Obituaries (February 23)

Charles Jackson

ca 1839 - June 14, 1912

The death of Mr. Charles Jackson occurred Friday, June 14, very suddenly.  Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were with friends, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hall for tea, and during the meal he was suddenly stricken with apoplexy and fell back dead.  Mr. Jackson was 73 years old and is survived by his wife and one son, Elmer Jackson of Binghamton.  He was a veteran of the Civil war and a member of the Masons and Eastern Star Lodges. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon.

Randolph King Atwater

March 20, 1860 - July 1, 1912

Randolph King Atwater, one of Greene's most prominent citizens in business, social and church life, died at that village Monday.  Mr. Atwater was born in Greene [Chenango Co., NY] 52 years ago, the son of J.S. Atwater and Urana King.  Mr. Atwater had been a great sufferer at times with rheumatism, but of late had been pretty free from his trouble.  He was born in the house where he died, March 20, 1860.  His entire life was spent in Greene and early in life he succeeded his father in the furniture and undertaking business, and his genial personality and kindly disposition won him social recognition.  He was always deeply interested in public affairs and was identified with all movements for the improvement and upbuilding of his native town.  As a communicant and vestryman of Zion church, Mr. Atwater found expression for his religious faith and was esteemed a devout and loyal Christian.  He was also a member of Genegantslet Tribe I.O.R.M.  Mr. Atwater is survived by his wife, three daughters, Madeline, Grace and Marjorie, and a son, Gerald.  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the house, Rev. Percy T. Olton officiating.  Geneganslet Tribe of Red Men escorted the remains to the cemetery.

Sarah Beach

ca 1846 - September 1, 1912

Greene [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Mrs. Sarah Beach, widow of the late Frederick Beach, occurred Saturday morning about six o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Walker.  Mrs. Beach was 66 years old and is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Minnie Stodder of Syracuse, Mrs. May Walker and Mrs. Cora Gross of Greene.  The funeral was held at the home of Mrs. Walker Monday afternoon at three o'clock, Rev. J.R. Foster of the Congregational church officiating.

Harry G. Horton

1881 - May 5, 1958

Harry G. Horton, 77, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died at 1:32 p.m. yesterday at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY], after a short illness.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Pearl Margaret Horton of Afton; two  nieces, Mrs. Martha Jeffers of Afton and Mrs. Mary Peet of Gouverneur; a nephew, Robert Tew of Syracuse, and several cousins.  He was a member of the Afton Baptist Chruch and had operated a hardware store in Afton for many years. The body was moved to the Karschner Funeral home, Afton. [Buried Glenwood Cemetery, Afton, NY]

George W. Hill

1873 - December 1, 1957

Funeral services for George W. Hill, 84, of 27 Jenison Avenue, Johnson City [Broome Co., NY] who died yesterday afternoon at Wilson Memorial Hospital, will be at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow at the J.F. Rice Funeral Home, 150 Main Street, Johnson City.  The Rev. Francis Freeman, pastor of Sarah  Jane Johnson Memorial Methodist Church, will officiate at services for the brother of William H. Hill of Westover, Broome County Republican chairman and publisher of the Binghamton Sun.  Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell, at the convenience of the family.  Mr. Hill was admitted to the hospital early yesterday after he suffered a heart attack.  A native of Forty-Fort, Pa., he had been a resident of the Triple Cities area for about 65 years.  Until his retirement 10 years go, he was employed by the John City Publishing co.  In addition to the GOP chairman, Mr. Hill is survived by one other brother, James B. Hill, and a sister, Mrs. Bessie H. Fell, both of Johnson City, and several nieces and nephews.

Obituaries (February 22)

Elizabeth A. (Ward) Walker

ca. 1864 - June 23, 1912

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Walker, wife of Ray E. Walker, long respected resident of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], passed away early Sunday evening at her home on Main street, after an illness of several weeks.  Mrs. Walker was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] 48 years ago and was married to Mr. Walker June 3, 1882.  She was the daughter of Lora B. and Clarissa Church Ward, and the greater portion of her life was spent in Oxford.  Early in life she united with the Baptist church in this village.  A wide circle of relatives deeply mourn her passing and many friends extend to the sorrowing family their sincere sympathy. She is survived by her husband, two children, Charles L. Walker and Miss Mabel Walker, and her mother Mrs. Clarissa C. Ward, and a brother, Charles J. Ward, all of this village.  The funeral was held at the home Wednesday afternoon t 2 o'clock, Rev. R.A. Gates and Rev. Inman L. Willcox, D.D., officiating.  Interment was in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, NY].

Elizabeth Tifft

ca 1827 - June 28, 1912

Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Tifft, died in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] June 28, aged 85 years.  She had resided with her daughter, Mrs. Frank Kelley, for the past year and a half.  Mrs. Tifft had been poorly in health for a number of months.  Her birthplace was Coventry and the greater part of her life she had resided in that town.  She was united in marriage September 17, 1828, to Mr. Tifft at Millbury, Mass., and lived in that place a few years.  She was a consistent member of the Baptist church of Coventry and her death has caused sorrow among the ones who knew her best.  The funeral was held Monday morning at 11 o'clock, Rev. C.S. Beardslee of Hartford, Conn., officiating.  Besides the daughter, Mrs. Tifft is survived by two sons, George Tifft of Brisbin and Frank Tifft of Greene.

Mary Smith Lawton

ca 1851 - June 9, 1912

Mrs. Mary Smith Lawton, wife of Roswell Lawton, died very suddenly at her home Sunday evening with acute Bright's disease.  Deceased was 61 years of age. Besides her husband she is survived by four children, a son, Leon Lawton of Lestershire, and three daughters, Mrs. Hazel Bixby, Mrs. George Barnett and Miss Lila Lawton, all of this town. The funeral was held Wednesday at the house at 2 p.m. Rev. S. Lee Whiteman officiating. Burial in Sylvan Lawn Cemetery, Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Dr. Frank E. Gray

ca 1848 - 1912

Greene [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Dr. Frank E. Gray occurred at the State Hospital, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Friday at the age of 64 years.  Dr. Gray was a well known dentist in this town for a number of years, but has been in feeble health for several years.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Rita Gray, and a daughter, Madula Gray, who is a trained nurse in Binghamton; a brother, Charles W. Gray and a sister, Lucy Gray, of this village The funeral was held Sunday afternoon from his late home, Rev. O. Lee Warren officiating. Burial in Sylvan Lawn cemetery [Greene, NY]

Marriages (February 21)

Ketchum - Race

Chenango Union, February 1, 1883

On Wednesday evening of this week, Morell W. Ketchum, one of the promising young men of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], led to the hymenal altar one of the fairest of our daughters, Miss Hattie E. Race. The wedding took place at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. Austin W. Race, and of the ninety guests invited, a large number were present to witness the marriage, and to partake of the kind hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Race.  The large collection of pretty and valuable presents reminded the bride and groom of the kindly feeling of their many friends toward them.  At eight o'clock the happy couple left for Greene, where they took the train for Binghamton.  They will be gone some little time, stopping on their tour at Elmira, Wellsboro and Philadelphia.  Many prayers and good wishes went with them, and may the bright and joyous beginning of their wedded life long continue undimmed by cloud or sorrow.

