Miscellaneous, Guilford burglary, 1880

Burglary in Guilford. Chenango Co., NY

Chenango Union, August 12, 1880

 

The usual routine of our quiet village was somewhat rudely disturbed last Monday morning by the announcement that the dwelling house and drug store--both in one building--of John F. Sherwood had been entered by burglars during the preceding night.  Mr. Sherwood was awakened about daylight by his cat's efforts to get in, and his suspicions were aroused, as the night before the cat was as usual left in the house when he retired.  Upon going down into the kitchen a scene of confusion met his view. The table which had been left set, was disarranged, Mrs. Sherwood's work basket was overturned, and it was at once evident that intruders had been there.  The burglars must have entered through a window into the dining room, and after rummaging there they went up stairs into the bedroom where Mr. and Mrs. S. were sleeping, and took from a closet out of that room Mr. S.'s pantaloons, from which they took his pocket book and keys.  They then went into the store, emptied the money drawers and ransacked the place generally, taking whatever they wished. 

 

From the store Mr. S. lost about $40 in money, a revolver, box of cartridges, knives, about sixty cigars, and various other articles of merchandise.  From the house the rascals took almost every article of silverware Mrs. Sherwood had, not leaving spoons enough for breakfast.  Many of these articles were of no great intrinsic value, but were dear to her as keepsakes and mementoes which money can not replace.  They even took her thimble form the work basket.  There was one well worn spoon which they could not tell whether it was genuine, so they broke the handle and finding it was German silver left it.  A fine black coat and a black stiff brimmed hat of Mr. Sherwood's were also taken.  The burglars helped themselves to some eatables which they found, but  Mrs. S. says very little food was missing.

 

Yesterday (Monday) two men were arrested in Oxford, at the instance of A.M. Sherwood, who saw one of them using a handkerchief which he thought had been taken from his brother's stock, but J.F. Sherwood upon examination today could not identify it, and they were discharged.  At the time of this writing no clue has been obtained.  Mr. Sherwood's total loss is about $200.

Marriages (March 15)

Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle

Jan. 3, 1866

 

Yale-Cornish:  In Bainbridge, Dec. 26, by Rev. L.B. Yale, Mr. A.H. Yale, and Miss Sarah J. Cornish, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

 

Yale-Pearsall:  Also by the same, Dec. 28, in Bainbridge, Mr. Melvin A. Yale of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Polly Pearsall, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Yale-Smith:  At the home of the bride's father, in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 27, by Rev. A.B. Yale, Mr. Ira Yale and Miss Martha Smith. 

 

Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle

Jan. 17, 1866

 

Pettys-Hatten:  At the home of the bride's father, Sept. 19, by Rev. A.C. Smith, Nelson Pettys and Eliza Hatten, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Pettys-Burch:  At the residence of the bride, Nov. 6, by the same, Edmond Pettys, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and Mary Burch, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle

Feb. 14, 1866

 

Lyon-Newton:  In Bainbridge, Jan. 26th by Rev. G.P. Turnbull, Joel C. Lyon, and Martha M. Newton, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]. 

 

Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle

Feb. 21, 1866

 

Shaw-Newton:  In Coventry, Feb. 14 by Rev. E.T. Jacobs, Lewis N. Shaw, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], to Margaret E. Newton of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Stever-Scott:  by the same [Rev. B.H. Brown] at E.F. Wildey's Hotel, Feb. 15, Harvey Stever to Elizabeth Scott, all of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].    

 

Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle,

Feb. 28, 1866

 

Patchin-May:  At the residence of the bride's parents, Feb. 1st, by Pastor C.B. Crain, Leroy Patchin to Marion May, both of Guilford [Chenango Co.  NY].  Accompanying the above was a substantial remembrance from the happy couple.  That they may live long in the enjoyment of every blessing, is the wish of the Printer.   

Obituaries (March 15)

Ira A. Yale, son of Richard and Rebecca Yale, who was born and lived for a number of years in Yaleville [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY], died at his home in Windsor, Mo., Oct. 25, at the age of 93.  Mr. Yale for quite a time had a dental office in Bainbridge and one in Afton.  In the fall of the year 1879, Mr. and Mrs. Yale and two daughters moved to Nebraska and with his parents were among the pioneers of that region.  They were among the founders and supporters of the first church in that section of the country.  Mr. Yale is survived by a daughter, two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  Relatives in Bainbridge are:  Hudson Lyon, Jesse Doolittle and Miss Agnes Hayes.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 31, 1935]

 

The remains of Edna Hanover, chief state's witness in the Eva Coo murder trial in Cooperstown, who died Saturday morning in the Sidney Hospital of injuries received in an automobile accident between Unadilla and Wells Bridge, were brought to Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on Tuesday for interment in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  The burial service was held at the Carr & Hare Funeral Home in Sidney; Rev. Jesse Dickerson of the Bainbridge M.E. Church officiating.  Mrs. Hanover was the niece of Edward Ringleka, of this village.  The accident, in which Theodore Kennedy, of Oneonta, was killed, occurred on the newly completed portion of Route 7. The car left the road, mowed down several steel posts and overturned.  Mrs. Hanover was driving.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 31, 1935]

 

Word has been received here of the death recently of Roy M. Everidge, manager of the Bamby Baking Co., of Dothan, Ala.  The deceased was the father of Mrs. Jimmie Hartmann, Bainbridge.  He had resided in Dothan for the past four years and as manager of the baking concern had expanded its field of operations to include southeast Alabama, southwest Georgia and northern Florida.  He succumbed after a short illness of pneumonia.  He was aged 37.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 7, 1935]

 

The funeral of Bert Seeley, who passed away Oct. 31 at his home in this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], was held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the chapel of Colwell Bros., West Main street.  Rev. H.G. Orvis, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiated and interment was made in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  Mr. Seeley was born in West Colesville [Broome Co., NY] on Aug. 5, 1865, the son of David and Catherine Quackenbush Seeley.  As a young man he learned the trade of a cabinet maker, at which he worked until 1932 when he was forced to retire from active labor.  Mr. Seeley came to Bainbridge from Binghamton about 29 years ago, entering the employ of W.R. Proutey and later working for the Monroe Lumber Company.  During his residence here he had made many friends whose sympathy is extended the bereaved family.  Surviving are his wife, two daughters (Mrs. Harley Race and Miss Mina Seeley, both of this village), and a son, Herbert Seeley, of Leominister, Mass.  A sister, Mrs. C.E. Marshall, of Bainbridge, also survives. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 7, 1935]

 

Arthur B. Humphrey, who has been a resident of the town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] for the past seventeen years, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 3, at his home in Evans street. Funeral services were held on Wednesday at 2 o'clock from the Colwell Funeral Parlors, with burial in the Bennettsville Cemetery, Rev. M. DeForest Lowen officiating.  Mr. Humphrey, the youngest of eight children, was born in the town of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] in 1866 to Perry and Julia Latimer Humphrey.  Most of his life was spent on the farm where he was born, which is about three miles south of Bainbridge.  He was a farmer and later, after moving to Bainbridge, he changed his occupation for that of a carpenter.  Surviving are two members of the immediate family:  Perry Humphrey and Augusta Humphrey, both of this village.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 7, 1935]

 

Mrs. Mary Prince, one of Bainbridge's oldest residents, passed away last Thursday afternoon, following an illness of five weeks' duration, at the home of Mrs. Nancy Silvernail, Pearl street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], where she had made her home for the past 11 years.  Mrs. Prince was born in the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on May 28, 1854, the daughter of James A. and Merinda Abigail Proutey.  At the age of 16 she moved to this village, where she has since resided.  On March 23, 1876 she was united in marriage with Eli Prince, of Bainbridge, whose death occurred on Jan. 22, 1897.  Mrs. Prince possessed a very lovable character which made for her a host of friends, many of whom knew her as "Aunt Mary."  She was always interested in the welfare of others, ready and willing to do a kindly act or offer a word of cheer to her friends.  Retaining all her faculties until her death, she kept in touch with the happenings of the day through the newspapers and also was an interested listener to the better programs on the radio.  Early in life she joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and for 75 years had been a member of the local society and a regular attendant at the services as long as health permitted.  The funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the chapel of Colwell Brothers, West Main street, with the Rev. Jesse H. Dickerson, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating.  Burial was made in St. Peter's Episcopal Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  The immediate survivors are a sister, Mrs. Alida Elwell, of Binghamton' and two brothers, W.R. Proutey, of this village, and Chauncey Proutey, of Binghamton.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 7, 1935]

 

Bainbridge friends were shocked this week to learn of the death at Ilion Hospital, Monday afternoon of Harry A. Schaupp, a former resident of this place [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY]. Schaupp was struck by a motor car some weeks ago at Frankfort, N.Y. [Herkimer Co.], where he resided, and the injuries caused him to be paralyzed below the neck, and eventually caused his death.  Schaupp was sales manager of the Acme Road Machine Co. of Frankfort, and was some years ago a contractor in highway and bridge construction.  He built the state highway between this village and Afton and also constructed the overhead bridge spanning the D.&H. track in Route 7 near the William S. Porter farm, north of Bainbridge.  He leaves a wife and two children.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 14, 1935]

At Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], Saturday morning, March 16th, 1878, Margaret W., widow of the late John W. Foster, aged 76 years.  Between fifty and sixty years Mrs. Foster has been a member of this community, honored and respected by all.  She was a woman of strong mind, and calculated to exert a decided influence in all her associations.  Fifty years ago, last February, she made a public profession of her faith in Christ, and ever maintained an active, consistent, Christian character.  But for many years past, she has been called to glorify God in the furnace of affliction, and here her Christian character shone forth and "hope proved an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast."  Again and again it seemed that death was at the door--that no human frame could possibly sustain such intense sufferings.  In these seasons of distress, which were continued for days, and sometimes for weeks, her favorite expressions were, "my Father doeth all things well," "let patience have her perfect work."  She had great anxiety for the salvation of her children and grandchildren yet out of Christ, and was known to lie for hours, on her couch of pain, in prayer for them. She often expressed the desire to depart, yet willing to wait and suffer as long as God saw best.  At last the messenger came, not when friends were looking for him, nor armed with such terrible sufferings; but in comparative ease, the cords of life were loosened, and the glad spirit passed away, her last words being, "Let me go,--let me go."  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 28, 1877]

On Friday the 16th inst. at her late home in Babylon, L.I., Mrs. Clifton Pettit, eldest daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Bicknell of that place, and granddaughter of Mrs. E. Bishop of Bainbridge, N.Y.  The death of this dear girl has awakened in the hearts of all her friends a deep sorrow and sympathy for the bereaved ones, such as is rarely shown.  Beautiful in character, as in person, she leaves, behind her the fragrance of a life of live; and we feel the better for having known her.  The truth of these familiar lines forces itself upon us:

"'Tis better to have loved and lost,

Than never to have lived at all."

As a daughter she was ever loving and thoughtful proving herself a comfort in the days of her mother's widowhood, smoothing rough places and partaking of the care and anxiety which falls to a mother's lot.  As a dear sister, the remembrance of her sweet offices of love will never be forgotten; and as a wife, she has left a void in the heart of one which time can never heal.  One year ago a happy bride, crowned with love and joyful anticipations, stepping tenderly and eagerly from the light of a mother's home; she had taken, as it were, but one step in the shadowy, uncertain future, when "Israhl"--angel of death--gently pressed the eyelids closed, and placing her babe on its mother's breast, bore them both away in his sheltering arms. We can only remember that our Heavenly Father chasteneth in love, and not in anger; he is tender and merciful, and wounds not one of us unwittingly.

"He walks with us, that Angel kind,

And gently whispers 'be resigned'

Bear up, bear on, the end shall tell,

The dear Lord ordereth all things well."

[Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 29, 1877]

Miscellaneous, Frank Doolittle at work



 

Frank Doolittle sharpening a huge 54-inch saw used to cut logs at the Trico Handle and lumber Company in Bainbridge.

Bainbridge High School Class of 1934, Part 2

Bainbridge Central High School Class of 1934

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1934

 

 

Arlene Fletcher

"Virtuous"

Dark eyes full of fun--

Keeps her friends all on the run.

Always finding things to do,

You can never find her blue.

 

Alvin Hayes

"Cupid"

If he were given half a chance,

He's lead us all a merry dance.

 

Eileen Ford

"Just-on-time"

From Oneonta came fair Eileen

Who sometimes seems so very quiet;

But other times--ah, she's a riot.

 

Grace Hager

"Cynical"

Greets you with a smile;

Mischievous and likeable,

She makes things worth while.

 

Velma Hall

"Constancy"

Never flushed, never flurried.

Always quiet, and unworried.

 

Ruth Hamlin

"Chatter"

Laughing, chattering on her way,

Sometimes sad, and sometimes gay.

And glances at her book each day.

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (March 14)

Robert Fiero, well known resident of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], died of a heart attack late Sunday evening at the plant of the Dry Milk Company in Walnut avenue, where he had been a valued employee for nearly fifteen years.  Employed on the late shift in the drying room he had gone to the water tank nearby for a drink and shortly later was discovered by J.E. Herrick, where death had taken him in the act of leaning over for the water.  His death came as a great shock to his family and many friends as he apparently enjoyed the best of health.  Mr. Fiero was born in Margaretville [Delaware Co., NY] on Aug. 18, 1861, the son of Peter and Jane Jones Fiero, and his early life was spent in farming.  On June 9, 1880, he was united in marriage with Christina Forest, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Forest, of Bovina Center, where they continued their residence, Mr. Fiero being employed at Hillson Brothers' general store.  About twenty years ago The Dry Milk Company opened a plant at Bovina and at that time Mr. Fiero entered their employ, moving to Bainbridge about fifteen years ago.  While Mr. Fiero's life was devoted to his family, his genial disposition and kindly manner had made for him many friends who regret his passing.  Surviving are his wife, a daughter, Miss Mabel Fiero, of this village, and a sister, Mrs. Hannah Frasier, of Binghamton.  Funeral services ere conducted on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the chapel of Colwell Brothers, West Main street.  Rev G.H. Orvis, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Fiero was a member, officiated, and interment was made in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 17, 1935]

 

Arthur Hunt, Afton [Chenango Co., NY] mechanic, was fatally injured when struck by a car owned by Clifford E. Webb, pastor of the Afton Presbyterian Church on Oct. 17.  He was taken to the Binghamton City Hospital after it was discovered that he had a fractured skull and other injuries, from which he died the same day.  His funeral was held Monday afternoon in the Presbyterian Church in Afton and burial was in the Glenwood Cemetery [Afton, NY].  Surviving are his wife and two sons, Kenneth and Donald.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 24, 1935]

 

Frank A. Lyon, who for eleven years has been connected with the Oneonta Water Works, died after an extended illness, at his home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 19.  Funeral services were held Tuesday from his home in Afton and burial was in the West Bainbridge Cemetery.  Mr. Lyon was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], June 18, 1864, and had spent most of his life in this section.  He was engaged in the lumber business before moving to Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY].  Surviving are his widow, two daughters and two sisters, Mrs. Carrie Parker, of Oxford, and Mrs. Sarah Shapley, of Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 24, 1935]

 

Earl Shapley, of Nineveh Junction [Broome Co., NY], well known automobile dealer in this vicinity, died Monday afternoon at the Binghamton City Hospital from injuries received in a fall the previous Tuesday night at a hotel in Binghamton.  According to reports Mr. Shapley was descending the stairs from the main floor to the basement when he fell, fracturing his skull.  He was removed to the City Hospital in an ambulance and found to be in a critical condition, death resulting Monday.  The funeral will be held at his late home this Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with the Rev. Clifford Webb, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, of Afton, officiating, and interment will be made in Glenwood cemetery, Afton.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 24, 1935] 

 

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of Anna C. Friedel, who died on May 17, following a long illness, was held on Friday afternoon at the home of her son, Fred Drachler, on the East Side.  The service was conducted by Rev. C.G. Orvis, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Friedel was a member, and burial was made at Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Friedel was born at Karlsruhe, Germany on July 3, 1876, and came to this country when a young girl.  She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ida Smith of Bainbridge and Miss Clella Drachler of Albany, and four sons, Frank Drachler of Guilford, Fred and John Drachler and Stewart Friedel of Bainbridge also four step children, Mrs. Freda Powers of Utica, Michael Friedel , Sanitaria Springs, Lewis Friedel, Oneonta and Walter Friedel of Bainbridge.  [Norwich Sun, May 23, 1932]

 

James C. Bennett, a well known farmer residing near Lyon Brook Bridge, this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], left his home Friday to go to Norwich, and while on his way stopped to take dinner at the residence of his son-in-law, Chas. L. Turner.  About 11 o'clock while his daughter, Mrs. D.L. Comstock who was present, was combing his hair, Mr. Bennett clasped his head in both hands remarking, "Oh, my head," and would have fallen to the floor but for assistance.  He immediately became unconscious from the shock, apoplexy, and remained so until about four o'clock Saturday afternoon when he died.  Mr. Bennett was born in this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], and with the exception of a few years residence in Norwich, lived in this town upon the farm where he was born.  His age was 71 years, and he leaves a wife, three married daughters and a son.  His funeral was held on Monday.--Oxford Times.  [Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 11, 1878]

 

Fred Nearing of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] while hunting yesterday was accidentally shot, causing his death almost instantly.  Nearing was accompanied in the hunt by William Newell.  They were about four miles from town when the accident occurred.  Newell was about half a mile from Nearing when he heard the latter's gun go off, and then the cry of Nearing for help.  Hastening to the spot he found his companion writhing in agony upon the ground and bleeding profusely form a wound in the groin.  It is thought that Nearing had attempted to get upon a nearby stump and had fallen, his gun being discharged thereby.  Not being able to carry his companion, Newell hastened to the nearest house for assistance, but upon his return found Nearing dead.  Deceased was about 35 years of age, unmarried and is survived by two brothers residing in Garrettsville.  He has lived with Alanson Ferris for the past six or seven years and at one time was teacher in the village school.  His shocking and untimely death has cast a gloom upon the whole community by whom he was much respected.  [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Dec. 11, 1901]

 

 

Miscellaneous, Charles Hinkley, Man of the Year, 1972

Charles Hinkley, Man of the Year

1972

 

Charles Hinkley

 

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Charles F. Hinkley will be honored this Saturday night, Dec. 9, as the Bainbridge Man of the Year.  The Chamber of Commerce will stage a dinner in his honor at Rock Inn when a Plaque will be awarded him.  Speaker of the evening will be Jerry Cleary.

 

Mr. Hinkley came to Bainbridge in February of 1950, shortly after graduation from Cornell University, to work for the Charles Eldred Company.  In July of the same year, he married Elizabeth C. Church of Norwich and they made their home at 53 West Main Street.  In June, 1951, he went into the insurance business for Prudential and has been selling insurance ever since.  He has had his own general agency since 1959.

 

In 1959 he was elected president of the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce by unanimous vote.  It was during his presidency that the Chamber installed identification signs at each end of Bainbridge on Route 7, founded the Development Corporation in 1960, and installed in the village park the fountain named for Mrs. Danforth. The Chamber also organized the Canoe Regatta which at first paid out more money in prizes than there was money in the treasury.  But the regatta justified their faith and is quite a success today.

 

Mr. Hinkley also worked on the committee that had the old Mirabito Coal Sheds torn down and parking lots installed.  Mr. Mirabito had offered to lease the land to the village for $1 per year if the village would tear down the sheds. 

 

 In 1966 Mr. Hinkley was elected Village Trustee, a position he held until 1969 when he was selected Supervisor, an office that he presently holds. 

 

While he was on the Board, the village fluoridated the water, put village employees under the state health and retirement plans, and the sewer plant was constructed.  During his term as Supervisor, the town has help to establish the joint landfill, has finished up the first phase of comprehensive planning and is starting the second phase on the growth plans for Bainbridge. 

 

Mr. Hinkley is a member of St. John's Catholic Church, past president of the Bainbridge Development Corp., a member of the Bainbridge Sportsmen's Club, and past president of the Chenango County Federation of Sportsmen's Club.  He is also a past member of the Bainbridge Fire Department.

 

Civically active in the community, he has, at one time or another, served in some capacity on just about every drive.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Hinkley are the parents of seven children:  Robert, a senior at Fordham University; James, a sophomore at the University of South Carolina; Anne, a freshman at Vassar; William a senior at BG; Mary, a BG freshman; Margaret, 7th grade at BG and Tom, 5th grade at BG Central School. 

 

Due to the fact that the dinner is already a complete sellout, admission will be by ticket only.

 

 

Man of the Years:  Charles F. Hinkley (right) was presented a plaque at a dinner in his honor last Saturday evening at the Rock Inn.  The plaque was given by Gerald Cleary on behalf of the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce and read:  "Presented by the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce to Charles F. Hinkley, 1972 Man of the Years, in recognition of his Leadership, Dedication and Efforts on Behalf of Our Community."  Among other mementoes Charley was also given letters of congratulation from President Richard Nixon, and from Governor Nelson Rockefeller as well as a certificate of recognition from the Vatican and the Pope.  Toastmaster Gerry Cleary presented a thumbnail sketch of some of Charley's many accomplishments.



 

 

 



Obituaries (March 13)

The funeral of Emma Jane Reynolds of North Afton [Chenango Co., NY], who passed away on January 26th, was held at her late home on Monday afternoon.  Rev. Geo. Roberts, pastor of the Methodist Church of North Afton, of which she was a member officiated, and the remains were then brought to Bainbridge and placed in the vault at Greenlawn Cemetery, for later interment in the cemetery at Calkins, Pa.  Mrs. Reynolds was born on January 28, 1859, at Smith Hill, Pa., the daughter of Isaac and Marilla Youngs Smith.  She resided at North Afton for the past six years.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 31, 1935]

 

Miles S. Hubbard, well known farmer of the Bainbridge area [Chenango Co., NY], passed away Sunday afternoon at the Bainbridge Hospital.  Ten weeks ago Mr. Hubbard entered the hospital for surgical treatment as the result of burns which he received while burning rubbish at his home early in May.  An amputation of the left foot above the ankle was made and for a time he seemed to be on the road to recovery.  However, a turn for the worse was noticeable last Thursday with his death resulting Sunday.  Mr. Hubbard was born in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on Jan. 30, 1853, the son of Edson and Orela Fredenburg Hubbard.  On Feb. 16, 1881, he was united in marriage with Cora Ella Gilliland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Gilliland, of Smithville, whose death occurred on Oct. 2, 1932.  Mr. Hubbard and family resided in the vicinity of Smithville and German until about 36 years ago, when they moved to the Brackett Lake region, west of this village.  He was considered one of this vicinity's best farmers, a man of sterling character, who was devoted to his family, and a large circle of friends regret his passing.  Surviving are two sons, William Hubbard, of Bainbridge, and Arthur Hubbard, of Herkimer; also five grandchildren, Lloyd, Lynn and Llewellyn, of Bainbridge, Mrs. Milliard Finch, of Herkimer, and Mrs. Charles Griswold, of Bainbridge.  A sister, Mrs. Margaret Pitsley, of Johnson City, and a brother, Uriah Hubbard, of Chenango Forks, also survive.  The funeral service was held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Colwell Brothers' chapel in West Main street.  Rev. Dawson, pastor of the Coventry - Union Valley Methodist Churches, officiated and interment was made in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 10, 1935]

 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Much sympathy is extended to Dr. and Mrs. A.H. Evans by the community in the tragic accident that occurred to the latter's brother, Lucien Sherwood, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  Returning home from Binghamton early last Monday afternoon, Oct. 7, his car left the highway at the Bessie Stratton homestead and crashed into the barn.  He was immediately removed to the Chenango Memorial Hospital and was found to be fatally injured, death occurring at 6:45 in the evening.  Final rites were held on Thursday afternoon at the Episcopal Church, it being his fifty-sixth birthday when he was laid to rest.  He leaves a daughter, Helen, and a son, Kenneth.  It was a Masonic service, many from Guilford attending.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 17, 1935]

 

Charles B. Fairbanks, 78, died Oct. 14 at the home of Mrs. Nellie Bownin, in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon from the Joyce Funeral home, Unadilla.  Rev. Robert Wood, pastor of the Wells Bridge Methodist Episcopal charge, officiated, and burial was in Prospect Hill Cemetery, in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  Born in Unadilla in 1857, he spent his past life on a farm near there, where he was mail carrier from the Unadilla Center post office to Unadilla.  Surviving are his wife, two sons, Burton C. Fairbanks, of Sidney, and Louis B. Fairbanks, of Bainbridge' also six grandchildren.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 17, 1935]

 

Charles Turner sentenced to be shot for desertion:  We learn through the favor of Lieut. Isaac Burch, formerly of this office, now with the 114th in Louisiana, that private Charles Turner, of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], a member of company C, 114th regiment, was tried before a Court Martial on the 18th of September last, on charges of misbehavior before the enemy, disobedience of orders, conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, and desertion, and found guilty on all the charges, and sentenced to be shot to death with musketry, between the hours of sunrise and sunset on the 28th day of December, 1863.  Whether the sentence was executed, we have not yet heard.  [Chenango Union, Jan. 6, 1964]

 

We mentioned last week the trial and sentence of Charles Turner, of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], a member of Company C, 114th regiment, for desertion and other offenses against the military law.  An arrival from New Orleans since then beings the following account of his execution.  the particulars will be read with melancholy interest.  (From the New Orleans Era, Dec. 29):  We briefly mentioned in our evening edition of yesterday the execution by shooting, of Chas. Turner, a deserter from the New York 114th Regiment.  He forsook his regiment at Port Hudson.  Forty days after he was arrested and court martialed for desertion and several smaller offenses, being found guilty upon each charge.  At the battle of Camp Bisland, he fell out of the ranks and took refuge in a ditch, but says he had the permission of his Captain to do so; that he only followed the example of others in taking refuge.  The sentence of death by shooting was approved by the Commanding General about the first of this month, and was carried into effect yesterday morning at the Vicksburg Press, before a large military force.  The culprit bore his fate with more fortitude than was to have been expected.  He was attended during his last hours by Chaplain C.B. Thomas, of the University and St. James Hospitals, his own chaplain being out of the city.  Turner told the chaplain that he slept the night before about as usual with the exception of an occasional awakening, when he addressed himself to prayer.  He was particular in requesting the chaplain to see that his name was properly placed upon his coffin and a prayer said over his grave.  He was anxious that the odium of dying in the manner he did, should not attach to his wife and child.  His last request was for Chaplain Thomas to write to his wife that he believed God had forgiven him, and that he died in reasonable hope of mercy.  [Chenango Union, Jan. 13, 1864]

Marriages (March 13)

Coles Hill [Broome Co., NY]:  A triple celebration was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Grant Rowe Sunday in honor of their first wedding anniversary, the second anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Terry, sister of Mr. Grant Rowe, and the twenty-seventh anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Thomas, parents of Mrs. Grant Rowe.  A dinner was served to the following guests:  Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Rowe and Mr. Ward Rowe and sons, Lawrence and Carl, of Perch Pond Hill; Mrs. Cordelia Hubbard, of Union Valley; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Livingston, of Windsor; Mr. and Mrs. Leland Rowe and children, Jean, Donald, and Maria Rowe, and Pearl and Martha Rowe, of Center Village; Mr. and Mrs. Alford Andrews, of Chenango Bridge; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rowe and the honor guests, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Thomas, of East Windsor, and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Terry and son, Roy, of State Line.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 17, 1935]

 

Porter-Foster:  William Porter and Miss Lena Foster, both of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], were married Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Endicott M. E. parsonage by the Rev. Norman Graves.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 17, 1935]

 

Albrecht-Stone:  Donald Albrecht, of New Haven, Conn., and Miss Harriett Stone, of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], were married on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Norwich by Father Walter Sinnott.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 17, 1935]

 

Keator-Harper:  A quiet wedding occurred Saturday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lewis, in Bixby street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], when her sister, Mrs. Grace Harper, of Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], was united in marriage with Bruce Keator, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY],  the ceremony was performed by the Rev. Clifford Webb, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of Afton, in the presence of members of the immediate family.  Their attendants were Mr. and Mrs. Lewis.  Following a motor trip through the Adirondacks, Mr. and Mrs. Keator will reside in Afton, where Mr. Keator conducts a grocery business.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 17, 1935]

 

Surprised on Anniversary:  Their friends of the N.R.A. Club surprised Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Dix, of Evans street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], Monday evening on the occasion of their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.  After congratulations to the Dixes, the evening was spent at bridge, six tables being in play.  High score prize was awarded to Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Hovey.  Mr. and Mrs. Dix were presented a handsome bouquet as a token of the esteem of the group.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Oct. 17, 1935]

Obituaries (March 12)

Guilford [Chenango Co.,  NY]:  The body of Joel Dorman, of Cortland, was brought to Guilford for its final resting place Monday afternoon.  Mr. Dorman was born on the Dorman homestead on Gospel Hill, now known as the Winsor farm.  He lived there many years, later moving to Norwich, then to Cortland, where he died.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 23, 1933]

 

Eli DePugh, who died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Green, West Somerville, Mass., at 10 o'clock last Saturday night, was brought to Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] for burial Monday in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  The service at the grave was in charge of Rev. E.A. Snyder, pastor of the Bainbridge Baptist Church, and there was a Masonic burial service by the Masonic Lodge of Gilbertsville, N.Y.  The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at Mr. DePugh's late home in West Somerville.  He was 57 years of age.  Mr. DePugh had never resided in Bainbridge, but his wife was a native of this village, Nellie A. Parsons.  Mrs. Charles O'Dell of South Main street, is a niece and Edward R. Green a nephew.  Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Frank Green, of West Somerville, and Mrs. Robert Davis, of Sharon, Mass.;  two brothers and a sister.  He had six grandchildren surviving.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 23, 1933]

 

Charles B. Humphrey, for many years a jeweler in this village, died at 5 o'clock Sunday evening at his home in Kirby street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] after a lingering illness.  He was 78 years of age.  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon from Colwell's funeral parlors at 2 p.m. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 23, 1933]

 

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. H.G. Orvic, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, in Colwell's funeral chapel Sunday afternoon for Mrs. Julia M. Baker, who died November 13th in Avon Park, Fla., aged 85 years.  Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery, this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Baker was well known in Bainbridge, having resided here for many years.  In recent years she had made her home with her son, Loren, in Florida.  She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. C.A. Baker, of Sanford, and Mrs. A.L. Boyce, of Walton; also one brother, Alexander Austin, of Tacoma, and the son above mentioned.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 23, 1933]

 

On Thursday night, December 14, at midnight, occurred the death of Martin Heaton at the home of Mr.and Mrs. L.H. Anthony, where he had lived for the past five years.  Nine years ago Mr. Heaton came to Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] and made his home with his sister, Mrs. Alice Sherwood, whom he had not seen for many years.   Four years ago she passed on and since that period his daughter, Mrs. Harry German, of Boston , Mass., has made possible his receiving the splendid care Mr. and Mrs. Anthony have given him.  Martin Heaton was born at Gloucester, Canada, the son of the Rev. and Mrs. George Heaton.  His father served in years past as rector of Christ Episcopal Church [Guilford, NY].  Had he lived until Saturday, December 16, he would have been 89 years old.  His days have been comfortable, although he was able to get around, until last Sunday when he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, causing his death a few days later.  Surviving are his daughter, Mrs. Harry German, and one granddaughter of Boston, Mass.  Funeral services were held from his late home Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, Rev. George E. Scull officiating, with burial at Sunset Hill cemetery, Guilford.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 21, 1933]

 

On Thursday, December 14, at 12:10 p.m. occurred the death of Mrs. Blanch White Smith at the home of her sister, Mrs. E. Hovey, at South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Smith's death came as a great shock to her relatives and many friends.  She had only been ill for a week, but her condition was considered very critical from the beginning, necessitating a council of doctors the day before she passed away.  For many years Mrs. Smith resided with her family in Ives Settlement [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY].  In later years she had lived with her sister.  Blanch Smith was born fifty-six years ago in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], the daughter of Alice Kenyon and James White.  Surviving are two sons, Paul, of South New Berlin, and James, of Mt. Upton; four grandchildren, and the sister above mentioned.  Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 from her late home.  Burial at McDonough.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 21, 1933]

 

STEELE:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 25, 1864, after a short illness of inflammation of the lungs, Mr. Shadrack L. Steele, aged 71 years.  He was a man that was eminently true to his own convictions of duty.  Never was a truer man and his just standard of right was the Bible.  He was an ardent lover of his country.  In the war of 1812 he enlisted and served in  his country's defense as a soldier, and his services to the Government in upholding and defending it by word and deeds during its late troubles have been equally valuable, never despairing always hopeful, every cheering and encouraging those whose confidence in the final triumph of the right was wavering.  The community has lost a good and upright citizen, one that we can illy afford to part with in these times, because so true, so upright and conscientious a man as he was is rarely found.    [Chenango Telegraph, Feb. 10, 1864]

 

GAGE:  In Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday, Aug. 1, 1863, of typhoid fever, Dan Baswell Gage, of Enfield, N.H., and a member of the 15th N.H. Volunteers, aged 42 years.  Deceased, after spending the winter with the regiment, sharing with it its hardships and glory, found himself at the expiration of his term of enlistment fronting Port Hudson, but with his regiment volunteered to remain until the rebel flag was lowered.  He mingled his shouts with the victorious at the taking of that stronghold, and started for his Northern home to meet his waiting wife and children.  But it was decreed otherwise.  His lifeless form rests upon the banks of the Mississippi, and his friends mourn the loss of a true friend and brave soldier, who has passed away in his usefulness.  Deceased was a brother of Mrs. Ansel Berry of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  [Chenango Telegraph, Sept. 16, 1863]

 

VAN OSTRAND:  In Belven Hospital, Washington, D.C., August 30, 1863, of fever, Mr. William H. Van Ostrand, of Co. C, 10th N.Y Cavalry, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 39 years and 7 months.  [Chenango Telegraph, Sept. 16, 1863]

 

DUNN:  In the U.S. Hospital, at Frederick City, Md., August 30, 1863, Myron H. Dunn, of Co. H, 168th Regiment, son of Mr. H.G. and Mehetable Dunn, of Green [Chenango Co., NY], aged 18 years, 7 months and 10 days.  [Chenango Telegraph, Sept. 16, 1863]

 

Miscellaneous News Items, 1935

Struck by Engine:  What might have ended in a fatal death occurred Monday morning when Adelbert Collier's car was struck by the pusher engine at the Guilford Center [Chenango Co., NY] railroad crossing.  The car was completely demolished, but in some unforeseen manner Mr. Collier escaped with but slight injuries.  He is quite hard of hearing and evidently did not hear the approaching engine.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 23, 1933]

 

Mt. Upton to Build New Central School:  Voters of the Mt. Upton Central School District [Chenango Co., NY] voted to build a new school building at a cost of $66,000.  The meeting was held Tuesday evening.  The vote was 159 for the project, with only 13 against it.  The building will be erected on the west side of Main street, in the central section of the village, on property owned by the school district.  C.B. Wadsworth presided at the meeting.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 23, 1933]

 

Early Leasing of Bainbridge Lands:  A valued subscriber, George E. Nichols, writes to the Bainbridge News as follows: 

Bainbridge, Nov. 16, 1933

Dear Sir:  I notice in the obituary notice of Frank Lowman mention of the Presbyterian Church of Bainbridge called "Silesia."  I have papers showing the Congregational Society of Cilecia controlled 140 acres of land, Lot 50, in the Township of Clinton, afterwards Jerico, now Bainbridge.  The above society leased, dated July 4th, 1797, to Luke and Benjamin Nichols 100 acres more or less.  Secondly an act of Legislature second day of April, 1819, transferred this 140 acres of Congregational Society of Cilecia to the School Commission of Bainbridge, Sept. 8th, 1819, the school commissioners, Thomas Humphrey, Herman Kelsey and Steven Stillwell, leased 50 acres to Luke Nichols for 999 years on annual rental of $28.12-1/2, he not receiving a deed until the Town of Afton was formed, June 10th, 1857.  Wm. S. Thayer, supervisor of Bainbridge; Daniel A. Carpenter, supervisor of Afton.  From receipts I have, Luke and Benjamin only paid $8.12-1/2 on the 100 acres.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 23, 1933] 

 

South Main Street House Bears Evidences of Great Age:  Workmen engaged in remodeling the old house recently purchased by Dr. Ben Dodge in South Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] adjoining the Charles Clark property, have come across old newspapers which fix the age of the dwelling at 105 years, although there are evidences that the building is much older than that.  Edward Gilmore and Harry Blakeslee, Afton carpenters, have been doing the reconstruction, aided by Andy Sejersen, plasterer, of this village.  The construction of the old building is novel; the men found the hewn pine frame timbers perfectly sound, some of the floor boards were of pine two feet wide, the lath is all of the hand-split variety and the downstairs ceiling timbers are very heavy, spaced four feet six inches and filled in between with short floor joists.  The building had been set on new foundations, the walls straightened and covered with plaster board and replastered; a new hot-air heating system has been installed and modern plumbing throughout.  Pasted upon the boarded walls of some of the partitions in the house were old newspapers, including a Norwich Telegraph of April 26, 1865, a Bainbridge Ledger of October 6, 1867, and a Gospel Messenger of 1829.  One of these papers contained a letter from the widow of Abraham Lincoln.  It is a well-known fact that she suffered actual want and was forced to sell her personal property in order to live.  the heading over the story was as follows:  "The Misery of Want and a Nation's Ingratitude," and contained the following letter form Mrs. Lincoln to a broker in New York whom she commissioned to sell certain articles which she valued:

"Chicago, Sept. 14, 1867 

Mr. Brady, Commission Broker

No. 609 Broadway, New York

I have this day sent to you personal property, which I am compelled to part with, and which you will find of considerable value. The articles consist of four camels' hair shawls, one lace dress and shawl, a parasol cover, a diamond ring, two dress patterns, some furs, etc.  Please have then appraised and confer by letter to me. 

