Obituaries (May 10)

Andrew Lathrop

Chenango American, July 12, 1860

Drowned:  Andrew Lathrop, a son of Mr. Lathrop of the firm of Lathrup, Ludington & Co., New York, was drowned at Cannonsville [Delaware Co., NY] on Thursday last.  He was bathing with a son of Mr. Benj. Cannon and a son of Rev. S.J. White.  He got beyond his depth and sank before the other boys could get assistance.  He had just come up with a little sister to spend the summer, and was in perfect ecstasies at the idea of having a good time.  His friends in the city will receive his body in the same train that brings them his first letter, saying that "he arrived safely, and was well and happy."  His age was thirteen and was a boy of much promise.  Franklin Visitor.

Nettie Poole Coakley

Died March 18, 1940, Otselic, NY

Nettie Poole, wife of Frank Coakley, passed away at her home in Otselic March 18, 1940.  She was born in DeRuyter [Madison Co., NY] April 27, 1865 and received her education there, graduating from the old academy and from training class, teaching for a period of 27 years very successfully.  Nettie Poole and Frank Coakley were united in marriage Dec. 25, 1903 in Otselic. They lived on his farm there until 1921, when they bought a place in Norwich and lived there one year.  Then they moved to Stewart Corners where they purchased a farm, living there 17 years.  In failing health they came back to Otselic to live.  Being of quiet nature she centered her thoughts in her home, but never failing to be of assistance to her friends and neighbors in time of need.  Her long illness of over a year, in bed almost helpless, was borne with courage and fortitude, never giving up hope but that she might get better again. She was tenderly and lovingly cared for by her husband, daughter and nurse. She leaves to mourn her loss besides her husband and step-daughter, a sister, Mrs. Fred Bush of Cortland and Several nieces, nephews and cousins.  Funeral services were held at her late home and at church Thursday afternoon.  The body was placed in the vault in Sherburne West Hill Cemetery.

Fred Burr Cole

Died February 26, 1936

Fred Burr Cole, one of Cherry Valley's [Otsego Co., NY]leading young business men, passed away at the New York State Oneonta Tuberculosis Hospital, on Thursday, February 26, 1936.  He had been a patient at the hospital since January 19th.  Mr. Cole was first taken with tuberculosis about four years ago.  He also received treatment at Saranac Lake. Everything possible in medical skill was done for him, but the disease was too firmly seated and he succumbed at the early age of 46. HIs many friends and business associates deeply mourn his untimely passing.  Much sympathy is extended to the bereaved family.  Mr. Cole was born in South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] and was the son of Isaac E. Cole and Caroline (Sage) Cole.  When he was ten years of age his parents came to Cherry Valley to reside.  On June 14, 1914, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Brockway of Richfield Springs.  He has been associated with his father and brother in the coal and feed business for over twenty years.  Mr. Cole was a young man of exceptionally fine character and true worth.  He was a member of the Grace Episcopal Chruch and of the local Masonic Order.  Private Masonic services were held from the Ottman Funeral home on Saturday evening at 8 o'clock. The funeral services, which were private, were held on Sunday at 12:30 with the Rev. Wm. Powell Hill of the Grace Episcopal Church officiating.  Burial was made in the South New Berlin cemetery.  Mr. Cole is survived by his wife and two daughters: Mrs. Marion Slocum of long Island City, and Miss Katherine Cole of Cherry Valley, by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac E Cole of Cherry Valley; by one brother, Raymond Cole of Cherry Valley; and by one aunt Mrs. Frank Lamb of South New Berlin.

Thaddeus Chase, Donald Schworm, & Warren R. Parker

Died November 12, 1940

Thaddeus Chase of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], his son-in-law, Donald Schworm, and Warren R. Parker, both of Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY], were drowned in Big Moose lake in the Adirondacks Tuesday afternoon of last week.  Chase for the past 20 years has spent the hunting season at a camp on the lake owned by a New York sportsman. The two younger men joined him Sunday.  On Tuesday they made preparations to return home, carrying one load of duffel across the lake in the morning in a canoe.  In the afternoon they started on the last trip.  The canoe evidently was overturned by the wind and the men clug to it propelling it toward shore until their feet could touch bottom. They then started toward the bank 100 feet away, but dropped off a ledge into a pocket where the water was seven feet deep and all drowned. When Chase failed to return to camp a search was started. The canoe was found on shore near the scene of the tragedy and the bodies were recovered about noon Wednesday.

Old Forge:  As officials closed their investigation into the deaths of three deer hunters who lost their lives when a 15-foot canoe capsized on Big Moose Lake two miles east of the Higby Camp, relatives proceeded today with funeral plans.
Thaddeus Chase, 71, of R.D. New Berlin, a farmer
Donald J. Schworm, 23, son-in-law of Mr. Chase and managee of a meat market at Edmeston.
Warren Parer Jr., 35, of R.D> Edmeston, a farmer.

Coroner James W. Graves gave verdicts of accidental drowning and the bodies were removed to their homes last night.

The tragedy was discovered at 4 o'clock yesterday morning when Alvin Becker of Larchmont, worried over failure of the men to return to their camp started a search and found their overturned canoe near the Greenwood camp.  He also found a burlap bag of clothing and provisions.  He then notified Roy Higby, who summoned state police.  Troopers Ward K. Donovan and Raymond Hildebrandt of the Old Forge patrol went to the scene and with a half dozen volunteers started dragging operation.  They found the bodies 100 feet off shore shortly after noon and they were removed to the Higby boathouse, to await the arrival of Dr. Graves.  Mr. Becker said Mr. Chase had been camping with him near Sisters Lake since Nov. 4, and that Schworm and Parker joined him last week end.  While the lake was rough Tuesday afternoon it was not believed to be choppy enough to upset a canoe.  The craft had a broken gunwhale, and this was believed to have caused it to capsize.  Dr. Graves said there were indications Mr. Chase had attempted to discard a heavy coat.  Mr. Becker told authorities Parker and Schworm decided to return home and with Chase left camp about 3 P.M. Tuesday.  The drowning apparently occurred while Chase was taking them from the camp to their car.
Mr. Chase a veteran hunter had been going to the woods annually for the last 40 years.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ethel Spurr Chase, two sons, Sidney Chase of West Winfield, and Rolland Chase of South Edmeston, three daughters, Mrs. Donald Schworm of Edmeston, Mrs. Ivan Scheurman, and Mrs. Lawrence Sprague of New Berlin, and five brothers in Pittsfield.

Mr. Parker is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Parker, Sr., and four sisters, Miss Adah Parker, of Edmeston, Mrs. Giles Nichols of Ludlowville, Mrs. Glenn Tilley of Mount Vision and Mrs. Curtis Ackerman of West Burlington.

Mr. Schworm leaves his wife, Mrs. Eleanor Chase Schworm, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Schworm; a daughter, Rosemary Stella Schworm; three brothers Robert, Earl and Leon Schworm and his grandfather, John Schworm all of Edmeston.

Death notices - 1860

Chenango American, July 12, 1860

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mrs. Lorchamah McCall, in the 99th year of her age.

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY] of putrid sore throat on the 13th ult, Franklin Reuben [Shiffer], aged 5 years 10 months and 3 days;  on the 15th, Frederick Rice [Shiffer], aged 5 years 10 months and 5 days;  on the 23d, Hattie Maria [Shiffer] aged 8 years 2 months and 12 days;  on the 25th, William George [Shiffer], aged 9 years 3 weeks--sons and dsughter of William G. and Mary H. Shiffer.

White Store Church Restoration - 1991

Preserving White Store's Church history

Local Residents Work to Restore Church

by Karen Bergamo

November 8, 1991

Little Church in the Country:  The White Store Church, located in White Store, south of South New Berlin, is in the midst of renovations thanks to the efforts of the Evergreen Cemetery Association and local residents.  The church was built in 1820 by a group of Baptists, Methodists and Universalists.  Today it is enjoyed by many people as they walk the cemetery grounds or look inside the New England style church which is open to the public during the spring, summer and fall.

