Obituaries (April 2)

Norwich Soldiers Killed
Chenango Union, July 13, 1864

It is reported that W. H. Mellor, of the heavy artillery, and Charles Town, of the 20th Cavalry, have both been killed in some of the recent battles.  No particulars.  Elder Button is said to have been wounded.

Charles Town

Chenango Union, August 3, 1864

Outpost, Ballyhack, Va.
July 24, 1864

Mr. Editor:  I noticed in your paper, dated July 13th, an article headed "Norwich Soldiers killed."  Among the number was Charles Town, of the 20th Cavalry, killed in some of the late battles, and no particulars.  Mr. Hubbard, I have not been in any battles, neither have I heard a gun fired by the rebs since my last enlistment.  I am not dead, but alive, well, and in the best of health, doing business for Uncle Abe at Ballyhack, Va.  Said Ballyhack is located sixteen miles from Norfolk, and three from Drummond's Lake, on the North West Canal.  Please correct the mistake.  and oblige

Com Serg't Charles B. Town
Troop L, 20th N.Y. Cav., Norfolk, Va.

From Adjutant General's Report

TOWN, CHARLES B.:  Age, 24 years.  Enlisted, August 22, 1863, at Norwich; mustered in as private, Co. L, September 22, 1863, to serve three years; appointed commissary sergeant, September 22, 1863; first sergeant, August 17, 1864; mustered out, July 31, 1865, with company; veteran; prior service in Band, 62 New York Volunteers.  Commissioned second lieutenant, July 26, 1865, with rank from June 15, 1865, vice Wilcox; not mustered.

Adell Washburn

Died May 26, 1935, Columbus, NY

Mrs. Adell Washburn, aged 75, died early Sunday morning at her home in Columbus [Chenango Co., NY].  Deceased, who was the widow of Alburtus Washburn, was born in New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] September 10, 1859.  She was the sister of former Supervisor Arthur Button of the town of Columbus.  Mrs. Washburn's death was due to heart disease.  Mrs. Washburn is survived by three nephews, Melvin Button, Lynn McQuade and Miner Button; and one niece, Lizzie Jaquay, all of the town of Columbus.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon and burial was made in the Brookfield cemetery.

Frank A. Whitbeck

Died September 22, 1940, Morris, NY

Frank A. Whitbeck, 79, died Sept. 22, 1940, at the home of is daughter, Mrs. Henry Dixson, after several years of failing health.  During the last six months of his illness he was cared for by his daughter at her home.  Mr. Whitbeck was born near Cherry Valley, N.Y. [Otsego Co., NY], Nov. 18, 1860, where he lived during his young manhood, moving to South New Berlin in 1888, there spending the remainder of his life. Surviving him are his daughter, his sister, Mrs. Ormond Dixson, of Schenectady, two nieces, Mrs. L.D. Baker, of Hoosick Falls, and Mrs. Earl MacDonald, of Sharon Springs three grandchildren and one great grandson, all of South New Berlin.  His funeral was held at the home of his daughter, Thursday, Sept. 26, at 2:00 p.m., with his burial in the family plot at Riverside cemetery, South New Berlin.  Rev. C.H. Skinner, pastor of the Baptist church, of which Mr. Whitbeck was a member for many years, officiated.

William V. Washburn

Died March 1, 1940, Johnson, City, NY

South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services for William V. Washburn, well known South New Berlin farmer whose death occurred Friday, March 1 will be held at the late home Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Born in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Mr. Washburn was 50 years of age.  His death followed several weeks of failing health. besides his wife there survive one daughter, Mrs. Frank Johnson.

Funeral services for William V. Washburn, well known South new Berlin farmer, were largely attended Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the family home.  Rev. Clayton Skinner, pastor of the Baptist church, of which Mr. Washburn was a member, officiated and burial was made in Riverside cemetery.  A very beautiful floral display was evidence of the esteem and respect held for the deceased by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.  Bearers were Sam Medbury and Walter Fargo of New Berlin, and Lyle Sisson, Hugh Lingee, Ed Hile and Alfred Knudson of South New Berlin.

William Henry Welch

Died September 7, 1941, Hancock, NY

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 9 o'clock at the family home in Silver Street [Norwich] for William Henry Welch, O.&W. engineer whose death occurred suddenly Sunday night at 7 o'clock in the railroad yards at Cadosia.  A high mass of requiem will be celebrated at 9:30 in St. Paul's Chruch. Stricken with a heart attack just after getting aboard his locomotive preparatory for his return run to Norwich, Mr. Welch died within a few minutes.  He left this city at midnight Friday on his regular Mayfield run.  Mr. Welch had been an employee of the O.&W. railroad for 34 years, first as a fireman and then as an engineer. Prior to becoming associated with the railroad he held a position with the Bordon Company here.  News of his sudden passing was a shock to his family and friends.  Mr. Welch was a member of the Rosary society, League of the Sacred heart and the Holy Name Society of St. Paul's Chruch.  He was also a member of Norwich Council of the Knights of Columbus.  Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Margaret Welch and four daughters, Mrs. Arnold Crandall, Mrs. Robert J. Fahy, Jr., Anna Rose Welch, all of Norwich and Mrs. John Maloney of Fulton; one son, William D. Welch of Norwich; and four brothers, John H. Welch, Thomas F. and Paul E., of Norwich, and Joseph M. Welch of Chicago.  He also leaves five sisters, Mrs. Mary Byrne, Mrs. J.W Chruch of Norwich, Mrs. James McEneny of Oxford, Mrs. William Sullivan of Minoa and Mrs. John Cannon of Ossining. Three grandchildren also survive.

Death Notices

Chenango American, July 21, 1864

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], July 14th, Mr. Hascall Ransford, aged 64 years.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], July 13th, Mrs. Amie M. [Brooks], wife of Wm. Brooks, aged 32 years.

In Dryden, Tompkins Co., on the 20th inst., Miss Janie [Goodrich], eldest daughter of Milo and Euncie Goodrich, aged 14 years.

In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mrs. Sarah E. [Smith] wife of F.W. Smith, and only daughter of J.O. and A.R. Terwilliger, in the 21st year of her age.

Though thy loved form lies cold in death,

And many friends are sore bereft,

We trust thy spirit dwells on high,

Yet severed form each earthly tie.

Dear one, we mourn thy early loss,

Though this vain world were only dross,

Compared with that celestial home,

Where thy freed spirit now doth roam.

Yet everything we hear or see,

Recalls to mind some thought of thee,

Some cherished spot or vacant chair,

Each say to us who once was there.

Husband and parents will miss that voice,

That oft had made their hearts rejoice,

A little Daughter the pledge of love,

Has left when called by God above.

She was loved by all who knew her here,

And memory sheds a silent tear,

For her who was dearest to the heart,

But dearest friends alas must part.

We would not wish her back again,

To share with us life's care and pain,

But hope to meet her on that shore

Where parting will be known no more.

                                                                                                    Mrs. W.H. Doane, Oxford