Marriages (January 18)

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  On Saturday evening, Nov. 16, at 8 o'clock a very pretty home wedding occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Curtis, of Guilford, when their daughter, Miss Gertrude Curtis, became the bride of Gerald Randall, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ward Randall, of Ives Settlement [Guilford, NY].  They were attended by Inez Randall as bridesmaid and Curtis Ballard as best man, Rev. Leon Bouton officiating at the impressive ceremony.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 21, 1935]

 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  On Saturday evening, Nov. 9, at 8 o'clock, occurred the marriage of Miss Patricia Almee McPherson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Giles McPherson, of Guilford to Lewis E. Anthony, son of Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Anthony, of Guilford.  The ceremony was performed at the Congregational manse in Oxford, the Rev. H.F. Deller officiating.  They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Winsor, of Guilford, sister and brother-in-law of the groom.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 14, 1935]

 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mr. and Mrs. Charles Goodwin, who have just returned from their honeymoon, were completely surprised on Monday evening.  Over fifty guests met at Wingood Farms to greet the bride and groom.  Games and cards were played throughout the evening and a delicious supper was served.  A purse of money was presented Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin by their friends.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 31, 1935]

 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  On Saturday evening, Oct. 26, occurred the marriage of Miss Florence Lanfair to Edwin Sylvay, both of Guilford.  the ceremony was performed by Rev. J.W. Bump.  They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Lanfair.  Mr. Sylvay is employed near Brackett Lake, and they will reside there.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 31, 1935]

 

Miss Roberta Ives, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Ives, of Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], and Richard Baldwin, Sr., of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], were married in Zion Episcopal Church, Greene, Dec. 18, by the Rev. W. Hubert Bierck, rector of the church.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 2, 1947]

 

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Merritt, of R.R. 1, Nineveh [Broome Co., NY], announce the engagement of their daughter, Elnora, to Robert S. Boykin, of Red Bank, New Jersey.  Miss Merritt was graduated from Afton Central High School and Ridley Secretarial School, and for the past seven years has been employed by the U.S. Signal Corps in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.  Mr. Boykin is a graduate of Cameron, Texas, High School and Texas A. and M. College, and is employed by the Signal Corps Laboratories at Red Bank, New Jersey.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan.23, 1947]

 

Dr. and Mrs. Turner of Meadville, Pa., announced at a New Year's party the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon J. Cole, on Aug. 28.  Mrs. Cole in the former Dorothy Moyer of this place. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 23, 1947]

 

A very pretty wedding took place Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Baker, when their daughter, Betty Jean, became the bride of Edwin L. Haynes, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin T. Haynes.  The double ring ceremony was performed by the Rev. James E. Wolfe, before a bank of evergreens, white stock and sweet peas.  The bride chose a light blue wool dress with accents of white and carried a white prayer book with gardenias and white satin streamers.  Mrs. Keith Thomas was matron of honor, the only attendant of the bride.  She wore a pale pink wool dress, with a shoulder bouquet of yellow rose buds.  Mrs. Baker, mother of the bride, wore a plum colored velvet gown while Mrs. Haynes, mother of the bridegroom, chose aqua blue.  Both wore corsages of carnations.  Best man for the bridegroom was Keith Thomas.  During the arrival of guests Miss Helen Perry played a prelude of music.  Miss Betty Haase sang "Because" and "I Love You Truly," followed by Mendelsohn's wedding march.  The former Miss Baker attended Sidney High School and graduated with the Class of 1944.  Mr. Haynes received his education in the Bainbridge School.  Both young people have been employed for the last two and one-half years in the office of the Casein Co.  A reception, featuring a three-tiered wedding cake, topped with a miniature bride and groom, was held in the home of the bride's parents for the bridal party and immediate families.  When the bridal couple left for a trip to Albany the bride wore an ensemble of winter white with black accessories and a shoulder bouquet of yellow rose buds and blue iris.  On their return home they will reside temporarily at the home of the bride's parents.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 27, 1947]

Miscellaneous, Fire in Mt. Upton, 1870

Fire in Mt. Upton

Rockwells Mills Totally Destroyed

Chenango Union, August 24, 1870

 

The Mt. Upton Woolen Mills, owned by C.W. Rockwell, were entirely destroyed by fire last Saturday  night.  The fire was first discovered about half past eleven o'clock at night, by a man and boy who slept in the sale room, and who with difficulty got out to give the alarm.  It originated in the room over the Dyeing room, and at the time of discovery had made such headway that there was no hope of saving the building, and but little of the stock and fixtures could be got out.  There was about 12,000 pounds of wool, and a large amount of cloth in the building.  The wool was all destroyed, but a few pieces of cloth were saved, by falling though the burning floor, into the water below; it was, however, badly damaged.  Of the machinery, only three small shearing machines were saved.

 

The loss is estimated by Mr. Rockwell at $32,000, as follows:  Loss on wool, cloths etc. $20,000; on building and machinery, $12,000.  The insurance, we are informed was light.

 

The loss is very severe on Mr. Rockwell.  In 1861 he owned a similar factory in Hartwick, Otsego County, which was totally destroyed by fire.  In 1862 he removed to Mt. Upton, and purchased of his brother the Mt. Upton mills, and has succeeded in building up a splendid business, only to have his prospects again blighted, and his fortune swept away in a single hour by fire.  He is a gentleman universally esteemed as an upright and worthy citizen and in his severe trial has the sympathies of all who know him.  His loss will be felt by the people of Chenango and Otsego Counties, who have found his mills a convenient and pleasant place to do business; and we sincerely hope that he may receive substantial encouragement to rebuild.

 

This is the third woolen factory that has been burned on the same site.

 



 



Obituaries (January 18)

Fell asleep Friday, June 16th, at her home in the town of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Kate Winsor-Ireland, aged 38 years.  Seemingly only a little time has passed since a happy household of three dwelt in the pleasant neighborhood of Union Valley.  The home circle, after a brief interval, was broken by the husband and father, a kind and goodly man, being bidden up higher, and today, the wife and mother, a pure and lovable woman, sleeps beside her companion in the pretty Union Valley cemetery. Little Clayton, doubly bereaved, is the only one remaining of this once happy family.  [1893]

 

Like a flash of lightning out of a clear sky was the sad intelligence which met the members of this community early Saturday morning, for to no one had come a premonition that the grim messenger of Death was so soon to call one of Oxford's most influential citizens from the scene of his earthly labors.  Friday morning Dr. Lee attended to his usual duties about the village, although he complained of feeling unwell.  In the afternoon his ailment had increased rather than diminished and he remained at his home on Washington Park, turning away some of his patients.  In the evening his brother-in-law, Dr. D.A. Gleason visited him and left him about ten o'clock in a comparatively comfortable condition.  About 3:00 a.m. he was again summoned and found Dr. Lee suffering intense pain in the chest and about the heart.  He succeeded in alleviating his suffering for the time being and remained until about 6:30, when he started to return home.  He had scarcely left the house when the paroxysm returned and with immediate fatal result.  The cause of his death is given as angina pectoris, a spasmodic neuralgia of the chest and heart.   Dr. Lee had been troubled with the affection for some time past, and about five months ago experienced a severe attack, serious doubts of his recovery being entertained at that time.  None knew his condition better than he, but medical skill was powerless to prevent it.  His large practice and unceasing energy had at many times subjected him to immense strains upon his endurance, and he had of late been wont to remark that if he had a patient who had abused himself as he had he would tell him that he didn't deserve to live.  Such was the Doctor's force of expression.  Dwight Morgan Lee was born in Georgetown (Madison county) N.Y., January 25th 1843.  He was a son of Rev. Hiram W. and Miranda Bacon Lee, and grandson of Capt. Abner Bacon, who was promoted for bravery at the battle of Bunker Hill and also served on Washington's staff in the Revolutionary war.  He was educated at the Cincinnatus Academy and at Hamilton College, from which he received the degree of A.B. in 1863.  He began to read medicine at Earlville in 1861, under Dr. D.J. Ressegieu, attended two courses of lectures in the medical department of the University of the City of New York, and graduated from the Albany Medical College in 1864.  He joined the 22d New York Cavalry as assistant surgeon in 1864 and remained in the service until mustered out in August, '65.  He then located in Smithville Flats, this county [Chenango Co.], where he commenced the practice of medicine.  In 1866 he married Miss Elizabeth E. Gleason, and in March, 1867, removed to Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], where he has since resided.  Dr. Lee attended lectures at the New York Post Graduate School and Hospital in 1888-90, giving special attention to diseases of the eye and ear.  He attained high note as an oculist and aurist, and attracted a large patronage from other towns.  He has been a contributor of papers to medical societies and journals for the past twenty years.  He was a member of the Chenango County Medical Society, Medical Association of Central New York, and the Medical Society of the State of New York.  He also held the office of Medical Director of the Chenango Mutual Relief insurance Association.  In village affairs he was also prominent.  He was health officer from 1870-91, president of the village 1881 to '87, and also in 1892.  He was also a member of the pension examining board from 1882-94.  In the circle of fraternal societies he was widely known.  He was a member of the DKE college fraternity; was made a Mason in Hamilton Lodge, Hamilton, N.Y., as soon as he attained his majority; was a Past Master of Oxford Lodge, No. 175, F.&A.M.; Past High Priest of Oxford Chapter, No. 254, R.A.M.; a member of Norwich Commandery, No. 46, K.T.; Past Commander of Breed Post, No. 169, G.A.R; and a charter member of Kenotah Tribe No. 105, I.O.R.M.  In the above societies and on the Board of Education, of which he was a member, he will be greatly missed.  He was a progressive and liberal citizen, and active in all projects that pertained to the advancement of the village.  The loss of his influence will be felt in many particulars.  Besides a wife he leaves three children, Charles D., at present pursuing musical studies in Germany, Zaida B., and Walter C., a student at Yale.  The funeral is held at two o'clock this afternoon at the residence.  Services at the grave will be conducted by Oxford Lodge, F.&A.M.  A delegation of Knights Templar from Norwich will act as an escort.  Breed Post, G.A.R., and Kenotah Tribe of Red Men will also attend in a body.  The semi-annual meeting of the Chenango County Medical Society was to have been held at Greene today, but has been postponed, and the medical fraternity have been called here to attend the funeral.  [Oct. 5, 1895]

