Obituaries (February 16)

James Eaton

Chenango Telegraph, April 29, 1846

A case of death by lightning, of a particularly painful nature, we learn, occurred near Cooperstown, in Otsego County, on Saturday last.  The person killed was a young man, aged about 21, named James Eaton, brother-in-law of Mr. William C. Wait, Jr., of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  His father had recently disposed of his property in Otsego, and with his family, including the young man, was intending to start for the West on Monday.  The circumstances of his death are briefly as follows.  Mr. Wait, the brother-in-law, arrived at the house about 1 o'clock on Saturday, during the storm, on a  visit to his wife and the family.  His horse was taken by the young man, who placed him in the stable, and was just stepping out of the barn door, when he was struck by the lightning and instantly killed, as was the horse of Mr. Wait.  Two sisters of the deceased, young ladies, have also within a short time been snatched from the embraces of the bereaved family, by the unrelenting hand of death.  Norwich Journal.

Fanny Chipman

Chenango Telegraph, May 6, 1846

Suddenly, in Sherburne, Chenango county, N.Y. on the 19th ult. by the rupture of a blood vessel, Mrs. Fanny Chipman, aged 26 years.  For more than ten years, Mrs. Chipman had been an esteemed member of the Congregational Church in this place.  Her death, though sudden and unexpected by herself and relatives, did not find her unprepared.  In her last moments, she expressed her confidence in the Saviour, and her resignation to his holy and divine will and we doubt not rests in the bosom of him in whom she had believed.  In Mrs. Chipman's death, her relatives, and especially her family, have sustained an irreparable loss.  She has left a deeply afflicted husband and three small children to mourn their sudden and unexpected bereavement.  But they mourn, not as for one without hope--"For the righteous hath hope under death."  "There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God."

Charles W. Babcock

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, August 31, 1887

In its appropriate place in this issue will be found the announcement of the death of Charles W. Babcock at Hudson, Ohio, on the first of August.  Mr. B. was well known in this county being a native of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] and a former resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], having been a member of the well known hardware firm of Weller, Haynes and Babcock.  He was afterwards in business in Sherburne as a druggist.  Several years ago he went West and practiced medicine in various towns in Ohio until December last, when he received a stroke of paralysis, which disabled him, and a second attack on the day of his death which was quite sudden.  He was educated in the Homer Academy and at Hamilton College, but had to leave the latter before graduating, on account of ill health.  He leaves a widow and son and two daughters, children by his first wife, who was a Miss Custman, of Sherburne.  He was a member of the Episcopal Chruch and while here, as elsewhere he was foremost in every endeavor for the upbuilding of the church and community in which he lived.  He was a brother of Mrs. B.F. Rexford, for many years a well known and highly respected resident of this village.  He had the respect and confidence of all who knew him, and his old friends in Chenango will hear of his death with regret.

Mary O'Brien

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, August 31, 1887

Mrs. Mary O'Brien, wife of Timothy O'Brien, died at her home in the Quarter August 20th, 1887.  She was born near the city of Cork Ireland December 21st, 1812, and was therefore in the 75th year of her age at the time of her death. She, with her husband came to Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] some forty-five years ago.  Being possessed of a kind heart she was highly esteemed by her friends and neighbors.  A husband and seven children survive her. The funeral was largely attended form St. Malachai Chruch, Monday, Rev Father Hammet officiating. Besides her own town's people of all denominations, there were present to attend the funeral Hon. John O'Brien, Buffalo, Mrs. Patrick Smith, Mrs. Jonah May and daughter and Miss Hannah O'Brien of little Falls, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Folsey and daughter of Utica, and friends from Cortland and Norwich.  One beautiful feature of the services was four of her sons and two of her nephews acting as bearers.

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, April 15, 1846

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th instant, Mrs. Mary Rexford, mother of B.F. Rexford of this village, aged 65 years.

Chenango Telegraph, April 29, 1846

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st instant, Mrs. Betsey Brooks (wife of Calvin Brooks) an exemplary and much respected member of the Baptist Church in Preston, aged 61 years.

In Rochester [Monroe Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Hannah Jane [Van Ingon], wife of Rev. John V. Van Ingen, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] and daughter of Z. Trowbridge, Esq., aged 32 years.

Chenango Telegraph, May 20, 1846

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mr. Eli Webb, aged about 65 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Martin Dodge, Esq., aged 51 years.

In Hartwick, Otsego county, on the 3d inst., Rev. Nathan Bundy, formerly of Oxford, aged 38 years.

More Queer Epitaphs

Queer Epitaphs

Mortuary Literature Out of the Ordinary Run

Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, August 8, 1891

This one is found in an Irish graveyard:

Erected to the memory of John Phillips,

accidentally shot as a mark of affection by his brother.

