Obituaries (January 4)

Miles Sexton

Northern Christian Advocate, October 1852

Miles Sexton, Esq., a resident of Bath, Steuben Co., N.Y., departed this life Oct. 1st, 1852, aged 48 years.  He was brought into favor with God about four years since, under the pastoral labor of the Rev. A.E. Chubbuck, of the East Genesee Conference.  His convictions were deep, his struggle with opposing powers protracted and painful, but his victory was complete.  From the period of his conversion to the hour of his death, he counted all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord.  The interests of the Church of Christ, the glory of God--these were objects of the first importance, for these he lived and labored and for these he was willing to make any reasonable sacrifice. As a consequence, God's smile of approbation rested upon him in the hour of affliction.  He was permitted to recline his head upon the bosom of his master, and to enter the veil of death, fearing no evil, but in sure and certain hope of eternal life.  His amiable companion is left in her loneliness, and widowhood to mourn a loss, which earth can never repay.  Heaven grant her sustaining grace, until spirits meet above and blead their joys, where all tears are wiped from off all faces.   N. Fellows, Bath, Oct. 2, 1852

Wayne Belden

Died August 6, 1926, South New Berlin, NY

Wayne Belden, one of our oldest inhabitants, passed away at his home on West street this village at about 5 o'clock on Friday afternoon, August 6, 1926, at the close of the day, aged about 87 years.  Mr. Belden had not been very well for the past year or so, but previous to that time had enjoyed almost perfect health his entire lifetime--something remarkable.  The deceased was born and had practically spent his entire life in the town where he died.  He was born on the farm now owned by Menzo Brooker, near Chenango Lake, October 25, 1839, the son of Hezekiah and Millie Belden.  He received a common school education and in early life learned the carpenter's trade at which occupation he was very successful. About 65 years ago he married Rebecca Pendell and unto them were born two daughters and four sons, Carrie, Martha, Merrit, Lynn, Ensign and Kennia. The wife and mother, one son Merritt, and the two daughters, have passed away.  Three sons, Lynn and Kennia, who reside in Texas and Ensign, of Cincinnati, Ohio, survive the father; also a sister and grandchildren.  Mr. Belden was a member of the Methodist church of this village.  the funeral, which was largely attended from the late home, was held on Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. J.M. Coleman officiating. Burial was in Riverside cemetery.

Henry Delos Follett

Died January 1942, Pittsfield, NY

Ill about two months, the death of Henry Delos Follett occurred early Sunday morning at his home in the town of Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY] near New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].  Town Assessor for a number of years and a successful farmer for the past 30 years, his death removes a substantial resident from the community.  Mr. Follett was born in Unadilla, December 11, 1865.  He was an active member of St. Andrew's church, New Berlin, and of the Grange.  Surviving are is wife, Minnie Holden Follett; a daughter, Mrs. Don Lidell and three grandchildren, Wallace, Marvin and Virginia Lidell of South Edmeston. The body rests in the Breese Funeral Home here.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in St. Andrew's church at New Berlin.  The rector, Rev. Nelson F. Parke, will officiate and burial will be made in St. Andrew's cemetery [New Berlin, NY].

Samuel N. Follett

Evening Sun, Norwich, NY, July 24, 1929

Samuel N. Follett, 31 years old, died from gun shot wounds, either accidentally or self inflicted, at his father's home at Amberville at 7 o'clock Tuesday night. The son entered the house a few minutes before the tragedy occurred, and spoke to his father, Nelson W. Follett, stating he was going to his room and read. An instant later, his father heard the report of a gun, and rushing upstairs to his son's room found him lying dead on the floor.  Dr. E.W. Wilcox of this city, coroner, was summoned and declared death to have been instantaneous. The man was shot through the mouth, the bullet going through the top of his head into the ceiling above. The shooting was done with a high powered Savage Arms rifle.  It is the belief of the family that death was accidental.  His father stated there could be no possible motive for suicide and that as far as any of the family could ascertain, Follett had been in good health and spirits recently. The victim was a single man, who had always lived at home since his graduation from the South New Berlin high school and worked on his father's farm, receiving adequate wages.  He has an older sister, Elizabeth, also unmarried, who has been visiting friends in California.  She has been called home by the death of her brother.  The sister lived at home and was also paid for the work she did about the house.  Mrs. Mary Cox of Montrose, Pa., an aunt has been a guest at the Follett home and was in the house when the shot was heard.  Follett was an enthusiastic sportsman, fond of shooting and particularly choice of the gun, which he was accustomed to clean frequently.  He had planned at the end of haying season to take a trip to the Adirondacks for a few days of hunting and it is thought the it was with that idea in mind that he may have been examining the rifle.  There was one shell in the gun and it is supposed that he may have thought it empty.  Although he had not had to make connections with any church or club, the young man had many friends and lived the normal life of a young person in his position.  The family life was happy and held no difficult complexities.  In spite of lack of motive in the environment, the coroner has declared his opinion that the shooting was intentional and that there were immediate evidences about the body to substantiate the opinion.  The deceased is survived by his father, mother, sister, and aunt mentioned and by two uncles, Herbert N. Follet of North Norwich, Floyd Follett of Norwich and several cousins.

Death notices, Chenango American, December 25, 1862

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th ult., of diptheria, Stephen L. Phillips, aged 16 years.

On Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hall, aged 68 years.

Suddenly, at the Chenango House, Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28d inst., Miss Lucinda Stanly, aged about 40 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Willie [Pedet], son of W.H. and Alice Pedet, aged 3 months.