Obituaries (November 15)

Daniel Thomas Banner

Daniel Thomas Banner was born in Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], Jan. 14, 1844, one of ten children of William and Jane (Bartlett) Banner, nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood.  Four of these had preceded him to the other shore and four remain to mourn his loss.  In young manhood he experienced religion and joined the Presbyterian church of Guilford Center.  He answered the call of his country and enrolled, when nineteen years of age, in Company D, 44th Regiment, later 146th Regiment New York Infantry.  He saw active service in seven different battles and was wounded three times.  He witnessed Lee's surrender and received honorable discharge at the close of the war.  September 18, 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie P. Warner.  One daughter, Priscilla, was born June 23, 1879 but was spared to them only seven months.  His wife, Carrie, died Oct. 8, 1910 after several years of suffering during which time she was most tenderly and constantly cared for by her husband.  June 19, 1912 he was married to Harriet T. Graves and for sixteen years they have traveled side by side in true companionship sharing together life's joys and cares.  For twelve years, they have spent their winters in Florida, four in Mount Dora with Mrs.  Banner's uncle, D.F. Gorham and eight in Daytona Beach with her son, Rexford Graves.  Mr. Banner loved the southland and often during his last sickness expressed his desire to again visit Florida.  Mrs. Banner has been a faithful, loving wife and mourns the loss of a devoted husband.  Besides his wife, he is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Roxy Jane Lathrop of Binghamton, N.Y.; Mrs. Mary Josephine Ensworth of Guilford, N.Y. and Mrs. Hannah Elizabeth Willets of Norwich, and one brother Henry Eugene Banner of Boone, Iowa.  The funeral services were held from his late home on North Main street.  Rev. L.E. Sanford, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church officiating.  Rev. Frank R. James of Binghamton, a former pastor, was also present and paid tribute to the departed brother.  Mr. Banner had a host of friends and in spite of the stormy weather the house was filled to capacity.  The music was furnished by the male quartet, Lester Stead, Bert Wilcox, Chas. Odell and Chas. Colwell.  Only two of the four remaining G.A.R. comrades in Bainbridge, Mr. Frank Finney and Mr. Lewis Perry, were able to attend.  The Daughters of Veterans attended in a body and the color Bearers stood guard at the house and at the grave.  Among the floral tributes were pieces from G.A.R and D.A.R., the American Legion and the Ladies' Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and many other beautiful pieces from friends and relatives.  Mr. Banner had led an active life to the last.  He was always ready to help in church work; for years he has been the leader in planning and conducting the memorial Day services.  He was a great lover of music and his unusually clear, sweet tenor voice was often heard in quartet in solo numbers and will long echo in the memory of those who heard him sing.  He was president of the Banner Family Reunion and has been looking forward hopefully to being able to attend one more of the yearly gatherings.  [1928]

 

Walter Friedel

 

Walter Friedel, one of Bainbridge's most popular young men, passed away in the Bainbridge Hospital, Wednesday October 17th [1934], where he had been undergoing treatment for the previous few weeks.  Walter was born April 1900, on a farm in Bainbridge, located on the Guilford road, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Friedel, both of whom are now deceased.  After attending the Bainbridge High School he entered the employ of Charles D. Dix and with the exception of a short time when he conducted a meat market in partnership with Will Sargent in the Clark bock, South Main street, and a few months spent in work in local factories, he has been in the employ of Mr. Dix, and eight years of the time he had lived at the Dix home in Evans street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  His courteous treatment had made him a valued employee, and his sense of humor and friendly manners made for a large circle of friends who regret his passing.  Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Freda Pow-?- of Gloversville; two brothers, Mi-?- of Sanitaria Springs and Lewis, of Oneonta; also a half-brother, Stewart of Bainbridge.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and his pastor, Rev. Orvis, conducted the funeral service which was held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the funeral chapel of Colwell Brothers, West Main street, followed by interment in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  The bearers were Charles -?-. Arthur Clark, Bert Bliss and Har-?- -?-ler.  Merchants of the village closed their places of business during the hour of the service.  The funeral was largely attended and the floral tributes were an expression of the respect and admiration for the deceased.

 

Florence B. (Rathburn) Gridley

 

Florence B. Rathburn was born in McDonough, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY], September 18, 1860.  She resided with her parents until May 30, 1887, when she was married to Lewis A. Gridley who still survive her.  No children were born to this devoted pair though their home has always been a place of rest and comfort for their many friends.  In 1895 she was received into Methodist Episcopal church in Guilford by Rev M.S. Godshall. She has been a faithful worker in the church ever since.  Five years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Gridley came to Bainbridge to reside.  Failing health for several years has been Mrs. Gridley's lot. Unable to attend her church only occasionally, yet she never forget it.  About a month ago she became confined to her bed.  Day by day she grew weaker until one o'clock last Saturday  morning, January 19th, 1929, she fell asleep in Jesus.  No relatives are left to mourn her loss, save her devoted husband.  Her Christian character was shown by the many friends who crowded her late home at her funeral at 2 o'clock last Tuesday.  Her pastor, Rev. L.E. Sanford, officiated and a bank of flowers adorned her casket.  Her body was laid to rest in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., nY] to await the summons of the resurrection morning. 

 

Emma Pearl (Puffers) Neidlinger

 

Known to all who had ever come in contact with her by her kindness and help for others and trueness to her family.  Emma Puffers, as she was known before her marriage to Otto F. Neidlinger on June 18, 1919 was the emblem of the true woman and ideal mother.  Ever mindful of the cares and sorrows of her family and others before herself, she had a host of friends and neighbors who are left to mourn her passing to a better home, Saturday, April 20, 1929.  She leaves in a sorrowful home a husband and four boys in whom her life was rapt, but someone from above called and the call could not be denied.  Her memory will ever linger in the minds and hearts of those who knew and loved her best.  Funeral services were conducted at 1 o'clock Tuesday afternoon by Rev. H.G. Orvis of the Presbyterian Church for Mrs. Otto Neidlinger, 28, who died as a result of influenza Saturday morning at her home.  Surviving are her husband and four small children and her father, H.L. Puffer. 

 

Edward Hatton

 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hatton, of Niagara Falls, were called home by the death of the former's father, Edward Hatton, of Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY].  His passing occurred on Thursday, Jan. 6, at the age of 82 years.  In ill health for many months, the flu hastened the end.  They were residents of Guilford for many years.  Another son, Watson  Hatton, of Guilford, also survives and the widow, Katherine Hatton.  Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Colwell Bros. Funeral Home, Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 13, 1944]

Jericho Name Change to Bainbridge, 1814

Jericho Changes Name to Bainbridge, 1814

Chenango County New York

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 1, 1944

 

Editor, Newspaper

Bainbridge, N.Y.

Dear Sir:

While looking over the Journal of the (New York State) Assembly, 1814, I ran across the following which might be of interest to someone in your village or town.  Chances are that some  historian in your section already has record of it, but will you please pass this letter on to an interested person.

 

Monday, March 14, 1814

 

Mr. Houghteling, according to leave, brought in the said bill, entitled "an act altering the name of the town of Jericho, in the county of Chenango," which was read the first time, and by unanimous consent was also read a second time and committed to a committee of the whole house.

 

Tuesday, March 22, 1814

 

The engrossed bill, entitled "an act altering the name of the town of Jericho, in the county of Chenango," was read the third time. 

Resolved. That the bill do pass.

Tuesday, April 12, 1814

 

Mr. Lynch, from the committee appointed by a resolution of this house, of this morning, to enquire and report the number and the titles of the bills passed by this house during the present session, and sent up to the honorable the Senate for concurrence, which have not as yet been acted upon by that body, reported the following list, as containing the number and titles of such bills, to wit:

 

45.--altering the name of the town of Jericho, in the county of Chenango.

 

Friday, April 15, 1814

 

Seven several messages from the honorable the Senate, delivered by their clerk, with the bills therein respectively mentioned, were read, informing that the Senate had passed the bill, entitled..."an act altering the name of the town of Jericho, in the county of Chenango,"...

 

Thus the town of Jericho became the town of Bainbridge.

