Obituaries (February 24)

Amanda Johnson

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, July 18, 1900

Beaver Meadow [Chenango Co., NY]:  Died, July 11, 1900, Amanda [Johnson], wife of Alfred Johnson, aged 72 years.  The funeral was held from the Baptist church, Friday, Rev. Othniel Phelps officiating.  Burial was had at Otselic [ Chenango Co., NY].  Deceased leaves besides her husband, two sons, Emmett and Devillo of Otselic Center, and three daughters, Mrs. George Brown of Columbus, Mrs. Duane White of Lebanon, and Miss Cora Johnson of Lebanon, also two brothers, Joel Bassett of Otselic, Darius Bassett of South Otselic, and two sisters, Mrs. Benjamin Robbins of Beaver Meadow, and Mrs. Eliza Stanton of Columbus, to mourn her loss.  She had resided in this place 11 years and everyone who knew her was her friend.

Eliza PerLee Pease

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, July 18, 1900

The Evening Independent of July 6th, published at Massillon Ohio, contains the following obituary notice of a former Chenango county resident.

Mrs. Eliza PerLee Pease, widow of the late Judge Anson Pease, aged 83 years, died at her home in Arkon street at noon on Friday, after an illness of three weeks.  Death came as the result of the infirmities of age.  For three days Mrs. Pease had been partly unconscious and died in that condition, surrounded by members of her family.  Mrs. Pease's oldest son, Dr. A. PerLee Pease of this city, has been spending the past four months in Europe, and is expected to reach New York on the steamer Mesaba Sunday morning.  Other members of the family are Mrs. Mary McLain and Edmond N. Pease.

Mrs. Pease was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., January 16, 1818.  She met the late judge Pease while paying a visit to friends in Masaillon and was married at Ravenna, O., in 1844.  Since that time she has been a resident of this city where she was widely known and respected.  The death of her husband occurred in December, 1896.  Mrs. Pease's best known characteristics were her philanthropy and her love of nature.  Judge Pease was an ardent abolitionist and Mrs. Pease shared his feelings to an extent which caused her to lend her aid many times in securing the freedom of escaping slaves.  Her great kindness of heart inspired her to perform many other deeds of charity.  Until advancing years made such activity impossible, she never failed to spend some part of each day driving through the fields and woods in the vicinity of Massillon searching for plants, flowers, and, in their season, brilliant autumn leaves of which she was particularly fond.  People and particularly children, for miles around became familiar with her taste in this respect and the most beautiful specimens were often saved for her and presented by friends and neighbors.  She was a great reader.  Her fondness for the works of Charles Dickens was particularly marked and resulted in a correspondence between herself and the great English author in which their mutual admiration was expressed.  For a number of years Mrs. Pease has been confined to her home except for the short drives she was able to take with an attendant, but up to her last illness her love for the beauties of nature never failed nor the tokens of affectionate recognition given to the children and grandchildren who surrounded her.  Mrs. Pease was a daughter of the late Abraham PerLee of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] and sister to Mrs. Henry Noxon of Syracuse, Mrs. E. Jarvis of Canastota, Isaac PerLee of Greene, and Mrs. Charles Hartwell of Sherburne Four Corners.

Enos Guile

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, May 26 1900

Enos Guile was born in New Berlin, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], August 15, 1827, and died at King Settlement, N.Y. [Chenanog Co.], April 28, 1900

When a young man he was engaged in school teaching for some time, afterward learning the millwright's trade at which he worked the rest of his life time.  He was united in marriage to Jane E. Henry September 26, 1852.  Not long after, he settled at King Settlement where he made his home almost without interruption until his decease.  He was early led into Christian service but went astray, a fact that he always regretted.  He finally united with the M.E. church of King Settlement where he continued a faithful member.  After a long illness he died in peace, willing to go but sad to leave friends and loved ones behind.  He leaves a wife and two children who mourn his going, a son James L. Guile of Oxford, and a daughter, Mrs. Lydia M. Langworthy of the town of Oxford.  He was one of a large family of children of which only one sister, Mrs. Ruth M. Heady of South New Berlin, now survives.  When the war broke out he enlisted in the Eighth New York cavalry and leaving a wife and three children behind, went to the south to fight for his home and country.  He was in the service nearly four years.  He was a member of Smith post, G.A.R., Norwich, N.Y. which organization had charge of the burial services.  Rev. Thomas Harroun of Sherburne, N.Y. preached the funeral sermon and interment was made at King Settlement cemetery.   G.G. McChesney.

