Lois Smith, Coventry, NY; 90th Birthday

Lois Smith, Ninetieth Anniversary

Bainbridge Republican, November 7, 1879

The surviving children, grandchildren and great grandchildren met at the old homestead in the town of Coventry, Chenango county, N.Y., on Saturday the 20th day of September 1879, to celebrate the ninetieth anniversary of Mrs. Lois Smith, their venerable mother.  Mr. Clark Smith, the father of these children and the husband of this venerable mother, departed this life fifteen years ago, in his eighty-second year.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Smith were blessed with twelve children, all of whom they consecrated, in their infancy, to their covenant keeping God, by their prayers and at the baptismal font, and had the satisfaction of seeing them gathering, with them, from day to day, "like olive plants round about their table" and around their family altar, and all, except one, growing up to maturity of years.  Six of these children, four sons and two daughters, are still living and are heads of families, useful members of the church and respectable citizens.  All the surviving children of this venerable mother, except one daughter, whose home is in Nebraska, were present on this interesting occasion of their mother's ninetieth anniversary.  One son, Harvey, became a minister of the gospel, in connection with the Presbyterian denomination; and was pastor at Triangle, Masonville and South Amenia, at which latter place he died in the year 1873, in the midst of his usefulness, and greatly lamented by his people.  The family is not left, however, without a minister of the gospel, for a grandson, Mr. Clark Beardslee, and a graduate of Amherst college, Mass., and of the theological Seminary at Hartford, Conn., and who has just been appointed assistant professor in his Theological Alma Mater, is licensed minister of the gospel and not only so but a grand daughter, and the mother of five great grand children, is the wife of the pastor of the Presbyterian church of Nineveh, Rev. Wm. H. Sawtelle, who was present at the anniversary and added much to the interest of the occasion, especially, by his able prayer and appropriate remarks. The venerable mother greatly enjoyed the privilege of sitting down with her children, grand and great grand children and their friends, about forty in number, and partaking of a rich repast prepared unitedly by the different families represented.  After this bountiful and most enjoyable repast, this interesting celebration was closed with appropriate remarks from a number present, singing and prayers.  Mrs. Smith and her late husband came of a pious ancestry, and having full faith in the Abrahamic covenant they carefully trained up their children "In the nurture and admonition of the Lord," and had the great satisfaction of seeing all of them who arrived at the year of discretion, recognizing their covenant relations and privileges by making true personal consecrations of themselves to the love and service of the God of their fathers.

 

Like the Puritan and pious ancestors, they were strict and conscientious observers of the Lord's day, and faithful attenders, with their  children, at the church of which they were members.  The business of the farm and of the household was habitually, so arranged during the six working days of the week that each Lord's day was left free from secular cares and employments.  No unnecessary labor was performed on the Sabbath, not even in harvest and no crops were damaged or lost in consequence of their conscientious observance of that day according to the commandment.  Mrs. Smith, whose maiden name was Kelsey, and whose ninetieth anniversary was celebrated on the 20th ultimo, was born in this town (Bainbridge) her father living at the time of her birth on the farm occupied now by Mr. Jerome Sands, still enjoys the proper use of her mental abilities and appears to have health and strength sufficient to carry her even to her one hundredth anniversary.  But whether she shall be spared to see her centennial or not, may her last days be her happiest days and her last end be one of peace --Green American

Marriages (May 30)

Mr. & Mrs. Pascal Merchant

Bainbridge Republican, October 24, 1879

Wednesday last being the thirtieth anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Paschal Merchant, their many friends decided to give them one of their popular surprises for which Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] is noted.  The reception was held at the residence of A.P. Merchant, owing to Mrs. Merchant's health.  The surprise was genuine, and the attendance was large. The good things left behind attested well the high regard in which the worthy pair are held.

 

Mr. & Mrs. D.L. Shepard

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 3, 1883

Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Dec. 29th occurred the twenty-fifth anniversary of D.L. Shepard and wife.  Accordingly their relations decided to make it one long to be remembered.  They came together sixty in number, bringing their own refreshment, and as a token of esteem a complete breakfast dinner and tea set of decorated china costing $65.  Rev. Mr. Bixby was present, who united Mr. and Mrs. Shepard twenty-five years ago, and made the presentation speech. The friends in the evening swelled the number to one hundred, presenting them with an upholstered chair.  The occasion was a very enjoyable one to all concerned, many friends meeting after years of separation.  Y. Stowell and wife, of Brighton, D. Shepard and wife, of Fredonia, Richard Winsor and wife, of Preston, and D. Shepard and wife, of Oxford, were among those from abroad.

 

Lee - Bulger

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 3, 1883

While others were enjoying the New Year's day none were more mindful that the two loving hearts that were united on Monday afternoon last at St. Patrick's church. The happy pair was John Lee of Truxton [Cortland Co., NY], and Miss Mary Ann Bulger of Beaver Meadow [Chenango Co., NY].  Father Finneran performed the ceremony in a solemn and impressive manner.  Mr. McMann, our popular townsman officiated as best man, and Miss Kittie Curley did the honors for the bride. The affair was witnessed by many friends of the parties, who with us join in congratulations.

Bingham - Myers

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 17, 1883

Columbus Hill [Chenango Co., NY]:   On Thursday, the 4th inst., occurred the marriage of Mr. Wellington Bingham to Miss Ada M. Myers, oldest daughter of James Myers.  The marriage ceremony as performed at the parsonage of the Baptist church on East hill by Rev. Mr. White after which they took the train at Sherburne for Binghamton to visit friends and relatives. The best wishes of their many friends go with them for their future happiness. 

Obituaries (May 30)

Porter A. Elliott

Utica Saturday Globe, April 28, 1906

 

 

Porter A. Elliott

After a week's illness of pneumonia, Porter A. Elliott passed away at his home on the Mt. Upton road on Sunday morning.  Deceased was born in the village of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], August 17, 1868, but had spent the larger share of his life in farming in the town of Norwich.  In 1877 he married Miss Alice Burlingame, of Springvale, who survives him.  Mr. Elliott was a member of the Masonic fraternity.  Besides his widow, he is survived by two married daughters, Mrs. Glen Howe, of Schenectady, and Mrs. Frank Edwards, of Norwich, and four children.  Ethan, Erwin, Sarah and Annice, who reside with their mother.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Elliott, of Norwich, also survive and two brothers, Edward J. Elliott and Orin Elliott, of Norwich, also one sister, Miss E.A. Elliott, of Page Brook.  Funeral services were held from his late home on Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, Rev. Ira W. Bingham officiating.  Interment was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]

Rachel Doughty & Jennie Dunshee

Bainbridge Republican, September 5, 1879

Mrs. Rachel Doughty, mother of Mrs. Dunshee, who was suffering with typhoid fever, died the 26th ult. at the advanced age of 73 years.  Her remains were taken to the Union church above Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] for interment, the services being held in the church.  Miss Jennie Dunshee was taken sick about the time of her grandmother's death and died Monday, age four years, seven months.  She had been under the treatment of Dr. Winnie of Sidney Plains.

Mrs. A.M. Hutchinson

Bainbridge Republican, September 5, 1879

A telegram was received Monday morning at Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY], from Leonadas, Mich., stating that Mrs. A.M. Hutchinson of Sidney Plains, died there August 31st.  Her body will be brought to Sidney Plains where the funeral services will be held.  She will be buried in Columbia county.

Darius S. Ayres

Bainbridge Republican, September 5, 1879

Darius S. Ayres, a prominent business man of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], died at Denver, Col., the 26th inst., of kidney disease.  Mr. Ayres was a member of the well-known firm of Hallock, Carey & Co., besides being interested in several other mercantile institutions.  His remains arrived in Binghamton, Tuesday, for interment.