 

Sincerely yours,

Donald D. Burgess



 



Soldier News continued, 1944

MPs Payne, Hankins & Donovan at Work in Northern Ireland

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 20, 1944

 

An Eighth AAF Composite Command Station, Northern Ireland:  Nabbing draft dodgers in the ETO or solving murder mysteries--it's all in the day's work for a trio of veteran investigators serving in the military police unit at this station.  In the nine months they have been in northern Ireland, Sgts. William S. Payne, 31, in civilian life Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] police chief; Frank A. Hankins, 45, formerly on the vice squad of the Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] police force, and John J. Donovan, 38, medical investigator for the Massachusetts State Police in Boston before entering the Army, have built up quite a reputation as investigators here and in Belfast, where their unit previously performed town duty.  Cases they solved range from murder and hit-and-run accidents to robbery and assault and battery.  But most unusual task of the three MPs was to capture a draft dodger overseas. 

 

Discharged from his job as a civilian technician, the draft dodger had opened his own business in northern Ireland instead of returning to the United States.  He ignored several communications from his draft board.  The MP investigators were put on the case, and it was not long before they tracked the offender.

 

"Warden Payne of the Blue Room" is the name which Sgt. Payne acquired a provost sergeant of the Belfast military police before coming to this station, a post he held for eight months.  He was responsible for prisoners confined in the Belfast detention room, popularly known as a hotel "Blue Room."  He is now sergeant of the guard at this station.  Sgt. Payne is anxious to get back to his old job as Bainbridge police chief after the war, and thinks his newly acquired international experience will be valuable.  He was given a leave of absence in July, 1942, to enter the Army, and received his basic training at the Military Police Replacement Training Center, Fort Riley Kan.

 

Sgt. Hankins, of Binghamton, is veteran of World War I, serving in the same company with the following men from Bainbridge:  Jasper Partridge, Thomas Cartledge, Clifton Oles, Edward D. Knight, Don C. Copley, Algwynne Collins, Edwin Collins, Kenneth Payne, and Charles Bentley.

 

Sgt. John Hill Awarded Four Oak-Leaf Clusters

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 8, 1944

 

Headquarters United States Army Forces in South Pacific:  By direction of the President, the Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of an additional Air Medal was awarded by Lieut. General Millard F. Harmon, Commanding United States Army Forces in the South Pacific Area on May 12, 1944, to Technical Sergeant John N. Hill, of Bainbridge, as aerial gunner from 14 March to 22 March, 1944.  On May 12, 1944, Sgt. Hill was awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster for action 16 February to 2 March.  On May 13, 1944, Oak Leaf Cluster for services 4 March to 12 March 1944 and on May 13, another Oak Leaf Cluster for services on April 2, 1944.  A bronze Oak-Leaf Cluster is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in sustained combat operational missions of a hazardous nature during which enemy antiaircraft fire is effective or where enemy fighter patrols are habitually encountered.  The missions for which the awards were given were with the 13th AAF.

 

Lt. Herman Hoegger Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 8, 1944

 

Word was received a few days ago by his mother, Mrs. Ida N. Hoegger from the War Department, that her son, Lieut.. Herman Hoegger, had been killed in action.  There were no details given.  Lieutenant Hoegger enlisted in the Army in February, 1941, and was sent overseas last December, to the Italian front, where the action was heavy.  Besides his mother, he is survived by two brothers, Alvin T. Hoegger and Arthur Hoegger, and one sister Lillian Hoegger, all of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].

 

Tech. Sgt. Anthony Wright Has Narrow Escape

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 8, 1944

 

At the Eighth Air Force Bomber Station, England, the other day, the Liberator "Son of Satan" came back from "a hell above earth" recently with two of its crewmen dead and three wounded, but its mission over Germany a success.  Riddled by 2,500 bullet, shell and flak holes, "Son of Satan," which numbered among its crew Tech. Sgt. Anthony Wright, of Downsville [Delaware Co., NY], slid down at the first English base after barely clearing the channel after unloading its bombs on a German target and shooting down four German fighters.  In the ensuing battle toward the channel, "Son of Satan" took a terrific beating and was punctured by at least two dozen 18-inch holes in its already flak-battered hull, but it held its position in formation and the crew took its toll of attackers.

 

Lt. Donald Patchen in One of longest Escort Missions

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 15, 1944

 

An Eighth AAF Fighter Station, England:  Lieut. Donald J. Patchen, 21, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], participated in one of the longest escort missions on record recently when mustangs from the group commanded by Col. Donald J.M. Blakeslee, of Fairport Harbor, Ohio, swept across southern Germany to Brux, Czechocovakia.  While American bombers attacked a synthetic oil plant, the Blakeslee group engaged a force of enemy fighters of which they destroyed 10.  Lt. Patchen is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Earle V. Benedict, of R.F.D 3, Bainbridge.   Apparently this was the mission in which Lieut. Patchen was reported missing as the postmark of the above information was May 24, and the telegram from the War Department reported him missing since May 19.

Danforth Fountain, Bainbridge, NY

Dedication of Danforth Fountain

Bainbridge, Chenango County, New York

May 30, 1962

 

At the ceremony dedicating the new fountain in the village park, Dr. Harold K. Salzberg gave the following talk:  "We have the honor today to dedicate this fountain to the memory of a friend of Bainbridge and of all those with whom she lived, Mrs. Helen Danforth.  Our Chamber of Commerce had the happy thought of sponsoring this memorial and dedicating it to Mrs. Danforth.  My family are but several of a host of people in the village, county and in the state who had the privilege of Mrs. Danforth's acquaintance.  She had the touch of welcome to all persons, and in her pleasant way contributed to the growth and stability of our community.  There are many names to be mentioned in the successful culmination of this project and I will give but a few at the risk of overlooking some who have contributed or will contribute in its maintenance.  The committee comprised of Mrs. Leigh Evans, Mrs. Ruth Demeree, Frank Turk and Charles Hinckley.  Others have been quick to volunteer in its planning and maintenance and we can be sure that the good water of the fountain will flow on through the years as did the good deeds of Mrs. Danforth.

 

"The park's history is impressive enough to give it an aspect of hallowness.  It has existed to give pleasure and solace to generations for a century and a half.  Mrs. Danforth recognized this, and became a champion of its maintenance.  Many of the beautiful shrubs and trees we see around us would not be here were it not for her diligence and generosity in the interest of the park.  We are especially indebted to her for the row of hawthorn trees which grace the East Main Street side of the park.

 

"Bainbridge has been a village among the many in new York State and in New England having a park or commons or village green, a place of perpetuity, as witnessed by the monuments here.  Over there stands the monument to the Civil War heroes and at its side that of the two World Wars.  On the other side of the park is the quaint boulder monument to the memory of an early pioneer, Jedidiah Smith.

 

Benjamin Carpenter is the first name to cite in the history of this park.  Carpenter came to Jericho as a young man and opened a general store, tailoring business and tavern in a building near the present location of the Leigh Evans home.  He was foresighted in acquiring land near the river bridge and in 1802 donated a plot a little more than two acres in the area to the Society of the Celicia, a Congregational Church organization.  The church itself, referred to as the meeting house, stood uncompleted at the time in about the center of this area.

 

"....The early days of the park were ones of public usefulness.  In its very early history it was the location of the village pound, which consisted of a large shed in the center of the yard surrounded by a stockade.  Here were driven the cattle and hogs which had strayed from the unfenced fields or from fields insecurely fenced with boughs of trees or primitive rail fences.  The pound was needed even more when the turnpike was the scene of hugh droves of cattle, hogs, geese, sheep and turkeys being driven from the west to New York markets.  Then about 1875 the area was laid out and embellished as a park with trees and shrubbery."

 

Mayor W.E. Vawter accepted the fountain in behalf of the village.  Lights will play on the fountain at night.  At the base is an inscription which reads:  "It was the million and one small deeds that will make Helen Danforth's memory live on in the hearts of her million and one friends."

Memorial Fountain:  Members of the Danforth family admire fountain in Bainbridge park dedicated yesterday by the community to the memory of the late Mrs. Edward Danforth whose many good works endeared her to the village.  Left to right:  Dr. Edward Danforth of Bainbridge, Dr. Prince Danforth of New York City, Dr. Elliott Danforth of Sidney, Thomas Danforth of Sidney, Nicolas Danforth, a student at Albany Medical College, Edward Danforth of Sidney, Elliott Danforth, Jr., Albany Medical College student.

