Suffrage is Thrust Upon Us, 1917

Suffrage is Thrust Upon Us

Former Senator Root Spoke at Mass Meeting Held in Utica

Norwich Sun, September 25, 1917

 

Elihu Root made known his opposition to woman suffrage in emphatic utterances at a mass meeting here last night.  Mr. Root presided presenting Mrs. James Wadsworth, Jr., president of the National Association Opposed to woman Suffrage and Mrs. Grace Duffield Goodwin of Connecticut.

 

Mr. Root declared it "unfortunate that the subject should be thrust upon us now at a time when all that care for their country require all their energy and strength and enthusiasm and heart and soul for the service of their country in the peril that confronts it [i.e., World War I].  I think it unfortunate that we should be compelled to turn aside from our efforts toward making our country victorious over that cruel, brutal and arrogant enemy which does not hesitate to murder women and children and which seeks to destroy the liberties of the world, in order to have controversy over the question of woman suffrage.  But the subject is thrust upon us.  It cannot be allowed to go by default and these women who are not seeking a place in politics, who love their homes and have high ideas of womanhood, have buckled on the armor of discussion and are determined that the question shall not go by default."

 

"I could not come  here and introduce them to you if I did not sympathize with their views.  I am opposed to the granting of suffrage to women.  I formed an unfavorable opinion of the project many years ago and time, far from changing my opinion, has but confirmed it.  I am opposed to it because I think it would be sad for the government of the country, for the state and bad for women."

 

Mrs. Wadsworth said she became actively interested because she believed the government is threatened with a serious illness--feminization--and decided something must be done to stop it....

 

 

 

Senator Elihu Root

 

National Interest in Anti-Suffrage Mass Meeting

Utica, NY Sunday Tribune, Sept. 23, 1917

 

That the anti-suffrage mass meeting at the Colonial Theater tomorrow night [Utica, Oneida Co., NY] will be largely attended and that its proceedings will be given attention throughout the country is a foregone conclusion.  National interest in the meeting develops from the fact that Elihu Root will preside and that he probably will restate his views on the suffrage question.  Statements attributed to Mr. Root after his return from Russia were seized upon by suffragists as evidence that he had modified, if not abandoned, his expressed opposition to woman suffrage.  He subsequently declared that his position was unchanged and tomorrow night, it is expected he will make a further statement on the matter.

 

The speakers at the meeting tomorrow night will be Mrs. James W. Wadworth, Jr., wife of the senior United States Senator from New York State, the present head of the National Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage, and Mrs. Grace Duffield Goodwin, of Connecticut, one of the most prominent advocates of the anti-suffrage cause.

 

Mrs. Wadsworth is taking a very active part in the anti-suffrage campaign.  In an interview published in the New York Times Sunday Magazine just before the vote in Maine, when suffrage was overwhelmingly defeated, she expressed clearly and forcibly her view of the case against suffrage.  In part, this interview was as follows:

 

"A querulous, unreasoning insistence, an insistence that continues in and out of season, an insistence as irritating as the crying of a spoiled child, an insistence that is kept up until the desired object is attained--that, I am sorry to say, is a form of strategy to which a portion of my sex does not hesitate to descend.  For countless generations--I suppose ever since the world began--women have been using this in their private lives.  Women suffragists are now using it in public life.  Do the men want nagging injected into politics?  This fall the voters of two states, Maine and New York, must answer "Yea" or "No."

 

"The right to petition the government" she continued, "is one of the fundamental, one of the most sacred rights in a land of liberty.  It is a right guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States.  The suffragists, however, interpret this right to petition as the right to nag."

 

"Their petition to force, by an amendment to the Federal Constitution, woman suffrage upon States that have already overwhelmingly declared at the polls that they don't want it is already in Congress.  The President has given them  hearings (disgraced by impertinent interruptions and hecklings), but still they are buzzing about the White House like a swarm of gadflies, trying to fret and goad a man already harassed by the staggering problems of a great Nation in the midst of a world crisis."

 

...."Do you know that since the close of 1912 the voters of 13 states, including such big States as New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Missouri have declared at the polls that they do not want woman suffrage, and that the voters of only two States, Nevada and Montana in 1914, have said that they want it.  All the other gains of which the suffragists have been so brazenly boasting, have been won in the State legislatures by female lobbies."

 

..."And now, as to the genuineness of the patriotism of the suffragist leaders and the sincerity of their military ardor.  Don't  forget all the suffragists who in the face of this fearful world cataclysm argued that if woman had the vote there would be no war.  Don't forget that when our ships were being sunk, our citizens massacred at sea, our rights ignored, and our national dignity spurned, not one woman prominent among the suffragists declared herself for preparedness and against peace without honor....Don't forget that Mrs. Carr in a speech in Columbus, Ohio, on May 13, 1917, long after we were at war said:  "The United States has no right to talk about making the world safe for democracy.  We had better blot the mote from our own eye before we go forth and want to blot it from the Prussian eye."...Don't forget Jeannette Rankin, the representative from Montana, who, in that solemn hour when the vote was being taken as to whether we would avenge the U-boat butcheries of our men, women, and children, whether we would take our stand with the Allies in the death struggle of democracy against militarism, stood up in the house of Representatives and quartered, "I want to stand by my county, but I cannot vote for war." and broke down and wept."....

 

"Government is a man's job.  And I have no doubt that at the coming election New York will continue with that imposing galaxy of States--Michigan, South Dakota, Ohio, North Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Maine and West Virginia--which in the last four years have voted an emphatic "no" to the cry of "Votes For Women."

 

Alice Hay Wadsworth - leader in anti-women's suffrage movement

(Mrs. James W. Wadsworth)

Courtesy of Library of Congress

 

[Compiler Note:  The 19th amendment to the US Constitution which prohibits any US citizen from being denied the right to vote on the basis of sex was first introduced in Congress in 1878.  Forty-one years later in 1919 it was passed by Congress and submitted to the states for ratification.  Ratification by the requisite number of states was achieved on August 18, 1920 and the amendment was enacted.  Subsequent challenges regarding its constitutionality were rejected by the US Supreme Court.]


 

 

 

 

 





Obituaries (March 29)

Mrs. Mary E. Wakeman, 81, a resident of the village of Afton [Chenango Co. NY), passed away at her home May 14; death caused by a cerebral hemorrhage.  Mrs. Wakeman was born in great Bend, Pa., Nov. 4, 1854, the daughter of Daniel and Sarah Frost Barber.  Funeral services were held from her home in Afton, with interment in Glenwood Cemetery [Afton, NY] on May 16.  Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Leslie Crane and Mrs. Mattie Harper, both of Afton.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 21, 1936]

 

Mrs. Mary E. Lawton Darlin died early Thursday morning, May 21st, at the Arnot-Ogden Hospital in Elmira, N.Y., after a long and painful illness caused by being terribly burned March 31st when her clothing ignited as she was working over a gas stove.  Mrs. Darlin was born in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], May 19, 1862.  A card shower was planned for her 74th birthday and while it was only a short time before her death, she was able to have the messages read to her and greatly enjoyed and appreciated the cards, flowers and other remembrances sent.  The funeral was held Saturday afternoon at Colwell's Chapel with Rev. George Underwood, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating.  Mrs. Darlin has long been a member of this church.  Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  Surviving are one son, Foster L. Darlin, of Hillburn, N.Y., and several nieces and nephews.  Friends and relatives from Elmira, Binghamton, Bovina Center, Sidney and Masonville attended the funeral and the beautiful flowers showed their affection for her.  Mrs. Darlin was for several years a resident of this village and has many friends here who sympathize with her son in his bereavement.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 28, 1936]

 

Mrs. Gertrude C. Evans, 79, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Catherine C. Comings, in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], May 23.  Mrs. Evans was born December 20, 1856, in Montpelier, Vt., daughter of John C. and Mary Brown Evans.  The funeral service was held in the Colwell Chapel, Monday morning, May 25, with Rev. Charles H. Evans, priest of the Episcopal Church Missionary district of N. Tokyo, Japan, officiating.  Rev. Evans was on leave and at his home in Stamford, Conn.  The remains were sent to Waterville for cremation with burial at Montpelier, Vt.  Surviving are her husband, William Carrol Evans, the daughter with whom she made her home, and another daughter who resides in Chicago, Ill.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 28, 1936] 

 

Henry Frank, 76, a resident of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], died at his home May 23 of heart trouble.  He had been ill for the past five years.  Mr. Frank was born in Baden, Germany, January 25, 1860.  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at the Colwell Chapel, with Rev. Anderson, pastor of the Oxford Baptist Church, officiating.  Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  Surviving are one son, Clifford Frank and two daughters, Mrs. Harry Jones and Mrs. John Eschen, of New York city, and five grandchildren.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 28, 1936]

