Obituaries (January 29)

Ellen Jane Burlison

Chenango American, May 28, 1863

On Monday evening as accident occurred in the house of a man named Horace R. Burlison, in this village [Norwich, Chenango co., NY], that caused the death of his daughter Ellen Jane [Burlison], aged about eight years.  The facts are as follows:  The family were gathered around a table watching one of their number pour a quantity of Kerosene Oil from one vessel into another. The little girl, was holding a small hand lamp for the purpose of lighting the work. Suddenly the gas from Kerosene took fire from the small lamp, and four of the persons standing around the table were enveloped in flames--the fire being communicated at once to the oil.  The little girl was terribly burned about the head and shoulders.  On taking fire she ran out of doors, and it was several minutes before she could be caught and her clothes stripped off.  She presented an agonizing sight.  It was found that the fire had spread over nearly the whole of her body, and the flesh dropped from her arms if she was stirred. The little sufferer lingered until about eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, when death relieved her from pain.  The three other persons burned will recover.  Susan Burlison was badly burned about the head, her face being a complete bristle.  Mrs. Martha Cobb had one hand burned.  Mrs. Burlison, had both hands badly burned. The accident was one that might happen in any household and should be a warning to all to use care in handling Kerosene oil--Chenango Telegraph.

Lewis Williams

Died February 19, 1935, Norwich, NY

An illness that had kept him confined to the house for some time culminated Tuesday afternoon in the death of Lewis Williams at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Carrie McCoy, on the South New Berlin road.  Deceased was 59 years old.  Surviving, besides the daughter with whom he made his home, are another daughter, Mrs. Lena Moore of New York city; three brothers, George Williams of Los Angeles, Cal., Joseph Williams of Deposit and Jacob Williams of this city; three grandchildren, Lewis J. Moore of Norwich, Doris Moore of New York and Mildred McCoy of Norwich; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held from the Breese funeral home on South Broad street Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock, with burial in the Godfrey cemetery in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Williams was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal church.

Mary (Balfe) Wilson

Died July 12, 1915, Dimock Hollow, NY

Born in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], January 31, 1871, Died at the home of her parents in Dimock Hollow [Otsego Co., NY], July 12, 1915, at the age of 44 years.  She graduated with honors from Morris High School in 1892, after which she was a successful teacher for several years, until she entered the Utica Conservatory of Music.  Studied under M. Campbeelo, pupil of the renowned Lamperi.  Graduated with highest honors.  Married to Otis Henry Wilson Nov. 26, 1902.  After finishing her course in music at Utica she taught vocal music with great success, having large classes in Morris, New Berlin and surrounding towns. For several years after her marriage and while residing in Morris she and her husband united with the Methodist Episcopal church, which she served faithfully as director of the choir, until her removal to Oneonta, where she secured a more lucrative position as soloist and director of the choir of the Methodist church. During the several years which she spent there she worked faithfully and by her efforts brought the choir up to a high standing of quality and efficiency.  In addition to her choir work she had  a large class of pupils in Oneonta and nearby towns, many of whom, through her efforts and skill as a teacher, are achieving success in larger spheres.  A few years later, owing to failing health, she went to New York, where she obtained a position that was less strenuous, and also to secure better medical aid.  While there she turned her attention to musical composition, writing many songs, which have been deemed by critics to be worthy of recognition by the musical world. She also pursued her musical studies further, and was offered a prominent part in English Grand Opera, but owning to continued ill health was obliged to decline the much coveted position. As long as health permitted she was a valued member of the choir of Calvary Baptist church at West 57th street, under direction of the late Prof. Bowman.  In March, 1914, the dread disease progressed so rapidly that she was obliged to return to her home near South New Berlin.  For more than two years she has never been free from the most acute pain and suffering, despite all efforts of loving ones to relieve and cheer her until at last the disease wore out its victim, who had battled so bravely for life.  All through her life and even during the long illness she had a sunny smile and a bright nod for all with whom she came in contact.  Her sweet voice, which filled her world with melody of song, though now silent, will be long remembered by a host of friends who are left to mourn her loss.  Perhaps the highest tribute ever paid to her were the words spoken by the well-known blind hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, who, after hearing her sing before a great assembly, said "You have brought me nearer to heaven than I have ever been before."  She is survived by her husband, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.E. Bauif, and one sister, Mrs. Frederick Gardner, Jr.  The funeral was held Thursday from her late home, Rev. C.C. Volz officiating, with interment in Hillington Cemetery.  It was attended by a large number of neighbors and friends. The floral tributes were many and profuse.--Chronicle

Death Notices

Chenango American, May 21, 1863

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th isn't., Huldah [Slawson], aged 887 years and 1 month.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], at the residence of David Griffin, Esq., suddenly on the 19th inst., Ansel Lull M.D. of Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], aged 72 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mrs. Almina Card, aged 66 years.

In Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 12th isn't., Frankie LeRoy [Miles], son of LeRoy B. and H. Miles, aged 2 weeks and 5 days.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Elmer Ellsworth [Sherwood], only son of Lucien D. and Catharine L. Sherwood, aged 1 year and 10 months.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Charles E. [Knickerbocker], son of Charles and mary Jane knickerbocker, aged 6 years.