Early Religious life in Smyrna, NY - Part 2

Early Religious life in My Home Town

Smyrna, Chenango Co., NY

Leland L. Ferris

Norwich Sun, January 12, 1934

Part 2

"My first recollections of the Congregational church are well over 60 years ago.  The pulpit was between the front doors and a gallery on three sides.  I thought it was a great treat to sit in the gallery with my older brother.  I remember the old pine pews with panel doors at the entrance, painted white with a red moulding at the top.  I can remember getting down and crawling though under the seat to the next pew, but cannot remember what happened next.  As a very small boy I stood in the vestibule of the belfry and watched the workmen lay the floor in the auditorium.  Only a few years ago the old pulpit and desk might have been seen in the belfry room of the old church. At this time of remodeling the church was enlarged with an alcove for the choir, new windows and ceiling built on elliptic form, making it an ideal room for singing and speaking  The first minister I can remember was Elder Keeler, who wore 'side whiskers' and drove among his parishioners with a white faced horse and a two-seated surrey.  Another minister, Henry Grant, who had been a missionary, told of going down the Joppa road, infested with robbers, and looking down into a cave, a hole in the ground, covered with a big flat stone, their home.  He also told us of Mount Aarat.  These stories were readily absorbed by the youngster, 10 or more years of age. The old town clock in the steeple was a mystery to the small boy, and it is a shame its 'time' is no more.

"As to the revivals, they were held nearly every year and as union meetings.  They usually commenced with the week of prayer and continued for some time, according to the interest shown.  The outstanding revival, which built up and strengthened the churches more than any other, was in the winter of 1877.  This was led by Rev. A.B. Earl and started in the Baptist church, of which he had been pastor years before.  It soon spread as a union effect, to all the churches in town, but in fact it was mostly held in the Congregational church, that having the greatest seating capacity. This church soon overflowed with worshipers, and one night a large overflow meeting was held in the Methodist church.  Not only young people but men and women from 30 to 60 years of age were converted to a life of service for the Master. The Congregational church, at this time, was at the zenith of its prosperity, having 175 members and giving large sums for missionary work.  In these years each church was particular in receiving new members. They were questioned as to prayer and experience in becoming Christians.  Up to this time the Congregational church had prayer meeting each Saturday afternoon. The Saturday before communion Sunday each applicant was expected to be there for examination by the deacons and pastor. These were earnest, spiritual times and could not help but build up a community of earnest, church going people. The annual donation was looked upon as a great event, for cake was plentiful with red wintergreen berries in the frosting, and each boy was supposed to have candy hearts with love mottoes on them for the girl sitting beside him at the table.

On, yes, and there was the union Sunday school picnic, where we went with the Marshal band and four-horse teams, a marshal on horseback with a red sash to show his official position.  Everyone would meet at the church and load into the big wagons for Cole's woods or John Knowles'.  Once we joined the North Norwich schools and went to the land of Whac-Nan-Nan-Cal, an eight or ten mile trip in picnic wagons.  Lots of fun--what, no autos?--why, the man who invented the auto was not born then.  Henry Ford is only 62 years old [in 1934].

"As to the music of long ago, there are few small towns blessed with so many people who were natural musicians and were so helpful in building up a class of music that has lasted throughout the years and will continue to show in the coming generations.  Deacon Levi Collins and family and the Dixon family are in the memory of the older people of today. Deacon Collins, by his singing school, taught us the rudiments of music, and many of us to this day use the same methods taught then. For nearly 50 years all denominations were brought together in his school of song, and no one was to blame but himself who did not learn the principles of do, re, mi.

To be Continued

Obituaries (January 26)

George M. Woodworth

Bainbridge Republican, September 6, 1917

George M. Woodworth, an esteemed resident of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] for 35 years, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles W. Ireland on Juliand street, early Tuesday morning from hardening of the arteries.  His illness had existed since last winter but not so as to confine him to the house until recently.  He was 78 years old and was born in Bettsburgh.  After the death of his second wife 7 years ago he made his home with his only daughter Mrs. Ireland.  The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Baptist church, Rev. A.H. Merrill officiating.  Mr. Woodworth was one of our best citizens.  He was always interested in church and public affairs and took an active part.  He was a member of the Baptist church.  During his middle life he was engaged in business and was successful.  He was always kind and considerate and was a man that was generally liked and was highly regarded.

Gilbert Cooper

Chenango Union, November 8, 1894

Gilbert Cooper died at 10 o'clock Monday night of heart failure at the home of his son, Mr. Lester Cooper at 36 River street [Cortland, Cortland Co., NY], aged 81 years.  Mr. Cooper was born in Guilford, Chenango county, N.Y. and came to Cortland county January 2, 1860.  He has lived on his farm about a mile and a half from the village on the Truxton road until about three years ago when, on account of the failing health of both himself and his wife, he rented the farm and moved to his son's home.  He has always lived a quiet, unpretentious life.  He suffered a shock of paralysis several weeks ago from which he has never rallied and which was the indirect cause of his death.  He leaves a wife, who has been his constant companion for fifty-three years.  Mrs. Cooper is now in a very critical condition from dropsy, with which she has been suffering for a number of months. During the earlier part of Mr. Cooper's illness they were both cared for in one room where they could converse and sympathize with each other, but later Mr. Cooper had been delirious most of the time and it was deemed better to remove Mrs. Cooper to another room.  It is believed that the separation of husband and wife can be but for a few days at most, as the death of Mr. Cooper, though expected and looked for, has been a great shock to his wife, and she is today much worse. For several days it has been a question as to which would go first. Besides the widow Mr. Cooper leaves two sons, Lester and George Cooper, of River street, two brothers and one sister in Bainbridge, N.Y., and two sisters in Hammonton, N.J.--Cortland Standard.

