T.G. Smith of Sidney Plains - 1879

T.G. Smith

Bainbridge Republican, February 6, 1879

Mr. T.G. Smith, whose name stands prominently connected with the head of this article, and which forms the subject of this short and interesting biographical sketch, was born May 29th, 1831, in Colesville, Broome Co., N.Y.  His father David Smith was a farmer by occupation, and a man of limited means.  His son who was born with a weakly constitution was kept in school until he arrived at the age of 18 years when he had an application and taught the village school at Coventry.  In 1851, he entered the State normal School at Albany where he graduated July 1852.  He then returned home and followed school teaching for five years in Potter County Pa. and applied his earnings towards a home for his parents.  But in 1857 he left home and started out in life for himself with only $50 at his command.  He was married in June of the same year to Miss Sophia Chase, daughter of Nathan B. Chase Esq., of Windsor, who was engaged in the tanning business and by whom he was employed as an assistant for four years, when he became a partner, and at the death of his father-in-law, Mr. Smith succeeded him in the business which he continued till 1869, when he came to Sidney Plains, which was then just opened up as a Rail Road town, with business prospects.  Mr. Smith purchased a lot and built a fine residence, and also contracted for the use of a portion of the Hodgins Block, then building, by paying rent in advance and when completed, he formed a co-partnership with Frank T. Abbott, and engaged in the mercantile business, which was continued for 4-1/2 years being the time specified by agreement as the limitation of the firm. At the expiration of that time Mr. Abbott retired.  Mr. Smith having purchased his interest, continues the business in his own name, assisted by his son and only child.  Mr. Smith seems peculiarly fitted for this class of business.  He is a close buyer, and as we understand his credit among the mercantile class of New York and other cities stand A No. 1, and he is what may be properly termed, a close seller, and possesses good judgment in selecting goods suited to the wants of the people.  His store is a model of neatness, with every article arranged with care, order, and precision, and his sales room is usually free from loungers which forms an important feature in a first class store.  Mr. Smith is also what may be termed a diligent worker in his business, and by his close attention and good management, has succeeded in placing himself at the head of the dry-goods trade in this village, and is an honor to the town.  In his habits, he is temperate, frugal, and possessed of good morals, pleasant in his manners, pleased to see customers and always willing to show goods, but he is at the same time cautious in contracting bad debts.  He is also charitable and kind to the unfortunate, and is always willing to aid in any enterprise which he thinks will prove an advantage to the community.  In his personal appearance Mr. Smith stands about 5 feet 10 inches high, with dark hair and whiskers, and black eyes, and his usual weight is 125 lbs.  He has a some what stooping form and walks with rather a swinging and indifferent gait, and dresses neat but plainly with no special attempt at display, excepting in wearing a shirt stud, of the very cheapest pattern, and commonly regarded as worth about 25 cents, but really in its flashes may be detected a valuable diamond of the first water.  

Marriages (April 4)

Leach - Purdy

Utica Saturday Globe, December 27, 1902

 

Mr. Jasper T. and Burnice L. (Purdy) Leach

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, December 21, occurred the marriage of Jasper T. Leach, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Burnice L. Purdy, of Earlville.  Rev. George N. Underwood performed the ceremony at the M.E. Parsonage.  The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Purdy of Earlville [Madison Co., NY], and the groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Leach, of this village.  He is the local agent for the Eastman Tea Company, of Binghamton.  Both bride and groom are popular young people and have the best wishes of a large circle of friends.  They will reside in this village, and for the present will be at home to their friends at No. 43 Rexford street.

 

Chant - Leddy

Norwich Sun, December 23, 1904

Mark Chant of Manlius, N.Y. [Onondaga Co., NY], a former Sidney resident and Miss Isabelle L. Leddy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Leddy, were married Sunday at the home of the bride's parents by Rev. Father Connery of Oneonta.  Mr. and Mrs. Chant are well and favorably known to Sidney people, who regret their departure for their new home in Manlius, N.Y.

 

Parsons - Cairns

At the home of the bride and of Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Taber on Pruyn Hill [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], at noon, Thursday, June 29 [1911], the main hall and stairway were banked and covered with ferns and daisies.  A wedding bell of the same decorations hung in the doorway which entered into the front parlor trimmed with roses and palms and where relatives and intimate friends were gathered.  A tiny gate of ferns and daisies obstructed the passageway of the door.  Descending the stairway amid the green and white of hillside and wooded coverings, and within the sound of Lohengrin's wedding march, Miss Ida May Parsons and John McKay Cairns stopped beneath the bell.  They were preceded by Rev. Frank James and little Elizabeth Taber who carried a basket of roses and white tulips, embedded in which was a ring.  The last two passed through the miniature gate, and Mr. James began the beautiful Episcopal service, which with the ring ceremony united in matrimony the betrothed. The bride wore an imported embroidered white gown and carried a white prayer book.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, the bride and groom remained in the same position and received the congratulations of the guests while a cousin of the bride, Miss Lena Parsons, of Scranton, who executed the wedding march, continued at the piano and played "Hearts and Flowers."  After many felicitations, the front door opened and the wedding party passed out and over the carpeted lawn within the yard, which was surrounded by rosebushes and shrubbery and beneath trees hanging with growing apples, cherries and plums, an eight-course dinner was served from a table artistic in decorations of pink and white sweet peas and a large white bridal cake.  The dinner favors were place cards in small baskets of orange blossoms.  The bride and groom left the scene of the wedding by automobile at about 3 o 'clock and were driven to Unadilla where they took the afternoon train for Green Lake in the Adirondack mountains, to remain several days, after which they will return to Scranton to reside where a home already furnished is awaiting them.  The guests upon returning to the house were presented with souvenir boxes of wedding cake.  The bride was the recipient of a great many presents, consisting of silver, china, cut glass and linen. The bride is a refined and cultured young lady of this village.  She is a graduate of Bainbridge High School and Bradford Academy, Haverhill Mass, and possesses in a very marked degree the many qualities which make her estimable and charming.  The groom holds a responsible position with the D.L. and W. Railroad Company, being head draughtsman in the engineering department and having offices in Scranton.  He is an exemplary young business man.