Very Respectfully, Mrs. Lincoln"

 

English I Trial:  The English I class [Bainbridge Central School], which has been reading biographies of great men, had a trial last Thursday and Friday. Viola Taft acted as judge; Stewart Friedell as clerk; Victor Gunther as prosecuting attorney, and Edward Luckenbach, Mary Smith and Ralph Riley as the jury.  The rest were prisoners and they pleaded guilty or not guilty, swearing to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  Then the prosecuting attorney asked the name of the book read, the date of birth and death of the author and the chief events of his life.  If the defendant was guilty of not reading a book, the jury made them read one or two other books as a penalty.  The class likes this form of book reports.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 7, 1933]

Marriages (March 12)

Mildred Williams, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brett Williams, of Bainbridge East Side [Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday, December 16th, became the bride of Frank R. Leonard, of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], in a ceremony performed at the home of her parents at 4 o'clock by the Rev. G.H. Orvis, pastor of the Bainbridge Presbyterian Church, in the presence of a gathering of relatives and friends of the contracting parties.  The attendants were Bert Marble as best man and Roberta Whitney, Bridesmaid.  The bride was dressed in dark blue crepe and the bridesmaid in light blue, while the house was bright with Christmas greens.  The couple will make their home in Sidney, where both have been employed with the silk company.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 21, 1933]

 

Hoyt-Wheaton:  Mr. and Mrs. Earl Wheaton, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] announce the marriage of their daughter, Esther Ruth, to Kenneth Hathaway Hoyt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer R. Hoyt, on Sunday at nine o'clock in the Ross Memorial Church.  the ceremony was performed by Dr. S. L. Teppan.  The attendants were Miss Laura Wheaton, sister of the bride, and Melanton Hoyt, brother of the groom.  The bride was attired in green transparent velvet with hat and shoes to match.  Her shoulder bouquet was of yellow tea roses. The bridesmaid's dress was of white satin and black crepe with a bodice of green and matching hat.  Her shoulder bouquet corresponded with that of the bride.  A reception and breakfast followed the ceremony at the home of the bride's parents.  The table was centered with a bouquet of tea roses and asters and a wedding cake and each piece was marked with a green favor.  For traveling. Mrs. Hoyt were an eel-grey coat with black accessories.  After a motor trip through the New England States Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt will be at home at 24 Pearl Ave., Binghamton.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 28, 1933]

 

Hans-Kentfield:  St. Peter's Church [Bainbridge, ,Chenango Co., NY], hung with Christmas greens, with lighted candles and Cala lilies on the altar, was the scene of a very quiet wedding at five o'clock Saturday afternoon, December the twenty-third, when Miss Kathryn Kentfield, daughter of Mrs. Homer L. Kentfield, was married to Mr. Glenn A. Haas, of Chaumont, N.Y. [Jefferson Co.]. They were attended by Miss Myrtle Kentfield and Mr. Philip Allen, Sidney, N.Y.  Mr. Haas is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Pi Phi fraternities.  At present he is principal of Chaumont High School.  The bride is a graduate of Albany State College for Teachers and for the past two years has been teaching Latin and French in Chaumont High School.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 28, 1933]

Van Horn-Burton:  Gladys M. Burton, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], was united in marriage Tuesday, December 12, to Arthur L. Van Horn, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], at the M.E. parsonage by the Rev. Joseph R. Pennell, pastor of the Chenango street Methodist Church.  They were unattended.  The bride is a sister of Mrs. Marion Van Kleek, a daughter of John Burton, of Guilford.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 28, 1933]

 

Miscellaneous, BHS Class of 1934, Part 1

Bainbridge Central High School, Class of 1934

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1934

 

 

Gordon Burton

Know-it-all

"Gordon Burton, the man of the world,

is always willing to give his word."

 

Velma K. Collins

Brilliance

"Here's one who got the marks,

All thro' her high school years.

And when she spoke, all did hark

To listen and to hear."

 

Gerald Cooley

Upstart

"Jerry is a witty guy,

Who never lets a quip go by.

Because of a ready smile,

We like him all the while"

 

Gladys Dickerson

Dependable

"Tho' new th's year

We're awfully glad

She's with us---

A good one to be had."

 

 

Kenneth Elander

Industrious

"This is a happy-go-lucky, busy person.

We like him and we're going to miss him."

 

Hazel Engel

Goodnature

"Hazel is a merry girl

And ready with good cheer.

She's short and plump and jolly

And we're glad to have her here."

 



Obituaries (March 11)

Within a few minutes after he left friends in Delhi to drive the few miles back to his farm at Fraser, Delaware county, at 8 o'clock, Sunday evening, Representative John D. Clarke had met death in a motor car crash in which he sustained a fractured skull.  The accident happened at a notedly dangerous point in the highway a mile from Delhi [Delaware Co., NY], where there have been many other crashes.  Mr. Clarke's machine side swiped a small coupe driven by William Foster, of Delhi, in which his wife and their two small children and four other children were passengers.  The Foster car was completely wrecked but none of the occupants were seriously injured.  Following the smash Mr. Clarke's car is said to have continued on the highway for about 100 yards; then the machine went through an opening in the guard rail and dashed down a thirty-foot embankment.  During this descent the car struck a rock and was thrown against a free.  By the force of the impact Mr. Clarke was thrown out of the car and sustained fractures of the skull.  He died about 20 minutes after the accident just as Dr. John H. Marsh, of Delhi, arrived at the scene.  Foster, driver of the small coupe, stated that he saw the lights of the Clarke car as it approached the brow of the hill and that he drove his machine well over to the side to give the oncoming car plenty of room.  Clarke, apparently misjudged the distance between his own car and that of Foster, and sideswiped the smaller machine, throwing it off the road onto its side.  It has been stated by nearby residents that the noise of the crash could be heard a mile away.  Foster was questioned by state troopers, but was not held.  John Davenport Clarke was a native of Delaware county, having been born at Hobart, Jan. 15, 1873, son of Capt. W.J. and Emaline Davenport Clarke.  His early education was received in the schools of Delaware county and at Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., where he graduated with the degree of Ph. B. in 1898.  He was a lawyer, having graduated from Brooklyn Law School.  His wife, who survives, was Marian Williams, of Cheyenne, Wyo.  Their only son, John Duncan Clarke, was assistant to the secretary of mines in the United States Steel Corporation until 1906, since then being secretary and treasurer of other mining enterprises.  John D. Clarke purchased his farm at Fraser in 1915, since which time he had been prominent in agricultural affairs, for several years being a director of the Dairymen's League and known to almost all the dairymen of the state.  He was an ardent sportsman and an enthusiastic trout fisherman along the streams of his home county  At the time of death he was serving his sixth term as representative in Congress from the 34th New York District, which comprises the counties of Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego.  He began his congressional service in 1921, with the 67th Congress.  He was re-elected to the 68th Congress after which there was a lapse of one term, due to his defeat for the Republican nomination by Harold S Tolley, now Binghamton's public welfare commissioner.  But the next time up, Mr. Clarke turned the tables on Mr. Tolley at the party primary, was elected and re-entered Congress.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 9, 1933]