Charles Holmes

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, May 26, 1900

With the following obituary notice of the late Charles Holmes of that town, whose death was briefly noticed in our columns last Wednesday.  Mr. Holmes was an honored subscriber of  The Telegraph, and his name has been upon our books for over forty years, always paid in advance.

Charles Holmes, died at his home in Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], May 10, 1900, after an illness of only four days.  He was born in Washington, Dutchess county, N.Y., May 10, 1807.  His parents moved to Bridgewater, Oneida county, in 1815.  He lived there and in Sangerfield until he was 21 years of age.  In 1826, Isaac Holmes, his father, moved to Columbus and he came here about seven years later, making his home here most of the time since.  He purchased the property where he resided about 63 years ago.  He was a very successful farmer and business man and was widely known, always active and energetic, even in his old age.  His mind was clear and strong until the last.  He was a man of regular and temperate habits, a kind and obliging neighbor and friend.  He leaves a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn his loss. The funeral services were conducted on Monday at the Universalist church by Rev. C.H. Burroughs.

Obituaries (February 21)

Adaline H. Mersereau

Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, NY, January 26, 1853

Miss Adaline H. Mersereau died of consumption in Union, Broome Co., N.Y., Dec. 31, aged 22 years.  Sister Mersereau experienced religion, some two years since, under the labors of the Rev. Wm. Silsbee, but evidently lived beneath her privilege, until some three weeks since, when she heartily repented of her backslidings, received pardon, and emerged into the full liberty of the children of God.  For several days before she died, she had a very clear evidence of her acceptance with God, and frequently shouted aloud his praise. She possessed an ardent desire for the salvation of souls, and exhorted her friends and neighbors to repent of their sins, believe in Jesus, and seek for religion.  She wished to be received into the Methodist Episcopal Church, and receive the Sacrament, on the day but one before her death.  Her request was granted.  This was a solemn time; and forcibly reminded us of the last supper of our lord with his disciples. the very atmosphere seemed filled with love. She said that she was in great pain of body, but glory was in her soul.  In the night in which she bade adieu to earth and friends below, she sung those beautiful hymns, the one commencing, 

"How happy are they,"

and the other,

"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds"

She said to her weeping relatives, "I see the angels," and to one who remarked that possibly she might recover, she said, "I want to go home to my Heavenly Father."  These were her last words.  God granted her request, and she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. Angels, no doubt, wafted her happy spirit  J.M. Grimes,  Union, Jan. 3, 1853

Josiah Merrit

Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, NY, January 26, 1853

Josiah, son of Jesse and Mariah Merrit, died in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 13, in the 30th year of his age.  Ten weeks since, the writer was called to celebrate the marriage nuptials of Br. Josiah and sister Miranda Nichols, and today to preach his funeral sermon.  His illness was short and severe.  He appeared not to be in possession of his rational faculties.  An evening or two previous to the attack, he spoke of his enjoyment and determination to live in the service of Christ.  Death has closed the scene.  E.D Thurston.

Hazard Boldin

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, June 18, 1881

In our last we announced that Mr. Boldin was stricken with apoplexy the evening previous, and that he lay in a critical condition.  Ere our forms had closed on Tuesday afternoon he passed away.  The Union thus speaks of this old and respected citizen.

Deceased was born in Dutchess County, December 22d, 1808.  In the fall of 1844 he first came to this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and for eight years made his home with the family of Matthew Ransford, then with the family of the late John Bliven where he remained until the spring of 1871, then with the late Newman Gates with whose family he resided until his death.  He was the largest cattle dealer in this section, and was well known among the farmers of this and adjoining Counties among whom he had many warm friends. A competency rewarded his years of active life and at the time of his death he owned a large amount of real estate in this village.  Mr. Boldin was never married.  he was an eccentric man in many respects and among his peculiarities was the spelling of both his Christian and surnames as they appear at the head of this article, the family name being Baldwin.  No man ever questioned the integrity of Mr. Boldin, and it may truly be said of him, his word was as good as his bond.  In all his business intercourse with the world, he has left a clean record.  He was a good citizen ever ready bound in public enterprises and his purse was always open to the appeals of the poor and unfortunate, while his charities were not ostentatiously published to the world. Two sisters and a brother survive him who resided east besides a number of other relatives.  Funeral services were held at the residence of Mrs. Newman Gates on Silver street on Thursday at eleven o'clock A.M.  which was largely attended.  His remains were taken to Earlville and buried in the family lot of his nephew, Edgar Baldwin, in the cemetery at that place. We learn that Mr. Boldin by will distributed his property to his brother and sisters and other relatives, making no local bequests as erroneously reported.