Broome Republican, August 27, 1879

Darius S. Ayres, Esq., is lying very sick at Denver, Colorado and yesterday his life was almost despaired of.  Mr Ayres went to Denver about the first of May to look after a real estate investment made by his son, Alvah, and in order to make the property productive, built a livery stable upon it, and opened a business there which he has not disposed of.  During the summer Alvah has been troubled somewhat with rheumatism, and three weeks ago Mr. Ayres accompanied him to Idaho Springs.  There the father was taken suddenly ill with kidney complaint, a disease which has been troubling him some for years.  As soon as possible he returned to Denver, where he has been rapidly failing.  At one o'clock yesterday a dispatch was received from a friend name Rodney Curtis, stating, simply, that Mr. Ayres was somewhat easier, and had ceased to be delirious, but the doctor could not tell how long he would remain so.  Mrs. Ayres will start for Denver this morning.  She spent the summer there with her husband, until about a month ago.

Broome Republican, September 3, 1879

The funeral of the late Darius S. Ayres occurred at the family residence on Henry street [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], Tuesday morning at eleven o'clock.  It was attended by a large number of friends of the deceased and family.  It was in charge of ex-Mayor Halbert and W.R. Hallock.  Services, consisting of prayer and reading scriptural selections, were conducted by Rev. Samuel Dunham, pastor of the West Presbyterian Church.  The remains were encased in a metallic casket.  The casket was not opened.  The floral offerings were abundant and tasteful, consisting of a white pillow, with the word "Father" lettered in purple, a sickle and sheaf, a cross, wreath, and many bouquets and small designs in cut flowers.  The pall bearers were G.Q. Moon, Isaac l. Bartlett, William Harris, D.R.Grant, F.T. Newell, M.W. Bosworth, E.A. Clark and Daniel Munson.

Alvah Watts Ayres

Broome Republican, August 11, 1880

Alvah Watts Ayres, died at the residence of his mother, on Henry street [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY] Monday evening about eleven o'clock.  The event was expected by his friends and attendants, for he had been very low for considerable time, and unconscious since Sunday.  The deceased was the only son of the late Darius S Ayres, and was twenty-seven years old.  Five years ago he was taken sick with Bright's disease while on a vacation at New Canaan, Connecticut.  The following winter he went to Aiken, South Carolina, for his health, and subsequently he was induced to go to Denver, Colorado, in search of relief.  He was there last summer when his father went to see him and was taken sick and died a year ago this month.  Alvah followed the remains as soon as he could, and afterwards remaied with his mother in this city.  From the time he was taken sick--five years ago--he failed gradually, but surely.  He was a young man of much promise, if his life and health had been spared.

Orville Tyler

Bainbridge Republican, September 5, 18789

Orville Tyler, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], and brother of Colonel Tyler, of this village, died at his late residence in Waukeshaw, Wis., on the 6th inst., after a brief illness.  Mr. Tyler was a useful and highly respected citizen, and his many friends in this section will be pained to hear of his death.--Telegraph, Norwich

Rev. E.H. Stevenson

Bainbridge Republican, October 2, 1879

This community was greatly pained and startled on Wednesday by the intelligence which spread through the village that Rev E.H. Stevenson, the esteemed principal of the Andes Collegiate institute, had died suddenly, while in the performance of his duties in the school.  While engaged in listening to the recitation of a class in Latin, he uttered a grown and his head fell over upon the back of the chair in which he was sitting, and his arms to his side.  Several of the students rushed to his side, while others stated for the medical aid.  Drs. Crawford, Gladstone and Thompson soon arrived but he was dead, having gasped but once or twice.  The cause of his death was unquestionably heart disease, as he has been troubled in this manner, and we understand had expressed his conviction that this would be the manner of his death.--Recorder, Andes

Charlie Moore

Bainbridge Republican, October 2, 1879

One of the saddest deaths which we have ever been called upon to chronicle, is that of Charlie Moore, aged 17, at his mother's residence in this village [Sidney Plains, Delaware Co., NY] last Monday morning.  The past year or more he has been in the employ of the Union News Company, occupying their stand at the depot, and his many friends will sadly miss his pleasant face.  On Saturday last, Charlie went up to Sidney Centre with the ball club of this place, and was in the best of spirits all the afternoon and seemed to be enjoying excellent health.  On Sunday morning about 2 o'clock, he was quite sick and Dr. Thompson was called; afterward Dr. Sweet of Unadilla, but he grew rapidly worse and died on Monday morning.  His sister at Morris was immediately sent for and is now in the place.  The funeral services were held at the Congregational church Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock.

Judge James D. McVey

Bainbridge Republican, October 17, 1879

Judge James D. McVey, Surrogate of Cattaraugus county and Grand Trustee of the A.O.U.W., organization in this state, died suddenly of heart disease at his residence in Franklinville, N.Y. [Cattaraugus Co.], Thursday the 9th inst.  His sudden and unexpected demise will create profound sorrow, not only among his most intimate acquaintances,but as well the A.O.U.W. members throughout this State.  In personal appearance he was prepossessing, rather above the medium height, with a figure slightly stooping, while his face usually wore an earnest, thoughtful expression.  During the last session of the Grand Lodge and as well the preceding one, Judge McVey was an acknowledged leader of that body. In debate he was a fluent and effective speaker, possessing an amiable and pleasant disposition.  Honored, respected and beloved by all who knew him.  In his death the order looses one of her brightest intellects, an earnest worker, a genial companion and a generous friend.  Thus, one by one, they leave us.  Into that unknown realm beyond, they disappear where we too shall follow.

Mary Mulligan

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 17, 1883

Mrs. Mary Mulligan died on the 4th inst. at the residence of her son, Thomas Mulligan, at the advanced age of 96 years.  She was the oldest person in the town.  She came from Ireland about 35 years ago, and settled near Sherburne village [Chenango Co., NY].  At the time of her death she had upward of fifty great-grandchildren.

Otis A. Thompson, Bank President, Norwich, NY

Otis A. Thompson

New Teller of Chenango National Bank in Norwich

Utica Saturday Globe, July 14, 1906

 

 

Otis A. Thompson

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The selection of Otis A. Thompson by the Board of Directors of the Chenango National Bank for the position of teller in that institution meets the approval of the patrons of the bank and is very pleasing to the many friends of the young man in this community.

 

Mr. Thompson is but 23 years of age and was born in Colorado.  When he was a child the family came east and located on a farm in Preston [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr Thompson was educated in the district school and the Norwich High School.  During the last year of his studies in the High School he was night operator for the Central New York Telephone and Telegraph Company.  Five years ago he entered the employ of the Chenango National Bank as book-keeper.  He has shown such aptness for the banking business that his advancement has been rapid.  He is quick and accurate and has mastered the details of his work in a manner worthy of men of much older heads and wider experience.

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Otis A. Thompson, Norwich Citizen of the year, 1961

Binghamton Press, June 21, 1961

  

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Otis A. Thompson, president of the National Bank & Trust co. of Norwich for the last 23 years, last night was named "Citizen of the year" at the annual dinner sponsored by three service clubs here.  Some 300 persons attended the testimonial dinner at the Canasawacta Country Club sponsored by the rotary, Kiwanis and Service clubs of Norwich.

