Obituaries (April 1)

William H. Lally

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1905

 

William H. Lally

1863 - 1905

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  William H. Lally was found dead in his room at the St. James Hotel in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on Tuesday morning.  The body was cold and apparently death had preceded the discovery by several hours. The last seen of Mr. Lally alive was Monday afternoon when John Gardner, one of the State road corps of workmen, accompanied [him] into the hotel chatting [in the] meanwhile.  He declined an [invitation] into Mr. Lally's room and [went to] his own.  A little later, [at] --- clock, he heard the sound of a [gun shot], but thought nothing of it, [thinking] it came from outside the [hotel].  Later developments indicated that Mr. Lally then fired the shot that ended his life as adjoining rooms were soon afterwards occupied for the night and a shot fired in his room at a later hour would have been detected.

 

William H. Lally was born in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], May --, 1863, the son of William and Mary Lally.  From the time he was 15 years of age, he had engaged in the lumber business with varying success.  For a number of years he resided in Norwich and was associated with his brother, former Sheriff Edward A. Lally, who died last spring. Both were experts in the lumber trade.  Mr. Lally left Norwich seven years ago to go to Oxford, where he had since been associated with Willoughby & Fletcher, of that place in lumber contracts, and accumulated considerable property. This, it is said, had been reduced during the past year through unfortunate investments.  He was regarded as a man of honor in his business transactions, fair and just in all of his dealings.  He is said to have carried an insurance upon his life amounting to nearly $9,000.  August 29, 1890, Mr. Lally married Miss Luella Nash.  Besides his widow, he is survived by four children, Harry, Ethel, Wallace and Mark.  He is also survived by four sisters:  Mrs. William Lennon, of Norwich; Mrs. J.W. Martin of Weehawken, and Mrs. J.E .Albert, who lives upon the Lally homestead farm at South Oxford.  Funeral services were held Friday morning at 10:30, Rev. Father Purcell officiating.  Interment was made at Oxford.

 

Chenango Union, September 14, 1905

William H. Lally, of Oxford, brother of the late Ex-sheriff Edward A. Lally, committed suicide Monday afternoon on Tuesday morning at the St. James Hotel, Oxford.  Mr. Lally was last seen alive between four and five o'clock Monday afternoon.  At that time he went upstairs to his room at the St. James.  John Gardiner, employed with the state road gang and a boarder at the St. James went upstairs with him and passed on to his own room on the third floor.  About five o'clock Mr. Gardiner heard a pistol shot but supposed it was from outside the house and paid no particular attention to it.  Mr. Lally did not appear Tuesday  morning, but this caused no remark as he was in the habit of coming and going without notice to the office.  During the morning Mrs. George W. Brooks, wife of Landlord Brooks, went to Mr. Lally's room for a chair and seeing him on the bed, retired.  Later she again went to the room and seeing him in the same position notified the office.  Clerk Sherwood responded.  He found Mr. Lally dead, a bullet hole in his temple and a pistol in his hand.  His face was bloody and there were blood stains on the bedding.  He was fully dressed and lay on the top of the bed.  Apparently he had placed the pistol to his temple while sitting on the edge of the bed, and fired the fatal shot.  Physicians were summoned and found that he had been dead for several hours.  It is believed that the shot heard by Mr. Gardiner was the fatal shot fired by Mr. Lally.  William H. Lally was born in the town of Coventry in 1863.  In 1880 he married Luella Nash, adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hobart Nash, of Guilford.  He lived in Guilford , Norwich and Oxford and has been engaged in the lumber business, having been very successful in that line.  He is survived by his widow, four children and four sisters. The act of self destruction was a shock to those who have known his state of mind. When using liquor freely, as he had done of late, he was of an ugly disposition and only a few weeks ago committed an assault upon his wife which caused his arrest on a charge of attempt to kill. A second hearing on that charge was to have been held Saturday of this week.

 

Norwich Sun, August 28, 1905

William  H. Lally of Oxford was brought to Norwich and lodged in the county jail Sunday, charged with an assault on his wife with intent to kill. The alleged assault took place on Saturday night.  According to the charges made by his wife, he was armed with a revolver and butcher knife and at first threatened to shoot her.  He then made an attack upon her with the knife and cut her left wrist and arm severely.  Her condition is considered critical.  Deputy Sheriff Hovey of Oxford came to Norwich this afternoon and took Lally back with him.  An examination will be held this afternoon.

 

Norwich Sun, August 29, 1905

Before Justice of the Peace Newkirk in Oxford Monday afternoon an examination was held in the case of William H. Lally of that place charged with assault on his wife with intent to kill.  The examination was continued until September 16 and Lally was released on his own cognizance until that time.  It is understood that Lally made certain property concessions to his wife and agreed to remain away from the house.  the condition of Mrs. Lally is said to be greatly improved and no serious results are now feared.

 

Luella H. Lally

Binghamton Press, October 30, 1944

Mrs. Luella H. Lally, 73, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] died at noon Saturday at the Chenango Memorial Hospital, Norwich. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Whitman Bowers of Oxford; three sons, Harry, of Brunswick Me.; Wallace, of Utica, ad Sergeant Mark of New Guinea; a brother, Bertram Weeks of Bahama Island; two half sisters, Mrs. Breckenridge and Mrs. Hamlin of Sebeha, Minn.  The body was removed to the Seymour Funeral Home, Oxford. 

 

Edward A. Lally

Norwich Sun, May 6, 1905

At an early hour Friday morning at his home on North Broad st [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], ex-sheriff Edward A. Lally died very suddenly of heart failure; he had been attending to the duties of his business the day previous, and was apparently in the best of health when stricken. The news of his death was a shock to his many friends throughout the county.

 

Edward A. Lally, eldest son of the late William and Mary Lally, was born in the town of Coventry, in this county [Chenango Co., NY] on August 10, 1857; he attended the district schools near his boyhood home, and completed his education at the Oxford and Norwich academies.  He worked on his father's farm summers and taught school winters until he reached the age of 21 years, when he moved with his father's family to Guilford.  Soon after taking up his residence in Guilford he engaged in the lumber business, and was elected collector and overseer of the poor of the town of Guilford. He continued in the lumber business until about 1886, when he was appointed railway mail clerk by President Cleveland, running on the Ontario & Western from Oneida to Weehawken, and which position he occupied for four years.

 

In 1889 he was married to Miss Hattie L. Wade of Guilford, who with two sons, Edward and John D. Lally survive him.  In addition to his widow and children, he is survived by one brother, William H. Lally of Oxford and four sisters, Mrs. J.E. Albert, South Oxford, Mrs. Charles B. Grant, Guilford, Mrs. Jay W. Martin of Union Hill, N.Y., and Mrs. Susie Lennon of Norwich.

 

In 1891, Mr. Lally was elected sheriff of the county of Chenango, receiving a plurality of 149 over the late Isaac D. Wiltsie, the Republican nominee.  In this election Mr. Lally manifested his great popularity in carrying the county against such tremendous odds, Senator Fassett carrying the county by more than 600 plurality.  He was the first Democrat to hold the office of sheriff in Chenango county in a period of more than fifty years; he discharged the duties of this office with marked ability, and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.  In politics he was always an ardent Democrat, and he enjoyed the confidence of the members of his party; he was nominated for member of assembly, and police justice, running ahead of his ticket in each instance.  He was a member of the improved Order of Red Men, N.P.L.A.O.U.W. and several other fraternal societies.  Since the expiration of his term of office as sheriff, Mr. Lally has devoted his attention to the lumber business in which he had rare skill and ability, few men were better able than he to estimate the value of a tract of timber, and his judgment was remarkable in that line.