 

 

Mrs. Helen (Mattice) Danforth

 

Bainbridge [Chenango Co.,  NY]:  The funeral of Mrs. Helen Danforth, 77, was held Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. in St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Bainbridge.  Rev. Andrus B. Smith and Rev. James E. Wolfe officiated.  Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  Mrs. Danforth died Monday morning, June 12, 1961, at her home, 51 West Main street, Bainbridge.  She is survived by her husband, Dr. Edward Danforth, Bainbridge; two sons, Dr. Elliot Danforth, Sidney, and Dr. Edward Prince Danforth, New York City; four grandsons, Elliot, Jr., and Nicholas both of Albany, Thomas E. and Edward Danforth, both of Sidney, one great-granddaughter, Kimberly Helen Danforth, of Albany; three sisters, Mrs. Carl Danielson, New York City; Mrs. Floyd Anderson, Binghamton; and Mrs. Thomas Collins, Westfield, Massachusetts; one brother, Ford Mattice, Middleburg, N.Y.  Mrs. Danforth was born September 6, 1883, at Gilboa, N.Y., the daughter of Richard Mattice and Mercie Ellerson Mattice.  She was married to Dr. Edward Danforth of Bainbridge on January 18, 1905, at Gilboa.  The death of Mrs. Danforth is a loss that will be keenly felt, not only in Bainbridge, but over a wide territory.  She had a warm, outgoing personality and numbered her friends in all walks of life.  She was most hospitable, opening the beautiful, colonial home in which she and Dr. Danforth spent almost their entire married life, delighting to share with others its pleasant atmosphere.  As a young bride it is said that she was a little dubious about settling in a strange town, but when the doctor asked if she minded moving there she said, "Not if I can live in that white house with the pillars."  So that is where they lived for 56 full and happy years.  On the house's 100th anniversary (it was built in 1850) she entertained the members of the Bainbridge Daughters of the American Revolution of which she was a charter member and past president.  The Bainbridge Woman's Club was a project close to her heart.  She served as president in 1908, 1920, 1929-1936, 1939-1941, 1943-1959, a total of 30 years, during which the club grew and prospered.  She had been a vice president of the State Federation of Woman's Clubs, state honor roll chairman, Sixth District director, District treasurer and Chenango County chairman, a charter member of both the Leon R. Mott, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Silvernail-Slater Post of the American Legion Auxiliary.  She had served as a member of the board of the Binghamton Blind Work Association and the Greenlawn Cemetery Association.  Mrs. Danforth was devoted to St. Peter's Episcopal Church and to all civic affairs. She was never ostentatious in her good deeds but thoughtful of small things.  Her pastor remembers that whenever Bishop Higley came to town, it was Mrs. Danforth who always remembered that he liked homemade jelly and saw to it that he had a generous jar.  It was the million and one small kind deeds that will make Helen Danforth's memory live on in the hearts of her million and one friends. Rev. Andrus B. Smith, rector of St. Peter's Church, sums up her life in one sentence, "She was a fine Christian soul."

 

 

 



Obituaries (November 14)

Hon. Julian Scott

A sudden death in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] early Tuesday morning removed one of the leading members of Chenango county bar, Hon. Julien Scott.  Mr. Scott had been in Binghamton on legal business Monday afternoon.  He returned at 6 p.m. and passed the evening at his home as usual.  At 1 o'clock the next morning he was seized with a heart attack known as embolism and died an hour later.  The community was greatly moved for Mr Scott had been prominent in Bainbridge life for the past thirty-five years.  He was president of the centralized school system of this community and was actively engrossed in the details concerning the addition to the Bainbridge school building, which had recently been approved by the State Education Department.  He had been a member of the Board of Education of Bainbridge High School for twenty-five years and when centralization was adopted Mr. Scott succeeded to the chairmanship of the Board.  Mr. Scott has been actively engaged in the practice of law in Chenango county and vicinity since his admission to the bar in 1899.  Upon his return in 1897 from California, where he passed ten years, he entered the law office of the late W.B. Matterson and two years later became his law partner.  When Mr. Matterson moved to Norwich a few years later, Mr. Scott continued his law practice in Bainbridge.  He was born in Bainbridge March 21, 1867, the son of Dwight and Anna Packard Scott, pioneer residents of Bainbridge.  he was a graduate of the Bainbridge high school, class of 1883.  As a leader in the Republican Party of Chenango county he was elected to the State Assembly of the Legislature in 1907 and served with honor two terms.  He was appointed special county judge in 1904.  In 1925 he became one of the trustees of the Supreme Court Library at Norwich.  Besides his many business activities he was prominent in fraternal life.  He was a Past Master of Susquehanna Lodge, no. 167, F.&A.M., and for the years of 1921 to 1924 and in 1928, he was Patron of the local chapter of Eastern Star.  He was also a Past Assistant Grand Lecturer of the Order of Eastern Star for the Broome-Chenango District.  In 1899 he married Mrs. Anna Simonds, of Bainbridge, who with a step-daughter, Mrs. Helen Landon, survives.  Mr. Scott was one of the best known men in this section.  Besides his skill and ability as a lawyer, he was sociable, witty, generous and noted for his loyalty to friends.  [May 16, 1933]

 

Uriah C. Toby

 

Uriah C. Toby, well known resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], passed away Monday morning at his residence in West Main Street, following an illness of several weeks' duration.  Failing in health for the past year, he went to Albany on December 17, 1934, and entered St. Peter's Hospital for observation, but due to heart conditions an operation was deemed inadvisable, and he returned to his home here, where he was under the care of Dr. Edward Danforth.  His condition continued to grow worse and for the past five weeks he had been confined to his bed, and although the best of medical attention and care were given, he failed to respond to treatment, his death occurring at 7 o'clock Monday morning.  His death removed from the village one of its most prominent and loyal citizens.  Actively interested in the welfare of the town and community, he had served as a member of the village Board of Trustees, and was a member of the present town board.  He was also a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church, with which he united when a young man, and for many years had been a member of the board of elders.  In the fraternal life of the community he had been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having been a charter member of Bainbridge Lodge, no. 920, and also a charter member of Bridgehanna Rebekah Lodge.  He was a past grand of the Odd Fellows, and a past captain of the Sidney Canton, of which until recently he was a member.  Born on January 2, 1863, in the town of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], near the settlement of Yaleville, he was the youngest of a family of nine children, seven boys and two girls.  His parents were Martin and Christine Spindler Toby, who came to this country in 1855 from Dolgeshiem, Germany.  He received his education at the district school and the old Bainbridge Academy, and his early life was spent in farming.  At the age of 21 he went to California, where for seven years he was employed as a stage coach driver between Madera and the Yosemite Valley, a distance of about 200 miles, and his friends recall many exciting tales which he told of his life on the stage coach.  Returning to Bainbridge in 1892, he was united in marriage with Mary L. Humphrey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Humphrey, and for several years he followed the occupation of farmer, residing on the Humphrey farm, west of the village.  Disposing of the farm about thirty-three years ago to John A. Howland, Mr. and Mrs. Toby came to the village to reside, where Mrs. Toby's death occurred on February 9, 1922.  In August, 1924, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Minnie Wadhams, of Carthage, who now survives.  Other immediate members of the family surviving are:  a sister, Mrs. Willard Bradley, of Davenport Center; a step-daughter, Mrs. R.H. Powell, and two children, Varna Louise and William G., of Waterbury, Conn., and several nieces and nephews. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon in the First Presbyterian Church, where the body lay in state from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Rev. G. H. Orvis, pastor, officiated, and the remains were then placed in the vault in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY] for later interment.  Church officials, town and village officers and fraternity members were in attendance and the many floral tributes bore evidence of the esteem in which he was held in the community.  [1935]

 

Sarah (Arms) Miller

 

Sarah, wife of Austin L. Miller, passed away at her home at East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Thursday, July 6, aged 91 years.  She was born in Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], December 21, 1841, daughter of Samuel and Alvira Arnold Arms.  She has been a resident at East Guilford for the past 72 years.  Burial in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] cemetery Saturday.  [1933]

 

Henrietta (King) Kirby

 

