Obituaries (February 7)

William Irvine

Chenango American, June 18, 1863

Killed:  Lieut. Col. William Irvine, of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry was killed in the late fight across the Rappahannock.  Mr. Irvine was formerly a resident of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].  He had the reputation of being a brave and capable officer.

William Ward Pierce

Chenango American, June 18, 1853

Wm. Ward [Pierce], aged 5 years, 3 months and 3 days, son of Hiram S. and Sarah Pierce, was drowned in the canal at the foot of the first lock south of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst.,  The shock of the boat, Shady Side, upon which he was standing, as it entered the lock, probably caused him to fall into the canal where he was not found until too late to save his life.  His parents reside in Vestal, Broome county, whiter they returned with the body. This little boy was unusually promising and intelligent, and had been a faithful attendant at Sabbath School during the past two years. A short time previous to this fatal accident, he stood by his mother's side, looking toward the sky, when he remarked with earnestness that he would soon have wings and fly up there.  His childish fancy was to truly and quickly verified.

Ernest Grant Rose

Died January 25, 1943, Edmeston, NY

Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY]:  Ernest Grant Rose, 66, Pittsfield farmer, died in his home, Jan. 25, 1943, following an illness of three months.  He was born in Exeter, son of George and Elizabeth Miller Rose.  On Oct. 13, 1909, he married Lula Palmer.  He attended Edmeston Methodist church and was a member of Wharton Valley grange for 31 years.  Besides his wife he leaves three sons, Robert, Willis and Harry, all at home; a sister, Mrs. Erwin Stephens and a brother, Floyd Rose, both of Edmeston.  Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Houck Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Edmeston Union Cemetery.

Patrick H. Rourke

Died October 30, 1936, Norwich, NY

P.H. Rourke died at 7 East Park place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] late Friday afternoon, following an extended illness. The deceased was born in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], December 5, 1862, but had been a resident of Norwich for the past 28 years.  During the time he had lived in this city he had engaged in the retail business, and prior to the prohibition era conducted a retail liquor store.  He is survived by his wife and the following eight children:  George D. and John H. Rourke of Norwich,  Miss Amata M. Rourke of New York city, Mrs. Harry F. Welden of Albany, Miss Martha E. of Scotia, Miss Marion of Norwich, Catherine Patricia, a student at Tusculum, Greenville, Tenn., and Miss Emma L. of Norwich.  There survive one brother and three sisters, Thomas H. of Binghamton, Miss Helen, Miss Emma and Mrs. Anna L. Kavanaugh of Binghamton.  Services will be held at the Devine Funeral Home at 9 o'clock Monday morning and at 9:30 in St. Paul's church, Rev. Charles M. Coveney officiating, with interment in St. Paul's cemetery [Norwich].

Allen Rockwell

Died July 2, 1925, Norwich, NY

Chenango county lost one of its best known and most substantial citizens Thursday night in the death of Allen Rockwell of Rockwells Mills [Chenango Co., NY], who passed away at the Norwich Memorial Hospital about 7 o'clock.  Mr. Rockwell, who was 65 years of age, had not been in the best of health for some time, but he had been seriously ill for only about 10 days.  At that time he suffered an injury to one foot when a cake of ice fell upon it.  Soon the corresponding member began to trouble him, and still later he suffered pains in the abdominal region.  He was brought to the Norwich Memorial Hospital a week ago, suffering from appendicitis, but surgeons did not advise an operation because of the weakened condition of his heart.  He was given treatment, however, and was apparently responding to that treatment when his heart, unable to stand the strain longer, gave out, thereby ending the career of a man highly esteemed by hundreds of friends and acquaintances in this county.  Although born in South Hartwick, Otsego county, the deceased was almost a life long resident of Rockwells Mills, where for many years he conducted an extensive and prosperous woolen mill business.  Mr. Rockwell was known far and wide in this county for his honorable dealings, and for his many kind acts of charity toward his fellow men. While active in the woolen mill business he always bought the local wool products, paying the highest price that the business would warrant.  He always used local wool when he was able to procure it, and through his business dealings with the farmers of Chenango and adjoining counties he earned a reputation for fair dealing and honesty which stood him well in hand in after years.  Mr. Rockwell's mills were famous in this part of the state and gave employment to many people. They were operated by Mr. Rockwell until about 20 years ago when he retired from active business. There perhaps is no resident of the Unadilla valley whose loss will be felt more keenly than Allen Rockwell.  He was a man among men, charitable to the extreme and kind and considerate of his friends. There are many organizations, societies and individuals that have been befriended through Allen Rockwell, of which the public was unaware.  Too much cannot be said of his noble acts and kindly deeds, but those whom he aided will always remember him for what he accomplished for the benefit of mankind.  Mr. Rockwell was prominent and active in the affairs of this county, was a staunch Democrat in politics and was quite active in political affairs until recent years.  He never held office, but his counsel and advice were always welcome on public matter.  The only fraternal organization to which he belonged was the Elks.  He was a charter member of Norwich lodge. Although not a member of any church he regularly attended and was a worthy supporter of the Baptist church at Mt. Upton.  Mr. Rockwell was a member of the board of directors of the Norwich Memorial Hospital, a former member of the child welfare board of this county, resigning because of his health, and a director in the National Bank of Sidney.  He was active in the Red Cross organization of this county and took a prominent and active part in every project which worked for the betterment of the community. Besides his wife, to whom the sympathy of all is extended, there survive one sister, Mrs. G.W. McPherson of Yonkers, wife of a Baptist clergyman, and two nephews, Norman and Chester McPherson, both students at Princeton.  Funeral services will be held from the late home in Rockwells Mills Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, the Rev. George Scobey of Mt. Upton, officiating.

Death Notices

Chenango American, June 18, 1863

In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Charlotte Hortense [Gilbert], youngest daughter of Rev. H.W. and C.E. Gilbert, aged 22 months and 7 days.

In Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mrs. Pamelia [Harpur], wife of Hon. Robert Harpur, and daughter of the late judge Peter Betts, of Bainbridge, in the 66th year of her age.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Amanda [Horton], wife of Calvin Horton, aged 32 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Mrs. Mary Smith, wife of Hiram Smith, aged 56 years.

Chenango American, June 25, 1863

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Mrs. Betsy Slawson, aged 66 years.

In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Mr. John Boylen, aged 80 years.

In Ketchum's Corners, on the 20th inst., Laura L. [Culver], daughter of Wilson Culver, aged 12 years.

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Mr. Thomas Paul, aged  57 years.

In Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mr. Ellsworth Phelps, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 66 years.

In Baltimore Md. March 19th, Mr. Ransom A Bartholomew, of West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 36 years, a member of the 114th Regiment.