 

Henry Frank passed away early on Sunday morning, May 17th, at the home of his son, Clifford Frank, of South Hill [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY].  Death was due to heart disease.  Mr. Frank was born in Germany in January, 1860, coming to this country in the year 1891.  He has lived on South Hill for the past 45 years.  Services were held Wednesday with burial in the Bainbridge Cemetery.  Two daughters, one in new York and one in Oxford, and the son above mentioned survive. [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 28, 1936]

 

Mrs. Harriet Slade, widow of the late Edward C. Slade, passed away Friday evening, June 6, at the home of her mother, Mrs. Alice Lewis, on Cartright avenue, Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  Death was caused by a week's illness, followed by pneumonia, and she lived but a few short hours after this added complication set in. Harriet Slade was born 61 years ago in Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], the daughter of Alice (Priest) Wilson and Theodore Wilson.  Her home for many years has been in Sidney with her mother.  Many in Guilford will remember Mrs. Slade, she having served as head clerk in the Simmons Novelty Store on River street for 25 years.  Her pleasant, courteous manner made her many friends in this vicinity.  Final rites were held form the late home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Wendell, of the Congregational Church, officiating.  Burial beside her husband in the Sidney Cemetery.  The bearers were Theodore Wilson, of Albany, John Hicks and Douglas Anthony, of Norwich; and Donald Anthony, of Guilford, all nephews of the deceased.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 11, 1936]

 

Nineveh [Broome Co., NY]:  The funeral of Mrs. Frances Duffy was held at the church last Friday afternoon.  The service was conducted by Rev. C.E. Webb, of Afton, the pastor of the church Mrs. Duffy joined in 1872 and has been a faithful member of all these years.  She has been in failing health for the past two years and was cared for at the home of Mrs. W.S. Hinde, in Afton.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 11, 1936]

 

A.W. Foote passed away Wednesday, May 27, at his late home at the Trestle, Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], at the extreme age of 81 years.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs.  G.B. Foote and was born in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 22, 1854.  Services were held from the late home Sunday, with burial at Coventry.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 11, 1936]

 

Sidney [Delaware Co., NY]:  While picking apples at Riverside Wednesday afternoon, Smith B. Patterson, 78 years old, fell from the tree in which he was working and was fatally injured.  He fell a distance of 30 feet, sustaining a broken hip and serious internal injuries from which he later died.  He leaves a son, Arthur, and a daughter, Harriet, both of whom reside in Utica.  [Norwich Sun, Oct. 29, 1909]

 

WEST:  At Port Hudson June 11, 1863, John D. West a private in Co. B, 114th Reg., N.Y.S.V., aged 26 years.  He was from Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], and enlisted at the same time with Andrew and Thomas Peck, a notice of whose deaths appeared in the Telegraph of Oct. 8.  His Capt. in communicating the sad intelligence of his death says "John D West was one of my best men, always reliable and prompt in the discharge of his duty, and that he was brave, his falling upon the field of battle will testify, as he was advised by his Captain not to go into the action, he being unwell at the time.  John was a Christian young man as well amid the temptations and allurements of camp life as among better influences at home.  On the evening before the battle he said to a friend:  'If I fall write to my folks and tell them I fell at my post, and in a glorious cause, fighting for my country." [Chenango Telegraph, Nov. 18, 1863]

Marriages (March 29)

Miss Edna Jean Clark, a teacher in the New York City schools, will become the bride of Jasper N. Hand formerly of Laurens [Otsego Co., NY], but now a resident of Brooklyn, at the Little Church Around the Corner, May 29.  The ceremony will be performed by Rev. Randolph Ray.  Miss Clark is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Clark, of Chicago.  Mr. Hand, who is a graduate of the Bainbridge High School is the son of Mrs. Minnie Hand and the late Frederick M. Hand, of Laurens.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 21, 1936]

Brown-Barnard:  Saturday afternoon, May 30, at 4 o'clock in the Methodist parsonage, Bainbridge, William D. Brown, of West Winfield (Herkimer Co., NY], and Grace M. Barnard, of Westford (Otsego Co., NY], were united in marriage by the Rev George N. Underwood.  The happy couple left immediately for Indianapolis and other points of interest in the middle-west.  On their return they will take up their residence at West Winfield, where they will be at home to their many friends.  Mr. and Mrs. Brown are well and favorably known and begin their married life with the best wishes of their many friends.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 4, 1936]

Mrs. Daisy Walker and Theodore W. Purvis were united in marriage Tuesday evening, June 2, at the Presbyterian manse, Rev. G.H. Orvis officiating.  They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Dicks.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 4, 1936]

Saturday, May 30, occurred the marriage of Miss Althea L. Stanton, of Cobleskill, to Everett J. Baier, also of Cobleskill [Schoharie Co., NY].  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J.W. Bump, the groom being a nephew of Mr. Bump.  Mr. Baier is employed at the General Electric Co. plant in Schenectady.  They will spend the summer at Balston Lake.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 11, 1936]

Monday, May 11, occurred the wedding of Miss Emily Tillotson Miner, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Roscoe Diamond, also of Oxford, Rev. J.W. Bump, of Oxford, officiated.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 11, 1936]

Chenango County Jail Explosion Explained, 1909

Mystery Solved

Sheriff Beardsley No Longer Worried

Explosion is Explained

Norwich Sun, Oct. 29, 1909

 

One hot night last summer, Sheriff William E Beardsley was startled by what he took to be an explosion, the noise apparently coming from his private office in the jail building.  Though clad only in his pajamas, the sheriff immediately proceeded to investigate, but could find nothing wrong and could discover no traces of an explosion.  The affair was set down as the remnant of a fragile dream and remained without other explanation until a day or two ago, when upon looking and opening a little used drawer in his safe, Mr. Beardsley solved the mystery of the midnight crash.

 

To turn backward the hands of time, the cause of the explosion originally came to Norwich from Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].  It will be recalled that several months ago, there was an investigation of excise conditions in that village.  Mr. Huff of the Anti-Saloon league had deputies collecting liquid evidence.  This evidence was shown before the grand jury and after that body had concluded its deliberations, the evidence was turned over the Sheriff Beardsley for safe keeping.  Included in the evidence was a bottle of beer, said to have been purchased at a certain hotel on Sunday, and also included in the lot were several bottles said to contain whiskey, said to have been purchased under similar conditions.

 

It was in the winter time that these exhibits were turned over to the sheriff.  They were carefully locked up in a drawer of the safe and forgotten.  When the strange and unexplained explosion was heard in the office last summer, no one thought of the Sherburne liquor case exhibits.  They remained in seclusion until just now, when the sheriff had occasion to open the drawer.  Imagine his surprise when instead of a bottle of beer, he found only fragments of glass.  It was evident that the bottle and contents, becoming over heated, had gone up with a loud bang.  As evidence, the remains were useless.  And too, the flying beer had so obliterated the inscriptions on some of the tags sealing the other liquid exhibits, that they too, are now of doubtful value.

 



Obituary (March 28)

Louise M. Hickox, for the past 30 years a resident of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], died at her home Friday evening, April 10.  Mrs. Hickox was born Dec. 12, 1850, in Davenport Center [Delaware Co., NY], the daughter of Sylvester and Jane Utter Marble.  The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at her home with the Rev. B.H. Tite officiating.  Interment was in the cemetery at Sanitaria Springs [Broome Co., NY].  Surviving is a daughter, Mrs. Homer D. Owens.  The husband of the deceased passed on in April 1928.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 15, 1936]

Burr C. Newell, a life-long resident of this vicinity, passed away April 8 at the home of his niece.  Mrs. Ernest Hawkins, in Kirby street, Pruyn Hill [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], where he had been living since last September when poor health made it necessary for him to leave his home on the East Side.  Mr. Newell was born on the East Side in the town of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 11, 1857, the son of Chauncey and Silvia Church Newell, and during his entire life had resided in that vicinity.  In early life he learned the trade of a carpenter at which he worked for many years, during which time he was employed in the erection of many of the buildings in this village.  Surviving are two nieces, Mrs. Hawkins, of this village, and Mrs. Mary Proctor, of Watervliet, and two nephews, William Main, of Susquehanna, Pa., and Herman C. Newell, also of this village.  The funeral was held Friday afternoon, April 10, at the chapel of Colwell Brothers, West Main street, with the Rev. G.H. Orvis, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating, following which the remains were taken to Afton for interment in the East Side Cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 23, 1936]

 

