased the Tyner Butter and Cheese factory, conducting that business for nearly two years or until they sold to George Stiles.  Mr. Flagg then worked at farming and carpentry and in January, 1902, came to Oxford and was appointed carrier on rural route no. 1, succeeding George Rugg, the first carrier whose death occurred a few weeks after the route was established.  In January four years ago he became deputy postmaster under M.D. McNeil, continuing in the office till Feb. 1, this year. During his work as carrier and as deputy in the postal service he was always obliging and efficient.  Often on the route when the roads were impassable, walking long distances that the patrons might receive their mail.  Mr. Flagg was an industrious, honorable citizen, diligent and dependable in all walks of life, and believing that whatever was worth doing at all was worth doing well.  Kindly and sympathetic in manner, a believer in clean living, one who enjoyed long walks over the country, peaceable and good natured, he has been an excellent citizen, and there are very many who will regret his passing.  The deceased was a vestryman of St. Paul's Chruch, Past Master of Oxford lodge, No. 175, F.&A.M., member of Oxford chapter, No. 254, R.A.M., and of Norwich Commandery, No. 46, Knights Templar.  He is survived by one sister, Mrs. M. D. McNeil.  The funeral was private and held at the house at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, Rev. Theodore Haydn officiating. The service of Riverview cemetery was in charge of Norwich Commandery.  Oxford lodge acted as escort.  The commitment at the cemetery was by the Rev. Mr. Olmsted of Norwich Commandery, who gave full Knights Templar service. The floral tributes were many and beautiful. Among them were a square and compass form Oxford Lodge, a wreath on an easel from the rural delivery carriers, a pillow from the postoffice employees, wreath from Homer friends, and offerings from the Tyner Baptist Church, vestrymen of St. Paul's Church, and from numerous friends.

George D. Cowles

June 1843 - December 22, 1912

George D. Cowles, a lifelong resident of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] and a well known farmer, died at 3 o'clock Sunday morning, after an illness of only four days with pneumonia. Mr. Cowles was born in June, 1843 near the place where he had always lived.  His parents were Carlos B. and Lois Hubbard Cowles, who were well known in their day.  He married Maria A. Sharp. He owned a very large farm and was known as a honest, upright man, a kind husband and a loving father.  He had an extensive acquaintance throughout the county and was an active member of Pomona Grange.  Surviving Mr. Cowles are his wife, two daughters and two sons, namely, Mrs. George H. Day of Brisbin, Mrs. Frank Hollenbeck of Smithville, Leon Cowles of Tyner, and Dell E. Cowles of Watertown.  The funeral was held at the home Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, Rev. George R. Foster of Greene officiating.  At the interment which was in Sylvan Lawn, Greene, Eastern Light Lodge no. 126, F.&A.M. of which Mr. Cowles was one of the oldest members, conducted the services.