Obituaries (November 5)

Matthew B. Smith

Chenango Union, January 19, 1870

SMITH:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday, Jan. 20th, Mr. Matthew B. Smith, aged 75 years.

Mr. Smith had been a resident of Coventry for the past fifty-five years.  He united with the 1st Congregational Church of the town fifty-four years ago, and was one of the number who, many years since, composed a colony from that Church, and established the 2d Congregational Church of Coventry. The wife with whom he had lived for more than half a century survives him, as do all his children, six in number, and all of whom are members of the Church to which he belonged.  During the last years of his life, Mr. Smith has been prevented by feeble health from engaging in the active duties of life, and rarely passed beyond the precincts of his own home, though during a large portion of his life he had been a very active and efficient business man.  His decline was quite gradual until the last few days of his life, when he rapidly failed, and on Thursday morning, the 20th inst., passed calmly and peacefully from earth, and, we hope and trust, entered the rest of Heaven.  

Joseph O. Thorpe

Chenango Union, January 5, 1870

We are indebted to Coroner Avery for the particulars of a sad case of drowning, which occurred in Chenango river about half a mile west of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday night of last week.  Mr. Joseph O. Thorpe started with his team and wagon from the Union Hotel, in Sherburne, about eight o'clock Tuesday evening for his home in Georgetown, Madison County.  The night was intensely dark, and it appears that upon arriving at the river bridge, about half a mile west of the village, the team not being able to see the track ran the wagon against the side of the bridge, breaking the whittle-tree and pole of the wagon. The team stopped on the embankment at the end of the bridge, and it is evident that Mr. Thorpe got out of the wagon to learn the extent of the damage, and being unable to see, stepped off the embankment and fell into the water--the river being swollen so much that the bank near the abutment was covered by bout three feet of water, forming a strong current, which swept the unfortunate man out into the stream, where he was drowned.  Some persons in passing found the team about nine o'clock the same evening and drove it back to Sherburne.  Search was commenced at once for the missing man; and his body was found about noon on Wednesday, about one hundred rods below the bridge.  Coroner Avery was notified and held an inquest on Thursday.  Deceased was about forty-seven years of age, and leaves a wife and one son.  Had the approaches to the bridge been properly guarded by railings, the accident could not have occurred; and we cannot forbear saying, that neglect to provide protection at such points against the recurrence of similar casualties, ought to subject those who are responsible for the neglect to the severest penalties.

Mary Ann (Betts) Philley

1837 - 1912

The death this morning at her home on State street of Mrs. J.C. Philley takes from the Community a woman who was known and held in high esteem for many years.  Mrs. Philley's maiden name was Mary Ann Betts, daughter of Warren and Eleanor Townsend Betts. She was born in the town of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] May 1, 1837, and married Jefferson C Philley of McDonough the 23d day of January, 1861.  They resided there until 1888 when they came to Oxford, which has since been their home.  For many years Mrs. Philley has been an invalid and from the first her recovery was doubtful.  She was a woman of generous nature and when able took a vital interest in church work and social duties.  She was a member of the Baptist church and of Lafayette Chapter, No. 340, Order Eastern Star.  Mrs. Philley is survived by her Husband, One son, C.U. Philley of St. Joseph, Mo., and one daughter, Eva, wife of Dr. B.P. Hatch of Beattie, Kan., also a sister Mrs. Jane Philley of Waterloo, Iowa. The funeral services will be held at the house at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning, Rev. R.A. Gates officiating.  Interment in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Death Notices

Chenango Union, January 19, 1870

DURHAM:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 27th, after a lingering illness, Alma H [Durham], wife of James Durham, aged 56 years.

WEED:  In Ridgefield, Conn., Jan. 14th, Anna [Weed], wife of Bradley F. Weed of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 30 years.

MOWREY:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 15th, Polly [Mowrey], widow of Ziba Mowrey, aged 70 years.

LORD:  In Stafford Springs, Conn., Jan. 19th, Mrs. Immogene H. Lord, daughter of John and Phila Sibley, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 25 years.

ROGERS:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 2d[?], Hiram [Rogers], son of Daniel Rogers, aged 20 years.

GRISWOLD:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 21st, Sally [Griswold], wife of Juvinal Griswold, aged 64[?] years.