Obituaries (April 7)

Margaret M. (Van Valkenburgh) Leary

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 30, 1903

Mrs. Margaret M. Leary [1862-1903], wife of T. Frank Leary, died at her home on Scott avenue [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], about five o'clock, on Thursday morning of last week.  Her going out was very sudden and unexpected, not having been ill only about seventeen hours, neuralgia of the stomach being the cause of her untimely death.  A short time before her death, she asked her husband who was watching by her bedside, if it was not time to take her medicine, and almost immediately after taking it, she commenced vomiting, and died in an instant.  Mrs. Leary was the daughter of the late Joseph D. Van Valkenburgh, Sr., and was a most estimable lady.  Quiet in her demeanor and ladylike in all her ways, and just in the prime of her life and usefulness, a devoted wife and loving mother, she will be sadly missed in her home, and by many friends.  This, indeed, was a sad ending of one who had bright prospects before her, and her husband and son have the sympathy of all in Greene.  Besides her husband and son, she is survived by three brothers, J.D. Van Valkenburgh, of this village, Charles Van Valkenburgh, of Batavia, and Geo. A. Van Valkenburgh, of Binghamton, and one sister, Mrs. L.E. Pratt, of Janesville, Wis. The casket was literally covered with beautiful floral offerings, loving remembrances from relatives and friends of the dear departed. The funeral took place from her late home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. J.W. Keeler, her pastor, officiating, and was largely attended by relatives and friends. Burial at sylvan Lawn [Greene, NY].

Robert S. Martin

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 30, 1903

After an illness of several days, and with the best medical treatment to be had in this section of the state, and with skilled nurses by his bedside, and the loving care of fond parents, the spirit of Robert S. Martin, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Dewey Martin, drifted to the shores from whence no man returneth, Saturday afternoon, at about 4 o'clock. The departure of this bright, young man is not only deeply mourned by his immediate family, but by a large circle of young friends, among whom he was a general favorite.  Of a genial, joyous spirit, he was the life of his circle of our young people.  A bright, kindly boy has gone the way of the living, and in a household that idolized him, all is darkness now. The sympathy of this community goes out to the bereaved in this hour of their deep affliction.  Besides a father and mother, two brothers survive him, L.G. and F.S. Martin.  Robert was a communicant of Zion Church, a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews, also a member of the Men's Club and Ocean Hose co.  He was nearly 20 years old. The funeral was held from his late home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Henry E. Hubbard officiating, and was largely attended. The floral tributes, which were very abundant and beautiful, testified the love and esteem which was entertained for the young man departed.  Many of those belonging to organizations of which he was a member were present to pay the last sad tribute to one they loved. They bore all that was mortal to its last rest in Sylvan Lawn [Greene, NY], but the memory of the kindly presence of Robert Martin will linger long in the hearts of all who knew him.

Almeda (Beach) Salisbury

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 30, 1903

The remains of Mrs. Thomas L. Salisbury were brought to Greene [Chenango Co., NY] for burial from her home in Waverly [Tioga Co., NY] accompanied by her son and other relatives, on Friday last, and were laid to rest in the family plot at Sylvan lawn.  Mrs. Salisbury was a former resident of Greene, and was a daughter of the late Lyman Beach. The family have resided in Waverly for quite a number of years.  her husband died about three years ago, and his remains were also brought here for interment.  Mrs. Salisbury was an exemplary lady and had performed her life work as only a good woman can.

Gage E. Tarbell

Syracuse Herald, September 9, 1936

Gage E. Tarbell, dead in his eightieth year, was long distinguished in the business circles of the metropolis, first through his extended association with the Equitable Life Assurance Society and later as a conspicuous dealer in real estate.  In the Equitable Mr. Tarbell has been for some years in absolute control of the important agency department, in his capacity as Second Vice President.  He was then regarded by many as the coming President of the Society; but, as our older readers will recall, the advent of Paul Morton as President was soon followed by Mr. Tarbell's retirement from his administrative post to enter the field of realty speculation and expansion.  He remained connected with the Equitable directorate, however; and at the time of his death was the senior member of the Board.  Mr. Tarbell's career was linked by personal affection and by his chief avocation with our neighboring county of Chenango.  He was a native of the town of Smithville, that county; and it was within its borders that he developed his famous Homestead farm.  This country place, ultimately expanded to about 1,500 acres, was his delight and his pride, and a center of widespread interest to all the picturesque natural attractions and the up-to-date appurtenances and equipments that constitute a model farm and country seat.