Entered into rest on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 24 [1932], at her home, "The Pillars" Henrietta King Kirby, beloved wife of Charles Kirby.  Mrs. Kirby was the daughter of Israel and Melissa Groat Smith  She was one of eight children, five of whom survive her, including Mrs. Burlison and Mrs. Bodley, of Deposit, Mrs. Blake and Mrs. Dover, of California, and Mr. Star Smith, of this village.  One brother died when a child and one sister, Mrs. Albro Bliss, a few years ago.  She is also survived by her husband, Mr. Charles Kirby, and a number of nieces and nephews.  Mrs. Kirby was born in 1862, and was married on Dec. 19, 1882.  They have always lived at the Kirby home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], and were very happy in each other during the long years spent together.  Their great sorrow was the death of their only daughter, Olive, a beautiful girl who died in 1918 after a short illness.  The funeral of Mrs. Kirby was held on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 26, at "The Pillars," and the large number of beautiful flowers and the many friends present testified to the love and esteem felt for her.  The bearers were Messrs. Herman Newell, Duncan Copley, Frank Fletcher and C.J. Taber.  After a short service conducted by the Rev. Bradford H. Tite, Mrs.  Kirby was laid to rest in St. Peter's churchyard [Bainbridge, NY], in the shadow of the church she loved so well.  Mrs. Kirby, before her long illness, was active  in the affairs of church and town.  She was president of the Woman's Club in 1918-19, and was always active in the church work at St. Peter's.  She was also closely identified with the Women's Auxiliary of the parish, and was ever ready to respond to all calls for  help.  Mrs. Kirby greatly enjoyed traveling, having spent one winter in Florida, several months in Europe, and later took a trip to the Southwest.  She made "The Pillars" a beautiful home, and was an ideal hostess.  Her charming, gracious manner endeared her to her many friends and she will long be remembered for her gentle hospitality and willingness to serve.  She was an invalid for more than a year before her death, but her bright and happy disposition was not affected by her illness. 

Soldier News continued, 1944

Sgt. William Payne is Sergeant of the Guard

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 23, 1944

An Eighth AAF Composite Command Station, Northern Ireland:  "Warden Payne of the Blue Room" is the name which Sgt. William M. Payne, 31, Bainbridge chief of police in civil life, acquired for himself as provost sergeant of the Belfast police before coming to this station.  Sgt. Payne served as provost sergeant for eight months with responsibility for prisoners confined in the Belfast detention room, popularly known as a hotel "Blue Room."  Now performing duty as sergeant of the guard at this station, Sgt. Payne also has had experience in the Army as an investigator.  At present, Sgt. Payne says that he is anxious to go back to his old job as Bainbridge chief of police after the war.  He was given leave of absence to enlist in the Army in July, 1942, and received his basic training at the Military Police Replacement Training Center, Fort Riley, Kan.  His mother, Mrs. Emily Payne, lives at 25 Platt street, Walton [Delaware Co., NY].

 

Lt. Donald Patchen is P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 25, 1944

 

An Eighth AAF Fighter Station, England:  Lieut. Donald J. Patchen, P-51 Mustang fighter pilot from Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], is a member of the fighter group commanded by Col. Donald J. M. Blakeslee of Fairport, Ohio, which set three new AAF records for the destruction of enemy aircraft during the month of April.  With a claim of 207 victories, 112 on the ground, Col. Blakeslee's group broke all previous records for enemy aircraft destroyed during a 30-day period.  This pushed the group's total to above the 500 mark, the highest of any group in the European Theatre of Operations (348 ground--155 air for 503!),  On Apr. 8, the same group of Mustang pilots accounted for 31 German craft in the air, the most enemy planes ever destroyed on one mission by a fighter outfit operating over Europe.  Lieut. Patchen, a former student at Bainbridge Central High School, is one of the newest arrivals at this base.  He recently participated in an escort mission to Berlin.

 

Lt. Howard Winand & S/Sgt. Samuel Ives Jr. Lost in War

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 25, 1944

 

With the deaths of Lieut. Howard Winand, of Delhi [Delaware Co., NY], and Staff Sgt. Ralph Samuel Ives, Jr., of Roxbury [Delaware Co., NY], officially confirmed by the War Department, two more gold stars have been added to Delaware County's Honor Roll.  Lieutenant Winand, the War Department Advised his wife, died of injuries suffered Apr. 25 in England, while Staff Sergeant Ives was killed in action May 4 at New Guinea, according to word received by his father, Attorney Ralph S. Ives, Sr.

 

The Delhi officer, who was graduated from Delaware Academy and attended Union College, joined the A.A.F. in February, 1942, and served at Gunter's Field, Montgomery, Ala., Bayville, Ark. Maxwell Field, Ala. and Helena Air Technical School, Helena, Ark.  He leaves his wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth Archibald, of Delhi; a son, Howard, Jr.; his mother, Mrs. George Winand; a sister, Mrs. Howard MacFarlane, and a brother, Russell Winand, all of Delhi.  His father, George W. Winand, prominent Delhi merchant, died last Thanksgiving Day.  He was a nephew of Rudolph Winand of Deposit.

 

Sergeant Ives, first of the 116 men on Roxbury's Honor Roll to make the supreme sacrifice, joined the Army May 9, 1941 and served at camps in Florida, North Carolina, Louisiana and California before leaving for Australia last September.  Surviving are his wife, formerly Miss Helen Dould, of Malone; a daughter, Carolyn; his father, a brother, Capt. Charles K. Ives, of Piantinny Arsenal, N.J., a former Roxbury physician, and a sister, Miss Sammy Ives, Greenport, L.I. 

 

Tech Sgt. Anthony Wright Prisoner of War

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 25, 1944

 

Harry T. Wright, of Downsville [Delaware Co., NY], received a message from the War Department Tuesday night that his son, Technical Sergeant Anthony Wright, was a prisoner of the Germans.  Just two weeks before Mr. Wright received a message stating that Sergeant Wright was missing in action over Germany since Apr. 18.  He was a flight engineer in a bomber.

 

Lt. Terrance Edmunds Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 25, 1944

 

Lieutenant Terrance Edmunds, of Sherburne, Chenango County, pilot of a bomber, is reported missing in action over Italy since Apr. 15.

 

Pvt. Clifford Sherman is Overseas

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 25, 1944

 

An Air Service Command Station (Somewhere in England):  Pvt. Clifford W. Sherman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Sherman, of R.D.2, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], is now overseas and has participated in a course designed to bridge the gap between training in the States and soldiering in an active theatre of war.  At one of the Air Service Command Stations known as Control Depots, Pvt. Sherman was carefully processed by classification experts who make certain that he was well fitted for the job assigned to him.  Security training, personal hygiene, a talk by a Special Service Officer informing him of facilities for healthful recreation and a lecture by the Chaplain are all in turn a part of the soldier's preparation for duties overseas.  His next Station will be one from which America's fighting planes take off to smash the Nazi war machine.  Before entering the Army he was employed as a punch press operator by the Scintilla Magneto Co., Sidney.

 

 

 

Marriages (November 13)

Watson  - Peck

West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Those present at the Baptist church Sunday, June 15, had the pleasure of witnessing the marriage of Miss Hazel Peck, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Peck of Coventry township [Chenango Co., NY], to William Watson of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  At the close of the church service, Mrs. Ottie Clink, seated at the organ played, "Here Comes the Bride," as the bridal party met their pastor, the Rev. G. Louis Jones, at the altar, where the ring ceremony was used to join them in Holy Matrimony.  Mrs. Blanche Pembleton of Binghamton and sister, Mrs. G. Louis Jones sang, "Oh Promise Me" and "I Love You Truly."  The church was beautifully decorated with ferns and flowers.  The bride wore a gown of blue with white hat and carried white roses and forget-me-nots and her matron of honor, her sister, Mrs.  Stanley Harvey of Oneonta, wore a rose colored dress with white hat.  The bride's brother-in-law, Stanley Harvey, was best man.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Watson are employed at the Scintilla plant in Sidney.  After congratulations they left the church under a shower of rice.

