Obituaries (November 28)

Henry A. Gates

Utica Saturday Globe, January 1905

 

Henry A. Gates

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At his farm residence south of this village on the Oxford road, on Saturday morning of last week, Henry A. Gates died, aged 66.  Mr. Gates' health had been poor for five years past.  Three years ago he suffered a shock which it was feared at the time would prove fatal but he rallied and gradually recovered until able to be about, although in an enfeebled condition.  About three months ago he began to fail and grew gradually worse until his death.  Henry A. Gates was born on the old Gates homestead where he died and where with the exception of about five years spent in Bridgeport and New Haven, Conn., he had passed practically his whole life.  In his occupation of farming he had been successful and his opinion on horses, cattle or anything pertaining to farm life and experience was sought and respected.  For a number of years he was prominently identified with the County Agricultural Society, acceptably filling the office of president.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of this village.  There survive him, his widow, one daughter, Mrs. A.H. Holmes, and a son, Aaron Gates, all residents of Norwich.  Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from his late residence, Rev. Wilson Treible and Rev. John L. Ray officiating.  Burial was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY]

 

Del B. Baxter

Binghamton Press, April 2, 1945

Del B. Baxter, of 2 Sturges Street died Monday morning at his home.  He is survived by his wife, Minnie W.,; four daughters, Mrs. Elwyn Brock, Hillcrest; Mrs. Reno Smith, Bainbridge; three sons, Jesse of Schenectady, Watson and Maurice of Binghamton; two sisters, Mrs. Bert Edson of Windsor, Mrs. Frank Judd, Hallstead, nine grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  The body was removed to the William R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 44 Exchange Street, where friends may call.

 

BAXTER:  The funeral of Dell B. Baxter will be held at the Grace Baptist Church Thursday at 2 p.m..  The Rev. Charles C. Shoemaker will officiate.  Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Windsor, at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements by Wm. R. Chase & Son.

 

Minnie E. Watson Baxter

Binghamton Press, 1950

Mrs. Minnie E. Watson Baxter, 63, of 31 Kirkwood Ave., Hillcrest, died at 11:20 pm, Tuesday at the Binghamton City Hospital. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Elwin Brock and Mrs. J. DeWitt Hawley, both of Hillcrest, and Mrs. Wilbur D. Lee of Bainbridge; two sons, Watson B., of Schenectady, and Maurice J. of Windsor; a step-daughter, Mrs. Reno Smith, of Bainbridge; a stepson, Jesse C. Baxter of Albany; three sister, Miss Isabelle Watson, of Binghamton, Mrs. Harold Christman of Hillcrest, and Mrs. John Hartley, of White Haven, Pa.; 11 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.  She attended Grace Baptist church and was a member of its Ladies Progressive Philathea Class.  The body was removed to the William R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 44 Exchange St., where friends may call this afternhoon and evening.

BAXTER:  The funeral of Mrs. Minnie E. Watson Baxter will be held at Grace Baptist Church, Friday at 2 p.m., The Rev. William L. Taylor will officiate.  Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Windsor, N.Y.

Maryette (Webb) Beals/Beale

June 1912

The funeral of Mrs. John Beals was held on Friday afternoon at 21 o'clock Rev. George Foster of Greene officiating.  She was 74 years of age and leaves two daughters, Mrs. Henry Packard with whom she made her home and Mrs. Carrie Cookingham of Edenville, and four grandchildren and two brothers: John Webb of Ouaquaga and George Webb of Greene.  She was laid to rest in Sylvan lawn cemetery [Greene, Chenango Co., NY]

Helen  Ruth Beckwith

March 1933

Mrs. Helen Beckwith of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], wife of Ansel Beckwith, formerly of Guilford, passed away at the Greene Hospital, March 15.  Mrs. Beckwith leaves besides her husband, four children, Cora, Eugene, Marion and Gladys Marie, the latter only one week old.  Services were held from Greene on Saturday with burial in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

BECKWITH:  The funeral of Helen Ruth Beckwith, will be held at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the Root Funeral Home, Greene.  The Rev. W.L. Wood of the Frist Congregational church of Greene will officiate.  Burial will be in Riverview cemetery, Oxford. Arrangements by Root Funeral Home, Greene.

Henry G. Beeman

1898

Henry G. Beeman died Friday Sept. 18th at the City Hospital in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] from a fractured skull which he sustained in an accident at Tunnel Sept. 12th.  On the above day mentioned he rode up on the little cars for a pleasure trip. Tthese cares are used to convey material and machinery back and forth to the air scuttle being built from the top of the hill to the center of the tunnel below.  While coming back down the hill the drawhead pulled out letting the cars down the hill with such force that Mr. Beeman was violently thrown to the ground.  When picked up he was unconscious and never regained consciousness.  he was taken to the Binghamton City Hospital and every thing possible was done to relieve him.  It was found that his right leg was broken below the thigh, his ankle was badly wrenched, his skull was fractured at the base of the brain and other serious bruises about the head and face.

The funeral was held from his late home at Tunnel at one o'clock, Rev. S.H. Foley officiating.  The text was from St. Matthew 24:44 "Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."  The remains were laid to rest in the New Ohio Cemetery, the bearers were his nephews; George Beeman, Fred Mumford, Martin Hickox, Dewitt Spencer, Henry Paddleford, Harry Councilman.  The floral offerings by the tunnel employees, relatives and friends were many and beautiful.

Mr. Beeman had been a faithful employee of the D.&H. railroad for 27 years as track walker and tunnel watchman.  He leaves a wife and two children to mourn his loss:  Morell A Beeman and Dalla E. Beemean; one brother Edward A. Beeman of Harpursville and one sister Mrs. Uri Watrous of Fenton.  Deceased was the son of Ashley and Susan Beeman and was born in New Ohio on August 19, 1852.  He was united in marriage with Miss Ophelia Paddleford of North Colesville, Dec. 20, 1870

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

Obituaries (November 27)

Fred M. Barnes

Binghamton Press, June 14, 1947

Fred M. Barnes, 87, died at 9:30 p.m. Friday at his home, Phelps Street, Port Dickinson.  He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Grace Holbert of Port Dickinson, Mrs. Wallace Bodie of Honesdale, Pa., Mrs. Walter Newton and Mrs. John Hellerman, both of Binghamton; four sons, John, Fred W., Holbert and Chester, all of Binghamton; 19 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.  The body was removed to the J.F Rice Funeral Home, 150 Main Street, Johnson City, where Friends may call.

 

BARNES:  The funeral of Fred M. Barnes will be held at the J.F. Rice Funeral Home, 150 Main St., Burial will be in Chenango Valley Cemetery.

Frank A. Bartley

Binghamton Press, February 1943

Frank A. Bartley died Wednesday night at his home, 12 Clinton street.  He was 74 years old and had been in failing health for some time.  He had been an employee of the Sidney Postoffice for 40 years beginning as clerk and working up to postmaster.  His work there began in 1896 and ended in November 1936.  He was postmaster from 1915 to 1923.  Mr. Bartley was born in Gilboa, Schoharie County, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Addison Bartley.  His father was a member of the New York State Assembly from Schoharie County.  He married Miss Carrie Sprague and they would have celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary April 10.  Among the fraternal organizations of which he was a member are the Sidney Lodge, F. and A.M. to which he had belonged for almost 50 years, the Moose and he held a life membership in the Odd Fellows.  When Mr. Bartley first came to this village about 1886 he worked in his father's grocery store and they erected the block on the corner of Main and Smith Streets now occupied by the Lewis Electric Store.  The funeral will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the home, with the Rev. W.B. Soper officiating.  Burial will be in the vault in Prospect Hill Cemetery [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY].  He is survived by his wife and three cousins, Mrs. Seymour Wilbur of Cooperstown, Frank Travis of St. Paul, Minn., and Page Stillwell of Afton.

Joseph Barton
December 1947

Joseph Barton, about 80, a retired farmer of Greene, RD1 [Chenango Co., NY], was killed at 8:10 am Saturday when he was struck by a car operated by Carl Howell, another farmer of the same locality.  coroner Mat G. Boname of Oxford said death was due to a fracture at the base of the skull and multiple injuries.  The body was removed to the Root Funeral home in Greene where services will be held Tuesday at 2 pm.  Rev. Maurice Gunn of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Greene will officiate.  Burial will be at the Sylvan Lawn Cemetery in Greene.

State Tropper James l. Heath said Mr. Howell was travelling west on Route 41, while Mr. Barton was walking in the same direction.  According to the motorist, Mr. Barton was walking in the center of the right lane when he suddenly crossed the lane over to the left side of the road to the front of the vehicle.  The victim was struck by the right front fender of the automobile.  Dr. Charles W. Chapin, health officer in Greene, was called to the scene of the accident by Trooper Heath.  Survivors are:  Mrs. Myrtle White of Greene, a sister; and three nieces, Mrs. Leland Walker and Miss Madlon Barton of Greene and Mrs. Guy Hall of Smithville Flats.

George L. Barr

Binghamton Press, December 18, 1956

George L. Barr, 88, of Algerine street, Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died at 9:43 p.m. Monday after a short illness.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. George L. Barr of Afton; two daughters, Mrs. Charles Robinson of Afton and Mrs. J. Fred Pease of Nineveh; one grandson, Robert Robinson of Johnson City; one sister, Mrs. Nellie Johnson of Ithaca and several nieces and nephews.  The body was moved to the Karschner Funeral home, Afton. 

M. Clifford Barre

Sidney Enterprise, February 6, 1947

M. Clifford Barre of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] died Monday, Jan. 27, in the Bainbridge Hospital after an illness of two months, at the age of 47.  Born Mar. 20, 1899, in South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], he was a son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Hollister Barre.  He was a member of the I.O.O.F. in Bainbridge and of the American legion Post in Sidney.  He was a veteran of World War II.  Most of his life he followed restaurant work and conducted a restaurant in Bainbridge for a number of years.  He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Everett Young, and a son, James Barre, both of Bainbridge; two brothers, J. Hollister Barre, of Afton and Leslie Barre, of New York City and several nieces and nephews. Services were held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Fisher and Sherman Chapel with the Rev. Henry Stammer officiating.  Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].

Death Notices

Chenango Union, October 21, 1875

SHARPE:  In McDonough  [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 12, Clara [Sharpe], wife of Nicholas Sharpe, aged 57 years.

WARNER:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 8, Mr. Hiram Warner, aged 84 years.

NEWTON:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 17, Mr. Denison Newton, aged 75 years.

AVERY:  In Morrisville [Madison Co., NY], Oct. 8, 1875, Fannie A. (Avery], wife of J. Dixon Avery, formerly of Norwich, aged 40 years.

GREEN:  In Washington, D.C. Oct. 10, Anna M. [Green], infant daughter of Wm. W. and Sarah E. Green.

SAGE:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 5, Mr. Jewett Sage, aged 84 years.

 

 

Obituaries (November 26)

Ruth E. Figary

 

 

Ruth E. Figary

Utica Saturday Globe, August 1905

FIGARY:  At Springvale, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], Aug. 20, 1905, Mrs. Ruth E. Figary, widow of Oscar M. Figary, aged 56 years. [Norwich Sun, Aug. 28, 1905]

 

Mrs. Ruth E. Figary, widow of Oscar M. Figary, died Saturday at her home in Springvale, aged 56 years.  She is survived by three sons, Morgan O. and George D. of Springvale and Verne A. of Guilford, and two daughters, Mrs. Clark Bowers and Mrs. Hiram J. Burlingame of Springvale.  Also by two brothers, Danforth Jones of Deposit and Morgan Jones of White Stone.  The funeral was held at her late home on Monday.  [Chenango Union, Aug. 31, 1905]

 

Hon. Solomon Kelsey Bemiss

DeRuyter Gleaner, September 5, 1929

All Canastota was saddened Monday by the death of Solomon Kelsey Bemiss, 86, who for nearly half a century had been an outstanding member of the community.  Mr. Bemiss died at his home there at noon.  Altho he had been in poor health following an operation last April, he had been steadily gaining until about a week ago, when he suffered a stroke.

 

Solomon Kelsey Bemiss was born in Pittsfield, Otsego county, in 1843, but moved with his parents to Cuyler, Cortland county, when 12 years old.  He attended the old DeRuyter Institute and later Binghamton Business college.  After graduating he entered the merchandising business at Pitcher.  He was transferred by his employer to Otselic as manager of a branch store there and later returned to Pitcher as proprietor of the business.  He went to Canastota in 1882, and with his brother, Ross Bemiss, bought the hardware store of Henry Jarvis on the site of the present Balducci block.  A year later the big fire wiped out their store, but they immediately built a new one across the street where they did business 35 years.  They sold out in 1915 and retired from active business.

 

Aside from his business, Mr. Bemiss was active in public life.  He served two terms as supervisor form Pitcher township and was elected member of assembly from Chenango county.  He held this office for two terms fro 1878 to 1882. 

 

While a resident of Pitcher, Mr. Bemiss and the late C.P. Hyde remodeled the Congregational Church at that place eliminating the old gallery, re-arranging the pews, etc. and their work still stands.  He was associated with the State Bank of Canastota as a director and at one time was vice president.  he was one of the organizers of the Canastota Savings & Loan association and was its first president and was the last of the organizers to die.  Mr. Bemiss was a member of the local school board several terms.  He was very active in the Methodist church, having been chairman of the building committee, which built the edifice there in 1910 and again in 1922 after the fire which damaged the interior of the building.  He had been on the board of trustees of he church for many years.

 

He was married in 1868 to Miss Ezoa Zulette Hill, of South Otselic who died in 1883.  He later married Martha R. Avery of Canastota who survives.  He is also survived by two sons from his first marriage, Howard Bemiss of Canastota and Harold Bemiss of Syracuse; one brother, Ross Bemiss of Canastota and several grandchildren.  Funeral services will be conducted from the late residence, 214 North Main street at 2 o'clock, Thursday afternoon with Rev. Harold Habblethwaite of the Methodist church officiating.  Interment will be in Mount Pleasant cemetery.  The trustees of the church will act as bearers.

 

Jared Goodyear

Bainbridge Republican, October 31, 1874

Hon. Jared Goodyear, of Colliers, Otsego county, died very suddenly of epilepsy in his mill, near his residence, last Saturday morning.  After partaking of breakfast he proceeded to the mill apparently in the enjoyment of his usual good health. While in the act of giving one of the workmen some directions, he fell backward, and expired instantly. The last words he uttered were "catch me" spoken as he was falling.  His remains were immediately conveyed to his residence and the sad intelligence of his sudden death spread rapidly throughout the community.  The funeral took place on Monday at one o'clock p.m. and was largely attended; among those present being nearly all the former and present directors of the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad Company. Through the kindness of Mr. H.S. Morse, Superintendent of the Albany & S Railroad's a special train was run from Oneonta to Colliers, free to all who desired to pay respect to the memory of this venerable and highly respected citizen.  The funeral services were conducted by Rev. H.H. Allen, of the Presbyterian Church of Oneonta.  At the close of the regular service, Hon. James H. Ramsey, of Albany, and Col. W.W. Snow, of Oneonta, both of whom had been associated and were intimate with the deceased, made remarks eulogizing his memory.  Mr. Goodyear was one of the original Directors of the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad Company, and much credit is due to his exertions toward its successful completion.  He was also at one time Vice President of the company, in which capacity, as also in that of director he exhibited much ability.

 

The deceased came to Colliers a great many years ago, even before the State road was located in that  vicinity.  The mail from Albany was received there but once a week, and that was carried on horseback along the private roads leading from one farm to another, the highways not yet being surveyed.  At the time of his death Mr. Goodyear was upwards of eighty-two years of age, having sprung from a family celebrated in that section for its longevity.  --Binghamton Times

 

 

 

Obituaries (November 25)

Lyman Odell Graves

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 11, 1903

 

 

Lyman Odell Graves

1860-1903

 

The death of Dell Graves, which occurred suddenly Friday afternoon, while not wholly unexpected came as a fearful blow to his family and friends.  Only three months ago, in the prime of his manly vigor and strength, he was stricken with a painful and incurable disease.  Eminent physicians were consulted but their skill was of no avail and Mr. Graves returned to his home to face the inevitable with the pluck so characteristic of him.  His sufferings were indescribable but his splendid courage did not fail and he faced death as bravely as he had fought and conquered in the battle of life.

