Obituaries (August 23)

Only a few hours after he was seriously injured in an automobile accident, Eugene Bice, 73, of South Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY], died last Saturday.  A car driven by Mr. Bice and moving east on the county highway was in collision with a car moving north on the state highway.  The latter vehicle was driven by Mrs. Lillian Kuhn, 34, of New Berlin.  The Bice car was struck on the left side, and Mr. Bice was thrown from the car into a ditch.  Mr. Bice's injuries included a skull fracture, a cerebral hemorrhage, multiple confusions and a crushed chest.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 14, 1945]

 

Mrs. Mary Agnes Ahearn, 84, for many years a resident of Susquehanna [PA], died at the family home in that boro Monday morning, June 4.  She had been ill a long time.  Mrs. Ahearn, the widow of the late Martin J. Ahearn, was born in Scranton [PA], on September 15, 1861, her maiden name being Agnes King.  She was the daughter of the late John and Hannah King, of Deposit [Broome Co., NY].  She spent her entire adult life in Susquehanna.  She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Thomas R. Murphy, of Fairlawn, N.J., Mrs. James Mooney, of Susquehanna; three sons, Joseph, of Binghamton; John, of Susquehanna, and Francis, of Binghamton.  Seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews also survive.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 14, 1945]

 

Funeral services for the Rev. George F. Adams, 77, retired pastor, who died Friday morning at his home, in Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], were held Monday afternoon, with the Rev. Richard R. Lloyd, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiating.  A Baptist minister for 45 years, Mr. Adams had served parishes at East Branch, Clifton Park, Mt. Vision, Casterland and Hartwick, before his retirement 10 years ago.  He had lived in Oneonta since then.  He is survived by his wife, and two nieces.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 14, 1945]

 

Jesse A. Mayo, well known resident of Great Bend [PA] township, died at his home at Hickory Grove Wednesday morning, June 6.  He had been ill a long time.  Mr. Mayo was 80 years of age.  Most of his life was spent on his farm near Hickory Grove.  He is survived by his wife, and two daughters, Mrs. Charles Root, of Great Bend, R.D.1, and Mrs. Harry Singleton, of Buffalo; a sister, Mrs. Fred Van Horn, of Lanesboro.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 14, 1945]

 

Mrs. Etta Gordon, 69, widow of Gilbert Gordon, died June 5 at her home.  Mrs. Gordon was a member of St. Peter's Church and the Order of Easter Star.  Funeral services were held at Colwell's Chapel with the Rev. James E. Wolfe officiating.  Bearers were:  Frank Buman, Ward Searles, Charles Thorpe, all of Bainbridge; and Theodore Lashway, of Coventry.  Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 21, 1945]

 

Mr. and Mrs. John Eisenhart, of Windsor, received a message Sunday from Los Angeles, Calif., telling of the sudden death of their daughter, Grace Eisenhart Shellenberger, associate general secretary of the Los Angeles Y.M.C.A.  Mrs. Shellenberger was a graduate of the Binghamton High School and had taught in Conklin Forks and the Pierce Creek schools; also for several years was employed in the Humane Society office, Binghamton.  After her family moved to Windsor she spent two years in Denver, Colo., where she completed her vocal training and where she met Charles Shellenberger who was associated with her uncle, C.W. VanPatten in the Central Y.M.C.A., in Denver.  Before moving to Los Angeles, Mrs. Shellenberger was soloist at the Calvary Baptist Church in Yonkers, Mr. Shellenberger being general secretary of the Y.M.C.A. there.  Besides her husband and parents, she is survived by three sons and a brother.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 21, 1945]

 

Miss Ruth McKune, R.N., 72, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and Sidney E. McKune, 63, of Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY], brother and sister of Mrs. Roy McKune Vestal, formerly of Windsor, both died Friday morning, June 8.  Miss McKune died in the W.R.C. Home, Oxford, and Mr. McKune, died in the Binghamton City hospital.  Survivors include two other sisters, Mrs. Andrew Axtell and Mrs. Milton Stratton, of Lanesboro, Pa.; a brother, Benjamin R. McKune, of Chenango Bridge, and several nieces and nephews.  Mr. McKune is also survived by a daughter, Mrs. Marguerite Bardeen, of Cazenovia.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 21, 1945]

Mrs. Mildred H. Harkness, of Delhi [Delaware Co., NY], aged 31 years, died suddenly Tuesday following an operation performed June 7 at Delhi hospital.  Mrs. Harkness was born Dec. 9, 1913, in Davenport, daughter of Willard C. and Marion Hayner Riddell.  On Nov. 18, 1933, she was married at Meridith to Norman V. Harkness.  She had lived in Delhi for 12 years and was a graduate of Delaware Academy in 1932.  Mrs. Harkness was a member of the Delhi Baptist church.  Surviving are her husband, a son, Lawrence, her mother, six brothers, and three sisters.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 21, 1945]

Marriages (August 23)

Agent William S. Payne, of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, was married to Mrs. Olga Alger, of London, Eng., on Saturday, June 9, in London.  Agent Payne was chief of police in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] before entering the service.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 21, 1945]

 

Miss Mildred Daniels daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin L. Daniels, of Kirkwood [Broome Co., NY] R.D.1, became the bride of Pfc. Clark L. Vandermark, at a wedding ceremony performed in the Zion Episcopal Church, Windsor, by the Rev. James F. Root, Friday evening, June 8.  The bridegroom is the son of Mrs. Arthur Root, of Nineveh, and DeForst Vandermark, of Binghamton.  A reception for the bridal couple was held after the ceremony at the home of the bride's sister, Mrs. Ethel McNair, Windsor, for 40 guests.  Pfc. Vandermark has been in the service for four years, serving on a medical ship.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 21, 1945]

 

Johnson - Hartman:  Miss Jane Hartman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hartman, of Upper Derby, Pa., was married to Walter H. Johnson, AMM 1/C, son of Mrs. Alfred Benson, of Albany, at the home of the bride's parents in Upper Darby  The wedding took place on Saturday, June 9, at 3 o'clock, with the Rev. Dr. Nye officiating, in a very pretty double ring ceremony.  The bride was attired in a gray gabardine suit, with black and white accessories.  Her matron of honor was Mrs. Robert Pendlebury of Guilford, sister of the groom, and the groom was attended by his stepfather, Alfred Benson, of Albany.  After a wedding trip to Atlantic City, Albany and Guilford, the couple will live at Washington, where the groom will be stationed.  Congratulations are extended to them.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 21, 1945]

 

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Odell, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], were pleasantly surprised Friday evening, June 1, by about 35 friends and relatives who joined them in celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary that was on June 2.  After games and a social evening the table was set with pink and blue candles and a large bouquet of white snapdragons and pink carnations served as table decorations, also a three-tier bride's cake iced with pink and white and a miniature bride and groom as decorations.  The guests were served three kinds of cake, including the bride's cake, also coffee and ice cream.  Harry B. Curtis, of Mt. Upton, presented Mr. and Mrs. Odell with a purse all in silver as a gift from those present, also pieces of silver.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 21, 1945]

 

A pretty June wedding took place Saturday evening June 16, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chester Weidman, Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], when their daughter Grace Mildred, became the bride of Ronald A. Roach, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Roach, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  The ceremony was performed by the Ref. James W. Bump, of Guilford, under a beautifully decorated arch of ferns and moch orange.  The Rev. Bump also officiated at the wedding of the bride's parents 37 years ago.  The bride was beautiful in a gown of white satin top with sweetheart neckline and organdy skirt over taffeta.  She carried an arm bouquet of white roses and baby's breath.  Her only jewelry was a single strand of pearls and matching ear rings.  Miss Ruth Sylstra was her only attendant and was gowned in blue taffeta.  She carried an arm bouquet of pink roses.  Murray Roach, brother of the groom acted as best man.  The bride's mother wore a blue print dress with white accessories.  her corsage was of pink roses and small spring flowers.  Mrs. Roach, mother of the groom wore a printed jersey dress with black accessories.  Her corsage was of yellow roses.  Mrs. Gary Van Butens rendered music suitable for the occasion.  Mrs. Roach is very well known in this vicinity, having always lived and attended school here.  Mr. Roach is very well known by the younger set and is employed on his father's farm in Oxford.  Following the reception the bridal couple left for a short wedding trip.  They will be at home after June 19 at their apartment on Columbia St., in Oxford.  Mrs. Roach was guest of honor at a variety shower held Monday evening, June 11 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Weidman.  Nearly fifty persons attended. The bride was the recipient of many lovely and useful gifts.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 21, 1945]

Soldier News continued - 1945

John Smith Visits U.S. Cemetery in Belgium

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 21, 1945

John Smith, son of Cora Smith, of Union, writes home that he is working in the cemetery in Belgium where Howard Teeple, who was killed in action Feb. 8, is buried. The family and friends had held hopes that possibly there might be some mistake about Howard's death; but with the news that a local boy has visited his grave, it seems there is now no doubt left.  John also sent pictures of sections of the Belgium cemetery where more than 15,000 of our boys are sleeping beneath white crosses.