Obituaries (April 6)

Frances (Finch) Hayes

Norwich Sun, August 3, 1918

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  A very sad death occurred Wednesday forenoon at the office of Dr. Danforth in this village.  Mrs. Alvin Hayes, who resides one mile above this village, underwent an operation for throat trouble.  The operation was apparently successful, but shortly afterwards a hemorrhage occurred and the patient died in a very few minutes.  Her husband was present during the operation and when she died.  Mrs. Hayes had been in impaired health for some time, having endured many sicknesses and having had a severe attack of quinsy, and it was to improve her physical condition and prevent a recurrence of trouble that the operation on the throat was deemed advisable.  The hemorrhage was due to the bursting of a blood vessel which was near the seat of trouble in the throat.  The death of Mrs. Hayes, who was the mother of five young children and who was the center of a wide circle of friends, has caused great grief, and the sympathy of the entire community goes out to the family and friends.  Mrs. Hayes was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Finch of the village and since her marriage to Alvin Hayes has made her home on his large and prosperous farm above this village. She was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church of this village and was a woman of splendid worth and character.  Besides her husband and parents and brother, Austin Finch of this village, five young children survive.  The funeral was held from her late home Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Rev. H.D. Smith officiating, and burial in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].

Lucy A. (Van Horn) Chapman

Norwich Sun, August 3, 1918

Died, at her home on Elm street in this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on the afternoon of August 2, 1918, Mrs. Lucy A. Chapman, wife of Charles B. Chapman of this city.  Mrs. Chapman's death came quite unexpectedly following an illness of a few weeks.  It was thought for some time there was a very good chance for her recovery.  Mrs. Lucy A. Chapman was born in Masonville [Delaware Co., NY] on November 20, 1857, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.A. Van Horn. The early period of her life was spent at her family home at Bainbridge. She was married on September 12, 1882, to Charles B. Chapman of Norwich. She is survived by her husband, by an only daughter, Mrs. Howard G. Benedict of Cleveland, Ohio, and by one brother.  Mrs. Chapman was a most faithful wife and mother whose whole life was devoted to the welfare of her family.  During her early married life in this city she gave her time and energy generously to her church, First Congregational church of this city, of which she died a member.  Having a trained musical education, she served as organist and choir leader for some time.  She leaves a large circle of intimate friends both in her church and neighborhood by whom she will be keenly  missed.  The funeral will be held at the family home on Elm street at 4 o'clock Monday afternoon.  Owing to the absence of the pastor, Rev. C.L. Bates of Emmanuel church will officiate. Friends and neighbors desiring to call at the home before the funeral services will be received Sunday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m.  Please omit flowers.  In respect to her memory the store of the Chapman & Turner Co. will be closed Monday afternoon, August 5th from 12:30 for the rest of the day.

Alice (Firman) Quinn

Norwich Sun, August 3, 1918

Mrs. Richard F. Quinn died at her residence in this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on the first day of August, 1918, aged 51 years. She is survived by her husband, Richard F Quinn; her son, Lieut. Maurice A. Quinn, U.S.A.; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.D. Firman of North Norwich, and a brother, George Firman of Fulton. The funeral will be held from her late residence Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. I.L. Wilcox of Oxford officiating, and interment in the North Norwich cemetery.  Alice Firman was born at Onarga, Ill.  Subsequently her parents removed to North Norwich, where the family has long been prominent in business and social life. At the time of her marriage with Mr. Quinn, Miss Firman was a charming and sunny tempered girl who even then gave promise of the womanly virtues and intelligence which so signally characterized her mature years.  She was a loving and devoted mother and wife and won for herself a wide circle of friends. When her husband became superintendent of the poor for Chenango county, Mrs. Quinn went with him to the county farm at Preston and materially aided in promoting the best interest of the county.  To the unfortunates committed to her care, she devoted all her resources of kindness and sympathy and so brought happiness into the lives of many who through misfortune stood so sorely in need of it.  For a long time Mrs. Quinn has been in failing health and for many months suffered greatly.  Through it all she bore her trials with uncomplaining fortitude and cheerfulness which endured down to the very end when merciful death ended her long martyrdom.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, August 30, 1894

IRELAND:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 24, 1894, Mr. Albert Ireland, age 43 years.

LOOMIS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 18, 1894, Mrs. Cloamy Loomis, widow of Samuel Loomis of West Bainbridge, aged 70 years.

PARSONS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 20, 1894, Mrs. Janet Parsons of New York City, aged 32 years.

CLAPPER:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 18, 1894, Mrs. George Clapper, aged 65 years.