 

Marriages in Bainbridge in 1910

                                              January 5:         Louis Lanfair and Viola M. King

                                              January 27:       Harry H. Bluler and Lilie M. Hastings

                                              March 9:           Harvey J. Wood and Mabel Darlin

                                              March 17:         Perry Morey and Mrs. Frances E. Clapp

                                              March 26:         Butler P. Payne and Mrs. Nellie B. Hilts

                                              April 6:             John H. Ireland and Anna J. Jacobson

                                              April 6:             Harry L. Perry and Carrie M. Teachout

                                              May 6:              Joseph A. Stafford and Mrs. Mattie J. Olmsted

                                              May 25:            Fred G. Sherman and Lottie M. Burton

                                              May 29:           Claude A. Cooley and Nina D. Smith

                                              June 1:             Clayton M. Sweet and Lorena M. Payne

                                              June 28:           Louis H. Hartmann and Leona A. Cornell

                                              July 6:              Fred D. Foster and Jennie S. Foster

                                              August 10:       James I. Newton and Della M. Tinkham

                                              August 20:       James F. Hollenbeck and Ina B. Vandewerker

                                              September 1:   William D. Winters and Sarah H. Victor

                                              September 10: George M. Christian and L. Ethel Shaver

                                              October 29:     Charles H. Stolte and Mary C. Goodhue

                                              November 2:  Arthur B. Bennett and Ina L. Fleming

                                              December 17: Zephaniah Thorp and Mrs. Helen N. Moore

                                              December 25: Charles H. Odell and Alta M. Parsons

 

Obituaries (April 4)

Edward T. Scanlon

Utica Saturday Globe, December 27, 1902

 

Edward T. Scanlon

At the home of his mother, Mrs. Bridget Scanlon, 82 Mitchell street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday morning Edward T. Scanlon died, aged 21 years.  While on a visit to his brother, in Jersey City, several months ago, he fell ill of pneumonia and from that illness consumption developed.  Deceased was of a bright and cheerful disposition and had many friends.  He was born in Norwich and had always lived here, graduating from the High School in the class of 1900.  Many Globe readers will recall him as one of the boys who served them their paper every Saturday.  In spite of a physical infirmity that crippled him he was one of the best hustlers among the newsboys and his name usually stood at the head of the list in the number of papers sold.  The excellent qualities displayed when a boy bade fair to bring him to the front in later life until his career was sadly and early cut short.  His widowed mother, two sisters, Mary and Sarah, three brothers, John and Frank, all of Norwich and Michael of Jersey City, survive him.  Funeral services were held from the house on Wednesday morning at 9:30 o'clock and from St. Paul's Church at 10 o'clock, Rev. Father John A. Hart officiating.  Interment in St. Paul's Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Esther Hoadley Dunning

Chenango Telegraph, March 20, 1861

We notice in the Binghamton papers the death of Mrs. Esther Dunning, at Kirkwood, on the 20th ult. at the age of 91 years.  She had been twice married--Her first husband was Ira Hoadley, and they were pioneers in the then new town of Windsor [Broome Co., NY], 70 years ago, their nearest neighbors residing four miles from them.  The old lady had seen a howling wilderness pass through many and varied changes until a few scattered tracts of woodland only were left to remind her of her parly trials.  Civilization with its manifold powers of machinery and Yankee invention, had changed everything in a manner that must have appeared almost marvelous to one who could remember with distinctness the current events and scenes of 73 years ago. 

 

Parthenia Pirnie

In the New York Daily Times of February 6 and 7, occurs the death notice of Miss Parthenia Pirnie, who died on Monday, February 5 [1906] at her late residence in New York city, 437 West End Ave.  Miss Pirnie was stricken with paralysis ten days before her death.  The family included with herself, an elder sister, Miss Sue, and two nieces. The two sisters spent several summers in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] quite a number of years ago, boarding with Mrs. Sophronia Bixby on East Main street, and Mrs. Frank Cooper, on North Main street. They attended the Presbyterian church while here.  The Misses Pirnie were highly esteemed by Bainbridge people who extend their sympathy to the bereaved sister and nieces.

Howard Robinson

Howard, the 17 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. George Robinson, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], died March 24th [1906] of peritonitis at Ivanhoe, near Masonville.  The funeral was held at their home on the Silvernail farm on Tuesday, Rev. A.A. Callender officiating, burial at Sidney Center [Delaware Co., NY].

Hannah W. Dean

Miss Hannah W. Dean, for many years a resident of Deposit [Delaware Co., NY], died at the home of her nephew, Mr. E.G. Dean, at 295 Ryerson street Brooklyn last Thursday evening of paralysis, aged eighty-seven years.  The funeral services were held at the home of Mr. Dean Friday night.  Rev. T.J. Whitaker, formerly of Deposit, now pastor of the Bushwick avenue Baptist Church Brooklyn, officiating, and the remains, accompanied by several relatives, were brought to Deposit Saturday afternoon on train No. 1, for interment in Pine Grove cemetery.  The body was taken from the train directly to the cemetery, Dr. O.T. Bundy, C.T. Edick, E.D. Cumming, C.H. Putnam, J.S. Minor and Guerney Ogden acting as pall bearers.  Miss Dean was a member of the Deposit Presbyterian Church, a woman of many excellent qualities, who leaves to mourn their loss a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

The Golden Boots of Bainbridge

The Golden Boots of Bainbridge

Leo Nichols retells the story of the

"Golden Boots" at his farm near Bainbridge

They tell a fine tale in Bainbridge about the "golden boots" that spent one winter in a farmhouse attic.

Leo Nichols, who operates a fine dairy of 76 cows, just outside Bainbridge on the Afton road, tells it this way: 

"It's not really my story at all.  It was told by the late James Hyde, one of the pioneers of Bainbridge.

