Obituaries (November 8)

HAIGHT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 17th, 1901, Zalmon Haight, aged 78 years.

Zalmon Haight died at the residence of his son-in-law, Charles Pangburn, on Washington avenue, Sunday morning, at the age of 78 years.  Mr. Haight resided on the farm on which he was born, in the town of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], all his life until last May, when he moved for the first time and came to Oxford with his wife, who survives him, and made their home with Mr. Pangburn, whose wife is an adopted daughter.  The cause of his death was paralytic strokes.  The funeral will be held from the house today at 10:30, Rev. Mr. Littelle of the Methodist Church officiating.

 

[Eliza B. Webb died at her residence on] Washington avenue, Wednesday last, in the ninety-fifth year of her age.  Deceased was the widow of Merritt Webb, a well remembered resident of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], who for a few years previous to his death, which occurred some ten years ago, was a resident of this village.   Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Webb, eight of whom survive, namely Mrs. P.C. Hoag, Mrs. Sylvanus Moore, Miss May Webb and John Webb of this village, Mrs. T.B. Harriett of Oakland, Vt., Charles Webb of Smithville, George Webb of Wisconsin, and Frank Webb, a traveling man with no settled place of residence.  The funeral services were held form the Universalist church at Tyner (Smithville) on Saturday morning.  Rev Daniel Ballou, of Utica, officiating, interment being in the cemetery at Tyner.  [Eliza B. Webb, 1806-1901; buried in Tyner Cemetery, Chenango Co., NY]

 

Mrs. Leonard Horton, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] passed from this world of sorrow, on Monday last, to that realm, we hope, which knows no tears nor sadness.  The funeral was held from her residence on Wednesday.  [Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 12, 1877]

 

The funeral of Mrs. Laura Miller Keith, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], mother of Mrs. David Lewis, of Bainbridge, who died at the Sidney Hospital Saturday, was held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Carr & Landers Funeral Parlor.  Mrs. Keith was 81, having been born Aug. 5, 1862, the daughter of Franklin Miller and Ascenath (Parsons) Miller. She had lived in Sidney for 48 years where she was a member of the Congregational Church and the American University Club.  Mrs. Keith is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Frank T. Macey, of Binghamton, Mrs. David Lewis, of Bainbridge, and Mrs. A.D. Decker, of New Haven, Conn.; a sister, Mrs. Tola Graves, of Masonville, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  The Rev. W.B. Soper, pastor of the Congregational Church, officiated and burial was in Prospect Hill cemetery [Sidney, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 25, 1943]

 

Emily Davis Wakefield, 66, mother of Mrs. Jasper Partridge, of Bainbridge, died Dec. 14, at her home in Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY].  Born in the town of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY] May 23, 1877, she was the daughter of Eugene S. and Lettie (Shear) Davis.  She was a member of the Presbyterian church, of Nichols; and of the Gilbertsville Chapter of the O.E.S.  Mrs. Wakefield is survived by her  husband, Delbert A. Wakefield, of Mt. Upton; one daughter, Mrs. Partridge, of Bainbridge; one sister, Miss Mary Davis, of Afton; and one brother, June Davis, of Afton.  Funeral services were held at Colwell's Chapel Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Paul Carpenter, pastor of the Bainbridge Presbyterian Church officiating.  Burial was in the family plot in the Glenwood Cemetery, Afton.

 

Death Notices

Antimasonic Telegraph, September 24, 1834

Died in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday evening last, Miss Nancy Hall, aged 28 years.

 

Antimasonic Telegraph, October 8, 1834

Died in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst.  Mrs. Lydia Pabodie, wife of Ephraim Pabodie, aged 59 years.

 

At Salina, on the 24th ult., of Cholera, Mr. Charles B. Holcomb, son of Mr. Charles Holcomb, of Plymouth, aged 26 years.  Mr.  H. was an enterprising, industrious, and respectable young man--highly esteemed by all who knew him for the good qualities which adorned his character.

 

Antimasonic Telegraph, March 18, 1835

Died at Delph (Onondaga co.) on the 10th inst., Mrs. Esther Wheelock, aged 26 years.

 

Antimasonic Telegrpah, March 25, 1835

DIED in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday morning last, after a long and distressing illness, Mrs. Betsey Pendleton, aged 36 years.

 

Lt. George Vicary Tells of Furlough Vacation - 1943

Lt. George Vicary Tells of Trip to Bou-Saada

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 17, 1944

 

Lt. George H. Vicary, Base Censor Staff, serving with the Armed Forces in Africa, and former English instructor in the Bainbridge Central High School, tells in a most interesting descriptive way, the pleasure he encountered on an eight-day vacation he had been granted, in a letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Vicary, of Skaneateles.  Following is the letter date, Dec. 22, 1943, contributed by Mrs. F.J. Casey, of Bainbridge:

 

Dear Mother and Dad,

Well, here's a letter to tell you of my eight days' vacation.  It really came true after all.  At 8 o'clock Saturday morning, Dec. 11th, a group of us left in three army cars for a desert oasis called Bou-Saada.  In our bunch were two other lieutenants from my office, a Red Cross girl, a nurse, a couple of WAC's, and various and sundry other officers ranging up to a major.  It was a rather rainy and cloudy morning with the sun breaking through occasionally.  A short time after leaving the city we began to climb up and up into the heart of a high mountain range which we must cross to reach the desert.   These mountains are not like the Adirondacks in that they have almost no trees--only a few scrubby small evergreens. Yet, though barren at close range, they are beautiful at a distance, because the rocks, grass tufts and rocky mantle blend into beautiful colors changing from blue to purple as the sun and clouds varied.  It was a sort of a combination of Spring and Fall, the valleys being very green with the Fall rains, while higher up the trees were losing their leaves and the air had the cold snap of Autumn.

 

The road was full of hair-pin turns, because the steep grade necessitated spiraling round and round.  We drove for miles and miles always up until we reached the half-way mark and began the long descent toward the desert.  We stopped once in a little malled mountain town half way to our destination.  There in a surprisingly clean little café we had coffee and warmed up a little before resuming our journey.

 

When we reached the outskirts of the desert the country flattened out and changed from the mountain range.  Instead of the mountains there were isolated mountains -- rocky flat-topped hills standing by themselves on the plain.  In the flat land there was either gravelly, grass tufted land, or vast expanse of sand and great sand dunes such as you have seen in the movies.  Gone was the greenness of the mountain valleys for it rains seldom in the desert and no green things can grow unless it be in an oasis where some stream bubbling forth from the ground nourishes palm trees, green grass and rich earth.

 

Such a spot was the oasis of Bou-Saada, a patch of live green, growing things in the drab tan of the parched plain.  Bou-Saada is a city of some 40,000 people--people clustered there because of the presence of water and fertile land.  I say 40,000 people--yet the city looks no larger than a village like Skaneateles.  The Arabs are jam packed into mud houses and an unbelievable number of them can live in a very small space.

 

The cars drew up in front of the hotel in which we were to stay--a very modern, fine hotel used extensively before the war by tourists making a Mediterranean cruise.  Their ships would stop for a few days at a large port and the passengers would make an excursion by bus to Bou-Saada to see the desert, the Arabs, the camels, and all the things so strange to us.

 

We were just in time for lunch and went to the dining room where we had a delicious meal, marked notably by the large juicy steak worthy of your finest.  That evening we again had steak, but for the rest of the week, while the food was good, it didn't compare with that first day.

 

I might mention that this hotel is now taken over by the Army as a rest camp for officers.  My room was a very nice one--large with great French casement window, twin beds, a wash bowl but no bath.  About every other room has a bath tub.  The bureau, beds, tables and chairs were very nice looking -- something life stained pine.  The view from my windows was varied and magnificent.  In one direction was the garden -- great palm trees and cactus plants.  Beyond lay the village of other large stucco hotels like mine.  Off in the distance stretched the rolling sands and the lonely isolated mountains and messas.

