Kling, Norman

Rome Sentinel
November 21, 1904

Norman Kling died at his home, 414 N. Jay St.,at an early hour on Sunday morning. He was taken ill on Friday morning with what was considered a bilious attack. He was not thought to be dangerously ill and between 5 and 6 am Sunday he was sleeping peacefully. A short time later his daughter, Mrs. D. G. Evans, who was caring for him, discovered that he had passed away.

Mr. & Mrs. F. R. Ward of New Britian, Conn., who have been visiting Mrs. Ward's parents, Mr. & Mrs. Kling, left here on Wednesday for an extended stay in California. During their week's stay here Mr. Kling had been feeling unusually good and have greatly enjoyed their visit.

Norman Kling was a son of the late Jacob Kling of Sharon, Schoharie county, NY, and was one of a family of twelve children, five of whom are living. He was born at Sharon on May 7, 1825 and later lived with his parents in Whitesboro, Bridgewater, and Cassville. In 1844 he came to Rome and was apprentice to B. C. Dean, now deceased, with whom he learned his trade, that of carpenter and builder. in 1855 Mr. Kling formed a partnership with the late George H. Howland of this city, and for ten years the firm of Kling & Howland were engaged in building in this city. The first home built by the firm was the one on west Liberty street, for some time occupied by the late N. B. Foote and was built by them for the late Dr. J. Tyler. They had their shop at the corner of Washington street and Stone alley where N.. Turney now has his store. After Messrs. Kling & Howland dissolved partnership Mr. Kling removed the shop building to North Jay Street and remodeled it into the residence which he occupied at the time of his death.

On October 2, 1849, Mr. Kling and Julia Anne Mansfield, daughter of Levi Mansfield of Westmoreland, were united in marriage by Elder Dennison D. Alcott of the Baptist Church of Westmoreland. The ceremony took place at the home of the bride's parents, next door to the Baptist Church in that part of Westmoreland now know as Bartlett. The best man was the late Delay Hollister of Rome and the bride's sister, Almira Mansfield, now deceased, was bridesmaid. After the marriage Mr. & Mrs. Kling left on a trip to visit Mr. Kling's parents who lived in Troy, Walsworth county, Wisc. It being before the days of railroads here they took a canal packet to Buffalo and arrived in that city in two days and three nights, a fast trip to those days. From Buffalo they went by steamer on the lakes to Milwaukee and then by wagon to Troy. They spent the winter visiting in Wisconsin and Illinois and returned to Rome the following May. For one year Mr. & Mrs. Kling made their home in a house on W. Dominick Street, which stood on the present site of the Hook block. Mr. Kling then built the residence on N. George Street now occupied by C. G. Miller and lived there twenty years and one day. Then, in 1871, he built the brick block at 195 N. Washington street and lived there for seven years until he took up his residence at 414 N. Jay Street.

On Oct. 2, 1899 Mr. & Mrs. Kling celebrated their golden wedding and from 2 to 5 o'clock in the afternoon, at the home of their daughter, Mrs. D. G. Evans, gave a reception to their friends in honor of 50 years of happy married life.

Mr. Kling is survived by his wife and five children, Mrs. J. C. Spencer of Utica, Mrs. George C. Lord of Salem, Mass, Mrs. D. G. Evans of Rome, Mrs. F. R. Ward of New Britain, Conn., and L. N. Kling of Brooklyn.

Mr. Kling also leaves four brothers, Christopher of Troy, Henry of Syracuse, William and Hiram of Sioux City, IA, and one sister, Mrs. Silas Chatfield of Adams, Wisc.

During his sixty years residence in Rome Mr. Kling had become well and favorably known. He was a man of sterling honesty and strict integrity. In the years of his activity he did a great deal of work in Rome and vicinity, erecting many buildings. All his contracts were truly and faithfully carried out. He was conscientious in al his dealing with his fellow men, and his word was as good as his bond. For twenty-five years he had been a faithful member of the Seventh Day Advent Church.