"You see, this farm of mine was once owned by the Higleys, a banking family of Norwich, who bought it from a Mr. Guthrie some 80 years ago.  The Higleys paid Guthrie in gold.  When he decided to go back to Connecticut for the winter, he placed the gold in a pair of his favorite leather boots.  he took the boots over to his neighbors, the Sumners,and asked if he could leave them in their attic for the winter.  The Sumner place is now the Leon Stewart farm.

"They said he was welcome to do so.  He also requested permission to place them in the attic with his own hands.  they apparently thought nothing odd about this request, for when he returned the next spring they had not been touched.

"Guthrie then turned them upside down and out poured $8,000 in gold."

Mr. Nichols, a congenial man who runs his farm with the aid of a son, Kermit, is proud of a gigantic elm tree on the property.  The tree is believed to be the famous council tree of the Indians in the stories of James Fennimore Cooper and is 23 feet in circumference at its base.

Mr. Nichols also has a remarkable collection of fiddles, an original mile-long deer rifle and other interesting items in his comfortable farmhouse.

This magnificent elm on the Leo Nichols farm is supposed to be the great council

tree of the Indians in James Fennimore Cooper's stories.  Auto provides comparison

 

 

Historic "Elms"

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 5, 1936

[slightly different version of golden boots story]

 

The "Elms" mentioned in last week's "Faded Page," was purchased by Walter Higley in 1837 for $8,000 in gold and remained in the family until 1909 when bought by George E. Nichols, from Jamhan Graham, who was mentioned in early 1800 town records.  He is also mentioned in church records.  The above Graham deposited the above gold, which was long before the Roosevelt confiscation, in a pair of old leather boots and left for safe keeping in the loft of the summer house, now the Stewart homestead.  This Graham, Higley, Nichols farm was a part of Lot 77, southeast corner granted to Reuben Church, a Vermont sufferer, in 1789.  Whether Church settled here, only a search of deeds at Norwich will prove.  He probably was a son of Dea. Timothy Church, who was granted six square miles or 3000 acres.  He had nine sons and one daughter.--G.E.N. [George E. Nichols]

Marriages (April 3)

Harris - Moore

Utica Saturday Globe,  December 27, 1902

 



Floyd D. and Helma A. (Moore) Harris

 

At the home of the bride's uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. James E. Brown, on York street, Wednesday afternoon, occurred the marriage of Miss Helma A. Moore to Floyd D. Harris, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.  The wedding was a quiet but pleasant affair, only a few immediate friends and relatives of the contracting parties being present. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Moore, of Knoxboro, but she has been a resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] for several years, holding a position as compositor at the Chenango Telegraph office.  She is a refined and accomplished young lady.  The groom is a son of Mrs. Charles Harris, of Clinton street, and is a popular young employee of the O.&W. Railway.  After a brief wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. Harris will take up their residence in this village.

 

Nichols - Skillen

Afton Enterprise,  October 26, 1893

H.L. Nichols of Nineveh [Broome Co., NY] and Miss Pattie Skillen of Worcester [Otsego Co., NY], were united in marriage Thursday, Oct. 19th, at the residence of the bride on Water street.  The happy couple left for the World's Fair and from thence to Des Moines, Iowa, to visit a sister of the bride.  They expect to be absent about a month, then to return and take up their residence at Nineveh, where the groom is employed as an operator of the D.&H. railroad company.

Falls - Nichols

The announcement has been made of the coming marriage of Miss Maude Nichols of this place to Roscoe Falls of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday, july 30 [1902] at high noon.  the ceremony will take place at the home of the bride.

Yesterday at high-noon occurred the marriage of Miss Maud Luella Nichols to Roscoe G. Falls of Afton.  The ceremony was performed at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Whitney, at West End, Rev. A.E. Lord of the M.E. church, officiating.  In addition to the relatives, twelve young lady friends of the bride were present.  The bride was attired in a traveling dress of blue material and carried a bunch of sweet peas.  The wedding march was played by Miss Mabelle Hulseman.  It was a yellow and green wedding, decorations being evergreens, goldenrod, nasturtiums and dahlias.  Refreshments were served on small tables, which were also prettily decorated to correspond.  The decorating was under the supervision of Raymond Nichols, who was caterer for the event.  Mr. and Mrs. Falls left on Erie R.R. yesterday afternoon on a wedding trip which will include Boston and New York City, and other places of interest.  On their return they will reside in Afton.

Notice was received here this morning announcing the marriage of Mr. Roscoe G. Falls and Miss Maud Nichols Wednesday, July 30th at Hancock.  The many friends of both parties offer sincerest congratulations.  Mr. Falls is one of our enterprising young business men while the bride during her two years residence here as teacher in the high school has won the highest esteem of the entire community.

Obituaries (April 3)

Margaret (Barratt) Galvin

Utica Saturday Globe, December 27, 1902

 

Margaret (Barratt) Galvin

At her home on Silver street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Monday night, occurred the death of Mrs. Margaret Galvin, widow of the late Michael Galvin, aged 63 years.  She had been ill about four weeks with stomach trouble.  Margaret Barrett was born in the city of Cork, Ireland, March 15, 1839.  She was united in marriage in her native city in 1860, to Michael Galvin, and three years later they came to this country and located at Sherburne.  In 1869 the family moved to Norwich, where she had since resided.  Mr. Galvin died June 30, 1886.  Mrs. Galvin was a kind mother and a sympathetic friend and neighbor and was esteemed by all who knew her.  She is survived by eight children, six daughters, Mary, Anna, Margaret, Mrs. A.J. Normile and Mrs. J.H. Wilcox, of Norwich, and Mrs. Ira W. June of Oxford, and two sons, Timothy of Norwich and Edward B., of Schenectady.  The funeral was attended from her late home Friday at 9:30 and from St. Paul's Church at 10 a.m., Rev. Father John A. Hart officiating.  Burial was made in St. Paul's Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Ettie Nichols

Afton Enterprise, October 26, 1893

Miss Ettie Nichols, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY^], died from the effects of an over dose of morphine early Sunday morning.  About 9 o'clock Saturday evening, while her mother was down town, she was taken with a severe pain, and as she had seen her mother do, took a dose of morphine to ease the pain, which immediately threw her into convulsions.  She lived about five hours afterward, and was about 14 years of age.