 

Ed Lally had no enemies, he was broad minded, big hearted and generous, he was true and loyal to his friends, he was unselfish and would share his last dollar with a friend in need, he was honest and fair in all his transactions, and no one can say that he ever did an injury to them.  His multitude of friends deplore his death in the prime of manhood and share the burden of the grief which overwhelms his devoted wife and family.  His funeral will be held at St. Paul's church in this village Monday morning at 9:30 o'clock, interment at St. Joseph's cemetery, Oxford, N.Y.

 

 

Note:  An obituary and photo of Edward A. Lally from the Utica Saturday Globe was posted to this blog on October 20, 2015.

Retail Clerks' Banquet - early 1900s

They Responded to Toasts at the Retail Clerks' Banquet

Utica Saturday Globe, Date Unknown [early 1900s]

Left to Right

Upper Row:  Rev. John L. Ray, Rev. Daniel W. Dexter, J. Bennett Turner

Lower Row:  Edward S. Moore, Edward L. Nash, Walter C. Case

Obituaries (March 31)

Ruth E. (Jones) Figary

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1905

 

Ruth E. (Jones) Figary

1848 - 1905

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After an illness of a year and a half of cancer Mrs. Ruth E. Figary died August 25 at her home in Springville, aged 57.  She was born in the town of Norwich in 1848 and was a daughter of John and Mary Jones.  In 1855 she married Oscar M. Figary, who died about two years ago.  Mrs. Figary was a woman of kind disposition, a good neighbor and loving wife and mother.  She was a member of the Free Methodist Church.  She is survived by five children, three sons, Morgan, George and Vernie, and two daughters, Mrs. Libbie Bowers and Mrs. Ethel Burlingame; also two brothers, Morgan Jones, of White Store and Danforth Jones, of Deposit.

 

Norwich Sun, August 26, 1905

Mrs. Ruth E. Figary, widow of Oscar M. Figary, died this morning at the family 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 Store. The funeral will be held at her late home on Monday at 1 o'clock. The services will be conducted by Rev. M.H. Kendrick and Rev. L.S. King. Burial will be in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Elizabeth Thorpe Prindle

Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, January 12, 1892

At her home on Hayes street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], about five o'clock yesterday morning, Mrs. Horace G. Prindle died after a brief illness. A few weeks since she contracted a hard cold from which she had not fully recovered when in response to a request of a friend she assisted in some work which subjected her to a second cold and last week she was confined to the house but her illness did not assume a serious aspect until last Saturday when pneumonia of a severe type developed and she grew rapidly worse until the end. When informed a few hours previous to the fatal event that her death was close at hand she faced the crisis with Christian calmness and was able to talk with the friends who surrounded her deathbed until the moment that her spirit winged its flight.  Mrs. Elizabeth Thorpe Prindle was the daughter of Charles Thorpe, deceased and was born in Norwich April 23, 1834.  Her entire life had been spent in this village.  In 1853 she married Horace G. Prindle, then a rising young attorney and afterwards county judge of Chenango county, and now a leading lawyer.  She was a member of the Broad street M.E. church and during her younger years was an active Christian worker.  Her husband and two sisters, Mrs. William S. Thomas of Alexander, Ark., and Mrs. E.H. Prindle of this village survive her.  Her funeral will be held from her late home on Hayes street at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Rev. H.M. Crydenwise, presiding elder of the Chenango district and a former favorite pastor and long time friend of the deceased, officiating. 

 

It is needless to say that in the sudden death of Mrs. Prindle the whole community is shocked and startled and many hearts are overwhelmed with sadness.  Kind and obliging as a neighbor, true and faithful as a friend, affectionate and devoted as a wife, with large hearted sympathy, liberality and helpfulness toward the poor and unfortunate, she gathered to herself a large circle of friends who feel an unspeakable loss and bereavement in her death.  Here was a strong, positive character.  She could but have strong attachments and strong aversions.  She loved and admired that which was true, frank, honest, manly and womanly and every instinct of her being rose up in opposition to all that was unworthy, false or pretentious.  For the good and the worthy in the individual or in the cause her whole soul went out in sympathy and admiration and to serve or help such she counted no toil, self-denial or sacrifice too great.  Many poor will miss and keenly mourn her.  Those who knew her most closely loved and praised her most.  In the midst of life, full of life, with strong attachments to life, with great love to home, husband and friends, death came to her as a great, even an appalling surprise. But in those awful crisis moments with characteristic calmness she gave farewell tokens, spoke farewell words, expressed firm faith in the atoning merit of Jesus.  And thus with clear mind and full consciousness, she passed out from life here, from the circle of loved ones here, to the life and reunions of the land beyond.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, August 12, 1875

 

CORBIN:  in Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], August 3d, Mr. George A. Corbin, aged 23 years.

 

WILKINS:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], July 29th, Caroline [Wilkins], wife of David Wilkins, aged 79 years.

 

CHAMPLIN:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], July 30th, Eddie [Champlin], son of Mr. and Mrs. Champlin of Richmond, Va., aged 4 years.

 

BROTHERS:  In Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], July 31st, Miss Agnes Brothers, aged 26 years.

 

BUTTON:  In Lennox, Madison Co., July 30th, Nathan DeVer [Button], son of Wm. N. Button formerly of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], aged 17 years.

 

WELLS:  In Warren, Pa. July 28th, Mary A. [Wells], wife of Hubbard E. Wells, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

 

LAMOINE:  In Ford's Bush, Montgomery Co., July 31st, 1875 Rev. J.W. Lamoine, formerly a resident of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 44 years.

 

TUBBS:  In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], July 30th, Mrs. Ichabod Tubbs, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], aged 74 years.

 

SMITH:  In Dennison, Col., June 4th, 1875, Dr. S.H. Smith, formerly of Greene []Chenango Co., NY], aged 35 years.

 

GREENE:  In Cannon Falls, Minn., July 23d of consumption, Melville B. [Greene], son of Elisha and Maria Greene, formerly of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], aged 28 years.  He sought health in that western clime, but found an early grave. 

 

 

Obituaries (March 30)

Mary (Thorpe) Holmes

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1900

Mary (Thorpe) Prindle Holmes

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After an illness of several; weeks during which it was realized that there was little chance of recovery, Mrs. Daniel M. Holmes passed away at her home on South Broad street, at an early hour on Tuesday morning.  Mrs.  Holmes was a woman of remarkable intelligence and refined education, and inherited many of the traits of a distinguished ancestry.  She was an ardent student and enriched her mind by reading a wide range of literature. She was prominent in local church and charitable work, being president of the Woman's Working Association of the Congregational Church and took an active interest in the affairs of the Chenango Valley Home, of which she was one of the first directors.  No exertion was too great when there was an opportunity to make others happy.  She interested herself greatly in the welfare of dumb animals and was the local representative of the State Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  The thought of what the consequence would be to herself when she interfered in a case of cruelty to man or beast never occurred to her, for she loved every being that needed a friend better than she loved herself.  All the world had no power to swerve her from the right.  Mary S. Thorpe was born in this village, 62 years ago, and was the youngest of three daughters of Charles A. Thorpe, in his day one of the most eminent lawyers practicing in our courts.  He settled in Norwich in 1820 and at the birth of his daughter Mary, lived where the Broad Street Methodist Church now stands.  Mary was a student in the old Norwich Academy when Miss Harriette A. Dillaye was the preceptress and completed a course under the same lady at the Chestnut Street Ladies' Seminary, since the Ogontz school, Philadelphia.  After graduating with the highest honors she went to South Carolina and taught two years and returning north accepted a situation in the same seminary from which she graduated.  Miss Dillaye being still at the head.  She was a teacher in the Norwich Academy in the ante-bellum days and for several years was preceptress of Oxford Academy and later held the same position in the High School at Rock Island, Ill.  Returning about 1880 to Norwich, she was married February 24, 1885 to Hon. Elizur H. Prindle, who died October 7, 1890, and July 18, 1895, she married Hon. Daniel M. Holmes.  Her husband and a step-son survive her.  She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. W.S. Thomas, of Alexander, Ark.  Another sister, who married judge Horace G. Prindle died in Norwich January 11, 1892.  The funeral of Mrs. Holmes was held on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. Robert N. Martin officiating.  Interment in Mount Hope [Norwich, NY].