In the Llangollen churchyard, North Wales, the tomb of Morris and Catherine jones is inscribed:

Our life is but a winter's day,

Some breakfast and away.

Others to dinner stay and are well fed.

The oldest man sups and goes to bed;

Large is his debt who lingers out the day,

Who goes the soonest has the least to pay.

Ann Jennings was a sturdy English woman, and this is what the Jennings folks of later generations read:

Some have children, some have none;

Here lies the mother of twenty-one.

But for an Irish pun, this is really a grave offence:

Here lie the remains of John Hall, grocer

The world is not worth a fig, and I have good raisons for saying so.

Poet Laureate Skelton had this written at Queen Elizabet's death; it is seen at St. Mary-le-bow.

Fame, blow aloud, and to the world proclaim

There never ruled such a royal dame;

The Word of God was ever her delight,

In it she meditated day and night.

Spain's rod, Rome's ruin, Netherland's relief,

Earth's joy, England's gem, world's wonder, nature's chief.

She was and is, what can there more be said?

On earth the chief, in Heav'n the second maid.

Benjamin Franklin's body was buried beside his wife's in Christ Churchyard Philadelphia.  He wrote this epitaph for  himself when he was twenty-three years old:

The body of Benjamin Franklin, printer (Like the cover of an old Book its contents torn out, and stripped of its lettering and gildings) Lies here, food for worms.

Yet the work itself shall not be lost,  For it will, as he believed, appear once more, in a new and more beautiful edition, corrected and amended by the author.

This tells the story of a brewer:

Poor John Scott lies buried here,

Tho' once he had both hale and stout,

Death stretched him on his bitter bier,

In another World he hops about.

The Duke of Norfolk in Richard Sheridan' time was a great whist player, and upon his death Sheridan wrote:

Here lies England's premier baron

Patiently awaiting the last trump.

A Dunkirk family ordered the inscription, "Let her rest in peace," upon the tomb of one recently departed.  But the lettering artist found that he did not have room for the entire sentence so he abbreviated in this manner:  "Let her r.i.p."

This is the kind of funeral literature they used to use in California:

Here lies the body of Jeemes Humbrick, who was accidentally shot on the bank of the Pacus River by a young man.  He was accidentally shot with one of the large Colt's revolvers with no stopper for the cock to rest on.  It was one of the old-fashioned kind--brass mounted. And of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Thomas Smith was a sculptor and a keen business man.  He cut this in his wife's tomb:

Here lies Jane Smith, wife of Thomas Smith, marble cutter. This monument was erected by her husband as a tribute to her memory and a specimen of his work.  Monuments of the same style, $250.

This illogical jingle comes from Cornwall, England:

Father and mother and I

Lie buried here asunder;

Father and mother lie buried here,

And I lie buried off yonder.

There seems to be very little doubt about Robt. C. Wright's death.  He was killed near Appomattox Court House, Va.:

Robt. C. Wright

Was Born June 26th, 1772

Died July 2, 1815

By the bloodthirsty hand of John Sweeney, Sr., who was massacre with the Nife, then a London Gun discharge a ball penetrate the Heart, which gave the immortal wound.

This lay is dedicated to a suicide:

He never won immortal fame

Nor conquered earthly ills,

Yet men weep for him all the same--

He always paid his bills.

Henry Wang was born near Philadelphia, December 31, 1829, and becoming discouraged with his surroundings, he lived only half an hour.  John Wang, his father, wrote:

A short-lived joy

Was our little boy;

He has gone on high,

So don't cry.

The Rev. Michael McCullock, D.D., of Bothwell (1767-1801), wanted his friend, the Rev. Thomas Brisbane, of Dunlop, to write his epitaph.  This is what he got:

Here lies interred beneath this sod

That sycophantish man of God.

Who taught an easy way to heaven,

Which to the rich was always given;

If he gets in he'll look and start

To find some one he put there.

This statement is unverified:

She was married twenty-four years, and in all that time never once banged the door.

The following mark of esteem is an terse as it is ambiguous.  It is found in Grafton, Vt.:

Obituaries (February 15)

Judson Burton
died January 1, 1896

Tuesday morning, Judson Burton of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], passed away after a brief illness of pneumonia.  He was about 32 years of age and leaves a wife and three small children.  The funeral will be held today at 1 o'clock in the Episcopal church, Guilford.