White Store [Chenango Co., NY]:  Trying to preserve a slice of history in Chenango County is precisely what residents in the community of White Store are doing in their efforts to renovate White Store Church.  Although the church, built around 1820, has no minister or congregation today, the Evergreen Cemetery Association is trying to restore the church to its original glory for history's sake, according to Robert VanWormer, vice president of the association.

Painting, work on the roof, chimney and sills underneath the church was done this year by Donald Hoag of Elpine Construction, Morris, who had taken an interest in the church, said Michael Whightman, president of the cemetery association. The association hopes to begin work on the inside of the church in 1992.

The restoration process is being funded through donations, although the association is working on obtaining grants.  "Right now we're relying on donations to keep going."  Jean Duvall said.  Duvall is the secretary of the cemetery association. The Greene family, residents of the community, have made a number of donations to the restoration project, she said.  "They donate money every year and this year made one after their family reunion."

The Evergreen Cemetery Association is working on getting the church placed on the National Register of Historical Buildings.  

The focal point of the church's interior is an unusually high pulpit.  "The pulpit needed to be high enough for people sitting in the upstairs level of the church to see the preacher," said Duvall.  Another feature of the White Store Church not found in modern churches are doors on the pews.  Numbers stenciled on the pew doors were most likely used to determine who sat is which seat. VanWormer said, "A certain amount of importance may have been connected with where a family sat."

Most of the cemetery and church records were destroyed in 1915 when a housefire burned the home of Stanley Fields where the records were stored. Trying to gather information about the history of the cemetery and church is one of the association's goals.  "We have some cemetery records that date back to Jan. 18, 1805," Duvall said, "so we do know the cemetery was here first but we'd like to find more information."  

The church and cemetery have seen an increase in activity in the past year.  Four weddings were held at the church this summer and many graves that have not had visitors for years have been adorned with flowers. Duvall said "I think with Desert Storm there was a sense of uncertainty and people became interested in their past in a spirit of hominess."

Part of the Past:  Michael Whightman holds up one of the chandeliers that hung in the White Store Church.  Another such chandelier is being stored at the museum in Mount Upton until the church is completely renovated and ready for the chandeliers to be hung. The church was originally lit by candles held in elaborate tin candleholders.

Obituaries (May 8)

Joshua Clark, Celinda Winsor, Charles Salisbury

Died April 1930

Three inmates of the Chenango county welfare home at Preston have passed away within the past two days.  Joshua Clark aged 91 years, was the first to answer the call of death [April 23, 1930].  His demise was followed by the passing of Mrs. Celinda Winsor [April 24, 1930] and early Friday morning, Charles E. Salisbury was summoned [April 25, 1930].

Mr. Clark, who had been an inmate of the home for seven years, formerly resided in Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  where funeral services will be held monday.  Interment will be made at McClure.  He is survived by three sons, Lester of Endicott, Hudson and Jesse of Afton.  His death occurred Wednesday night at 9:30.

Mrs. Winsor, who passed away Thursday  night about 7 o'clock, was only admitted to the home on Monday of this week.  She was 85 years of age.  She formerly resided in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] and is survived by a nice, Mr.s Earl Aldrich of Haynes.  Funeral services will be held at the William Breese parlors Saturday at 1 o'clock, Rev. D.G. DeBoer officiating.

Charles E. Salisbury went to the home last December.  His death occurred at 1 o'clock this morning at the age of 40 years.  He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Dwight Salisbury of Greene, and a nephew, Harry Salisbury of Oxford road. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon.