 

Pvt. Donald Murray Released from German Concentration Camp

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 31, 1945

 

Pvt. Donald Murray has been released from a German concentration camp and in letters received by his wife Mrs. Donald Murray, and his father, Dairus Murray.  He will soon be on his way home.  He wrote in a letter, that there was nothing wrong, but what plenty of good food would remedy.  Before being released, he had been forced with other prisoners of war, to march 15 miles in a nearly starved condition.  His letters were postmarked Le Harve, France. 

 

Cpl. Thomas Egnaczak Kept Planes Ready to Fight

Sidney Enterprise, June 7, 1945

 

1st Base Air Depot, Warrington, England:  V-E day found Cpl. Thomas A. Egnaczak of Olean [Cattaraugus Co., NY] on the job, helping to ready more combat planes and equipment for immediate act on wherever they might be needed.  Cpl. Egnaczak is the son of Mrs. Lena Egnaczak of Olean, and is one of the crack Air Service Command team who pitched in to back up the air assaults that helped knock Germany out of the war.

 

Commending their battle-backing efforts, Brigadier General Morris Berman, Commanding General of the Base Air Depot Area, Air Service Command declared:  "These soldiers of the Base Air Depot have, since their work began, dispatched 415,000 tons of Air Corps supplies, assembled and modified 12,000 combat planes and repaired and overhauled more than 90,000 aircraft engines.  Every soldier, whatever his job, contributed materially to the magnificent, final result  I commend them, and I know that whatever their next task, they will fulfill it with credit to themselves and their country."

 

Cpl. Egnaczak has been overseas since August 1943, and joined the Army in July 1943.  He was employed by the Scintilla Magneto Division in Sidney.

Pfc. F.W. Schrader Wounded in Action

Sidney Enterprise, June 7, 1945

Pfc. F.W. Schrader of 6 Liberty street [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY] was wounded in action in early May somewhere in Austria.  His wounds being classed as slight, he was sent to a general hospital near Leominster, England and was discharged on May 27, and is now on his way back to the States, according to word received by his mother, Mrs. Annie Schrader.  Pfc. Schrader reports that they marched through France and Germany and got about twenty miles into Austria before running into trouble.  He states that he was able to walk to a safe place after being wounded. 

Lt. Harry Derby, Jr. Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 14, 1945

Lieutenant Harry Leigh Derby, Jr., U.S.N.R., 38, was killed in action in the Pacific, according to word received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Derby, 47 Porter Place, Montclair, N.J.  Before volunteering in the Naval Reserve, Lieutenant Derby was Western sales manager in Chicago of the American Cyanamid and Chemical Corporation  His father is president of the company.  Surviving besides his parents are his wife, Mrs. Mary Katherine Derby; two daughters, Lynne and Ann Derby; and a son, Harry L. Derby, 3d.  Harry Derby, Sr., is a native of Bainbridge.

Mr. and Mrs. Bush receive Chaplain's Letter

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 14, 1945

Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Bush have received the following letter of sympathy from John H. Gilbreath, Chaplain, USNR, concerning the loss of their son, Pit/Sgt. Clarence Adrian Bush, USMC, who was killed Feb. 22, on Iwo Jima.

Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Bush, R.D.3, Bainbridge, NY [Chenango Co.]
My dear Mr. and Mrs. Bush,
It was with a feeling of personal loss that we learned of the death of your son, Clarence Adrian.  He had made a deep place in the respect and affection of the men and officers with whom he was associated.  His absence will be felt with much sorrow.

The action in which he gave his life was typical of him.  He went beyond the requirements of duty in hunting down the enemy sniper whose activity was endangering the lives of his comrades.  Just yesterday an officer was speaking to me of how, in his work at camp, Clarence Adrian had gone beyond that which was required of him, eager that his task should be done well.  To use the lieutenant's words:  "He can never be replaced.  His kind come one in a million."

It is hard for all of us to imagine why a man of his talent and future should be taken from us so soon.  To say it was part of God's plans seems almost sacrilege.  And yet we have the assurance that He can turn even so helpless a situation as death itself to the ultimate happiness of those who love Him.  For your son, we need have no sorrow.  The sting is for us who loved him and are left alone.  Time alone will make that dull.  May God send His comfort quickly. 

We have this consolation of knowing that death came immediately.  Clarence Adrian never suffered.  Accompanied by a number of his close friends, I went to where he had fallen.  We joined in the 23rd Psalm, and prayer before his body was taken to be interred.  His body now lies in a beautiful, simple cemetery on the Western slope of Iwo Jima.  He was buried with full Christian and military honors.

If there is any manner is which I may be of service to you in the future, please do not hesitate to call upon me.

With deep sympathy, John H. Gilbreath, Chaplain, USNR



 

Obituaries (August 22)

Harrisville [Lewis Co., NY]:  Melvin Darwin Butler, 89, a retired jeweler, died at his home on State street at 5:55 Sunday morning following a heart attack.  He had been in poor health for the past three years but was able to be up and around until the day of his death.  He was honored on his birthday, May 9, with a party by the Masonic Lodge, of Harrisville.  He was born May 9, 1856, at North Lawrence [St. Lawrence Co., NY], son of William and Huldah Lombar Butler.  He made his home in Parishville and Colton before coming to Harrisville in 1908.  He operated a jewelry business for 53 years.  he was postmaster at Colton for seven and one half years and was town clerk, of Colton, for a number of years.  he retired from his jewelry business three years ago because of ill health.  He was married three times.  His first wife, Mrs. Georgianna Day Butler, died when their daughter, Mrs. Willis Dix, of Bainbridge, was two weeks old.  His second wife, Mrs. Jeanne Dimick Butler, died when their son, Claude, was four months old.  He then married Miss Henrietta McCabe on Dec. 4, 1890, and the couple observed their 54th wedding anniversary last December.  They were honored on their 50th anniversary with a party at the Harrisville Methodist church with 75 friends in attendance.  He had been a member of the Masonic order of over 50 years and had been awarded the 50-year medal.  He was a member of the Methodist church 55 years and had served as a member of the board of trustees and a steward of the church.  He is survived by his widow, a daughter, Mrs. Charles (Willis) Dix, and a son, Claude W. Butler, both of Bainbridge.  He is also survived by three grandchildren.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 14, 1945]

Miss Pearl Belding, age 70 years, passed away at the Syracuse Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, June 5, following a critical operation, from which she failed to rally.  Her illness was of a serious nature, yet only of a month's duration.  She was employed as a Nurse's Aid at the T.B. Sanitarium and had been in her usual good health, when suddenly stricken.  Final services were held from the Delaney and Dodge Funeral Home at East Syracuse Friday afternoon.  For many years, Miss Belding has visited the Murray home in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Mrs. Murray's and Miss Belding's friendship having dated back many years, when they were both employed in the same office in Syracuse, Miss Belding as private secretary and Mrs. Murray as clerk.  This friendship has continued through the years and many pleasant memories Miss Belding may have recalled in her final illness of the pleasant days spent in Guilford.  Always when she visited here special things were planned among her friends here and in Oxford, to make the time pass pleasantly.  Her passing came as a great shock to her friends, but as her illness was incurable, it was a blessing she was taken quickly and did not have to linger and suffer.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 14, 1945]