Among the congratulatory messages received by Mr. Thomspon were notes from Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller, State Senator Janet Hill Gordon of Norwich, Chenango County assemblyman Guy L. Marvin of Greene and former U.S Senator Irving M. Ives of Norwich.  The message from the governor reads in part:  "Banquet in your honor is a high fitting tribute to your numerous activities for the benefit of you community and state,  The support you give so unselfishly to charitable and religious causes, your warm-hearted help to young people of the community definitely merits this public designation of you as citizen of the year."

Mr. Thompson was a delegate last year to the national Republican presidential convention.  The presentation of the "citizen" award to the banker came two days before he is to celebrate his 78th birthday.  Mr. Thompson was born June 22, 1883, in Longmont, Colo.  He was a graduate of Norwich High School and became a bookkeeper at the Chenango County National Bank & Trust co. of Norwich around the turn of the century.  He joined the National Bank & Trust co. of Norwich in 1913.  His civic affiliations include the 4-H Club, chairman of Chenango Memorial Hospital building fund, trustee of the local YMCA, director of the Community Chest, member of Chenango County Chamber of Commerce, member of the city's Planning Commission and former member of the Board of Education.  In 1954, Colgate University awarded him a Civic Award at the founders Day Convocation and last year he received a Distinguished Citizenship Award from Hartwick College.

The presentation of a plaque to Mr. Thompson was made by David F. Lee, Sr., last year's recipient of the "citizen" award.  Speaker was Dr. Lawrence Durgin, former pastor of Congregational Church of Norwich and presently pastor of Broadway Congregational Church of New York City.  Master of ceremonies was Carl E. Fribley.  Invocation and benediction were by the Rev. Frank W. Gardner, pastor of the Congregational Church of Norwich.  Dr. Paul F. MacLeod was chairman of the committee in charge of the program.  Members of the committee include Dr Thomas M. Flanagen, Harry L. Case, Thomas V. Sproul, Charles Gallagher, Joseph L. Armstrong, Norton L. Endries and Stanley K. Georgia.

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Obituary

Binghamton Press, April 17, 1968

 

 

Otis A. Thompson

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The Norwich area will pay its final respects to veteran banker Otis A. Thompson at 11 a.m. funeral services tomorrow in the United Church of Christ First Congregational.

Mr. Thompson, 85, died yesterday morning of an apparent heart attack at his 139 North Broad Street home in Norwich.  He was preparing for work when he was stricken.  Called by many of his colleagues "one of the sharpest bankers in the state," Mr. Thompson recently had stepped down as president of the National Bank & Trust co. of Norwich, but had retained the position of board chairman and chief executive officer.  He daily put in eight hours at his desk, on the second floor of the bank's modern South Broad Street offices.

The Rev. Nelson S. Munson, interim pastor of the United Church of Christ First congregational of Norwich, will conduct the services.  Burial will be in the family plot in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich.

He was born June 22, 1883, in Longmont, Colo., the son of George and Sarah Schoolcraft Thompson and came to Norwich with his family while he was a boy.  He received his early education in local schools and was graduated from Norwich High School in the Class of 1901.  He began work as a clerk with the Chenango County National Bank & Trust Co. of Norwich and remained there until 1913, when he joined the National Bank & Trust Company of Norwich as a cashier and director.  Mr. Thompson held the position of director and cashier until 1938, when he was named president.  He relinquished that title two months ago at the bank's annual meeting.  He had held the position for 30 years.  He was named chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the bank. 

He was a graduate of the Stoner Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.  An active participant in church, community and civic affairs, at the time of his death he was a member of the YMCA of Norwich, the Bankers Club of New York City, Norwich Masonic Lodge 302, Harmony Chapter 1 51, Royal Arch Masons, and Norwich Elks Lodge 1222.  He was serving as trustee of the Norwich YMCA, was a Community Chest of Norwich budget committee member, Chenango County Chamber of Commerce, Norwich City Planning Commission, and was president of the Norwich Cemetery Association.  Mr. Thompson was a director of the Chenango & Unadilla Telephone Corp. of Norwich, the Dimock Hollow Telephone Corp. of Norwich, Gladding Co. of South Otselic, and the Preferred mutual Insurance Co., of South New Berlin.  He was a director and chairman of Chenango & Undilla Communications Corp. Chenango Savings & Load Association and General Laboratory Associates, and was a director and member of the executive committee of the Norwich Pharmacal Co.  He was also vice-president and director of Norwich Mills.

Mr. Thompson was director and chairman of the board of New York Business Development Corp of Albany, a director and member of the audit and executive committee of the Security Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Binghamton, president of the Chenango Savings & Loan Association of Norwich, Class A. director of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a director of Craine Inc., of Norwich, the first National Bank of Sidney, B.F. Gladding & Company of South Otselic and the Oswego County Telephone Co. of Oswego.

Mr. Thompson had been building fund chairman of the Chenango Memorial Hospital, director of the Chenango Memorial Hospital, director and member of the industrial development Committee of the Chenango County Chamber of Commerce, cochairman of the New Building Survey council of the Norwich YMCA, a member of the Board of Education of the Norwich City School System, and a trustee of Cazenovia College.  Earlier this month, Mr.and Mrs. Thompson were honored when a private dining area at Hubbard Dining Hall at Cazenovia College was named in their honor.

He was involved for 39 years in Chenango County 4-H work.  He was an organizer of the work in Chenango County in 1920 and was chairman of the executive committee of the Chenango County Extension 4-H Department.  He was a member of the United Church of Christ First Congregational of Norwich and had been a director, president, moderator, chairman of the finance committee and chairman of the committee to choose a conference superintendent and administer of the New York Congregational Christian Conference, Inc., of New York City.  He was a delegate to the constituting Synod on Union of Evangelical and Reformed Denomination with Congregational Christian Denomination at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1957, and a delegate to the second Synod of the united Church of Christ at Oberlin, Ohio, in 1959.

His past professional affiliations included being a member of the Council on Banking Education of the American Bankers Association, a member at large of the Council of Administration and of the Administrative Board of the New York State Bankers Association, director of the Empire State Group, chairman of the Agricultural Commission of the American Bankers Association representing the Second Federal Reserve District, and treasurer of the New York State Bankers Association.

Mr. Thompson is survived by his wife, C. Belle Gucker Thompson; two sisters, Mrs. Lewis Brown of Sun City, Ariz., and Mrs. Tipton Wood of Escondido, Cal.; a brother, Oren A. Thompson of Norwich; a niece, Mrs. Charles Henderson of Sun City, Ariz., and a nephew, Raymond Thompson of Norwich.

Obituaries (May 29)

Joseph J. Conroy

Utica Saturday Globe, April 28, 1906

 

 

Joseph J. Conroy

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Sad indeed was the death of little Joseph J. Conroy which occurred at the home of his parents on Fair street on Saturday morning.  the little fellow was frightfully scalded on Wednesday afternoon when he pulled a pan of steaming hot water off the table and the contents fell upon his shoulders. Thursday night and Friday he suffered from convulsions until death mercifully brought relief.  He was only 1 year, 1 month and 5 days old and an exceedingly bright and active child.  He began to talk at 7 months and had been walking for several weeks. At the time of the accident, he was in the room with his mother and stood several feet from the table when she placed the pan of hot water there.  She turned her back for an instant only, but long enough for him to reach the table and playfully pull the pan over the edge.  The accompanying picture is from a photograph made at the age of 3 months.  That the little fellow was loved by many was shown by the large attendance at his funeral on Monday afternoon, the sympathy of the entire community having been touched.  The floral offerings were beautiful and profuse. 