John H. Willcox

Chenango Union, November 8, 1894

Mr. John H. Willcox, of whose decease mention was made in last week's correspondence--was born in East McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], April 23, 1826, the youngest of six children; his father having come from Rhode Island in 1806 and erected a log house on the site of the present homestead, clearing off a large portion of the farm. At the age of seventeen Mr. Willcox united by baptism with the Baptist church in this village, of which he was for many years a prominent and influential member. February 1, 1852, he married Jane E. Lewis, who survives him, and who has long been the energetic and very successful superintendent of the Sunday School at East McDonough--Mr. Willcox being also an active member and of late years a worshipper with that congregation.  Four children were born of their union, of whom two survive --Charles L. Willcox of East McDonough, and Mrs. James McMinn, of Plymouth.  In 1861 Mr. Willcox was elected Supervisor of this town, and subsequently held for four consecutive years the office of Road Commissioner, bringing to each his best energies and intelligence, and discharging the duties of each with the utmost conscientiousness.  In character the deceased was a man of simple tastes, but of marked individuality and of unusual evenness of disposition and kindliness of heart.  He was strictly conscientious in the discharge of his duties as a member of the church and of the community; uniformly courteous in his bearing and obliging as a neighbor; generous in the use of his means for religious and all other laudable purposes; and tender and faithful in all the relations of life.  It will be very difficult to fill the gap in the community which his taking away has made, and a wide circle of friends unite with the afflicted family in sorrow above his grave.

Martha A. (Brooke) Ireland

Bainbridge Republican, March 15, 1934

Mrs. Harvey Ireland died at the home of Mrs. Mary Bliss in Kirby st., Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], early Friday morning, Mar. 2nd, following a stroke of apoplexy which she suffered the preceding Saturday and from which she never rallied.  Mrs. Ireland, (nee Martha A. Brooke) was born at West Hall, Yorkshire, England, February 16th, 1849.  The same year she came with her parents to Jersey City, N.J., where she lived until her marriage in 1881 to Harvey Ireland of Bainbridge.  Mr. Ireland was at that time and for 14 years thereafter editor and publisher of the Bainbridge Republican.  He died in 1930.  Before her marriage Mrs. Ireland was a successful teacher in the Jersey City schools, acting as vice principal for several years.  She also taught in the Bainbridge High School one year. She was a woman of many fine attainments always interested in the welfare of the village.  She was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.  Mrs. Ireland is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Arthur Wilcox of Milford, N.Y., three grandchildren of the same place, and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services, conducted by her pastor, the Rev. Bradford H. Tite, were held in the Colwell Funeral chapel Sunday afternoon, March 4, at 2 o'clock and interment was at Bayside Cemetery, Jersey City, beside her parents.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, August 17, 1893

JOHNSON:  At her late residence, No. 43 Pleasant street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Wednesday, August 16, 1893, Anna A. Johnson, aged 73 years.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 19.  Burial in Mt. Hope.

WEEKS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], August 8, 1893, Clarence [Weeks] infant son of Frank E. and Minerva Weeks.

O'BRIEN:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] August 10, 1893, Michael S. [O'Brien], son of Michael and Bridget O'Brien, aged 5 months and 18 days.

BRIZEE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], August 3, 1893, Mr. Francis West Brizee, aged 73 years.

LaDUE:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], August 11, 1893, Mr. Alfred La Due, aged 76 years.  Deceased was a brother of Orville La Due of North Norwich.

JONES:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], August 10, 1893, Mr. John J. Jones, aged 85 years.

THOMPSON:  In Otselic Centre [Chenango Co., NY], August 6, 1893, Mrs. Lewis Thompson.

HORTON:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], July 26, 1893, Mr. Lewis B. Horton, aged 76 years.

JAQUINS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], August 2, 1893, Mary A. [Jaquins], wife of Emery Jaquins, aged 64 years.

IRELAND:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], August 14, 1893, Mr. Corsman Ireland, aged 79 years.

FERRIS:  In Union Valley (Bainbridge) [Chenango Co., NY], August 4, 1893, Mr. Edmund Ferris, aged 73 years.  He was a soldier in the late war.

LANDERS:  In Owego [Tioga Co., NY], August 7, 1893, Mrs. Susan Landers, aged 67 years.  Interment at Bainbridge.

LEAL:  In Arlington, N.J., August 5, 1893, John Fisk Leal, son of La F. and F.A. Leal, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

NICHOLSON:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], August 10, 1893, Minnie [Nicholson], only daughter of Frank and Lucinda Nicholson, aged 10 years.

