Obituaries (August 18)

Elijah Chamberlain

Chenango Telegraph, May 16, 1838

In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY] on the 25th ult. Mr. Elijah Chamberlain.  He left a wife and an infant child, and aged parents, who depended on him for support, to lament his loss.  The circumstances attending his death are as follows:  on the afternoon of the 22d, he went to chop a few scattering trees in his follow.  In one or two hours he returned to the house and said he was very sick.  Medical aid was immediately called, and on a close examination it was concluded that he had received a blow on the head.  The ground being examined, it appeared that in felling one tree, it had brushed against another, and threw back a limb, which weighed upwards of twenty pounds.  On a post mortem examination it was found that his scull was fractured which occasioned his death.

Emily E. (Parker) Davis

Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, March 9, 1898

Mrs. E.E. Davis who is to be buried here today was the wife of Paris O. Davis, a well known farmer on the East Hill some thirty years ago. She was a Parker and her ancestry were early settlers of Chenango and are prominently linked with the history of the county.  An active member of the Baptist church, she and her husband as well as their daughter, were quite prominent in the social events until Miss Emma Davis became the wife of Professor James H. Worman and removed to New York  Mr. Davis died here in 1876 and after that Mrs. Davis spent much of her time away from Norwich.  Her only grandchild, Ben J. Worman, was at school here as a youth and many of the young men of today remember him well as a ballplayer and athlete.  His serious illness while a student at Harvard and his subsequent impaired physical condition were a subject of much grief to his sainted mother and finally cost her life.  After she had been laid to rest here, a little more than two years ago, Mrs. Davis took up her residence in New York with Dr. J.H. Worman, her son-in-law, and her grandson, Ben. They came here yesterday accompanied by Ben's wife, William H. Bishop, and a friend of the Wormans, and an attache The Outing office.  Both father and son edit The Outing and have large publishing interests in New York. Ben Worman is presumably the only heir of the Davis estate and its landed and personal property will no doubt pass into his hands unbroken.  Dr. J.H. Worman has acquired a considerable estate on Lake Champlain, where he has just completed his summer home in anticipation of having Mrs. Davis spend much of her time with him, and he feels her sudden end keenly.  He also owns some property in Norwich and has always been interested in the improvements of this town.  Mrs. Davis had been sick less than a week, although her health has not been good for a number of years. She died of heart failure, in her sleep. She was 78 years of age on the eighth of February last. The funeral services will be held this morning at 11 o 'clock from the home of A. Dwight McNitt, No. 1 Hale street, the Rev. R.N. Martin officiating.  Burial in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Emma P. (Davis) Worman

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 25, 1896

Mrs. Emma P. Worman, wife of Dr. James H. Worman and treasurer of the Outing company (limited) which publishes the Outing magazine, was found dead yesterday, shot through the breast, in apartments which adjoin and connect with the offices of Outing at 239 Fifth avenue.  It is believed that she killed herself because of worry over a surgical operation which was soon to be performed upon her son, Ben J. Worman.  Only the three members of the family were in the flat.  Ben, the son, is 22 years old.  About three or four years ago he shot himself through one of his lungs in the apartment of a friend of his.  He was fooling with an old blunderbuss pistol which his friend had hanging on his wall and the piece was discharged accidentally.  Since that shooting young Worman has been almost continuously an invalid, and has gone on crutches when he was able to go about at all.  He has submitted to two surgical operations in hopes of relief, and each of these was very long and painful and was followed by protracted periods of painful confinement and treatment.  It has recently been decided that her son must undergo a third operation and this was a source of great anxiety to his mother.  She had been  resting at their country place on Lake Champlain since the holidays, and had come from there only three days ago to make arrangements on her son's account for his ordeal.  It had been decided that he should go to Florida for a time to gain strength and then returna and submit to the knife.

Nine years ago when the Worman family bought Outing, they went to live in apartments adjoining the offices.  In recent years they have lived at the Hotel  Majestic, but have retained a small suite of living rooms on the third floor at the office. The living rooms were used by Mrs. Worman when she wished to rest of a afternoon and were occupied frequently by the crippled son, because the office of Dr. Reginald Sayre, at 285 Fifth avenue is near by.  Mr. Worman had lunch with her husband and son at the Hotel Majestic yesterday, and was much cast down about the impending operation. She seems to have gone directly from the hotel to the apartment where she was found dead. The key to this apartment was kept in the business office of the magazine. The young girl who had charge of it thinks it was about 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon when Mrs. Worman came in and got the key and went up stairs.  Mr. Charles Turner, the editor of Outing was in his office and indistinctly remembers hearing her pass, but did not see her or speak to her.  No one heard the sound of the pistol shot or shots.  About 3:30 o'clock one of the girls employed in the office below went to the door of the apartments and rapped for admission, but got no answer.  Mr. Turner said he thought Mrs. Worman must be asleep.  About 4:30 o'clock Dr. Worman arrived at the office and became engaged at once with some men who were waiting for him.  At 4:45 the son arrived "Your mother is upstairs" they told him in the office, and he went up to see her.  He found her lying on the bed there dead.  Hobbling out to Mr. Turner, he said "I have awful news to tell you.  Mother has shot herself."  Mr. Turner sent messengers for physicians at once, although Mrs. Worman's body was already cold.  Until the doctors came and declared that there was no hope the news of his wife's death was kept from Dr. Worman. The pistol with which she shot herself was one that belonged to her son, and it was kept in a drawer in the room where she died. She had partly undressed and had fired, it is said, two shots into her left breast. the pistol was in her stiffened hand and two chambers had empty shells in them.

Mrs. Worman was about 50 years old.  She was a Miss Davis and was born in Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].  She was a graduate of Vassar college and was married shortly after she left college.  Her mother is still living and is now on a visit to Oakland Cal.  This sad and startling story will be received with sadness by the many friends and acquaintances of Mrs. Worman who knew her as Emma P. Davis, when a girl in Norwich. She was the only daughter of Paris O. Davis, who resided east of this village. At an early age she showed great aptitude as a scholar and was given by her parents every educational advantage.  For a number of years she attended Norwich Academy studying not only the branches usually prosecuted by girls, but other branches such as Greek and the higher mathematics. After graduation from our Academy, she entered Vassar college where she further prosecuted her studies. About a year after leaving Vassar she was married to Prof. James H. Worman, than a professor in Drew Theological Seminary, at Madison, New Jersey.

About 1873, Prof. Worman purchased an interest in the Telegraph and removed his family here. His connection with this paper did not last for a long time, he selling out to devote his entire attention to work on McClintock's and Strong's encyclopedia, which he was editing for the Harpers, and which caused his removal to New York.  Since that time, Mr. and Mrs. Worman have visited Norwich nearly every summer, Mrs. Worman spending several weeks here last summer. Mrs. Worman was a highly accomplished woman. The accidental shooting of her son, Ben J. Worman which left him permanently crippled, cast a shadow over her life, which was very perceptible in her diminished cheerfulness when she visited our village the last time, but no one dreamed of the terrible sequel, which the deed of yesterday has told.  Her remains, undoubtedly, will be brought here [Norwich, NY] for burial.