 

Hon. Elizur H. Prindle

Chenango Union, October 9, 1890

Since his fall upon the sidewalk on North Broad Street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of the 11th ult.  It has been known that the chances for the recovery of Hon. Elizur H. Prindle were very doubtful.  For years his health had been failing, and the shock to his system was more than he could endure.  He gradually sank until Tuesday afternoon about 3:30 o'clock, when he quietly passed away.  The announcement of his death was no surprise to the community, yet there was a feeling of sadness upon the departure of one whose honorable and useful life had been passed among us.  Mr. Prindle was born in Newtown, Conn., May 6th, 1831, and his early years were spent in agricultural pursuits upon his father's farm.  He came with his parents when young to Unadilla, where his father died, and his mother, with the family, moved to Cincinnatus, Cortland county.  His early education was in the common schools and was completed in Homer Academy, after which he taught school.  In 1851 he came to this village and commenced the study of law in the office of his cousin, Hon. Horace G. Prindle, and was admitted in January, 1854, since which time he had practiced his profession.  He was elected successively to the offices of Town Superintendent of Common Schools, Justice of the Peace and District Attorney from 1859 till his election to the Assembly in 1862.  He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1866-7, and was elected Representative in Congress in 1870, from this District, serving two terms.  Since that time he has devoted himself to the practice of his profession.  he was an able lawyer and was engaged as counsel in many important cases.  As a citizen he was held in high esteem by his large circle of friends who will miss him in the daily walks of life.  His widows, Mrs. Mary A. Prindle, and sister, Mrs. Warren L. Scott, of this village, survive him.  Funeral at his late residence, West street, Friday at 2 P.M.

 

Hon. Daniel M. Holmes

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, June 29, 1904

Hon. Daniel M. Holmes died at his home in South Broad street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] about 1 o'clock Monday morning, aged 85.  For nearly seventy years he had been a resident of the town of Norwich and for more than fifty years an active participant in the religious, business and social activities of the village.  While maintaining an active interest in every enterprise which promised for the welfare of the village or tis people, his greatest devotion was to his home, the Frist Baptist church and the public schools.  In his home he was the best type of a Christian husband and father, kind and indulgent, but governing his own life and counseling his family in a meekness of spirit inculcated in daily gathering about the family altar.  He united with the First Baptist church about 1854, during the pastorate of Rev. Lyman Wright and for half a century was one of the recognized leaders in the church.  For many years he served as deacon.  His voice was heeded in the counsels of the church and in the absence of the pastor or during interims between pastorates he conducted the prayer meetings and sought to continue unabated the spiritual activities of the people.

 

In the fall of 1873, when the Union Free School district was organized Mr. Holmes was chosen a member of the board of education.  From the first he took a deep interest in the welfare of the schools and gave liberally of his time and thought to the management of the business of the district and to the betterment of school facilities.  In 1879 he was elected chairman of the board of education and served in that capacity until 1902, when ill health compelled him to relinquish the duties and his son, Daniel P. Holmes, was elected to the board, Judge Ray becoming president.  He was always modest in his work, finding his satisfaction in the knowledge that his duty was well performed rather than in the praise of the community.  And what that work really was, very few appreciate.  For years he practically managed the schools, receiving all moneys due the district and paying them out for the various expenses of the schools. The annual budget amounted to between $20,000 and $25,000 and the detail work necessary in transacting the financial work alone required a great amount of time. All of this time was cheerfully given, and without compensation, and for the valuable time thus bestowed and for the earnest thought and loyal devotion to the schools the people of Norwich owe to his memory a debt of gratitude, which can best be paid by continued progress along the paths which he blazed.  In 1883, when the Chenango National bank was organized, Mr. Holmes became one of the first board of directors and its first vice president.  His directorship he held until his death and he served as vice president until January 28, 1902, when he resigned on account of ill health.

 

Mr.  Holmes was a Democrat in politics, but not a politician or an office seeker, in spite of that fact his fellow citizens have several times called upon him to serve them in critical periods.  For six years during and after the war of the rebellion he was supervisor of the town of Norwich, Later he was county loan commissioner for three years and in 1875 he represented the county at Albany as Member of Assembly  During all of these years the motto of his life has been loyalty and however great the stress of work, no duty was ever shirked.  "I had rather wear out than rust," he wrote to an old Connecticut friend only a few years ago and his wish was fulfilled.  He literally wore himself out in devoted service to the community in which he lived.

 

Daniel M. Holmes was a son of Daniel and Hannah Chapman Holmes and was born at North Stonington, Conn. November 7, 1818.  In 1836 he came with his parents to Chenango county and settled on a farm west of the ravine below the village of Norwich.  For ten years Daniel M. Holmes worked on his father's farm in summers and taught school winters.  Very soon after coming to Norwich he was made school superintendent of the town and as such he had the hiring of all teachers and the supervision of the schools.  Later he taught in the Norwich academy and was one of the trusted, so that for sixty-eight years he was actively engaged in school work in this town.  On November 22, 1848, he married Sarah, L.W. Packer and soon after moved into the village and purchased the home in South Broad street in which he died.  One son was born to them, Daniel P. Holmes, who survives.  Mrs. Holmes died December 6, 1886.  In the summer of 1895 he married Mrs. Mary Thorpe Prindle, who died in December, 1900.  Since that time he has made his home with his son at the old homestead.

 

About 1850, after several years clerkship, Mr. Holmes engaged in the dry goods business in Norwich, continuing for five years, when he engaged in the hardware business with the late Joseph Latham.  Subsequently this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Holmes associated with his son under the firm name of D.M. Holmes & Son.  This was continued until 1888 when he retired from active connection with the business and devoted himself entirely to school and church affairs and to the management of several large estates of which he had been made executor. 

 

Until 1902 he was regularly at his office but failing health then compelled him to relinquish many of his duties and for the last two years he had been confined to his home the greater part of the time by a malady against which he had bravely fought for thirty years.  In the death of Daniel M. Holmes the First Baptist church loses its most efficient member and this community a man who during a period of activity covering more than the usually allotted span of life has walked before this people as a noble example of Christian manhood and the highest type of an American citizen.  Funeral services will be held from his late residence at 3 o'clock this afternoon.  Rev. Dr. J.L. Ray, pastor of the First Baptist church officiating. Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Dr. Stephen Hand, Census enumerator - 1900

Dr. Stephen M. Hand

An Expert Penman and Ideal Census Enumerator

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1900

 

Dr. Stephen M. Hand

1830 - 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  It is safe to say that few if any of the over 50,000 census enumerators will present their returns in any better shape for neatness and penmanship than Dr. S.M. Hand, of this village, who is an expert penman, and having had previous experience in enumerating and from his wide acquaintance will make the task of taking the census a comparatively easy one.

