Obituaries (May 5)

Fred Leonard Willcox

1884 - 1942

Fred Leonard Willcox died Sunday afternoon, March 15, at his late home in North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], at the age of 58.  He leaves is wife, Grace, and a stepson, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Eaton of Norwich; one daughter, Mrs. Jene Welty of Rome; one sister, Mrs. Cora Huttleston of Binghamton, and one nephew, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Huttleston of Binghamton; one niece, Mrs. Nellie Setliff of Binghamton, and one cousin, Mr. and Mrs. Mason Aldrich of Norwich.  Several other cousins, one sister-in-law, Mrs. Ida Secor of Cortland; his mother-in-law, Mrs. Mary Coleman; one brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Coleman of Norwich, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Caffre of Norwich.  Rev. Larrison of Norwich preached the funeral sermon and Alfred White sang two solos "Beyond the Sunset" and "Good Night and Good Morning."  The bearers were George Campbell, Alfred White, Fremont Tucker, Wendell Lamb, Arley Manwarren and Delmer Law. The beautiful flowers testified to the high esteem in which the deceased was held.

Dr. Velmore Huse
Sidney Record, May 29, 1909

The friends in Sidney of the late physician Velmore Huse, who died in New York city on the 7th of May, are ready to vouch for the accuracy of a remarkable incident which occurred before what might be termed Dr. Huse's second death.  Dr. Huse was a comparatively young man of thirty-four years of age.  He was established in the medical profession in New York city, making a brilliant success in a vast city where failure is the common lot of young physicians.  He died of peritonitis, the result of an operation for appendicitis.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Orrin Huse, of Livingstonville, N.Y., were notified that the end was approaching.  Their grief was great when they arrived at the Alston sanatorium and learned that their son, who earnestly wished to see them, had died a few hours before.

It is a well known fact, ancient as the world itself, that a comatose condition frequently precedes death, and the fact must also be borne in mind that the patient in this case was a skilled physician, which gives force to his last and emphatic utterance. When the parents arrived Dr. Huse had been pronounced dead by the physicians, nurses and others of the sanatorium.  Of this fact they were quite positive nd it was so announced to the parents.

Some time after the arrival of the parents, to the astonishment of everyone Dr. Huse opened his eyes. The nurse recovering from her surprise, remarked; "You have been in a deep sleep doctor."  The doctor slowly replied: "I was not asleep; I was dead."  This was said in tones of deep and firm conviction.  The parents were summoned to his bedside. Dr. Huse conversed with them about business matters of importance and shortly died in the presence of his afflicted parents.

Under ordinary conditions, there would attach to a statement of this kind from a dying person little or no importance, but the emphatic utterance of a trained medical mind adds weight to the strange assertion and still another marvel to the realm of psychology.  Mrs. C.L. VanTassell, of Sidney, was personally acquainted with Dr. Huse, and has received a letter form his parents relating the facts in this remarkable case.

Frank Bush

Sidney Record, May 29, 1909

Last Sunday morning at 10:30 while church bells peeled welcome to worshippers, Ray Hall while walking along the O.&W. track a short distance from the station in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], discovered the body of a badly wounded man near the track.  The victim proved to be Frank Bush, a young man of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  Medical aid was quickly summoned.  Bush, although feeble from loss of blood, was able to walk to the station, where it was seen that the skull was fractured.  A long wait followed, until the arrival of the Northbound milk train and he was taken to Oneida, but died on the way there. The circumstances in the case indicate that Bush was struck by a train while walking along the tracks.  Within a foot of the rails, about 75 feet from the place where he was found lying in the ditch, was a large pool of blood.  How long he lay there suffering will probably never be known.  He was seen around Guilford Saturday  night.

Chenango Telegraph, May 25, 1909

Because Norwich's hospital is still only a faint hope, another man, whose life might have been saved had the local project not lapsed into a comatose state, is dead.  Sunday morning, Frank Bush, son of Judson Bush of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], was found lying beside the railroad tracks at Guilford.  He was removed to the depot and started for Oneida--the nearest city with a hospital--on the first train.  But the delay had been too long.  He died before he reached a place where he could receive proper attention.