 

Lyman Odell Graves was born in the town of German [Chenango Co., NY] June 30, 1860.  When but a boy he removed to Norwich and entered the employ of Messrs. L.&A. Babcock.  He quickly showed both aptitude and integrity and was rapidly advanced until he became their most trusted and efficient salesman.  He continued in this position until the day of his death, and during all of the twenty-two years of his service no shadow even of a misunderstanding clouded his relations with the firm, whose members can never forget his loyal devotion to their interests.  Mr. Graves belonged to the Norwich club, among whose members, as elsewhere, he numbered a wide circle of friends.

 

June 30, 1887, Mr. Graves married a granddaughter of the honorable Calvin Caldwell of Castalia, O., Miss Tene L. Graves, who survives him.  The funeral was held from his late residence, 72 East Main street, Monday at 2 p.m.  Burial was made in Mount Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]

 

James Edward Macksey

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, June 17, 1899

James E. Macksey, from his boyhood up, a respected resident of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], passed peacefully to rest at 12:15 o'clock Thursday morning, June 15, 1899 at his home on Turner street.  He had been suffering for two years with what his physicians termed locomotor ataxis, a disease which deprived  him of the use of his legs although leaving his mental faculties unimpaired.  The disease came upon him gradually, and for a time in the beginning of his trouble he was under the care of a noted New York physician, but finding no relief, he soon after was compelled to seek the aid of crutches to get about with, and later became entirely unable to walk.  By the aid of a wheel chair and the untiring devotion and attendance of his wife and friends, however, he was enabled to enjoy considerable liberty and a great many pleasures of life, being always cheerful and happy in his disposition and the belief that he would eventually recover his health.  He was never known to complain of or repine his lot.  For some time past he had been failing quite noticeably, and although there was no change in the buoyancy of his manner, his family and friends realized that the end was near  Everything that human hands could do was done to relieve him of his suffering but without avail, and death came quietly.

 

Mr. Macksey was born in Ireland, October 8, 1859, and emigrated to this country with his parents five years later.  He was industrious and ambitious to a degree even in his youth, working whenever opportunity offered, and at the age of 17 entered the employ of the late Charles H. Merritt.  From that time down to the commencement of his long illness he continued in the employ of the Merritt family as coachman and general overseer of the grounds, being held in high esteem as a faithful and honest man, well informed and possessing excellent judgment and ability.  During his confinement by illness, his advice on matters pertaining to business affairs was often sought, always with benefit to his employers.  By loyal service and manliness of character, he had won a warm place in their hearts, and they, together with his sorrowing family and friends, deeply mourn his death.

 

Mr. Macksey was one of the charter members of the Maydole Hose company and of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and his popularity among his associates everywhere was of large extent.  He was keen and original in mind and speech, and possessed characteristics of manner that won for him friends in every walk of life.  In the fire department he held during his active days several prominent offices and at the town election last spring, was the candidate of the Democratic party for town collector receiving the unanimous nomination, unsought at the hands of his friends.

 

In 1881, Mr. Macksey was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Purtell, who, with one son, James, aged six, survives him, another son, Charles M., dying in 1886 at the age of five years.  Mr. Macksey also leaves two brothers.  John F., of Dannemora, and Thomas H., of Norwich, and one sister, Mrs. Michael Finigan.  His mother, Mrs. Ellen Macksey, also survives, his father, John Macksey, having died two months ago.  The funeral will be held Saturday morning from the house at 9 o'clock and at St. Paul's Roman Catholic church at 10.  Burial will be made in St. Paul's cemetery. The fire department and Norwich lodge A.O.H. will attend in a body.

 

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, June 21, 1899

The funeral services of the late James E. Macksey were held from St. Paul's church Saturday at 10:00 o'clock, and were largely attended by the friends and relatives of the deceased and the different societies of which he was an honored member.  Norwich lodge A O H, and the entire Norwich fire department attended in a body, Maydole Hose company acting as an escort and marching in the procession on either side of the hearse from the house to the church.  High mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Hart, the service and the singing in connection therewith being of an unusually high order.  Many beautiful flowers and floral pieces adorned the casket, the gifts of friends and societies, testifying to the respect in which the deceased was held.  Burial in S.t Paul's cemetery [Norwich, NY]

 

Lyman Hall

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 9, 1870

Sergeant Lyman Hall, late a soldier of the 114th Regiment, died in Plymouth [Chenango/ Co., NY] on the 1st inst, of inflammation of the lungs.  Mr. Hall was continuously with his company from his enlistment in July, 1862, till the close of the war, being promoted from private to Orderly Sergeant.  He participated in all the campaigns and engagements of his Regiment, and was wounded in the battles of Opiquan and Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah.--Union

 

Lieut-Gen. Scott

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 31, 1866

Gen. Scott died at West Point, on Tuesday, the 29th inst., at five minutes past 11 o'clock A.M.  He was out on Saturday afternoon, and then showed no signs of his early demise.  On Sunday he began failing quite fast, though none of his physicians expected he would expire at such an early day.  He was perfectly conscious up to the moment of his death, though he had lost his voice some two hours previous.  He recognized the chaplain of the post ten minutes before he died and clasped his hand in silence.

 

Death Notices

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 9, 1870

 

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th inst. of consumption, Clarissa A. [Bliss], wife of James h. Bliss, aged 42 years, 3 months and 5 days.

 

In German [Chenango Co., NY] on the 30th ult., Walter E. [Cowan] son of B.F. and Hannah Cowan, aged 1 year and 7 days.

 

In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 5th inst. Mr. Ellison Johnson, aged 33 years, 8 months.

 

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] on the 3d inst., Mr. Almon Trask, aged 70 years.

 

In Great Bend, Pa., on the 25th ult, of scarlet fever, Elta J. [Purple], daughter of A.C. and Emma M. Purple, aged 3 years.

 

Obituaries (November 24)

Bridget (Donnelly) Macksey

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1910

 

Bridget (Donnelly) Macksey

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Bridget Macksey, widow of James Macksey, of Norwich, died on Thursday, September 15, at the home of her sister, Mrs. McCormack, in Liberty, where she was a visitor.  Prior to her husband's death in 1904, Mrs. Macksey was for many years a resident of Sherburne and Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  Since the death of her husband, she had made her home with her sons, four of whom survive.  They are Thomas, of East Orange, N.J.; John, Edward, William ad Henry, of Roseville, a suburb of Newark, N.J.  She is also survived by her sister, Mrs. McCormack, at whose home in liberty she was visiting at the time of her death.  The remains were brought to Norwich on Tuesday morning and funeral services were held from St. Paul's Church at 10 o'clock.  Rev. Father Prendergast officiated, assisted by Rev. Father Higgins, of Sherburne.  Interment was made in the family plot at St. Paul's Cemetery.  The loving esteem in which the deceased was held was manifested by the many and elaborate floral pieces which included among the designs a beautiful clock bearing the legend "The Sad Hour" from fellow employees of one of the sons.  So numerous were the floral offerings that a special carriage was set apart to carry them.

 

James Macksey

Chenango Telegraph, April 27, 1904

James Macksey of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died at  his home, No. 16 Rexford street, at 9:20 a.m. Friday.  Forty years ago Mr. Macksey moved to Norwich from Great Barrington, Mass., immediately after his marriage to Miss Donnelly of that place, and husband and wife resided here down to the time of his death.  Six sons and one daughter were born to them.  Of these the following are still living Thomas F. Macksey, sales agent, N.Y.O.&W.RR Co., of New York, and president of Macksey, Coal Co., Birmingham, Ala., John C. Macksey of the Washington Times, Washington, D.C., Edward J. Macksey, who conducts a restaurant and café in new York City, H.P. Macksey, baggage agent D.L.& W.RR, New York city; W.P. Macksey, president retail clerk's union, Newark, N.J.  Besides the widow and five sons, T.K. Macksey, a brother of this village, Patrick Macksey, John Macksey and Perry Macksey, brothers and Mrs. Edward O'Connor and Mrs. Michael Farley, sisters, all of Sherburne, survive him.

 

When David Maydole started his hammer factory, Mr. Macksey was one of his first employees and remained with the concern about thirty-five years.  He finished the hammers which were exhibited at the Philadelphia and Chicago expositions.  Mr. Macksey left the employ of the hammer factory to take a less laborious place with the N.Y.O.&W.RR company, where he remained till he was stricken with paralysis ten weeks ago, which resulted in his death.  Mr. Macksey was one of the most industrious, intelligent and faithful of workmen, had been a school teacher in his native country, Ireland, and was a fine linguist and mathematician, and a devout Catholic.  He was also a trustee of St. Paul's cemetery and a member of the car makers' union.  The funeral will be held Monday morning April 25 at 9:30 o'clock at the house and 10'o'clock at the church.

 

Marcella Bowers Robb

Chenango Telegraph, April 27, 1904

Mrs. Marcella Bowers Robb, wife of Arthur G. Robb, died at her home at 73 Cortland street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], at 11 o'clock a.m. Saturday, after an illness of some weeks.  The deceased was born in Norwich thirty-two years ago, and has spent her entire life in this village.  Beside her husband she is survived by one son, Lisle Sidney Robb of Norwich.  The funeral will be held from the late residence Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.

 

David Booth

Bainbridge Republican, October 31, 1874

In Memoriam:  On Wednesday last, Oct. 21, 1874, Mr. David Booth, of Union Valley [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], departed this life in the 76th year of his age.  He was one of the early settlers in the neighborhood in which he has lived for nearly 50 years.  He entered the place where his farm now stands by cutting his way in, and before his strong arm and untiring energy and perseverance the forest trees have fallen and the ground has been cleared, so that a substantial house, extensive buildings and a good farm stand as an evidence of his industry.  He had gathered around him a large circle of friends who entertained for him the highest esteem. The funeral services were held at the house, where a very large number of neighbors and friends assembled to pay their last tribute of respect and affection. About forty carriages followed the hearse to the cemetery, and as their friend, the husband, the father, the brother, was lowered to its last earthly resting place, a blessed hope was entertained of a bright resurrection morning when those who sleep in Jesus shall awake to an eternal reunion.

 

Mrs. George Williams

Bainbridge Republican, October 31, 1874

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  The body of Mrs. George Williams, who died in the State of Maryland, on Wednesday of last week, was expressed by her husband to this place for burial, he paying the charges to Philadelphia, the extent that could be paid from the starting point, they assuring him that the body would be at Afton as soon as he would be there to receive it.  The friends were at this station on the arrival of each train Saturday, each time to be disappointed.  By the use of the telegraph we learned that the corpse arrived at Binghamton Saturday, and would be up on no. 6, leaving Binghamton Sunday evening at eleven o'clock.  The friends, accompanied by about fifty of our citizens were at the station on the arrival of the train at 1:17 a.m., only to be disappointed again.  They were assured it would come on the Morning Express, and again met at the depot to be disappointed. At this time, Legrand Russell, Esq., brother of the deceased went to Binghamton, and returned on the 3 o'clock train accompanying the corpse. The burial services were performed immediately after the arrival, conducted by the Rev. T.P. Halsted, pastor of the M.E. Church.  There is a strong feeling that this long delay is chargeable to some one or more persons, and the question is shall such things be overlooked.

 

Obituaries (November 23)

Michael Foy

Norwich Sun, November 29, 1913

 

Michael Foy

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1913

 

After an illness of several weeks which was borne with patience and resignation, surrounded by his family at his home No. 44 Rexford street in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Mr. Michael Foy passed peacefully away at an early hour Saturday morning.  Mr. Foy was born in Tullemore, Kings county, Ireland, July 10, 1839, he came to Norwich fifty-eight years ago, where he has resided since 1855.  He was married to Miss Catherine Bulger on April 5, 1862, eight children were born to them, four of whom died in infancy and early childhood, and of the children who grew to mature years, three have died, Margaret Foy, organist of St. Paul's church in October 1896, Rev. James P. Foy, in January, 1904, and Dr. Michael Foy, in January, 1913.  He is survived by his devoted wife and daughter, Catherine, the wife of Martin L. Scanlon, and one sister, Mrs. Thomas Hill, of Oxford.

 

Mr. Foy's life was a remarkable example of what honest industry and family devotion will accomplish.  For 45 years he was a faithful employee of Maydole's Hammer factory, working side by side with its founder during the days when its product was gaining its worldwide reputation.  He bought a lot and built a home on Rexford street when the development of that section of this villag first began.  He gave his children the best education the village afforded, four of whom were graduated from Norwich High school and his two sons were sent to college, and they became honored members of their chosen professions.  He was a trustee in the old St. Patrick's church and one of the first trustees of St. Paul's church, he was a potent factor in the struggle to build the present church edifice after St. Patrick's was destroyed by fire in 1888 and presented a window which is dedicated to his memory.  He is a charter member of the Holy Name Society and consistently followed it precepts.

 

Twelve years ago he retired from active work, and has since enjoyed the fruits of the labor of his early years.  He was a good citizen always performing his civic and religious duties with fidelity and zeal and the example of his useful life is worthy of the emulation by every one who scans it.  His funeral will be held from his late residence, no. 41 Rexford street Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock after which it will proceed to St. Paul's church, where a solemn high mass will be said by Rev. Edward R. Prendergast and assistants from neighboring parishes.  Interment will be made in St. Paul's cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Margaret Agnes Foy

Chenango Union, October 8, 1896

The community was shocked Saturday morning to learn of the sudden death of Margaret Agnes Foy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Foy and organist at St. Paul's church.  She had been ill only 32 hours and none of her friends had appreciated the seriousness of her condition.  The cause of death was an intestinal obstruction from constricting bands of the peritoneal membrane.  Miss Foy was born in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 23, 1870, and was educated in this village.  After graduation from the High School she took a thorough course in music with Dr. Linn Babcock, of this village and soon afterward, became organist at St. Paul's church.  This position she has filled for several years, and has given the most satisfactory service.  Very much of the success of the choir at St. Paul's has been due to her untiring effort and she will be greatly missed in the church work.  Her popularity was not confined to her immediate friends, however, for she was widely known throughout the community and loved and respected in every direction.  This was evidenced on Tuesday morning, when a large concourse of friends and acquaintances attended the impressive burial service at St. Paul's church.

 

The impressive ceremony of Solemn High Mass was celebrated with Rev. J.P. Foy, brother of the deceased as celebrant, Rev. J.A. Hart, deacon, Rev. J.J. McDonald, of Binghamton, subdeacon, Rev. J.J. Higgins, formerly of Norwich, master of ceremonies.  Final Absolution was given by the brother of the deceased, Father Foy....At the close of the Absolution Father Magee intoned the Benedictus, assisted by a chorus of the visiting clergy.  The music was furnished by the regular choir of St. Paul's church assisted by Messrs. C.B. Chapman and E.L. Nash.  A.P. Babcock presided at the organ.  A number of the clergy accompanied the remains to the grave, where the last sad rites were performed by Rev. Father Foy.  The Miserere, was solemnly chanted at the grave by the priests, Father Dougherty leading.

 

Miss Foy is survived by her parents, a sister Katie Foy, two brothers, Rev. James P. Foy, of Binghamton and Dr. Michael Foy, of New York city.

 

Father James Patrick Foy

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 13, 1904

A telegram was received by Norwich relatives Saturday announcing the death at the Binghamton State hospital of Father James P. Foy, pastor of St. James Catholic church at Lestershire, which occurred at about 6 o'clock that evening, after a short illness.  Deceased was the son, of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Foy of Rexford street, this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and was about 38 years old.  He had been pastor of the Lestershire church about two years.  Besides his parents he is survived by one brother, Dr. M.J Foy of New York, and one sister, Mrs. Martin L. Scanlon of this village.  The funeral will be held from the church at Lestershire on Tuesday at 10 o'clock and the body will be brought to Norwich on the 4:35 Lackawanna train this afternoon, burial being made in St. Paul's cemetery [Norwich, NY]

Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, January 12, 1904

The death of James P. Foy, which occurred Saturday evening in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], came with a great shock to his family and many friends in Norwich, where he was born and grew to manhood, and was admired by all who knew him.  His industrious nature, integrity of character, and true devotion to his priestly calling, had won for him the love and esteem of all who knew him, of whatever creed, and his untimely death, in the beginning of his career, which promised so brilliant a success, brought sorrow to all alike.  The remains of Father Foy will be brought to Norwich on the 4:35 p.m. Lackawanna train today, and taken to St. Paul's church, where the body will lie in state until 10 a.m., Wednesday, when burial will be made in St. Paul's cemetery. 

In speaking of Father Foy's life and death, Monday's Binghamton Republican says:  Rev. James Patrick Foy, pastor of St. James church in Lestershire, died at six o'clock Saturday afternoon, aged thirty-eight years.  Father Foy was one of the most popular priests in the Syracuse diocese, and much beloved by the members of St. James Roman Catholic church.  He was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him, both Protestants and Catholics, and in his death the whole city and community receive a sad blow.  His death was caused by a complication of stomach trouble and heart disease.