Annie (Kimble) West
March 4, 1843 - April 22, 1907

Mrs. West's remains were brought to her old home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., ,NY], Tuesday evening of last week, her two daughters, Mrs. William Bennett of Rochester, and Mrs. Charles J. Clark of Utica and the son, Francis R. West accompanying them.  Funeral services were held at the home, Wednesday, at noon, conducted by the Rev. W.A. Carrington, when the body was taken by train to Waymart, Pa., for interment beside her husband.  Besides her three children, Mrs. West is survived by two sisters, Mrs. George C. Brown and Miss Emma Kimble, and one brother, W.D. Kimble, all of Hoadley, Pa.

Emily M.P. White
September 25, 1836 - February 15, 1898

A wide circle of friends will be pained to know that Mrs. George White of Meadow street passed from earth at an early hour this morning.  She had been suffering for some time, but neither she nor her family apprehended a fatal termination.  Since Sunday, however, she grew rapidly worse and was unconscious for many hours before death.  Emily M.P. White was born Sept. 25, 1836 in Ohio.  She graduated after a full course of study at the Western Female Seminary at Oxford, Ohio.  In 1860 she was married to Peter R. Putnam.  Of this union Abbott and Israel were born and both survive her.  Her marriage to George White occurred August 1, 1866.  Two sons, George Jr., and Peter R. White, remain to mourn the departure of their mother.  Her husband, George White, has been well known in this community for many years. The sympathy of all will be extended to him in his great sorrow.  Mrs. White was a woman of marked individuality.  She was a devoted Christian, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a teacher in the Sunday school and for many years was a leader of a ladies' class which met at the church every week. She was also a member of the Saturday Bible class, which held its meeting last Saturday at her house.  She was a zealous worker in every department of life and her death will be sadly deplored.  [Buried Forest View Cemetery, Winsted, CT]

Frances Elizabeth Willard
September 28, 1839 - February 17, 1898

Miss Frances E. Willard, the president of the World's and National Woman's Christian Temperance union, who has been suffering from a attack of influenza with complications, died shortly after midnight, February 16th.  She had been ill for about three weeks. She had the best medical care and treatment that could given, but in spite of all efforts, grew worse gradually until her demise.  Frances Elizabeth Willard was born in Churchville, N.Y., September 28, 1839.  In 1859 she was graduated from North Western Female college, Evanstown, Ill.  In 1862 became professor of natural science in that institution, and was principal of Genesee Wesleyan seminary in 1866-'67.  She identified herself with the Woman's Christian Temperance union in 1874, serving for five years as corresponding secretary of the National organization. She was elected president of the union in 1879.  She was made president of the international council of women in 1888, and of the World's Christian Temperance union, of which she was the founder five years before.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, November 15, 1894

HUNTING:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 7, 1894, Mr. Ivon R. Hunting, aged 23 years.

HILL:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 9, 1894, Cora A. [Hill], only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George H. Hill, aged 18 years, 10 months, 21 days.

BOWEN:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 3, 1894, Mrs. Asteay Bowen, aged 86 years.

BRYANT:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 30, 1894, Mr. Orris W. Bryant, aged 54 years.

BARTOO:  In Brisbin [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 6, 1895, Mr. Hiram Bartoo, age 76 years.

LAMPMAN:  in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 30, 1896, Mrs. Henry Lampman, aged 72 years.

Obituaries (February 14)

Julia Eliza Olney

Chenango Telegraph, January 22, 1845

In the town of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Miss Julia Eliza Olney, daughter of Anthony Olney, Esq., in the 20th year of her age.  She was a young lady possessing fine natural and acquired abilities, with an amiableness of disposition and general courtesy, which won for her the esteem and affection of all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. As she had lived so she died--at peace with the world and resigned to the will of Heaven.  Her long and painful illness she bore with Christian fortitude, and a meekness seldom exhibitd in one so young.  She died a firm believer in Universal Salvation--meeting her dissolution with perfect composure and with the full assurance of a life of happiness beyond the grave.

Asa Willey

Chenango Union, December 31, 1885

Mr. Asa Willey died at his home in this village [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY] and was buried on the 26th, at Yaleville.  Mr. Willey was about sixty-eight years old, and until a few years since had resided upon his farm three miles west of our village.  With his father, who was one of the early pioneers of our vicinity, he helped clear and improve this farm, making it one of the most desirable in our section  After his father's death he became its owner, extending improvements and otherwise superintending its management till his death.  In his death, the community have lost an honest, conscientious friend and neighbor.  He leaves a widow, brother and sister.

