Obitaries (December 1)

Delos Francisco

1832 - 1897

At his home in West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] at 6 o'clock Thursday evening, July 29th, Delos Francisco answered to the last roll call after a sickness of nearly a year.  He was about 65 years of age.  During the war he was a member of the 5th New York Heavy Artillery.  At the battle of Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864, the color bearer was shot down.  Delos Francisco caught up the colors and was at the head of the company with them when taken prisoner.  He was confined in Salisbury prison for five months, returning home a physical wreck, and he never regained his former health, although he was able to be around and do considerable work on his farm.  There is no doubt but his last illness was the result of his prison life which left its mark on every man who entered them.  He was also a member of H .H. Beecher Post G.A.R.  Deceased leaves a wife and two daughters, Mrs. Delia Herrick of Sidney and Mrs. C.F. Bentley of Bainbridge, all of whom were with him at the last hour.  As a citizen his life has been that of an honorable, upright gentleman, respected by all.  The funeral will be held Sunday at the Union Valley M.E. church of which he has been a faithful member for many years.

Funeral of Delos Francisco:  The funeral of Delos Francisco, who died at his home in West Bainbridge last Thursday, was held at the Union Valley church Sunday afternoon at 1:30.   There were nearly 400 present besides 30 old soldiers who came to pay their last respects to a good soldier and citizen.  Among those present were two veterans who were in the southern prisons at the same time the deceased was, one of them being taken prisoner at the time Mr. Francisco was and confined in Salisbury prison.  Rev. C.H. Sachett officiated and the interment was in the West Bainbridge cemetery.  The floral tributes were numerous and beautiful.

Willis Bishop De Munn

February 2, 1866 - May 19, 1894

DE MUNN:  In Scranton [PA], May 19, 1894, Willis Bishop De Munn at the home of his sister, Mrs. H.E. Griffin.

The funeral services of Willis B. De Munn were held at the home of his sister, wife of Druggist H.E. Griffin, on North Main avenue yesterday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.  The beautiful service of the Episcopal church was read, Rev. George E. Guild of the Presbyterian church officiating.  Excellent music was rendered by Messrs. H.R. Hurlbutt and Evan Gabriel and Misses Catherine Gabriel, Carrie Miller and Helen Hurlbutt.  The pall bearers were:  Joseph Scharer, Eugene Corwin, A. K. Detweller, Stanley Silkman, Clint Silkman, Victor Arnold. The floral tributes were many and beautifully arranged.  Interment in Forest Hill cemetery.  Scranton Republican.

Oscar D. Olendorf
1839 - June 26, 1894

The village of Nineveh [Broome Co., NY], in the death of Oscar D. Olendorf has lost one of its active and well-known residents.  As builder, cabinet maker and post master he came in contact with many people and will be missed from the haunts of men.  He was for many years in delicate health, and with great courage and persistence pursued his vocation under limitations that were little understood by the public.  He was a man of large general information and often surprised the writer of this note by his acquaintance with recondite facts.  He became a member of the Presbyterian church in 1868.  The last months of his life were full of pain, and under the stress of a complication of diseases, he finally succumbed.  His devoted wife may rejoice that she was permitted to minister to his wants to the very last.  It is a singular coincidence that but four weeks had elapsed since the death of his brother, Albert Olendorf.  He died the 26th of June at mid day and was buried from his late residence of the 28th.  [Buried Nineveh Presbyterian Cemetery]

Albert M. Olendorf

Afton Enterprise, May 31, 1894

Last Saturday morning as L.J. Poole, A.M. Olendorf and son, Daniel Olendorf, who reside in the town of Afton about 1 or 1-1/2 miles this side of Nineveh [Broome Co., NY] on the east side of the river, were at work in Mr. Poole's woods.  Mr. A.M. Olendorf was struck by a falling tree and instantly killed.  It seems that the deceased was chopping down a tree, which, in falling, split up some twenty feet or more, and in getting out of the way he mistook the direction which it would fall and got directly under it. The unfortunate man was struck on the right shoulder, breaking one arm, both collar bones and his neck, causing instant death.  Coroner P.A. Hayes, of Afton, was immediately notified, but on reaching the scene of the disaster and learning the facts, concluded that no inquest was necessary.  Deceased was fifty years of age, and was highly respected by his friends and neighbors.  He leaves a wife and five children two sons and three daughters. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from his late residence, and the remains laid to rest in the Nineveh Cemetery.