Rebecca Case

Died November 6, 1925

A fatal automobile accident occurred in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] last Thursday evening when a car driven by Vernor Davis struck Mrs. Rebecca Case, injuring her so that death resulted a few hours later. The accident occurred on Main street, opposite MacLaury & MacGregor's drug store at about 5:30 o'clock.  It was a dark, rainy evening.  Mrs. Case had been doing some shopping and had left the drug store and started across the street.  According to the general report, she stopped to let a car pass, going towards the railroad crossing and immediately after it had gone by started to cross the street.  Mr. Davis was coming down the street in the opposite direction and driving slowly.  His mother, Mrs. Mary Davis, was with him in the car, a Ford coupe.  Mr. Davis states that the lights on the approaching car blinded him and that he did not see Mrs. Case until she was within a few inches of his car and before he had time to stop.  He made a very quick stop but it was too late to keep from hitting the unfortunate woman, and she was thrown to the pavement with much force.  Mrs. Case was quickly picked up in an unconscious condition and carried into the drug store. Dr. Day was summoned.  He saw that her condition was serious and had her removed to the Sidney hospital where death came at about 2 a.m. Friday, November 5.  Dr. R.H. Loomis was called in consultation, also Dr. J.H. Brinkman of Oneonta, but their services were of no avail. The force of the blow had caused a concussion of the brain and a hemorrhage, and also a possible fracture of the skull.  Mrs. Case did not regain consciousness. Those who witnessed the accident assert that Mr. Davis was driving his car carefully and that blame for the accident could not be wholly attached to him.

Mrs. Rebecca Case, the victim of this regrettable accident, was the widow of the late Andrew Case, whose death occurred about six years ago. She had been a resident of Sidney 45 years, and probably no woman in Sidney was better known or more highly thought of. She was held in the highest esteem by a wide circle of friends, both young and old, and the news of her untimely end was a great shock and case a gloom over the community.  Her age was 71 years and she was a native of England.  An earnest Christian woman living a consistent Christian life, filled with deeds of love and kindliness to family and friends.  Of a happy, cheerful disposition, always greeting one with a smile and a pleasant remark, she was a woman who will be greatly missed and mourned, and her place in our village life and the many circles in which she moved will be hard to fill.  She was a member of the Sidney Methodist church and also of the various societies of the church where she was constant in attendance, sincere and enthusiastic, dominated by a desire to do the will of God. She was also a member of the Woman's Relief Corps, the Rebekahs and the W.C.T.U.  In all of these organizations she was a valued member, devoting much time to the duties of these societies. Despite her years her life was filled with activity--she had no idle moments.  For some time her family had been endeavoring to persuade her to take a vacation and go to New York to visit a grandson, where an oft repeated invitation would welcome her.  She had finally accepted the invitation and in company with her grandson, Earl Knapp of Oneonta, was to have started for the city on the morning of her death. The afternoon and evening before she had been happy in shopping and preparing for the journey. She was enroute home from this pleasant duty when she met with her fatal accident.

Left to mourn this deeply loved and devoted mother are three children, Mrs. William Laraway, Mrs. Walter Meiner and Earl Case, of Sidney; also one sister, Mrs. Nancy Ketchum of Johnson City, and two brothers, H.T. Lewis of Morrisville and Cory Lewis of Binghamton, the last of a family of fourteen children. There are also 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  To all of these the deepest sympathy is extended by all.  Her funeral was held Monday afternoon at 1 o'clock at the Methodist church, Rev. H.W. Thomas officiating, taking as his text 2 Timothy 4th chapter, 7th and 8th versus:  "I have fought a good fight.  I have finished the course.  I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which, the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not only me but also to all them that have loved His appearing."  Interment was at White Store [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]. There was a very large attendance and a great profusion of beautiful floral pieces from friends and the societies in which she had always been so active. The organizations were all well represented at the services of their beloved sister and friend.  [Sidney Enterprise, Nov. 12, 1925]

Death Notices

Chenango American, July 5, 1860

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult. Miss Wealthy Race, aged 29 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Mr. Harmon Hickock.

Chenango American, July 12, 1860

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Nancy [Bartholomew], wife of Mr. Ira Bartholomew, aged 61 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., Mr. Daniel Rathbone, aged 83 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mrs. Crosby, wife of Joseph Crosby.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. Asa T. Sherwood, aged 58 years.

In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., Dea. Benjamin Storrs, aged 77 years.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mr. Joshua Pratt, aged 80 years.

In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Cyrus Harvey, aged 65 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. Epaphras Miller, aged 82 years.