 

Most cheerful room in the hotel was the lounge -- one side all windows facing the colorful garden in the rear.  Here were great comfortable chairs, a fireplace in which huge logs burned all day and evening.  there were magazines and books to read, a ping pong table.  We spent much time there.  After lunch and dinner in the dining room, we would all adjourn to the lounge where we had demitasse before the cheerful fire.

 

Sunday, our first full day at Bou-Saada, we spent a lot of time seeing the sights of the town.  Everywhere we went, hordes of Arab children pursued us asking for "shewing gum" and bon bons (candy).  We saw the Arab men making shoes, boots, knives, bracelets, and rings in their little dimly-lit shops.  They do very fine work in these things, but suffer now from lack of materials so that their jewelry is of cheap metal.  We peeped into Arab homes where women were cooking over an open fire (like a camp fire with the smoke issuing through a hole in the roof).  One thing that I saw them cook was a kind of bread which they made in a big iron frying pan and which looked like an oversized pancake.  Other women were knitting socks and making rugs.  They eat, sleep, and live all in one room.  Their beds are either of crude boards or merely a pile of blankets on the dirt floor.

 

Another thing we saw a great deal of was the open air market where the Arabs buy and sell--oranges, radishes, wool, skins, wood, livestock, etc.  Most of their purchases are packed on little donkeys and then the Arab sits on top of the load.  Heavy loads like great sacks of grain are transported on camels, a very common sight there.  How the Arabs and their animals look you can best tell by the post cards I am sending.  I couldn't talk with many of them because the desert Arabs don't know French, only their native tongue, which sounds like a person with a hard cold clearing his throat.

 

There are some dancing girls in Bou-Saada known as Ouled Nails who are world famous for their dance.  Of course no one could go to this place and not see them.  Accordingly we all went to see a performance which took place in a room in their home.  In our crowd were two Red Cross girls so the performance was a bit more restrained than it might otherwise have been.  The music for the dance consisted of a skin drum and a horn which produced very weird and unlovely music.  I must say that I hardly think the dance of the Ouled Nails deserves its great reputation.  It is rather unvaried and reflects a lack of artistic sense.  It is chiefly remarkable for the amazing display of stomach muscle control--beats anything you ever saw in burlesque.  Once seen it is interesting, but once is enough.

 

Monday morning I did the thing which I most chiefly came to Bou-Saada for.  I went riding on the grand horses of the Spahi (Arab) cavalry who are stationed there.  To give you an idea what these horses and the Spahis look like I am enclosing a picture cut from Collier's.  The scene of the clipping is not Bou-Saada, but the horses and riders are like those there.  The horses are all either white or dapple gray with long mane and tail.  They are fast, never tire, and can scramble over rocks and climb as sure-footedly as mountain goats.  After that I rode every morning at 8:30 sometimes out among the sand dunes, once up a river bed where I saw a flour mill powered by a giant waterwheel.

 

Oh, there are so many things I could tell you, I could write all night.  One other thing--I visited an Arab school.  Here the little Arab boys were sitting on the dirt floor of a dark, low-ceilinged room learning by heart the sacred words of the Koran (Arab Bible).  They have slates on which is written the passages to be memorized and they all read out loud at the same time but not together, so you can imagine what a terrific racket they make and wonder how they can ever memorize anything that way.  If a student is good and learns his lesson quickly, the Arab school master inscribes a pretty picture on his slate and the kid is granted a couple days vacation.  Thus there is an incentive to learn fast and well.  It takes the average student five or six years to memorize the whole Koran.  Many of the Arab children are very cute and bright and pick up English much faster than their parents.

 

This in general covers about everything I did for eight days.  Now I am back at work well rested and happy.  every effort was made at the Hotel for our comfort even until breakfast in bed.

 

I hope you, Mother and Dad, enjoy the pictures I am sending in another envelope and can visualize by them some of the strange scenes and people it has been my fortunate opportunity to view.  At Uncle Sam's expense I am getting an education I otherwise would never have been able to afford, so you see there is some good in this enforced absence from my loved ones and beloved Skaneateles.

 

 

 http://www.algeria.com/saharan-atlas/bou-saada/

 

 

 

 

 

 



Soldier News continued, 1944

Sgt. Otto L. Bowker Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 10, 1944

Mrs. Ona Bowker, of Walton [Delaware Co., NY] has been notified of the death of her son, Sgt. Otto L. Bowker, 22, somewhere in the Southwest Pacific.  According to War Department communications, he met death on Jan. 22.  He is one of the first soldiers from this section to be killed in the southwest Pacific.  Sergeant Bowker was graduated from Walton High School in 1940.  He entered the Army more than a year ago and spent a furlough in Walton last Autumn.  He was a gunner on a U.S. bomber.  His mother and several brothers and sisters survive.  Sgt. Bowker was a nephew of Mrs. A.J. Baudendistel, of 23 Court street, Deposit.

 

Sgt. Jack Downes Helps Guard President

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 17, 1944

 

A Milford, Otsego County correspondent says:  "A newspaper clipping from Far Rockaway, has an interesting piece of news about a former Milford young man, Jack Downes.  It states that he was one of the four New York military policemen responsible for the personal safety of President Roosevelt in Egypt when the President was there a few months ago.

 

"Downes, who, before the war was employed by the Long Beach Bus company as chauffeur, took charge of the Tommy Gun detail protecting the President.  He met the President when he landed at the Cairo airport and escorted him safely to his villa, rising in the car immediately ahead of the President.  When the President left for Teheran, Sgt. Downes was again in charge of the mobile body guard.

 

"Sergt. Downes resided here for some time and attended the Milford Central School.  He moved with his mother, Mrs. John Reeves, and Mr. Reeves, to Morris [Otsego Co., NY], where he graduated from the Morris High School, and from Morris they returned to Long Island.  Sergt. Downes is well remembered here as a baseball and basketball player, in which sports he excelled."

 

Norman Winsor Instructor in Army School

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 24, 1944

 

Norman Winsor, 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Winsor, Henry street, Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. V.S. Winsor, of Guilford, is using his experience as a flier to assist the Army Air Forces training program as a civilian pilot instructor at the Fort Stockton, Texas, Primary School.  Winsor, a member of the enlisted Reserve of the U.S. Army, began his flying assignment in December, 1943.  He gives each cadet assigned to him 65 hours of aerial training in 175 H.P. planes.  Winsor learned to fly four years ago.  His wife, the former Betty Murray, of Guilford, is with him.

 

Shirley Bradish Enlists in Cadet Nurses Corps

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 24, 1944

 

Miss Shirley Bradish, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Bradish, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] R.D.1, has enlisted in United States Cadet Nurses Corps and started her training at Hartwick College, Jan. 30.  Although her enlistment was for three years, she will spend only the first nine months at Hartwick.  Miss Bradish is a graduate of Bainbridge Central High and was employed at the Scintilla Magneto plant before entering the service.

 

Louis Beatty, Merchant Marine, Tells of Trip

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 24, 1944

 

Louis Beatty, of the U.S. Merchant Marines, has been spending several days in Bainbridge after returning to the States from the Mediterranean War Theatre, where he was on duty for several months.  Louis was stationed on an oil tanker, and his convoy was first to deliver oil after the landing at Naples.  He witnessed two volcanic eruptions, one at Mt. Vesuvius, the other at Stromboli.  He stated that he talked with a number of soldiers on rest leave form the front, and all were in the best of spirits.  Louis possesses a nice collection of coins from various parts of the world, and he very generously presented some to the News Office.