Mrs. Jane Crandall Jones died at her home, 721 College avenue, this morning [October 12, 1906] at 5:45 o'clock of diphtheria, after an illness of three days.  She was born in Madison county, N.Y., seventy-one years ago last May, moving to Deposit when very young, where her father, Horace Mygatt, took the first contract for building the Erie Railroad.  Her mother, Harriet Crandall, was the daughter of Silas Crandall, one of the earliest settlers of Deposit, and both were life-long residents of that village.  In 1859 she married Solomon Jones, of Hancock, N.Y.  After her marriage Mr. Jones became a telegraph operator on the Northern Central, and later became a train dispatcher in the local office of the Northern Central, which position he held until his death in 1887.  She was  a member of the Park Church.  Mrs. Jones is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Willard E. Barber, of this city, one son Edward Charles Jones, of Canton, Pa., a sister, Mrs. E.P. Ward, of Deposit, and a brother Charles Mygatt, of Port Jervis.  She is also survived by one grandchild, Francis E. Barber, of this city - Elmira Gazette

LEONARD:  At 424 South Hill street Tuesday, October 2 [1906], George C. Leonard, aged sixty-three years.  We take the foregoing from the Los Angeles Examiner, which will be of interest to many of the older inhabitants of Deposit.  Mr. Leonard was a resident of this place for many years.  His wife, Kate Kingsley was a Deposit girl.  The couple had gone to California with the hope that the climate might be beneficial to him, as he was a great sufferer from rheumatism, and had not been able to walk in nearly a year. The sympathy of Mrs. Leonard's many friends here will go out to her in her sorrow. 

Mrs. Adaline Douglass died at her home in St. Petersburg, Florida, Friday morning, Aug. 10th [1906], from erysipelas, aged 79 years.  Her son, George Douglass, arrived in Bainbridge with the remains, Monday evening.  The funeral was held at the residence of Mrs. Emeline E. Graves, Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock.  Rev. C.J. Shrimpton officiated.  Burial in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY]. The deceased had passed the greater number of her years in Bainbridge.  She resided on a farm in the east side of the town.  Her husband died some eight years ago.  Two years ago she went with her son, George Douglass, to Florida to reside.

Marriages (August 22)

Miss Marjorie Grace Alexander of Franklin [Delaware Co., NY] daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Alexander, became the bride of  Niles Elliott Wilcox, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wilcox, East Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], Saturday, at 2 pm, in the Methodist church.  Traditional wedding music was played by Mrs. Eva Boggs, church organist.  Miss Mary Alexander, Franklin, was her sister's maid of honor, and the best man was the bridegroom's brother, Stewart Wilcox.  Mrs. Charles Alexander, Jr., Franklin, and Miss Helen Ward, New York, were bridesmaids.  Ushers were Charles Alexander, Jr., brother of the bride, and John Roebuck, Walden.  The bride, who was given in marriage by her father, was gowned in white taffeta with sweetheart neckline.  Her finger tip veil was trimmed with seed pearls and she carried a bridal bouquet of white roses and lilies of the valley.  Her maid of honor wore yellow jersey and carried carnations and snapdragons.  Mrs. Alexander wore a blue taffeta gown and Miss Ward was attired in pink taffeta.  They carried matching bouquets of snapdragons and carnations.  A reception for 80 followed at the home of the bride's parents.  The bride's table was centered with a bride's cake made by  Mrs. F.B. Rose and Mrs. Walter McIntosh.  Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox left for Detroit, Mich. on a wedding trip. They will reside in East Masonville.  The bride is a graduate of Franklin Central school and Albany Business college,   and is employed as a stenographer in the service department at Scintilla.  A graduate of Sidney Central School and of Delhi School of Agriculture, the bridegroom is engaged in farming at East Masonville.  [The Sidney Record, June 7, 1945]

 

The Methodist Church in Guilford was the scene of a pretty wedding Sunday, June 3, at 2 o'clock, when Miss Marjorie Ives, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Ives, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], became the bride of Norman Glover, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Glover, also of Guilford.  The ceremony was performed by the pastor, the Rev. David Wolfe, and the bride was given in marriage by her father.  The bride and groom were attended by Miss Mabel Seiler, of Oxford, as maid of honor, and Seward Ives, brother of the bride, as best man.  The bride chose a beautiful white satin gown with net and illusion veil and carried a colonial bouquet of white roses. The maid of honor's dress was powder blue chiffon and she carried a mixed colonial bouquet.  The ushers were Morrell Newton, uncle of the groom of Norwich and John Van Kleeck, of Guilford.  The mothers of the bride and groom wore corsages of red roses and the grandmothers of both bride and groom, wore corsages of sprayed carnations  Following the wedding ceremony, a reception was held for 50 guests at the Oxford Inn, Oxford, and the couple left immediately for a short wedding trip.  Previous to the ceremony Mrs. Gary VanBuiten presided at the organ, rendering music appropriate for the occasion.  The bride was a guest of honor at prenuptial events.  Both are very popular Guilford young people and are employed in the Scintilla Corp.  They returned to their apartment in the VanBuiten house, which they had made ready previously.  Best wishes are extended to them from their many friends.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 14, 1945]

 

"In the grey and gold of the October glow," Wednesday morning, the 16th [1896], at eleven o'clock, and in the presence of a few relatives, a very pretty and happy wedding was celebrated, in the quiet retreat of China, a suburban settlement, a few miles from Deposit [Broome Co., NY].  It was at the home of Moses R. Axtell, the father of the bride, when his daughter Miss Lydia Opheha Axtell, was given in marriage to Herbert Mosher Ramsdell, son of Erwin Ramsdell of this village, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  The Rev. Mr. Percy, Baptist, clergyman from Deposit cemented the union.  the bride was attired in a blue cloth travelling suit, simple, modest and sweet in air and design.  After the wedding ceremony a fine collation was served and while lingering over the viands there was a flow of joyous sentiment emanating from the event of the preceding hour, and many were the predictions of happiness for the passage down life's journey.  Mr and Mrs. Ramsdell left the same afternoon for New York to spend a few days in travel and upon their return will reside in Bainbridge.  Mrs. Ramsdell attended the Oneonta Normal school and upon her graduation entered upon a responsible position in the Bainbridge Academy which she held for three years, closing her service this last summer.  She was a most admirable and thorough teacher, gentle and refined in deportment, lovable and loved, and will be received in her new sphere as a welcome resident of our place.  Mr. Ransdell is an enterprising young citizen, interested in all projects for the benefit of his town and a member of the firm of Ramsdell & Son, furniture dealers of Bainbridge. 

 

A very pleasant event and one of much interest to their many friends occurred Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 1, 1897, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Sage of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] in the marriage of their daughter, Susan Lucinda to Mr. Ralph William Kirby of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  The home was made beautiful with ferns and everywhere in profusion sweet pease gave beauty and fragrance; at an early hour a prelude from Lohengrin was played and all things conspired to make the occasion a most happy one, nor was the proverbial sunshine wanting to omen a gladsome future.  Promptly at 3:00 o'clock the grand wedding march from Lohengrin, rendered by Miss Ida M. Haynes, of Norwich, ushered in the bridal party.  Music continued throughout the entire service which was most impressively preformed by Ref. J.B. Gamong.  The bride was attired in white organdie over white satin and carried a bouquet of bridal roses and lilies of the valley.  The maid of honor was Miss Frances Louise Robbins of Oneonta, with Miss Susan McFarland of Salem as bridesmaid, while Mr. John R. Kirby of New York, brother of the groom, acted as best man.  The ushers were Frank D. Robinson of Oneonta and Clarence H. Kirby, of Bainbridge.  After congratulations were extended elaborate refreshments were served by the caterer from Oneonta.  The bride is one of New Berlin's most highly accomplished young ladies and is beloved by all for her personal charms as well as her noble womanhood.  She is a graduate of the Oneonta Normal school where she won high honors as a student, also a teacher of some repute, having served during the past year as Instructress of Elocution and Delsarte in the Washington College for young ladies.  Mr. Kirby is cashier of the First National Bank in this village, a young man of promising ability, of sterling quality, and standing high public esteem.  The choicest wishes of a wide circle of friends go with the bride and her chosen companion and may they realize a future rich in all good things. 