Ray Hall was walking along the Ontario & Western tracks, 100 feet north of the Guilford station about 10:30 o'clock Sunday morning when near W.W. Nash's feed store, his attention was attracted by a body lying in the ditch beside the tracks.  He investigated and found Bush lying there badly wounded, in a semi-conscious condition.  Help was summoned and supported on each side, Bush was able to walk to the station.  Drs. R.M. Clark and A.H. Evans were called and found that Bush was probably suffering from a fractured skull.  Without the facilities for performing the delicate operation necessary in such cases, the surgeons could do little but wait for a train to come and then start the unfortunate man for Oneida, where he could receive proper treatment.  There were two cuts on the right side of his head, one a torn, lacerated cut. When the afternoon milk train came along, Bush was placed on a bed in the caboose and started for Oneida in the caboose and started for Oneida in care of Dr. Evans.  Just before the train reached Eaton, he died.

The circumstances in the case indicate that Bush was struck by a train while walking along the tracks.  Within a foot of the rails about 75 feet from the place where he was found lying in the ditch, was a large pool of blood.  How long he lay there suffering will probably never be known.  He was seen around Guilford Saturday night.  He had been working for A. Kagel, it is said.  There was nothing on the body by which it could be identified.  The only contents of Bush's clothing were some loose cigarette papers, a pipe, an empty tobacco pouch and a mouth organ.  He was dressed in two pairs of trousers, one stripped and one dark; a black and white shirt, blue undershirt and a dark coat.  He wore two rings, one set with a blue stone and one a seal ring, marked with the letter "L."  When Norwich was reached, Bush was recognized by local parties.  After he died on the way to Oneida hospital, the body was taken on to Oneida, where Coroner Brooks was summoned and ordered an autopsy made.  The autopsy was performed by Drs. Wiles and Piaff.  It revealed a fracture of the skull and a clot of blood on the brain, which was ascertained as the cause of death.  This morning, Judson Bush, father of the unfortunate young man, went to Oneida, with Undertaker Breese and brought the body back to Norwich for burial.

The moral of this story is so plain that it needs little comment.  A year ago, almost to a month, a series of shocking accidents aroused public sentiment in Norwich to such an extent that a start and a good start too, was made toward providing an emergency hospital, at least, in this village.  An association was formed and several hundred dollars were raised to further the project.  Since "fair" time nothing has been heard of the scheme.  Had the people who were back of the project gone ahead with it, there would have been a suitable place for the treatment of accident cases in Norwich by this time.  In that case it would not have been necessary to send Frank Bush on the long journey to Oneida and it is extremely probable that a human life would have been saved.  Why is not the present a good time to renew activity for the Norwich hospital?

Obituaries (May 4)

William Luther Northway

Northern Christian Advocate, June 13, 1849

Wm. Luther [Northway], our little boy, is no more with us.  He expired on the 20th inst., at 9 o'clock in the evening.  Our three infant boys are now in heaven.  The latter was aged 3 years, 11 months and 15 days.  We miss him very much.  Seldom have we returned home for the last two and a half years, but that he has met us patting his hand, exclaiming, "my Pa has come, my Pa has come!"  We are no more to enjoy his greetings here, but we do anticipate that when this heart shall cease to beat, we shall then greet him, and perhaps, he will then exclaim, "my Pa has come.;"   L. Northway, Tioga [Tioga Co., NY], May 24, 1849

Ruby Woodbury

Northern Christian Advocate, June 13, 1849

Ruby [Woodbury], wife of John Woodbury, Jr., died in Pulaski [Oswego Co., NY], May 23d, in the 43d year of her age.  Sister Woodbury died of an epidemic fever, which has been fatal in many instances here.  In her death the great loss of an affectionate companion and mother has been sustained, and the Church has lost one of its best embers; but their loss is her eternal gain, for she lived and died a Christian.  W.H. Hawkins.