 

Dr. Hand has been a resident of Norwich since 1864.  He is a practicing physician and surgeon.  He was born in New Lebanon March 8, 1830, and in 1844 came to Broome county where he commenced the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. S.D. Hand, at Binghamton.  He afterwards took a course in the Berkshire Medical College in Massachusetts, graduating in 1853.  in 1855 he commenced the practice of his profession at Windsor, Broome county, and nine years later came to Norwich, where he has since made his home.  It is only fair to the doctor to state that he didn't give us this information as there is a fine of $500 for a census enumerator giving away any information.  He will be as much surprised as anybody when he sees this picture and sketch.

 

 

Note: The obituary of Dr. Stephen Hand was posted to this blog on March 20, 2016.

Obituaries (March 29)

Frederick Bisbee Hopkins

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1900

 

Frederick Bisbee Hopkins

1818 - 1900

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Norwich lost another long-time and respected resident in the death of Frederick Bisbee Hopkins who passed away at the residence of his son, DeWitt C. Hopkins, in Hancock, N.Y., after a brief illness on Wednesday, November 28.  Mr. Hopkins was born in Norwich August 18, 1818.  During the active years of his life he followed the occupation of farming and formed a wide acquaintanceship, among whom he is remembered for his kind heart and genial nature and for his strong and sterling character.  He had been for many years a consistent member of the First Baptist Church.  His entire life had been spent in Norwich.

 

Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, November 30, 1900

Frederick Bisbee Hopkins died at the residence of his son, Dewitt C. Hopkins in Hancock, N.Y., Wednesday morning, November 28, 1900.  Mr. Hopkins was born in the town of Norwich, Aug. 18, 1818, and has been a life long resident of the town, except for a short time prior to his death, and as such will be well remembered by a host of friends and acquaintances.  For a great many years he has been a consistent member of the Frist Baptist church of this village.  His was a genial, kindly disposition, which made friends easily and held them closely.  His character was well known and sterilizing.  He is survived by four sons and one daughter:  Dewitt C., of Hancock, N.Y.; Charles H., of Middletown, N.Y.; Frederick W., of North Norwich; J.D. of Paterson, N.J.; and Lucy Ada Webb of Chillsback, B.C., two brothers Samuel of Norwich and William of Smyrna, and three sisters, Martha, wife of H.C. Weller of Sidney, Emma, wife of Lorenzo Samson, deceased, of DeRuyter, and Abby, wife of Dr. W.N. Hodgins, deceased, of Belleville, Kas. The body was brought here yesterday and funeral services will be held at the home of Frank and Inez Hopkins, Hickok avenue, this morning at 11 o'clock.

 

Mary A. Hopkins

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 18, 1893

Mary A. wife of Frederick B. Hopkins, died in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Sunday evening, December 10, 1893. She was in her seventy-second year.  Mrs. Hopkins was born in Madison county, this state.  She was married about thirty-five years ago in the village of Norwich and has since lived here.  She left her husband and five children surviving her.  Mrs. Hopkins was a most estimable, Christian woman.  Her acquaintances were all her friends and all who knew her loved her.  She had been a member of the Baptist church here for almost forty years, being one of the oldest members of the society.  Funeral services were held yesterday, Tuesday, afternoon, Rev. T.G. Case officiating.

 

Ira S. Holcomb

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 18, 1893

Ira S. Holcomb, an esteemed citizen, well known and respected throughout the county, died suddenly at his residence in the town of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Tuesday evening, December 5th, of organic disease of the heart.  He had been somewhat in poor health for about two years, but still able to be around, this fall making a visit with friends in Michigan, and recently his health had appeared unproved.  Consequently the suddenness of his death was a great shock to the family and through the entire community.  Deceased was born in the house where he died January 4, 1827, and was one of a family of six children, three of whom, Augustus Holcomb, of Norwich, William Holcomb, of Jersey City, and Mrs. George Cashman, of Plymouth, are still living.  In 1845 he went to Wisconsin where he lived about two years. Returning to Plymouth, he engaged in the mercantile trade in company with John Sibley.  In 1855, he was married to Matilda [Starr], daughter of Rev. Charles Starr.  In 1858, he bought the old homestead where he has since resided.  Through no fault of his own, except that of generosity, he had met with adversity, but through his persistent efforts backed by an indomitable determination, his circumstances were such that he was just ready to enjoy life.  His widow, one son and three daughters survive him.  In politics he was an earnest Republican, prominent in his party and twice representing his town on the board of supervisors.  His funeral was largely attended from his late residence, Friday, December 8th. 

 

 

Obituaries (March 28)

Milo McCarty

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1900

 

Milo McCarty

1833 - 1900

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Milo McCarty died at his home on Locust street on Thursday morning, aged 67.  His health had been failing for several years and more rapidly during the past 12 months, but death came with only a few hours' warning.  Asthma had caused him much suffering, but paralysis was the immediate cause of death.  Mr. McCarty was born February 2, 1833, in the town of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], but when he was a child the family moved to Wood's Corners, so that practically his whole life had been spent in the town of Norwich.  He attended the district school and started in life as a farm hand with Cyrus Brown at Plasterville.  He afterwards worked at wagon making and later was employed for a number of years in the Maydole hammer works until his health failed and he sought outdoor employment.  His long residence gave him a wide acquaintance and he made many friends among whom he was highly esteemed.  He was a member of the Broad Street M.E. Church.  In November, 1854, Mr. McCarty married Catherine Farrell, who survives him, together with one son, Isaac F. McCarty, of New York city and one daughter, Mrs. Katie Woodard, of this village.  One sister, Mrs. Albert Smith, also survives, residing in Towanda, Pa.  Funeral services will be held from his late home at 2 o'clock tomorrow (Saturday) Afternoon, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.  Interment in Mount Hope [Norwich, NY].

 

Catharine (Farrell) McMarty

Norwich Sun, December 1, 1904

Mrs. Catherine McCarty, widow of Milo McCarty, died at her home No. 19 Locust street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], early Thursday morning, Dec. 1, aged 68 years.  The immediate cause of death was heart disease.  Although the deceased had not been in the best of health for some time past, she had however, been able to be about the house as usual until Wednesday.  Mrs. McCarty was born in this county and spent practically all of her life in Norwich.  Her husband died about four years ago.  She was a woman of quiet demeanor and possessed of many fine qualities which endeared her to all with whom she came in contact.  Mrs. McCarty was a consistent member of the Broad Street M.E. church and as long as her health permitted was an active worker in the work of the church.  Deceased is survived by one son and one daughter, Isaac F. McCarty of Brooklyn and Mrs. Wallace Woodard of this place; also a nephew, Rev. W. S. Crandall of Scranton and a niece, Mrs. Roselbert Belden of Norwich.

 

Elinor Beden

Otsego Journal, July 5, 1928

Elinor, the young wife of Frank Mattersen Beden, died very suddenly Thursday night, June 23, at their new home, 44 Austin street, Forest Hills, Long Island.  Frank found her in the bath room suffering from severe pains near the heart about 11 p.m., and before he could get a physician she had passed away.  An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was valvular leakage of the heart. She had been in usual health up to that time.  They were married at the bride's home, White Springs, Florida, May 23rd, and were just getting settled in their new home at Forest Hills.  Dr. F.B. Beden and Frank Jr. started south with the body Saturday afternoon.  Much sympathy will be felt for the young husband and family among friends in Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY].

