Connecticut Obituaries (Several Towns)
Your Connecticut obituaries from before 1930 are welcome, send them to the coordinator to be listed here. Obituaries are listed alphabetical by surname.
SMITH - ARMSTRONG
MRS. BENJAMIN A.
ARMSTRONG
Mrs. Louise Augusta Smith Armstrong, widow of
Benjamin A. Armstrong, died Friday night at 7
o'clock at her home, 200 Hemstead street, New
London, following an illness of a year. She was 88
years old.
Mrs. Armstrong was born in Franklin, Nov. 5, 1844,
and had resided in New London for the last 64 years.
She was married to Mr. Armstrong, Oct. 22, 1868, at
Franklin.
Four children were born of the union, and three
survive. They are Benjamin L. Armstrong, a former
mayor of New London; Mrs. Luella Shapley Armstrong
Noyes of New York, widow of Judge Walter C. Noyes of
Lyme, and John Phelps Taylor Armstrong of New
London. A daughter, Marion, died when a young firl.
Mrs. Armstrong was a member of the Second
Congregational church. She was of a religious nature
and charitable and contributed largely to foreign
missions and to churches. She recently donated a sum
of money to the Methodist Episcopal church, had
aided the second Congregational church financially,
and gave $1,000 towards the construction of a fence
at Cedar Grove cemetery.
Among her surviving relatives, Mrs. Armstrong leaves
six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
ELDREDGE - ALEXANDER
CONSTANCE ELDREDGE ALEXANDER
CONSTANCE ELDREDGE ALEXANDER, dearly beloved wife of
Dr. Walter S. Alexander, died in Cambridge, Sept.
14, at the house of her sister, Mrs. Charles W.
Goodhue, 7 Buckinham place. Mrs. Alexander was a
daughter of Hon. Edward Eldredge and Hanna Grosvenor
of Pomfret, Conn. She passed her girlhood in that
town. In 1866 she married Walter S. Alexander, and
with him removed to Racine, Wisconsin. There both
their children, Walter and Constance were born. Then
came two years abroad, seven years in New Orleans,
and the rest in Boston, Cambridge and Philadelphia.
She is buried with her kindred in Pomfret, Conn.
Always loving, pure-hearted, simple in her life and
faith, she leaves a memory of a quiet life nobly
lived, and a loving and cherished example to her
deeply bereaved husband and daughter.
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
MRS GEORGE W. AVERY
The funeral of Mrs. Lilly R. Avery, widow of George
R. Avery, was held Sunday afternoon at her home in
Franklin with many relatives and friens present. The
service was conducted at 2 o'clock by Rev. Everett
T. Bemont, formerly pastor of the Franklin
Congregational church, who read passages of
Scripture, selections from several hymns and offered
prayer.
The burial was at Willimantic cemetery, Rev. Bemont
conducting the committal service, H. L. Duerr,
Raymond B. Beckwith, George A. Beckwith, and C.
Albert Beckwith were the bearers. The floral
tributes were many and beatiful, Undertakers Church
and Allen had charge of the funeral arrangements.
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
ELDRIDGE, FRANCES HARRIETT
ELDREDGE - In Cambridge, Mass., December 24, Frances
Harriette Eldredge, aged 69 years, daughter of the
Hon. Edward Eldredge of Pomfret, Conn.
(Hand written below - '94)
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
LYMAN, ASA
ASA LYMAN DEAD
The Well Known Insurance Man Expires in Church
Seized With an Apoplectic Shock Last Evening
He Had Had Several Ligh Seizures During the Past
Year
But He was Apparently In Best of Health Yesterday
Deseased Was a Veteran of the Rebellion, Being a
Member of Slocum Post, G. A. R. - He was a well
known Prohibitionist.
Asa Lyman, who was well known from his connection
with the insurance business in this city, died
suddenly last evening while at a service in the
Union Congregational Church on Broad street. The
cause of death was a stroke of apoplexy while he was
standing ready to address the meeting. The deceased
had been identified with the Union Congregational
"church for a number of years, and for the past six
or seven years had been the Clerk of the church
association.
During the past year Mr. Lyman had received several
slight shocks, but thy were rare and light so that
no epecial thought had been taken of them.
Accompanied by members of his family Mr. Lyman went
out for the regular Thursday meeting of the church
early last evening. Throughout the day he had been
cheerful, apparently in the best of spirits and
health. During the church service, his friends who
sat by his side noticed nothing unusual in his
apparance.
Par of the business of the meeting was the election
of a delagate to attend a convention to be held at
Westerly on the 26th and 27th of this month. Mr.
Lyman rose from his seat and made a nomination. A
moment later he tottered and fell into th arms of
his friends, unable to move or talk. He was quickly
removed to an anteroom and the service after this
short interuption was continued.