Mrs. Carrie Williams aged 72 years, died at her home Sunday.  She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Archie Livingston, two sons Henry and Levi Williams.  The funeral was held from her home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. R.B. Whitman officiating; interment in the vault at Green Lawn cemetery, Burial at Bennettsville later [Chenango Co., NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 28, 1924]

Gertrude the little seven year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Elander, died at her home in Main street, Thursday evening March 27, 1924, at 8 o'clock after an illness of several weeks from bulbar paralysis.  Little Gertrude was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 29, 1917.  She was a very lovable child and will be missed not only in her home, where everything that could be was done for her, but by her playmates, in the school and Sunday school.  Mr. and Mrs. Elander and family have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad bereavement.  Besides her parents she is survived by one sister Blanche and three brothers, Harold Jr., Russell and Kenneth Elander.  The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at 4:30 in the Episcopal church..  The Rev. T.J. Collar officiating.  The many beautiful floral tributes told their silent story of sympathy and love.  After the service her casket was borne by Schoolmates Earl Cook, Stanley Hatton, Roswell Whitman and Edward Partridge, followed by Misses Henriette and Ottilia Nickel, Harriet Walling and Elizabeth Collar flower bearers, and placed in her grave to await the great Resurrection Day.  [Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 3, 1924]

The funeral of Mrs. Louise Lyon, aged 93 years, formerly Miss Wilder of Afton, widow of Banks Lyon, was held Saturday afternoon at the home of her daughter with whom she resided.  The Rev. R.B. Whitman officiated.  Burial was at West Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 3, 1924]

Fred Barton aged 52 years, died at his home on Pruyn Hill Saturday afternoon at 5 o'clock.  Mr. Barton's ever cheerful manner had attained a wide circle of friends throughout the village.  He had been a valued employee of the Casein Company for more than twenty years.  He is survived by his widow Evva S., two daughters, Misses Louella and Louise of this village and one son Emerson of Brisbin, a brother Mott Barton and three nieces Florence, Helen and Bertha of Binghamton.  A Masonic funeral was held from the home Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Rev. M.V. Williams officiating.  The remains were placed in the vault at Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 3, 1924] 

At the family home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on Saturday March 29th occurred the death from endocarditis of the heart of Fred Barton.  Mr. Barton was born in Spencer, N.Y., August 20, 1872, and was the son of Horace LaMott and Emma Barton.  His early life was spent in Spencer, and Ithaca.  Later he was united in marriage with Evalena Shaver.  For many years he was a faithful employee of the Casein Manufacturing company, where he served as a mechanic, giving his time and labor ungrudgingly in the fulfillment of duty.  Mr. Barton was a member of Susquehanna Lodge no. 167, and of the Binghamton Consistory.  The funeral was held from his late residence Tuesday April first.  Rev. M.V. Williams officiating.  The burial service was conducted by members of the local order of F.&A.M.  He is survived by his wife, one son Emerson, of Brisben, N.Y. and two daughters, Louella and Louise of this village, and a brother LaMott of Binghamton.  Mr. Barton will be greatly missed in his family where he was a devoted husband, and a wonderful pal to his children, among his co-workers where his genial disposition made him many warm friends.  Though death called him in the fullness of his prime, his personality will long be remembered; though brief his life, he played a noble part and stepped peacefully across the border-land which divides this world we know from that other world whose ways are hidden from our sight.  He has vanished from our midst, yet he left as a precious heritage, the fragrance of his memory, a light which can not be dimmed in the passing of years.  The many friends of this bereaved family desire to express their deepest sympathy for them in this their great affliction.  Dr. Tuckley once said when speaking of sorrow:  "It will cease; for every winter ends; the darkness of night gives way to dawn of day; the clouds scatter and the sun beams through."  [Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 10, 1924]

Marriages (January 17)

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mr. George Grant and Miss Alice M. Stowell were married yesterday afternoon at one o'clock, at the residence of the bride's father, N.B. Stowell, Esq.  The happy pair took the train East on their wedding tour.  [Chenango Union, Jan. 13, 1881]

 

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mr. George Jay, of Nineveh [Broome Co., NY], and Miss Nettie Caswell were married at St. Ann's Church in the evening.  A reception and supper immediately after the ceremony at the residence of the bride's father, N.R. Caswell, Esq., was as it was intended to be, a very brilliant affair.  Carpets were laid from the front entrance of the residence to the sidewalk, and the sidewalk was also carpeted.  The bride was the recipient of many valuable gifts.  The tables fairly groaned under the weight of turkey and other goodies.  It all passed off quietly and in good order.  [Chenango Union,  Jan. 13, 1881]

 

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  One of those pleasant gatherings which add to the interest and pleasure of all who are intimately concerned, and especially to the contracting parties, was held at the residence of Mr. Joseph Esterbrooks, on Sunday afternoon last.  A number of the elite of the village--among them Miss Phebe Yale, Miss Anna Heidley, Mrs. France, Mr. and Mrs. B.I. Sherwood, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Butler, and others of Bainbridge, besides a large number of friends of the bride and groom from out of town, were present and witnessed the marriage ceremony of Charles Sherwood, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Anna Esterbrooks, daughter of the above mentioned.  They were joined together by Rev. Mr. Wheeler, at precisely 3 o'clock, after which a sumptuous repast was served.  Several very handsome presents were made the happy pair, and after congratulations and well wishes for their future happiness had been extended, the company separated to their several homes.  We had almost forgot to mention the bride's dress, and you don't catch me trying to describe it, but one who was present, says that it was "perfectly lovely," and had all the usual ornaments peculiar to the bride.  May they live long and prosper.  [Chenango Union, Jan. 15, 1880]

 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  On February 14th at 6 o'clock the marriage of James M. Horton and Mrs. Flora M.D. Eggleston was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Mead.  Rev. W.S. York performed the ceremony.  The wedding was private, only Mrs. Ransom Ives and Mrs. York being present.  Immediately after the wedding the happy couple left on a trip for Walton amid a shower of confetti.  The groom is a prosperous Guilford farmer and the bride is well known in this place having been born and raised in Guilford.  Sometime ago she came from Cazenovia and purchased a home on Main street intending to make her home here. the couple will be at home to their friends on April 1st.  All unite in wishing them prosperity and lots of success in their journey through life together.  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 21, 1924]

Miss Hannah Pine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Darwin Pine of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] and John H. Curtis of Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], were married at Johnson City Saturday, February 16th.  Mr. and Mrs. Curtis left on a wedding trip for New York from where they will take a boat trip covering about 8000 miles down the Atlantic coast through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles returning overland visiting the Grand Cannon and other points of interest enroute, arriving at their home in Rockdale about April first.  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 21, 1924]

