"Little Gray Mother" Given Another Chance, 1916

 

Woman Who Looks Like 'Little Gray Mother'

is Given Another Chance

Julia Harpur Promises to Take Pledge and Reform

Published April 27, 1916

 

On the cover of one of the most popular songs of the day, "The Little Gray Mother," there is the picture of a sweet-faced, sad-eyed woman.  A woman, who from appearance might have been the original of that picture, walked slowly with head bowed to the prisoners' bench in Police Court this morning.  She was Julia Harpur, 41 years old, accused of being unable to keep out of the police net more than a week at a time during the last several years.  Two years ago she was sentenced to the Mt. Magdalene Home in Troy.  Nine days after she was released she was arrested again in this city and sent back to the home.  The day before yesterday she was again released and last night was again arrested, charged with public intoxication.  She wore a dark suit this morning and a plain black hat, and looked like the mother boys tell about and say they hope to go back to after they leave home.  Judge Hart read her the charge, and she pleaded guilty. 

"I don't want to keep you locked up forever," the Court told her.  "Isn't there any place you can go and turn over a new leaf?"

"If you suspend sentence today, your Honor," the woman said quietly, "I'll go home to my old mother and I'll never touch another drink.  I'll take the pledge and I'll keep it."

"Where does your mother live?" the Court asked.

"Chenango Forks"

"Will she take you back?"

"Yes, she wants me."

"This is your last chance.  Go to Chenango Forks.  I'll see that you are held in the detention ward until train time and will send an officer with you to the station.  If you come back, and I suppose you will, you will have to go to the penitentiary."



Obituaries (Ha cont.) MHD Collection

 

Neil Bradley Hard, aged 22 years, employed as a brick layer in Oneonta, had both legs severed Tuesday afternoon about 4:35 o'clock in an endeavor to board an east bound freight train on the grade north of the station.  the train was through freight No. 98 and passed the Afton station at 4:31 o'clock.  Mrs. Ethel Partridge who was going to her home north of the village, made the crossing near Afton Lake just before the train reached it.  As she was driving along the road between James Cook's and the Abel Briggs' place, and watching the train that had passed the crossing just behind her, she saw the young man attempt to board the train and fall beneath the wheels.  Mrs. Partridge did not wait for a second thought but turned about and urging her horse to its highest speed, drove back to the village for assistance.  Dr. Dodge was found at the polling place in Deckers hall and accompanied her to the scene of the accident.  Other assistance was at hand, a wagon procured and the injured man, who was conscious and suffering the most excruciating pain, was removed to his home.  Drs. Hayes, Dodge and Jacobs did all that medicine and surgery could command but life became extinct shortly after seven o'clock.  The right leg was severed near the thigh and the left leg was crushed at the knee which demanded amputation above the knee.  It seems that the young man had made it more or less a practice to board trains in this way much against the cautions and advice of his parents and friends, and Tuesday afternoon, when he signified his intention of "riding a freight," several had expressed their apprehensions to him.  The act was wholly uncalled for as Mr. Hard had a D.&H. mileage book and plenty of money in his pockets.  Mr. Hard came to Afton Saturday evening, spent Sunday and Monday with his parents and friends, staying over until Tuesday to vote before returning to his work in Oneonta.  Funeral services will be held from the home of his parents Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock, Rev. E.L. Jeffrey officiating, and interment will be made in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  Deceased is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Hard and two sisters, Mrs. Alonzo Morgan and Miss Ethel Hard, who are recipients of much sympathy, especially the mother who is heart broken and has been under medical care since the shock of the accident.  [compiler note:  tombstone inscription, Glenwood Cemetery:  Neil B. Hard, Aug. 11, 1881-Nov. 3, 1903]

 

Mrs. Pearl R. Hare, 66, of 5 West Bingham St., died at 7:30 am, Friday at Binghamton City Hospital.  She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Nettie Fowler of Binghamton; a son, Ray Hare of RD1, Nineveh; a sister, Mrs. Nancy Secrest, RD 1 Nineveh, and two grandchildren.  The body was removed to the J.F. Rice Funeral Home, 150 Main St., Johnson City, where friends may call today and Sunday afternoon and evening. [MHD notation:  d. Oct. 3, 1947]

 

Richard Hare, a farmer residing in the Town of Sanford [Broome Co., NY], near Bainbridge, died suddenly of angina pectoris last Tuesday.  Funeral services were held at his home Friday afternoon, Rev. Bradford H. Tite officiating.  Burial was in the cemetery at Perch Pond Hill.  Born in Oxford, on February 4, 1897, he lived there until nine years ago when he moved to his late residence.  He is survived by his widow, two sons, one daughter and a sister, Mrs. Minnie Kayton, of Greene.  [MHD notation:  d. Oct. 17, 1933] 

 

Miss Artie L. Harger, aged twenty-four years, a well-known resident of Sanitaria Springs [Broome Co., NY], died at the home of her mother, Mrs. Mary C. Harger, at that place on Saturday morning at four o'clock.  Miss Harger is survived besides her mother by a brother, Burt, and three sisters, Gertrude, Minnie and Zulema.  She had many friends in this city.  Miss Harger had been in this city much of the time during the past few years.  She was a young woman of excellent Christian character.  Miss Harger was well acquainted in the Oak Street M.E. church, the pastor of which is Rev. C.H. Reynolds, was formerly at the Sanitaria Springs church.  The funeral will be held from the house tomorrow morning at eleven o'clock.  Burial will be at Sanitaria Springs [Broome Co., NY].  [MHD notation:  d. March 1, 1906]

 

Bert Harger, of Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], died Wednesday afternoon at his home.  He is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Huntley, of Afton, Miss Minnie Harger, of Coventryville, and Mrs. Hal Pierson, of Binghamton; a nephew, Allyn Lamont Pierson, of Binghamton.  The body was removed to the Fisher Funeral Home, 68 N. Main St., Bainbridge, NY, where friends may call and are asked kindly to omit flowers.  [MHD notation:  Jan. 15, 1950]

 

Sanitaria Springs [Broome Co., NY]:  Saturday afternoon a little past four o'clock, occurred the sudden death of Edward Harger of this place, causing the entire community to be thrown into a state of Mourning.  Mr. Harger had attended his duties during the day at the oil station as was his custom, and appeared in every respect to be in his usual good health.  He was a man of rugged physique, whose health every one supposed was the best.  Early in the afternoon after finishing his duties for the day, he walked to the barber shop and there remained for some time in conversation with his friends, when suddenly he arose, complaining of an intense pain in his head and fell to the floor stricken.  Medical attendance was immediately summoned but there was no help.  The doctor decided that death was caused from apoplexy.  He was fifty-seven years old.  Mr. Harger was well and favorably known throughout this community, having lived here all his life and his sudden death will be keenly felt by all.  The funeral will take place Tuesday at eleven o'clock in the morning.  The dead man is survived by his wife, and son, Bert, and four daughters, Gertrude, Minnie, Zula and Artie, one brother, Seeley Harger, of Binghamton, and four sisters.  At present one of the daughters is dangerously ill at Coventry, having recently undergone an operation and it has been considered the part of wisdom not to inform her yet of the sudden death of her father.  Mrs. Harger, the son and two daughters came from Coventry Saturday night when receiving the sad news.

 

Mrs. Mary Smalley Harger, widow of Edward Harger, passed away at the family home near Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] early Monday morning, May 31, 1937, Mrs. Harger was in her 85th year.  She is survived by one son, Bert Harger, three daughters, Mrs. Gertrude Huntley, Miss Minnie Harger of Binghamton and Mrs. Harold Pierson of Norwich; also 1 grandson, Allyn L. Pierson of Norwich.  The funeral which was private was held Wednesday afternoon at the home.  Rev. L.D. Huxtable of Endicott officiated.   Burial was in the family plot at Sanitaria Springs [Broome Co., NY]. 

 

Burns suffered almost three months ago in a fire in her Water Street room proved fatal to Miss Minnie B. Harger, 77, Thursday night in City Hospital.  The fire, which ignited after Miss Harger turned on a two-burner electric hot plate, caused burns over more than half her body.  Her physician said at her age, attempts to repair the damage by skin grafts were 'an uphill fight."  Firemen, called to the room about 8 pm, last May 29, found her lying on the floor.  Damage at the time was set at $100 to the contents of the room, and $75 to the building owned by Mrs. Jennie Lewis, 1 State St.  Miss Harger was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.  She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Hal Pierson of Binghamton and Mrs. Gertrude Huntley of Norwich; a nephew, Allyn L. Pierson of Binghamton, and an aunt, Mrs. Lucille Eagan of Windsor.  She attended Calvary Baptist Church.  The body was removed to the Hopler & Georgia Funeral Home, 483 Chenango St., where friends may call today from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm.  [MHD notation:  d. Aug. 16, 1956]

Obituaries (Ha) MHD Collection

 

Jay Hallett, aged 49 years, died at his home on Welton street, Saturday evening, January 15th, after having suffered with heart trouble for some time.  After a short prayer at the house, the funeral was held from the Baptist Church, Monday, January 17th, at 2 p.m. with Rev. S.B.D. Belden, of Weedsport, former pastor of the Baptist Church in this place, officiating.  The Odd Fellows Lodge, of which he was a member, having full charge of the burial which was in Riverview Cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co.,  NY].  He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Clarence Hait and Mrs. James Byron, of Binghamton.  [MHD notation:  d. 1921]

 

Word was received in Oxford yesterday of the death Tuesday night in a jet plane crash of a native son, Capt. Theodore M. Hallock, 34, of Yuma, Ariz.  According to the report, Capt. Hallock, a radar instructor and Capt. Thomas Baker, 36, of Lockport, Fla., were en route from Vincent Air Force Base to Pine Castle Air Force Base, Florida, when their jet plane crashed near Crossett, Ark.  Both men were burned beyond recognition, it was reported.  Capt. Hallock had lived in Oxford all his life until entering the Air Force in 1942.  He would have been eligible for retirement in five years.  His wife is the former Dorothy Park, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter S. Park of Oxford.  Capt. Hallock's parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Hallock of Oxford and San Juan, Tex., formerly operated a feed business in Oxford, and now have a citrus ranch in Texas.  Surviving besides his wife and parents are three children, Sandra, 12, Theodore, Jr., 7, and Michael Hallock, 2;  two sisters, Mrs. Frank Griffin of Oxford and Mrs. Fred Obernauer of Malone; four brothers, Dwight of Seattle, Wash., David of New York City, and Clyde and Francis of San Juan; and a grandmother, Mrs. Fanny Martin, 98, of Oxford.  Funeral services will be at the McFarland Funeral Home in Concord, Cal., Monday.  Burial will be in the Concord Memorial Gardens.  [MHD notation:  d. Dec. 11, 1956]

 

Mrs. Jessie C. Hamlin, 79, died at 1:30 p.m. Friday at her home, 32 Dickinson Avenue, Port Dickinson [Broome Co., NY].  She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Theresia H. Kent of Port Dickinson; two sisters, Mrs. Hattie Howard of Linden, N.J., and Mrs. Evelyn Allen of Binghamton; a brother, Clarence Hamlin of Deposit, and several nieces and nephews.  She was a member of the Port Dickinson Community Baptist Church, and a life member of Delaware Chapter, O.E.S., of Deposit.  The body was removed to the Hopler and Georgia Funeral Home, 483 Chenango Street, where friends may call.

 

Mary E. Hamlin, died Monday at her home, 32 Dickinson avenue, Hillcrest [Broome Co., N Y].  She is survived by three sisters,  Mrs. Hattie Howard of Linden, N.J., Mrs. Jessie C. Hamlin and Mrs. Eva Allen of this city; a brother, Clarence Hamlin of Deposit and several nieces and nephews.  The body was removed to the Colwell Brothers funeral home in Bainbridge.  [MHD notation:  Apr. 24, 1939]

A good man has fallen, a just man has gone from us, a righteous man has finished his work and a loyal minister of Christ has ceased from his labors and was no more, for God took him.  Rev. Timothy D. Hammond was born in Chenango county, New York, August 17, 1837, and entered into rest Oct. 15, 1911, from the home of his daughter, Mrs. E.L. Poole on The Plains, east side of the Susquehanna river from this village.  The funeral was held from his late home on Tuesday afternoon with prayer and from the Harpursville Baptist church with regular service at the hour of two o'clock.  His pastor, Rev. C.A. Hubbell officiated assisted by Rev. R.E. Austin of the Methodist church.  The music was furnished by a male quartet consisting of M.F. Marsh, Rev. R.E. Austin, F.H. Rogers and T.B. Lippencott. The burial was in the Harpursville Home cemetery [Broome Co., NY] under direction of Undertakers J.A. Kark & Son.  The faithful service of this good man covers many years, and as a minister of the Gospel and of the Baptist faith and doctrine he was associated as minister and pastor with seven churches, viz:  East Pharsalia, Page Brook, Harpursville, Carpenter, Trout Creek, Little York, Randolph and for a time supplied the church at Tunnel.  His connection with the Baptist church of this village  in the seventies will be remembered by the older citizens of the village and vicinity.  His membership in this church covers four decades.  His active ministry closed a number of years ago and for many years his home was on a farm not far from Doraville which in later years he traded for property  near Tunnel where he resided up to the time he, with his wife, became a part of his daughter's household, the place where he died.  For a long time he had been afflicted with the palsy, but his general health was not seriously impaired and it was while at the dinner table that the messenger of transfer came suddenly and without warning, but like a good and true soldier he was ready.  With the coming of the autumn the giant of the forest falls and the leaves, as sacred memories scatter, hold fragrance of a blessed life in their presence upon the active in today's work.  How the grand old men are failing; men sturdy and strong in faith and belief, with no compromise with evil and modern fallacies.  Yes, they go and soon the last sheaf of those days and years of Bible methods and earnest activity will be garnered in.  Our last tribute has been expressed and our brother rests while the world plods on and the workers are marshaled for duty.  As neighbor and friend our sympathy goes out to the companion of his long journey on earth and all the bereaved and mourning relatives.  [MHD notation:  d. 1911]

Simon P. Handy entered into rest from his late home in this village on Monday March 20th, aged 78 years, six months and twenty-six days.  Mr. Handy was born in the town of Colesville [Broome Co., NY] in what is known as "New Ohio", and has always been a resident of the town his home for many years was near Belden [Broome Co., N Y].  For a number of years the family lived on "the flats" Main street, later Mr. Handy purchased the D.W. Pearsall on Maple street where he resided at the time of his death.  The deceased had been a member of the M.E. church, his pastor Rev. S.J. Austin officiating at the funeral which took place under the direction of J.A. Kark & Son's undertakers, at the home on Tuesday afternoon March 23, with interment in the Harpursville cemetery.  The deceased is survived by the widow, Mrs. Ann Hurlburt-Handy, one brother Charles Handy, of Afton; three sisters, Mrs. John Blanchard, Belden; Mrs. W.A. Wilkins, Coventry; and Mrs. S.S. Fellows of Syracuse.

 



Marriages (Ha) MHD Collection

 

Miss Christine Hakes and Maurice Foster, both of this place, were married Saturday, August 29th.  [MHD notation:  married 1946]

 

The marriage of Miss Louise Hall, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hall, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], to J. George Hulbert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard H. Hulbert, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], took place Wednesday evening, March 12, 1941, at the home of the bride's parents.  The ceremony was performed before the mantel which was banked with ferns, yellow calendulas, cineraria, gladioli, larkspur and white stock.  The Rev. R. Lewis Johnson performed the marriage rite.  The bride was given in marriage by her father.  The wedding march was played with Mrs. Harry Parsons at the piano.  The bride's attendants were her two sisters, Mrs. Thelma Ferguson and Mrs. Clifford Ballantyne, of Bainbridge.  The bridegroom was attended by his brother, Frederick Hulbert, and the bride's brother, Robert Hall.  A niece of the bride, Roberta Ferguson, was ring bearer.  The bride was attired in powder blue and carried a bouquet of talisman roses with baby's-breath and forget-me-nots.  The bridesmaids wore cadet blue and the ring bearer was dressed in light blue taffeta.  Immediately following the ceremony, a buffet supper was served to relatives and friends.  After a short wedding trip, they will be at home in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], where a newly furnished apartment awaits them.  

Obituaries (Hall) MHD Collection

 

Mrs. Ella Nora Hall, 86 of Main Street, Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died Wednesday morning at her home.  She is survived by her husband, Henry W., a son Ray Brazee of Albany; two daughters, Mrs. Neale Packard of Brisben, Mrs. Ray Scott of Norwich; two stepsons Franklin Hall of Oneonta; Robert Hall, of Albany; three stepdaughters Mrs. Hollister Barre, Mrs. Wells LeSuer, Mrs. Butler Payne, all of Afton; four grandchildren, Clair Brazee and Gerald Packhard, both in the armed forces overseas; Mrs. Raymond Brosmer, of Norwich, Mrs. Evelyn Townsend of Baltimore, Md. also a great-grandchild.  The funeral will be held at the Tabor Funeral Home, Afton Friday at 2:00 p.m.  The Rev. Clifford Webb will officiate.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  [MHD notation:  April 25, 1945]

 

Henry Wilcox Hall, 88, of South Main Street Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died early Wednesday morning at Afton Hospital following a short illness.  Mr. Hall was one of the oldest citizens of Afton, being a farmer and business man in pat years.  Henry Hall had a great many friends among the young and old who will remember him for his jovial disposition and ready wit.  He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. J. Hollister Barre, Mrs. S. Wells LeSuer, and Mrs. Butler Payne all of Afton and two sons, N.F. Hall of Oneonta and Robert L. Hall of Unadilla, a sister Mrs. Josephine Makeley of Afton; ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held at the Karschner Funeral Home, Afton Friday at 2:00 p.m.  The Rev. George B. Graves of the Methodist Church will officiate.  Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  [MHD notation:  d. Aug. 27, 1947]

 

Ida VanHowton Hall died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Anna H. Green in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], May 1, 1948 at 9:05 a.m. She was 86 years of age.  Funeral services were held at the Karschner Funeral Home in Afton on May 3, at 2 p.m.  The Rev. M. Harmer Patton of Afton, officiated, Burial was in the Afton Glenwood cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].  She was born in Masonville, October 31, 1861 but spent her girlhood with her mother and sisters in North Sanford [Broome Co., NY], her father having lost his life in the Civil War.  May 2, 1882 she was married to Will Hall of Afton and spent the next fifty-two years of her life on "Glenside Farm" in Afton.  The past thirteen years were spent with her daughter, Anna Green of Sidney.  Mrs. Hall was a member of the Sidney Christian Alliance Church and of the Afton Chapter O.E.S.  She leaves three daughters, Mrs.George R. Bodley of Fulton, N.Y., Mrs. Clarence M. Smith of Afton, and Mrs. Anna Green of Sidney.  Besides her daughters she is survived by five grandchildren, one nephew and three nieces.

 

Will Hall died suddenly at his home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] Wednesday evening, September 24, 1930.  Although he had been ill for several months, and all knew that he was suffering from a malady that would sooner or later cut him off, no one, not even his immediate family expected the end to come so suddenly.  Last Spring, Mr. Hall noticed a trouble developing in his throat.  He immediately consulted a physician, and was advised to see a specialist.  He went to Philadelphia to consult one of the best specialists of that trouble and, after a thorough examination, he was given little encouragement.  He came home and went down rapidly, losing eight-five pounds before his death.  Mr. Hall was a man of great courage and fortitude.  Even when told there was no help he did not lose his courage, but remained cheerful and courageous to the end.  He never allowed his trouble to discourage him, but was ever looking on the bright side and thinking of others.  He was a man of philanthropic spirit, always kind and considerate.  He was widely known and had a host of friends.  In his death the community has lost a loyal supporter, his associate a true friend, and his family a devoted husband and father.  Mr. Hall was born in the village of Afton October 16th, 1861, and died September 24th, 1930.  He received his education in Afton, being a graduate from the Afton Union School and Academy.  He taught school in this locality for over fifteen years and served on the Board of Education for twenty-five years.  He was president of the board when the present building was erected.  He was a member of Afton Lodge no. 360, F.&A.M.; Afton Chapter No. 137, O.E.S.; Afton Lodge No. 553, I.O.O.F.; and Amber Rebekah Lodge No. 505.  He was married to Ida Van Houten of North Sanford, May 2, 1883, to this union were born three daughters:  Mrs. G.R. Bodley, New York; Mrs. C.M. Smith, of Conneautville, Pa., and Mrs. Anna H. Greene, of Afton.  There remain to mourn his loss, his wife, the three daughters, four granddaughters and a grandson.  Funeral services were held at the late residence Saturday, September 28 at 1:30 and at the First Baptist Church at 2:00, conducted by Rev. Lester D. Huxtable, the Masons having the service at the grave.  Interment was made in Glenwood Cemetery.  The pall bearers were members of the Masonic Lodge.  The many friends of the family extend their deepest sympathy in this hour of their deep bereavement. 