Laurence E. Eggleston passed away at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Eggleston, in this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], early Sunday morning, death resulting from streptococcie infection of the throat.  His sudden death came as a shock to his many friends as he was not known to be seriously ill until Saturday morning.  The previous Monday he was taken ill at his home in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] and later in the week he was thought to be suffering from a rheumatic condition following an attack of grippe.  Saturday morning he was brought to the home of his parents in this village and Dr. Dodge summoned, who diagnosed the condition, but his system failed to respond to treatment.  Born on March 30, 1915, in the city of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], he had grown to young manhood in this village, where he had resided with his parents since their coming here in 1917.  He was a member of the last year's graduating class of the Bainbridge Central School and since then has been employed in this vicinity.  On March 30 last, the anniversary of his birth, he was united in marriage with Miss Doris Mae Drake, of Sidney, and while he continued to work at a gas station in this village, they had taken up their residence in Sidney.  Besides his wife and parents, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Clayton Wakeman, of Bainbridge.  Private funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the chapel of Colwell Brothers with the Rev. M. DeForest Lowen, pastor of the Baptist Church, officiating, and interment was made in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 23, 1936]

 

Early Tuesday evening, May 9, occurred the death of Miss Barbetta Ziegler, after many years of ill health, and several weeks of intense suffering.  Miss Ziegler was born 71 years ago April 5th in Germany.  She came to this country with John Neidlinger's family on the steamer, Fulda, when she was 26 years of age, and for several years made her home with them.  For many years she has made her home in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]; a kindly neighbor and a most faithful worker in whatever way her path of duty lay.  When her health permitted she gave of her time and efforts to the service of the M.E. Church.  for years she made her home with Mr. Emery Bush, caring for him through his years of invalidism.  At his passing the life use of the Bush home was given her by her benefactor.  When her time came to go, it was Mr. Bush's wish that she be laid to rest in the one remaining space on the Bush lot.  Surviving are an only sister, Mrs. Barbara Frank, of Germany.  Funeral services were held form the late home Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, The Rev. Z.J. Hall officiating.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 14, 1936]

 

Mrs. Alice Maebel LeSuer, aged 41, passed away at her home on the East Side of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], Monday, May 11.  Mrs. LeSuer was born May 13, 1894, in Colesville [Broome Co., NY], the daughter of Moses and Almina (Mitchell) Demorier.  For the past 20 years she had been a resident of Bainbridge.  The funeral is this Thursday afternoon at Colwell Brothers' Chapel, Rev. M.D. Lowen officiating.  Burial will be in the Afton Cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 14, 1936]

 

Bruce C. Wilkinson, 6-1/2, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Ray J. Wilkinson, of Kenmore, N.Y. [Erie County], died suddenly at his parents' home, May 6.  He had been ill with the mumps, but with constant medical and nursing attention he was thought to be on the road to recovery.  A heart attack occurred and caused his death soon after.  Surviving besides his parents, is a brother, Thomas Wilkinson.  The funeral took place May 8 at the family home with Rev. W.S. Boyd, of the Methodist church officiating.  Mrs. Wilkinson, formerly Miss Norma Cartledge, is well-known in this village, where she resided as a young lady and attended the Bainbridge High School.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 14, 1936]

 

Mary Nelson, 18-months-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Nelson, of Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], passed away Wednesday night, May 13, at the Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown.  Death was due to scarlet fever, other children in the family being afflicted at the same time.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 21, 1936]

Hiram Cronk, the last survivor of the war of 1812, for whom a group of patriots in New York are planning an elaborate public funeral whenever he shall be accommodating enough to die, has no motion of shuffling off just at present.  To be sure, he is 104 years old, a mighty span of years when it is considered the Biblical measure of three score years and ten that is not reached by the average.  Mr. Cronk is very comfortable at his home in Dunn Brook, Oneida county and his health is as good as at any time within the last few years.  He sits in his old arm chair by the window every day and has not yet asked anyone to bury him.  [Norwich Sun, Dec. 24, 1904]

[Compiler Note:  Many thanks to Mike Gillett for locating the following information about Hiram Cronk.]

Hiram Cronk

 

Ava, NY, May 13 [1905] - Hiram Cronk, the only survivor of the war of 1812, died today at the age of 105 years.  Hiram Cronk for years occupied a unique place in American History. As the last survivor of the first foreign war in which his country engaged after securing its independence, he had been honored by the national government and by his native state as well. The aged veteran also had another unique distinction. Months before his death, and when he pronounced himself to be in almost perfect health, despite his more than 104 years, the board of aldermen of New York City outlined and practically perfected elaborate plans for disposition of his body after death. Signal honors were to be shown him according to these plans, and even the spot where his body would find its last resting place was selected. Born at Frankfort, Herkimer County, N.Y. on April 29, 1800, Hiram Cronk became a member of Capt. Edward Fuller's Company of the 157th infantry when only a little more than fourteen years of age. His term of service was short, however, scarcely five weeks, and nearly all of it was spent in camp near Lake Ontario. He had hardly "smelled powder" up to that time. On the day following his discharge, however, while at Watertown on his way to his home, there came the sounds of cannonading at Sackett's Harbor, where a British warship was bombarding the fortifications. In less than a month he was back in the ranks serving with his father, James Cronk, and his brothers, John and Caspar, at Sackett's Harbor. There he served forty days as a private, assisting in the construction of barracks. In November 1814, he was honorably discharged from the service.  At the close of the war Mr. Cronk learned the trade of shoemaker, at which he gained a livelihood for many years. He was married in 1825 to Miss Mary Thornton, of Western, NY, and they lived together for sixty years on the old farm in this town. They had seven children. During the last years of his life Mr. Cronk received from the state of New York a special pension of $72 per month, in addition to the pension granted by the federal government to all survivors of the war of 1812. He was an honorary member of Fort Stanwix chapter, Sons of the Revolution, and also of the State and National chapters.  Under a resolution passed by the New York City board of aldermen in December of last year, the body of Mr. Cronk will lie in state in the City Hall there, and will be buried in Mount Victory, Cypress Hill Cemetery, in Brooklyn, where more than half a hundred of his fellow soldiers in the war of 1812 have been laid at rest.   [The Washington Post (Washington, DC) 18 May 1905]

 

New York, May 17 - The body of Hiram Cronk, who lived to be the last survivor of the war of 1812, was brought here today from Boonville, N.Y. and will be laid away in Cypress Hills Cemetery with full military honors. The funeral will be held tomorrow, and in the meantime the body will lie in state in City Hall. Accompanying the body were Mr. Cronk's three surviving sons and one daughter. They were Philander Cronk, eighty-one years old; William, seventy-two years old; John, sixty-six years old; and the daughter, Mrs. Sarah Rawley, seventy-one years old. As the funeral cortege moved from the Grand Central Station to the City Hall it afforded an imposing and unusual spectacle. Led by a police escort of mounted and foot officers, a detachment from the United States regular army, the Society of 1812, and the Old Guard, in uniform, came the hearse bearing the old warrior's body. Around it, in hollow square formation, marched the members of U.S. Grant Post, G.A.R. Then followed the Washington Continental Guard, of New York, and the Minutemen of Washington, D.C., the Army and Navy Union, and carriages with members of the Cronk family. Carriages with Mayor McClellan and members of the city government brought up the rear. The body will lie in state at the City Hall until tomorrow, when a second cortege will proceed to Cypress Hills Cemetery. The body will be buried in the Mount of Victory, where sixty other veterans of the war of 1812 have been laid at rest.  [The Washington Post (Washington, DC) 19 May 1905]

The remains of Harry C. Hugaboom who fell from a ladder some time ago while painting on the Reformatory building at Elmira and died from the result of his injuries, were brought to Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] Tuesday night, and Wednesday afternoon were interred in Green Lawn cemetery, Rev. C.D. Reed officiating.  The deceased was the son of Mrs. Harry Cooper, who lives upon Dr. Evans' farm in the western part of the town--Bainbridge Republican [Norwich Sun, Dec. 24, 1904]

At Marine Hospital, New Orleans, Sept. 6th, 1863, Willard F. Lewis, Co. C, 114th Reg., N.Y. Vols., aged 24 years.  The funeral services will take place at his mother's residence, 3 miles east of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, Oct. 25, at precisely 3 o'clock.  [Chenango Union, Oct. 21, 1863]

In Camp Hospital, at Folly Island, S.C., Sept. 19th, Lieut. Ira D. Jacobs, Co. I, 89th Reg. N.Y.S.V.  [Chenango Union, Oct. 21, 1863]

Marriages (March 28)

Doolittle-Courtney:  Miss Kathleen Courtney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Courtney, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], and Andress Doolittle, a former resident of this village, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Perry Doolittle, of Otego, were united in marriage Saturday night in Otego.  The ceremony was performed by rev. C.R. Mosher, pastor of the Baptist Church of that village.  Mrs. Doolittle is a graduate of the Sidney High School and is now employed at the silk mill.  Mr. Doolittle is employed at the Scintilla plant.  They are residing in East Main street, Sidney.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 16, 1936]

 

Vallert-Knapp:  Miss Myrtle Knapp, of Deposit [Delaware Co., NY], and Walter P. Vallert, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], were united in marriage at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Knapp, Saturday, by Rev. R.T. Edwards, pastor of the M.E. Church of Deposit.  Mr. Vallert is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Vallert, of Holyoke, Mass.  He is a graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, and is now employed at the Scintilla plant in Sidney.  Mrs. Vallert is known in this village where she was employed at the Bainbridge Hospital.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 16, 1936]

Eggleston-Drake:  Miss Doris Mae Drake, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] and Laurence Erford Eggleston, of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] were united in marriage Monday, March 30, at the home of the bride in Delaware street, Sidney.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. F.W. Cornell in the presence of immediate relatives.  The couple were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Clayton C. Wakeman, of Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 16, 1936]

Pierce-Gridley:  Miss Flora Gridley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Gridley, of Guilford [Chenango Co., nY], was united in marriage to Norman Pierce, Saturday evening, May 16, at the M.E. parsonage, the Rev. Z.T. Hall officiating.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 21, 1936]

BHS Class of 1934, Part 4

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1934

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1934

 

 

Melancton Hoyt

"Jester"

The actor, the clown,

The man about town.

He's witty, ambitious,

But not very studious

 

Beth Jacobs

"Shyness"

Bethie is a quiet one

With her lessons always done.

Never late, just on time;

We say, "How great, how fine!"

 

Betty Lord

"Absent minded"

Betty is a quiet maiden of wisdom,

Who likes jolly folk, and is always with them.

 

Velma Lord

"Sedate"

Sedate, sophisticated, but none the less,

She loves her fun with all the rest.

 

Bernard Lovejoy

"Short-stop"

Bernard is our baseball man

Who numbers many as his fans.

Is he good?  I'll say he's good,

And always right on hand.

 

Maurice McGinnis

"Happy-go-lucky"

Maurice is a good-natured fellow,

Who, when work is to be done,

Would not be called exactly mellow.



Marriages (March 27)

Sprague-Finch:  Charles Vernon Sprague, of Trout Creek [Delaware Co., NY], and Miss Winifred Finch, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], were united in marriage by Rev Ryan at Cannonsville, March 21.  Mrs. Sprague was a senior at the Bainbridge Central School.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 2, 1936]

 

Emple-Fox:  Miss Vivian M. Fox and Louis F. Emple, both of Seward, Schoharie county, N.Y., were united in marriage at the Methodist parsonage Sunday, March 29, by Rev. J.H. Dickerson.  They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Leslie King, of Cobleskill.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 2, 1936]

 

Bugbee-Teed:  Miss Thena Pauline Teed, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Teed, and Mr. Stuart Bugbee were united in marriage Saturday afternoon, April 4, in Susquehanna, Pa., by Justice of the Peace Joseph Williams.  Mr. and Mrs. Bugbee will reside in Johnson street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Bugbee is employed at the C.D. Dix market in this village.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 9, 1936]

 

Pross-Hardy:  Miss Mable McGehee Hardy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L.S. Hardy, of Reidsville, N.C. and William C. Pross, of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], were united in marriage March 15 at Fairlawn, N.J.  The ceremony was performed at the home of Mr. and Mrs. G.O. Gunderson by the mayor, Mr. Nicholas Kulken.  Mrs. Pross is a recent graduate of the Nursing School of the Patterson General Hospital, Patterson, N.J.  Mr. Pross is a department superintendent at the American Plastics plant.  Mr. and Mrs. Pross are residing near Twin Rivers inn, on Route 7.  They plan on leaving early in May for an extended European trip, visiting Mr. Pross' parents in Germany; also, to spend some time I Switzerland and Paris, returning the latter part of June.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 9, 1936]

 

Drury-Lewis:  Mrs. Margery Lewis of Belleville, N.J., and Mr. Howard Drury, of Utica, N.Y., were united in marriage at the Central Hotel, in this village, Saturday, April 4, at 5 p.m. by the Rev. G.H. Orvis. The couple were attended by Miss Viola Gregory, of Afton, a sister of the bride, and Lee M. Newell, of Bainbridge.  The bride was attired in a navy blue traveling suit and wore a corsage of roses and sweet peas.  The guests were Mrs. Mary Farnsworth and Mrs. Anna Teale, of Afton, Edward Partridge, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Scott Littlewood, Kenneth Littlewood and Mr. and Mrs. J.H Partridge.  Mr. Drury is well-known in this village, having for the past two years been general manager of the America Separator company.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 9, 1936]

 

Aylesworth-Davis:  Miss Geraldine Davis and Kenneth Aylesworth, both of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], were united in marriage at the River Street Baptist parsonage in Oneonta, Tuesday afternoon at 5 o'clock by Rev. L.C. Hawver.  The attendants were Miss Pauline LeSuer, of Bainbridge, and Frank Brown, of Afton.  [Bainbridge News & Republican,  Apr. 9, 1936]

 

Alger-Carvin:  Roger's Hollow [Otsego Co., NY]:  Miss Della Carvin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Carvin, who reside on the Idumea road, and Mr. Charles Alger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lavern Alger, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], were married Saturday evening at 8 o'clock by their pastor, Rev. Henry M. Vore, in the Friends parsonage.  The bride and groom were attended by the bride's brother, Elna Carvin, and Miss Adelaide DeForest.  Mrs. Alger has lived on the Idumea road all her life and has taken active part in the Friend's Church and Unadilla Grange, which is located in Rogers Hollow.  Mr. Alger has lived in this vicinity for several years.  They have the best wishes for health, happiness and prosperity, of the entire community.  They will make their home on a farm at Wellsbridge.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 16, 1936]

 

 

Obituaries (March 26)

Mrs. Mary Zwick Shelley, 76, widow of William Shelley, died Saturday, March 7, the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Tuttle, 1812 Jerome avenue, after an illness of 10 days.  Mrs. Shelley was a native of Germany and had lived in this country for more than 60 years.  After a residence in Carbondale, Pa., where she was a member of the Congregational Church, she moved to Saratoga Springs.  For the past seven years she had lived in Schenectady.  The funeral was Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. from the home with Rev. T.R. Bundy officiating.  The home was open Monday from 7 to 9 p.m.  Besides her daughter, she is survived by a son, George Shelley, of Fulton; a foster son, Ned Zwick, of Montrose, Calif.; two grandchildren, and two brothers, Charles Zwick, of Troy, and Fred Zwick, of Bainbridge.  Her husband died in 1910.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 19, 1936]

Word has been received here of the death of Mrs. Lucy Winston, 83, a former resident of the Winston farm on the east side of the river, Feb. 20, at Nyack, N.Y. [Rockland Co.].  Her body was placed in the vault in that town and will be brought to Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] for burial in the spring.  Mrs. Winston is survived by two children:  a son, Alford Winston, a jeweler in Herkimer and a daughter, Mrs. Fred Mergott, a sister-in-law of Mrs. Herbert Priest, of Newark, N.J.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar 19, 1936]

Eva R. Worden, 80, passed away at the Conamore Nursing Home, Bixby street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], Sunday March 29; the cause of death was heart trouble.  Mrs. Worden was born April 7, 1855, in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Davis.  During the latter part of her life she had resided in Bennettsville and had been visiting at the home of Mrs. Grace Monahan when taken ill.  She was transferred to the hospital, March 21.  The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the Colwell Chapel.  The Rev. B.H. Tite officiated.  Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  Surviving are two brothers, Herbert Davis, of Bainbridge, and Edgar Davis, of Bennettsville; also a nephew, Rev. Charles Davis of Metuchen, N.J.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 2, 1936]

Harry Von Bulow, of East Elmhurst, L.I., passed away Saturday evening at the Flushing Hospital as the result of injuries received in an automobile accident which occurred the previous evening when the car in which he was riding was struck at the intersection of 94th street and 30th avenue in that city.  He was taken from the wrecked car and rushed to the hospital where it was found that he had received a fractured spine and a broken neck.  Although he was given the best of medical and surgical aid, he failed to survive, death occurring twenty-three hours following the accident.  Mr. Von Bulow was well known in this village, where with Mrs. Von Bulow, he had been a frequent visitor at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hamlin, who had become very close friends through their several years of acquaintanceship, spending their vacations each year together and on many occasions spending the weekends either in Bainbridge or in East Elmhurst.  Mr. Von Bulow was a native of Denmark and had resided in East Elmhurst for the past fifteen years.  He was thirty years of age.  Surviving is his wife; a sister, Alice Orum; and two brothers, Hans and William, All residents of Long Island.  The remains were brought to this village Tuesday evening, where the funeral was held Wednesday morning at 10:00 o'clock at the chapel of Colwell Brothers, West Main street.  Father Frenchman, rector of St. Edwards Episcopal Church, New York city, officiated and interment was made in Greenlawn Cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 2, 1936]

Harriet Newton, 66, died at the Nursing Home in Elmira [Chemung Co., NY], April 3, of apoplexy, after an illness of about a year.  Miss Harriet Newton was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 8, 1870, daughter of Whitman and Cornelia Newton, whose home was where Dr. Danforth now resides.  Miss Newton gained part of her education at the Bainbridge Academy.  The family moved to Corning, N.Y., in 1844, where she completed her studies by attending business school.  She secured a position in the Second National Bank of Elmira, acting as secretary to the president for 41 years, retiring in 1931.  For several years Miss Newton was treasurer of Elmira College.  The burial service was held Sunday evening in Trinity Church, Elmira, with Rev. Hubbard officiating.  Burial was in St Peter's cemetery, Bainbridge, Rev. B.H. Tite officiating.  Surviving are a niece, Mrs. Cromwell Macintosh, of Buffalo, and a nephew, Whitman Newton, an attorney of New York city.  Mr. and Mrs. Whitman Newton and Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell Macintosh accompanied the remains to this village.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 9, 1936]

Allen L. Hodge, a lifelong resident of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], passed away Friday at the Bainbridge Hospital, death resulting from a shock.  Mr. Hodge was born June 30, 1863, at East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], the son of Homer and Fanny Brocket Hodge, and when only a small child, his parents moved to this village, where he has since resided.  For more than 30 years he worked as a machinist at the American Separator Company's plant, retiring in May, 1933, due to poor health.  He was a member of the Methodist church and also of Susquehanna Lodge, 167, F.&A.M.  Mr. and Mrs. Hodge celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in February at the home of their granddaughter, Mrs. L.L. Rogers, Sidney.  Surviving are his wife and a son, Homer Hodge, fo this village, and two grandchildren, Mrs. Llewellyn Rogers, of Sidney, and Sterling Hodge, of this village.  The funeral was held Sunday afternoon in the chapel of Colwell Brothers, West Main street, with Rev. Jesse Dickerson, pastor of the M.E. Church officiating.  Interment was made in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 9, 193
6]

Vallonia Springs [Broome Co., NY]:  Mrs. Charles Pinney died at her home here March 31, after a short illness of pneumonia.  She was 70 years of age and had been a lifelong resident of this place.  She was very highly respected and will be greatly missed by her family and circle of friends.  Her husband and one daughter, Mrs. Roy Cullen, of Bainbridge, survive her, also four grandchildren.  The funeral was held Friday at Bainbridge with interment in Glenwood Cemetery at Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 9, 1936]

Nicholas J. Sliter closed his earthly pilgrimage, in hope of a glorious immortality, at Mt. Upton [Chenango Co.,  NY], March 13th, 1874, aged 88 years, 7 months and 22 days.  Mr. Sliter opened his eyes for the first time to the lights and shadows of this inconstant world at Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY], July 21, 1785.  His mother was granddaughter of Rev. Mr. Johnson, a Presbyterian divine, who was the first settler in that village.  In 1778, just seven years previous to his birth, the famous Indian chief, Joseph Brandt, made a raid up the valley from Oquago, drove off the inhabitants, and made his headquarters for a time at what he called "Tunadilla."  His mother fled with the inhabitants to Cherry Valley for safety.  At the time of his birth, there was not a single inhabitant within the present limits of the town of Guilford. The whole country was an unbroken wilderness, in which wild beasts and savage Indians roved at large.  What wonderful changes have come over the face of nature, within the circle of his vision, since that day, and what changes have occurred among the different nations of the earth!  Then Washington, Napoleon, and George III, were alive and famous, together with many other celebrities who live now only in history.  In those days, boys were accustomed to toils and hardships, which imparted to them great strength and good health; and this may account in a great measure for the good constitution and long life of the departed octogenarian.  Mr. Sliter and his bereaved companion were united in marriage in 1819, almost fifty-five years ago; but as the closest unions must be broken up, and the strongest ties be severed, so they are separated at last by the cold river of death--but not long, for she will soon follow him to the land of spirits, where we fondly hope they may dwell in a union that shall never be broken up, and where partings never come.  She may truly say in the words of another--

"My latest sun is sinking fast,

My race is nearly run;

My strongest trials now are past,

My triumph is begun.:

Mr. Sliter embraced the religion of Christ in his nineteenth year, or nearly seventy years ago, and united with the Presbyterian Church at Sidney Plains.  He was a true and faithful member of that church until about twenty-five years since, when he changed his relation, and became a member of the M.E. Church at Rockdale.  He remained in this Church until death released him, and now has joined the Church triumphant in Heaven.  He was a faithful Christian at all times and in all places.  For a few years past he has not been able to take as active a part in public worship, as formerly, increasing infirmities rendering it necessary for him to tarry at home except in most pleasant weather.  But he found God at home, and served him most faithfully.  Several weeks since, learning that he was quite feeble, I called upon him, and in conversation found he was trusting fully in the grace and mercy of God, and he maintained this trust to the last moment.  When I saw him again, he was so weak as to be unable to converse even with his dearest friends, but when I sang and prayed with him, he lay quiet with the exception of an effort to raise his hands as if in devotion to God.  He no doubt had his reason to the last, and the last words he uttered to his son, William Sliter, were, "I'm happy!"  His feelings, could he have expressed them, would doubtless have been--

"I'm happy, I'm happy, O wonderous account,

My joys are immortal, I stand on the mount;

I gaze on my treasures and long to be there,

With Jesus and angels, my kindred so dear."

Thus the aged "man of God" lived and died, and now dwells in that "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."  For the last thirteen years he has resided with his son, William Sliter, where he found a pleasant home and kind treatment. His wants were all supplied, and during his last illness he received all the attention and care that a faithful son could bestow upon a parent.  God will bless and honor the love and care of children for their aged parents.  May his blessing rest upon the son and his family.  An affectionate husband, a kind father, a good neighbor, and a devoted Christian man, has gone from us.  May those that weep remember that their loss is his eternal gain.  May we all meet him again on the other side of the cold river.  Mt. Upton, March 13, 1874--S.W. Weiss.  [Chenango Union, Apr. 2, 1874]

Obituaries (March 26)

Mrs. Jessie Burton, wife of Fred Burton, passed away Sunday morning, Feb. 23, at her home on the lake road, Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Burton was the daughter of Jenny and Andrew Westcott and was born fifty-two years ago in the village of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Burton's death came as a great shock to her family.  Her passing was very sudden.  She was a devoted wife and mother, a quiet, unassuming woman, making many friends.  Surviving are the husband; two sons, Bruce, of Guilford, and Ralph, of Rome; an aged mother, Mrs. Jenny Westcott, of Oxford; two sisters, Mrs. Drew Murray, of Binghamton, Mrs. Wallace Stanton, of Oxford; and one brother, Otto Westcott, of Oxford.  Her entire married life, thirty-three years or more, have been spent on the Burton homestead, where she passed away.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from Seymour's Funeral Chapel in Oxford, the Rev. H.C. Whedon officiating.  Bearers were John Veit, William Miller, R.D. Ryan and Frank Hovey.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 5, 1936]

 

Mrs. Anna Beverly, 69, died at her home in Port Dickinson [Broome Co., NY], March 9, of heart trouble, after being in poor health for the past four months.  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon from her home, Rev Earl Smeich officiating.  Interment was in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney.  Colwell Brothers had charge of the arrangements.  Mrs. Beverly was born June 23, 1867, in Delmar [Albany Co., NY], a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey Jones.  George Beverly, her husband, passed on in 1920, while they were living in Union Valley.  Mrs. Beverly had lived in Port Dickinson for the past 12 years, coming to Union Valley for a vacation during the summers.  Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Emma L. Strevell, of Port Dickinson, and Mrs. Martha H. Ireland, of Albany; a brother, Alvin H. Jones, of Albany; also several nieces and nephews.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 12, 1936]

 