Obituaries (January 17)

Mr. Cortland Carruth, an overseer upon the Midland Railroad, was instantly killed on Saturday afternoon last, near Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], where he had a number of men engaged in quarrying stone for the railroad bridge, now being built near Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  It appears that the men were engaged in raising a very heavy stone, Mr. Carruth superintending the work, when a guy rope supporting the derrick gave way, and the pole fell, striking Mr. C. upon the side of the head.  He was forced to the ground, the derriel falling upon and confining his head.  When it was removed, it was found that life was extinct.  Two other men were seriously injured, one of them fatally, it is thought.  Mr Carruth was formerly a resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and was at one time engaged in the mercantile business here, as one of the firm of Brown & Carruth, at the corner store now occupied by Peck & Arms.  He was a son of the late Levi Carruth, of this place, and was respected by the entire community as an upright, honorable man.  He leaves a widow, residing at Oneida.  the remains were brought to this place on Sunday, by his brother-in-law, William Card, and on Tuesday they were interred at East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], his former residence.  His age was 47 years.  [Chenango Union, July 28, 1869]

 

Miss Betsy Dye, who has for a long time been employed at the Hughson House, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died very suddenly on Tuesday night of last week.  She had been unusually cheerful during the evening, apparently in the best of health.  Shortly after she had retired to her room for the night, an unusual noise was heard, as of some person in distress, and, upon going to her room, she was found sitting at the window in a dying condition.  A physician was immediately sent for, but before he arrived, she was dead.  We are informed that the cause of her death was heart disease, with which she had been afflicted for a long time.  She was about forty years of age.  [Chenango Union, July 28, 1869]

 

Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY]:  On Saturday, November 20, about noon, the unfortunate young lady, Miss Dunbar, started from the house of Mr. Solomon Billings in the northern part of the town, for her mother's residence in Upperville [Chenango Co., NY].  But a short distance from the residence of Mr. Billings she found the bridge taken up, it being considered unsafe, and attempted to ford the stream, which, much swollen by the rain of the morning, was so powerful as to baffle the efforts of the horse to cross, and it is supposed the lady was instantly drowned.  In about an hour after she started, the horse was discovered in the field, destitute of buggy, with thills still attached, and much chilled by being long in the water.  Immediate search was made for the body and within a short time scores of men were on the spot, eagerly engaged in the search, but their efforts proved unavailing until Sunday morning, when it was discovered about half a mile down the stream.  A Coroner's inquest was held, but no additional facts were elicited.  It was not known at Mr. Billings' that the bridge was impassible, and the lady probably did not realize the depth of the stream and the velocity of the current; consequently no blame can be attached to anyone.  It is one of the most melancholy accidnets that has occurred in this town for a long time.  [Chenango Union, Dec. 1, 1869]

William H. Corbin died Friday at the home of his son Allen in Voorheesville [Albany Co., NY].  Mr. Corbin reached his 82nd birthday, February 2.  He had lived in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] until about 14 years ago when he moved to Binghamton where he had considerable investments, that he might better look after his property there.  After the death of his wife, Mrs. Eunice Mosher, December 31, 1919, he went to live with his son Alfred until the past year, when he moved to Voorheesville to the home of his son Allen.  Besides his two sons he is survived by four grandchildren, Miss Esther and Richard Corbin of Schenectady, Mrs. Claude VanAuken and Homer Corbin of Voorheesville, three great-grandchildren, also nieces and nephews.  Mrs. Jennie Chandler, Miss Jessie Corbin and William Corbin of Corning.  Charles B. Humphrey, Ralph Corbin, Herbert Ramsdell, Mrs. Ward Lewis, Miss Maude Mosher of Bainbridge, Chas. Campbell, Roxbury; Atty. Burr Mosher of Binghamton, Mrs. Jessie Hynds, Mrs. Belle Mitchell, Brooklyn; Mrs. Mae Goodsall, Schenectady; Atty. Harry Mosher, New Berlin.  After funeral services held at Voorheesville Sunday the remains were brought to Bainbridge Monday where services were held at the cemetery by Rev. T.J. Collar.  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 14, 1924]

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Margaret Lorinda Dickinson, a lifelong resident of Guilford died Feb. 10 at her home.  Mrs. Dickinson had been in feeble health for some time, but several days ago she suffered a shock from which she rapidly declined until the end.  She was born in the town of Guilford Nov. 16, 1836 and was the daughter of William and Sarah Thompson.  Early in life she affiliated herself with Christ Episcopal church.  On June 18, 1860 she became the wife of Andrew Dickinson who preceded her several years to the better land.  From this union one son Frederick T. and one daughter Flora E. Dickinson, both of Guilford came to brighten their home. The son and daughter survive besides one grandson Lynn A. Dickinson of Rochester and one granddaughter Mrs. William Reil of Rome.  Funeral service was held from the late home Tuesday afternoon Rev. N.S. Boardman officiating Interment was made in Sunset Hill cemetery [Guilford, NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 21, 1924]

On Monday afternoon Feb. 18th at 1:45 o'clock occurred the death of Mr. Luverne E. Payne after an illness of some fifteen months from Bright's disease.  Mr. Payne was born in Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] on July 22, 1849, his parents being the Rev. Hiram and Patty Ferris Payne.  He came to Bainbridge about 1862 and first lived on the Bixby farm across the river (now owned by J.L. Sipple).  Mr. Payne, has always been a farmer with the exception of about ten years of which he was a travelling salesman for Buckley Bros., shirt manufactures of Oneonta.  Less than a year ago he sold his farm on Mt. Pleasant buying a place on Bixby street in this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] on account of his beloved wife who preceded him to the great beyond by some four months.  Her death occurring Nov. 3, 1923.  He is survived by two sons Hiram L. and Luverne E., Jr., and family; one daughter Mrs. Clayton Sweet and two grandchildren also Mrs. Leland Jones, a granddaughter; two nephews Frank B. Payne, Bainbridge; Butler B. Payne, Afton; five nieces, Mrs. Thomas Kelleher this village, Mrs. Jessie Pizzela of Scranton, Pa.; Mrs. Alice Albrecht, of Sidney; Mrs. Mary Corbin of town; Mrs. Grace Hubson, Los Angeles, Cal., also his step mother Mrs. Olive Payne aged 97 years of Rhine Cliff, N.Y.  Kind and loving hands did every thing possible to stay the ravages of this dread malady, Mrs. Edward Davis of Afton a sister-in-law of the deceased acting as nurse.  Mr. Payne was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church Bainbridge from which the funeral services were held on this (Thursday) afternoon at 2 o'clock the Rev. Roswell B. Whitman officiating in the absence of the pastor Rev. M.V. Williams. Burial in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  Mr. Payne gave every evidence of being ready for the great charge.  At his request prayers of dear friends and relatives were offered and spiritual songs were sung and his was a triumphant death.  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 21, 1924]

Miscellaneous, Fire at Juliand's, 1881

Lightning Causes Fire at Juliand's

Bainbridge, Chenango County, New York

Chenango Union, May 19, 1881

 

The burning of Mr. Juliand's barns, sheds, stables, etc., by lightning, on Monday afternoon last, made the largest fire in area ever before seen in Bainbridge.  A slight estimate may be imagined of the extent of the fire by the fact that about an acre of buildings were consumed.  Mr. Juliand's loss can hardly be estimated, as there were large lots of farm machinery, tools and castings which he himself has no memorandum of.  Of live stock there were a pair of fine Kentucky mules, bought in that State by Mr. Juliand last fall; one three-year-old bay horse; one road saddle pony, five years old; one short-horn bull, a very valuable animal, once selling for $1,000; one short-horn heifer, a Craggs; one short-horn heifer, a Peri; one valuable Devon heifer; one Berkshire sow; one Yorkshire sow, besides a large number of fancy fowl, of which Mr. Juliand was an extensive breeder.  The loss on other property, such as hay, grain and tools, we have been unable to obtain.  Besides the live stock burned, several horses and other live stock were saved by the exertions of those present.

 

A strange and unaccountable fact in connection with this disaster is that the barn that was struck had a cupola, upon which was a lightning rod in good condition, and may still be seen as it fell, with the ground connection all right, the rod firmly embedded in the earth.  Some who saw the building struck think the electric current entered the cupola.  Some of the school children, however, claim to have seen it enter the bay window on the southwest end.  At any rate, this proves that lightning rods are not always a sure protection against thunder storms.

