Obituaries (April 12)

Miss M. Laura Gifford, teacher in Chenango Co. schools for more than 30 years, with 15 years' service in the schools of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], died at the Chenango Memorial Hospital, Sunday morning, after a brief illness of pneumonia.  Born in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], June 18, 1880, she graduated from the Oxford Academy after which she taught in Oxford and Guilford before coming to Norwich.  At the time she was taken ill she was a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, captain of John Harris Chapter of the D.A.R., and the Norwich Teachers Association.  Funeral services were held from Emmanuel Church Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock the rector, Rev. S.S. Charters officiating.  Burial was in Riverview Cemetery, Oxford.  The survivors are two sisters, Mrs. George Holcomb, of Norwich, and Miss Bertha Gifford, of Oxford, one brother, Eugene Gifford, of Oxford. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 3, 1938]

 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Caroline Markert, widow of the late John Markert, passed away at her home at Guilford Center, at 4 o'clock Sunday morning, Jan. 30.  Death was due to cerebral apoplexy.  Mrs. Markert was born Sept. 21, 1852, at Fort Plains, the daughter of Catherine (Glanser) Beck and Conrad Beck.  Her parents were both born in Germany.  She has spent many years in the home, where she died.  Previous to her home there she lived with her husband in Guilford, his business being a blacksmith.  She was a kindly neighbor.  Although the last years of her life were spent much alone, her friends always rallied around her.  Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. George Schleeke, of Sidney, and Mrs. Vina Endter, of Syracuse, and three granddaughters, Mrs. Nellie Morse, Mrs. Anita Manning and Mrs. Florence Higgins, all of Syracuse  due to extreme ill health Mrs. Endter was unable to attend the final rites for her mother.  Services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Carr & Hare funeral chapel in Sidney, Rev. J.W. Bump officiating.  Committal in Sunset hill Cemetery, Guilford.  Beautiful floral tributes testified that Mrs. Markert had many friends to grieve her passing.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 10, 1938]

 

After a short illness George Nichols passed away at his home below the village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] Thursday, February 3.  He was born in the town of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] in April, 1857, on the original Nichols Homestead which had been settled by his great grandfather, James.  He lived at North Afton and was well known as a good farmer, Jersey breeder and had a very fine herd.  Married to Frances Pearce in January, 1879, who survives, five children were born to them.  Three are still surviving, Leo, who resides on the farm below the village, Aldyth, the wife of a Lutheran pastor in Atlantic, Iowa, and Eric, of Binghamton; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  Mr. Nichols moved form the North Afton home to the present farm in Bainbridge in 1910.  A nervous breakdown impaired his health, and he retired from active work, but kept busy with lighter occupations.  He was known to all as a genial visitor, well read in all lines, a lover of his country, and much interested in genealogy.  He was very proud of the fact that his children could join many historical societies and that Charlemagne and William the conqueror were in the branches of the family tree.  Mr. Nichols will be missed by a large circle of acquaintances, but all will feel that he had lived a useful life and his work had been well done.  Funeral services were held in the Colwell brothers chapel Sunday afternoon, with Rev. G.N. Underwood officiating.  Burial was in the family plot in the North Afton cemetery, where members of the family have been buried for the last century and a half.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 10, 1938]

 

Edward B. Lawrence, died at his home on the Bainbridge-Sidney highway, last Wednesday, February 2, after an illness of about a year's duration.  The deceased was born in Devines Corners, Sullivan County on September 23, 1874, the son of Thomas and Florine Potter Lawrence.  He was married to Mabel Smith of Monticello, on April 8, 1908.  Moving to Bainbridge in 1913, Mr. Lawrence had been occupied with his farm north of the village until about three years ago, when poor health forced him to retire from active work.  Besides his wife, there survive two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Harry Anderson of Otego, Mrs. Leonard Hotaling of Liberty, Gilbert Lawrence of Liberty and Riley Lawrence of Devines Corners, and several nieces and nephews.  Private funeral services were held form the home Saturday, Feb. 5th with Rev. G.H. Orvis officiating.  The four nephews of the deceased were the bearers, Robert and Charles Anderson, and Delwin and John Lawrence.  Interment was made in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], with a prayer service at the grave.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 10, 1938]

 

James Hall, aged 67 years, died at his home on the Guilford-Oxford road early Monday morning, after a week's illness of pneumonia.  It was the third time that he had been afflicted with this disease.  Funeral services were held  Wednesday morning in St. .Joseph's  Church with  Rev.. Dennis  F. Lyons officiating, with burial in St. Agnes Cemetery Utica [Oneida Co., NY].  Mr. Hall was born in the town of Edwards, N.Y. April 22, 1869.  He was united in marriage to Helen McGarry, who together with four daughters and three sons survive.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 17, 1938]

 

Dr. Charles Bassett, 76, a resident of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] for 40 years, passed away at the Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, on February 19th, from pneumonia.  Dr. Bassett who had practiced dentistry in Sidney was well known in Bainbridge.  Funeral services were conducted at Sidney, Monday afternoon, followed by interment at Cobleskill.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 24, 1938]

 

On Saturday evening last, a distressing calamity occurred at Alderbrook, about 3 miles south of this village [Eaton, Madison Co., NY], by which three persons lost their lives.  On that evening a little after 6 o'clock, Mr. Coonrod Betts, foreman of the Alderbrook Woolen Factory, went out upon the factory pond in a small boat, for pleasure; but being hailed by his daughter, aged about 12 years, he ran ashore and took her into the boat and returned to the middle of the pond.  Soon after this Miss Genie Tousley, aged nearly 17 years, a beautiful girl, and only daughter of Edwin Tousley, expressed a wish to join the boating party, and was allowed to enter the boat.  After reaching the deepest water of the pond, one of the young ladies were seen to stand upright in the boat and in an instant afterwards fell overboard, capsizing the boat and carrying it beyond the reach of any of its recent occupants.  No help was at hand, and none of the drowning party could swim; but Mr. Betts was seen to struggle manfully for life, and appeared to be assisting one of the girls.  Soon, however all disappeared, and the bodies were not recovered until nearly three hours after the sad occurrence.  Mrs. Tousley was an eye-witness, from her door, of the capsizing of the boat; and although suffering untold anxiety, did not lose her presence of mind, and seemed to be the first to recommend a rational attempt to save the lives of the party.  but no means of reaching the party were at hand, and she was compelled to give up the child whom she loved better than her own life.  Mrs. Betts did not witness the terrible scene, but when informed of the loss of her husband and daughter, swooned, and on Monday morning (our last intelligence) had not returned to consciousness, and it was feared she could not survive the terrible shock.  The funeral of the victims of this lamentable calamity took place yesterday.  Mr. Betts was in his 39th year, and left two surviving children.  [Chenango Union, May 29, 1872]

 

Henry A. Clark's Coach Attracts Much Attention, 1938

Century-old Coach Attracts Much Attention on Village Streets

Former Conveyance of the late Hon. Henry A. Clark

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1938

 

The pages of time were turned back many chapters Saturday afternoon, January 29th, 1938, when ladies appeared on the village streets in quaint, old-fashioned costumes and a century-old coach picked its way through the motor congested business district.  The occasion for this return to the past was a tea give by the active members of the Recreation Club in honor of the charter members at the home of Mrs. Robert White.

 

The charter members made a sweet, old-fashioned picture in their gay ninety gowns and their quaint corsages which were presented to them at their entrance.  Members who were honored at this tea were Mrs. Elliott Danforth, Mrs. F.A. Demeree, Miss Betty Dunham, Mrs. Kenneth Eldred, Mrs. Leigh Evans, Mrs. Helene Landon, Mrs. Harrison Nelson, Miss Margaret Skinner and Miss Charlah Ireland.

 

During the afternoon, bridge and dominoes were played, Mrs. Otto Jensen being awarded high prize for bridge and Mrs. Wesson Packer high prize for dominoes.  At the close of the afternoon Miss Betty Dunham and Mrs. F.A. Demeree, second and third presidents of the Club, presided at the tea table which was prettily decorated for the occasion with flowers and candles.

 

The coach which was used as a conveyance for the costumed members Saturday, is estimated to be about a hundred years old.  It was used in the service of the Grand Central Hotel at Saratoga Springs in which the former Hon. Henry A. Clark of this village was then interested.  About sixty years ago it was driven to Bainbridge after which it was used by Mr. Clark's family. A fine pair of bay horses and a gold plated harness made it one of the most impressive equipage sin this locality.  George Aylesworth, former liveryman, also used the coach for special wedding and funeral purposes.  The interior, upholstered in brown satin, is still in a remarkable state of preservation.