Bainbridge Burglary 1882 - Greenlawn Cemetery 1883

 

Burglary in Bainbridge

Chenango Union, Aug. 17, 1882

 

Last night, the room of G.M. Harby, of Delhi, who is visiting friends at the Park Hotel, was entered by burglars, who robbed him of a suit of clothes, a gold watch and chain, about twenty dollars in money, and jewelry belonging to  his wife and daughter.  After securing this they descended to the bar-room, and forcing open the money drawer with an ice pick, found about three dollars in small coin, which they confiscated.  Evidently they were bibulously inclined, for they did not forget to take half a dozen bottles of rhine wine, together with the silverware belonging to the bar, after which they adjourned sine die, leaving a front door open, which they fastened open with sticks of wood procured from the woodshed at the rear of the house.  In their haste, or through carelessness, they dropped a bunch of keys, which Mr. Day says they can have by calling for and proving property.  There is no definite clue as to who the parties were, although a couple of suspicious looking characters were noticed around the village in the evening, with a horse and buggy, and when they left said they were going to East Guilford.  It is surmised that these are the burglars, and officers are in pursuit.  A report was circulated that they paid the Central House a visit, but it proves to be incorrect, although they could easily have done so had they wished, as several windows were carelessly left open.  Mr. Day will pay a liberal reward for the arrest of the parties.  Omenzo Benedict, of Oxford, an old offender, was arrested in this village on Sunday, by officer Graham, on suspicion of being the burglar.  He was given quarters with Sheriff Hazard, and on Monday taken to Bainbridge, where, after an examination before Justice VanHorne, he was discharged.

 

Greenlawn Cemetery, Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY

Chenango Union, June 21, 1883

 

The laying out of the new cemetery into lots, roads, walks, etc., was completed on Saturday last.  The Cemetery Association is incorporated under the laws of the State, and has the following officers:  John Banks, President; Lewis C. Taylor, Vice President; Gervis Prince, Treasurer; Irving L. Pruyn, Secretary; H.D. Copley, J.M. Roberts, T.J. Lyon, Don A. Gilbert, Lewis C. Taylor, Gervis Prince, L.R. Clark, John Banks, I.L. Pruyn, Trustees.---Republican

Obituaries (Ha) MHD Collection

 

Merton Hackett, aged 52 of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died Monday morning at his home on Caswell street, after a brief illness.  He is survived by his widow, Lillian, two sisters, Mrs. Etta Tiffany and Mrs. Ervy Bush; one brother, Merritt Hackett.  The funeral will be held at his former home at 2:30 p.m. Thursday.  Rev. Ralph Gould of Berkshire officiating.  Burial is in Sylvan Lawn cemetery, Greene [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Hackett was in business in Afton for the past several years as cattle dealer and until recently conducted the Hackett Sales Stable in Afton.  [MHD notation:  d. April 17, 1944]

 

David Hakes, aged 66, died Thursday, October 7th, 1937 at his home between Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] and Tunnel [Broome Co., NY].  He suffered a stroke on Tuesday from which he never rallied.  He is survived by his wife, Maud, one daughter, Mrs. Orpha Donahe of Coventry and three sons, Ray, who lives on a farm adjoining his father's, Elmer, who lives at Tunnel and Roy, living at Chenango Bridge.  Funeral services were held Sunday at the house and largely attended with interment at New Ohio cemetery [Colesville, Broome Co.,  NY].  The pall-bearers were E.V. Watrous, R.C. McCullough, Frank Warner, Charles Babcock, Walter Meade and Leon Austin.  He was a kind neighbor and a friend to all who knew him.

 

Mrs. David Hakes died at her home near North Colesville June 1, aged 29 years.  The funeral was held at the home Saturday at ten o'clock, with burial at the New Ohio cemetery [Colesville, Broome Co., NY] in charge of Undertaker J.A. Kark. The officiating clergyman was Rev. O.D. Moore. Those who remain to mourn the loss of a loving wife, a devoted mother and affectionate sister are the husband; four children, the eldest a girl twelve years of age, two boys of eight and four years and a baby boy of three weeks; also a sister, Mrs. Maud Cleveland.  The bereaved ones have the sincere sympathy in this their hour of sorrow, of neighbors and friends, and may the motherless little one be tenderly cared for by the Heavenly Father.  [MHD notation:  d. 1904]

 

Mrs. Jane Hakes, aged 73 years, died at her home in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] Tuesday the 9th.  Mrs. Hakes was the daughter of J.D. Bishop, who ran a wagon shop and blacksmithing in this village fifty years ago.  The deceased was the mother of Rev. Charles W. Hakes of Dansville, N.Y., who was a practicing physician here at one time and was consecrated to the priesthood in the Episcopal church at St. Luke's, this village [Harpursville, Broome Co., NY].  [MHD notation:  April 9, 1912]

 

Mrs. Maude J. Hakes, 72, of Harpursville, died at the Binghamton City Hospital Monday morning.  She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Bert Donahe, of Afton, three sons, Ray and Elmer, of Harpursville, and Roy, of Johnson City; seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.  The body was removed to the Harry G. Kark Funeral Home, Harpursville, where friends may call Tuesday afternoon and evening.  [MHD notation:  d. 1949]

 

Ralsey Hakes died at his home near Sanitaria Springs [Broome Co., NY], Wednesday after a long illness.  The funeral will be held at the Belden church at one o'clock Saturday.