Stephen H. Redfield

Norwich Sun, September 16, 1927

Stephen H. Redfield died at the home of Harry Jones on Grant street [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on Wednesday, Sept. 14, following an illness of about ten days from heart trouble.  Mr. Redfield who was 79 years of age was born at Franklin, N.Y. [Delaware Co] and was first taken ill two weeks ago Friday.  He was not confined to his bed until last Thursday when he grew rapidly worse and failed to rally. Early in his life he was united in marriage with Mary Louise J. Johnson who died in this village in January 1921.  Mr. Redfield has resided in this place for fourteen years and leaves many friends who regret his death.  Surviving are a daughter Mrs. G.M. Dewey of Cortland, and four grandchildren, Roger, Donald and Valerie Dewey and Hugh A. Wedge of Binghamton.  The funeral was held at the home of Mr. Jones on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev. C.A. Winters officiating. Burial was made in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, NY].

Virgil A. Scott

Norwich Sun, February 27, 1934

Virgil A. Scott, for many years engaged in the glove manufacturing business in this city, died at the home of his sisters, 13 Guernsey street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], about 11 o'clock Monday night after a brief illness.  Mr. Scott was born in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] but had been a resident of Norwich for a great many years.  He conducted a glove factory in this city until about 1919, when he sold the business, and since then has been employed as a traveling salesman by the Groff glove concern of Johnstown. For the past 11 years Mr. Scott has lived in Syracuse.  He was taken ill about a week ago while traveling on the road, and was only able to reach Norwich.  Mr. Scott will be remembered by many Norwich residents, and he enjoyed a wide acquaintance elsewhere, for his business took him to many parts of New York state.  He was an attendant of the Methodist church.  There survive, his wife and two sons, Stanley and Donald of Syracuse; a son, Wilbur Scott and daughter, Mrs. G.E. Clayton of this city, and four sisters, Mrs. H. D. Barr and the Misses Rittie and Roxie Scott of 13 Guernsey street, and Mrs. Gertrude Thompson of Cortland. Funeral services will be held from the Breese funeral home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. J.W. Nicholson officiating.

Death Notice

Chenango Telegraph, May 16, 1838

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], 8th inst., Joseph [Hart] son of S.P. Hart, aged 10 months and 5 days.

Marriages (August 17)

Liggett - Caswell

Married June 27, 1900

A notice of the marriage of the Rev. George A. Liggett, Ph. D., formerly of Deposit, and now of Richmond Hill, Long Island, and Miss May Caswell, of Afton, in the Rahway papers, made special reference to the many beautiful and useful presents they received from their friends in Deposit and that none were more highly appreciated than the set of table silver from the business men of Deposit, the water color painting form the women of the church, and the rug from the young girls of the church in Deposit.  

The Brooklyn Eagle of recent date gives the following society item:  Mrs. Arthur Hinds, of the Twentieth Century Club, gave a reception in honor of the Rev. Mr. Liggett and his wife last night at her residence. The decorations were white chrysanthemums. A large number of guests from Richmond Hill and vicinity were present.

Hovey - Roberts

Married September 24, 1901

A very quiet wedding occurred on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Mitchell Roberts, when their daughter, Mary Selina [Roberts], and Will Whiting Hovey were united in holy wedlock by their pastor, Rev. Arthur Spaulding.  J. Erle Roberts, a brother of the bride acted as best man, and the groom's sister, Miss L. Elizabeth Hovey, attended Miss Roberts.  Only the immediate families of the contracting parties were in attendance. The formal occasions were omitted by reason of sorrow over the recent decease of the bride's sister, Mrs. Campbell, but in compliance with her request, the marriage occurred as had been planned.  Miss Roberts is a young lady holding the highest esteem of the entire community. She is a graduate of Bainbridge High school and of the Boston Emerson College of Oratory.  Mr. Hovey is a popular young business man of sterling habits, and is secretary and treasurer of the Bainbridge Creamery Co. and one of the directors.  Mr. and Mrs. Hovey departed on the 3:13 train east and after a short tour will commence housekeeping in apartments in T.E. Searles' house on West Main street.

Hinman-Brown

Married October 17, 1900

Two of Deposit's most respected young people, Mr. Edward  Hinman and Miss Louise R. Brown, were married last evening at the home of the bride on Court street.  The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Alfred Coonso in the same spot where for the third time in a little over a year, happy nuptials have been consummated in the family.  During the ceremony, the couple, in very attractive style, the bride attired in a beautiful traveling suit of blue cloth, trimmed with white, stood facing a bank of palms, ferns and potted plants, and formed the graceful center of a most delightful wedding occasion. After the ceremony cordial congratulations by the large company of guests were lavished upon the newly married couple. this was followed by a feast of good things at the tables and a very enjoyable social interview. The presents were a multitude of substantial and beautiful articles, designed to serve as a blessing to memory and home.  At nine o'clock the couple took the train for Binghamton and beyond, to be absent several days. When they return, they will reside in their newly furnished home on Center Street.

Barrett - Dennison

Married about 1900

Word has been received in Bainbridge of the marriage of Miss Madeline Dennison to Stephen H. Barrett, both of New York city, which event occurred June 25, at New Port, Kentucky.  Mrs. Barrett is well known in Bainbridge having attended school here previous to 1898. She boarded at the Park Hotel, kept then by A.L. Bevier.  Mrs. Thayer, her grandmother, now deceased, was with her.

Johnson - Stockly

Married May 23, 1901

Miss Mary Gait Stockly, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Washington Stockly, who have made Lakewood their home for several years, was married at noon the 23rd inst., to Mr. Owen Johnson, son of Robert Underwood Johnson, who is on the staff of the Century Magazine. The entire altar front was solidly banked with apple blossoms, great palms and ferns, while knots of apple blossoms, tied with broad white satin ribbon marked the pews reserved for the wedding guests. The bride, gowned in pure white satin, with Venetian point lace, flowing veil and orange blossoms, was given away by her father.  Her maid of honor was Miss Agnes McMahon Johnson, a sister of the bridegroom. There were six bridesmaids. The best man was Franklin Carter Jr., of Williamstown, Mass.,  N.Y. Sun.  the bride is a granddaughter of the late Alvin Devereux.

Carl - Bixby

Married November 12, 1902

A pretty home wedding occurred at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Titus Moss Bixby on Second street, Deposit, N.Y., Wednesday evening, November 12, when their granddaughter, Luella, was united in marriage to Frederic William C. Carl, formerly of Great Bend.  At 7 o'clock the contracting parties took their place before a bank of ferns and potted plants in the prettily decorated parlor, where the marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Beaumont, rector of the Episcopal church of Deposit.  The bride wore a dress of white organdie and the groom was dressed in dark blue.  Only the near relatives and immediate friends of the family were presents.  The many beautiful and useful presents which they received show the high esteem in which the young couple are held.  After refreshments were served Mr. and Mrs. Carl left the house amid a shower of rice and took Erie train No. 29, and came to Great Bend where they will spend a few days.