 

Maurice Colwell and Harrison Nelson as driver and footman and escorted by Officer Coulter, called for the special guests.  Driver Nelson and Footman Colwell smoking their heavy stokers and seated with great dignity on the coach box, were dressed in attire suitable to the age of the coach.

 

Many local camera fans and even strangers driving through town, armed with both moving and box cameras, stopped their regular routine to get pictures of these century scenes.

 

Mrs. Haskell Moats was general chairman for the tea with Mrs. Lloyd Johnson as helping hostess. Assisting committees included, tables and prizes, Mrs. Millard Howland; refreshments, Mrs. S.E. Health, chairman, Mrs. Otto Jensen, Mrs. Wilbur Lee and Mrs. Lloyd Johnson.

 

 

 

 

 



Marriages (April 12)

The following account of the wedding of Prof. George H. Kingsbury, of this village, and Miss Susie T. Oakley, of New York, taken from one of the city papers, will be read with interest by the many friends of both parties in this vicinity:  "The Centenary M.E. Church, Washington avenue and 166th street was beautifully decorated and crowded to its utmost capacity on Wednesday evening, the 24th inst., when the pastor's daughter, Miss Susie Teresa Oakley and Prof. George H. Kingsbury were married.  Prof. P.L. Thomas, the organist of the church, presided at the organ.  The parties entered the church escorted by the ushers, Messrs. Henry S. Terrill, of Rahway, N .J., Benjamin B. Gilmour, John Fulton Jr., and William R. Hitchcock, of New York.  The ushers were followed by Master John G. Baragwanath, of Yonkers, the page, and Miss Margretta Martin, of Hartford, flower girl.  Then came the maid of honor, Miss Ida Augusta Oakley, sister of the bride.  She was dressed in a gown of light blue silk trimmed with chiffon, and she carried a bouquet of yellow chrysanthemums.  The groom was escorted to the altar by the best man, Prof. Guy H. Baskerville, of Cornwall on the Hudson.  The bride, in a gown of white satin on train and veil of tulle, was escorted to the altar by her father, the Rev. John G. Oakley, D.D., who performed the ceremony, assisted by the Rev. Bishop Edward G. Andrews, L.L.D.  Presiding Elder Elias S. Osbon, D.D., Rev. Dr. T.H. Baragwanath, brother-in-law, and Rev Charles S. Oakley, brother of the bride.  The happy couple stood beneath a beautiful floral bell from which at the close of the ceremony a shower of flowers fell upon the bride and groom.  There was a large reception at the Centenary parsonage on Washington avenue immediately after the marriage ceremony.  The bride and groom after a tour to Niagara and other places of interest will reside in Binghamton."  [Notation:  Nov. 1897]

 

Wednesday, Nov. 3d, 1897, at 5:00 p.m., occurred the marriage of Miss Josephine M. Priest, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Priest, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], to Mr. Geo. E. Whitman of Morris, N.Y. [Otsego Co.], son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Whitman of Bainbridge.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J.T. Barber, of Walton, a life long friend of the bride and groom, assisted by the pastor of the Bainbridge Baptist church, Rev. J.E. Vassar.  George R. Greene, principal of Morris High school, acted as best man, and Miss Arlie Marsh made a charming bridesmaid.  The ushers were Maurice B. Gilbert, Louis D. Lindgren, Sterling F. Higley and William H. Fletcher. and the music was furnished by Miss Minnie VanCott.  The bride wore a gown of white silk, trimmed with white passamenterie on chiffon, moiré ribbon and rhinestone ornaments, and carried a bunch of roses.  The bridesmaid wore a light blue silk dress, trimmed with white lace and moiré ribbon, and also carried a bunch of roses.  The groom was attired in conventional black.  After the ceremony a reception was held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Priest, where the congratulations and good wishes were extended.  At 7:47 o'clock the couple left for an extended western trip, including Chicago, and other cities, after which they will be at home in Morris.  Mrs. Whitman has always been a resident of Bainbridge and is a graduate of Bainbridge high school where she has also been a member of the faculty for the past four years.  Mr. Whitman was educated in the village school, is a prominent Mason and Red Man, and at present holds the position of cashier in the Morris National bank.  The Express joins in the congratulations and good wishes for their future happiness. 

 

Fuller-Perry:  At the home of the bride, in Deposit [Broome Co., NY], Monday evening, May 2nd, at 8:30 o'clock, Mrs. M.E.J. Perry and Mr. Truman K. Fuller, were united in marriage by the Rev. D. Kendall Smith.  The ceremony was very quiet, being witnessed by only a few of the most intimate friends of the bride.   They left on the mountain Express for Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], where they will reside.  Mr. Fuller is a prominent attorney of Syracuse.  While joining in hearty congratulations, we realize that the removal of Mrs. Perry from our midst means the loss of one of the brightest members of our church and social life, and commend her to the people of her new home with the trust that she will be prized there as here.   [about 1898]

Married, Thursday evening, Sept. 22d [1898], at the home of the bride's parents, Rev. and Mr. J.N. Lee, at Great Bend, Pa., Mrs. Gertrude Lee-Evans to Herbert E. Priest, son of Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Priest of Bainbridge.  After a short wedding tour they will reside in Bainbridge.  Congratulations are extended. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. David W. Lewis, 22 St. James Place, Brooklyn, was the scene of a brilliant wedding on Thursday evening, Oct. 27 [1898].  The bride was their accomplished daughter, Miss Elizabeth Lewis, and the groom Mr. Fred D. Wilcox, of this place [Deposit, Broome Co., NY].  The officiating clergyman was Rev Dr. Nelson, pastor of the Memorial Presbyterian church.  The bride was attended by a maid of honor in the person of her sister, Miss Cornelia Lewis. The flower girl was Miss Evelyn Lewis, a niece of the bride.  The toilettes of the three ladies were exceedingly handsome, the bride's dress being of white satin, cut entraine, with trimming of duchess lace. The groom's best man was Rev. Dr. Liggett, of Deposit.  Upwards of 100 guests were present and among the number were parties from many prominent cities in the east and west.  The decorations were profuse, the prevailing colors being pink and white.  A reception and supper followed the ceremony; both were notable features of the event.  The gifts received by the bride were elaborate, many pieces of solid silver and gold-lined ware being especially noticeable for richness and elegant design.  Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox left on a night train for Washington.  Their wedding tour includes, besides that city, a few days sojourn in Philadelphia and Richmond, Va.  They reach Deposit, the last of the week and will find many friends ready to welcome and extend congratulations.  Mrs. Wilcox has been the guest of Deposit friends frequently during the past two years, and is quite well known in social circles.  Everybody in this section is acquainted with the groom.  Fred has been associated with the business interests of the town for several years, and all classes, from the enthusiastic small boy who watches him on the ball field, to the solid business man, will certainly congratulate him on the result of his recent "Match" game. 

At the home of the bride, on Main street, at eight o'clock last evening, in the presence of a few intimate friends and relatives, Mrs. Aliph Taylor and Mr. James T. Burrows were united in marriage by Rev. Dr. G.A. Liggett.  All Deposit congratulates.  [Notation:  Mar. 1898]

Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Mead, of Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], and Mt. Dora, Fla, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Tuesday, Jan. 25, with a picnic held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George I. Horton.  The weather being not suitable for an out-door event, the guests assembled in the Horton home, and the picnic dinner served indoors.  Before her marriage to Mr. Mead on Jan. 25, 1888, Mrs. Mead was Miss Hattie Ferris.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Mead were born in Guilford, were married there and have made their home there ever since coming to their Mt. Dora home in Sunset Court for the winter months.  The home folks at Guilford remember this occasion by sending flowers and messages of congratulations.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 10, 1938]

 

 

 

Marriages (April 11)

Fisk-Prindle:  Theron Fisk and Mrs. Dorothy Prindle were married Friday, Jan. 14, in Lanesboro, Pa.  They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Roger Elliott.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 27, 1938]

 

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  On Tuesday evening, Jan. 25, at 8:30 o'clock, a very pretty wedding was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul E. Brown, of North Main street, when their daughter Florence l. Brown, became the bride of Robert B. Wood son of Mr. and Mrs. Burton Wood, also of Afton.  To the strains of Lohengrin9*'s "Bridal Chorus," which was rendered by Mrs. Frederick G. Nichols, the wedding party took their place under an arch of evergreen and flowers where the ring ceremony was performed by the Rev. Frederick G. Nichols, pastor of the Afton Baptist Church.  Thelma B. Brown, sister of the bride, acted a bridesmaid and Gordon Wood, brother of the groom, as best man.  A wedding supper was served at the home of the bride's parents, after which the young couple left for Binghamton, where they will be at home after Feb. 1 at 113 Pennsylvania avenue.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 3, 1938]

 

Mr. and Mrs. Will Bennett, well known Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] residents, celebrated their Golden Wedding last Thursday, Feb. 20 [1936], at a dinner given in their honor at the home of their daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Montgomery, Searles hill.  Incidentally, it was a celebration of Mrs. Montgomery's birthday.  Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have resided in Bainbridge practically all their lives, and have many friends here who extend congratulations and best wishes for many more years of happiness.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are enjoying the best of health.  At present they reside on Searles Hill where Mrs. Bennett continues to care for the home in her usual efficient manner, while Mr. Bennett is assisting his son-in-law in the woods. 