Miscellaneous Items

Bainbridge Academy - A Promising Academy

Bainbridge Republican, February 10, 1877

A Promising Academy--Among the enterprising educational institutions which have sprung up in different villages throughout the country with the passage of the free school law, is an Academy and Union School at Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], which is already taking a high rank and exerting a wide-spread and wholesome influence throughout that section of Chenango county and which indeed reaches to other parts of the State.  It is under the supervision of A.G. Kilmer, Professor of English Literature at one time in the Delaware literary Institute at Franklin, N.Y., and at different times connected with other prominent schools.  The writer of this article, and several other residents of this city, were students under Mr. Kilmer at Franklin, and know the thorough painstaking, lucid manner in which he imparted instruction to his classes, and won their hearty esteem.  The faculty of the school numbers five teachers and the course of study embraces not only an Academic course of three years, but a thorough preparatory course in the classics, preparing the pupil to enter the first or second year in college, as he may see fit.  The normal class is also a feature of the school.  The last term it numbered twenty persons, eighteen of whom have since been licensed as qualified teachers.  The number of pupils in the school in 180--Binghamton Times.

 

St. Peter's Church Bell

Bainbridge Republican, April 5, 1877

 

A writer in the Elmira Advertiser speaking of the tolling of Church bells at the death of a well-known citizen, the number of strokes being the number of years of the person's life, made him think of a peculiar incident in the life of a State Senator from this county in 1832-5, and who was prominent for his many peculiarities.  Among other things he was quite given to the flowing bowl, and being at his hotel in Albany one winter during the session of the Legislature, he heard some men from Bainbridge, Chenango Co., talking about buying a bell for their church.  They had come up to Troy to the famous bell manufactory there, but had not provided themselves with sufficient funds to purchase the bell, and having no authority to run their society in debt, were returning home without having obtained what they had come for.  The Senator listened to them for some time, and at length made himself known to them, saying that under certain circumstances he would make up the difference for them. These circumstances were an agreement on the part of the officers of the church that when his death should be announced to them, the bell should be rung all day. The contract was made, the money handed over, the bell bought and swung in the belfry,  It was over thirty years afterwards that the death of the Senator occurred, yet, on the day of his funeral the bell, grown somewhat old and wheezy, was rung from sunrise to sunset.  Few remembered what the clanging was for, and during its ringing and for some days afterwards, it was the subject of general conversation in and about the village.

 

St. Peter's Church Threatened by Fire

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 10, 1944

 

St. Peter's Church was threatened by fire Saturday afternoon when flames were discovered by the sexton, Marvin Dixon, at about 11:08, caused by an overheated stove pipe.  The sexton was in the basement when he discovered the blaze and was attempting to extinguish it with pails of water upon the arrival of the Bainbridge Fire Department.  Marvin suffered burns on both hands in trying to put out the fire.  Fearing a serious fire, all of the altar brass and other movable valuables were removed to safety.  The fire was extinguished with little damage and services were held in the church Sunday.

Marriages (November 7)

Tyler - Godfrey

Among the many joyous events of the "Christmas-tide" was the gathering of friends and relatives on Wednesday evening, December 28th, 1887, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Godfrey, Guilford, N.Y, [Chenango Co.] to witness the marriage of their only daughter, Alice M., with Mr. George M. Tyler, of Guilford Centre.   Mr. Tyler is well known in the community as a most worthy and promising young man.  Soon after 5 P.M. the company rose to receive the bridal party, preceded by Rev. Levi Jennison, who, in an impressive manner, performed the ceremony which legally united the lives and fortunes of two happy hearts.  The bride was attired in a dress of fawn colored material, richly trimmed with satin ribbon and cream colored lace. After congratulations came a sumptuous supper, and the guests were informed that the puffy, delicious biscuits served them were prepared by the loving hands of the bride's paternal grandmother, Mrs. C. Godfrey, who is now in her eighty-third year.  Mr. and Mrs. Tyler left on the evening train for Unadilla, to visit friends, bearing with them the best wishes of their large circle of acquaintances.  [Chenango Union, Jan. 5, 1888]

 

 Evans - Strall

St. Peter's church was the scene of a very pretty wedding at 6 o'clock on New Year's eve.  At this time Miss Vera Beatrice Strall was united in marriage to Mr. Leigh Wallace Evans by the rector, the Rev. Thomas J. Collar.  The bride, who is a very efficient and capable young business woman, was given in marriage by her father, Mr. Orson C Strall of Schenevus.  She was attended by her sister, Miss Mildred Strall.  After a brief wedding trip.  Mr. and Mrs. Evans will be at home to their many friends at the Evans Home on Pruyn Hill [Bainbridge, NY].  [Norwich Sun, Jan. 6, 1925]

 

Marriage Notices

Bainbridge Republican, January 6, 1877

WILLIAMS - McALPIN:  At Christ church Rectory in Guilford [Chenango Co.,  NY], Dec. 27th, by Rev. W. De L. Wilson, Joseph Williams, Jr., and Miss McAlpin, all of Guilford.

 

NEARING - BEEBE:  At the M.E. Church, Dec. 27th, by Rev. E.W. Caswell, of Plymouth, Pa. Mr. Nearing, of Mount Vision and Miss Nannie Beebe, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Bainbridge Republican, January 13, 1877

WELLS - HILL:  At the residence of Dan R. Wells at South Oxford, Dec. 26th, by S.M. Robinson, Esq., Mr. Dan R. Wells, Jr., of South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Susan Hill (Marsh) of Bianbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

 

MATHEWSON - CRANDALL:  At the residence of the bride, Jan. 3d, 1877, by Rev. D.N. Grummon, Mr. Miner Mathewson, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Minerva E. Crandall, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Bainbridge Republican, July 12, 1877

VINCENT - LAMPHERE:  At the home of the Bride in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] July 3d, 1877 by the Rev. N.S.Reynolds, Myron W. Vincent of Bainbridge to Miss Emily E. Lamphere. 

 

 

Obituaries (November 7)

Miss Julia Kelsey died suddenly yesterday morning at her home on Pearl avenue, Binghamton, N.Y. [Broome Co.]. Miss Kelsey was descending the stairs at her home when she was attacked with sudden illness and fell to the foot of the stairs.  Death occurred about one hour and a half later.  Miss Kelsey is survived by three sisters and one brother.  The brother, William T. Kelsey, resides in Greene and also one sister, Mrs. Ira Day, while Mrs. J.P. Moore and Miss Rachel Kelsey reside in Binghamton.  The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home, and Rev. Varnail of Christ Church will officiate.  Burial will be in Spring Forest cemetery, Binghamton.  [Chenango Union, Jan. 5, 1912]

 

South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]:  Frank Butler died at the home in this village Thursday morning, Jan. 4, about 6 o'clock after a few days illness of pneumonia.  Mr. Butler was 52 years of age and had lived in this vicinity the greater part of his life.  He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Emory Manwarring, his mother, Mrs. Polly Butler, and two sisters, Mrs. Noris Davis of this place and Mrs. Charles Johnson of Norwich.  Mr. Butler was a member of Victory lodge No. 111, and of Victory Rebekkah lodge.  Both lodges will attend the funeral in a body.  The funeral will be held at the late home Monday afternoon.  [Chenango Union, Jan. 5, 1912]

 

Bennett W. Morse died Aug. 10, 1910 at his home in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] at the advanced age of 80 years.  Mr. Morse was well known in this place.  He was a graduate of Yale college, class of '51.  He was a member of the school board at Unadilla, also a member of St. Matthew's church and a director of the Unadilla National Bank.  Burial in Sunset cemetery, Guilford.  A wife and two sisters, Mrs. George Bradbury of this place and Mrs. Monroe of Sidney, survive.  [Guilford Mail, September 1910]

 

Asa Tyler died at the county farm, Preston [Chenango Co., NY], August 13, 1910, aged 72 years.  For many years he was a resident of Guilford, spending the greater part of his life in this vicinity.  A son, George Tyler of Binghamton, remains.  Burial in Sunset cemetery [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY]  [Guilford Mail, September 1910]

 

