Obituaries (August 31)

John J. Stoddard

October 15, 1823 - May 10, 1911

John J. Stoddard entered into rest at his home in Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], Wednesday, May 10, after having been in failing health for several months. The funeral was held at his late home Saturday, the services being conducted by Rev. G.P. Linderman pastor of the Congregational church here, and burial was made in the Coventryville cemetery.  The deceased was born Oct. 15, 1823, at the old Stoddard homestead, now owned by Leroy Shaw, and spent nearly all of his life in this place, and was the oldest resident in this part of the town, being 87 years old.  He only lacked one year of having reached his Golden Wedding anniversary, having married in 1862 Miss Lucelia Judd, who through all these years having been a very loving wife and she has as blessed memory the fact that, during nearly a half century of life together, she has never had an unkind or cross word from her departed husband.  Mr. Stoddard had a strong mental and physical constitution, and was a wide reader and deep thinker, and was better informed on general topics than most people in his sphere in life.  He was a successful farmer, a devoted husband and father, a kind neighbor, a pleasant, interesting conversationalist, and will be much missed in the community, and by a large circle of friends. Though never having united with the church, he was a frequent attendant at the services, and had the best interests of the church, and its advancement at heart, and stood firmly for what he believed to be right and was a very earnest and helpful friend and neighbor of the various pastors who have served the church here.  His grandfather and wife came from Connecticut in 1801, and were among the pioneers of this place, and very instrumental in maintaining public worship and organizing and sustaining a church here, and the grandfather was one of the men who read sermons to an audience and conducted service before there was a church, as those early settler, though none of them professors of religion at the time, felt that they ought to have some Sabbath observance.  And when in 1817 the Congregational church was organized, the grandmother was one of the fourteen original members, and her husband was later made Deacon, as was also in after years their son, John Stoddard, Jr., who was the first Sunday School superintendent and held the office 25 years.  He was the father of John Stoddard, third, who has just passed away.  The deceased is survived by his widow of this place and a daughter, Mrs. Will Hinman, and her husband and son of Lestershire, and by two sons, Fred and wife and children of Coventryville, and Arthur and wife of Susquehanna, Pa. and one sister, Mrs. Sarah l. Lloyd of Washington, D.C. and one brother, Rev. Elijah Stoddard of Succasunna, N.J., all of whom were at the funeral except Rev. Elijah Stoddard, who though 91 years of age is with the aid of an assistant, still actively serving the Congregational church of which he has been pastor for 47 years.

George Rice

July 1911

The body of George Rice, who resided near Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], was found early Wednesday morning in the driveway of the Central Hotel at Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  He came into town on Tuesday evening and hitched his horse in front of some stores. At 11:30 the horse was still standing there, and also at 3 a.m.  At 4 o'clock the horse, minus the bridle, was found in the yard of Superintendent Davis on upper Caroll street.  The body of Rice was found lying in the driveway about daylight.  He was about 30 years of age. Dr. Dodge and coroner Chapin of Green performed an autopsy and the stomach was sent to Binghamton for examination. Further developments are awaited with interest.

Afton Enterprise, July 20, 1911

The community was shocked yesterday morning to learn that a dead body had been found in the alley way between the Galpeer store and the Central House.  Such alleged facts as we have been able to glean regarding the matter are as follows:  George Rice, who lives on the farm next above G.B. Wilkins at Wilkins Settlement, drove to town late in the afternoon and hitched his horse in front of Morgan Bros. store and went in and inquired for some mowing machine part.  Not having them, Glen Morgan directed him to G.B. Goodnoug who has the agency for that style of machine.  Of course no one thought anything more about Mr. Rice.  Just what he did after that seems to be a mystery to everyone.  His horse remained tied to the post in front of Morgan's store for a long time, but this morning the bridle only was found there and the horse and wagon was found in a yard up on Caswell Street. The theory is that the horse broke away and started for home.  R.E. Fowler who has a livery stable in the rear of the Central house discovered the body of Rice as he was going to the stable early in the morning.  He summoned Dr. Dodge and undertaken McHugh and the body was taken to the undertaking rooms to await the arrival of Coroner Chapin of Greene.  He came about ten o'clock and with Dr. Dodge performed an autopsy.  Practically nothing was given out regarding the result of this autopsy, but the stomach was sent to Binghamton for chemical analysis.  The deceased was in the habit of drinking, it is said, and a weak heart has been suggested as the cause of the death. The heart was found to be sound by the doctors, however.  No  marks of violence were found upon the person. The deceased leaves a wife and two small children.