Chester Scofield

The Daily Observer, August 14, 1875

Chester Scofield, the oldest resident of the town of Paris [Oneida Co., NY], died at his residence on Paris Hill at near midnight of Thursday, at the advanced age of nearly 84 years.

In the year 1791, Israel Scofield, the father of the subject of our sketch, sold his small homestead near Watertown, in Litchfield Co., Connecticut, and with the necessary equipments of the emigrant of that age, consisting mainly of a few household goods and an ox team as the motive power, started out with his young and growing family for a home in the "Western Wilderness."  He followed up the Mohawk River and struck off into the southern part of Herkimer county, and upon the hill lands of a now fertile district, a little south of a settlement then called "Carolina Settlement," now known as Paris Hill, upon a plot of land previously taken up, he commenced the erection of a log house, and vigorously pushed forward the felling of the trees and the first breaking of the soil.  It was an early day in the history of Oneida county, for it must be remembered that the first settlements within the town of Paris were begun in 1789, Capt. Royce being among the very earliest settler, about a mile to the northeast of "Carolina Settlement," while at this latter point Col. Tuttle had established himself as hotel keeper, and in the spring of 1791 entertained that distinguished preacher, Jonathan Edwards, who here at this time organized a Congregational Society with five members.

Israel Scofield was the father of 13 children, nearly all of whom lived to a good old age in this immediate vicinity. Chester Scofield was one of this number, and was born in March, 1792, and was consequently, at the time of his death, 83 years and 5 months old, and the fact should be remarked in this connection that he was the first male child born within the present limits of the town of Paris.  Mr Scofield was bred to the trade of his father, that of cooper, which business he conducted in the city of Utica for about twenty years, from 1829-1849, when he returned to his native town and settled upon a small farm in the village of Paris Hill, proposing to spend the evening of his days among his old neighbors and friends.  But there was a sadness which gradually crept over him these latter years, often expressed; a feeling of loneliness, as one after another he followed his neighbors and friends to their final resting place, until he was left almost entirely alone, the oldest of them all.  he led a life of frugality, honesty and industry, and when the labors of his farm did not demand attention, until within a very recent period, the tools of his workshop were not idle.  At the age of fourteen, with nineteen others, he became a member of the Congregational Chruch of this place, under the then pastorate of the venerabe Eliphalet Steel, in which fellowship he has remained until the present.  Scarcely had he commenced his earthly career when the settlers of this infant colony were reduced to sore extremities, famine adding to the hardships of those early pioneers; but a noble benefactor arose in the person of Mr. Paris, a merchant of Fort Plain, who generously offered to supply the colony with corn, &c until more prosperous days should enable them to repay the obligation. As a recongitiion in part of his kindness and generosity his name was given to the village, and the town then formed from a part of Whitestown.

As illustrating the real estate transactions of those early days, one other reminiscence may be permitted.  Israel Scofield, Thomas Hitchcox, Joseph Cutler and Menser Judd Spinster, in the year 1795, purchased of a Mr. Boardman, of Philadelphia, 240- acres of land, the consideration being "three hundred and sixty Spanish milled dollars," and described as "lying on the south side of the Mohawk river in Herkimer Co."  It was immediately contiguous to the plot already taken by Mr. Scofield, and from it some of his children had their farms.  Upon this purchase were several acres of heavily timbered pine and cedar swamp, some of which was sold by the above parties for the moderate sum of "fifty cents" per acre.

One of the last links connecting the present with the past is gone; few of those old ties remain to be severed.  Mr. Scofield was endowed with a vigorous constitution, which the three-score and ten of his allotted years abundantly testify, and though for several years afflicted with an increasing deafness, he retained his faculties to a remarkable degree, and many were the reminiscences of those early days it was his privilege to relate.  He was conscious to the very last, and, as it were, quietly dropped asleep in death without a struggle.  He was thrice married, and now leaves as surviving members of his household, a wife and daughter.  His funeral will take place from the Congregational Church in Paris on Sunday at 1 o'clock.

