The Telegraph
1891This venerable and highly respected citizen departed this life, Sunday morning, at the advanced age of eighty nine years.
The infirmities incident to the length of days to which he had attained kept him in comparative seclusion for the last year or more of his life, but while the body was weak the same vigor of mind which characterized him in the past was his, and led him to take an active interest in public affairs and in the management of his extensive business. Only the Friday night before his death, he gave to his employes instructions for the work of the coming day. He died quietly and peacefully, like a child falling asleep. The work of life was accomplished. The vital machinery was worn out. The end came naturally and life was perfected in death.
Matthew Graves Ransford united this generation to that of the pioneers, having been the first child ever born in a frame house in the town of Norwich. That house was more like a mansion and stood about a mile above the present village on the west side of the road, a few rods north of the dwelling house on the J.D. Reed farm. It was built by his father, Hascall Ransford, who in 1790 had taken up a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in that locality. Having made a small clearing and erected a log house, he brought his father and mother here in 1792. In the summer of that year he married the daughter of Matthew Graves, another pioneer. In 1799 he built the house referred to above, bringing the nails from Utica.
There June 8th, 1802, Matthew Ransford was born. The house remained the Ransford homestead, until about twenty five years ago, when it was pulled down. Its solid, axe hewn timbers were used in the construction of the house owned and occupied by George McMonagle in North Broad Street. Matthew Ransford grew to manhood's estate invigorated in body and mind by the hardships of pioneer life, and in 1824 was united in marriage to miss Sophia Wasson, daughter of John T. Wasson, who was another early settler. Their married life was harmonious and happy for nearly half a century, till December 6th, 1872, when death claimed her for his own.
Mr. Ransford became one of the most extensive land owners in Norwich. Always attentive to business, careful and judicious in his ventures and investments, his landed estate has grown in value and extent with the passing years. Nearly forty years ago he became a resident of the village, his family consisting of wife and one son, John H. Ransford.
Since the death of the wife, the home has been kept the same, rich in everything that pertained to home life. He never sought political honors, although ever taking a deep interest in public affairs. The only office he ever held was that of village trustee, but he found its cares and perplexities distasteful and distracting, and ever afterward refused to accept any public place.
He leaves surviving him on son, John H. Ransford, who of late years has been intimately associated with him in the conduct of his extensive business, and one brother, William Ransford, of this town, who is now the sole survivor of the original family of eleven.
We have no words of eulogy in which to fitly portray the life and character of Matthew G. Ransford. He was one of those men, quiet, honest, diligent, unostentations, respected by the public and loved by his friends, who fitly symbolizes the ideal citizen, just and tenacious of everything that makes and preserves us a nation.
Local newspaper
At his home, 60 West Main street, this village at 3 o'clock this morning. April 16, 1904, occurred the death of Frederick H. Scott, aged 61 years. Mr. Scott took cold about three weeks ago, and an attach of the grip followed, which settled in his throat, causing a large swelling. An operation was performed several days ago, from which the patient rallied satisfactorily and his recovery seemed assured, but a difficulty with the heart, from which he had suffered for a year or more set in and death resulted.
Mr. Scott was the son of Asa A. and Freelove French Scott, and was born in the town of Plymouth March 6, 1843. He continued to reside there until his marriage, Dec. 26, 1865, to Sarah J. Ransford, when they located on a farm in the town of Preston, where they made there home until their removal to this village. Mrs. Scott died June 6, 1893. Mr. Scott married in 1894 for his second wife, Mrs. Sarah A. Aldrich, who survives.
Mr. Scott was a successful farmer and was also largely engaged up to the time of failing health a year ago, in buying cattle and live stock. He was a man of excellent judgement, and his advise on matters of business was frequently sought. He had many friends among his wide acquaintance, his upright character and obliging, kindly nature being well known characteristics of every day life. he was an earnest christian, and a member of the M.E. Church. aside from his wife, Mr. Scott is survived by one nephew, Asa Aldrich of North Norwich.
The Union
May 13, 1899News was received here, Thursday morning, of the death of Miss Sarah Lamb, a resident of this village. She had been an invalid for a number of years. Her remains arrived here Friday morning, and were taken to the residence of Hon. R.A. Young on West street.
Sarah Lamb was the daughter of Anthony and Fanny Ransford Lamb, and was born in Hamilton, NY., September 27, 1834.
On her father's side she was connected with one of the historic families of the state, and on her mother's was allied to the pioneer family in Norwich. When she was about five years old, her parents removed to this town, residing north of the village. She was educated in Norwich Academy and Mt. Holyoke, and , being apt and ready scholar, became noted for her acquirement and unusual intelligence.
At fourteen years of age she united with the Baptist church and for many years walked worthily of the vocation wherewithal she was called. She always took an active part in the church work, and was especially, before her health became impaired, efficient as a Sunday school teacher. Few excelled her in intelligent knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.
She is survived by her sister, Eloise Lamb of this village, and two brothers, Anthony Lamb of Syracuse and Colonel W.H. Lamb of Santa Cruz, Cal.
Find-a-Grave notesPvt., Couch's Co., Swift's Connecticut Regiment, Revolutionary War.
He served in the Revolutionary War, enlisting on 1 June 1776 for six months with Col. Herman Swift and Capt. Ebenezer Couch. In 1777 he again served for two months with Capt. Sackett and Col. Hooker, and served again in the same year for two months with Capt. Peter Mills and col. John Wood. He served the fourth time in 1779 for six months with Col. Herman Swift. He came to Greene County, Illinois where he died on 21 October 1837. He was pensioned.