Charles Watters & George Johnson

Bainbridge Republican, August 28, 1879

A sad case of drowning occurred on Cazenovia Lake, near the Lake View House landing, Monday forenoon.  The steamer Lake View, starting out from the campground for the regular trip to the village, had proceeded but a short distance when Charles Watters, a lad some ten years of age, fell from the deck of the steamer into the lake.  George Johnson, pilot of the Lake View, immediately plunged into the water for the purpose of rescuing the lad from his peril.  After reaching him, and before further assistance could be rendered, both persons went down.  From the severe struggle witnessed by the spectators, it is supposed that the lad caught hold of Johnson in such a manner as to prevent him from swimming;  in fact is said to have fastened a deadly grasp upon Johnson's throat, by which means he was strangled.  Mr. Johnson was said to be a good swimmer, and but for some such grasp as that would  have been able to save both himself and the youth.  The bodies were recovered from the lake about one hour and a half after the fatal accident.  The owners of the boat are severely criticized for their criminal neglect of navigation laws, in not providing life preservers and small boats, as with those both might have been saved.

 

Mrs. A. White

Bainbridge Republican,, July 28, 1879

Died in Bath, June 28, 1879, at the residence of her son, Mrs. A. White, aged 92 years and 11 days.  She was a member of the Christian church for more than fifty years.  For nearly fifty years she preached the gospel from place to place, traveling many miles and her efforts converted many souls and reclaimed many backsliders.  She never took pay for preaching, nor allowed collections to be taken for her.--Courier, Bath

John Houghtailing

Bainbridge Republican, August  28, 1879

Masonville [Delaware Co., NY]:  John Houghtailing, nearly a life resident here until within the last year or two, died at Hamden [Delaware Co., NY] in the early part of this month at the advanced age of 93 years.  The remains were brought to this place and interred in the old Whitman cemetery.

Mrs. Jay Lewis

Bainbridge Republican, August 28, 1879

Mrs. Jay Lewis, only daughter of Rev. N. Ripley, died on Saturday morning last after a lingering and painful illness of many months.  The funeral services were held at her father's house on Monday afternoon, Rev. Wheeler, of Bainbridge, an early friend of the deceased, officiating.

Emily Riley

Bainbridge Republican, October 17, 1879

Emily, wife of John Riley of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], died the 11th inst., in the fifty-ninth year of her age.  In the death of Mrs. Riley the community in which she lived has lost one of its best citizens; a lady whose worth was known best to those who knew her most intimately.  The funeral Monday forenoon last, at her late residence was largely attended by the friends of the deceased and residents of the neighborhood, besides many from other towns.

Mary Mulligan

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 17, 1883

Mrs. Mary Mulligan died on the 4th inst. at the residence of her son, Thomas Mulligan, at the advanced age of 96 years.  She was the oldest person in the town.  She came from Ireland about 35 years ago, and settled near Sherburne village [Chenango Co., NY].  At the time of her death she had upward of fifty great-grandchildren.

Miscellaneous Items

Norwich City Concert Band

Utica Saturday Globe, July 14, 1906

 

 

Charles Burt, Former Slave

Bainbridge Republican, August 21, 1879

The Binghamton papers report a centenarian as now visiting in that city.  The subject of the sketch is a colored man named Charles Burt, who has reached the remarkable age of one hundred and four years.  His home is in Lisle, Broome co., where he resides with a wife and daughter.  He was born on board a ship which was enroute to this country with a cargo of slaves from the Bermuda Islands; was brought up in slavery, but was set free by his mistress when he was twenty-eight years of age.  Among other places mentioned, he lived seven or eight years in the family of Gen. Rathbone, in Oxford; one year in Norwich, and four years in Sherburne.  He remembers seeing the carriage in which was Washington, when he was president.  With the exception of being an inveterate chewer and smoker, he is temperate, is a Christian, reads his Bible, enjoys remarkably good health, and is able to walk about the streets without assistance.

 

Bainbridge In Review (Chenango Co., NY)

Bainbridge Republican, August 30, 1917

Republished in 1942

 

Re-printing of items from the old Bainbridge Republican.  By reading the items we can see that the local townspeople then underwent the same farm problems, work problems and other war-influenced changes that we face today [1942].

 

Lewis E. Matteson and Miss Mildred E. Whitman, both of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], were united in marriage by the Rev. A. Merrill, Monday, August 27.

 

George Snitchler, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], who expects to leave home soon for service in the United States Army, was a recent guest of his brother, Lewis Snitchler.

 

Howard Appley has purchased a new Maxwell roadster, and S.R. Finch and W.F. Watrous each a touring car.  The local agent, W.G. McGinnis, delivered the cars last week.

 

Died at the State Hospital, Binghamton, Aug. 18, Kathleen Brennan, wife of Joe Brennan, a former resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  Her burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City [Broome Co., NY].

 

Under the ruling by President Wilson and published Sunday in the morning papers, all married men are exempt from the draft service.  This new decision caused the Chenango County board to reconvene on Tuesday as more men of the county must be summoned to take the places of the married men of the county already accepted by now exempt.

 

On Sunday morning at 6 o'clock in full uniform of Lieutenant in the medical Reserve Corps, Dr. Edward Danforth was driven to Binghamton by auto and from there took the train for Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind., to report for service in the United States Army.  For several days previous to departure the doctor was expecting a summons to leave and consequently he was in readiness.  His wife accompanied him to Binghamton.  Mrs. Danforth and sons will remain in Bainbridge during his absence.  Dr. Danforth will render very efficient service to the United States as he is an able and proficient physician and surgeon.  He has been assigned to field work.

 

At the Chenango County Fair held in Norwich this week two pure bred claves were sold for the benefit of the Red Cross.  Leo Nichols gave a pure bred Jersey bull calf and Otto Ives donated a pure bred Holstein.  Both are well bred and their pedigrees have been filed at the Farm Bureau office where prospective bidders may examine them.  Both Mr. Nichols and Mr. Ives are large breeders in their line and the calves offered for this very charitable enterprise are exceptional.

 

Farm cadet pupils of the high school are hereby notified that they may continue their farm services until November 1st, and that all time requirements for entering the Regents' examinations for January and June will be waived.  However, those intending to remain out of school until that time must register at the opening of school Tuesday morning, Sept. 4th and secure their release from the Principal otherwise this privilege will not be granted to them.  To those pupils receiving release, arrangements will be made to instruct them outside of the regular school hour during September and October at such times as may seem expedient.  This will be done freely and willingly as a patriotic duty.  The above statements pertain to the counts for the coming school year.  Those expecting credits for services rendered during the past summer for counts in last year's subjects will report to the Principal at the opening of the school also for final determination.  The Principal desires to repeat again that he stands ready and willing to help any pupil in any way possible by giving special courses for a few months, private instructions free for registered pupils and waiving all time requirements up to November 1st.  Come to the school Tuesday morning and talk over the matters with the Principal and let him help you.

