(The following article was from the Saturday, February 18, 2006 edition of the Daily Courier-Observer, under the "Norfolk History" column, (page 16) compiled by the Norfolk Town Historian, Leon Burnap. This article appeared in the March 19, 1892 edition of the Courier and Freeman).

We were startled last Monday morning, March 14th, by the word going from house to house, that Osman Baxter had expired suddenly, (an old and respected citizen).

He had been in his usual health; arose in the morning, attended to his chores, milked the cow and fed the cattle etc., and ate his breakfast. He was sitting by the stove to take his accustomed smoke, when some of the family noticed him falling from his chair.

Kind and loving hands picked him up but life was extinct, his spirit had gone to God who gave it. He was born on what is now called Croil’s Island, formerly Baxter’s in the St. Lawrence, nearly 76 years ago.

He came to Norfolk with his parents 68 years ago and has been a resident of this vicinity since. At the age of 21 he married Miss Arvilla Brown of Canton who with two sons and one daughter remain to mourn his loss. One son and the daughter are living in California.

Thursday 1 p.m. a large assembly of relatives and friends met at his residence to pay their last respects. Rev. Stearns of Massena officiating.

We laid his remains by the side of his good father and mother to await the resurrection morn. He has been a subscriber to the Courier & Freeman for 40 years.

(Born April 19, 1816-died March 14, 1892)