 

Chenango Union, October 26, 1893

The village of Bainbridge is excited over the very sudden and mysterious death of Miss Etta Nichols.  Early Sunday morning her parents were awakened by her groans, and went to her bedside to find her insensible and in terrible agony.  Physicians were summoned but they were unable to relieve her and she died about four o'clock.  She was unconscious from the time she was found till her death, passing from one spasm into another.  An autopsy, which was conducted on Monday revealed the presence of morphine in the stomach, and the indications are that she died form morphine poisoning.  Miss Nichols had been in the best of health and spirits and there is not the slightest reason to think that the drug was taken with suicidal intent.  It was probably taken for the purpose of relieving headache.

 

Adeline A. Hickox

Afton Enterprise, March 29, 1923

Mrs. Adeline A. Hickox, widow of the late George B. Hickox, passed quietly away last week at her home in this place, aged 80 years.  Mrs. Hickox had lived alone in the lower rooms of her home since the death of her husband some three years ago.  The second floor was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hendrickson.  Friday afternoon Mrs. Hendrickson became suspicious that something was wrong, not having heard Mrs. Hickox the previous day.  She therefore called assistance and upon entering the setting room found Mrs. Hickox setting in a chair and apparently she had been dead for some time as the lamp on the nearby table had burned nearly dry.  Dr. Hayes was summoned and pronounced death due to paralysis of the heart and estimated that she had been dead from 24-36 hours.  A private funeral was held from her late home on Monday, March 26th, at 11 o'clock, Rev. D.M. Geddes of the Presbyterian church, officiating and the interment made in Glenwood Cemetery.  She leaves a sister, Mrs. Sarah Rifenbark of New York City, one nephew, Joseph of New York; and two nieces, Mrs. F.S. Ruland of New York and Mrs. W.W. Sheehan of Deposit.

 

Mrs. George Wilcox

Chenango Union, July 29, 1880

On the 7th inst., Mrs. George Wilcox, of Millard, Mo. formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], was thrown from a wagon, while the horse was running away, and killed.  Mrs. Denniston, her husband's sister-formerly Miss Mary Wilcox, also of Bainbridge--who was riding with her, was also thrown out, and her left arm broken.  Mrs. Wilcox was forty-two years of age, and was a sister of W.H. Cannon, of Bainbridge.

 

Mrs. F.T. Nichols

Chenango Union, July 29, 1880

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. F.T. Nichols was buried from her home on Sunday.  Mr. Nichols has the sympathy of the whole community in his great affliction.  A few months only have passed since he followed a loved son to the grave, little thinking the mother would follow so soon.

 

Mrs. Thomas Nichols

Bainbridge Republican, December 26, 1884

Died at West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], December 19, 1884, Mrs. Thomas Nichols, in the 75th year of her age.  The deceased was born in the town of Sidney, Delaware county, but has resided in the town of Bainbridge for 65 years.  Mrs. Nichols was highly esteemed for her many excellent qualities and beloved by her many friends.  She leaves two sons and three daughters to mourn her death.  The remains were interred in the Episcopal cemetery in this village.

 

George Nichols, Jr.

Otsego Journal, July 2, 1908

George Nichols, Jr., an industrious woodchopper, was found dead in t he woods near Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] in what is known at the "sheep-pen."  Mr. Nichols lived in a shack in the woods when working.  He was last seen alive on Wednesday by Charles Ostrander, who was working with him. On Saturday night Mr. Nichols did not return to his home and his family started a search, assisted by the neighbors, yesterday morning.  The body was found by Rasmus Nichols and Henry Nichols lying on the ground beside a tree, which he had been cutting on.  The axe was beside the body.  Coroner Brownell of Oneonta was called and decided that death was due to heart trouble.  The body had evidently been lying in the position in which it was found for two or three days.  Mr. Nichols leaves his wife and three children.

 

 

John Baxter of Sidney Plains, 1879

Mr. John Baxter

Bainbridge Republican, February 13, 1879

 

Mr. John Baxter, son of Mary and Levi Baxter, was born in Delhi, Delaware Co., N.Y., June, 1796.  His father, who was a farmer and lumberman, etc. was born in Windsor, Conn., August 14th, 1765, where he resided till the year 1791, when he moved to Delhi, being then in the 26th year of his age.  At that time there was but one family living in the place, and it was a dense and almost an unbroken wilderness from there to Catskill.  As one of the many little incidents connected with the early settlement of this section of the country we would mention that Mr. Baxter in the month of June following his arrival at Delhi, went with his ox team and sled to mill at Schoharie, when the echoing sounds of wolf and panther were heard in every direction.  Mr. Baxter remained in Delhi 14 years, when he removed to Sidney Plains in February, 1805, where he engaged in the farming and lumbering business quite extensively and amassed a large landed property, which he subsequently divided among his children, which comprised seven sons and one daughter, who all grew up and became married and settled in life, with the exception of one son who remained single.  Mr. Baxter died May 26th, 1851, in the 86th year of his age.  His wife who was born July 11, 1777, died January 7, 1859.

 

Mr. John Baxter, the subject of this sketch, was the fourth son (and with an invalid brother) are all that now remain of this once large and prosperous family.  For many years he followed the occupation of his father, but his health failing he sought a change in business and engaged in the mercantile trade, in the village of Unadilla, in the year 1835, where he remained for three years, when he again returned to the farm.  Mr. Baxter was first married January 20, 1820, to Miss Ann Johnston, daughter of Col. Witter Johnston, and by whom he had three children, all of whom died young.  His wife also died on the 2d of July, 1826,.  But he was again married November 14th, 1827, to Maria Towndson, daughter of William Towndson, Esq. of Walton, by whom he also had three children, a son and two daughters, all of which lived to grow up, but two have since died.  The oldest daughter, Eliza, (now Mrs. M.L. Rogers) resides at the present time in Iowa, where she also has a daughter married.  Mrs. Baxter, his second wife, died March 15th, 1835.  He was again married to Mary Johnston, sister of his first wife, Oct. 5th, 1838.

