Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 30, 1877
Marriages
ANGEL - SYMONDS: In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], August 23d, by Rev. W.R. BaldwCn, Mr. Charles Angel to Miss Sarah Frances Symonds, both of South Oxford.
WILLIAMS - JONES: In Oneida [Madison Co. NY], August 18th, by Rev. L.B. Wells, Mr. William Williams to Mrs. Mary Jones, both of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY].
BARBER - CATLIN: In Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY], August 9th, by Rev. B.L. Lawton, Mr. Freeburn Barber of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] to Mrs. Clarissa Catlin, of Lincklaen.
Deaths
ENSWORTH: In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 25th, Mr. Hezekiah Ensworth aged 41 years. His remains were taken to Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] for burial.
HOLL: In LIncklaen [Chenango Co. NY], August 12th, Jessie F. [Holl], son of Fred G. and H. Abbie Holl, aged 10 months.
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LOOMIS: In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 28th, Mr. James P. Loomis, aged 68 years. Funeral services will be held at his late residence on South Broad Street, Thursday at 2 o'clock P.M.
James P. Loomis, an old and respected resident of this village, expired at his home on Tuesday afternoon last, and the circumstances attending his death are peculiarly sad.
For some three months past, Mr. Loomis had been very low spirited - it might be said insane - his troubles being caused principally by pecuniary embarrassments. For the past ten days he has persistently refused to partake of nourishment of any kind, insisting that his friends were attempting to poison him. On Saturday last, a commission consisting of Drs. Bellows and Stuart, appointed by Judge Prindle to examine him as to his sanity, made the examination, and reported him insane and it was the intention to remove him to the Asylum at Utica on Monday morning, but at that time his health and strength had so rapidly failed that it was thought best not to attempt his removal. The unfortunate man lingered in an unconscious state until about five o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, when death ended his sufferings.
Deceased was a quiet, unassuming man who enjoyed the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens. He leaves a widow two sons and a daughter surviving him, who have the sympathies of the community in their bereavement. Other members of his father's family have, we learn, given unmistakable evidence of insanity.
Funeral services will be held at his late residence on South Broad Street, this (Thursday) afternoon, at two o'clock.
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MILLIKEN: Suddenly, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 27th, Rovilla [Milliken] wife of J.L. Milliken of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], aged 51 years.
Mrs. Rovilla Milliken, wife of John L. Milliken of Sherburne came to her death in this village at an early hour on Monday morning last, under the following circumstances:
Deceased, with her husband, came to this place on Friday, for the purpose of attending the Free Baptist Quarterly Meeting, stopping with the family of Stephen L. Avery, where Rev. H.G. Meeker, a brother-in-law, has for some time past been staying. While partaking of some peaches, after dinner on Saturday, Mrs. Milliken accidently sucked a pit into her throat, where it became lodged, causing much pain and obstructing her breathing. Dr. Bellows was at once called and finding that the pit was beyond the reach of forceps, he decided that the only means of relief was to force the obstruction down the esophagus into the stomach. This he attempted to do, and as he believed with success, as the probe passed freely into the stomach, and the patient drank without difficult part of a glass of water. Later in the afternoon, Mrs. Milliken, accompanied by her husband, called at the Doctor's office and expressed some anxiety as to the location of the pit, as there were unpleasant sensations about the throat. While the Doctor still believed the obstruction had passed into the stomach, he suggested another investigation with the probe, to which the lady dissented, as the throat was considerably irritated. With the request from the Doctor that he might be informed should unfavorable symptoms appear, the parties left. About five o'clock on Sunday evening, Mr. Milliken called again at the office of Dr. Bellows and stated that his wife was not feeling well, asking him to call during the evening; when the Doctor at once proceeded to visit her, and found upon examination that she was past hope, and probably would not survive during the night, and so informed the friends. At a late hour he again called, and found his impressions confirmed, as the patient was rapidly sinking. At half-past one o'clock on Monday morning she died, the last symptoms resembling those of croup. Drs. Bellows and Brooks made an examination after her death, when the stone, a large and sharp pointed one, was found embedded in one side of the esophagus, enclosed in a sack, just below the "Adam's apple."
Mrs. Milliken was a daughter of the late Eli Rowland, Sr., of Sherburne, and resided on what is known as the East Hill in that town. She is spoken of as a most estimable Christian woman, and her loss will be mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends. Two sisters have died suddenly before her. The funeral was attended in Sherburne on Tuesday. Her age was fifty-one years.
News Items
Family Reunion
A correspondent of the Oneida Union gives a pleasant account of the reunion of the Westcott family in West Eaton, Madison County [NY] which took place on the 15th inst. Dr. J.J. Wescott and family, Dr. H.J. Wescott and wife, C.G. Lee and wife and L.M. Dalton of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], participated. We extract the following from the article referred to.