Obituaries (May 6)

Lucy A. (Van Horn) Chapman

Died August 2, 1918, Norwich, NY

Died, at her home on Elm street in this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on the afternoon of August 2, 1918, Mrs. Lucy A. Chapman, wife of Charles B. Chapman of this city.  Mrs. Chapman's death came quite unexpectedly following an illness of a few weeks.  It was thought for some time there was a very good chance for her recovery.  Mrs. Lucy A. Chapman was born in Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], on November 20, 1857, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.A. Van Horn. The early period of her life was spent at her family home at Bainbridge.  She was married on September 12, 1882, to Charles B. Chapman of Norwich.  She is survived by her husband, by an only daughter, Mrs. Howard G. Benedict of Cleveland, Ohio and by one brother.  Mrs. Chapman was a most faithful wife and mother whose whole life was devoted to the welfare of her family.  During her early married life in this city she gave her time and energy generously to her church, First Congregational church of this city, of which she died a member.  Having a trained musical education, she served as organist and choir leader for some time.  She leaves a large circle of intimate friends both in her church and neighborhood, by whom she will be keenly missed.  The funeral will be held at the family home on Elm street at 4 o'clock Monday afternoon.  Owing to the absence of the pastor, Rev. C.L. Bates of Emmanuel church will officiate.  In respect to her memory the store of the Chaman & Turner Co. will be closed Monday afternoon, August 5th, from 12:30 for the rest of the day.

Clarence Henry Chesebrough

Died April 10, 1933, Edmeston, NY

Clarence Henry Chesebrough, long a prominent and highly respected resident of this village died at his home about six o'clock Monday evening, following an illness of about four months caused by Bright's disease and complications.  Mr. Chesebrough was born at South Brookfield [Madison Co., NY] on July 27, 1860, the son of Dr. Amos and Adelaide Huntington Chesebrough.  He attended school at South Brookfield and later was graduated from the New Berlin Academy.  Most of his early life was spent in farming.  In January 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Hooker who passed away November 7, 1930.  There survive one daughter, Miss Florence Chesebrough, an adopted grandson, David Chesebrough, a niece, Mrs. Elizabeth Chesebrough Robison of State College, Pennsylvania, a cousin Harold Chesebrough of Brookfield and a sister-in-law Mrs. Cora Chesebrough of this village.  The funeral was held from his late home Thursday at 12M, the Rev. H.H. Hadley, rector of the Episcopal Church of New Berlin officiating.  Interment was made in the Union Cemetery at Edmeston.  A strong character of sterling worth and unquestioned integrity Mr. Chesebrough will be missed in many paths of endeavor in Edmeston. Throughout his many months of intense suffering and pain no work of complaint was ever heard, no protest against fate, life must go on and he prepared to leave only kindly memories and thoughts of unselfishness behind him.  His last thoughts were of the happiness of those he loved and who loved him dearly.  He was called to public office as supervisor of the town for two years in 1899 and 1900.  When the New York Central Mutual Insurance Company was formed Mr. Chesebrough was one of the first officers and throughout the thirty-four years that this company has operated, he had never missed a meeting of the board until his illness this January compelled him to remain away. At the time of his death he was a director in this company and a director in the First National Bank of Edmeston.  Up until the annual meeting of the Edmeston Water Works Company last fall he had held the office of president of the company but his ill health prompted him to resign.  His sound judgment could always be relied upon in any problem and his fellow workers will miss his good council.