Fred Asa Secor

1885 - 1941

Fred Asa Secor died at his home in South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 17, after an illness of nearly two years.  He was born in Otego, Oct. 23, 1885.  Later he moved to Plymouth where he was married to Ida Z. Coleman at her home in North Pharsalia, Dec. 25, 1907, by Rev. A.C. Oliver of Plymouth.  Later they moved to Norwich where they lived for 18 years, then to South Plymouth where they have lived for the past five years.  He was a good husband and father and was liked by those who knew him.  Mr. Secor was a member of the Free Methodist church of North Pharsalia and Norwich for about 26 years.  He leaves to mourn his loss, a wife and one daughter, Mrs. Lena Coffin of Norwich, and three grandchildren, also two brothers, Grover Secor of Norwich and Merton Secor of Afton and one sister, Mrs. Huburt Steere of Norwich.  Funeral services were held at his late home in South Plymouth at 1:30 Thursday afternoon, Feb. 20, and at 2 o'clock in the Free Methodist church at Norwich, with Rev. D.W. Rose, assisted by Rev. Hessie Richard, officiating.  Burial was made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Mary Spencer Coleman

1856 - 1943

Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Spencer Coleman, who died at 1 o'clock Monday afternoon at her home in North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], are to be held at the late residence at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon with Rev. K.W. Larrison officiating.  Burial is to be made in North Pharsalia.  Mrs. Coleman was born in Madison county, July 24, 1856 and had been ill for some time.  She is survived by three children, Clarence Coleman, Mrs. Ida Secor and Mrs. Gladys Wilcox, all of Norwich, and five grandchildren, Leon Coleman, of Norwich, Mrs. Fred Fahy of Port Layden, Pfc John A Coleman of Camp Swift Texas, Mrs. Lena Coffin of Norwich and Private Charles Eaton of Camp Hood, Texas. Six [great] grandchildren and two nieces also survive.

The funeral of Mrs. Mary Coleman was held from the home in North Pharsalia at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon with Rev. K.W. Larrison officiating.  Interment was made at North Pharsalia.  The services were largely attended and a fine floral tribute was a testimonial to the high regard felt for the deceased.  Acting as bearers were Alfred White, George Campbell, Harry E. Smith, James Shepard, Freemont Tucker and Ernest Franklin.

Hubert A. Steere

1880 - 1941

Hubert A. Steere died at his home, 13 Howard street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] at 3:30 Wednesday morning, following an extended illness.  Mr. Steere has been ill since last October and had been confined to his bed since January. The deceased was born in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], May 17, 1880, but had been a resident of Norwich for many years.  He was last employed as caretaker at the Elks Club.  He is survived by his wife Rose Secor Steere, four sons, John, Duane and Donald of Norwich and Kenneth of Binghamton.  He also leaves a daughter, Mrs. Harold White of Norwich. Services are to be held at the Breese Funeral home at 3 o'clock, Friday afternoon, with Rev. Dudley W. Rose of the Free Methodist church officiating with burial in Mt. Nope [Norwich, NY].

Obituaries (May 2)

Marietta C. Floyd

Northern Christian Advocate, June 13, 1849

Marietta C. Floyd died in Orwell [PA], of consumption, April 4, 1849, in the 23d year of her age.  Four years since she professed faith in Christ, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, but about two years since, she lost her former peace of mind.  Some months before she died she sought and found again that peace she had lost, and died in hope of a blissful immortality.  Philip Bartlett,  Orwell, Pa., May 10

Mary Loveland

Northern Christian Advocate, June 13, 1849

Mrs. Mary Loveland died in Florence, Oneida Co., N.Y., on the 9th of May, in the 76th year of her age.  She was born in Weathersfield, Mass, was converted and joined the M.E. Church about fifty years ago.  For a few years past the infirmities of age had paralyzed her physical energies, and "the weight of numerous years" caused her to recline upon her staff day after day; yet she bore her extreme sufferings with great patience, and died shouting victory over death and the grave.  J.M. Parf.

Amos A. Goodale

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 1, 1890

Amos A. Goodale, of Richfield Springs [Otsego Co., NY], who was familiarly known to the thousands of summer visitors as "Beecher," died Tuesday morning of heart disease.  He was 70 years of age, and for years has had charge of the bus for the Spring house.  He was tall, well formed, and always wore a plug hat and a long clerical coat.  His long white hair, his smooth shaven face and his cast of countenance gave him a striking resemblance to Henry Ward Beecher.  Hence his nickname.  For more than thirty years prior to the building of the railroad he was stage driver on the line from Herkimer to Richfield Springs.  He was one of the most successful jehus on the line, and his reminiscences of his career were always well told and interesting.