 

Mr. Baxter was early connected with the First Congregational Church of this place, having joined in the year of 1812, and has always been a prominent and active member.  He has also held important offices in town, and always maintained a high respectability in this community, and though suffering greatly from impaired health, still appears to enjoy social life to a wonderful extent.  He is at once pleasing and interesting in his manners and conversation, displaying all the characteristics of a cultured gentleman.  He is possessed of a kind and genial spirit, with a warm and sympathetic nature that leads him to perform among the needy many acts of charitable kindness.  And though he has retired from active labor, upon a competency he still feels a love for improving and beautifying the present homestead.  The evergreen hedges which adorn the avenue leading to his residence, are among the finest in the State, and which not only renders his situation rich and attractive but reflects great credit upon its projector.  In person Mr. Baxter is tall, being about six feet high, with a slender form, and weighing only 133 pounds, but his carriage is erect, with a quick and firm step and is one whose form and presence would be greatly missed from the home fireside, the social circle and the busy street.

Compiler Note:  John Baxter died May 12, 1881 at the age of 85 years and was buried in Pioneer Cemetery in Sidney, Delaware Co., NY.  His two wives are also buried in Pioneer Cemetery:  Ann (d. July 2, 1826, AE 29y), Maria (d. Apr. 15, 1835, AE 37y)  [Etched in Stone in Sidney, Delaware Co., NY, Shirley Boyce Goerlich, 1997, p 36]



Marriages (March 31)



 

Griffin - Hallock

A very pretty wedding was solemnized at St. Joseph's Rectory, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday morning, September 11, at 10:30 o'clock when Miss Lois F. Hallock, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Hallock, was united in marriage to Mr. Francis M. Griffin, son of Mrs. Griffin and the Late Martin C. Griffin.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev Thomas J. Leonard, before an improvised altar of white flowers.  The couple were attended by Mrs. F.H. Obenauer of Malone, sister of the bride, as matron of honor, and Misses Alice White of Oxford and Lucy Brown of Norwich, as bridesmaids.  The best man was Mr. Herbert M. Griffin, brother of the groom, David Hallock and Robert Griffin, brothers of the bride and groom, respectively, served as ushers. The bride, given in marriage by her father, was gowned in white satin, princess style, with train, halo cap and full length veil, and carried a shower bouquet of white pompons and bridal roses edged with blue delphinium.  The matron of honor wore pink chiffon and carried a round bouquet of pink roses and gypsophila.  The bridesmaids were gowned in aqua and yellow chiffon and carried fan-shaped bouquets of bronze and yellow pom-pons.  All wore matching flower hair ornament.  The bride's mother wore a green print afternoon dress with navy accessories, and the groom's mother chose royal blue with black accessories.  Both wore corsages of white roses eucharis lilies and gypsophila.  A reception followed at the home of the bride. A buffet breakfast was served to about fifty guests.  Mrs. Robert Doud of Sidney and Mrs. David Jowdy of New York Mills poured, assisted by Miss Grace Cooper and Mrs. Carl Finch.  Miss Lillian Miller sang "Because" and "I Love You," accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Fred Hamilton.  After a wedding trip to New York City, Mr. and Mrs. Griffin will be at home in their newly furnished apartment in the Zuber block on Clinton street.

Miller - Seely

Married in St. John's church Delhi, September the 17th, Alfred Gilliland Miller and Mary Wheeler Seely both of New York city.  The bride is a daughter of Captain Henry B. Seely, deceased, and Augusta Wheeler and granddaughter of Truman B. Wheeler and Anna R. Wheeler. The bride entered on the arm of her cousin, C. Langdon Perry, of Schenectady, preceded by the maid of honor, Caroline Eustis Seely, to the strains of the wedding march played by the accomplished organist, Miss Laura Gay Smith. The groom accompanied by his best man, Mr. C. Arthur Liddle, entered from the vestry room and met the bride at the chancel steps.  The ushers were Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Knapp, of Deposit, cousins of the bride, and Mr. Hallam Murray and Mr. William Humphries, of Delhi.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. W.E. Johnson, rector of the Church of the Redeemer, New York city assisted by Rev. G.H.P. Grout, rector of St. John's church, Delhi. After the marriage ceremony the Holy Communion was celebrated. The bride was beautiful in soft white satin and lace, and wore the veil her mother had worn many years ago when married in the same church.  The maid of honor looked charming in pale blue and white lace. The church was beautifully decorated in white hydrangeas and red gladioli. After the ceremony the immediate family and a few very especial friends adjourned to the home of the bride and partook of a much enjoyed wedding breakfast.  The presents were many and of much value.  The bride and groom left about noon amid showers of rice and the best of good wishes from many loving hearts.

Knapp - Johnson

June 5, 1907

Mr. Morris Knapp, of this village, and Miss Margaret A Johnson were married at the home of the bride's parents, in Colorado Springs, Col. on Wednesday last. Mr. Knapp is the popular young manager of the Deposit Electric Company, and has a host of friends who will join us in congratulations. As we have not as yet received the particulars of the auspicious event we are unable to give a full account of the wedding.

Obituaries (April 2)

William W. Peters

Utica Saturday Globe, December 27, 1902

 

William W. Peters

A telegram received by William Peters Monday announced the death of his son, William W. Peters, who was being treated for erysipeias at Bellevue Hospital, New York.  Clarence E. Peters, a brother of deceased, left on the afternoon train for that city to take charge of the remains.  Deceased was born in the town of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], about six miles east of this village, in 1852, and at the age of 16 entered the printing office of B. Gage, Berry & Co. to learn the printer's trade. At the expiration of his three years' apprenticeship he purchased a half interest in the Sherburne News, and in partnership with G.H. Matteson, conducted that paper for two years, when he sold his interest to the late Thomas Randall and returned to Norwich.  In 1878 he opened a printing office in this village, and again embarked in the newspaper business, starting the Norwich Sentinel, which was devoted to the interests of the Greenback party.  After conducting the paper for a few months he sold the same to Col. E.J. Loomis, and it was shortly after discontinued.  Mr. Peters than went to New York and secured a position on the New York Journal, with which paper he was connected until about ten years ago, when he sustained an injury to his eyes, since which time he has been unable to do much work at his trade.  He was for a year an inmate of the Childs-Drexel home for union printers at Colorado Springs, and spent the past summer at the home of his father in this village, leaving for New York to receive medical treatment several weeks ago, and was expected home to spend Christmas.  His wife, whom he married in Brooklyn, died there about a year ago.  Deceased is survived by his father, William Peters, one brother, Clarence E. and one sister, Mrs. Emma Borland, all of this village.  The remains were brought here Wednesday and placed in Mt. Hope vault [Norwich, nY].  Burial services will be held later.