 

At 9 a.m. Tuesday, December 10 [1895], at the home of the bride's mother on North Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], Miss M. Dell Fletcher and C.C. Hovey were married by the Rev. H.W. Chollar in the presence of a few relatives.  After a wedding breakfast Mr. and Mrs. Hovey left for New York for a brief visit. 

 

It was not generally known till yesterday that our prominent citizen, Wallace W. Davis, had entered into wedlock.  Mr. Davis was married Jan. 31st [1896], to Mrs. Emeline J. Hatch.  Ceremony was performed by Rev. W.E. Bentley.  The heartiest matrimonial greetings are extended by a wide circle of friends. 

 

NEWTON - IRELAND:  In Bainbridge, N.Y., Mar. 5, 1896 by Rev. E. Kilpatrick, John Z. Newton and Mrs. Cora B. Ireland.

Miscellaneous

Joseph Throop Promoted to Professor at R.P.I.

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 31, 1945

Promotion of another group of faculty members was announced May 24 at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.  Together with 10 promotions announced last week, those announced today brought the total to 17, the largest number ever promoted at one time at the Institute.  The additional seven, all advanced from instructors to assistant professors, included Joseph F. Throop, rational and technical mechanics.

 

Professor Throop was born in Doraville in 1917.  He attended Bainbridge Central High School and was graduated from R.P.I. in 1938 as a civil engineer.  He has been a member of the faculty since graduation.  In addition to his teaching activities, Professor Throop has worked summers at the Aluminum Research laboratories, New Kensington, Pa.  He has done consulting work and research dealing with plastics and the development of magnesium for the Army, the American Society for Testing materials and the National Research Council.  Professor Throop is a member of the Tau Beta Pi, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society for Testing Materials and the Society for Promotion of Engineering Education.  Professor Throop, a former resident of Bainbridge, is a brother of Mrs. O.L. Thorp, Pearl Street.

 

51 to Graduate from Junior High Friday

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 21, 1945

 

Diplomas will be presented to 51 Junior High School graduates, the largest class in several years, at the Bainbridge Central School this week Friday morning, June 22, at 10 o'clock.  Invitations have been issued to relatives of the graduates and a general invitation is extended to all friends of the school.

 

William Shea and Paul Dimmick are valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for their class.  The average of the two boys was nearly identical, varying only by a few tenths.  The Rev. D.F. Dimmick, father of Paul and rector of the Free Methodist Church, will be the commencement speaker for the morning.

 

The newly formed Junior High School Glee Club will make its initial appearance under the direction of Miss Lorraine Roberts.  The group has been practicing for several weeks and have chosen for their numbers:  "In My Garden," "Desert Song," "Stouthearted Men," "Auf Wiedersehn," "Alice Blue Gown," and "Roses of Picardy."  The band, directed by Mrs. Charles Arnold, will also play at the beginning and close of the program, The Rev. Norman Lawton will offer the invocation and benediction.  P.T.S. Awards of Merit will be presented by Mrs. Robert Hughston, president, while Perfect Attendance Certificates will be awarded by Principal Francis J. Casey.

 

Officers of this year's class are:  President, Donald Simonds; vice-president Shirley Davidson; secretary, Ethel Partridge; treasurer, Burdette Lee.  The class advisors are Allen Black and Miss Vivian Marion.

 

Graduates are:

Dorothy Bacon          Barbara Branham           Francis Cawley          William Collinge

Helen Corbin             Francis Delello              Shirley Davidson        Roberta DiMarco

Paul Dimmick           Ruth Drachler                Wanda Drachler          Dana Drew

Barbara Fenner         Lillian Flyzik                 Jean Gifford                Anita Hall

Elizabeth Hine          Neoma Hine                  Nanette Horton            William Ireland

Robert Jones             Burton Knapp                Fred Knise                   Burdette Lee

Beverly LeSuer        Donald Lewis                William Mayes            Rita Mertz

Theresa Merta          Albert Michel                 Dolores Michel           Lillian Mott

Janice Niles              Kenneth Owens             Robert Owens              Bernard Parsons

Wendell Pickwick    Marjorie Price               Angelina Puerile          Marie Reichen

Karl Salszberg          William Shea                Marjorie Silvey            Donald Simonds

Barbara Smith          Ronald Smith                Gloria Streigler            Janice Terry

Vinette Terry           Josephine Thorpe           Charles Villnave

Soldier News continued - 1945

Four Local Prisoners In Germany Released

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 31, 1945

 

People of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] are overjoyed to hear of the release of the four local boys who have been held as prisoners in Germany and hope that these lads will return to their families in the States soon.  they are T/Sgt. Edward L. Peckham, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Peckham, R.D.3, Bainbridge; 1st Lieut. Donald L. Patchen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earle Benedict, of R.D.3, Bainbridge; Pfc. Ernest E. Meade, son of Mrs. Ruth Meade, Bainbridge; and Pfc. Socrates Nellis, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Rexford Silvey, of R.D.3, Bainbridge.

 

The first boy to report of his release was Private First Class Nellis, infantryman, who was captured on Dec. 18, 1944 in Belgium by the Germans and taken to a prison camp near the Baltic Sea.  His grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Silvey, received an Ex-prisoner of War card from him on May 18.

 

Next came word of the release of Pfc. Ernest E. Meade in a letter to his mother, Mrs. Meade, which she received last Friday morning.  Private First Class Meade was a member of the 101 Airborne Infantry.  He went into Normandy on D-Day and was seriously wounded June 14 in France.  After spending several months in the hospital, he returned to his outfit and, on Sept. 25, he was reported missing in action in Holland.  No further word was heard from him until Dec. 14 when he was reported a prisoner; although he had been a prisoner since shortly after he was reported missing.

 

First Lieut. Donald L. Patchen, who was a Mustang Fighter pilot, the only fighter pilot from Bainbridge was reported missing on May 19, 1944, according to word received by his parents around the first of June.  He later was reported a prisoner.  Lieutenant Patchen, who holds the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, has returned to his outfit in England, according to a letter received from him last week by his parents.

 

The first service man from Bainbridge to be taken prisoner and the last to be released was T/Sgt. Edward L. Peckham, Technical Sergeant Peckham, who was an aerial engineer on a B-17 stationed in England, was shot down on his first mission over German territory on June 26, 1943.  He was reported missing in action on July 5, 1943.  Edward lived with a French family for seven weeks, and while on his way to the Spanish border attempting to escape back to England, he was captured.  He was confined to a civilian prison for seven weeks and then moved to an army prison camp.  He was reported a prisoner on Oct. 31 1943.  After spending almost two years in the German camp B-17, all the allied prisoners were forced to leave the camp on Apr. 8, 1945, when the Russian forces were within 40 miles of the camp, according to a letter received by his parents, Saturday morning.  He stated further that they were forced to march 200 miles in 18 days and were at the German-Austrian border when released by the Americans on May 3.  He expects to return to the States not later than June 15.

 

Earnest Meade Liberated April 30 in Munich

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 31, 1945

 

Mrs. Ruth Meade, of Front street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., New York], received the following letter Friday morning from her son, Pfc. Ernest E. Meade, who has been a prisoner in Germany since September, 1944, telling of his liberation at Munich on Apr. 30.

 

May 6, 1945

Hello Folks:

You can stop your worrying about me right now, for today I am a free man, no longer in German hands, thank the good Lord.  Mother, you'll never know just how happy I was the day I saw an American tank and infantry roll into town, Munchen, (Munich), where I have been working the past five months.  It was the 30th of April, a date that I will never forget.  I am in good health--hope everyone at home is well too.

 

Mother it will not be long before I will be on my way home to the good old United States.  My life here in Germany, while a P.O.W. has been a hard one.  My guards were hard on me.  Some treated me like a dog--how they worked us--how they treated us.  If it were not for the American Red Cross, I think I would have died last winter.

 

Did you ever get any of my personal belongings from my outfit?  I do hope you got my Purple Heart that was sent to you before I left the airport for Holland. 