 

Obenauer - Hallock

At a very pretty home wedding, Miss Ruth Elizabeth Hallock, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Hallock of 5 Greene street, became the bride of Dr. Frederick Holmes Obenauer, son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Obenauer, 75 E. Main street, Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday afternoon, June 24, at two o'clock.  The marriage ceremony took place before a large double window in the living room, hung with cream draperies, which formed a most attractive setting, banked as it was on both sides with double syringa and white peonies, accented by blue delphinium and pink roses interspersed with ferns.  The Rev Robert E. Austin of Laurens, who also united the bride's parents in marriage 28 years ago, officiated, assisted by the local pastor, Rev. Norman B. Graves, of the Methodist church of which Miss Hallock has been an active and loyal member for several years.  Given in marriage by her father, the bride looked lovely in a gown of white satin with train, whose only detail was a net yoke outlined in a leaf design of fine pearl beading.  She wore a double finger-tip veil of tulle caught to a heart shaped tiara of fluted tulle touched by pearlized orange blossoms.  Her bouquet was a shower of white roses surrounding a beautiful orchid.  Her two attendants, Miss Lois Hallock, her sister, and Miss Marjorie Obenauer, sister of the groom, of Boston, Mass., were attractive in like gowns of aqua and orchid, respectively.  The dresses were of marquisette with scalloped rows of matching lace, having sweetheart necklines, bishop sleeves and bouffant skirts.  Each wore a flowered tiara and carried a hugh bouquet of shaded Transvaal daises, Mr. Howard Finch, cousin of the groom, of Sherburne, was best man, and David Hallock, brother of the bride, acted as usher.  The bride's mother wore an afternoon dress of pastel blue sheer, and the groom's mother wore a lace gown of navy blue.  Both wore corsages of pink roses.  Mrs. Fred Hamilton, at the piano, gave a recital of appropriate music during the half hour preceding the ceremony and accompanied Mrs. Herbert Scarlett, who sandg, "I Love You Truly" and "Oh Perfect Love."  Following the ceremony there was an informal reception and refreshments of wedding cake and punch were served from the dining room by Misses Zilpha Bowers and Alice White.  The table was very attractive, decorated simply with the four-tiered cake topped by the traditional bride and groom, and a single tall candle at either end and dainty bud vases between. Soon after, the bride and groom left for a short honeymoon to points North on their way to Malone, where they will take up their residence immediately.

 

Cooper -Steele

Miss Ruth Steele, fourth grade teacher in Oxford Academy [Chenango Co., nY] for several years, and Gerald F. Cooper, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Cooper, were married Friday evening, July 17, in Poughkeepsie.  They arrived in Oxford, Tuesday evening and visited his parents on Washington Avenue, until today, when Mr. Cooper reported to the Binghamton Induction Center, with the July selective service quota.

 

Marriage Notices

Antimasonic Telegraph, Dec. 31, 1834

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th inst. by the Rev. W. Kingsley, Mr. William B. Rhodes, to Miss Harriet, daughter of Samuel Balcom, esq.

 

Antimasonic Telegraph, March 11, 1835

February 4th, by the Rev. L .A. Barrows, Mr. Asa D. Wood, of Newburgh [Orange Co., NY], to Miss Emeline Clark, of Sherburne [Chenango Co.,  NY].

On the same day, by the Rev. W. Round, Capt. Cyrus M. Dow, to Miss Semantha Green.

On the 10th, by Elder Lotridge, Mr. Daniel G. Hollis, to Miss Almira Goodrich, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

On the 17th, by the Rev. L.S. Rexford, Mr. Darias Buel, Jr. to Miss Cornelia Lincoln.

On the 18th, by Sylvanus Waters, esq. Mr. Grove D White to Miss Harriet Smith.

On the 26th, by the Rev. L.A. Barrows, Mr. John P. Dietz, to Miss Emma Graves.

On the 28th, by the Rev. L.S. Rexford, Mr. Jesse Babcock, to Miss Sophrona Follett.
 

Bainbridge Republican, March 29, 1877

KUHN - OBENAUER:  At the M.E. Parsonage, Bainbridge, March 27, 1877, by Rev. N.S. Reynolds, Mr. George Kuhn of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Kate Obenauer of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]

 

Bainbridge Republican, April 5, 1877

WRENCH - BURDITT:  At the house of James Newton, in Bainbridge, March 25, 1877., by Rev. H.N. Van Dusen, Mr. John W. Wrench, Jr., to Miss Hattie Burditt, all of Afton [Chenango Co., NY]

 

HYDE - JOHNSON:  In Afton, March 22d, by Rev. E.T. Jacobs, Mr. D.A. Hyde to Miss Algeria Johnson, both of Afton [Chenango Co., NY]

Obituaries (November 13)

Harriett (Burrows) Foote

 

Tuesday morning, Aug. 6, at 4 a.m. occurred the death of Harriett Foote, wife of Herman Foote.  Her passing came after an illness of only about three weeks.  Although doctors had given the family no hope, it was not expected the end would come so soon. and the shock to the entire family was very deep.  Harriett Foote was the daughter of Evelyn and Charles Burrows, and was born sixty-four years ago, Feb. 25, 1871, in the town of East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  Her entire life was spent in the village where she passed away.  A woman whose home, family and church filled her life to completeness, she will be missed in all ways.  Her kindly acts as a neighbor will always be remembered.  Funeral services were held from her late home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. J.W. Bump officiating.  Burial at the Center cemetery.  Bearers were Claude Utter, Louis Winsor, Will Hall and Theodore Hoffman.  Surviving her are the husband, one daughter, Mrs. Ernest Clark; two sons, Ralph and Jesse; four grandchildren, Norman and Shirley Foote and Genevieve and Douglas Clark; and one sister, Mrs. Fred Rogers, of Chatham, N.Y.  Beautiful flowers marked a final tribute to Harriett Foote's life in our community.  [1935]

 

George Alford Petley

 

George Alford Petley passed away Sunday evening at about 9 o'clock at his home at 59 North Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., nY], following an illness which had confined him to his home for the past three months.  Mr. Petley was well known in this vicinity, having been born on Searles Hill, Bainbridge township, on June 26, 1873, the son of Charles and Harriet Johnson Petley.  As a young man he learned telegraphy and for a short time acted as operator at Edmeston for the Ontario & Western Railroad.  About 30 years ago he took up carpentry, going to Rochester, where he was employed and later entering business for himself as a contractor.  Thirteen years ago he returned to this village, where he has since continued his work in the building trades.  He was a member of Susquehanna Lodge, no. 167, F.&A.M., and an attendant at the First Baptist church.  Besides his wife he is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Stannard, and a grandson, Donald George Stannard.  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the funeral chapel of Colwell Brothers in West Main street.  Rev. M. DeForest Lowen, pastor of the Baptist Church, officiated.  following which interment was made in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY], with a Masonic service in charge of George Fisk, master, assisted by Right Worshipful Hugh B. Collins.  [1934]

 

Dr. J.V. Jacobs

 

Dr. J.V. Jacobs, for 35 years a practicing physician in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], passed to his final rest January 7, 1930, at 4:20 p.m., at his home on West Main street.  With his passing a worthy citizen and able physician of high standing in the town and surrounding community has left a host of friends to mourn his death.  Dr. Jacobs was a man esteemed and respected by all who knew him.  Thirty-five years ago he located in Bainbridge, coming here from Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], and enjoyed a liberal patronage for all those years, ministering to the needs of the sick and afflicted with skill and utmost care.  His patience and faithfulness endeared him to a host of admirers.  Deceased was born at Summerhill, N.Y. [Cayuga Co.], 75 years ago, and rounded out a useful life of service to his fellow men.  His wife, Jennie (Gregory) Jacobs, died in 1923, since which time Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Foster have maintained his home and given him excellent care.  Dr. Jacobs was a member of the Presbyterian church, and also a member of the board of sessions of that body.  He was also a member of the Chenango County Medical Society and was a former president of that organization.  He is survived by a brother, Myron Jacobs, of Groton, N.Y., and one niece, Miss Mildred Jacobs, of the same place, who are the only near relatives of the departed.  Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m., at his late home on West Main street, conducted by Rev. G.H. Orvis, his pastor, and the remains will be laid at rest in the family plot in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY.

