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Bristol County Obituaries

B

Died. 

At Baltimore, Mr. SAMUEL BOWEN , Son of Mr. Josiah Bowen in Barrington, aged 20 years. This promising youth, in the bloom of life, submitts to death and leaves his almost inconsoleable parents to lament the loss of a fourth son who hath died at sea within four years past. Nothing but a pious resignation to the awards of Providence, can support them under those repeated strokes, while humanity mingles a tear of sympathy at their distress. 

Source: Herald of The United States (Providence, RI), October 26, 1799, Transcribed by C. Anthony
Funeral of Maj. Bradford

Bristol, Aug. 11--The funeral of MAJOR WILLIAM J. BRADFORD , who was for years moderator and auditor of Bristol, was held at 3:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon from his late residence on Hope street. There were a large number of people present, including members of the Town Council and friends from military and Masonic circles, in both of which the deceased held high positions. St. Alban's Lodge of Bristol, of which the deceased was treasurer, attended in a body. The services were conducted at the deceased's late residence by Rev. Dr. G. L. Locke, rector of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Bristol.

There were a large number of floral tributes from friends and the various organizations to which Major Bradford belonged. They included a floral compass and square from St. Alban's Lodge of Bristol, a piece from Mount Hope Council, Royal Arcanum, of Bristol, of which the decesed was always a staunch Republican in politics. The bearers were Gen. Elisha H. Rhodes and Col. Philip S. Chase of Providence. William H. Crawley of Warren. Herbert F. Bennett, Frank B. Wilson and Judge O. L. Bosworth of Bristol, all members of Masonic bodies. The Masonic ritual for the burial of the dead was conducted at the grave by acting master of St. Alban's Lodge, Wendall R. Davis, and the chaplain and members. Burial was at the North Cemetery.

Source: Pawtucket Times, August 11, 1899, Transcribed by C. Anthony  


SHIRLEY (FORMISSANO) BRELSFORD age 76, of 12 Sheffield Ave., Bristol, died Wednesday in Providence. She was the wife of Howard P. Brelsford, her husband of 56 years.
Born in Bristol and a lifelong resident, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Ruggiero) Formisano. A homemaker, she was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Bristol. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Charlene Cioe of Bristol, a brother, Joseph Formisano of Swansea, MA, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death in addition to her parents by a daughter, Patricia Harris, Two grandchildren, Jamie Lee Cioe and Tyrone Melo, two sisters, Carmelina Roland, Emily Campanella, and two brothers, Victor and Ralph Formisano.

Source: The Providence Journal (Buried at North Burial Ground), Submitted by Christine Walters


Buried By Masons.

Funeral of Conductor N. S. Burnham Held at Bristol Yesterday. 

The funeral of NICHOLAS S. BURNHAM, conductor on the Bristol branch of the Consolidated Railroad, took place from his late residence, on Franklin street, Brtstol, at 2 30 yesterday afternoon. Rev. Henry A. Stevens of North Providence, formerly pastor of the Congregational Church in Bristol, conducted the services. They were brief and consisted or reading of the Scriptures, prayer and words eulogistic of the deceased. Many relatives were present from out of town. A number of the conductors on the railroad, where Mr. Burnham was employed for nearly 40 years, were in attendance. The employees gave a fine floral emblem, representing a railroad passenger car suitably lettered. St. Albans Lodge of Masons attended the funeral in a body and held Masonic services at the home. The bearers were Herbert F. Bennett, Walter K. Dodge and George H. Warren of Bristol, and Charles Thackerray. The remains were taken to the North Cemetery and entombed.

Source: Pawtucket Times, February 16, 1899, Transcribed by C. Anthony