For a number of years Mrs. Sally M. Lull, who died in this village last week, has made her home with Mrs. O.B. Tyler, of this village.  For a number of years they had been school girls together, and the friendship existing between them was genuine and lasting, and they had been heard to express the wish that they might depart from this life at the same time.  That their wishes in this direction were gratified is beyond a doubt, as Mrs. Lull passed away on the last week Thursday at about 3 o'clock, P.M., and Mrs. Tyler passed away at about 4 P.M. on the same day.  [Chenango American, Apr. 30, 1885]

 

BEARDSLEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] March 18th, Mr. William L. Beardsley, in the 65th year of his age.  He had been a resident of the village all his life, and largely engaged in promoting its material interests.  In early life he taught and had excellent success in many of the best district schools in the County.  He was a close student, and widely read in all matters of education, both philosophical and scientific.  His business was that of stone mason, which he followed with his accustomed energy.  Beginning with no capital, he soon gained control and operated the best quarries in Oxford and adjacent towns.  To him, perhaps more than to any other man, the village of Oxford owes some of its best residences.  His work was well done, and everything he undertook was carried to completion in workmanlike manner.  During his whole life he was a faithful and devoted member of the Baptist Church, and an earnest worker in the Sabbath School, always ready to promote any work of benevolence, and ready to respond to any appeal for help from the needy, so far as his means allowed.  He leaves a widow stricken with paralysis, and a wide circle of earnest friends to mourn his loss.  [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, April 4, 1883]

 

TYLER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], March 27th, Mr. Ozias B. Tyler, aged 75 years.

O.B. Tyler died at his residence in this village [Bainbridge, NY], last Tuesday, aged 75 years. Another of our old residents has passed away, and our community has lost a shrewd business man and liberal Christian citizen.  [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, April 4, 1883]

 

TYLER:  In Bainbridge, Oct. 28, La Mott Bissell, eldest son of Ozias B. and Susan Tyler, aged 17 years.  [The Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle, Nov. 15, 1865]

 

The body of Willie Loveridge, son of Rev. D.E. Loveridge, of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY,] who so mysteriously disappeared on the afternoon of the 8th inst., and who was supposed to have fallen into the river and been drowned, was recovered from the eddy in the river near that village, Saturday last.  [Chenango American, Apr. 30, 1885]

 

 

Soldier News continued - 1944

George Youngs Graduates

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

A recent graduate of the Kingman Army Air Field flexible gunnery school, situated a few miles outside Kingman, Ariz., was George W. Youngs, 20, son of Mrs. Isabelle Youngs, 20, son of Mrs. Isabelle Youngs, of 7 Newton avenue, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  Cpl. Youngs entered the Army on Jan. 1, 1943.  He attended Afton High School.  As a student gunner at the Kingman school Youngs went through a ground school course in which he was taught the principles of ballistics, sighting, turret maintenance, range estimation and aircraft machine guns.  Following a protracted course on the gunnery range, where he shot the .22 rifle, shotgun and caliber .30 and .50 machine guns, he was given two weeks air fighting before being presented with his gunnery wings. 

 

James Riley Completes Training Course

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

 

James O. Riley, 18, son of Mrs. Anna Riley, has completed the course of training in the Aviation Ordnanceman school at the Naval Air Technical Training Center, Memphis, Tenn.  "Jimmy," who graduated from Bainbridge High School last June, was active in all athletics during his four years.  He enlisted in the Navy on June 27, 1943 and received his boot training at Sampson.

 

2nd Lt. Edwin Davidson is German Prisoner

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 10, 1944

 

Second Lt. Edwin D. Davidson, son of Mr. and Mrs. H Fletcher Davidson, of Bovina Center [Delaware Co., NY], is a prisoner of the German government.  Pilot of a Flying Fortress which had participated in many bombing missions over France, Lt. Davidson has been missing in action over France since Jan. 5.  The parents received that grim message from the War Department Jan. 18. The telegram stated that the report had just been received through the international Red Cross and that further information would follow.

Sgt. John Hill Awarded Air Medal

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 10, 1944

T/Sgt. John N. Hill, aerial engineer, U.S. Army Air Corps, of the 13th AAF in the South Pacific, was awarded the Air Medal on Jan. 8, 1944, by Lt. General Millard E. Harmon, Commanding the U.S.Army Air Forces in the South Pacific Area, by direction of the President.  Sgt. Hill, who was a dirt track automobile racer before entering the service, has a brother, Cpl. Amos Hill, who is with the U.S. Air Forces in England.

Robert Smith Receives Commission in Air Corps

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 17, 1944

Robert F. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fayette Smith, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], graduated as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a pilot at Blytheville Army Air Field on Feb. 8.  Thirty-eight New York State men were among those who were commissioned and given the silver wings at the graduation exercises at the Advanced Twin Engine Flying Training School, in Blytheville.  Lt. Smith was a student at Mechanics Institute at Rochester before qualifying as an aviation cadet on Dec. 14, 1942.  He received instruction at Penn State, Nashville, Tenn,; Maxwell Field, Ala.; Union City, Tenn; Newport, Ark., and Blytheville.  He has two brothers in the service, Pvt. Edson Smith and P.F.C. Harold Smith, both stationed in England.

Pvt. Richard Bump Lost Seven Hours Behind Jap Lines

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 17, 1944

Five Marines, including Pvt. Richard H. Bump, age 18, son of Harvey Bump and grandson of the Rev. and Mrs. J.W. Bump, were lost nearly seven hours, hundreds of yards behind Jap lines in the Bougainville area, according to Sgt. Peter Pavone, Jr., of Bridgeport, Conn., a Marine Corps combat correspondent.

The Marines cut off from their comrades by heavy Jap installations during fighting along the Pira trail, had to travel some four miles in a semicircle before striking their front lines again.  On their arduous trek, during which they ducked snipers, machine gun nests, and heavy mortar fire, they picked up two other Marines, both wounded, and carried them to safety.  With Pvt. Bump were P.F.C. Charles Fazio, 23, of Brooklyn, P.F.C. Martin Haynes, 21, Sheffield, Ala., Sgt. Prince Clayton, 23, Leeds, Ala., and Pvt. Douglas Holden, 19, Union, R.F.D.2.

Sgt. Clayton, whose knowledge of the compass was responsible for the return of the group, told the following story:

"We were in a group of 14 men which attacked four machine guns and what seemed like a grove full of snipers.  When they opened up, we hit the deck and began spraying the trees.  Then the Jap mortars open up, knocking four of our men out almost immediately.  We then decided to make an enveloping move around the Jap positions.  But the more we tried to outflank them, the more Japs we found, and the further we had to go into their lines.  We finally hit a river and began following it.  We came on Boracz and Boyes and took them along too."

Boracz is P.F.C. Joseph Boracz, 23, Giraard, Ohio, who was shot in the leg, and Boyes is P.F.C. Robert Boyes, 22, Creston, Ohio., who had shrapnel in one leg.  "I never thought we'd make it," declared Fazio later.  "If it hadn't been for Clayton and his compass, we'd all been dead ducks by now."

The five were all that were left of the 14 men who had originally started the attack and flanking movement. 

Pvt. Bump lived in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] with his parents and sisters when a young boy.  His home was in Otego [Otsego Co.., NY] with his uncle, Sheldon Bump, when he entered the service. 

This is just one of thousands of true stories in more ways than one, our boys will tell when they come home.
 