Roswell Curtis Chapman

Died June 16, 1941, Syracuse, NY

Roswell Curtis Chapman, senior partner and general manager of the Chapman-Turner Co., passed away Monday evening, following an illness of several months.  Mr. Chapman was a son of the late William P. and Mary Curtis Chapman and was born in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] September 14, 1872.  He was graduated from Norwich high school in 1890 and took a four year Arts course at Cornell university, finished in 1894.  In the same year he joined his father in the management of the dry goods business then conducted under the firm name of W.P. Chapman.  This business had been established in 1813 by Benjamin Chapman, a great-uncle of the deceased, who came to Norwich from Saybrook, Conn.  Later the Chapman interests and those of J.B. Turner & Co. were merged into the Chapman-Turner Co.  During his school and college course Mr. Chapman developed for the study of philosophy and the ancient languages a fondness which he never entirely lost and which he continued to cultivate as opportunity was afforded.  But when circumstances directed his activities into a commercial channel he gave to merchandising and the details of trade the same intensive study and keen understanding which he had given to his favorite subjects.  He became a recognized leader in his field, the trusted advisor of younger men and a respected member of the National Retail Drygoods Association.  On June 9, 1897 he married Miss Fannie Reed, daughter of the late William E. and Mary Bushnell Reed.  Mrs. Chapman survives, together with a daughter, Mrs. Clark Belden of Boston, and a granddaughter, Constance Chapman Belden.  he is also survived by a brother, William P. Chapman Jr, of Scarsdale, a New York city attorney.  In the home Mr Chapman was a dependable tower of strength; in the world a good citizen, serving his church (the First Congregational church of Norwich) and his community in many positions of responsibility, and giving liberally of his time and substance to every worthy cause.  In his living he displayed the characteristics of constancy and devotion to right which he had inherited from his new England ancestry and in his last hours when perhaps only the subconscious mind was active, expressed repeatedly his confident belief in the faith of his fathers.  He loved the out-of-doors, the flowers, the trees, the birds.  The wooded hills and green valley of Chenango county, even the unfrequented roads and secluded by paths, were known to him and among them he seemed to find surcease from care, inspiration and intimate companionship with his God.  Private funeral services will be held from the home Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. G. Edgar Wolfe, pastor of the First Congregational church, officiating. Burial will be in the Chapman plot at Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].

Death Notices

Chenango American, June 21, 1860

In Triangle [Broome Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Theresa T. [Whitney], wife of Oliver Whitney, aged 49 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Mrs. Philley, of McDonough, widow of Remembrance Philley, aged 96 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., of consumption, Miss Sarah S. [Pendleton], daughter of Wm. Pendleton, Esq., of Smithville, aged 28 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., of putrid sore throat, Charles [Benhow] son of Benjamin Benhow, aged 10 years.

Chenango American, June 28, 1869

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst., Betsie [Pellet], daughter of John Pellet, aged 27 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Francis P. [Bulkley], only son of George and Esther Bulkley, aged nine years and six months.

Epitaphs collected by Ella Gridley

Epitaphs

Tri Town News, July 21, 1982

Curding Rowland 1841 East Hill

"Stop kind reader drop a tear

On the dust that moulders here.

And when you read the fate of me

Think of the glass that runs for thee."

Almira Cardy, 1834, White Store

"I would not cause one thought of grief or gloom

I would not that one tear be shed for me.

For I shall sweetly rest within the tomb.

Set free from ill from sin and sorrow free."

Mercy Byron, 1814, East Hill

"Go home my friends

Dry up your tears

I must lie here

Till Christ appears."

Sally Curtis, 1849, White Store

"Weep not for me the glorious

band of heaven surround me now.

The wreath of immortality

Sits smiling on my brow."

Mary Willotson (80) East Hill

"Death is the lot of all mankind

God takes no more than what he gave

And they that morn shall comfort find

But hope extends beyond the grave."

Benjamin Sheldon, 1824, White Store

"He only livd on earth to prove

The fulness of a brothers love

If in thy bosom dwells the sigh 

Of Charity & love devine,

Give to this grave a dutious tear

thy friend thy brother slumbers here."

Polly Richmond, 1832, White Store

"Amiable and belovd Woman

farewell, the years were few 

But thy virtues many, they are

recorded not on this parishing

stone but in the Book of Life &

in the hearts of thine afflicted friends."

Samuel Richmond, 1821, White Store

"This humble willow always weeps

And marks the spot where Samuel sleeps

The rugged road through death he's trod

And now at rest with Christ in God."

Harriet Greene, 1853, White Store

"We loved on earth

We'll meet in heaven

With her last breath triumphantly

She could this anthem sing

O grave where is thy victory

O Death where is thy sting.

Ralph Blair, 1818, North Side (Plymouth, NY)

"His mind was tranquil and serean

No terror in his looks were seen.

His Savior's Smiles dispeld the gloom 

And smoothed his passed to the tomb.

Margaret P. Prentis, 1829 North Side

"A pattern she thro' changing scenes of life.

A pious Christian, a faithful wife

A mother kind, a sweet and soothing friend.

