Harvey J. Stratton

Life Long Resident of Oxford Township Dies Following Cerebral Hemorrhage

(1928)

   Harvey J. Stratton, a life long resident of the town of Oxford, and a respected citizen of this village for the past ten years, died Sunday at 4 o'clock at his home on Clinton street.

   Mr. Stratton was in rugged health until about two years ago when he suffered a heart attack.  Since that time he was gradually failed.  About a week ago he was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage and only lived eight days.

   He was born January 24, 1850, at South Oxford, the son of George and Marlette Robinson Stratton.  He was educated at Oxford Academy and Fulton seminary and for many years taught school at Coventry and Greene.

   Among the pioneers of this section the Stratton family was one of the first to appear in Oxford and they were prominent settlers of this valley where many became prosperous farmers.  Mr. Stratton was the grandson of John Stratton who came from New England and located in this community in 1815 at South Oxford.

   He was married August 20, 1876 to Miss Fannie Copeland of Greene.  For several years after their marriage, the couple resided on and Mr. Stratton worked a portion of his father's farm.  Here, besides his farm duties, Mr. Stratton found time to sell agricultural implements to the farmers of this section.

   Thirty-six years ago he bought a farm on the main highway at the junction of the Tyner road, two miles below this village, where he resided with his family and worked the land until 10 years ago when he moved to this village.  A year ago last August he and Mrs. Stratton celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

   For many terms he served as a justice of the peace in this town.  He was a member of Oxford Lodge No. 175 F. & A. M. and of Oxford Chapter No. 254, R. & A. M.  Since a youth he has been a faithful communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal Church of this village.

   Surviving him are his widow, one son, George R. Stratton, and one daughter, Mrs. Rachel Ireland, both of this village; two grandsons, Maurice S. and Francis C. Ireland; one brother, W. A. Stratton of Norwich; and one sister, Mrs. Allie MacFarland of Indian Springs, Nevada.

   Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home with Rev. H. C. Whedon, rector of St. Paul's, officiating.  Interment was made in Riverview cemetery.

   Mr. Stratton was always a hard working man and his cheerful disposition has earned him the good will of his neighbors besides that of a host of friends, all of whom will mourn his passing.

NOTE:  The date under the name was hand-written on the article.