Dr. Leonard, who was present at the exercises,
joined te relative and friends of the unconscious
man and rendered assistance. Mr. Lyman made a few
attempts to speakbut was not able to articulate
coherently. A quarter of an hour after he was
stricken, the physician said that life was extinct.
The body was removed to deceased's home , 146 Peace
street. He was 63 years old, and leaves three sons
and two daughters.
Asa Lyman was born April 10, 1833, in the town of
Woodstock, Conn. He was the son of Dr. Daniel Lyman,
a respected resident of the town, and Mary Frances
Eldridge. Amid the quiet surroundings of the rural
town his early days were spent, and when he had
advanced in years he received instruction from
Woodstock Academy. After his graduation he for a
time adopted school teaching in various towns in New
England, and for a time in the State of New York.
In 1856 the young teacher came to Providence. After
looking over the field he decided to enter the
insurance business, and since that time he had been
prominently connected in that time. He held various
offices for local insurance companies, and for a
number of years represented several out of town
companies. His aptitude in this vocation speedily
gave him authority and respect among those in the
business until he was tendered and accepted the
Presidency of the Providence Insurance Association,
holding the position for a period of several
years.Nov. 7, 1869, he was united in marriage to
Elizabeth Pierson Cutts of Portsmouth, N. H., who
died Jan. 14, 1893.
When the call came for volunteers to uphold the
Union, Mr. Lyman enlisted in his country's defense
and saw active service during the War of the
Rebellion. He acted as quartermaster sergeant in the
battery connected with the 10th Regiment of Rhode
Island Volunteers. In his later days he was a member
of Slocum Post, G. A. R.
From early years Mr. Lyman was deeply interested in
the work and prosperity of the Union Congregational
Church, and was a member of the old High Street
Church before they moved to the present location in
1868. He was often in request on church committees
and for the past five or six years had held the
position of Clerk, Promoters of benevolent works
always found a ready assistant in Mr. Lyman. Years
ago he was instrumental in promoting the interests
of the local Young Men's Christian Association. He
was a vigorous supporter of the temperance movement
in this city. His services for the Prohibition party
were extensive and valuable , as was attested by his
nomination as Mayor on the ticket of that party.
During the past few years he came forward in the
interests of good government and a year ago was one
of the so-called "Good Government Committee." Two
brothers, who are located in this city, and two
sisters survive him.
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
LYMAN
DR. DANIEL LYMAN
Daniel Lyman was born in Woodstock, Ct., Sept. 5th,
1784, and what is a little remarkable (being a puny
child), he was taken to church on the day of his
birth (it being the Sabbath), and baptized by his
father, Eliphalet Lyman, who was pastor of the
Congregational Church in that town for forty years.,
Daniel fitted for college in the Woodsctock Academy,
and at the time of his death, was the only living
member of the first class which left that
institution.
He entered Yale about the year 1805, and ws favored
with sitting under the ministry of that theological
giant, Tim. Dwight, D.D. He stood high in that
institution as a scholar, took an active part in
debates and other exercises connected with some one
of the literary societies which flourished there.
Many addresses, orations, essays, etc., which are
found among his papers, show a high grade of
intellect, a mature judgement, and a wide range of
thought. Such subjects as the following: "Ought
divorces to be granted for any other cause than [not
legible] upon which he left a lengthy essay
exceedingly timely were it published at this day.
"The divine authority of the Scriptures." "The
Authority of the Sabbath; " and many fugitive
articles on a great variety of themes, written in a
bold, manly, scriptural style. All show a decision
of character, firm, unshaken principles, and a
boldness in enunciating them, which were remarkable
in an undergraduate; and the more noticeable as at
this time he had made no public profession of
religion.
During the latter part of his senior year, he was
attacked with a difficulty about the heart, which
necessitated his laying aside his studies for some
months, so that he failed to graduate with his
class. He pursued a regular course in the medical
department at Dartmouth, under the instruction of
the justly celebrated Dr. Smith, than whom, in the
department of medicine and surgery, no more skillful
man could be found. He was a worthy pupil of so
worthy an instructor, and was highly appreciated and
honored by Dr. S. in being more frequently than any
other of his pupils, called to accompany him, and
assist in extremely difficult and delicate cases of
surgery. He was a remarkably apt scholar, to
whatever department of study he turned his
attention.
In the spring of 1811, he married Frances Mary
Eldridge, of Brooklyn, Ct., by whom he had eleven
children, seven sons and four daughters, two of whom
died in early childhood; eight, with the widow
survive him.
H commenced the practice of medicine and surgery in
his native town about the year 1809 or 1810, in
which calling he had a wide and very successful
practice for forty years. He administered the
healing balm to the bodies of his fellow citizens of
the [not legible] period of time which it was the
privilege of his honored father to prescribe for
their spiritual maladies. He was peculiarly skillful
in fevers. He made a specialty of cases of epilepsy,
in the treatment of which he had remarkable success,
having patients from several states of the Union.