Graves - White

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph,  January 6, 1900

The marriage of Miss Jessie White, daughter of Austin J. white, and Merton E. Graves took place Wednesday, January 3, 1900. The ceremony was performed at 12 o'clock at the home of the bride's parents on the Holmesville road, about four miles east of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. C. S. Pendleton of Oneonta.  About seventy-five persons, relatives and invited guests, were in attendance. The interior of the house was beautifully trimmed and decorated with evergreens and potted plants.  The ceremony, which was very impressive, took palce in front of a large bank of evergreens, surmounted by an arch, under which the contracting parties stood.  The bride was attended by Miss Mabel Graves, a cousin of the bridegroom, and Lewis White was best man.  After the ceremony, a reception was held and the bridal party, amid the hearty congratulations of their friends, sat down to a sumptuous dinner. The gifts were numerous and beautiful.  Miss White is a graduate of Norwich High school, and is highly respected and esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances and friends. The bridegroom is the son of Edward Graves and resides with his parents on the South New Berlin road.  He is possessed of sterling ability and manly character and enjoys the respect of all with whom he is acquainted.  Mr. and Mrs. Graves left town on the 4:45 p.m. Lackawanna train north.  Numerous out of town guests were present at the wedding, including some from Norwich.

Heady - Slater

Norwich Sun, June 24, 1911

Preston [Chenango Co., NY]:  On Thursday evening occurred the marriage of Miss Pearl M. Slater, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burton Slater of this place, and Franklin M. Heady of Oneida, Rev. L.L. Vought of Orwall, Pa., officiating.  The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. D.B. Heady of Preston and was attended by Frank Slater, a brother of the bride. The bridesmaid was Miss Pearl White of Norwich.  The house was very prettily decorated with ferns and white roses, and the bridal couple stood in front of a beautiful bank of ferns and roses. The bride was attired in a white satin gown with pearl trimmings, wore a beautiful bridal veil trimmed with forget me nots and carried white roses. the groom was dressed in conventional black. The bridesmaid was gowned in green silk mull and carried pink roses.  The bridal procession marched into the parlor to the strains of Lohengrin's wedding march, rendered very pleasantly by Miss Nellie Yale of Norwich, and during the ceremony she softly played a sonata from Beethoven.  Miss Jessie B. Clark of Greene sang with rare charm, "You're the Ideal of My Dreams," and "Some Day When Dreams Come True."  At the close of the hymeneal rites the company repaired to the dining room where tables were set for seventy guests and a beautiful repast was served by Cateress Mrs. Scanton of Norwich.  The presents were numerous and elegant, including cut glass, silver and furniture.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Heady were former students of Norwich High school, the latter having graduated from the teachers' training class in 1907, since which time she has been a successful teacher.  Mr. Heady is a graduate of the Bliss Electrical school at Washington D.C., and now has a fine position as electrical engineer at Oneida, where they will make their home.

Marriage Notices

Chenango Telegraph, March 29, 1865

STEWART - HUNTLEY:  At the Chenango House, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on t he 22d inst., by Rev. S. Scoville, William H. Stewart, to Miss Helen M. Huntley, both of Plymouth.

FORD - BARBER:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. E. Holroyd, Myron Ford of German [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Malvina Barber, of McDonough.

BENTLY - MILLER:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], March 19, by Rev. W.G. Queal, George Bently, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Maryette Miller, of Afton.

Chenango Union, April 13, 1870

LITTLE - KELSIE:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], April 6th, by Rev. S. Miller, Mr. George W. Little to Miss Anna Kelsie, both of Sherburne.

MERICLE - WILSON:  In Wellsville, N.Y. [Allegany Co.], March 28th, by Rev. Mr. Rump, Mr. George C. Mericle of Omaha City, to Miss Adelaide B. Wilson of the former place, both formerly of Greene.

Details of Tragic Accident - Harpursville - June 1912

Morgan Killed, Weller Injured, Lumley Hurt in Motor

Crash Near Harpursville

Binghamton Press, June 12, 1912

A sandy strip of road at the end of a bridge a mile and a quarter west of Harpursville [Broome Co., NY] caused an automobile accident last evening, and Lewis H. Morgan of the John L. Morgan Company was instantly killed and H. Pierce Weller of The Press staff had both legs broken.  By a strange chance, neither Mr. Morgan nor Mr. Weller was thrown from the car, while two others, who were catapulted 20 feet escaped with slight injuries.  They were Harry Lumley, the former captain manager of the Binghamton baseball team and Raymond C. Schroeder of Carbondale.  George A. Morgan, cousin of Lewis H. Morgan was at the wheel of the car and was not injured.

The rear of the car was wrecked by being slapped against the end of the iron railing of the bridge when it skidded in the road.  The accident occurred at 7:15 and was witnessed by Mrs. Frank Thompson, wife of a former schoolmate of Mr. Weller, and her little daughter, Leona, who live but a few rods over the bridge toward Harpursville.  It was but an instant before aid was at hand and Mr. Thompson assisted George Morgan in moving the car so that the body of Lewis Morgan could be removed.  His head was pinned between the side of the car and the bridge railing.

Mr. Schroeder is a guest at the home of George Morgan on Chapin street, and with Lewis Morgan and Mr. Lumley they had gone to the ball game in George Morgan's car, a 1912 Hudson 31.  After the game they invited Mr. Weller to join them for a ride, and it was proposed that they take Mr. Lumley to his farm in Colesville, so that Mr. Schroeder might see some of the country hereabouts.  They drove to Sanitaria Springs, where they had a lunch and it was proposed that they go over the hill to Harpursville, in as much as the evening was pleasant and the roads fine.  They had mounted Belden Hill and were well on the road to Harpursville driving easily with the car under good control.

Beyond Belden hill there are two bridges over Belden creek.  The first is a red iron bridge with a high railing and the second an iron bridge with a lower lattice rail.  At the west end of the second bridge there is a slight difference between the grades of the road and the bridge.  To save the bounce when the car passed onto the bridge, George Morgan, who was driving, applied the foot brake.  When he checked the brake, the rear wheels slipped in the dust of the road, and the car skidded against the end of the bridge rail.  The body of the car, just back of the front seat, caught the impact, and the car stopped suddenly.  Lumley and Schroeder dove head foremost through the air over the windshield, which was half closed and landed on the plank floor of the bridge.  Lewis Morgan was shaken half from his seat, on the left side of the car, beside the driver, and his head was caught between the side of the car and the bridge rail.  Mr. Weller was twisted about in the tonneau, and crumpled into a heap with his back against the front seat, and facing the rear.  George Morgan, perhaps braced by his foot on the brake, was not moved from his seat at the wheel.  He was conscious of his cousin, still in the seat at his side, and thought him unhurt.  Looking over his right shoulder, after two of the men in the tonneau had hurled over his head, he saw Weller and heard him moan.  He started to lift Weller, who said  "Don't Mind Me.  I'm afraid Lewis is hurt badly."  Mr. Morgan then turned to his cousin and found blood gushing from his mouth and ears.  Lumley and Schroeder were able to pick themselves up, and blood was streaming from a cut on the top of Lumley's head.  He had landed fairly on the top of his head.

