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Note: NI14 The Otsego Farmer, Cooperstown, New York, May 28, 1887
The Hon. John Westover of Richmondville, Schoharie county, was buried today. His funeral was attended by one of the largest assemblages ever congregated at such a service within the county. An extra train brought from Albany and other nearer by stations, many of his distinguished associates, and friends, to pay their respects at the last ceremonies of the honored dead. A sermon was preached from the 4th verse of the 46th chapter of Isaiah, The following are the words of the text: "And even in your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." From such a text, which was a sermon of itself, the eloquent and pathetic words of the speaker could not fail to make a lasting impression upon such an assemblage. Judge Westover had for seventy-nine years been a resident of Richmondville. He was born in Egremont, Berkshire county, Mass., July 8th, 1797. Had his life been spared until July 8th, his years would have numbered ninety. His parents moved to Richmondville while it was still a forest; and during his days he has known all the hardships and privations incident to early pioneer life. In 1824 he purchased a portion of the estate upon which for more than sixty years he has resided; and at the residence so long ago by him erected, his funeral was held. No better proof of the confidence reposed in him by his townsmen need be named, than that for thirty-eight years he was Justice of the Peace in his town. He was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1838, which office he held until the adoption of the new State Constitution in 1846. In 1853 he was chosen by his county to the legislature of the State. For several terms he was supervisor of his town, and one of the most efficient directors of the A. & S. R. R. from its reorganization until his death. He was one of the members of the Howe's Cave Lime and Cement Company, which was organized in March, 1867, and was chosen its president in 1876, which office was annually thereafter conferred upon him, and which he held at the time of his death. His associate members of the company were present at his funeral to mingle their tears of love and sympathy with those of his other true friends. He was married to Catharine, daughter of Benjamin Miles of Schoharie, in 1832, with whom he lived and pleasantly enjoyed their mutual confidence and prosperity, until she was removed by death January, 1881. They had no children, and his large estate, the accumulations of so many years of unremitting industry, will no doubt , contribute for all future time to the good of the people; in advancing education and adding perpetually to the diffusion of human knowledge. Among his latest enterprises was his establishment of the Richmondville Bank in 1881, of which he was president. His superior sagacity seemed to make all of his undertakings peculiarly successful. His estate is estimated by his neighbors at all sums from 150,000 to $500,000. An intermediate sum, between the two extremes, being doubtless nearer the true estimate. His life and his success was one continued lesson to all living, of what may be accomplished by individual efforts of industry; frugality and honest, well directed labor;. His examples of untiring, perserving industry, should ever stand as an evidence of the possibilities within the reach of all, by like well directed persevering toil. Fair men are more missed at death than will be the subject of this brief sketch. Few have lived who have more honorably, worthily, or successfully filled their various positions and missions of life. Few indeed have a purer record, or a more unsullied reputation, as a legacy behind them. His memory will be blessed. H. BAKER.
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