Miss Edna Saunders died at the home of Frank S. Wright, Kirby street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], with whom she had made her home for the last thirteen years, Monday, March 16.  During these years she has been a semi-invalid and the last three suffered from cancer.  Miss Saunders was born Oct. 9, 1854, in the town of Sanford [Broome Co., NY], daughter of Elisha T. and Elmira Lord Saunders, the oldest of nine children.  One sister, Mrs. Etta Randall, of Guilford, survives.  In Miss Saunders early life she came to Windsor [Broome Co., NY] and was a resident of that village for fifty years.  When a young girl she united- with the M.E. Church and was an active Christian, singing in the choir and teaching in the Sunday school for many years.  the funeral will be held this Thursday, March 19, at 2 p.m. at Colwell Bros. Chapel.  Her great-nephew, Rev. Fletcher Saunders, of Conklin Center will officiate.  Interment will be in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 19, 1936]

Don A. Gilbert, librarian of the Luzerne County Law and Library Association for many years, died suddenly March 4 at his home, 19 Third avenue, Kingston (Ulster Co., NY), following a heart attack.  He was born in Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY], March 13, 1870, the son of Don A. and Amelia Bixby Gilbert.  His father was one of the leading citizens of Bainbridge and held many offices, among them being that of postmaster to which he was appointed by President Grover Cleveland.  Mr. Gilbert spent his early life in Bainbridge but, after his marriage on June 6, 1893, to Emma Reese, a daughter of Thomas A and Sarah L. Reese, of Kingston, he came to Wyoming Valley where he has lived ever since.  He engaged in various vocations but the greater part of his life had been devoted to the Law and Library association of which he has been librarian of the courthouse for 27 years.  In that time Mr. Gilbert's unfailing courtesy and helpfulness to which were added an efficient understanding of legal reference work have won for him the friendship and respect of members of the Luzerne County Bar with whom he has come into close contact.  Mr. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Emma, and by two grandchildren, Falconer R. Gilbert and Don E. Gilbert, sons of the late Falconer Gilbert who died in January, 1933.  He is also survived by three brothers, Maurice B. Gilbert, of South Orange, Archibald F. Gilbert, architect of New York City, and Charles Gilbert, a Bishop of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine in New York City.  Funeral services were held at the home on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Interment was made at Dennison cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 19, 1936]

 

Civil War Soldiers Death Notices

Chenango Union, Oct. 14, 1863

 

At University Hospital, New Orleans, Sept. 12th of dropsy, Mr. Michel F. Coughlin, of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], a member of Co. K, 161st N.Y.S.V.  He had his discharge papers, and was on his way home.

 

At Court House Hospital, Baton Rouge, La., Sept. 11th, of chronic diarrhea, Mr. Samuel S. Sheldon, of East Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], a member of Co. K, 161st Regt.

 

At the Regimental Hospital, Brashaer City, La., on the 3d ult., Mr. Oscar F. Root, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 27.

 

At Folly Island, near Charleston, recently, Mr. Nathan Blencoe, of the 144th Reg. N.Y.S.V., formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.  He was a young man much respected, and his loss will be mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

 

At Annapolis, Md., Sept. 25, Mr. Albertus Kenyon, aged 23 years, a member of Co. H, 168th, N.Y.S.V.

 

At Lincoln Hospital, Washington, D.C., July 31st, of typhoid fever, George W. Ames, of North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], a volunteer in Co. A, 89th N.Y. Cavalry, aged 19 y'rs.  Few young men who give up their lives for their country, will be missed and mourned as George is.--He was indeed a true and noble boy.  Surrounded by all the obstacles that possibly could be thrown in his way, he had reached a position in society, upon which those on whom fortune had ever smiled might well look with envy.  Frank, truthful, with intellectual abilities of the first order, he would, had he lived, have stood high on the list of fame.  His noble spirit would not allow him to stay with us when traitors were striving against his dear country, and freely he gave his young life up at her altar.

"Mournfully, tenderly, solemn and slow,

Tears are bedewing the path as we go;

Kindred and strangers are weeping today,

A hero, a patriot, from earth passed away."



Harold Payne Retires as Postmaster, 1936

Harold L. Payne Will Complete 29 Years of Postal Service, Apr. 1

Bainbridge, Chenango County, NY

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 12, 1936

 

On April 1st, Harold L. Payne, postmaster in this village during the past 12 years, and for nearly thirty years connected with the local department, will transfer his authority to Mrs. Henrietta Fairbanks, who has been named acting postmaster to succeed him, thus ending temporarily, at least, a service with the government which he began when only a student in Bainbridge High School. 

 

Back in 1907 when Charles G. Norton held the office of postmaster, Harold was induced to accept a position as substitute clerk, and for a short time acted in that capacity.

 

At that time the office was located in the block on West Main street known as the Willsey Block, and now occupied by Partridge's Meat Market, and the office only consisted of the postmaster, one regular clerk and a substitute.

 

After the completion of the town hall in 1909 the post office was moved into the new building and an increase in the business required an additional clerk, which appointment was given to Mr. Payne.

 

He continued his clerkship through the Wilson administration, working under Ira B. Cushman, postmaster, and then on March 1, 1924, he received his first appointment as postmaster from President Coolidge and has continued at the head of the local office since then, handling the affairs of the government in a most efficient and trustworthy manner, never shirking a duty, in fact, taking upon himself more of the active work of the office than most postmasters are in the habit of doing.

 

During that time his courtesy to the public, his thoughtful assistance in handling business transactions and his desire to please the public and increase the efficiency of the office, has made him a most valuable employee, and his many friends and associates regret his leaving--but such is the result of political patronage, and to the victor, belongs the spoils. 

 

Mrs. Fairbanks, who has received the appointment, has resided in Bainbridge since 1912, and is no doubt qualified to take over the office, and she will have the assistance of a valuable staff of clerks who have received their training in this office, for many years being associated with Mr. Payne.

 

Many business changes have taken place in the post office since its establishment more than a century ago, and the records show a steady growth until 1925.  At that time it had apparently reached the peak and since then the receipts had fallen off a bit, but not in sufficient amount to change the classification which it first received in 1910.

 

During the 118 years it has been established there have been only 18 postmasters.  A complete list of appointments follows:

 

Postmaster                                  Date of Appointment

John C. Clarke..................................Feb. 28, 1818

Moses G. Benjamin..........................Mch. 14, 1827

J.B Clarke.........................................Feb. 11, 1833

Dexter Newell..................................Apr. 1, 1837

A.J. Owens.......................................Apr. 14, 1849

S.L. Banks........................................June 23, 1853

Simeon Shepard...............................Nov. 5, 1853

Hiram Schrom..................................Oc.t 17, 1858

E.R. Van Horne...............................Mch. 30, 1861

T.R. Hollister...................................Dec. 13, 1864

B.S. Sill............................................Mch. 29, 1869

John W. Cudworth...........................Sept. 1, 1873

T.T. Nichols.....................................Mch. 21, 1877

Don A. Gilbert.................................May 28, 1886

A.D. Payne.......................................Aug. 29, 1894

Charles G. Norton............................June 15, 1899

Ira B. Cushman................................Aug. 22, 1915

Harold L. Payne...............................Mch. 1, 1921

 

 





100th Aniversary of West Bainbridge Baptist Church, 1944

Anniversary of West Bainbridge Baptist Church, 1844 - 1944

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 30, 1944

 

A Brief History

 

March 19, 1844, about 43 residents in Bainbridge and vicinity convened at the Little Red School House at West Bainbridge to be organized into a church known as the Second Baptist Church. 

 

The council organized by choosing Brother L. Peck, moderator, and Brother A. Guy, clerk, a prayer by Elder A. Parker.  Delegates from the churches comprising the council called for and were present as follows:  Second Baptist Church, Guilford, Brothers Elam Yale, Stephen, Joel and Uriah Yale; Baptist Church, Coventry, Elder A. Parker.  Brothers Elijah Hinman and Oliver Parker; Baptist Church, South Bainbridge, Elder L. Peck, Brothers Mory Caswell, Eli Seeley and B. P. Cady.  Brother L. Peck gave the hand of fellowship; Elder A. Guy gave the charge and Elder A. Parker preached from Isaiah 41:14-18.  The first meeting thereafter was held March 30, the same year in the school house as a covenant meeting.  Brother U. Post was appointed moderator and Brother Ruben C. Fosbury was first clerk.  At this meeting Brothers Stephen and Fosbury were appointed a committee to confer with the church at South Bainbridge relative to obtaining Elder Peck part time for the coming year.  Therefore Elder Peck was the first pastor, with 43 members.  Polly Holcum was the first member taken in by letter.

