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These Obituaries and other newspaper items on this page are from guest submissions |
QS p.23
SMITH - Mrs. Elvira Wood - Death of an aged resident of Gaines Township -
Marshfield, March 30 - There died at the home of her son, J. H. Wood, of this
place, on March 26, 1894, Mrs. Elvira Wood, aged 82 years lacking eight days.
Mrs. Wood was born in New Haven county, Conn., but removed to Chenango county,
NY, where she lived with her parents some years, and subsequently removed to
this county more than sixty years ago. She encountered many of the hardships and
privations incident to pioneer life in the wilds of Tioga county at that early
day. Mrs. Wood was a sister of the writer of this note, and perhaps it is worthy
of record that death has no9t claimed any of the children of my father’s family
before since August 8, 1857. I was then twenty-two years of age, and my brothers
and sisters - there were six of us at that time - ranged in age from 8 to 25
years older than myself, yet we lived an unbroken circle for almost thirty-seven
years. -- O. A. Smith
QS p.28
SMITH - Mrs. Eliza Lomanda Dickinson - Oldest Woman in Middlebury Stricken
with Paralysis - Mrs. Eliza Lomanda Dickinson, widow of the late Nathaniel
Dickinson, of Middlebury, died at the home of her son, John J. Dickinson, in
Wellsboro, April 5 (1914), in her 95th year. She was the daughter of the late
David and Lomanda Smith, of Gaines, and was born in Hartford, Conn., Jan. 2,
1819, where she was educated. She removed with her parents to the township of
Coventry, Chenango county, NY in 1832 and thence to Tioga county in 1835. She
taught school in Charleston and Middlebury townships several years. She was
married to Nathaniel Dickinson May 4, 1842, and started house-keeping in a
little log house in the woods, which they cleared away and made a fine farm
home, where she lived more than seventy years, until a few weeks before her
death. She had five children, three of whom survive her - Geo. W. Dickinson of
Middlebury; John J. of Wellsboro, and Delia, wife of A. E. Hackett of Smethport,
McKean county, all of whom were at her bedside when the end came. She was
possessed of great intellectual and moral, as well as physical force. During the
last fifty years of her life she had called a physician but once, and that was
to treat a broken wrist caused by a fall on the ice. Her grandfather, David
Smith, 2nd, was a corporal in the Revolutionary war, serving under Israel
Putnam. Her great-grandfather David Smith, was a lieutenant in the Colonial
wars. Her fourth grandfather was Thomas Smith, who came from England in 1633 in
the ship “Hector”, in company with the great divine John Davenport, settling in
what is now New Haven, Conn. Mrs. Dickinson was a sister of the late O. A. Smith
of Gaines. Her general health had been unusually good for the past six months.
She had devoted much of her time of late in reading and writing and visiting.
The last morning she was the first to arise and was eating breakfast when the
shock came.
QS p.40
KLEINHAUS - Hannah Smith - Well-Known Resident of Gaines Township Died April
25 - Mrs. Smith died at the home of her son, Marshall M. Smith, at Gaines, April
25, 1919. She was the widow of Octavius A. Smith, who died April 12, 1913. The
funeral was held at the Baptist church at Marshlands, where she was a member for
more than fifty years, and where she had been an earnest and devoted worker. Her
exceptional interest in all which goes to make life better, for the uplift of
the community and for the advance and spread of Christianity at home and abroad
was evidenced by the presence at the funeral of nearly all the people for miles
around. She was almost invariably called “Aunt Hannah” by all who knew her,
which was simply an outward expression of the love and admiration bestowed upon
her. Mrs. Smith was born in Hanover, Germany, Feb. 3, 1840. Her father, a man
who was well read, early discovered that to live and enjoy the blessings
afforded by a democratic form of government was preferable to living under
German autocracy, and came to America with his family when “Aunt Hannah” was
eight years old, landing at Boston and settling at Plymouth, Mass. He later
moved to Germania, Potter county, and took up land where he cleared a farm,
lived and died. The whole family have remained from that time to this
steadfastly 100 per cent American. Mrs. Smith taught school for some time after
coming to Germania. She was married to Octavius A. Smith, of Gaines, May 26,
1863. Mr. and Mrs. Smith settled on the farm which Mr. Smith had previously
taken up in the forest, as one of the pioneers on Elk Run, Gaines township. To
them were born two children, Marshall M. Smith of Gaines and Mrs. W. O. Robinson
of East Orange, NJ, both of whom survive, together with two grandsons and two
granddaughters, one great-grandson and one sister, who with a host of more
distant relatives mourn her departure.