Franklin A. Paddock

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 1, 1890

Franklin A. Paddock, a well-known lawyer, of New York, the only brother of United States Senator A.S. Paddock, of Nebraska, died recently from a nervous trouble.  Three years ago Mr. Paddock was at his country seat in Delhi, Delaware County, and one day read "Allan Quartermain."  Haggard's romance caused him to dream that night that he was in the sea, swimming away from reptiles.  He thought he saw his brother standing on a rock stretching out his arms to save him and imagined that he had to dive to save himself from some approaching monster.  So vivid was the dream that he dived out of bed and struck his head such a blow that paralysis subsequently set in.   Although he resumed the practice of his profession later, it is believed that the attack of paralysis caused his death.

Binghamton Tragedy

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 1, 1890

Friday morning of last week, shortly after 8 o'clock, a horrible discovery was made in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on North Chenango Street.  Three dead bodies were found in a Chinese laundry, conducted by one You Lee. The laundry is a new one-story building.  A railroad man was the first to make the discovery.  Upon entering the place he found one Chinaman, Sing Lee, leaning over a table in the front room of the place.  Tapping him upon the shoulder and receiving no reply he discovered that he was dead.  In an adjoining room on the floor beside a bed lay the proprietor, You Lee, and a woman about 25 years of age, named Mary Sweeney, stretched across the Chinaman's body.  A cat was also found dead under a table.  And it is evident that the three were suffocated by coal gas which escaped from a stove. There were no marks or bruises upon the bodies.

The Binghamton Republican of Wednesday gives the following graphic story of the funeral of the dead heathens.  The remains of the Chinamen, Wing Lee and You Lee, who were found dead in You Lee's "wash house" last Friday morning were taken to New York last evening.

At an early hour yesterday morning Who Wong Chong, in company with another Celestial, called on Undertaker Cornell and paid $70 for the two coffins. Armed with joss sticks and other paraphernalia, and the necessary disinfectants, they were led into the presence of the dead.  A bar of common soap was placed at the foot of each coffin, in which were placed Chinese candles resembling cat tails. These were lighted and while they were burning, combs, brushes, hats, shoes and other articles thought necessary for a long journey were placed in the coffins in which the Chinamen lay, attired in their best.  The forms were then neatly covered with slips of vari colored paper, upon which Chinese prayers were inscribed.  The Mongohans then placed something resembling incense in a pail, which they swung over the corpses and during the ceremony they chanted their religious service.

This closed the ceremonies, after which the Celestials retired, and the coffins were placed in a box for shipment to New York.  After a short period has elapses the bodies will sent to China where both the dead men leave families.

The remains of the dead Chinamen were conveyed to the Erie depot at 9 o'clock last evening.  Wong, who was left to accompany the bodies, was armed with a flour sack from which he distributed printed Chinese prayers to drive away the evil spirits.  He also threw a quantity on the coffins and in the car in which the bodies were placed.

Abram Antoine, Chenango's Great Indian

Chenango's Great Indian

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 1, 1890

The celebrated chief of the Oneidas, Abram Antoine, whose name appears in an old Oxford Gazette as Abraham Antonia, was born on the banks of the Susquehanna in 1750, and while yet a boy his parents removed to Chenango, Broome County.

The Oneida Indians had a tradition that the Antoines, supposed to have belonged to the Tuscarora Nation, were the seventh generation from the inhabitants of the fort in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and that a gigantic chief lived there whom they called Thick Neck. When their hunters came into his vicinity he destroyed them, notwithstanding their many attempts to decoy him out of his strong hold.  At last they succeeded in getting between him and the fort, he quickly turned, ran down the river to Warn's pond and secreted himself in the marsh, where he was soon found and destroyed.  He was buried on the bank, the earth leveled and leaves placed over the grave that no vestige of him should remain.  The remnant of the tribe was adopted by the Oneidas.