 

At a very pretty ceremony at Bradford, N.Y., Miss Susan Bennett, daughter of Mrs. Freeman Bennett, was united in marriage to Maurice I. Sherman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Sherman.  The rite was performed at the home of Rev. Lynn Crawford, Saturday evening, Sept. 12 [1936].  The couple was attended by the groom's parents  Mr. and Mrs. Sherman spent the weekend in Bradford and returned to Bainbridge Sunday evening, where they will make their home on the Bennett farm on the east side of this village.

Obituaries (April 11)

Rogers Hollow [Otsego Co., NY]:  Wallace Fisk passed away Sunday at 2:45 a.m. at his home from an illness of pneumonia.  Mr. Fisk was born Oct. 15, 1855, the son of Albert and Catherine (Cooper) Fisk.  He married Miss Nellie Harris, March 13, 1889 (who passed away Oct. 30, 1931).  To this union were born three children, Amy who died at 10 years of age; Albert, who died at 4 years of age, and Theron, who is the only surviving son, and to him goes deep sympathy.  Mr. Fisk is also survived by three granddaughters, and two nieces, Mrs. Henry Bedford, of Unadilla Centre, and Mrs. L. Sisson, of East Guilford.  Mr. Fisk lived in this vicinity most all of his life, being well liked, a good neighbor and friend.  He was a member of East Guilford Presbyterian Church, at one time superintendent of the Sunday School, also a deacon.  The funeral was held Tuesday at the same church.  Bearers were Thomas McLauglin, Amos Fisk, John Hendricks and Roger Elliott.  Burial in Rogers Hollow cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican,, Jan. 27, 1938]

 

Mrs. Carrie E. Cook, widow of the late George S. Cook, passed away January 17 at the home of her granddaughter in Binghamton.  Mrs. Cook was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], August 22, 1852, moving to Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] fifty-three years ago where she has since resided.  Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Hugh E. Collins, of this village, a granddaughter, Mrs. Roland B. Andrews, of Binghamton, a grandson, Cameron C. Collins, of Rochester, and one great grandchild.  Services were held at her home on Bixby street, her rector, the Rev. Sidney E. Heath, officiating.  Interment was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 27, 1938]

 

Charles A. Ingersoll, 71, passed away Thursday, Jan. 20, at his home in Owego [Tioga Co., NY].  Mr. Ingersoll was a native of Owego, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ingersoll, Sr.  As a young man he came to Bainbridge and for several years was employed at the National Milk Sugar Plant, and also by Chas. W. Ireland as a lumberman.  On January 5, 1902, he was united in marriage with Grace L. Prince, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Czar Prince.  After residing in this village for some time, they took up farming, conducting the Master's farm at Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], where Mrs. Ingersoll died in the year 1917.  Later Mr. Ingersoll moved to Owego, where he has since made his home.  He is survived by a son, Charles E. Ingersoll, of Owego.  A daughter, Ruth L., died in Owego, Dec. 12, 1923, at the age of 11 years.  The funeral was held last Saturday afternoon in Owego, following which the body was brought to this village for interment in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 27, 1938]

Mrs. Jane Burdick, a life-long resident of Masonville [Delaware Co.,  NY], died very suddenly at her home Thursday, Jan. 20, at 12 o'clock.  She had been in failing health for some time.  Mrs. Burdick was born Sept. 4, 1864, and on Jan. 1st, 1885, she was united in marriage with Milton Burdick, who died on June 27, 1914.  Mrs. Burdick leaves to mourn her loss a son, Clarence, residing at home, one granddaughter, Mrs. Roy Knapp, and two great granddaughters; one sister, Mrs. Emily Hutchinson, of Guilford; also several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held from the Ramsdell funeral parlors Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. David Murray officiating.  Interment was made in the family plot in the Masonville Cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 27, 1938]

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Emma Hutchinson received a message Thursday afternoon telling of the death of her only remaining sister, Mrs. Jane Burdick of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY].  Mrs. Burdick had been in failing health for a long time' her sight was entirely gone; and her hearing nearly gone.  Her death came at noon, sitting quietly in her chair.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 27, 1938]

Nineveh [Broome Co., NY]:  George F. Blessing who has lived here since 1899, died at the Bainbridge Hospital on Tuesday morning, Jan. 25, after a long illness.  He was 68 years of age and had many friends here who deeply regret his death.  He was a faithful member of the Nineveh Presbyterian church, also a member of the D.&H. Veterans' organization.  The funeral was held at the Presbyterian Church on Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock.  The pall bearers were FW. Bunce, A.C. Fowler, Chas. Ruland, H.W. Murphy, Harold T. Davey and T.C. Orchard.  The honorary bearers were H.J. Davey, F.E. Grover, A.B. Young, Rome Estes and L.J. Collins.  Burial was in the Nineveh cemetery [Broome Co., NY].  Mr. Blessing is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Chas. H. Jasse, of Middletown, Conn., and Mrs. F.J. Bourgarde, of Binghamton, and several nieces and nephews.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 3, 1938]

Miscellaneous Happenings, 1898

Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 26, 1898

 

The census for the village of Bainbridge has been completed and the number of inhabitants are 1137.

 

Two sleigh loads of people went to West Bainbridge, Friday evening to surprise Marion Weeks.  There was dancing and music and a pleasant time every way.  Humphrey and Teachout's orchestra played.

 

Saturday was caucus day for both Republicans an democrats.  The nominations were made without any strife amid party lines.  the meeting of the Republicans was called to order by Geo. I. Skinner, chairman of the town committee. Prof. Crumb was elected chairman; Ralph W. Kirby, secretary; O.L. Crumb and Sebert Hollenbeck were chosen as tellers.  Charles C. Hovey was unanimously nominated for the office of supervisor to succeed himself.  Balloting was begun on town clerk for the candidates, Alvah Lyon and A.J. Newton, which resulted in the nomination of Mr. Newton.  Of the two candidates, Aaron Lathrop and Wm. D. Kirby, the latter was nominated for office of assessor.  The following officers were also nominated by acclamation:  Commisioner of highways, Chas. J. Norton; collector, Alton Clark; overseer of the poor, Eldredge Davis; Justice of the Peace, Geo. F. Williams; inspectors of election, 1st dist. Lyman Redfield, Geo. S. Cook; constables, Geo. Aylsworth, Arthur Newman, Robt. Banner, Jasper Post.

 

The Democratic electors met Saturday evening in Firemen's Hall and after organizing with H.W. Curtis, president; Abe Bevier, secretary, proceeded to nominate the following ticket:  For supervisor, Don A. Gilbert; town clerk, Elliot Truman; justice of peace, long term, Clark Butts; vacancy, Samuel Neff; commissioner of highways, Geo. Woodruff; overseer of poor, Chas. R. Briggs; assessor, Howard Bennett; collector, Maurice Gilbert; inspectors of election, 1st dist., Frank Payne, Herbert Ramsdell; 2nd dist. Homer Anderson, Leon Weller; constable, Dan Wells, H. Tupper, Frank Shaffer, Herbert Scott.

 

Master Clayton Wilcox, son of George R. Wilcox, while testing the joys of coasting on Juliand's hill Saturday, had his pleasure interrupted, by the unruliness of his sled, which tipped over, throwing him in the pathway of two sleds coming behind' they promptly ran over him, cutting a bad gash in his head.

 

Will Fletcher, son of John Fletcher, had the misfortune to have the good looks of his new cutter seriously impaired while driving down Pearl street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], recently.  In turning a sharp corner leading past Tinkham's Mill, the cutter was upset, the driver thrown out and on the horse sped, leading the cutter a damaging race.  the horse was caught near Chas. Phinney's blacksmith shop on South Main street. 

 

Bainbridge Republican, February 2, 1898

 

Chas. H. Clark, for the past four years editor of the Republican, successfully passed the examinations held at Albany for admission to the Bar as attorney and counselor and will take up the practice of law.