 

Mother, it about broke my heart because I didn't hear from home once during my seven months of P.O.W. life.  I wrote to you and Dad every Sunday morning.  Well mother, I must say goodnight.  Give my love to all of family for me.  You can expect your some home anytime now.

Son, Ernest. 

 

Cpl. Henry Soules Found in Germany

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 31, 1945

 

Cpl. Henry Soules, who has been reported missing in Germany since March 1, 1945, states in a letter of May 14 to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Soules, that he was found by the Allies.  Corporal Soules, of the 26th Infantry, 1st Division, was all right and hoped to be home soon, according to his letter received by his parents Sunday.

 

Pfc. Kenneth Wright Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 24, 1945

 

Word has been received by Mrs. Grace Wright, of Wells Bridge [Otsego Co., NY] that her husband, Pfc. Kenneth Wright, was killed in Germany on April 17.  Private Wright, who was with the 3rd Army, entered service June 8, 1943, and received his training at Fort Bliss, Tex., Camp Cooke, Calif., Ontario Air Field and Camp McCoy, Wis.  He went overseas in November, 1944.  Private Wright married Miss Grace Jackson, of Wells Bridge on July 18, 1941.  Besides his wife, a daughter, Sharon, survives, as do his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bart Wright, of Otego, and a sister, Mrs. Frank Polley, of Oneonta.

 

Cpl. Richard Bump Home After Two Years in Pacific

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 24, 1945

 

Cpl. Richard Bump, son of Harvey Bump, USMC, who has been in the Pacific area for two years, is spending a 30-day leave with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Bump, and Charles Marble, and his father, Harvey Bump, and his sisters, Shirley and Marilyn, in Guilford, and sister, Emily, in Norwich.  Cpl. Bump enlisted in January, 1943, and received his basic training at Parris Island, S.C., and from there went to Camp Lejeune, New River, N.C.  He left for overseas in April, 1943.  Cpl. Bump was stationed on Guam for a time and was all through the Bougainville campaign.  He was one of 14 lost behind Jap lines.  They were lost for 14 hours.  The Marines were cut off from their comrades by heavy Jap installations during fierce fighting along the Pira Trail.  They had to travel four miles in a semicircular path before they again made contact with their own front lines.  "It was an arduous trek," he says.  "We were forced to duck snipers, machine gun nests and heavy mortar fire."  En route they picked up two other Marines badly wounded and carried them to safety.  "During fierce fighting at Iwo Jima, Cpl. Bump ducked into a fox hole occupied by two Japs.  He shot one of them, but the other hit him with the butt of his gun, and Cpl. Bump was taken to the hospital.  At the end of his leave Cpl. Bump will go to Bennett Field, New York City, for reassignment. 

 

Louis Scanlon Promoted on Okinawa

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 31, 1945

 

 

1st Lt. Louis W. Scanlon

 

2nd Lieut. Louis W. Scanlon, son of John Scanlon, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], who is serving with the 27th Division, has been promoted to First Lieutenant.

 

 

 



Miscellaneous

Twin Kids

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 10, 1945

 

 

Raymond Cawley

 

                                                       Raymond Cawley, of Tyler street,

                                                       pictured with his twin goats

                                                       which are about four weeks old.

 

 Neil Lewis candidate for Chenango County Sheriff

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 17, 1945

 

 

Neil D. Lewis

 

Former Chenango County Sheriff Neil D. Lewis announced his decision today to seek renomination on the Republican ticket in the July 31 primary election as the GOP candidate for that office.  His determination to again seek the office which he filled at the choice of the voters of Chenango county for five terms follows the urging of party members throughout the county, he said Friday.

 

Widely recognized as an authority on matters pertaining to the office and well versed on the execution of all details associated with this important office, former Sheriff Lewis has to his credit an outstanding record of public service.

 

Mr. Lewis was first elected sheriff in 1916.  Technicalities of the office are fully known by him and his associations with all law-enforcement agencies of the state are a direct benefit to the citizenry of Chenango county who believe in law enforcement for all.

 

The Lewis family were of the early settlers of Chenango county and the former sheriff represents the fifth generation of the family in this section.  Mr. Lewis' first police work was with the Norwich police force of which he was a member from 1902 to 1915.  For a number of years he served as a lieutenant of detectives for the C.L.&W.R.R.  As well known in all parts of the country as he is in his home city, his candidacy will it is believed command a wide support.  One of the 25-year members honored by Norwich Lodge 1222 B.P.O.E. he also is associated with the membership of the Norwich Lodge of Moose and the Eagles.

 

Mr. Lewis is a member of Emmanuel Episcopal church in this city where he has been a communicant since he was nine years of age.

 

During his last term of office as sheriff, while transporting a prisoner to Attica, Mr. Lewis was seriously injured in a motor accident.  While in the line of duty his life was endangered from injuries sustained.  His complete recovery is a source of gratification to his countless friends and today Mr. Lewis is enjoying the best of health. 

 

If nominated and elected he is again in position to serve the public with the same integrity, courage and efficiency which the people recognized in returning him to this office.

 



 

 

 

 

 



Soldier News continued - 1945

Pfc. Henry Hamlett's Unit Receive Citation

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 17, 1945

With the 100th Division of 7th Army in France:  The 325th Medical Battalion of the 100th Division has been awarded the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque for its superior performance of duty during its service in France.  The battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. E.J. Genetti (601 E. Sellar street) Bessemer, Mich., provided medical care and supplies in the division's fighting in the Vosges Mountains region of the western front, and the bitter struggle for the hinge of the German-held Maginot Line fortress system at Bitche.  In the 100th Division order commending the battalion and its men, the citation read:

 

"By direction of the President...the Meritorious Service Unit Plaque is awarded to the 325th Medical Battalion for superior performance of duty and achievement of a high standard discipline."

 

The 100th (Century) Division, of which the 325th Medical Battalion is a part, was one of the four divisions praised by Lt. Gen. Jacob L. Devers, Sixth Army Group commander, for stopping the German counter-offensive on the Seventh Army front in January, "Your great accomplishments," Gen Devers' commendation read, "forced the enemy to give up the offensive action on your front.  Inflicting great losses to strong elements of three divisions, you have successfully protected an important sector in the Hardt mountains."

 

Pfc. Henry Hamlett, R.D.1, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], is a member of the 325th Battalion and contributed to its winning the Meritorious Service unit Plaque. 

 

Major Richard Forsyth Returns to Civilian Life

Bainbridge News & Republican,  May 24, 1945

 

Springfield, Mass.:  Maj. Richard J. Forsyth, officer in charge of the service department at Springfield Armory, leaves today for Fort Devens and a return to civilian life, at his own request.  He has been stationed at the Armory for more than five years.  Maj. Forsyth, born in Millers Falls, Mass., was valuation engineer for the public service commission of the State of New York at the time he was called to active duty in February, 1940, in the grade of captain.  He was first commissioned in the Ordnance reserve in 1926, and was promoted at the Armory in 1941.  In addition to his principal duty, Major Forsyth also served the Armory as Signal Officer, Post Engineer, Equipment Budget Officer, and Mileage Administrator.  He purchased the Valley House Hotel in South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], in 1944, which his wife has been managing pending his return there to make his permanent home.

 

Pvt. Socrates Nellis Released from German Prison

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 24, 1945

 

Pvt. Socrates Nellis, grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Rexford Silvey, R.D.3, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], who has been a prisoner in Germany since last December, has been released by the British and U.S.A., according to an Ex-prisoner of War Card received from Socrates by the Silveys last Friday.  He stated that he would be home soon.  Socrates who was confined to a prison camp near the Baltic Sea, is the first of the four Bainbridge prisoners in Germany to report of release.