 

July 6, 1844, a meeting was called and measures were taken to build a church, 30x50 feet, without steeple, which was accomplished.  Sept. 14, 1844, covenant meeting as usual.  Our petition to the Chenango Baptist Association was received and granted.  At one of the association meetings, held in the church Sept. 8, 1892, the following churches were represented:  Afton, Bainbridge, Second Bainbridge, Coventry, Earlville, Greene, Norwich, South New Berlin, Oxford, Plymouth, Smyrna, Triangle, East Pharsalia, Masonville and Sidney.  Feb. 7, 1872, a special meeting was pursuant to call the trustees to take measure for building horse sheds.  They voted to lease more ground of Tom Nichols for same.  Committee who acted with the trustees on this were:  Henry Loomis, Philander Loomis and Henry Nichols.  Sheds were later built and repaired when necessary until they were no longer needed. 

 

Jan. 14, 1893, a covenant meeting held with good attendance, Committee to see about building onto the church for prayer meeting room and belfry.  This was done later in the year and a bell erected, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Norman T. Loomis.  They also presented the stepping stone which says Baptist on it, as they were quite necessary in horse and buggy days.  Mr. and Mrs. Loomis also left property as did Mrs. Sheldon Hopkins, a sum of $500.00 to the church.

 

The church grew and a revised membership in August, 1881 to 1894 of 70.  The pastors' names down through the ages were as follows:  Revs. J. Hendrick, Virgil, Seymour, Vanhorne, Balcum, M.L. Bennett, B.A. Russell, L.B. Yale, M.N. Everts, A.H. Hamlin, D.B. Collins, E.M. Blanchard, G.W. Abrams, E.T. Jacobs, D.C. Haynes, D. Reese and the Rev. N. Ripley closed in 1890.  Revs. Morey, F.M. Spooner and W.W. DesAntels, 1893.  Sept. 22, Rev. E.F. Benjamin was engaged and moved with his family into our midst with church service at 11 o'clock and evening service.  He received the sum of $300.00 a year and donations.  At the next meeting Rev. Benjamin and wife united with the church.  Dec. 14, 1895, Rev. James Watrous received a call, salary $3.50 a Sunday and donations.  In 1898 Rev. Carter was called, a salary of $4.00 a Sunday and driven to and from the station when the weather was such that he couldn't walk.  Sept. 30, 1899, Rev. Hill, of Afton, supplied until Rev. C.D. Reed was called, salary $2.00 a Sunday and donations.  After five years of successful work, there was a balance on hand, with all expenses paid, of $24.00.  Then Rev. H.T. Hill was called and was with us until Aug. 25, 1912, after five years of acceptable service.  Students then supplied, the principal one being Rev. C.W. Halsey, who became the settled pastor at Bainbridge and here, June 1913.  Sept. 12, 1915 Rev. Halsey, much to our regret closed his labors with us.  His influence with the young people was great, several of whom he baptized into the church.  Oct. 1, 1915, Rev. Almeron H. Merrell was called as pastor.

 

The Rev. Robert Stratton, of Oxford, supplied Oct. 6 and 13, 1918.  No more services were held until spring of 1919, when Rev. C.B. Allnatt was called and closed his labors as pastor Dec. 12, 1922, after three and one-half years of faithful service.  He was instrumental in having the church painted in the summer of 1922, giving liberally of his time and money for the purpose.  No services the following winter.  Giles Cummings, a student, conducted services through the spring, then Carl Bartle, of Oxford, from June 24, 1923, until Sept. 16.  The Rev. Roswell Whitman began his services with the church the last Sunday in September 1923.

 

The Church and Sunday School grew in number and faith, working in perfect harmony.  Rev. Whitman received $5.00 a Sunday.  Owing to ill health, Rev. Whitman discontinued his labors with us in the late fall of 1929, passing on to his reward in March 1930.  A student then supplied for a time, hired by Rev Whitman.

 

In 1931, Rev. Lester Huxtable, of Afton, filled the pulpit.  Then Rev. William Adams, of Afton was called.  A student, Ralph Randall, came through the summer months.  He since has been ordained and has a charge in Delhi.  After this, students came off and on until early spring when the church was closed.  During this time a new roof of shingles was put on this same building and paid for. Then on May 19, 1940, G. Louis Jones, of Bible Baptist Seminary, of Johnson City, came to us. During his pastorate he was ordained in the church.

 

We have accomplished much, the church being newly painted and papered, electric lights installed, new song books, etc.  Under his leadership we have taken in 35 new members.  The work is still progressing with a building fund started for parsonage.  Rev. Jones is still on the field.  During this time the church withdrew from the Northern Baptist Association because of its modernistic doctrine and joined the Association of Regular Baptist churches of Binghamton and vicinity.  We have good attendance at church and Sunday school, evening services and prayer meetings, also young people's meeting with children taking part in an amazing way.  And with the help of God we expect to continue on in His blessed work until we are all called to that heavenly home not made with  hands, eternal in the heavens.

 

Mrs. Ellis Ingersoll, Clerk.

 

 

 



 



Marriages (March 25)

Edith Sorg Bentley, of Ridgefield Park, N.J., has been awarded a divorce from Charles D. Bentley, of Binghamton, N.Y. [Broome Co.].  The hearing took place before Advisory Master N. Demarest Campbell, in Chancery Court, Hackensack, N.J., on Jan. 28, 1936.  The case was uncontested.  Mr. William DeLorenzo, Hackensack lawyer, represented the petitioner.  Mrs. Bentley is a former resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], having been employed in the office of the America Separator Company, as stenographer, for several years.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 6, 1936]

 

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  A very pretty wedding took place last Saturday afternoon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Sweet in Greenlawn avenue, when their only daughter [Dorothy] became the wife of Carlton Babcock.  The house had been made very attractive with sweet peas, gladiola and ferns.  A large white wedding bell was suspended in the archway between the parlor and reception hall, and here at four o'clock the happy couple took their places and were united in marriage by their pastor, Rev. Clarence Carman in the presence of their own immediate families.  The bride was charming in a dress of yellow chiffon, with hat and shoes to match and carried an arm bouquet of white roses.  Her attendant, Miss Thelma Lyon was in yellow organdie with hat and shoes to match, and carried an arm bouquet of white gladiola.  Donald Loudon attended the groom.  A reception followed the ceremony, and a luncheon was served the guests.  Mr. and Mrs. Babcock left for a short wedding trip, after which they will be at home in Greenlawn avenue [Bainbridge, NY].  Mr. Babcock is a valued employee of the Research Laboratories, and popular with a host of people.  Mrs. Babcock is a most charming young lady and has conducted a beauty shop for some time. Their many friends extend congratulations and best wishes.  [Norwich Sun, July 30, 1931]

 

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Artistic floral decorations and soft lighting effects introduced in the appointments of the wedding of Miss Bertha Maude Davis and Leon Copley Rhodes at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.B. Davis, North Main street, at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, made the affair a most pleasing social event.  While the wedding was simple and informal the rooms were made doubly charming by a profusion of flowers and greenery, the color scheme in the parlors being green and white and in the dining room pink and white with candles to carry out the charming effect of the arrangement.   The crowning effect of the decorations was achieved in the front parlor where the ceremony took place under the outspreading leaves of an immense palm, while a tastily arranged bank of ferns and flowers were placed about and beneath.  Miss Addie Hill rendered most beautifully Lohengrin's wedding march, and continued to play softly during the impressive ceremony after which she played Mendelssohn's march, while the couple received the hearty congratulations of friends.  The ring ceremony was chosen and was performed by Rev. Frank James, pastor of the M.E. church of this village.  the bride's gown was an exquisite hand embroidered net robe with bead trimmings over white messaline, cut with round neck and half sleeves.  She carried a bouquet of white roses.  The going away suit was a simple but elegant navy blue.  Following the ceremony a dainty five-course luncheon was served to the guests numbering about fifty, relatives of the bridal couple.  At the bride's table in the dining room were seated the bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. F.B. Davis, Mrs. W.A. Rhodes and Rev. and Mrs. Frank James.  The gifts were many and beautiful, including cut glass, hand painted china linen, silver and $100 in money.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes are graduates of the Bainbridge High school.  Mrs. Rhodes is a talented musician, while Mr. Rhodes is a rising young lawyer of the firm of Newell & Rhodes of Binghamton.  They left in an automobile taking with them the best wishes of many admiring friends.  After a short wedding trip they will be at home at 37 Oak street, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY].  [Norwich Sun, July 3, 1911]

 

 

Obituaries (March 25)

Ward Randall passed away Sunday afternoon, Feb. 9, at his home in Ives Settlement [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY] after an illness of many months of heart trouble and asthma.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 13, 1936]