Father Foy was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Foy, of Norwich, where he was born.  He received his preliminary education in the Norwich high school, but later went to St. Michael's college in Toronto for four years. After completing his course there he went to St. Joseph's Theological seminary in Troy.  He was graduated after six years from that institution with the highest honors, and by special request from the Bishop, he went to Washington to complete his preparation in the Roman Catholic university of that city.

With this preparation and with the brightest of prospects, Father Foy entered the field of his active labors.  He served first as assistant to the Rev. Father McGee of St. Patrick's church, Syracuse. After three months of efficient service there he came to Binghamton as assistant in St. Patrick's church.  For six years he served there until Bishop Luden, recognizing his merit, assigned him to a parish of his own at Lestershire.  He celebrated his first mass to his new parish on Christmas morning, 1900.  Starting in with only an old hall, by dint of patient effort he soon secured a new church, and placed the parish on a firm financial basis. The church now numbers nearly 500 members, which represent 110 families.

The funeral will be held from St. James church at 10:30 o'clock Tuesday morning.  Father D.C. Flynn will celebrate morning mass at 10:30 o'clock in St. James church.  Members of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 206, are requested to meet at their rooms this evening for the purpose of viewing the remains of the Reverend Father Foy.  They are also requested to meet at ten o'clock Tuesday morning to attend the funeral in a body.

Dr. Michael Foy

Norwich Sun, March 5, 1913

The sad intelligence has been received here of the death of Dr. Michael H. Foy, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Foy of Rexford street which occurred at his home in Yonkers Wednesday morning at 12:30.  Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been completed, but burial will be made in Yonkers.  Dr. Foy was about 40 years of age. Death followed an operation which was performed several days ago.  Deceased is survived by his wife and four children, all of Yonkers, also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Foy, and one sister, Mrs. Martin Scanlon, of Norwich.  Dr. Foy graduated from the Norwich high school about 20 years ago, after which he graduated from a New York medical college. After being engaged in hospital work in New York city for a year he began to practice his profession in Yonkers where he soon became one of the leading phy6sicians.  Deceased was well known in this village and his death is the source of much regret.

Catharine Foy

Norwich Sun, August 4, 1915

After a lingering illness of nearly a year's duration, Mrs. Michael Foy died at her home in this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] at an early hour Tuesday morning.  About a year ago she suffered a slight stroke of apoplexy, since which time she has gradually failed until the end came.  Mrs. Foy was born in Wexford county, Ireland, September 15th, 1840.  She came to Norwich in 1855, and in 1861 she was married to the late Michael Foy, who died about two years ago.  During all her married life she has lived in the home where she died.  Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Foy, four of whom died in infancy, and four of whom grew to maturity; Rev. James P. Foy, who died in 1905, Miss Margaret Foy, who died in 1896, and Dr. Michael H. Foy who died in 1913.  Mrs. Martin Scanlon with whom she resided, being the only surviving member of her family.  In the death of Mrs. Foy, Norwich loses one of the best types of Irish American womanhood.  All her life she was a devout Catholic and one of the most active members of St. Paul's Parish, in the organization of which she and her husband assisted.  She presided over an ideal home from which her children were educated for useful lives, all of them having been graduates of Norwich high school.  Her eldest son, Rev. James P. Foy, being considered at the time of his death, one of the ablest pastors and most eloquent preachers in the Syracuse diocese, and her youngest son, Dr. Michael H. Foy, was at the time of his death, one of the most skillful physician and surgeons in the city of Yonkers, N.Y.  Her daughter, Margaret, was one of the leading music teachers of Norwich and at the time of her death was the organist of St. Paul's church.  Mrs. Scanlon was for many years one of the valuable teachers in the public schools of Norwich and vicinity.  Her funeral will be held from her late residence at No. 44 Rexford street, Thursday morning at 9:30 o'clock, when it will proceed to St. Paul's church, where a solemn high mass of requiem will be said by Rev. Edward R. Prendergast, assisted by Rev. J.J. Higgins of Utica and Rev. Thomas F. Conway of Skaneateles, N.Y.  Interment will be made in St. Paul's Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Thanksgiving - 1872

Bainbridge Republican, November 2, 1872

THANKSGIVING

 

By the President of the United States of America

A PROCLAMATION

 

Whereas, the revolution of another year has again brought the time when it is usual to look back upon the past and publicly thank the Almighty for her mercies and his blessings; and Whereas, If any one people has more occasion than another for such thankfulness, it is the people of the United States, whose government is their creature, subject to their behest; who have reserved to themselves ample civil and religious freedom and equality before the law; who, during the last twenty months, have enjoyed exemption from any grievous or general calamity, and to whom prosperity in agriculture, manufacture and commerce has been vouchsafed.

 

Therefore by those considerations, I recommend that on THURSDAY, THE TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY OF NOVEMBER NEXT, the people meet in their respective places of worship and there make their acknowledgments to God for his kindness and bounty.

 

In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the United States to be affixed.  Done at the City of Washington, this eleventh day of October in the year of our lord, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two, and in the ninety-seventh year of the independence of the United States.

 

Signed, U.S. Grant

Obituaries (November 22)

Austin S. Miller

Utica Saturday Globe, January 1903

 

 

Austin S. Miller

1862 - 1903

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At his home on Front street, Sunday, occurred the death of Austin S. Miller, aged 40 years.  The cause of death was peritonitis which developed from a severe cold contracted only a week before his death  Mr. Miller was born in South Wales, Erie county, N.Y., December 17, 1862.  For 14 years he had been employed as a bridge carpenter on the Lackawanna Railroad, coming to Norwich from Buffalo eight years ago.  He was well liked by his fellow workmen and by all who knew him, as was attested by the large attendance of railroad employees and others at his funeral and the profuse floral tributes.  In 1899 Mr. Miller married Mrs. Ella Clark, who survives him with one daughter, Cora.  One sister, Mrs. Sophia Ackley, of South Wales, also survives.  A brother, James Miller, died here about seven years ago.  Funeral services were held from his late home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.  The remains were placed in mount Hope receiving vault awaiting burial.

 

David W. Rouse

Chenango Semi Weekly Telegraph,  January 23, 1904

David W. Rouse, a veteran of the Civil war, private of Co. A, Second new York Heavy Artillery, died at Plasterville Tuesday morning, Jan. 19, 1904, at about 3 o'clock.  H resided alone with John Steele, and had been ill several days, although not serious enough to require the attendance of a physician. The immediate cause of death is believed to have been heart disease.  Coroner Wilcox was notified and issued a burial permit, not deeming an inquest necessary. The body was removed to the undertaking rooms of Lawrence & Curtis where it was prepared for burial.  Deceased was born at New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] 68 years ago, and had resided in Norwich some ten or twelve years.  He was wounded in the foot at Cold Harbor, and was a member of E.B. Smith Post G.A.R., and a pensioner.  Three daughters survive, Mrs. Carrie Thayer of Norwich, Mrs. Mary Montanys of Esperance, and Miss Florence Rouse of New Berlin.  Funeral services were held form the home of Mrs. Thayer, 20 Hickory street, at 3 o'clock Thursday.  Burial in Mt. Hope [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Dr. Augustus Willard

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 26, 1868

It is with the deepest sorrow that we are called upon to record the sudden decease of Dr. Augustus Willard, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], at Ellicottville, Cattaraugus County, on Thursday, the 12t5h inst.  The subject of this sketch was the eldest son of Samuel Willard, M.D. of Stafford, Conn., being born in 1800.  Receiving a good common school and academical education he entered upon the study of medicine with Dr. Thomas, of Cooperstown, afterwards prosecuting his medical pursuit in the office of Dr. Charles Josslyn, of Greene.  In 1823 he graduated at Harvard Medical College, taking the first prize for best medical Thesis of his class.  The first professional labors of Dr. Willard, we believe, were in the same village in which his subsequent life was passed, in the midst of a refined society and an appreciative people.

