Obituaries |
Obituaries |
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by Joyce M. Tice Sabinsville Cemetery Listing
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| Reading a series of obituaries from a single cemetery, as they are presented here, is like reading the multi-generational history of a community. These people were the local populace at a particular time. The people buried here knew each other, were neighbors, relatives and school mates. They attended church together and engaged in "trade" or business. All people are listed in alphabetic order by surname at BIRTH. Women identified by a married alias only and for whom a birth surname can not be identified, are listed on the last page for the cemetery's obituaries. |
BAIR Dr. Thomas A.
Wellsboro Agitator – June 26, 1918
Well Known Physician of Sabinsville Died Friday, June 14. Dr.
Thomas A. Bair, who for the past 37 years had practiced his profession
as a physician in Sabinsville, died at his home in that place June 14,
as the result of a paralytic stroke which he suffered as he was about to
retire on June 7. For several months Dr. Bair had been in poor health,
having had light strokes on two previous occasions. His genial smile, ready
sympathy and sterling character, as well as his ability as a physician,
won for him a host of friends and his death is a loss which cannot easily
be forgotten, says the Free Press. Dr. Bair was born in Westmoreland
county. May 21, 1848. In his early life he was engaged in the mercantile
business, after which at the age of 27 he took up the study of medicine,
graduating from Jefferson College in 1874. For several years he practiced
his profession in Kansas City, Kansas, removing to Sabinsville about 37
years ago. He married Ellen Rexford on August 7, 1883 and to them was born
one son, Rexford R. Bair. The funeral was one of the largest ever
held in Sabinsville, and was held from his late home June 16th, at two
o'clock, Rev. L. E. Catlin officiating; interment was made in the family
plot in the Sabinsville cemetery. The following members of the medical
fraternity acted as a guard of honor; Drs D. A. Patterson. H. M. Farwell,
A M. Greenfield and J. E. Hayes, of Westfield. and Dr. Hurd, of Galeton.
The bearers were C B. Gee, Fred Wetherbee, Ed Dimon. Mvron Barber, Ed Swimelar
and Mark Chamberlain. The following from out-of-town were present to pay
their last respects. Mrs. J L Snyder and son, Charles, and Mr. and
Mrs. R. C. Kelts, of Wellsboro.
BATES JEROME
Wellsboro Agitator, Tioga, PA-- Wednesday, December 12, 1900
Mr Jerome Bates, aged 62, of Clymer, a Civil War veteran, died on the
2d instant. He was, on November 24th, struck by a Buffalo and Susquehanna
locomotive while walking on the track. Although he was not at first
considered to be injured dangerously, he soon became seriously ill.
Funeral services were held from the house last Wednesday. Burial
at Sabinsville. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and one
son. Civil War Military source from Osceola Twp history:
Jerome Bates, Dec. 17 '61, Co. L 2nd Pa. cav.; captured Nov. '62, paroled
and exchanged; wounded at St. Mary's Church, Va., June 24 ' 64; discharged
at expiration of term.
BEACH JUSTUS C. “JUDD” and CHISOM ADA ROSELLA
“AZELLA”
Wellsboro Gazette – June 14, 1928
Sunday Tragedy Shocks County - Justin C. Beach Kills Self and Wife
at Sabinsville Home. Neighbors Powerless.
Six crashing shots which rent the silence of Sabinsville's Sunday morning
sleep sounded the knell of Justin C. Beach, aged 60 years, and his
wife, Azella Chisom Beach, aged 52 years, and overshadowed one of the bloodiest
tragedies in the history of Tioga county. Afflicted with softening of the
brain, and possessed of a groundless antipathy for his wife, who had recently
left him, Beach shot her through the body with a high powered rifle, while
she slept, turning the gun on himself a half hour later, when he had wandered
through the house and about the premises, calling his wife's name and discharging
the gun. Interference on the part of neighbors would havebeen dangerous
and probably unavailing, since Beach was heavily armed and desperate.
Information came to Coroner Wm White and Sheriff John Wilcox soon after
daybreak Sunday morning when the tragedy had been discovered and reported
by a Sabinsville milk man. Their investigation revealed that Beach
had been a drinking man, of ugly disposition and that recently he had betrayed
symptoms of a disordered mentality. Mrs. Beach, fearing bodily harm
from threats of murder and mistreatment by her husband had been spending
some time with relatives in Buffalo. Her visit to the home at Sabinsville
was to have been for the purpose of collecting her goods before returning
to Buffalo. Before Mrs. Beach's arrival, Saturday afternoon, Justin
Beach was seen in Westfield, where he drew a large sum of money from the
bank, and after experiencing difficulty in counting the bills, stated that
if his wife returned that day “there would be a wedding.” The early part
of the evening seems to have been spent in peace, Beach seeming to be in
excellent spirits and of more friendly disposition than usual. It appears
that he had but lately regained possession of his firearms, his wife having
hid them in self protection. Evidence of the mute, jagged bullet holes
in the bedroom and about the house indicates that Beach stood over the
bed, shot at his wife and missed. As she arose, horrified, he fired again
and she fell back, dead upon the bed. William VanDusen, a neighbor, states
that he heard the first shot about 1:30. The murderer seems then to have
come to the realization of his crime, attempted first aid and in crazed
despair wandered the premises until he turned the rifle upon himself and
fell prostrate in the living room. The shot entered bleeding. The shot
entered Beach's body. The gaunt, barren old house at the edge
of the village is empty. Justin Beach's vicious eccentricities are at an
end, and his considerable wealth will be distributed among those outside
his family, since no close relatives survive. Mrs. Azella Chisom
Beach was born 52 years ago at Little Marsh. In 1892 she was married to
Justin C. Beach, a native of Sunderlinville. Mrs. Beach leaves two
brothers, John Chisom and Frank Chisom, of Sabinsville. According
to a request of Mr. Beach, the Elks' Lodge, of Hornell had charge of the
rites at his burial on Tuesday. Perhaps no man was better known throughout
Tioga and Potter counties than “Judd" Beach. He covered this territory,
selling cigars for 18 years. The first automobile in Tioga county, a Cadillac
was his proud possession. For a number of years he was Buick dealer in
his community. Upright and honest, Mr. Beach was esteemed by his
business associates. All who knew Mrs. Azella Beach loved her for
her fine womanly qualities. Until the worry over money seemed to affect
her husband's mind, they were a devoted couple. It is believed that she
went to Buffalo, fearing to stay in the home with him longer.