Obituaries (February 20)

Eliza Councilman

Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, NY, January 26, 1853

Mrs. Eliza Councilman, wife of John Councilman, died in Maine village [Broome Co., NY], Oct. 14, aged 56 years. 

 

Sister C. experienced religion in early life, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church of which she remained a worthy member until removed to the Church triumphant.  Her house was for years a home for the itinerant.  She has passed away, but her kindness and labors of love will long be remembered.  During her last illness, she enjoyed sweet peace of soul, and resignation in the will of God.  "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."   J.M. Grimes,  Union, Jan. 3, 1853

 

Sarah Woodward

Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, NY, January 26, 1853

Sarah Woodward, relict of the late John Woodward, died Sept. 25th, 1852, at the house of her son, Amazi L, Woodward, in Paupack, Wayne Co. Pa. aged 77 years.

 

Sister Woodward was born in the State of New Jersey, March 30th, 1775.  In the Spring of 1797, soon after her marriage to Mr. Woodward, she removed with him to Cherry Ridge, Wayne County, Pa., in the neighborhood of which she lived and died.  Her mind, in early life, was brought under religious influence; and when about 14 years of age, she cherished a hope of salvation through Christ, yet made no public profession of the same, and did not enjoy a clear evidence of salvation.  Soon after her removal to Cherry Ridge, that neighborhood was visited by the pioneers of Methodism, and her house became their first home and a temple of worship. About the year 1812, together with Mr. Woodward, she attended camp meeting held at Mount Pleasant, at which time Br. Woodward was converted, and sister Woodward experienced a clear testimony of the spirit of adoption; both were so overwhelmed with the presence of God, as to be rendered unconscious for several minutes.  Soon after, they both united with the M.E. Church, of which she has remained a happy, useful and consistent member, until called to her reward--a period of 40 years.  Her death, like her life, illustrated the Christian character.  During her illness of some three months continuance, she was not heard to murmur or complain; when spoken to in regard to her dying, she expressed her full resignation to the will of God.  She retained her consciousness, as nearly as could be judged, to the last, and died with the tranquility of the setting sun. She was the oldest member of the Chruch in Cherry Ridge circuit, the oldest inhabitant, and next to the oldest person of her neighborhood.  God blessed the pious influence of herself and consort, to the salvation of their children.  She lived to see them all members of the Church of her choice; and their class, composed for the first few years of four members, become a multitude.  At a missionary meeting held in Honesdale, in the year 1845, she was constituted, by her friends a life member of the Parent Missionary Society.  M. Carrier, Cherry Ridge, Dec. 27, 1852

 

Eveline (Benedict) Evans

Chenango Union, June 29, 1882

EVANS:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], June 4th, 1882, Eveline Benedict, wife of Dea. Jonathan Evans, aged 56 years 10 months 23 days.

 

Mrs. Evans was born in Plymouth, and spent her life mostly in this town, hence had a large circle of acquaintances, who with her friends and relatives gathered to pay their last respects to one esteemed in life, and honored in death.  The floral tributes were many, varied and beautiful, and after a discourse by her pastor, Rev. J.W. Hills, from Rev, 3:8, she was buried in the beautiful cemetery at Dimmick's, June 6th.  She was married to Dea. Evans, December 26th, 1866.  She was a professor of religion several years before her baptism, which was administered in June, 1872, by Rev Allen Bancroft, and she remained an active member of the Free Baptist Church  until her death.  Mrs. Evans had been slowly failing all the past winter, but her sufferings were borne so bravely and uncomplainingly, that only her nearest friends knew she was alarmingly ill, until she took her bed one week before her death. She was very industrious and saving, caring faithfully for the interests of her husband and household, remembering the wants of the pastor, and the poor, lending a helping hand in sickness, sympathizing with her neighbors in sorrow, doing much to maintain the cause of Christ at home and abroad, and with her generous husband giving a hearty welcome to the ministers and brethren of the church; and she will be greatly missed in all these relatives and in her testimonies and sweet, clear songs, as she was ready when opportunity offered to hear cheerful testimony to the grace of Jesus; and the very large attendance of people from all the neighborhoods around evinced the high esteem in which she was held. For many years her care of an invalid sister was constant and unceasing and among her last expressions of earthly anxiety was, "who would care for Julia now?"  "She hath done what she could," and now peacefully sleeps and rests from her labors.  "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."   R.A.H.