Ernest Southworth
Chenango Telegraph, January 6, 1911

Ernest [Southworth], only child of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Southworth died Sunday after an illness of only a few days, aged three years. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at the home. A particularly sad feature of this death is the fact that Mr. Southworth's mother, Mrs. T.A. Southworth of Coventry, died Sunday morning, after a long illness.  And his father, T.A. Southworth is very ill and not expected that he can live but a few days.  Much sympathy is expressed by everyone for the afflicted family.

Truman Alvin Southworth

April 25, 1844 - January 5, 1911

It is very unusual that a family is called upon to lose three of its members by death in less than a week, but such has been the sad experience of the family of the late T.A. Southworth who resided here for a long time, three years ago moving to Coventry, leaving their son, Ray, and family at the former home here.  Owing to illness of the parents Ray and family had been at Coventry several weeks caring for them, and a week ago, Saturday, December 31, his mother died [Mary Elliott Southworth], and also his little son, Ernest, nearly three years of age, and the following Thursday Mr. Southworth also passed away. The funeral of the grandchild was held in this place last week Tuesday, Rev. G.P. Linderman of this place officiating.  The funerals of Mr. and Mrs. Southworth were each held at Coventry and burial there.  mr. and Mrs. Southworth were each about 66 years of age and highly respected citizens and kind and helpful neighbors and will be much missed. They are survived by two sons, Guy of Coventry and Ray and wife of this place, who have the deep sympathy of the community in this, their double bereavement.

Obituaries (August 29)

Margaret (Richmond) Church
1840-1912

Mrs. Margaret Church, whose home was on the Tyner road, died shortly after 10 o'clock Monday evening following a few days illness with pneumonia.  Her age was 72 years.  Mrs. Church was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Richmond, and was the widow of Edwin W. Church, whose death occurred several years ago.  She was a member of the Congregational church in this village, and a woman who was held in high esteem by those who knew her best.  She is survived by two sons and one daughter, Ray and Frederick Church, and Miss Ella Church.  Also by six sisters and three brothers, Mrs. Annette Church, Mrs. Edwin Van Valkenburgh, Mrs. Emma Simmons, Mrs. H.E. Ingraham, of Oxford, Mrs. H.E. Ingraham of Oxford, Mrs. James Barrows of McDonough, and Mrs. C.P. Sharp of Smithville; Wm. L. Richmond, Geo. H. Richmond and Orla Richmond of Oxford. The funeral was held at one o'clock today at the house, Rev. Inman L. Willcox officiating.  Burial was in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Syndonia (Gleason) Church
1836-1923

Mrs. Syndonia Gleason Church, widow of the late George W. Church of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Adelbert Cornish LaFayette, on Wednesday, Oct. 31, aged 87 years.  The body will be brought to Oxford this Friday afternoon and a prayer service will be held. Burial will be made in Riverview [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Dr. John W. Thorp