BENN NANCY D
Wellsboro Agitator - January 9, 1935
Mrs. Nancy D. Dimon, aged 82 years, died at her home in Beechwoods
Dec. 31. Her husband, Edward C. Dimon, died Dec. 17, at the home
of his daughter, Mrs. Libbie Rice, in Wellsboro. Mrs. Dimon's maiden
name was Nancy D. Benn, daughter of William and Maria Benn. Her first
husband, William A. Griffin, died about 18 years ago. She leaves
two brothers, George, of Coolport, and James Benn, of Akron, Ohio, and
a sister, Emma Smith, of Altoona. The funeral was held Thursday;
burial in the Sabinsville Cemetery.
BENN NANCY D
Wellsboro Gazette - January 10, 1935
Mrs. Nancy Dimon Dies
Sabinsville, Jan. 9th - Mrs. Nancy Dimon, widow of the late Ed Dimon
died recently at her home in East Beech Woods, after being an invalid for
three years. She was twice married, first to Albert Griffin, who
died a number of years ago and in 1927 to Ed. Dimon, who was buried Dec.
19th, a brother, George Benn, and a sister, Mrs. Anna Smith of Clearfield
and a foster daughter, Lulu Terwilliger survive.
BENN WILLIAM J
Westfield Free Press Volume nO XXVII - Thursday, July 29, 1905
William J. Benn, of Sabinsville, aged eighty-eight years, died at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. Griffin on Friday, July 14th. The funeral
was held from the Sabinsville church on Sunday afternoon at two o'clock
Rev. J. G. Macklin officiating, interment being made in the Sabinsville
Cemetery. Mr. Benn was born on Pine Creek in 1817. In 1841
he was united in marriage with Miss Charity Head and to them were born
seven children, five of whom still survive. His wife died about six
years ago and since that time he has resided with his children.
BROWN DANIEL
Wellsboro Agitator - November 1, 1905
--Daniel Brown, aged 37, formerly of Sabinsville, committed suicide
near Arkport, N.Y., on the 23rd instant, by throwing himself beneath the
wheels of a freight train. His wife and two children reside at Sabinsville.
BRUCE Charles F.
Wellsboro Agitator Jan. 23, 1901
Mr. Charles Bruce, of Sabinsville, aged 70, died in Knoxville on the
15th instant at the home of his son, Mr. A. M. Bruce. He is survived
by three sons and four daughters. The funeral and burial took place
at Sabinsville last Thursday.
BRUCE Lockwood C.
Westfield Free Press - Thursday, March 6, 1913
Lockwood C. Bruce - Died on February 28th at his home in Sabinsville,
PA. He was the eldest son of Charles and Clarissa Bruce having been
born on May 14, 1853 in Westfield, PA. He married Mattie Harter,
of Dundee, NY. on April 12, 1879 who survives. Six children:
Mrs. Lillian Bush, of Sabinsville, PA; Mrs. Cassie Roberts, of Galeton,
PA; Earl, deceased on March 14, 1903; Delos and Fred, of Sabinsville, PA;
and Clifford, of Hornell, NY. Also a step-son, Samuel Harter, of
Clymer, PA. Five sisters: Mrs. William Rushmore, of Elmira,
NY.; Mrs. Orton Mack, of Jordon, NY; Mrs. Eli Carl, of Sabinsville, PA;
Mrs. E. M. Bennett, of Passaic, NJ.; and Mrs. William Bennett of Sabinsville,
PA. He was a member of the K.O.T.M. (Knights of the Macabees) Tent
#166 and the Grange. Funeral in church at Sabinsville, PA.
CADY Kenneth M. Age 59, of Main Street, Sabinsville, PA, died Friday, December 9, 2005, at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA. He was born March 29, 1946 in Mills, PA, the son of Arthur and Ruth Sherwood Cady. He retired after working for over 30 years as a heavy equipment operator for Consolidated Gas Co. He also worked part-time at Ackley & Son Sporting Goods for many years. He graduated from Nothern Potter High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed hunting and bowling. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Joan Yale Cady; son, Michael Cady, Sabinsville, PA; stepson, Donald Pennell, Montgomery, TX; daughters and sons-in-law, Michele and Michael Shepley-Zinck, Enola, PA, Milissa and Brennan Wood, Elmira, NY; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Donna and John Dandrea, Sabinsville, PA; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; father, Arthur Cady, Sabinsville, PA; mother, Ruth Cady, Mills, PA; brothers, Paul Cady, Cato, NY, Ronald Cady, Wellsville, NY, Marlin Cady, Ulysses, PA; sisters, Virginia Waite, Woodstock, VA, Joyce Tubbs, Wake Forest, NC; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Arnold Cady, in 1969. Family and friends are invited to call at the Kenyon Funeral Home, Inc., #222 West Main Street, Westfield, PA, Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Westfield, PA, Rev. Joseph Gilbert offc. Burial in Sabinsville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sabinsville Ambulance Assn. and your local chapter of the American Heart Assn. in Ken's memory.
WILLIAM CAVANAUGH SR.
