John Normile
Utica Saturday Globe, November 29, 1902
John Normile
Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]: At his home on Pleasant street in this village on Monday night last, occurred the death of John Normile, one of the oldest and most respected residents of Norwich, aged 83 years. Mr. Normile was born in Killadysart, County Clare, Ireland, in 1820. Forty-six years ago he came to America and became a resident of Norwich. For 22 years after coming here he was a faithful employee in the David Maydole Hammer factory. Failing health compelled him to abandon active work a number of years ago. About seven years ago he suffered a slight shock, from which he never fully recovered. Throughout his long residence here he had always borne the reputation of an honest and upright citizen. He is survived by his widow and one son, Alexander J. Normile, besides two sisters, Mrs. John Hanrahan and Mrs. Michael Hogan, all of this village. Funeral services were held from St Paul's Church on Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. Interment in St. Paul's Cemetery.
Alvin Converse
1822 - 1881
The long illness of Alvin Converse terminated on Sunday morning last by his death in the 60th year of his age. He was born at Coventry, this county [Chenango Co., NY], May 5th, 1822, and there he lived as farmer, tradesman and manufacturer of pocket books, until May, 1867, when he moved to this village and engaged in the marble business. About eight years since he accepted a position as agent for a marble mill and quarry in Vermont, and made a very successful commercial traveler. He visited many of our Western States till failing health compelled him to confine his labors to this state, and finally to stop the business altogether. In earlier life he taught vocal music in many neighboring communities and thus formed a large circle of acquaintances. His fellow citizens had confidence in him, and four times elected him to the supervisorship in Coventry, and twice in Bainbridge. He was a man of unassuming ways, but of influence and usefulness. He had a clear brain and a sound judgment, and more than ordinary abilities. He was too sincere to play a part, yet he was a man of wit and wisdom. He had industry and push, and though long suffering from physical infirmities, he performed the private duties of home and the public duties of church and town with credit. In November, 1844, he was married to Miss Phebe M. Beardslee, of his own town, with whom he lived an exceptionably happy life. She survives, and mourns the loss of one of the best of hsubands. In 1862 he united with the Congregational church at Coventry, and removing to Bainbridge, became an active member of the Presbyterian church here. He was long superintendent of the Sunday school, and had a very great influence over the children, whom he always loved. At the organization of the Susquehanna Valley S.S. Association, he was chosen President, and annually re-elected until absence from town compelled him to resign. his quick perception and knowledge of men made him a most excellent presiding officer. In 1873 he was chosen one of the six Ruling Elders of the Presbyterian church, and held the office at his death. Another good man has gone. In many places he will be missed, but we trust that Jesus and the inabitants of Paradise have welcomed home another Christian soul, whose warfare has been accomplished, and so we are comforted. His funeral services were attended by a large circle of sympathizing friends at his late home, on Tuesday morning last, and the remains were carried to the town of his ancestors, Coventry,and there buried. -- D.N.G.
Andrew Bradbury
June 30, 1803 - April 5, 1882
Guilford, Chenango Co., NY: Andrew Bradbury, of whose illness we spoke last week, died Wednesday, April 5th, about noon. Mr. Bradbury was proprietor of the Guilford Iron Works, and one of Guilford's best business men. He will be greatly missed. He came into this town from Burlington, Otsego county, in 1838. Was engaged in the mercantile business with the late Daniel P. Cable for six years. He was also connected with other parties during this time in manufacturing cotton balling, wick and yarn, under the grist mill. In 1844, he, in company with the late N.R. Merchant and a party from Herkimer county, started the Guilford Iron Works. In 1855 the dam went out, and washed their property away, so that they were obliged to rebuild. Mr. B. and Mr. Merchant carried on the business together until Mr. M.'s death in 1863, since which time Mr. Bradbury has carried the business in his own name, although the Merchant estate has retained their interest. He was born in Manchester, England, where he served seven years apprenticeship at bookkeeping, and a grocery store. His age was about 79. The business of the Guilford Iron works will be carried on as before, by A.P. Merchant, he having for some years past been actively engaged in superintending the mechanical part.
Ida A. (Matthews) Fisher
1859--1886
Died at Sidney Plaines, N.Y. [Delaware Co.], May 14, 1886, Mrs. Ida A., wife of Ara D. Fisher, aged 26 years, 8 months and 5 days. A large number of mourning friends attended the funeral, which was held on Sunday, May 16th. Gentle, loving and lovable she won the hearts of all who knew her. She adorned her Christian profession by a spotless life. A devoted wife and mother, an affectionate daughter has gone to "the Lord afar off." [Buried Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney, NY, died in child birth]
Mary E. Lyon
1843 -1885
Mrs. Mary E. Lyon, aged 42 years, died in the town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY^], March 30, 1885, of a long and painful illness with consumption. She had borne life's struggles bravely, and when the end was near, and death's dark chasm stared her in the face she did not falter, but as in answer to a trumpet saying come up hither, she replied, "take me now, Just as I am without one plea," and then with a last effort, putting her arms around her daughter's neck said, "my child, I'm going home." With these words on her lips she passed away. Her remains were taken to Ives' Settlement cemetery, and laid beside those of her first husband, where, together, they will peacefully await the resurrection morn. She leaves a daughter, an orphan, 18 years of age, who, with many sympathizing friends, will mourn her sad death.