Eugene E. Williamson

Chenango Union, June 18, 1885

Eugene E. Williamson, a farmer of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], thirty-five years of age, was cutting a large hemlock in the woods on his farm last Thursday morning, and as the tree fell it lodged against another tree.  Another tree was then felled against the lodged tree to throw it to the ground.  He ran to get out of the way, and had thrown one leg over a log when the falling tree swung round and fell upon his other leg just below the knee and crushed it to atoms.  He was carried to his house on a board by his hired man, and was in such pain that he begged them to shoot him. The injured limb was amputated during the afternoon above the knee, but he was so seriously injured that he died at about eight o'clock the same evening.  He was a young man in prosperous circumstances, and occupied the old homestead of his father, William Williamson, who resided in this village with his invalid wife, the deceased being their only child. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, was very largely attended, and was conducted by Eastern light lodge, F.&A.M. of which deceased was a member. Deceased leaves a wife and one child.

Ann Vernette (Maydole) Martin

Chenango Union, June 25, 1885

On Saturday last after a lingering illness, Mrs. Ann Vernette, wife of Cyrus B. Martin Esq., passed away.  Although not unexpected, her death was a shock to the entire community, by whom she was respected and loved. There had been a slight improvement in her condition for a few days previous to her death, and hopes were entertained that she might ultimately recover, but these hopes were delusive, and her death was unexpectedly sudden.  Mrs. Martin was born in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 18th of June 1833.  She was the daughter of the late David Maydole.  In 1858 she was married to Cyrus B. Martin, and in 1861, they removed to Newburg, where they resided until 1877, when they returned to Norwich.  Her life has been devoted to the care of her interesting family and to  acts of unostentatious benevolence.  Having a large property, she was enabled to bestow her charities with a liberal hand, and the poor of this community will ever remember her liberality. She was a member of the Congregational Chruch, an earnest Christian and a loving wife and mother.  No words of comfort can mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved family and friends. The funeral was largely attended at the family residence Tuesday afternoon, the services being conducted by Rev. A.G. Upton and Rev. Samuel Scoville, who was in town at the time.

Jerusha Matthewson

Chenango Union, December 20, 1894

Mrs. Jerusha Matthewson died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charlton Phillips on the Guilford road, Friday morning last. She was born in May, 1807, and was remarkable as being one of the twin sisters who had attained to a greater age than any other living twin sisters in this part of the State.  The surviving sister is Mrs. Peter Dingman, who  now resides in Smithville in comparatively good health. She was born in this town and most of her life resided in this vicinity, later years she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Miller, at East Guilford. The burial was in the Godfrey cemetery [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY] by the side of her husband, who died several years since--Gilbertsville Journal.

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, January 22, 1845

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday inst., Mr. Caleb Thompson, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 83 years.

Chenango Telegraph, February 26, 1845

In this town, on Sunday the 16th inst., Calvin [Wheeler], son of Jedediah R. and Delia B Wheeler, aged two years and five months.

At Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], on Wednesday, the 19th inst., Robert Calley Gilbert, in the 17th year of his age.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Mrs. Phebe Ann Garner, wife of Abram Garner, aged 26 years.

Unusual Epitaphs

Unusual Epitaphs

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 31, 1885

Every intelligent person has read with growing delight that masterpiece of English composition, "Gray's Elegy in a Country Church Yard," and has had his attention called to the poet's graceful tribute to the humble one whose lot was cast amid lowly surroundings.

Here rests his head upon a lap of earth,

A youth to fortune and to fame unknown;

Fair Science smiled not at his humble birth,

But Melancholy marked him for her own.

The services of the wag or professional rhymester are frequently brought into play in saying what others only dare to think. The truth of this is illustrated in the subjoined stanza

He lieth here

Who lied before;

But since he lieth here,

He lies no more.

Closely related to the foregoing, by the ties of consanguinity, was the lawyer in western Pennsylvania, concerning whom some evil genius wrote this epitaph

Here lies poor Ham, and what is strange

Grim death in him has wrought no change;

He always lied, and he always will.

He once lied aloud, but now he lies still.

Some poor soldier in the campaign against Corinth in 1862 was remembered by a comrade in this quaint couplet.

Here lies Jim Crow

For all I know.

Intemperance teaches its victims some important lessons which are very often learned after it is too late.  It is just as true in the mental and moral world as it is in the physical world that "Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap."  This accounts for the sentiment which marked the final resting place of the inebriate:

Beneath these stones

Rest the bones of Theodosius Grim;

He took his beer from year to year

Until his bier took him.

It is refreshing to witness some variation in the make up of epitaphs.  In the following will be exhibited a strange combination of the spirit of mammon and parental affection:

Here lies our darling little babe;

She neither cries nor hollers;

She live but one and twenty days

And cost us forty dollars.

When the gold fever broke out in 1849 the rush to California was very great.  One of the adventurers from an eastern State realized fully the truth of the declaration, "It is not good for man to be alone."  In consequence of his faith he married, in succession, three courageous women, who dared to go to the far west. After they had all died in succession, he concluded to provide a suitable monument to perpetuate their memory and to proclaim his good qualities as a husband.  Collecting their remains and placing them in a common receptacle he erected a monument to their common memory. It contained this unique inscription:

Stranger, pause and shed a tear,

 For May Ann lies buried here,

Mixed in some mysterious manner

With Nancy Jane and probably Hanner.

Addison was a prince among literary men, and yet his domestic life was far from being perfect, if any credence can be placed in the sentiment said to have been placed upon his wife's tomb.

Here lies my wife,

Here let her be.

She's now at rest

And so am I

There is probably less of complacency in it than is found in the inscription upon the tomb of a fair damsel whose friends, while appreciating the blessings of rest on the one hand, were humorously mindful of some inconveniences on the other.  Here is the inscription

Here lies our Mary Ann at rest

Pillowed now on Abraham's breast.

It's very nice for Mary Ann,

But rather rough on Abraham.

Upon a tombstone in an old Scotch cemetery is found an inscription which reveals an unusual amount of post mortem felicity and restfulness, as well as consummate skill in the use of appropriate words.

Here at length I repose,

And my spirit also is, 

With the tips of toes and the end of my nose

Turend up to the roots of the daisies.

In the Wester Reserve of Ohio is a tombstone which expressed filial regard in metrical style thus

Here lies our father beneath this sod,

His spirit has gone up to his God,

We never more shall hear his tread,

Nor see the wen upon his head.

Marriages (February 13)

Hayden - Brown

Chenango Union, December 31, 1885

On Wednesday, December 23d, at 6 o'clock P.M., in North Pitcher, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] at the residence of Randall Brown, Esq., occurred one of the pleasantest events with which that neighborhood has been visited for many years, it being the marriage of Miss Desire M. Brown, the youngest sister of Mrs. Randall Brown, to William Hayden Jr., a prominent and prosperous young man of McDonough, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].  Complete arrangements, in every quarter, had been made by the family, so that when the numerous guests began to arrive, a little before the appointed hour, they found the old home brilliant, with hearty welcome and good cheer, while waiting grooms at the house and barn quickly disposed of horses and vehicles as rapidly as they arrived.  At the appointed time the happy pair, to the beautiful movement of a wedding march, played by Miss Nora Warner, of Cincinnatus, stepped to their places beneath an immense floral horseshoe, where the ceremony that made them one was quickly and neatly performed, by Rev. J.H. Sage, of Georgetown.  Then came - after greetings - the wedding supper, and right here, language fails to do justice. The tables fairly groaned beneath the rich burdens which were set out in such tempting completeness that many of the guests groaned from over eating.  The presents to the bride were many and costly, including a gold watch and chain from the husband, and a splendid purse of money from the father of the young husband and from Randall Brown and family.  A little after midnight the happy pair, attended by some friends, started for Norwich, from whence they proceeded to Albany, to spend a week or so with friends.  May their life continue in the way of pleasantness and prosperity.

Mr. W.W. & Eliza Sage - 50th Anniversary

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 30, 1885

On Thursday Dec. 24th, 1885, occurred one of the rare and beautiful events of life, not often enjoyed, the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of W.W. Sage, and his wife Eliza Sage, at the old homestead near Wood's Corners, in the town of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  The large house was well filled with happy guests, and the greetings were hearty. The aged pair seemed fully to enter into the joy of the occasion and it was wished again and again that they might live far beyond the golden period.  The gifts were numerous and valuable, while the long table spread in the spacious dining room, fairly groaned beneath its complete and ever varying burden, until the guests groaned and had to say "it is enough, please bring no more."  After this came the "feast of reason and flow of soul.," during which an appropriate song was rendered by A.K. Dixon, Esq., of Smyrna, N.Y. and remarks were made by Kenyon Terry of Norwich.  Harrison Jenks Esq. of Gilbertsville N.Y. and Rev. J.H. Sage of Georgetown N.Y.  Nothing was left undone by Wm. A. Sage and his estimable wife and daughter Belle, that in any way could contribute to make the affair a complete success.  May the worthy pair who thus reached their golden mile stone, reach the diamond wedding, is the wish of all.

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, February 16, 1860

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev., W.M. Delong, Mr. Samuel Cline to Miss Betsey M. Loomis, both of Smithville.

At the same time and place, by the same, Mr. Uri Rorapaugh, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary June, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. B.L. Bennett, Mr. Samuel F. May of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Angeline T. Phetteplace of Norwich.