Little Leona Thompson was playing by the side of the creek, and Mrs. Thompson had happened to be looking up the road toward the car.  She at once called Mr. Thompson, who rushed out.  Passing was another car in which were an unknown man with several ladies and children.  He stopped and ran back, and together they pushed the Morgan car side and released Lewis Morgan.  It was evident that death had come to him instantly, for he did not make a noise.  The body was laid on the grass at the road side and Weller was placed on a back board and drawn to the Thompson home.

Dr. Butler was called from Harpursville by phone and came quickly.  Dr. Hannett of Nineveh also was called.  Dr. Butler notified Coroner Stillson of Windsor of the death of Mr. Morgan and he lost little time in reaching the scene.  A little later Dr. P.M. Miller of this city and Dr. Parsons of Marathon drove up in Dr. Miller's car.  They had been at Delaware co. and had stopped at the home of Dr. Butler in Harpursville, where Mrs. Butler had told them of the accident.  Meanwhile the body of Mr. Morgan was removed to Clark's undertaking home at Harpursville.  The first message that reached Binghamton came to The Press and a car started for the relief of the party at 9 o'clock making fast time over the hills.

Mr. Weller found himself in kindly hands.  He and Frank Thompson had been schoolmates years ago at Chenango Forks.  Dr. Butler happened to know that Mr. Weller's sister, Miss Anna Weller was teaching school at Tunnel nearby, and phoned her of the accident. She reached her brother's bedside while the physicians were working over him.  They found the right leg broken between the knee and the ankle and the left broken in the ankle.  The injury to the ankle was complicated and Dr. Miller was anxious to have the patient removed to the City Hospital as soon as possible, where it would be possible to readjust the bones under the most favorable conditions.  All of the small bones in the ankle appeared to be broken.  It was 11 o'clock before the surgeons had finished their work over Mr. Weller.  He refused at first to take a sedative to ease the pain of the operation, and yielded only upon the insistence of the doctors. Dr Butler remained with him until nearly midnight.

Lumley's head was bound up in lint and bandages, and Schroeder, who suffered extreme nausea from the shock of landing on his back, and from a wrenched right ankle, received attention also.  George Morgan went to Harpursville to arrange for the care of the body of his cousin.  His sufferings though of a different sort, were no less keen than those of the other members of the party, who had sustained bodily injuries.  Until everything necessary had been done, he exercised the greatest fortitude, then he broke down.  "Poor Lewis, poor Lewis," he sobbed.  "Why couldn't it have been my head that was smashed."

Soon after midnight, when it had been arranged to have Mr. Morgan's body brought home on a D.&H. train this morning, Mr. Weller was left with his sister to the kindly ministrations of the Thompsons and Lumley, Schroeder and George Morgan were brought to Binghamton in The Press car.  On the way the party met Ellis W. Morse driving Frederick H. Nelson of the John L. Morgan Company and J.V. Beazley, and a little later, a party of chauffeurs who had heard of the accident and were coming out to render what assistance they could.  Nearer the City, Frank Davis and another party were passed, driving over the hill at top speed to do everything that might be done for the injured.

When Lumley was let down at the North Side Hotel there was an affecting moment when he parted from George Morgan. The others went at once to the home of Mr. Morgan on Chapin street.  Mr. Weller's mother was visiting in Cortland and was notified by phone early this morning of the accident and came to the city on the first train.  A telephone message from Harpursville this morning said that Mr. Weller had passed a comfortable night, and that Dr. butler hopes that it will be possible to bring him to the City Hospital some time tomorrow.

Lewis H. Morgan is survived by his wife, Pearl Disbro Morgan and two children, Dorothy, three years old, and John, two months old; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John L. Morgan, one sister, Mrs. Harvey Bennett and one brother, Edward Morgan, all of this city.  Mr. Morgan was vice-president of the firm of Bennett, Morgan & Co., of which John L. Morgan is president.  He was prominent among the younger business men of the city.  The funeral will be held on Friday at a time and place to be announced later.

Obituaries (February 19)

Reuben T. Comstock

Chenango Telegraph, April 1, 1875

Died--in Brooklyn, N.Y. on the 27th ult., at the residence of his son, A.A. Comstock, Esq., Mr. Reuben T. Comstock, aged 68 years.  Many years ago Mr. Comstock was a resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and was a well known and popular teacher of the village school.  During his stay in Norwich, many of our rising young men were in attendance at his school, and even now credit their success in life to his early teaching.  Mr. Comstock was a vigorous hearty old man and up to the time of his death took great interest in the passing events of the day, particularly during the war for the suppression of the rebellion was he anxious for news, and never failed to public or private conversation to show that his sympathies were with the Union cause.  In his old age too, his mind frequently recurred to the years he spent in Norwich, and he kept his memory green by the weekly perusal of the Telegraph, and several times he has favored our readers with "recollections" of his life in Norwich, which were read with interest by all.  Thus has passed away another of our early pioneers, and though long removed from our midst, his memory is still green in the minds of our older citizens who survive him.

Herman H. Dimmick

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 6, 1900

Herman H. Dimmick who for a long time was a clerk at Stafford's drug store in White Plains, died on Tuesday, December 26, 1899 at his home in Southampton, L.I.  He was married about two and a half years ago to Flora, daughter of Mr. Baltis Moore.  His body was brought to Mount Kisco on Thursday night, and the funeral occurred Friday afternoon.  Herman was a son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Dimmick of Plymouth, N.Y. [Chenango Co.]. He leaves two sisters, Mrs. A.L. Willcox of Smyrna, N.Y. and Mrs. C.T. Brewer of Cooperstown, N.Y.

Rev. Jonathan K. Peck

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 6, 1900

Many Chenango county friends were shocked to learn of the sudden death of Rev. Jonathan K. Peck, which occurred at Kingston [Ulster Co., NY] on Sunday night, December 21st, within a few minutes of the expiration of the old year.  Mr. Peck was born on the Brakel, this county [Chenango Co. NY] and was one of five sons of the late Luther Peck, all of whom were members and elders of the same church in the old Genesee conference, and labored and taught the gospel in the same section for many years.  He was well known throughout the Wyoming and other M.E. conferences, and was in attendance at the session of that body held in Norwich in April 1898.  He was the author of several creditable books, among which were "Seven Wonders of the New World," and "Luther Peck and His Five Sons."  A.E. Peck of Brakel is the brother of the deceased.  The story of Mr. Peck's last moments is told in the news dispatches of Tuesday, as follows:

Wilkesbarre, January 2: With the death of 1899, but a few minutes distant, with his 75th year ending and while thanking the Lord for the blessings of the year that was passing Rev. Jonathan K. Peck of Kingston, fell dead before a large congregation of the Kingston Methodist Episcopal church Sunday night.  Mr. Peck was in the pulpit leading the watch night services. The church was crowded.  Mr. Peck was in the middle of an eloquent sermon on the closing of the prominent ministers of the Wyoming conference who had died.  He was on the point of ending a touching tribute to his well remembered father, and there were many moist eyes in the congregation.  Those who were watching him saw him hesitate as if to take a breath, he raised his hand to his head as if dazed, staggered and fell across the pulpit rail. The pastor, Rev. Mr. Murdock Dr. Sprague and Rev. Dr. Hard, who were sitting on the platform sprang to his assistance. They lifted him up and found him to be unconscious. They carried him down to the basement of the church and a physician was sent for.  When he came, Mr. Peck was dead.  He was dead, the physician said when they carried him from the pulpit.  Mr. Peck's death is notable for its coincidence.  He was born just seventy-five years before and at night within a short time of the hour of his death.  His last words were of the men who had gone before and the last name he mentioned was that of his father, it was the last hour of the old year, he believed it was the last of the century and in the last few weeks he had written much in support of this theory.  He had always expressed a wish to died in the pulpit, and Rev. Mr. Murdock, the pastor, in announcing him, said that he was one of the oldest ministers of the conference and might soon be called to a higher place.  He was born in Chenango county, N.Y. on December 31, 1824 and had been a member of Wyoming conference since 1853.  He had also been presiding elder of the Honesdale district.

