MRS. ERVING TAINTOR

The Former Mrs. James H. Fox

Her Death and the Handsome Bequest to the Universalist Church

   Mrs. Erving Taintor, a life-long resident of this village, died on Wednesday last, at the age of 78 years.

   Previous to her marriage to Mr. Taintor, who survives her, she was the widow of James H. Fox, a prominent citizen, and will, perhaps, be better remembered under that name, especially by older and former residents.  Mrs. Taintor was a remarkable woman in many respects, prominent was her strong religious belief and love of music.  No one member of her church did more than she to sustain it by deed, money and time spent, and in death her good work ceaseth not.   An accomplished musician she provided music for her church on all occasions.  Forty or more years ago she was the only music teacher of any note in this vicinity, and as such had a great many scholars.  Many of our older citizens received their first musical instruction from her, and in turn their children. 

   Her funeral took place from the Universalist church on Saturday at 11 a.m., and was conducted by the Rev. Daniel Ballou, of Utica, who in the course of the services read a poem written by Mrs. Wm. Buckley, extoling the virtues and good deeds of the deceased.  The interment was in Riverview cemetery.

   Mrs. Taintor conveyed by deed her house and lot on Scott street, together with all furniture, to the Universalist church in this village for a parsonage.  By her will, after making several individual bequests she gave one-half of her property, which may amount to $4000, for the support of the ministry in said church, with the proviso that should the church be without a Universalist minister and fail to hold regular services for the space of one year, at any time, the legacy shall be forfeited.