At about the age of 37, he was appointed surgeon to
the regiment of the State which office he held as
long as the organization was maintained. And he was
not without honor in other departments. He held the
office of judge of probate for several successive
terms, during which time he had the decision of
several intricate cases, which had no precedent, and
his judgment which judgment was afterward confirmed,
and made the law of the State (in such cases), by
legislative enactment.
He had an almost intuitive perception, and insight
to the merits of any matter brought before him. He
was justice of the peace for many years, and woe to
the luckless wight, upon whom the stain of guilt was
fixed. In the numerous cases, in which he was called
to act, he knew neither friend or foe, but decided
always upon the merits of the case. He feared no
man; no flatteries, no bribes, no insinuations, no
threats, could move him a hair's breadth from what
he considered a straight line Of firm nerve, of
undaunted courage, he was a terror to evil doers,
and in all the relationships of life, he was known
and acknowledged as a man of unimpeachable
integrity.
At about the age of 35 or 36, he was powerfully
wrought upon by the Holy Spirit, and as powerfully
assailed by the legions of darkness, and after long
struggling, and most violent conflicts, he at last
with the sword of the spirit vanquished all his
spiritual foes, and united with the people of God
about the year 1821.
He entered heartily into all matters of public,
social, civil or religious interest. In temperance
he early advocated the principle of total abstinence
and delivered a stirring address in his own town in
1833, in which he advocated this platform as the
only safe one.
A firm and uncompromising supporter of the faith
once delivered to the saints, an earnest Christian,
a zealous patriot, a good man. He possessed a clear
head, a guileless heart, a tender conscience. A man
of mark in his generation, he has left to his
children the priceless legacy of a good name.
Many whom he has in years gone by rescued (for the
tune) from the grasp of the destroyer, will cherish
his memory; his children, and his children's
children will ever delight to speak his name. The
memory of the just is blessed. D. B.
(We had an initmate acquaintance with Dr. Lyman and
the privilege of numbering him among our choice
friends, and we are pleased to bear testimony to the
record communicated above. We knew him in the vigor
of his manhood, and always found him "sound in the
faith," and upright in practice.
Handwritten note below obituary: Died March 5th 1870
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
MRS. FRANCES MARY LYMAN
On January 2d, at Woodstock,Conn., at the age of 85
years and 10 months, died Mrs. Frances Mary Lyman,
widow of the late Dr. Daniel Lyman, who was well
known throught this county, and elsewhere, as a
skillful and successful physician for forty years.
Mrs. Lyman was the last of a numerous family, whose
home was in Brooklyn, in this State; several of them
men who were not without honor and distinction in
the various walks of life - among them Dr. Charles
Eldredge of East Greenwich, R.I.; Oliver Eldredge,
an extensive manufacturer in Boston, deceased a few
years since, and the late Edward Eldredge of
Pomfret, Conn. The deceased was mother of eleven
children, nine of whom lived to adult age, and seven
of whome followed her remains to the grave. She was
eminently a Christian wife and mother, training her
children according to the Scripture standard, not
only pointing them to the narrow path, but herself
leading the way. She was a Christian, not of the
modern type, but of a class having too few
representatives - who love the pure unadulterrated
gospel, and who remember the Sabbath day to keep it
holy. Beloved and honeored by all who knew here, her
children rise up and called her blessed. "The memory
of the just is blessed."
Hand written below the obituary: 1878
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
JAMES E. LYMAN
The funeral of James E. Lyman, a well-known real
estate dealer of this city, was held this afternoon
from his lake residence, 137 Wesleyan Avenue. Rev.
James E. McConnell, was the officiating clergyman,
the bearers were six deacons of the Union
Congregational Church of which Mr. Lyman was a
prominent member. He had been sick for some time,
and a few days before his death was seized with a
cerebral hemorrahge that proved fatal. He was born
in Woodstock, Conn., where he was educated and later
moved to this city and entered the real estate
business. A widow survives him.
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
BEACH - LYMAN
WOODSTOCK
MRS. MARIA LYMAN BEACH
The Rev. J. M. Peck of Putnam will [elgible] in the
chapel of the Congregational Church. Sunday at 3
o'clock, p.lm., unless it should prove a [eligible]
day
The news reached us on Satuerday, or the death of
Mrs. Maria Lyman Beach. The funeral service was held
in our chapel Monday afternoon of this week at two
o'clock.
Three deaths have occurred in the family [eligible]
two months, husband, wife, and sisterand all were
brought to Woodstock for burial.
The girlhood of Mrs. Beach was spent here as the
daughter of Dr. Daniel Lyman; later she became the
wife of Mr. Haskell, after a few years she returned
to Woodstock, a widow.
