Onondaga County New York Obituaries Extracted From The Northern Christian Advocate, Syracuse, NY, 1902

1902 Obituaries from the Northern Christian Advocate in Syracuse, Onondaga County New York.

HILL, Ephraim, Obituary

Ephraim Hill was born March 3, 1824, and died at Elmira, N.Y., January 16, 1902, in his seventy-eighth year. With his parents he came into the town of Caton, Steuben county, in his infancy and resided there until 1892, when he removed to Elmira where he resided at the time of his death. In 1844 he was united in marriage to Mary M. Reed, who survives him. Five children came to bless this home, D. Sylvester Jr., of Fargo, N.D., Mrs. Julia Gilbert, of Elmira, Virgil R., deceased, Sherman B., of Montour Falls, and Mrs. Nellie Smith, of Elmira. Brother Hill was converted when a child and joined the Presbyterian church of which his parents were members, but soon felt that a home with the Methodists would be more congenial, and he united with the Methodist church in Corning. For about half a century he was one of the pillars of Caton Methodism. His home was the home of the Methodist itinerant. His time, money and strength were ever at the service of the church. During nearly all these years he was steward, trustee, class leader and chorister. On removing to Elmira he united with the Hedding Methodist Church, and was very helpful in organizing and sustaining the work at the Foster Avenue chapel. Nearly two years of sickness with Bright's disease preceded his death. In sickness, as in health, the Christian graces shone forth. Heaven and Christ were real and were at hand, and he longed to join in the songs of the angels. The funeral services at Elmira were in charge of the pastor of the Hedding church, Rev. T. F. Keeney. At Caton the church was filled with those who for many years had known and loved Brother Hill, and the sermon was preached by Rev. F. M. Smith, a former and greatly beloved pastor. The remains were laid to rest in the cemetery near by. Though dead he lives. [Northern Christian Advocate, (Syracuse, NY), Wednesday, March 12, 1902, P. 175]

HUBBARD, Solomon, Obituary

Death of Judge Hubbard
Hon. Solomon Hubbard, former county judge of Livingston county, died at his residence home in Canisteo, N.Y., Wednesday morning June 25. Judge Hubbard was widely known and highly respected in church and community. He was the first lay delegate to the General conference from the Genesee conference. Mrs. Hubbard, who has been an invalid for many years, survives him. Two daughters, Mrs. Edward C. Cole of Passaic, N.J., and Mrs. F. D. Blakeslee of Cazenovia, are left to comfort the aged wife whose life has been so closely bound up with that of her husband. Their union has been more than ordinarily strong and beautiful. A portrait and life sketch of Judge Hubbard will be published in the NORTHERN soon. [Northern Christian Advocate, (Syracuse, NY), Wednesday, July 2, 1902, P.420]

VAN KEUREN, Moses, Obituary

Moses Van Keuren was born November 11, 1824, near Sonora, Steuben County, N.Y., and died at the same place February 4, 1902. His life was spent within two miles of his birthplace and his death occurred about a quarter of a mile from the old homestead. He was converted at fifteen and united with the Baptist Church at North Urbana. In November 1875 he became a member of the Sonora Methodist Episcopal church, where his wife and children belonged, and from that date till called to the higher church he maintained official relations with the same. In August 1852 he married Hannah Canfield, of Sonora, who survives him. To them were born two children, Mrs. George Conley, of Sonora and Rev. F. M. Van Keuren, of Coudersport, Pa. Brother Van Keuren was a man of sterling worth. In no sense was he an ornamental Christian. He had a rich experience and he made the service of the Master his business. The writer has thought that our Lord's reply to Peter, "What is that to thee, follow thou me," had taken firm hold of our brother, for his delight was to "follow" his Leader. Always in his place and doing his duty, loyal to every interest of the church, his pastor always found in him one who was wise in counsel and an efficient helper in all things both spiritual and temporal. His home was the preacher's home and in every way was he mindful of his pastor's needs and comforts. About five years ago he entered into the experience of the higher life and since then no cloud has darkened his spiritual vision. The funeral services were held in the Methodist Episcopal church as Savona, conducted by his pastor, assisted by Rev. J. O. Jarman, of Campbell, a former pastor. Outside of the immediate friends no one will miss him more than the writer, his pastor, who counts it one of the pleasures of his ministry to have known Brother Van Keuren. George E. Morse. [Northern Christian Advocate, (Syracuse, NY), Wednesday, March 19, 1902, P.191]