QS p. 49
Wellsboro Cemetery
SMITH - Mr. Orris C. Smith, aged 52, a life-long resident of Charleston
township, died about 10 o’clock last Wednesday (written on obit, 22 Feb. 1905)
evening in Elmira, where he had been visiting relatives since October last. He
is survived by his wife, nee Ella Smith, his brother, Rev. M. G. Smith of
Painted Post, NY, and his sister, Mrs. George H. Smith, of this borough. The
remains were brought here Thursday morning and funeral services were held at 2
o’clock Saturday afternoon at the home of his sister. Rev. L. M. Gates, pastor
of the East Charleston Baptist church, of which the deceased was a devoted
member, officiating. Mr. Smith was a Republican in politics and a former by
occupation. He was a patriotic, public-spirited and substantial citizen.
Six brothers-in-law of the deceased acted as pall-bearers: Messrs. D. C. of this
borough (Wellsboro); L. M. of Elmira; E. H. of Galeton, and R. B., W. B. and C.
D. Smith of Gaines. Burial in the Wellsboro cemetery.
QS - p.49a (parents of Orris C. Smith)
SMITH - James E. Smith - A Good Man and a Well-known Charleston Farmer died
- Last Wednesday evening (14 Nov. 1888) Mr. James E. Smith died at the home of
his son-in-law, George H. Smith, on Nichols street in this borough, after a
sickness of about five weeks with intermittent fever. Mr. Smith was born in
Delaware county, NY in September 1826. When he was about two years old his
father moved to this county and settled in Charleston township. When he was a
young man Mr. Smith purchased a farm at East Charleston where he spent the
greater part of his life. About a year ago he gave up the management of the
place to one of his sons. The funeral was held at the Dartt Settlement church
last Friday, the services being conducted by Rev. H. M. Wolf, Jr., assisted by
Rev. Mr. Mather. The remains were interred in the new cemetery at that place.
Mr. Smith was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and he leaves the
record of a pure and well-spent life. His wife, two sons and one daughter
survive him.
QS- p.49a bio sketch with picture
Savona, Mar. 4, (1927) - Mrs. Maria Smith Wetmore quietly celebrated her
93rd birthday at the home of her son, M. G. Smith, here yesterday. In the
picture are Mrs. Wetmore; her son, M. G. Smith, aged 71; Owen S. Smith, 47;
Raymond M. Smith deceased and “Buddy” Smith aged four years. Mrs. Wetmore was
born Mar. 3, 1834, the eldest daughter of the late Justis Marshall and Clarinda
Dartt Marshall of Charleston, Tioga County, Pa. At the age of 16, she married
James E. Smith of Charleston. Three children were born, Orris, who died Feb. 22,
1905; Marshall G. Smith of Savona and Emma J., who died Nov. 21, 1926. Mr. Smith
died Nov. 14, 1888 while in Aug. 7, 1895, she married Julius Wetmore, also of
Charleston, who died in 1905. Since the death of Mr. Wetmore, she made home with
her daughter until the latter’s death when she came here to reside with her son.
Mrs. Wetmore has a brother, C. F. Dartt, 85 and a sister, Harriett Hilboldt, 83,
both of Wellsboro. Seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one
great-great grandchild are about her in these advanced years of her life. Mrs.
Wetmore is able to read with the aid of a glass and keep thoroughly informed
with current events. She is well versed in religious and missionary history.
This picture was taken four years ago. The grandson is Owen S. Smith while
the great-grandchild is Raymond M. Smith who met death in a motor accident more
than a year ago. The great-great grandchild is Raymond Smith. All are of
Wellsboro.