 

Maria P. (Shaver) Sherwood

1905

Mrs. Maria Sherwood died on Saturday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wm. Potter, in Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY].  She was the widow of Clement Sherwood, whom she survived about four years.  The homestead of the family was for many years on the hill east of Latham's Corners, now owned by Hiram Wood. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Sherwood has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Potter, besides whom she leaves two other daughters, and one son surviving her, Mrs. Hiram Wood, Butternuts; Mrs. Henry Sweet, Riverside, N.Y., and Orla Sherwood, of Butternuts. Several sisters also survive her.  Mrs. Sherwood was 82 years old. She was a member of the Union Methodist church and enjoyed the respect of a large number of friends and acquaintances throughout her long life.  The funeral occurred from the home of Mr. Potter on Tuesday at one o'clock, Rev. Clark Callandar officiating.  Mrs. Sherwood was buried by the side of her husband in Evergreen cemetery, White Store [Chenango Co., NY]

Obituaries (March 27)

Daniel Murray Heady

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1900

 

Daniel Murray Heady

1830-1900

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Daniel Murray Heady died at his residence, rear of No. 46 Cortland street, after a brief illness Wednesday morning at the age of 70.  Mr. Heady was the youngest son of Daniel and Mary Brown Heady, who came from Connecticut and were among the first settlers in the town of Plymouth, where from the wilderness they cleared off the farm that afterwards became the family homestead situated about two miles north of Preston Corners.  In those primeval days wolves abounded in that locality and among the family legends is one relating how Mrs. Heady spent the night alone with her children, her husband having gone to a mill with a grist.  Their cabin was not completed and there was no door, only a blanket hung in its place while wolves prowled about snapping their teeth and snarling.  Their son, Daniel Murray, was born February 9, 1830, and had always lived at the homestead until last November when he moved to this village.  In his death the last of his generation passed away.  On October 30, 1851, Mr. Heady married Phoebe Rebecca Bosworth, who died July 5, 1897.  On November 22, 1899, he married Mrs. Laura J. Bosworth, widow of his first wife's brother, who survives him, together with three children by his former marriage, two sons, Duane, who occupied the homestead and Elmer, of Binghamton, and one daughter, Mrs. Asa Aldrich, of North Norwich. There are seven grandchildren.  Deceased had always been a Democrat and prided himself on the fact.  His funeral was attended this (Friday) morning at 11, Rev. W.A. Dunnett officiating. Burial in the Heady Cemetery at Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Phoebe Rebecca (Bosworth) Heady

Chenango Union, July 22, 1897

Phoebe Rebecca Bosworth was born in the town of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] on October 20th, 1831.  She was one of ten children of George and Prudence Bosworth, of whose large family only one now survives.  She lived in Pharsalia until 1851, when she was married to Mr. Daniel Murray Heady and went to reside at South Plymouth, where her home remained until her death.  Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Heady, one of whom died in infancy. Those surviving are:  Duane, who resides at South Plymouth; Elmore, of Binghamton; Estelle, wife of Mr. Asa Aldrich, of North Norwich.  Mrs. Heady was a woman of amiable and cheerful disposition and of excellent business quality, and for 46 years proved a true helpmate to him, who now mourns her loss.  She had a sympathetic heart, and none who were in need appealed to her for help in vain.  With her husband, the deceased was a very regular attendant at the M.E. church at Preston, and their musical talents have been gratuitously employed in the praise portion of the public services there for 30 years.  For several years past Mrs. Heady was a valuable teacher in the Sunday school, and took a deep interest in everything pertaining to the prosperity of the church.  She was stricken with sickness on August 17, 1896, and despite all that kind hands could do to help her, she gradually sank, and her immortal spirit left its house of clay on July 5th 1897. Having experienced salvation through the blood of the cross, she was ready to go "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod, Thy staff, they comfort me."  These are the words in which she expressed the strength of her confidence in God.  Her mortal remains were laid away in the cemetery opposite her late home on July 9th, in the presence of large numbers of sorrowing friends.

 

Bridget Hickey

Chenango Union, July 22, 1897

Mrs. Bridget Hickey, widow of the late Dennis Hickey, died at her home on Hale street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Saturday afternoon, aged 86 years.  She was born in the Parish of Killalora, Ireland, in 1811, and was married there to Dennis Hickey.  They came to America about 1847 and soon after landing came to Norwich.  Mr. Hickey died about 13 years ago, and his widow has continued to make her home here in Norwich.  Eight children survive her, five of whom live in this county, two in Colorado and one in California.  During her late years she has been tenderly cared for by her daughters, Anna and Bridget, who at the end stood by their mother's side, as the loved souls which had gone on before beckoned the aged pilgrim cross the cold valley to the golden land. The funeral services were held Tuesday.  Burial in St. Paul's cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Kate Rowe

Norwich Sun, June 7, 1929

South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of Mrs. Kate Rowe, who died Thursday evening, May 30, was held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the home and at 2:30 at the Baptist church. Rev. M.E. Weaver officiated, assisted by Rev. D.H. Woodward, D.D.  Burial was in Riverside cemetery.  Mrs. Rowe was about 61 years of age and for many years had been a resident of this vicinity, where she was held in the highest esteem. She was a member of the Baptist church, and a past noble grand of Victory Rebekah lodge. She is survived by her husband, Charles Rowe; one sister, Mrs. Edna Angell of Binghamton and several nieces and nephews.

Post Listing March 20-26, 2017

Listing of blog postings for the week of March 20-26, 2017

Marriages

Posted March 25, 2017

Lynn B. Curtis - Lilla M. Lyon (1903)

Obituary - Linn B. Curtis (1918)

Marriage Notices - 1875

     Martin Adams - Fannie E. Walker

     Henry Sawyer - Amy Sawyer

     Albert Cady - Betsey Coleman

     William H. Daily - Celia A. Tyler

     George Webb - Mary E. Hovey

     William B. Hodgins - Adelia Sliter

 

Obituaries

Posted March 20, 2017

William Edmond Reed (Norwich, 1900)  Photo

Mary Bushnell Reed (Norwich, 1934)

Emily Wells Edwards (White Store, 1897)

Josephine Edwards (Rockwell's Mills, 1918)

Posted March 21, 2017
William J. Cozier (Norwich, 1900)  Photo, civil war veteran
Charles Henry Evans (Guilford, White Store, 1928)
Zoa Louise Evans (Guilford, Brooklyn, 1936)

Posted March 22, 2017
Lavina (Baker) Gibbs (North Guilford, 1900)  Photo
Hiram A. Reynolds (Rockwell's mills, 1908)
Seth Richmond (Guilford, 1879)
Death Notices - 1875
     Betsey Wells (Norwich)
     Rev. Allen Bancroft (Plymouth)
     James B. Ormsby (Plymouth)
     Richard D. Burke (South New Berlin)
     Gertrude Marshman (Oxford)
     Eliza Ann Hoyt (Coventry)

Posted March 23, 2017
Alice Ryan (Norwich, 1900)  Photo
Willis Richmond (White Store, 1879)
Benjamin J. Rowe (Norwich, 1888)
John B. Rogers (Chenango Forks, 1888)


 

Posted March 24, 2017 

John Wager Touey (Norwich, 1900)  photo

Mrs. John Ray Clarke (Oxford, Binghamton, 1902)

Frankie Sweet (Morris, 1887)

Posted March 25, 2017
Major Edwin L. Brand (Chicago, 1900)
Alice Bennett (Bainbridge, Oxford, 1918)
Abel Comstock Willcox (Smyrna, 1918)

Posted March 26, 2017
Theresa (Kunckel) Espbeck (Norwich, 1900)   photo
Mary Ann (Place) Richmond (Sidney, Rockwell's Mills, 1887)
Oscar Gager (1887)
Harry Marsh (Unadilla, 1888)