 

Gen. Thomas F. Petrie

Chenango Union, March 24, 1892

Gen. Thomas F. Petrie died at is home near Peterboro, Madison county [NY], on Tuesday of last week, in the eighty-third year of his age.  He was one of the pioneers of the town of Smithfield [Madison Co., NY], where, with the exception of six years, he passed is entire life.  In politics he was a staunch Democrat, and for a long time held the position of Postmaster at Peterboro, served several terms as Justice of the Peace, and a number of years as Justice of Sessions.  He was an officer in the State militia, having held all ranks from Captain to Brigadier General.  In the latter capacity he visited Norwich, back in the fifties, on the occasion of "general training," and his soldierly bearing and familiarity with military tactics made a favorable impression, both in the ranks and among the crowds of spectators present.

Hon. Samuel F. Miller

Chenango Union,  March 24, 1892

Col. Samuel F. Miller, one of the oldest and most distinguished residents of Delaware county [NY], died at his home in North Franklin, Wednesday  night of last week, aged sixty-four years.  In 1854 he was elected to the Assembly, and in 1862 he was elected to Congress form the 19th New York district.  Again in 1874 he represented the counties of Otsego, Delaware and Chenango in Congress.  He was also a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1867, and of the State Board of Charities for a term of eighteen years.

Jane (Paul) Clark

Chenango Union, March 24, 1892

The subject of this sketch is worthy of more than a passing notice.  Jane Clark, wife of Jeremiah Clark, was born June 30th, 1820, on what was then called the Howe farm, and more recently the Haxton farm, in North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], and died in Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], March 16th, 1892, aged 71 years, 8 months and 15 days.  Of a family of eight children, she was the seventh born to Benjamin and Abigail Paul, one of the early pioneer families, who came to Chenango county in 1805.  She was a sister of the late Alfred Paul, who very recently died at his home in North Norwich, and has left surviving her one brother only, Benjamin Paul, a resident of East Pharsalia.  She was retiring and unassuming in her deportment, but very courteous and kindly to all with whom she came in contact, and more especially did she unfold those endearing qualities of a devoted aunt to three young motherless children of her brother, Thomas Paul, his wife dying leaving the youngest one an infant. With a loving hand she reared them all, all of whom have preceded her to the grave. She bore her last illness, which was of but one week's duration, with great resignation, and fell peacefully to sleep after exclaiming "Take me to Jesus," evidently trusting fully in Him who doeth all things well.

Latham Crandall

Chenango Union, March 24, 1892

Latham Crandall, probably the oldest resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died at his home on Plymouth street Sunday morning, aged ninety years.  He was born in Leyden, Mass. February 4th, 1803, and with his father emigrated to Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] township in 1807.  There he resided during most of his useful life, assisting in converting the forests into fertile farms.  Several years since he removed to this village, where he has since made his home, respected by all.  Mr. Crandall was thrice married, first to Keziah Aldrich, by whom he had thirteen children, four boys and nine girls.  Eight are still living, four having died in infancy and one in young womanhood.  The mother died in 1872.  In 1874 he married Miss Hannah Blair, who died in 1880.  In the fall of 1880 he married Mrs. Almeda McCullem, who survives him.  His descendants number one hundred and twelve, of whom death has claimed thirty.  Marriage has added thirty-six to the family, of whom six have passed away, leaving one hundred and fourteen of the family still living, eighty-two of whom are direct descendants, thirty direct descendants having gone before.  he was an active and zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for many years a class leader in the Broad Street Church.  On the 4th of February last he celebrated his ninetieth birthday, surrounded by over one hundred of his descendants.  Funeral services were held at his late home, Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. L.C. Hayes.  Interment in the family lot at South Plymouth.

Elizabeth M. Smith

Chenango Union,  March 24, 1892

Mrs. Elizabeth M. Smith, wife of C.A. Smith, died at her home on West Main street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday morning last, aged fifty-nine years.  Although she had been ill for about three weeks, her case was not considered alarming until a few days previous to her death. With her husband she had resided in Norwich about twenty-five years and had won the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances.  She was a consistent member of the Congregational Church, and was interested in church work.  She leaves surviving her husband and two children, Mrs. George S. Merritt and Oswell Bonney.  Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, Rev. W.H. Scudder officiating.  Interment at Pamelia, N.Y. [Jefferson Co.]

Bainbridge High School, Class of 1949, Part 1

Bainbridge High School, Class of 1949

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1949

 

 

Joyce Allen

"Joycie"

Voted Best Looking, Neatest and Class Flirt

Will miss most:  The Sophomores

Most commonly seen: With a gang

Ambition:  To stay single

 

William Butcher

"Butch"

"We were not allowed only joy during our school days, for tragedy came to us when we lost a popular classmate, William Butcher."

Dedication:  "To William--That through this book we may especially remember you--your smile, your quiet humor, and all the little ways that have made you so inseparably a part of us----forever."

