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- Alfred T. Rumsey, the veteran carman and sexton, died at his residence in High Street, this city, at about half past six o'clock Monday evening. Mr. Rumsey suffered a stroke of paralysis late Saturday afternoon. He was able to converse all the rest of the day, until about seven o'clock Saturday evening. At that time there was a change for the worse. He became unconscience [unconscious], having another stroke it was supposed. After this he never spoke again, but sank steadily until the eand. Me Rumsey had not enjoyed his accustomed health for over three years pervious to his death. He had experienced a severe stroke of paralysis in the latter part of December 1875. He never fully recovered from this first attack, partially losing the use of his right side by it.
The deceased was born in Monroe, this county, October 20, 1804, being in his 75th year when he died. Mr. Rumsey was first married March 12, 1825, to Sarah E. Sloat, a sister of Mrs. Charlotte Tice of this city. He had five children by his first wife, only one of whom survives him--Charles F., now employed by the Pennsylvania Coal Company in this city. Mr. Rumsey gave his attention to farming until he was 27 years old. He then came to Newburgh. Deceased lost his first wife after more than ninteen years of married life. He was remarried in 1845 to Catherine Alexander, and had four children by her. This lady and her children all survive. The latter are James A., a baggage master on the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad; William W., a clerk for the Pennsylvania Coal Company; Frank M., who follows his father's business of carting; and Annie, the wife of Mr. Edward McCrea.
When Mr. Rumsey came to Newburgh at the age of 27, he at once went into the business of a carman, and he continually followed this pursuit up to a short time before his first stroke of paralysis--for a period of about 44 years. He was for many years looked upon as a leader by those plying his vocation, and in days long passed often commanded the carmen of Fourth of July celebrations, when they would parade as a body with him at their head. Deceased also served as a church sexton in this city for nearly half a century. His first employment in this capacity was in 1831 when he was engaged as a sexton by the First Methodist Church, who then worshipped in the building since transformed into the Newburgh Opera House. Mr. Rumsey remained sexton of this church until 1844. He then took charge of the edifice on the northwest corner of First and Montgomery streets. It was then occupied by the First Presbyterian congregation. When this society removed to the stone structure in Grand Street (in 1858) and Union Church moved to the corner of Montgomery and First Streets, Mr. Rumsey remained with the old edifice, having become attached to it. He has ever since continued [as] the sexton of Union Church, though in the course of this time the old building was demolished to make room for the present commodious brick one. For a long term of years Mr. Runsey was the city bell ringer and the Superintendent of the town clock.
The deceased always had a great fondness for music, particularly that of martial character. He played the fife on many public occasions, officiating at almost all of the public parades at one time. Mr. Runsey's boys inherited this tendency, and there was a time when quite a band could be formed of members of the family. Hiram S., now deceased, was a famous minstrel performer fifteen years or so ago, while Charles E. was at the same time quite an adept at a same business. William W. now plays a snare drum and Frank M. a bass drum. Me. Rumsey was always prompt and active in business and faithful in whatever he undertook. His long residence here made him known to everyone, and he enjoyed the respect and esteem of all. He was a member of the M.E. Church at the time he served as sexton at the Opera House. He connected himself with the Presbyterian Church in 1876, when Rev. C.C. Hall was a resident clergyman.
The old carman's funeral will take place on Thursday afternoon, from the late residence at two o'clock and from Union Church at half past two o'clock. The remains will be interred at St. George's Cemetery.
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- The funeral of the late Alfred T. Rumsey this afternoon at Union Presbyterian Church was largely attended. Rev. E.E. Savage, present pastor; and Revs. Charles C. Hall and Wendell Prime, former pastors of Union Church wew present, and each of the clergymen made an address, expressing their regard for the veteran sexton and sympathizing with the stricken family. Appropriate hymns were sung by a large chorus choir led by Mr. Teller. The pallbearers were ex-Major McCorkens, Captain Charles N. Decker, J.H.H. Chapman, James Weygant and E.B. Anderson and Peter H. Traphagan, two of the oldest carmen in the city.
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1804 - 1879 (74 years)
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