Deacon Sylvanus C. Whitford, son of Schuyler and Mary Satterly Whitford, was born June 16, 1842, in the town of Hornellsville, N. Y., at the family homestead. He died at his home about one mile north of Alfred Station, N. Y., August 4, 1909.
He enlisted January 4, 1864, in Company A, Fifth New York Volunteers, Heavy Artillery, to serve three years. He was wounded at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864, by a gunshot in the right eye. He was a sharpshooter and was taking aim at some object, when he was hit. At the same time he was taken prisoner, but was recaptured June 8, 1864. After nearly a year more of honorable service he was discharged May 23, 1865, at the close of the war.
It is thought that our brother's army life in the midst of danger and death caused him to think seriously on the subject of religion; but he made no public profession of Christ until January 12, 1878, when he with ten others was baptized by their pastor, Dr. A. H. Lewis, and united with the Second Seventh-day Baptist Church of Alfred. Later, with about eighty others, he received the hand of fellowship from Pastor Lewis in behalf of the church. The records show that from January 12 to June 29, eighty-four united with the church, and now after thirty-one years, twenty-four of this company are still members.
After Brother Whitford united with the church, he maintained daily devotions with his companion, and the family altar was established and maintained. Monday morning, nine days before the end came, was the last time he sat with his family at the table; though too sick to eat, he offered prayer. The Sabbath before, though not well, after a restless night, he came to church for the last time. This was just two weeks before his funeral was held at the same place. He was ordained deacon of the church, March 4, 1888, with William H. Langworthy and Joseph Edwards. All three were consecrated to the office by a council called for that purpose. The ordination sermon by Rev. W. C. Titsworth "was a light turned upon that sacred office and the church in their mutual relations." The charge to the deacons was given by Dr. T. R. Williams. Dr. L. A. Platts gave the charge to the church. Elder Summerbell was pastor of the church and our brother, F. W. Hamilton, was deacon.
Mr. Whitford was an affectionate husband and father, an obliging and honored neighbor and citizen, a lover of his church, his country and his fellow men, especially of his Grand Army brothers, with whom he had endured hardships and perils in camp and hospital and on the battle-field. A few years ago he was severely injured in a runaway accident, from which it is thought he never wholly recovered. He was a great sufferer in his last sickness. He has fallen from our ranks. The question arises, Who will come forward to take his place and bear the part he has laid down? A large audience attended the funeral on that Sabbath morning at the church at the regular hour of service and Pastor Cottrell spoke from 2 Cor. v, 1. Members of the B. Frank Maxson Post attended the funeral, were bearers and conducted services at the grave.