"One of the most pleasant and agreeable entertainments that it was ever our privilege to enjoy, occurred on Wednesday the 15th inst. In the beautiful grove owned by Sylvester Wescott, one mile west of this place. The object of the entertainment was a reunion of the Wescott family, or the calling together of the numerous descendants of the different families bearing that name, who formerly resided in the western part of this town and in the eastern part of Nelson [Madison Co. NY], many of whom are in other parts of the country, although quite a number of them still reside in this vicinity and are some of our most substantial farmers. It is well known that the Westcotts are somewhat noted for geniality and good humor, accompanied with a good supply of ready wit, which makes their society cheerful and pleasant. This being the case and as they extended a general invitation for all to attend the Westcott picnic, it is not at all surprising that nearly everybody and his wife were there. The crowd was estimated at from 600 to 800. The opening address was delivered by Luther Wellington, Esq. of this place, who was followed by Dr. W.M. Carpenter, of Erieville, and L.M. Dalton of Norwich, N.Y. and later in the day, some very timely remarks were made by Revs. T.F. Clark and W.F. Quincey of this place. The services of the Peterboro Silver Cornet Band were secured for the occasion, which added much to the festivities by discoursing some of its best music, which was well received and appreciated by all present. Copley's martial bank of this place was also on hand and performed its parts of the program in a manner satisfactory to all. But what interested oneself more than anything else was the endless variety of good things prepared with special reference to the internal requirements of those composing that hungry crowd and if we ever obeyed the divine command of doing with "our might, what our hands find to do" it was then and there. A table was prepared that would accommodate one hundred persons and as fast as one set were satisfied another set took their places until all were fed. Dr. J.J. Wescott and family, of Norwich, were present, and it is safe to presume that the Dr. has lost none of his former taste for social enjoyment, for no one seemed better pleased with the exercises or extended a more cordial greeting to old friends than he did. He is a right companionable fellow and has hosts of friends in his native town. At 4 P.M. the crowd began to disperse.
On the following day, the Wescott family proper, with their descendants numbering nearly one hundred, assembled at the residence of Sylvester Wescott, the old homestead, where the day was pleasantly passed, and the occasion was one not soon to be forgotten. The gold-fashioned game of baseball was heartily enjoyed by the gentlemen while croquet and other games amused the ladies of the party, not omitting to mention the bountiful repast prepared by them, to which ample justice was done by those present.
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On the 5th of September, a monument is to be erected in the South Otselic cemetery [Chenango Co. NY] by South Otselic Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, in memory of S.A. Cook, late Senior Warden. The ceremony of unveiling and dedicating the monument will take place at 2 o'clock. Col. E.J. Loomis, 33 of this village has been deputized by the Grand Master of Masons of the State of New York to represent the Grand lodge on the occasion and perform the ceremonies and by the unanimous request of South Otselic Lodge, he will deliver an address upon "Masonry - Its Missions, What it Teaches, Its Relations to the Church and Its Adherence to the Scriptures." Arthur M. Preston of Lincklaen will deliver an address upon "The life and Masonic Record" of the deceased brother. Several lodges are to be present from Chenango and adjoining Counties. Norwich Commandery, No. 46, Knights Templar, will be present and act as escort to the representative of the Grand Lodge and the various organizations present. A special train will be provided for the Commandery by Superintendent Lamphere, Captain General, at reduced fare, leaving Norwich in the morning and returning in the evening. Conveyances will be provided by South Otselic Lodge, to take the knights from the station to South Otselic village. A banquet will be given by the resident Lodge to the Commandery and master of ceremonies and all visiting brethren. Preparations are being made on a grand scale for the occasion and probably, if the day is favorable, there will be a larger turnout than has been in South Otselic for many years. The Otselic Band with other organizations will furnish music.
The monument is constructed of Southerland Falls marble, the best in America for monumental use. Next to a limestone foundation there is a marble base two feet square by eight inches in thickness. Die two feet three by one foot six inches, with moulding on top in place of caps. Shaft six feet. On the face in inscribed: "Steward A. Cook, Died February 1, 1876, aged 24 years, 8 months and 4 days." On the left side: "Erected by South Otselic Lodge no. 659, F.&A.M." On the right "Elected Senior Warden of South Otselic Lodge no. 659, F.&A.M. Dec. 25, 1875." The work was executed by Henry M. Ashcraft of this village.
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Following is from the publication Valley View Cemetery, South Otselic, New York, by Sharon M. Donahe, published in Norwich, NY, 2015, pp124/5.
Cook,
Steward A., Section 2, #311
1876:
Lincklaen: Steward A. Cook is
lying at his father’s in the south part of the town dangerously ill with the
typhoid fever. Physicians say the
disease was engendered by excessive study, and the arduous duties of
teaching. [Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, Feb. 3, 1876]
COOK:
In Lincklaen, Feb. 1st, Mr. Steward A. Cook, aged 24 years, 8
months and 4 days.