ALCOTT:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 23, 1894, Mr. Amos Alcott, age 87.

HALL:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], Aug. 16, 1894, Mary A. [Hall], wife of R.M. Hall, formerly of Mt. Upton.

Obituaries (April 5)

Robert Dunn
Chenango Telegraph, July 19, 1918

Sergeant Robert Dunn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Dunn of No. 3 Hubbard avenue, was killed in an airplane accident over the front lines in France on Saturday, July 6.  Sergeant Dunn, one of the four sons of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn in the service, is the first boy from this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to make the supreme sacrifice for his country while fighting in the air.

The official communication from the war department received Tuesday afternoon by Mrs. Dunn, reads "Deeply regret to inform you that Sergeant Robert Dunn was killed in airplane accident, July 6--War Department."

The startling news came to the mother of the young man while her youngest son, William, corporal in the regular army at Plattsburg, was visiting her.  Her oldest boy, Thomas, left Tuesday for Rochester, having been voluntarily inducted into the service as a machinist.  The other son, John, is now in France, presumably fighting in the front lines against the new German offensive.  Sergeant Robert Dunn, affectionately known in his hundreds of friends in this city as "Bobbie," was eager to enter the war against Germany even before the United States went into the fray.  In June, 1917, he returned from England where he made repeated attempts to get into the Royal Flying corps of the British army but was unsuccessful.  He had had considerable training along aviation lines and expected to be accepted for service in the Franco-American flying corps, but was unable to get to France.  He has had many thrilling experiences in his attempts to get into the air fighting overseas before he was taken into the American division after the United States declared war on Germany.

"Bobbie" was so anxious to get across that he shipped as a waiter on a Cunard line steamer last year for England.  The boat carried nurses and doctors to France and he successfully worked his passage over the Atlantic.  Writing at that time of his trip across, he said, "Everything went all right the first two days out, but the third was awful rough and you should have seen me carrying an armful of dishes into that saloon.  Every day we would have lifeboat drill at certain times and we would have to put on our life belts and run to our certain boat."

He told in that letter to his parents of his first and only submarine scare.  "One night about five days out, some one left the door open leading from the deck and the sea was running mountain high.  A large wave covered the ship and the water came rushing in, filling the state room about quarter full.  This was about 12:30 at night and some one yelled "We are hit!"  I was half asleep and I jumped out of my birth into the water on the floor and put one life belt on quicker than I ever did anything before in my life.  I ran to the door and found a good many ahead of me.  By that time the cause of the trouble was learned and we went back inside." The ship was convoyed by the British fleet when they reached the English waters, and when he returned home, "Bobbie" told of Zeppelin raids and scores of other interesting incidents he witnessed while in London.

The body of Sergeant Robert Dunn will not be sent home.  His parents, while prostrate with grief, are consoled by the knowledge that their son gave his life in the cause of humanity--the cause, which is to stop the ruthless slaughter of thousands of defenseless women and children, as the Belgian women and innocent children were cut down by the German military machine when the advance was made through that little country.

Robert Dunn enlisted in August, 1917, at Binghamton and after receiving his preliminary training was sent to Kelley Field, Texas, where he remained for two months before going across.  He was 26 years of age last January and is survived by his parents, a sister Mary, and three other brothers, all fighting for Uncle Sam.

1st Corps Observation Training Centre, Headquarters 95 Aero Squadron
My Dear Mrs. Dunn:
You will have heard by this time of the loss of your son, Robert J. Dunn, of this squadron.  I have been with this squadron since September of last year and it has been my privilege to see the work of your son, and I wish to write and tell you of the great sorrow which is felt over his death by every member of this command, officers and men.  He came in as a private and by his untiring efforts and zeal and ability was advanced to the position of first class sergeant early in the year, which is one of the highest positions a mechanic can obtain; and since his appointment he has faithfully and skillfully performed the very necessary duties attached to his office, being one of the men who by his clean living and example had made it possible for his squadron to reach the high efficiency in the field that it has attained.

He was on duty at the time of his death, flying with lieut. Robert Clapp, one of our best pilots, a man who has been over the German lines many times. They were testing the machine and it was necessary for your son to be with him to accurately test the motor.  The machine was caught in a puff of wind and before control could be obtained, crashed to the ground, both of the men being instantly killed.

Your son was buried with military honors at the A.E.F. cemetery no 1, Grave No. 3, Gondrecourt, France. Everything that could be done was done to make the ceremony as you would have wished.  High requiem mass was celebrated by a priest at the Y.M.C.A. hut at this place and the entire squadron, officers and men attended the funeral, both in the building and on the grounds, which was a true military funeral.  Kindly accept my sincere sympathy in your bereavement and believe me.
Sincerely yours, George C. Thomas, Jr., Capt. A.S. Sig. R.C. Adjutant.