During the Revolutionary war Abram Antoine took up arms in favor of the Americans, and was in several battles, and it is said was employed on a secret mission by Gov. Clinton.  Bold, adventurous and revengeful, few dared to encounter his wrath, years might elapse before the opportunity for revenge presented itself, but when the offender least expected it he paid the price of his temerity with his life.  An instance is related of a perfidious act perpetrated upon Antoine by a white man named Patterson, who inveigled him and his father, Squire Antoine, into signing a deed for the reservation of one-half mile square, known as the "Castle farm" in the town of Chenango, under the supposition that they were executing a bond for the faithful fulfillment of a contract made by Abe for the delivery of a certain number of bear skins at a specified time in payment for a silver mounted rifle.  For this act Patterson forfeited the lives of himself and family at the hands of Abe, who it is believed followed him for the purpose to Ohio, whither he moved, and summarily revenged the treachery.

Abe's most atrocious deed was the murder of his own child.  Returning one evening from the council fire he found his child of a few months crying, impatient at the noise he snatched the infant from its mother's arms and raking open a hot bed of coals buried it beneath them.  The following circumstance led to the execution of Antoine at Morrisville, Madison County.  In the year 1819(?), his daughter Mary formed a connection with a young Stockbridge Indian, but was soon deserted for a more agreeable squaw, which so enraged her that she killed the rival with an Indian knife justifying herself by saying that "She had got away her Indian and deserved death.."  Mary was executed in Smithfield, Madison County [sic Chenango Co.].  John Jacobs was the principal witness against her and had been active in her arrest, but fearing death from the hands of Antoine, who had openly threatened to kill him, moved away and did not return till his enemy sent word that he would not be molested, and relying on this promise, did not take any unnecessary precaution.  A few days after while hoeing corn with a number of men, Antoine approached, shook hands with each one until he came to Jacobs, and while apparently grasping his hand in friendship, drew a long knife from his sleeve, at the same time saying, "How d ye do, brother." quickly drove it three times into the body of his victim, who fell at the first blow.  Abe gave a terrific whoop and disappeared before the terrified witnesses recovered their presence of mind. That evening several Indians learning that Abe was secreted nearby in a thick copse of underbrush went in pursuit, but he had provided himself with dogs, which gave an alarm on the approach of the pursuers, and escaped through a narrow path that he had cut with much labor.  Later a party of white and Indians approached to within a few yards of him, but by his agility he again escaped.  He was constantly armed with a rifle and two or three knives.  Two sons, well armed, were often with him, as they declared, for the purpose of defending their father.  One of them, Charles, was a most powerful and desperate fellow, and was said to have been the strongest Indian of his tribe.  He died in Chenango County, having undertaken to drink a quart of rum on a wager.

Previous to this, a reward had been offered for Abe's arrest.  the forest was searched thoroughly even into Pennsylvania.  Gen. Rathbone, of Oxford, called out the militia, all to no purpose, for the old chief was securely sheltered in South Oxford by Andrew Achorn, a German, who had been in the Hessian Army, and settled in the country he had fought against, until the excitement died away.

An attempt was made to take Abe while encamped on the farm of John Guthrie in Sherburne.  Two large and resolute Indians, learning that he was alone and his sons following a hunt, determined to capture him, and reached the camp undiscovered.  Abe was making a broom but hearing a noise seized his rifle, pointing it at them as they rushed in upon him, which so appalled them that they suddenly retreated.  Abe's rifle was not loaded, which fact he frequently boasted of in having frightened away two braves with an empty gun.  He at length grew bolder and walked into several villages in open day without fear of being molested. It is recorded that on one occasion he entered a store in Sherburne, in which were several men, and drank until he became intoxicated.

Finally two brothers, in whom Abe placed great confidence, followed him to Delaware County whither he had gone in pursuit of game, which was not so scarce there. After giving him presents and spending some time, they proposed shooting at a mark, the object of which was to take their victim while his rifle was unloaded.  Abe consented and fired, the  men rushed upon him, but were beaten off, and the old chief would have then escaped if they had not shot him in the leg.  He was taken to Morrisville and placed in jail.

Judge Williams, of Utica, presided at Abe's trial.  The prisoner pleaded not guilty and objected to a trial, except by his own people.  He stated that he had paid $270 to the different tribes for a ransom and thought it hard that he should die when he had made his peace with the Indians.  The court appointed Judge Platt and General Kirkland his counsel, who rested their defense on this, that the State of New York had no jurisdiction over the Indian tribes within her territory. The court however, overruled the objection and Abe was sentenced to be hanged on Friday, the 12th of September, 1823.  He said he was willing to die, but objected to the mode of execution, preferring to be shot.

Abe was very skillful in wood carving and it is said gave instructions in that art to the late Hon. T.H. Matteson, of Sherburne.  It was this gentleman who, while yet a young lad, approached the old chief's scaffold just before the execution  and bade him good-bye, affecting Abe more than any other part of the proceedings.

(The writer of the above spells Abe's name Antoine, though usually it is spelled Antone.)

Obituaries (April 30)

Betsey Chappell

Northern Christian Advocate, June 13, 1849

Miss Betsey [Chappell], daughter of Nathan Chappell, died in Hartwick, Otsego Co., N.Y., in the 30th year of her age.  She was converted in the summer of 1841, while a student at Cazenovia Seminary, and although she never united with any Church, yet she always maintained the character and evinced the spirit of a Christian.  The last three years of her life were years of suffering, which she bore with perfect patience, and when the hour of her departure arrived, she looked upon her friends, and with a smile upon her countenance, said, "I did not think I should be so happy."  Hartwick, May 31, 1849

Phebe Clizbe

Northern Christian Advocate, June 13, 1849

Phebe Clizbe, wife of Joseph Clizbe, died in the town of Avoca, Steuben Co., n.Y., on the 29th of March, 1849, in the 35th year of her age.  Sister C. was converted in the 20th year of her age--was married to Brother C. in her 22d year, and joined the M.E. Church of which she continued a worthy member to the day of her death. She died in hope.  S. Juda, Avoca, May 29, 1849

Nelson Cole

South New Berlin Bee, January 3, 1914

Nelson Cole, a farm laborer living at Sidney Center [Delaware Co., NY], was killed on Thursday evening on the tracks of the Ontario and Western company just outside the village limits.  Cole and a companion named William Finch came to Sidney in the afternoon and Cole is understood to have been intoxicated.  At about 6:30 p.m., they started to walk back to Sidney Center, and as the wind was blowing hard at the time it is thought that they did not hear the Mountain Express, which was then due. The engine struck Cole, killing him instantly.  Finch who was on the bank outside the track and was not injured, gave the alarm and was heard by A.E. VanDervoort of the White City Stock farm, who came out and found the lifeless body of Cole. The remains were taken to the undertaking rooms of Carr & Hare and prepared for burial.  Cole was about 60 years of age and unmarried---Oneonta Star

Henrietta Sargent

South New Berlin Bee, January 3, 1914

White Store [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Fred Shampang received the sad news of the death of her grandmother, Mrs. Henrietta Sargent, of Morris [Otsego Co., NY].  Her death occurred Dec. 22.  Just eight years ago Dec. 28 Mr. Sargent died, near Morris.  Deceased was 74 years old Sept. 22.  She is survived by seven children, thirteen great grandchildren, also half sisters, Mrs. John Light of Morris, Mrs. John Brownson, Mrs. Frank Wightman, Mrs. Chas. Gibson.  Funeral was held from her daughter's home in Morris, Wednesday.  Burial in the Morris cemetery.

George Tuttle

South New Berlin Bee, February 28, 1914

George Tuttle died Saturday, at 3 p.m., at the home of Elias Bailey at  New Berlin Center [Chenango Co., NY].  He was 62 years old, one of a family of six children, of whom one is living, Mrs. Marsden Kershaw of Sherburne, and she is the oldest of the family.  George was born in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], where the family lived for several years, his father conducting a carriage manufacturing establishment on North Main street.  His funeral was held at the home of his brother-in-law Lester Vail February 10, 1914, at 1 p.m.  Rev. A. Fuller of the Presbyterian church of New Berlin officiating.  His remains were placed in the vault till spring when interment will be at Sherburne by the side of his parents.   Sherburne News.

John Peaslee

South New Berlin Bee, February 28, 1914

Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY]:  After an illness of four weeks, John Peaslee passed away Sunday morning, Feb. 15.  He was born in Maryland, N.Y. [Otsego Co., NY], Oct. 31, 1823.  In 1846 Mr. Peaslee was married to Elvira Jones of Hartwick, who died in April, 1912, leaving him very lonely as she had been his constant companion for 66 years.  His mind was perfectly good to the last. Mr. Peaslee was sadly afflicted, being both blind and deaf, and anxiously longed for the summons to meet his friends gone before.  He is survived by two children, Mrs. R.E. Stephens of Tuscan, Arizona, and Frank J. Peaslee of Pharsalia, with whom he resided; also four grandchildren, Mrs. Vira Loizeaux of Sacramento, Cal., Mrs. Byron Brown of South Otselic, George and Gladys Peaslee of this place. the funeral was held Wednesday at 11 o'clock.  Interment in Way Side Rest cemetery.  Oxford Review

Marriages (April 29)

Westover - Waite

Chenango Union, June 3, 1880

A Buffalo local paper gives a half-column account of the marriage of W.G. Westover, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], in that city on the 20th of May.  It says that a stranger arrived at the Continental hotel and registered his name William G. Westover, Elmira, and asked the clerk to "send for a minister, not for a common, cheap one; but for a high-toned, gilt-edged minister."  The clergyman came, and the young man said the lady would arrive by the Lake Shore Railway, the train then being due, and going to the depot he returned with a charming young woman, who was introduced as Miss Lotta E. Waite, of Muncie, Indiana, and the two were soon made one. Westover, after the ceremony, told a reporter that at last his fond anticipations had been realized and the cold and causeless objections of obdurate parents had been surmounted and love had triumphed. The bride is described as a belle, whose hand was much sought after by the Indianans; but the fair William captured it with the heart, to the dislike of cruel parents, hence the romantic, runaway marriage.

Muchly Married

Career of the Scamp Who Operated in Greene

Oxford Times, February 26, 1895

The Elmira Telegram published a long account relative to Charles Howard, the champion bigamist of the world, who in the summer of 1893 was engaged in the heart smashing business in Green [Chenango Co., NY], winning the confidence, and love, we suppose, of a young widow of this village, and then swindled her out of $1,000 and a couple of gold watches, then deserting her at Binghamton, the story of which is familiar to our citizens.

The Telegram article declares that he has a wife in every State in the Union, and several in some States.  He has been in the business of marrying, robbing, and then deserting his victims, for the past 15 years.  Widows, young ladies, and even girls, just budding into womanhood, have felt the sting of this human viper.  He has received from these women from $75 up to $3,000 in money, besides jewelry and fancy apparel.

In Chicago, and other cities, he has conducted riding schools for the instruction of ladies and gentlemen, and they being of the wealthy class, it is asserted that he has robbed them in many ways. At these schools, however he was always looking out for some confiding woman, and (alas! the world is full of them), whom he could beguile into his loathsome embrace, and then rob them.

His real name is Charles H. Jones, and his people reside in Lacrosse, Wis. He has been known under many names, and since he left Greene he has been married many times, and once under the name of Spaulding, the name of his Greene victim.  Only last December he married a young woman near Owego, and of course robbed and deserted her.  One of his many victims is now making a desperate effort to bring this much married individual to justice.

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 17, 1856

At the M.E. Church, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. Edward H. Davies, to Miss Sarah A. Palmer, both of this town.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. LaFayette Briggs of Deposit [Delaware Co., NY] and Miss Almira H. Smith, of Oxford.

At Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. O. Ketchum, of East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Mr. Hugh G. Crozier, of New York City, to Miss Nancy Harrison, of the former place.

In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. E.L. Benedict, Alfred Nichols, Esq., of Earlville, Madison Co., to Miss Pamelia Post, daughter of Dea. Levi Post, of the former place.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. JC. Ransom, Mr. Alvah Green, of Triangle, Broome co., to Miss Alzina Sacket, of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

Also at the same time, by the same, Mr. Emer Aldrich, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Drusilla A. Aldrich, of McDonough (Chenango Co., NY].

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. Molbro Wells to Miss Jerusha Gale, both of the above place.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. D.W. Thurston, Mr. George Thomas to Miss Huldah E. Mallory, both of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Obituaries (April 29)

Buel P. Barnum

Northern Christian Advocate, June 13, 1849

Mr. Buel P. Barnum died at Mifflinburg, Pa., on Tuesday, May 29th, in the 24th year of his age.  From what we could learn from brother Barnum during his illness, which was short and severe, he was a resident of St. Lawrence co., N.Y.  He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church a little more than three years ago.  Two years of that time he has been laboring in the vineyard of the Lord as a local preacher; he was travelling in Pennsylvania on business when disease laid its withering hand upon him. when we last saw him he appeared cheerful, said he thought himself much better, and thought he would be able to resume his journey in a few days. This morning we are told he has gone, not to his earthly home and friends, but to his home in glory.   Thomas Wisner   

Hannah Bemis

Northern Christian Advocate, June 13, 1849

Hannah Bemis died in Rose, Wayne co., N.Y., May 5, 1849, in the 51st year of her age.  Sister B. sought the Lord when about 14 years old, but through opposition, and the snares of Satan, she wandered from God; but about 26 years since, she returned as the prodigal, and found the Lord precious; soon after she joined the Methodist Episcopal Chruch, in which she continued until her spirit was released from earth.   J.W. Coope,  Rose, May 30, 1849

Albert Munson

Chenango Union, June 3, 1880

MUNSON:  Died, on the morning of May 26th, 1880, at his home in Smyrna, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], Albert Munson, aged 69 years.  Born at this homestead, January 4th, 1811, he was married at Barkhamsted, Conn., to Hannah Merrell, May 23d, 1845.  From the home in Smyrna, in 1827 he buried his father, John Munson, aged 42 years; and in 1862, Sally Merrell Munson, his mother, aged 76 years; and again in 1870, Hannah, his wife, aged 51 years.  For a few years, his only daughter took the matron's duties of his home, till she went out to a home of her own.  Suddenly, October, 1879, she was called to the better land, leaving a babe for the love and care of her husband, Frank H. Dimmick.  Mr. Munson also followed to the grave, in 1877, Hannah, his eldest sister, and mother of Andrew Shepardson.  These all lie in the Smyrna village cemetery.  One by one the sexton "gathered them in."  The funeral services of Mr. Munson were held on Sabbath, May 30th, at the Congregational Church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. C. C. Johnson, assisted by Rev. O.L Severson.  The good qualities of head and heart possessed by Mr. Munson endeared him to his friends and acquaintances, and gave him the respect of all.  His disease was slow in approach, and peculiarly painful, yet he bore its attacks with fortitude.  By the nature of the disease denied nourishment, a strong will kept him up till the end came.  One sister, Mrs. Eliza Mead, two sons and a grandchild, survive him.

Lucy Catharine Smith

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 18, 1890

Mrs. Lucy Catharine Smith, wife of James L. Smith, died January 9th, 1890 at Earlville, N.Y. [Madison Co., NY].  She was in her 74th year.  Her death was very sudden, for the day before she had attended a funeral where she took cold which resulted in pneumonia and the end came in about 24 hours.  the funeral occurred on Sunday and her remains were interred in the village cemetery of Earlville.  Mrs. Smith was born and passed her early life in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], but for the past 32 years has resided at Earlville where she was held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances.  She possessed many noble qualities as wife, mother, friend and neighbor.  She was one of those rare persons in whom was united a quiet, gentle manner with firmness and decision.  When but 13 years of age she united with the Presbyterian Chruch at Sherburne, and ever since she has continued to adorn her profession by a worthy Christian life.  She leaves behind to mourn her loss a bereaved husband, a daughter, Mrs. W. Lee, of Earlville, five brothers, and one sister, all of whom have our sincere sympathy in their hour of bereavement.  "The memory of the just is blessed."

Lester C. Hannis

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 1, 1890

HANNIS:  At Spokane Falls, State of Washington, January 14th, 1890, Lester C. Hannis, aged 27 years, formerly of No. Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  Lester Hannis, of North Norwich, and his brother, of Oneonta, went to Spokane Falls, the State of Washington, about two months ago to make it their home.  Lester's wife, the daughter of B Fisher was to have gone in a short time, but on the 15th of this month she received a dispatch that her husband died on the 14th of January of typhoid fever. The widow has the sympathy of the entire community. The remains are to be brought to Worcester, this State, for interment.