Marriages (November 29)

Bennett - Mix
Married June 6, 1894

Yesterday at the First Baptist church [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY] a brilliant social event took place in the marriage of Dr. Ernest L. Bennett to Miss Leafie D. Mix, both of this city.  The church was crowded with the friends of the contracting parties.  The ceremony took place promptly at 1 o'clock.  The church was prettily decorated with flowers and potted plants.  Mr. Ralph Kilmer presided at the organ, and as the bridal party marched to the alter the march from Lohengrin was played. First came the ushers, Harry Perkins, Esq. Albert Barnes, Esq., Mr. Charles H. Loveland, Mr. George Johnson, Mr. William Wortell and Mr. Albert E. Barnes. Then came Miss Mable Adams as flower girl, followed by the bride and Miss Katie Tucker of Owego, the bridesmaid. The bride was met at the altar by the groomsman and his best man.  Mr. Curtiss Burlingame. Rev. Benj. L. Herr performed the marriage ceremony. The bridal party and friends repaired to the home of Dr. Bennett, No. 273 Chenango street, where an informal reception was held.  Mr. and Mrs. Bennett left for a short wedding tour after which they will be at home to their friends at 273 Chenango St. 

Clark - West

Married April 24, 1894

On Tuesday, April twenty-fourth at half past five, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Francis West, occurred one of the prettiest weddings of the season, it being the marriage of his daughter, Miss Carrie West, to Mr. Charles J. Clark, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Linus B. Clark of this place.  The parlors and hall were elaborately decorated and a most unique feature of the decorations were artistically constructed gates of laurel which separated the parlors. A large company of guests had assembled in the parlors, and soon after half past five the exquisite strains of Mendelssohn's wedding march, played by Miss Francis Orcutt of Unadilla sounded through the rooms and the bridal party entered the parlors, preceded by two pages, Masters Francis West and Ralph Curtis, who unloosed the gates swinging them open for the party to pass through. After them came Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clark and Mr. and Mrs. William Bennett, followed by the bride and groom, then the ushers. The bridal party took their places at the end of the parlor. The impressive marriage service was read by the Rev. A.W. Ashley.  The lovely bride wore a superb cream satin and China silk gown, en traine, with waist trimming of costly lace, combining at the same time elegance and simplicity.  She carried a bouquet of white roses and wore in her hair a spray of delicate rhynscopermums.  Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Bennett, who attended the bride, were recently brides themselves, and wore their white wedding gowns.  Mrs. Bennett carried a beautiful bouquet of red roses and Mrs. Clark one of yellow roses.  The misses Minnie Brown, Bessie Cooper and Jennie Ashley acted a maids of honor.  They were attired in beautiful white gowns.  After the ceremony the happy couple received the hearty congratulations of their friends, after which an elaborate supper was served by a caterer from Hotel Bennett of Binghamton.  The wedding gifts displayed in the dining room were many and costly.  Conspicuous among them were pieces of dainty China, cut glass, many pieces of silver ware and elaborate embroideries.  The happy couple left on the evening train for Binghamton, enroute for Newport News and Old Point Comfort, Va.  A large company of friends gathered at the station, to wish them God speed amid showers of rice and hearty good wishes.

Marriage Notices

Chenango Union, March 9, 1870

FRASER - DAVIDSON:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Feb. 23d by Rev. Mr. Taylor, Mr. John W. Fraser, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah E. Davidson, of Binghamton.

ROBINSON -COOPER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] March 1, by Rev. Mr. Robinson, Dr. R. Woodward Robinson, of New York City to Miss Calanthia Cooper of Bainbridge.

RILEY - KELLY:  In Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], Feb. 28thg, by Rev. B.F. McLoghlin, Mr. William Riley, of Cortland, to Miss Mate Kelly, of Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango Union, March 13, 1870

CLINE - HOLDREGE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 8th, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Edwin Cline of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emeline Holdrege, of  McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

THURNAU - POTTER:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 15th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Charles F. Thurnau, to Mrs. E.G. Potter, all of Greene.

STEARNS - SOULE: In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], March 9th, by Rev. J. Mills, Mr. John H. Stearns, of DeRuyter, to Miss Nettie Soule, of Otselic.

MORRISEY - FREDENBURGH:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 26th, by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. P.J. Morrissy of Troy to Miss Ellie S. Fredenburgh, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]

STILLMAN - GRANT:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] March 16th, by Rev. S.P. Way, Mr. Thomas W. Skillman, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Tryphena A. Grant, of Pitcher.

