Onondaga County New York Obituaries Extracted From The Northern Christian Advocate, Syracuse, NY, 1903

1903 Obituaries from the Northern Christian Advocate in Syracuse, Onondaga County New York.

EBERHARDT, Sophia C., Obituary

Sophia, wife of Peter Eberhardt, Sr., was born in Harnbach, Germany, on the border land of France, October 14, 1834, and died in Owego, NY, Monday evening, January 26th, 1903, after a residence in this, her adopted country, of fifty-one years. Sister Eberhardt was a typical Methodist, a devout Christian, and lover of God's house, where she was a constant worshiper, and faithful attendant of the class meeting. Her testimonies were always an inspiration, and her sweet personalty is sadly missed from the sanctuary and the home life. Her long illness was patiently borne, and loving hands of daughter and friends ministered to all her needs, and her Savior was most precious. From the noisy avenue she was removed to the quieter home of dear friends, and there in peace she entered into that rest that remaineth for the people of God, and her memory here is blessed. She is survived by her husband and four children, Lovina S., George D., and Peter Eberhardt, Jr., of Owego, and Mrs. Carrie B. Vose, of Hackessen, Del., who sincerely mourn the departure of a good wife and loving mother.

The funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 28, 1903, at 2 p.m. in the First Methodist Episcopal church, of which she had so long been a worthy member. Her own favorite hymns were sung with appropriate sermon by her pastor, and burial was made in the beautiful Evergreen cemetery, in the hope of a glorious resurrection. [Northern Christian Advocate, (Syracuse, NY), May 13, 1903]

GRAVES, Chester Wells, Obituary

Chester Wells Graves was born in Little Meadows, Pa., February 2, 1833, and died at his home in South Owego, NY, December 2, 1902.

Improving his opportunities for an education, he attended the village school and later at Binghamton, NY He was married to Jane Tallmadge, November 20, 1859. To them were born four children, three of whom survive. About forty years ago, in his own home alone with his companion, he started on the Christian journey. His conversion was very bright and clear and was followed by a revival of religion on the Little Meadows charge, Rev. A. C. Sperry, pastor. Jointing the church and moving to South Owego he has made a record of long and faithful service. Honored much as an official member he was naturally a leader, his opinions carrying great weight. He loved the church and sacrificed liberally for her welfare. A loyal Christian, a good neighbor, a kind friend, a true husband, an affectionate father, he will be greatly missed. During his eleven months of sickness, he often wished to depart and be with Christ, which was far better. Besides a wife and daughter, both of whom lovingly and constantly ministered to him, he leaves two sons to mourn their loss. His last words wore in prayer and song. His funeral took place from his late residence on Saturday, December 6. Truly for him "to live was Christ and to die was gain."

We laid his body to rest in the beautiful cemetery on the hill, near the church he loved, feeling sure of meeting him again in the home not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. [Northern Christian Advocate, (Syracuse, NY), January 21, 1903]

GRISWOOD, Climena, Obituary

Climena Griswood was born in the town of Cohocton, at Engleside, N.Y., and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Helen Bellis, in the same town April 13, 1903, aged seventy-six years. Her maiden name was Crafts. At the age of six years her mother died, and she lived with her aunt, Mrs. George Stanford, of Wheeler, N.Y., till her marriage to John G. Stevens. She then lived nine years in Prattsburgh, Steuben Co., N.Y. At that place two children were born to them, Charles F., now of Penn Yan, and Helen E., in whose home she died. After this she came with her two children to Engleside, and, living on a farm, cared for her father. In 1878 her son and daughter were married, and a few years later she was married a second time to Robert Griswood, of Gainesville, N.Y. With him she had a happy home till his death about six years ago. She continued to reside in Gainesville till about two years ago when she went to the home of her daughter. She was converted early in ive and united with the Methodist Episcopal church. She was possessed of rare excellence of character and leaves a large circe of friends. She was ready, waiting for her Master's call. Always mild and affectionate, she was tenderly loved in the home and has a large place in the hearts of those who knew her best. She was a member of the church of Gainesvile at her death. Being absent from that place, and because of the intimate acquaintance and warm friendship existing between Mrs. Griswood and the writer, he was requested by her to officiate at her funeral. A good woman has gone to her reward. Her body rests in the cemetery at Atlanta, awaiting the resurrection morn. C.R. BUCK. [Northern Christian Advocate (Syracuse, NY) Wednesday, July 1, 1903]

HOPE, Charlie, Obituary

Law Against the Brutality of Football.
Saturday, November 14, a bright young man, Charlie Hope, ready for college, residing in the city of Corning, had his neck broken at Canisteo, in a game of football. He went in, when the game was half completed, to take the place of a man who had been carried unconscious from the field, and in just five minutes from the time he entered the game his neck was broken. At first the boys thought he was merely hurt, and the game went on. Sunday he was lying with his body entirely paralyzed and conscious that his broken-hearted father and brothers were at his bedside and that a council of physicians had pronounce the terrible words "no hope." This makes twelve persons who have been killed outright this season in the popular national killing game of football. We submit that some kind of restrictive measures should be immediately taken against the brutal and dangerous features of the present game. Surely the awful results in loss of life are quite sufficient to warrant vigourous action. [Northern Christian Advocate, (Syracuse, NY), Wednesday, November 25, 1903]