 

Mary Gough Promoted to Rank of Major in ANC

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 24, 1945

 

Major Mary Brennan Gough, of Endicott [Broome Co., NY], chief nurse at the Charleston Port of Embarkation Station Hospital, has been promoted from the rank of captain, Brigadier General James T. Duke, Port Commander, announced today.  She is the first Greater Endicott woman to earn that rank.  A graduate of Fifth Avenue Hospital School of Nursing, New York City, in 1931, Major Gough was a private duty nurse until enlisting in the Army Nurse Corps in July, 1942.  She was on duty at the Fort Dix, N.J., Station Hospital, and served in the European Theatre as chief nurse of medical hospital ship platoon prior to her present post here in December, 1943.  Major Gough is authorized to wear the American Theatre and European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre service ribbons.  She was promoted to First lieutenant in May, 1943; and to captain in April, 1944.  The wife of Emile Gough, an executive in Sesac, Inc., New York City, she is the daughter of Joseph Brennan, who now resides with his son, Joseph F. Brennan, Jr., 312 Adams avenue.  Major Gough also has another brother, Pvt. Patrick Brennan, formerly of Endicott, now stationed in Washington, who served in World War I and re-enlisted for this present conflict.  Her nephew, First Lieut. Joseph J. Brennan, son of the Endicott man, is stationed in Europe.--From the Endicott Daily Bulletin, May 19, 1945--Major Gough, originally of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], is a niece of Thomas Collins, West Main street. 

 

Sgt. Louis Ferguson Wounded

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 24, 1945

 

Sgt. Louis Ferguson, infantryman of the 77th Division, was wounded in the right arm and left thigh on May 5, according to word received by his daughter, Roberta Ferguson, from the government.  Sergeant Ferguson, who holds the Bronze Star Medal, was apparently wounded on Okinawa.

 

Pfc. Howard Foster on Furlough

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 24, 1945

 

Pfc. Howard J. Foster, who returned to Camp Upton Convalescent Center, L.I., from a hospital in England less than a month ago, is spending a 15-day furlough here.  Private Foster, who was a member of the 26th Infantry, 1st Division, was wounded twice on Nov. 29, 1944, near Achean.  He was shot in the left shoulder blade and lung by a sniper in the morning of that day and because of the intensity of the German fire the medics were unable to reach him until nearly nightfall during which time he was hit by shrapnel in the left upper arm.  The first medic attempting to rescue him was instantly killed.  Howard than was taken to a field hospital and later flown to England by plane.  During his stay in England he was visited several times by his brother, S/Sgt Victor Foster, who is stationed with the Air Force in England.  Private Foster wears the Purple Heart Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, E.T.O. Ribbon with two battle stars, and the combat Infantryman's Badge.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Foster, of Front st6reet [Bainbridge Chenango Co., NY]

 

Sgt. Carl Daniels Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 24, 1945

 

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Daniels, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], received a telegram from the War Department recently reporting that their son, Sgt. Carl Daniels who had been reported missing in action, had been killed in action August 12.  Sgt. Daniels was on his 11th mission on a Liberator bomber, on which he was a top turret gunner.  He had been in combat only two weeks, having landed in England July 1.  He had taken a refresher course in Iceland for two weeks and started his first mission August 1.  During the few days of combat duty he was the wearer of three Oak Leaf Clusters and had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Presidential Citation and Air Medal.  Sgt. Carl Daniels was born in Sidney Aug.  9, 1916, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Daniels.  He graduated from Sidney High School in 1934.  He was employed in the Scintilla Magneto plant before entering the service Jan. 15, 1943.  His engagement to Miss Millicent Cresson, of Windsor, had been announced just a year ago.  Surviving are his parents, three brothers and a sister.

 

Pvt. Charles Merton Finch Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 24, 1945

 

Private Charles Merton Finch, of Ivanhoe, Town of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], was killed in action in Germany on Apr. 14.  The report of his death was received by the family one day last week.  About a week before, a message had been received that he was missing in action on the date mentioned.  Private Finch was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Merton Finch, of Trout Creek, and his life had been spent in that vicinity.  When inducted in July, 1944, he was employed at the Scintilla plant as a tool and experimental room machine operator.  He volunteered for service in June, 1944.  Private Finch received his basic training at Fort McClellan, Ala., and was home on furlough at Christmas time.  Soon after he went overseas he was assigned to a regiment in the 1st Army, which was in the thick of the fighting on the Elbe River.  He was married at Johnson City June 20,  1937, to Miss Beatrice Gifford, of Masonville.  She survives, as do his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Merton Finch, and a sister, Mrs. Daniel Baker, of Trout Creek.  He was 29 years of age.  Charles Finch was a young man of fine character, liked and respected by all who knew him.  Previous to entering the employ of the Scintilla in 1939, he had engaged in general trucking and farming. His death will be mourned.



Marriages (August 21)

Miss Mary MacIntyre Hovey, daughter of Mrs. Charles Arthur Hovey and the late Mr. Hovey, 53 West Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], was married to Private First Class Howard J. Foster, U.S. Army, son of Mr. ad Mrs. Samuel Foster, 10 Front street [Bainbridge, NY], Thursday noon, May 24, in St. Peter's Episcopal Church.  The double ring ceremony was performed by the Rev. James E. Wolfe, rector.  The church was decorated with white lilacs, lilies of the valley, and narcissuses.  Miss Marion Wylie, of Afton, was at the organ.  The bride, who was given in marriage by her uncle, Vernon F. Hovey, wore a gown of white silk marquisette with satin nosegay medallions, made with sweetheart neckline, long sleeves and full skirt.  Her finger-tip veil was held in place by a lattice work cap of orange blossoms, and she carried a bouquet of white carnations.  She wore a string of pearls, a gift of the bridegroom.  Mrs. Donald Quinney, matron-of-honor, was dressed in a gown of pink silk marquisette with a headdress of flowers and carried a bouquet of pink gladioli.  Kenneth Hotaling, of Masonville, acted as best man.  The ushers were Miss Esther Clark and Miss Phyllis Holbert.  Following the ceremony a reception was held at the home of the bride for 28 relatives and close friends.  A three-tiered wedding cake centered the bridal table.  Mrs. Harold Cornell poured.  The couple left immediately after the reception for a wedding trip.  The bride graduated from Bainbridge Central High School with the Class of 1940.  The bridegroom was graduated from Bainbridge Central High School with the Class of 1940.  He entered the Armed Forces about two years ago and was wounded twice on Nov. 22, 1944 in Germany while serving with the infantry.  He returned to the States May 5 from a hospital in England.  Private Foster wears the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, E.T.O. Ribbon with two battle stars, and the Combat infantryman's Badge.  He will return to the Convalescent Center, Camp Upton, L.I., following his wedding trip.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 31, 1945]

 

COPLEY - BANKS:  At the residence of the bride's parents, September 25, 1895, by Rev. F.E. Bently, D.H. Copley and Miss Sarah M. Banks, all of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  Once more has the fair god Cupid entered the ranks of our maidens in Bainbridge and transferred one of their choicest representatives to the bonds of wedlock.  The occasion was signalized by a felicitous gathering of relatives and friends to the number of forty at the home of Mr. John Banks, the father of the bride, where at 5 o'clock, Wednesday evening, September twenty-fifth, at the close of a lovely day, his daughter, Sarah Mead Banks, was given in marriage to Duncan Herbert Copley, formerly of Davenport, New York, but now a resident of Bainbridge and president of the Gilbert Manufacturing Company.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Walter E. Bentley, Rector of St. Peter's church in an impressive and realistic manner.  The ushers were Frank B. Gilbert, Esq. of Albany, and Mr. Leroy Topping of Washington.  The bride wore a handsome traveling suit of worsted and silk in changing colors of green and brown and carried a bouquet of pink roses.  The house, which was the Banks homestead for several generations, and endeared by the associations of the early history of Bainbridge, had its interior transformed into a woodland garden, the mantels in the rooms being heavily banked with ferns and autumn leaves and the ceilings crossed with garlands of princess pine, tied with white ribbons.  After the hymeneal words were said, there followed a wedding supper and an hour of enjoyment and congratulations.  Mr. and Mrs. Copley left for a ten days' sojourn among the Catskill mountains; they will return to reside in Bainbridge, boarding for the winter.  There were many presents given, valuable in worth and as tokens of esteem.  The wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Copley was a delightfully informal affair and specially noted for its sweet simplicity and absence of all ostentation.  It will long be referred to as a pleasant event, where joy abounded, and which was a happy revival of olden time customs.  Many wishes for happiness go forth to our friends upon their bridal journey, and for all the years to come.