Obituaries (November 28)

Charles Foote
26 October 1843 - 21 April 1905

On Easter Sunday there was held at Judson Burton's, the funeral of Mrs. Burton's father, Charles Foote, who passed away after a long and painful illness resulting from cancer in the stomach.  The deceased was 60 years of age and had been nearly a life long resident in this section [Coventry, Chenango Co., NY] and was much respected by all who knew him, and will be missed by his many friends.  He was married to Ruth Laman, who died a few years ago [7 May 1900] and he is survived by four children, Fred, of Franklin, Will Foote and Mrs. Judson Burton of this place, and Mrs. Olin Pierce of Coventry. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. A. McIntyre of this place and interment in the Coventryville cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Burton's home has been the scene of much sickness and death of late, this being the third funeral there in less than six months.  The other two deaths being Charles Foote's father, Robert Foote [5 November 1904], and Mr. Burton's aunt, Miss Annice Burton [13 December 1904].  [Note:  Charles, Robert and Ruth Foote buried in Coventryville cemetery, Chenango Co. NY].  Annice Burton buried in Yaleville cemetery, Guilford, Chenango Co., NY]

Elisha Vanderhule
14 September 1830 - 14 July 1905

Elisha Vanderhule, who for the past year has been making his home with Mr. and Mrs. John Matteson on Kirby street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], died last evening at the advanced age of eighty-four.  The funeral will be held Saturday at the Matteson residence and interment in the Afton cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Vanderhule prior to coming to this village lived for years at Middlebridge.  [Note:  Buried Eastside Cemetery, Afton, NY]

Edwin Mead
23 February 1827 - 13 February 1895

Mr. Edwin Mead died at his home near Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 23d, aged 68 years.  The funeral services were held at his late residence the 26th, Rev. Mr. Perrine of the Episcopal church, Guilford, officiating.  Mr. Mead was a life long resident in the neighborhood where he died, respected and beloved by all who knew him, as shown by the large concourse of friends and old neighbors who came for miles around to pay their last respects to his memory.  He was quiet and unassuming in his manners, but had a kind and pleasant word for everyone.  He was strictly honest and true in all his dealings with his fellow men, willing to do by others as he would like to be done by.  He will be sadly missed by his many friends and his family.  he leaves a wife and three sons to mourn his loss, who have the sincere sympathy of all.  [Note:  Buried Sunset Hill Cemetery, Guilford]

James Yale
7 October 1824 - 9 April 1895

After a long, distressing illness, James Yale passed to a peaceful death April 9th, aged 71 years.  He was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] Oct. 7, 1824, and lived the greater part of his life on the same farm, being the home which his father settled in early life. He was the last of his family, all having died.  Mr. Yale was widely known, being interested in so many industries, in Bainbridge, an officer in the National Bank and an upright honest citizen.  He had been deacon of the Baptist church here 12 years, always faithful to all the appointments of the church and above all else enjoyed the singing as very few do.  He sang in the choir as long as he went to church, and after his failing health wanted someone to sing to him.  His funeral was largely attended Sunday afternoon, services conducted by Mr. Edward of Colgate University, burial in Cooper cemetery [Guilford, NY].

Death Notices

Chenango Union, March 30, 1870

TEW:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY] March 16th, Mr. George Tew, aged 53 years.

PARK:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] March 20th, Mr. John F. Park, aged 51 years.

HODGES:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] March 10th, Adelia [Hodges], daughter of Alexander Hodges of Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY], aged 27 years.

MILLER:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] March 20th, Louise [Miller] daughter of John and Alvira miller, aged 21 years.

BARSTOW:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 12th(?), Lydia P. [Barstow], wife of Chauncey Barstow, aged 42 years.

BAKER:  In Ithaca [Tompkins Co., NY], Feb. 20th, Mr. Theodore Baker, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 44 years.

Obituaries (26)

Bertha G. Hancock

July 8, 1877 - Jan. 20, 1895

There occurred in our village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], last Sunday morning, one of the saddest events we have ever been called to chronicle.  Miss Bertha G. Hancock who had been ill for nearly two weeks, but was thought to be rapidly improving, suddenly grew worse on Saturday and, in spite of all that medical skill could do, died at ten o'clock the following day.  Miss Hancock was born in this place July 8th , 1877, and has passed her entire life here.  She was a young lady much beloved, and her death is a great shock, not only to the family but to the community at large.  Her funeral will be held from the M.E. church of which she was a devoted member today at 10:30 o'clock.  The family have the sympathy of the death of the entire community.