 

Trapeze Horror - Orrin A. Herbruck

Chenango Union, June 29, 1882

A shocking accident occurred at Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY] on Thursday evening last.  While the performance of M.M. Hilliard's circus was in progress, the rope that is used in the main fall for pulling up and lowering the canvas broke and let the canvas fall in the center, carrying with it the trapeze upon which the Thoms Brothers were performing.  The suspended lights were extinguished in their fall, and the tent was left in total darkness.  It was with difficulty that a panic was prevented among the audience.  The men who fell were taken to the dressing room, and a physician sent for, but one of them had expired, his heart beating but a few times after his removal to the dressing room.  It is said by those who saw him fall that he struck squarely on the top of his head.  His neck had the appearance of being jammed down into the body.  His companion was badly if not fatally injured.  He seems to think that his limbs are paralyzed.  He has been removed to a Syracuse hospital and is delirious. The man who was killed was Orrin A. Herbruck, and the injured one Louis Thoms. Both the young men were from Canton, Ohio, where they had practiced together, and went under the name of Thomas Brothers. This was their first season out. At the time of their fall, Thoms was hanging by his legs from the small trapeze inside the large one and had the rope of another small one, upon which Herbruck was performing, on the back of his neck, a feat in which both had their heads down. They fell about fifteen feet. The body of Herbruck was forwarded to his friends in Ohio.

 

 

 

Post Listing, January 31 to February 19, 2018

Listing of blog postings for January 31 to February 19, 2018.

Marriages

Posted February 10, 2018

Calvin R. Stewart - Justeen J. Brown (1897)

Anna B. Parker - Paul R. Allen (1899)

Grace Alice Ingersoll - John B. Meola (1896)

Frank D. Lyon - Florence Lyon (1880)

Marriage notices, 1875

     Henry Greenman - Florence E. Piper

     G. Edgar Bullock - Julia R. Griswold

     James H. Rynders - Helen J. Smith

     George Austin - Sarah Baker



Obituaries

Posted January 31, 2018

Louie M. Johnson (South New Berlin, 1890)

Wilfred Sannicks (Norwich, 1890)

Michael Conway (Norwich, 1890)

Posted February 1, 2018
Hattie Moore (East Mcdonough,1891)
Edgar Comell (Sand Coul, Mon., 1891)
Frederick VanDerLyn (Oxford, 1891)
Ophelia Ives (Unbadilla Valley (1891)

Posted February 2, 2018
George Rider (Norwich, 1896)

Posted February 3, 2018
Jessie (Rider) Owen (Norwich, 1896)
Holdridge T. Owen (Norwich, Hancock, 1896)

Posted February 4, 2018
Rev. Henry Hallstead (New Berlin, 1896)
Ada L. (Fiske) Eldredge (Norwich, Lebanon, 1891)
Silas Hull (Norwich, New Berlin, 1891)
Cornelia A. Munson (Norwich, 1891)
Almira M. Hewitt (Norwich, 1891)
Death Notices - 1875
     Harriet Graves (Bainbridge)
     Abiatha F. Angell (New Berlin, 73y)
     Job Harrington (Pittsfield)
     Libbie Alexander (Wellsville, Greene, 24y)
     Willie Bartlett (Otselic, 20 days)
     Eliza Prichard Bartlett (Otselic, 27y)

Posted February 5, 2018
Stephen Law (Pharsalia, 1891)
Moses Aldrich (Plymouth, 1891)
C.W. French (Redwood Falls MN, Norwich, 1891)

Posted February 6, 2018
Mrs. Elisha B. Smith (Norwich, Washington DC, 1891)
Helen (Todd) Bartholomew (Unadilla, 1933)
Walter R. Sloan (Afton, 1890)

Posted February 7, 2018
Steward M. Barner (Norwich, 1902)
Troylous Lewis (Fish's Eddy, 1902)
Lena Boise (Utica, Sherburne, 1902)
Death Notices - 1875
     Stephen Gibson (Norwich, McDonough, 60y)
     Hosea Hadlock (Norwich, 88y)
     Julia M. Brabazon (Guilford, 65y)
     Abigail Cummings (Smithville, 70y)
     Charles Hunt (Oxford)
     Chapman Rockwell (Preston, Sherburne, 89y)