William Cavanaugh Sr., 80, of Gillett RR 1, PA died Monday, October
14, 1996 at his home. He was born in Corning, NY, the son of George and
Rose Batley Cavanaugh. He lived in the Wellsboro area for many years until
moving to Gillett in 1955. Mr. Cavanaugh was a member of the Bentley Creek
Wesleyan Church. He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the
3rd Infantry Division. He was a retired employee of Hardinge, Inc. of Elmira,
NY. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Virginia Spencer Cavanaugh;
daughter and son-in-law, Marlane and Michael Campbell of Gillett RR 3,
sons and their wives, Gary and Janice Cavanaugh and William Jr. and Frances
Cavanaugh, both of Gillett RR 1; and aunt, Rose Seigel of Wilkes-Barre
and brother-in-law, Robert Smith of Columbia Cross Roads; eight grandchildren,
several nieces, nephews and cousins and many friends. Funeral and committal
services were held at the Roberts Funeral Home in Wellsburg, NY on October
17 with the Rev. David Powell officiating and interment to be in Sabinsville
Cemetery, Sabinsville, PA. (TGR October 24, 1996)
COLBATH W. J.
Wellsboro Agitator – February 6, 1929
--W. J. Colbath, of Sabinsville, died January 29, aged 72 years.
He is survived by three daughters, Mildred, of Buffalo; Gettie, of Hornell;
Mrs. Lula French, of Sabinsville; two sons, Fred, of Sabinsville and Fred,
of Elmira. The funeral was held Thursday, Rev. Mr. Stevens officiating;
interment in the Sabinsville cemetery.
COLE
Cole, Raymond R. of Westfield, Penna., Monday, Sept. 4, 1972. Friends
may call at the Watkins Funeral Home Westfield, Wednesday 2 to 4 and 7
to 9 p.m. funeral there Thursday at 2 p.m., the Rev. Marie Cowher officiating.
Sabinsville Cemetery. Survived by daughter, Mrs. Frances Jones of Gaines,
Pa. four grandchildren. He was a veteran of World War II.
COLE Willard E. "Fat" Age 89, of #1091 Locust Street, Sabinsville, PA, Saturday, October 8, 2005, at the Green Home, Wellsboro, PA. He was born May 2, 1916 in Harrison Valley, PA, the son of George W. and Angie Townsend Cole. He was retired from Consolidated Gas Co. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army who served in Africa and Italy during WW II. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elnora Bump Cole; son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Dorothy Cole, Alden, NY; grandsons and granddaughters-in-law, Michael and Lori Cole, Alden, NY, Daniel and Amy Cole, Depew, NY, Dennis and Jennifer Cole, Lancaster, NY; seven great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to call at the Kenyon Funeral Home, Inc., #222 West Main Street, Westfield, PA, Monday from 12-2:00 p.m. where funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. immediately following the visitation. Rev. Dr. Roy L. Seiders will officiate. Burial in Sabinsville Cemetery, Sabinsville, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sabinsville Vol. Ambulance Assn. and the Clymer Twp. Vol. Hose Co. in Willard's memory.
CUMMINGS Mary Jane
Wellsboro Agitator - October 21, 1925
Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Niles, Mrs. Henry Wedge and Mrs. Harry Sutton attended
the funeral of Mrs. Dana Glazier who died at her home in Elmira, N.Y.,
Saturday and was buried in the Ackley cemetery near Sabinsville Tuesday.
DORAN CLIFFORD
Wellsboro Agitator – August 5, 1936
Clifford Doran, of Sabinsville, died at the Arnot-Ogden hospital in
Elmira Wednesday, of tetanus. On June 15 he received a severe injury
on his left hand while working at the Eberle tannery and went to the hospital
for treatment. He was born in Niles Valley, August 6, 1901, son or
Mr. and Mrs. James Doran. The Doran family moved to Westfield a number
of years ago. In 1924 he married Miss Iva Schoonover, of Sabinsville,
who survives, with an infant son, Stuart Marvin, who was born June 22;
his father, James Doran, and a brother, Clarence Doran, of Westfield.
Funeral services were held Friday; burial in the Sabinsville cemetery.
DOTY CLYDE
Wellsboro Agitator – December 1, 1937
The funeral of Clyde Doty, aged 51 years, who died November 25, at
the Veterans Hospital at Bronx, N.Y., was held Saturday at the Sabinsville
church; burial in the Sabinsville cemetery.
DOUGLASS Charles
Westfield Free Press – Thursday, January 18, 1900
Death – Front Page
Charles Douglass died Tuesday at his home near Sabinsville. He
was unmarried. Survived by 6 brothers and sisters. Buried Sabinsville
Cemetery.
DRAKE Arthur A. Age 85 of RD, Galeton, PA, died Tuesday, May 1, 2001 at Corning Hospital, Corning, New York. He was born September 30, 1915 in Elmira, NY, the son of Ernest and Katherine (Fahs) Drake. He was a veteran of the US Army serving during WWII. He was a member of the Cowanesque Valley Saddle Club, former owner of Drake's Propane and former employee of Warren's Propane Service and Alleghany Mountain Construction and Conn-E Construction. Survived by Wife, Elsie; Sons and daughter-in-law, Larry and Jackie Drake of Galeton, PA, Paul Drake of Redlands, CA, Mike Drake of Watkins Glen, NY; Daughters and Sons-in-law, Judy Beach and Lynn Stage of Painted Post, NY, Gail and Ronald Short of Little Marsh, PA; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; Brother, Karl Drake of Sabinsville, PA; Step Brothers, James Drake of Elmria, NY, Clifford Drake of Lawrenceville, PA, Glen Drake, Lawrenceville, PA; Step Sister, Hazel Drake of Lawrenceville, PA; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. Preceded in death by a son, Arthur Drake, Jr in 1969. Friends are invited to call at the Kenyon Funeral Home, 222 W. Main St., Westfield, PA, Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM where funeral services will be conducted Friday at 11:00 AM. Burial in Sabinsville Cemetery, Sabinsville, PA. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and the Galeton Vol. Ambulance Association. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kenyon Funeral Home. (Westfield, PA)
EARL - WATKINS
Hazel L. Age 90, of #127 Strang Lane, Westfield, PA, died Thursday,
November 25, 2004 at Broad Acres Nursing Home, Wellsboro, PA. She was born
August 24, 1914 in Gurnee, PA, the daughter of Pearl and Lucy Rice Earl.