Lines written on the death of Bertha G. Hancock by Mrs. C.E.C.

Oh, ye winds whisper it softly;

A loved one has gone to rest;

Bertha is quietly sleeping,

Pillowed on Jesus' breast.

We ask, why did she leave us?

That, we cannot understand;

But we shall know hereafter,

When we join that heavenly land.

She is happy with her Saviour,

Though we mourn for her today,

And, if faithful, we shall see her,

When this life has passed away.

She has gone to live with Jesus,

Free from every care and pain;

She has left this World of sadness,

There with Jesus Christ to reign.

Samuel Gilmore

July 29, 1827 - January 5, 1895

Samuel Gilmore, a much respected resident of this place [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], departed this life to a higher and better [place] on Saturday night last.  His loss will be greatly felt by a large circle of friends, as he was ever ready to lend a helping hand to every good cause.  He will be especially missed in the M.E. church of which he was a consistent member and one that was always present when health permitted.  He leaves a wife to mourn his loss, who has the sympathy of the community.  His funeral was held on Tuesday at 12 o'clock at the house and 1 p.m. at the church.  A large concourse of people were in attendance.  Rev. T.F. Hall officiated, interment in the West Bainbridge cemetery.

Sophronia Thomas

died November 22, 1894 

Mrs. Sophronia Thomas, widow of Edward Thomas, died at her home on corner of North Main and Evans street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], Thursday, Nov. 22, 1894, aged 68 years.  Mrs. Thomas was an invalid for several years.  Her last illness was protracted and painful, yet born with Christian fortitude and resignation  Funeral services were held at her late residence, Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. T.F. Hall officiating, assisted by Rev. R. H. Stearns.  Interment in the Episcopal church cemetery.

John A. Green
died December 28, 1894

The death of John A. Green, a highly respected resident of Port Dickinson [Broome Co., NY], occurred at that place at 3 o'clock this morning.  Mr. Green was born in Port Dickinson 44 years ago and by his upright dealings and friendly manners has won for himself a large circle of friends who will be pained to learn of his death.  He was an earnest member of the Baptist church.  A wife and one daughter, his mother and sister.  Mrs. Olendorf of Nineveh, survive him.  The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and the burial will be in the Chenango Valley cemetery.  Undertaker Cornell will have charge of the obsequies.

Hattie Hovey

1889 - 1897

A gloom was cast over this community Thursday when it was learned that Hattie, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hovey, was dead.  She had only been sick a few days which makes it doubly sad.  She was only eight years old and a very bright child.  The service was held at the house Sunday, Rev. Mr. Percy of Masonville officiating, burial at Afton [Chenango Co., NY - Glenwood Cemetery].

In her little narrow casket

Sweetly little Hattie rests,

Snow white hands are gently folded

On her silent little breast.

Never more will pain or sorrow

Come to cloud our darling's brow,

In lands of saints immortal

She is ever happy now.

How we miss our little treasure

And so lonely seems the day,

Little dresses now are folded

Little playthings laid away.

But we hope in yon bright heaven

With our love done yet to dwell,

God gave, He took, He will restore,

He doeth all things well.  

Obituaries (November 24)

Stephen K. Willcox

Norwich Sun, March 15, 1935

Stephen K. Willcox, a prominent resident of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], died Friday noon, March 8, 1935.  He was a son of the late Thomas L. and Catherine Buell Stover Willcox and was born August 10, 1858 in the town of Smyrna on the farm settled by his grandparents, Lillibridge and Anna Hoxie Willcox, who came to Smyrna from Rhode Island in the year 1798.  Mr. Willcox was always a strong Republican and began serving that party early in life.  In 1887 he became a member of the Chenango Republican County Committee, serving one year as chairman since which time he held the position of secretary and treasurer of the committee until ill health caused him to resign in October, 1931.  He held the office of justice of the peace for over a term of 40 years, besides holding many other town offices, and served on many town and county committees.  For two terms he was the efficient treasurer of Chenango county, receiving handsome majorities at each election.  He attended three presidential inaugurals and attended, as delegate, a number of national, state and judicial conventions.  He received his education in the district and village schools and the Eastman Business college in Poughkeepsie.

In 1872 he became a breeder of choice White Leghorn fowls exhibiting his birds and winning premiums in New York city, Washington, Pittsburgh and many other leading cities and shipping eggs and fowls to many points in the United States as well as to Canada, Trinidad, Germany, Ireland and South Africa.  He was also a breeder of Cheviot sheep. Mr. Willcox was a life member of the American Cheviot Society and of the American Devon Cattle Club and a life member of the Holstein-Friesian Association of America.  He was a prosperous farmer and supervised the farm owned in partnership with his brother, W.R. Willcox, a lawyer in New York city.  Mr. Willcox was very philanthropic, befriending many in need of funds and kindly deeds to the betterment of humanity, and the community in which he lived.

August 11, 1910, Mr. Willcox was united in marriage with Frances Ellena Coy, a teacher of the public schools, and daughter of Franklin D. Coy, deceased, and Helen Goodrich Coy.

The funeral which was largely attended was held from the Old Homestead Monday, March 11, at 2:30 p.m. with Rev. C.W. Hoag, of Endwell, former pastor of the Smyrna Methodist Episcopal church, who baptized Mr. Willcox in that faith a few years ago, officiating, assisted by Rev. Paul L. Hulslander.  The pall bearers were Irving D. Tillman, James S. Flanagan and Fred Mallory of Norwich, Harry J. McDaniel of Sherburne and Clark Tinker and Earl Fargo of Smyrna.  The beautiful floral tributes manifested the high esteem in which Mr. Willcox was held.  Interment was made in the family plot in Sherburne West Hill cemetery.  He is survived by his wife and two brothers, Arthur L. Willcox of Smyrna, and William R. Willcox of New York city, neither of whom was able to attend the funeral on account of illness, and a niece Josephine and one nephew Frederic Willcox of New York city.

Bethiah Hatch

Chenango Union, April 13, 1870

The venerable Mrs. Bethiah Hatch, widow of the late Daniel Hatch, who died last Saturday at her residence near Eaton village [Madison Co., NY], was one of the ancient landmarks in the population of our town. She was born in Hillsdale, Columbia Co., and during her girlhood removed to Oxford, Chenango Co. where she married her husband.  In the year 1797 she accompanied him to the farm on which she afterwards spent her life and where she died, near the old Pettis factory, between Eaton and Hamilton villages.  At that time this whole region was almost an unbroken wilderness and Mr. and Mrs. Hatch reached their destination, where she resided for seventy-three years, by the aid of marked trees.   Mr. H. survived her husband nearly thirty years, and during her active life took in the various social and religious affairs of the day.  Morrisville Observer.

Daniel S. Brand

Chenango Union, September 15, 1892

We regret to announce the death of Daniel Brand of West Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], which took place on Sunday morning at his late home.  Mr. Brand was an esteemed citizen and well liked by all, having always been a resident of the town.  He was a Democrat of our old school, and was always very much interested in the party's welfare and was one of the best workers.  His age was 52 years.  He leaves a wife and two sons, who have the sympathy of all.  the funeral will be held on Tuesday at one o'clock.

Nathan Jerome Brand

Chenango Telegraph, January 30, 1920

Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY]:  N. Jerome Brand, a life-long resident of this town, died at his home west of this village at an early hour Tuesday morning after an illness covering a period of several months.  Mr. Brand was a son of the late William and Mary Brand and was born on the Weaver farm now occupied by Mrs. Stella Weaver, west of this village on December 1, 1841, and at the age of nine moved with his parents to the neighborhood where he has since made his home and where he died.  Mr. Brand was a man who had many warm friends and had filled many important town positions of trust, among which were highway commissioner, assessor and excise commissioner and always dispatched the duties of office with ability and discretion  One son, William, who with his wife has cared for him during his last months, survive.  The funeral was held from his late home on Friday at one o'clock and the remains placed in the vault at the Sherburne Hill cemetery.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, March 30, 1870

PURDY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 28th, after a brief illness, Hon. Smith M. Purdy, aged 74 years. The funeral will take place at his late residence, on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

CARRINGTON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] March 29th, Mr. J. Dwight Carrington, aged 26 years.  His remains were taken to Baldwinsville, Onondaga Co., for interment.

BROWN:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 28th, Frank Eugene [Brown], son of Jesse Brown, aged 17 years.

BROOKS:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], March 22d, Mr. Charles W Brooks, aged about 45 years.

TANZY:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 25th, Miss Jane Tanzy, aged 20 years and 1 month.

THORP:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 21st, Mr. Weston Thorp, aged ? years.