Posted February 9, 2018
Mary Ann Mayhew (Harpursville, 1929)
Charles Sargent Dyer (Norwich, 1929)
Jessie O. Harper (Afton, 1929)
Samuel Craig (Doraville, 1928)
Mrs. Floyd Castle (Brooklyn, Doraville, 1928)

Posted February 11, 2018
Jane Peckham (East Guilford, 1889)
Hon. Robert W. Courtney (Sidney, 1889)
Hiram Jewell (Mt. Upton, 1889)
Mr. W.W. Clark (Guilford, Sidney, 1889)
Thomas Collins (Norwich, 1916)
Frank E. Sands (Great Bend PA, 1916)
Eunice (Wilcox) Slawson (Rome, 1916)

Posted February 12, 2018
B. Carman Russell (North Norwich, 1887)
Miles Ireland (North Norwich, 1887)
John Dell (Norwich, Clyde, 1887)

Posted February 13, 2018
Asa Augustus Canfield (Almond, 1853)
Lucretia Nettleton (Pompey, 1853)
Obry Devotee Beach (Augusta, 1853)
Martha (Race) June (Oxford, Norwich, 1887)
Elizabeth Packer (Pendleton) Stanton (Oxford, Norwich, 1887)

Posted February 14, 2018
Hon. George B. Rowe (Canastota, 1852)
Electa A. Getman (Columbia, 1852)
George Tuttle (New Berlin Center, 1914)
Julia Creedon Lyons (New Berlin, Norwich, 1914)

Posted February 15, 2018
Orilla (Smith) Pond (Smithville, 1852)
John Dikeman (New Milford, 1852)
James Farout (Jessup, 1852)  Revolutionary War Soldier
Frederick P. Brooks (Norwich, 1914)
John Peaslee (Pharsalia, 1914)

Posted February 16, 2018
Martha Dean (Cayuta, 1852)
Daniel Cobb (Marcellus, 1852)
Clarissa Elizabeth Putney (Middlesex, 1852)
Death Notices - 1875
     John P. Hall (Auburn, Guilford, 65y)
     Minerva O. McMinn (South Otselic, 25y)
     Minnie Cunningham (Greene, 16y)
     Maria Parsons (Smyrna, 68y)
     Martha A. Corning (Pitcher, 48y)
     Harriet Bartram (Pitcher, 78y)
     Joseph W. Freiot (Bainbridge, 74y)
     Charles A. Bartle (Albany, Norwich, 23y)

Posted February 17, 2018
Mary Ann Higbee Griffith (St. Clair, MI, Bowman's Creek, 1852)
Aurelia Ermina Bigelow (Carthage, 1853)
Rev. Nehemiah Nelson (Granville, 1852)
Henry Johnson (North Afton, Bainbridge, 1902)
Louise Fuller (Port Crane, 1929)
James Monroe Teel (Vallonia Springs, Afton, 1929)

Posted February 19, 2018
Henry Benedict (Leon NY, 1852)
George Young (Ithaca, 1852)
James Young (Ithaca, 1852)
Rensselear Bowen (White Store, 1882)
Henry Webb (Oxford, Smithville, 1882)

Miscellaneous

Posted February 2, 2018

Some Queer Epitaphs

Obituaries (February 19)

Henry M. Benedict

Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, NY, January 26, 1853

Henry M. [Benedict], only son of Amos and Mercy Benedict, died of a disease of the brain, in Leon, Cattaraugus Co., Sept. 1st, aged 14 years.

He was born in Waterville, Oneida Co., was an active, promising child, in whom the fondest affections of his parents centered, and who feel deeply under this afflictive bereavement, but comforted with the hope that their loss is his eternal gain. R.M.E.

George Young

Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, NY, January 26, 1853

George Young was born in Canajoharie, Montgomery Co., N.Y., July 14, 1796.  He experienced religion in the 18th year of his age, during the first great revival that swept through Frey's Bush, when sixty souls were converted to God.  He soon joined the M.E. Church on trial, under the pastoral care of Rev. Ralph Lanning.  In 1818 he removed to Ulysses, Tompkins Co., N.Y.  June 4th, 1823, he was united in marriage with Jerusha R. Richey, by Rev. C.V. Adgate.  During the same year he removed to this place, and joined the M.E. Church by letter, where he has lived and served the church of his early choice as an official member nearly 30 years -- When the second M.E. Chruch was organized in this place, last year, he volunteered to lead this little army of the faithful in their war of aggression  On the 17th of Sept. last, he returned from the West, whither he had been on a visit, severely smitten by the ruthless hand of the low typhoid fever.  He lingered a few days with us, and then died in peace Sept. 25th, 1852, in the 56th year of his age.  His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. F. Reed, from Psalm 39:134.