She was a homemaker. She was a member of the Westfield United Methodist
Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She is survived by her son and
his fiancee, Roger Watkins and Sonja Wade, Westfield, PA; two grandsons,
Seth Watkins, Mansfield, PA and Will Watkins, Westfield, PA; and several
nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband,
Lawrence "Skinny" Watkins, in 1996. Family and friends are invited to call
at the Kenyon Funeral Home, Inc., #222 West Main St., Westfield, PA, Monday
from 7 to 9 p.m. where funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 1
p.m. Burial in Sabinsville Cemetery, Sabinsville, PA. Memorial donations
may be made to the Sabinsville Volunteer Ambulance Assn. and the Westfield
United Methodist Church in Hazel's memory.
ELDRIDGE DAVID
Wellsboro Agitator – July 21, 1960
A certificate of death by a heart attack has been issued in the case
of David Eldridge, 32, of Sabinsville, who was found dead in his Steuben
Telephone Company service truck Thursday morning, July 14, 1960.
Born February 11, 1928 in Galeton, Mr. Eldridge was the son of Earl and
Areta Churchill Eldridge, who now reside in Potter Brook. In addition
to his parents, he is survived by his widow, Marcia Dibble; two children,
Vonda and Jack, at home and six brothers, Churchill of Trumansburg, N.Y.;
Ervin and Richard of Sabinsville, Merle of Rochester, NY., Adelbert of
Mansfield, and Earl Jr., at home in Potter Brook. Funeral services
were held Sunday in the Westfield Methodist Church, the Rev. C. Lacy VanNorman,
officiating. Burial was in Sabinsville cemetery.
FISH Betsey
Westfield Free Press - Volume XIV - Thursday, December, 26, 1895
Mrs. Betsy Rexford of Long Run lived with son, James there. She
was buried on Friday at Sabinsville, Rev. Warren of Middlebury officiating.
Aged 78 years. Leaves 3 son: Charles and George of Gaines,
James Rexford of Lansing and 1 daughter, Mrs. Dr. Bair and Mrs. J. R. Dengle
this place is a granddaughter.
FOX Marcena
Westfield Free Press - Thursday, Feb. 25, 1909
Mrs. Marcena Skinner died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. A. Ackley
at the age of 70 years. She is survived by 2 children: Mr.
Arthur Seamans and Mrs. Ackley of this place. Her maiden name was
Fox and her girlhood home was Addison, NY. She married Dr. Seamans
who died about 35 years ago. Afterwards she married Dr. Skinner who
died about twenty years ago. Rev. Hunt officiated at the funeral
with burial in Sabinsville Cemetery.
FRAZIER - Westfield Free Press, Westfield, Tioga County PA. Volume XXII Death Front Page: Thursday, November 8, 1900 Andrew Frazier of Clymer died Wednesday, November 7th. He was born near Quebec, Canada in 1811, moved to the States when a boy locating in Ithaca. In 1840 he married Cinderella Stine and to them were born 8 children. In 1853 he moved to Pennsylvania. Early in the 70's his wife died and in 1878 he married Mrs. Betsy White, who survives. Funeral was held Friday, Rev. R.C.Grames of Westfield, officiating. Buried in Sabinsville Cemetery. Submitted by Harold Hooper
FRENCH PHENIE
Wellsboro Agitator – August 22, 1945
Mrs. Phenie Beach died at her home in Sabinsville Aug. 17. She
was born Aug. 2, 1869 daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. French. She
was married to Charles Beach, who died several years ago. To them
were born three sons, Walter and Russell, and three brothers who survive
her, Fay French, Ray French and Jay French, of Galeton, and one sister,
Mrs. Dora Swimler, of Horseheads, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Oliver Beach,
U.S.N., and Charles Beach, of Penn Yan, N.Y. The funeral was held
at Sabinsville; burial in the Sabinsville cemetery, Aug. 20.
GIGEE James H. Age 89, of RD#3, Westfield, PA, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003 1914 in Clymer Twp., PA, the son of Loren and Ethel Lindsley Gigee. He was a farmer, Westfield Twp., Supervisor for 30 years, member of the First Baptist Church of Westfield, self-employed truck driver, and drove school buses. He was also a member of the Dad's of Foreign Service Veterans. He is survived by his wife, Erma; sons and daughters-in-law, Eugene (Simon) and Bonnie Gigee, RD, Westfield, PA, and Carl Gigee, Westfield, PA; daughters and sons-in-law, Sally and Neil Glassbrook, Pittsford, NY, and Jimona and Duane Stafford, RD, Westfield, PA; stepson, Ernest Clark, Westfield, PA; stepdaughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Carl Cox, Knoxville, PA, Sharon Ray of Alabama, and Theresa Reuther, Emporium, PA; 20 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Schueler, Bel Air, MD; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Leona; daughter, Mary Jane; grandson, Seth; and three brothers and two sisters. Friends are invited to call at the Kenyon Funeral Home, 222 W. Main St., Westfield, PA, on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. Rev. Birney Phillips will officiate. Burial will be in Sabinsville Cemetery,Sabinsville, PA. Memorial donations may be made to the Kenyon Funeral Home on behalf of the family.
GRIFFIN BENJAMIN A
Wellsboro Agitator - January 11, 1950
Benjamin A. Griffin, aged 80 years, died at the home of his son, Cecil
H. Griffin, in Sabinsville, Jan. 5, after a short illness. Survivors
include two sons, Cecil, of Sabinsville and Roy, of Painted Post, two grandchildren,
Miss Olive Griffin of Sabinsville and Mrs. Esther Hines of Wellsville,
N.Y. Funeral services were held Sunday.
GRIFFIN Elmer
Wellsboro Gazette - September 27, 1951
Sabinsville - Elmer Griffin of Rochester is having a stone set for
his wife in our cemetery and has paid perpetual care for their lot.
GRIFFIN LEMUEL A.
Wellsboro Gazette – February 23, 1939
Azelta – Word was received here of the death of Lemuel Griffin
Thursday morning Feb. 17th. His funeral was held Sunday at the Baptist
church at Sabinsville, and burial in the Sabinsville cemetery.