Louis Earl Willcox
Chenango Telegraph, May 7, 1918

From France comes the news of the death in Pershing's army of a Chenango county boy, Louie Earl Willcox of Roger street, Preston [Chenango Co., NY]. Death followed a sickness with mumps and measles.  Saturday evening Myron K. Willcox received a telegram from the war department announcing the death of his son, Private Louie E. Willcox in France, death coming from disease. The name of the young man appeared in the casualty lists of Sunday, when 119 men were listed.

Private Louie Earl Willcox was inducted into the national army at Norwich November 23 when he left with a large contingent for Camp Dix.  Thence he was transferred to Camp Hancock, Ga.,  He had been in France about two months and the last letter received form him was on April 30 when he wrote home that he was well.

Private Willcox was 29 years of age on January 2.  He is the son of Myron K. and Capitola Willcox, long time residents of Roger street, Preston, where they live on the George Rogers homestead farm.  Besides  his parents he is survived by two brothers, Carroll and Harry and a sister, Lila T., all of whom live at home.  Young Willcox was a farmer and was best known in Oxford and Preston, where he went to school and worked from boyhood days.  He is the first Chenango boy in Pershing's army to lay down his life.  Two others have been wounded in France according to the news which has reached the home folks--Lieut. Arthur Bunell who spent his summers in Guilford in the lake colony, but whose home was in Brooklyn and Lewis E. Shaver of Bainbridge.

Norwich Sun, August 3, 1918

Myron K. Willcox of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] has received official papers telling him the circumstances surrounding the death of his son, Louis E. Willcox, who gave his life for world democracy on the battlefields of France.  Private Willcox was reported dead at the same time that Robert Dunn's name appeared in the casualty lists and it is likely that Mrs. Dunn will soon have intelligence as to accident in which her son's life was sacrificed in his country's service. The letters received by Mr. Willcox are as follows.

Company 16, 4th Battalion, 1st MM Regt. As AEF Sectour Postal 147, France

Mr. Myron K. Willcox, McDonough, N.Y.

Dear Sir:  I would say that about 4 o'clock p.m. April 29th, 1918, Private 1st Class Louie E. Willcox of this company died of pulmonary edema, secondary to endocarditis.  The body was buried with military honors in the cemetery at this station on May 1st, 1918.  Private Willcox was an excellent soldier, universally liked by his officers and his fellow soldiers, and his death is a source of sorrow to all of us.   

Louis J. Hamilton, Captain Inf. R.C., Commanding Company 16

American Expeditionary forces head quarter service of supply graves registration service

Mr. Myron K. Willcox

Were it not for the comfort that sorrowing people derive from such letters, I should shrink from writing to you at this time, because I know how heavy your heart must be, and how terrible it is to get official letters that confirm the tidings of death.  It is with much sympathy and sorrow that I am writing you and yet you will want to know that somebody is here in France whose business it is to care for the graves of our brave men who have given their lives in defense of the world's liberty.

Your son, Louis E. Willcox, is buried in the cemetery at Epinal, France.  It is the province of this service to guard his grave and to see that, so far as the conditions of war may permit, it may never be lost.  I had two years of similar service in the Philippines, and have come to France prepared to give my life, if need be, for the guarding of the graves of our dead and carrying out the sacred desires of the sad heart at home.  May God bless and comfort you in your grief.

Charles c. Pierce, Major, A.Q.M. U.S.A.

Devillo Davis

Norwich Sun, August 3, 1918

Devillo Davis, who died at his residence in the city of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] July 30, 1918, was born in the town of Plymouth, N.Y. [Chenango Co.,], November 25, 1841, and spent his boyhood and young manhood in that town.  He answered his country's call in the Civil war and went as a volunteer, serving in Co. F, 7th New York Artillery, until the close of the war.  March 3, 1866, he was united in marriage to Eliza L. Kenyon of Pitcher. They located on a farm in the town of Pharsalia, where they spent nearly their whole life time until the death of Mrs. Davis in 1906.  June 29, 1911, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Hattie E. Beach of Norwich, and has resided in that city since that date.  Interment in Wayside Rest cemetery at Pharsalia.  He is survived by his wife, Hattie E. Davis of Norwich, N.Y., and two sons, Myrtule W. Davis of South Otselic and Eli N. Davis of Pharsalia, and four brothers, Hudson Davis of German and Charles B. and Richmond Davis of Pharsalia and Asa W. Davis of Norwich, and one sister, Mrs. M.B. Ames of Norwich.

Death Notices (April 4)

Death Notices
Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 6, 1855

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., of consumption, Luther Newton, aged 74 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Albert Eugene [Bingham], son of Frederick M. and Mariette Bingham, aged 6 months, 7 days.

In Willet [Cortland Co., NY], on the 2d inst., of consumption, Mr Samuel Canfield, aged 74 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Caroline [Sturges], daughter of J.O. and Caroline Sturges, aged 6 months and 2 days.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday, Nov. 28th, Doct. C.E. Field, aged 27 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday, 28th ult., Clement Sands, youngest son of James W. Clark, aged 5 years, 8 months and 13 days.

Chenango Union, December 30, 1875

COOK:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 22, 1875, Anna [Cook], wife of William Cook, aged 43.

LORD:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 26, 1875, Mrs. Livonia Lord, widow of David lord, aged 43 years.

RAYMOND:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 17, 1875, Emma A. [Raymond], daughter of Daniel L. and Clarissa Raymond.  aged 14 years 6 months.

DAVIS:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 9, 1875 Mr. John R. Davis, aged 31 years.

SMITH:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 7, 1875, Mrs. Abigail Smith, aged 75 years.

BENNETT:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 16, 1875, Mr. Marvin Bennett, aged 75 years.

MAIN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 22, 1875, Mr. Aaron B. Main, aged 72 years.

Chenango Union, August 30, 1894

WETMORE:  At the residence of her son-in-law, Stiles B. Grant, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 29, 1894, Mrs. Frances S. Wetmore, widow of Gideon Wetmore, age 85 years.

SERGEANT:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 23, 1894, Mrs. Ruth H. Sergeant, age 85 years.

ESTABROOK:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 27, 1894, John S. [Estabrook], son of Seymour H. and Barbary Estabrook, age 1 year, 1 month, 24 days.

MUDGE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 21, 1894, Nora May [Mudge], daughter of John and Flora m. Mudge, age 1 year.

KIRKBY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 22, 1894, James E. [Kirkby], son of Joseph E. and Christine c. Kirkby.

TITUS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 27, 1894, Williard B., [Titus], son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin D. Titus, age 8 months.

HAZZARD:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], Aug. 19, 1894, Mr. William T. Hazzard, aged 42 years.

FULLER:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], Aug. 22, 1894, Mr. Elisha S. Fuller, aged 60 years.

COLDINE:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 17, 1894, Miss Alice Coldine, aged 26 years.

HOWE:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 18, 1894, Mr. Elmer E. Howe, age 33 years.

Obituaries (April 2)

Charlotte A. Bennett

Bainbridge Republican, August 3, 1872

In Memoriam:  Mrs. Charlotte A. Bennett departed this life July 27th, after a very painful illness of some weeks at the age of 51.  From the first Mrs. Bennett felt that this might prove her last sickness and made all her arrangements for her departure, if it should so be ordered, and often said that she would like to live, yet if God willed it she was prepared to go.  Fearing that reason might be dethroned toward the last, she called her family to her bedside and bid them each good bye, saying "that she thought it best to do this while she had her consciousness, as she might not always be able to recognize them;" and it proved true, for in the last days of her life she scarcely knew anyone.  In mental power and ability of mind Mrs. Bennett had few equals.  She possessed a discrimination that would have fitted her for a high and useful position, had she been called to it.  Added to this she had a native grace and dignity, queen-like, which at once fitted her for a leader and made her the charm of every circle in which she moved, and above all graced her own home.  Besides the  natural powers and graces, Mrs. Bennett was a firm believer in God's Word, and in the justice of His divine requirements, and sought in her own life to meet these requirements.  She was baptized some twenty-five years ago by Rev. Henry Robertson, into the membership of the Bennettsville Baptist Church.  During this time she has sustained an unimpeachable Christian character.  In the death of Mrs. Bennett society has lost a polished and refined mind; the Christian church an exemplary member; the Sabbath school a cultivated and earnest teacher, and home its brightest starr.  Her funeral was very largely attended, and Rev. Henry Robertson discoursed ably from the words, "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."  Thus one after another of earth's children passes away, and how blessed the invitation, "Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest."

Rev. Harvey Smith

Bainbridge Republican, October 12, 1872

Death of Rev. Harvey Smith:  This servant of Christ, died at Phelps City, Mo., Sept. 20th, 1872, aged 61 years.  he was born in Coventry, this county [Chenango Co., NY], and was well known throughout this entire region.  More than thirty years ago he commenced preaching in Masonville Delaware county. After supplying that church for a short time, he was called to the Congregational Church in Triangle, Broome county, and from thence he returned to Masonville.  After filling both of these pulpits with acceptance, he was elected Vice Principal of Laurel Bank Seminary in Deposit.  He labored in that capacity for about two years, when he went to Chenango Forks and took charge of the church there.  From there he went to Maine Village in the same county, and remained several years.  From Maine Village he was called to the Presbyterian church in South Armenia, Dutchess county, where he has been settled for the last fourteen years.  On the second of September last, he left his home on a visit to his only son in Nebraska, and a sister in Missouri.  He arrived at the home of his sister, Mrs. J.L. Dort, near Phelps City, Mo., on the 7th.  His visit there was very opportune, as the family were in sore affliction from the recent death of Mr. Dort and one of his sons. But his words of comfort and sympathy to them were destined to be few.  In a few days, he was taken with bloody flux, and after nine days of suffering breathed out his life.  

Thus was suddenly terminated a most useful life.  He had long anticipated this visit to the West.  He had thought much of the need of the West for faithful preachers of the gospel, and advanced as he was in years, he had yet expressed his determination to resign his charge in the East and seek a new field in the West.  His whole soul was in his Master's work, and he longed for nothing so much as to break the bread of life to the destitute ones there.  But God had a higher service for him.  He was permitted to make his long contemplated visit, but only to find a grave in the West instead of a field of labor.  He was not permitted to lift up his voice there in preaching the gospel he loved, but from there his soul went up to the Master, whose word he had so often proclaimed.  Like Moses, he was permitted to look upon the land where his heart had been set, but he was not permitted to enter upon the possession of it.  The death of this beloved brother will cast a shadow over the hearts of multitudes who have known and loved him, for he was dear to the hearts of all his friends.  For him to be known, was to be respected and loved.  He was one of Nature's noblemen, richly endowed with fine qualities of mind and heart.  He was unselfish and self sacrificing to the highest degree.  His life was devoted to the service of his Master in raising up fallen humanity.  No labor was too severe, no sacrifice too great for him to undertake, if thereby he could benefit some fellow creature.  His place will be hard to fill, for his equal in these things is seldom found.

His bereaved family will ever miss his genial presence, his kind words and many tender offices of affection.  His afflicted people will miss the wise counsels, and the solemn warnings and instructions of their late faithful shepherd.  An aged mother will miss the filial caress, and loving voice of her preacher son.  Brothers and sisters, and friends near and distant will miss his cheering visits, and the influence of his happy and devoted spirit.  Yes, we shall see his face no more, and the thought brings sorrow to our hearts.  But with him there is no sorrow.  His labor and his toil are over, his sorrows are all past, and he has entered into the rest and reward of the righteous.   W.H.S.

Death Notices

Bainbridge Republican, July 13, 1872

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], July 5th, Mr. Wm. D. Newell, aged 29 years.

In New York city, July 4th, Mr. Charles W. PerLee, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]  aged 42 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], July 4th, Mr. James Stoppard, aged 61 years.

Bainbridge Republican, July 20, 1872

Spaulding:  At the residence of her son, Ira Spaulding, in this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] July 9th, Mrs. Phebe Spaulding, aged 83 years and 6 months.

Barr:  At the residence of his son, in East Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], July 10th, Mr. Arron Barr, aged 88 years.

Crandall:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], July 11th, J. Louis [Crandall], son of Joseph and Carrie Crandall, aged 2 years 5 months and 14 days.

Cleveland:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], July 5th, Miss Lottie Cleveland, aged 25 years.

Bainbridge Republican, July 27, 1872

Fish:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 13th, Mrs. Elisabeth Fish, aged 89 years.

Bainbridge Republican, August 3, 1872

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Helen L. [Wildey], wife of Stephen Wildey, in the 60th year of her age.

Blog Listing, March 25-April 1 ,2018

LaListing of blog postings for March 25 to April 1, 2018.

Marriages

Posted March 30, 2018

Thomas E. Dutton - Mabel Hicks, The Otselic Lothario 1886
Marriage Notices - 1855

     Robert Patterson - Martha Adair

     Dr. Austin A. Baker -Caroline m. Weaver

     John H. Reynolds - Betsey M. Wilbur
     Isaac B. Per Lee - Helen M. Stowell
     Volney C. Roe - Martha v. Andrews
     Rufus Babcock -Mrs. M. Faulkner
     John Eddy - Harriet Baker
     John Vivyan - Harriet J. Shippey
     Wilbert Bowes - Lavinia P. Pendleton
     John S. Atwater - Urania King
     William C. Terwilliger - Mary Leach

Obituaries

Posted March 26, 2018

Death Notices - 1905

     Harmon Mattice (Otego, 59y)

     F. LaVerne Youmans (Butternuts, 23y)

     George A. Toombs (Brackett Lake, 50y)

     Mrs. James P. Kenyon (Morris, 80y)

     Dr. Peter Roosevelt Johnson (Sag Harbor LI, 77y)

     Alanson Hull (Oxford, 98y)

     Henry L. marsh (Norwich, 75y)

     Phoebe Smith (Wells Bridge)

Death Notices - 1855

     Mariette Daniels (Oxford, 27y)

     Sarah M. Reynolds Breed (Liberia, Africa, Norwich, 22y)

Posted March 27, 2018
Amanda Parker (Coventryville, 1902)
Grant Colvin (Afton, Newport News VA, 1903)
Charles F. Parsons (Guilford, 1903)
Susan R. (Bixby) Newton (Lestershire, Bainbridge, Sidney, 1902)
Rufus Whitney (Sidney, 1902)
Death Notices - 1855
     Sears Squires (Greene, 60y)
     Fitch Bissell (North Norwich, 72y)
     Alfreda Bishop (Homer, 82y)
     Mary Gould (Smithville, 42y)
     Fanny Fray (Oxford, 73y)
     William Randall (Preston, 27y)
     Henry Wheeler (Guilford, 73y)
     Sophia Bachelor (McDonough, 65y)
     Charles O. Tracy (Portsmouth OH, Oxford, 51y)

Posted March 28, 2018
Earl F. Scott (1900)
Washington Pearsall (Harpursville, 1900)
Betsey A. Butler (Afton, 1900)
Fred Whitney (Sidney, 1902)
George A. Morgan (Sidney, Middletown, 1902)
Death Notices - 1855
     Sarah Brooks (Plymouth, 60y)
     Currence Bostwick (Franklin, 102y)
     William Lord (Poolville, 71y)
     John Stafford (Ellington, 62y)
     Hannah McCall (Preston, 72y)

Posted March 31, 2018
Isaac Thornton (McDonough, 18867)
Smith Steere (Norwich, 1888)
Loren Willcox (Preston, 1886)
Dr. Leal L. Perry (Bainbridge, Rushville, 1932)
Death Notices - 1855
     Daniel Younglove (Hamilton, 53y)
     Norman M. Sexton (Aurora IL, Smyrna, 30y)
     Harriet A. Sannick (Oxford, 18y?)
     Harmony (Clark) Tunnacliff (Bridgewater, Sherburne, 36y)
     Alberto B. Haxton (Sherburne, 26y)  Died at sea

Posted April 1, 2018
Joseph G. Lamb (Unadilla, 1896)
Arvilla McDwain (Unadilla, 1896)
G.P. Wilson (Minneapolis MN, Smyrna, Earlville, 1888)
George A. Adams (Norwich, 1940)
Death Notices - 1855
     Elizabeth T. Nichols (Smithville, 27y)
     James G. McCray (Smithville, 35y)
     Thurston Kinyon Jr., (Barker, 80y)
     David Brigham (Oxford, 73y)
     Clara Hoyt (Sherburne, 64y)
     John Eaton (Sherburne, 22y)

Miscellaneous

Posted March 31, 2018

Lathan Crandall of Plymouth and Norwich NY, 1802-1892

Obituaries (April 1)

Joseph G. Lamb

Sidney Record, October 24, 1896

Joseph G. Lamb died t his home on Watson street, [Unadilla, Otsego Co., NY], Tuesday of last week with dropsy, aged seventy-five years.  The funeral services were held from his late residence at 2 o'clock p.m. Thursday, and the burial in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, the Rev.  H.B. Benedict officiating. The deceased had spent nearly his entire life in and near this village and was esteemed and respected by all who knew him as the large attendance of our best citizens would testify.  For some time past he has conducted a barber shop in Bishop's hotel, which business he had kept up until within a few weeks of his death.

Arvilla McDwain

Sidney Record, October 24, 1896

Mrs. Arvilla McDwain, aged 84 years died of consumption at the home of her parents by adoption, Mr. and Mrs. D.P. Spencer, about 6 o'clock Tuesday evening, Oct. 13.  The funeral was held at the residence of Mr. Spencer on West Main street Friday afternoon, the Rev. E.L. Chichester officiating.  The burial was in Evergreen cemetery.

