Erastus Wethey, one of the most prominent and respected residents of this town died Tuesday morning at the Auburn City hospital, at the age of 85 years.

Mr. Wethey went to Auburn abut two weeks since, where he was taken seriously ill, being removed to the hospital.

Mr. Wethey was born in the town of Mentz, now, Throop, September 15, 1820, in which place he passed his boyhood days. July 30, 1837, he united with the Baptist church at Throopsville, and through all his long life has lived a consistent christian, every shaping his life to the pattern fashioned by the Master he loved and served.

On February 8th, 1843, he married Caroline Davis, the daughter of the late John P. Davis, one of the prominent men of his day in this locality. Ten years later, in April 1853, Mr. And Mrs. Wethey moved to Yorkshire, Cattaraugus county, N.Y., where he resided several years, and where both united with the Baptist church at Arcade. In 1855, a Baptist church was organized at Yorkshire, now Delevan, with fifteen members. Mr. Wethey was elected deacon of this church and largely to his efforts was due the fact that at the first covenant meeting the membership was doubled. In 1856 Mr. And Mrs. Wethey returned to Port Byron and again united with the local church, of which for many years he was deacon.

Two sons, Edwin C. and Willard S. Wethey, besides a large number of relatives survive the deceased. The funeral was held Thursday from the baptist church and was largely attended, Rev. I.J. Wilmarth, officiating.

The life of this man was always an influence for good. It was inspiring, and counted for the betterment of the lives with which he came in contact and for public policy, so far as one man’s effort could. He moved along the dead level of life performing duty as it came, firm in the faith that inspired him to do the Master’s work. His life, his prayers, his exhortations were the emanations of a faith that could not be shaken. Surely his mission was well done and he has entered into rest.

(Taken from an obituary clipping, newspaper not known)