Early Religious Life in Smyrna, NY - Part 1

Early Religious life in My Home Town

Smyrna, Chenango Co., NY

Leland L. Ferris

Norwich Sun, January 12, 1934

Part 1

"Sixty-five years ago we lived on the Wilbur farm at Sherburne Four Corners and could hear, in the spring of the year, the church bells of Plymouth, Smyrna, and Sherburne, calling the country people to worship.  Hardly a house from Sherburne Four Corners to the county line at Earlville but was represented in some of the churches.  Generally speaking, the people south of Smyrna village were Methodists.  Cyrus B. Merrihew and Ansel Vaughan and families were Baptists, and there were also three or four families of Congregationalists. North of Smyrna village, from the corporation line to Earlville and to the Lebanon town line, every family excepting two were represented in the Congregational church. The Baptist church at this time was not very strong, being depleted by deaths and removals, no regular services being held.

"During the remodeling of the old Congregational church in 1868, the Baptist church was used for their services.  I well remember the old Baptist church gallery on three sides, supported by round pillars with iron brackets fastened to them to carry the longline of stove pipe from the big cast iron stoves at each corner in front.  This pipe went to the center of the rear of the room and up thru the ceiling into the chimney.  Under the upright pipe was a pan, fastened to catch the creosote, caused from burning green wood. Sitting on the front seat one might burn their face to a blister while there was frost on their back. The pulpit was between the front doors.  After the great revival, which was led by Rev. A.B. Earl in 1877, Rev. H.S. Jones became the regular pastor and preached 'Alpha and Omega' to them for many years. Sunday school was held at noon with preaching service at 1:30 p.m., services remaining as such until Rev. Frank Barrett became the pastor.  Since then the series have been sustained by a goodly number of faithful members.

"Who remembers Deacon John Knowles, Mortimer Gardner, Mr. Northup from Sherburne Hill, Smith Faulkner from the Ben Card district? These families were regular in their attendance, year in and year out.  Elisha Sprague, for some reason, was disappointed with this church and so walked from his home to the West Smyrna church each Sunday.  Occasionally the Merrihew family from Sherburne Four Corners attended church here.  These people, with their families, were deeply religious in their daily and church life.

"I cannot recall much of the early M.E. church, but can still see the long line of steps in front that went up to the church, and at the east and a door into the basement where Protection fire engine number one was kept.  The fire engine was a marvel to the younger generation, as it was occasionally taken out for practice in pumping water. George Hunt and Eri Stokes were the first foremen I can remember. After the M.E. church was rebuilt in 1870 or '71 I can remember the boys sliding down the circular handrail to the basement floor.  Who can remember such pillars of this church as Wilson Young, Alfred Eastman, Monroe Billings, Ariel Fowler, Soloman Brown, Alonzo Bennett, the Tobeys, Chapman, Simons.  It would be no trouble to name a long list of praying Methodists of those days, 50 or 60 years ago. The pleasant associations of later years with so many others will never be forgotten.

To be continued

Obituaries (January 25)

Timothy Jenkins

Chenango Telegraph, January 4, 1860

Timothy Jenkins, of Oneida County [NY], died at Martinsburgh, Lewis County, on Saturday, 24th ultimo, whether he had gone on professional business, on the previous Tuesday.  It was thought that riding in the cold had brought on the attack of bilious fever from which he died.  He was sixty years old, and one of the most eminent lawyers and public men of the State.

Emily Merrifield

Chenango Union, November 8, 1894

At 5:30 A.M., on Friday, November 2, 1894, Mrs. Emily Merrifield entered into rest.  She was born in Bristol, England, July 4, 1834, and was married to William Merrifield, December 24, 1854. they came to Franklin, Delaware county, N.Y., in 1855, in company with an aged uncle and aunt, who had a daughter in that place.  After a short residence in Gilbertsville, Mr. and Mrs. Merrifield, moved to Norwich in 1856, which has since, been their home.  About thirty-three years ago Mrs. Merrifield contracted rheumatism, from which she has been an almost constant sufferer, and from which death resulted.  During all these many years she has been unable to walk, even about the house, and her wants have been most devotedly administered to by her husband, who is the only immediate surviving relative. The funeral, which was private, was held from the residence on Piano street, Monday afternoon, at three o'clock, Rev. Henry D. Stebbins officiating. Burial in Mt. Hope [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Charles D. Brigham

Chenango Union, November 8, 1894

Charles D. Brigham, a well known newspaper man, died of pneumonia, in Washington, D.C., October 21.  Mr. Bingham was a native of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] and in his early youth learned the printers art in the Times office in that village.  He came to Norwich about 1840, and for a number of years was with the Telegraph, then edited and published by Elias P. Pellett.  From Norwich he went to Lockport, N.Y., and was editor of the Courier for some years.  While editor of this paper he married Cordelia Rundell, eldest daughter of the late Gen. O.G. Rundell, of Norwich.  From Lockport he went to Oswego, and edited the Palladium; from Oswego to Troy, editing the Northern Whig or Budget; from Troy he went to Albany in 1854, editing the Register for a time, from there to New York, and was employed on the papers there.  When the war broke out he was in Charleston as the correspondent of the New York Tribune; was arrested as a spy, and after a hearing, discharged with an admonition to leave the State.  Subsequently he was sent to the front as a correspondent, in which capacity he remained until 1863.  He was in New York when the owners of the Pittsburg Commercial were looking for an editor.  He was recommended ot them by Greeley and Dana, and was engaged.  His success with the paper was remarkable.  Within a decade he had accrued a controlling interest in it.  In 1878 he sold out and went to Florida, where he lost all his money in plantation experiments, and was forced to return to newspaper work, which he took up in Washington.  In 1885 he went to Pittsburg to take charge of the Times, and remained in charge until 1890, when he projected a newspaper to be called the Sun, and to be modeled after the New York Sun, but the capital on which he had counted failed him after the building for the new enterprise had been prepared, and the type and press had been received.  Seeing the project a failure finally, he again went to Washington and reentered his old service as a correspondent, having also the position of emigrant inspector at Baltimore during the administration of President Harrison.

