Obituaries (May 30)

Celina Ferguson

Died November 24, 1926, Binghamton, NY

Mrs. Celina Ferguson formerly of Afton, died at the home of her daughter in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Thursday November 25th,.  The funeral will be held Saturday, at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church at Bainbridge.  Mrs. Ferguson was a former resident of this place and will be remembered by a large circle of friends. She was a member of Vandenburg Woman's Relief Corps No. 58.

Sarah A. Verguson

Died December 16, 1926, Afton, Chenango Co., NY

Mrs. Sarah A. Verguson widow of the late Riley Verguson died at her home on the East side Thursday evening, December 16th at the age of 88 years after an illness of over two years.  She is survived by her son, Raymond Verguson of this place, two granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren. and several nephews and nieces.  The funeral was held Monday December 20, Rev. D.M. Geddes officiating.  Interment in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  

Seth S. Beckwith

Chenango American, May 18, 1865

In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mr. Seth S. Beckwith, late of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] aged 79 years.  Mr. Beckwith was born in Watertown, Conn. in 1786, and in early manhood removed to this County.  He has resided a great portion of his life in the adjoining town of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].  He was emphatically a pioneer in this wilderness country.  He was one of those sterling patriots, who amid suffering and privations of that period, laid the corner stone of our present abode of civilization and refinement.  Few men among us have enjoyed a more enviable reputation.  His high-toned integrity, his elevated Christian Character has made him the observed of his contemporaries through a long and eventful life.  He has been a consistent member of the Congregational Church, and in early life attached himself to the Masonic institution. To his social duties in these relations he was particularly devoted to the last days of his life.  Through evil report and good report he has been the champion in intellectual and moral influence without variableness or shadow of turning.  Like the ripened wheat he has been gathered to his fathers, with the jewels of Faith, Hope and Charity as his breast plate, and died in the hope of a glorious immortality.  His remains were interred in our Cemetery on the 15th inst.  His Masonic Brothers attended in a body to pay the last duty to an aged and honored brother and companion in the rugged path of life.  An eloquent address was delivered by Rev. W.C. White which was listened to by a large and attentive audience, who had gathered to mingle their sympathies with the family of the deceased.

Nancy Ashcraft

Chenango American, May 25, 1865

On Monday May 15th, Nancy [Ashcraft], daughter of James Ashcraft, of German [Chenango Co., NY], was almost instantly killed by the falling of a dry tree. A brother and sister younger than herself were with her, who carried the sad news to their home, only a few rods distant, which they had all left not to exceed twenty minutes before. She was 15 years of age. At the time the tree fell there was no wind.  Her brother saw the tree start, and cried out, "Nancy, the tree will fall on you," but she did not hear him.  The tree fell across her head.

David English

Chenango American, May 4, 1865

David English, an old man about 84 years of age, living in what is called the Sap Bush, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], was burned up with his house and all it contained on the 24th ult.,  He had bene living alone for some time, and was quite infirm. Friends were in the habit of going in and helping him at times.  It is supposed that the house caught fire while he was asleep, and thus he lost his life.

William A. Atwater

Chenango American, May 4, 1865

William A. Atwater died this A.M. at 7 o'clock (24th ult.) from the effects of a wound received in the head on the 2d of April, while nobly doing his duty.

The above announcement came suddenly and distressingly upon Mr. John S. Atwater of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] for although advised that his son was wounded, it was not considered fatal, nor dangerous even.  Up to within three days of this death, William was upon his feet and suffered by the Hospital Surgeon to roam at will about the hospital grounds, but a sudden prostration came; accompanied with the burning fever and chilling ague, and in three days he quietly passed away, not withstanding every care was given to save his life. he had his right mind till within a few moments of  his death, but did not seem to think that he was so nearly across the river of life, for he left no farewell for friends at home, made no request about the disposition of his effects, nor even pressed the hands of his comrades who stood over him in a silent adieu.

Death Notices

Chenango American, May 4, 1865

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., George W. Westfall, aged 15 years.

At Camp Parole, Annapolis, Md., on the 7th ult. Moses W. Tefft, of Co G., 8th N.Y. Cavalry, son of Welcome, and Lucinda Tefft, of German [Chenango Co., NY], aged 18 years, 10 months and 20 days.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Emily E. [Comstock], daughter of Francis and Lucy Comstock, aged 2 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Emeline [Beardsley], wife of Orlando Beardsley, aged 30 years.

In Oxford, on the 6th ult., Marietta [Stratton], wife of George Stratton, aged 41 years.

In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Lewis F. [King], only son of C.L. And N.L. King, aged 3 years, 9 months and 9 days.

Chenango American, May 18, 1865

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], on the 12th ult., Mrs. Ruby Randall, aged 69 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., John T. Holmes, aged 16 years and 10 months.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., John Skinner, aged 74 years.