 

At the semi-annual meeting of 1824, then held in May, he became a member of the Chenango County Medical Society, and the same year was chosen one of its censors, which office he retained for a long period.  In 1826 he was made a leading member of the Committee appointed to revise the Code of Ethics and By-Laws of the Society; the report itself showing how well the duty was performed.  During the same year he was made Secretary, for several terms being re-chosen, receiving at the close of his official labor the thanks of the Society for the faithful discharge of his duty.  In 1832 and several times subsequently, he was chosen presiding officer, always filling the position to the satisfaction of the members, and with credit to himself.  In 1835 he was appointed delegate to the State Medical Society, re-elected in 1837 and placed upon the roll of permanent membership in 1854.  Scarcely a meeting was permitted to pass, whether County or State, during the earlier and more active period of his professional life, that Dr. Willard was not present, frequently meeting with the American Medical Association of which he was a permanent member.  In 1857 he was elected President of the State Medical Society--no sinecure office--a station which has been honored by the most eminent and gifted in the profession that our country has produced.

 

Not only was Dr. Willard a skillful practitioner, but a writer of no mean repute.  His statements were clear and concise, his points well taken, and the line of his argument convincingly carried out.  Several monographs and able papers from  his pen have passed into permanent form and become the property of the whole profession.  The Annual Address delivered by him while President of the State Society and published in the Transactions of that year is a highly creditable production, evincing much observation and research, and illustrating somewhat the strength of his argumentative powers, the elegance of his diction and the peculiarity of his style.

Preeminent as a practitioner, his opinions were much sought for, and his counsel was ever considered valuable and safe.  In him the needy and disconsolate found a friend, they sharing equally with the affluent of his talents and time.  The dismal sick chamber was made cheerful by his presence, and many a desponding patient, whether rich or poor, of him could say, in the words of Scott:

"I have lain on a sick man's bed,

Watching for hours for the Leech's tread;

As if I deemed that his presence alone,

Were of power to bid my pain begone;

I have counted his steps from my chamber door,

And blessed them when they were heard no more."

In the everyday walks of life, in his business and social relations, and in his connections with the world, as well as in caring for the sick and afflicted, Dr. Willard was respected and beloved. Affable in his manners and of extreme good nature, he sometimes indulged in playful witticisms, but never calculated to wound or offend.  As a friend he was sincere and steadfast; as a husband, father, and relative, devoted, affectionate and consistent, with a character spotless and above reproach.  To his family and friends the loss is irreparable; and his death has deprived the profession and society of one of their best members.  May the young learn early to emulate his many virtues; and may the living of his own day and generation be able to bequeath to their survivors a name as pure and unsullied, and a memory as dear and cherished, as those of the lamented Dr. Augustus Willard.

The funeral was attended from his late residence on Sunday last, an immense concourse of people following his remains to the grave.  Having occupied a commanding influence in the Masonic world, he was buried according to the rituals of the order, some three hundred from various Lodges being in attendance. The solemn ceremony was conducted by Past Grand Master Clinton F. Paige, of Binghamton.

____________________________________________

The Catteraugus Union of the 19th inst., published at Ellicottville, N.Y., has the following obituary notice of Dr. Willard:
Seldom, indeed, have we been called upon to record a circumstance so peculiarly sad and touching as the sudden death of Dr. Augustus Willard, which occurred in this village, on the 12th inst.  He came to this village on the 6th inst. in apparently good health, to be present at the dying bed of his only sister, the wife of F.W. Meloy, Esq., of this place.  On Sunday, the 8th inst., he was attacked with Paralysis from which he lingered in a state of unconsciousness until he died.  His sister, a highly respected and estimable lady, died only eighteen hours before himself; and side by side in the silent sleep of death, lay the brother and sister.

Though the acquaintance in this village was quite limited, Dr. Willard had commanded the marked respect of all who knew him, and many earnest sympathizing friends attended him in his last sickness.  His remains were followed to the R.R. Station by a delegation of Masons, and a committee was appointed by Ellicottville Lodge, No. 307, F. and A.M., to accompany the remains, and the widow and son of the deceased to Binghamton, where others were in waiting to accompany them to Greene, N.Y., the home of the deceased.

Dr. Willard was no ordinary man.  His fine native talents, his thorough professional education, and experience; his strict probity and high moral sentiments, added to the most genial social qualities, rendered him at all times a welcome companion, and acquired for him a name and reputation widely known and respected.  He was a "Brigit Mason," and an ardent promoter of the pure principles of the mystic art.  He never sought public honors; yet he was often called to fill them. His chosen walks of public life were those in which he could contribute most to the welfare of his fellow beings; and in his devotion to the cause of education, his character shone with peculiar luster.  Himself eminently a self made man, and by his energies a ripe scholar, he felt the worth of such attainments.  Surely, his long life of virtue and usefulness must bring an exceeding great reward.

Obituaries (November 21)

Ira Sheldon Brown

Utica Saturday Globe, January 1903

 

Ira Sheldon Brown

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At the home of H.J. Burdick, at the corner of Mitchell and Silver streets, where he had been staying with his daughter, Mrs. Alice Frick, occurred the death on Saturday evening last of Ira S. Brown, formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Mr. Brown was born in Paris, Oneida county, in February, 1824, but early in life came to this county and had passed practically all of his life in the town of Plymouth, excepting five years spent in Wisconsin.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pardon Brown, came to Paris from Connecticut, when the country was new, residing there but a few years before they removed to Plymouth.

 

Ira Brown was a man of sturdy character, quiet and unassuming in manner, a good friend and neighbor, and was held in high esteem by all wo knew him.  when a young man he united with the Methodist Church of Plymouth, and remained in that fellowship until his death.  He was twice married, his first wife being Phoebe D. Worden, of Smyrna, who died about 25 years ago.  He afterward married Mrs. Lydia Frink Brooks, of Plymouth.  He is survived by two sons, Charles G. Brown of Ithaca, and James P. Brown of South Plymouth, and one daughter, Mrs. Alice E. Frink, of this village.  A brother Pardon S. Brown and a sister, Mrs. Abigail Sternberg both of Norwich, also survive.  Funeral services were held form the residence of Mrs. Burdick on Monday afternoon at 1:30.  The remains were taken to Plymouth for interment.

 

Rev. John B. Hoyt

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 10, 1862

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Rev. John B. Hoyt, Senior, Pastor of the 2d Congregational Church, aged 68 years, 5 months and 4 days.  Deceased was born in the town of Walton, Delaware co., N.Y., in 1794, a graduate of Yale College, class of 1814 and studied Theology under Rev. Seth Williston, the pioneer preacher of Western New York.  In 1818 he was licensed to preach the Gospel, by the Associated Presbytery, at Durham, N.Y., and ordained by the union Association at Greene, N.Y., which church he supplied for many years.

 

In 1829 he accepted an invitation to the 2d Church of Coventry where he has labored ever since.  The Rev. Father Hoyt, was one of the honorable and ancient landmarks in this part of the State--where his ministry of 44 years has been entirely spent.  His labors have been greatly blessed of God, to the building up of his kingdom.  He assisted in the formation of the Presbytery of Chenango, of which he has been long the oldest settled Pastor, and was the first moderator of the Synod of Susquehanna, held at Franklin, Del. Co., N.Y., Oct. 20th, 1853.  Few men have been so universally respected and beloved.  He died as he had lived in the active functions of the sacred office--though for the past few months laid aside from public ministrations by the increasing signs of dissolution.

 

He leaves an attached people, who cherish his memory.  It was a source of joy to him to be spared to witness the ingathering of a rich harvest of souls, the fruits of the spirits outpouring upon the church during the winter months just past, when over sixty were brought into the church on profession of their faith in Christ.  He leaves the church in charge of his colleague, Rev. I.B. Hopwood, late of Union Theological Seminary, New York.  He died in full faith of the doctrines he had so earnestly preached, and went down into the valley of the shadow of death, leaning on the Saviour whom he had trusted for over fifty years.  He was a man of peace, and his end was peace.  May those who knew him, profit by his bright example of Christian gentleness and unassuming goodness.

 

Capt. J. Floyd Thompson

Chenango Telegraph, July 13, 1864

Capt. J. Floyd Thompson of Co. I, 20th N.Y. Cavalry, died in the Hospital at Norfolk, Va., last week, of fever.  In 1862 Capt. T. raised a company for the 114th regiment, but at the organization of the regiment was appointed Quarter Master, and in that capacity went with it to Louisiana, and served with distinction and fidelity until discharged for ill health.  He came back, and after having recovered his health, when the enlisting fever broke out last fall, he raised a company for the 20th Cavalry and went again into the field to serve his country.  He has won new laurels in the service of the Army of the Potomac, and though called early by disease to his long home, he has made his mark.  Everybody loved Floyd for his true heart and genial qualities.  Though his friends mourn for him, and they are many, they have the consolation that he died in the line of duty, and as he had often wished, in the service of his country.  His remains were brought home for interment.