John W. Slawson

John W. Slawson, 90, an esteemed resident of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] for about 40 years, died Friday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Joseph Charles, in that village.  Mr. Slawson was probably the oldest man in that area, having been born at Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], Aug. 14, 1853, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Slawson.  He was united in marriage to Miss Emma Holland, at Walton, in Jan., 1880, and three years ago this couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  Mrs. Slawson passed away in Jan. 1941.  Except for four years spent in Virginia, their entire married life was spent in Delaware county.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 18, 1943]

Robert N. Mabon

Robert Nicoll Mabon died Nov. 6, at his farm home on the state road between Delancey and Fraser.  Mr. Mabon was born at Bovina [Delaware Co., NY], Aug. 30, 1884, the son of James C. and Ellen Jack Mabon.  He lived at Lake Delaware for five years and 20 years ago moved to the farm where he has since lived.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Nov. 18, 1943]

Bert Dorman

Bert Dorman, of Newburgh[Orange Co., NY], passed away on Dec. 10, 1943, after a brief illness.  His body has been brought to Bainbridge and placed in the vault to await services at the time of burial.  Mr. Dorman was the son of the late David and Mary Dorman, born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 20, 1878.  He had been employed as telegraph operator on the O.&W. Railroad over 40 years, and had lived in Newburgh the past 10 years.  He is survived by three sisters, Mrs. James Horton, of Mt. Dora, Fla., Mrs. Joseph Forrest, of Oneonta, and Mrs. Ransom Ives, of Guilford.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 30, 1943]

Peter Robek

Peter Robek, 60, of 405 Odell avenue, Endicott [Broome Co., NY], and father of S/Sgt. Paul Robek, of Bainbridge, now serving with the U.S. Air Force in England, was killed and many people were cut by flying glass in a gas explosion at 4:03 p.m. Christmas Day, destroying two residences and shattering more than 500 windows in the neighborhood.  Mr. Robek, a former Endicott-Johnson Corp. employee, was found dead about 7:30 by firemen in the cellar of the building amidst the debris. According to Endicott Chief Police Leroy E. Wike, the blast was caused after an accumulation of illuminating gas ignited.  Apparently the house filled with gas and was ignited by the pilot light of the gas stove in the kitchen.  The explosion rocked Broome County;  some residents having heard an Army bomber overhead at 4 o'clock, concluded the Nazis had arrived.  The front and side of the home of Cieri Valentine, 404 Odell avenue, caved in, however the occupants were not seriously hurt.  Mrs. Robek and daughter, Ann, were visiting the former's daughter-in-law, Mrs. Paul Robek, nee Bernice Cook, Bainbridge East side, at the time the accident occurred.  [Bainbridge news & Republican, Dec. 30, 1943]



Soldier News continued, 1944

Lawrence T. Meehan on Casualty List

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 4, 1944

The official casualty list published a few days ago contains the name of Lawrence T. Meehan, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], technician fifth grade in the Army, as among those wounded in action.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Meehan, of Delhi.  A brother, Clarence Meehan, U.S. Navy, lost his life when the gunboat Plymouth was sunk off the coast of North Carolina in the summer of 1942 from "an underwater explosion."  Two other brothers, William and Edward, are in the Army.  Lawrence Meehan has been in Italy.

 

Lt. Harry Sturdevant Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 4, 1944

 

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sturdevant, Livingston Manor [Delaware Co., NY], received word from the adjutant general Sunday that their son, Lieutenant Harry Sturdevant, is missing in action over Germany.  Lieutenant Sturdevant was a Liberator pilot and according to the telegram has been missing since Apr. 8 when his plane failed to return from an attack on Germany.

 

Kenneth Gurney is Sole Survivor

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 11, 1944

 

Mrs. Jessie Gurney, of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], has received a letter from her son, Kenneth Gurney.  Last week she learned that he had been wounded in action.  Sgt. Gurney writes that the bomber he was on crashed with another plane in mid-air, and that the other nine members of the crew were killed.  Sgt. Gurney bailed out and received a fractured hip.  He is now in a hospital in England.  Word was also received from a former member of the crew, who had just previously been transferred to another outfit, that he attended the funeral of the nine members of the ill-fated bomber, who were buried with military honors.

 

S/Sgt Paul Robek Completes 30 Combat Missions

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 11, 1944

 

S/Sgt. Paul J. Robek, of the 8th Air Force in England, has received the following commendation from his commanding officer:

 

"It affords me great pleasure to commend you upon the completion of your operational tour in this theatre.  Your courage, coolness, and tenacity of purpose in the face of the most determined enemy opposition reflect great credit upon yourself and the Army Air Forces. The example you have set will always live as a goal for succeeding combat crew members of this command.  As you leave this group and go on to other duties you have the appreciation of the entire staff for a job well done."

 

S./Sgt. Robek has completed has tour of operations, having 30 combat missions over occupied Europe to his credit.  He is being retained in England as an instructor in gunnery of new crews for a period of three months after which he expects to be sent back home.  S/Sgt. Robek wears the Air Medal, Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

 

Lt. Howard Phelps Brings Disabled Bomber to Safety

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 11, 1944

 

Sgt. Greg Mangin, the one-time Davis Cup star and national indoor tennis champion from New York, is the oldest gunner in the 15th Air Force bombardment group.  On a recent raid, an ack-ack gun started sending aces up his way.  When Sergeant Mangin recovered consciousness he found the tail turret full of smoke, a large dent in his flak suit, and cracks in his goggles from flak splinters that had penetrated the window of his position.  "Luck was with me, though," he related.  "I had glass splinters in my eyes and couldn't see very well.  Two engines were disabled, but our pilot (Lieutenant Howard W. Phelps, 7 Medford street, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY]) got us back safely."  Greg got into the war the hard way.  At 35, he was too old to be a pilot, navigator or bombardier.  He finally succeeded in talking his way into aerial gunnery.  Lt. Phelps is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Phelps, former residents of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Bryce Wilcox Arrives from Europe

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 11, 1944

 

Bryce Wilcox, Mo.M.M. 1/C, who has been in the European War Theatre for more than a year, arrived in the States Apr. 26, and is spending a 30-day furlough with his wife in Oneonta and relatives in Bainbridge.  First Class Petty Officer Wilcox took part in the Tunisian operations and the invasion of Sicily and Italy.  "During the landing at Salerno, things were mighty tough, but all of our crew escaped with no injuries."  He stated further that he had a distant view of the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.  When asked about the activities of the Red Cross, he declared they were doing a fine  job in both North Africa and England.  First Class motor Machinist's Mate Wilcox has two older brothers in the service.  Lt. William Murray Wilcox, U.S. Army, of the Pacific War Theatre, and Boyd Wilcox, U.S. Navy.

 

Lt. Kenneth and Capt. Douglas Keeler War Casualties

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 11, 1944

 

Lieut. Kenneth Keeler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Keeler, of 13 Division street, Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], has been reported missing in action since Apr. 13 in a flight over Hungary, according to word received here yesterday by his parents.  Lieutenant Keeler was co-pilot of a flight of B-24s, of the 15th Air Force based in Italy.  He has been overseas since the middle of December, and according to the last letter received by his parents, has flown 22 missions.  He was a recipient of the Air Medal.  Sixteen days ago, Mr. and Mrs. Keeler were notified by the War Department that their elder son, Maj. Douglas Keeler, has been killed in action in the South Pacific.  He was reported shot down on Apr. 21.  Major Keeler, after nearly 13 months service in the South Pacific Theatre, had turned down a chance to come home in favor of transferring to the Marine Corps first Mitchell Medium Bomber Squad.  He was second in command of the squadron and had led two raids on the Japs base at Rabaul before being shot down.  Both Lieutenant Keeler and his brother, Major Douglas Keeler, were graduated form Sidney Central School.  Lieutenant Keeler was employed at the Scintilla plant in Sidney before entering the air corps. 

 

 

Bainbridge High School Class of 1941 - Part 2

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1941

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1941

 

 

Douglas Gardner

 

Robert Gordon

 

Betty Grow

 

Billy Grow

 

Esther Hollenbeck

 

Ralph Ireland



Hayes Family Diplomats in Spain - 1944

Hayes Family Busy Diplomats in Spain

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 27, 1944

 

The following is from the "Waterbury Republican" published Sunday morning, Apr. 2, 1944 and written by Charles S. Foltz, special correspondent.

 

Madrid:  When President Roosevelt appointed Carlton J.H. Hayes to be ambassador to Spain in 1942 he didn't name just one ambassador, he named four.

 

Boss ambassador is, of course, the one Mr. Roosevelt chose--an author, historian and political theorist of world reputation.  Hayes, a Catholic, seemed a good choice to Spaniards when he arrived five months after Pearl Harbor.  With him came Mrs. Hayes, energetic, capable and modern, a leader in her own right in American Women's organizations; Mary Elizabeth Hayes then 18; and Carroll Hayes, a lithe boy of 16 with all an American youngster's likes, enthusiasms and hobbies.

