Obituaries (September 14)

Charles W. Decker

Afton Enterprise, June 5, 1919

This community has lost one of its oldest and most prominent and highly respected citizens by the death of Charles W. Decker, which occurred at his home on the East Side Afton [Chenango Co., NY] on Sabbath morning, May 25, 1919, after a lingering illness.  Mr. Decker was the son of Mr. Selar Decker (one of the founders and charter members of the Presbyterian church of this place forty years ago).  He was born in Eminence, Schoharie county, N.Y. on May 18, 1847, and had therefore just passed his seventy-second birthday.  The family came to Afton in 1866, and lived in the old home a short distance below the village on the east side of the river, now owned by his son, Frank H. Decker of Colesville.  He was married to Miss Rachel A. BeVier, who survives him as do also their three children, George F. Decker, Frank B. Decker, and Lillian May (Mrs. George W .McKee), and six grandchildren, and also by his only brother, Joseph A. Decker, all of Afton.  He was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church ever since his boyhood, and of the Church in Afton for nearly forty years, and a faithful and native Ruling Elder in the Church during nearly all that period, and his benignant presence will be sadly missed by both the pastor and people.  His last days of illness were characterized by the quiet and unfaltering patience and faith in the Savior which had marked his life.  Like a tired child he fell asleep, passing away as sweetly and gently as he had lived, and in the first few moments of the Sabbath morning, with his beloved wife and children all by his bedside, he entered in the rest which remaineth for the people of God.  The funeral services were held in the home which he loved so well, on Thursday afternoon, May 29, conducted by his pastor, Dr. J.J. Francis and attended by large numbers of his neighbors and friends.  Among the many beautiful floral tributes which lay upon his casket, brought by many loving hearts and hands, there were three which seemed peculiarly appropriate, one from "The loved ones of his own family", and "From the Presbyterian Church".  and one bearing the card "From his neighbors."  On the afternoon of an almost perfect summer day, beneath the blue sky and the lovely flowers we laid him with his friends to rest in peaceful Glenwood Cemetery [Afton NY], overlooking his earthly home, and the beautiful scenes of the Susquehanna Valley, in the midst of which all the years of his manhood were spent; feeling that his life has been a blessing and a benediction to many of us.  J.J.F.

Charles W. Graham

Afton Enterprise, December 23, 1909

Chas. W. Graham was born in Crawford Co. Pa. Nov. 24, 1846.  Died in Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] Dec. 16, 1909 and was therefore a little over 63 years of age.  He had lived in Afton for more than 35 years and was a well known and well respected citizen  He had quite a reputation as a successful grower of strawberries and small fruits.  He was married to Miss Francis S. Griswold of Coventry, N.Y. his bereaved companion.  Nov. 13, 1889 and for 30 years their home has been one of the substantial homes of the village.  He leaves his wife and an aged mother, both of whom will have the earnest sympathy of the people in their loss.  His funeral was held on Sunday afternoon in the M.E. church.  Funeral services were conducted by the pastor Rev. I.J. Smith and were largely attended by his many friends.  He was buried in the family plot in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY].

Ora K. Landers

Afton Enterprise, January 10, 1889

Miss Ora K. Landers, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edson Landers, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died Sunday morning, aged 20 years 6 months and 1 day.  For several weeks past Miss Landers had been confined to the house with typhoid fever, and last week she was thought to be improving, but Saturday morning she suffered a relapse, and despite all that human skill could do she passed peacefully away.  The deceased was one of our most highly respected young ladies.  When but a child she united with the Afton Baptist church, and since then has been a worker in the vineyard of her Master.  The death of Miss Landers will be severely felt in the home circle, in the church, in the Sunday school, and also by one of our first young men who was soon to make her his wife. The funeral was held Tuesday and was largely attended, Rev.  H.S. Leach officiating. The floral collection was beautiful, and consisted of a harp of calla lilies and white carnations.  On the base was the work "Ora" in purple immortelles.  A cross of white rose buds, a wreath of light pink and cream colored rose buds, and a large bouquet of calla lilies.  The casket was a "Beltast," of drab brocaded velvet and was one of the finest in Undertaker McDonald's warerooms.  the remains were laid to rest in Glenwood cemetery [Afton. NY], Messrs. H.A. Benedict, Hurbert Dutton, Ed Weeks and O.E. Sackett Jr acting as bearers.  The Enterprise extends its sympathy to the bereaved family and friends.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, October 18, 1894

BISSELL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Oct. 12, 1894, Mrs. Frances l. Bissell widow of Henry S. Bissell, daughter of Lathrop Rosebrock of North Norwich.  They occupied the Bissell homestead north of Norwich until 1873, moved to Passaic, N.J., returned to the homestead in 1877.  She with her family moved to Norwich in 1891 (Charles Bissell, Mr. and Mrs. M.H. Sullivan.

DYE:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 16, 1894, Susan E. [Dye] wife of Charles l. Dye, aged 40 years.

WHEAT:  On West Hill at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Lucinda Tyler, Mrs. Rosanna Wheat, age 80 years.

SAYLES:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 5, 1894 Ardelia Sayles, aged 79 years.

McPHERSON:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] Sept. 24, 1894, Wm. A. McPherson, only son of J. McPherson, aged 2 years 5 months 5 days.

HOVEY:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] Oct. 11, 1894, Ella F. [Hovey] wife of C.C. Hovey, age 38.