Dr. Flavius Packer

Norwich Sun, May 23, 1930

The following obituary of our former townsman [Smyrna, Chenango Co., NY], Dr. Flavius Packer, appeared in last week's issue of the Pawling Chronicle:  "Dr. Flavius Packer, 63, of Pawling [Dutchess Co., NY], founder of the Packer Sanitarium in that village and former assistant superintendent of Matteawan, Beacon, died at the Doctors' Hospital, New York city Friday morning, following a heart ailment and complications.  Born in Mexico, N.Y. [Oswego Co., NY], Dr. packer was graduated form the Albany Medical college, class of '93.  Soon afterward he became assistant superintendent of the Kings Park State Hospital and later held a similar position at Matteawan.  In 1902 he went the Bellevue Hospital to head the psychopathic division.  Dr. Packer founded the Riverdale Sanitarium in 1904, which he sold in 1926.  He had also founded his sanitarium at Pawling, which he maintained until his death.  He had been a resident of Pawling for 20 years, and also maintained a residence at 120 East 39th street, New York city.  He was elected mayor of Pawling last fall, marking the first time in years that a Democrat had been elected to that office.  He was a member of the American Psychiatric Society,  Bellevue Hospital Society and a fellow of the Academy of medicine.  Funeral services were held from the Pawling Central Baptist church, Rev. William H. Meldrum, rector of Christ Episcopal church, officiating.  Harlem Valley lodge, F. and A.M. of Pawling, of which he was a member, attended in a body, and many professional men from every walk of life for miles around were there to show their respect for one so greatly loved in his community.  The body was laid temporarily in the Pawling cemetery vault, final plans for interment not having bene completed by the family."

Compiler note:  Flavius Packer was the son of Thurston Green and Elizabeth Robbins (Brown) Packer.  He was a resident of Smyrna in 1900, and his parents resided the Smyrna from at least 1900  and were buried in Sherburne West Hill Cemetery upon their deaths in 1917 and 1919, respectively.

Obituaries (February 18)

Isabella (Baker) Dalrymple

Chenango Telegraph, April 6, 1859

In Marlboro, Mass. on the 17th ult. Mrs. Isabella B. Dalrymple, eldest daughter of Joseph Baker of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], aged 46 years.  Dear Sister, thou art gone to meet thy first born, who hast only preceded thee to the realms of eternal bliss.  Yes, sister, Kim has gone before, that she may welcome her mother home.  Kind parents, your affections have been again smitten, thy eldest child has gone to Heaven, and is waiting to congratulate the friends left behind as they severally arrive at the bourne of all those who love their Heavenly Father. Brothers and sisters, our circle is again broken, let us all strive to exemplify our faith in Christ making it a living faith through works, as faithfully as did she who has been called from Earth to Heaven.

Roy Brown

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 3, 1900

Hamilton [Madison Co., NY]:  A sad drowning accident occurred at Woodman's pond, two miles north of this place, about 2:30 yesterday afternoon.  A party of boys, among whom was Roy Brown, aged 11 years, were skating on the pond when Roy broke through a thin place in the ice. The rest of the party exerted themselves to the utmost and Isaac Leland nearly lost his life in his endeavor to save his comrade. He fell through the ice and was in the water some time.  The body of the lad has been recovered.  He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brown on Payne street.

Clark Johnson

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 6, 1900

Saturday afternoon a team of horses attached to one wheel, came running into town from the south.  They were stopped by Dene Harrington, and Messrs. Spencer and Hakes drove down the road to see what had happened.  They found Clark Johnson of Willet [Cortland Co., NY], lying beside the road dead, just below David White's house, with his head crushed, and otherwise terribly mangled.  No one will ever know how the awful accident occurred as Mr. Johnson was alone, coming from Frank Crittenden's with lumber for Seager's store.  Dr. Halbert was called and after viewing the body it was removed to Willet.  Mr. Johnson was the son of Mrs. Hopkins of Willet.  He was unmarried, and a hard working young man.  Mr. Crittenden feels the loss keenly as he had been in his employ a long time and was driving his team.  It has been many a long year since a man was killed in this town and the horror of it is keenly felt by all.

Gilbert Stanton

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 6, 1900

Gilbert Stanton with but one exception, the oldest person in the town of Smyrna, died December 21st.  He was born in Brookfield [Madison Co., NY] May 31, 1808 and was 91 years 7 months and 20 days of age.  At the age of 24 he gave his heart to God, united with the Methodist Episcopal church and remained a consistent member of that denomination until his death.  In 1831 he was married to Susan Dutton of Columbus.  In 1831 he took up a tract of wild land in the town of Otselic, erecting a log house, and from Brookfield to this home in the forest on what is known as Stanton Hill, he removed with his family consisting of his aged father and mother, elder sister, his wife and one child.  Subsequently, there were born to them ten other children, in all seven sons and four daughters.  It was his lot cheerfully to care for as life receded and sadly follow to their last resting place the aged parents, the sister, six of the eleven children and the wife, whom he buried in 1855.  In 1857, he was married to Cyrena Ferris of Smyrna who had one child.  Franklin B. with whom he lived at the time of his death.  In 1870 he removed from Otselic to Smyrna where he resided until his death.  His second wife died three years since.  He was a kind and obliging neighbor, a kind and loving husband and father, an earnest and upright Christian, always living up to and ready to defend the faith he professed in Christ at all times and places, and we believe the good examples and good advice of Uncle Gilbert, as he was so familiarly called, will live with many who knew him for years to come.  He leaves five sons, Charles and Edwin of Plymouth, A.P. of Oxford, F.G. and Franklin of Smyrna, and one daughter, Mrs. C.A. Lowe of Plymouth.

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, April 6, 1859

WINSOR:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 30th, Stephen Winsor, aged 73.

COLE:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 15, Mrs. Cole wife of Leonard Cole.

DAVIS:  At New Berlin Centre [Chenango Co., NY], March 27, Benj. Davis aged 81.

WILLARD:  At New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], March 25th, Lydia May Willard, in the 5th year of her age.

HYDE:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], March 29th, Lydia J. [Hyde], daughter of Charles P. and Harriet M. Hyde, aged 9 months.