Twas so she live and peaceful was her end."

Near the rail way station at Mt. Upton is a monument to a horse, Lady Upton.  On the stone appears her story.

"Here lies the body of the old time trotting mare Lady Upton owned by Mr. Caldwell Chamberlin.  

Since she was two years of age no money was ever used to acquire education.  She won races in the middle and Eastern States and Canada. She lived a life of usefulness on Farm and Track.  Sound in wind & limb until the last and died at the extreme old age of 43 years: Mar. 12, 1907"

Mrs. Ellen Bigelow, 1831, St. Peter's Cemetery, Bainbridge

"In life she was lovely

And we loved her much.

He sought to stay an angel

On earth & spirit ripe for heaven.

She made a sign to bring her babe

Twas brought, she laid her hand 

Upon its little breast & said

God keep my child, we heard

Her say & heard no more."

Epitaphs

Left Handed Compliments

Afton Enterprise, October 22, 1891

We may class among curiosities a certain epitaph of a Roman husband on his departed wife.  he mentions the years, months, days and even hours that they had lived together, and then concludes, "On the day of her death I gave the greatest thanks before gods and men."

I have not come upon any inscription so heartlessly frank as this.  But a good many husbands seem a little formal in the expression of their grief. The Latin epitaphs especially tend rather to conventional phrases when the virtues of a wife are to be set forth.  "Incomparable" is a favorite epithet.  "Of whom I make no complaint" strikes one as rather faint praise--Cornhill Magazine.

Bainbridge News & Bainbridge Republican, June 27, 1935

It has been sort of a hobby with me to visit cemeteries to note the various inscriptions and to visualize, if I might, what sort of a person the departed may have been, with due respect and reverence for all such.  One amusing inscription in particular was the following:

"A dear one from our home is gone,

A voice we loved is stilled.

A place is vacant in a chair

That never can be filled."

This was from a widower, but in four short months the chair was again occupied--by another wife!

In a very old cemetery in Plattsburg, N.Y., some fifty years ago was an expensive monument with the death record of five departed wives; the widower's name was "Moore" so I do not know whether there were any more since or not.

The most charitable epitaph I noticed, an done quite unselfish, was the following:

"Teach me to feel another's woe.

To hide the fault I see.

The mercy I to other show,

That mercy show to me."

Compact with the Dead

Afton Enterprise & Harpursville Budget, June 4, 1936

When Francis Spies of Mt. Vernon, N.Y., a collector of names and epitaphs on gravestones, pushed aside the tall grass in front of a monument in an old cemetery near New Haven, Vt., he suddenly drew back with a startled exclamation.  For he was looking straight into the face of a dead man!  He looked again, No, it wasn't an optical illusion. There was the face clearly apparent through a thick slab of plate glass.  Here's why:

The man, a resident of New Haven long before the Civil war, had a horror of being buried alive. So he made arrangements to be buried in a hermetically sealed coffin with a plate glass window in the top.  In his will he gave the town a small fund, the interest on which was to be used to employ a man to go to the graveyard twice a day and look through the plate glass to see if he was still dead and to rescue him if he came back to life. For nearly half a century the town faithfully spent the income from this fund for hiring men to go to the gave. Eventually they decided that the man was safely dead and these men were just wasting their time making the twice daily visits. But it was necessary to go to the state legislature and have a special act passed in order to permit the town to break its agreement with the dead man and spend the money from his fund on some much needed public improvements.

Afton Enterprise, January 2, 1941

Jared Van Wagenen says that one of the things he likes to do is to wander around old graveyards, read the epitaphs on the stones, and speculate and philosophize on the folks who walked the roads of the world in other days.  I, too, like to do that.  Maybe I shouldn't laugh, but I often do at the funny epitaphs on the stones, some of them so old that one can only with difficulty spell them out.

In an out of the way corner of a Boston graveyard stands an old stone, showing marks of age and neglect.  It bears this inscription:

"Sacred to the memory of Eben Harvey, who departed this life suddenly and unexpectedly by a cow kicking him on the 15th of September 1853.  Well done, thou good and faithful servant."  American Agriculturist.