OSMER M. WESTOVER

Death of a Well Known Citizen Occurred at Catskill Friday Morning

   The death of Osmer M. Westover, a retired farmer, and well known resident of Oxford, occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jay W. Hopkins, at Catskill Friday morning.  Mr. Westover had been in declining health for some years, and last October went to Catskill to visit his daughter, as he expressed it, "for a little visit."  Death was caused by tuberculosis.

   Mr. Westover's parents were Ranslow and Clarissa Tift Westover.  Soon after their marriage his parents purchased a pair of horses and canvas top lumber wagon in which he and his bridge made their wedding trip from Chenango county to Plainfield, Ill.   Here Osmer was born.  They built a home there, remaining five years, or until driven out by fever and ague, when they returned to Oxford.  In 1840 he, in company with his brother Calvin, was engaged in the oyster trade, receiving their supply by team from Catskill which they distributed throughout a wide section of adjacent country.  Binghamton, Elmira and Corning were among the places that received their first oysters from the Westovers.  Ranslow also engaged in farming and owned at one time the Newkirk farm in this village, building a fine residence now occupied by Fred Dibble.

  Osmer M. Westover was born in Plainfield, Ill., on October 2, 1838.  He was married to Sarah Eliza, daughter of William E. Chapman, January 21, 1863, who died in 1902.  He engaged in farming, owning his father's farm at one time, and at the time of his death the farm of his father-in-law.  At one time he conducted a drug store in this village.  He was a social, neighborly, well informed man who had many friends.  His life has been somewhat retired since the death of his wife and owing to failing health.

   He is survived by his daughter, Anna B., wife of Jay W. Hopkins of Catskill; three sons, Herbert G. of Oxford, Howard C. of Paterson, N. J., and Dr. Robert R. Westover of Brooklyn; and one brother, William G. Westover of Troy; and a sister, Mrs. Theodore F. McNeil of Binghamton.

The remains were brought here Monday evening and funeral services held at Mr. Westover's late home south of the village yesterday afternoon.  Rev. A. O. Austin of the Methodist church officiated, and interment was made in Riverview cemetery.