QS p. 50a
MATHEWS - Robert E. Mathews - Salisbury Center - Aged 80, of 117 State
Highway 29A, Salisbury Center, died Thursday evening Feb. 4, 1999, at the Folt’s
Home in Herkimer, where he had been a resident since October 1998. Robert was
born in the town of New Hartford on March 9, 1918, the son of the late Earl and
Mae Waghorn Mathews. He received his education in Chadwicks High School,
graduating from there in 1936. He continued his education by attending the
Morrisville Technical College, graduating from there with an associate’s degree
in automotive technology. His marriage to the former Hazel Smith took place on
Nov. 26, 1948 in Herkimer. At one time, Robert was employed as a mechanic for
the town of Salisbury, and the village of Dolgeville. His last employment was
with the town of Manheim as a heavy machine mechanic, retiring from there in
1980. Upon his retirement, he opened the Country Woodcraft Woodworking Shop at
his home in Salisbury Center. He operated this for 18 years, retiring from this
due to ill health. He was a member of the Salisbury Center Grange, and a former
member of the Salisbury Fire Department. Surviving him are his wife, Hazel of 50
years; a son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Leona Mathews, Dolgeville; a
daughter, Diane L. Mathews of Salisbury Center; a grandson, Ryan and a
granddaughter, Crystal. Graveside services will be held in the Salisbury Rural
Cemetery, town of Salisbury, later in the spring. There are no calling hours.
QS p.55
BREWSTER - Mrs. Edith Brewster Smith was called home Jan. 19, 1908. Mrs.
Smith had not been real well all s\winter, yet no one thought the end was near.
She had a hard cold that developed in pneumonia. Friday night Dr. Howland was
called, and all that loving hands could do was done. Her husband, Roy Smith,
scarcely left her bedside; council was held, but nothing seemed possible, and
Sunday about 1 o’clock her spirit took its flight and Edith was “safe in the
arms of Jesus.” There is much we might say if space would permit. She was a true
wife and mother, a member of the Free Baptist church of Marshlands, Pa., where
her home was. Truly it can be said of her “she seeketh wool and flax and worketh
willing with her hands.” Her hands were never idle, not much for herself; her
life was a life of sacrifice for others. We often wonder why God’s ways are
thus, to take from a home one so much needed and so young, only thirty-nine
years old and life’s work ended. God’s way are not our ways, although the home
will miss her; the church, the Aid Society, the community, will all miss her,
and no one can ever fill Edith’s place, yet heaven rejoices and angels sing at
her home going. The needs of the sick and poor were met by her. Yes, our loss is
heaven’s gain. The funeral was held at her home Wednesday, Jan. 22, conducted by
her pastor, Rev. L. L. McLain. She leaves to mourn her loss a husband and two
sons, beside a mother, sister and brother, a host of relatives and friends.
Edith’s gone; oh, how we miss her
There is now a vacant chair
But in heaven we will meet her;
There will be no parting there. - Mrs. L. L. McClain
QS p.58a
SMITH - Dale M. Smith, 81, of Green Valley, and formerly of Pennsylvania,
died Nov. 14, (1994). He is survived by: wife, Doris Lynch; daughter, Rebecca
Place; and son, Thomas. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the
Air Force for four years. He was a graduate of Galeton High School, Lock Haven
State College, and Penn State University. He also did graduate work at Temple
and the University of Alabama. He was assistant superintendent of schools in
Downingtown, Pa., before his retirement in 1974. He had also been assistant
superintendent, junior high principal and elementary principal in Coatesville,
Pa. Also, a teacher in Morris, Tioga County, Pa. Affiliations were: American
Association of School Administrators, The National Association of Secondary
School Principals, The American Association of School Business Officials, the
Downingtown Lions Club, past president of the Coatesville Lions Club, retired
president of the Board of Directors of the Keystone Credit Union. A former
member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Lionville, Pa., and member of Desert Hills
Lutheran Church. Memorial services will be held today at 2 p.m. at Desert Hills
Lutheran Church. Remembrances may be made to the American Lung Association, 2819
E. Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85716.
QS p.83a
Knowlton Cemetery
CROFUT - Mrs. Elvira Smith of Marshlands, Pa., closed her earthly life Feb.
29, 1908, aged 71 years, 7 months. She was a patient sufferer for several years,
but always cheerful and uncomplaining. Her life was a faithful testimony to
Christian trust in God. Her husband, John J. Smith, preceded her three years.