90th Birthday Celebration, Lois Smith wife of Clark Smith, Coventry, 1879

Ninetieth Anniversary - Mrs. Lois (Kelsey) Smith

Bainbridge Republican, November 7, 1879

The surviving children, grandchildren and great grandchildren met at the old homestead in the town of Coventry, Chenango county, N.Y., on Saturday, the 20th of September 1879, to celebrate the ninetieth anniversary of Mrs. Lois Smith, their venerable mother.  Mr. Clark Smith, the father of these children and the husband of this venerable mother, departed this life fifteen years ago, in his eighty-second year.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith were blessed with twelve children, all of whom they consecrated, in their infancy, to their covenant, keeping God, by their prayers and at the baptismal font, and had the satisfaction of seeing them gathering, with them, from day to day, "like olive plants round about their table" and around their family altar and all, except one, growing up to maturity of years.  Six of these children, four sons and two daughters, are still living and are heads of families, useful members of the church and respectable citizens.  All the surviving children of this venerable mother, except one daughter, whose home is in Nebraska, were present on this interesting occasion of their mother's ninetieth anniversary.  One son, Harvey, became a minister of the gospel, in connection with the Presbyterian denomination; and was pastor at Triangle, Masonville and South Amenia, at which latter palce he died in the year 1873, in the midst of his usefulness, and greatly lamented by his people. The family is not left, however, without a minister of the gospel, for a grandson, Mr. Clark Beardslee and a graduate of Amherst college, Mass., and of the Theological Seminary at Hartford, Conn., and who has just been appointed assistant professor in his Theological Alma Mater, is a licensed minister of the gospel, and not only so, but a granddaughter, and the mother of five great-grandchildren, is the wife of the pastor of the Presbyterian church of Nineveh, Rev. Wm. H. Sawtelle, who was present at this anniversary and added much to the interest of the occasion, especially by his able prayer and appropriate remarks. This venerable mother greatly enjoyed the privilege of sitting down with her children, grand and great-grandchildren and their friends, about forty in number, and partaking of a rich repast prepared unitedly by the different families represented.  After this bountiful and most enjoyable repast, this interesting celebration was closed with appropriate remarks from a number present, singing and prayers.  Mrs. Smith and her late husband came of a pious ancestry, and having full faith in the Abrahamic covenant they carefully trained up their children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," and had the great satisfaction of seeing all of them who arrived at the years of discretion, recognizing their covenant relations and privileges by making the personal consecration of themselves to the love and service of the God of their fathers.

Like the Puritan and pious ancestors, they were strict and conscientious observers of the Lord's day, and faithful attenders, with their children, at the church of which they were members.  The business of the farm and of the household was habitually so arranged during the six working days of the week that each Lord's day was left free from secular cares and employments.  No unnecessary labor was performed on the Sabbath, not even in harvest and no crops were damaged or lost in consequence of their conscientious observance of that day according to the commandment.  Mrs. Smith, whose maiden name was Kelsey, and whose nineties anniversary was celebrated on the 20th ultimo, was born in this town (Bainbridge) [Chenango Co., NY], her father living at the time of her birth on the farm occupied now by Mr. Jerome Sands, still enjoys the proper use of her mental abilities and appears to have health and strength sufficient to carry her even to her one hundredth anniversary.  But whether she shall be spared to see her centennial or not, may her last days be her happiest days and her last end be one of peace--Greene American.

Death Notice

Chenango Union, January 11, 1883

SMITH:  In Coventry, Dec. 26th, Mrs. Lois Smith, widow of Clark Smith, aged 93 years.

Marriages (August 16)

Andrews - Moore

Chenango Union, September 13, 1894

A very pretty church wedding was that of Robert Andrews, of Pittsfield, Mass., and Mary Chapman Moore, at the Methodist Episcopal church, Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], September 5. The friends of the bride had trimmed the church beautifully and artistically, and had gathered in great numbers to witness the solemn service of which the world never tires.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. J.W. McGowen, of Farmington, Ill., assisted by Rev. W.T. Blair, pastor of the bride. At 4 P.M. the bridal party passed up the aisle, under the graceful arches to the grand arch, the back ground a beautiful green, with the emblematical "White Ribbon" of the W.C.T.U.  The wedding march was played by Mr. Fred Rockwell. The bride was dressed in white silk and lace; the maid of honor, Lulu Graves, in pale blue silk; and the bridesmaids, Rena Richmond and Miss Lines, wore gowns of cream colored Henrietta. The ushers, Messrs. Ross Wheeler, Harvey Stevens, Bennie Thorpe and Rupert Ford, were as self-possessed as though they had all their lives officiated at such ceremonies. The service was most impressive and both bride and groom repeated the solemn vows in voices which did not falter.  When the party came out from the church the clouds hung heavy with a greatly needed rain, but they reached home just in time to escape the blessed downpour. Eighty guests were present to be presented to the happy pair, and then to be seated for refreshments under the direction of caterer Hill and his assistants. The bridal gifts were bewildering in their profusion and beauty and will afford many happy memories of the auspicious day.  The newly wedded pair take with them to their home at Pittsfield Mass. the best wishes of hosts of attached friends.  E.J.R.

Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Ives

Sidney Record, September 8, 1894

Silver Wedding Bells pealed forth merrily at the peasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. H. Ives in this village [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY], last Saturday, Sept. 1st, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of their wedding. They were united in marriage on the 1st day of September, 1869, in this village.  Marriage, in their experience, has not by any means proved a failure.  It has proved to be a period of unclouded matrimonial bliss, and the happy pair have always maintained the esteem and respect of a large circle of warm friends. This union has been blessed with four children, Alfred, George, Charles and Howard, all bright and respected sons. A large company gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ives to extend their congratulations and many letters of regret were received form those who were unable to come. A large number of presents were received.  The Record extends its congratulations to the happy pair, with warmest wishes for their good health and prosperity in many years to come.  Charley is not given to dancing as the above initial cut would seem to suggest, but he has recovered from the effects of his lame foot and he just wants his friends to understand that he could do if he only took the notion in his head.

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Gilmore

30th Wedding Anniversary - September 1881

The custom of celebrating the anniversary of wedding days is evidently receiving increased favor from society.  One of these joyous occasions took place at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gilmore on Monday last, being the 30th anniversary of their marriage.  Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore, by their courtesy and great kindness, have won for themselves high esteem in the circle of their acquaintances, and this pleasurable opportunity to express that esteem was evidently appreciated by the large company of relatives and friends that met in their home on Monday. With great enthusiasm congratulations were extended, and the best wishes heartily expressed for their future.  If the years to come shall mature only a portion of the sincere hopes of their friends into happy realities, there is before them an experience so full of gladness as to make the sunset side of their journey together a golden prospect. The feast of good things to which they invited the gathered company, was after their characteristic generosity, the tables being richly furnished with everything to please and satisfy.  After dinner Rev. James Ryder made a brief and suitable address, wishing the honored parties of the occasion much prosperity in time to come, after which prayer was offered, and the favorite hymn sung, "In the sweet by and by."  The day was very stormy, hindering some friends from attending the festivities, but this did not prevent a very happy gathering that will be cherished as another bright spot in the picture of life, the respect and affection of which was a fitting gateway of joy, through which Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore passed on in the further journey of their married life.  The company was as follows:

Mr. and Mrs. W. Gilmore Mr. Rodgers Miss Gilmore Mr. and Mrs. Mason and son Mr. and Mrs. Edgecomb	Binghamton
Mr. and Mrs. W. Gilmore	Colesville
H. Gilmore and daughters Mr. and Mrs. Macombe	Greene
Mr. and Mrs. Hodge Rev. and Mrs., Ryder Mr. and Mrs. W. Ireland	Bainbridge Bennettsville
Mr. and Mrs. Copley	Sidney Plains
J. Coe	Guilford
Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Booth	Oxford
Mr. and Mrs. Merchant and family	Cobleskill
Mr. and Mrs. M. Herrick Mr. and Mrs. M.T. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. M. Johnson J. Lyon and daughter Mrs. A. Davis Mrs. S. Ireland Mr. and Mrs. j. Ireland and family Mr. and Mrs. E. Loomis and family Mr. and Mrs. D. Francisco Miss D. Francisco Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Hovey and son Mr. and Mrs. F. Bentley Mr. and Mrs. W. Hovey Miss A. Lyon	West Bainbridge (Union Valley)

Presents in the amount of about $70 were made as follows:
Large double stand
hanging lamp
framed cross
glass water set
three several sums of money
majolica fruit dish
glass bread plate and knitted bag
silver butter dish
silver dinner castor
mustard cup and spoon
black walnut hat rack
embroidered splasher
gents' scarf
toilet set
silver vases
counterpane
two napkin rings
one-half dozen silver dinner knives
camp chair
chair tidy
ebony wall pocket
extension table
four linen towels
one dozen silver tea knives
silver spoon holder
two china cups and saucers

Obituaries (August 16)

Charles Hodge

Sidney Record, September 8, 1894

Last Sunday Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] witnessed the largest funeral ever held in that village since the tragic death of poor Welton.  It was the burial of Charles Hodge, one of the best known and highly respected young men of Bainbridge, employed at Wilcox Bros. cigar factory.  On the 31st of August, Mr. Hodge and Mr. VanNostrand of Oneonta, went fishing at a point in the river about two miles below Bainbridge. The boat capsized.  Mr. Hodge had on heavy rubber boots and, thus handicapped, he sank only a few feet from the shore.  The news of his death caused the deepest sorrow in that community.  He leaves a wife and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his most untimely death.

John Snay

Sidney Record, September 8, 1894

Another terrible accident happened in the railroad yard in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] last Wednesday morning at about 2 o'clock.,  John Snay, a young man whose parents reside on the Masonville road near this village, was run over by a coal train on which he was braking  His right leg was cut clear to the hip-bone causing a terrible and fatal wound.  Drs. McKinnon, Sheffield and Coe were summoned to perform an amputation.  His condition, however, was so critical that they decided not to perform an operation, and at 11 o'clock the unfortunate man died from his injuries.  Snay was a well-known young man about here.  He was 23 years of age and a man of noted strength.  Last September while Main's circus was performing in Sidney, young Snay astonished the "strong man" in the circus by lifting all of his heavy weights with the utmost ease. The circus people wanted to engage him right on the spot, but John's parents would not allow him to go.

From a Heartbroken Mother

Sidney, N.Y., May 6, 1895
Editor Express:  I want to let the people of this vicinity know, through the columns of your valuable paper, how the people of this town use the poor.  September 5, 1894 my son, John Snay, was coupling cars in the D.&H. yards at this place and caught his foot in a frog, the train passing over his leg, crushing it terribly.  This happened at 2 o'clock, a.m.  I live but two miles from Sidney, and there was not a man among those who knew of the accident, who had sympathy enough in his heart to let me know that my boy lay dying but a short distance away.  About 8 o'clock Arthur Axtel, a neighbor who was in Sidney that morning went down to see John and found out that we had not been notified, and he immediately sent us word.  I went to Sidney and found my son unconscious.  He died at 11 o'clock a.m.  My husband and I stayed in Sidney until night and asked the coroner what arrangement was to be made in regard to the funeral.  He said that he would see about it the next day.  The next morning I went to Mr. Heath's, the undertaker, and he told me that he had had orders from the coroner to bury him that morning, but he did not know but that my son's friends might want a prayer at the grave or would like to be present, so he had waited.  I asked him if I couldn't have as much to say over my son's dead body as to have a sermon preached, and he told me that I certainly could.  I felt as though I should sink, to think of my son being buried like a heathen in the enlightened village of Sidney.  Mr. Heath offered me a room to hold the funeral in, but I went to see the pastor of the M.E church, Rev. Mr. Decker, who was very kind to me, and told me he would preach the funeral sermon, and that their church should be opened to us free. We then appointed the funeral 10 o'clock the next morning.  Neither my husband nor myself were permitted to see the condition of our son's injuries, although we made the request several times.  Yours truly, Mrs. James Snay

Linn D. Barrows

Chenango Union, September 13, 1894

BARROWS:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], September 6,1894, Linn D. Barrows aged 3 years, 8 months and 27 days.

The deceased was the only son of George L. and Mary G. Barrows, and was a particularly bright and observing child.  On the afternoon of Saturday, his father being in Waterville, the little fellow was left with his grandmother, Mrs .Hannah Haydon; his mother intending to spend the night at the residence of her brother.  Early in the evening the child showed signs of indisposition and was put to bed, such simple remedies being administered as his symptoms seemed to suggest.  About midnight, however, his grandmother became alarmed at his condition and dispatched a messenger for the mother, and later for the family physician; but all efforts to save the little fellow were unavailing.  He died, after an illness of less than twenty-four hours, between one and two o'clock on the afternoon of Sunday.  Funeral services were held at Calvary church on Tuesday in the presence of a large congregation, Rev. William Higgs officiating. The casket in which the little body lay was lined with flowers and rested upon a structure of flowers and ferns; flowers being also placed upon the altar and adjacent parts of the edifice by sympathetic hands. The interment was in the Hayden family lot in Evergreen cemetery.  Mr and Mrs. Barrows have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in the community in the sudden and peculiarly sad bereavement which has befallen them.

"There is a Reaper, whose name is Death,

And with his sickle keen

He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,

And the flowers that grow between.

"Shall I have naught that is fair? saith he;

Have naught but the bearded grain?

Though the breath of these flowers is all sweet to me,

I will give them all back again.

"He gazed at the flowers with tearful eyes,

He kissed their drooping leaves;

It was for the Lord of Paradise

He bound them in his sheaves.

"And the mother gave, in tears and pain,

The flowers she most did love;

She knew she should find them all again

In the fields of light above.

"O, not in cruelty, not in wrath,

The Reapers came that day;

Twas an angel visited the green earth,

And took the flowers away."