1839-1911

Dr. John W. Thorp, for fifty years a teacher, physician and highly respected citizen of this village, died at his residence on mechanic street [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] at noon today, aged 72 years.  He was ill only about five days with pneumonia.  Dr. John Warren Thorp was born at Booth Bay, Maine, April 20, 1839.  He was educated at Bowdoin College, graduating in the class of 1861.  In that year he came to Oxford as an assistant teacher in Oxford Academy under the principalship, of David G. Barber, and later became principal of the school, a position he filled acceptably for several terms.  On the change to a Union School and Academy Dr. Thorp became a member of the Board of Education and its president for several years.  At the time of his death he was a trustee of the Memorial Library, an office he held form its foundation.  After about six years of teaching he studied medicine with the late Dr. S.F. McFarland, completed courses in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York city and the medical School of Maine, beginning the practice of medicine in this village in 1868.  He has been a deacon of the Congregational church and its clerk for many years.  Dr. Thorp married May 9, 1865, Charlotte M. Brown of this village, who died January 20, 1907.  As a teacher Dr. Thorp was beloved by his pupils; as a physician he was skilled, kind and considerate; as a citizen he was esteemed and his counsel often sought, and his religious life was a model one. The doctor was public spirited and gave freely of his means in aid of Oxford's institutions and enterprises.  Always pleasant and agreeable it was a pleasure to converse with him, a trait that made life long friends on first acquaintance.  Our village has cause to mourn the death of one of its finest citizens.  The children of Dr. and Mrs. Thorp are:  Rev. Willard B. Thorp of San Diego, Cal., Rev. Charles N. Thorp of Chelsea, Mass., and Mrs. Mark K. Law, deceased. Besides the sons, Dr. Thorp is survived by two sisters, Misses Emily D. and Caroline Thorp, of Booth Bay, and three grandchildren, John Law of Brooklyn, and Willard and Margaret Thorp of Chelsea. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon at the house.

Charlotte (Brown) Thorp

Chenango Telegraph, January 22, 1907

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Charlotte Brown Thorp, wife of Dr. J.W. Thorp, died at her home on Merchant street, Sunday morning.  She was forced to undergo an operation recently, but had seemed to be recovering until last week when she began to fail rapidly.  When it was seen that her death was imminent, her children were sent for.  Rev. Charles W. Thorp, pastor of the First Congregational church of Chelsea, Mass., arrived early Saturday morning.  The other son, Rev. Willard B. Thorp, pastor of the South Congregational church of Chicago, did not reach here until the 4:20 train Saturday afternoon.  His mother seemed to live by sheer force of will until he reached her bedside. After talking with him for a short time, she became unconscious, and remained so until her death Sunday morning, at 5 o'clock.  Mr. Thorp was born in Oxford and passed all her life here.  Her father was a well known merchant on Main street.  Her mother died early and her father married again.  Mrs. Thorp as a girl is well remembered by many as a sunny, bright child. She graduated from Oxford academy, and married Dr. J.W. Thorp, then principal of the academy.  Beside the sons already mentioned, there is a daughter, Mrs. Mary Law, whose husband is a professor in a New York school.  Her bereaved husband, who is one of the best known physicians of this locality, commands a widespread sympathy from a large circle of friends.  Mrs. Thorp has, with him, been an active worker in the congregational church in Oxford, being a leader in all the woman's work.  She was seen at all social gatherings and was active in every public work.  Some time ago she was much interested in the Woman's Relief corps.

Julian Williams Lindsay

Chenango Telegraph, January 22, 1907

North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  This community was greatly shocked Sunday noon to hear of the rather sudden and untimely death of Julian W. Lindsay of malignant scarlet fever, after an illness of only one day Julian Williams Lindsay was the son of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Lindsay and was born in this place June 21, 1902.  Julian will be greatly missed not only in his own home, where he was the pride of his father and mother's heart, but by all who knew him.  Being of a pleasant and loving disposition he made many friends who were always pleased to see him.  He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Lindsay and his grandfather, Julian Williams, to whom are extended the sympathy of the entire community in their sad bereavement. Burial was made this morning in Riverview cemetery.  On account of the severe nature of the disease, there was no public funeral.

