Obituaries (May 2)

Genora E. (Collins) Willcox

Norwich Sun, November 25, 1919

Smyrna:  Mrs. Genora E. Willcox, 84 years old, died at 4 o'clock Friday morning in Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], where she has made her home for the past five years.  Mrs. Willcox fell several weeks ago and broke her hip and gradually failed until the end came.  The immediate cause of her death was gallstones. The deceased was born July 26, 1835, at Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] and was a daughter of Levi B. and Evaline Collins.  She was the eldest of a family of 12 children, nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. She was married to Gardner N. Willcox of Smyrna in 1861 and has spent practically all her life in her native town.  Mr. Willcox died in 1869 and to his wife was left the task of managing the farm and making a home for the boys.  To this duty she devoted untiring energy and her efforts were crowned with success.  Although burdened with many cares she always found time to help in the work of the church she loved so well. For over thirty years she acted as organist in the Congregational church, seldom missing a service.  With twenty others, on Dec. 10, 1848, she united with this church, being at the time of her death its oldest member.  Throughout the years her interest in all its activities has been loyal and devoted.  She was a member of the Woman's Foreign Missionary society and her busy fingers were always ready to sew for the poor and needy.  She leaves two sons, Gardner N. Willcox of Smyrna and Lynn D. Willcox of Cortland; three sisters, Mrs. L.M. Dixon, Mrs. H.C. Goodrich of Sherburne and Mrs. L.E. Purdy of Whittier, California; two brothers, Homer Collins of Earlville and Levi Collins of Sherburne; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. The remains were brought to Smyrna Saturday and the funeral services held in the Congregational church Sunday morning at 10 o'clock.  Rev. G.A. Lusty officiated, assisted by Rev. Fannie Hancock.  A large company of relatives and friends assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to their old friend and neighbor and the masses of beautiful flowers expressed the love and sympathy of many sorrowing hearts.  The tired body was laid at rest in the village cemetery by the side of her husband and two little daughters, but we believe her radiant spirit is rejoicing in a glorious reunion with those who have gone before.  "And with the morn those angel faces smile which I have loved long since and lost a while."

Gardner N. Willcox

Chenango Telegraph, April 13, 1920

Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY]:  Gardner N. Willcox was born December 5, 1862, on the Willcox farm just west of this village, where most of his life had been spent.  He was the older of two sons born to Gardner N. and Genora Collins Willcox, and his untimely death on April 5th, 1920, after three days' illness, following a shock, brought to this community once more the realization of the uncertainty of life, and human plans.  He was three times married--the first wife being Miss Sarah Comstock, to whom he was married Dec. 5, 1883, and by whom there were four children, Abel, who died in Oct. 1918; Ralph of East Brookfield, Vt.; Clarence of North  Norwich, and Louise, now Mrs. William Simpson of this village. The wife and mother died July 29, 1893, and Jan. 14, 1895, he was married to Mrs. Ida Dix Bartlett.  Of this union, one child was born, Alice Evelyn of Bridgeton, N.J.  Hs wife's death in 1900 left him again to be both father and mother to his family.  July 2, 1905 he was married to Miss Cora Barber, who survives him, as also does a brother, Lynn L. Willcox of Cortland and eleven grandchildren.  In March, 1906, the family moved to this village where Mr. Willcox dealt largely in cattle, hay and farm produce.  Five years' ago he entered the hardware business, in which he was engaged at the time of his death, together with much of the outside business.  "Gard" was known for miles around and farmers will look far before they find his successor, for good prices, ready pay, and a square deal.  For many years, in fact all his life, he had been an active member of the Congregational church, and always an earnest, faithful worker. He held various offices which demanded time willingly given for the Master's work. At the time of his death he was chairman of the board of trustees. A grandson of Deacon Levi Collins, he inherited a great family love and talent for music in any form, and to that love and enthusiasm added to his inspiring voice, much of the success of the church choir is due.  His clarinet, too, is known and will be greatly missed in many bands and orchestras beside those of Smyrna.  His life has been more full of sorrows and burdens than fall to most not the least being the death of his son Abel, whom he had never ceased to mourn, to whose children he has given a father's love and care.  Why he should be taken, who seemed to be so greatly needed, and so many left, who could be spared, is the question none can answer, but "somehow we'll come to find just what our Maker had in mind."  Funeral services were held April 7, at three o'clock, in the church. The officiating clergy were his pastor, Rev. George Lusty, and Rev. Fanny Hancock.  The services, while simple were most fitting, and impressive, the organ very softly giving many of his favorite hymns, while the procession came into the church. Burial was in Sherburne West Hill cemetery.  To very few of us is it given to spend a whole life in one place, and when, as with Mr. Willcox, we do, and when, as with him, the last day has come, and the last tribute been rendered, to very few, indeed will there be given so many sincere mourners, so many friends come for the last look, so many generous tokens of sorrow for his passing.

Abel Comstock Willcox

Norwich Sun, October 25, 1918

Abel Comstock Willcox passed away at his home in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] Sunday night in the full flower of his young manhood.  He was 34 years of age and leaves behind him a wife and three young sons who are now both fatherless and motherless.  Abel C. Willcox was born in Smyrna, the eldest son of Gardner N. and Sarah Comstock.  At a very early age he showed decided precocity in this studies and his easy and brilliant grasp of hard subjects was a source of speculation and wonder to his instructors. At the age of 17 he entered Cornell university and there was known as a "star" student.  He graduated from here with the highest honors and immediately entered upon the study of law in the College of the City of New York. Before completing this course he was married to Miss Marion Smith of Ithaca who died last March after a year of terrible suffering.  To his wife in her last days, the husband gave tenderly and tirelessly of his time and strength.  He ministered to her needs as a mother would have done and never counted the price.  After being admitted to the New York bar, Abel Willcox practiced for a few years in Norwich then removed to Rochester where he became research lawyer for the Lawyers' Cooperative company there.  His own health broke down several years ago and he was obliged to get out of his confining work in Rochester.  He moved his family to Smyrna two years ago where he sought less arduous professional duties and more outdoor work. The automobile agency of G.N. Willcox and Son was formed and Mr. Willcox became demonstrator for their cars. The illness and death of Mrs. Willcox followed, leaving the three boys. To them the father gave in the abundance of his beautiful love and affection.  Always kind, always cheery, always strong in the face of cruel adversity--he was the admiration of all those who knew the cross he so patiently bore. Early in life he had taken the vows of the church and his character in truth seemed over founded and modeled on that of his Heavenly Father.  Four weeks ago, Abel Willcox was united in marriage to Lydia Bartlett.  He shortly became a victim of the influenza scourge and after a vain but gallant fight, his tired body succumbed. A whole community will miss his quiet, unassuming presence; his family will miss the strong son, the beloved husband, the most understanding of fathers, the dearest of brothers.

Servant of God--well done!

Rest from thy loved employ;

The battle fought, the victory won.

Enter thy Master's joy.

Alice Bennett

Norwich Sun, October 25, 1918

Miss Alice Bennett, formerly of Bainbridge, died on October 16, in Middleville, Herkimer county, a victim of influenza, followed by pneumonia.  For several years she was a teacher in Guilford, Bainbridge and Middleville, and was well known throughout the county, where her death will be mourned by many friends.

Death Notices

Chenango American, June 7, 1860

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. Mr. John Pike, aged 68 years.

In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8d inst. Milford D. [Mericle], son of Michael Mericle, aged 13 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst., Dr. Samuel R. Clarke, aged 60 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 4th isnt., Sophia W. [Randall], daughter of the late William D. Randall, aged 22 years.