Marriages (Fl, Gr) MHD Collection

 

Miss Jean Bresee Grant, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Grant, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], was married Saturday afternoon to Lieut. Thomas D. Randall, son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Randall, 202 South Market street, Johnstown, in St. Ann's Episcopal Church at Afton.  The Rev. James E. Wolfe, rector of the church, and the Rev. A.A. Bresee, great-uncle of the bride, performed the ceremony.  The bride was given in marriage by her father.  The bride wore a white brocade dress and a fingertip veil and carried an old-fashioned bouquet.  Mrs. Lester L. Lovier, of Rome, was matron of honor.  She wore an aqua jersey and net cap and dress and carried yellow roses.  Lieutenant Randall had his father as best man.  Mrs. Randall is a graduate of Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, and has her Master's Degree in Public Health Nursing from Teachers College, Columbia University.  She is with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.  Lieutenant Randall is a graduate of Union College and New York University School of Engineering.  He is now with the manpower office, stationed at Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio.  Before going into the Army, Lieutenant Randall was associated with the Beech Nut Packing Co.  Among the guests were Mr. and Mrs. George W. Randall, Misses Jessie and Alice Moore and Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Grant, of Johnstown;  Miss Amelia H. Grant, Miss Gertrude Armstrong and Miss Lynn Williams, of New York City; Mr. and Mrs. Lester L. Lovier, of Rome; Mrs. James Jessup, of New Haven, Conn.; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Page, two daughters, Sally and Mary, and the Rev. A.A. Breese, of Greene.  [MHD notation:  married Jan. 27, 1945]

 

A fall bride will be Miss Margaret Adams Grant, daughter of Mr. and Mrs Daniel Grant of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  She will be married to Harvey Wehmeier of San Francisco, Cal.  Mrs. Grant was graduated from Barnard College last week. 

 

Miss Margaret Grant, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Grant of Afton, will leave shortly for San Francisco, Calif., and her wedding will take place there this fall.  Miss Grant's fiancee is employed in San Francisco and the couple will make their home there.  [MHD notation:  married Aug. 1933]

 

Mrs. Hazel Mae Colvin, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], was married to Henry Prentice, of Chenango Forks on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the Colvin home on Algerine street.  They will make their home on Algerine street.  [MHD notation:  married 1947]

 

Mr. and Mrs. L.W. Brotzman, of Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], announce the engagement of their daughter, Doris to Harold Grover, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Grover, Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  The wedding date has not been set.  [MHD notation:  published Jan. 30, 1947]

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Fidurski, of 12 Francis street, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Helen Christine Fidurski to Sergeant Thomas James Greek, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Greek, of R.D. 1, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  Miss Fidurski is a graduate of Johnson City High School and is employed at International Business Machines Corp.  Her fiance attended Bainbridge Central School and is a graduate of Leadership School at Fort Dix, N.J., also of Non-Commissioned Officers School at Erlangen, Germany.  He has served six and a half years in the United States Army and at present he is stationed at Fort Dix, N.J., and is a cadre instructor.  Wedding plans will be announced at a later date.  ]MHD notation:  1955[

In a double-ring ceremony Saturday morning, July 30, in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Miss Helen Christine Fidurski became the bride of Thomas James Greek, sergeant in the United States Army.  The Rev. George Guzewicz performed the service and celebrated the Nuptial Mass at 9:30 a.m.  Theodore Fidurski escorted his sister to the altar.  She wore a floor-length gown of white organdy over taffeta, designed with daisy appliques on the peter pan collar and bouffant skirt.  A tiara of seed pearls held her fingertip veil of illusion and she carried a cascade of white roses.  Miss Alfreda Fidurski was maid of honor for her sister, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Fidurski, of 12 Francis street, Binghamton.  She wore a floor length gown of yellow eyelet over taffeta.  Her headpiece matched her gown and she carried a fan covered with deep yellow and green carnations.  Bridesmaids were Miss Jeannie Marshang, of Sterling, Ill., Miss Patricia Halloran and Miss Helen Kobyiak.  Miss Halloran and Miss Marshang wore floor-length gowns of pastel blue eyelet organdy over taffeta and carried fans covered with deep pink carnations.  Miss Kobyiak wore pastel pink and carried dark blue carnations on a fan.  Paula Fidurski was flower girl for her cousin.  She wore yellow organdy over taffeta and carried a basket of summer flowers.  Raymond Hall, of Bainbridge, served as best man for Sgt. Greek, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Greek of Bainbridge R.D.1.  Ushers were Richard Fidurski, brother of the bride, Douglas Lee and Richard Lee, both of Bainbridge, Keith Fargo, of Bainbridge was ring bearer.  A wedding breakfast was served at Polish Community home after the ceremony.  Members of the bridal party and immediate family attended.  A reception for 350 guests began at 6 p.m. at the comunity home.  The newlyweds will live in Trenton, N.J., when they return from their honeymoon to Tochester, Canada and the Thousand Islands  [MHD notation:  married 1955]

Vows Exchanged:  Mr. and Mrs. Elton J. Fletcher were married recently in the Centenary Methodist Church.  The bride is the former Miss Hazel Carrie Yeomans, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wesley Yeomans of 34 Wilcox Street.  Mr. Fletcher is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton A. Fletcher of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., N Y].  [MHD notation:  married 1943]



Barn Saved by Local Fireman, 1950

Barn is Saved by Local Fireman

August 15, 1950

 

Words of praise and commendation fail to do justice to the untiring efforts of Afton fireman, neighbors and farmer friends who left their work to battle all of Tuesday and thru Tuesday night in an effort to save the large dairy barn of Daniel Grant, whose farm is just inside the village limits [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  The fire smoldered in 20 hours often bursting into flames in the 80 tons of hay stored in the hugh mow.  Afton's fire alarm sounded at 8:10 Tuesday morning and before the last echo had died away the fire trucks were on the scene with Fire Chief Hurlbert in command.  Hose lines were run across the highway and under the D.&H. tracks to the large barn where smoke was billowing from every opening.  All day long the men worked faithfully stopping now and then for a sandwich or coffee.  Trucks from the Town highway department together with road crews assisted in moving the hugh mass of hay to a nearby meadow.  As the work progressed, many of the loads were so hot they had to be dumped quickly, and early in the evening, the hay spread out on the meadow began to burn until the evening sky was aglow and the reflection could be seen for many miles.  Friends of Mrs. Grant gathered at her home to work all thru the day and night in preparing refreshments for the weary fire fighters.  One of the finest acts of friendship loyalty and good will was demonstrated at this unusual fire and Mr. Grant still has a barn worth many thousands of dollars in place of a smoking ruin.  An insurance man said it was the first such barn fire he could remember in which the building was saved, when conditions looked so hopeless.  At the time the firemen arrived, it appeared as if the barn was doomed but by pouring tons of water on the hay and working under great difficulties, with gas masks, the fire was brought under control and the men started the big job of moving the hay.  About 50 tons of hay in all were destroyed, representing many weeks of hard work.  Mrs. Breese, Mrs. Grant's father, stated the barn was built over 60 years ago and is one of the largest in the vicinity.  Mr. Grant raises prize Holstein dairy cattle, and has often received state and national recognition for his splendid dairy.  