 

Claudine Eldred

"Deany"

Voted Most Likely to Succeed and Most Popular

Will miss most:  Fun in Art class

Most commonly seen chasing reporters

Ambition:  To be a commercial artist

 

David Coe

"Dave"

Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Best Student, and Most Courteous

Will miss most:  Trig & Solid

Most commonly seen blowing up the lab with Larry

Ambition:  To be graduated from Cornell

 

George Comings

"Jeff"

Will miss most:  Fun in Senior room

Most commonly seen teasing the girls

Ambition:  To be a music teacher

 

Margaret Cudworth

"Marg"

Voted Best Student

Will miss most:  Studying French

Most commonly seen laughing

Ambition:  To travel



Obituaries (April 1)

Henry Holmes

Utica Saturday Globe,  June 17, 1918

 

Henry Holmes

Henry Holmes, a veteran of the civil war, died recently at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Harry Purdy, on Panther Hill in the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 74.  At one time he was a resident of the W.R.C. Home, was a member of Breed Post, G.A.R., No. 196 and spent some of his declining years with his daughter.  Deceased at the age of 19 years, enlisted at Cortland in Company G, Seventy-sixth New York Volunteer infantry, November 1, 1861.  He participated in several of the great battles of the civil war.  He was wounded May 2, 1863, by a minie ball and a grape shot that struck his left hand and leg.  He was transferred to the U.S. General Hospital at Philadelphia, where he was honorably discharged from the service November 15, 1864.  He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ernest Frink, of Norwich, Mrs. Harry Purdy, of Oxford, and one son, Clifford, of Elizabeth, N.J.

 

Mary D. (Kissam) Prince

1823-1902

Mrs. Mary D. Kissam, widow of the late Gervaise Prince, M.D., died at her home at Hotel Endicott, New York city, Thursday, March 20, 1902, the immediate cause of death being senile gangrene.  Mrs. Prince was born December 17, 1823, being one of a family of thirteen children of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kissam of Long Island, and was the last surviving member of this large family.  Her mother was Phoebe Mott Kissam; the Kissam and Mott families being prominent in social and political circles of Long Island for generations.  Miss Mary D. Kissam was united in marriage with Gervaise Prince, a young practicing physician in New York city, where they resided until the year 1865 when they removed to Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and purchased the farm property of Col. Hiram Schrom a mile north of the village, where the family resided until the decease of Dr. Prince in 1891.  Dr. Prince and family were frequent visitors in Bainbridge previous to their residence here, being called to this locality through their kinship to the late Czar Prince, and as the doctor thought of retiring from the active profession in the city and wishing to locate in the country and being impressed favorably with the beauty of this town and its healthful climate, it was decided that the home of his declining years should be in Bainbridge.  Notwithstanding Dr. Prince had retired from the practice of medicine, he became interested at once in all matters pertaining to the welfare of our village.  He was one of the founders of the First National Bank established in Bainbridge in 1881, and was made its first president, with the Hon. Joseph Bush, vice-president, and James K. Wetmore, an influential director.  He built the brick block bearing his name, standing upon the corner of [North] Main and East Main streets, the bank from its inception being located in the block. There were other enterprises of an equally substantial nature in which Dr. Prince was engaged to the close of his life.  He was a prominent factor in the life and advancement of the village, and Mrs. Prince was also vitally interested in matters of public good, and although of simple tastes, and unostentatious in living, yet each revealed such qualities of mind and heart as exerted influences that were refined, progressive and elevating.  Mrs. Prince was one of the charter members of the First Bainbridge Baptist church and was always sincerely devoted to its best interests spiritually and financially, that interest and helpfulness being maintained during the latter years of her residence elsewhere, her membership being continued here until her death.  She was a regular attendant and contributor at the First Baptist church of New York situated at 79th street and Broadway, of which the Rev. I.D. Haldeman, D.D., is pastor.  Mrs. Prince was a woman of a charmingly simple Christian character, which was most attractive and beautiful in her home, her church and her social life; and during her later residence in New York she was actively represented in Mission work among the needy of the metropolis, and her life and labors will be an inspiration toward holy, pure living unto all who were privileged to have been associated therewith.  Two daughters were born to Dr. and Mrs. Prince;  Miss Delia Prince, whose birth occurred in New York city in the year 1848 and died in 1864, and Mrs. Ida Prince Danforth, wife of Honorable Elliot Danforth, born in New York in 1852 and died in New York, October 5, 1895.  Thus it will be seen that Mrs. Prince was also the last survivor of her own immediate family.  She leaves two grandchildren, Mrs. Mary Knight and Mr. Edward Danforth, and one great-grand-child, Edward Knight, all of New York city.  During the last seven years the deceased had made her home with her grandson, Mr. Edward Danforth, at Hotel Endicott, New York.  The remains were brought to this village Friday evening and were accompanied by Hon. and Mrs. Elliot Danforth, Mr. Edward Danforth and Mrs. Mary D. Knight.  Funeral services were held at the Baptist church Saturday at 10 a.m., where a large concourse of friends gathered to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed.  The services were in charge of the pastor, Rev. Chas. D. Reed, who paid tribute to the noble Christian character of the deceased and spoke briefly from the text, Rev. 22:14 R.V.."Blessed are they which have washed their robes, that they may have right of the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city."  The singers were Mrs. R.W. Kirby and Messrs. Hart, Strong, Carruth and Hopkins, and the bearers were G.M. Woodworth, C.M. Priest, W.D. Kirby and L.C. Taylor.  The remains were laid to rest beside those of husband and children in beautiful Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].

 

Gertrude J. Chandler

The remains of Mrs. Gertrude J. Chandler, who died at the home of her mother, Mrs. Emma Phinney Jerolamon, at Brooklyn, on Thursday, July 18, were brought to Bainbridge Friday afternoon and interred in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  The mother and uncle, Egbert Jerolamon, of Brooklyn, accompanied the remains.  They were met in Sidney by carriages containing Mr. Franklin B. Phinney, an uncle, and Mrs. Phinney, and Mrs. Lillian Parsons, a cousin.  Rev. C.D. Reed conducted the services at the grave. The casket was not opened at the cemetery, but the silent form within was enshrouded in a wealth of flowers, loving tributes from her many friends in Brooklyn, where she had lived for the past two years.  Her husband did not accompany the funeral party being ill in Chicago.  Mrs. Chandler or "Gertie", as she was familiarly known in Bainbridge, had a position in Brooklyn which gave her a remunerative salary.  Last winter she had a severe attack of grippe, which, when she recovered from it, let her lungs and whole system so weakened that she soon fell a prey to rapid consumption which she combatted for six months.  "Gertie" was a pretty girl, enjoying life, and was strong and vigorous when attacked by disease, and it was hard for her to understand that she must die.  But she became resigned and at the last anticipated death as a relief from  her sufferings.  In her last hour she was very happy and dropped away singing a favorite hymn. Mrs. Chandler was born in Bainbridge, 32 years ago.  She had lived in Bainbridge mostly until her marriage.  She was the niece of Franklin B. Phinney of this village and also of Mrs. Sarah Jerolamon of Brooklyn.  She was the grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Ansil Phinney, deceased, but well remembered citizens of Bainbridge.