G.P. Wilson

Chenango Union, March 29, 1888

G.P. Wilson, of the commission firm of Wilson & Maxfield, died at the Homeopathathic hospital on Sunday night under unusual circumstances.  For several weeks his wife had been dangerously ill with typhoid fever.  When she had recovered partially Mr. Wilson was prostrated by a disease resembling typhoid fever, but the exact nature of which the attending physicians were unable to determine, some affirming that it was caused by sewer gas.  At one time he seemed much better, but suffered a relapse which proved fatal.  He retained full consciousness until within an hour of his death about 11 o'clock Sunday night.  His widow is the only surviving relative in Minneapolis. The funeral will probably be held on Thursday afternoon. The deceased was about fifty years of age and was born at Smyrna, New York [Chenango Co.].  for some years he was engaged in mercantile business at Earlville [Madison Co., NY] in that state and then removed to Sioux Falls, Dak., whence he removed to Minneapolis in July, 1885, and associated himself with Mr. Maxfield in the commission trade.  Mr. Wilson was highly esteemed in Business circles.  His death is the seventh among members of the Chamber of Commerce which has occurred within the past month.   Minneapolis Pioneer Press, March 20.

George A. Adams

1867 - 1940

George A. Adams of 38 Cortland street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], retired farmer, former city alderman and prominent resident, passed away at the Chenango Memorial Hospital about 10 o'clock Thursday morning after an illness of a little more than two weeks.  Mr. Adams, a former resident of North Norwich, where he was engaged in farming for many years, had been in failing health for several months.  About 15 days ago he was stricken with bronchial pneumonia, which with other complications, coupled with a weak heart caused his demise.  He had been a hospital patient  for 16 days during which time every effort had been made to bring about his recovery.  Mr. Adams was born in Pennsylvania 73 years ago last March 16, but had been a resident of Norwich a major portion of his life.  He came to North Norwich in 1887 and that place had been his residence until his removal to this city in 1922.  The deceased was first united in marriage with Irene L. Brookins in 1886 and she died in 1888.  He then married Ella Tuttle of North Norwich in 1899 and she passed away in this city in 1933.  During the many years he was engaged in farming Mr. Adams was active in seeking to better the life of the rural community.  He was president of the Chenango County Farm Bureau for several years and was a pioneer in the county in this particular work.  Mr. Adams was a charter member of the Chenango County Farm Bureau and on Jan. 8, 1916, was elected president of the association serving in that capacity for several years.  In 1921 Mr. Adams was made chairman of the T.B. Testing and accredited herd work of the farm bureau and he served for about 10 years in that work.  He later became a member of the board of directors of the junior department serving for several years.  The deceased had been a resident of Norwich for 18 years and during that period he served his city several years as alderman from the third ward.  As a member of the common council he displayed the same sound judgment and business acumen as he did in other affairs of his career.

In his later years he took great pleasure in spending hours on his favorite trout streams throughout this section.  George Adams was an expert fisherman and he was known to catch the prize beauties where others failed.  Mr. Adams also took great delight in the game of horse shoe pitching and so diligent was he in this sport that he held the title of champion horse shoe pitcher of the state.  Mr. Adams was a true Christian gentleman all his life. While a resident of North Norwich he served the Baptist church of that community as trustee and was one of the prime movers in church work in that hamlet.  After taking up his residence in this city Mr. Adams identified himself with the First Baptist church and was a member of the official board several years.  He also served as deacon.  He was also a stockholder and director of the Chenango County National Bank & Trust company.  Mr. Adams was quick to give of his service in other walks of life and his advice and counsel will be greatly missed by many in this city.  There survive two sons and one daughter, B. Harry Adams of Norwich, Merton S. Adams of Plainfield, N.J., and Miss Gladys A. Adams, home demonstration agent at large and now working in Oswego county.  His is also survived by his aged mother Mrs. S.E. White of Mt. Dora, Florida who is 97 years of age, and a brother, Byron Adams of California.

Death Notices

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 29, 1855

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst., Elizabeth T. [Nichols] wife of Silas D. Nichols, aged 27 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., James G. McCray, aged 35 years.

In Barker [Broome Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Thurston Kinyon Jr., aged 80 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., suddenly, Mr. David Brigham, aged 73 years

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., of consumption, Clara [Hoyt], wife of Stephen Hoyt, aged 64 years.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., of consumption, John [Eaton], son of Horace and Clarissa Eaton, aged 22 years.