Card of Thanks:  We desire to extend our most heartfelt thanks to our many friends and neighbors for the many kindnesses shown to us during the short illness and after the death of our beloved child.  Mr. and Mrs. George L. Barrows.  McDonough, N.Y.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, April 9, 1891

KEYES:  At the home of her son-in-law, Hamilton Phelps, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] April 7, 1891, Mrs. Eunice J. Keyes, widow of Stephen Keyes, aged 89 years, 7 months and 22 days. A resident of Norwich sixty-three years.  Funeral services will be held Friday morning.

BEECHER:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] April 7, 1891, Mr. Harry Beecher, aged 90 years.

STAFFORD:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] April 2, 1891, Mr. Job N. Stafford, aged 79 years.

SEARLES:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], March 27, 1891, Mrs. Polly Searles, aged 91 years.

BAIRD:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] March 25, 1891, Mr. Ralph S. Baird, aged 68 years.

SEARS:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] March 28, 1891, Mrs. Lydia Sears, aged 78 years.

BEEBE:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] April 1, 1891, Mr. Fitch Beebe, aged 46 years.

HART:  In South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] April 6, 1891, Mrs. Maria Hart, widow of the late Samuel W. Hart, aged 84 years. Deceased was mother of Mrs. T. D. Anthony, of Norwich.

CHASE:  In Jersey City, April 4, 1891, Mr. Albert Chase, aged 43 years, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

KNAPP:  In Fisher, Champagne Co., Ill., March 29, 1891, Mr. George T. Knapp, aged 58 years, formerly of Norwich, N.Y.  Deceased was a brother of David H. Knapp, Esq., and Mrs. W.G. Mandeville, of Norwich.

SHEPARD:  In Joplin City, Mo., March 21, 1891, Mr. Charles L. Shepard, aged 47 years, formerly of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

MATTHEWSON:  At the residence of George Tiffany in King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], April 3, 1891, Mrs. Laura Matthewson, of Canandaigua, N.Y. [Ontario Co.], aged 71 years.

FITCH:  In Delhi [Delaware Co., NY], March 31, 1891, Mrs. Eliza Fitch, Aged 85 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

McLANE:  In South Solon, N.Y. [Cortland Co., NY], Friday, March 27, 1891, Libbie E. [McLane], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter McLane of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years 5 months and 5 days.

Libbie dear, we shall miss thee

In the home though has graced so long;

From toil and suffering thou art free.

Thou hast joined the happy throng

Who are singing songs of praise

In that land, where live the blest,

Then, dear friends, cease your weeping,

For thy dear one is calmly sleeping;

She is now at rest.

Obituaries (August 15)

Ruth Holdridge
About 1883

Miss Ruth Holdridge, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] died at the residence of Wiley Holdridge, in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], May 10th.  Funeral services at that place, May 13th, sermon by Rev. S. Stephens. A great variety of beautiful flowers were carefully arranged by loving hands, as a token of love and respect.  Miss Holdridge leaves a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. She was loved by all.  None knew her, but to love her.  Possessed of rare sweetness of disposition, always doing good in her quiet way, never weary in well doing, we can truly say, she hath done what she could. She will be missed in all the homes that knew her.  Time may soften our sadness for her departure, yet memory will ever treasure her kind words, cheering smiles and loving deeds.

Rev. W.G. Queal

1822-1888

Rev. W.G. Queal was born in Worcester, Otsego county, N.Y., sixty-five years ago, and died Sunday morning, Feb. 26th, at Pueblo, Colorado, of ulcer of the stomach.  He was on his way home from California, where he had been spending a few weeks.  His body will reach here Friday night, and the funeral services will be held in the Broad street M.E. church, Norwich, Saturday, March 3d, at 10:30 o'clock in the forenoon.  Mr. Queal united with the old Oneida Conference in the year 1846, and has been stationed at and served the following charges:  Bainbridge, 1846; Smyrna, 1847; Chenango, 1848; Bainbridge, 1849; Brookfield, 1850-51; Union Centre, 1852-53; Sherburne, 1854-55; Oneonta, 1856-57; Milford, 1858-59; Afton, 1860-61; Unadilla, 1862; Guilford, 1863-4-5; Oxford, 1866-7; Otego, 1868-9; Milford, 1870-1-2; Morris, 1873; Salem, 1874-5; Sherburne, 1876-7; Plymouth, 1878-9; Windsor, 1880-1; North Norwich, 1883-4.  Since then he has held a supernumerary relation to the Conference.  He moved to this village about two years ago.  The deceased was a faithful, earnest Christian minister and exemplified his belief by his everyday life.  he was a diligent student, and possessed of more than ordinary literary talent.  In 1885 he published a volume of poems entitled, "The Overthrow of American Slavery, containing descriptions of important events and sketches of prominent persons."  His brother, Rev.  L.C. Queal, D.D. was at one time pastor of the Broad Street Methodist Church  - Norwich Telegraph  [Buried West Bainbridge Cemetery, Bainbridge, NY]

Gertrude I. Brown

December 1929

Mrs. Gertrude I. Brown, widow of the late Charles K. Brown, died early Wednesday morning, after a long period of failing health.  Mrs. Brown was born in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] 77 years ago and nearly all her life had been spent in this section.  For about 50 years she lived on a farm in King Settlement, or until the death of her husband, after which time she had made her home with her son, Dudley W. Brown of this city. She leaves two sons, the one above named, and Frank E. Brown of Mineola, L.I., formerly of this city, also the following grandchildren, Charles R. Brown, Clark D. Brown and Marjorie Brown of Norwich, Garland Houghton of Utica and Evelyn Brown of Mineola.  Mrs. Brown was a member of the Broad Street M.E. Chruch and was held in high esteem by all who knew her.  Funeral services are to be held from the home of her son, Dudley W. Brown, 43 Front street.

Silas Brown

September 1941

Silas Brown, well known resident of this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], passed away at Homer Folks Hospital, Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY] Saturday night.  He was born in Nashville, Tenn., Aug. 24, 1877.  He had resided in Norwich for about 20 years, but for the past three or four years had been operating a farm in the town of Pittsfield, Otsego county.  He operated a barber shop on Lackawanna avenue in Norwich, some time.  Mr. Brown had been a patient at Homer Folks Hospital five weeks.  There survive his wife, Mrs. Grace Phillips Brown, one daughter, Mrs. Lewis G. Bellamy and four grandchildren, all of Waterville.  Services are to be held at the George J. Devine Funeral Home at one o'clock Wednesday afternoon, with Rev. Irving J. Beckwith officiating. Burial will be made in the family plot at Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY].

Grace M. (Phillips) Brown

Norwich Sun, October 11, 1946

The death of Mrs. Grace M. Brown, widow of Silas Brown, occurred Thursday at a Rome hospital.  She was born July 13, 1878, at Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY], the daughter of the late Silas and Elizabeth Phillips.  Her marriage to Mr. Brown occurred in this city where she made her home until five years ago.  Since then she had resided with a granddaughter, Mrs. Jason Green at Waterville.  Funeral arrangements have not been completed.  Immediate survivors are a brother, Walter Phillips; four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.  During their residence in Norwich, the family home was at 31 Lackawanna avenue.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, October 11, 1894

WIGHTMAN:  In this village Oct. 10, 1894 Abigail A. [Wightman] wife of Willis Wightman, age 31.  Burial in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

SPURR:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] Sept. 29, 1894, Mrs. M.A. Spurr, age 88 years.

