Obituaries (July 31)

Ebenezer Augustus Davis

1847-1924

Ebenezer A. Davis whose death came March 2nd at his home in the village of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], was a son of Abram and Mabel Davis, who moved from Saratoga County in 1844 and settled on a farm in the town of Oxford, Chenango county in the neighborhood of Searles Hill, where they spent the remainder of their life.  They raised a family of nine children, there being but three now living.  Ebenezer A. Davis was born April 3rd, 1847 in the town of Oxford Chenango county.  He remained home until the fall of 1868, he was then married to Ada Davis of Bainbridge.  From the following spring he spent his whole life a farmer within a radius of four miles of the village until three years ago he sold his farm and retired.  He was a kind and obliging friend and neighbor, always ready to lend a helping hand. A man of few words, a mind once decided was unchangeable.  Always knew where to find "Ebb."  He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Ada Davis, a son Fred Davis; three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.  Three brothers, Mark Davis and Will Davis of Bainbridge and Frank B. Davis of Binghamton.  A nephew Harry Searles of Amsterdam, N.Y.  Harry was taken into the family when an infant and the same care and affection that could be given an own child was given him.  He remained with them until grown up.  He has always been claimed a member of the family by them, and also by the friends and relatives of the family.

Sheldon Hopkins

Oxford Times, August 22, 1913  

Sheldon Hopkins, 74 years old, died at the home of his cousin, Frederick Hopkins, in this town last night, death resulting from complications following surgical operations during the winter.  Mr. Hopkins was the son and the youngest of the family of Alison and Polly Dickinson Hopkins, and was born on the old homestead in the exact geographical center of this town.  He married Emma Fosbury of Bainbridge, who died a few years ago  For 25 or 30 years they lived in Coventry.  Late in the winter Mr. Hopkins went to St. Luke's hospital, Utica, where he underwent three operations,  all very severe, which he stood very well for a man of his years. After about six weeks he was brought to the home of Mr. Hopkins, where he remained until his death.  He was educated at Oxford Academy and was deeply interested in agriculture. A man of quiet, home keeping tastes, he nevertheless won many friends by his pleasant friendly spirit and his faithfulness to daily duty.  He was a communicant of St. Paul's Church in this village and when possible was frequently at its services.  He had been prominent in Grange matters and was quite well known by members of that organization.  His nearest living relative is John H. Gifford, a nephew, of this village. The funeral will be held at the residence of Frederick Hopkins on Monday at 11 o'clock, Rev. Theodore Haydn officiating. Burial will be at West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Dennis Ballou

Chenango Union, October 31, 1872

BALLOU:  In Plymouth, Chenango Co., N.Y., October 20th, 1872, Dennis Ballou, Esq., aged 73 years.

He was born in Richmond, Cheshire Co., N.H., December 6th, 1796, and removed with his parents, when a boy, to Cortland County, N.Y., passing along what is now called the turnpike from Smyrna to Otselic, when it was all a wilderness, with the exception of a very few clearings and log dwellings.  Left fatherless while young, and among strangers, his nobility of character and firmness for the right made him many friends.  He began business for himself by teaching in the public schools, removed to Plymouth about 1824, engaging in the shoe and leather business; was soon elected to a town office, and for a long term of years served the people in some capacity as town officer. Early in life he united with the Baptist Chruch, and lived a faithful member. Although his last illness was long and severe, no work of complaint or murmuring fell from his lips.  He has gone to rest. A family have lost a kind father; the church a faithful worker; society an honored member; the party of freedom and equal rights for all, a firm supporter.