Obituaries (August 19)

Cyrus B. Martin

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1902

 

 

Hon. Cyrus B. Martin

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Hon. Cyrus B. Martin, one of the most conspicuous and influential citizens of Norwich, passed away at his home on North Broad street, shortly after 7 o'clock on Wednesday evening after an illness of only a few days.  He had been in his usual health until the Friday evening previous when he was prostrated by a sudden illness, at first believed to be due to a cold, but later developed into congestion of the brain, and he sank gradually until the end, though eminent specialists were called in consultation in his case with the family physician, Dr. Robert H . Phelps.  Mr. Martin was born in Argyle, Washington county, in September, 1832, and spent his earliest years in that vicinity.  When a young man he came to Norwich and resided here seven years during which he was associated with George C. Rice in the publication of the Chenango Telegraph.  During this period he married Ann Vernette Maydole, daughter of David Maydole, founder of the Maydole Hammer Company.  Mrs. Martin died a number of years ago.  In 1861, Mr. Martin went to Newburg, where he became editor and proprietor of the Newburg Journal, which he conducted for 14 years and gained a wide acquaintance among the newspaper men of the State.  Disposing of his business interests in Newburg he, in 1877, returned to Norwich and purchased one fourth interest in the hammer factory.  A few years later upon the death of Charles E. Merritt, Mr. Martin succeeded to the presidency of the company, a position he had retained ever since.  Upon the organization of the Chenango National Bank in 1883, he was chosen the first president and had continued in that office until his death.  He was the treasurer of the Norwich Water Works Company and was interested in other business enterprises.  He was a man of large public spirit and generous impulses.  He had taken an especial interest in the project and welfare of the Chenango Valley Home for aged people having donated the site for the building and was one of the largest contributors to the fund for the establishment of the home and was also liberal in his gifts for its maintenance. A year or two ago he donated additional lands adjoining the present property to meet the demands of a larger building in the future.  Many other worthy objects profited by his beneficence.  Mr. Martin had been a power in the Republican party of the county for years and though not officially connected with the party organ, the Chenango Telegraph had directed its editorial utterances for years.  He was a man of deep convictions and pronounced views.  though not a member he was a constant attendant upon the services of the Congregational Church and contributed generously to its support.  His death is a distinct loss to the community and the interests with which he was connected.  Of his immediate family three daughters survive, Mrs.  Howard D. Newton, Mrs. Homer Higley and Mrs. May D. M. Stebbins.  He also leaves one sister, Mrs. David hall, of East Hartford, Washington county.  His funeral will occur to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Rev. Daniel W. Dexter will officiate.

Hattie L. Rider
1842 - 1874

RIDER:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 20th --- [1874], Hattie L., wife of Mr. Nathan Rider, aged 32 years.   Gone home!  How precious the words, how full of meaning to the friends of the departed, when there is unmistakable evidence that Christ was a light to their path, "through the dark valley and shadow of death."  A bright, happy and glorious life, beyond Death's river awaiteth those who "trust in God's promise, abideth in the faith," and "doeth the will of the Master."  In the death of Mrs. Hattie L. Rider of this place (daughter of Wm. Main, deceased) on Thursday, these truths were verified. A little more than a year ago, disease with its unyielding grasp, fastened upon her, and during the twelve long months she was an unusually great sufferer.  the nature of her disease was such that it baffled the skill of the most able physicians.  Resignated, mingled with hope, solaced her many weary and sleepless hours.  Patiently and without murmuring did she meet the wasting away of the casket that was soon to set the jewel free.  All that kind and sympathizing friends could do to alleviate her sufferings was done.  Her every wish was granted.  But how with all human efforts, when the Master calls "come home."  As the taper in the socket goes out, her life sweetly and peacefully passed away.  "Death loves a shining mark"  How truthful the saying in the death of Mrs. Rider, sweetness of disposition, retiring and modest in demeanor, cheerful and buoyant in spirit, kind and generous to neighbors, and loving to relatives and friends, were characteristics that marked her every day life.  Her domestic and social relations were always ennobling and pleasing.  A husband, mother, sister and two brothers sadly mourn their loss, but to her it is infinite gain.  She has gone to her reward where the full fruition of a well spent life shall be hers.

Kate Conkling

Chenango Union, April 10, 1884

Miss Kate Conkling, an amiable lady of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died at her residence on Saturday morning last, aged sixty years.  Deceased was sister of the late Mrs. David Griffing, who four years since was burned to death, probably from the explosion of a lamp in her room.  Miss Conkling, with her invalid mother, occupied rooms on the second floor of the Griffing residence and she never fully recovered from the shock occasioned by that terrible affair.  For years past, she has been a great sufferer, and her death resulted from a fatal disease. Her aged and invalid mother survives her.  Miss Conkling was a cousin of Hon. Roscoe Conkling, and many friends from Utica attended her funeral, which was held on Monday afternoon.  Rev. T.A. Stephenson, rector of Christ church, Sherburne, conducted the services.

John Wylie

Chenango Union, April 10, 1884

John Wylie, one of the pioneers of this section, died at his home in New Ohio [Broome Co., NY], March 25th, aged 86 years.  he had been one of the hard working men that helped to clear the forest and make this country what it is now.  He settled on the farm where he died, seventy years ago, before there had been a tree cut or any improvements made within several miles, living several years alone.  His wife died about four years ago, after they had lived together fifty-eight years.  Mr. Wylie cleared and improved three large farms, leaving each of his three sons an ample inheritance.--American
 

Eliza Fitch

FITCH:  in Delhi, N.Y., March 31, 1891, Mrs. Eliza Fitch, aged 55 years.  Deceased in maidenhood was Eliza Kelly, and lived in the family of Meritt G. McKeon, an honored principal of Oxford Academy during his residence in this village, and in Meredith and Delhi, Delaware County.

Hon. Nelson K. Wheeler

Bainbridge Republican, October 1, 1880

Hon. Nelson K. Wheeler died at Deposit [Delaware Co., NY] on Tuesday evening, Sept. 21st.  Judge Wheeler was a prominent and influential public man in Del. county thirty years ago, having filled the offices of District Attorney, County Judge and member of Assembly, and was regarded as a man of strict integrity and uprightness.  His history and the circumstances of his illness are given in the following extract from the N.Y. Times:

Police Justice Nelson K. Wheeler died of heart disease on Tuesday night at his farm in Deposit, Delaware county, N.Y.  The news was conveyed to his associates in this city yesterday by a telegram from his brother, and the Court of Special Sessions was at once adjourned out of respect to his memory, the motion of adjournment being made by Police Justice Smith.  Justice Wheeler was in his seventy-third year, but was still possessed of so vigorous a constitution that he seemed much younger.  Six weeks ago he complained of trouble in the region of the heart. The difficulty increased, and soon he was unable either to walk or to ride, and during the past month, was confined to his bed.  His death had been daily expected during the last fortnight, all hope having been abandoned by his physicians.

The deceased was the son of William Wheeler, a respectable and well-to-do farmer in Delaware county.  Although fond of agriculture; young Wheeler choose law as a profession, and studied diligently in his native town, and was admitted to practice over half a century ago, at the age of 21 years. He rose steadily in the ranks of his calling and finally became District-Attorney of Delaware county, and afterward County Judge, serving two terms in the former office.  In the meantime he had taken an active part in politics, identifying himself with the Republican party of which he was always a staunch and loyal member.  He was elected to the Assembly in 1843, and at the close of his labors as District-Attorney was again sent to the Assembly.  At the expiration of his term as County Judge he went West, and with Samuel J. Tilden and the late William B. Ogden, became interested in Western railroad matters, being one of the prime movers in the railroad consolidation of thirty years ago.  he drew up the papers which effected the consolidation of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad in 1854.  After several years' residence in the Western country he removed with his family to High Bridge, and became actively interested in the scheme for the annexation of Westchester county to the metropolis.  It was largely due to his efforts that the act effecting the annexation was perfected. After the annexation, Mayor Havemeyer, in 1874, appointed him Police justice for a term of ten years, and he filled the office up to the time of his death, generally presiding at the court in Fordham.

In early life Justice Wheeler married the sister of the late William B. Ogden, who survives him.  He had five children--a son and four daughters.  He was a man of strict integrity, and was conscientious in the discharge of his public duties.  He was careful almost to a fault, and had methods from which he never deviated.  His personal peculiarities and gruff manners led many to misjudge his character, but those who knew him intimately saw and appreciated his good qualities of heart and mind.  He had a taste for farming, and owned a thriving farm of 500 acres in Delaware county.  Upon it he maintained a fine dairy, in which he took an almost childish pride.  The funeral will take place on Friday from the Presbyterian church at Deposit.