 

Death List in the Town of Bainbridge for the Year 1903

 

Date                    Name                                     Age           Buried

                              Jan. 10         Emma Hinman                           57 yrs       Bainbridge

                              Mar. 9         William W. Davis                       75 yrs       Bainbridge

                              Mar. 14        Frank L. Wilkins                        32 yrs       Bainbridge

                              Mar. 14        Menzo A. Odell                          54 yrs       Butternuts

                              Mar. 19        Georgiana Purington                  50 yrs       Bainbridge

                              Mar. 22        Charlotte Tuttle                          66 yrs       Bainbridge

                              Mar. 23        Mary A. Payne                           49 yrs       Bainbridge

                              Apr. 3           Isaac D. Parks                            46 yrs       Oxford

                              Apr. 9           Levi Smith                                 57 yrs       Bainbridge

                              Apr. 26         Harriett Eddy                             57 yrs       North Afton

                              May 24         Ernest L. Springstein                 22 yrs       Bainbridge

                              June 3           George W. Burton                     74 yrs       Bainbridge

                              June 20         Michael Gerics                          14 days     Bainbridge

                              June 20         Stephen Gerics                          14 days     Bainbridge

                              July 2            Ruth Coe                                   81 yrs       Gospel Hill

                              July 4            Morgiana Kirby                        71 yrs        Bainbridge

                              July 10          Morgan Phillips                        57 yrs        Franklin

                              July 17          Sarah E. Bristol                        71 yrs        Morris

                              July 30          Cora Harris                               25 yrs        Rogers Hollow

                              Aug 22          Lucy Hovey                              78 yrs        Bainbridge

                              Aug 23          Gaylord Graves                        76 yrs        Bainbridge

                              Oct. 18          Prudence Curtis                        75 yrs        Bainbridge

                              Oct. 19          Jerome J. Green                        70 yrs        West Bainbridge

                              Nov. 3           William S. Fullmar                   7 yrs          Bainbridge

                              Nov. 25         Louis Sherman                          89 yrs        Bennettsville

                              Nov. 29         Clarissa Brayton                       83 yrs         Bainbridge

                              Dec. 9            Edgar Hayes                             58 yrs         Bainbridge

                              Dec. 10          Willard Graves                         57 yrs         Bainbridge

                              Dec. 11          Peter Colson                             84 yrs         Bainbridge

                              Dec. 15          Peter Leonard                           79 yrs         Otego

                              Dec. 16          Edward Evans                           79 yrs         Bainbridge

                              Dec. 19          Emma Finch                              48 yrs         West Bainbridge

                              Dec. 26          Flora Jones                                 46 yrs         Afton

                              Dec. 30          Asahel Mandeville                     69 yrs         Coventry

                              Dec. 31           John Banks                                67 yrs         Bainbridge 

Oxford, NY in 1879

Oxford After Forty Years

September 29, 1879

The following, taken from a Cooperstown paper, is from the pen of Hon. Hezekiah Sturges.  It is a beautiful letter, and will awaken the memories in the minds of many of our elder citizens:

Editor Freeman's Journal:  It was with sincere gratification, and yet with mingled emotions of pleasure and sadness that, during the past week, I spent a few hours in the beautiful village of Oxford, in the county of Chenango.  Forty-one years had come and gone since I had addressed a public farewell to the trustees, teachers and the remaining students, at the Oxford Academy, then celebrated as a seat of learning in all the central and western portion of the State, and where I had spent some years with pleasure and benefit to myself.

 

With my friend Mr. Hull, now a resident of the village, I traversed in somber moonlight those classic grounds, and the very air seemed vocal with voices of teaches I loved so well, and the joyous laughter of my then fellow students and daily companions.  As we passed along I lingered a moment in front of the residences of the Tracys, the Mygatts, the Millers, the Perkinses, the Glovers, the Bacons, the McKoons, the Clarkes, the VanWagenens, and others, where in my youth I have been hospitably and generously entertained.  But I had no occasion to enquire where now most of those are, who then presided over those lovely, generous and hospitable homes, for I knew that I had but to step into the neighboring cemetery to find their names there inscribed on marble cenotaphs.  Of all who were then in active life,

"Some are dead, some are gone,

Some are scattered and alone,

Some all restfully at home."

 

The early morning I spent with Counsellor Packer, who all these long years, in his native village, has been successfully engaged in the business of his profession, in which he has attained an honorable position, and in the accumulation of property, has an abundant reward for his untiring industry and unbending integrity.  But now in his advancing years, I am sorry to say, is doing

 

"Penance for contemning love,

with daily, heart-sore sigh."

 

The Counselor entertained me with a few incidents in the history of some of the residents there in years gone by, among others, of Judge McKoon, whom I remember with great kindness to me as a student, which he as long since forgotten, but which I never shall.  After I knew him, his life was somewhat checkered, and at times darkly over clouded.  I am happy to hear that those clouds are now, in his advanced age, dispersed or gilded with bright and happy rays of his setting sun.

 

Oxford--in the natural beauty of its location--in its clean, broad and shaded streets--in its well supported public institutions--and more than all, in the refinement, social hospitality and generous kindness of its citizens, always makes an agreeable and indelible impression upon those who may, for any cause, have occasion to visit it.

 

H.S.