 

In that spring of 1942, the position of a new ambassador of the United States in Spain was not neutral but nonbelligerent. German troops were on Spain's Pyrenees frontier and the Spanish Blue Legion fought on the Russian front.  Corregidor had fallen and the Axis was boasting about the imminent fall of Alexandria.  The Allied policy toward Spain was designed to do everything possible toward Franco's reported desire to keep this country out of the war.  Spain's position was of tremendous importance to the Allied plans--how tremendous was obvious only after American occupation of French North Africa, the next November.  Hayes went to work on that basis and so did the whole Hayes family.

 

"I am by profession, sir, a  historian" Hayes told Franco when he presented his credentials, and he might had added:  "Neither I nor my family are professional diplomats--we're here to do a wartime job."  Franco said he too was "confident of the benefits to be derived from economic interchanges" between the United States and Spain."  He went further than usual when he offered Hayes "my own and my government's friendship and sincere cooperation."

 

Hayes set out to meet and tell the American story to as many influential Spaniards of all types as possible to make friends where there had been only enemies, to make contacts where there had been none.

 

While the Ambassador organized the embassy, Mrs. Hayes organized the embassy wives.  Save for a small group of Spanish aristocrats, the embassy social contacts with Spaniards were limited.  Mrs. Hayes mobilized the wives of both embassy and colony--there were less than 10 American women in the whole American colony of Madrid--into a team which abandoned its social contacts with each other and set out to know Spaniards and more Spaniards. 

 

Mary Elizabeth helped and so did Carroll.  Before Mary Elizabeth returned to Barnard college in the Fall she had a whole group of Spanish friends her own age.  Through her friends, her parents met their parents.  Carroll stayed in Madrid and went to a Spanish school, the Colegio de Nuestra Senora Del Pilar.  Mary Elizabeth rides horseback with one group, plays tennis with another, goes to the University of Madrid with still another.  Frequently she was hostess at the embassy for her friends and frequently Carroll was host to his friends.  One of Carroll's companions was the young Duke of Veragua, and Christopher Columbus, descendant of the admiral and now a cadet in Spain's naval academy.  Carroll's enthusiasm was aviation and through it he met many a young Spaniard, the sons of high army and navy officers, high government officials, leading aristocrats.  During school vacations, Carroll worked in the railroad yards delivering and receiving embassy shipments.  He worked at the airport on the naval attache's plane with the Spanish mechanic.  He spent several weeks as a working guest in the Monastery of Montserrat near Barcelona, a Benedictine colony will known in Spain.

 

French refugees by the thousands poured across the Pyrenees frontiers into Spain shortly after the Hayes family arrived.  Few had proper clothes.  Not long after the U.S. entered the war, escaped American prisoners, most of them aviators, crossed the mountains too.  Mrs. Hayes organized the women of the embassy and the colony to knit and sew clothes for them.  The summer house in the embassy garden was filled with dozens of sewing machines where American women and their Spanish friends worked for hours each afternoon.

 

The Hayes are seldom alone for lunch or dinner.  But there's always one meal together, breakfast, at which the family--now three because Carroll has returned to the States--pools news and activities of the day before. 

 

Such teamwork spread the Hayes family all over Madrid.  Perhaps the ambassador is busy working nights in the embassy and can't go to this reception or that--Mary Elizabeth will be there.  Perhaps the ambassador should be--but can't call--on one of his Spanish friends--Mrs. Hayes makes the call instead.  Perhaps the ambassador hasn't heard from this Spanish high official in an long time--Carroll calls on the friend's son.  So it went. Spain's policy has changed now, from nonbelligrency to neutrality, and things are better for Americans than they once were.

 

The whole Hayes family, like all the other diplomats of the American embassy, is well aware that the main reason for this change is not diplomacy but military events.  But Spaniards are equally well aware of the importance of the "breakfast table" teamwork of the four American "ambassadors" in Madrid.

 



Obituaries (November 12)

Fred D. Kirkland

The funeral of Fred D. Kirkland was held from Colwell's funeral chapel Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, just one week from the day he was taken to the Bainbridge  hospital.  He passed away Monday morning from streptococcus infection.  Deceased was the youngest son of Lewis L. and Linna Riley Kirland, having been born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], September 7, 1916.  His death came as a great shock to the whole community as he was quite generally known and liked.  For more than a year he had worked for Moritz Roehlk on his milk delivery route here.  Fred was a member of the senior class of Bainbridge Central High school and was the joke editor of the "Echo," the publication issued annually by the seniors.  By diligent work he had all of his material prepared and ready for publication.  The funeral was largely attended, both the chapel and the furniture-room adjoining were filled.  Twenty-two of his classmates with Professor F.J. Casey attended in a body. There was a profusion of flowers, including many beautiful pieces, among which were pieces from the high school, the faculty, the senior class, and the Bixby street neighbors.  The officiating clergyman was Rev. Clarence Carman, pastor of the first Methodist Episcopal Church, assisted by John H. Fowler, acting pastor of the Baptist Church.   The bearers were schoolmates of the deceased, Clinton Wilcox, Kenneth Davis, Roy Robinson, Rolland Bluler, Max Stevens and Joseph Throop.  The body was placed in the vault at Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  His parents, one brother, Ward D. Kirkland, and one sister, Miss Irene Linna Kirkland survive.  Among those attending the funeral from out-of-town were friends and relatives from Oxford, Afton, Binghamton, Norwich, Sidney, Utica and Newark Valley.  [1932]

 

Nellie M. (Burns) Ferguson

Nellie M. Ferguson passed away Thursday, Sept. 20, at the old Ferguson homestead, on Searles Hill [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], now occupied by her daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bliss, and with whom she had made her home for the past seven years since the death of her husband, George Ferguson.  Mrs. Ferguson was born on May 16, 1862, in Carbondale, Pa., the only child of Mr. and Mrs. James Burns.  Her parents came with her to Bainbridge when she was a small child, and a few years later both passed away, leaving her to the care of an aunt, Mrs. Alexander Ireland, of Searles hill.  On Feb. 14, 1883, she was married to George Ferguson and their many years of prosperity and happiness were spent on farms on Searles Hill.  She possessed a fine sense of humor and a genial disposition which made a host of friends who mourn her loss.  Surviving are her daughter and only child, Mrs. Howard Bliss, and one grandson, Newton.  Two cousins, Mrs. Ardell Sweet, of Bainbridge, and Mrs. Carrie Loomis, of Sidney, also survive.  The funeral was held Saturday afternoon in the funeral chapel of Colwell Brothers, West Main street, Rev. M. DeForest Lowen, pastor of the First Baptist chruch, of which Mrs. Ferguson was a regular attendant, was present, but unable to conduct the service on account of a severe cold.  Reg. V. H. Orvis, pastor of the Frist Presbyterian Church, officiated for him, and interment was made in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  The bearers, all nephews of the late husband, were Lewis Kirkland, George Myers and Chauncey Norton, of Bainbridge, and Clarence Smith of Otego.  [1934]

 

Mrs. Orson Thorp

The people of Bainbridge were inexpressibly shocked Tuesday morning to learn of the death of Mrs. Orson Thorp, at the Bainbridge Hospital Monday evening.  Mrs. Thorp had submitted to a major operation at that institution early the preceding week and following the operation her condition was considered very satisfactory and an early recovery was looked forward to.  But complications set in and late in the week it became known that in all probability she could not live.  Mrs. Thorp was one of the most popular of the younger women of this community, an indefatigable worker in the Presbyterian Church, of which she has been an active member since she came to Bainbridge thirteen years ago, and being possessed of a charming personality and great friendliness of spirit she made many friends who sincerely regret her untimely passing.  Mrs. Thorp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M.B. Shelton, was born September 11, 1897, in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  She attended the Sidney High School and was for a number of years employed at the Sidney Department Store in that village.  July 26, 1920, she was married to Orson Thorp and came to live in this village, where her husband was interested in the garage business.  She is survived by her husband, her mother, Mrs. Shelton, and a sister, Mrs. V.N. Killen, of Philadelphia.  Funeral services will be held this (Thursday) afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Colwell Chapel, in West Main street, with the pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. H.G. Orvis, officiating, and interment will be in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Nellie (Parsons) DePugh