 

Harrison L. Beatty, who leaves tomorrow for New York in order to sail Saturday for the Mediterranean, royally and handsomely entertained his numerous friends last evening at his pleasant home.  Progressive pedro was the program of the entertainment.

 

Joe Hitchcock of the milk station took a surprise bath in the chilly waters of Roberts' Pond last Saturday afternoon.  He was walking upon the ice where men had been at work the day before and stepped upon a small mound of snow which had been thrown carelessly over a hole in the ice.  The snow had frozen but gave way with his weight and down he went.  He had no difficulty however in rescuing himself.

 

Sidney people have given up hoping that the Delaware Terminal Co. is to get money to pay its indebtedness and complete the road. As the result several business firms in Sidney will be crippled.  No money has arrived yet to pay off the employees and they have gone to their former homes.

 

Owing to the large quantity of gold in Alaska and the number of fortunes being made there, it is thought best to send a part of five or seven men from here and it is necessary to raise $5,000.  Therefore a public meeting is called for Wednesday evening, Feb. 9, at 7:30 in Firemen's Hall when the matter will be shown up and will be chance for a safe investment and a chance of making you all rich.

 



 



 



Obituaries (April 10)

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Dr. Alpha Raymond Morse, prominent Chenango County physician and coroner, died Sunday night [Feb. 16, 1936] of a heart attack at the home of Leslie Bowers, who lives on the Oxford-Coventryville Road.  Dr. Morse had been making a call and was returning to his home at Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] when he felt the attack.  Realizing his condition he stopped his auto and entered the Bowers home.  He had opened his medicine case and was preparing a hypodermic when he passed away.  Dr. Norman C. Lyster of Norwich was called, but Dr. Morse had succumbed before he arrived.  The deceased was born in Oxford on July 1, 1871, and after graduation from the Oxford Academy entered the Baltimore Medical College, where he was graduated in 1904.  He had practiced his profession continuously at Oxford since that time with the exception of a brief interval when he moved to Eaton.  He had served the county for more than 20 years as coroner, and was elected to succeed himself on the Republican ticket at last Fall's election.  He served one term as president of the village of Oxford; was pensioner examiner for several years and from 1914 to 1928 served as physician at the County Welfare Home at Preston.  Dr. Morse was a member of the Oxford Lodge of Masons and Norwich Commandery.  He was the immediate past president of the New York State University of Maryland Alumni Association; a member of the Chenango County Medical Society and the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Society, also the Odd Fellows.  The funeral will be held from the Morse home on Main Street in Oxford on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  The survivors are the widow; one son, Dr. Carter R. Morse of Tupper Lake and one daughter, Mrs. Cecil Rogers of Hadley.

 

Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock, April 21 [1936], occurred the death of Miss Laura Etta Turner after an illness of many weeks, at her home here.  Miss Turner was the daughter of Helen Ives and Nelson Turner and was born in the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 14.  Perhaps no one in our community will be more greatly missed.  Very active in social and church affairs, it will be difficult to fill her place.  She has been a life-long member of the M.E. Church.  Surviving are a niece, Mrs. Gladys Johnson, and nephew, Lester Turner.  Services were held Saturday afternoon, April 25: prayer at the late home at 1:30, followed by services at the church she so dearly loved and served.  Rev. Leon Bouton officiated.  Beautiful floral tributes testified to the place Miss Turner held in the hearts of her family and friends. 

 

The body of Silas G. Barnum, who died in St. Petersburg, Fla. March 2 [1936], will be brought from the vault there for burial services in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on Friday, May 8th, at 2:30 p.m., and interment in Greenlawn Cemetery.  Mr. Barnum was born in the town of Union, Broome County, in 1846.  At the age of 16 he enlisted in the Union Army and saw active service during the Civil War as a pontoonbridge builder and also as an ambulance driver and private soldier.  He was proprietor of a store at North Sanford for some years and for a long time resided at Deposit, where he was successful in business.  He was for 16 years town clerk of the Town of Sanford (Deposit) and for 40 years was a Sunday school superintendent, first at North Sanford and later at the Deposit Methodist Episcopal Church.  Mr. Barnum's first wife (Jane Gallup) died in 1919.  In 1922 he married Mary A. Sexmith, who for several years taught school in the Sanford area.  She survives  Deceased was the last survivor of Eggleston Post, No. 184, Grand Army of the Republic, of Deposit, an organization formerly composed of 167 Civil War veterans from Deposit and vicinity. 

 

Mrs. Mary Anna Bradley passed away Tuesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ernest Pearce, at Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].  Mrs. Bradley was born in Germany, Sept., 1853, the daughter of Martin and Christine Toby.  Shortly after her birth, her parents came to this country, settling on a farm in Yaleville, Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  In 1882 she married William Bradley and many years of their life was spent on a farm in our village.  In 1932 Mr. Bradley passed on and Mrs. Bradley has resided with her two daughters, Mrs. William Gardner, of Sherburne, and Mrs. Pearce, of Unadilla.  She also leaves two sons, Warren, of Binghamton, and Ira, of Guilford.  Services were held Friday afternoon at Colwell bros.' Chapel in Bainbridge.  Interment at the Yaleville Cemetery, Guilford.  Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Emma L. Strevell, of Port Dickinson, and Mrs. Martha H. Ireland, of Albany; a brother, Alvin R. Jones, of Albany; also several nieces and nephews.  [Notation:  May 5, 1936]

 

William H. Sargeant, an Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY] resident, passed away Tuesday, April 28 [1936], in the Memorial Hospital, Albany, where he had been a patient for over than three weeks.  He had undergone two operations for a kidney ailment.  Mr. Sargeant was a member of the 306th infantry during the World War, and saw 15 months of service in France.  He was gassed and had never fully recovered.  Mr. Sargeant was a native of Morris [Otsego Co., NY], where he was born Oct. 3, 1893, the son of Ira and Minnie Sargeant.  He married Miss Esther Payne at Afton, Dec. 22, 1908.  She and a son, Edward, survive, as do his parents and three sisters, Mrs. Hayward Hutchinson, Mrs. Fred Gerow and Miss Hilda Sargeant, and two nephews, Stanley and Carl Hutchinson, all of this village.  Mr. Sargeant had been employed by the D.&H. Railroad as a car inspector and repairman for the past 14 years.  Eleven years ago he moved to Oneonta from Bainbridge, and had made his home there ever since.  He was a member of the Bainbridge Baptist Church and of the American legion.  Funeral services will be held this Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Colwell brothers' chapel, and interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  Military honors will be accorded by members of Oneonta and Bainbridge posts of the American legion. 

 

After many years illness Mrs. Vernetta Shepherdson passed away at Binghamton on April 26.  The remains were brought to this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] and funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in Colwell's Chapel with the Rev. Jesse H. Dickerson, former pastor of the First Methodist church, of which Mrs. Shepherdson had been a life-long member, officiating, and interment was made in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  Mrs. Shepherdson was 63 years of age and was born in the town of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman C. Redfield.  For many years she resided in this village, later removing to Johnson City, where in 1903 she was united in marriage with Joseph M. Shepherdson of that city.  Surviving is a sister, Mrs. H.G. Stoddard, of Burmingham, Ala., and three nephews, sons of the late Frank P. Redfield. 

Casein Co. Buys Bainbridge Creamery Plant, 1901

Sale of the Bainbridge Creamery Plant by

C.C. Hovey to the Casein Company of America

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Dec. 4, 1901

 

A large business deal has been in process of consummation for the past few days, whereby C.C. Hovey of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], will dispose of his entire milk interests in this town, South Coventry, and Sidney, to a syndicate of gentlemen who propose the further enlargement of the business in various ways. 

 

The representatives of this syndicate have in view making Bainbridge one of the largest centers for the reception and consumption of dairy products in this country.  The volume of business done by Mr. Hovey in the past year has amounted to $250,000 and if the syndicate carries out the plans laid, the new proprietors will do a business immensely beyond that, benefiting Bainbridge and the surround territory to a degree beyond calculation.

 

Mr. Hovey started in the creamery business sin Bainbridge thirteen years ago, and in that time several factories have opened up and then gone down, leaving a depression that has been unfavorable to the prosperity of the village.  But the creamery plant has been thriving all these years, beginning in a modest way, and enlarging each year, absorbing more milk products, hiring more men who are promptly paid, no adverse conditions externally interrupting its prosperous career.  Its location on East Main street has been, since the inception of the plant, a center of constant activity day and night owning to the ceaseless push and energy of its chief, Mr.  Hovey.

 

When Mr. Hovey closes his connection with the Bainbridge creamery, he has other valuable interests that will demand his attention, among them being the development of an oil property in Pennsylvania.  He will undoubtedly retain his residence in Bainbridge.

 

Mr. Hovey represented his town on the board of supervisors three years, and is well known throughout the county for his great business capacity, honest and upright dealing, and his generous and kindly treatment of those who were in his employ, always paying the highest wages consistent with good management.  It is not stated what the terms of the sale are, but it is understood that the amount paid was in cash and will provide the retiring owner with a handsome fortune.  Hon George W. Ray of this village [Norwich, NY], was attorney for Mr. Hovey in negotiating the transfer. 

Marriages (April 10)

Married:  At the house of Mr. Samuel Cornwell, in this town [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult.  by the Rev. Lewis Robinson, Mr. George N. Merrills to Miss Prudence Cornwell, both of this town.  [American Freeman, Bainbridge, NY, Jan. 7, 1847]

 

In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by the Rev. Nehemiah Cobb, Mr. James Metcalf to Miss Martha L. Hutchinson, both of Unadilla.  [American Freeman, Bainbridge, NY, Jan. 7, 1847]

Married, On the 25th ult., in New Berlin, Chenango Co., by the Rev. A. Hull, Rev. Gardner M. Skinner, of the Diocese of Kentucky, to Miss Catharine Knapp, of the former place.  [American Freeman, Bainbridge, NY, Sept. 17, 1846]

Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Kern arrived in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] on Sunday and took up their residence in the A.H. Spring residence.  Their wedding was one of the holiday events, taking place at Pottsville, Pa.  Congratulations are extended to them.  Mr. Kern is instructor of music in our schools.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 6, 1938]

Word has been received of the marriage on New Year's Day of Stanley Haynes and Miss Mabel Loomis of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  {1936]

Frank Lee and Esther Cormprost of this place were married Friday evening Jan. 10.  They will reside at Afton [Chenango Co., NY]  [1936]

About forty invited guests assembled at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Norris Gridley, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], who celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, October 21st, 1890.  It was an occasion of great joy and gladness, and after partaking of the bountiful things provided for the guests, the rest of the time was spent in social chat, speech and song.  Rev. J.L. Jones, the pastor of the church of which Mr. and Mrs. Gridley are honored members, spoke of some of the changes of the past, and that history often repeats itself. In 1840 General Harrison was elected President of the United States, and General Harrison is now President.  Then, the cry was throughout the country "hard times;"  it is the same now.  "It is the same old world, with the same old crimes."  When Mr. and Mrs. Gridley were married October 21st, 1840, there were no railroads, yet they went on their wedding trip, as young married people do now.  They were to return in time for Mr. Gridley to vote for General Harrison, but he arrived at the polls about three minutes too late.  He was told that the sun had gone down, and he had to wait forty-eight years before he was permitted to vote for General Harrison.  It is estimated that the United States are twenty times richer than they were fifty years ago, and Mr. and Mrs. Gridley have kept pace with the country in this respect. They also are twenty times richer than they were fifty years ago.  If any doubted this statement they were pointed to the goodly number of sons and daughters and grandchildren who were present.  Mr. Kinyon Terry was called on for a speech.  He has attended five golden weddings, and let us modestly suggest to Mr. and Mrs. Terry, when they celebrate their golden wedding, they ought to provide at least for five hundred guests.  Mr. Terry spoke of the wonderful changes which have taken place during the last fifty years, and congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Gridley that they were permitted to look back, through all the changes, upon fifty years of happy married life.  Then the pastor led in a prayer of thanksgiving to the Heavenly Father for his kind providential dealings toward the aged, happy couple, surrounded with all the comforts of life, with loving children and grandchildren to call them blessed, after which the Doxology was sung, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow."  Many valuable and useful gifts were presented, and plenty of good wishes, to cheer the aged pilgrims on their way home, and help to make their last days on earth their best days.  [Chenango Union, Oct. 30, 1890]

 

BCHS Class of 1934, Part 6

Bainbridge Central High School, Class of 1934

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1934

 

 

Walter Roider

"Talkative"

He's manager of many teams,

And quite studious he seems.

Talking is his chief delight,

He's best at that when in a fight.

 

Mina Seeley

"Domestic"

Mina is the quiet type,

Who does her work with all her might.

 

Joyce Showalter

"Loquacious"

Full of pep and witty remarks

Fond of fun and ready for larks.

Great as a teacher of little folk.

And in public-speaking she's no joke.

 

Harriet Sipple

"Daintiness"

Harriet is a pretty girl

Full of pep and glee.

In a dramatic club play,

Oh, she's the one to see.

 

Dorothy Stanton

"Low-voice"

Goodnatured, but stubborn at times;

Liking, and liked by, all kinds.

Generous and happy-go-lucky is she.

May her nature light-hearted ever be.

 

Dorothy Taft

"Vivacity"

Our Dorothy is a clever girl,

Who may go far with her little curl.

 

Joseph Throop

"Big-shot"

"Joe" is a very busy man,

Where work is, he always on hand.

A good scholar, and athlete as well,

His abilities are not so hard to tell.



Info About Bainbridge Dentists, 1898

Bainbridge Dentists

Bainbridge Republican, January 12, 1898

 

An article appeared in the Republican of three weeks since in regard to Dr. O.S. Hill, dentist in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], and his four sons who were reared in Bainbridge, and who, as each grew to manhood chose the dental profession.  This is an unusual record for one family, but there is an interesting history connected with the long line of honorable practitioners of dentistry in Bainbridge.

 

In 1818 the first dental office was opened in town by Dr. Richard Griswold.  He came here as a young man of 22 years of age and took up a field of work which hitherto had been a sealed book to small places.  Dr. Griswold commanded speedily a wide patronage which he held until old age weakened his hand.

 

Dr. Griswold was called a goldsmith and silversmith as well as a dentist, and was very ingenious in that line.  He made for many years the marriage rings used by bridal couples in this vicinity, and converted silver coin into spoons of beautiful designs for wedding presents.

 

There are people living in Bainbridge today (1898) who can exhibit teeth filled by Dr. Griswold, and under the old process, that are in excellent condition.  The plates made by him until the latter part of his practice were of gold or silver.

 

 

 

 



Obituaries (April 9)

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Alice Barton, wife of Leroy Barton, passed away Friday Dec. 24, at her home on East Hill, aged 50 years.  Burial at Bainbridge on Monday.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 6, 1938]

 

Frank Lewis, 78, senior member of the contracting firm of Frank Lewis & Sons, Incorporated, passed away at his Afton [Chenango Co., NY] residence last Friday night following a long illness.  Mr. Lewis was well known throughout Central New York and the Southern Tier where he had handled many of the larger construction projects.  Mr. Lewis was born in Summersetshive County, England, on June 30, 1859 and it was there that he learned his trade of a stone mason.  In 1882 he came to this country to make his home taking up his residence at Shenandoah, Pa., where he lived for about four years, then moving to Scranton.  During that time he was employed as a mason in the coal mines.  In 1887 he moved to Greene, N.Y., where he resided for about a year and during his residence there erected the stone Episcopal Church.  He then returned to Scranton for a short time following which in 1888 he moved to Harpursville.  At that time he entered the employ of the Owego Bridge Company for whom he had charge of masonry construction of a number of large bridges in the Southern Tier, one of which was the bridge in Bainbridge which spans the Susquehanna river, continuing in their employ until 1907 when he formed a partnership with his sons, known as Frank Lewis & Sons.  In 1927 the firm opened the Bainbridge office with the son, Francis Lewis in charge and Fred Lewis in charge of outside activities.  In 1929 the firm was reorganized and has since been known as Frank Lewis & Sons, Incorporated.  Since the firm was first organized it has been widely known throughout the state in its activities in bridge building, road construction and other contracting work.  Mr. Lewis continued active in the work of the firm until about five years ago, when he retired and since then has spent the winter months at his place in Brownsville, Texas, and the summer season at his home in Afton, where he has lived for the past 22 years.  He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Mrs. Clarance Hulbert, of Afton, Mrs. Gilbert Demeree, of Harpursville, and Mrs. Harry English, of Sidney; three sons, Francis Lewis and Thomas Lewis, of Bainbridge, and Fred Lewis, of Afton; also 19 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  He was a communicant of St. Ann's Episcopal Church and former member of the vestry, and also the Afton Masonic Lodge.  The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon with a prayer service at the home followed by service in St. Ann's Church with Rev. Sidney Heath, rector, officiating.  Interment was made at Nineveh with R.W. Clarance Eldred in charge of the Masonic burial service which was followed by the regular Episcopal committal service.  The bearers were six of the grandsons--Will and Randolph Lewis, Arthur and Richard Demeree and Kermit and Richard Lewis.  The funeral was largely attended with many of his past business associates from all parts of the State, present, attesting to the high regard in which he was held during his long business career.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 13, 1938]

 

Moses Wood, aged 38, died of a fractured skull at the Chenango Memorial Hospital, Tuesday night, Jan. 11.  While in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] he made his home with Morris Curtis.  Mr. Wood for years made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Hinman, in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  He leaves two sisters, one residing in Guilford and one in Poughkeepsie, and a father in Pennsylvania.  Services were held Sunday afternoon from Colwell's Funeral Chapel in Bainbridge, Rev. J.W. Bump, of Guilford, officiating.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 20, 1938]

 

Roger's Hollow [Otsego Co., NY]:  Lynn H. Dibble passed away at his home Saturday, Jan. 8, from a long illness.  He was a son of Martin and Augusta (Lown) Dibble and was born in this community Mar. 6, 1899.  Mr. Dibble married Miss Lillian DeForest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Clark DeForest of Unadilla, Feb. 20, 1922.  in his younger life Mr. Dibble had spent four years in the west, the rest of his years he spent in this vicinity; he was a member of the Unadilla Grange.  Mr. Dibble is survived by his wife, Lillian Dibble, a sister, Mrs. Minnie Whitemarsh, of Binghamton, and a brother, Harold Dibble, of Rochester.  Deep sympathy is given them.  The funeral was held Tuesday, Jan. 11, at the house, and was largely attended.  Rev. R.E. Gibby, pastor of the Unadilla Centre M.E. Church of which Mr. Dibble was a member officiated.  He also sang "In the Garden" accompanied by the harp, which he played.  The flowers were many and beautiful.  The bearers were Claude Chapin, John Hendricks, Fred Haynes, Jack Ryan, Addison DeForest and Thomas McLaughlin.  Burial in Sidney Cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 20, 1938]

 

William H. Perry, 65, former mayor of the village of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], and for many years agent for the Railway Express Company, died at his home Monday noon from a heart attack shortly after shoveling the snow off his sidewalk.  Mr. Perry began his service in the express business at Cooperstown where he was employed by the old National express Company.  Later he was transferred to Wilkesbarre, Pa., and then to Sidney.  He served for some time as route agent in charge of this territory and then about eighteen years ago took over the duties of agent at the Sidney office.  Mr. Perry served three terms as mayor of the village of Sidney, being succeeded by William W. Bates on April 1st, 1937.  He had served as Master of Sidney Lodge, F. and A.M. during three terms, and was District Deputy of the Delaware-Sullivan district during 1929.  He was also a past high priest of the Unadilla Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.  He is survived by his wife, his mother, Mrs. Mary Perry, of Cooperstown, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Collins, of Oneonta.  Masonic services were held at the home Wednesday evening, and the funeral services will be held this afternoon at his home at 2 o'clock.  Rev. William E. Elwood, pastor of the Methodist Church, will officiate followed by interment in Prospect Hill Cemetery [Sidney, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 20, 1938]

 

The funeral of Ralph Woods, who died in the Chenango Memorial Hospital Norwich, on January 14th as the result of injuries received from an unknown cause, was held in this village Sunday afternoon at Colwell Brothers' Chapel in West Main street.  Rev. Bump of Guilford, officiated, following which the remains were placed in the Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] receiving vault for later interment in West Bainbridge.  Mr. Woods was the son of Isaac and Mattie Shapley Woods, and was born in the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on Aug. 7, 1898.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 20, 1938]

 

Herbert G Davis, aged resident of this village, passed away at his home in Pearl street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], January 11th, death resulting from pneumonia.  Mr. Davis was born in the Town of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] on May 17, 1859, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Davis.  He was twice married, his first wife, Sarah J. passing away in 1914.  In 1928 he was united in marriage with Mrs. Hattie Giessman, who now survives.  Mr. Davis had resided in this vicinity for more than forty years, where during his younger days he had been employed in lumbering.  Surviving, besides his wife, are several nephews and nieces.  The funeral service was held Saturday afternoon at the Chapel of Colwell brothers in West Main street, Rev. George Underwood, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, officiated and interment was made in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 20, 1938]

 

 

Obituaries (April 8)

On Sunday, Sept. 18th, says the Bainbridge Republican, a young man and a stranger was discovered lying sick and helpless just above the bridge.  He was removed to Emory Aylesworth's and found to be suffering from a high fever and a bad physical condition.  He was well cared for but died, and was buried by the proper authorities.  He gave his name as Jacob Kistahber, age 21 years, had no relatives in this country, and had resided at Quakerstown, PA.  [Oxford News, Oct. 18, 1887]

 

Gordon Knowlton, for many years a resident of Harpersville [Broome Co., NY], died on Saturday, the 19th ult., at his residence in the town of Windsor [Broome Co., NY], of erysipelas, induced by being overheated at his work.  He was sick only three days.  He was a good neighbor, a quiet, peaceable citizen, and for many years a member of the Baptist Church.  [Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 2, 1873]

 

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services for Mrs. Etta P. Dunshee, who died early Tuesday morning, March 12, were held from the Fisher Funeral Chapel Friday afternoon, March 15, at 2 o'clock, with her pastor, Rev. Harry E. Brooks officiating.  The body was placed in the vault awaiting burial in the spring, Etta Peck was born in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], April 4, 1877, and was united in marriage to Arthur Dunshee of Sidney Center in 1901.  She leaves to mourn her loss beside her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Earl Ireland of Bainbridge and Mrs. Theodore Wickham of Binghamton, also one son, Leroy Dunshee of Bainbridge.  [Norwich Son, March 18, 1946]

 

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  After a married life of nearly 70 years, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Marshall died within three days of each other.  Charles Marshall, who had been a cabinet maker of high standing during his life, retired from active work a few years ago.   At one time he was president of the Marshall Furniture Company in Lestershire, now Johnson City.  Among the monuments to his outstanding work are the interior wood work and steeple of St Peters' church in Bainbridge.  Mr. Marshall was born Sept. 9, 1856 in Sidney, and was united in marriage to Euphremia Seeley of Bainbridge, Sept. 23, 1876.  He died at his home in Pearl street March 4, after an illness of a few days.  Funeral services were conducted from the Fisher Funeral Chapel on March 6, with his pastor, Rev. Norman Lawton in charge.  The body was placed in the vault in Greenlawn cemetery pending burial in the spring.  Thursday, March 7, Mrs. Marshall passed away after several years of failing health, without knowing that her husband had preceded her in death.  Her funeral was conducted by her pastor, Reverend Lawton, at the Fisher Funeral Chapel Saturday afternoon, and the body was placed in the vault beside that of her husband, to await burial in the spring.  Had Mrs. Marshall lived until December next, she would have been 89 years old.  Surviving are one son, Winifred Marshall of Petroskey, Mich., one grandson, Charles Marshall of Preston, also several nieces and nephews. [Norwich Sun, Mar. 18, 1946]

 

Died in Port Huran, Mich., on Monday morning the 14th ult, Harriet S., daughter of James H. and Hannah Bailey, formerly fo Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], this county, aged 23 years.  [American Freeman, Bainbridge, NY, Jan. 7, 1847]

Died, in Dunkee, Yates county, N.Y.  Dr. O.E. Noble, aged 81.  His death marks the close of a long and useful life.  A ripe sheaf gathered in.  He was ripe in years, ripe in the gathered treasures of Christian attainment and Christian usefulness.  He was a son of Deacon I. Noble, long and favorably known in Oxford and Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  The subject of this sketch united with the Baptists of Norwich when a boy of 12 years, at the time of the great revival in 1816.  He was married to Sabrina Humphrey, daughter of James Humphrey, Esq.  Her death occurred seven years ago.  He practiced medicine about 40 years in Oxford and Binghamton eight years.  In the later place he changed his practice and became a homeopath.  Most of his active life was spent in Penn Yan, N.Y., where he gained  a large practice and held it for 20 years till failing health compelled him to give up his ride.  He then removed to New York city, and did medical business for seven years, when he retired from his profession, and went to reside with his son, Dr. Geo. Noble, where he remained till he passed peacefully away.  Dr. Noble was emphatically a Christian man.  While in full practice he was seldom absent from the house of worship on the Sabbath.  He was a close student of the Bible, and was ever loyal to its teachings.  When inquired of as to his feelings he repeated in a feeble voice, 1 Thess. 4:13, 14 and 2 Tim. 1:10  These were his last words.  He leaves two children G.Z. Noble, druggist and practicing physician, at Dundee, and Cerepta D., wife of Rev. Dr. Norton, of Central Park church.  [Afton Enterprise, April 10, 1885]

Died, In this town on the 13 inst., Mrs. Maria Baxter, aged 40 years.  [American Freeman, Bainbridge NY, Sept. 17, 1846]

Died, In Masonville [Delaware Co.., NY] on the 9th isn't., Mrs. Sally, Wife of Wm. Northrup, aged 44 years.  [American Freeman, Bainbridge, NY, Sept. 17, 1846]

Died, In Delhi, N.Y. [Delaware Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Rev. Daniel Shepherd, A.M., Principal of the Delaware Academy, aged 31 years.  [American Freeman, Bainbridge, NY, Sept. 17, 1846]

Harvey Myers Murdered in Kentucky, 1874

Murder of a Chenango County Man

Harvey Myers, Bainbridge Native

Chenango Union, Apr. 9, 1874

 

A terrible tragedy occurred at Covington, Kentucky, on the morning of the 28th ult. which resulted in the death of Harvey Myers, a prominent lawyer of that city, and a former resident of this County [Chenango Co., NY], by the hand of Col. W.G. Terrell, also of that city.

 

The assassin, who bears an unenviable reputation, had by his brutal conduct compelled his wife to separate from him, and she had commenced proceedings to obtain a divorce, employing Myers as her counsel.  Some questions asked by him, while taking the depositions of the witnesses in the case, having been repeated to Terrell, he became exasperated, and hurried to Myers' office on the fatal morning, where high words passed between them,  Terrell using gross and insulting language.  Myers ordered him to leave the room, which he refused to do, when Myers undertook to put him out.  While shoving him towards the door, Terrall drew a pistol and fired at Myers, shooting him in the abdomen.  The wounded man staggered back into his office, fell upon the floor, and died in twenty minutes.  Terrell was at once arrested and lodged in jail, and the coroner's jury found a verdict in accordance with the above facts. 

 

Mr. Myers was born in Bainbridge, in this County [Chenango Co., NY], in 1828.  His parents were poor, and he had but few advantages in early life, his education being such as the common school of his native town afforded.  He moved to Kentucky in 1851, and taught school for a short time, meanwhile pursuing the study of law.  In 1853 he entered a law office in Covington, and was admitted to practice in 1854.  As a lawyer he was one of the most prominent in the State of Kentucky, having a large practice in the Court of Appeals and in the U.S. Courts.  He frequently acted as Judge pro tem, in the Circuit Court, when cases were before that tribunal in which the Judge of the Court was interested.  He was elected to the State Legislature in 1865, but declined to serve, on the ground that the election was not a free one, but that the voters were under the coercion of Federal bayonets.  In 1872 he ran for Congress on the Republican ticket, and was defeated by Judge Arthur.  In business he was successful, having amassed a considerable estate from a large and remunerative practice, estimated at $65,000.  He leaves a wife and six young children. 

 

A meeting of the members of the bar was held in Covington on the 30th ult. to express their feelings over the loss of Mr. Myers.  Fifty lawyers were present, besides a large number of citizens of Covington, Newport and  Cincinnati.  Never in that part of the country has a bar meeting been held in which more deep emotion was shown by speakers and hearers, than this.  Many a strong man shed tears as the pitiable loss was brought out in the strongest language of eloquent men, and the many virtues of the deceased were enumerated.

 

We copy from the published proceedings of this meeting, the remarks of C.D. Foote, Esq.:

 

" I believe I knew Mr. Myers thoroughly.  For a number of years I was in the same office with him.  All that has been said of him has not told the whole truth.  I went into that office, on his invitation, almost a stranger to him.  We were there over a year before I had any familiar conversation with him, for he was always full of labors and did not rest to talk when it interfered with his duties to his clients.  After we were together about a year he happened to commence talking to me one day, and we found that we were born in the same county.  He said his grandmother was a Foote, and we found that the same blood ran in our veins.  From that time on we have had perhaps a warmer feeling for each other than before.  I never in all my intercourse with him saw him deviate from the truth and the highest integrity.  He would never do anything that he did not believe to be true and right."

Biographical Cyclopedia of the Commonwealth of Kentucky

John M. Gresham, compiler (J.M. Gresham Co., Chicago & Philadelphia, 1896) p73

 



HARVEY MYERS, son of Aurelia Bridgman and Aaron Myers, was born in Chenango County, New York, February 10, 1828. When but a boy Mr. Myers left his home and located in the west. By hard work he managed to educate himself, and about the year 1852 located in Trimble County, where he taught school and read law. He was admitted to the bar of that county, and, after a few years practice, removed to Covington, where his ability and fidelity were at once recognized. He very soon formed a law partnership with Hon. John W. Stevenson, just then elected Governor of Kentucky, and afterwards United States Senator. Though the practice of this firm was great, and the burden of it fell upon Mr. Myers, he found time to prepare and publish the first Code of Practice of Kentucky, known as Myers' Code, which is held in the highest esteem by the bar of the state. In 1867 he compiled and
published a supplement to the General Statutes of Kentucky, known as Myers' Supplement.

In politics he was a Republican; and in 1865 was nominated by the Union party for the legislature and elected; but it having been charged that bayonets were used at the polls in his behalf, and investigation satisfying him of the truth of the charges, he declined the office. In declining the office, Mr. Myers said : "On the day of the election bodies of armed soldiers were placed before and around each voting place in the county, and there remained throughout the entire day. Early in the day, numbers of citizens, while approaching the polls in an orderly and peaceful manner for the purpose of tendering their votes, were arrested by the soldiers and marched away under guard to a prison, and there held in close confinement until the next day, when they were discharged without any charge being preferred against them. In some instances, persons, on coming in sight of the polls, were met by a military officer, told that they would not be allowed to vote, and ordered to depart; and, while obeying the order and departing from the polls, squads of soldiers were sent in pursuit, by whom they were arrested and marched through the streets to prison and confined as stated above. I could not lend my sanction or approval to such a proceeding, as I must have done by accepting this election." This was at that time probably the only instance of declination of office in Kentucky. 

Early Document of Society Cilicia, 1798

Leaves From Local History

An Old Church Document

Call of Society Cilica to Mr. Joel Chapin, May 1798

Chenango Telegraph, Nov. 20, 1873

 

Mr. A. Converse, of Bainbridge, has furnished the Republican with the following curious and ancient document, being the "call of the southwest part of the Society Cilicia to Mr. Joel Chapin."  Bainbridge was formerly Jerico, and included the present towns Bainbridge, Afton, Coventry and Greene.  The "Call" reads as follows:

 

To Mr. Joel Chapin,

Sir, as Trustees of the religious society of Cilicia we wish to address you upon a subject of great importance, the settling of a gospel minister.  Your labors among us for several months past having met the general approbation of your hearers, we do, in behalf of the Church and Covenanters of the south-west part of the religious society of Cilicia, invite you to take, by ordination, the pastoral charge of the above mentioned part of said society, and to preach with us one half the time, viz. every second Sabbath.  The meeting to be held at some convenient place at or near an equal distance from the south line of Jerico, to a point, half way between Heth Kelsey's and Ruben Kirby's measuring the road as it now runs on the south-east side of the river.

 

The following are the conditions which we offer as a salary and settlement.

 

As a salary, we do jointly and severally promise to pay you, for the four first years, one hundred dollars a year, and for every year succeeding, one hundred and twenty-five dollars so long as you shall remain our minister.

 

The payment to be made at the time and in the manner following.  Two-thirds to be paid in wheat, rye or corn, on or before the first day of February, in each year, at the money price.

 



And we do promise that you shall actually receive, each year, sixteen bushels of good wheat, and twenty of corn.  The price of which shall not exceed, for each bushel of wheat, nine shillings, and for each bushel of corn, five shillings; and as much lower as the cash price shall be when it shall become due.  The above quantity of wheat and corn to be a part of the aforesaid two-thirds of your yearly salary. 

 

The other third of the salary to be paid in money, on, or before the first day of June, in each year.

 

And as a settlement we will pay you one hundred and sixty-six dollars and one third of a dollar at the time and in the manner following, viz. the one-half in the first year, the other the second year.  One-third of each year's payment to be in good boards, one third in merchantable grain, and one third in money.  The boards of each year's payment to be delivered by the first of March, on the river bank, where you shall choose, and at money price.  The grain of each year's payment, by the first of February, at money prices, and the cash by the first of June in each year.

 

The above promises, respecting the yearly salary, are made upon the following conditions, viz:  That if the number of covenanters who have signed the general covenant to raise Mr. Chapin's support, should be diminished by death, or by removal out of this society, and no others should join, so that they could not fulfill their covenants without distressing themselves; and we, together with the concurrence of Mr. Chapin, should call a small council of ministers and delegates, and they should advise to a separation between him and us, then this covenant shall become void, and of none effect.

 

To the faithful performance of the above promises and engagements we do jointly and severally bind ourselves, and our successors in office of Trustees; and until others shall be lawfully chosen in our room, and do accept.

 

In witness whereof we have here-unto set our hands and affixed the seal of our society, in Jerico, this twenty-fourth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-eight.

 

Trustees of So. Society

Samuel Hinman

Reuben Kirby

Israel Smith

Abijah Stevens

Jared Redfield

Wm. Gutherie

 





Obituaries (April 7)

Mrs. Ada B. Hodge Humiston passed away at her home in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 7, after an illness of about five months.  She had been in poor health for nearly eight years; although at times she has been able to be about her home.  Mrs. Humiston was the daughter of George and Maria Hodge.  She was united in marriage to Bruce Humiston, Aug. 4, 1889, who passed away July 25, 1920.  Surviving is one sister, Mrs. Ida M. Miller, of Bainbridge, the only surviving one of a family of six.  The funeral was held at the Seymour Funeral Parlor in Oxford, Nov. 10, where relatives and many friends gathered to pay their respects to a faithful friend and neighbor. The floral tributes were many and very beautiful, bespeaking the high esteem in which she was held.  [Bainbridge News, Nov. 19, 1936]

 

Adelbert L. Palmer, Bainbridge's Oldest Merchant, not only in age but in years of service, has passed away leaving a record of service to the community which will, no doubt, stand for many years to come.  As announced in the News last week, death came while sweeping the walk in front of his place of business, and thus his career ended in a manner fulfilling an oft expressed desire,, "That he might remain active to the last."  Mr. Palmer was born in the hamlet of Unadilla Center [Otsego Co., NY] on September 28, 1850, the son of Abel and Mary Sherwood Palmer.  After spending his early years on a farm there, he came to Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] in the spring of 1866 with his parents, to enter the employ of Davis & Sherwood, dealers in general merchandise, and at that time the store was located on the lot which stands between the Methodist Episcopal Church and Palmer Block.  In those days most of the business was transacted by means of bartering, and twice each year the merchant went to New York with the product he had received in trade and then purchased sufficient supplies to last for a six months period.  After about six years of apprenticeship under these merchants, and following a fire which totally destroyed the buildings and contents, Mr. Palmer started in business for himself, continuing the same lines in the frame structure which then stood on the lot now occupied by the Danforth Block.  His business was carried on there until 1884 when fire destroyed the entire building and contents and in which he suffered a considerable loss which was but partially covered by insurance.  A short time later he again entered business, this time in the three story, frame structure which occupied the ground on which now stands the Town Hall.  In Nov. 1897, fire originating in the hardware store of Barlow & Clark spread throughout the building burring it to the ground and again Mr. Palmer was forced to make a new beginning.  Purchasing new stock and fixtures he once more started in business in the two story brick building which he occupied until his death.  This business career covered a period of more than seventy years of service in the community.  While most of his life was devoted strictly to business, Village affairs also received his attention and during his younger days he served as village trustee and later as village president.  The only immediate members of his family to survive are his daughter, Mrs. Charles H. Peckham, and three grandchildren, Rolland and Donald Peckham, of this village, and Marian Peckham, a student at Oberlin College.  Funeral services were conducted Friday morning at 10 o'clock in the chapel of Colwell Brothers, with the Rev. G.H. Orvis, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating, following which interment was made in Greenlawn cemetery.  The bearers were Charles D. Dix Erwin G. Howland, Harry Bluler, Nathan Truman, Sebert B. Hollenbeck and Joseph Hirt, all business associates and during the hour of service all local business places were closed.  [Bainbridge News, Dec. 3, 1936]

 

William W. Darlin, a highly esteemed resident of this village for the past thirty-six years, passed away at his home in South Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] Sunday morning, November 22nd, at the age of 71 years.  Mr. Darlin was a feed and coal dealer in this village for several years, until  his health failed him about twenty years ago.  Two weeks previous to his death he seemed in a decline and failed rapidly for the last three days.  The end came very peacefully and he passed on to his heavenly home.  He was a very devoted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church a member of the Board of Trustees for many years, and treasurer of the building committee when the present church edifice was  erected.  He also was a member of Susquehanna Lodge No. 167, F.& A.M., a man of sterling character and greatly beloved by all who knew him.  Mr. Darlin's childhood home was at Barbourville, N.Y. [Delaware Co., NY].  Later he entered the feed business at Masonville, remaining in business there until coming to Bainbridge.  On December 24th, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma J. Taylor, of Sidney Center.  Two daughters were born to them, Mabel and Mildred, the latter preceding him to their Heavenly home April 18, 1914, at the age of thirteen years.  The funeral was held in the M.E. Church of this village, Tuesday afternoon, November 24th, at 2 o'clock, Rev. George N. Underwood, pastor of the church, officiating.  A male quartet composed of Charles Colwell, A.C. Wilcox, Charles Odell and Donald Loomis rendered two very beautiful selections.  "The Beautiful Land" and "Jesus Lover of My Soul."  The many beautiful floral pieces that were received and the kindly expressions of sympathy from life-long friends bore silent tribute to the high esteem in which he was held by all who knew him.  He is survived by his widow; one daughter Mrs. Harvey J. Wood; one brother, Orrin W. Darlin, of Hillburn, N.Y.; one sister, Mrs. Jane Cutting, of Sidney, and several nieces and nephews.  Interment was made in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  The services in the chapel were conducted by members of the Masonic Lodge, with R.W. Hugh E. Collins in charge, assisted by other lodge officers.   [Bainbridge News, Dec. 3, 1936]

Mrs. Nettie Tyler Hoyt, formerly of Saranac Lake, N.Y. [Franklin Co., NY], died in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 23.  The funeral was held at Colwell's Chapel, Friday, Nov. 27, at 2 p.m.  The remains were taken to Walton [Delaware Co., NY] for burial in the family plot.  Mrs. Hoyt was born in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 5, 1868, the daughter of Charles and Mercy Tyler.  In 1886 she was married to Frank W. Hoyt and lived in Binghamton for several years, later moving to Walton.  Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Pearl W. Cole, one son, Tyler W. Hoyt, both of Saranac Lake, where Mrs. Hoyt resided with her daughter for the past 18 years; one brother, Rufus S. Tyler, of Afton, and several nieces and nephews; Walter H. Daily, of Greene, Mrs. George Hackett, of Greene, Leland D. Thompson, of Afton, Mrs. James Palmer, of Oxford, Albert Edgerton of Sanitaria Springs, Mrs. Emory Stalker, of Kauneonga Lake, N.Y., Arthur Daily, of Pittsford, N.Y. and Adelbert Edgerton, of Denver, Colo.  [Bainbridge News, Dec. 3, 1936] 

Isaac D. Richmond, an old time Norwich [Chenango Co.,  NY] resident, died at his home No. 96 East Main street, Friday November 22, 1901, at 8 a.m., aged 65 years.  Death was due from the bursting of a blood vessel in the head twenty-four hours previous.  Deceased was unmarried having resided with his mother up to the time of her death about three years ago.  He had since boarded in the family of W.H. Carpenter at the above address.  Mr. Richmond was a man of sturdy habits and possessed a remarkable fund of information upon current events.  He was quiet and unostentatious in manner and considered somewhat peculiar by many, but those who were fortunate enough to be classed among his friends and acquaintances admired his many good qualities and respected him as an upright man.  He is survived by an aunt, Mrs. Sarah Breed of Hayes street, and an uncle, Stanton Pendleton of South Broad street.  Another uncle, Nathan Pendleton, resides in Oxford.  Henry Hewitt of this village, is a cousin of the deceased.  Funeral services will be held from his late home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. J.L. Ray officiating.  Burial in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].  [Chenango Semi-Seekly Telegraph, Nov. 27, 1901]

Yaleville [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY]:  James Burch, one of the old pioneers of Yaleville, died November 25th, aged 99 years.  He came to this country when a young man, and settled on the place now owned by Luman Yale.  The country was then an unbroken wilderness, he having to chop away a space large enough to build a log house and has lived to see the forest disappear and splendid farms and villages spring up in their stead.  He was known as a strictly moral and honest man and was respected by all.  [Bainbridge Republican, Dec. 6, 1873]