AVIS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 4, 1894, Mrs. Theodore C. Avis, age 38 years.

JOHNSON:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] Oct. 4, 1894 Albert O. Johnson, aged 13 years.

DICKINSON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 6, 1894, Mrs. Polly Dickinson.

COLTON:  Near Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 7, 1894, James Colton, age 14 years.

WELLS:  In South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 8, 1894, Mrs. Albert Wells.

DWIGHT:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], Sept. 29, 1894, Mrs. Glover Dwight, aged 74 years.

REYMORE:  In Otego [Otsego Co., NY], Oct. 1, 1894, Andrew J. Reymore, aged 74 years, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

MARVIN:  In Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], Oct. 1, 1894, Mrs. Seth Marvin of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

CARR:  In Bradford County, Pa. Oct. 3, 1894, Mrs. Louisa Carr, widow of Luke Carr of East German [Chenango Co., NY]

BACON:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] Sept. 26, 1894 Clementia Van Dyke [Bacon], widow of Dennis Bacon, aged 71 years, formerly of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY].

Obituaries (August 14)

Nancy Smith

September 1881

Died in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., Nancy, widow of the Rev. E.P. Smith, aged 65 years.  The deceased was called to bear a protracted and painful illness, which she endured patiently to the end.  A lady of culture, intelligence and refinement, has been taken from the midst of a large circle of loving friends on earth to join a husband and happy throng who have gone before, and to whom she has hastened gladly to meet, ready and anxious for the summons that should call her home.  Her funeral was largely attended on Thursday last, Revs. Mr. Randolph, of Sherburne, Joseph Hunter, of New York, and Mr. Pearse, of Christ Church, taking part in the services.

Zeruah Yale Burtch

1796 - 1882

BURTCH:  In Coventry, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] at the residence of her son-in-law, A.M. Anderson, on the morning of March 29th, 1882, Mrs.Zeruah (Gilmore) Yale Burtch, aged 86 years and 23 days.

It seems fitting that more than passing mention be made of the departure of one so long identified with the best interests of the community in which she lived.  The deceased was born in Bennington, Vt, and when she was about two years of age, her father, Peres Gilmore, with others, settled in Jericho, now Bainbridge, on the farm now occupied by Nathaniel Barstow.  Later they removed to Coventry, where she was married to Joel Yale, January 5th, 1815, and took up her residence in Guilford, where most of her long and useful life was spent.  Her husband died in June 1864; they having lived together almost half a century. They had five children,  all of whom survive her.  Subsequently she became the wife of James Burtch, and by her unexampled faithfulness and tender care, she enjoyed the love of his surviving children, who ever treated her with the most affectionate respect.  During the greater part of her life she was an exemplary member of the Baptist church. Quiet and unassuming in manner, she was diligent in well-doing. To her many warm personal friends, who may read these lines, it is unnecessary to speak of her many virtues. They are fresh in the memory of those that loved her.  Her sudden death was caused by the breaking of an abscess or tumor, in the left side, which had troubled her for several years, especially as she laid down at night; her sufferings were very severe at times and she frequently expressed her conviction that it would cause her death, and suddenly. She possessed her mental faculties unimpaired till the last. By a previous request, Rev. E.T. Jacobs was called upon to conduct her funeral services, which were held at her late residence.

"Life's work well done,

Life's race well run,

Life's crown well won,

Now comes rest."

Anna, Charles, & Mrs. Darius Jackson

1883

The home of Darius Jackson, Esq., ex-Sheriff of Delaware county, has been desolated by death, in the form of diphtheria; taking, first, his daughter, Anna, a lovely girl; next, the devoted wife and mother; and last, a son, Charles, in the prime of manhood, who died April 5th, last.

"Three from our home were taken,

Three from our household band,

Three--and they faded and left us;

Ah, how hard to understand;

Three from our home were taken,

Daughter, mother and son--

For two life had been eventful,

For one it had just begun.

Anna went first--our darling;

Beauteous, fair as a flower,

Budding in richest promise,

For the soon to come--"God hour."

Sweetly, gently patient,

She went at the close of one day,

Asking her favorite hymn sung

While angels bore her away.

Next went the loving mother;

She folded her tired hands still,

Finished her work was, early,

But she knew the Maker's will,

Calmly resting from labor,

She's left him--her early choice;

How he misses her from the fireside,

And the sound of her gentle voice.

Then the son, he so fair in manhood,

A picture of strength to see,

Answered the call of the Saviour

Who took from us "our three."

Three golden lines to be fastened,

When we meet together, "up there,"

And the chain shall be united

Which was broken early here.

We miss them--oh so sadly I

None but the dear God knows;

Where the streets are pearled, "up yonder,"

They shall bloom like unto the rose,

We shall enter the gates so golden,

And our hearts shall forget their pain

When we hold the dear ones--our treasures,

And God shall untie us again.

M. Annie Knowles, Bainbridge, April 17, 1883

Obituaries (August 13)

Flora Burlison & Eliza Bradley

Chenango Union, April 15, 1880

Died, after but six days sickness, of diphtheria, on the morning of the 8th, Flora [Burlison], wife of Ervin H. Burlison, aged twenty-three years.  The deceased was beautiful of feature and disposition of pure Christian living and beloved by all who knew her.  Only a little over one year ago she was wedded to Mr. Burlison and, surrounded by loving friends, the future seemed to lead through paths of comfort and goodly promise, but Death, the insatiate, claimed, and she ahs passed through the gates into the very Shiloh. The bereaved husband and friends have the sympathy of the entire community.  Her funeral was largely attended, Rev. E.L. Bennett, who officiated, speaking from the text, "There is but a step between me and death."

"Life, tho' falling like the grain,

Like that revives and springs again,

And, early called, how blest are they

Who wait in heaven their harvest day."

And yet again the death visited our community, and taken away one of the young.  Eliza [Bradley], wife of Willard Bradley, died on Sunday morning last, after a long and painful sickness.  Her funeral was held Tuesday.

In view of these two saddening deaths of the young, the solemn warning of the Quaker Poet seem to have most divine significance:

"Let us do the work before us,

Cheerily, bravely, while we may,

Ere the long night silence cometh,

And with us it is not day."