 

Word reached relatives and friends in our community of the death of Clarence Thackaway at the Sidney Hospital Sunday, November 12, at noon. His passing came as a release from many months of intense suffering  He had received treatment at the Syracuse Hospital and later at Buffalo, but nothing seemed to give permanent relief, and those near to him could only wait, realizing the months that lay ahead.  Clarence Thackaway had reached the age of 43 years.  He was a nephew of the late Nelson Thackaway.  Since a little boy of four years he knew no other home than that of Mr. and Mrs. Thackaway.  He attended the old Guilford Union School, later attending Binghamton Business School.  He was married to Miss Daisy Cox, of Sidney, who survives.  A daughter, Phyllis, and an aunt, Mrs. Cora Thackaway Church, of Guilford, with whom he spent his boyhood days, also survive.  He was manager of the M.J. Kipp grocery store in Sidney, also worshipful master of the Masonic Lodge.  Funeral services were held from the Congregational Church in Sidney Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 16, 1933]

 

 

Frank Lowman



 

Frank Lowman, who passed away at his home on the east side of the Susquehanna River, near Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], at the age of 66 years, following a brief illness, was buried from his late home last Wednesday afternoon, with Rev. E.A. Snyder pastor of the Bainbridge Baptist Church, officiating, and interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  With the passing of Frank Lowman, another of the "first settler" families of Bainbridge fades from the picture hereabouts.  Mr. Lowman was a direct descendant of Samuel Bixby, who was among the very first settlers in this township.  His mother was Fanny Bixby.  The farm where Mr. Lowman has lived and where he died was part of a tract of land containing 390 acres deeded to Samuel Bixby by the state of New York January 12, 1789.  The transfer was made to compensate him for failure of title of lands in Vermont deeded to him by the state of New York.  This section was largely settled by so-called "Vermont sufferers," a name given to a group of men who lost their lands in Vermont when that state was held to be the owner of certain townships instead of New York, which had claimed and sold the same lands to settlers.  The Bixbys first came to Bainbridge to settle in the spring of 1788.  Their land was on both sides of the river, about two and a half miles east of this village.  They were of English descent.  Samuel Bixby and his eldest son, Asahel, built a log cabin on the south side of the river on lands now owned by Mr. Lowden.  the site can be located even at this day by dirt embankments that were thrown up to protect the cabin.  there were no roads then, the river being the only means of transportation.  Later when the highway was opened a house was built just west of the present residence of Mr. Lowden.  It was after the English cottage style with shingles on the sides.  The cottage was completely covered with English ivy and quite picturesque.  It was used as an inn in the days of the stage coach.  It was torn down about 1879.  Samuel Bixby's wife was Hannah Powers.  they had six children:  Hannah, who married Asa Stowell; Sibyl, who married (1) Edward Davison, (2) Henry Evans; Priscilla, who married Henry Ward, and never lived in Bainbridge; Samuel, who married Lois Mori, and Elizabeth, who married Russell Redfield.  Samuel Bixby was a soldier in the French and Indian wars, being a member of a Massachusetts regiment.  He was first sergeant in a Vermont company during the Revolution and fought in the battles of Bennington and Saratoga.  He and his wife were Presbyterians and he was one of the original members of and a trustee of the Presbyterian Church in Bainbridge, called the Society of Silesia.  The older members of the Bixby family in this vicinity were buried in the cemetery on the south side of the river just below the bridge.  Some years ago their remains were removed to a plot in the new Greenlawn Cemetery where members of five generations of the family are now buried. The Bixbys were numerous in this vicinity at one time.  The only living descendants of the pioneer Samuel Bixby, bearing the name, are Rev. Warren Bixby and his son, of Boston, Mass.  His father was J.J. Bixby, deceased, a prominent lawyer who resided in Norwich.  Frank Lowman had six ancestors who fought in the Revolution.  He spent his whole life here except about twenty years in early manhood when he lived in the West.  He leaves four brothers and two sisters; Seymour, of Elmira, N.Y., who was formerly lieutenant governor of the state of New York; Harry, who resides in Seattle, Wash.; Ned, of Montour Falls, N.Y.; and Ray, of Athens, Pa.; Mrs. Lena Bolich, of Sayre, Pa.; and Mrs. Lois Wilkin, of Birmingham, Ala.  Frank Lowman was a man of quiet mien, of kindly disposition and possessed of an unusual capacity for friendship, having a host of friends in Bainbridge and in the country surrounding his home.  He had greatly mourned the loss of his wife who passed away Nov. 3, 1929, and since her passing had been unable to do much work about his farm, which he dearly loved.  He was an enthusiastic farmer and maintained a herd of about 60 head of Holstein cattle, of which he was very proud.  During the past few years he had been under the efficient and understanding care of Miss Harriet Strong and during the past year his health had so greatly improved that he was able to attend to some of the tasks about the farm.  This was, he felt, a privilege and made him very happy.  The bearers at the funeral were Chas. Eldred, Fred Neidlinger, Ralph W. Kirby, Charles W. Ireland, Wiley Foster and Charles Weeks.[Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 16, 1933]

Miscellaneous, Eugene V. Utter, Bigamist 1890

Chenango Union, Norwich, Chenango Co., NY

August 7, 1890

 

Three prisoners escaped from the Orange county jail at Goshen, early Sunday morning.  Among them was the notorious bigamist, Ernest V. Utter, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], who was under indictment for bigamy, in having married Jennie Griffis in July, 1888, he having another wife in Warwick at the time.  With Utter's escape from the lockup in Middletown, dressed in the clothing of Jennie, who was visiting him, and of his subsequent arrest, our readers are already familiar.  The prisoners escaped by sawing an opening in the grated door of the cell, and reaching a second story window one of the three iron bars at that opening was sawed through the bottom and bent back, providing means of escape. An examination showed plainly that the escape had been assisted by parties on the outside as the window bar was cut from that direction.  It is believed that Utter's friends, with ladders, saws and crowbars, effected his release, and that Jennie planned the job.  The Sheriff offers a reward of $50 for the capture of each of the prisoners.

 

Shamed Herself to Save Him

Ernest Utter's Second Wife Denies the Story of Their Marriage

New York Herald, May 4, 1890

 

Middletown, N.Y., May 3, 1890:  In the Recorder's Court of this city today Ernest V. Utter, a boyish looking brakeman on the Ontario and Western Railroad was arraigned on a charge of bigamy.  Utter belongs to a good family of the town of Warwick [Orange Co., NY].  His father is a well known engineer on the Pennsylvania, Poughkeepsie and Boston Railroad.

The complainant in the case was a young woman of Warwick, whose maiden name was Edith Decker.  She testified in support of her complaint that she and Utter were married at Goshen, September 23, 1888, by the Rev. Mr. Winans, and that after living with her five months he deserted her, after destroying their marriage certificate.  She had reason to believe that on June 30, 1889, her faithless husband had contracted a second marriage with Jennie Griffis, of Middletown [Orange Co., NY], with whom he had since been living.

 

Her testimony as to her marriage was corroborated by other witnesses.  Mrs. Harriet Griffis, a widow of this city, said that Utter had persuaded her daughter to go with him to New York city for the purpose of getting married there, and on their return they exhibited a marriage certificate, signed by the Rev. Richard Hartley, of the Laight Street Baptist Church.  A copy of a marriage certificate was put in evidence.  It was dated June 30, 1889, was signed by the Rev. Mr. Hartle and named as witnesses Dr. J.P. Donovan and Mrs. H.F. Nason of West Fourteenth Street, New York.

 

Utter, in his own defense, said that he was never married to either of the women.

 

There was a sensation in the court room when Jennie Griffis took the witness stand for the defense.  She is a pretty brunette of slight figure and of modest manners.  Apparently her only anxiety was to screen and save Utter.  In reply to questions by the prisoner's counsel she admitted that she was living with Utter as his wife, but declared in flat contradiction of her mother that she had never been married to the prisoner by the Rev. Mr. Hartley or anybody else, and that she never possessed or exhibited any marriage certificate. 

 

The District Attorney cross-questioned her sharply, but she stuck to the story with a persistency that could not be shaken.  Her self-sacrifice failed to help the prisoner.  In default of $2,000 bail Recorder Bradner committed him to the County Jail to await trial.

 

Jennie Took His Place in the Prison Cell While Ernest Fled,

Disguised in the Dress of the Woman He Had Wronged

New York Herald, May 7, 1890

 

The story told in Sunday's Herald of pretty Jennie Griffis' loving devotion to young Ernest V. Utter, who had decoyed her into a fraudulent marriage, has a romantic sequel.

 

Monday night she accomplished Utter's release from the City Jail in a way that would make a first rate chapter in an emotional novel.  It will be remembered that Utter was arraigned before Recorder John F. Bradner, of Middletown, N.Y., on the charge that his marriage with Jennie Griffis, the young daughter of widow Harriet Griffis, of Middletown, was bigamous.  His first wife was Edith Decker, of Warwick.

 

In his own defense Utter swore that he never married either of the women, and Jennie, for the purpose of screening him, if possible, from the punishment attached to his crime, became a witness in his behalf, and swore that there had been no marriage.  Jennie's devotion was of no avail.  Her marriage was clearly established.  The Recorder required the prisoner to furnish $2,000 bail or otherwise stand committed to the County Jail at Goshen to await the action of the Grand Jury.  Utter has some warm friends among his railroad associates, and these exerted themselves to secure bail for him and save him from going to the County Jail. While this effort was pending Recorder Bradner permitted the prisoner to remain in the Middletown City Jail in custody of the police.

 

The jail, being only a place of temporary detention of prisoners, is run under easy rules, Jennie Griffis or friends were permitted to visit Utter quite frequently.  It is remembered that Jennie made the visits chiefly after dark, and that she always wore a heavy, dark veil, which quite effectually concealed her features.  Jennie visited the jail on Monday night in company with Lizzie Utter, a sister of the prisoner, and two young men--Charles Clark and Seeley Utter.  Jennie was heavily veiled as usual, and wore a large gossamer overdress. 

 

After the party had made a somewhat protracted visit, Policemen White and Cary, who were in charge as jailers, opened the outer jail door, and the four visitors passed out.  The jailers noted no change in the appearance of Jennie Griffis since she entered the jail.  Ten minutes later a citizen called at police headquarters and reported that he had seen a strange figure running wildly through a by street. It was apparently a man wearing a woman's dress, which he held above his knees as he ran.  Another citizen picked up from the muddy sidewalk near the jail Jennie Griffis' gaily trimmed hat readily recognized by its tuft of white and colored feathers.

 

Suspicion was excited and Utter's cell in the jail was visited.  There the officers found Jennie, minus her hat, veil, gossamer and one of her two skirts.  She pretended that she had been stupefied by drugs.  Utter was missing. 

 

The four visitors were arraigned before Recorder Bradner yesterday  morning charged with the crime of aiding a prisoner to escape from custody.  The young men and the Utter girl pleaded not guilty, and declared that they had no knowledge of nor part in the escape of the prisoner.  The Recorder held them in $800 bail each.  Jennie was pale and nervous and controlled herself with difficulty.  She had abandoned the thin pretense that the prisoner had drugged her and taken her clothing while she was in a state of insensibility.  After a little questioning by the Recorder she consented to tell her story.  She declared positively that her companions knew nothing of the escape; that she herself alone planned and executed it.

 

She went there prepared for the effort.  Just before the party left the jail she and Utter stepped into a cell by themselves, closing the door.  Here she hastily rigged Utter out with her hat, veil, underskirt and gossamer, and finished off the job by utilizing his hat for a bustle.  Thus equipped he readily passed scrutiny by the jailors as he went out.  Unhappily for devoted Jennie Griffis this effort to help Utter proved as futile as did the first one.  When it became known that he had got away the whole country round about was warned by telephone and telegraph, and officers started out in hot search for the fugitive.  He was recaptured yesterday afternoon at Unionville, twelve miles from Middletown, just as he was about to cross the line into New Jersey.  He was brought back here and last night he and Jennie were together sent to the County Jail at Goshen to await trial for the offences with which they are charged.  Jennie seemed really happy in going to jail along with the man for whom she had dared so much.

 

Captured Through Treachery

Bigamist and Jail Breaker Utter Once More in His Old Quarters

New York Herald, Sept. 8, 1890

 

Goshen, NY:  Sept. 7, 1890:  Ernest V. Utter, bigamist and jail breaker, was recaptured at Albany yesterday, by Sheriff Jacob Johnson, and is now in his old quarters in jail here.  His unbridled love for pretty Jennie Griffis, a respectable young girl living near Middletown, got him in jail in the first place, and now again after he had escaped for the second time from jail and been at large for more than a month his devotion to the girl whom he had bigamously married betrayed his hiding place and led to his recapture.

 

In May last, Utter, who is a well looking young fellow of twenty-three, persuaded Jennie Griffis to marry him on the plea that he had obtained a divorce from his first wife.  He was arrested on the charge of bigamy and lodged in jail at Middletown.

 

Jenny Griffis clung to her lover, and the romantic story was told in the Herald at the time of how she assisted him in escaping from prison by disguising himself in the clothes she wore when permitted to visit him in his cell.  He was recaptured and lodged in prison here.  Again he broke jail on the night of August 2, last, in company with two other criminals.

 



 Before Utter got into trouble he was employed as a brakeman on the Ontario and Western Railroad.  After his second escape he made his way to Albany and got work there among the new men employed in place of strikers in the New York Central Railroad yards.  As soon as he got the place he wrote a letter to a supposed friend of his at Middletown containing a note to Jennie Griffis, in which he told her of her whereabouts and assured her of his love and constancy.

 

The treacherous friend was instructed to deliver the note privately to Jennie, instead of which he truned the correspondence over to Sheriff Johnson. 

 

Unless Utter breaks jail again he will be brought to trial for bigamy at the Orange County Court of Sessions, which opens on September 16.

 

Richfield Spring Mercury

September 25, 1890

 

Newburg, N.Y., Sept. 16:  In the county court, judge Beattie presiding, Ernest V. Utter, the bigamist, was arraigned.  Wives Nos. 1 and 2 were in the court room.  Utter changed his mind in regard to his guilt since last term and pleaded guilty.  He was remanded for sentence. Seeley W. Utter, indicted for assisting Ernest to escape from Middletown jail in the attire of wife no. 2, was discharged.



 

 

Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle

September 18, 1890

 

Ernest V. Utter, for bigamy, was sent for three years and six months.