 

Bradley N. Moore

Chenango Telegraph, July 13, 1864

We are pained to learn that Bradley N. Moore, formerly a compositor in this office, died a few days since from the effects of sun stroke.  He was with his regiment the 22d Cavalry, in Virginia.  Bradley was truly loyal, and when the army was marching on last fall, he, burning with patriotic devotion, enlisted to unite his effort with others to suppress the Rebellion.  He was one of the many who have gone forth from this office into the army, and is so far the only one who has died in the service, though all are yet in the service and prove good and true soldiers.  From the reports we have, he has done his duty in the army as he always did at home.  We tender his afflicted family and friends our heartfelt sympathies in their bereavement.

 

Sally Fowler

Sidney Record, January 9, 1892

Mrs. Sally Fowler, aged 93 years died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. S.G. Cone, about one mile east of this village [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY], last Saturday morning.  Mrs. Fowler was of remarkable activity for one of her years, and had enjoyed good health until within a year of two past. She was a native of Rhode Island, but had spent a large portion of her life in this town and Otego.  The funeral was held at the residence of Mrs. Cone, Monday morning, the interment being in the cemetery at Otego, Messrs. A.J. Lewis, James White, J. J. Collins and L.L. Woodruff acting as bearers.

Obituaries (November 20)

Mary J. Bowler

Oswego Palladium - Times, December 28, 1936

Mrs. Mary J. Bowler, 79, widow of George Bowler, died suddenly at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Florence Ackler, Benson Avenue, Minetto [Oswego Co., NY], early Monday morning.  Mrs. Bowler was born in England and had resided in Minetto for some time.  She was a member of the Baptist church.  Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Florence Ackler and Mrs. Frank March, Minetto; four sons, James S. Bowler, Cazenovia; John H. Bowler, Syracuse; E. Leonard Bowler, Geneva; Archie M. Bowler of Lyons, N.Y.  Funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the residence of Mrs. Florence Ackler, Minetto.

 

Ambrose Leslie Miner

Syracuse Post Standard, December 8, 1919

Ambrose Leslie Miner, 82, of No. 408 Beattie street, dropped dead in the Wesleyan Methodist Church at 9:30 o'clock yesterday morning while taking part in the men's prayer meeting, which precedes the morning service each Sunday. 

 

"And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God," Mr. Miner read from the first verse of the last chapter of Revelations, and fell to the floor.  When others reached him he was dead.

 

The body was taken to the County Morgue, where it was decided death had been caused by heart trouble, and it was then moved to the undertaking rooms of George E. Fairchild.  Mr. Miner was born at South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] March 19, 1837.  He had lived in this city for many years, and was for a long time in charge of the stables of the late S.C. Hayden, whose Fayette park home and stables were at that time among the finest in the city.  For the past twelve years he had made his home in Beattie street, where he continued actively as a gardener in the present year.  He had been identified with the Wesleyan Church for years, but devoted much time and work to the Rescue mission, in which he was deeply interested.  Besides his widow, Mrs. Francelia Miner, he leaves four daughters, Mrs. J.B. Farnham of Manlius, Mrs. Agnes Boutana and Mrs. C.E. Ames of this city, and Mrs. Norine Lyman of California. The funeral will be held at 12:30 tomorrow at the home and burial will be at South Otselic.

 

Everett Eugene Miner

DeRuyter Gleaner, April 30, 1931

Everett Eugene Miner was born in Otselic, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] April 2, 1862, and died at Lincklaen, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], April 24th, 1931.  Death came very suddenly while he was in the field plowing and when he failed to return to the house at about 6:30 his wife went to see what was detaining him and found him lying face downward on the ground, the team having stopped apparently when he fell.  Mrs. Miner made an effort to arouse the neighbors but her cries were unavailing and not until she had unhitched the team and driven them to C.H. Swan's did anyone but herself know what had happened.  Help soon brought the body to the home, but life had been extinct for probably one half hour.  Mr. Miner had suffered from heart trouble for the past few years.  He was married to Mary Nye, November 28, 1882.  Two sons died in early life.  Two daughters, Mrs. Warren Pforter of this place and Mrs. Lynn Aitken of Lexington, N.Y., with the widow survive. The funeral was largely attended at the home Monday afternoon.  Many out of town relatives and friends from Cortland, Cuyler, Otselic and other points attended.  Mr. Miner was a very industrious and energetic man, a good farmer, an excellent caretaker of both horses and cattle and his passing is to be regretted by many. Rev. C.J. Coon of DeRuyter rendered appropriate remarks while funeral director R.F. Smith had charge of the remains with burial at DeRuyter.

 

Henry O. Warner

Cortland Democrat, June 30, 1922

 

Former Otselic Man, Now Past 87 Years, Writes of Old Days

South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY]:  A few days ago, George A. Brown, treasurer of Valley View Cemetery association, received a letter written June 3 by H.O. Warner of Clear Lake, Iowa, a former resident.  Mr. Warner, as he says, is 87 years old, and the following taken from his letter will be of interest to old residents:

 

"Your card of recent date, suggesting that the care-taker of the cemetery in 'Sugar Holler' would be pleased to receive a contribution from your Iowa correspondent to defray the expense of keeping his plot of future permanent occupation, in tidy condition, received.

 

"As I have not resided there since the close of the Civil War, it is not probable they we were ever acquainted, but knew your ancestors, if they were Avery, Luther, 'Hack,' or Cromwell, of Pharsalia; Ed, Dan, Lyman, or Jim of Tallett Hill; or Mattice Gerrit, or Mathew of Lincklaen (Lgkin.)

 

"Before my childhood days, Rust had rusted out who built the dam that damned his prosperity, ditched his prospects, and milled his finances and Luther Bowen was the proprietor of the old, rotten, yawning flume and primitive flutter wheel where we urchins spent the happy noon hour, or in playing under the big bridge, with its many ponderous bents, mud-sills, and braces, or catching mummy-chubs in the creek back of the schoolhouse.  But them days are gone forever.  Then Ed and Dan Brown who lived just beyond Comfort Lee's came down off the hill and bought the mill property, added a mill and machinery for breaking and dressing flax, and later Jim joined them and they built a grist mill.

 

It may be that you are not a relative of either of these Browns, but just a Brown of your own.  I first came west in 1858, and have not yet got tired of seeing it around.  Soil all as good as the best in your valley, and no Canada thistles.  Butter and hogs main products, with lots of eggs; the latter keeps four men busy packing and shipping in this town.  I have 15 acres in the eastern part of the city.  It cost me about 40 years ago, $34 per acre.  A man two years ago, bought 40 acres, cornering with mine, paying $1000 an acre.  Last winter he purchased 39 acres next east at the same price per acre.  He makes a specialty of growing onions, cabbage, and potatoes.  He is growing 100 acres of onions this year; plows, harrows and cultivates with tractors. 

 

"Shall be 87 next week, but have never regretted that I came west to live."

 

Death Notice

Cortland Democrat, July 21, 1922

South Otselic:  The body of Henry Warner was brought here for burial in Valley View cemetery [South Otselic] Saturday.  Mr.. Warner was a former resident of this village, but had lived for many years in Clear Lake, Iowa.  Mr. Warner was a cousin of Elton and Cyrus Warner and was a relative of Will Warner, Mrs. Anna Brooks and Elmer Cook, all of this village.  It will be remembered that a letter form Mr. Warner to George A. Brown was recently published in this paper.  He was 87 years old in June.  In his letter he mentioned that he had not resided at South Otselic since the close of the Civil War, but recalled many incidents and friends of his youth.