Marriages (January 16)

1845 - Golden Wedding - 1896:  On Wednesday, Nov. 18, the home of Mr. and Mrs. H.A Burlison of Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], was the scene of a very pleasant social event, it being the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage.  After a time of pleasant social intercourse, a bountiful repast was served.  Mr. E.H. Burlison then called upon Mrs. Henry Miner, of Elkland Pa., who formally presented the valuable and useful presents.  Prominent among them being an elegant sideboard, a beautiful silver tea set, a china set, a chair, and many other articles in both gold and silver.  She followed with thoughts carefully prepared and well chosen for the occasion.  Their pastor, Rev. M.S. Godshall was next called on.  He referred to the home this couple had made, and the influences going out from it as evidenced in the lives of those who had left it.  He closed his remarks by saying that though the years that this couple will spend together, must be comparatively few, he rejoiced in the fact that they had that blessed hope that they should finally be united in heaven.  Mr. Henry Miner followed with a few remarks suitable to the occasion, followed by Ervin C. Field, of Utica, who responded for the nephews and nieces.  Mr. E.H. Burlison then called the attention of the guests to the fact, not yet referred to, that Mr. H.A. Burlison was the third one in his family that had lived to see their golden wedding day.  After a prayer by Rev. Mr. Godshall the company dispersed, carrying with them pleasant memories of this day and its social privileges. 

 

Double Wedding:  Miss Eva Holiday of Susquehanna [PA] and George Houghton of Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY] and Miss Nettie Craft and Robert Armstrong both of Susquehanna were united in marriage Thursday afternoon December 20th at 4:30 p.m. in Binghamton by Rev. C.C. Waller of the Park Avenue Baptist Church.  After the ceremony a wedding supper was served at the home of the brother of Mr. Houghton at 28 Way street, Binghamton.  A color scheme used to decorate the home and table was of red and green with the holiday season decorations.  There were about twenty guests resent.  Mr. and Mrs. Houghton will reside in Oneonta as Mr. Houghton is fireman on the D.&H. out of that point.  Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong will reside in Elm street in Susquehanna, Mr. Armstrong being a fireman on the Erie.  Many friends of both couples extend their most hearty congratulations and very best wishes for their future--The Evening Transcript, Susquehanna, Pa--The Robert Armstrong mentioned above is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Armstrong of this village  [Bainbridge, Chenango Co.,  NY] and a former resident here.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 3, 1924]

 

Fred Hurlburt of this village and Miss Erma Hendrickson of Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], were married at Otego Monday Jan .14th.  Mr. and Mrs. Hurlburt will reside at the home of the former's cousin, Mrs. William Tuckey on Pearl street.  Mr. Hurlburt is employed by Leigh Evans on a lumber job.  Mrs. Hurlburt is employed at the Sidney Silk Mill.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 24, 1924]

Obituaries (January 16)

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Joel M. Guy died very suddenly on Sunday morning, Dec. 23, at the home on Spring street.  The funeral was held on Wednesday, the Rev. Floyd Fennen pastor of the Baptist church officiated, assisted by the Rev. W.D. Lathrop.  Burial in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 3, 1924]

 

C.W. Vandegrift, of No. 1278 Lake street, Elmira, superintendent of schools of Chemung County, died in the City Hospital, at 5 o'clock, Tuesday morning from injuries received when hit by an automobile shortly before 6 o'clock Monday evening.  The accident happened in Main street between Clark street and Laurel avenue.  Vandegrift was hit and knocked unconscious by a car driven by Benjamin L. Bradbury of No. 247 Main street, who halted his machine immediately and helped carry Vandegrfit into a nearby café known as the Turf Exchange.  The police ambulance was summoned and Officers Murphy and Livingston speeded the unconscious victim to the hospital as quickly as possible.  At first it was hoped that Vandegrfit might have a fighting chance for recovery, but due to severe internal injuries he died without regaining consciousness.  Bradbury was taken to police headquarters, where he declared that he was travelling west in Main street not faster than 15 miles an hour when Vandegrift running across the street from south to north, darted directly in front of his car before he had a possible chance to apply the brakes.  As it was, so Bradbury declared, he brought his machine to a halt within ten feet from the point where Vandegrift was knocked down.  Mr. Vandegrift is survived by his wife, Edith M., and a daughter, Mrs. Grace Kinsman of No. 193 Main street this city.  The body was removed to C.F. Prentice's funeral parlors, No. 62 Carroll street, and will be taken to the home in Elmira today.  The funeral will probably be held on Thursday--Binghamton Sun, Jan. 2.  Mr. Vandegrift was a former principle of the Bainbridge High School.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 3, 1924]

 

Funeral services for Mrs. Arabel Tillman, wife of Irving J. Tillman, clerk of Chenango County, whose life was lost in the disaster that visited their home last week Thursday morning, was held in the Broad Street Methodist Episcopal Church at Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday afternoon.  The church was filled with relatives and friends, not alone from Norwich but from Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], the former home of the deceased, and from other places.  The Norwich Chapter of the Eastern Star were present in a body.  A floral star centered the array of formal pieces and profusion of roses, carnations and chrysanthemums that adorned the altar rail and pulpit, before which the casket stood.  The pastor, the Rev. Louis D. Palmer, read the twenty-third Psalm and selections from the fourteenth chapter of St. John.  He based his eulogy upon the second verse of the forty-third chapter of Isaiah:  "When thou passeth through the waters I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flames kindle upon thee."  The entire service was deeply impressive, the utmost quiet that prevailed during the address and the soft notes from the organ as friends viewed for the last time the form in the casket, expressed most affectively the reverence of the living for the memory of the dead.  The pallbearers were M.D. Aldrich, Howard Baker, William G. Brant, Ira Reynolds, Jesse Stewart and Frank Zuber, all of Norwich.  Among those present were many personal friends of Mr. Tillman, the bereaved husband, who following the exposure and distressing experience of the night of the fire was not able to attend the service.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 3, 1924]

 

Ladorna Hollenbeck Giles, wife of D.B. Giles of Guilford near Searles Hill [Chenango Co.,  NY], died of pneumonia Jan. 15.  Funeral services Friday noon at the residence conducted by Rev. H.B. Willets of Berkshire, N.Y.  Burial in Green Lawn Cemetery, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 17, 1924]

Little Betty Manwarring Rolfe was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] February 5, 1922.  She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rolfe.  Throughout her long illness beginning early in October, her mind remained entirely clear.  During her illness she kept learning new words and played with red dolls and toys.  On Friday Dec. 28th, less than two hours before the change came she sat up in bed alone and played.  She kept her unfailing good temper.  In the Crouse-Irving hospital at Syracuse during the last five weeks of her sickness the nurses and patients said she was the only baby they ever knew who never cried.  She is survived by her parents and one brother and one sister.  Funeral service was held at the late home Monday December 31st, the remains being laid in the family plot at Sunset Hill cemetery [Guilford, NY] to await the dawning of the Great Day.  To the bereaved family sympathy flows.  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 17, 1924]

Adelbert A. Winsor aged 72 years died at his home on Guilford street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] Monday morning at half after one o'clock, after a long period of ill health.  Besides his wife he is survived by two daughters Hazel and Iva of Binghamton and six sons, Joe of Rochester, and George, Earl and Clifford of Binghamton, Harry and Ralph who resided with their father also several grandchildren, one brother, Howard of North Norwich.  The funeral was held Wednesday at 2 o'clock from Hastings and Colwell's undertaking parlors.  Rev. C.G. Cady officiating.  Burial in St. Peters cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 24, 1924]

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Edwin Craig of this place died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Kenyon in Chenango Forks on Friday.  The funeral was held at the home on the East Side, Afton on Sunday afternoon, burial in Glenwood [Afton, NY].  He is survived by a brother, Durwin H. Craig of this place and by three sister, Miss Emily Craig of Afton, Mrs. Kenyon of Chenango Forks and Mrs. Harry Kirker of Beaver Falls, Pa. [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 7, 1924]

Schuyler Sherman aged 70 years died at his home Thursday morning at 8 o'clock, after an illness of several months, following an accident last Summer from which he never fully recovered.  Besides his wife he is survived by one daughter Mrs. Julien Vandewarker who is night operator in the Bell telephone office also three sons, Manville, Ralph and William and thirteen grandchildren, a brother Henry also of this village, two sisters Mrs. Francis Hall of Binghamton, Mrs. Charles Beilby of North Sanford.  His funeral was held form the Baptist church Sunday at one o'clock, Rev. R.B. Whitman officiating.  Burial in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango, NY].  [Bainbridge Republican.  Feb. 7, 1924]

Mr. Schuyler V. Sherman, died Thursday morning January 31, 1924 at his home in East Afton [Chenango Co., NY] age 70 years 6 months and 8 days, of leakage of the heart and general breakdown.  Mr. Sherman was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Sherman and was born at Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY] July 23, 1853.  He was united in marriage to Lydia Olendorf, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Olendorf of West Bainbridge, April 27, 1882.  Three sons and two daughters were born to them, one daughter having gone before him in infancy.  The deceased was one of a family of five children.  He was a kind and loving husband and father, always doing for  others and going without himself.  Mr. Sherman was a man of good character always setting a good example for his children and all the others around him.  He spent ten years of his life working in Olean, then he came back and worked in the tannery at Bennettsville, working there about two years.  The rest of his life was spent in farming.  He was a member of the Baptist church at Bennettsville, joining by letter when he came from Olean where he became a Christian in his early life.  He leaves to mourn his loss his widow, three sons, Manville, at home, Ralph of East Afton, and William of Bainbridge; one daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Vandewarker of Bainbridge; thirteen grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Charlie Beilby of North Sanford, Mrs. Frances Hall of Binghamton and one brother, Henry Sherman of Bainbridge.  The funeral was held Sunday at 11:30 o'clock at the late home with a prayer and at the Baptist church at Bainbridge at one o'clock, the Rev. U.B. Frost of Johnson City officiating, assisted by Rev. R.B. Whitman, pastor of the church.  Rev. Whitman reading the scripture and offering prayer and Rev. Frost preaching the sermon.  Interment was made in Green Lawn cemetery at Bainbridge.[Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 14, 1924]

 

 

Miscellaneous, First Grave in Green Lawn Cemetery

First Grave in Green Lawn Cemetery

Bainbridge, Chenango County, NY

Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 17, 1924

 



Mr. Editor:  I noticed in your last week's issue an account of the first grave dug in your Green Lawn cemetery forty years ago January 6th [1884], and the man's name was Scott.  Yes, I well remember it, his name was David Scott, he was my brother and I attended his funeral.  It was a very cold day, 20 degrees below zero and I drove 12 miles through deep snow to get there--This note is from Mr. O. Scott at Masonville. 

Miscellaneous, BHS Class of 1932, Part 2

Bainbridge High School - Class of 1932

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1932

 

 

Roger S. Franks

 

Roger Franks is one of our Aggie boys

Much interested in farming - no, not in toys,

In all our class meetings he has little to say,

But in work is ready to help any day.

 

Kenneth M. Friedenstine

 

And now three cheers for Kenneth Friedenstine,

His name is as famous as Professor Einstein,

With manners of ease and dark brown eyes,

We'll wager he'll cause many heart-rending sighs.

 

George W. Hager

 

He does his lessons and might be good

If others did the things they should,

But while there's mischief it seems his fate

The other chap to imitate.

 

Robert T. Houck

 

Here's to our Bob;

He sure knows his stuff.

He leads in math

By pulling a bluff.

 

Kenneth H.  Houghtaling

 

Kenneth has always a ready smile

Cheerful, friendly all the while,

He's one of those boys who always seem glad;

Just try to think of Kenneth as really mad.

 

Sarah L. Lord

 

The wardrobe mistress for our Senior Class.

She's quiet, demure, but not always shy.

It really makes a difference who sits near by. 



Obituaries (January 15)

The people in this community were quite shocked on Monday by the sudden death of Charles Bentley.  He had been in poor health for a long time but was about the house and did some work, but died very suddenly while taking care of his cows Monday forenoon..  Heart failure was the cause of his death.  Mr. Bentley was a kind and obliging neighbor and a good Christian who followed the golden rule to "do unto others as you would have them do by you."  He will be missed by many in this neighborhood aside from his family who have the sympathy of many, many friends.  [Dec. 31, 1894]

 

Hiram Herrick died at his home in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] Friday morning last, after a illness of six years.  Mr. Herrick was 35 years of age, and a man who stood in high esteem in Sidney, where he had lived for a number of years.  He was a director of the First National Bank in that village, but resigned when the Sidney Bank was organized.  His funeral was held Tuesday, and was attended by many friends and relatives from Bainbridge.  A wife and many friends are left to mourn.  Mr. Herrick was a man who was beloved by all who were acquainted with him, and respected by all who knew him.  [1894]

 

The Rev. T.F. Hall of Bainbridge assisted in the funeral services of H.W. Herrick, on Tuesday.  Hiram W. Herrick died at his residence on Pleasant street [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY] on Friday evening last and was buried in Prospect Hill cemetery in Sidney on Tuesday of this week.  Mr. Herrick came to Sidney from Bainbridge [Chenango Co., ,NY] in the fall of 1888 and was elected cashier of the Sidney National bank, at it first organization   He retained that position until January 1st, '91, when he was obliged to resign on account of ill health.  Since that time he has been a sufferer from progressive paralysis, and for the last two years had been comparatively helpless.  His wife has been his constant attendant and ministered to his wants during all the years of his affliction.  On the day of his death, he appeared as well as usual in the morning and his wife started for Syracuse to transact some matters of business.  She could not be reached by numerous telegrams in time to return until after his death.  Mr. Herrick was held in high esteem by the people of Sidney and by the officers of the bank with whom he had been associated.  James S. Clark, the present cashier, acted as one of the bearers, and the president and all of the directors attended the funeral in a body and acted as an escort of honor.  Mr. Herrick was undoubtedly well known to a large majority of your readers, having spent the greater part of his life in Bainbridge and vicinity.  [1894]

 

Just at the dawning of the morning on August 30th, 1896, the spirit of Bertha Saunders passed into the Light of the Eternal day, aged 27 years.  Bertha Saunders was born in the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] where her childhood and youth were spent in preparation for the active duties of life.  She was faithfully, loving and true in the home, conscientious and loyal in the church, and a worthy and working member of the National Protective Legion of which she was the worthy vice president at the time of her death.  Funeral services were conducted at her home on Wednesday Sept. 2d by Rev. W.T. Sutherland, pastor of the Congregational church.  The members of the Legion went in a body to the grave, where the closing exercises were in accordance with the beautiful and impressive burial ceremony of the Ritual of the order.

 

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mr. Frank Carpenter, a former Afton boy, died at his home in St. Louis, Mo.  The remains were brought to Afton for burial.  The funeral being held at the Carpenter house on Sunday afternoon, with interment in Glenwood.  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 22, 1923]

 

Masonville [Delaware Co., NY]:  Mrs. Abram Howe mother of Mrs. C.H. Stephens was found dead in bed Wednesday of last week, aged 83 years.  The funeral was held at her late home on Saturday at 2 p.m.  Rev. R.B Whitman officiated.  Interment at Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] [Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 30, 1923]

 

The sad intelligence of the death of Franklin L. Ives who passed away at the home of his son Alson at Los Angeles, Cal., November 20 was received in this place recently.  The deceased was 74 years old and was well known and a native of the township of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] where he was highly esteemed.  Mr. Ives was a former merchant in Guilford village conducting a grocery and dry goods store on the site now known as the burned district.  He was a highly respected member of the M.E. church and for many years was Sunday school superintendent, chorister and also one of the trustees of the church.  The funeral services were held in Unadilla November 30, burial being made in Ives Settlement cemetery, Guilford.  He was twice married and is survived by two sons, Alson and Hubert of California and one sister, Mrs. Margelia VanCott of Unadilla.  [Bainbridge Republican, Dec. 6, 1923]

 

North Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  In spite of the inclement weather a large number of friends and relatives gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fisher to pay their last respects to Mrs. Essie Fisher Jacobson, whose funeral was held last Friday afternoon.  The services were conducted by Rev. Ira L. Bronson of Oxford assisted by Rev Wm. Lathrop.  Burial in the Green Lawn cemetery at Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge Republican, Dec. 6, 1923]

Mrs. M.M. Swart one of the oldest citizens of Bainbridge [Chenango Co.,  NY] passed away at her home in East Main street Dec. 4th, 1923 aged 84 years.  A prayer service was held Tuesday afternoon at her home conducted by Rev. R.B. Whitman of the Baptist church.  The remains were taken to Oneida where funeral service was held at the home of her niece, Mrs. Frank Whitman, interment in Oneida Castle cemetery.  Mrs. Swart was born Oct. 20th, 1839 in Eaton, N.Y. and two years ago came to Bainbridge, bought the Dr. Conklin house where her daughter Mrs. Ella Hoag and family lived with her.  Mercy Eddy Swart was married 24 years ago.  She leaves two stepsons E.A. Swart of Los Angeles, Cal., and Earl Swart of Bainbridge, two stepdaughters, Mrs. Edna Chappell of Hooper, Mrs. Ella Hoag, Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge Republican, Dec. 6, 1923]

 

 

Marriages (January 15)

TURNER - FISHER:  In Guilford Centre [Chenango Co., NY], November 18, 1896, by Rev. M.S. Godshall, Arthur M. Turner of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Lena M. Fisher, of Guilford.

 

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Walter W. Wilkins and Miss Celia G. Walker, both of Afton, were united in marriage at the M.E. parsonage on Saturday Oct. 27.  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 8, 1923]

 

Granville J. Fisher of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] and Mrs. Iva A. Beardsley of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] were united in marriage at the M.E. parsonage on Saturday November 3rd by the Rev. M.V. Williams.  Their future address is 207 Main St. Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 8, 1923]

 

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Miss Marion Sargent, teacher of Latin and French in Afton high school, and Fenton M. McVoy were married on October 16 in St. Mary's Catholic church in Greenwich, Conn.  They will make their home in Afton.  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 1, 1923]

 

Searles Hill [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY]:  A very pretty wedding took place Thursday evening, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Price when their daughter Florence Mary was united in marriage to Bert E. Bliss.  Rev. M.V Williams performed the ceremony.  The happy couple are taking a trip through the western part of the state.  [Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 18, 1923]

 

Announcement has been received by friends in town of the marriage of Miss Rosalie Ryder, a former teacher of grade eight at the Bainbridge high school to Joseph Schaaf of Hancock, September 22, at Walton [Delaware Co., NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 4, 1923]

 

The engagement of Miss Ethel Manzer to E.W. McLave, M.D., of New York City has been announced, also her guest Miss Velma Grice of Toronto Canada, to E. Murray Blanc of VanCover B.C.  [Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 4, 1923]

 

Miss Olive Lundy from Port Jervis, sister of Mrs. Catherine L. Green of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], where she has resided since the death of her mother, several months ago; was married to John R. Leslie of Northport, L.I. at the Presbyterian Manse, Tuesday Dec. 4th by Rev. Charles G. Cady.  the bride was given away by her father Isaac S. Lundy, she was attended by Mrs. E.C. Burdick, Ernest B. Simon of Northport, L.I., was best man.  Mr. and Mrs. Leslie will reside at Northport, L.I.  [Bainbridge Republican, Dec. 6, 1923]

 

 

Miscellaneous, More Happenings in 1923

Bainbridge Republican, May 10, 1923

 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Yeggmen entered the feed store of Mudge & Son, near the depot, blew open the safe and escaped with a small amount of money.  The safe was a complete wreck.



_________________________________________________

 

Bainbridge Republican, May 17, 1923

 

Bainbridge is making great preparations for the opening of their baseball season which takes place Saturday, 19th inst.  Through the efforts of Mr. George Roberts, Capt. D E. Fox will send a detail of troopers for the purpose of giving exhibitions of rough riding.  Troop "C" is ranked second to none in the State Police force in this particular line carrying off high honors at the State Fair at Syracuse.  The exhibition is well worth going miles to see.  As a fitting climax to the long looked for day a ball game will be played with Troop "C" team and the fast Bainbridge Club as opponents.  Under the leadership of Mr. Roberts indications point to a season of fast amateur ball games in that village--Sidney Record.

 

Lyric Theatre

 

Saturday May 19, 1923

Priscilla Dean in "The Flame of Life."  There is no horror comparable to the sudden alarm of a mining village when catastrophe imperils the lives of hundreds of men in underground passages.  Wives, mothers, sweethearts, stricken with fear, are frantic in their efforts to get to their loved ones.  This is the pivotal scene of "The Flame of Life" the Universal Jewell super-special. 

 

Thursday May 24, 1923

"Star Dust"  Something to talk about!  Something to see!  The drama of one girl who lived in the shadows beyond Broadway's glow and knew Stardust to be but ashes after all. 

 

Coming--"Hunting Big Game in Africa."

__________________________________________

 

Bainbridge Republican, May 31, 1923

 

The stork paid a visit on may 24th at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Keach and left a fine baby boy.  Weight nearly ten pounds.  He will carry the name of Karl William. congratulations to the happy parents. 

 

Mrs. Wiley Foster, who has been telephone operator at the Central office for the past ten years has resigned, to take effect in two weeks.  Always Mrs. Foster ahs attended to her duties in a most agreeable manner.   She has been obliging and pleasant giving service that was a delight to telephone patrons who will regret her decision to leave the office.  The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Foster on Front street has been sold to Raymond Parsons who moves to Bainbridge from Coventry.  Mr. and Mrs. Foster will reside in the house with Dr. Jacobs on West Main street.

 

E.C. Wright and a lad named Ginch, both of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], had a narrow escape from death Wednesday afternoon when their automobile crashed through the guard rail on the state road about a half mile above Unadilla and plunged into the river.  The lads jumped as the car went through the rail and escaped injury.  The car was badly smashed.

_________________________________________

 

Bainbridge Republican, June 7, 1923

 

Prize Speaking Contest:  The prize speaking contest of the Bainbridge High School was held Friday evening June 1st.  The judges were Miss Mary Isbell of Norwich, Principal Basil Conrad of Unadilla and Principal John Chilson of Sidney.  The program was as follows:

 

"The Day of Judgment"        Helen Cuyle

"Poverty"                              Harry Harmon

"Algebra and Class Parties" Irene Robbins

"An Enemy of the People"   Rolland Andrews

"Ole Misuis"                        Carrie Cheesbro

"Puritan Principles"             Edward Partridge

"The Swan Song"                Mildred Petley

 

The winners were:

Boy's first prize:  Edward Partridge, second, Rolland Andrews

Girl's first prize, Mildred Petley, second, Irene Robbins

 

In the awarding of the prizes Miss Isbell stated that the contest was so close that only in one award were the judges unanimous which explains how difficult it is to make a decision and how excellent was the program.  Each one of the contestants delivered the selection chosen in a very fine manner.  The prizes were $5.00 for boys first prize and $5.00 for girls first prize, given by Chas. H. Clark.  The second prizes were $2.50 each given by Olive Kirby Memorial.

_________________________________________

 

Bainbridge Republican, June 28, 1923

 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  To prevent the spread of scarlet fever the State Health officer was in the village last week and ordered that all of the Guilford churches will be closed, also school exercises and public entertainments stopped for two weeks.

 

Born at the hospital home of Miss Jennie Leadbetter.  To Mr. and Mrs. Harry Noyes, a son James Gates, June 8th.  To Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Vail of Afton, a daughter, Janet Elizabeth, June 9th.  To Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Welcher of Unadilla, a son Richard Lewis June 20th.

 

Baccalaureate Services:  Services to the class of 1923 of the Bainbridge High School was held in the Presbyterian Church Sunday Evening.  Rev. Charles G. Cady preached the sermon, his subject being "The Lower and Upper Springs of Life."  He gave a wonderful address, full of thought for the class and the large congregation, after which he talked to the Seniors giving them valuable advice.  The services at the church opened by the flower girls marching in carrying a daisy chain, which was laid upon the altar.  The flower girls then marched out and again re-entered the Church followed by the faculty, seniors, juniors and clergymen of the village, the flower girls standing aside in the aisle allowing the others to pass by them.  The services were very appropriate and fitting for a very auspicious commencement.  Splendid music was rendered by the choir in which Mrs. Walter Roider and Mrs. Orson Thorp took leading parts.  The church was decorated throughout with the flowers of the season giving a charming summer aspect.

 

Other features of commencement time was a class banquet at the Central Hotel, Thursday Evening, June 21.  The entire class decorated in the colors of gold and white, were present, also Principal and Mrs. Casey.  The decorations were yellow and white roses.  A splendid time was had with good things to eat and lots of fun from speeches, songs, and hits.  After the exercises on Tuesday night the sophomores gave the graduating class and their friends a dancing party in Town Hall.

_______________________________________

 

Bainbridge Republican, July 5, 1923

 

Fortune Telling Forbidden:  Gypsies, seventh sons and others, who claim the art of fortune telling in New York state or a new law placed on the statute books by the last legislature will get them.  After the first of September, fortune telling will be a thing of the past in this state--at least it will officially.  A violation of the new statute is punishable by a  fine or imprisonment.



Obituaries (January 14)

Gowan Woods, who, with his brother, worked a stone quarry near Tillotson's mills, in the town of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], was crushed to death by a falling bank, on Friday evening last.  He and his brother, in stripping the quarry, had dug under a bank, which was five of six feet in height, and going to the top they attempted to loosen and pry off the overhanging mass.  Not succeeding, they returned to their work underneath, and a portion of the bank to which they had not paid much attention, fell, catching Gowan and killing him instantly.  The accident occurred about eight o'clock.  Deceased was a son of William Woods, of this town, and a brother of Alfred Woods, of this village.  He was twenty-two years of age and unmarried--Oxford Times.  [July 9, 1888]

 

Marie Clara Matteson passed into eternity at the home of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Bert Matteson on Nov. 9th after several weeks of illness.  Death was due to erysipelas.  The little daughter was born in the town of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] on April 20th, 1922 and was the only daughter of Burt and Clara Keach Matteson.  Burial was made in Sidney cemetery [Delaware Co.], Sunday Nov. 11.  Rev. J.W Bump officiated. She is survived by her parents and three brothers.  Her memory will long linger in the hearts of loved ones.  Sympathy is extended to the bereaved family.  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 22, 1923]

 

George L. Lyon, one of the prominent men of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], died at his home on South Main street Monday morning at 7 o'clock, after a lingering illness of several months.  Mr. Lyon was 64 years of age and it may be said that hard work and industry were the indirect cause of his death which came much sooner than the allotted time.  He came from a rugged and stalwart ancestry who were pioneers in the settlement of Bainbridge.  His mother who is 88 years old still survives enjoying fine vitality and health.  Previous to moving to the village of Bainbridge about twenty-five years ago, Mr. Lyon, the deceased was a farmer and in conjunction with this occupation he was also engaged in lumbering, which latter business he continued until a few years ago.  Mr. Lyon worked long hours during the day continuously until his health failed.  His activities were so arduous that he strained the heart which as years proceeded refused to function and it was this affliction which brought his untimely end.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lyon.  They and those whom they succeeded came to Bainbridge when this section was new and cleared the forest and helped to promote the cultivation of the western part of Bainbridge which is a most thrifty and prosperous section of this town.  Their rugged honesty and definiteness of purpose fell to the deceased and in life and hard work he added to the fine character and honor of the family name.  He served as supervisor of Bainbridge from 1905 until 1909 and in 1916 he was elected to the office of President of the village which place he held for three years.  Mr. Lyon was a good business man having been successful in various enterprises and activities. On the personal side he was one of the most kind hearted and gentle of men.  He was good to his family and friends who were very fond of him.  Besides his wife and mother, he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Sebert B. Hollenbeck of this village, one brother Frank Lyon of Oneonta, two sisters, Mrs. Ray Parker and Mrs. Edward Shapley of Oxford and several grandchildren.  The funeral was held form his home Wednesday at 2 o'clock.  Rev. J.S. Crompton of Honesdale, Pa. assisted by Rev. M. V.  Williams officiating, burial in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 22, 1923]

 

The funeral of Mrs. Essie Fisher Jacobson, wife of Clifford Jacobson, who died Monday at the home of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fisher at North Afton [Chenango Co., NY] will be held Friday afternoon at one o'clock from their home.  Mrs. Jacobson, who with her husband resided on River street until several months ago, had been an intense sufferer from asthma and loss of vision  When her condition required constant care, she went to the home of her parents.  Besides parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Michael Fisher, two brothers Lewis W. of North Afton and Grant, of Oneonta.  Burial will be in Green lawn Cemetery in this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 29, 1923]

 

While attending the furnace in the Methodist church Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock Charles Petley the sexton died suddenly.  Mr. Petley had suffered from several heart attacks recently and only two weeks ago he was ill, but thought he had recovered, so returned to his work.  On Wednesday morning he went to the church as usual and was engaged in emptying the ashes when stricken.  John Matteson came into the church soon after and found the body.  Mr. Petley was 79 years of age.  He had lived in this vicinity since coming from England in 1865, where he was born.  He engaged in farming in Guilford, Yaleville and Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and since his retirement he made his home in this village on North Main street.  Mr. Petley was a loyal American and a splendid citizen.  He had been successful in his occupation and he enjoyed the confidence and respect of the entire community.  He is survived by a wife and one son George Petley and one brother, Thomas Petley, living on the Eastside.  Several brothers and sisters in England also survive.  The funeral will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the M.E. Church, Rev. M.V. Williams officiating.  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 29, 1923]

 

The sad death of Ruby Marie Curtis occurred Dec. 17 at her home below Sunset Hill cemetery [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY] aged 4 years.  Little Ruby was born November 29, 1919 and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Curtis.  Rev. W.S. York officiated at the funeral and interment was made in Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY].  She is survived by her parents and three sisters, Gertrude, Genevieve, and Elsie.  Our sympathy is extended to the parents in their bereavement.  [Bainbridge Republican, Dec. 27, 1923]

 

 

Marriages (January 14)

WOODS - DRAKE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 19th, by Rev. J.W. Mevis, Mr. Theodore Woods and Miss Ellen Drake, all of Oxford. 

 

Married, Dec. 26, 1889, at 7:30 p.m., at the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. Woods, by Rev. Mr. Cooper, Mr. Anson Hoyt and  Miss Etta Woods, all of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

WOODS - SHAPLEY:  At the Baptist parsonage, West Bainbridge, July 4, 1895, by Rev. F.E. Benjamin, Isaac Woods and Miss Mattie Shapley, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]. 

 

Mr. Woods of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Cora Hubbard were married Dec. 24th.  [1895]

 

CRONK - CASHMAN:  In Oxford, March 21, 1895, by Rev. Wm. Frisby, Charles O. Cronk and Fannie R. Cashman, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]

 

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Shapley celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of their marriage Wednesday Oct. 14th.  About eighty guests were present, although some were detained on account of the storm.  Among the presents received as mementoes of the occasion, was a chair, two water sets, a tea and dinner set, besides various pieces of silver, china and glassware.  [1895]

 

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis A. Bentley were agreeably surprised Tuesday afternoon by the appearance of fully 65 relatives and friends at their residence at the corner of Johnson and North Main streets [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  It was the nineteenth anniversary of their marriage they came to celebrate and it was done in a royally style, many coming from Guilford and West Bainbridge.  A very fine supper was served and a pleasant time enjoyed until late in the evening.  The crowning event of the occasion was the presentation of an elegantly decorated China dinner set, Rev. E. Kilpatrick making a presentation speech.  Mr. and Mrs. Bentley also received a number of other presents.  [Jan. 14, 1896]

 

On Thursday evening at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Smith occurred the wedding of Miss Mildred to Alvin Johnson, son of Mrs. Nettie Johnson of Cooperstown by the Rev. M.L. Yates.  Miss Gladys Jones attended the bride, John McMoon was best man. Besides relatives of the two families, guests from out of town were Supt. Miss Marletta Newell and nine nurses from the M.I.D. hospital at Cooperstown of which the bride is a graduate nurse.  the bridegroom is assistant postmaster at Cooperstown.  After the wedding supper the bridal couple left for a trip to Niagara Falls, upon returning they will reside in Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 22, 1923]

 

A very pretty home wedding was solemnized Saturday evening at nine o'clock at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Ida Hutchinson, when her youngest daughter, Miss Pearl King, was united in marriage to Earl Carter of Afton, by Rev. Ira L. Brunson of Oxford.  The bride wore a midnight blue silk crepe, and was attended by her sisters, Mrs. Harry Withie and Mrs. Louis Lanfair, and niece of the groom, Miss Beatrice Carter.  Dewey King, the bride's brother, was best man.  Following the ceremony a reception was held and a buffet luncheon was served....The bridal couple will reside on a farm, two miles below Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 29, 1923]

 

A pretty Christmas wedding was solemnized Tuesday at one o'clock at the home of the bride's parents Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hendrickson, when Gladys, their only daughter, was united in marriage with Wayne Thomson of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] by Rev Roswell B. Whitman.  The bride and groom stood beneath an arch of evergreens from which was suspended red hearts trimmed in roses. The bride wore a gown of electric blue tricosham and was attended by Mrs. Henrietta Thomson.  Walter Hendrickson, brother of the bride was best man.  The groom was a veteran of the late war having served overseas.  After an elaborate wedding dinner, the bridal party left for Binghamton where they will visit relatives, upon their return they will make their home in Bainbridge.  Beside relatives of the bride and groom the other guests were Rev. R.B. Whitman and Mrs. Elizabeth Osborne. [Bainbridge Republican, Dec. 27, 1923]

 

Miss Ethel Johnson of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY] and Anthony Schmidt of Franklin [Delaware Co., NY] were married Thursday, Nov. 22, at the Baptist parsonage by Rev. R.B. Whitman.  They were attended by the parents of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson of Masonville.   The bridal couple will reside at Franklin.  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 29, 1923]

Miscellaneous, Address Given at Wheeler Family Reunion 1900

Address Given at Wheeler Family Reunion

J. Wheeler Smith

Oxford Press, August 24, 1900

 

The following address was written by J. Wheeler Smith, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] for the occasion [Wheeler family reunion]:

 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman:

Having passed the inaugural of the Wheeler reunion, we are met together again under a pleasant sky and auspicious surroundings to rivet anew the bonds of social and family associations, and to gather up the incidents of our early family history, which without such aids are fast being buried with the forms of our forefathers and foremothers, in the tomb of forgetfulness, and thus be lost forever to the present and succeeding generations.

 

Standing as we do today on the threshold of a new century, it is meet for us to pause in the hurry and bustle of life and take a retrospective view of our surroundings and standing thus on the dividing line between the receding past, and the approaching future, and looking forward we behold the venerable form of Time as he stands for a moment on the pedestal of years, his white locks streaming in the winds of winter, his aged form bending over the ruins of empires, and his trembling hand pointing forward into the mysteries of the great unknown.

 

Looking backward we behold the milestones of the departed years, standing as monuments in life's rugged journey, marking the history of futile plans, of disappointed expectations, of ruined hopes, or of struggles with difficulties and disappointments that brought us to the verge of despair.  Or, encircled by more cheerful remembrances and gilded by the halo of sweeter reflections, we trace on memory's page the outlines of pleasant social associations, and the various refined and lasting blessings that go to make up the sum total of life's enjoyments and richest rewards. 

 

One  hundred years.  How many incidents have been bridged over by the intervening space in life's eventful journey.  We can hardly realize, without an effort, the changes Time has wrought in the world's history and condition since our brave pioneer ancestors with their Puritan principles and sturdy constitutions, with their ox teams and canvas covered wagons, bade adieu to the comforts of their eastern homes, with its increasing tokens of civilization, and bravely pushed their way into the unbroken wilderness of these western wilds to carve out a home for the dear ones that surrounded their homely hearth.

 

We of today, surrounded as we are by the comforts of civilization and the conveniences of the improved methods of labor, can scarcely realize the sacrifices and self denials of our brave ancestors in their struggles with the inconveniences and hardships of their pioneer life.  Cut off as they were from nearly all intercourse with the outside world, with only the scanty supply of their small clearings and the results of the chase for the support of their families, their isolation left them at times, not only short of provisions, but without any prospect of outside aid.

 

A gristmill at Wattles Ferry, near Cooperstown, forty miles away, was the nearest accommodation, in that line, of the first settlers; but about 1800 a mill was erected by Joshua Mercereau near the mouth of the Unadilla river, and only ten or fifteen miles away, which greatly relieved the settlers in this respect.

 

But without rehearsing the various items of sacrifice and lack of what we of today would call the necessaries of life, it is interesting to follow up step by step the developments and improvements of the outgoing century, and thus by comparison more fully realize the advancement that has marked the history of the years gone by. 

 

The first set of household utensils used by our foremothers was of wood.  They had their wooden plates, then called trenchers, their wooden platters, wooden bowls and other wooden utensils, making as complete a set as could be made of wood.  Those were usually made of beech as that was considered the best in every respect for that purpose. 

 

Next came the pewter; they had their plates, platters, bowls, cups and indeed the whole complement of pewter ware, including spoons, of which they would manufacture their own, as moulds for their making would be found in every neighborhood, and the only difficulty would be to secure the material.

 

Thus, tracing up the housewife from her wooden and pewter utensils, and the farmer from his wooden plow, his iron hoe and his sickle, through the various gradations of improvement, to the sewing machine and all the other improvements of the housewife, and the mowing machine, the horse harvester and all the other improvements for the farmer; and then to all the advance in the arts, in science, in chemistry, in electrical appliances, typewriters, telephones, gramophones, and the thousand and one inventions for which we of today are receiving the benefits, seems like the reading of a romance, and the mind can scarcely grasp the full reality of the forward strides of the past century; and yet, looking forward to the end of the century upon which we are about to enter, we may well ask ourselves the question, "What may we not then see?"

 

Without attempting to draw upon the imagination to picture the condition of the world as it may then exist, we may, judging from our past experience, justly conclude that the advancements in every way at that day will as far exceed those of today, as those of today exceed those which our forefathers and foremothers experienced when they planted their footsteps in this wilderness land, the home of the panther and the bear.

 

We are gathered here today on a noble mission. To gather up the fragmentary history of our noble ancestors, to rescue from oblivion facts and reminiscences connected with our own families, and relatively the different branches of our widely scattered connections in its different ramifications and extensions; and more than this, to acquaint ourselves with those of our own blood and kin, where heretofore we have been entire strangers.  And here let me say that in the hurry and bustle of life in the past years, we have sadly departed from that social simplicity of life and neighborly communion with each other as social beings, which characterized our forefathers, and made their lives, even under so many disadvantages, so full of that rugged enjoyment of which we of today are so sadly deficient. 

 

And so then, the serious question comes to us today, does the opportunities and enlarged facilities of our present surroundings place us under a correspondingly greater degree of responsibility in our intercourse with responsibility in our intercourse with our fellow men as citizens and fellow beings in this great and busy world around us, and of which we are a component part. 

 

Our forefathers expected and received those simple acts of social kindness which their neighbors were able to give; either in pecuniary aid in their hour of need, or assistance in the daily avocations of life, beyond which, their wants were few and easily supplied; but under the peculiar conditions of our present surroundings all this is changed.

 

The advance in literature places us under obligation to educate our children in a more thorough manner in order to meet the increasing requirements of a proper standing in the community around us.  Our obligations as members of society to meet the demands of business, as legislators, as church members, as artisans, as mechanics, as political men, all go to show us that the demands of society upon us is in proportion to the advancement of the present over the past.  And unless we meet those demands by a proper self preparation we shall fall sadly behind in the world's onward march in intellectual and moral improvement. 

 

So then, looking beyond mere selfish considerations we find the world has claims upon us which we cannot honestly ignore.  True, we have our homes to care for, our families to clothe and feed, our children to educate, etc., but would we not secure a more satisfactory return for our labor and our anxiety by taking a little more time to associate with our friends, a little more time in looking over the wants of suffering humanity around us, and a little less time in actual drudging toil; and would not the results be more satisfactory, even though we left a few less dollars to our children, offset by an increased intellectual acquirement and ability to secure a livelihood for themselves, insuring to them a wealth of self supporting independence worth far more to them than mere financial acquisition.

 

I see before me today a goodly assemblage of the younger members of our representation, and to them I would say:  My young friends, you see before you today a few, a very few, of the aged ones that have come down to you from a former generation.  They are the representatives of a pioneer race, the most of whom have long since been laid in the dust.  Their white locks and feeble footsteps tell too plainly that their earthy pilgrimage is drawing to a close.

 

Their voices will soon be hushed in death and their eyes closed in that long sleep that knows no waking.  While they are with you, cherish and care for them with that tenderness which you may wish to have extended to you when you shall stand face to face with the last enemy.  Gather from their experience those lessons of wisdom which they are fully qualified to bestow, and from their tales of olden times those incidents of pioneer history which will be of value to you and your posterity in the years to come when their forms will be laid in the dust and such opportunities will be lost to you forever.  For, as we look upon their aged forms, we realize that earthly scenes are fading away, and the gates of the beloved city are already glittering in the eternal sunlight of the glorious camping ground on high, and that they are standing, like some aged pine on the mountain's brow, towering above the surrounding forest, pathetic in its loneliness, grand in its surroundings, and majestic in its fall.

 

Compiler note:  The author, James Wheeler Smith, 1820-1911, was the son of Nicholas and Susan (Wheeler) Smith.  He lived to the age of 91 years and was buried in West Bainbridge Cemetery, Chenango County, NY.