Bainbridge High School, Class of 1941 , Part 1

Bainbridge High School, Class of 1941

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1941

 

 

Juanita Baker

 

 

Marion Beatty

 

 

Ruth Birdsall

 

Harry Crane

 

Edward Fiorina

 

Lyall Fletcher

 

 



Obituaries (November 6)

Ransom Yale, a former resident of the town of Smithville, and formerly well known about this section, died on Thursday last, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Chas. Adams, in Lisle, Broome county.  He had been a suffer from cancer on one hand, which was probably the cause of his death.  While a resident of Smithville Mr. Yale conducted a farm, but was better known as a drover and cattle buyer.  He was also interested in a company that slaughtered and packed large quantities of beef for shipment at times in this village.  He was a very fleshy man, and exceedingly jovial and good natured on all occasions.  During his residence in Smithville the noted suit of Yale vs. Dederer arose and ran through the courts for at least twenty years, going to the Court of Appeals three times.  Yale sold to Captain Dederer of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], cows to stock a farm taking in payment notes signed by his wife as surety.  Under the then existing law a married woman was not liable on her note unless she pledged her separate estate for its payment.  The issue was on the validity of the note.  The late Henry R. Mygatt was the attorney for Mr. Yale, and died before the case was decided, as did the entire counsel represented on both sides at the commencement of the suit.  Mr. Yale lost the suit and with it a considerable sum in expenses, which crippled him and soon after he removed to Broome county, where he resided until his death, having outlived all the council and all parties ever represented in the case. [Buried Upper Lisle Cemetery:  Ransom Yale, Feb. 10, 1816 - Apr. 5, 1900]

Loran Holdredge, an aged gentleman well known in this section, died at the residence of his brother, Winsor, at East McDonough, on Tuesday of last week, aged 63 years.  Mr. Holdredge was never married.  A farmer of the old school he accumulated a handsome competency in lands and money.  Some twelve or fifteen years ago his home, which he then occupied in the town of Smithville, was entered in daylight and one thousand dollars in cash stolen.  The thieves were to all appearances strangers, who had learned of Mr. Holdredge's wealth and the fact that he was then in the habit of keeping large sums of money in his house. The thieves had occupied a school house nearby the night before the robbery.  They were never apprehended.  [1900]

 

James Graham, 74, passed away at his home last Friday morning after suffering a stroke the previous day.  He was born at Delhi [Delaware Co., NY], son of the late Walter and Mary Jackson Graham.  he was united in marriage to Cora E. Calhoun, June 16, 1897.  They began farming on the Dr. Bell farm near Delhi. After a short time he worked one year for the late William C Oliver, after which he purchased a farm in Gladstone Hollow and conducted same until moving to the village 14 years ago.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 6, 1944]

 

Mrs. Melissa (Lilley) Foote, age 93, who passed away Friday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Burlison, Sidney-Unadilla road, was sick only a few days with the grippe.  Mrs. Foote was born June 17, 1850, in Eldred, Pa., the daughter of John H. and Jane (Lawrence) Lilley.  She was married to Uriah H. Foote, Dec. 25, 1867.  He passed away in 1909, and since then Mrs. Foote has made her home mostly with her daughter, Mrs. Burlison.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 6, 1944]

 

James N. Laing, 84, life-long resident of Delaware County, died early Monday in Delhi.  Mr. Laing was born in Andes, May 3, 1859, son of John and Margaret (Gladstone) Laing.  He married Miss Helen Redmond at Delhi, Feb. 5, 1890.  For some years after their marriage they lived in Bovina, and in 1910 they moved to Meridale, where they operated a farm until 1941, when they went to live with their daughter in Delhi.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 6, 1944]

 

Mrs. Robert L. Harkness, a resident of Franklin [Delaware Co., NY] for nearly 40 years, died at her home near that village on Monday evening of last week.  Mrs. Harkness had been in failing health for several years but had engaged in her usual activities about the home until last week.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 6, 1944]

 

William Connors, 65, a native and lifelong resident of Susquehanna [PA], died at the Barnes Hospital, Friday morning, Dec. 24,.  Pneumonia was the cause of death.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 6, 1944]

 

 

Marriages (November 6)

McLagan - Brosmer

 

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Notable among the numerous October weddings was the marriage Wednesday morning of Miss Agnes C. Brosmer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Brosmer, and Virgil C. McLagan, both residents of Norwich.  The ceremony occurred at 8 o'clock at St. Paul's Church, Rev. H.F. Curtin officiating.  The bride was gowned in a traveling suit of royal blue voile over silk with cream trimmings and hat to match.  She carried a rosary and a white prayer book.  The maid of honor, Miss Mary Hite, of Syracuse, was attired in light green crepe de chine.  The groom was attended by Fred E. Brosmer, a brother of the bride.  Miss Mamie Daley, a niece of the bride, sang O Promise Me and O Salutaris.  Franklin Daley and Leon Doane acted as altar boys.  After the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served during a reception at the home of the bride's parents on South Broad street.  Among the 25 guests present were Fred E. Brosmer and Miss Eula B. Willett, of Keene, N.H.; Mr. and Mrs. George H. McLagan and Miss Maude McLagan, of North Guilford; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brosmer and children, of Oneonta, and Miss May Hite, of Syracuse.  The bride and groom were the recipients of many beautiful gifts, among them a large embossed green velvet rocker from the employees of the post office.  The groom is a rural mail carrier.  Mr. and Mrs. McLagan left on an afternoon train to visit in Utica, Syracuse, Albany and Oneonta.  After November 1 they will be at home at 88 South Broad street.  [married 25 October 1905]

 

Andrews - Curlhair

Floyd Lester Andrews and Mattie Eliza Curlhair, daughter of Marshall Curlhair of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], were united in marriage Sunday, February 28 [1904], by Rev. H.A. Waite at the Baptist parsonage in Afton.  Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, for the present, will reside with the parents of the bride.

 

Wolfe - Hodge

Miss Sadie Hodge, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Hodge of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], and Harry Wolfe of Bainbridge were married Wednesday evening December 23, 1903, at the home of the bride's parents by Rev. Arthur Spaulding.

 

Fisher - McClenon

Chas. J. Fisher of Bainbridge and Mrs. Julia McClenon of Windsor [Broome Co., NY], were married last evening, May 8th [1900], at Youngs at the home of the bride's sister, Mrs. Melissa Hoag.  Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were friends in their youth but drifted apart when Mr. Fisher entered the army of the Civil War.  They will reside in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] 

 

Ingersoll - Prince

Charles A. Ingersoll and Miss Grace L. Prince, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], were united in marriage at the M.E. parsonage in Afton by the Rev. C.E. Sweet, Sunday evening Jan. 5, 1902.  Mr. and Mrs. Ingersoll will take up house keeping in Bainbridge at once.

 

Olson -Wright

Rev. Charles Olsen, of this village and Miss Nina Wright, of Roanoke, Va., were married at the residence of the bridegroom, last Friday evening, May 18 [1900], by the Rev. J.H. Perry. 

 

Walling - Harrison

Mr. Chas E. Walling, a well-known and popular member of the Deposit colony of Brooklyn, is to be one of the principals in a marriage ceremony on the 17th inst [August 1900].  The bride-elect is Mrs. Nellie Harrison, of New York.  The wedding will take place in Providence R.I.

 

Lewis - Murphy

Announcement has been made here of the marriage of Miss Wanda Murphy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Murphy, of Quanah, Texas, to Sgt. Richard W. Lewis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lewis, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], which took place in the chapel at Harlingen Army Air Field, Texas on Jan. 7, 1944.  The ceremony was performed by the post chaplain.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 3, 1944]

Soldier News continued - 1944

Cpl. Richard Parsons Completes Training

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

Cpl. Richard L. Parsons, who is now home on furlough, has successfully completed the Flexible Aerial Gunnery Course at the Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery School, Laredo Army Air Field, Laredo, Tex.  Upon graduation, he was promoted to his present rank and received the Aerial Gunners Wings.  He will now assume an important position as a member of an Army Air Forces Combat crew.

 

Milton Spangenberg Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

 

Mr. and Mrs. John Spangenberg, of Susquehanna [PA], have received a telegram from the Red Cross informing them that their son, Milton Spangenberg, who was reported missing in action as of Dec. 11, was killed.  He was a gunner on an American bomber and had the rank of technical sergeant.

