Obituaries (January 10)

Claude Utter

Sidney Enterprise, July 6, 1939

Claude Utter passed away Friday in the Norwich hospital where he had been for the past 14 weeks, under treatment for injuries received when he fell with a scaffold on which he was employed while repairing the Moses-Cronk feed store in Guilford.  Mr. Utter was born in the town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 8, 1892, the son of Charles and Anna (Parsons) Utter. The deceased was a carpenter and had gained many close friends while following that occupation.  The survivors are his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Gregory) Utter; one son, Richard, and daughter, Janet, at the family home at Guilford; three sisters, Mrs. John H. Brown of Sidney, Mrs. Earl Palmer and Mrs. Nellie Brookshank of Oxford; three brothers, Fred Utter of Rockdale, William Utter of Norwich and Clarence Utter of Buffalo.  The largely attended funeral was held Monday afternoon at Seymour Funeral Home at Oxford and burial was made in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Grace Isabel (Bennett) Lyon

Sidney Record, April 12, 1919

When comes death to one of advanced years, Nature becomes more reconciled, but when comes the dark angel to take from life one of more tender years, bright in the happiness of home and future promise of life, tenderly loved by kin and friends, the loss carries with it anguish still multiplied.  The death of Grace Isabel Bennett, beloved wife of Dr. James Vernon Lyon, in the 27th year of her age, brought sudden anguish and deep gloom in the home circle and hearts of friends, who loved and admired her bright and winsome ways.  Soon would the unfolding beauties of Springtime have gladdened her life.  But it was not to be.  Now the eternal Springtime of everlasting glories are hers, while we of earth are left to mourn.  Dr. and Mrs. Lyon moved to Bloomington from Chicago, Ill, last August.  April 1st Mr. and Mrs. M.D. Bennett received a telegram and departed at once on Tuesday, 1st inst. for the West. Their daughter had been for several days at St. Joseph's hospital in Bloomington.  Her condition was critical due to influenza.  Arriving there only shortly before she died, it gave their afflicted daughter great joy to see them once more.  Her mind was still clear and bright.  Then the shadows soon gathered about, life ebbing away, after the birth of a little babe, Belle Jean.  The remains were conveyed to Sidney, arriving here Monday morning, 7th inst.  Tuesday afternoon services, attended by a large gathering of mourners, were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. M.D. Bennett, where Grace had spent all her childhood days, and later graduated at the Sidney High school.  Of exquisite beauty were the floral remembrances, white predominating, with occasional tints of delicate pink and sprays of green. The officiating clergyman, Rev. T.A. Stubbins, delivered an impressive address from James:  "What is your life" closing his words with Tennyson's "In Memoriam," followed by a touching appeal in prayer for the deeply sorrowing family and friends.  Two solos sung by Miss Addie L. Tydeman of New York City, "Lead, Kindly Light," and "Abide with Me," were rendered with tender feeling, adding impressively to the solemnity of the occasion.  The bearers were Ralph W. France, William Jameson, F.E. Buddenhagen, H.W. Cooley; Interment in Prospect Hill Cemetery [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY].  The sympathy of all is extended to the bereaved family, the husband, Dr. Lyon, Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. B.E. Pudney, Joseph Bennett, Miss Susie Bennett, Alexander, DuBois, Paul and Esther.

Matthew P. Van Dusen

Sidney Record, April 12, 1919  

The death of Matthew P. Van Dusen, which occurred on Monday, 7th inst., in New York City, brings deep sorrow into the hearts of all.  For long years Mr. Van Dusen was D.&H. agent at Colliers, N.Y., and had been retired on pension by the company for his good and efficient service.  He was 76 years of age, a kindly, whole souled man, honest and true to the core.  In November, 1917, he suffered a severe fall, from the effects of which he never recovered.  Thursday, 10th inst., services were held at the home of his sister, Mrs. B. Phillips, in Unadilla, his favorite pastor, Rev. E.R.D. Briggs, officiating, interment in Evergreen cemetery [Unadilla, Otsego Co., NY].  Surviving relatives are his widow and two daughters, Mrs. Lillian Buel and Miss Pauline Van Dusen, three sisters, Mrs. S. Phillips, Mrs. Tola C. Graves, Mrs. Pooler, and mother Jesse Van Dusen. Deep sympathy is extended to the bereaved family.

Menzo Sweet

Sidney Enterprise, March 12, 1925

The body of Menzo Sweet, aged 58 years, who disappeared last Wednesday night, was found Monday in Guilford Lake [Chenango Co., NY] by members of Troop C State troopers and residents of Guilford while the searching party were dragging the lake in search for the man. Sweet's body had a chain around the right shoulder to which was fastened two iron weights, each weighing about twenty pounds.  It is stated that Sweet had been boarding at the home of a woman at Milford, and the woman asked him to leave the first of last week, and he refused.  She then reported the situation to Captain Fox of Troop C with the result that two of the troopers were sent to the place, and after an investigation ordered the man to leave the woman's house.  Last Wednesday night, he is said to have given the woman his keys, money, watch, knife and other articles and then to have left the house with the statement that she would never see him again.  Becoming alarmed at the man's disappearance, the woman informed the troopers of his acts and corporal Murphy and Troopers Mayroth, Kelly and Bentley were sent to the scene with grappling hooks to search the lake.  While the members of the party were dragging the lake, the body was found by Messrs Marble and Reynolds of Guilford. The condition of the body indicated that it had been in the water since Sweet's disappearance last Wednesday.  Mr. Sweet's only surviving relative is a half sister, Mrs. C.H. Goodwin who lives near Guilford.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, April 6, 1870

COLE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 4th, of heart disease, Mr. John E. Cole, son of Samuel Cole, aged 28 years.  Funeral at the residence of his father, No. 9 Fair St., on Thursday at 2 o'clock P.M.

ELDREDGE:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], March 26th, of inflammation of the lungs, Mr. Samuel S. Eldredge, aged 68 years and 7 months.

MOORE:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], March 19th, Mercy [Moore], wife of William S. Moore, aged 70 years.

SEELY:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 17th, Charles F. [Seely], son of H.B. and Mary E. Seely, aged 7 years.

GILBERT:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 28th, Mrs. Betsey E. Gilbert, aged 75 years, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

CHUBBUCK:  In Wellsboro, Pa., March 18th, Col. Levi Chubbuck, aged 64 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

WHITTINGTON:  In Spencer, Iowa, March 7th, of consumption, Mr. Richard W. Whittington, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], and brother of Mrs. W.D. Porter, of this village.