Mrs. Nellie DePugh, wife of Eli H. DePugh, died February 4th, at her home 11 Hall avenue, Somerville, Mass., aged 62 years.  Mrs. DePugh was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], the daughter of John D. Parsons and Abigail White Parsons.  She is survived by her husband, two daughters, Mrs. A.W. Davis, of Sharon, Mass., and Mrs. A. Frank Green, Somerville, Mass. and two sisters, Mrs. Emma Green, of Sidney, and Mrs. C.T. Waters, of Oneonta.  The funeral service was held at her home in Somerville, Mass. Saturday February 6th, Rev. William H. Dyas, officiating.  The committal service was held in the chapel at Greenlawn cemetery, Bainbridge, Sunday at 12:30 o'clock.  Rev. John Fowler, assistant pastor of the Baptist Church this village, officiating.  This service was largely attended by relatives and friends.  A profusion of floral tributes from  her church, friends, relatives and various organizations, of which she was a member.  [1932]

 

Margaret Emily (Davidson) Youngs

Mrs. Margaret Emily Youngs, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davidson, of this village, passed away early Saturday morning at the Binghamton State Hospital, following a short illness and an operation.  Mrs. Youngs, who had been employed at the hospital for some time, was taken ill about two weeks previously and medical aid was unable to save her.  Mrs. Youngs was born on Feb. 20, 1906, in Scotland, and at the age of 2 years, with her parents and family, came to this country, and in 1918 they took up their residence in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]. A private funeral was held Monday afternoon in the funeral chapel of Colwell brothers, West Main street, with the Rev. G.H. Orvis, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating, and interment was made in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  Besides her parents, she is survived by three brothers, William and Thomas, of Bainbridge and John, of Troy.  [1934]

Kenneth Westfall

Kenneth Westfall, 38, of Nineveh [Broome Co., NY], died Saturday night in the Binghamton City Hospital.  He is survived by his widow, Doreen; two sons; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Westfall, of Nineveh; a brother, Leon Westfall, of the Armed Forces; and a sister, Miss Mary Westfall, of Nineveh.  Funeral services were held at Colwell's Chapel, Bainbridge Wednesday afternoon.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 23, 1943]

Emily (Davis) Wakefield

Emily C. Wakefield, wife of Adelbert Wakefield, passed away at her home in Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday, Dec. 14, after a brief illness.  She was born 66 years ago May 23, 1877 , at Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], daughter of Lettie A. Shear and Eugene S. Davis.  The past 12 years of her life had been spent in Mt. Upton.   Final rites were held Thursday at 2 o'clock, with Colwell Bros. of Bainbridge, in charge.  Burial was at Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 23, 1943]

Gilbert Palmer

Saturday, Dec. 18, occurred the death of Gilbert G. Palmer, oldest resident in Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY].  Born on Jan. 31, 1857, nearly 87 years ago in the town, where he had spent his entire life.  He was the son of Rebecca R. Winn and Gilbert R. Palmer, Sr.  Final rites were held on Tuesday, Dec. 21, with Paul D. Mortican, of Gilbertsville, in charge.  The Rev. Charles W. Dempsey, pastor of Guilford and Mt. Upton Methodist Churches, had the service.  Burial in Mt. Upton. [Bainbridge news & Republican, Dec. 23, 1943] 

George Fellows

George Fellows, a former Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] resident, passed away at the home of his son in Vestal [Broome Co., NY] on Friday, Dec. 17.  He had been in ill health a long time, and had reached the age of 79 years.  Services were held from the Seymour Funeral Home in Oxford on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. J.W.Bump of Guilford, officiating.  Several children survive besides the widow.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Dec. 23, 1944]

Soldier News continued - 1944

Lt. Stephen Simpson Prisoner of War

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 20, 1944

Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Simpson, of Lakewood, Pa., have received word from the War Department that their son, Lieut. Stephen J. Simpson, is a prisoner of war in Germany.

 

Pvt. Burdette Davie Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 13, 1944

 

News of the death of Pvt. Burdette H. Davie, paratrooper serving in Italy, has been received in a telegram to his father, Harold Davie, of Sidney Center [Delaware Co., NY].  The telegram stated that Private Davie was killed in action in Italy Feb. 27.

 

Douglas Swift Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 20, 1944

 

Douglas E. Swift, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Avery E. Swift, Montrose [PA], was reported this week killed in action in Italy Feb. 15.  Private Swift was a native of Castle Creek, where he was born May 17, 1923.  When a small boy, his family moved to Whitney Point and he attended the public school.  The family moved to Montrose in 1939 and he completed his high school education there, graduating in the Class of 1940.  Nov. 4, 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Artillery, and later he joined the paratroops.

 

Pvt. Herbert Brigham Expert in Infantry Warfare

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 20, 1944

 

Headquarters, European Theatre of Operations:  A group of United States soldiers who learned about land mines and booby-traps the hard way--by bucking them in the deserts and mountain passes and captured towns of North Africa--have arrived in England to help train other troops.  The soldiers are experts in all phases of infantry warfare, particularly in reconnaissance missions.  Some of the men were in the African campaign from the very start; the others were in the thick of battle only a few weeks after the initial landings.

 

A few of the men were on detached service from their regular units and assigned to the Atlantic Fleet Amphibious Corps just before the invasion of Africa.  They crossed the Atlantic in a tiny submarine, transferred to a rubber boat several miles off shore, and paddled under cover of darkness to the entrance of the harbor at Safi, French Morocco, where they lighted flares to guide the attacking destroyers into the harbor.  "Messerschmidt Lane" was the name the soldiers gave to one sector in which they had the job of removing mines and booby-traps impeding American progress while enemy planes bombed and strafed them incessantly.

 

Reconnaissance men are the eyes and ears of a main body of troops, and it is their primary function to learn the strength and disposition of enemy units.  These men, therefore, are the "Indian scouts" of a modern army, trained in stealthy movements and in dealing sudden and silent death to enemy outpost guards.  Often, to accomplish their missions, the reconnaissance troopers had to infiltrate behind enemy forward lines, through unfamiliar territory and heavily mined fields.

 

In the group of these African-trained men who have come to Great Britain to impart their knowledge to troops, is Pvt. Herbert W. Brigham, 20, of Rockdale [Chenango Co, NY]

 

Sgt. Amos Hill Achieves Record

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 12, 1944

 

Sgt. Amos Hill, airplane mechanic stationed in England is proud of the record of the 8th A.A.F. Flying Fortress "Hard Luck" for the bomber's record-breaking performance of 503 combat hours without an engine or supercharger change during 41 attacks on Nazi Europe, according to reports from his base.  A former automobile racer, Sgt. Hill was employed at Demeree's Garage in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], before he became a member of the fort's proud ground crew.

 

Lt. Edward Luckenbach Awarded Wings

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 20, 1944

 

Edward A. Luckenbach, son of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Luckenbach of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], received his wings as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces at the graduation exercises at Frederick Army Air Field, Okla. Saturday.  Lieut. Luckenbach received his training at Victory Field, Texas; Majors Field, Texas; and Frederick Army Air Field.  The B-24 pilot, served in the regular Army 1935-36-37, and was living in Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY] at the time he entered the Air Corps a year ago.  he will report at Fort Worth Air Base, Fort Worth, Texas, on April 27.  Lieut. Luckenbach and his wife and little daughter, of Oneonta, are spending several days at the home of his parents. 

 

Guilford Roll of Honor Dedicated

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 27, 1944

 

At a very impressive service, the Roll of Honor bearing the names of Guilford's young men and women in the armed forces of the United States was dedicated, Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock.  the dedication service was scheduled to take place on the green beside the Roll of Honor, recently placed, but stormy weather made it impossible to have the service out of doors so Christ church was chosen and all quietly passed into the church and paid honor to the American youth whose names are on the Roll of Honor.  Opposite the name of Roland McPherson there is a gold star showing one of our own boys has already made the supreme sacrifice.  Walter Thielke, in a very capable and sincere manner, presented the program. The Boy Scouts, under their leader, George Sherman, presented the colors; the Rev. J.W. Bump offered an opening prayer; this was followed by the reading of the  81 names on the Roll of Honor.  During the service the first verses of the Star Spangled Banner and Onward Christian Soldiers were sung.  County Judge Frank Barnes, of Norwich, was chosen speaker on this occasion.  His message was well chosen.  A man who served as a lieutenant in the AA.F. in World War I, he knew whereof he spoke.  As a father, who has a son serving somewhere in New Guinea, his message reached the parents, whose sons' names appeared on the roll.  The Rev. J.W. Bump offered a closing prayer, taps were sounded by the bugler.  Pictures were taken and, together with the account of the dedication service, will appear in certain papers, and a copy will be forwarded to each of our boys and one girl in whose honor this roll was placed, and so dedicated.