In the city of New York, on the 25th ult., by the Rev. A.A. Maple, of Wellsboro, Edwin R. Meade, Esq., of New York, to Miss Julia M. Baxter, of Tioga, Pa.

Chenango American, February 23, 1860

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst., by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. James Wilson, of Willet, Cortland Co., to Miss Julia Burger, of the former place.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th isn't., by Rev. John McLeish, Mr. Sidney Olin of this village to Miss Margaret Hubbard, of the former place.

Obituaries (February 12)

Dr. Charles Ervin Dickinson
Chenango Union, December 20, 1894

Dr. Charles Ervin Dickinson, one of the leading dental surgeons of the city of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and one of its most esteemed citizens, died of pneumonia, December 7th, while visiting relatives in Milwaukee. The funeral was held at St. Paul's Cathedral.  Fond du Lac, on the 10th at 2 P.M.  and the large auditorium was thronged by the hundreds of friends who gathered there to show their respect for the deceased and sympathy for the bereaved.  All classes of social life and religious belief mingled there.  The service was very impressive. The members of Fidelity Lodge, Knights of Pythias, acted as escort and at the grave paid their last tribute by dropping a spring of evergreen above the casket, one by one.  Dr. Dickinson was born in Guilford, Chenango county, N.Y., November 23, 1849.  The family went west in 1871, settling in Fond du Lac.  He is survived by his widow and two little daughters; his aged father, Charles F. Dickinson, and sister Mrs. P.B. Haber, of Fond du Lac with other relatives in the Western states.

Charles F. Dickinson

Chenango Union, January 24, 1895

Charles F. Dickinson, "Grandpa Dickinson," as he was familiarly and affectionately known to his many friends in his city of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, suddenly and quietly expired on the street, Monday morning of last week, while he was leading the family horse to the blacksmith shop.  The cause of his death was probably heart failure, and he evidently died instantaneously and painlessly.  He had eaten a hearty breakfast, and was usually cheerful, planning for the day.  Mr. Dickinson was born in Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], March 1, 1822, and went to Fond du Lac on his fiftieth birthday. For the last twelve years he had resided with his daughter, Mrs. P.B. Haber.  Mrs. Dickinson died July 4, 1879.  Mr. Dickinson leaves two children and a brother surviving.  These are Mrs. P.B. Haber, of Fond du Lac, George F. Dickinson of Oshkosh, and his brother, W.E. Dickinson, of Vernon, N.Y.  Five weeks previous to his death he buried a son, Dr. Dickinson, which was a great blow to the old gentleman. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon, at St. Paul's Cathedral, and was largely attended.  The remains were interred at Rienzi.

Joseph Addison Coville

Chenango Union, January 31, 1895

Joseph Addison Coville, a highly respected and esteemed citizen of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], died suddenly while sitting in a chair at his residence on Washington street, Wednesday morning. While the news of his death was a shock to neighbors and acquaintances, it was not wholly unexpected, as Mr. Coville was afflicted with a heart disease and had been in failing health for some time past.  Deceased was a son of Ebenezer Coville, a pioneer farmer from Burlington, Connecticut, and was born in Pharsalia, Chenango county, N.Y., September 12, 1820.  In early life he adopted farming, locating in Preston, this county.  there he was at one time a commissioned officer of the State militia, and represented the town on the Board of Supervisors during two years of the civil war, having charge of the moneys used in securing the town's quota of soldiers, a trust he discharged with fidelity and zeal.  Leaving the farm in 1869 he came to this village.  Here he engaged in no business, but lived quietly, educated his sons, and was a good citizen.  He served on the Board of Trustees of the village, was President of the board for a term; President of the old Agricultural society for one or two terms, and for seventeen years a member of the Board of Directors of the First National Bank.  Like his father before him, he was a constant attendant and firm supporter of the Congregational church, and for nine years was a Trustee of the church in this village.  Prominent in Masonic affairs, he was a Past Master of Oxford lodge, No. 175, F.&A.M., a member of Oxford Chapter, and Norwich Commandery, K.T.; a devoted lover of the principles and teachings of the order.  He leaves surviving him the widow, a daughter by his first wife, Mrs. D.D. Corbin, of East McDonough, and two sons, Dr. Luzerne Coville, of Brooklyn, and Frederick V. Coville, of Washington, D.C.  Funeral services were held at the house Friday morning, Rev. Ward T. Sutherland, pastor of the congregational church, officiating.  Interment was in the family burial place of East McDonough, under the masonic ritual conducted by Oxford lodge --Oxford Times

Death Notices

Chenango American, February 23, 1860

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th isn't., Hannah L. [Fish], wife of Mr. Seth H. Fish, aged 64 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th isn't., David [Tillotson], son of Perry and Clarissa Tillotson, aged 2 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mr. Martin V.B. Noyes, aged 26 years.