Homer T. Nichols

Chenango Union, April 15, 1880

The death on the 3d inst., of Homer T. Nichols, aged eight years, son of F.T. Nichols, of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], was very sad in its details.  Last fall, in attempting to jump from a wagon, which was quite heavily loaded, he fell underneath, and was run over, the wheels passing over his body in the region of the heart.  The flesh was somewhat bruised, but no serious injury was feared, as the boy got well, apparently, and attended school and performed his duties at home as usual.  In February, however, he was attacked with rheumatism, and confined to his bed; from this time on, till his death, he grew continually worse, the disease attacking the heart, and although the best medical aid was summoned, nothing could be done, more than easing his sufferings till death relieved them. A post mortem examination by Drs. Cook of Afton, and Copley of this village, was made, which revealed the fact that his death was the result of the injuries received last fall.  The case of heart was found adhered to the walls of that organ, which, in the opinion of the medical gentlemen, would have necessarily proved fatal in the course of a few years; though, doubtless, the attack of rheumatism hastened that end. The child was particularly bright and interesting, and the family have the sympathy of the community in their sad bereavement.  Mr. Nichols has two children remaining, an elder son, and a daughter aged about two years.  Republican

Charles S. LaHatt

Chenango Union, April 15, 1880

Although it was generally known that he was in failing health, it was with feelings of sadness that the announcement of the death of Charles S. LaHatt was received on Saturday morning.  The father of deceased came from France, at the age of fifteen, and afterwards married a sister of the late judge Storrs, of Hamilton.  Charles was born in Coventry, this County [Chenango Co., NY], in 1825, but after the death of his mother, which occurred when he was but a child of three years, he lived in the Storrs family at Hamilton.  Learning his trade (that of a tailor) there, he came to Norwich in 1845, as a journeyman in the employ of Roswell Curtiss.  In September, 1851, he married Miss Antoinette E. Chapel, daughter of the late Joseph Chapel, of this village.  September 17th, 1862, he enlisted in the 8th N.Y. Cavalry, Company D, and was a tried and faithful soldier, in the union army. In the spring of 1864, while on picket duty near Dumfries Station, Va., he was taken prisoner, and was one of the unfortunates who for some time suffered the hardships consequent upon a life in Libby Prison, Richmond, from which he was released upon an exchange of prisoners.  June 27th, 1865, at Alexandria, Va., he was honorably discharged from the service, and returned to his home and his former avocation, which he followed until ill health came upon him, early in the winter, since which time he has gradually failed, and on Saturday morning he peacefully sank to his rest, surrounded by his bereaved family and friends.  During his thirty-five years residence in Norwich, deceased was universally esteemed.  In his manner he was quiet and unassuming, yet genial and companionable.  As a citizen he enjoyed the confidence of all, and as a soldier he is spoken of in the highest terms by those who shared with him the dangers of the battlefield and the horrors of the prison pen.  His loss will be deeply felt by his widow and only daughter, who have the heartfelt sympathy of all in their bereavement.  He will be missed by his old associates, who remember him for his many excellent qualities of head and heart.  His funeral was largely attended at his late residence on Mechanic Street on Monday afternoon, Rev. E. Bayard Smith, of the episcopal Chruch, officiating.

Lydia Knapp Dickinson - A Belle of Former Days - 1880

Lydia (Knapp) Dickinson

Bainbridge Republican, April 23, 1880

A Belle of Former Days

Mrs. Lydia Dickinson, wife of the late Daniel S. Dickinson, has for weeks past been lying dangerously ill at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Samuel J. Courtney, at High Bridge. She was born in June, 1803, in the township of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].  Her father, Dr. Colby Knapp, was a leading citizen of Southern new York, and founder of the village of Knappsburg, in Chenango county, twelve miles from Unadilla.  In her girlhood, Mrs. Dickinson attended the well known Oxford Academy, at Oxford, N.Y., where, among her fellow pupils, were Horatio Seymour and Ward Hunt, afterward judge of the Court of Appeals.  Daniel S. Dickinson, then unknown to fame, was a rising young wool-dresser, who, tho' he had never gone to school more than two weeks in his life, was ambitious of doing something better.  He fell in love with Lydia and married her, she being then 19 and he 22.  Woman like, she was quick to discover her husband's talents, and urged him by every means in her power to persevere in his law studies, and fit himself for a high position in life. The Rev. Mr. Garvin, of Guilford, was Dickinson's tutor, and taught him Latin and surveying, and other branches, in the evening, Dickinson working patiently at his law books in the daytime.  In winter, he taught school to pay the expenses of his education.  For seven years he labored, cheered and encouraged by smiles of his young wife, until at last, in 1829, he was admitted to the bar of Chenango county.  Three years later he removed to Binghamton, where he speedily outdistanced other competitors, and became the acknowledged leader of the bar in the southern counties.  His fame quickly spread to New York and Albany, and in half a dozen years he served successfully as State Senator, judge of the Court of Errors, Presidential elector, and Lieutenant Governor of the State.  In 1844 Governor Bouck appointed him to fill an unexpired term in the United States Senate, and in the year following he was elected by the Legislature for the full term of six years.

Mrs. Dickinson entered heartily into all her husband's projects, and rejoiced as became a devoted wife at his unexampled advancement.  She accompanied him to Washington and took a prominent part in the social life of the capitol.  Their summers were passed at the Senator's home on the outskirts of Binghamton.  Mrs. Dickinson's fame as a hostess was wide spread, and the mansion and grounds on the banks of the Chenango were the constant resort of distinguished guests from all parts of the country and from Europe.

In person, Mrs. Dickinson was tall and slender, with dark blue eyes, dark brown hair, and gentle manners.  Tho' naturally of a modest and retiring disposition, she possessed great spirit and determination, and which shone forth in times of trial and emergency.  Years after Mr. Dickinson had attained his fame, he visited the little academy at Oxford where his wife had been educated.  To the assembled magnates of this village who came to greet him, he said, "That tho' he had never studied at their institution, he had carried off its greatest prize."  Five days before his death, when he was 66 years old, and his wife 63, he penned a poetical tribute to her, entitled, "To Lydia," three verses of which are as follows:

"We started hand in hand to tread

The chequered, changeful path of life,

And with each other, trusting tread

The battlefields of worldly strife.

"No change of life, no change of scene,

No fevered dreams, no cankering cares,

No hopes which are, or e'er have been, 

Nor wrinkled brow, nor silver hair,

"Have ever changed that vow of youth,

Or blotted it from memory's page,

But warm as love and pure as truth,

It ripens with the frost of Age."

New York Times

_______________________________________________

Funeral Services

Chenango Union, April 15, 1880

The widow of Daniel S. Dickinson, a brief sketch of whom we published last week, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Courtney in New York, on Thursday morning last, and her remains were taken to Binghamton, her former home, where funeral services were held on Saturday.  From the Republican of Monday we copy an account of the funeral.  Deceased, it will be remembered was for many years a resident of Guilford, this County [Chenango], and her daughter, Virginia, alluded to, was at one time a resident of Norwich, the wife of Henry K. Murray, and died here upwards of thirty years ago.

The funeral services of the late Mrs. Lydia Dickinson were conducted Saturday afternoon at Christ Church, which was well filled with friends and former neighbors of the deceased.  Among relatives from a distance beside the immediate members of the family, were Mr. Andrew Dickinson and daughter of Guilford, Mrs. George Cook, of Afton, and Mrs. W.R. Mygatt, of Oxford.  Mrs. Mygatt, the younger daughter of Mrs. Dickinson, was too much prostrated by the trying scenes through which she had passed to admit of her taking the sad journey here with her sister, Mrs. Courtney.  Mr. D.S. Dickinson, the grandson of the decease, whose severe illness has been referred to, was also unable to be present. The floral tributes were beautiful and appropriate. the baptismal font was filled with choice flowers; and the casket was adorned with carnations, a lovely anchor, and basket of flowers, sheaf of wheat and violets.