LEMUEL A. GRIFFIN
Wellsboro Agitator - Feb. 22, 1939
Lemuel A. Griffin, aged 79 years, died Wednesday at his home in Beechwoods
on the farm where he was born. Funeral services were held at the Sabinsville
Baptist church Sunday; burial in the Sabinsville cemetery. He leaves
his widow, Mrs. Josie Wilson Griffin; a daughter, Mrs. Etta Hornsby, of
Little Mnrsh; two sons, Gordon Griffin, of Campbell, N. Y., and Nathan
Griffin, a son by his. first wife, Alma Abbie Griffin, who died 68 years
ago, and one sister, Mrs. Sarah Kernan, of
Sabinsville
RALPH AL GRIFFIN
Wellsboro Gazette – February 14, 1996
Ralph A. Griffin. 83, of Knoxville, RR2, died Friday, Feb. 9, 1996,
at home. Born March 10,1913, in Albion, N.Y., he was the son of Elmer
and Lulu Moss Griffin. He was retired from the Pennsylvania
Department of Forest and Waters and was formerly employed at.the Eberle
Tanning Company, Westfield. He was a member of the Clymer Baptist
Church, Sabinsville. Preceding him in death were his brothers, Harold
Griffin, Raymond Griffin and Elmer Churchill Jr.; a sister, Leona Wood;
and a grandson, Bradley Sharp Jr. Surviving are his wife of 53 years,
Winona Griffin; five daughters and four sons-in-law, Romona and Jim
Stebbins of Sabinsville, Rowena and Clarence King of Knoxville, Roberta
and Dino Pedrone of Pembrook Pines, Fla., Rosalee and Richard Wormer of
Westfield and Roxie Sharp of Knoxville; son and daughter-in-law, Rodney
and Catherine Griffin of Rheims; two brothers, Walter Griffin of Wellsboro
and Willard Spencer of Osceola; 22 grandchildren; several nieces, nephews
and cousins. Calling hours were held Monday, Feb. 12 at the Kenyon
Funeral Home, Westfield. Funeral services were held there Tuesday, Feb.
13. The Rev. Lloyd Cobb and Dr. Dino Pedrone officiated. Burial was
made in the the Sabinsville Cemetery. Donations may be made to the
Sabinsville Volunteer Ambulance Association.
GRIFFIN RUTH E
Wellsboro Gazette - July 7, 1993
Ruth E. Mosher, 81, of The Green Home, Wellsboro, formerly of Westfield
and Andover, N.Y., died Sunday, July 4, 1993, at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial
Hospital, Wellsboro. Born Nov. 1, 1911, in Sabinsville, she was the
daughter of
Nathan and Lydia Christian Griffin. She was a former member of the
Clymer Baptist Church and a production line worker for Gerber Baby Food.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Bernard Mosher, in 1988.
Surviving are three sons, Eldon Mosher of Andover, N.Y., Ellery Mosher
of Brockport, N.Y., and
Milton Mosher of Palmyra, N.Y.; two daughters, Ann Pentycofe of Rochester,
N.Y., and Wilda Fuller of Elkland; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren;
several nephews, nieces and cousins. Friends called at the Kenyon Funeral
Home, Elkland, on Tuesday, July 6. Services were held there Wednesday,
July 7, with the Rev. Eugene A. Charsky officiating. Burial was
made at Sabinsville Cemetery, Sabinsville. Memorial donations may
be made to the charity of one's choice.
GRIFFIN SARAH JANE “SADIE J”
Wellsboro Agitator - March 27, 1940
Mrs. J. H. Kernan, of Sabinsville, died Sunday at 6 p. m., at the home
of her daughter, Mrs. F. M. Whittaker, after an illness of six months.
She was born April 15, 1869, in Clymer township, daughter of Silas and
Susan Griffin, one of the pioneer families of that locality. Mrs.
Kernan was the last member of the family. On Sept. 28, 1884 she was, married
to James H. Kernan and they resided on a farm about two miles from Sabinsville.
She was a member of Sabinsville Grange. Survivors are her husband;
two daughters, Mildred at home and Mrs. Whittaker. Funeral services
will be held Wednesday at 2 p. m., at the home of Mrs. Whittaker in Sabinsville;
burial in the Sabinsville cemetery
GRIFFIN SILAS ALVIN
Wellsboro Agitator, Wednesday, October 26, 1927
Death of S. A. Griffin
Lying in a coffin, which he chose for himself three years ago at the
time of the death of his wife, S. Alvin Griffin is dead at his home in
Sabinsville. A monument of his own selection will also mark his grave,
says a correspondent. Mr. Griffin died Oct. 17, at the home of his
son, Benjamin Griffin, after a long illness. Born in Sabinsville,
81 years ago last January, Mr. Griffin had lived in Clymer township all
his life. Because , as he had been heard to remark, he wished to
be as little trouble to his relatives as possible, Mr. Griffin had made
all arrangements for his funeral. Besides choosing his coffin and
grave marker, he had placed in the bank a sum of money to be used to defray
burial expenses, and had made disposition of his property as he wished
it to be disbured. During the civil war Alvin Griffin was too young
to enlist or to be drafted, but anxious to serve his country, he managed
to go as a substitute. One day when he had gone to Addison, the nearest
railroad station, he found David Kilbourn trying to find a substitute.
After writing a letter to his father, telling him where to get the team,
he took the $300 substitute money and left for the front. Surviving
his death are three sons, Benjamin, Clark and Walter; one daughter, Mrs.
J. C. Scott,; one brother, Lemuel Griffin; one sister, Mrs. J. H. Kernan,
all of Sabinsville. The funeral was held Thursday; burial in the
Sabinsville Cemetery.
GRIFFIN Silas S
Westfield Free Press
Westfield Free Press April 22, 1880 - Death - Locals
Silas A. Griffin, of Clymer, was buried at Sabinsville, last Tuesday,
aged 69 years. Rev. H. Peck officiated.