Chenango Telegraph, March 29, 1865

FRINK:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 10, of diptheria, Nettie A. [Frink], son [sic] of Lucretia and Orlando Frink, aged 4 years, 6 months and 18 days.

STEWART:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], March 4th, of diptheria, Eddie H. [Stewart] only child of Adaraeta and Giles Stewart, aged 9 years, 1 month and 28 days.

BRADLEY:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], 16th inst. Lone Barzella [Bradley], only son of J.S. and E.M. Bradley, aged 3 years, 4 months and 7 days.

"Ma, me's going away

Tell me story."

GORTON:  In No. Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], March 13, of cancer, Mr. Thomas Gorton, aged 73 years.

FOWLER:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], 18th inst. Minnie A Fowler, aged 8 years.

DAVIS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], 4th inst., Helen V. Davis, aged 8 years.

RICH:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], March 12, Mrs. Fanny Rich, aged 42 years.

FOSGATE:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], 13th inst., Simeon Fosgate, aged 28 years.

HAMMOND:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 12, Mary E. Hammond, aged 14 years.

Obituaries (February 11)

James Dunning

Chenango Union, January 24, 1895

East McDonough [Chenango Co., NY]:  James Dunning died very suddenly of heart disease, last Wednesday morning.  He has lived in this place a number of years and was one of the few people that always attended to his own affairs, and never made mischief between neighbors and friends.  He was an old soldier and makes one less in the Miles Post, G.A.R.  He leaves a wife, large circle of brothers and sisters, a father, one sister in Norwich, Mrs. W. Hamilton, a brother Thomas in Oxford, one sister near this place, Mrs. G.I.R. Lewis, one brother in Walla Walla, his father, a man over ninety-five years of age, lives in Smithville.  His wife has the sympathy of the whole community.

Henry C. Cole

Chenango Union, January 24, 1895

Advices received here Monday bring the sad intelligence of the death of Henry C. Cole, at Omaha, Neb., the day previous.  It will bring sadness to the hearts of many here who knew and loved the deceased.  He was the surviving child of the late Calvin Cole, and a brother of Augustus, the donor of the Cole fountain.  He was educated at Oxford Academy, and the earlier part of his business days were spent here --Oxford Times

John Hoag

Chenango Union, January 24, 1895

Word was received here last week announcing the death of John Hoag, who was recently taken from this village to the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, Ohio.  We understand that he was buried at the Soldiers' cemetery belonging to the home.  Poor old John, he has answered the last earthly roll call.  Loyal to his country, may his weary spirit find rest in the great unknown whence it has flown.  --Greene American

Arba K. Maynard

Chenango Union, January 24, 1895

The Atwater (Minn.) Press of December 21st, chronicles the death of Judge Arba K. Maynard, a former well known lawyer of Chenango county, which occurred December 19th.  He was ninety-two years of age, and a pioneer in Minnesota.  His funeral was conducted by the Masonic order, of which he had been a member seventy-one years.  Judge Maynard practiced law in Sherburne for a time after he resided in Bainbridge, and nearly fifty years ago he practiced his profession in Norwich.  Later he went to New York city, and was for years a municipal judge there.  He went to Minnesota in the early fifties, and represented La Seur county in the Legislature in 1866-7.  He buried his wife many years ago, and his only son, in Atwater, in 1879, and leaves no near kin to mourn his death, except a brother, who is thought to be in the government employ, at Washington.

Compiler note:  In addition to the son mentioned above, a daughter died in 1846 and was buried in St. Peter's Cemetery, Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY.  Transcription:   Minerva Almeda, Daught. of Arba K. Maynard, Died. Oct. 10, 1846, Aged 6 yrs & 7 mos

Thomas Benton Lewis

Chenango Union, January 24, 1895

While not unexpected, the announcement of the death of Thomas Benton Lewis, which occurred at his home on Canasawacta street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] at three o'clock Monday morning, was received with sadness by this community.  Deceased was the son of the late Thomas H. Lewis, and was born in Norwich June 5, 1851.  With the exception of seven years passed in California and three years in Cattaraugus county, Norwich has been his home.  He led an exemplary life, and was universally respected and esteemed for his many manly qualities. At the time of his death he held the office of town Collector.  November 28, 1888 he was married to Miss Hattie Randall of Pitcher, who with his mother, Mrs. Lucy A. Lewis, and two sisters Miss Alice Lewis and Mrs. Edward Beach, survive him. The sympathies of the community goes out to them in their great bereavement.  Funeral services were held from his late residence, Wednesday afternoon, his pastor, Rev. W.H. Scudder, officiating.  Burial in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].