 

James Duignan Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

 

Sergeant James G. Duignan, graduate of Walton High School in 1939, is reported missing in action in the South Pacific area, according to a telegram received by his father, Harry Duignan, of Brewster.  After completing his high school cource in Walton [Delaware Co., NY], James Duignan entered Cornell University as a pre-medical student.  He was in his junior year there when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to the air force.  Since completing his training he has been on a bomber in the Pacific area as radio man and tail gunner.

 

Carl Sejersen Enters Air Corps

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

 

Pvt. Carl Sejersen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Sejersen, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], R.D.1, who enlisted in the Air Corps last September, was called to active duty Jan. 12 and is now in training at Keesler Field, Miss.

 

Everette Herrick Writes from Naval Hospital

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 3, 1944

 

Just a few lines to you tonight to let you know the hometown paper is getting through again.  The last paper I received until three weeks ago was on Aug. 13, 1943 while I was in an advanced Field Hospital in the Solomon Islands.  It seems good to receive the paper again after so long a time.  I thank you for sending it to me and it will be a great day when all of these papers catch up with me.

 

As you already know I am a patient here at the Naval Hospital in San Diego.  This is the fifth since Aug. 3 and believe me it's -----.  The best treatment I can honestly say came just back of the front liens, where we were hitting the foxholes every few hours--those foxholes are a pretty handy place sometimes.

 

When I left the States a year ago I never expected to see the United States again.  While out there, I met the enemy (Japs) seven different times, making 11 engagements in all.  Well the happiest moment of my life came when we sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge.  there were 1,700 of us and we were all so happy and there was so much noise from our crying that you couldn't "hear yourself think."  It took several days to get used to being back.  I certainly hope this doesn't bore you as I can't help but write it.

 

While out there I gathered quite a few pieces of Jap equipment which I was going to bring home for the folks to see.  My sea bag was lost--clothes and all--so all I have is a set of pictures taken on Guadalcanal which I will bring with me when I come home.

 

I expect to see you people sometime this Summer, can't say for sure just when.  It will be a great day when my wife and I board a train going East; it has been three years and three months since I last saw dad and mother.

 

I have received the paper all this time through your kindness, so will drop in and thank you personally one of these days.

 

Sincerely yours,

Everette R. Herrick, G.M. 2/C USN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriages (November 5)

 

Ackler - Richer

Claude Newton Ackler and Mrs. Florence Richer, both of Minetto, N.Y. [Oswego Co.] were united in marriage by the bride's father, Rev. George Bowler, at the Baptist parsonage, Fabius, N.Y., October 9th, 1920.  After a short wedding trip the happy couple will reside in the bridegroom's fine home at Minetto.  [Oswego Daily Times, Oct. 13, 1920]

 



Rice - Lowe

The marriage of Miss Kathryn E. Rice of 2 Goethe Street, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], to Harold V. Lowe, on Oct. 25, is announced by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Rice of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  The bridegroom is the son of Mrs. Daisy Lowe of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hopfer of this city were the attendants at the ceremony, which took place in the home of F.P. O'Dell in Hallstead.  A black pin stripe suit with white accessories was selected by the bride for her wedding ensemble.  A corsage of white pompons and roses was pinned to the lapel of her suit.  [Binghamton Press, Nov. 2, 1946]

 

Marriage Notices - 1835

Antimasonic Telegraph, January 21, 1835

At South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, the 4th inst. by the Rev. W. Bullard, Mr. Smith Thompson, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Jane Eliza Rathbone, of the former place.

 

On Thursday, the 8th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Chamberlin, of New Berlin, Mr. John Monroe, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Emeline Palmer, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. by Elder, J.S. Swan, Mr. Alfred Slocum, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Amelia B. Randall, daughter of Deacon Charles Randall, of Norwich.

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Nathan Taylor, esq. Mr. Theodore Tanner, to Miss Susan Snow.

 

Antimasonic Telegraph, February 11, 1835

In Butternuts, (Otsego co.) on the 4th inst. by Elder Boynton, Doct. Andrew Farrell, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elvira P. Cady, of the former place.

 

Chenango Telegraph, April 8, 1835

In Sherburne, yesterday morning, by the Rev. L.A. Barrows, Mr. Horace Baldwin Merchant of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Penelope Allen, daughter of the late Samuel Dyer Allen, esq. of North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

 

Chenango Telegraph, April 29, 1835

At Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday evening, the 19th inst. by the Rev. L. Bush, Samuel McKoon, esq. to Miss Adella Perkins, daughter of Capt. James Perkins, all of that place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (November 5)

Mrs. Lucy Gifford, widow of the late Abner Gifford, a revolutionary soldier, died at the residence of her son Samuel A. Gifford, Esq. on the 29th ult. at the advanced age of 96 years.  Mrs. Gifford has been for some time previous to her death the oldest person living in this town, and although having for several years been deprived of sight, yet her reasoning faculties remained unimpaired--so much so that she would talk intelligently upon all the current topics of the day, until within the last few weeks, during which time she has been a great sufferer, gradually failing in mind and body until death came to her relief and ended her long and useful life.  Funeral services were held at her late residence on Tuesday.  [Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 9, 1877]

 

Mrs. Julia Hastings, wife of Willard Hastings, died in this village the 15th inst. in the 27th year of her age.  She took cold last winter while attending the funeral of Luman Lane, and from that day till her demise had been a great sufferer, but thro' all her affliction she was patient and cheerful, hoping against hope until death interposed and terminated her existence.  Mrs. Hastings was an amiable and kind hearted lady, devotedly attached to her family, and a friend to all.  She leaves surviving her, a husband and little son about a year old.  [Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 16, 1877]

 

Yaleville [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Eliel Burtch died at her residence in this place on Saturday last of dropsy.  She has been a great sufferer for the last six or eight years but at last death came to her relief.  She was loved and esteemed by all who knew her.  Her sufferings were borne with that meekness and fortitude which show to the world that her mind was fixed on a house built without hands, the door of which is always open, "and there shall be no night there." [Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 16, 1877]

 

Ives Settlement [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY]:  Since our last, death came suddenly in our midst and took from the family circle a wife and mother.  On Saturday, August 18th, we were shocked to hear of the death of Mrs. Lewis A. Ives, and sadness was in all our hearts.  A large concourse of people--the largest we ever witnessed on such an occasion--gathered from far and near to her funeral which was held at the house, and the many tears and sighs attested the sympathy and grief of those present.  She enjoyed a pleasant home, and surrounded by a large family it seemed that she could not be spared and yet she was taken.  How truly God's ways are not our ways.  We trust she is safely at rest in "the home over there."  We shall sadly miss her as a friend and neighbor, but the grief and loneliness of him who for so many years, in all his joys and sorrows, has had her companionship and counsel, and of those who are deprived of a mother's tender care, sympathy and love, only He knoweth who knows all hearts.  May He greatly comfort and bless those sorrowing ones.  [Bainbridge Republican, Sept. 13, 1877]

 

Mr. Elijah Hyde, an old and respected citizen of the town of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], departed this life on Wednesday of last week.  He had long been an earnest and devoted member of the M.E. Church at North Afton and a meek and humble follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. the funeral services were held form the church at North Afton on Friday. They that are faithful unto death shall inherit a crown of life.  [Bainbridge Republican, April 12, 1877]

 

M. Eugene Lovejoy, 60 years old, one of Harpursville's [Broome Co., NY] most prominent citizens, died at his home in that village Sunday morning.  Funeral services were held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Tuesday afternoon.  Burial was in the Nineveh Cemetery [Broome Co.], Afton Lodge, F.&A.M., attended the services at the church in a body.  He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Nina S. Lovejoy; a son, Bernard Lovejoy, of Harpursville; two brothers, Charles Lovejoy, of Bloomfield, Neb., and William Lovejoy, of Center, Neb., and a sister, Mrs. Minnie Ives, of Coventry.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 25, 1943]

 