Blog Post listing November 13-19, 2017

Listing of blog postings for the week of November 13-19, 2017

Marriages

Posted November 15, 2017

Francis Larkin - Blanche Hill (1905)

Grace E. Wilcox - John N. Benedict (1902)
Henry M. Tefft - Sophia E. Weiler (1875)

Posted November 17, 2017
Iva May Thompson - Fred D. Belknap (1904)
Marriage notices - 1873
     Arthur F. Cowles - Frances Wells  (Greene)
     Charles L. Chase[?] - Helen M. Tiffany  (Norwich)
     Charles D. Matteson - Julia Markham  (Paris, Oneida Co., NY)
     Addison Whitmore - Fylena Livermore  (Willett)
     Alanson B. Minor - Delia L. Abbott  (Afton)
     George  H. Wells - Ida S. Beach  (Binghamton)
     Buel Race - Pamelia Stalker  (Greene)
     Edgar O. Holmes - Polly M. Padgett  (Oxford)
     William Brockway - Julia Gilbert  (Oxford)
     Dea. O. Tower - Mrs. Maria G. Curtis  (McDonough)

 

Obituaries

Posted November 13, 2017

Theron M. Philley (Norwich, 1902)

Emily H. (Hayward) Funnell (Norwich, 1902)

Jacob Butler (Norwich, 1902)

Bartella Testa (Mike Bush) (Oxford, 1902)  Accidental death

Posted November 14, 2017
Dr. Dewitt Crumb (South Otselic, 1908)
Death Notices - 1864
     Henry Ackley (Pharsalia, 34y)
     Elisha Crandall (Plymouth, 19y)
     Cornelia E. Juliand (Greene, 58y)
     Daniel Keith Wescott, Jr. (Nashville TN, 34y)
     Caroline Sperry (Taylor, 42y)
     Demis Sperry (Taylor, 76y)

 

Posted November 15, 2017 

Marshall E. Nearing (Smyrna, 1902)

Daphna Carter (Pitcher, 1846)

Nathan Whitmore (Westfield, PA, 1860)  Revolutionary War Veteran

Death Notices - 1864

     Hon. Joseph Reynolds (Cortland, 79y)

     Eugene Blanchard (Bainbridge, 17y)  Civil War soldier

Posted November 16, 2017
William P. Buckley (Norwich, 1905)
Alexander Mahan (Cortland, 1905)
Ellwood Caswell (Norwich, 1905)
Dr. Blin S. Sill (Bainbridge, 1873)

Posted November 17, 2017
Patrick Casey (Norwich, 1903)
Mrs. Samuel Taylor (Pitcher, 1884)
Death notices - 1845
     Whitman Wilcox, Jr. (Norwich, 50y)
     Victor Montgomery Ensign (Otselic, 4m)
     Charles Holcomb ( Norwich, 64y)
     Elias Weaver (Norwich, 46y)

Posted November 19, 2017
Mary (Lyons) Devine (Norwich, 1903)  
Gertrude Miller (Sherburne, 1907)
Son of James H. Elliott (Page Brook, 1857)
Maude Cairns Scott (Oneonta, Binghamton, 1917)
Susie Amelia (Shapley) Sergeant (Oxford,  1917)

 

Miscellaneous

Posted November 15, 2017

Judge Albert F. Gladding Retires from the Bench, December 1914

Posted November 18, 2017
Bainbridge Central School, Class of 1959 - Part 5

Obituaries (November 19)

Mary (Lyons) Devine

Utica Saturday Globe, January 1903

 

Mary (Lyons) Devine

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mary Lyons,  wife of John J. Devine, died at her home on Silver Street Sunday morning last.  She had been ill for some time and about a month ago submitted to an operation in the hope of being permanently benefited.  Her condition seemed to improve somewhat for a time, but about a week before her death it changed for the worse and she failed gradually until death relieved her sufferings.  Deceased was 31 years of age and was born in the town of Norwich, near Holmesville [Chenango Co., NY], the daughter of the late Michael Lyons.  About 12 years ago she came to Norwich to reside and a year later was married to John J. Devine, for a number of years past an engineer on the Ontario & Western Railway. Mrs. Devine was highly esteemed and the many friends of the bereaved husband and only daughter, Julia E., extend to them their sincere sympathy.  There also survive her mother, Mrs. Julia Lyons, of Rexford street, two sisters, Mrs. Robert Miles, of Utica, who was with her sister during the greater part of her fatal illness, and Miss Abbie J. Lyons, of this village, and three brothers, Edward Lyons, of South New Berlin, and Charles E. and Frank M. Lyons, of this village.  The funeral was largely attended Tuesday morning at 9:30 from the house and 10 o'clock from St. Paul's Church, Rev. Father John A. Hart officiating.  Burial was in St. Paul's Cemetery.  Among the friends in attendance were Jeremiah Sweeney and sisters, Misses Agnes and Anna Sweeney, and Mrs. John Fagan, of Utica.

 

Gertrude Miller

Norwich Sun, January 2, 1907

Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY]:  A few relatives and friends gathered at the home of Lucius Newton Saturday afternoon to pay their last respects to the memory of Miss Gertrude Miller.  Only the brother of the deceased, Curtis B. Miller, of Deansboro, was present of the immediate family, the poor health of Rev. and Mrs. Miller, her parents, making it impossible for them to make the long journey east.  Last evening memorial services were held in the Congregational church which were largely attended not only by members of that church but of other denominations.  The service was a particularly sad one, everything tending to bring to mind, memories of the deceased.  In that church she was consecrated to God's service, there she had labored so long and faithfully in every department, and in the choir she had been the leading soprano for many years. and the one always depended on to take charge of the music.  Rev. Mr. Trow in a few remarks, particularly adapted to the time and circumstances recalled her efforts in behalf of the church, especially of her labors among the boys.  Some two years ago she organized an undenominational society, called the Knights of the Round Table whose standard was love, truth and honor.  A large number of the boys of the village can testify to the success of the organization and the impression her teachings made on their hearts.  Mr. Trow spoke a few words to these boys, a large number of whom were present, urging them to keep her memory fresh in their hearts by building clean, honest and truthful lives, the kind of lives she had taught them to live.

 

Miss Miller was born in Sherburne 34 years ago, when her father was pastor of the Congregational church here, and the greater part of her life has been spent in this place.  She has not only been closely connected with all work of the church but has been identified with many social and religious organizations of the village.  She was a vocal teacher of great ability and was wonderfully successful in the work.  She had an exceptionally strong personality and was a great reader and student and these qualities made her a natural leader in almost any movement, social or religious.  She will not only be greatly missed in her own family circle, but also in the church and in the village and town.  Her parents have the sympathy of the entire community in their affliction.

 

Son of James H. Elliott

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 20, 1857

We learn that a little son of James H. Elliott, living on Page Brook [Chenango Co., NY], in this town [Greene, NY], was suddenly killed, on Friday last, under the following circumstances:  He was riding on a wagon with a hay rigging on, and, upon the wagon striking a stone, the boy was thrown out in front of the forward wheel, which passed directly over his head, completely smashing it.  He was three years of age.

 

Maude Cairns Scott

Norwich Sun, May 8, 1917

Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY]:  Mrs. Maude Cairns Scott died at Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] on Saturday according to intelligence received by J.B. Butts of this city, a cousin.  The funeral is to be held in that city on Tuesday at 12 o'clock and the body will be brought to this city on the D.&H. train 309 that afternoon and taken Wednesday morning to Ouleout for interment in the cemetery here by the side of her mother.  Mrs. Scott was 32 years of age and she was a native of Bovina.  Her father, Scott Cairns, of Norwich survives her.  Mrs. William Tiffany of Miller street is an aunt and Jeremiah B. and John D. Butts of this city are cousins.

 

Susie Amelia (Shapley) Sergeant

Norwich Sun, May 11, 1917

The following notice of obituary of a former Norwich woman appeared in the Oxford-Review Times of Friday's issue:

"Mrs. Susie Amelia Sergeant died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jabe Shapley, on Main street, Friday, May 4th, 1917, aged 41 years.  The deceased had been sick about four months, several weeks of which were spent in the Norwich hospital and at the home of her brother, Howard Shapley in Norwich; the remainder of the time was at the home of her parents.  She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jabe Shapley, one sister, Mrs. Merton Church of Oxford, two brothers, Joseph N. Shapley of Oxford and Howard A. Shapely of Norwich; and six children, Ellen E., Hazel, V., Russell M., and Stanley J. Sergeant, Miss Jennie Sherman of Binghamton and Mildred Sherman of Unadilla.  Funeral services were held from 'the Methodist church in Oxford, Monday, Rev. Robert Clark of Norwich officiating.  Interment in the family plot, Mt. Hope cemetery, Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  The bearers were Charles and Leon Furbush, Ross Shapley and Byron Dunn."