Obituaries (August 6)

Rev. E. Bradley Meaker

Northern Christian Advocate, January 21, 1886

MEAKER:  Rev. E. Bradley Meaker was born in Hawietown, Broome Co., N.Y. Jan. 5, 1852, and died in Bethlehem, Pa, Nov. 6, 1885.  In the Summer of 1879 he graduated from the Wyoming Seminary at Kingston, Pa.  He was ordained a local deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church at the Wyoming Conference in the Spring of 1880, and the following year supplied the Randolph charge very acceptably.  In the spring of 1881 he accepted the position of teacher of the lower classes in Professor Ulrich's Preparatory School at Bethlehem, Pa., and in September, 1882, he took the position of instructor of mathematics in the same school.  Professor Ulrich says that Mr. Meaker was a very excellent teacher, and that his place will be an extremely hard one to fill, and that he never knew of a teacher who took such a live interest in the inner life of his pupils. He was not only a teacher but a brother to many of his pupils.  He was an excellent mathematician, he and his brother, A.E. Meaker, being considered among the best in the State.  He had one of the finest collections of mathematical works extant.  He also had a very valuable collection of coins.  On August 17, 1881, he was married with Martha Queal, daughter of the Rev. W.G. Queal, of the Wyoming Conference, who with an infant son about eleven months old survives him.  In March 1884, he was ordained local elder in the Methodist Episcopal Chruch.  He was very earnest and active in church work.  When he went to Bethlehem he immediately connected himself with the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church there, and at the time of his death was superintendent of the Sunday School, which office he is said to have filled with great acceptability. The honesty and integrity of his life were such that Bethlehem papers speak of him as "one of the most valuable men in educational and church circles Bethlehem had."  His life was so consistent with his profession that his friends have no doubt that the sudden coming of the summons found him ready for the message.  It was at a moment when least expected.  he was standing in the university gymnasium in the full enjoyment of his usual health, when without a moment's warning he fell to the floor.  Proper remedies were quickly administered, but all to no effect. Bro. Meaker was dead.  Fitting memorial services were held in the University chapel and also in the Wesley Methodist Episcopal church at Bethlehem. The remains were conveyed to West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] for interment and await the  resurrection.

Jens Olesen

Bainbridge News, February 28, 1935

After a lingering illness, Jens Olesen, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], passed away at the age of sixty-nine, 4:00 o'clock on February 14th at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Arthur Daniel Boone, Forest hills, Long Island.  He is survived by his wife, Laura Sophie; his three children, Marie Eleonora Boone, Ruth Elise and Paul Leth; his infant grandson, Jens Paul Olesen; and relatives in Denmark. The funeral services were read by Rev. G.H. Orvis, of the Presbyterian Chruch, in the Colwell Brothers' Chapel, February 17th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.  The remains will have final rest in West Bainbridge Cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].  It was Mr. Olesen's wish to be buried after death in the friendly countryside, where he had found comfort and happiness in life.  Jens Olesen was born June 15, 1866, in Denmark at Resen Pr. Struer.  Dec. 26, 1894, he was untied in marriage with Laura Sophie Petersen, of Svendborg. Their union was blessed with four children, three surviving.  Mr. Olesen came to this country in 1904 and  Mrs. Olesen arrived a few months later with the two oldest children.  Rudolf was taken from this world shortly after they landed in America. Twenty years ago, the family moved to Bainbridge and Mr. Olesen made this community his home until the time of his death.  He was  a naturalized citizen of the United States.  Though he did not find much demand for his profession of cabinet maker in Bainbridge, it will be remembered that one of his helpful community efforts was constructing the interior of the Delaware & Hudson Railroad station.  Mr. Olesen's death had been failing since last summer and in November, he left with Mrs. Olesen to spend the winter months in Forest Hills, which had been their custom for the past few years. When Mr. Olesen's condition became critical a month ago, his son, Paul, flew form Tulsa, Oklahoma, to make a ten day visit with his father and then returned to his work in the western oil fields. Bad weather and dangerous flying conditions prevented his presence at the funeral.  Mrs. Olesen returned to New York Monday morning with her two daughters and son-in-law.  Early in May she will return to Bainbridge for a month's visit with friends before making a long visit to Denmark with her brothers and sisters whom she left thirty years ago.  Mr. Olesen's death will be felt by many in Bainbridge as the passing of a kind friend, respected by his acquaintances as an honest, upright citizen, who was never too busy to give a cheerful smile or a helping hand.

Death Notices

Chenango American, May 16, 1861

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., William Daly, aged 64 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ins.t, Orrill [Tyler], wife of Harry Tyler, aged 66 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] on the 8th inst., Underhill Miller, aged 75 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst, of cancer, Nancy [Hamilton], relict of John Hamilton, aged 42 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., of quick consumption, Barney Bowers, aged 50 years.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., Nathaniel Purdy, aged 75 years.