Miscellaneous

Posted March 20, 2017

Harold C. Brooks of Norwich, NY, talented musician and artist, 1900  Photo

Posted March 21, 2017
Archie D. Gibbs, 1875 - 1948,  Norwich, NY Lawyer   Photo

Posted March 24, 2017
William E. Harding, Railroad Engineer, 30 years of service, 1900      Photo

Posted March 26, 2017
Francis Augustus Batie, Norwich Musician & Singer 1900   Photo

Francis Augustus Batie

Francis Augustus Batie

Talented Norwich Musician, Winning Success as Singer

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1900

 

Francis Augustus Batie

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The Globe takes much pleasure in presenting its thousands of Norwich readers with the reproduction of a recent photograph of Francis A. Batie, who has scored success as a tenor singer.  Mr. Batie was born in Norwich October 9, 1880, and so has just passed out of his teens, but has sung before many audiences to whom his rich, melodious voice has uniformly given pleasure.  While a boy he began taking piano lessons with Miss Maggie Foy and later received vocal instruction from Mrs. Sophia Tefft.  Five or six years ago he first joined a traveling company with which he won great favor.  Last fall he engaged with another company whose season was interrupted by the excitement of a Presidential election and he is now stopping temporarily in Scranton, Pa.

Obituaries (March 26)

Theresa (Kunckel) Espbeck

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1900

 

Theresa (Kunckel) Espbeck

1825 - 1900

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Mrs. Theresa Espbeck which occurred suddenly at her home on Mechanic street last Friday, robs Norwich of yet another long-time and respected resident.  Mrs. Espbeck, who made her home with her son, arose as usual Friday morning, did her housework and sat in a chair reading when the summons came.  Her son chanced to be out of the house at the time and upon returning soon after, found his mother dead.  Mrs. Espbeck, whose maiden name was Theresa Kunckel, was born in the state of Bayren, Germany, August 19, 1825, and so had recently passed the 75th anniversary of her birth. She came to America in 1853 and in the same year married Frank Espbeck, who was a valued employee in Maydole hammer factory until his death in 1866.  He brought his bride to the home which she occupied for 47 years before her death.  Of three children born to them, a son, George, followed his father to the silent world.  A daughter, Mrs. Mary A. Martini, of Sebewaing, Mich., and a son, Frank Espbeck, of this village, still survive.  Mrs. Espbeck was an esteemed member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.  Her funeral was held at 2 on Monday afternoon, Rev. W.D. Benton officiating.  Burial in Mount Hope [Norwich, NY].

 

Mary Ann (Place) Richmond

Chenango Union, September 22, 1887

RICHMOND:  In Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], Sept. 12th, Mrs. Mary A. Richmond, aged 71 years, formerly of Mt. Upton.

Otsego Journal, September 21, 1887

Mrs. S.D. Richmond died at the home of her brother, J.F. Place, at Sidney, on Monday night last.  She has for years been a resident of Rockwell's Mills until recently, and was a woman who enjoyed the respect of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. With the exception of the brother, at whose home she died, she was the last of a family of nine brothers and sisters, who have all died within a comparatively recent period.  The funeral was at the Union church on Wednesday and the burial at White Store [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Oscar Gager

Otsego Journal, September 21, 1887

After a short illness, which terminated in pneumonia and was not thought to be serious until toward the last, Mr. Gager died on Sunday afternoon at his home in this place.  He has been a resident of this village for quite a number of years past and enjoyed the reputation of being an honorable and upright member of society.  He was an accepted member of the Baptist church in this place, in which, we believe he held the office of deacon. An industrious and useful member of the community, his loss will be felt and although fallible and liable to err like all of us, we believe he was actuated by a desire and a purpose to do right.  His funeral will occur from the Baptist church on Tuesday at one p.m.

Harry Marsh

Chenango Union, June 21, 1888

A shocking accident occurred on Friday, when a young man, son of Shepard Marsh, lost his life.  three or four young men were fishing with a net, when one of them, Eugene Newman, became entangled, and while extricating him, young Harry Marsh was observed to throw up his hands.  He was dead before he could be rescued.  His funeral occurred Sunday, at Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY]

Sidney Record, June 21, 1888

Last Friday morning Harry Marsh, a bright young man about 18 years of age, was drowned in the Unadilla river, about half a mile from the Mt. Upton bridge, on Fenno's farm.  There were three companions. They were fishing with a seine at the time.  Eugene Newman was in the water, and being caught in the net, and likely to drown, Marsh went in to rescue him.  Altho, a good swimmer, poor Marsh was drowned, and Newman saved.  The accident caused much excitement and sorrow in that neighborhood.  Young Marsh's father lives in Binghamton.  The funeral was held in the Episcopal church at Mt. Upton last Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriages (March 25)

Curtis - Lyon

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1903

Lynn B. & Lilla M. (Lyon) Curtis

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lyon, at Plasterville, was the scene of a pretty wedding Wednesday evening, when their only daughter, Lilla M. [Lyon], was united in marriage to Lynn B. Curtis, who resides near Wood's Corners. The home was tastily decorated for the occasion and Rev. Spencer J. Ford performed the ceremony in the presence of about 30 relatives and friends. The wedding gifts were beautiful and valuable.  After congratulations, a wedding supper was served and Mr. and Mrs. Curtis left on the midnight train for a brief wedding trip, during which they will visit friends in Fort Plain. The bride and groom are both popular and attractive young people and have the best wishes of a large circle of friends for their future happiness and prosperity.

 

Obituary--Linn B. Curtis

Norwich Sun, October 25, 1918

Linn B. Curtis was born in the town of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on February 12, 1879, and passed into rest at his home in Plasterville on Thursday, Oct. 24, 1918.  The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon, the Rev. R.L. Clark of Norwich officiating. Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Linn B. Curtis was one of Chenango county's best known agriculturists.  Practically all of his life was spent in this locality, where his death will be deeply felt, not only by the immediate family, but by a large circle of friends, all of whom mourn the untimely passing of one who was still in the prime of life.  On march 11, 1903 he was united in marriage to Lilla M. Lyon, who survives him.  He was a quiet, home-loving man, and while he had time for many charitable and political enterprises, it was in his home that his chief interests centered.  He had served the town of North Norwich as supervisor, and also as a collector.  He was public spirited and always willing to give of his time and labor in any undertaking for the benefit of the community.  Mr. Curtis was a member of the Maccabees, and of the I.O.O.F.  He also belonged to Galena grange and Pomona grange.  In both of the latter he was a very prominent member, and deeply interested in the agricultural pursuits throughout the county.  In his passing, the town of North Norwich, and the county of Chenango lose a splendid citizen, a man of high principle and noble example.  Besides his widow, he is survived by his mother, Mrs. Byron Gale of Norwich, two brothers, Grove Curtis of Wood's Corners and Glenn Curtis of Norwich, and one sister, Mrs. Howard Christian, also of Norwich.

 

Marriage  Notices

Chenango Union, April 22, 1875

 

ADAMS - WALKER:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 17th, by Rev. W.H. Waldron, Mr. Martin Adams to Miss Fannie E. Walker, all of Norwich.

 

SAWYER - SAWYER:  In Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY], March 31st, by Rev. A.S. Clark, Mr. Henry Sawyer of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amy Sawyer of New Lisbon [Otsego Co., NY].

 

CADY - COLEMAN:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 16th, 1875 by Rev. W.H. Waldron, Mr. Albert Cady of Brisben [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Betsey Coleman of Norwich.