GRIFFIN Silas S
Wellsboro Agitator May 4, 1880 written for the Agitator by Isiah A.
Campbell
An Old Pioneer Gone - Death of Silas S. Griffin a Sketch of his career
On the 18th of April 1880 the twp of Clymer lost its last remaining
pioneer, Mr. Silas S.Griffin. Mr. Griffin was born in Georgetown,
Madison County, NY June 30 1811. He remained there until 1833 when
he decided to cut his way into the forest of what was then the Twp of Westfield
in that part which is now Clymer Twp. Having settled here, he remained
in the same locality until his death at the age of 68 years 9 mos 18das.
Mr. Griffin came to Clymer an unmarried man and empty handed. He
purchased a piece of land and began clearing away the timber from a site
he had chosen to build upon. Soon he had a comfortable log house
erected and everything ready for a family. He then married Elizabeth
Thompson of Westfield, and then began house keeping in their rustic home.
Mr. Griffin was twice married. His 2nd wife being Susan Thomas, whom
he leaves with nine children to mourn his loss.
received from Rhoda ENGLISH Ladd
GRIFFIN Silas S
Westfield Free Press April 22, 1880 - Silas A. Griffin, of Clymer,
was buried at Sabinsville last Tuesday, aged 69 years. Rev. Peck
officiated.
GRIFFIN WILLIAM ALBERT
Wellsboro Gazette- September 3, 1919
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Tremain attended the funeral of their brother,
Mr. Griffin, at Sabinsville, Friday.
Horrible Crimes in Clymer. A FATHER MURDERS HIS FOUR LITTLE CHILDREN AND THEN HANGS HIMSELF.
Frank Hancock has been employed as fireman for the past year at
the sawmill of Messrs. Waite, Thomas & Atwell, on Blue Run, in Clymer
Township. He was a man of about thirty-four years, his wife was twenty-eight,
and the oldest of their five children was a boy of ten and the youngest
a baby of a few months old. The family moved to that place from Potter
Brook, and they formerly resided in Jasper, N. Y. They lived in a
rough board house, such as usually found around a sawmill in the back woods.
The man was industrious and sober, the children were bright, and to a stranger
nothing appeared to be lacking to make a happy home; but the man had cause
to doubt’s his wife’s faithfulness, and this cause led to the despondency
of the husband and the commission of the unnatural and horrible murders
and suicide.
Last Saturday morning the community and the whole surrounding
county was shocked by the announcement that Hancock has taken the lives
of his four oldest children and then hung himself. It seems that
Mrs. Hancock went over to Mr. Sol. Havens’s on Friday afternoon to take
care of Mrs. Havens, who was having fainting fits after having had a number
of teeth extracted. She returned home and prepared supper for her
family, and then told her husband that Mrs. Havens was no better and that
she was going back to stay with her during the night. It is not known
whether the couple quarreled or not, but Mrs. Hancock says that Frank came
over to Mr. Havens’s and called her to the door and threatened to kill
the children and himself if she didn’t go home. She refused to go
out doors to talk with him. She didn’t believe he would do what he
threatened, but still she was so anxious that she went over home about
one o'clock in the morning to see if everything was all right. From
the yard she saw a light down stairs and found that her husband was moving
about the house. Then the lights went out, and she returned to Havens’s,
supposing everything to be alright.
In the morning when Mrs. Hancock returned home she found no one
down stairs, and she rushed upstairs to find a sight so horrible that it
can hardly be pictured in words. From a rafter in the unfinished
chamber the dead body of her husband was suspended, and on the two beds
lay the dead and terribly mutilated bodies of the four children—a boy of
ten years and three girls aged respectively nine, six and four years.
The young babe alone was left alive. The boy had been stabbed in
the left side, the two oldest girls had each been stabbed several times
in the side and back, and the four-year-old child had four knife thrusts
in her side and had been disemboweled. The fiendish work had been
done with two butcher knives, and the whetstone with which Hancock had
sharpened them for use was found upon the floor.
Hancock had evidently attempted to kill himself with a knife,
as three knife wounds were found in his side near the heart and two in
the neck. After stabbing himself it is supposed the he took a long
rope, doubled it, passed it over a rafter, put a noose about his neck and
jumped off a box. His neck was broken by the fall.
Three letters were found in the house in Hancock’s handwriting.
One was addressed to his wife and was substantially as follows: ‘Lib:
You will take the cup and saucer and give it back to Eva. I have
written father about the watch. I wanted to have a talk with you,
but you wouldn’t talk with me. I am going to kill the children, and
you are to blame for it. Frank.’
Another letter was addressed to Hancock’s parents, and according
to our informant read as follows: “Dear Parents: In love I
take my pen to let you know what I am about to do, so that the blame will
fall where it belongs. I shall kill my children before morning.
I can’t live this way any longer, and further, I won’t. Don’t let
Georgie go to the poor-house. You will never know why I do this.
Take my watch and have it fixed and keep it for Georgie. Frank.”
A third letter was addressed to Mr. Atwell, Hancock’s employer,
and it was as follows: “Mr. Atwell: Please see that I and my
children have a decent burial. Do what you can for the kid I leave.
Frank Hancock”.
Coroner W. R. Francis, of Knoxville, was summoned, and he visited
the scene of the tragedy on Saturday and empanelled a jury consisting of
the following gentlemen: John Davis, foreman, and J. L. Thompson,
M. E. Stebbins, Potipher Fish, S. A. Griffin and ____ _____. Two
witnesses were examined—Mrs. Hancock and Mr. Sol Havens. Mrs. Hancock
testified that she had made an agreement with Frank not long since that
they were to separate, she taking three children and he two, and that it
was understood between them that she was to live with another man.
Mr. Havens’s testimony did not agree with Mrs. Hancock’s in some particulars
relating to the way in which she spent the night at his house, and he mentioned
the visit of two young men at his house Friday night.
Coroner Francis, being compelled to return home on account of
business, adjourned the inquest until today.