At this time her home was here for several years. A
portion of this period, she was with Woodstock
Academy as teacher of drawing, for which she had a
market gift, some fine specimens of her work still
being in existence. We are indebted to her for a
very fine drawing of the Academy building.
In 1875 she became the wife of Rev. Nathaniel Beach.
The story of her life since that time has been one
of devoted faithfulness to him, caring tenderly for
him through many years of frail health. She was
present at his funeral only a few weeks ago, but
great weakness of body was apparent.
From this she rellied to a measure and was enabled
to return to her home in great suffering about two
weeks ago, with no home of improvement for she was
[several eligible words]. Her niece, Mrs.[several
eligible words], Mrs. Harris, cared for her until
the end, which came peacefully to her on Thursday.
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
SMITH
FUNERAL SERVICES
MISS JULIA O. SMITH
A large number of relatives and friends gathered at
the home of Frank H. Smith 113 Washington street, on
Saturday afternoon to pay the last earthly tribute
to the memory of Miss Julia Octavia Smith. A great
profusion of flowers surrounded the casket. The
services were conducted by Rev. Lewellyn Pratt. He
spoke of the true Christian life which the deceased
had lived. Interment was in the family lot in the
Yantic cemetery.
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
WOODSTOCK - PAINE
PASSED BEYOND
At East Woodstock, Conn., on Tuesday, March 14th,
1899, Mary Ann May Paine, widow of the late John
Paine, peacefully passed from earth to her home
beyond.
Born in 1812, married in 1836, the mother of six
children, she never looked upon a vacant chair at
her fireside for fifty-three years or until 1880,
when the husband and father was the first to go. She
was the next to folow. She did not need the
discipline of bereavement to make her heart yearn
over the sorrows of others, and a large picutre of
the "Home for the Friendless" has hung on the wall
of her room for many years. She was a constant
reader of the ADVOCATE AND GUARDIAN almost from its
first number, and caused many copies to be sent to
others. Thoroughly in sympathy with its purpose, she
would frequently point out to her children and
friends some good thing she had found in it.
With never a severe sickness, she wonderfully
retained all her facultities and dearly loved to
sing alone, or with others, the good old songs. Only
a few days before her death she sang in a clear,
full voice the hymm beginning, "I hear Thy welcome
voice." Her absent children were blessed from time
to time with letters, full of motherlove and
solicitude, and marvels of penmanship to the last.
Of a quiet and retiring disposition, she
nevertheless was able to "preach the gospel to every
creature" who came within the sphere of her
influence. No guest or servant could remain long
under her roof without realizing that Christ was her
personal friend and Saviour, and that she was "so
anxious not to go to heaven along." Her Bible was
the chart for each day's voyage, and she never
thought of heaven as an unknown country. Her Saviour
had prepared a place for her and she was ever ready
to be summond home. To a mind well stored with
current knoledge she added a mighty wealth of
heavenly wisdom, and to a heart full of neighborly
and family affection she added a supreme love for
her Saviour, so that her life was filled with
radiance and light. "Her children arise up and call
her blessed." L.M.P.
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
OWEN SHAPLEY SMITH
The death of Owen Shapley Smith, 86, occurred early
Monday morning at the home of his son, Sidney P.
Smith of No. 372 Washington street. He was born in
Franklin, June 29, 1848, a son of John Owen and
Abbie (Shapley) Smith, and was a brother of the late
Frank H. Smith of this city. For several years Mr.
Smith was superintendent of the Second
Congregationaql church Sunday school and later for
30 years a deacon of the First Congregational church
at Norwich town. He had always taken an active
interest in the activities of the church and was
well and favorably known in this city.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Harriet
Huntington Smith, whith whom he was united in
marriage in 1872; three sons, Rev. Edward H. Smith
of Foochow China, Harold L. Smith of St. Louis, Mo,
Sidney P. Smith of this city, with whom he had made
his home, and a daugter, Mrs. T. Snoden Thomas of
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He also leaves 11
grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Transcribed by Pat Sabin
OWEN S. SMITH
At 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon funeral services
for Owen S. Smith were held at the home of his son,
Sidney P. Smith, No. 372 Washington street, and was
attended by many relatives and friends. Rev. Wildrid
M. Wilton, pastor of the Norwich Town Congregational
church, who officiated at the service, used a
favorite scripture of Deacon Smith found in John 14
with special empahsis on the second verse, "In my
father's house are many mansions. If it were not so
I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for
you." Rev. Mr. Wilton also by request read the poem,
Life, Not Death.
Burial took place in Yantic cemetery, where the
committal service was conducted by Rev. Mr. Wilton.
The bearers were Dwight W. Avery, Dwight L.
Underwood, Harry Frazier, and W.O. Rogers. The
floral tributes were numerous and beautiful. The
funeral arrangements were in charge of undertakers
Church and Allen.
Transcribed by Pat Sabin