Blog Post Listing February 4 to 17, 2019

Listing of blog postings for February 4 to 17, 2019

Obituaries

Posted February 5, 2019

Adah L. (Fisk) Eldredge (Lebanon, Norwich, 1891)

Silas Hull (Norwich, 1891)

Cornelia A. Munson (Norwich, 1891)

Almira M. Hewitt (Norwich, 1891)

Elmer Comell (Sand Coulee MN, 1891)

Death Notices - 1863

     Emily L. Warner (Greene, 28y)

     Lewis Post (Afton, 54y)

     Mary F. Rogers (Nineveh, 20y)

     Abraham Per Lee (North Norwich, 74y)

     Willard Harvey (German, 8y)

     Anaresta Harvey (German, 5y)

     Franklin Harvey (German 1y)

     Edgar W. Jones (Greene, 16y)  Civil War soldier

Posted February 6, 2019
Frederick Vanderlyn (Oxford, 1891)
Hattie Moore (East McDonough, 1891)
Minnie Moore (Tacoma WA, 1891)
Moses Aldrich (Plymouth, 1891)
Stephen Law (North Pharsalia, 1891)
Death notices - 1860
     Frederick Theodore Rogers (Chenango Forks, 2y)
     William Steere (East McDonough, 75y)
     Luke Wheeler (Guilford, 44y)
     Joel Barber (Norwich, 32y)
     Sophia Barnes (Norwich, 72y)
     Lathrop Rorabrook(North Norwich, 53y)
     Ephraim P. Eldridge (Lincklain, 68y)

Posted February 7, 2019
John Weaver (Sherburne, 1874)
Charles R. Weaver (Smyrna, 1908)
John Sherman (1931)  Civil War soldier
William C. Chantler (Sherburne, 1952)
Death notices 1860
     Harriett M. Chalker (Greene, 18 months)
     Polly Soughton (New Ohio, 80y)
     Lovina Lowell (Chenango Folks, 86y)
     Isaac Marshall (Ketchum's Corners, 80y)
     Saray Jane Tuttle (Greene, 4 months)

Posted February 8, 2019
Mary B. Hill (Jamestown, 1887) accidental fall
John Dell (Norwich, Clyde, 1887)  drowning
Mrs. Ira W. June (Norwich, Oxford, 1887)
B. Carman Russell (North Norwich, Oneida, 1887)  drowning

Posted February 9, 2019
Daniel Hale (Florence NY, 1844)
Miles Ireland (North Norwich, 1887)
Elizabeth Packer (Pendleton) Stanton (Oxford, Norwich, 1887)
Death Notice - 1844
     Lydia A. Kershaw (Norwich, 17 months)
     Fanny M. Kershaw (Norwich, 3y)

Posted February 11, 2019
James Dunning (East McDonough, 1895) Civil War Soldier
Henry C. Cole (Omaha NB, Oxford, 1895)
John Hoag (Dayton OH, Greene, 1895)
Arba K. Maynard (Atwater MN, 1895)
Thomas Benton Lewis (Norwich, 1895)
Death notices - 1860
     Eben Sherwood (Middlebury PA, Oxford, 68y)
     John Noyes (Norwich, 29y)
     Lathrup Rosbrook (North Norwich, 58y)
     Emma J. Badger (Greene, 2y)
     Stephen Elliott (Greene, 21y)
     Gordon Johnson (Coventry, 71y)
     Isaac Foote (Norwich, 84y)
     Joseph H. Moore (Norwich, 59y)
     Barbary Cook (Norwich, 77y)
     Elizur Anderson (Pitcher, 28y)

Posted February 12, 2019
Dr. Charles Ervin Dickinson (Fond du Lac WI, Guilford, 1894)
Charles F. Dickinson (Fond du Lac WI, Guilford, 1895)
Joseph Addison Coville (Oxford, Pharsalia, 1895)
Death Notices - 1860
     Hannah L. Fish (Oxford, 64y)
     David Tillotson (Smithville, 2y)
     Martin V.B. Noyes (Norwich, 26y)
Death Notices - 1865
     Nettie A. Frink (Plymouth, 4y)
     Eddie H. Stewart (Plymouth, 9y)
     Lone Barzella Bradley (New Berlin, 3y)
     Thomas Gorton (North Norwich, 72y)
    Minnie A. Fowler (Coventry, 8y)
     Helen V. Davis (Oxford, 8y)
     Fanny Rich (South New Berlin, 42y)
     Simeon Fosgate (McDonough, 28y)
     Mary E. Hammond (Oxford, 14y)

Posted February 14, 2019
Julia Eliza Olney (Columbus, 1845)
Asa Willey (Guilford, 1885)
Ann Vernette (Maydole) Martin (Norwich, 1885)
Eugene E. Williamson (Greene, 1885)
Jerusha Matthewson (Guilford, Gilbertsville, 1894)
Death Notices - 1845
     Caleb Thompson (Norwich, 83y)  Revolutionary War soldier
     Calvin Wheeler (Norwich, 2y)
     Robert Calley Gilbert (Gilbertsville, 16y)
     Phebe Ann Garner (Norwich, 26y)

Posted February 15, 2019
Judson Burton (Guilford, 1896)
Annie (Kimble) West (Rochester, 1907)
Emily M. Putnam White (1898)
Frances E. Willard (1898)
Death Notices - 1894
     Ivon R. Hunting (Greene, 23y)
     Cora A. Hill (Sherburne, 18y)
     Mrs. Asteay Bowen (Lincklaen, 86y)
     Orris W. Bryant (Greene, 54y)
     Hiram Bartoo (Brisbin, 76y)
     Mrs. Henry Lampman (Afton, 72y)

Marriages

Posted February 4, 2019

Raymond L. Allen - Luella Chappell (Ithaca/Greene, 1912)

Eugene Willey - Beryl VanBuren  (1912)

Muriel Osborne - Mernie D Clark (1912)

Charles Drachler - Grace Hughes (1912)

Glenn W. Scott - Mae Rhines (Oxford/Windsor, 1912)

Marriage Notices - 1860

     Levi M. Carnegie - Charlotte Wedge (Colesville/Greene)

     Philo R. Newton - Lucy M. King (Bainbridge/Sanford)

     William S. Wescott - Mary E. Wightman (South New Berlin)

Marriage Notices - 1867

     Smith Hotchkiss - Sarah Davis (Smithville/Greene)

     Alonzo Dickinson - Lovica Barnett (Afton/Greene)

     Charles E. Rathbun - Helen Kenyon (Pitcher)

     Frederick A. Landers - Frankie L. Stockwell (Coventry)

     Franklin d. Keith -Ambrosia E. Compton (Otselic)

Posted February 10, 2019
Eva Ingraham - Duard Lewis (Norwich, 1891)
Mr. & Mrs. James Gladding (56th anniversary, 1891)
Marriage Notice - 1844
     William J. Gay - Terza M. Thompson
Marriage notices - 1860
     Griffin Powell - Sarah A. Gavit (Lowville/Smyrna)
     Oliver Thurber - Mary Clark (New Berlin)
     Henry L. white -Victoria C. Sheldon (Guilford)
     William M. Sabin - Mary G. Young (Plymouth)
     Rev. A.J. Kenton - D. Augusta Fox (Scott NY)
     Charles H. Long - Hattie Meachum (Willett)

Posted February 13, 2019
Desire M. Brown - William Hayden, Jr. (Pitcher/McDonough, 1885)
Mr. & Mrs. W.W. Sage (50th anniversary, Norwich, 1885)
Marriage Notices - 1860
     Samuel Cline - Betsey M. Loomis (Smithville)
     Uri Rorapaugh - Mary June (Smithville/McDonough)
     Samuel F. May - Angeline T. Phetteplace (Guilford/Norwich)
     Edwin R. Meade - Julia m. Baxter (NYC/Tioga PA)
     James Wilson - Julia Burger (Willet/Greene)
     Sidney Olin - Margaret Hubbard (Greene/New Berlin)