The five bodies were buried yesterday at Sabinsville. It
is said that Mrs. Hancock has not borne a very good reputation. She
has neglected her family and run with other men and engaged in carousals,
staying away from home for days and nights together, being utterly shameless
in her conduct. On the other hand, she accuses her husband of unfaithfulness
and relates numerous instances of his utterly shameless conduct with other
women in her presence and in his own home, threatening her with violence
when she complained.
Mrs. Hancock is described as a medium-sized woman and is quite
plump. She is very plain looking and is evidently rather course grained.
She talks freely about the tragedy, and does not hesitate to tell some
pretty tough stories about her husband’s conduct as well as her own, and
she seems to be not at all embarrassed in relating the incidents.
[Buried at Sabinsville Cemetery, Clymer Township. Stone says Hancock Family]
April 30, 1889
Wellsboro Agitator
The funeral of Frank Hancock and his four children whom he had
murdered was held at Sabinsville last week Monday. It was the largest
funeral ever held in that part of the county, hundreds of people being
drawn to attend in by morbid curiosity. The church was packed and
many stood outside till the close of the religious service.
Rev. D. A. Parcells, of Westfield, preached an appropriate and
touching sermon, and the scene, with the five coffins around the altar,
was a most affecting one.
At the close of the service the caskets were taken outside in
front of the church and opened for the inspection of the people, and for
an hour or two the great throng clustered about the coffins, gazing at
the bodies. It is estimated that from 1,500 to 2,000 people were
present. As Mrs. Hancock left the church she fell forward in a dead
faint. A photographer appeared and made pictures of the unusual and
sorrowful scene. The five bodies were interred in one grave.
On Tuesday the inquest was continued at the house of Mrs. Morris
Atwell, and Mr. Atwell was the first witness. He testified that Frank
Hancock had been a fireman in his mill for some time. He considered
his reputation good; he was industrious, and the witness had known of his
helping his little daughter do the housework.
Mr. Sol Havens thought Mr. and Mrs. Hancock came to his house
together the night of the tragedy. He had heard Hancock say before
that he intended to kill himself. Two men named Coagley and Birmingham
were at his house on Friday evening. Mr. Havens contradicted himself several
times while on the stand.
Mrs. Hancock was sworn, and she stated that the family moved
to Blue Run a year ago. She had never heard her husband remonstrate
about her conduct or say anything about killing the children. Her husband
knew that she went to Havens’s and to see Coagley. He went to Havens’s
with her, the babies being asleep at home. Before he left he said
he wanted to talk with her. She said to him, “Don’t kill the children.”
He said, “Wherever I go they will go with me.” She testified that
she went over home before she retired, saw no light, and went back to Havens’s
and to bed. The next morning she found the letters and saw the terrible
scene and then rushed out and gave the alarm. She said that the letters
were in Frank’s handwriting.
Mrs. Havens was sworn and her testimony agreed substantially
with that of the preceding witness. She further said that she never
saw Mrs. Hancock do any housework; that the daughter, Gracie, did the principal
work of the house. She was considered a bright and motherly child,
but had been sadly neglected, never going to school and being only half
clothed.
Both Mrs. Hancock and Mrs. Havens acknowledged on the witness
stand that they had been off riding after the funeral with two men, and
they did not return home until after midnight.
Several witnesses testified that Mrs. Hancock’s reputation was
bad and that her husband’s had been good.
Henry Coagley testified that Mrs. Hancock told him that Frank
was going to kill himself, and that Frank had asked him to lend him a revolver
on Friday and that he said he meant, “to go the road from whence no traveler
returned.”
Messrs. John Hancock, father of Frank, and William Hancock, his
brother, testified that the letters were in Frank’s handwriting; that Frank
had sometime ago advised them about disposing of the children in some manner
so that they might have proper care and be sent to school.
Other witnesses were sworn, but their testimony was unimportant.
The Coroner’s jury then made the following verdict: Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania: An inquisition indented and taken at the house of Morris
Atwell, in the township of Gaines, and what is known as Blue Run, commenced
on the 20th day of April, (adjourned to and completed on the 23rd) A. D.,
1889, before me, W. R. Francis, Coroner of Tioga County, State of Pennsylvania,
upon the oath of John Davis, J. L. Thompson, M. B. Stebbins, E. P. Fish,
Alvin Griffin, and John Fischler, good and lawful men of the county aforesaid,
who being duly sworn according to law, to inquire where, when, how, and
after what manner, Frank J. Hancock, Jayson Hancock, Gracy Hancock, Hannah
Hancock, Susan Hancock, came to their deaths, do say, upon their oaths,
after viewing the several bodies, their surrounding conditions and the
weapons used and lying near; after reading the various letters written
by said Frank Hancock, as proven by witnesses acquainted with his handwriting;
after hearing all the evidence, which showed repeated threats by said Hancock
to destroy his children. It is the opinion of said jury and said Coroner
that said Frank Hancock, while laboring under temporary aberration, superinduced
by the neglect, shameful conduct and infidelity of his wife, did, with
two large butcher knives, stab unto death his children as follows:
Jayson, aged 9 years; Grace, aged 8 years; Hannah, aged 7 yeas; Susie,
aged 4 years, between the hours of twelve midnight and 7 a.m., April 20,
1889, in the chamber of his dwelling and that the said children were asleep
in their beds when attacked by their infuriated father. That said
Frank Hancock, after killing his four children, did make six attempts to
destroy his own life by stabbing, and failing in that did attach a rope
to a rafter in the same chamber that had witnessed the destruction of his
children, and put a noose about his neck and hung himself until death.
It is further duty of aforesaid jury and said Coroner to state
with the utmost emphasis that the neglect of her family by Mrs. Lizzie
Hancock, the wife of said Frank Hancock, thus imposing upon her eight-year-old
daughter excessive responsibility and labor incident to the care of the
household and children, merits the strongest condemnation of a civilized
community; and it is the further opinion of said inquest that her unnatural
and infamous conduct and neglect did, in a manner, contribute to the state
of mind of said Frank Hancock, that brought about the tragedy.