The Pittsburg Times of October 22 gives the following item of Mr. Brigham's experience as a correspondent:  

"The winter before Sumter was fired on, the New York Tribune decided to send a staff man South to sound the sentiment of that section.  Greeley and Dana put their heads together and selected Brigham for the task.  Brigham was willing.  It was admittedly a desperate undertaking, and there was doubt whether he would ever get back alive. Greeley held forth as an inducement a double salary--one salary to be sent every week to Mr. Brigham's wife and the other to Brigham.  'All right,' said Brigham, 'If you agree to continue that arrangement until I return, I'll go.'  Greeley jumped at the proposition, entirely losing sight of the fact that Birgham in his own mind thought he would never come back, and had clinched the salary scheme as a life income for the young wife he left behind.

"Mr. Brigham was the sort of man who would get into hot water in times of peace, and it wasn't long before he was in trouble in the South.  He had a faculty for securing the confidences of people on short acquaintance, and the result was that he soon began sending the Tribune just the sort of matter the Southern people didn't want to have printed.  He was arrested, given the semblance of a trial and condemned to death.  But he was not the sort of man to give up.  He lost no time to bring to bear certain influences which saved his life.  One night he was taken aboard a train, with officers all around him, and shipped to Washington, whence he returned to New York.  More than thirty years afterward, in talking of this experience, he refused to say either what he was tried for or by what means he secured his release.  His escape is readily understood by those who knew him, for it was characteristic of him not to use all his resources, but to hold something in reserve for emergency."

Mr. Brigham had been a sufferer from asthma for over a month previous to his death, the disease causing great weakness.  The week before his death his disease became complicated with pneumonia, and he was removed to Providence Hospital, where he was visited daily by his wife.  His daughter, Mrs. Charles H. Bradley, of Pittsburg, accompanied by her husband, arrived in time to be at her father's bedside when he died. The remains were placed in a vault, and it is expected they will be removed to Pittsburg.  Mrs. Brigham, accompanied by her daughter and son-in-law, left for Pittsburg on the 22d ult.

Alonzo M. Reynolds

Norwich Sun, May 15, 1923

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Alonzo M. Reynolds, a well known citizen who has been in poor health for some time passed to the world unknown on May 7th, 1923.  The subject of this brief sketch was born in the town of Guilford, April 26, 1861 and was the son of the late Nelson and Maria Bush Reynolds. The deceased was united early in life to Miss Mary E. Bush who survives him together with four sons, Earl Reynolds of Froust, Will Reynolds of Middletown, Charles and Frank Reynolds of this place and also four grandchildren.  He was a stone mason and farmer by trade, and had always lived in Guilford. The funeral services were held at the late home Thursday afternoon, the Rev. W.S. York, pastor of the Methodist church officiating.  Undertakers Carr and Hare had charge of the body.  He was laid in the family plot beside kindred in Sunset hill cemetery, Guilford.  Sympathy is extended to the family.

Smyrna History -1926

Rare Old Book

Smyrna, Chenango County, New York

Norwich Sun, January 19, 1926

Smyrna:  Speaking of old books it is doubtful if it would be easy to find an older one than either of two which are in the possession of former Supervisor J.W. Shepardson and anyone interested in relics or in the happenings of early days could find much interesting data in them.  One is a hand made book of records of the town of Smyrna during the years of 1809 to 1812.  

Among the interesting things contained in it is a record of the ear marks of cattle, it being necessary for each owner to have a registered ear mark in order to identify his cattle, which roamed at large; each land owner being obliged to fence the roads against them. Fences were to be made four and one-half feet high and must be made of logs or rails. 

A bounty of ten dollars was placed on every wolf killed in the town and sheep were not to be allowed on the commons after March 6, 1810. 

At a meeting of the town called to be held in the school house and adjourned to the Inn on October 23, 1811, it was voted to raise three hundred dollars by tax to "defend our common rights."  Later in the meeting this was reconsidered and raised to four hundred dollars. Evidently this was used in the War of 1812. This was an enormous sum to raise in those days, judging from the fact that the assessment roll for the year 1815 for all town county and contingent expenses showed that only $370.80 was raised, the ratio being $2.30 per thousand. 

There is a record of several special town meetings held in 1809 relative to a assessed road through the town of Smyrna, starting from Tilly Lynde store in Sherburne to the village of Cazenovia. there seemed to be evidence of much contention and at one meeting the supervisor, who was Joseph Simons, was instructed to request the supervisors of the county not to raise money called for to pay for the right of way through the town. 

