Amenia NY Harlem Valley Times Saturday, October 14 1922
Wassaic: There passed away Thursday morning at his home in Wassaic, Mr. George Birch, an old resident of the village. He was a kindly-hearted, sociable man whose death will be sincerely mourned by many neighbors and friends. Mr. Birch had been very successful in the restaurant business at Yonkers, and upon his retirement some years ago on account of failing health, his son, James, took that business over and is now conducting it.
George Birch was the son of the Rev. James Birch and his wife, Jane (Quinlan) Birch. Many years ago when the old Amenia Seminary was in a flourishing condition Rev. Mr. Birch was stationed in Amenia and occupied pulpits in surrounding towns. In those days the itinerant Methodist pastor had several churches in their charge and members of that denomination were oft termed "Shouting Methodists", and they oft said "Amen" good and loud right out in meeting when the speaker's views coincided with their own. Perhaps some of your older readers will recollect this old pastor, and knew the worth of his sterling character. His wife was a member of a prominent Sullivan county family who have occupied positions of trust and honor. After being superanuated, Rev. Mr. Birch lived in Poughkeepsie until his death many years ago. A sister of the deceased, Miss Lizzie Birch, graduated from the Amenia Seminary and afterward became the wife of Laban Dodge, of Pawling, where she departed this life a number of years ago, and another sister, Miss Mary Birch, is also deceased.
George Birch leaves to mourn his great loss, a widow, a daughter, Miss Lula Birch, who is teaching school at New Rochelle, a son, James, of Yonkers, and a sister, Mrs. Arthur Kline, of Jersey city.
His funeral was largely attended by sorrowful friends at his late home in Wassaic Sunday afternoon and interment was in the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery where his kindred rest.