Flora Felt

Chenango Telegraph, January 22, 1907

North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY]:  This whole community is saddened by the death of Mrs. Flora Felt which occurred after a brief illness Thursday evening last.  She was but 26 years old and is survived by a daughter, 8 years of age.  Her father and mother, two sisters, Mrs. Frink and Mrs. Robert White of Norwich, and a grandmother, aged 90 years, also survive her.  Funeral services were held Sunday morning, Rev. G. Grotsinger officiating.  Interment was made at South Plymouth [Chenanog Co., nY]

Obituaries (August 27)

James Harvey Benedict
June 5, 1852 - April 12, 1913

James Harvey Benedict, a prominent farmer of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], died Saturday morning from a shock sustained early in the previous morning, mention of which was made in The Review of last week.  Mr. Benedict was the eldest child of the late Caleb and Lucia Symonds Benedict of Smithville and was born 61 years ago.  He married, September 21, 1882, Lottie M. Stafford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Stafford of this village.  Mr. Benedict was industrious and a hard working farmer, quiet in his ways and seldom leaving his home for any length of time. He is survived by his wife, an adopted son, Edwin; one sister, Mrs. Floyd Breed of Smithville, ad one brother, Ellis C. Benedict of Amsterdam.  The funeral was held at the house on Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, Rev. A.O. Austin, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Chruch in this village, conducting the services.  Burial was in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Among the many floral pieces was a beautiful wreath given by neighbors and friends.

Lillian (McFarland) Cline
1872 - April 14, 1913

Lillian McFarland [Cline], wife of Arthur E. Cline of Boston, died Sunday night at the Moore-Overton  Hospital in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], following an operation.  Death was caused by lack of vitality to stand the shock.  Her age was 40 years.  Mrs. Cline was the daughter of the late Charles Arthur and Charlotte Webb McFarland and was born on the old homestead south of the village.  Her education was gained in the district school and at Oxford Academy, and for a number of years she was a stenographer in the State Hospital at Ogdensburg.  On the 2d of June 1906 she married Arthur E. Cline of that city, where they resided till their removal to Boston last summer.  Early in March Mrs. Cline came to Oxford and on Thursday of last week with her twin sister, Mrs. V.D. Stratton, went to Binghamton to undergo an operation.  The news of her death came as a shock to friends unaware of her serious condition.  Besides her husband, she is survived by two sisters and a brother, Mrs. Melvin B. Stratton and Mrs. Vernon D. Stratton of Oxford, and Ira McFarland of Indian Springs, Nevada.  

Near and dearer are the blessed dead

Than we are wont to think.

When with farewells and tears we bow the head

Beside the solemn brink,

And are they not then nearer, whom we see

With eyes no longer blind?

And is not love the sweeter, if it be

Of an immortal kind?

Oh, comforting, sweet thought--that though we stand

On death-divided shores,

Love still can stretch to us its angel hand,

And lay its heart on ours!