David Orr, a life-long resident on Beatty's Brook, near Stamford [Delaware Co., NY], was found dead on the floor of his kitchen Monday morning, Nov. 15.  Born Sept 21, 1861, at Kortright, a son of John and Mary Pogue Orr, the only surviving relative is a sister, Mrs. Jennie McCracken.  Apparently he had been dead for some time due to a heart attack or acute indigestion.  He was discovered by a man who resides on part of the Orr farm.  Neighbors gained entrance through a window of the home as the door was locked.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 25, 1943]

 

Charles LeSuer, 82, of Laurens, Otsego County, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Harry Parsons, Friday night, Nov. 19.  He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Harry parsons, of Oneonta, and Mrs. May Harrington, of Vestal; two sons, Blake LeSuer, of Vestal, and Wells LeSuer, of Afton; two brothers, Lynn LeSuer, of Afton, and Howard LeSuer, of Sidney; two sisters, Mrs. Emma Handy and Miss Ida LeSuer, of Afton.  Funeral services were held at the Tabor Funeral Home at Afton, Monday.  Burial in Afton.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 25, 1943]

 

 

 

 

Bainbridge Academy Commencement Exercises - 1877 continued

Bainbridge Academy Commencement Exercises - continued

Bainbridge Republican, July 12, 1877

 

The second evening was devoted to the Musical Entertainment, which embraced a choice election of songs, piano solos, duets and trios, organ solos, etc., and was given under the superintendence and direction of Miss Lucy Van Horne.  The principal musicians were Miss Jesse Corbin, Miss Nettie Van Cott, Miss Libbie Yale, Miss Edith Dodge, Miss Abbie Holcomb, Miss Lola Reynold, Miss Mary Gilbert and Miss Hattie Vosburg.  The character song of the evening, "John Anderson my Joe John," by Miss Lucy Van Horne and Louis Sill was excellent, and would be honored the role of professionals.  The music present was of a high order and afforded a pleasant evening's entertainment. 

 

The third evening was devoted exclusively to the Academic Department, and consisted of orations, declamations, essays, colloquies, debates, music, etc., etc.  We append the programme in full with the single comment that it was the best entertainment of the kind ever given by the students of Bainbridge Academy:

 

1.    Hunkidorie's Fourth of July Oration................................................Willie Hovey

2.    The Spirit Land................................................................................Libbie Yale

3.    Sparrows..........................................................................................Jeanette Campbell

4.    The Fire Fiend.................................................................................Mary Hovey

5.    Darius Greene and his Flying Machine...........................................Joel Bixby

6.    They Won't Trouble Us Long..........................................................Mary Gilbert

7.    Essays (20 written)...........................................................................Lena Freiot

Music

8.    Precious Pickle.................................................................................Colloquy

9.    The Famine......................................................................................Ada Beverly

10.   Oration, A Wise Man can gain from the society of all...................S.M. Johnson

11.   The Little Robe of White................................................................Edith Dodge

12.   Debate.............................................................................................Sands, Sill, Pearsall, Grant

13.   The Maniac.....................................................................................Hattie Evans

14.   Seeing the World............................................................................Kinnie Stockwell

Music

15.   Society for Doiong Good but Saying Bad.....................................Colloquy

16.   The Day is Done............................................................................Phebe Yale

17.   Oration, Rome was not Built in a Day..........................................E.L. Spencer

18.   Creed of the Bells..........................................................................Mary Akerley

19.   Ivey................................................................................................Emma Juliand

20.   Bells...............................................................................................Nettie Green

Music

21.   Never Say Die................................................................................Colloquy

 

The annual examination of students and the anniversary exercises are both important features in the well-regulated school system which now prevails.  The former puts to a test the practical knowledge which the scholar has acquired in the studies pursued during the year, and tells the story of success or failure for each student, in which result the teacher shares to a greater or less extent in the honors of merit or the unsatisfactory evidences of time and money thrown away; while the former is not only the gala day, the carnival time for youthful spirits long pent up, the glad awakening from the sober Lenten season of the monotonous routine of the schoolroom and its requirements towards which youth looks for deliverance from restraint, but it is an occasion of profound interest to doting parents, whose fond eyes for the first time take the full measure of the son, in whose genius for eloquence even stupidity must foresee the dawning of a glorious career in the senate and forum.

 

But these public displays subserve many good purposes, not least of which is the creating or arousing of a better feeling for the welfare of our schools and a deeper interest in the cause of education.  They incite the scholars to study in order to prepare themselves to appear to advantage, and they give the older portion of the community some appreciation of the teacher's work.  If a school exhibition can educate the people to cherish a noble faith in our school system, it is as good as, and far more efficient than a sermon on immorality.  Further, it secures confidence on the part of the young, and tends to cultivate an appreciation by the study of models of the highest literary excellence of whatever there is of beauty of thought and force of diction in the works of the great geniuses who have given to English literature its pre-eminence over that of other nations.  Give us more public exhibitions in our schools, and bring patrons, teachers and scholars oftener together, thereby creating a broader sympathy between them, and the schools will be greatly advanced.

Bainbridge Academy Commencement Exercises, 1877

Bainbridge Academy Commencement Exercises

Bainbridge Republican, July 12, 1877

 

The close of the fourth academic year of this institution was marked by the annual examination of students on the 20th, 21st  and 22nd ult. and the anniversary or commencement exercises, which occurred on the 27th, 28th and 29th.  The large attendance on each evening of the latter occasion and the unusual number of visitors during the examination, indicates a growing interest in the school truly gratifying to the friends of education, and which cannot but exert an inspiring influence with both teacher and scholar.

 

Among the many and more prominent studies reviewed by the faculty were classes in French, Latin, Geometry and Chemistry.  The examination was thorough and general in its nature, and the readiness and correctness with which each student responded or preformed the task assigned was ample evidence that the academic year just bro't to a close had been well and profitably spent.  All who witnessed these exercises could not but feel that the influence of our Academy on the rising generation, who must sooner or later take upon themselves the responsibilities of filling our public places and moulding the moral, social and intellectual features of society, will be for the better; that our school, with its scores of diligent workers and thinkers, is really the great industry of this community, and that the money necessary for its maintenance is worthily bestowed and should be cheerfully contributed.

 

The first evening of the anniversary exercises was set apart for the Primary and Intermediate Department.  It was our intention to notice only a few of the more prominent or deserving who took part; but where all did so well such distinction seems invidious and we have concluded, after more mature consideration, to present the programme in full.

 

Primary & Intermediate Department Anniversary Exercises

 

1.    Opening Address.........................................................Willie Gilbert

2.    Little Chatterbox..........................................................Celia Ireland

3.    Grandfather Jeff...........................................................Willie DeMunn

4.    The Child and the Angel:  Ella Kaler, Fannie Freiot, Helen Van Horne, Ada Sherwood

5.    Maude Muller...............................................................Hobie Banks

6.    Geography Song:  Cora France, Mary Moody, Millie Cannon and Stella Fletcher

7.    Oration..........................................................................Frank Stockwell

8.    Keeping School............................................................Tableau

9.    The Emigrant................................................................Carrie Johnson

10.  Wishing:  Donnie Gilbert, Perry Van Horne, Thomas Kahler, Fred Campbell, Willie DeMunn, Millie Cannon, Lillie Cole and Lottie Ireland

11.   The Party:.....................................................................Lottie Ireland and Lillie Cole

12,   Compositions................................................................Helen Van Horne