 

DAILY - TYLER:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 18th, by Rev. W.H. Gavitt, Mr. William H. Daily of Brisben [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Celia A. Tyler of Greene.

 

WEBB - HOVEY:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 13th, by Rev. A.B. Richardson, Mr. George Webb of Bainbridge to Miss Mary E. Hovey of Guilford Centre [Chenango Co., NY]

 

HODGINS - SLITER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 11th, by A.A. Van Horne, Mr. Wm. B. Hodgins to Miss Adelia Sliter, both of Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY]

Obituaries (March 25)

Maj. Edwin L. Brand

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1900

 

 

Maj. Edwin L. Brand

1834 - 1900

 

Maj. Edwin L. Brand, a prominent resident of Chicago, expired after a brief illness at is home, 1,918 Michigan avenue, in that city, Tuesday afternoon.  Deceased was well known in central New York, where he was born and where he lived to manhood until his removal to Chicago 52 years ago where he won fame and fortune in his profession.  His affection for the scenes of youth and early manhood were strong and he was a frequent visitor to these parts and was widely known and highly regarded.

 

Deceased was born in Edmeston, Otsego county  [NY], in 1834.  He began life as a farmer and, in his 17th year, associated with a traveling photographer, with whom he learned picture taking.  He opened up on his own account in Leonardsville, near his birthplace, then came to Utica to make daguerreotypes, his office being in the Deveraux Block.  This was in 1854.  Here he remained 18 months.  Then he moved to Norwich where he carried on a photograph gallery two years.  In 1858 he moved to Chicago and from the first, secured a profitable patronage.  The wealthiest families of that city soon found they had a genius in their midst for reproducing faces and he never lacked for patrons.  His studio in Lake street he soon outgrew and then a larger one was occupied on Washington, where the great fire of 1870 found him and reduced is valuable stock of pictures, negatives and other material to ashes.  It was a great blow.  His loss exceeded his insurance by $75,000.  He bravely set to work to retrieve his fortune, and succeeded.  He reopened for business on Walash avenue, made money faster than ever, and was obliged to build farther down the avenue a structure that would give him the requisite room for his expanding patronage.  Last year another gallery was opened on Jackson boulevard which has also proved very successful.  As a photographer Mr. Brand had no superior; even very few equals.  He was a tireless worker and an inventor.  Indeed his death is attributed to overwork in which his nervous system gave out, and heart failure followed. Though not a well man, recently he had worked night and day on an invention for the developing a new style photograph intended to show both a full face and silhouette view and which he described to his wife only the day before his death the process by which such a result might be obtained.  Mr. Brand never had been sick until this winter and presumed on his physical forces, believing he had an iron constitution.  he was an excellent judge of real estate and largely added to his fortune by the advance in price of his property investments in that city.

 

When Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth organized the United States Zouave Cadets in Chicago, in 1858, young Brand was of the first to be enrolled and with it made the tour of the country in 1860.  When Ellsworth resigned in 1861 to organize the New York Fire Zouaves for the war, Mr. Brand was elected captain of the company and remained at its head until its disbandment in 1868.  He organized the Chicago Hussars, was made its commander and made it a famous cavalry battalion.  He was an Odd Fellow and also a Knight of Pythias.  In 1878 he originated the Uniformed Ranks of the Knights of Pythias.  Recently he spent the summers with his family at Richfield Springs, where he had built a large cottage.

 

Besides his wife, one son and one daughter survive, Edwin L., Jr., and Miss Belle Brand.  Three brothers are also living:  James H. of Utica; G. Byron, of Chicago, and Alfred Brand, of Detroit. The funeral services were held in Chicago yesterday and the remains will be conveyed to this city and committal services will be at Forest Hill cemetery.

 

Alice Bennett

Norwich Sun, October 25, 1918

Miss Alice Bennett, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], died on October 16, in Middleville, Herkimer county, a victim of influenza followed by pneumonia.  For several years she was a teacher in Guilford, Bainbridge and Middleville, and was well known through out the county, where her death will be mourned by many friends.

 

Sidney Enterprise, October 23, 1918

Miss Alice Bennett of Bainbridge, died at Middleville, Herkimer county [NY], where she was teaching, recently from the results of influenza.  Miss Bennett was 36 years of age and had taken up school work at the opening of the fall term.  Her mother Mrs. Howard Bennett was living with her at Middleville.

 

Sidney Record, October 26, 1918

Mrs. S.A. Williams and Mrs. J.R. Williams, who is a guest of the former in this village [Sidney, NY], on Saturday attended the funeral of Miss Alice Bennett, held in Oxford. The deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bennett of Bainbridge, a graduate of the school in that village, and at the time of her death was employed as teacher in the schools at Middleville, N.Y.  Her father died at the Binghamton State hospital only a few months ago. She was thirty-six years of age and before locating in Bainbridge the family resided in Oxford, N.Y.

 

Abel Comstock Willcox

Norwich Sun, October 25, 1918

Abel Comstock Willcox passed away at his home in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] Sunday night in the full flower of his young manhood.  He was 34 years of age and leaves behind him a wife and three young sons who are now both fatherless and motherless.  Abel C. Willcox was born in Smyrna, the eldest son of Gardner N. and Sarah Comstock.  At a very early age he showed decided precocity in his studies and his easy and brilliant grasp of hard subjects was a source of speculation and wonder to his instructors. At the age of 17 he entered Cornell university and there was known as a "star" student.  He graduated from there with the highest honors and immediately entered upon the study of law in the College of the City of New York.  Before completing this course he was married to Miss Marion Smith of Ithaca who died last March after a year of terrible suffering.  To his wife in her last days, the husband gave tenderly and tirelessly of his time and strength.  He ministered to her needs as a mother would have done and never counted the price.  After being admitted to the New York bar, Abel Willcox practiced for a few years in Norwich then removed to Rochester where he became research lawyer for the Lawyers' Co-operative company there.  His own health broke down several years ago and he was obliged to get out of his confining work in Rochester.  He moved his family to Smyrna two years ago where he sought less arduous professional duties and more outdoor work. The automobile agency of G.N. Willcox and Son was formed and Mr. Willcox became demonstrator for their cars. The illness and death of Mrs. Willcox followed, leaving the three boys.  To them the father gave in the abundance of his beautiful love and affection.  Always kind, always cheery, always strong in the face of cruel adversity--he was the admiration of all those who knew the cross he so patiently bore.  Early in life he had taken the vows of the church and his character in truth seemed ever founded and modeled on that of his Heavenly Father.  Four weeks ago, Abel Willcox was united in marriage to Lydia Bartlett.  He shortly became a victim of the influenza scourge and after a vain but gallant fight, his tired body succumbed. A whole community will miss his quiet, unassuming presence; his family will miss the strong son, the beloved husband, the most understanding of fathers, the dearest of brothers.

Servant of God--well done!

Rest from thy loved employ;

The battle fought, the victory won.

Enter thy Master's joy.

 

 

 

 

William E. Harding, RR Engineer, 1900

William E. Harding

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1900

 

William E. Harding

1845 - 1912

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Everybody along the line of the Ontario & Western Railway knows "Bill" Haring, the oldest in term of service and one of the jolliest engineers on the road.  Mr. Harding completed 30 years in the employ of the company Monday and ever since has been growing fat on the congratulations and well wishes of his myriad of friends.  Only one other engineer on the road contends with Mr. Harding for first palce and that is "Ed" McNiff, of Middletown. They entered the employ of the company only four or five days apart.  Mr. McNiff having the start, but he has since been employed by another company for six months, while Mr. Harding has been with this road continuously since June 11, 1870.  For 19 years his run has been between Oneida and Norwich, first on an accommodation train and later on the milk, running daily between these points.  He has never had an accident of any account.

 

Mr. Harding is a native of England and was born in Somersetshire March 4, 1845.  At the age of 14 he came over to Canada, where he lived for about four years before he dropped down into New York State, and in August, 1863, began braking for the Rome & Watertown road.  Two years later he became a fireman on the Oswego & Rome road and at the end of three years went home to England for a twelvemonths' visit, returning in the spring of 1870, accompanied by his parents.  On June 11 he began firing an engine for the then New York & Oswego Midland, now the Ontario & Western.  On March 7 of the following year he was given charge of an engine. He had several years of interesting experience as an engineman on the old Auburn branch during its palmist days, when wood was used as fuel and locomotives were far from the perfect machines they are today.  His has been a remarkable record, but is nothing more than his faithful skill and jolly good nature deserves.

 

Mr. Harding is a member of the Oswego Division, No. 152, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.  He is also a member of Oswego lodge, No. 127, F.& A.M., and a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar.  He is one of the most popular men anywhere on the line of the road.

 

____________________________________

 

Funeral

Oswego Daily Times, September 11, 1912

 

The funeral of the late William E. Harding was held this afternoon at 3:30 from his late residence, the rev. George h. Young conducting the services. The bearers were from Oswego Lodge, No. 1278, F.&A.M. and from the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers of the O.&W. Interment was at Riverside cemetery.

Obituaries (March 24)

John Wager Touey

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1900

 

John Wager Touey

ca 1848 - 1900

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After a long illness from a complication of diseases from which he had suffered for 10 or 12 years, John W. Touey died at the home of his mother, Mrs. John Touey, in King's Settlement on Saturday last, aged about 52.  Mr. Touey was born in King's Settlement and educated in the Norwich schools.  He learned the printers' trade in the office of the Chenango Telegraph and Chronicle, under Kingsley & Berry, and while a young man went to New York to strike out for himself.  He secured a situation on the Commercial Advertiser, under Hugh Hastings, 32 years ago, but only remained for a few years when with others he organized a stock company and engaged in publishing the Shoe and Leather Reporter, of which he was managing editor for 18 years, or until incapacitated by illness.  He has since made his home with his mother at King's Settlement.  Mr. Touey was a leading member of the famous Typographical Union, No. 6, whose struggles in behalf of the craft are familiar in the minds of many.  He was popular among his fellow craftsmen and numbered among his personal friends many prominent people, among them Gen. Grant. The funeral services were held from St. Paul's Church on Monday morning at 10 o'clock, burial being made in St. Paul Cemetery [Norwich, NY]. The aged mother of deceased survives and three sisters out of a family of seven children, Mrs. Ella Richmond, of Buffalo, and Miss Mary Touey and Mrs. William Tiffany, of Norwich.  A soldier brother, Lieut. Timothy Touey, is buried in Chicago.

 

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 1, 1900

The current number of the Shoe and Leather Reporter with which the late John W. Touey was formerly connected ahs the following:

 

Word comes to us from the little hamlet of King's Settlement, near Norwich, Chenango county, N.Y., that John W. Touey, who for a long term of years prior to 1888 was connected with the Reporter in a responsible editorial capacity, ahs passed away.  Mr. Touey has been living in retirement with his relatives at that place for 12 years.  He was a man of remarkable attainments in many ways, which with industry and perseverance should have won for him a very high place in American journalism.  His old associates remember him with feelings of sincere affection, and he was known and highly esteemed by members of the New York leather trade, some of whom have passed away.  Mr. Touey was of Irish extraction and the charm of the wit and naïve philosophy which is so abounding in the Irish nature was extraordinarily developed in him.  He conducted for years the "Phosphorescence" column of The Reporter, which gleamed each week with the kindly, persuasive humor of which he was so thorough a master.  His work was highly regarded.  It was copied extensively into the daily papers, and many of our readers, although they had never met him, felt a personal attraction to our departed friend.  The "Phosphorescence" department, after his departure in 1888, had a precarious existence, and was finally abandoned.  It practically died with him, like the "Easy Chair" in Harper's Magazine, with the death of George William Curtis.  Mr. Touey was one of those "characters" so abounding in originality and hearty good cheer that he was welcome everywhere.  Many of his expressions are yet current in our New York office, where he was once so important a factor.  He enjoyed the cordial esteem and friendship of our late editor, Isaac H. Bailey, who appreciated in no light degree the sparkle, the luminous intellect, that has paid nature's last penalty.

 

Mrs. John Ray Clarke

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 6, 1902

Mrs. John Ray Clarke, who formerly resided at Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] and was well known to many Norwich and Chenango county friends, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles M. Stone No. 55 Main street, Binghamton, Sunday evening, November 30, 1902, at 8:30 o'clock.  The Binghamton Republican says Mrs. Clarke who was seventy-five years of age, has been a resident of this city since 1874 when she moved here from her birthplace in Oxford.  Since the death of Mr. Clarke, several years ago, Mrs. Clarke has done much for church and charity work in this city, having given liberally for many benevolent enterprises many of which acts she has modestly kept from becoming public, the gifts being announced as simply coming form "a friend."  It was largely due to her contributions that the beautiful Trinity Memorial church was built. She has always been one of the most active and liberal members of that church.  Mrs. Clarke has been troubled for some time with heart difficulty, and to this is attributed her death.  The Oxford Times says Deceased was born in Oxford, September 11, 1827, and was the only surviving child of the late James A. Glover. Aside from four years' residence in Buffalo, where Mr. Clarke was in business for a time, she spent her life here until their removal to Binghamton. She kept up her acquaintance through visits here and hospitalities extended at her own home, to an extent that her loss will be felt by a large circle of relatives and friends. She loyally co-operated with her lamented husband in laying out his philanthropic plans and was permitted to live to carry them out after death had relentlessly deprived him of that high privilege.  Oxford Memorial library has a testimonial of her thoughtfulness and bounty in the beautiful upright clock which adorns its walls. The funeral of Mrs. Clarke was held Wednesday afternoon from Trinity Memorial church, Binghamton. The church was crowded with friends and relatives. The Rev. Dr. J.H. LaRoche officiated assisted by Rev. J.M. VanIngen of Millburn, N.J., a  nephew of the deceased.  Mrs. Georgia Moore Doughty sang "The Holy City" and "These are They Which are Arrayed in White Roses."  Various religious and benevolent organizations with which Mrs. Clarke had been identified during her long and useful life, sent flowers. These were the Charity Aid, the Women's Auxiliary, the King's Daughters and the Sunday school, also the King's Daughters of Lestershire, and the City Union of King's Daughters. The Secure Mutual life insurance company sent a wreath, as also did the employees of the John Ray Clarke company.  Besides these there were many beautiful floral pieces from individuals.  Bishop Frederick D. Huntington was in attendance at the funeral and took a part in the service.

 

Frankie Sweet

Otsego Journal, September 21, 1887

Frankie Sweet, whose serious illness we mentioned last week, died on Tuesday last.  the cause of his death being said on Wednesday attended by Drs. Jacobs of this place, and Winans and Allaben of Gilbertsville.  The disease was found to have been acute peritonitis.  He died at the house of Geo. Cornell, where Mr. Sweet has made his home for some time past and where he had the best of care during his illness.  The funeral was largely attended from the Baptist church on Thursday, the officiating clergyman being Rev. Mr. Remington, of the Mills, assisted by Rev. L.B. Weeks. The burial was at Morris [Otsego Co., NY].