Posted February 16, 2019
James Eaton (Cooperstown, 1846)  Killed by lightning
Fanny Chipman (Sherburne 1846)
Charles W. Babcock (Hudson OH, Sherburne, Norwich, 1887)
Mary O'Brien (Sherburne, 1887)
Death Notices - 1846
     Mary Rexford (Sherburne, 65y)
     Betsey Brooks (Pharsalia, 61y)
     Hannah Jane Van Ingen (Rochester, Greene, 32y)
     Eli Webb (Greene, 65y)
     Martin Dodge (McDonough, 51y)
     Rev. Nathan Bundy (Hartwick, Oxford, 38y)

Posted February 17, 2019
Joshua Bennett Turner - Mary Bushnell Reed (Norwich, 1890)
Marriage Notices - 1846
     John West - Mary K. Foote (Norwich/Hamilton)
     Abram Mudge - Persis A. Buell (Earlville/Plymouth)
     John B. Hoyt, Jr. - Rispah B. Hitchcock (Coventry/Norwich)
     John Glivin - Caroline Byington (Norwich)
     Edwin C. Brooks - Helen B. Keyes (Norwich/Hamilton)
     Alexis Miller - Julia a. miller (Smithville/Oxford)
     Henry Kinney - Mary V. Monroe (Triangle)
     Abner Strickland - Rebecca Sessions (York Settlement IL/Barker)
     Henry L. Bowen - Ann Elizabeth Wilgus (Homer/West Troy)

Miscellaneous

Posted February 5, 2019

Some Queer Epitaphs - 1891

Posted February 13, 2019
Unusual Epitaphs - 1885

Posted February 15, 2019
More Queer Epitaphs - 1891

Marriages (February 17)

Turner - Reed
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 27, 1890

A brilliant and happy wedding took place, Thursday evening at the residence of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. William E. Reed, in Hayes street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  The principal actors in this nuptial event were Mr. J[oshua] Bennett Turner junior member of the firm of Stone and Turner and Miss Mary Bushnell Reed.  Rev. Samuel Scoville, of Stamford, Conn., the former popular pastor of the Congregational Chruch of this village, officiated.  The home of the bride, in honor of the marriage festivities, was beautifully decorated with holly, which is peculiarly sacred to Christmas.  Only the immediate relatives and friends of the contracting parties were present.  Miss Fanny Reed, sister of the bride acted as bridesmaid and Mr. Green, of Clyde, as best man.  There were present from abroad, Mrs. Marvin Reed and Messrs. Marvin Reed and Clark Reed, of Connecticut, Mrs. Mead, of Boston, Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Lee, Mrs. Fish and Miss Myra Fish of Binghamton.  Miss Esther Bailey, Miss Mabel Frost and Mildred Feeney of Boston, Miss Mary C. Turner and Fred L. Turner of Oxford and Mr. Thomas A. Rowe of Oneonta.  The presents were numerous and elegant.  On the evening train Mr. and Mrs. Turner left for an extended wedding trip.  Miss Reed is one of the most estimable young ladies of Norwich, and Mr. Turner a prominent and successful business man. They will return from their wedding trip to Norwich for a short stay and then leave for Tacoma, Washington, where Mr. Turner will engage in business.

Marriage Notices

Chenango Telegraph, May 6, 1846

In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on Wednesday morning last, by Rev. Mr. Brooks, John West, Esq., Attorney and Counsellor at Law, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary K. [Foote], daughter of John Foote, Esq., of the former place.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., by Rev. M.C. Gaylord, Mr. Abram Mudge of Earlville [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Persis A. [Buell], daughter of Ira Buell, Esq. of the former place.

Chenango Telegraph, April 15, 1846

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by the Rev. John B. Hoyt, John B. Hoyt, Jr., of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Rispah B. [Hitchcock] daughter of Mr. Judathan Hitchcock of this place.

Chenango Telegraph,  April 29, 1846

On the 16th inst., by Rev. J. Duncan, Mr. John Glivin to Mrs. Caroline Byington, all of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

 Chenango Telegraph, May 20, 1846

In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on Wednesday morning last, by Rev. A. Brooks, Mr. Edwin C. Brooks, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss  Helen B. Keyes, of the former place.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. J.T. Goodrich, Mr. Alexis Miller of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Julia A. Miller, of the former place.

At Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], on the 32d [sic] February last, by Rev. A.O. Warren, Mr. Henry Kinney to Miss Mary V. Monroe, both of Triangle [Broome Co., NY].

On the 30th of April last, Mr. Abner Strickland of York Settlement, Dupade co. Ill., to Miss Rebecca Sessions of Barker, N.Y.  [Broome Co.]

In West Troy [Rensselear Co, NY], on the 20th ult. by Rev. Mr. Dodge, Mr. Henry L. Bowen of Homer, Cortland co., to Miss Ann Elizabeth Wilgus, of the above place.

Obituaries (February 16)

James Eaton

Chenango Telegraph, April 29, 1846

A case of death by lightning, of a particularly painful nature, we learn, occurred near Cooperstown, in Otsego County, on Saturday last.  The person killed was a young man, aged about 21, named James Eaton, brother-in-law of Mr. William C. Wait, Jr., of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  His father had recently disposed of his property in Otsego, and with his family, including the young man, was intending to start for the West on Monday.  The circumstances of his death are briefly as follows.  Mr. Wait, the brother-in-law, arrived at the house about 1 o'clock on Saturday, during the storm, on a  visit to his wife and the family.  His horse was taken by the young man, who placed him in the stable, and was just stepping out of the barn door, when he was struck by the lightning and instantly killed, as was the horse of Mr. Wait.  Two sisters of the deceased, young ladies, have also within a short time been snatched from the embraces of the bereaved family, by the unrelenting hand of death.  Norwich Journal.

Fanny Chipman

Chenango Telegraph, May 6, 1846

Suddenly, in Sherburne, Chenango county, N.Y. on the 19th ult. by the rupture of a blood vessel, Mrs. Fanny Chipman, aged 26 years.  For more than ten years, Mrs. Chipman had been an esteemed member of the Congregational Church in this place.  Her death, though sudden and unexpected by herself and relatives, did not find her unprepared.  In her last moments, she expressed her confidence in the Saviour, and her resignation to his holy and divine will and we doubt not rests in the bosom of him in whom she had believed.  In Mrs. Chipman's death, her relatives, and especially her family, have sustained an irreparable loss.  She has left a deeply afflicted husband and three small children to mourn their sudden and unexpected bereavement.  But they mourn, not as for one without hope--"For the righteous hath hope under death."  "There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God."

