Obituaries (January 23)

Thomas Purdie, Sr.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, July 17, 1878

On Tuesday Thomas Purdie Sr., died from the effects of the heat.  He was out in the field mowing when he fainted, his sons saw him and carried him to the house and summoned medical aid, he came to and seemed to be doing well and then had a relapse and died in about two hours after he was first taken.

James L. Purdie

Chenango Union, September 5, 1895

James L. Purdie, a farmer residing one and one-half mile south west of Smyrna village [Chenango Co., NY], died Tuesday night of last week from blood poisoning, the result of a slight wound in the knee by a rusty nail, received August 18.  He was the youngest son of Thomas Purdie, a prominent Quaker, who died from sunstroke some twenty years ago.  He age was forty-one years.

Mrs. Abigail J. Purdie

Chenango Union, March 5, 1896

Mrs. A.J. Purdie relict of the late Thomas Purdie died on Monday afternoon at her late home at the age of eighty-five years. She was a member of the Friend's church, in former days one of its most earnest workers until age and feeble health compelled her to remain at home. She leaves two daughters and several grandchildren. The family seem to have been unfortunate, and adverse circumstances seem to have gathered around which should excite the sympathy of the whole community. The oldest son Thomas Purdie, Jr., died, quite suddenly some ten years since, and last year the youngest, and only son, James L. was taken, and recently a son-in-law was placed in the State Hospital, at Binghamton, probably for life, and now each of the remaining daughters are very sick, the youngest not expected to live.

James P. Knowles

Chenango Union, February 17, 1910

James P. Knowles of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], died at his home in that town on Friday, Feb. 11, and funeral services were held on Monday.  Mr. Knowles was a prominent Friend [Quaker] and was always identified with that church.  He has been a strict vegetarian for many years, has traveled quite extensively, and was wont to write impressions of his trips for publication.  About a year before his death he published the "Life and Letters of Samuel A. Purdie," a missionary.  Mr. Knowles has been in ill health for some time, and his death was not unexpected.  He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Liber Tuttle.  His wife died four years ago this month.

William R. Sheldon

Norwich Sun, November 12, 1907

Monday afternoon at 1 o'clock occurred the death of William R. Sheldon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles W. Hamilton, No. 40 Henry street in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  For over a year Mr. Sheldon has been in an almost helpless condition, the result of a shock suffered at that time.  William R. Sheldon was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NYT] 79 years ago.  He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Sheldon.  In 1852 he married Mary A. White of Guilford. To them five children were born, three of whom survive, Mrs. Sheldon died in this village June 22, 1906.  For several years, Mr. Sheldon engaged in farming in Guilford.  He then moved to Norwich where for a number of years he was the proprietor of a livery. After that he went to Greene, where he again engaged in farming, until advancing years compelled his retirement from active life.  He was a member of Norwich lodge, No. 302, F.&A.M., which body will conduct the interment ceremony at the grave, Wednesday.  Mr. Sheldon is survived by three daughters; Mrs. George H. Berry of Sault Ste Marie, Mich., Mrs. James H. Throop of Haynes, and Mrs. Charles W. Hamilton of this village.  He is also survived by three sisters, Mrs. Philo Shelton and Mrs. Victoria White both of Guilford, and Mrs. Nelson Bemus of Odell, Ill.  The funeral will be held from his daughter's home, No. 40 Henry street, Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, Rev. W.D. Benton officiating.  Interment at Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].