 

Obituaries (May 28)

Lucius Byron Southworth

Utica Saturday Globe, July 28, 1906

 

Lucius Byron Southworth

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Death came suddenly to one of the best known residents of Norwich when Lucius Byron Southworth passed away at his home on Rexford street at midnight Monday from heart failure.  Mr. Southworth, who had become a familiar figure on the streets, was in his usual health Monday and during the morning drove about the village.  After he had retired for the night he experienced difficulty in breathing and shortly before midnight was aroused from his bed by a noise in the stables.  He went to the kitchen on his way to investigate and could get no further.  He called to his wife for assistance and Dr. Ormsby was summoned.  Medical attention was of no avail and he soon passed away.  Mr. Southworth was born in Bridgewater, N.Y., October 26, 1840, and so was nearing the completion of his 66th year.  His life until early manhood was spent in his native place until about 40 years ago he and his brothers removed to Earlville where he remained until six years ago last June when he removed to Norwich into the home he occupied at the time of his death.  For 20 years he had engaged in the livery business in Earlville and Norwich.  Mr. Southworth was the last of his immediate family and with the exception of his widow, formerly Miss Julia Karr, of Smyrna, to whom he was married September 15, 1868, there are no near relatives.  he was a member of the Men's Club of the Congregational Church, with which church he was affiliated, but belonged to no fraternal or secret orders, preferring to spend his time in his home.  Funeral services were held from the late home, on Thursday morning at 11 o'clock.  Rev. Daniel W. Dexter officiating, and interment was in the family burial plot in the cemetery at Sherburne Hill

 

Joseph Welton

Bainbridge Republican, August 7, 1879

Harpursville [Broome Co., NY]:  Mr. Joseph Welton of this place, died on Sunday the 3d inst., aged 99 years, 4 months and 5 days. The deceased was born at Watertown Conn., and moved to this town 62 years ago.  At that time this region was a wilderness with here and there a settler.  He came with a covered wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen, and driving a cow and ten sheep.  He settled on what is now called Weston street.  Mr. Welton was born March, 1780, while the colonies were struggling for independence.  He was baptized in infancy by a minister of the church of England, was confirmed at the age of 17, hence he had been a communicant of the Episcopal Church 80 years.  He leaves three sons and a daughter, all of whom are over 70 years of age.  His wife with whom he lived over 50 years, preceded him to the better land 25 years ago.  In politics, he was a Republican, having always voted that ticket.

 

Capt. William Newton

Bainbridge Republican, August 21, 1879

Capt. Wm. Newton, one of the early pioneers and oldest inhabitants of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], died in that village the 13th inst.  Mr. Newton's family are among the prominent men of the country.  One son, Hubert, is widely known as the distinguished professor of astronomy at Yale; Warren, the banker at Norwich; Isaac, the well known attorney; Homer, a prominent oculist, and Lucius, a wealthy farmer at Sherburne.  The history of the family covers a large portion of the history of Sherburne, and a biographical sketch of the deceased would be interesting to residents of the county.  Mr. Newton was in his 93d year.  He left a large property.  The funeral was held at Sherburne Sunday last, and was attended by friends from all parts of the county. 

 

Ralph Harry Mott

Bainbridge New & Republican, November 6, 1941

Ralph H. Mott, of Union Valley, passed away at Bainbridge Hospital, Thursday morning, Oct. 30, following an abdominal operation on Oct. 22.  Ralph Harry Mott was born in Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], Sept. 25, 1903, the only son of Robert and Anna Belle (Culver)  Mott.  On May 1, 1924, he was united in marriage to Katherine E. Riley at North Sanford.  Eleven years ago the family moved to Union Valley.  Since that time, he has been employed by the America Separator Company and the American Plastics Corporation, of Bainbridge.  Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 3, at Colwell's Chapel, the Rev. David Dawson, of Beach Lake, Pa., and the Rev. Z. James Hall, of Coventry, officiating.  Burial was in Union Valley Cemetery [West Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  Pall-bearers were fellow employees Maurice McGinnis, Everett Smith, William LeSuer, Carlton Mott, Kenneth Jones and Clarence Smith.  Those who mourn his passing include:  his wife, Katherine; his children:  Leon, Charles, Elizabeth, Lillian, Clyde, Eunice and David, at home; Laura Belle, who is being cared for at the Dingman home; Gerald, whose home is in Hallandale, Fla. with Mr. Mott's sister, Mrs. Leonard Sita..

 

A Tribute to Ralph Mott

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 6, 1941

 

He was just an ordinary guy

And never much to boast;

He often had no coin to buy

the things he needed most.

 

He took his living as it came

And did the best he could

With what he had, and wasn't bad

And really was quite good.

 

Their home has never been too small

To welcome all who came,

And he'll be blest, he did his best

And simply played the game.

 

Hard luck was no stranger there,

He simply kept on working.

Clothes wear out and toes get bare

For him there was no shirking.

 

We've often thought of things to make,

And somehow n'er got to it,

But on his hands there was no brake

He's go ahead and do it.

 

It might not be, you'd plainly see

Like a picture in a book,

But it'd never shirk, and always work

Like the man, it ne'er forsook.

 

He kept on working, year by year

To keep wolves from their door

And fed and clothed the family dear

Good-natured, never sore.

 

Whene'er misfortune came his way

He took it in his stride.

And did his best, his debts to pay

He could walk, if there was no ride.

 

Moral

There are arounds us, here below,

Amongst we earthly people

Just lots and lots who'll never know

A church without a steeple.

 

Oh those who live and love and plod,

To fill their humble station

May right well be the blest of God

And the bulwark of a nation.

 

If you and I could ever buy

A pass through Heaven's portals

I think we'd find him upon high

With God's other immortals

 

                                                                                                           Kenneth Ogden Riley,

                                                                                                           His Brother-in-law, Nov. 2, 1941

 

 

 

Bainbridge High School, Class of 1950, Part 5

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1950

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1950

 

 

Patricia Skinner -- "Pat"

When we need a manager for work,

We call on Pat and know she will not shirk

 

Hopes never to be lonesome

Can you imagine her 6' tall with black hair

Will miss most:  Being with Ron during school hours

Ambition:  Home economic teacher

 

Marjorie Smith - "Marge"

She's another that has not much to say,

But smilingly takes trouble that comes her way.

 

Hopes never to be insane

Can you imagine her short and thin

Will miss most:  The Seniors

Ambition:  Receptionist

 

Bernice Tillapaugh -- "Bernie"

Bernice is always ready with a smile,

Cheerful, friendly all the while

 

Hopes never to be an old maid

Can you imagine her as a ballet dancer

Will miss most:  My school friends

Ambition:  Private sccretary

 

 

Milton Wade - "Milt"

Milt in every activity a major part takes,

We are sure a future farmer he will make.

Class Vice-President

 

Hopes never to be a street cleaner

Can you imagine hi as governor of N.Y.

Will miss most:  My buddies

Ambition:  To make a decent living

 

Violet Westerberg - "Vi"

Very studious and wise,

Nothing escapes her watchful eyes.

 

Voted Neatest

Hopes never to be a complete failure

Can you imagine her pushing a car

Will miss most:  seventh period activities

Ambition:  Nurse at John Hopkins



Richard C. Stofer, Pres. Norwich Pharm. 1906

Richard C. Stofer

Utica Saturday Glove, August 18, 1906

 

 

Richard C. Stofer

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At a recent meeting of the executive officers of the Norwich Pharmacal Company, Richard C. Stofer was chosen president in place of Oscar G. Bell, who goes to New York to become president and general manager of the international Fiber company, a large corporation composed of wealthy New York, Chicago and Kansas City capitalists.  Since Mr. Bell's connection with the local concern it has grown from an insignificant industry to be recognized as one of the leading manufactories of pharmaceutical preparations in the United States  For several years Mr. Stofer has been vice president of the Norwich company and general superintendent.  He came here as a chemist and since doing so has seen the company grow largely in the extent and output of its preparations.  He is a Mason and a very genial gentleman and with his experience and ability at the helm the Pharmacal Company will continue to prosper.

Obituaries (May 27)

William Earl

Utica Saturday Globe, July 28, 1906
 

William Earl

 

North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY]:  William Earl died at his home one and one-half miles west of North Pharsalia at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday, July 25.  Deceased was born on a farm at Hemmingport, P.Q. [Quebec], in 1841, where he resided until the civil war, when he enlisted in Company D, Ninety-sixth Regulars, New York Infantry.  He was a valiant soldier and well liked by all his comrades.  During the war he received injuries which affected him throughout the rest of his life.  In 1866, at Champlain, N.Y., he was married to Miss Rachel Jane Maken, and to them was born one daughter, now Mrs. Annie Phillips, of Rindge, N.H., who with her husband and several children, survives.  Mr. Earl came to North Pharsalia in 1870.  He married Mrs. Martha Hall, to whom was born one daughter, Mrs. Belle Bowers, who, with one daughter, is also left to mourn her father's loss.  He was an industrious citizen and was held in high esteem by his family and a large circle of friends.  Besides his widow and two daughters, deceased leaves two sisters, Mrs. Emily Sutton, of Gerald, Pa.; Mrs. Jacob Vreeland, of Lee, Mass., and one brother, Robert Earl, of Wood's Falls, N.Y.  Funeral services will be conducted at the home of Mrs. Belle Bowers, in the village of North Pharsalia, Sunday at 10 a.m.

 

Dr. Alexander & Lurey Purdy/Purdie

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 17, 1883

On Friday morning last the venerable Doctor Purdy and his wife were both found dead in their bed at their residence in Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].  When found they had apparently been dead for some time, and had every appearance of having died a natural death.  Surmises, however, were made that they died from suffocation by coal gas, or from the extreme cold.  Some were uncharitable enough to intimate foul play upon the part of someone.  Dr. H.C. Lyman, Coroner, of Sherburne, hearing of the circumstances, made investigation of it, and the case seeming to be so clear to him that it was a case of "visitation of God," he did not deem in inquest necessary, which decision was generally concurred by those most conversant with the facts.  The best accepted theory is that the wife died in a fit, which so excited the husband as also to result fatally with him.  Both were in extreme old age, and have been for some time in feeble health.

Utica Morning Herald, January 17, 1883

Curious Death of an Aged Couple:  On Friday morning last, old Dr. Purdy and wife, of North Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], were found dead on their kitchen floor.  They were living alone in a small dwelling near their son, Dr. Purdy, in the same yard.  The circumstances attending their death are obscure.  From appearances it is conjected that the old lady, before retiring, attempted to put some wood in the stove, and fell in a fit.  One hand was burned or blackened, besides several bruises about the person.  It is further conjectured that the old gentleman, who was almost blind, with one leg gone, in coming to the rescue of  his wife, who was nearly blind, from nervous excitement or exhaustion, also fell in a fit or swoon and died.  There were some cuts or bruises upon his body, showing that quite an effort or struggle of some sort had been made before he had become extinct.  The doctor was 84, his companion 76.  the house they occupied was formerly the office of the younger Dr. Purdy, a few steps from  his own dwelling, and had been fitted for the comfort and convenience of the aged couple, that all needed care and attention might be bestowed.  Further investigation may shed additional light, disclose other facts, or modify the statement made explanatory of this most singular and startling event.  The venerable pair, who in life were not separated, who mysteriously passed away, probably at the same hour, perhaps at the same moment, were buried side by side in the peaceful quiet of the Quaker cemetery at Smyrna, Sunday afternoon.

Hon. Jacob K. Lull

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 20, 1883

Another of our honored citizens has passed to his rest.  On Tuesday  morning, Jan. 16th, 1883, Hon. Jacob K. Lull died, at the ripe age of 88 years and 4 months, being born Sept. 12, 1794.  His parents were Joseph and Martha Lull, who came to this town before the Revolutionary war, in 1773, and settled upon the farm now occupied by C.L. Whitcomb.  Jacob K. Lull was the tenth child of a family of sixteen children.  When he was 17 years old he went to Hudson to learn the tanner's and currier's trade.  Having finished his trade, at the age of 24 years, he built a tannery on the homestead farm, where he carried on the business twenty-one years.  He then suspended that branch of his business, and gave his whole attention to the manufacture of boots and shoes, which business he established in this village, occupying the stone shop, opposite his residence, on East Main street.  Mr. Hull was a successful business man, and at different periods of his active business life, was called to fill positions of trust.  In the fall of 1873 he was elected to the State legislature.  After the expiration of his term as Assemblyman he returned to his home and attended to his former business.  For the last twenty-five years he has lived a retired life, among those who have ever respected him.  In his death, passes away the last of the old settlers of this town--Morris Chronicle.

William Fielden

Afton Enterprise, January 29, 1891

A very pathetic incident occurred at the funeral of the late William Fielden.  Mr. Fielden has no relatives in this country and his faithful dog was the nearest mourner.  When the neighbors gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased they found the dog sitting at the head of the casket where he was allowed to remain until it was carried to the hearse.  The dog walked beside the hearse to the cemetery, some 3-1/2 miles and when the casket was taken into the vault he was allowed to follow. After the brief service there he returned to the old home with the neighbors and has been taken by Thomas Ball to whom Mr. Fielden gave him before he died.  It was stated by those who attended the funeral that the dog seemed to realize what was taking place and really exhibited signs of genuine sorrow--Morris Chronicle.

Mortuary Statistics - Mount Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 3, 1883

The following mortuary statistics are kindly furnished us by Mr. Thos. Doughty, the keeper of the Norwich cemetery.  The entire list of interments in the cemetery during the past year [1882] is as follows, all residents of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], except as indicated:

Abel Breed, brought from Butternuts
Sarah K. Gould from Preston
Harriet L. Randall from Canandaigua
Sarah H. Thompson,
Austin Case, Preston
Jerome W Davis
Thomas H. Prentice
Mary Aldcorn
Rosalia E. Spafford
Rev. Lorenzo Burdick
Esther A. Hickok
Henry L. York
Charles S. Cornwall, from Kansas
Hannah A. Messenger
Betsey Steere
Smith Steere
Adelbert Smith's child
D.C. Grover, Rockwell's Mills
Amelia P. Phelps
Edward O. Hale
Ella H. Hovey
Arthur E. Smith
Nath'l Eggleston
Joseph C. Allen
Luella Shepard
Ellen R. Lewis
Oritta Haxton
Kate N. Mead
Lucy M. Cox
--- Sholes, infant child
Mary E.Cornwell
Norman Cox,
D.R.Wells
F. Sherman's child from Kings Settlement
Ellen P. Gilbert
Charles Clarke from Preston
David B. Grifling from New Berlin
Emma A. Browning from Pharsalia, died while visiting here
Henry Close
Edward H. Blanchard --?- at Pennellville, resided here
Skillen's child
Frances J. Schrom
Emma Miller
Samantha S. Roberts
Kelly child, infant
David Maydole
Rhodes Merrithew
Polly Williams
Taber child from Sherburne
Mary Esther Breed
A.L. Burr
Almanda Cox
Eugene Lewis
Sarah Brooks
Neish's infant child
Alice G. Adams from Oxford
Mary C. Bosworth
Mrs. J.Salsman
Lowenbeck's child
Mary Pell
Lucinda Pellett

Of the above named, four were above eighty years of age, eight were in the seventies, thirteen in the sixties, seven in the fifties, four in the forties, four in the thirties, five in the twenties, two in the tens and ten under 12 years old, remainder not ascertained.  Five were brought from other cemeteries during the year and there have been eleven removals within the grounds during the past year. This record of course does not include the interment sin the Catholic cemetery, but these also have been exceedingly small in number during the past year.