In the midst of the service Miss Stoppard sang "Oh, Paradise," a favorite with Mrs. Dickinson, with such sweetness and pathos that it drew tears from almost every eye. The burial service of the episcopal church was read by the Rev. Robert Granger of the Church of the Good Shepherd; and the remains were taken to the family plot in Spring Forest cemetery, accompanied by many sympathizing friends. The bearers were Hon. B.N. Loomis, Dr. George Burr, Alfred J. Evans, Robert S. Bartlett, G.L. Sessions, A.D. Armstrong, D.S. Richards and C.W. Sears.

The deceased lady was laid tenderly to rest between her daughter Virginia and the beloved and honored companion of her early and mature life.  In the Catholic Church yesterday morning, the venerable Father Hourigan paid a most feeling and touching tribute to the virtues of Mrs. Dickinson who was long his valued friend.  He was deeply and visibly affected, and after referring to the noble qualities of her husband, he said in substance:  "Yesterday when I stood over that honored grave and saw the companion of him I had known so well, laid away in the cold earth, a tear stood in my eye.  I had known her for years as a woman of the most beautiful temperament and pure character.  A harsh word was unknown to her, and she would not say anything that would bring sorrow into the remotest life.  She was kind and charitable, and as a Christian woman was ever faithful to the church. She was a fond wife and a loving companion to him who has stood honored and reverenced by his country. She was refined in character and possessed the rare qualities of a woman born to a holy and undying purpose."

In the West Presbyterian church last evening, the Rev. Mr. Dunham made a beautiful allusion to the happy Christian life and said her peaceful death was the natural sequence of such a life.

Obituaries (August 12)

Frederick Young

Bainbridge Republican & Express, April 25, 1907

Frederick Young, an aged resident of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], who lived alone at his residence on Merchant street, was found dead on Monday morning by a neighbor.  Mr. Young was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in company F, 89th N.Y. Vol. Infantry, known as the Dickinson Guards.

Bainbridge Republican & Express, May 2, 1907

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY):  The funeral of Frederick Young, who died suddenly Monday morning, of last week, was held at the Methodist church Wednesday, April 24, at 2 o'clock, Rev. R.M. Pascoe officiating.  Mr. Young was born in Germany May 24, 1830, but had been a resident of this town for many years.  He was a member of Company F of the 89th New York Regiment and belonged to the famous Dickinson Guards. The services were military in Character, the casket being draped with the flag, and the old soldiers in town attended in a body. The bearers were Lieutenant George Baldwin, Rufus C. Smith, James Alcott of the 89th New York Regiment, W.O. Nash of the 114th, Alanson Ferris of the 44th New York and James H. Buckley of the 22d New Jersey. The music was rendered by a quartet consisting of Arthur M. Turner, Mrs. R.M. Pascoe, Miss Florence Ensworth and Irvin L. Bradley; Miss Jessie Bradley, organist.  The interment took place in the Guilford cemetery.

Mary E. Griffing

Bainbridge Republican, March 19, 1880

The following account of the terrible death of Mrs. Mary E. Griffing, an old and much esteemed resident of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday morning last, we clip from the Utica Herald, as furnished that paper by their Norwich correspondent, "Sentinel:"

The household at the time of the casualty consisted of Mrs. Griffing; her sister Miss Conkling; their mother, Mrs. Lull; a servant girl and Chas. B. Cannon, a bank clerk.  About 4:15 a.m. Miss Conkling rapped at the door of Mr. Cannon's room saying there was fire in the hall.  Mr. Cannon attempted to pass down the front stairs into the main hall, but was prevented by the dense smoke, and went out from the rear portion of the house into the street and gave the alarm.  Windows were opened into Mrs. Griffing's room, on the first floor, and several attempts were made to rescue her from the flames, but the heat and smoke could not be endured.  Mrs. Griffin's bed was distinctly seen enveloped in flames, but no human power was able to rescue the poor woman from her perilous situation. At length the front door of the house was forced open, and Mrs. Griffing was found dead lying upon the hall floor, nearly nude, the chest partially enveloped in a wrapper, which was still burning. The body was crisped and burned shockingly in places, and was removed to the residence of N.P., Wheeler, nearby.  Mrs. Lull, who is upwards of eighty and an invalid, was brought down and taken to a neighbor's together with Miss Conkling, who was almost distracted. The flames, which had extended to the upper portion of the house, were extinguished.  The furniture, much damaged, was removed.  There was an insurance of $2,000 on the house. The loss on the building and furniture is estimated at $3000.  The house was a fine brick residence and fronted the Park on East Main street.  Mrs. Griffing was a most estimable and intelligent woman.  She leaves a son, who has given his mother much trouble, and it is said the day before she made a will, revoking a former one which gave all her property to him. An inquest was held in the matter, the verdict of the jury was that Mrs. Griffing came to her death from the effect of burns supposed to have been caused by the bursting of a kerosene lamp.  It is believed that Mrs. Griffing fell asleep while reading, and after the explosion sprang from her bed and succeeded in reaching the hall, where she was found with a pillow partly consumed under her arm.  Her funeral was held on Monday afternoon from Emmanuel church.

Orrin Merchant

1803-1880

Died, at his residence in this village, Saturday morning, the 6th inst., Orrin Merchant, aged seventy-seven years.  The deceased was born in Danbury, Conn., 1803, his parents moving to Butternuts, Otsego co., when he was but three years of age.  From there, in 1828, he moved to this village [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY], and has resided here ever since.  in 1830 he married the daughter of Hon. S.A. Smith, with whom he lived happily to the time of her decease, in 1855.  Three children--one daughter, Mrs. George H. Baldwin, and two sons--were the fruits of this marriage, all of whom reside in this village.  Subsequently he married again, taking for his second wife the widow of Rev. Seth Rogers, of Montrose, who still survives him.  For many years after moving here, Mr. M. was a contracting builder.  Christ's Church and many of the prominent residences both here and at the Centre were built from his designs and under his supervision.  He was one of the founders of Christ's Chruch, and has been either Warden or Vestryman in it ever since, and a most active, influential member.  For the past twenty-five years most of his time has been given to farming.  A thorough Christian gentleman, he was always prominently identified in all plans for improving the looks of the village or better its citizens.  His funeral was well attended by a large concourse of friends, at his late residence, on Monday afternoon.  Of such as him the "voice from heaven" said "Write, 'Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord,'" and from Avon's Bard we seem to find his fittest epitaph:  "His life was gentle."

Death Notice

Bainbridge Republican, Dec. 30, 1876

Ives Settlement [Chenango Co., NY]:  Diptheria is raging in East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  In one family seven of them are suffering with this disease.  On Sunday, 17th inst., the two youngest children of Mr. Samuel Fox (Alfred [Fox] and Lillie [Fox], aged respectively five and seven) were taken sick and on the following Friday came their funeral.  Mr. Fox has the sympathy of the entire community in this, his deep affliction.