Charles W. Babcock

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, August 31, 1887

In its appropriate place in this issue will be found the announcement of the death of Charles W. Babcock at Hudson, Ohio, on the first of August.  Mr. B. was well known in this county being a native of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] and a former resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], having been a member of the well known hardware firm of Weller, Haynes and Babcock.  He was afterwards in business in Sherburne as a druggist.  Several years ago he went West and practiced medicine in various towns in Ohio until December last, when he received a stroke of paralysis, which disabled him, and a second attack on the day of his death which was quite sudden.  He was educated in the Homer Academy and at Hamilton College, but had to leave the latter before graduating, on account of ill health.  He leaves a widow and son and two daughters, children by his first wife, who was a Miss Custman, of Sherburne.  He was a member of the Episcopal Chruch and while here, as elsewhere he was foremost in every endeavor for the upbuilding of the church and community in which he lived.  He was a brother of Mrs. B.F. Rexford, for many years a well known and highly respected resident of this village.  He had the respect and confidence of all who knew him, and his old friends in Chenango will hear of his death with regret.

Mary O'Brien

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, August 31, 1887

Mrs. Mary O'Brien, wife of Timothy O'Brien, died at her home in the Quarter August 20th, 1887.  She was born near the city of Cork Ireland December 21st, 1812, and was therefore in the 75th year of her age at the time of her death. She, with her husband came to Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] some forty-five years ago.  Being possessed of a kind heart she was highly esteemed by her friends and neighbors.  A husband and seven children survive her. The funeral was largely attended form St. Malachai Chruch, Monday, Rev Father Hammet officiating. Besides her own town's people of all denominations, there were present to attend the funeral Hon. John O'Brien, Buffalo, Mrs. Patrick Smith, Mrs. Jonah May and daughter and Miss Hannah O'Brien of little Falls, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Folsey and daughter of Utica, and friends from Cortland and Norwich.  One beautiful feature of the services was four of her sons and two of her nephews acting as bearers.

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, April 15, 1846

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th instant, Mrs. Mary Rexford, mother of B.F. Rexford of this village, aged 65 years.

Chenango Telegraph, April 29, 1846

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st instant, Mrs. Betsey Brooks (wife of Calvin Brooks) an exemplary and much respected member of the Baptist Church in Preston, aged 61 years.

In Rochester [Monroe Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Hannah Jane [Van Ingon], wife of Rev. John V. Van Ingen, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] and daughter of Z. Trowbridge, Esq., aged 32 years.

Chenango Telegraph, May 20, 1846

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mr. Eli Webb, aged about 65 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Martin Dodge, Esq., aged 51 years.

In Hartwick, Otsego county, on the 3d inst., Rev. Nathan Bundy, formerly of Oxford, aged 38 years.

More Queer Epitaphs

Queer Epitaphs

Mortuary Literature Out of the Ordinary Run

Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, August 8, 1891

This one is found in an Irish graveyard:

Erected to the memory of John Phillips,

accidentally shot as a mark of affection by his brother.

In the Llangollen churchyard, North Wales, the tomb of Morris and Catherine jones is inscribed:

Our life is but a winter's day,

Some breakfast and away.

Others to dinner stay and are well fed.

The oldest man sups and goes to bed;

Large is his debt who lingers out the day,

Who goes the soonest has the least to pay.

Ann Jennings was a sturdy English woman, and this is what the Jennings folks of later generations read:

Some have children, some have none;

Here lies the mother of twenty-one.

But for an Irish pun, this is really a grave offence:

Here lie the remains of John Hall, grocer

The world is not worth a fig, and I have good raisons for saying so.

Poet Laureate Skelton had this written at Queen Elizabet's death; it is seen at St. Mary-le-bow.

Fame, blow aloud, and to the world proclaim

There never ruled such a royal dame;

The Word of God was ever her delight,

In it she meditated day and night.

Spain's rod, Rome's ruin, Netherland's relief,

Earth's joy, England's gem, world's wonder, nature's chief.

She was and is, what can there more be said?

On earth the chief, in Heav'n the second maid.

Benjamin Franklin's body was buried beside his wife's in Christ Churchyard Philadelphia.  He wrote this epitaph for  himself when he was twenty-three years old:

The body of Benjamin Franklin, printer (Like the cover of an old Book its contents torn out, and stripped of its lettering and gildings) Lies here, food for worms.

Yet the work itself shall not be lost,  For it will, as he believed, appear once more, in a new and more beautiful edition, corrected and amended by the author.

This tells the story of a brewer:

Poor John Scott lies buried here,

Tho' once he had both hale and stout,

Death stretched him on his bitter bier,

In another World he hops about.

The Duke of Norfolk in Richard Sheridan' time was a great whist player, and upon his death Sheridan wrote:

Here lies England's premier baron

Patiently awaiting the last trump.

A Dunkirk family ordered the inscription, "Let her rest in peace," upon the tomb of one recently departed.  But the lettering artist found that he did not have room for the entire sentence so he abbreviated in this manner:  "Let her r.i.p."

This is the kind of funeral literature they used to use in California:

Here lies the body of Jeemes Humbrick, who was accidentally shot on the bank of the Pacus River by a young man.  He was accidentally shot with one of the large Colt's revolvers with no stopper for the cock to rest on.  It was one of the old-fashioned kind--brass mounted. And of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Thomas Smith was a sculptor and a keen business man.  He cut this in his wife's tomb:

Here lies Jane Smith, wife of Thomas Smith, marble cutter. This monument was erected by her husband as a tribute to her memory and a specimen of his work.  Monuments of the same style, $250.

This illogical jingle comes from Cornwall, England:

Father and mother and I

Lie buried here asunder;

Father and mother lie buried here,

And I lie buried off yonder.

There seems to be very little doubt about Robt. C. Wright's death.  He was killed near Appomattox Court House, Va.:

Robt. C. Wright

Was Born June 26th, 1772

Died July 2, 1815

By the bloodthirsty hand of John Sweeney, Sr., who was massacre with the Nife, then a London Gun discharge a ball penetrate the Heart, which gave the immortal wound.

This lay is dedicated to a suicide:

He never won immortal fame

Nor conquered earthly ills,

Yet men weep for him all the same--

He always paid his bills.

Henry Wang was born near Philadelphia, December 31, 1829, and becoming discouraged with his surroundings, he lived only half an hour.  John Wang, his father, wrote:

A short-lived joy

Was our little boy;

He has gone on high,

So don't cry.

The Rev. Michael McCullock, D.D., of Bothwell (1767-1801), wanted his friend, the Rev. Thomas Brisbane, of Dunlop, to write his epitaph.  This is what he got:

Here lies interred beneath this sod

That sycophantish man of God.

Who taught an easy way to heaven,

Which to the rich was always given;

If he gets in he'll look and start

To find some one he put there.

This statement is unverified:

She was married twenty-four years, and in all that time never once banged the door.

The following mark of esteem is an terse as it is ambiguous.  It is found in Grafton, Vt.:

Obituaries (February 15)

Judson Burton
died January 1, 1896

Tuesday morning, Judson Burton of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], passed away after a brief illness of pneumonia.  He was about 32 years of age and leaves a wife and three small children.  The funeral will be held today at 1 o'clock in the Episcopal church, Guilford.

Annie (Kimble) West
March 4, 1843 - April 22, 1907

Mrs. West's remains were brought to her old home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., ,NY], Tuesday evening of last week, her two daughters, Mrs. William Bennett of Rochester, and Mrs. Charles J. Clark of Utica and the son, Francis R. West accompanying them.  Funeral services were held at the home, Wednesday, at noon, conducted by the Rev. W.A. Carrington, when the body was taken by train to Waymart, Pa., for interment beside her husband.  Besides her three children, Mrs. West is survived by two sisters, Mrs. George C. Brown and Miss Emma Kimble, and one brother, W.D. Kimble, all of Hoadley, Pa.

Emily M.P. White
September 25, 1836 - February 15, 1898

A wide circle of friends will be pained to know that Mrs. George White of Meadow street passed from earth at an early hour this morning.  She had been suffering for some time, but neither she nor her family apprehended a fatal termination.  Since Sunday, however, she grew rapidly worse and was unconscious for many hours before death.  Emily M.P. White was born Sept. 25, 1836 in Ohio.  She graduated after a full course of study at the Western Female Seminary at Oxford, Ohio.  In 1860 she was married to Peter R. Putnam.  Of this union Abbott and Israel were born and both survive her.  Her marriage to George White occurred August 1, 1866.  Two sons, George Jr., and Peter R. White, remain to mourn the departure of their mother.  Her husband, George White, has been well known in this community for many years. The sympathy of all will be extended to him in his great sorrow.  Mrs. White was a woman of marked individuality.  She was a devoted Christian, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a teacher in the Sunday school and for many years was a leader of a ladies' class which met at the church every week. She was also a member of the Saturday Bible class, which held its meeting last Saturday at her house.  She was a zealous worker in every department of life and her death will be sadly deplored.  [Buried Forest View Cemetery, Winsted, CT]

Frances Elizabeth Willard
September 28, 1839 - February 17, 1898

Miss Frances E. Willard, the president of the World's and National Woman's Christian Temperance union, who has been suffering from a attack of influenza with complications, died shortly after midnight, February 16th.  She had been ill for about three weeks. She had the best medical care and treatment that could given, but in spite of all efforts, grew worse gradually until her demise.  Frances Elizabeth Willard was born in Churchville, N.Y., September 28, 1839.  In 1859 she was graduated from North Western Female college, Evanstown, Ill.  In 1862 became professor of natural science in that institution, and was principal of Genesee Wesleyan seminary in 1866-'67.  She identified herself with the Woman's Christian Temperance union in 1874, serving for five years as corresponding secretary of the National organization. She was elected president of the union in 1879.  She was made president of the international council of women in 1888, and of the World's Christian Temperance union, of which she was the founder five years before.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, November 15, 1894

HUNTING:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 7, 1894, Mr. Ivon R. Hunting, aged 23 years.

HILL:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 9, 1894, Cora A. [Hill], only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George H. Hill, aged 18 years, 10 months, 21 days.

BOWEN:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 3, 1894, Mrs. Asteay Bowen, aged 86 years.

BRYANT:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 30, 1894, Mr. Orris W. Bryant, aged 54 years.

BARTOO:  In Brisbin [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 6, 1895, Mr. Hiram Bartoo, age 76 years.

LAMPMAN:  in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 30, 1896, Mrs. Henry Lampman, aged 72 years.

Obituaries (February 14)

Julia Eliza Olney

Chenango Telegraph, January 22, 1845

In the town of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Miss Julia Eliza Olney, daughter of Anthony Olney, Esq., in the 20th year of her age.  She was a young lady possessing fine natural and acquired abilities, with an amiableness of disposition and general courtesy, which won for her the esteem and affection of all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. As she had lived so she died--at peace with the world and resigned to the will of Heaven.  Her long and painful illness she bore with Christian fortitude, and a meekness seldom exhibitd in one so young.  She died a firm believer in Universal Salvation--meeting her dissolution with perfect composure and with the full assurance of a life of happiness beyond the grave.

Asa Willey

Chenango Union, December 31, 1885

Mr. Asa Willey died at his home in this village [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY] and was buried on the 26th, at Yaleville.  Mr. Willey was about sixty-eight years old, and until a few years since had resided upon his farm three miles west of our village.  With his father, who was one of the early pioneers of our vicinity, he helped clear and improve this farm, making it one of the most desirable in our section  After his father's death he became its owner, extending improvements and otherwise superintending its management till his death.  In his death, the community have lost an honest, conscientious friend and neighbor.  He leaves a widow, brother and sister.

Eugene E. Williamson

Chenango Union, June 18, 1885

Eugene E. Williamson, a farmer of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], thirty-five years of age, was cutting a large hemlock in the woods on his farm last Thursday morning, and as the tree fell it lodged against another tree.  Another tree was then felled against the lodged tree to throw it to the ground.  He ran to get out of the way, and had thrown one leg over a log when the falling tree swung round and fell upon his other leg just below the knee and crushed it to atoms.  He was carried to his house on a board by his hired man, and was in such pain that he begged them to shoot him. The injured limb was amputated during the afternoon above the knee, but he was so seriously injured that he died at about eight o'clock the same evening.  He was a young man in prosperous circumstances, and occupied the old homestead of his father, William Williamson, who resided in this village with his invalid wife, the deceased being their only child. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, was very largely attended, and was conducted by Eastern light lodge, F.&A.M. of which deceased was a member. Deceased leaves a wife and one child.

Ann Vernette (Maydole) Martin

Chenango Union, June 25, 1885

On Saturday last after a lingering illness, Mrs. Ann Vernette, wife of Cyrus B. Martin Esq., passed away.  Although not unexpected, her death was a shock to the entire community, by whom she was respected and loved. There had been a slight improvement in her condition for a few days previous to her death, and hopes were entertained that she might ultimately recover, but these hopes were delusive, and her death was unexpectedly sudden.  Mrs. Martin was born in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 18th of June 1833.  She was the daughter of the late David Maydole.  In 1858 she was married to Cyrus B. Martin, and in 1861, they removed to Newburg, where they resided until 1877, when they returned to Norwich.  Her life has been devoted to the care of her interesting family and to  acts of unostentatious benevolence.  Having a large property, she was enabled to bestow her charities with a liberal hand, and the poor of this community will ever remember her liberality. She was a member of the Congregational Chruch, an earnest Christian and a loving wife and mother.  No words of comfort can mitigate the sorrows of the bereaved family and friends. The funeral was largely attended at the family residence Tuesday afternoon, the services being conducted by Rev. A.G. Upton and Rev. Samuel Scoville, who was in town at the time.

Jerusha Matthewson

Chenango Union, December 20, 1894

Mrs. Jerusha Matthewson died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charlton Phillips on the Guilford road, Friday morning last. She was born in May, 1807, and was remarkable as being one of the twin sisters who had attained to a greater age than any other living twin sisters in this part of the State.  The surviving sister is Mrs. Peter Dingman, who  now resides in Smithville in comparatively good health. She was born in this town and most of her life resided in this vicinity, later years she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Miller, at East Guilford. The burial was in the Godfrey cemetery [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY] by the side of her husband, who died several years since--Gilbertsville Journal.

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, January 22, 1845

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday inst., Mr. Caleb Thompson, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 83 years.

Chenango Telegraph, February 26, 1845

In this town, on Sunday the 16th inst., Calvin [Wheeler], son of Jedediah R. and Delia B Wheeler, aged two years and five months.

At Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], on Wednesday, the 19th inst., Robert Calley Gilbert, in the 17th year of his age.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Mrs. Phebe Ann Garner, wife of Abram Garner, aged 26 years.