 

Marriages (May 26)

Rev. & Mrs. Joseph M. Coleman

 

 

Rev. & Mrs. Joseph M. Coleman

Friends and relatives will join with the Rev. Joseph M. Coleman and Mrs. Coleman in observance of their golden wedding anniversary, Monday, Feb. 21, when open house will be held at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Charles E.B. James, 625 Wendell st., West Endicott, from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m.  The Reverend Mr. Coleman is well known in the Triple Cities having served in nearby Methodist churches.  Since his retirement in 1938, he and his wife have resided in Nineveh [Broome Co., NY].  Methodist churches served by the Reverend Mr. Coleman include Hallstead, Great Bend, Windsor, Greene, Candor, Damascus, Beach Lake, Candor, Damascus, Beach Lake, Carley Brook, New Berlin, Mt. Morris, Sidney Center and LeRaysville, Pa.

 

Ireland - Burfening

Mr. and Mrs. Louis R. Burfening of Saint Paul, Minnesota, announce the marriage of their daughter, Lois Ruth, to Francis Copeland Ireland, Seaman First Class, U.S.Navy, on March 11, 1944, in the chapel of St. Paul's Episcopal church in San Diego, California, at 8 o'clock.  The rector, the Rev. Dr. Canon Rankin Barnes, performed the ceremony.  The bride was attired in a lilac wool suit with a white corsage.  Miss Mary TeaBroeck of San Diego, maid of honor, wore navy with a corsage of pink.  The groom was attended by Walter Heilbuth, U.S.Navy, of Chicago, Illinois, as best man.  Mrs. Ireland attended Marquette University where she was a member of Kappa Beta Gamma sorority, and Carroll College at Waukesha where she was affiliated with Kappa Gamma Phi.  She is a graduate of Prospect Hall.  Mr. Ireland is the son of Mrs. Rachel Ireland of Oxford.  He attended Syracuse University and the Eastman School of Business.  Mr. Ireland was Assistant Treasurer of Fox Wisconsin Amusement Corp., which is controlled by 20th Century Fox and the Chase National Bank.  He is now stationed at San Diego, California.

 

Talcott - Emmick

1944

At noon Saturday, Miss Mary Louise Emmick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Emmick of Highbridge Farms, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], became the bride of Carlton Albrecht Talcott of Ithaca, son of Mr. and Mrs. Adna Talcott of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  The Methodist Church was the scene of the marriage ceremony and Rev. Norman B. Graves officiated.  The altar was banked with white snapdragons and ferns and white taffeta bows and ferns decorated each pew.  The bride, who was given in marriage by her father, was gowned in traditional white satin, entrain.  Her tulle veil was attached with a headdress of orange blossoms and she carried an arm bouquet of gardenias, white roses and freesias.  Her sister, Miss Beverly Emmick, was maid of honor, and the bridesmaids were Miss J. Seymour of Oxford and Mrs. Robert Beardsley of Ithaca.  Miss Emmick wore a gown of yellow taffeta and carried a bouquet of blue iris.  The bridesmaids wore similar gowns of pink and blue taffeta and carried yellow daffodils and pink snapdragons.  Ralph Talcott of Sidney was best man for his brother and the ushers were the bride's brother Chester Emmick, and Robert Beardsley.  The bride's mother wore an aqua crepe dress and the bridegroom's mother wore royal blue velvet.  Both wore corsages of white gardenias.  Fifty guests were present at a buffet luncheon at the bride's home.  The refreshment table was centered with a fan shaped bouquet of white snapdragons and a three-tiered wedding cake topped with a miniature bride and groom also decorated the table.  There were fourteen at the bride's table, which included the bridal party, parents of the bride and groom, and Rev. and Mrs. Norman Graves.  For the wedding trip to New York City, Mrs. Talcott chose a green silk suit with black accessories and wore a corsage of white gardenias.  Mrs. Talcott is a graduate of Oxford Academy, Class of 1936 and Utica School of Commerce.  She was employed by G.L.F. of Ithaca as secretary to the General Manager, before her marriage.  Mr. Talcott is a graduate of Sidney High School and received a B.A. Degree from Cornell University.  They will make their home at 505 East State Street, Ithaca, where the bridegroom is head of the Accounting Department of the G.L.F. Soil Building.  Guests were present form Bainbridge, Unadilla, Sidney, Sherburne, Ithaca, and Wellsboro, Pa.

 

Miller - Peck

1944

Mr. and Mrs. Verne Peck announce the engagement of their daughter, Dorothy Frances, to Pvt. Thomas J. Miller, son of Francis Miller, of Scranton, Pa.  Miss Peck is a member of Instructors at Nix, Hospital, Medical Chemical Laboratory Base at Abolo, Tex.  Pvt. Miller is a member of the Air Force at Randolph Field, Tex.  No date has been set for the wedding.  Mr. and Mrs. Peck recently enjoyed a telephone call from their daughter, Dorothy.  It took two hours to put the call through from Texas to Bainbridge. 

 

Spinelli - Husted

March 1944

Mrs. Lawrence Rivers announces the engagement of her daughter, Miss Emily Husted, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY[  to Mr. Dominic Spinelli, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Spinelli of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  Miss Husted is teaching Latin and Social Studies at Laurens.

Tobias Houk, Revolutionary Soldier

Tobias Houk of North Guilford, NY

Oxford Review - Times, May 15, 1931

 

 

Frederick Houk Law of Brooklyn has sent the following interesting biography of his great-grandfather, Tobias Houk, who is buried in the old Four Corners burying ground at North Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

 "Tobias Houk, a soldier in the American Revolution, was born at Short Hills, N.J., Oct. 4, 1760.  In May, 1777, being then 16 years old, he was residing with Corbit Scudder at Short Hills, N.J. when the American army passed through that place on its way south, he was impressed into the service as a teamster and reamined with the army in that capacity until about June 1778.  He passed the winter of 1777-78 at Valley Forge.  About the first of September, 1781, being then 20 years old, he enlisted for one year, and served that time as a private under Ensign Asher Randall in Captain Elijah Freeman's company.  The company was not attached to  any regiment but was stationed and performed guard duty at Woodbridge, N.J.

 

"After the war he resided at Short Hills, N.J., two years; in new York City one year; in Lansingburg, N.J. one year; in Butternuts, N.Y. seven years and in Guilford.

 

September 12, 1785, he married Rachel Griffin.  He had four sons and seven daughters:  Jacob, Ephriam, Orange, Josiah, Polly (Wright), Martha (Nash), Mehitable (Boothe), Rachel (Shippey), Olodyne (Ryan Law), Roxey (Rosecrantz), Abigail (Jackson). 

 

"He died at Guilford, June 18, 1836, aged 75 years, 8 months and 74 days."



Obituaries (May 25)

Cornelia L. Sheldon

Utica Saturday Globe, August 11, 1906

 

 

 Mrs. Cornelia L. Sheldon

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Cornelia L. Sheldon, wife of Thomas J. Sheldon, passed away suddenly at her home on Brown avenue Monday evening.  At noon when Mr. Sheldon left his home to go to his work of carpenter in the New York, Ontario & Western Railway shops he left his wife in her usual health.  A few minutes past 6 o'clock when he came home to supper he found Mrs. Sheldon lying on the floor in a very weak condition.  A neighbor who had been at the house calling about an hour before left Mrs. Sheldon apparently well except that she had spoken of a slight feeling of tightness in her throat which caused some difficulty in breathing.  Dr. Drake was called and pronounced it a case of heart failure.  Mrs. Sheldon was born in the town of Summit, Schoharie county, July 8, 1842, but had lived in Norwich since 1889.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church and had made many friends.  She had planned to leave Thursday on a visit to friends in New Jersey.  Funeral services were held at her late home Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock, Rev. Charles Burr, of Groton officiating.  The remains were taken to the early morning train on the New York, Ontario & Western en route to Worcester, N.Y., for burial.  Of her immediate family only her husband survives her.  He is the recipient of many tokens of warm sympathy from his fellow shop men and other acquaintances.

Marvin Leroy Bill

1844 - 1908

Marvin Leroy Bill died quite suddenly at the home of E. Bromley, Tuesday morning, June 9, 1908.  He had not been feeling well but was about and on the street until the day preceding his death.  He was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] sixty-four years ago last January, and has been a resident of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] most of his life.  The funeral was attended from the home, the Rev. E.M. Pascoe officiating.  Interment in Ives Settlement cemetery [Guilford, NY].

Hiram L. Whiting

1811 - 1906

Hiram L. Whiting, one of Winsted's oldest residents and a highly respected citizen, died suddenly at the home of his son-in-law, Sidney F. Dickerman, with whom he had lived for the past 20 years on Hillside avenue, this morning at 10:20.  Yesterday he came down to breakfast as usual, but complained of feeling badly and went up stairs again and went to bed.  His physician was called and a nurse sent for immediately.  He failed rapidly until the end, having one or two sinking spells in the night.  Mr. Whiting was 94 years old last fall, having been born at Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], Oct. 26, 1811.  His ancestors went to New York state from Norfolk.  He married Sarah L. Holt March 8, 1838, and they lived happy together on their farm in Guilford nearly 50 years.  Mrs. Whiting having died May 17, 1885.  In the fall of that year Mr. Whiting came to live with his daughter, Mrs. Dickerman.  He was a good farmer and managed his place skillfully.  He knew how to raise crops to the best advantage and took good care of them, turning them into money.  Out in Guilford he was prominent in town and church affairs and had held a number of offices.  Being so old when he came here, he let such things drop, but transferred his church membership to the Second Congregational church, which he attended very regularly.  There was no question about his integrity.  Everyone placed implicit confidence in him, and there was no doubting that he lived up to the high Christian principles he professed.  Mr Whiting was the last of his family, his wife, two daughters and brothers and sister all having died.  The late Jennison J. Whiting, whose name is endeared to this town, was a brother.  The funeral arrangements will be announced tomorrow.  The body will be taken Monday to Guilford for burial.

Andrew C. Sill & Leon Sill

1871 - 1912

The St. Petersburg, Florida, Daily Times, of Wednesday, June 5th, gives an account of the drowning of Andrew C. Sill and his son, Leon, of Ruskin, Fla.  After describing the search for the bodies in the waters of the ocean, as both were missed from the boat which they were using, and the subsequent finding of the bodies, the Times says: 

"Mr. Sill and his small son, who was lad of only thirteen years, had been trying since Friday to get a lighter load of lime to Ruskin from here, but until Monday noon they had not succeeded in getting any further than Boyboro.  They were both up town yesterday for some supplies stating that they intended making another start which they did with the fatal result.  the supposition is, that the boy in some way fell into the water and Mr. Sill knowing that his son could not swim, had jerked as many of his clothes as he could off and leaped into the water after his son, and in trying to save him had lost his own life.  Mr. Sill was a valued citizen of St. Petersburg for sixteen years, a highly educated gentleman, being an authority on all subjects pertaining to horticulture, and was loved by all who knew him.  He leaves hundreds of friends who join his heartbroken wife in mourning his untimely death.  Mr. Sill was a prominent Socialist having been secretary of that party for years, and for this reason he moved to Ruskin which is a Socialist colony.. His wife, two little girls with several friends from Ruskin will be over early this morning, to attend the burial this morning." 

Andrew Sill was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and resided here during his younger days.  He was the brother of Capt. Louis Sill of the U.S. Revenue service.  He left Bainbridge about twenty years ago.  He married Miss Emma Barber, daughter of Rev. J.T. Barber, formerly of the Baptist church here, and who survives. him.

Nelson J. Turner

1844 - 1912

Nelson J. Turner entered into rest at his home in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] June 19, 1912.  He was born in East Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 4, 1844, where he lived until after his marriage Oct. 4,1864 to Miss Helen Ives of Guilford, after which he went to farming two miles west of Guilford, where over 45 years of happy married life was spent.  Failing health of himself and son necessitated their selling their farm and the past years and a half the family had lived in Guilford. The deceased gave his heart to Christ in youth and he became a member of the Methodist church of Oxford, and has ever lived exemplary, Christian life  When able to be present his place in the house of God was seldom vacant.  In his youth he frequently walked six miles to attend church and S.S.  During his last illness, of two and a half months of intense suffering he told his only surviving brother what his S.S. teacher said to him at the time he gave his heart to Christ, and said he had found as his teacher had said, that the religion of Christ was a help all though life, and know in the hours of suffering he had found much comfort and consolation in the blessed promises of the Bible.  In the beginning of his illness she seemed to be impressed with the idea that he would not recover and made all arrangements for the end with the same consciousness to duty which characterized his whole life.  He is survived by his wife who cheerfully and tenderly cared for him doing all in her power to alleviate his sufferings, one daughter, Laura Ett, and one son, Arthur, and family, also lovingly ministered to his wants.  He is also survived by one brother, Simeon A. Turner of Oxford, and two sisters, Mrs. T.M. Williams of Coventryville, and Mrs. Hubert Port of Norwich.  The deceased was a loving and faithful husband and father, an affectionate brother and a kind and obliging neighbor, ever ready to help the suffering and needy and in his death all feel a sense of personal loss. The funeral was largely attended from his late home Saturday, the service being conducted by Rev. U.R. Jones, pastor of the Guilford Methodist church, of which Mr. Tuner had been a faithful member for many years.  Interment was made in the Guilford cemetery, amid a profusion of beautiful flowers.   [Sunset Hill Cemetery, Guilford, NY]

John E. Parsons

Oxford Review Times, May 17, 1899

Another old resident of the town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], John E. Parsons, died Saturday afternoon, May 6, 1899, at his home two and a half miles above that village  In March Mr. Parsons fell and broke a finger of the right hand which he was obliged to have amputated.  His system received a shock from the operation which affected him seriously and he lost all interest in passing events.  He was confined to the bed two weeks before his death but suffered very little.  Mr. Parsons was born in the town of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] eighty-three years ago.  He had lived upon the farm where he died for over fifty years.  He married in February, 1853, Miss Abigail White of Bainbridge, who died twenty years ago.  Eight children were born to them, of whom six survive:  The Misses Mary E. and Alice M. Parsons and Horatio S. Parsons, living at the father's home, and Mrs. E.H. DePugh of Sidney, Mrs. U.S. Greene, Holmesville, N.Y., and William A. Parsons, Bainbridge.  Mr. Parsons was a wealthy farmer, an energetic business man, kind in his family and was respected by all.  His funeral was held at the house Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. Mr. Grant of the Episcopal church officiating.

E.J. Berry

Oxford Review Times, May 17, 1899

The news was received in Norwich Monday, of the death that day of E.J. Berry of South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  He had been suffering for some time with rheumatism, but the immediate cause of his death was a shock.  Mr. Berry was a brother-in-law of Daniel E. Comstock, and an uncle of Hon. Silas W. Berry of this village.  He was a prominent citizen of the town of Oxford, having served as assessor a number of years.  Before moving to Oxford he resided in Preston and had served that town faithfully as supervisor.  Deceased was 76 years of age.  The funeral will be held Thursday at 1:00 o'clock p.m., from his late residence at South Oxford.