 

The nuptial gates stood ajar at eleven o'clock this morning and there entered into wedlock Miss M. Frances Freiot, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and Mr. Frank B. Gilbert, of Albany.  The interior of St. Peter's church, trimmed and adorned with all the beauty of nature's fairest embellishments, filled with the aroma of the choicest flowers, and echoing with the cadence of mellow and delicate song, witnessed one of her prettiest wedding scenes, made tender by the presence of a large number of guests, united in the expression of joy and good wishes  At eleven o'clock the Ladies Quartet of Binghamton, under the leadership of Mrs. Ostrander, began to sing the "Bridal Chorus" by Lohengrin.  The bridal party moved slowly up the center aisle of the church.  The ushers, Leroy Topping, of Washington, Chas. Kennedy, of Kingston, A.F Gilbert, of Binghamton, and Charles Gilbert, Bainbridge, both brothers of the groom, were followed by the little flower girl Margaret Bostwick, dressed in white swiss and the maid of honor Miss Alice Freiot, pretty in a robe of white swiss, trimmed with Dresden ribbons; then came the bride, attired in a visiting costume of gobelin velour trimmed in white guipure.  She was escorted by her brother-in-law, Dr. H.D. Copley.  The groom, attended by the best man, Maurice B. Gilbert, appeared from the rector's room at the end of the church and met the party at the chancel steps.  The party separated, allowing the bride to take her place beside the groom and then closed in about the couple before the officiating clergyman, Rev. W.E. Bentley, rector of the church.  On each side of them was a heavy bank of evergreens and ferns.  In front of them, about the altar were scattered in bunches of artistic design, white ferns and white roses.  The sweet smilax wound its beauteous curves about the railing and archway, varied by the presence of the irresistible white rose.  The arch above them which outlined the chancel contained a handsome decoration of the lovely fern, evergreen and the quiet but comely milk-weed.  The voices of the quartet were stilled and the music of the bridal song died out. The impressive Episcopal wedding service was read and associated by all the sentiment that such an event contains Miss M. Frances Freiot became Mrs. Frank B. Gilbert.  Again the ladies' quartet poured forth their song in the choice selection, "Chimes," and the bride and groom retraced their steps down the aisle together, followed by their complimentary escorts and the fairest visions of Hymen's realm.  Directly after the ceremony a wedding breakfast was given at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Helen D. Freiot on East Main street which was attended by the bridal party, out-of-town guests and a number of the intimate friends of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert.  The happy and much admired couple leave on the afternoon train for an extended wedding tour.  The bride is a cultured and refined young woman and has attained a reputation as a fine artist, being a graduate of the New York Art League.  Her attachment for study and the ideal of womanhood has been strong, and in all social circles she has enjoyed  a marked degree of popularity.  The groom Mr. Frank B. Gilbert, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Don A. Gilbert, of this village.  He is a graduate of Hamilton College, class of '89.  He studied law at Stamford, with his uncle, Judge Gilbert, and after being admitted to the bar was tendered a position with the Statutory Revision Commission at Albany, which position he now holds.  He is also a member of the law firm of Gilbert & Cummings which was established one year ago, and is regarded as one of the leading young men in Albany. [married 14 October 1895]

 

KEELER - PRATT:  In Bainbridge, October 14, 1895, William J. Keeler and Miss Lulu Pratt, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

 

COUSE - WHITMAN:  At the M.E. parsonage, Sidney, N.Y. [Delaware Co.], Oct. 16, 1895, by Rev. A. D Decker, Mr. Hosea B. Couse and Miss Emma Whitman, both of Sidney.

 

LYON - GILBERT:  In the Presbyterian church of this village, on Wednesday, September 12th, 1888, by Rev. D.N. Grummon, Frank R. Lyon and Mary A., daughter fo Don A. Gilbert, Esq. all of Bianbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

BCHS Class 1939 - Part 2

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1939

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1939

 

 

Richard De Long

 

"You're okay, Dick. We wonder though

Why red hair seems to attract you so?"

 

Raymond Fiorina

 

"As to enemies, you have none.

You have a smile for everyone."

 

Geraldine Getter

 

"My goodness!  Have you never seen

Our golden-voiced girl, Geraldine?"

 

Robert Gorton

 

"Though we've not known you very long,

We think B.H.S. is where you belong"

 

Wilburna Holbert

 

"You're very frank and full of fun,

We hope you'll remember us, each and every one."

 

Harriet Holman

Class Vice President

 

"You're a wizard in music, so we hear,

We wish you success in your career."



Obituaries (August 20)

Daniel E. Hanrahan, former postmaster and one of Hallstead's best business men, died in Lourdes Hospital, in Binghamton, on Saturday, May 19.  He was laid at rest on Thursday, May 24.  Mr. Hanrahan was 62.  For years he conducted a clothing store in Hallstead; and was also engaged in the undertaking business.  Two sisters, Misses Nellie and Anna Hanrahan, of Hallstead survive.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, May 31, 1945]

 

Mrs. Eva Marble McGinnis, wife of Willis McGinnis, of Guilford street, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], died of a cerebral hemorrhage Monday, May 21, at her home.  Apparently in good health, Mrs. McGinnis was stricken while working in her flower garden and only lived a short time.  Born in Sanitaria Springs [Brooms Co., NY] Dec. 29, 1889, she was the daughter of Sylvester and Minnie Marble.  She moved to Bainbridge when a young girl and in Aug. 1906, she was united in marriage to Willis McGinnis.  She was a member of the Frist Baptist Church, Order of Eastern Star, and the Lincoln Club.  She was a good wife and mother and her jolly disposition will be remembered by all who knew her.  The survivors are:  Her husband; two sons, Milo McGinnis, of Sidney; and Maurice McGinnis, of Bainbridge; three grandchildren, Mary Jane and Milo McGinnis, Jr., of Sidney; and Eileen McGinnis, of Bainbridge; two sisters, Mrs. Hammond, of Endicott, and Mrs. Myra Polly, of Cortland; and three brothers, Milo Marble, of Guilford, Glenn Marble, of Morris, and Ralph Marble, of Sidney.  Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Colwell's Chapel with the Rev. Norman Lawton officiating.  Bearers were:  Lester Stead, George Myers, Moritz Roehlk, Fred Robbins and Foster Grosby.  Burial was in the family plot in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].

 

Gilbert Cooper died at 10 o'clock last night of heart failure at the home of his son, Mr. Lester Cooper at 36 River street.  Gilbert Cooper was born in Guilford, Chenango County, N.Y., and came to Cortland county January 2, 1860.  He has lived on his farm about a mile and a half from the village on the Truxton road until about three years ago when, on account of the failing health of both himself and wife, he rented the farm and moved to his son's home.  He has always lived a quiet unpretentious life.  He suffered a shock of paralysis several weeks ago from which he has never rallied and which was the indirect cause of his death.  He leaves a wife, who has been his constant companion for fifty-three years.  Mrs. Cooper is now in a very critical condition from dropsy with which she has been suffering for a number of months.  During the earlier part of Mr. Cooper's illness they were both cared for in one room where they could converse and sympathize with each other, but later Mr. Cooper has been delirious much of the time and it was deemed better to remove Mrs. Cooper to another room. It is believed that the separation of husband and wife can be but for a few days at most, as the death of Mr. Cooper, though expected and looked for has been a great shock to his wife, and she is today much worse.  For several days it had been a question as to which would go first.  Besides the widow Mr. Cooper leaves two sons, Lester and George Cooper of River street, two brothers and one sister in Bainbridge, N.Y., and two sisters in Hammonton, N.J.--Cortland Standard. [October 1894]

Mrs. Laura Cooper, widow of the late Gilbert Cooper, died at 8:30 o'clock this morning at the residence of her son, Mr. Lester Cooper, 35 River st., after an illness of nearly two years from dropsy.  she was formerly Miss Laura Yale and was born at Guilford, Chenango Co., April 3, 1820 and her early life was spent in Guilford.  On Nov. 11, 1841, she was married to Mr. Gilbert Cooper and they lived in Smithville, Chenango Co., for sixteen years when they removed to Cortland, where the remainder of their life was spent.  Mr. Cooper's death occurred Oct. 29, 1894.  Mrs. Cooper was one of the largest hearted, most generous of women, and was a remarkably kind neighbor.  She was always eager to be of assistance to some one.  She was fond of children and had a way of making the children fond of her.  Her friends and neighbors old and young have sustained a severe loss in her death.  Mrs. Cooper leaves two sons, Messrs. Lester and George Cooper of Cortland, two sisters, Mrs. William Cooley and Miss Lorana Yale of Binghamton, and two brothers, Ransom Yale of Upper Lisle and Albert Yale of the state of Wyoming.  Funeral services will be held from her late residence at 2 o'clock P.M., Monday, interment in Cortland Rural cemetery.  [Cortland Evening Standard, Oct. 11, 1895]

LIVINGSTON:  At the State Hospital in Binghamton, NY [Broome Co., NY] May 30, 1894, Dr. Lewis Livingston, aged 72 years.  Mr. Livingston, when a boy, was taken very ill with scarlet fever, which resulted in his being deaf and dumb for about sixty-five years.  About a year and a half ago, he was taken with a shock, and his sight and hearing was restored, but he was soon after adjudged insane and removed to the State Hospital at Binghamton. 