Death Notices

Chenango American, February 9, 1860

In Middlebury, Tioga Co., Pa., on the 22d ult. Mr. Eben Sherwood, formerly of Oxford, aged 68 years.

In Norwich [Chenango  Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mr. John Noyes, son of Daniel Noyes, aged 29 years.

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. of cancer of the stomach, Mr. Lathrup Rosbrook Esq., aged 58 years.

Chenango American, February 16, 1860

In this town [Greene, Chenango co., NY], on the 10th inst., Emma J. [Badger], daughter of Chester and Sarah Badger aged 2 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th isnt., Stephen Elliott, aged 21 years.

In Coventry [Chenngo Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Gordon Johnson aged 71 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. Isaac Foote, aged 84 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. Joseph H. Moore, aged 59 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mrs. Barbary Cook, wife of the late John Cook, aged 77 years.

In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Elizur Anderson, aged 28 years.

Marriages (February )

Lewis - Ingraham

Chenango Union, February 19, 1891

The long, monotonous interval of celebacy from the matrimonial market was pleasantly interrupted by two of Hymen's happy members, at the residence of Luman Ingraham, on Thursday last, the occurrence being the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Luman Ingraham's only daughter, Eva [Ingraham], a most estimable young lady, to Duard Lewis, a popular and exemplary young man, a fine musician and society leader.  Rev. Fred Jones tied the matrimonial knot in a fine and impressive manner, which was witnessed by a large company of the friends and relations of the contracting parties.  Many valuable gifts were bestowed upon the happy couple, as well as the congratulations of the entire assemblage for the happy and prosperous life of the bride and groom. After the festivities the bridal party took passage for Oxford, enroute for the principal eastern cities to be visited during their bridal tour.

Mr. & Mrs. James Gladding - 56th Anniversary

Chenango Union, February 19, 1891

The immediate descendants of Mr. and Mrs. James Gladding assembled from far and near to help them celebrate their fifty-sixth wedding anniversary, at their home on West Main street in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday, the 4th inst.  Mr. Gladding is a native of Bristol, R.I., where he lived until three years of age.  Mrs. Gladding is a native of Pharsalia, N.Y.  Their lives have been spent in Chenango county, the last eight years of which in their present home.  It was an occasion of peculiar interest, on account of the unusual number of years of wedded life, and because the reunion included so nearly all the immediate family descendants, and because of the conceded respectable position occupied by them as citizens and in business relations, and also because of the fact that the aged father has been severely afflicted many months by disease confining him to his home, which elicited the deeper interests of personal affection.

The stamp of the paternal physical qualities are unmistakably apparent in every descendant member of the family, but no more so than the character of their moral convictions with which they have been credited during the almost four score years of a successful life.  The family consists of eight living children all of whom are married, and seven of the eight were present, each with his or her wife or husband; also the widow and children of a deceased son.  With the exception of one daughter, and her family who live in Kansas, and two great-grandchildren, all of the immediate descendants living were present, making four daughters and their husbands; three sons and their wives; one daughter-in-law; three married grandchildren with their husbands and wives, also eight other grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, making with themselves and immediate descendants, four generations present, also other relatives to the number of about fifty. There were also present their neighbor, friend and family physician, Dr. S.M. Hand and Mrs. Hand.  A substantial token of filial affection and respect was presented to the venerable couple with appropriate ceremonies.  From out of town we learn of the following who participated; Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Beebe and Mr. and Mrs. James B. Kellogg, Cortland; Mr. and Mrs. Ledyard Brown, Pitcher; Mr. and Mrs. Silas R. Hill, South Otselic, and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Gladding, Pharsalia.

Marriage Notices

Chenango Telegraph, May 1, 1844

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., by Dyer Munroe, Esq., Mr. William J. Gay of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Terza M. Thompson, of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, February 2, 1860

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. M.C. Bronson, Mr. Griffin Powell of Lowville, Lewis Co., to Miss Sarah A. Gavit, of Smyrna.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. John McLeish, Mr. Oliver Thurber, to Miss Mary Clark, both of that place.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. E. Cape, Mr. Henry L. White to Miss Victoria C. Sheldon, both of Guilford.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Wm., M. Sabin to Miss Mary G. Young, all of the above place.

In Scott, Cortland Co., on the 17th ult., by Rev. R.C. Fox, Rev. A.J. Kenton to Miss D. Augusta Fox, of the former place.

Chenango American, February 9, 1860

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. A. B. Jones, Mr. Charles H. Long to Miss Hattie Meachum, both of Willett, Cortland Co.