Edwin Brown Flagg

February 13, 1863 - April 29, 1913

With the taking away of Edwin Brown Flagg, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] has lost a true and conscientious character, such a quiet and unassuming man, that it doubtless never occurred to him that his influence was wide, that his life was at all remarkable and that no other life that touched his could fail to be impressed and helped.  Mr. Flagg, who resided with his niece, Mrs. Millard C. Loomis, was confined to his room a little over a week with a severe attack of typhoid fever, the end coming Tuesday afternoon at about 4 o'clock.  He was born in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] Feb. 13, 1863 and was the son of Henry and Sarah Mosher Flagg.  Completing his education at Oxford Academy he remained on the farm till he entered the store of Carl & McNeil in this village, following which he with Oscar J. Carhart purchased the Tyner Butter and Cheese factory, conducting that business for nearly two years or until they sold to George Stiles.  Mr. Flagg then worked at farming and carpentry and in January, 1902, came to Oxford and was appointed carrier on rural route no. 1, succeeding George Rugg, the first carrier whose death occurred a few weeks after the route was established.  In January four years ago he became deputy postmaster under M.D. McNeil, continuing in the office till Feb. 1, this year. During his work as carrier and as deputy in the postal service he was always obliging and efficient.  Often on the route when the roads were impassable, walking long distances that the patrons might receive their mail.  Mr. Flagg was an industrious, honorable citizen, diligent and dependable in all walks of life, and believing that whatever was worth doing at all was worth doing well.  Kindly and sympathetic in manner, a believer in clean living, one who enjoyed long walks over the country, peaceable and good natured, he has been an excellent citizen, and there are very many who will regret his passing.  The deceased was a vestryman of St. Paul's Chruch, Past Master of Oxford lodge, No. 175, F.&A.M., member of Oxford chapter, No. 254, R.A.M., and of Norwich Commandery, No. 46, Knights Templar.  He is survived by one sister, Mrs. M. D. McNeil.  The funeral was private and held at the house at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, Rev. Theodore Haydn officiating. The service of Riverview cemetery was in charge of Norwich Commandery.  Oxford lodge acted as escort.  The commitment at the cemetery was by the Rev. Mr. Olmsted of Norwich Commandery, who gave full Knights Templar service. The floral tributes were many and beautiful. Among them were a square and compass form Oxford Lodge, a wreath on an easel from the rural delivery carriers, a pillow from the postoffice employees, wreath from Homer friends, and offerings from the Tyner Baptist Church, vestrymen of St. Paul's Church, and from numerous friends.

George D. Cowles

June 1843 - December 22, 1912

George D. Cowles, a lifelong resident of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] and a well known farmer, died at 3 o'clock Sunday morning, after an illness of only four days with pneumonia. Mr. Cowles was born in June, 1843 near the place where he had always lived.  His parents were Carlos B. and Lois Hubbard Cowles, who were well known in their day.  He married Maria A. Sharp. He owned a very large farm and was known as a honest, upright man, a kind husband and a loving father.  He had an extensive acquaintance throughout the county and was an active member of Pomona Grange.  Surviving Mr. Cowles are his wife, two daughters and two sons, namely, Mrs. George H. Day of Brisbin, Mrs. Frank Hollenbeck of Smithville, Leon Cowles of Tyner, and Dell E. Cowles of Watertown.  The funeral was held at the home Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, Rev. George R. Foster of Greene officiating.  At the interment which was in Sylvan Lawn, Greene, Eastern Light Lodge no. 126, F.&A.M. of which Mr. Cowles was one of the oldest members, conducted the services.

Guilford Central School Freshman Class of 1954

Guilford Central High School

Freshman Class - 1954

Left to Right
Row 1:  J. knoll, G. Howard, H. Bourn, advisor, Mrs. Salzberg, D. Dexheimer, A. Abbey
Row 2:  J. Burt, E. Harrington, S. Loomis, j. Seaman, F Barber, H. Davis, D. Tibball
Row 3:  R. Hill, H. Crandall, A. Joslyn, J. Merlino, D. Chesbro, T. Ingham, W. Wescott

Obituary (August 26)

Angeline R. (Burrows) Lounsberry

Sept. 1, 1835 - Dec. 12, 1908

Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Angeline Lounsberry passed away early Monday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Van Woert, after a short illness of one week.  She was a member of the M.E. church, in which she was a ready and willing worker.  A kind friend and neighbor, and a loving mother and grandmother. She leaves to mourn her loss five daughters.  Mrs. Hattie Chalker of Windsor, Mrs. Eva Hungerford and Mrs. Julia Paddleford of Greene, and Mrs. Alice Handy and Mrs. Gertrude Van Woert of Coventry; two sons, Eugene Lounsberry of Church hollow and Judson Lounsberry of Chenango Forks, besides a number of grandchildren and other relatives. The funeral will be held at the house on Thursday at 11 o'clock, Rev. Grant VanWoert of Bainbridge will officiate. Burial will be at Greene [Chenango Co., NY].  Her age was 72 years. The family have the sympathy of the community, for all loved and respected Mrs. Lounsberry.