 

The passing of Ward V. Randall occurred Sunday, Feb. 9, at 11:30 a.m.  He was born Oct. 1, 1888, in the town of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], the son of Etta and Delos Randall.  When a boy, he moved to Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] with the family.  He was married to Miss Mabel J. Ray, daughter of Amy and Edward Ray, of Liberty, in 1910.  The greater part of his life was spent in Guilford and for the past 17 years he had been a successful farmer in Ives Settlement.  His favorite trade was carpenter work.  He was ambitious and industrious, making it very hard for him to give up.  He ceased activities in 1934 because of his continued ill health.  The last three months of his life were very depressing, his illness necessitating his confinement, and death came as a release from intense suffering.  Surviving are the widow and six children, Gerald, Dorothy, Carl, Orison, Inez and Stanley; his mother, Mrs. Etta Randall; a sister, Jenny, all of them from Guilford, a half-sister, Mrs. LaVerne Butts, of Connecticut; several nieces and nephews, and an aged aunt, Miss Edna Saunders, of Bainbridge.  He was affiliated with the M.E. Church in his home town for many years.  Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. from the Colwell Bros Chapel in Bainbridge, the Rev. Leon Bouton officiating. The remains were placed in the vault to await burial in the spring.  The bearers were Clinton Burlison, Everett Shapley, Stuart Ives and Lewis Ives.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 20, 1936]

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Nancy Emeline Robinson quietly passed away Sunday morning, Feb. 16, at her home on Depot street after several years of intense suffering.  In 1931 she suffered a stroke which left her left side paralyzed and since then she has not walked, only being able to get around in a chair.  She was the daughter of Franklin Benjamin and Emeline (Huntley) Robinson, having been born in the town of Guilford on Gospel Hill June 23, 1860, on the farm which was owned by the Robinson family for over 70 years, her parents coming here from Cortland.  Practically her whole life had been spent in Guilford.  She was the fifth of a family of six children, David Jerome, Lucy Ella, Henry, William, herself and Adrian Tisdale.  The first four have preceded her to the rest eternal.  She was a member of the Guilford M.E. Church having been brought to the Savior when a young girl, under the pastorate of Rev. Ira B. Hyde of the Guilford church.  The writer of this brief sketch, a brother, will leave others to express the value in which Nancy was held among her neighbors and friends.  As a sister, her memory will be a lasting and recedicent treasure, never to be forgotten.  The pastor spoke a splendid message from Romans 8:10, the words of which were so great a comfort to her.  "The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us."  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from Seymour's chapel in Oxford, Rev. Leon Bouton officiating.  The body will be placed in the vault at Oxford, awaiting burial in the early spring in the family plot in Sunset Hill cemetery, Guilford  beside her parents and loved ones, those who survives are one brother, Adrian Tisdale, of Guilford; two nieces, Mrs. Ella Barstow of Binghamton and Mrs. Emma Whaley of Johnson City, and several great nieces and nephews.  To the brother, Adrian, the entire community extends most sincere sympathy in his loss.  Sister and companion, they have weathered the storms of life together, sharing with each other its joys and vicissitudes.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 20, 1936]

 

Henry Mills, aged 71 years, passed away last Friday in Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY].  Mr. Mills will be remembered by many local residents as having lived here [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] about thirty years ago.  He at one time conducted the Park Hotel and later remodeled the block now occupied by Colwell Bros., into the Mills Hotel.  Mr. Mills is survived by two sons, Louis D. Mills, of Detroit, Mich., and Dr. H.L. Mills, of Burlington, Vt., and a sister, Mrs. F.E. Hine, of Binghamton.  Funeral services were conducted in Binghamton, Sunday.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 20, 1936]

 

The funeral of Robert E. Fowler, 77 years old, who died Saturday evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Clarence Eldred, in Afton, was held Tuesday afternoon at her home, the Rev. B.H. Tite officiating.  Interment was in Glenwood Cemetery, Afton.  Mr. Fowler, with the exception of three years, which he spent in this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], where he conducted a blacksmith shop, had spent most of his life in Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  Surviving are a son, George Fowler, of Johnson City, and two daughters, Mrs. Fred Newman, of Bainbridge, and Mrs. Clarence Eldred, of Afton.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 5, 1936]

 

The funeral of Mrs. Ervin Greek, 75 years old, of Conklin Center [Broome Co., NY], who died Saturday evening at the Binghamton State Hospital, was held from the William R. Chase Funeral Home in Binghamton, Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Theodore J. Dewees officiating.  Burial was in Conklin Center.  Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Grace Butler; a sister, Mrs. Hattie Willman; two grandsons, Lawrence and Charles Butler, of Binghamton; a granddaughter, Mrs. Austin Harris, of Detroit, Mich., and several nieces and nephews.  She was a member of Christ Church.  Mr. and Mrs. Greek and family were residents of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] about 35 years ago.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 5, 1936]

Mrs. Victoria Mae Proutey, 85, passed away at the Bainbridge Hospital, Friday, Feb. 28, where she has been with her daughter, Mrs. Ethel Hodge, for the past ten months.  Her death was caused by heart trouble, after having been in poor health for the past two years.  Mrs. Proutey was born in the town of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 10, 1851, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Israel Bennett.  She for many years resided in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] and later with her brother, Riley Bennett, in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].  The funeral was held Sunday, March 1, at Colwell Brothers' Chapel, with Rev. M.D. Lowen officiating.  Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  Surviving are one brother, Riley Bennett; a daughter, Mrs. Ethel Hodge, and a son, Earl Proutey, of Binghamton; besides many nieces, nephews and grandchildren.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 5, 1936]

Monday afternoon on December 9th Willie Newell and Fred Nearing were out rabbit hunting on the farm formerly owned by William Smith on the eastern border of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  They were on the back end of the farm and a mile or more from the road.  Nearing was out in the open field sitting on a stump while Newell went into the woods to start the game.  While there he heard the report of a gun and some one hallow.  He immediately went where Nearing was and found him lying on the ground bleeding profusely.  He said, "I am shot."  Newell ran to Andrew Fleming's house, for help and when they returned he was dead.  It is thought while getting off the stump he caught the trigger of the gun, discharging the contents into the lower part of the body near the right hip.  Coroner Harris of Norwich was summoned, and deemed an investigation unnecessary.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. G.G. Perrine.  Interment was made in Garrettsville [Otsego Co., NY], his native home.  Deceased has lived for several years with Alanson Ferris, was about 30 years of age.  He was at one time a teacher in our village school.  [Guilford Mail, Jan. 1902]

Leander S. Law died at the Oxford Hospital Sunday morning, Feb. 1, at 6 o'clock.  Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church in Preston Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 1 o'clock.  He was born in Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] March 19, 1842, but had lived many years in Preston [Chenango Co., NY].  His wife, Phoebe Esther Law died six years ago.  Mr. Law is survived by his two sons, Bert N . Law, and Adon S. Law, both of Preston, and the following grandchildren:  Leslie Law, Marion Money, Morris Law, Harriet Law, Guerdon Law, Lillian :Law, Newton Law and Florian Law.  The departed was one of the reliable business men of Preston, a mainstay and supporter of the M.E. church of which he had been a member for a long time and his vacant pew in the church will cause sorrow in the hearts of many friends.  In politics he was affiliated with the Democratic party, but always sought to support by his vote the candidate best qualified for office.  [Norwich Sun, Feb. 2, 1925]

Thomas Cahill, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] died at Brooklyn, N.Y., on Sunday.  He is survived by a brother and sister in Ireland and one brother in Utica and several nieces and nephews.  He was in the habit of visiting at the home of her brother-in-law, Patrick Scanlon, of Gold street, and spent his last vacation here {Norwich, NY].  Remains will be brought to this city and taken to the undertaking rooms of Lawrence & Devine, from where the funeral will be held. Arrangements will be made at a later date.  [Norwich Sun, Feb. 2, 1925]

The death of Sylvester Humphrey occurred at his residence in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th of November, aged 77 years, after a short but decisive illness.  Mr. Humphrey came from Greene County to Guilford, nearly thirty years ago and became identified with the building of the Oxford and Butternuts Turnpike Road of which he at a later day became the sole owner.  He possessed to a marked degree sterling integrity, together with an indomitable fixedness of purpose, which characteristics attended every transaction of his life.  He early connected himself with the Democratic party, to the principles and interests of which he ever maintained an undeviating adherence.  He had held the office of Supervisor of his town, as well as other minor offices, within the gift of his townsmen.  He lived to see grown to manhood a large and intelligent family, most of whom had become settlers in the distant South and West.  [Chenango Union, Dec. 16, 1863]