Obituaries (Gr, Gu) MHD Collection

 

Mrs. Carrie Grover, aged 66, wife of Earl Grover of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], for many years a resident of this vicinity and beloved by a host of friends, died suddenly Sunday morning in the Binghamton City hospital.  Mrs. Grover is survived by her husband, two sons, Arthur Grover of Afton and Hilton Grover of Pine Bush; two daughters, Mrs. Gilbert Ellis of Waverly and Mrs. Dudley Nash of Pelham Manor, and 11 grandchildren.  Mrs. Grover was a member of the Presbyterian Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and the D. of U. V.  Funeral services were held this Wednesday afternoon in the Presbyterian Church of this place.  the Rev. Clifford E. Webb officiating with burial in Glenwood Cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  [MHD notation:  d. Dec. 8, 1935]

 

Frank Gurnsey, 87, Nineveh [Broome Co., NY], died at his home Tuesday at 4:20 a.m. after a long illness.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mabel H. Gurnsey, Nineveh; a daughter, Mrs. Emory C. VanDusen, Nineveh; several nieces and nephews.  He was a member of the Afton Baptist Church for many years; a former member of IOOF, Afton; former member of the Oneonta Grange and a division representative for the Dairymen's League Inc., for 40 years.  The body was removed to the Karschner Funeral Home, Afton, and later taken to his late home in Nineveh where friends may call today and Thursday at their convenience.  The funeral will be held at the Karschner Funeral Home, Afton, Friday at 2 p.m.  The Rev. Marlin Bowes will officiate.  Committal services will be held in the spring in Glenwood Cemetery, Afton at the convenience of the family.  [MHD notation:  March 8, 1960]

 

Joel Morse Guy was born on the hill farm in the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on March 29, 1948.  He was the son of Joel Guy and Condise Morse Guy.  The family was one of the sturdy old fashion kind with ten children.  When "Joe", as he was best known, was 13 years old the family moved from Oxford to the Patrick farm on The Plains, near Center Village.  One of "Joe's" frontier stories was of a big New Foundland dog on the Patrick farm who did double duty as churn dog and saddle pony, provided he did not see the churn in preparation, when he would promptly disappear.  After two or three years the father, Joel Guy, Sr., purchased the farm three miles south of Afton which for many years was known as the Joel Guy farm.  When they purchased the farm the river flat was a swampy wood lot.  Only an old-fashioned family with plenty of man-power and no fear of hard work would have tackled the job.  Today it is one of the finest pieces of land in the township and stands as a monument to the industry and energy of Joel Guy and his family.  As he came to young manhood, "Joe" worked for a time for his father, farming in the summer and lumbering in the winter.  Later he went to Colorado where he engaged in sheep raising for nearly three years.  That was in the days when the buffalo dotted the plains and the antelope went fleeting away light as thistle down.  "Joe" was an enthusiastic hunter and he had a great many interesting adventures with the "old Sharpe rifle".  In later years these stories were a source of great entertainment to his boys as they gathered around the fire on winter evenings.  Upon his return form Colorado, he was married on February 20th, 1878, to Martha K. Chamberlin who was his faithful and loving helpmate for more than 45 years.  Four sons were born of this union; Frank, Bert, Randolph and Harry, all of whom are living.  Of "Joe's" brothers and sisters two are still living; Henrietta, of Hinsdale, N.Y., now 86 years old, and Charles, a younger brother, who resides in this village.  A quiet, home-loving man, little given to social entertainment, "Joe" was best known to his family and near neighbors for his unfailing industry, his straight-forward honesty and his absolute fearlessness.  To these qualities he added a constant seasoning of kind wit.  Making no pretense of piety, he lived a clean upright life as he saw it.  The world is poorer for his going, but better for his having been here. 

 

After more than three quarters of a century of devoted service in home and community, Mrs. Martha R. Guy passed to her long rest on Friday of last week.  Nearly ninety years ago Rufus and Eliza Chamberlin came from Otego to settle in this part of the Susquehanna Valley.  Martha, one of eight children, was born on the old Harger farm at Wilkins Settlement.  When she was about nine years old the family moved to the Chamberlin farm about two miles below the village [Afton, Chenango Co., NY] which has been in the ownership of the family ever since, nearly seventy years.  The family was devoutly religious, attending the Baptist church at Harpursville where Martha was baptized at the age of 13.  Her education was acquired in the little old red school house in the Guy district and in Afton High School.  As soon as she finished school she began teaching, where her keen, active mind, pleasing personality, and purposeful determination made her both popular and successful.  She taught at Bettsburg, Middlebridge, Nineveh and La Piere, Michigan.  One of the greatest pleasures of Mrs. Guy's later life was the calls she often received form former pupils whose love and respect she always retains.  After teaching about ten years, she was married to Joel M. Guy to whom she was a faithful and devoted wife for nearly fifty years. Four sons, Frank, Bert, Randolph, and Harry were born to Mr. and Mrs. Guy, all of whom still survive her.  Mr. Guy died about four years ago.  A brother, Randolph A. Chamberlin, and a sister, Miss Sarah, still remain.  In addition to the many duties of a farm home and the mothering of four lively boys, Mrs. Guy always found time for community activities, especially those of the church.  Throughout her life she look an active part in the work of the First Baptist Church of which she was a member.  She was gifted with a very sweet voice and for many years was one of the mainstays of thew Baptist choir.  Whether it was teaching in the Sunday School, attending the prayer meeting, or working in the Ladies' Aid Society, she was always to be found in her place when she was needed.  Of late years she has taken a less active part but her interest has never waned.  Through the kindness of her pastor, Rev. Huxtable, she has been able to attend church services, prayer meetings and missionary circle meetings, and she got much pleasure from all of them.  When she died she had completed all her Mission Circle stories for the month of August.  Women like Mrs. Guy are the greatest single influence for the upbuilding of our community or nation.  They bear and bring up the men and women of tomorrow; they nurse the sick, comfort the bereaved, sustain the church and promote much of the great reforms. 

Their love is as deep as the ocean,

Their faith reaches up to the stars,

Their courage and zeal and devotion

No thought for themselves ever mar.

They bear us and love us and leave us;

We feel in our hearts a great void,

But the thing they have left in our spirits

Seems to us like the voice of God.