William, Daniel and Stephen Knowles, men called Quakers, were exempted from military duty by paying an assessment of four dollars each. 

The cover to the assessment roll, is a part of "The Volunteer," Volume 1, no. 52, published at Norwich by John Burgess Johnson.

Obituaries (January 24)

Jane Pentecost

Norwich Sun, April 20, 1917

Miss Jane Pentecost, a former resident of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], died in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] April 18, aged 83 years.  A niece, Miss Lottie Kenyon, is the only surviving relative. Burial was made in the Friends' cemetery in Smyrna.

Henry Knowles Peckham

PECKHAM:  At Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], May 16, 1918, Henry K. Peckham, aged 68 years.  funeral May 20, and interment at Sherburne West Hill cemetery. [Norwich Sun, May 21, 1918]

Henry Knowles Peckham, the son of John J. and Susan Knowles Peckham, was born in Utica [Oneida Co., NY] May 30, 1849, and passed into that richer, fuller life beyond in the forenoon of May 16, 1918, in the old home he loved and in the house built by his grandfather nearly one hundred years ago.  While young he removed with his parents to this town, and while a youth showed an eagerness for knowledge and after attending a Home School with his cousins was in a Friends Boarding School at Westtown, Philadelphia, Pa.  March 1st, 1870, he was married to Sarah Babcock, of this town, to whom were born eight children, one of whom died in infancy, seven of whom live to mourn their father's memory. They are:  Ada, of Springfield, O., Mrs. Estella Weaver and Adelbert F., of Smyrna, John J. of Indianapolis, Ind., Mrs. Edith Nitcher and Harry E. of Rautoul, Kas., and Roy R., of Republic county, Kansas. When his oldest child, Ada, was an infant they removed to Kansas where he engaged in farming and for some years had charge of a drug store and the post office, and where in 1889 his wife died.  In 1898 he returned to New York, bringing with him his daughter, Estella, as housekeeper and young son, Harry, to care for his aged father and in 1899 was married to Phebe A. Weaver of this town, who survives him to mourn his loss. During the past winter he and his wife visited his old home in Kansas and spent five and one-half most delightful months visiting the three children and the dear grandchildren whom he had never seen and renewing old acquaintances, and early in March the trouble with his throat which he had suffered for three winters and which he hoped to avoid by a change in climate, became aggravated and in spite of the treatment of a specialist in Kansas and continued on his return here, ultimately causing his death. The funeral was held from his late residence May 20th, 1918, at 2:00 p.m. in charge of Rev. A.G. Shepard, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Field Secretary of New York Yearly Meeting of Friends and a close personal friend of Mr. Peckham. The great concourse of neighbors, friends and relatives, cousins from Rome, Earlville, Sherburne, Plymouth, Ilion and Endicott, his son John, and daughter, Ada, from Indianapolis and Springfield and friends from Brookfield spoke eloquently of the love and esteem in which he was held.  Through all the years whatever has made for righteousness has had his support from the time when as a young man he was an ardent worker in the Good Templars lodge here,to his last days.  He was a birthright member of the Friends church and a veritable pillar he proved to be, wise in his counsels, indefatigable in his efforts for upbuilding of the church and for the good of the young or inexperienced.  For many years in Kansas, where he attended a Methodist church, and in the church at Upperville, he was superintendent of the Sunday school and his knowledge of and love for the Word and love for the young and divine ambition which was always reaching out after better things made him a great power in this branch of the church. Through all the years he had constantly read good books which took a wide range and his broad, analytical mind assimilated it all and gave him a breadth of thought which made him a most entertaining talker, and to exhibit a most beautiful charity for all. The church will miss him, The Town Sunday School Association will miss him, the neighbors and most of all his family, his wife, will miss him but-- 

"When a good man dies, 

For years beyond our ken, 

The light he leaves behind him lies, 

Upon the paths of men."  

May his light fall on our paths and illuminate the pitfalls and guide us in that same beautiful pathway!

Adelbert F. Peckham
Norwich Sun, October 3, 1928

Two Smyrna farmers, Adelbert Peckham, aged 48 years, and Ralph Simons, 40 years old, escaped death by a hair's breadth Wednesday noon when the Ford sedan in which they were riding was struck by O.&W. passenger train No. 2, south bound, at what is known as Sexton's school crossing, about one and a half miles south of Smyrna.  Both men were brought to the Norwich station of the railroad by the train that crashed into their car, and were taken in the William Breese Company ambulance to the Chenango Memorial Hospital, where Dr. Thomas F. Manley was called to attend them.  Peckham, the more seriously injured of the two, sustained a fracture of the skull.  He is still unconscious.  Simons is suffering from severe shock and is also a patient at the hospital; where absolute quiet has been ordered for both men.  Simons and Peckham are brothers-in-law and had been at the latter's home for dinner. They were returning to their work, that of filling silos for farmers in the vicinity of Smyrna, when the accident happened.  Whether the men failed to see the approaching train in time or were trying to beat it to the crossing is not known, as neither is in condition to give any statement of the accident. The passenger train was in charge of Conductor L.C. Boyser of Utica and engineer William Murphy of Norwich, and leaves Smyrna at 12:36.  The train was said to be traveling at its usual speed.  Peckham is understood to have been driving the car.  He was knocked unconscious by the collision, which Simons is conscious.  As soon as possible Engineer Murphy brought his train to a stop, and it was backed up to the crossing.  Peckham was placed aboard the train by the crew, while Simons was able to walk into the coach. The Ford sedan in which the men were passengers was completely demolished.

Norwich Sun, October 9, 1928

Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Adelbert F. Peckham of this place which occurred at the Chenango Memorial Hospital [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Thursday evening October 4, following an accident on Wednesday when he was struck by a passenger train on the Ontario and Western railroad crossing near his home removes from the town one of its most valued and best loved citizens and from the family a husband and father whose one thought was for their welfare.  In the home he will be missed as a wise and careful counsellor for every material and spiritual need of the family, in the community as an ever obliging friendly neighbor, always interested in the progress of the better things of his town, state and nation, and in the church as a dependable help and inspiration in the various departments, always willing to take his part and more to make the work a success and further the work of the Lord whom he trusted and obeyed.  Of Quaker parentage, he was born September 7, 1881 at White Rock Kansas, the son of the late Henry Knowles and Sarah Babcock Peckham.  His early home training made a lasting impression on him and wherever he went he affiliated himself with the church and became active in its every interest.  In the year 1901 he came to New York state to reside and since then Smyrna, the home of his parents, has been his home.  For many years he has been a member of the local Methodist Episcopal church where he will be greatly missed.  On December 28, 1907 he was united in marriage to Louise Barber who, with two daughters and one son survives.  He is also survived by three brothers and three sisters, Harry of Rantoul, Kansas; John of Newark, New Jersey; Roy of Hardy, Nebraska; Mrs. Edith Vinson of Rantoul, Kansas; Miss Ada Peckham of Springfield, Ohio and Mrs. Estella Weaver of Smyrna. Funeral services were conducted on Monday afternoon from his home, Rev. Harry Brooks of Afton, his former pastor officiating with interment in Sherburne West Hill cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

Death Notices

Chenango Union, November 8, 1894

BRIGHAM:  In Washington, D.C. Oct. 21, 1894 Mr. Charles D. Brigham, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

PITTSLEY:  In Maple Grove, NY. Oct. 21, 1894, Mrs. Locia P. Pittsley, aged 74 years.

Chenango Union, November 15, 1894

MUSSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 8, 1894, Isabelle S. [Musson], daughter of Uri B. and Mary A. Musson, age 18 years.

WETMORE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 10, 1894, Frances A. [Wetmore] daughter of Frank E. and Lottie Wetmore, age 3 years, 1 month.

Quaker Families of Smyrna

Reminiscences - Quaker Families of Smyrna

Chenango County, New York

Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, January 30, 1904

A Friend [Quaker] in Smyrna has furnished the writer with the following for the [Oxford] Times.  About the year 1820 some Friends, Henry Knowles, Benjamin Knowles, Benjamin Boss, Rufus Briggs and Arnold Briggs founded their society in Smyrna.  Meetings were first held in a private dwelling one and a fourth miles south of the village and later worshipped for about half a century in a meeting house three-fourths of a mile farther north, then erected a plain but beautiful edifice in the village, and a few years later disposed of it and located their place of worship in Upperville, four miles west of Smyrna.  Henry Knowles had four sons, Henry A., Abraham, Robert and Benjamin, also five daughters, Susan, Mary A., Alice, Letitia and Sarah, who married respectively John Peckham, Daniel Peckham, James Boss, George Carpenter and John Carpenter. Other prominent Friends are Benjamin Knowles, Joseph Knowles, Benjamin Knowles 2d, Samuel Purdie, Chester Weaver and Charles Weaver and families.  All business matters are to be transacted through preparative meetings, monthly meetings, quarterly meetings and yearly meetings.  

We close with the following remarkable incident, verbatim et literatim, by the Friend above referred to, Henry Knowles, who had been out in this part of the country a horseback, on returning early in the spring, found the water was high and one stream he crossed after dark, just before stopping for the night at a hotel .  Where he stopped they asked him which way he came.  He told them and they said that could not be for the bridge was gone, but he told them he came right straight along, made no turns that he knew of, but as it was very dark he gave his horse the reins to pick his own way, and some of the men went in the morning and found the prints of his horse's calks in the large stringer that it walked over, and was thus preserved by the Master.  He said that he hardly ever inquired the way but was led by the unerring Spirit.

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].

Listing of Blog Posts January 7 - 21, 2019

Listing of blog postings for January 7 to 21, 2019

Obituaries

Posted January 7, 2019

Ellen C. (Sprague) Dixon (Smyrna, 1874)

Clarissa Brown (Pharsalia, 1884)

Eunice Lucretia (Lyon) Smith (West Bainbridge, 1895)

Sophronia A. (Sumner) Bixby (Bainbridge, Norwich, 1896)

Eli Prince (Bainbridge, 1897)

Posted January 8, 2019
Dr. Ezekiel Guy (Harpursville, 1895)
Mrs. Addison Miller (Ketchum's Corners, Broome Co., NY)
Emma Tiffany (Afton, 1897)
Sarah J. (Barstow) Hoskins (West Bainbridge, 1896)
Ella M. Corwin (Middletown, 1889)
Elizabeth (Earle) Wilson (Coventry, New Berlin, 1896)

Posted January 9, 1896
Hattie Reynolds (Sidney, 1882)
Charles L. Fairchild (Bainbridge, 1895)
James A. Prouty (Bainbridge, 1896)
Rachael Hare (Harpursville, 1896)
Jessie (Rider) Owen (Norwich, 1896)

Posted January 10, 1896
Claude Utter (Oxford, 1939)
Grace Isabel (Bennett) Lyon (Bloomington IL, Sidney, 1919)
Matthew P. Van Dusen (Colliers NY, Unadilla, 1919)
Menzo Sweet (Guilford, 1925)
Death Notices - 1870
     John E. Cole (Norwich, 28y)
     Samuel S. Eldredge (North Pitcher, 68y)
     Mercy Moore (Mt. Upton, 70y)
     Charles F. Seely (Preston, 7y)
     Betsey E. Gilbert (Afton, Guilford, 75y)
     Col. Levi Chubbuck (Wellsboro PA, Oxford, 64y)
     Richard W. Whittington (Spencer IA, Coventry)

Posted January 11, 2019
Rev. John S. Mitchell (Smyrna, 1918)
Stanley J. Skinner
Pheobe (VanDerwarker) Atwater (Bainbridge, 1896)
Charles Walrath (Center Village, 1896)
Hiram C. Burlingame (Norwich, 1939)

Posted January 13, 2019
Seth Bartlett (Franklin, Sidney, 1884)
William Dale (Brookfield, 1920)
Harriet (Dale) Frink (Brookfield, 1920)
Elijah Dutillier (Richfield Springs, 1920
Death notices - 1870
     Georgie Frink (Norwich, 11y)
     Samuel Arms (Guilford, 61y)
     Nancy Evans (Smyrna, 82y)
     Joseph Walker (Oxford, 74y)
     Harriet E. Warn (Oxford, 50y)
     Susan K. (Pettis) Welch (Mt. Upton, 21y)

Posted January 14, 2019
Elizabeth H. Chapman (Rock Stream NY, 1897)
Alexander W. Hand (Oneonta, 1897)
Richard Bush (Guilford, North Afton, 1897)
Jessie M. Clark (Bainbridge, 1897)
Sherman Holden (Bennettsville, Afton, 1897)
Luella Jane Ireland (West Bainbridge, 1897)
Katie H. Banner (Bainbridge, 1893)
Fred M. Muhlig (Joliet IL, 1920)

Posted January 16, 2019
Keturah (Randall) Colton (Norwich, 1870)
Frederick Hartwell Willcox (Smyrna, Chicago IL, 1940)
Chauncey Crandall (Norwich, 1940)
Death Notices - 1870
     Olmsted Mason (Norwich, 40y)
     Caroline Wilson (Pitcher, 56y)
     Daniel Burke (South New Berlin, 15y)
     Philinda Kent (Guilford Center, 87y)
     William Winter (Greene, 80y)
Posted January 17, 2019
Theodore G. Fisher (Smyrna, 1868)
Calvin Fisher (Sherburne, 1868)
Sarah Jane (Fisher) Hartwell (Sherburne, 1915)
Death Notices - 1868
     Mary S. Avery (Norwich, 79y)
     Henrietta Dibble (Norwich, 41y)
     Thompson G. Fisher (Sherburne, 76y)
     Calvin Fisher (Sherburne, 68y)
     Frankie Fisher (North Norwich)
     Edward Murphy (McDonough, 70y)
     Wilmot Roberts (Oxford, 67y)
     Andrew McNeil (Oxford)
     Mary Ann Brady (Cazenovia, 33y)

Posted January 18, 2019
Nathaniel Chapman (Plymouth, 1900)
Alonzo Cook (Three Lakes WI, Norwich, 1887)
Dorcas S. (Moon) Cook (Sherburne, 1894)
Arthur Barnett (Bainbridge, NYC, 1927)
Death Notices - 1870
     David Carey (Greene, 70y)
     Son of Solomon Terwilliger (Greene, 5y)
     Luke English (Chenango Forks, Greene, 72y)
     Jared Bassett (Coventry, 81y)
     Eva Lansing (Marquon IL, Greene, 17y)
     Mariette (Rockwell) Brown (Triangle, 34y)
     Mary A. Ball (South New Berlin, 33y)
     Charles Curtis (Bainbridge, 87y)
     James M. Burns (Bainbridge, 43y)

Posted January 21, 2019
Hector Beecher (Norwich, Coventry, 1912)
Charles Rumph (Greene, Otisville, 1912)
Leonard B. King (Oxford, Brisbin, 1912)
George D. Cowles (Smithville, 1912)
Mildred Wilcox Adsit (Sherburne, 1959)

Marriages

Posted January 12, 2019

Harry Mosher - Eva Rood (Bainbridge, Binghamton, 1894)

Fred Todd - Lucy Pratt (Binghamton, 1912)

Lewis L. LeFevre - Mrs. Adelia Dean (Binghamton, Greene, Tunnel, 1912)

Rev. W.T. Blair - Margaret Rhodes (Plymouth, Pa., Wyoming, PA, 1912)

Ivan Olmstead - Charlotte Miller (Greene, 1912)

Zella Margaret Davis - George H. Lloyd (Oxford, 1912)

Eliza Juliand - Dr. George Davis (Greene, Durham, NC, 1912)

George B. Burchard - Mrs. Nelia Barry (Binghamton, 1912)

Posted January 15, 2019
Don Alonzo Gilbert Jr. - Emma Reese (Bainbridge / Willkesbarre PA, 1894)
Bonnie B. Thurber - Tracy N. Wright (Smithville/Brisbin, 1912)
Mabel Ells - Olin E. Kirkland (Coventry, Bainbridge, 1908)
Olive Race - Hubert E. Ryan (Oxford, 1907)
Marriage Notices - 1875
     Hamlet H. Richmond - F. Louisa Allen (Norwich)
     Charles N. Pratt - Nettie Allen (Elyria OH/South Otselic)
     Joseph Graney - Anna Myres (Norwich/Sidney Plains)
     Rev. Russel Todd - Cora A. Brown (Oxford/Oriskany Falls)
     Smith Faulkner - Maria E. Cook (Smyrna)

Miscellaneous

Posted January 11, 2019

Guilford Central School Teachers & Staff from times past

Posted January 19, 2019
Photos of the family of Benedict Scott of Afton, NY

Obituaries (January 21)

Hector Beecher

died February 2, 1912, Norwich, NY

Hector Beecher, formerly a well known resident of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], died Monday at his residence in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  His age was 86 years.  His wife, who was Naomi Seeley, died in 1904.  The funeral was held in Norwich yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. jJ.L. Ray officiating.  The remains were taken to Coventry for burial.  

Charles Rumph

died September 19, 1912, Greene, NY

The death of Charles Rumph occurred at the New Commercial Hotel where he had been making his home for several years, Thursday evening, Sept. 19.  He had been in ill health for the past seven years and was 61 years old.  Mr. Rumph had been in the creamery business for 27 years, being in the employ of the Empire State Dairy Co., of Brooklyn most of the time.  He was a member of Eastern light Lodge, F.&A.M. Masonic services were held at Masonic Temple Friday evening and the body taken to Otisville, Orange county, for burial.

Leonard B. King

died December 22, 1912, Oxford, NY

Leonard B. King, formerly of Brisbin, who for some time has been boarding at the St. James hotel in this village, died Sunday evening from cerebral hemorrhage.  He was born in King's Settlement [Chenango Co., NY] Dec. 16, 1836, and for a number of years lived on a farm just below Brisbin. Since the death of his wife he had lived in Coventry and this village.  He is survived by one son, George A. King, of Middleport.  The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Ira W. Bingham of Norwich officiating. Burial was made in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

George D. Cowles

died December 22, 1912, Smithville, NY

George D. Cowles, a life long resident of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] and a well known farmer, died at 3 o'clock Sunday morning, after an illness of only four days with pneumonia.  Mr. Cowles was born in June 1843, near the place where he had always lived.  His parents were Carlos B. and Lois Hubbard Cowles, who were well known in their day.  He married Maria A. Sharp.  He owned a very large farm and was known as an honest, upright man, a kind husband and a loving father.  He had an extensive acquaintance throughout the county and was an active member of Pomona Grange. Surviving Mr. Cowles are his wife, two daughters and two sons, namely, Mrs. George H. Day of Brisbin, Mrs. Frank Hollenbeck of Smithville, Leon Cowles of Tyner, and Dell R. Cowles of Watertown. The funeral was held at the home Tuesday morning at 11 o 'clock, Rev. George R. Foster of Greene officiating.  At the interment which was in Sylvan Lawn, Greene, Eastern light lodge no. 126, F.&A.M. of which Mr. Cowles was one of the oldest members, conducted the services.

Mildred (Wilcox) Adsit

Norwich Sun, October 15, 1959

Mrs. Mildred Wilcox Adsit, 50, of Sherburne R.D. 1 [Chenango Co., NY], died at the Chenango Memorial Hospital [Norwich, NY] last night at 11:15 following a heart attack. She suffered the attack at her home and was brought to the hospital by the Sherburne Emergency Squad accompanied by Dr. Harry Epstein.  Mrs. Adsit was born May 15, 1909 in Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], a daughter of George and Maude Wilcox.  She married Lawrence Adsit October 26, 1926 in Oxford.  She had been a resident of Sherburne for the past 25 years.  Besides her husband, Mrs. Adsit is survived by two sons, Homer and Stanley Adsit of Sherburne, a daughter, Mrs. Charles Collins of Greene; three brothers, Floyd Wilcox of New Berlin, Linn Wilcox of Sherburne, and Clifford Wilcox of Columbus, also several nieces and nephews and an aunt, and five grandchildren, Charles and Sandra Collins of Greene, Larry, Kay M. and Ann Adsit of Sherburne.  The body is at the Robert J. Fahy Funeral home, where services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, the Rev. Roland Ritchie, former pastor of the Plymouth Methodist Chruch officiating.  Burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].