Warwick Historical Papers Volume 6, Part 2

This is a transription of an article published in the Warwick Valley Dispatch, dated April 14,1943. It is used with permission. The Lazear family played an important part in the history of the Village of Warwick. I believe that this family dates back to the Lazears of New Milford. There was a Lazear Tavern on Iron Moutain Road, dating back to the late 18th century.

Cornelius S. Lazear Died Suddenly Saturday

Saturday, shortly after one o'clock, Cornelius S. Lazear, popular and well-known business man of Warwick, died at St. Athony's Hospital, having suffered a stroke a few hours before while at the home of the late John Sullivan, where arrangements were being made for the funeral services of Mr. Sullivan in St Stephens's Church.

Mr. Lazear was the son of the late Wilbur C. Lazear and Jennie A. Smith Lazear, and was born in Warwick, Febrluary 25, 1886. He was a graduate of the Warwick High School and the Renouard Embalming School of New York City. He had been associated with, and finally owned, the undertaking and furnitlure business in the village which his grandfather, Cornelius J. Lazear, had established. His father, Wilbur C. Lazear, conducted the business during his lifetime and during the later years the firm was known as W.C. Lazear and Son. At his death the son took over the ownership, and the firm was known as the Lazear Funeral Service and the Lazear Furniture Store.

Mr. Lazear married Miss Ethel Howe of Warwick who survives. He is also survived by a sister, May, wife of Postmaster Wilmarth J. Tuthill of Goshen, and by several nieces and nephews. One nephew, Wilbur L. Smith, son of his late sister, Belle Lazear Smith, made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Lazear.

Cornelius Lazear was a man active in his community, civic and lodge organizations. His friends were legion and came from all walks of life.

At the services, held at his late home in Hathorn Park yesterday afternoon, the house was taxed to capacity. The Reverend Taber Knox, his pastor was in charge.

In the closing prayer of the service Mr. Knox asked for the blessing and comfort of the household where the Angel of Death had entered. Also for the comfort and blesssing for all those assembled. They were an evidence of the esteem in which the departed was held in this community. Mr. Knox said that most homes here would remember his ready sympathy, his gentle, kindly and beautiful ministrations given them during their own hours of sorrow.

Interment was in Warwick Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Mr. Thomas Lawrence, Mack Bristow, Victor A. Demouth, Charles Smith, Roy Elston and Roy Epting.

He was a member of the Warwick Reformed Church, member of the Board of Education of the Union Free School District No. 12 since 1926, a director of the First National Bank of Warwick, a trustee of the Warwick Savings Bank, a directory of the Warwick Valley Telephone Company, a member of the Warwick Rotary Club, president for the past three years of Excelsior Hose Company of Warwick, and for ten years was chief of the Warwick Fire Department. He was a former president of the Orange County Volunteer Firemen's Association. He was a life member of the Vernon Fire Department. For many years he was clerk of the village.

He was well known in masonic circles being past master of Warwick Lodge F. & A.M. No. 544 and its trustee since 1921; a member of Middletown Chapter of Mason and Cypress Commandry, both of Middletown. Also a member and past treasurer of Greenwood Forest 81 Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He was a member of Wawayanda Lodge No. 34 I.O.O.F.

He was director, secretary, and treasurers of the Warwick Building Association, a trustee, secretary and treasurer of the Warwick Cemetery Association. He was also a member of Warwick Grange No. 918 and of the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick.