Miscellaneous, Reminiscent of Guilford

Reminiscent of Guilford, Chenango Co., NY

Chenango Union, July 13, 1893

 

On the hills of Guilford, within a radius of less than a mile, six boys passed their childhood, youth and a large portion of their manhood, all born in the year of 1820.  Their names were Mark Boyes, Joseph Winsor, Eppenetus Winsor, Warren Mosher, John Hurlburt and Sylvanus Shumway.  John Hurlburt died in Oxford about thirty years ago.  The remaining five passed the life limit of three score and ten over three years ago, when on the 21st of June, Mark Boyes, seemingly in the full vigor of health and activity, engaged in his work, was stricken down.  The large artery going from the heart had burst, and if his death was not entirely painless the agony must have been very brief.  He was born on the Boyes homestead in the town of Guilford, and lived on that and in the immediate neighborhood until 1872, when he moved into the village of Norwich, and after a residence of two years he bought a farm in DeKalb, Illinois, on which he spent the rest of his days.  A true and faithful friend honorable and upright in all of his dealings, a level head well balanced over a kind heart, he commanded their respect of all that knew him.  Four of the six yet remain.  Warren Mosher lives in the town of Oxford, enjoying the competency his labors have brought, and the respect due to a useful member of society.  Joseph Winsor, a successful farmer, a deacon in the Congregational church at Guilford Centre, is worthy of the confidence he commands.  Epp. Winsor may be found in Sidney, and his genial nature does not seem to be lessened by the weight of years.  Sylvanus Shumway lives in the town of Stockbridge, Madison county, blest with sufficient health for the labors and activities of life.  One by one their names will find a place in your death column, but who shall be first or who shall be last is known only to Him who notes the sparrow's fall.  

Marriages (September 14)

The Lawson home in Union Valley was the scene New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 1917, of an unusual social function.  The occasion was the celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary, an event which is rare in the lives of married folks.  A splendid dinner was served by the visiting relatives and after dinner a social hour was enjoyed by all present.  The happy couple were the recipients of hearty congratulations and valuable and useful presents.  The following children were present:  A son L.E. Lawson and wife of Syracuse, Mr. and Mrs.  L.V. Gregory and son of Deposit and Mrs. Rev. Frank Niles and daughter of Marathon,.  Mr. and Mrs. Lawson were married in Masonville, N.Y. [Delaware Co.], fifty years ago and lived in and around that village for many years.  Fifteen years ago they moved to Union Valley [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  They are in perfect health and bid fair to enjoy several years of life.  They are people of splendid character and interested in the best things of real life.  Their many faithful friends congratulate them on having reached the golden goal of wedded life and wish for them at the close of their eventful and successful life a crown, golden and enduring, the gift of the Heavenly Father's love.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 11, 1917]

An event of interest to a wide circle of friends occurred on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the residence of Charles Holmes of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], in the marriage of Mrs. Holmes' daughter, Miss Amy A. Sturges, to Owen L. Crumb of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  There were no cards, it being an absolutely quiet wedding.  The solemn marriage service was impressively performed at high noon by Rev Eugene Jeffrey of New Berlin, in the parlor where summer and autumn mingled exquisite tributes of white roses and chrysanthemums.  The bridal couple left immediately for Bainbridge, where they will board for the present.  Mr. Crumb is a  highly respected business man of sterling character and scholarly tastes.  He is book keeper for the firm of Hovey, Clark & Co., and also secretary and treasurer of the America Separator Co., which he helped to organize.  Miss Sturges is widely known as a teacher of unusual efficiency, who has pre-eminently "the genius to be loved" by all her scholars.  She is a graduate of the Normal school at Fredonia.  [Notation:  1896]

Wednesday evening, Dec. 25, 1895, the residence of A.B. Minor of Coventryville [Chenango Co.., NY] was the scene of a very happy event, the occasion being the marriage of his daughter, Flora B., to Burton J. Stork of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  The parlor was tastefully decorated with evergreens, and precisely at eight o'clock, to the strains of the wedding march, the bridal pair, preceded by Leta and Nelson Brown, Zoa and Frank Minor, entered the parlor through a gateway of evergreens, which as they approached was untied by little May, youngest sister of the bride.  They then advanced to an arch where they were met by their pastor, Rev. J.F. Whitney, who in a very impressive manner, spoke the words which united them in holy wedlock.  After a bountiful repast the happy pair left, mid showers of rice and best wishes, for a short tour in this and adjoining counties.  The bride is a highly respected member in our society and her absence will be much felt among her many friends, a well as in her home.  The groom was formerly one of our most respected  young men.  Those present form out of town were Mrs. Minnie Brown and children of Walton and Miss Katharine Hathaway of Cannonsville. 

A large company of friends took possession of the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Matterson, corner of West Main and Kirby streets [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], Tuesday evening, and proceeded in "a help yourself if you can" manner to arrange and disarrange things as best suited their inclination.  Inquiry soon developed the fact that their coming was designed for a surprise, a housewarming and a celebration of the tenth anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Matterson's marriage. It was all three and as such a complete success.  Rev. R.H. Stearns, in behalf of those assembled addressed the worthy couple in congratulatory remarks to which Mr. Matterson appropriately responded.  After a season spent in a social way, refreshments were served.  Visitors and visited expressed themselves, as having "had a delightful time" [Notation:  Dec. 4, 1894]

Miss Louise Hobart Riker, daughter of Mrs. Robert S. Riker, 93 Murray street, was married to Burton Salisbury of New York, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Craig Salisbury of San Diego, Calif., Saturday afternoon.  The ceremony was performed at the Kalurah Country club by the Rev. Carl A. Kallgren, dean of Colgate University, at 4 o'clock.  The couple stood before the fireplace in the living room which was banked with greenery and flanked by tall wrought iron candelabra holding cathedral tapers.  Baskets of garden flowers in varied hues brightened the room.  The bride was dressed in pink mousseline de soie with matching hat of French felt, pink slippers and silk mitts.  She carried souvenir roses.  Mrs. Riker, the bride's mother, wore a lace gown of sea foam green, a white felt hat, white slippers and a shoulder corsage of white sweet peas.  Refreshments were served to 40 guests following the wedding service.  Mr. and Mr.s Salisbury will spend their honeymoon motoring in the Adirondacks, and after Aug. 15 will make their home in Brooklyn.  Mrs. Salisbury wore a printed silk dress with white accessories and a navy blue silk coat for motoring.

Louise Hobart Riker Salisbury

 

Franklin [Delaware Co., NY]:  A quiet wedding occurred at the Methodist parsonage in Franklin last Saturday when Miss Elizabeth LeSuer, daughter of Mrs. Kenneth Conklin became the bride of John M. Wright, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wright of Franklin Depot [Delaware Co., NY].  After the ceremony the bridal party motored to Otego to the home of the bride's sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Boyd, where a dinner was served to members of the immediate families.  A bride's cake, decorated by Mrs. Boyd, was among the refreshments.  The bride was attired in a street-length dress of royal blue crepe with accessories in wine color, and carried a bouquet of American beauty rose buds.  She was attended by her sister, Miss Virginia LeSuer, who was dressed in an afternoon frock of wine taffeta with accessories in black.  Robert McNelly of Franklin was the grooms attendant.  Mrs. Wright, who is a graduate of Franklin Central school, is well known in Franklin.  Mr. Wright is a graduate of Sidney High School and is now employed by Edwin Carr of Unadilla.  Mr. and Mrs. Wright will reside in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].  Mrs. Wright was given a prenuptial variety shower recently at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Denny.  Many friends extend congratulations and wish Mr. and Mrs. Wright, a long, happy and successful life.  [LMD notation:  Nov. 2, 1940]

 

Deposit [Delaware Co., NY]:  Amid autumn flowers and Thanksgiving scenes a very pretty home wedding took place Thursday afternoon, when Miss Marion E. Thompson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Thompson of Sanford [Broome Co., NY] and Donald Camp, son of Mr. and Mrs. Camp of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], were united in marriage, the ring ceremony being used.  Rev. William Miller performed the rites in the presence of 66 relatives.  The bride, attired in royal blue velvet gown, and carrying American Beauty roses, was attended by Miss Bernice Carroll of Syracuse.  Kenneth Mattern of Wilson attended the groom, who graduated form Cornell university last June and is now employed in Sidney where they will make their home after the first of December.  A Thanksgiving family dinner was held at the home, with a bride's table serving dessert to friends following the marriage.  [LMD notation:  Nov. 21, 1940]

 

 

 

Obituaries (September 14)

Mrs. Marcia L. Post passed on to her eternal rest Monday, March 19, 1917.  She was born Oct. 2, 1840, being one of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. S. Hull Bush, a well known family among the pioneer settler of Bush Hill and Union Valley.  Early in life Mrs. Post was converted and joined the M.E. Church and has always kept her membership in the church of her childhood.  In 1872 she became the wife of Jasper Post, who for many years conducted a grocery business in Union Valley [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  He died in March, 1901.  One son, Lyman L., was born to them.  Mrs. Post is survived by her son, his wife, and five grandchildren of Sherburne, N.Y., one sister, Mrs. W.H. Ireland of Union Valley, and several nephews and nieces.  The funeral was held from the home in Sherburne March 21, and the casket placed in the vault at that place.  Mrs. Post was of a quiet, retiring nature, loving the best things of life and eager for kind friends; an unselfish wife and mother, and a loyal sympathetic friend.  she never criticized unkindly, but was always ready with a kind thought or looked for an excuse, if an acquaintance was criticized in her hearing.  Never of robust health yet she remained able to care for herself until the past two years, when she became nearly blind and quite helpless at times.  During this time she had been cared for by her son and his family.  Her interest and quiet words of council and comfort, will be greatly missing by her immediate family, and a large circle of friends in Norwich, and in this place where her entire life was passed.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 29,    1917]

Sylvester D. Clark, a lifelong resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], died from pneumonia on Friday morning last.  He was 71 and died on his birthday.  Saturday afternoon his remains were lying in his home in this village an overheated chimney called out the fire department and his home was saved from destruction by the prompt arrival of the firemen and the use of chemicals.  Mr. Clark was well known throughout this community.  For many years he was a successful farmer living on Mt. Pleasant but for the past two years he has resided on lower Pearl street in this village.  He enlisted in the 114th Regiment N.Y. Volunteers and honorably served his country during the civil war participating in many battles.  His service left him with a weak heart which failed to support him during the attack of pneumonia.  Mr. Clark was a genial and worthy man.  He was greatly interested in everything pertaining to Bainbridge.  He attended all public gatherings and gave his support to every worthy movement.  He was a strong Republican never missing an election or a Republican meeting.  His friendliness for people was marked and he was ever ready to help and do kindness.  His sickness began two weeks ago, but recovering he ventured out causing a relapse.  He was a loyal member of the Susquehanna Lodge of this  village.  He is survived by a wife an ddaughter.  The funeral was held Monday afternoon, Rev. Frank James officiating.  The Masons of the lodge and H.H. Beecher Post, of which Mr. Clark was a prominent member, attended in a body.  The coffin was draped with the flag for which the deceased valiantly fought.  As the funeral procession moved through South and West Main streets to Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY] the colors of the flag were distinctly seen from the hearse, and it was an impressive sight, realizing that another one of the heroes of the civil war had passed to his reward.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 29, 1917]

Monday occurred the death of Charles M. Stone, one of the best known citizens of Oxford [Chenango Co.., NY].  Mr. Stone has held the position of County Superintendent of Highways for the last three years.  He is survived by one son, C.L. Stone of Oxford, and a daughter, Mrs. Irving McNitt.  Mrs. Joseph Hitchcock, Mrs. James Purvis and Milton Spohn are in Oxford today attending the funeral of Mr. Stone who was their uncle.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 29, 1917]

News has been received of the death of Capt. James L. Sill at his home in Milwaukee.  Captain Sill was born in this village about 60 years ago, and lived here until he was about 20 years old. His father was a prominent physician in Bainbridge in the years following the Civil War.  Mr. Sill was captain of the steamship McCullough of the United States Coast Guards.  In his frequent visits to this village he had made many friends by his great personal charm and upright character.  He is survived by his wife and one son, James L. Sill, Jr., and one cousin, George Douglass of this village.  [Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 5, 1917]

Capt. James L. Sill of the revenue cutter Tuscarora, who died on Sunday, will be buried at Arlington cemetery, Washington.  A service will be held at the home Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock.  Wednesday morning at 8 o'clock the body will be taken to the Milwaukee road depot.  Capt. Sill died in his home at 402 Irving place after having been ill three days.  He was born fifty-nine years ago in Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].  He entered the coast guard service as a cadet in May, 1881, and after two years of training in the coast guard academy at Arundale, Md., was appointed a third lieutenant.  He was appointed a second lieutenant in May, 1890.  Later he was made a first lieutenant, and after serving five years he was put in command of a revenue cutter.  Dec. 24, 1914, Capt. Sill took command of the Tuscarora.  Since then the cutter has rescued many vessels which were in difficulties.  The Peter Reiss, a lumber carrier, which went on the rocks of Bayliss Harbor, Mich., about a year ago, and a schooner which had grounded on Slipping Bear Point, Mich. were among them.  Capt. Sill is survived by his widow, a son, George L. Sill, and his mother, who lives in Florida--Taken from a Milwaukee paper.  [Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 12, 1917]

Mrs. Henrietta Wyckoff died at the home of her sister, Mrs. Charles Sampson, at Hambletville [Delaware Co., NY], this Wednesday morning at 7:30 o'clock, aged 69 years.  Mrs. Wyckoff, who fell last week Tuesday, breaking her left hip bone, has gradually failed since.  Besides her sister mentioned above, she is survived by one brother, Joseph Wheeler, of China.  The funeral will be held at the Sampson home on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Burial in Hambletville cemetery.  [HMD notation:  Oct. 1922]

Afton [Chenango Co. NY]:  The funeral of Mrs. Edith Ireland Bulkeley of High Street, Afton, whose death occurred as the result of pneumonia, will be held at 1:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from her late home.  Prayer services will be conducted there at that time and at 2 o'clock church services will be held in the Presbyterian Church, of which the deceased was a member.  Rev. Daniel Geddies will officiate and burial will be in the Glenwood Cemetery, Afton.  Mrs. Bulkeley was born April 13, 1860, in Coventry and lived there for some time.  She was also a former resident of Binghamton but had lived in Afton for the past seven years.  She was united in marriage to Robert Bulkeley on Oct. 9, 1889.  She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and the Women's Christian Temperance Union.  [Compiler note:  from tombstone transcipriton:  Edith Ireland Bulkeley, 1860-1929]

Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  Little Ruth Burton, who at the last writing was sick with scarlet fever, which terminated in diphtheria, was called from her earthly home to an heavenly one October 11, and was laid in her last resting place, Friday, October 12.  Loving hands made the grave of the little angel sleeper beautiful with flowers.  Words can not express the sympathy we feel for the parents bereaved of an only child.  With her bright winsome ways she was a pet for all.  We feel that our loss was her gain and will try to say to our Heavenly father Thy will not mine, be done.  [NotationL  1894]

Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  The memorial service for little Ruth Burton, who died of diphtheria and was buried the 12th of October, was held at the church last Sunday morning at the time of the morning service.  The church was beautifully decorated with flowers and plants.  Upon an easel rested a pillow of evergreens in which were these words:  "Suffer little children to come unto me." and those were the words our pastor chose from which to make his remarks.   Some very appropriate songs were rendered by Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. Mathewson, after which the children and friends went to the cemetery and covered the grave of the little angel sleeper over with the beautiful flowers.  She is not dead but sleepeth; transplanted to a heavenly home.  [Compiler note:  From tombstone transcription, Coventryville cemetery:  Ruth H. Burton, daughter of Judson A. and Minnie A. Burton, died Oct. 11, 1894, Aged 3 yr & 5 mo.]



 

Obituaries (September 13)

One of the sad deaths of the week was that of Mrs. Anna J. Humphrey, of 6 Moelier street, Binghamton, N.Y. [Broome Co.], widow of the late Orson W. Humphrey, which occurred at the family home on Thursday night last.  Mrs. Humphrey was very ill at the time of her husband's death five weeks ago, and the fact of his demise was kept from her for fear of the bad effect it would have as it was not expected she could live at that time.  Her only daughter, Miss Florence Humphrey, has the sincerest sympathy of all in the double bereavement which has come upon her.  The funeral was held from the house on Monday at two o'clock.  Burial was in Floral Park cemetery [Johnson City, Broome Co., nY].  Mrs. Humphrey was formerly Miss Anna Davis of this place.  She was united in marriage to Orson W. Humphrey twenty-seven years ago.  Since that time she has resided in Binghamton  She is survived by a daughter, Florence, a sister, Mrs. Susan Burton, of this place, and one brother, Mr. Fred Davis, of Harpursville.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 9, 1908]

Mrs. W.E. Hyde died at the sanitarium of cancers, and was brought to her home Thursday.  The funeral held from her late home Saturday, Rev. I.J. Smith, officiating.  Interment in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Hyde had been a great sufferer for a long time, being treated first in Binghamton, by Dr. Andral S. Kilmer, and later by Dr. McDougal, of Oneonta.  She was patient and hopeful in spirit and bore her extreme suffering with Christian patience and fortitude, gladly welcoming the call that released her.  Mrs. Hyde is survived by her husband, W.E. Hyde, two daughters, Mrs. J.S. Childs, of Guilford, and Mrs. L.O. Sweet, of Liberty, one son, Arthur, of Troy, her mother, Mrs. Marcellus Landers, two sisters, Mrs. Emma Newton and Mrs. Erwin Gifford.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 9, 1908]

Clara Watrous Rivenberg, wife of Frank J. Rivenberg, died Monday morning, Jan. 6, 1908, at her home on Kirby street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] aged 28 years.  Mrs. Rivenberg had been ill since last February, experiencing at that time an attack of grip which developed into lingering consumption, causing her death.  Previous to her fatal illness her health had been exceptionally good.  She was married five years ago to Frank J. Rivenberg, who survives her with two children, Inez aged four years and Fred two years.  Both children are quite sick.  The parents of the deceased are Mr. and Mrs. William Watrous, of Bixby street.  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Baptist church, Rev. H.T. Hill, pastor, officiating.  The bearers were Allen Hodge, William Hartman, Bert DeForest and Allen Jones.  The Eastern Star, of which order Mrs. Rivenberg was a member, attended the services in a body.  Burial in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 9, 1908]

Frank Rivenberg, whose wife was buried last week, has given up his rooms in Mrs. Clark Butts' house on Kirby street and with his infant son, Fred, has gone to live with his aunt, Miss Nettie Sliter, on Johnson street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  The little girl will remain with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Watrous.  Both the children, who were quite ill at the time of their mother's death, are very much improved.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 16, 1908]

Mrs. Ida A. Baker, wife of Wesley Baker, residing on the D.J. Baker farm about one mile and a half from Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], died at her home on Saturday, Jan. 4, 1908, of septicemia, aged 36 years.  Mr. and Mrs. Baker moved onto this farm about one year ago from North Sanford.  She is survived by her husband and three small children.  The funeral was held at her late home on Monday at 1 o'clock, Rev. G.E. VanWoert officiating.  Burial in the West Bainbridge cemetery.  The bearers were S.D. Clark, Nelson Johnson, Elias Pettys and LaVern Loomis.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 9, 1908]

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral services of Michael Frank, who died Sunday, Dec. 26th, were held at his late residence in the town of Guilford the last day of the old year, when a large number of friends gathered to pay tribute to his memory.  The services were conducted by Rev. W.A. Carrington, pastor of the Presbyterian church, Bainbridge, of which Mr. Frank was a member.  The music was rendered by a male quartette composed of Messrs. Banner, Ives, Gilbert and Case of Bainbridge.  The interment was in Yaleville cemetery beside the grave of his wife who died about six years ago.  Nicholas Freidel, Nicholas Frank, Lewis Higler and George Frank, nephews of the deceased, acted as bearers.  Michael Frank was born in Baden, Germany, Jan. 12, 1831, and came to this country about 1854.  After spending about two years in New Jersey he came to this section, where he had since resided.  In December, 1860, he married Rosena Akermen.  Mr. Frank was a prosperous farmer, well known here and in Bainbridge and a man of sterling worth, highly respected by friends and neighbors.  He had been in ill health for over a year with heart disease and other troubles, but was confined to his bed only a short time.  Mr. Frank is survived by one brother, Anton Frank of South Hill. [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 9, 1908]

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Miss Mary Carpenter died at her home on Academy Street, Tuesday morning after a lingering illness.  The funeral will be held at her home Friday at 2 o'clock and at the Baptist Church at 2:30 o'clock.  Rev. Lester Huxtable will have charge of the services.  Burial will be made in Glenwood Cemetery [Afton, NY].  [MHD notation:  April 22, 1930]

Washington, DC:  James G. Jester, former disbursing officer of the Isthmian Canal Commission, who recently passed away in New York City, was a native of Afton, Chenango County.  He was 69 years old at the time of his death.  Mr. Jester was long connected with the War Department here [Washington, DC].  He was with the Isthmian Commission from May, 1905 to April, 1914.  When Theodore Shonts became chairman of the commission, Mr. Jester became his secretary and resigned to accompany Mr. Shonts to New York when he became president of the Interborough Rapid Transit system.  Services and interment took place in Delhi, N.Y. [Delaware Co.] following his death in new York City.  [MHD notation:  Jen England's cousin, Jan. 14, 1931]

Robert H. Palmer of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], one of the most prominent business men of this valley, died yesterday morning while being rushed to his home after being taken seriously ill at the Grand Union grocery store, of which he was manager.  Customers in the store saw Mr. Palmer sink to the floor.  He was president of the Afton Rod and Gun club, an active member of St. Ann's Episcopal church, a member of the Binghamton Lodge of Elks and the Afton Lodge of Odd Fellows.  For many years he was a member of the firm of Palmer & Co., and conducted a grocery store in the Carrington block.  He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Palmer and was born in Waterford.  He is survived by his wife and two sons, Robert H., Jr., and Clifford.  The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at St. Ann's Episcopal church, the Rev. Mr. Collar, officiating.  Burial will be made in Glenwood cemetery in this village [Afton, NY].  [MHD notation:  Feb. 23, 1925]

Thursday evening last Mrs. Caroline Campbell, grandmother of Miss Grace French, died at her home on the East side [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  The funeral was held Sunday afternoon from her late residence on Maple street at 2 o'clock, Rev. B.B. Carruth officiating, and the remains laid to rest in the East Side cemetery [Afton, NY].  The deceased was a mother of Theo. R. Campbell, of Binghamton, a well known passenger conductor on the D.&H. who together with Mr. and Mrs. L.R. Ferguson of Oneonta, were among those present from out of town.  [Compiler note:  from tombstone transcription done by Kelsey Jones:  "Caroline, wife of Alonzo Campbell d. Oct. 29, 1896, Aged 76 Y'rs & 6 Mo's"]

During the past week two children of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Dennis, who reside about two miles above Afton on the road to Bainbridge, have been stricken with a dread disease.  Thursday, Raymond, a three-year-old son, was buried in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], and three days later Earl, a two-weeks-old babe, was laid by his side.  Funeral Director Emens had charge of the remains. 

 

Miscellaneous, B-G Varsity & JV basketball teams 1966

Bainbridge-Guilford Varsity Basketball Team

Sidney Record & Bainbridge News, Jan. 12, 1966

 

In the front row (left to right) are:  I.M. Sweet, E. Egnaczak, L. Monahan, R. Goodwin, E. Taylor and R. McDougal.  In the back row (left to right) are: Coach Billy, E. Dietrich, J. Foster, A. Phelps, T. Hubbard and D. Hulbert.

 

 

Bainbridge-Guilford J.V. Basketball Team

Sidney Record & Bainbridge News, Jan. 12, 1966

 

In the front row (left to right) are:  G. Smith, V. Hohreiter, T. Holdrege, L. Peck, W Davis, T. Perry, M. Caracciolo and R. Hayes.  In the second row (left to right) are:  Coach Armstrong, A. Carpenter, D. Best, T. Wright, D. Stockwell and Manager F. Hartwell.  In the third row (left to right) are:  G. Kumpickas, M. Fletcher, G. Winans and G. Mertz.

 





Marriages (September 12)

Miss Elizabeth B. Armstrong, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar R. Armstrong, of Middletown, N.Y., became the bride of Mr. Patrick Edward Brennan, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], at a high nuptial mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at Middletown, on Saturday, February 18th, at 9:00 a.m.  The bride is a graduate of the Middletown High School, class of 1925, of which she was treasurer.  She graduated from Mount Ida School at Newton, Mass., and also attended Skidmore College, at Saratoga Springs, where she was a member of the Secretarial Club, the college archery team and the Glee Club.  She is a member of the Women's University Club of Middletown.  Mr. Brennan has been in the life insurance business in Middletown for the past three years.  He served overseas during the World War and is a member of the Middletown American legion Post.  He is also prominent in Democratic circles, and chairman of the Jeffersonian Club.  He is well known in Bainbridge, and is the nephew of  Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Collins, Sr., of this village.  Mrs. Brennan's father is vice-president and secretary of the Archibald Taylor Company, Middletown's leading insurance firm.  Among the guests was Miss Mary Brennan of New York city, a sister of the groom and a former resident of Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 23, 1933]

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Wilson M. Harmon, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Margaret Ostrander, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Ostrander, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], were married at the Methodist parsonage Monday evening, February 27.  The Rev. Howard B. Willets, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place officiated.  The couple was attended by Miss Dorothy Forbes of Binghamton, and Leland Hatton, of Endicott.  Following the marriage ceremony, the couple went on a trip to Scranton Pa.  Upon return, Mr. and Mrs. Harmon will reside on the groom's farm, which is located just north of Bainbridge [Chenango Co.,NY].  Mr. Harmon has always been a farmer by occupation.  The bride was a former school teacher and has resided at Binghamton and Ouaquaga during most of her life.[[Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 9, 1933]

Miss Mary E. Gilmore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gilmore, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], was married to Herbert Gilbert Snyder, son of Mr. and Mrs. L.G. Snyder, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], at the Baptist Church, in Afton Sunday afternoon.  The Rev. Lester D. Huxtable, pastor of the Afton Baptist Church, performed the ceremony.  Miss Thelma Gilmore, a sister of the bride, was bridesmaid, and Austin D. Hayes, of Bainbridge was best man.  Following the wedding the young couple motored to Binghamton, where a newly furnished home awaited them at 22 Sturges street.  Mr. Snyder is employed by the Reynolds radio testing station in  .  A large number of relatives and friends of the bride and groom were present at the wedding.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 20, 1933]

Within the sacred walls of the Church of the Redeemer was solemnized last evening the marriage of Mr. Herman Louis Bolich, and Miss Lena Lowman, daughter of Mrs. Francis Lowman, Chemung st.  Shortly after the church clock tolled the appointed hour of six the notes of the Mendelsohn wedding march sounded through the handsome edifice.  The vestibule doors were opened and the bridal party entered.  Up the broad aisle, hemmed in on either side by such a vast concourse of relatives and friends as seldom gathers there on a similar occasion, walked the four ushers, Messrs. F.K. Stephen, Esq., Ray Lowman, James Wilking, of this place, and Claude Thompson, of Towanda, escorting the bride and her attendants.  Following the ushers came the four little flower girls, Misses Euginia Forsythe, Augusta Bolich, Clara Bolich and Agnes Lowman.  they were prettily dressed in white and carried a flower covered frame.  then came the maid of honor, Miss Lois Lowman, a twin sister of the bride.  She wore a dress of white over pink silk and carried a beautiful bouquet of chrysanthemums.  The bride followed attended by her brother, Seymour Lowman, Esq., of Elmira.  At the foot of the chancel they were met by the groom and his best man, Mr. Ward Williams, of Phillipsburg, Pa.  The ring part of the Episcopal ceremony was performed at the foot of the chancel by the rector, the Rev. Robert Bell.  The bride and groom and their attending couple then entered the chancel where the ceremony was concluded beneath a flower bell and an arch of green.  The groom then led his bride from the church while the Lohengrin wedding march was rendered as a recessional to the happy nuptial.  Immediately after the ceremony a reception was held at the home of the bride's mother on Chemung st.  The bridal party, the immediate families of the bridal couple and the out of town guests were present.  While the wedding suppler was served the bridal party was seated at the bride's table, which was handsomely decorated with chrysanthemums and smilax.  The bride's gown was of white silk trimmed with lace and orange blossoms.  The long bridal veil was held with a cluster of orange blossoms.  She carried a bouquet of bridal roses and wore a pretty brooch, which was the gift of the groom.  The room filled with elegant presents bespoke the popularity and the friendship which the bride enjoys.  Mr. Bolich is one of Sayre's most prominent young business men.  He is the junior partner in the hardware firm of Bolich Bros.  He is also a member of the borough council from the first ward, a member of the Wilbur Hook & Ladder company and enjoys a large acquaintance.  His bride, while having lived here but a few years, has made herself highly favored and honored in the esteem and regard of all who know her.  She was engaged in the kindergarten work until recently.  [Notation:  1899]

Miscellaneous, Dr. Ray Hastings of Los Angeles, 1933

Dr. Ray Hastings Celebrates Anniversary of Connection with Los Angeles Church

 

Native Son of Bainbridge is Famous Organist on Pacific Coast--

Composes for Piano, Organ, Orchestra and Voice

Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 2, 1933

 

Dr. Ray Hastings recently celebrated the 21st anniversary of his connection with the Temple Baptist Church in Los Angeles as organist.  Dr. Hastings is also official organist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and has frequently appeared as soloist with that group.  In addition to this work, he conducts a piano and organ school in Los Angeles.

 

The Temple Baptist Messenger says in part:  "During the period of his affiliation with Temple Church, Dr. Hastings has become famous as an organist throughout the United States.  He is will known as a composer for piano, organ, orchestra and voice, and counts among his friends many prominent musicians in all parts of the country.  "

 

"Dr. Hastings' musical training was begun in Chicago and continued at the College of Music, University of Southern California, of which he is a graduate.  He later traveled and studied in European music centers."

 

"His fame spread after he had played a series of recitals at the Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco and in 1917 Davis College conferred upon him the degree of doctor of music.  During the Sesqui-Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1926, he was one of the concert organists playing the gigantic Austin organ on the fair grounds."

 

"The Austin organ upon which Dr. Hastings plays his weekly concerts was considered at its installation one of the largest and finest instruments in the country.  It has four manuals and pedal bass.  One hundred stops and couplers control nearly 6,000 pipes.  The largest pipe is 32 feet long and weighs 1,300 pounds.  The smallest pipe is three-quarters of an inch long and weighs one ounce.  A 35-horsepower motor furnishes the air."

 

Dr. Hastings was originally a Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] boy, and has many relatives and friends here.  On August 10, 1926, he came to Bainbridge and gave a concert in the Presbyterian Church.  An added feature of the program was the rendition by his uncle, Frank B. Payne, of two solos on the trombone, selected by Dr. Hastings as his favorites.  At that time, in a short address, Dr. Hastings paid high tribute to his "Uncle Frank," thanking him for his letters of encouragement and inspiration throughout his course of study until his graduation from the conservatory at Southern California.  Mr. Payne, of course, was highly gratified to have been the source of inspiration to Dr. Hastings in his outstanding musical accomplishments.

 

 



Post Listing, September 9-15, 2013

Listing of posts for the week of September 9-15, 2013

Marriages

Posted September 9, 2013
Ruby Blanche Davis - William Watson Young (1906)
Ethel Kinch - Louis Barrows (1936)
Rose Roberts - Theron VanValkenburg
Olive Parsons - Mitchell Smith (1939)
Margaret Elizabeth VanAlstyne - Clifford R. Palmer (1939)
Dr. Frank B. Soden - Florence Matterson (1898)
Carlton Ford - Eda Seegar

Posted September 10, 2013


Martha Snyder - (?) Bennett (1938)

Helen Sawyer - Robert Burgin (1939)

Katherine E. Joyce - Donald A. Laraway (1940)

Lydia Ophelia Axtell - Herbert Mosher Ramsdell

Della Rene Underwood Searles - James B. Williams (1897)

Luella Bixby - William C. Carl (1892)

Posted September 11, 2013
N.E. Barton - Carrie J. Strong (1894)
Argarette Doolittle - Ray L. Flint (1921)
Georgia LaBarre - Walter Benedict (1940)
Buthe M. Baxter - Wilbur D. Lee (1940)

Posted September 12, 2013
Elizabeth B. Armstrong - Patrick Edward Brennan (1933)
Wilson M. Harmon - Margaret Ostrander (1933)
Mary E. Gilmore - Herbert Gilbert Snyder (1933)
Herman Louis Bolich - Lena Lowman (1899)

Posted September 14, 2013
Mr. & Mrs. Lawson, 50th Anniversary (1917)
Amy A. Sturges - Owen L. Crumb (1896)
Flora B. Minor - Burton J. Stork (1895)
Mr. & Mrs. W.B. Matterson, 10th Anniversary (1894)
Louise Hobart Riker - Burton Salisbury
Elizabeth LeSuer - John M. Wright (1940)
Marion E. Thompson - Donald Camp (1940)

Posted September 15, 2013
Howard S. Sherwood - Lucy A. Weirs (1909)
Elizabeth A. Sherwood - Everett L. Stratton (1909)
Marie Mackey - Walter Fritts (1940)
Janice E. Pratt - Howard A. Loker (1945)
Thelma M. Hobbie - Robert E. Scofield (1946)
James N. Wilking - Lois A. Lowman
  

Obituaries

Posted September 9, 2013
Reuben Handy (Coventry, 1906)

Alonzo B. Merchant (Warnerville, Bainbridge, 1906)

William H. Neff (Bennettsville, 1906)

Chauncey Hungerford (Coventry, 1906)

Mrs. Gilbert J. Stratton (Oxford, 1906)

Emma M. Fisk (Oxford, 1906)

Dorothea Maria Roehlk (St. Charles, IL, Bainbridge, 1906)

Posted September 10, 2013
Mrs. Stephen Johnson (North Afton, 1901)
Mrs. J.B. Butler (Afton, 1934)
Mrs. Frank Stanbro (Unadilla, Brookfield)
Uri Bradley (Guilford, 1910)
James E. Shaver (Bainbridge, 1910)
H.H. Calkins (Coventryville, 1910)
Briton H. Norton (Bennettsville, 1920)
Angelia Winsor (Bainbridge, 1920)
W. Earl Cole (McGraw, 1920)

Posted September 11, 2013
Henry L. White (Guilford, 1907)
Mary Taft (Afton, 1907)
Juvenal Griswold (Greene, 1907)
Freeman Eccleston (Bainbridge, 1907)
Ellen Bigelow Bush Matthews (Winona, MN, 1907)
Floyd Gridley (Guilford, 1907)
Myrtle Cunningham (Oxford)
Cora B. Tracy (Afton, 1933]
Mrs. Jacob VanWoert (Afton, 1896]
Gladys Hall (Afton, 1896)
Samuel Gilmore (Bainbridge, 1895)

Posted September 12, 2013
Elnathan Bromley (Guilford, 1909)
Ina May Smithers (Oneonta, West Bainbridge, 1909)
E.C. Johnson (Binghamton, Afton, 1909)
Simon P. Handy (Harpursville, 1909)
Jesse Brown (Harpursville, 1909)
P.A. Nash (Kingston, Guilford, 1909)
Sovilla Woods (Oxford, 1911)
Mrs. DeRoy Riley (West Bainbridge, 1890)
Dotha Landers (North Afton, 1892)
Mace J. Morgan (Afton, 1921)

Posted September 13, 2013
Anna Davis Humphrey (Binghamton, 1908)
Mrs. W.E. Hyde (Afton, 1908)
Clara Watrous Rivenberg (Bainbridge, 1908)
Ida A. Baker (Bainbridge, 1908)
Michael Frank (Guilford, 1908)
Mary Carpenter (Afton, 1930)
James G Jester (Afton, Delhi, 1931)
Robert H. Palmer (Afton, 1925)
Caroline Campbell (Afton, 1896)
Raymond Dennis (Afton)
Earl Dennis (Afton)

Posted September 14, 2013
Marcia L. Post (Bainbridge, 1917)
Sylvester D. Clark (Bainbridge, 1917)
Charles M. Stone (Oxford, 1917)
Capt. James L. Sill (Milwaukee, WI, 1917)
Henrietta Wyckoff (Hambletville, 1922)
Edith Ireland Bulkeley (Afton, 1929)
Ruth Burton (Coventryville, 1894)

Posted September 15, 2013
Chauncey A. Ferguson (Bainbridge, Afton, 1909)
Miranda Ensworth (Guilford, 1909)
Theodore P. Smith (Oxford, 1909)
Prof. F.G. Short (Fort Atkinson, WI, 1909)
Sarah A. Copley (Bainbridge, 1909)
Susan Ellen Andrews (Glendale, CA, 1909)
James A. Burlison (Oxford, 1909)
Sarah J. Gould (St. Francis, KN, 1909)

 

Miscellaneous

Posted September 9, 2013

Chenango County Homestead (Bush Farm), Bainbridge, NY, by H.H. Lyon

Posted September 10, 2013


Nineveh Junction Murder, H.A. Bushnell, D. & H. Agent, The Victim, Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 6, 1910.

Posted September 11, 2013
Strange History of Amanda Dyo, Afton Enterprise, July 12, 1888.

Posted September 12, 2013
Dr. Ray Hastings, Native Son of Bainbridge is Famous Organist on Pacific Coast, Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 2, 1933.
Bainbridge-Guilford Varsity and J.V. Basketball teams, Sidney Record & Bainbridge News, Jan. 12, 1966.

Posted September 14, 2013
Reminiscent of Guilford, Chenango Co., NY, Chenango Union, July 13, 1893

Posted September 15, 2013
The Bainbridge Hennery, Business of Clarence Tyler and Smith Lane, 1900
Dr. Edward Danforth, photo, Binghamton Press, Sept. 28, 1958

Obituaries (September 12)

The death of Elnathan Bromley, aged 71 years, which occurred suddenly, Wednesday evening, the 31st, from angina pectoris, following an attack of the grip, was a shock to his many friends.  the funeral services, which were largely attended, were held at his late residence, Saturday, the 6th, at 1 p.m., conducted by Rev R.. Pascoe of the M.E. church, assisted by Rev. A.C. Salls of the Congregational church.  The hymns were rendered by a male quartet, M.E. Burlison, Ernest L. Neff, Purley A. Merchant and C.F. Ingers II.  the interment took place in the Guilford cemetery; the bearers were R.W. Stead, C.H. Manwaring, C.D. Whittemore and D. Randall.  Among the floral offerings were a beautiful pillow, wreaths and bouquets of carnations, lilies and hyacinths.  Mr. Bromley was adopted at the age of five years by Mr. and Mrs. Ozias Bush.  In October, 1861, he married Louise C. Bush, daughter of David and Lucy Bush at Ives Settlement...removed to this village eighteen years ago.  For forty-eight years Mr. Bromley has been a faithful and prominent member of the Guilford M.E. church, and has occupied at different times all the important offices in the same.  He was one of the board of trustees at the time of his death and for many years has been the able secretary of the Sidney Grove Camp Meeting association.  His loss will be mourned not only in his family, where he was a devoted husband and parent, but in the church circles and in a wide range of friends and acquaintances.  He was a man of broad views and wide reading, of cultivated tastes, a fine Bible student, and much interested in the great philanthropical and missionary movement. 

"Alone unto our Father's will,

One thought hath reconciled,

That He whose love exceedeth ours

Hath taken home his child."

Beside his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Mrs. E.H. Burlison, Unadilla; Mrs. Alfred Ives, Mrs. W.P. Shelton, Guilford; and seven grandchildren....[Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 18, 1909]

 

Miss Ina May Smithers, daughter of William Smithers, died at her father's home in Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY] last Saturday, after a six week's illness from typhoid fever.  Miss Smithers was born at West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Sep. 3, 1886, and resided there until a year or two ago when she went to Oneonta to live.  She is survived by her father and one sister.  Deceased was bright and attractive and a young woman of beautiful character, who had many friends.  A short service was held at the home of her father at Oneonta, Monday evening, conducted by Rev. C.J. Farley.  The body was brought to Bainbridge on the 9:12 train Tuesday morning.  Services were held at the West Bainbridge Baptist Church at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. H.T. Hill, a large number of relatives and friends being present.  Interment was made in West Bainbridge cemetery.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 18, 1909]

E.C. Johnson, a native and former resident here, late of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], was found dead in the hay loft of his barn, Thursday, March 25th, 1909.  Mr. Johnson had been suffering from heart trouble and had consulted with a physician not long before his death, which is supposed to have resulted from the same.  He was proprietor of a livery stable and had been assisting in the care of the horses, and when last seen was going up to the hay loft about 10 a.m.  He was found dead about 2:40 p.m.  He has been at Binghamton about two years.  He was 50 years of age and is survived by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Colschem of New York, and Carolyn, of Binghamton; also one sister, Mrs. Jerry McCullough of Altamont, and two brothers.  funeral services were conducted from his late home, Binghamton, and the remains brought to Afton, for burial in the East side cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, April 1, 1909]

Simon P. Handy, of Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], died the 20th of March, aged 78 years, and was buried Tuesday, the 23d.  He leaves a widow, Mrs. Ann Hurlburt Handy, one brother, Charles Handy of Afton; three sisters, Mrs. John Blanchard of Belden; Mrs. W.A. Wilkins of Coventry and  Mrs. S.S. Fellows of Syracuse.  [Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 1, 1909]

Jesse Brown, for fifty years a leading merchant of Harpursville [Broome Co. NY], died Tuesday night of last week, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. G.E. Corbin, Binghamton.  The funeral took place at his old home here, Friday forenoon, the 36th ult.  He is survived by two sons, G.W. of this village and F.W. of Binghamton; two daughters, Mrs. L.G. Hunter of Toledo, Ohio, and the one where the deceased died.  [Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 1, 1909]

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral services of P.A. Nash of Kingston [Ulster Co., NY], aged 35, were held Sunday afternoon at the residence of C.E. Root, conducted by Rev. Wm. B. Rogers.  The burial took place in the family plot, Yaleville cemetery [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY].  The bearers were Lester Hutchinson, Alvin Sherwood, J.S. Childs, and Fred Plumb.  Mr. Nash was the son of Mr. and Mrs. M.M. Nash of this town, and spent most of his life here.  Twelve years ago he removed to Kingston, N.Y., where he was a successful jeweler.  Mr. Nash had been in ill health for some time, but his death which occurred Wednesday night, March 24th was due to an attack of meningitis.  Services were held at Kingston, and the body was brought here, Saturday.  Beside his wife, Susie Root Nash and two children, Louella and Harry Nash, he is survived by his mother, Mrs. M.M. Nash and a brother, Charles Nash of Norwich.  The casket was covered with pink and white carnations and among other floral offerings were a harp from the Musicians' union, a cross from the Young Men's club and a pillow from the Odd Fellows of Kingston.....[Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 1, 1909]

Mrs. Sovilla Woods, widow of William Woods, died at the old homestead in the Eastern part of the town, Friday morning, March 10.  Mrs. Woods was born in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] 76 years ago and was the daughter of Stephen and Jane Hoyt Cumber.  She is survived by four sons and two daughters, Alfred of Norwich, Theodore of Unadilla, Isaac of Binghamton, and Simon, who lives at the homestead;  Mrs. Dilla Scott of North Afton and Mrs. Onelia Brown of Unadilla and one sister, Miss Betsey Cumber of Greene.  The funeral was held Sunday.  [Oxford Review, Mar. 17, 1911]

Died:  RILEY - In Coventryville Mar. 24, 1890, of Diphtheria, Mrs. DeRoy Riley.  The family of Britton Norton, at Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], are deeply afflicted.  The husband is confined to the house with a broken limb, he has lost one child by the dread disease, diphtheria, and his wife is or was dangerously ill with the same.  The most sad feature of the case is the death of Mrs. DeRoy Riley, who had gone to care for Mrs. Norton, a sister.  She was stricken with diphtheria, died at 3 o’clock in the morning and was buried at two in the afternoon.  A correspondent says:  “Mrs. Riley was a woman of rare worth.  No matter what was the task imposed upon her she was always ready and willing to help alike in church and at home.  Kind, pleasant and amiable to all, a devoted wife and indulgent mother.  She leaves a husband, two sons and a little girl between 4 and 5 years old, who have the sympathy of all.  [Oxford Times, April 1, 1890] 
 Mrs. Dotha Landers, after traversing the sands of times for the prolonged period of 97 years, passed from this life into the great and boundless future on the morning of Sunday, Jan. 10th.  Her funeral was observed upon the following Tuesday, Rev. Mr. Rury officiating.  Interment took place at the North Afton cemetery.  It will be apparent to the observer that Mrs. Landers had possessed an existence during all of the presidential administrations from George Washington down, 23 in number and was four years old at the time of Washington’s death.  We have heard her speak of her acquaintance in early life with the “Beecher family” and especially of Harriet Beecher Stowe the noted writer.  Many more points of interest might have been gleaned from her early life with painstaking but we will not further encroach upon the editor’s space.  [Oxford Times, Jan. 19, 1892] 
 Mace J. Morgan was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] Dec. 18, 1848.  He died at his home on Pleasant avenue [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], Thursday, Sept. 29.  At 28 years of age he married Mary Easton of Afton.  To this union were born three sons, Frank, Alonzo and Glenn, all of this place.  Mr. and Mrs. Morgan moved from their farm at North Afton to the village of Afton nine years ago.  For five years Mr. Morgan has been troubled with shaking paralysis.  The funeral was held at his late home Sunday, Oct. 2, Rev. W.D. Lathrop officiating.  Burial in Glenwood Cemetery [Afton, NY].  Those from out of town that attended the funeral were:  James Morgan and family of Sidney; Mrs. Richard Smith and family of Bennettsville; Mr. W. Hastings and son Oscar Fletcher, George Nichols and family, Leo Nichols and family of Bainbridge.  [Oxford Review-Times, Oct. 28, 1921] 

 





Miscellaneous, Strange history of Amanda Dyo, 1888

A Strange History

Afton Enterprise,  July 12, 1888

 

An old woman by the name of Amanda Dyo, who died in the Chenango county [NY] poor house one day last week, led a most strange and singular life, and had a sister who married a man of great wealth and influence in New York, where she had made her home in early life.  While yet a young woman with all the advantages of wealth and family, she left an elegant house clandestinely and somewhere in the country met and married a man by the name of Harvey Dyo, who was remarkable for his uncouth and slovenly appearance, and for his intemperate and vicious habits.  The two came to South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] some 30 years ago, built a rude cabin or shanty far back in the woods, and lived there for a number of years, earning and enjoying a precarious living.  They were supplied especially in two essentials of comfort, whiskey and tobacco.  After some years their place of residence in the woods became known to the rich relatives in the city, and they sent an urgent invitation for the woman to return to her city home and enjoy a life of ease and luxury.  After much persuasion and entreaty the invitation was accepted.  But after a brief visit the woman again left the home of those relatives in the night time unknown to all, and returned to the old cabin in the woods, where the couple continued to live some years longer and until the man, infirm and feeble, and almost idiotic, was carried to the poorhouse, and still the wife refused to be separated.  The rich relatives hearing of this last, again invited, remonstrated and entreated, but all in vain.  They went together to the place of last resort and lived there ten or fifteen long years, and were only separated a few days since by the death of the woman, as stated.  This strange and singular woman was well educated and accomplished and of fine personal appearance when young; while the man for whom she sacrificed and threw all away, was incomparably opposite, becoming in middle life disagreeable, repulsive and almost hideous in his very appearance.  Surely truth is sometime stranger than fiction.

Marriages (September 11)

At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the beautiful and simple Methodist Episcopal marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. T.F. Hall, on N.E. Barton, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Carrie J. Strong, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  Every seat in the Methodist Episcopal church was filled with handsomely dressed guests Wednesday, as the waning afternoon was approaching the twilight of an incoming evening.  The fury of an April inclemency had obscured the sun, yet the radiant brightness of happy countenance and sparkling eye, infused with the good wishes and sympathy toward the event of holy happiness, substituted gleams that did not cloud the joy nor mar the scene of anticipated hopes.  The church was darkened by the emblematic service of evergreens obstructing the shedding light as it struggled for recognition through the windows.  The light of night made it a fashionable full dress wedding.  Without nature was covered with crystallized snow which was beautiful in its significance as indicative of the purity and sanctity of the event within.  The resonant and song-like strains of Mendelssohn's wedding march, executed by Geo. E. Carr, of Afton, at the organ, gave the signal of the arrival of the wedding party.  Slowly up the center aisle preceded by the ushers, Rev. F.E. Walton, of Afton, and C.H. Clark, Miss Lillian Hollenbeck, the bridesmaid, and Mr. William Steele, of New York, as best man, came the bridal party.  The bride was robed in a gown of exquisite right blue silk, trimmed in rich, heavy cream lace.  Over her was a most delicate and flowing veil.  The bridesmaid was attired in a rich and expensive light yellow alba-tross.  When the altar was reached, the ushers, bridesmaid and best man separated, allowing the bride and groom to stand before the presence of the pastor, Rev. T.F. Hall, who read in accents clear, articulate and impressive, the marriage vow.  After the benediction, the groom turned and parted the veil, taking his wife, departed down the aisle, followed by the admiring eyes of the people, amid the perfume of flowers and choice decorations.  Mr. and Mrs. Barton and party, were immediately driven to Afton.  The reception was held in the evening, from 8 to 12 at "Walnut Place," the home of N.E. Barton.  It was a memorable affair, long to be remembered in the history of society events in Afton.  Fifty friends of the bride and groom from Bainbridge, and with their large number of friends in Afton, assembled together in happy union of expressions of congratulations and best wishes to the newly married couple.  The interior of "Walnut Place" emitted a charm of pleasing appreciation.  The tinged and variated light, the heavy draperies, the luxurious trimmings, the handsomely dressed women, the genial men, presented a scene of great beauty.  The cup of joy was touched by every lip, and the atmosphere of mirth was exhilarating to gladdened hearts and cheerful spirits.  There were evergreen, palms, similax, roses, hyacinths and lilies, tastefully arranged in profusion.  Mr. and Mrs. Barton stood in the south end of the reception room beneath a large bell of evergreens and roses.  By the side of them stood the bridesmaid, Miss Hollenbeck and Mr. Steele, the best man, while music filled the ears of the guests.  They were presented and there were hearty and cordial wishes that brightness and roses might adorn the highway of their wedlock.  Refreshments were served by a caterer from Binghamton, and thereafter music and song concluded the evening.  The floral decorations and trimmings were from the Riverside Gardens, at Binghamton.  The gifts to the bride were many and beautiful, consisting of a quantity of silverware, jewelry, cut glassware, oil paintings and fine linen.  During the evening, the bride wore a rich diamond pin and a valuable gold watch and chain, gifts to her by the groom.  She was dressed in a light blue silk evening dress and carried a bunch of white roses. The best man, bridesmaid, ushers and organist were recipients of unique and pretty souvenirs from the groom, in the design of a spoon, on which was engraved the residence of "Walnut Place."  N.E. Barton is the editor of the Afton Enterprise and one of the most prominent and popular citizens in Afton.  He has built up that paper, through reverses and misfortune, to a high standard among journals.  Miss Carrie J. Strong was a pretty and highly esteemed young lady in Bainbridge and loved by the circle of her many friends in which she moved.  [Notation:  April 11, 1894]

Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Doolittle of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] have announced the marriage of their daughter, Argarette, to Ray L. Flint of this city.  The ceremony took place in the First Presbyterian church, Scranton, Thursday.  Mr. and Mrs. Flint will make their home in this city.  [LMD notation:  April 23, 1921]

Miss Georgia LaBarre, daughter of Mrs. Reva Parks of 49 Washington avenue, became the bride of Walter Benedict, son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Benedict of 40 Kentucky avenue, Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock in Union Baptist church with the Rev. Lester D. Huxtable officiating.  Attending the bride were her aunt, Mrs. Thomas Brennan, who was matron of honor, Miss Cora Jackson and Miss Hazel Lenox, bridesmaids, Geraldine Marie and Valerie Ann Parks were flower girls.  Bridegroom's attendants were Roselle Thorne, best man, and Robert Thorne, Glen Morton, Reynolds Johns and Theodore Spencer, ushers.  The bride was given in marriage by her brother, Ernest Parks, and wore a gown of white georgette over satin fashioned with a shirred bodice and short train.  She wore a tulle veil held in place by a tiara of pearls which had been made from her mother's wedding gown.  She carried white roses.  Matron of honor was attired in orchid net over matching taffeta.  Her bouquet was of yellow roses, Miss Jackson and Miss Lenox were dressed alike in net redingotes over taffeta, Miss Jackson in blue, Miss Lenox in pink.  They carried pink roses and delphinium.  Flower girls wore floor length frocks fashioned like those of the bridesmaids, Germaine in blue and Valerie in pink.  Mrs. Parks was attired in navy blue with white accessories and a corsage of sweet peas.  Mrs. Benedict, the bridegroom's mother, wore a printed georgette dress with white accessories and a corsage of sweet peas.  More than 150 guests attended the reception following the ceremony.  Mr. and Mrs. Benedict left for a motor trip through the northern part of the state.  For traveling Mrs. Benedict wore a navy blue and red ensemble and white accessories.  After Aug. 4 the couple will reside in 18 Sherman avenue, Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  [LMD notation:  July 29, 1940]

Wedding in late summer is planned by Miss Ruthe M. Baxter, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.B. Baxter, 10 Burton avenue, have announced her engagement to Wilbur D. Lee of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  The wedding will take place Aug. 17.  [LMD notation:  1940]

Miss Ruthe M. Baxter

 

 

 

Obituaries (September 11)

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Henry L. White died at his home near North Guilford on Feb. 13th, after a short illness, aged 73 years.  Mr. White was one of Guilford's most esteemed and best known citizens.  In the year 1875 he was elected to the office of assessor for his town and was continued in that office for 21 years consecutively and faithfully discharged the duties of the office without fear or favor, after which he accepted the office of railroad commissioner which office he held at the time of his death.  Mr. White was born Feb. 1, 1834 on the farm where his death occurred, which has always been his home.  He was married to Miss Victoria Sheldon, Feb. 1, 1860, who survives him.  He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Cordelia Reed, of Hobart, N.Y., and three children, Everett J. of Franklin, Irvin H. of Guilford, and Mrs. Florence Gibbs, of Norwich; four children died in infancy.  Funeral service occurred at the home on Saturday at 1 o'clock, burial was made in the cemetery near his home.  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 21, 1907]

 

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Mary Taft who was visiting relatives in Otego and vicinity, died suddenly of heart disease Saturday Mar. 9th while driving in a cutter with her brother.  Mrs. Taft was the mother of the late Olin Taft, of Bainbridge, and is survived by two daughters, one Mrs. Richard Burton, of Afton.  Her remains were brought home Monday evening, the funeral occurring from her late home Wednesday, at 2 p.m., Rev. J.F. Shaw officiating.  Interment in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY] by the side of her husband O.A. Taft.--Afton Cor.  Mrs. Olin Taft and children, of this place, attended the funeral of her mother-in-law, Mrs. Taft held in Afton yesterday (Wednesday).  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 14, 1907]

 

Juvenal Griswold, a much respected resident of this place, died March 5, 1907, at the age of 48 years.  He leaves a wife, one son, Earl, two daughters, Louise and Florence, and a mother, Mrs. Frank Griswold, one brother, Artie Griswold, and three sisters to mourn his departure.  The funeral was held on Saturday at his home at 11 o'clock, Rev. Livingston officiating; he was laid at rest in Sylvan Lawn cemetery at Greene [Chenango Co., nY].  Eugene Willey took charge of the funeral.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 14, 1907]

 

On Saturday, March 16, Freeman Eccleston died at his mother's home on Pearl street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], aged 50 years.  He had been a sufferer from grippe for about a week and though the attack seemed unusually severe his friends did not have any fears that he would not recover, but he dropped away suddenly.  The deceased came to Bainbridge with his parents to reside about twenty years ago.  He was a man of integrity, correct in habits, and very industrious.  He had been connected with two industries of the place mostly through his entire residence here.  The first was the Sled factory on Johnson street, now extinct, and the other the American Separator Co., on Railroad Avenue, which Mr. Eccleston became affiliated with almost from its origin about fifteen years ago.  He has been retained in its service continuously, the officers of the company esteeming him highly, appreciating his reliability and daily attendance.  He had the respect of all with whom he associated in his work.  In the home circle there is great sorrow, the mother suffering a grief that is inconsolable.  His devotion to her was so perfect, so hearty, so genuine, that his loss seems irreparable.  Her friends and neighbors sympathize with her in her bereavement.  The funeral was held at the home Monday afternoon, the Rev. W.A. Carrington officiating.  Burial was in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  The employees of the Separator factory attended in a body and contributed handsome flowers.  The bearers were D.C. Pratt W.E. Hartman, Samuel Perry, P.J. Hickey, Chas. Green and Glen Heath.  Relatives from Oxford in attendance were the following:  Norris Eccleston, Charles L. Eccleston, Mrs. Dr. Johnson and Edward Eccleston.  The deceased is survived by his mother and two brothers, William and Ervin Eccleston.  [Bainbridge Republican,  Mar. 21, 1907]

 

Our mind has been taken back to the records of the past in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] in the receipt of news yesterday of the recent death by apoplexy of Mrs. Ellen Bigelow Bush Matthews at her home in Winona, Minnesota, aged 76 years.  The names, Bigelow and Bush, were those of prominent residents in this town seventy years ago.  Mrs. Matthews was a relative of Mrs. Elizabeth Beatty of Bainbridge, the Misses Sayre, of Binghamton, and Mrs. Stella A. Yale and Miss Annah Kidder, of Washington, whose families were intimately connected by marriage.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 21, 1907]

 

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Gridley buried their only child on Sunday.  Floyd was an uncommonly bright little fellow, two years old.  On Wednesday he fell backwards into a pail of boiling water and was burned so severely that he died on Friday; interment in North Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. and Mrs. Gridley have the sympathy of all in their great sorrow.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 21, 1907]

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Myrtle Cunningham, wife of John Cunningham, passed away Thursday morning at 2 o'clock, at the age of 43 years.  She had been in poor health for a long time.  She was confined to her bed two weeks.  She was born in Greene [Chenango Co, NY] the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Oakley.  Besides her husband, she leaves one daughter, Pauline; one son, Raymond; her mother, Mrs. Clara White of Greene; two brothers, Alonzo Oakley of Binghamton, Nathan Oakley of Greene; five sisters, Mrs. Morgan Rogers of Pasadena, Cal., Mrs. Frank Gardner of Afton, Mrs. Fred Smith of McDonough, Mrs. Lillian Allen of Davenport, and Mrs. Nelson Hawkins of Chenango Forks; also several nephews and nieces.  The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at her home near Oxford, at 2 o'clock.  Rev. Mr. Gates of Oxford Baptist Church officiating.  Burial was in Oxford cemetery. 

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of Mrs. Cora B. Tracy, whose death occurred this morning at her home in the Town of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] will be held at 1:30 o'clock Friday afternoon from Tabor's Funeral Parlors in Afton.  Services will be in charge of the Rev. Harry Brooks of Susquehanna, Pa., and burial will be in the family plot at Glenwood Cemetery, Afton.  The deceased is survived by one son, Alfred, with whom she made her home; one daughter, Mrs. Roy Bush, Afton; one brother E.C. Merrell, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and one sister, Mrs. Raymond Sykes, Meeker, Colo.  [MHD notation:  1933]

Mrs. Jacob VanWoert died at her home in this village Friday night.  Deceased had been in poor health for many years, but during the past few months had gradually failed until death relieved her of her sufferings.  Her age was 80 years.  She leaves a husband and one son, Delos VanWoert.  The funeral was held Sunday and the remains laid to rest in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co.,  NY]  [Compiler note:  from tombstone transcription:  Sarah R. Gile wife of Jacob VanWoert, 1816 - 1896]

Gladys Hall, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hall, died suddenly Friday morning after only a few hour's illness.  The funeral was held Sunday afternoon, Rev. F.E. Walton officiating.  The bereaved family have the sympathy of the community in their affliction.  [Compiler note:  From tombstone transcription, Glenwood Cemetery, Afton, Chenango Co., NY:  Gladys L., daughter of Henry W. & Estelle E. (Snow) Hall, Jan. 23, 1895 - Jan. 10, 1896]

Our readers will notice in our correspondence a reference to the death of Samuel Gilmore, one of West Bainbridge's [Chenango Co., NY] most useful and esteemed residents.  Mr. Gilmore was one of Bainbridge's "war veterans".  Early in the year 1862 he enlisted in the Union service and was attached to the 5th New York heavy artillery to which he continued nearly three years.  The following tribute is paid to him by his soldier comrades:  "Loyal to his country he was also loyal to his God.  He was a Christian in camp and on the battle field; a true and faithful soldier at all times and in every place."  Amid the more peaceful scenes of his later life, he afforded variance of the noble and sturdy purposes that controlled him--a soldier still, brave and true, though not warring "with carnal weapons."  Mr. Gilmore was also an honored member of the H.H. Beecher Post No. 582 G.A.R. in this village and an enthusiastic worker therein.  One of its earliest members, he was the first to be "mustered out of service," the first for whom "taps" have been called and the light of earth extinguished.  The public funeral of this patriotic Christian soldier and citizen was held Tuesday afternoon at the M.E. church at Union valley and was attended by a large concourse of people.  Large delegations from Binghamton and other places were in attendance., thereby expressing their sympathy with the bereaved and the esteem they cherished for the deceased.  Rev. F.F. Hall, Mr. Gilmore's pastor conducted the services Rev F.F. Benjamin assisting, after which the body was taken in charge by the H.H. Beecher Post, and followed by a large cortege, was borne to West Bainbridge cemetery where the impressive burial service of the G.A.R. was held under the direction of the Post commander and chaplain.  [Notation:  Jan.   5, 1895]

 

Marriages (September 10)

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bennett, who reside on the Bainbridge-Sidney road, was the scene of a very lovely wedding, March 30, 1938, when Martha Snyder, daughter of Berton and Luella Snyder, of Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], and [-?- Bennett] were united in marriage by Rev. J.W. Bump of East Guilford.  The bride's gown was of blue silk and lace.  She carried pink roses.  The groom was dressed in the conventional blue serge.  The bridesmaid, Miss Agnes Bennett, sister of the groom, was dressed in blue crepe and carried a bouquet of yellow roses.  Mr. Hiram Gould of Binghamton, brother-in-law of the bride, acted as best man.  To the strains of music played by the bride's niece, Miss Rachel Gould, of Harpursville, the party proceeded to an arch appropriately decorated for the occasion.  Guests to the number of 87, including relatives and friends were present from Binghamton, Oxford, Windsor, Greene, Harpursville, Sidney, Guilford and Norwich.  The bride and groom received many beautiful presents and a sum of money.  Mr. and Mrs. Bennett plan to live in Sidney where he is engaged in the cattle business with his father.  Their many friends wish them a long and happy, prosperous life.  [LMD notation:  April 1938]

 

Miss Helen Sawyer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon C. Sawyer of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], and Robert Burgin, son of Mr. and Mrs. George O. Burgin of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], formerly of Franklin, were united in marriage at the home of the bride's parents on Wednesday evening at eight.  Rev. Lewis Johnson of the First Baptist church in Bainbridge officiated.  The bride wore a white georgette wedding gown and tulle veil and carried a bouquet of white sweet peas and roses.  The couple was attended by Miss Mary Louise Sawyer, a sister of the bride, and John Burgin, brother of the groom.  Mr. Burgin is a graduate of Franklin High school and attended Syracuse university.  He is a former catcher on the Walton Yellow jackets baseball team and is well known in Walton through this connection.  Mrs. Burgin is a graduate of Bainbridge High school and studied two years to Hartwick college.  She is librarian at the Bainbridge Public library.  Mr. Burgin is employed with the Casein company plant at Bainbridge.  [LMD notation:  June 14, 1939]

 

Miss Katherine E. Joyce, daughter of Lewis Joyce of lower River street, Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] and Donald A. Laraway, son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Laraway of Oak avenue, Sidney were married Friday  morning, May 24, at 9 o'clock in the Methodist Episcopal church of Sidney by Rev. R.T. Henwood.  They were attended by Miss Catherine Crumb of Mt. Upton and John Spinelli of Sidney, both close friends of the couple.  Miss Joyce is a graduate of the Mt. Upton High school and Mr. Laraway is a graduate of Sidney High school.  The bride was dressed in blue, with white accessories and a corsage of white roses and sweet peas.  Her attendant wore blue, with a corsage of white flowers.  Mr. and Mrs. Laraway left immediately for a wedding trip to Albany and New York city.  Upon their return, they will reside at the home of the groom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Laraway, at 31 Oak avenue in newly furnished rooms.  Both are popular with the young people of Sidney and both are employed at the Scintilla plant.  [LMD notation:   1940]

 

Katherine E. Joyce Laraway

 

"In the grey and gold of the October glow," Wednesday morning, the 16th at eleven o'clock, and in the presence of a few relatives, a very pretty and happy wedding was celebrated, in the quiet retreat of China, a suburban settlement, a few miles from Deposit [Delaware Co., NY].  It was at the home of Moses R. Axtell, the father of the bride, when his daughter, Miss Lydia Ophelia Axtell, was given in marriage to Herbert Mosher Ramsdell, son of Erwin Ramsdell of this village, Bainbridge [Chenang Co., NY].  The Rev. Mr. Percy, Baptist clergyman from Deposit cemented the union.  The bride was attired in a blue cloth travelling suit, simple, modest and sweet in air and design.  After the wedding ceremony a fine collation was served and while lingering over the viands there was a flow of joyous sentiment emanating from the event of the preceding hour, and many were the predications of happiness for the passage down life's journey.  Mr. and Mrs. Ramsdell left the same afternoon for New York to spend a few days in travel and upon their return will reside in Bainbridge.  Mrs. Ramsdell attended the Oneonta Normal school and upon her graduation entered upon a responsible position in the Bainbridge Academy which she held for three years, closing her service this last summer.  She was a most admirable and thorough teacher, gentle and refined in deportment, lovable and loved, and will be received in her new sphere as a welcome resident of our place.  Mr. Ramsdell is an enterprising young citizen, interested in all projects for the benefit of his town and a member of the firm of Ramsdell & Son  furniture dealers of Bainbridge. 

 

A quiet home wedding took place on Wednesday evening of last week at the home of Mr. Herrick Searles on North Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], when his adopted daughter [Della Rene Underwood Searles] was married to Mr. James B. Williams, a prosperous groceryman of Bainbridge.  The marriage ceremony was a brief one and was performed by the Methodist clergy man, Rev. C.H. Sacket.  The bride was prettily attired and looked very sweet and modest in the dress prepared for the occasion.  A wedding supper followed the marriage rite, the table being handsomely laid and decked with flowers the bride had tastefully arranged.  Flowers predominated everywhere in the home.  Mrs. Williams has been a pupil in our school, is an attendant of the Methodist church where she has been active in Epworth League work, and is recognized as one of our best young ladies.  Mr. Williams is a good business man and is highly respected.  He was supposed to be a confirmed bachelor, but he is to be congratulated upon his conversion to matrimony and upon his admirable selection in a wife.  A new feature inaugurated in this wedding and one that should generally prevail, was the work given out that there would be no wedding presents.  Mr. Williams does not endorse this practice common in marriages.  The wedding trip was also omitted but will be taken shortly when the groom takes his wife to a handsome home nearly completed on Academy street.  Mr. and Mrs. Williams start out upon the journey of life under the most happy auspices and the Republican send them greeting with wishes for endless happiness.  [Notation:  Sept 8, 1897]

 

A pretty home wedding occurred at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Titus Moss Bixby on Second street, Deposit, N.Y. [Delaware Co.], Wednesday evening, November 12th, when their grand-daughter, Luella, was united in marriage to Frederic William C. Carl, formerly of Great Bend.  At 7 o'clock the contracting parties took their place before a bank of ferns and potted plants in the prettily decorated parlor, where the marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Beaumont, rector of the Episcopal church of Deposit.  The bride wore a dress of white organdie and the groom was dressed in dark blue.  Only the near relatives and immediate friends of the family were present.....The many beautiful and useful presents which they received show the high esteem in which the young couple are held.  After refreshments were served Mr. and Mrs. Carl left the house amid a shower of rice and took Erie train no. 29, and came to great Bend where they will spend a few days.  [Notation:  1892]

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (September 10)

The funeral of Mrs. Stephen Johnson, of North Afton [Chenango Co., NY], occurred on Saturday, Rev. C.B. Personeus officiating.  It appears that on Wednesday, not feeling very well, she started to go to Henry Johnson's, a near-by neighbor, but only succeeded in reaching the gate in front of the residence when she was stricken with paralysis.  She was assisted into the house, and lingered until about one o'clock Thursday morning, when she passed quietly to the other shore.  [Compiler Note:  from tombstone transcription, North Afton Cemetery, Deborah Crowell Johnson wife of Stephen Johnson, Jan. 5, 1818 - Apr. 20, 1901]

 

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. J.B. Butler, 85, former vice president of the Department of Pennsylvania, W.R.C., one of Afton's oldest residents and widow of two Civil War veterans, died at 4 o'clock Monday morning of heart disease.  Death followed a long illness.  the deceased was born at Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on August 20, 1848, the daughter of Daniel Gilbert and Fannie Harris Prentice.  Early in life Mrs. Butler moved to Coventryville and Wilkins Settlement near here.  While young, she married George Wood, a Civil War veteran and later in life, she married another veteran of that war, Jeremiah Butler.  Both husbands are dead.  The late Mrs. Butler was a former vice president of the Department of Pennsylvania, W.R.C., which office she held for many years.  She was a member of Cunahunta Chapter, D.A.R., at Afton and was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Afton for more than 50 years, she being one of the oldest members of that church.  Mrs. Butler resided in several places and traveled much during her life and her stories of her life when a pioneer in the state of Iowa in 1868 were interesting.  Mrs. Butler's hobby was the collecting of old relics, she having had a fine collection.  The late Mrs. Butler is survived by one sister, Mrs. Margaret B. Sayre of Trenton, Mich., and by several nieces, nephews and grandchildren.  One granddaughter, Miss Sylvia M. Pierce, who is the librarian of the Afton Free Library, resided with her in the late Afton home.  Funeral services for the deceased will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  The Rev. Lester D. Huxtable, pastor of the Afton Baptist Church, will officiate.  Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery at Afton.  [MHD notation:  1934]

 

Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY]:  The tragic death of Mrs. Stanbro, wife of Principal Frank Stanbro, who was burned to death in their barn at Brookfield [Madison Co., NY] on Friday night, when the barn caught fire from their automobile, has cast a gloom over the whole village.  Mr. and Mrs. Stanbro motored to Brookfield after school hours on Friday afternoon to spend Saturday at their farm home.  Besides her husband she is survived by two young children and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Place, who reside at Mt. Upton.  The body will be brought here today and funeral services held at the home on Wednesday.
 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral services of Uri Bradley were held Wednesday afternoon of last week and the burial took place in the family plot, Sunset Hill cemetery [Guilford, NY].  Mr. Bradley was born in Ives Settlement, near this village, May 30, 1825, and was the last of a large family of children.  He was the son of Ira and Charlotte Mills Bradley and is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Dayton Roth.  Mr. Bradley had been thrice married, first to Miss Mary Ann Tyler of Coventry, second to Miss Delia Terry of Oxford and lastly to Mrs. Mary Clark Peckham who died Sept. 1903.  The services were conducted by Rev. A.C. Salls of the Congregational church of which Mr. Bradley was a member, and among the friends present were Mrs. John A. Clark, James Clark and Arvine Clark of Sidney, Mrs. Geo. Garvine of Utica.  [Bainbridge Republican, Sept. 22, 1910]

 

James E. Shaver died early yesterday afternoon from peritonitis at his home in the Tillman house on North Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] at the age of fifty years.  Mr. Shaver had not been critically ill only since Sunday, although he had been complaining of not feeling well for some time.  He was well known in Bainbridge having resided here for the past forty-five years, having come when five years old from Guilford where he was born.  He was a carpenter by trade, but was engaged at times in different vocations.  He is survived by a wife, three daughters, Mrs. Wiley Foster, Mrs. John Ryder and Mrs.George Christian, of Bainbridge, and one son, Louie, of the United States Army, stationed at Boston, Mass.  Two brothers and three sisters survive, who are Frank Shaver of this village, William Shaver of Binghamton, Mrs. James Delaney of Binghamton, Mrs. Mary McPherson of Holmesville, and Mrs. Cora Underhill of Gilboa.  The funeral will be held at the house at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon.  [Bainbridge Republican, Sept. 29, 1910]

 

Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of H.H. Calkins, one of Coventryville's oldest inhabitants, was held from his late home Friday.  The service was conducted by Rev. G.P. Linderman, who took for his text:  "We all do fade as a leaf."  Until within a week or so the deceased had been able to keep up his regular work, though had not been as well as usual during the summer, but he could not rally from the attack of bowel trouble and passed peacefully away Wednesday, September 14, at the age of 84.  He is survived by his wife to whom he was married 68 years ago and who had occupied with him for 61 years the house from which he was buried.  She will now live with her daughter, Mrs. D.N. Hunt.  He is also survived by two daughters, Mrs. D.N. Hunt of this place and Mrs. DeWitt Rogers of Sherburne.  The casket was covered and surrounded with a profusion of flowers, amid which he was laid to rest in the Coventryville hillside cemetery.  Mr. Calkins was a cabinet maker and made many useful and artistic pieces of furniture, accuracy and neatness being a characteristic of all his work.  His hand carving and inlaid wood work were especially worthy of exhibition.  At the age of three score and ten years he made a bookcase and writing desk which had 400 pieces and 18 different kinds of wood and had much beautiful inlaid work on it, all of which showed finely the natural graining of the different wood.  [Bainbridge Republican, Sept. 29, 1910]

 

Briton H. Norton, passed from a quiet night's sleep, to awake to the life eternal, in the early morning hours, of Friday, June 4.  Mr. Norton had been in usual health; he went to Binghamton Wednesday returning home by the way of Norwich and Oxford, on Thursday.  He stopped at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Geo. Foster and after supper came home and worked for some time in his garden.  Mrs. Norton arose about five Friday morning and lighted the kitchen fire; returning to  her room, she spoke to her husband, but received no reply, as he was sleeping the long sleep which only wakes in the life beyond.  Briton H. Norton was born Feb. 26, 1860, at Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], when a young child he went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Ogden and the many years spent with them he was loved and cared for, giving love in return as tenderly as an own son.  Mr. Norton was married to Mime A. Ferguson Dec. 21, 1881.  Their early life was spent mostly in Coventry.  In February 1908 the family moved to Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], as he had purchased the mill property there, and it has since been their home.  Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Norton all but one, Jennie, who died November 1890, are left to mourn the loss of one kind parent, and to comfort the mother who is spared to them.  Those of his nearest relatives who survive are the aged foster mother, Mrs. Ogden, the wife Mrs. Norton, three daughters, Mrs. Charles Riley of North Sanford, Mrs. George Foster and Mrs. John Parsons of Bainbridge, three sons, Walter C. Norton, Lee R. Norton and Chauncey E. Norton of Bennettsville, and one sister, Mrs. Dora Fowler of Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago Ill, also twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild, the infant, Anna Amelia Anderson.  Mr. Norton was a man much respected by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed in the community. He was a member and faithful worker of the M.E. church.  He had much inventive ability and might have made a fortune by some of his inventions, had he not like so many other geniuses when lacking capital to float inventions and introduce them to the world; fill the mind with other inventions  One of his later models was a wheel which was a success, either for farm wagons or automobiles, some of the people in this vicinity are using them on wagons.  The funeral conducted by Rev. Mr. Snyder of Wellsbridge, a former pastor was held at the home, Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.  The house could not contain all who assembled to show respect to their friend and neighbor.  Messrs. R.L. Smith, E.C. Ward and Frank Ward sang favorite hymns.  The burial was delayed an hour or more as his sister, Mrs. Fowler was delayed by the train being four hours late.  Relatives from out of town were Mrs. Fowler of Oak Hill, Ill., Mrs. Chester Fuller of Schenectady Mrs. Celinda Ferguson, Mrs. Charles Smith of New Milford, Pa., Mr. and Mrs. G. Ferguson, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bliss, Mrs. George Myers, of Bainbridge, Mr. and Mrs. DeRoy Riley of Oxford and children and grand children mentioned before.  Messrs Will Laman of Coventry and Peter H. Parker and Charles Parker of Oxford, former friends and neighbors also came to show their friendship and respect.  The large attendance and many beautiful offerings also testify to the place Mr. Norton held in the esteem of those who knew him.  His family feel much keenly the loss of a kind husband and father.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 10, 1920]

 

Mrs. Angelia Winsor died at her home on South Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] last Thursday morning.  Mrs. Winsor was born August 11, 1849 and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James K. Wetmore.  She was married to George S. Winsor on September 29, 1874.  Mr. Winsor and their little son aged two years, both died in the year 1878.  She was the last member of one of the old families of Bainbridge.  Her father for several years prior to his death, was President of the First National Bank of this village.  The funeral of Mrs. Winsor was held at her late residence on Saturday at 4 o'clock.  Rev. J. DeLancey Scovil officiated.  Mrs. Winsor was a communicant of St. Peter's church and the burial was in St. Peter's churchyard.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 10, 1920]

 

W. Earl Cole, one of the best known residents of McGraw [Cortland Co., NY], was drowned early last Saturday morning under peculiar circumstances.  He had been ill since last Saturday from pleurisy and had been practically confined to his bed.  He appeared better Thursday night and Mrs. Cole retired about 12:30 o'clock.  She arose shortly after 5 o'clock and found that he was not in the house.  She went out of doors and discovered Mr. Cole dead with his head and shoulders in the watering trough near the barn.  A dipper was near his hand, close to the trough.  It is evident that Mr. Cole, after putting on his bath robe, hat and boots, had taken a dipper and gone to the trough for a drink.  The supposition is that he was out of his head, and being thirsty and feverish, had determined to get a drink of the cold water coming from the spring to the trough.  The exertion evidently was too much for him and he fainted as he stooped over the trough.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 24, 1920]