In witness thereof as well the aforesaid Coroner as the jury
aforesaid do to this inquisition affix their hands and seal, at Blue Run,
on this 23rd day of April, A. D. 1889.
W. R. Francis, Coroner, John Davis, Foreman, Melvin B. Stebbins,
J. L. Thompson, E. P. Fish, Alvin Griffin, John Fischler, Jury.
HAYNES ROBERT L.
Wellsboro Agitator – December 15, 1960
Robert L. Haynes, 62, of Westfield, died Friday, December 9, 1960 in
Wellsboro Hospital following a brief illness. He is survived by his
widow, Frances; one son, Robert, of Corning RD, N.Y.; two daughters, Mrs.
Joseph Lee of Knoxville and Miss Ruth Ann Haynes, at home; one brother,
Walter of Fair Bluff, N. C., and four grandchildren. Funeral was
held Tuesday. Thomas Clark and William Beacon, officiated, and burial
was in Sabinsville Cemetery.
HAZZAR BYRON
Wellsboro Gazette – December 1, 1938
Westfield – Byron Hazzar died suddenly Sunday, November 27, at 7:30
p.m. at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Henry Matteson. He was born
March 2, 1856 in Inavale, N.Y., the son of Elihue and Katherine Hazzar.
After the death of his wife, March 2, 1936, Mr. Hazzar moved to Westfield
to live with his daughter, Mrs. Henry Matteson. Funeral services
were held from the home yesterday at 2 p.m., the Rev. Gordon L. Vaughan,
officiating. Burial in the Sabinsville Cemetery.
HEAD CHARITY MARIAH
Westfield Free Press Volume XXI - January 26, 1899
Mrs. Maria Benn at her home in Sabinsville, on Thursday Jan. 19th over
80 years of age. Survived by her husband, Wm. Benn; 3 sons, Georbge,
Norman and James Benn; and 2 daughters, Nancy Griffin and Emma Smith.
Baptist church at Sabinsville.
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HESS
Stanley Melvin Age 89, of Coleman Ave., Elmira, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2004, at the St. Joseph's Hospital, Elmira, NY. He was born December 12, 1914 in Sabinsville, PA. He was the son of Melvin H. and Pearl Short Hess. Stanley is survived by his children, Ronald G. Hess of Elmira Heights, NY, Linda H. Hart of Los Angeles. CA, and Pamela H. Miller of Millterton, PA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Crystal Newman of Buffalo, NY, Keith and Max Miller of Millerton, PA, Amanda and Justin Hess of Schenectady, NY, and Hudson and Spencer Hart of Los Angeles, CA. One of eight children, he is survived by his sister and brother, Melva H. Calaman of Sabinsville, PA, and Love S. Hess of Ulysses, PA, and has 27 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his devoted wife, Dora R. Hess in 2002; and his loving son, Robert A. Hess in 2004; four brothers, Leon, Klein, Quentin, and Robert (Bud) Hess; and his sister, Ila Lugg Wiley. He was a graduate of Sabinsville and Westfield High Schools, served his country in WWII in Hawaii and the South Pacific, owned and operated a garage in Nelson, PA, owned and operated a farm in Elmira, NY. He taught at Chemung-Schuyler BOCES, worked for HUD after the flood of 1972, and then at Elmira College for ten years. He also owned and operated rental properties in both New York and Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the West Hill Community Cabin, and was active in the community. Stanley truly was a jack-of-all-trades and a master of many. He was highly skilled, versatile, and adaptable to any situation. He worked diligently throughout his life to provide for his family who were always his highest priority. He played the violin and his love of music and dance were always present. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to tell stories, play cards, fish, and was never too busy to lend a helping hand or ear. Stanley was a doting husband, an amazing father, a loving grandfather, and a caring brother and uncle who will truly be missed by all. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, December 4, 2004, at the United Church of Nelson in Nelson, PA, at 1 p.m. Funeral arrangements are in care of Kenyon Funeral Home, Inc., 214 W. Main St., Elkland, PA 16920. |
HILL - Wednesday October 7, 1936
Wellsboro Agitator
C.E. HILL
C. E. Hill, of Gaines, formerly proprietor of the Hotel Roosevelt in
Wellsboro, died Monday morning about 12:30 O’clock. The funeral will be
held tomorrow at 1 PM; burial at Sabinsville. Chauncey E. Hill whose age
was 70 years, is survived by nephew, Olin C. Hill, at whose home he died;
sister, Mrs. Gertrude Wedge, of Mt. Vision, NY; several step-children and
a number of nieces and nephews.
HOAGLIN OLIVE
Wellsboro Agitator - June 19, 1940
MRS. BENJAMIN GRIFFIN
Mrs. Olive Griffin, wife of Benjamin, Griffin, died suddenly at her
home at Bookland. She had been in poor health for some time. Mrs.
Griffin was the daughter of Leroy and Elsie Hoagland and born in Elkland.
Sept. 6, 1872. On Sept. 6, 1893, she was married to Benjamin A. Griffin,
who survives, with two sons; Cecil, of Westfield, and Leroy, of Sabinsville;
two granddaughters, Esther and Olive Griffin, and two sisters, Mrs. Fred
Horning and Mrs. Etta Herrington.
HOLMES JOHN D
Wellsboro Agitator - March 26, 1941
John Holmes, aged 76 years, died Thursday night at his home in Sabinsville,
after an illness of about two years. He was born in that vicinity.
He was first married to Miss Iva Hancock, who died in 1909. Later,
he married Mrs. May Hancock, who survives with three half brothers, Jay
French, of Galeton; Fay and Ray French, of Sabinsville.
HURD SARAH ESTHER
Wellsboro Agitator - June 4, 1924
Mrs. Sarah Hurd Griffin, died May 25, at the home of her son, B. A.
Griffin, at Sabinsville. She was ? years of age and had lived nearly
all her life in that vicinity. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs.
Dora Scott and three sons, B. A. and Walter, of Sabinsville, and Clark
of Knoxville; also one brother, Dyer Hurd, of Washington, and 11 grandchildren.
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