Obituary (June 27)

Two Norwich Boys Drowned

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1914

 

Harold M. Phillips

1904 - 1914

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Two sad cases of drowning occurred near this city Thursday.   About noon Harold M. Phillips 10-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. --- S. Phillips of Piano street, was drowned in Canasawacta creek, south of the city, and about 3:30 p.m. Lester Watson, the 8-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Watson, of State street, drowned in a cove of the river near Borden's condensery.  The Phillips lad was in bathing with his companions, Clarence Schraft, 15, and Charles Gardner, 13.  These boys got out and dressed, telling Philips to come out as he could not swim, and that they were going over to the cemetery.  But Phillips did not wish to go with them and remained at the creek.  Returning to the spot a short time later they boys found Phillips' clothes on the bank.  On searching for him they found his body in a deep pool a short distance south of the Main street bridge.  Schraft sent Gardner for help, and then, taking off his clothes, dove into the stream and had just brought the boy's body to the surface as help arrived on the scene. 

 

The little Watson boy was playing with another boy younger than himself in a pond of water, when he probably drowned.  His ltitle companion meeting the boy's brother, told him a boy was in the waster and he summoned the railroad men nearby and the body was recovered.  Coroner Wilcox was called in both cases.

 

Charles Pearsall

Chenango Union, December 2, 1897

Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Mr. Charles Pearsall occurred on Wednesday morning.  November 17.  Through weeks of pain as he was drawn nearer, day by day, to the dawn of an immortal life, his family and others anticipated every wish, and between hope and doubt tenderly ministered to his comfort.  Funeral services were held at the church Saturday afternoon.  The members present from this and other towns, expressed the esteem in which he was held by old-time friends and those of later years.  His pastor, Rev. C.R. Lansing, paid a fitting tribute to his faithful service in public, private and Christian life.  Rev. Mr. Merriam of Coventry, expressed his personal regard for one who during his brief acquaintance had given him words of help and encouragement emphasized by the warm hand clasp.  Mr. Pearsall had past his four score years more than sixty of which he had lived and labored on the farm where he first settled.  Many to whom he has been a life long friend will gratefully and lovingly cherish his memory.

 

Moses Lee

Chenango Union, November 25, 1897

Moses Lee, who has been one of the best known characters about town, died Tuesday afternoon at his home.  He has been in feeble health for several months and for the last few weeks has been confined to the house the most of the time.  Moses Lee was a slave before the war and came from New Orleans. After the emancipation proclamation he made his escape and became the private servant of Captain Knowlton, of the 114th.  Captain Knowlton was killed at Cedar Creek and Moses became the servant of Colonel PerLee, and continued with him during the war. At the close of the war he returned to Norwich where he has since made his home. He has always been ready to do any odd jobs which came to him and in his capacity as bell ringer he is known all over the county.  He leaves a widow and two sons, Ben H. and Charles.

 

Leila Maud Gould

Chenango Union, November 25, 1897

One more loved one went to be with Jesus.  When the angel death took from our midst Leila Maud Gould, aged 17 years, the only daughter of Charles A. and Fiora l. Gould, whose death occurred November 14, 1897.  She was a bright lady and all with whom she came in contact were won by her charming manners and winning ways. She was passionately fond of music and was an excellent pianist.  She was a member of the M.E. Sunday school and will be greatly missed by her schoolmates and in all social gatherings.  Her funeral was held Wednesday P.M. from her late home in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] Rev. Albert Clark officiating.  The Junior quartette composed of four of her friends sang several selections, and twelve young lady and gentlemen friends acted as bearers and pall bearers.  Interment was made in the Lewis Cemetery.  The flowers were many and costly and were but a faint token of the respect in which she was held by all.  Our deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved parents in the loss of their dear one.

Softly through the trell'sed window

Came the west wind's gentle breath,

But she heeded not its mildness,

For she slept the sleep of death;

And beyond the silver moonbeams,

Aye beyond the stars of night,

Now she dwells our darling Leila,

In the home of angle's bright.

Leila, Leila still we love thee.

Tho' we see thy form no more,

And we know thou'll come to meet us,

When we reach the mystic shore.

 

William G. Mandeville

Chenango Union, November 11, 1897

William G. Mandeville, an old and respected resident of this place is dead.  He passed away Thursday, November 4, 1897, at 2:45 P.M.  He was taken ill about three weeks ago with a local complaint; but recovering apparently from the attack, went about his usual duties again.  On Monday, October 2, he was taken ill again and a general breaking down of the systems followed.  For a few days he had been resting quietly and his death was a shock to both relatives and friends. William G. Mandeville was born in Caroline, Tompkins county, 71 years ago.  At an early age he went to Ithaca and engaged in business with Elmer Squires. About 45 years ago he came to this place [Norwich, Chenango co., NY] and conducted a hat business at the store now occupied by W.B. Andrews. Because of fast failing health and strength he was obliged to retire from the active duties of life and in conjunction with his wife engaged in business as a florist at his home on West Main street. The couple loved flowers and their business was a pleasure to both of them.  Since that time he has been a familiar sight to the passer by as he worked among his beloved flowers.  His long white beard gave him a reverential appearance and his cheery greeting and kindliness of heart made him the esteemed friend of everyone.  Besides his regular duties as florist he has taken charge of the local Episcopal church as sexton for the past 12 years.   William G. Mandeville was married January 4, 1857 to Mercy Jane Knapp of Guilford.  Deceased leaves a widow and four children, George D.W. Mandeville, of Superior, Wis., Mrs. Mary VanDressen, of Lowville, N.Y., William G. Mandeville, of Lowville, N.Y., and Henry K. Mandeville of this place. The funeral was held Sunday last, with short services at the house by Rev. Mr. Martin, of the First Baptist Church of this place, followed by services at the Episcopal church, of which the deceased was a member, conducted by Rev. Henry D. Stebbins.  William G. Mandeville was a member of Canasawacta lodge, No. 205, I.O.O.F., having been connected with the Order forty-three years.  Services at the grave were conducted by the Odd Fellows.  The floral tributes were beautiful.