 Franklyn D. Wood

May 15, 1832 - Feb. 6, 1908

The remains of Franklyn D. Wood who was for years engaged in the photographic business in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], were brought here for interment, on the 4 p.m. train, Saturday.  The deceased had resided in Troy, Bradford Co., Pa., for the last 17 years, and had been a great sufferer from rheumatism for a number of years.  He was found dead in bed on the morning of Feb. 6th, retiring the night before in his usual health.  He was aged 75 years, 8 months and 22 days.  He is survived by his wife, Dr. M. F. Wood of Syracuse, and one son, R.V. Wood of Berwick, Pa., besides several sisters residing in Connecticut and this state.  His sudden demise came as a great shock to all his friends. The family wish to extend their thanks to those who acted as pall bearers.

Henry Loomis

1832 - 1908

Henry Loomis, a highly esteemed resident of the town of Smithville Center [Chenango Co., NY], died Saturday night, aged 76 years.  He had been ailing slightly for about six months but was not regarded as anything dangerous.  He fed the stock the evening before.  he had been doctoring during the week, but had not been very bad off till Saturday, when he was taken worse in the morning, and steadily declined until he died about 6:15 in the evening.  Mr. Loomis was born in Smithville on the farm next adjoining where he lived at his death.  his parents were Vincent and Cyntha Moore Loomis.  He was married in 1853 to Caroline R. Landers, who died in 1900.  He again married in 1904, to Mrs. Sarah Lewis.  His entire life had been spent in the town of Smithville, and since 1854, he has resided on the farm where he died.  Besides his wife he is survived by one daughter,  Mrs. Fred Dibble of this village, two sons, Burdett H. and Millard C. Loomis of this village.  Funeral was held at the house yesterday morning at 11 o'clock, Rev. W. W. Watrous of McDonough officiating.  Interment was made in Tyner cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

M.D. Howard

Afton Enterprise, November 15, 1888

M.D. Howard, of Jordan [Onondaga Co., NY], formerly of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died very suddenly of paralysis of the stomach, at his home in that place last Wednesday night.  During the forenoon of the day preceding his death he was about his business as usual, and after dinner he appeared as well as ever.  At about two o'clock he complained of feeling bad and went to his home and went to bed.  Medical aid was summoned, but all to no avail, and it was evident to his family and friends that the end was near.  After lingering until about nine o'clock, the same evening he gently passed away.  Mr. Howard formerly conducted a furniture and undertaking establishment in this palce, but about four years ago he moved to Jordan and engaged in the same business.  Mr. Howard was an honest, upright business man, and had many friends in Afton and elsewhere who were greatly shocked to hear of his death.  He leaves a wife and two daughters, aged respectfully 13, and 16 years, besides a large circle of relatives and friends to  mourn his loss. The remains were brought to Afton for burial and were interred in Glenwood cemetery, Rev. N.B. Ripley officiating.  Deceased was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the A.O.U.W., having two policies of $2,000 each in the latter organization   His age was 51 years.

Stephen P. Waldron

Afton Enterprise, November 15, 1888

Stephen P. Waldron, of Great Bend, for many years a conductor on the D.L.&W. railroad, was killed Saturday evening at Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY].  He was running extra 40, a coal train, from Syracuse to Binghamton, and the train stopped at Chenango Forks, while he registered on the train book. After registering he went out of the depot, and was not seen again until station agent Mills found him lying outside the tracks, dying. There were bad wounds on the forehead and on the back of the head, and the face was badly bruised.  He lived about an our after the accident.  His cap was found on the pilot of the engine, so it seems most likely the pilot struck him and then shoved him out of the way, but just how it occurred is a mystery.  Mr. Waldron was nearly sixty years of age, and has been in the service of the D.L.&W. Co. for many years.  He was very well off, and worked more because he could not leave the road than for a living.  His estate is estimated at $40,000.  He leaves a wife and three children, one of whom is a brakeman on the main line of the D.L.&W.  -Binghamton Republican.