Lincklaen:
It is with sorrow that we announce the death of Steward Cook who was
noticed last week as being dangerously ill.
As one who has been for some time personally and intimately acquainted
with Mr. Cook, we feel justified in saying there was no young man of our town
more highly esteemed or universally beloved.
Having been associated with him in the school room, in business
relations, and in social intercourse—places where the daily life and habits of
man are to be the best seen and studied—we learned to respect and love him as a
brother; and while we extend to the relatives of the deceased, in behalf of the
entire community, our heartfelt sympathy in this great bereavement, we also
wish with them, to mourn his loss—to drop the silent tear upon his tomb. His body was buried with Masonic honors on
Thursday, South Otselic Lodge, of which he was a prominent member, taking
charge of the ceremonies. [Chenango
Union, Norwich, NY, Feb. 10, 1876]
Solemnly struck the funeral knell, that has
just been wafting on the gentle breeze and we are in deep mourning. The bright spirit of our young and beloved
friend, Steward A. Cook has been taken in the pride of his manhood and borne
to the higher realms of eternity. He had
been employed to teach the winter term of the public school at South
Otselic. Being self-reliant, he not only
honorably acquitted himself in all the arduous duties of a successful
pedagogue, but in addition took up studies for his own benefit. This additional work over-taxed his brain and
persevering energies. For eight weeks he
had withstood the over burdening pressure, but reluctantly yielded to the fatal
consequence. On Friday the –th ult., he
left his little family group of seventy and returned to his father’s house, to
seek a relief from the dangerous ills that beset him. Skillful medical aid, and the kind, punctual
care and constant attention of his ardent friends and endearing relatives,
wholly subdued the burning fever, and all apparent and visible difficulty was
removed; so that the attending physician decided his presence unnecessary, and every
danger dispelled. When all these
alarming symptoms had been conquered, and all hope regenerated, he evidently
was comfortably convalescent. But the great
terrors, which finally decided his fate, had not yet come. Among the living, we know not the fatal hour
or the moment that awaits us. When all
is peace, joy and harmony around us, we are summoned, in the twinkle of the
eye, and snatched from our earthly moorings.
He had arisen in the morning of his fated day, sensibly refreshed from
his nightly slumber; was cheerful, conversant and happy, throughout the forenoon;
was able to partake of the dainty refreshments prepared for him at mid-day; had
returned to his bed-chamber for a little rest, where the messenger of death was
in waiting with shining weapon, for the fulfillment of his mission. He divested himself of clothing in a few moments and had reclined easily upon his couch; in a moment more he was
seized, and all the endearing ties that bound him to earth were severed. The sad news came like a thunderbolt from the
heavens in a clear sky, with crushing effect upon his friends, and devastating
the hearts of his relatives. He was the
second child of Alvin L. Cook, of Lincklaen; was born the 27th of May 1851, in said town; was twenty-four years, eight months and four days old
on the first day of February inst., the day of his death. Of late, in the great search for knowledge,
he had applied himself to the unprecedented task of spelling and giving the
definition of all the words in Webster’s Abridged Dictionary; had succeeded as
far as to the letter S. His affable
manner and courteous disposition, commensurate to his higher sensibilities,
pre-requisite to a welcome of admission into the higher walks of society,
guarded and safely protected his noble bearing in all the responsible duties,
wherever he was called, or whatever position he held. By nature, he was abundantly stored with
self-reliance and perseverance, consequently, was inured both to physical labor
and intellectual work. In the
development of these, the evidence was remarkable in his every act and deed.
The superior moral, intellectual and scientific qualifications added to his
noble attributes, were a sufficient guarantee to a future field of earthly
usefulness. But alas! He must yield to
the fiat of a Power that knows no resistance.
He was initiated into the fraternity of Masons, March 15th,
1873, in the twenty-first year of his age; was elected S.D. December 20th,
same year; and elected J.W. [Junior Warden], December 26th, 1874; and elected S.W. [Senior Warden],
December 25th, 1875. Since
the organization of the Lodge at this place, no member ever has made such rapid
strides of advancement in securing a thorough knowledge of the important work,
as did Mr. Cook. His election to the
highest gift of the order, save one, is prima
facia evidence of his superior powers.
In many instances he nobly filled the highest office, in the Master’s
absence. His remains were interred,
February 3d, 1876 in the cemetery at South Otselic, under the auspices of his
brethren, with the badge of mourning properly adjusted, and in conjunction with
the relatives and other friends. As he
ever labored in this life, for the light of intelligence, so may his bright
spirit pass through the pearly gates into an eternal paradise, there to learn
the great signs and wonders in the broad immensity of the heavenly worlds, and
ever continue to seek further light, in the approach of the Grand Master of the
unbounded Universe. [Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, Feb.17, 1876]