[MHD notation:  d. Aug. 26, 1927]

Obituaries (Gr) MHD Collection

 

Mrs. Frances Graham, aged 82 years, died Monday at the home of her niece, Mrs. Howard Waterman at Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY].  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon with Rev. Harry E Brooks of Susquehanna, Pa., officiating, assisted by Rev. George Roberts.  Interment was made in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  [MHD notation:  d. Nov. 2, 1936]

 

Miss Elizabeth R. Grant, 80 years old, died Monday morning in Afton after a short illness.  The funeral was held at 2 o'clock, Wednesday afternoon at the home of Daniel Grant in Afton.  The Rev. Clifford E. Webb of the Presbyterian Church officiated.  Burial was in Nineveh [Broome Co., NY].  Miss Grant is survived by two nieces, Miss Amelia H. Grant of New York city and Mrs. Frank Smetts of Akron; two nephews Dr. Stowell B. Grant of Munnsville and Daniel Grant of Afton.  [MHD notation:  d. 1939]

 

Dr. Stowell Grant, of Oneida [Madison Co., NY], brother of Past Master, Daniel Grant, died suddenly while at the office of another physician in Oneida.  [MHD notation:  published Jan. 30, 1947]

Thin Ice Breaks and Lets Children into the River:  Eugene, 7, and Bertha, 5 years old, children of Mr. and Mrs. Norva Gray, were drowned in the Susquehanna River at this place, Saturday evening at 5 o'clock, when the thin ice on which they, together with their brother, Chauncey, 11, and sister, Alice, 9 years old, were playing gave way and precipitated them into the river.  At this particular bend in the river, below the river bridge, the water sets back into a high bank and a strong current forms an eddy.  Here the ice was thin and, as the children neared the shore, gave way, letting all four into the deep water. Chauncey could swim some and succeeded in getting out and his sister, Alice, followed him but went back to save her sister, Bertha.  Failing in the attempt, she with difficulty scrambled out.  The two older children then ran to their home a short distance away and gave the alarm.  Their father, who is proprietor of the Imperial Barber Shop, with several others rushed to the river but were unable to locate the bodies of the two children as it was quite dark by this time.  Assistance was summoned from the Sidney Barracks and Captain Fox with five State Troopers hastened to the scene of the tragedy and with some difficulty succeed in finding the little girl about 7 o'clock, some 30 feet from shore in 10 feet of water.  It was nearly 11 o'clock that evening when hope of finding the boy had been nearly given up when the body of little Eugene was located some 18 feet from shore in 8 feet of water.  The two bodies were taken to E.F. Tabor's undertaking rooms where they were viewed by Coroner Bennett of Bainbridge who pronounced death due to accidental drowning.  What makes the incident seem the more sadder is that the mother of the children, who had been suffering with asthma and heart trouble, had been taken to the Bainbridge Hospital on Thanksgiving day and is in a critical condition.  The double funeral was held at Tabor's funeral parlors at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon and was largely attended by the children from the Afton School.  Rev. H.T. Brooks officiated and the interment was made in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].

Victor J. Gregory, aged 48 years, died early Monday morning after a long illness, at his home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; a son, Philip; his mother, Mrs. Lura B. Gregory, and a brother, Hugo Gregory, all of Afton, and a sister, Mrs. Bernard Kenyon, of Susquehanna, and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon in the Afton Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Alwin S. TenPas officiating, assisted by the Rev. Clifford E. Webb, DeRuyter, former pastor and close friend.  The many beautiful floral tributes and large attendance of friends attested to the esteem in which Mr. Gregory was held by all those who knew him.  Burial was made in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co.,  NY].  Mr. Gregory had been a business man in Afton for the past 30 years conducting the general store on the East Side with his father,the late E.R.Gregory and recently with his son, Philip, who will carry on this business.  He was a member and official of the Afton Presbyterian Church, a member of the Afton Chamber of Commerce and fraternal Order of Odd Fellows.  A good neighbor and kind friend, Mr. Gregory will be missed by his many friends.  [MHD notation:  d. 1950]

Robert J. Gross, 69, one of Greene's most highly respected and best loved men, died in the Greene Hospital, Sunday night, January 9, after a short illness.   Although having been in failing health for a long time, Mr. Gross continued to work in his store until about ten days before his death.  Mr. Gross was born in the town of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 30, 1874, the son of Augustus and Emma Rice Gross.  He attended school at the old Greene Academy and took a short course at Cornell University in butter and cheese making.  For a number of years after completing his course, he was employed in local cheese factories as a cheese maker.  Later he was employed at the Lyon Iron Works for a time, but 32 years ago he gave up other employment to enter the grocery business.  Starting in a store in the Rounds Block on Genesee Street with Richard Baldwin as partner, Mr. Gross later bought Mr. Baldwin's share in the business and conducted the store alone.  He moved to his present store near the Post Office about 22 years ago.  On July 26, 1899, he married Miss Cora Beach, who survives him.  Mr. Gross was a member of Zion Episcopal Church, Eastern Light Masonic Lodge, Chenango Chapter, O.E.S., and was a charter member of the Greene Rotary Club.  He was a friend to everyone but was especially interested in young people and took an active interest in Boy Scout work, serving on the Court of Honor for many years.  Through his long years of business life in Greene, Mr. Gross has not only served the public efficiently, honestly, and loyally, but always kindly and cheerfully, as well, and was never too busy or too tired to do a favor for anyone, old or young, rich or poor, friend or stranger, if he saw the slightest opportunity.  He will be greatly missed throughout the entire community.  Funeral services were held in Zion Church, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30, with the Rev. A.A.Bresee, D.D., rector emeritus, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Halsey W. Morgan of Central Baptist Church.  Burial was made in Sylvan Lawn Cemetery [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].  Besides his wife, Mr. Gross is survived by several cousins. [MHD notation:  d. Jan. 9, 1944]

Obituaries (Go, Gr) MHD Collection

 

Miss Iva M. Goetcheus, aged 53, a former correspondent for The Review-Times, died at her home on the Greene-Coventry road, Sunday night, Oct. 13, after a few weeks' illness.  Miss Goetcheus was born in Greene [Chenango Co., NY] and had lived in that vicinity all her life.  Funeral services were held from her late home Thursday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, the Rev. R.E. Gould of Central Baptist church officiating.  Burial was made in Sylvan Lawn cemetery [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].  Miss Goetcheus is survived by her mother, Mrs. Emma Goetcheus.  [MHD notation:  d. 1955]

 

G.B. Goodnough, 73, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died at his home, Wednesday, June 11th.  The funeral was held at the First Baptist Church, June 14, at 2:30 o'clock.  He is survived by his wife, Lillian, three daughters, Mrs. Guy Purdy, and Mrs. Roy Marks, of Afton, and Mrs. George Russell of Binghamton, a brother L.D. Goodnough of Seattle, Washington, several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  The Rev. Frederick Nichols officiated.  Rev. and Mrs. Nichols sang "Beckoning Hands" and "Sometime We'll Understand."  Mr. Goodnough was a resident of Afton for about 33 years, and a member of the First Baptist Church.  The bearers were Ernest Russell, Ed Russell, Charles French, and Robert Thompson.  Burial was in Nineveh [Broome Co., NY].