DE MUNN:  In Scranton [PA], May 19, 1894, Willie Bishop De Munn, at the home of his sister, Mrs. H.E. Griffin.  The funeral services of Willis B. De Munn were held at the home of his sister, wife of Druggist H.E. Griffin, on north Main avenue yesterday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.  The beautiful service of the Episcopal church was read, Rev. George E. Guild of the Presbyterian church officiating.  Excellent music was rendered by Messrs. H.R. Hurlbutt and Evan Gabriel and Misses Catherine Gabriel, Carrie Miller and Helen Hurlbutt.  The pall bearers were:  Joseph Scharer, Eugene Corwin, A.K. Detweiler, Stanley Silkman, Clint Silkman, Victor Arnold.  The floral tributes were many and beautifully arranged.  Interment in Forest Hill cemetery--Scranton Republican

 

Soldier News continued - 1945

S/Sgt. Louis Finch Accepted as Cadet

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 10, 1945

 

Staff Sergeant Louis Finch, of 70 Main street, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], has qualified before an AAF examining board at the AAF Redistribution Station No. 1 to take training as an aviation cadet.  The sergeant is a veteran of 17 combat missions in the European theatre of operations where he was an armorer-gunner on a Liberator bomber.  He served five months overseas and wears the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the European theatre ribbon with two stars and the Presidential Unit Citation.  Sgt. Finch has left for San Antonio, Tex., Aviation Cadet Center where he will be classified for training as a navigator, bombardier or pilot.  

 

T/5 Stanley Smith Now at Lake Placid

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 10, 1945

 

T/5 Stanley E. Smith, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], who has recently returned from overseas duty, has reported to the Army Ground and Service Forces Redistribution Station at Lake Placid Club.  Cpl. Smith entered service on Sept. 28, 1942, and was overseas 24-1/2 months with an Engineer Maintenance unit in the Southwest Pacific theatre of operation.  He participated in the New Guinea and Netherlands East Indies campaigns and wears the Distinguished Unit Citation.

 

Pfc. Howard J. Foster Arrives in New York

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 10, 1945

 

Pfc. Howard J. Foster, Infantryman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Foster, of Front street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] who was seriously wounded on Nov. 29, 1944 in Germany, returned to the States Saturday.  Private First Class Foster has been confined to hospitals in England since his injuries and was visited several times by his brother, S/Sgt Victor Foster, who is stationed in England.

 

John Burgin, M.M. 2/C Returns from Europe

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 10, 1945

 

John I. Burgin, M.M. 2/C, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Burgin, of Franklin [Delaware Co., NY], former residents of Bainbridge, arrived in the States last week after serving in the Mediterranean during the invasion of North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Southern France.

 

Pfc Robert Kingsley Serves 31 Months Overseas

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 17, 1945

 

 

Pfc. Robert Kingsley

 

Pfc. Robert Kingsley, who is now stationed in France, holds the Purple Heart Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Infantry Combat Badge and the E.T.O. Ribbon.  Private First Class Kingsley, who has been overseas 31 months, took part in the north Africa Campaign, where he was wounded, also the battle of Sicily.  He later was removed to a hospital in England where he was confined for many months.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kingsley of Front street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Gerald Tiffany & Jan DeWitt Receive Unit Citation

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 17, 1945

 

Gerald Tiffany, S 1/C, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Tiffany, of R.D.2, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], and Jan. H. DeWitt, son of Mr. and Mrs. D.W. DeWitt, of Walton [Delaware Co., NY], entered the service in October, 1943, and received their boot training in the Seabees of Camp Peary, Va.  However, they did not become acquainted with one another until they were later assigned to the 31st Special Stevedoring Battalion at Camp Endicott, Davisville, R.I.  Gerald was the battalion bugler in Rhode Island.  They moved out to Port Hueneme, Calif., last July.  While out there the band was organized.  Gerald plays trumpet and Jan baritone.  Gerald is also in the swing band, of which Jan is librarian. 

 

Sometime the first of September, 1944, the battalion embarked from Hueneme for the Marianas.  The shipping situation was so critical there at the time of their arrival that instead of walking into a camp site as originally planned the stevedoring boys pitched tents on the beach and in the next three weeks broke all records unloading the ships in the harbor and getting vital materials ashore.  Later they all got together and, although inexperienced at such a task, set up their own living and administrative quarters.

 

The 31st has been cited three times by the island command on increasing the unloading of supplies by 300 percent and reducing breakage up to a minimum.  On duty hours Gerald drives a coral truck and Jan drives a water truck in the transportation corps.

 

Pvt. Orville Smith Graduates from Mechanics Course

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 17, 1945

 

Keesler Field, Biloxi, Miss.:  Pvt. Orville S. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jay C. Smith, of R.D. 3, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] was graduated this week from the AAF Training Command's basic airplane and engine mechanics course at Keesler Field.  The course extended over a 76-day period, during which time he received instruction and actual experience in aircraft maintenance.  This training prepared him for entrance into a specialized course where ground crew students receive instruction in maintenance and trouble shooting on particular types of planes.  The training program he followed included, in addition to aircraft maintenance, fundamentals, instruction in airplane electrical systems, structures, fuel and oil systems, propellers, instruments, hydraulic systems, engine operations and basic airplane inspection.

 

Louis Scanlon Promoted to Frist Lieutenant

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 17, 1945

 

With the 27th Infantry Division on Okinawa:  Promotion of Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant has been announced here for Louis W Scanlon, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], veteran officer in this Division's famous "fighting Irish" regiment.  Lieutenant Scanlon learned of his promotion while leading his platoon of riflemen in this bitter fight for Okinawa, key to the Ryukyus and to the Japanese homeland.  A veteran of two other major operations against the Japanese in the Central Pacific, the Bainbridge officer saw combat service on Maki Atoll and Saipan Island.  In addition to other service ribbons he wears the Combat Infantryman's Badge for exemplary conduct in battle.  Lieutenant Scanlon has served in his present regiment since its overseas service began more than three years ago.  The organization formerly was a regiment of the New York National Guard.  His home address in 12 Evans street, Bainbridge, where his father, John Scanlon, resides.

 

Capt. James Ryan Awarded Medal

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 17, 1945

 

Capt. James Ryan

 

Capt. James F. Ryan, veteran of the Old Hickory Division, who was seriously wounded on Oct. 7 in Germany and who is a patient at the England General Hospital, Atlantic City, N.J., has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal.  The Citation reads:

 

"Captain James F. Ryan, 197th Field Artillery Battalion, United States Army, is awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious conduct in action on 21 August 1944, in France.  Captain Ryan was serving as a battery commander when, during a battalion march, it was discovered that enemy troops were in a position approximately eight hundred yards left of the march of the battalion.  By aggressive action and though operating in plain view of the enemy position, his resourcefulness and initiative was largely responsible for the death or capture of approximately 70 of the enemy and the capture of much enemy equipment.  Entered military service from  New York."

 

Captain Ryan is a son of Mr. and Mrs. P.F. Ryan, South Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY]