Joseph L. McCray
Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 17, 1867
Deaths: In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., of consumption, Mr. Joseph L. McCray, aged 36 years.
Death of Joseph L. McCray: In the death of this excellent man and worthy citizen, something more should be said than that he died. His amiable traits of character were such as to endear him to a large circle of friends. His strict integrity, his noble and manly characteristics, his charitable disposition made him the beloved of his immediate circle of relatives, and extended their influence over his more extended associations. His surviving partner and children have sustained an irreparable loss--his associates a exemplar in life, of all the graces that adorn manhood. It must be said of him, that he was a good husband, a kind father, a good citizen. His funeral was attended from his late residence in Smithville, on the 12th inst., by a large concourse of citizens. He was buried with masonic honors, under the direction of Eastern Light Lodge, of this village, of which he was a worthy member. There were present members of the fraternity from Norwich, Oxford, Coventry, and Cortland, and Broome Counties, and made an imposing display of more than one hundred members, who assembled to pay their respects to departed worth. R.P. Barnard of this village, was Marshal, Dr. M.M. Wood, Master of Eastern Light Lodge, was present, and at his request, Geo. W. Baker, of this place, officiated as Master, in the solemn burial service. He performed his part with much ability. Rev. I.B. Hyde, pastor of the Methodist Church, in this village, delivered a brief but able funeral discourse. Everything passed off in admirable order. It was an occasion that will long be remembered in Smithville. The Masonic burial service was new to many, and seemed to impress all with its solemnity and appropriateness.


Mary Elizabeth (Smith) McCray

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 11, 1913
Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY]: Mrs. Mary E. McCray, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George I. Skinner in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] Friday morning, Dec. 5. This was sad news indeed for her friends here in Smithville where her death is keenly felt. Mrs. McCray was born here and had spent the most of her life here. A busy life, full of good works. Her parents were William T. Smith and Louisa Lyon Smith. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Minnie Thomas of this palce, and Mrs. Lizzie Skinner of Bainbridge, and grandson McCray Skinner, and three granddaughters, Misses Elizabeth, Margaret and Laura Skinner, also a brother, W.A. Smith of Hays, Kansas. Her body was brought to her home here in the village, and the funeral was held Monday afternoon, Rev. R.G. McLeod of Chenango Forks officiated, burial in the village cemetery.