Obituaries (February 27)

Mary Sargent

Norwich Sun, July 24, 1929

Mrs. Mary Sargent, widow of the late Frank B. Sargent, died at home in South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] Monday afternoon.  She is survived by her son, George G. Sargent and four grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held from the home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Burial will be made in the cemetery at South New Berlin.

Jennie G. Nickerson

Died October 17, 1937, Norwich, NY

Mrs. Jennie G. Nickerson, mother of Mrs. H.W. Rosing, died suddenly Wednesday morning at 11:30 at the home of Mrs. Etta Potter on Mitchell street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] where she was calling.  News of her passing was a shock to her family and friends.  Funeral services will be held from her late home on South Broad street Friday morning at 10 o'clock.  Rev. L.S Charters, rector of Emmanuel church, will officiate.

Norwood C. Oper

Died March 16, 1944, Sardinia (Killed in Action, WWII)

A letter from Mrs. Mark Follett of Boonville, tells the sad news of their son-in-law being killed in actin.  We extend to them our sympathy.  

Boonville, N.Y., April 17, 1944

Dear Mr. Payne, Muriel has had word from the war department that her husband, S/Sgt Norwood C. Oper has been killed in action over Sardinia, March 16.  That was his home base and it was at the time of the battle of Cassino.  He entered the army Feb. 14, 1942, and won the silver wings of an aerial gunner at Tyndall Field, Panama City, Fla.  Later he was made bombardier of a B-26 Marauder bomber.  he won the Air Medal and 3 oak leaf clusters for shooting down a M.E. 109 German fighter.  On Dec. 7, 1941, he was married to Muriel Follette, daughter of  Mr. and Mrs. Mark Follette, of Boonville.  He is also survived by an eight months old son whom he has never seen.

Dr. James Martin Owen

Died June 30, 1940, Norwich, NY

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Rites will be held tonight at 8 o'clock at the Breese funeral home here for Dr. James Martin Owen, brother of Mrs. F.E. Roper of this city, whose death occurred Sunday at the Roper residence in Henry Street after a prolonged illness. Dr. Owen, a retired dentist, was born in Pennellville, Oswego County, Aug. 10, 1873, a son of Martin and Sarah (Scott) Owen. Educated in the public schools here and at Harvard University, he passed most of his life in New York City. For a period of 12 years he was in the service of the United States Government and was located during that time in the Panama Canal Zone. A well read man, with a spirit of adventure, Dr. Owen during his lifetime visited most of the countries abroad. For the last 10 years he had made his home here with Dr. and Mrs. Roper. Dr. Owen was never married and his only immediate survivor is the sister mentioned.  Following the service tonight, at which the Rev. Lloyd S. Charters, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Chruch, will officiate, the body will be taken to Pennellville Wednesday morning for burial in the family plot.

George Obenauer, Sr.

Died March 23, 1929, Binghamton, NY

One of the oldest and best known citizens of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] passed away Saturday afternoon at 3:45 in the death of George Obenauer, Sr., of this city.  He was 82 years old.  The deceased was born in Mayense, Germany, July 28, 1847, and came to this country when 20 years of age.  He went to work for the firm of Weeden & Main at his trade of harness maker.  He continued in the employ of the firm and with W.C. Main for a period of 45 years or until the latter discontinued the business.  Mr. Obenauer then opened a shop for himself at 22 Birdsall street and conducted this for 12 years.  Mr. Obenauer then went to live with his sister, Mrs. L.A. VanWagner of Sherburne, where he remained for about three years.  He had always lived a most useful and active life and was unable to withstand retirement. About a year ago he returned to Norwich and opened up his shop on Birdsall street, happy to be working again at his trade which he learned 60 years ago.  The death of Mr. Obenauer removes the last harness maker in this city and vicinity.  He was one of the old school and before the day of the automobile, this business was a flourishing one.  Mr. Obenauer became a member of the First Congregational church January 7, 1872, and was the oldest member in that church.  He joined Norwich lodge of Masons, Aug. 16, 1870 and was the oldest member in this fraternal body.  He leaves his son, Geo. W. Obenauer, Jr., of this city, a daughter, Mrs. Geo. Hudson of Chenango Lake road, and three sisters, Mrs. L.A. VanWagner of Sherburne, Mrs. Kate Krohn and Mrs. Christine Foster of Syracuse, a brother, Christ Obenauer of Towanda, Pa., and two grandchildren, Miss Marjorie and Frederick Obenauer of Norwich. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the residence of the son, 75 East Main street, Rev. D.G. DeBoer officiating, with the committal service in Mt. Hope cemetery in charge of the Masonic body.

Death Notices

Chenango American, October 22, 1863

At Union mills, Erie Co., Penn., Sept. 15th, Lucy [Agard], wife of Dr. J.C. Agard, son of Erastus Agard, Esq., of Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY].

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., of consumption, Mrs. Harriet Browning, wife of Halsey Browning, aged 84 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., of diptheria, Laura Libbie [Ackley], youngest daughter of Chas. T. and Laura E. Ackley, aged 3 years, 3 months and 9 days.

In Hospital at Beaufort, S.C. on the 1st inst., Mr. Bonaparte Tucker, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], a member of Co. E, 8th Reg., N.Y.S.V.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mr. William H. Keech, aged 22 years.

At Baton Rouge, La., on the 11th ult., Mr. Samuel S. Sheldon, of 161st Reg., of East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

At Folly Island, near Charleston, recently, Mr. Nathan Blencoe, of the 114th Reg., formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 38 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] on the 18th inst., Emily D. [Steere], wife of Cyrus E. Steere, aged 38 years.

Chenango Union, October 21, 1863

At Marine Hospital, New Orleans, Sept 6th, 1863, Willard F. Lewis, Co. C, 114th Reg., N.Y. Vols., aged 24 years. The funeral services will take place at his mother's residence, 3 miles east of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, Oct. 25, at precisely 3 o 'clock.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mrs. Desire Pickett, aged 71 years.

In Camp Hospital, at Folly Island, S.C., Sept. 19th, Lieut. Ira D. Jacobs, Co. I, 89th Reg. N.Y.S.V.