 

Mrs. Minnie Wylie Goodnough who died suddenly at her home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday night, was for several years a resident of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].  Much of her youth was spent in teaching school in Coventry where she was held in high esteem by her pupils and friends who are grieved at her passing.  She is survived by her husband, George Goodnough; two sons, Gordon Goodnough of Endwell and Major Cleon Goodnough of Staten Island; a daughter, Miss Doris Goodnough of Buffalo; a grandson, George Edward Goodnough of Texas and a sister, Mrs. Grace Baldwin of Norwich.  She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Afton, Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary and the W.R.C.  Funeral services were held in Afton, Tuesday, and burial was made in Afton.  [MHD notation:  April 3, 1943]

 

After a illness of a little over a week, Dr. Eugene A. Goodsell died at his home in this village early Monday morning.  The immediate cause of death was pneumonia complicated by general debility.  For some time the doctor had been gradually running down, but no one fully realized his weakened condition until his fatal illness when it was found that his depleted system failed to respond to the very best of medical care and skillful nursing.  The doctor for some time had felt the need of rest and recuperation and intended to take an extended vacation this coming week leaving Dr. Charles Seely in charge of his practice.  All the winter and spring he had been kept very closely confined attending to his large practice and had overworked in his care for others, often responding to calls for his services when he himself needed a physician.  The funeral service, one of the largest ever attended in this village, was held at his late home Wednesday afternoon at three o'clock conducted by Rev. W.W. Ketchum.  Both the Masonic order, of which he was Past-Master, and the Eastern Star of which he was Worthy Patron attended in a body, the Masons conducting the service at the grave.  There were many floral offerings from the various societies and friends, tokens of love and esteem.  The burial was in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  Dr. Eugene A. Goodsell was born in the town of Colesville, August 22nd, 1858.  There he spent his boyhood days.  At the age of twelve he was thrown upon his own resources, but there were those qualities in the boy that became so prominent in the man and he faced life with the purpose of making something of himself.  How well he succeeded his life testifies.  His early education was received in the district schools.  One of his teachers was the Rev. Oscar Beardsley who, the doctor laughingly used to say, taught him all he ever knew about mathematics.  From the district school he entered Afton Union School from which he graduated June 27th, 1879.  A program of that day shows the subject of his oration to have been "The Power that Conquers."  After leaving school he taught for a number of terms at North Sanford, Masonville and Sidney.  It was while teaching school that he began the study of medicine, studying with Dr. Whitney of Masonville.  That he might thoroughly fit himself for what was to be his life profession he entered the Eclectic Medical College, N.Y., and on the 3rd of March, 1884, he graduated with high honors, being valedictorian of his class.  He began the practice of medicine under Dr. J.E. Walker at Arkport, N.Y.  This he always counted as a valuable adjunct to his college training.  It was the putting in practice under the direction of an able physician what he had been studying for three years.  Afterward he practiced for about a year at North Sanford and then moved to this village.   This was fourteen years ago.  July 5th, 1888, just after he began his practice here, he married Miss May Mosher who has been his worthy helpmate and companion and to whom is due a large share of credit for the success with which he met.  He leaves besides his wife two children, much loved, Marjorie and Wesson.  The taking away of no citizen from our community could cause more universal sorrow.  Dr. Goodsell was a man beloved by all and had endeared himself to the hearts of the people in such a way that all feel they have sustained a personal loss.  He was a citizen interested in all that concerned the community and as such we could ill afford to lose him.  At different times he was intrusted with public office and always discharged the duties of the office as a public trust. at the time of his death he was one of the coroners of Chenango county, a member of the board of education, treasurer of the fair association and trustee of the Presbyterian church.  It will be a long time before we find a citizen to take his place.  He was a physician skilled in the art of healing, and the treatment of disease.  His ability was universally recognized.  The families that employed him as physician will greatly miss his services.  We little realize our dependence upon those who minister to us in sickness till they are gone.  He was a friend to everybody and we believe everybody was his friend.  A friend he proved to be not only of work but of deed.  Many sets of kindness rendered quietly linger in the hearts of the recipients as imperishable monuments.  The closing words of his valedictory to the members of his college class tell us why he had so many friends, and well may be heeded by us all:  "Live for something!  Do good and leave behind you a monument of virtue that the storms of time can never destroy.  Write your name in kindness, love and mercy upon the hearts of thousands you come in contact with year by year; you will never be forgotten.  Your names, your deeds will be as legible upon the hearts you leave behind as the stars upon the brow of evening."  Let us take these as his farewell words to us.  [MHD notation:  d. May 12, 1902]

 

The second fatality in less than a year and a half occurred at the Johnson street crossing [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] Wednesday afternoon, May 16, at 1:55 when Gilbert S. Gordon, 75-year old Johnson street resident, was killed instantly when his 1942 sedan was struck by a southbound freight train of the D.&H. Railroad.  Acting as coroner, Dr. Edward Danforth issued a verdict of accidental death due to a fractured skull and multiple internal injuries.  According to Chief of Police L.R. Bretz, of Bainbridge, who investigated with Sgt. James Fleming, of B.C.I., Troop C, State Police, Mr. Gordon was driving west across the crossing just as the train approached.  Both the car and the train were moving slowly, but Mr. Gordon failed to stop when the engineer sounded his whistle.  The locomotive struck the car on the right side just ahead of the front door, carrying the car and Mr. Gordon about 400 feet down the track.  There were three witnesses according to Chief Bretz, J.A. Neals, fireman, of 289 Madison street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; John Kernoschak, head brakeman, of 51 Fairlawn avenue, Carbondale, Pa.; and J.R. Herrick, of 38 Juliand street, Bainbidge, who was working on the construction at the Casein plant. Chief Bretz stated that apparently fireman Neals was the first person to see the car approaching the crossing and he notified the engineer, Robert Washburn, of 240 Kidder street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., to blow the whistle about 90 feet north of the crossing.  The body was removed to Colwell Brothers Funeral Home at Bainbridge.  The car, which was a total wreck, was removed from the scene of the accident by Demeree's Garage.  The locomotive was slightly damaged.  Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Colwell's Chapel with the Rev. James E. Wolfe officiating.  Bearers were Ward Searles, Frank Buman, Charles Thorp, all of Bainbridge, and Fred Kimball, of Afton.  Burial was in Oxford Cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Gordon was born in Oxford on May 27, 1870, the son of William and Catherine (Hovey) Gordon.  He had lived for more than 30 years in Bainbridge.  He is survived by his wife and a sister.  It was at the same crossing that Mrs. Elmer Archer was killed a year ago last New Year's.  [MHD notation:  d. 1945]

 

John B. Gordon, died last Thursday at the age of 88.  The funeral was held on June 13 in the Seymour Funeral Home at Oxford.  He is survived by a son, Leo Gordon, a sister, Mary Gordon, and a brother, Gilbert Gordon, of this village.  Burial was in Riverview Cemetery in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]  [MHD notation:  June 1942]