They were permitted to celebrate their golden wedding June 1904, with all their
nine children, seven sons and two daughters at home. Brother and Sister Smith
joined the Free Church forty years ago, and their hearts, hands, and home were
open t all of God’s children. Truly a mother in Israel has gone to her reward
and her children rise up and call her blessed. Funeral services at her late home
conducted by her pastor, Rev. L. L. McClain, speaking from the words found in
Colossians 3:1. The Quartet, consisting of Mr. McClain, Mr. Reinwald, Mrs.
Jackson, and Mrs. McClain, sang for the last selection, “Tell Mother I’ll Be
There.” Her remains were committed earth to earth and ashes to ashes by her
sons.
No more sorrow now for mother,
No more pain for her to bear
No more welcome for her children
Until we shall meet her there. - Mrs. O. A. Smith
QS p.92.1
Rochester, NY
BREWSTER - Marjorie B. Crandell, died Monday, June 10, 1991. Beloved wife of
Charles V. Crandell; beloved mother of Warren and Marian Crandell; She is also
survived by her brother, Stanley H. Brewster of Windsor NY; brother-in-law and
his wife, Edward H. and Ruth Crandell; nieces, Carolyn DePaolo, Margaret
Diamond, Pearl Weeks, Carol Ann Muolo and Jane Meskauskas. Friends are invited
to attend her Memorial Services on Saturday at 11 o’clock at the Vay-Scheich &
Meeson Funeral Home Inc., 2692 Dewey Ave. In lieu of flowers friends may make
contributions to the American Heart Assoc.
QS p.13
A Family Reunion - about 1895
Pleasant Meeting of the Smith Family at Marshfield
Marshfield, August 30 - The smith family held a reunion and picnic in the school grove here last Saturday, the 24th instant. A sumptuous dinner was served to which over sixty relatives sat down, all descendants or their families of David Smith, formerly of Charleston. David Smith, with his three sons, Russell, John and Octavius, moved from Charleston to elk Run in May 1847. All the three sons still reside on farms taken up at that time in an unbroken wilderness. They cut their own road from Pine Creek, a distance of three miles. As this ox-sled road crossed the creek several times with a bridge, communication with the outside world was for some time impossible when the creek was high. The mail at that time came to Gaines once a week when the weather was fair. Our ancestors were obliged to submit to many privations and discouragements of which we know nothing, We are proud of their records, and are glad to honor those of them who are still with us and enjoying the fruits of their early labors. The reunion proved a most enjoyable occasion, and it is hoped it may be repeated a year hence. Among the friends present from other places were George Dickinson and family of Middlebury, Mrs. Robinson and her son from Athens, Charles Flynn and family, Mr. & Mrs. Eli Wood and Luther M. Smith of West Pike, M. M. Smith and family of Gaines and D.C. Smith and family of English Center.
QS p.45
Centennial and Old Home Day (1933)
Hundredth Anniversary of the Coming to Elk Run of David Smith and Birth of
Octavius Smith Held Together - with Old Home Day at Marshlands Saturday.
Interesting Program held with Large Attendance. Mrs. Robinson describes
Round-the-World Trip.
The annual Smith family reunion and old home day was held at Marshlands
Saturday and inspired by one of the most delightful days of the summer a good
crowd was in attendance. The ladies of the church served dinner in the Grange
Hall which was participated in by a large proportion of those present.
The afternoon was spent in greeting one another. Those from Marshlands and
vicinity meeting many former residents of Gaines Township who were called back
by the reunion.
The Smith family reunion program began shortly after 2:30 p.m. being called
to order by the President of the organization Mr. D. C. Smith of Wellsboro, who
after treating of various business matters pertaining to the annual meeting laid
emphasis on the importance of this gathering as commemorating the hundredth
anniversary of two events, the first coming of David Smith to Elk Run and the
birth of a notable member of the family, Octavius A. Smith. The presiding
officer among other remarks noted the fact that there were present in the
audience a number who were conducting campaigns for county office and he asked
that they arise when their names were called that those present might all see
them. Following these introductions Mr. Smith introduced Mrs. W. O. Robinson who
had agreed to sketch briefly a trip around the world she made during the past
year. Mrs. Robinson, only daughter of the late O. A. Smith, whose centennial the
day was to celebrate, read an extremely well written and highly entertaining
account of some of the high-lights of the trip that occupied several months of
time and which had in its itinerary, the Holy Land and the Orient. The article
told about interesting people, strange customs and unfamiliar lands. It had the
personal touch, this recital by Mrs. Robinson and was thoroughly enjoyed by the
fine audience that was present.
Judge Howard F. Marsh was next introduced and paid deep tribute to the
example and inspiration that the life and character of Octavius Smith afforded
those who knew him, calling to notice the scholarly aspects of this man who
while a practical and successful farmer was interested in science and literature
and found time after long hours of toil to write poetry and to commune with
nature and to build up the aesthetic side of his life.
Prof. W. O. Robinson, husband of Wilhelmina, daughter of the pioneer, gave
an intimate word-picture of his father-in-law as he had observed him through the
years of their association. The appreciation this man of letters had for
Octavius Smith and good wife Hannah was evident not only in words but in every
inflection of the voice. And he did speak about a couple whose sterling worth,
whose influence on the community in which they lived was for its lasting food,
bearing fruit richly and abundantly in succeeding generations.
Mr. Robinson, of New York, a son of Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Robinson was called
on for an impromptu speech and gave some interesting reminiscences of boyhood
visits to Marshlands speaking highly of his grandparents who made his visits to
their home delightful and caused him to ever regard their community as one of
importance and interest.
QS p.30
RIPLEY-SMITH - In Caton, NY, August 15, 1895, by Rev. A. J. Hurd, Mr. Francis C. Ripley of Sylvania, and Miss Stella M. Smith of Gaines, Pa.
QS p.42
ROBINSON-SMITH - At Marshfield, Pa., July 8, 1891, by Rev. J. C. Robinson
(father of the groom), assisted by Rev. W. S. Smith, Prof. William O. Robinson,
A. M., of Cattaraugus, NY and Miss Wilhelmina W. Smith, of Marshfield.
The Robinson-Smith Wedding
Last Wednesday Miss Wilhelmina W. Smith of Marshfield, and Prof. William O.
Robinson, A. M. of Cattaraugus, NY, were married, the ceremony being performed
before a large company of friends by Rev. J. C. Robinson, assisted by Rev. W. S.
Smith, at the home of the bride’s parents. The rooms were handsomely decorated,
a large horseshoe being place in the parlor, beneath which the bride and groom
stood at 9 o’clock p.m. and exchanged their vows. Miss Lena Seeley, of
Hillsdale, Mich., was bridesmaid and Mr. F. S. Bernauer, of Marshfield, was
groomsman. After the couple had received the congratulations of their friends
there was a transformation of scene and the rooms were filled with
banquet-tables and a merry feast was enjoyed by the company. The bridal presents
were numerous and valuable. Prof. Robinson was graduated at Hillsdale College,
Mich., in 1888, and he is now principal of the Cattaraugus Union Academy. Miss
Smith spent several years in the Hillsdale College and she is an excellent
teacher and an accomplished musician. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson expect to visit in
Michigan for a few weeks and then they will settle at Cattaraugus, NY. A bright
future seems to lie before them, and it is the earnest wish of their many
friends that their lives may be full of happiness and prosperity.
QS p. 49
Date written 12 Jan. 1910
Mr. Otis H. Brooks and Mrs. Ella L. Smith, both of this borough (Wellsboro),
were married at the home of the bride’s brother, Mr. D. C. Smith, on McInroy
Street, last Wednesday evening by Rev. R. M. Cloud, pastor of the Free Baptist
church. Their many friends wish them happiness and good fortune.
QS p.57
SMITH-PATTERSON Lieut. Paul R. Smith, of the U. S. Regular Army, was married
on Dec. 5th, in Washington, D. C., to Miss Marian Lee Patterson, of that city.
He is a nephew of DeWitt Smith, of Wellsboro. (1918 written on article)
QS p.102
CADY-SHAKESPEARE
This is to certify the James B. Cady of Elkland in the state of Pennsylvania
and Alice Shakespeare of Elkland in the state of Pennsylvania were by me joined
together in Holy Matrimony on the ninth day of July in the year of our Lord
1859.
Signed - John Parkhurst, Justice of the Peace