Br. George Young was no ordinary Christian.  It is not detracting from any living member of our new Church, to say he was our brightest ornament.  Indeed, as an every day, consistent Christian, probably he had not a superior in town.  Our citizens, who crowded to his funeral, and wept o're his grave, told in language not to be misunderstood, that a very good man had fallen.  His last hours were spent in great peace and joy.  He said his anchor was rest within the vale, and then in triumph exclaimed.  "What a glorious anchor." He exhorted his friends to hold fast whereunto they had attained.  "Tell my absent children," said he, "I shall see them no more on earth, but I shall meet them in the New Jerusalem."  Thus lived and died the lamented Young.  May we thus die the death of the righteous, and our last end be like his.  

James L. Young

Northern Christian Advocate, Auburn, NY, January 26, 1853

James L. Young, son of George and Jerusha R. Young, was born in Ithaca, N.Y., Oct. 21, 1826.  He experienced religion under the pastoral labors of Rev. B. Hawley, assisted by the late Rev. J.N. Maffitt, in March 1845, and soon joined the M.E. Church in this place on trial.  In Oct. 22d, 1851, he was married to Mary J. Olty, by Rev. I. Smith.  His health had not been very firm from his youth, hence he was advised to journey with some friends who were about to seek their fortune in California.  On the 20th of last April, with high hopes, he left the scenes of his youth for the Pacific coast, by the overland route. During the forepart of his journey his health very much improved, but in crossing the plains, he experienced a reverse of health, until, after a sickness of three weeks, he died in peace, near Independence rock, July 17, 1852, in the 26th year of his age.

The letter which brought back the heavy tidings of his death says, "he died in the triumphs of faith."  He never regained his health, yet he blooms in immortal vigor and youth.  He never saw the region of gold, and yet he treads the golden streets of the Eternal City.  Perchance no stately columns or marble slab will ever tell where the sleeper lies, and yet his record is on high.  Peace to the memory of James.  May the doubly bereaved mother, and only brother, with his youthful widow, now in a stranger's land, be remembered by the Church, till they meet on the plains of light.    E. Hoag.  Ithaca, Jan. 11, 1863.

Renesslaer Bowen

Chenango Union, June 29, 1882

At White Store [Chenango Co., NY], April 26th, 1882, Rensselaer Bowen, aged 82 years.  One of our oldest and most honored citizens has passed away, and the silent room and the vacant arm chair tell us that "father is dead."  He was a life long Christian, one of the oldest members of the Baptist church of South New Berlin, and met the last enemy calmly and triumphantly.  He leaves one son, Amos Bowen, and a daughter, Mrs. Joseph Curtis, who tenderly cared for him in his declining years, a large circle of friends, and not an enemy.

Life's battle is ended,

Its conflicts are done,

And the life everlasting

our father has won.   

Henry Webb

Chenango Union, June 29, 1882

Sunday morning last about 9 o'clock, Henry Webb, a young man who worked for John Stratton, a farmer living five miles below this village, accompanied by Melvin and Clark Stratton, went in bathing in the river at the feeder dam opposite Mr. Stratton's residence.  While they were in the water, the Stratton boys having waded to a bar in the river, three other young men came to the river from the east or opposite side and prepared to bathe.  Melvin Stratton swam over to the new comers, and his attention was called by Clark saying that Webb needed help.  Looking down the stream he saw Webb struggling in a swift current, and he directed one of the party, who was in a boat, to join him while he immediately swam to Webb's assistance.  But before he could reach him, the young man in the boat having nothing but a stick for a paddle, Webb went down and the boys did not again get sight of him.  He could not swim and made no cry for help.  It is thought that he attempted to follow his companions to the bar and was carried off his feet by the strong current.  The young men worked promptly and heroically and after recovering the body, which they did in a short time, tried every means in their power at resuscitation, but the case was beyond their help.  Webb was a single man, about 23 years of age, and a son of James Webb, late of Smithville.  His nearest relatives, mother, a sister and brother, reside in Newark, New Jersey.--Oxford Times.