13.   Mattie's Troubles...........................................................Gracie Brigham

14.   Work or play:.................................................................Lizzie Pearsall, Willie Gilbert

15.   The Old Couple..............................................................Stella Fletcher

16.   Beginning of a Bad Citizen:  Delia Kissam, Perry Van Horne, Lonnie Gilbert, Jennie De Munn

17.   Bessie's Christmas..........................................................Sarah Banks

18.   Compositions..................................................................Frank Gilbert

19.   Burial of Sir John Moore................................................John Rahler

20.   All About Two Dolls:.....................................................Helen Priest and Mamie Bailey

21.   Papa's Letter....................................................................Lillie Cole

22.   Dollie's Doctor:..............................................................Willie Demunn and Millie Cannon

23.   If.....................................................................................Ellen Wescott

24.   Little Jim........................................................................Leslie Waldorf

25.   The Woodchuck.............................................................Harry Dodge

26.   Oh Dear:.......................................................Jennie Juliand, Mary Hancock and Hattie Reynolds

27.   Little Mischief................................................................Matie Higley

28.   Katie's Bath:...................................................................Delia Kassam and Mary Gilbert

29.   Who's Bit My Apple.......................................................Tableau

30.   The Rival Poets:.............................................................Frankie Gilbert and Julian Scott

31.   Speech............................................................................Andrew Fletcher

32.   First Flirtation.................................................................Tableau

33.   Compositions...................................................................Cora E. France

34.   Song, Woman's Rights:...................................................Mary Moody and Louie Hovey 

35.   The Masks of the Months................................................Jennie Juliand

36.   Lulu's Picture:......................................................Cora E. France, Mary Moody, and Frank Lyon 

37.   Pipes at Luchnow.............................................................Mary Moody 

 

To be Continued in future blog

Marriages (November 4)

On Saturday evening, the 26th ult., Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Cooper enjoyed a very agreeable surprise, given by relatives from this place [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] and Guilford, it being the anniversary of their twenty-fifth wedding day.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 7, 1877]

 

The Ive's Settlement correspondent will excuse me for not answering his question in my last.  I did have reference to Miss Mary Foote, and the lucky suitor is William Pearce of Rogers Hollow.  May she spend the rest of her days in peace and happiness.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 7, 1877]

 

 

Bowers - Austin

A very pretty home wedding occurred at the residence of John Austin, in Guilford Center [Chenango Co., NY^], Wednesday of last week, when his daughter, Florence Annie Emma, was united in marriage to Charles Amos Bowers, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  The rooms were tastefully decorated with evergreens and potted plants, the color scheme being blue and white.  At precisely noon the bride and groom entered the wedding room to the strains of Lohengrin's bridal march played by Miss Mary Walker, of Oxford.  The ceremony was performed in a very impressive manner by Rev. A.C. Salls, of Guilford Center.  The bride was handsomely gowned in blue foulard trimmed with white chiffon and applique and carried a shower bouquet of bridal roses.  The wedding dinner was served under the direction of C. Toby, the caterer, and the whole event was one of the most joyous that has taken place in this locality in a long time.  The bride is a graduate of Norwich High School and for some time has been a teacher in the Guilford Center schools.  After a brief wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. Bowers will make their home with the bride's father at Guilford Center, where the groom is extensively engaged in the lumber business.  [About 1905]

Marriage Notices, Bainbridge Republican, 1877

June 14, 1877
In Coventry, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], June 7th, at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. A.J. Hoyt, by Revs. A. Crocker, L.B. Hopwood and C.T. Berry, Mr. Stephen H. Berry of Dover, N.J., to Miss Alice L. Hoyt of the former place.

In Ouaquaga, Broome Co., May 32d, by Rev. Mr. Towner, Mr. Seth J. Young, of Guilford Center [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Hattie L. Law of the former place.

September 27, 1877
HUTCHINSON - BARNES:  At the Hastings House, Sept. 11th, 1877, by Rev. N.S. Reynolds, Mr. Geo.  H. Hutchinson, and Miss Mertie M. Barnes of Wells Bridge [Otsego Co., NY].

MORGAN - EASTON:  At the home of the bride Sept. 19th, 1877, by Rev. H.N. VanDeusen, Mr. M. J. Morgan of Guilford Center [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Mary M. Easton of Afton [Chenango Co., NY]

IVES - CARHART:  In Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], Sept. 19th, 1877, at the residence of the bride's father by Rev. P. Griffin, Mr. Samuel A. Ives of Guilford, to Miss Frances Carhart of Guilford, formerly of New York. 

 

Obituaries (November 4)

"Aunt Ruth" Coe died at the residence of her brother in law, Dexter Hunt, on the 31st ult.  She was beloved and esteemed by all who knew her.  Her age was 81.  Her remains were taken to White Store [Chenango Co., NY] for interment.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 7, 1877]

 

Mr. Alanson Bingham, one of our most respected citizens died Sunday morning between two and three o'clock.  Mr. Bingham was a most excellent man, a good husband and father, a sympathizing neighbor, and one possessed of all the virtues that go to make manhood respected. The afflicted family have the sympathy of all their friends in this sore bereavement.  The funeral took place Tuesday at 11 o'clock A.M., at the residence of Geo. R. Salisbury, son-in-law of the deceased.  He was 77 years of age.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 28, 1877]

 

Geo. W. Davidson, formerly of this town [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], died at Addison, Steuben county, the 27th ult.  He served honorably through the war and was an eminently successful business man.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 12, 1877]

 

George Brooks aged twenty-three and Frank Slater, aged twenty-nine, inmates of the Cortland County House, were drowned in the river near that institution, on the afternoon of the 28th ult.  Both were weak minded, and Slater was a cripple, using crutches.  [Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 9, 1877]

 

Between one and two o'clock on Thursday afternoon last, little Johnnie Wilson, aged two and a half years, son of H.E. Wilson, proprietor of the brick yard, was so severely scalded that death ensued twelve hours after.  A domestic who had for years been in the employ of the family, had filled a pail with hot water from the kitchen stove, near which she left it while she went to a room adjoining, for a moment, preparatory to cleaning the floor.  At this time there was no one in the kitchen; but during her brief absence the little boy, who had been playing in another part of the house, where his mother also was, came running into the kitchen in his play, and the first intimation of his presence was his screams, which quickly brought assistances, when it was found that he had, while running backward, lost his balance and sat down in the pail of water.  Upon stripping the little sufferer, the skin from portions of this body came off with the clothing, and his fingers were severely burned, indicating that he had taken hold of the hot stove in his agony.  The pail was overturned in his struggle, and the boiling water thrown over his abdomen, which was also badly scalded.  Although medical assistance was at once summoned, and everything done by sympathizing neighbors, the accident resulted fatally.  [Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 9, 1877]

 

The death of Otto H. Crooker, a Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] hardware merchant, occurred on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Sidney hospital after a few days' illness.  He was 60 years of age.  Mr Crooker is survived by his wife, a son, William Crooker, of San Francisco, Cal., and a daughter, Mrs. Edward Ashton, of Norwich.  Otto Crooker was born in Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], April 8, 1885, and was the only son of William H. and Jennie Pratt Crooker.  The greater part of his life was spent in Unadilla.  He moved to Unadilla from Masonville with his parents when a young boy.  For a few years they resided in Superior, Wis., where Otto Crooker was married.  Shortly after, the family returned to Unadilla and he was associated with his father in the hardware business.  The funeral was held Friday at the Crooker home. Rev. Francis Blake, rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal church, officiated.  Burial will be made in Evergreen  Hill Cemetery [Unadilla, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 21, 1946]

 

Ray Dwight Bennett, 46 years old, died Tuesday, Feb. 12 in the Binghamton City Hospital.  The deceased was born in Windsor [Broome Co., NY], August 6, 1899, the son of George Bennett and Harriet Garrett Bennett, both deceased.  He is survived by his wife, Jessie Martin Bennett, of Windsor; three daughters, Ruth M. Bennett, of Johnson City; Eleanor and Jennie Bennett, of Windsor; three sons, George Bennett, of Binghamton, James and Gerald Bennett, of Windsor; a brother, Ernest Bennett, of Tifton, Ga.; a sister, Mrs. Lena Watson, of Binghamton; also a nephew, Charles Kenyon, of Binghamton.  The body was removed to the Clinton E. Wood Funeral Chapel, where services were held Thursday. The Rev. E.G.W. Estlow, pastor of the Windsor Methodist Church, officiated.  Burial will be in the South Windsor cemetery at the convenience of the family.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 21, 1946]