Marriages (July 18)

Rowe - Blankley

Norwich Sun, May 14, 1929

James Rowe of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY] and Miss Wilma Blankley of Rockwells Mills [Chenango Co., NY] were united in marriage at the Methodist parsonage of Sidney Saturday, May 4 by the Rev. T. Ashton Rich.  The groom is a son of Mr. and Mr. James Rowe and the bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Blankley.  The wedding ceremony was witnessed by Mr. and Mrs. George Blankley.

 

Mr. & Mrs. T.G. Ingersoll

Chenango Union, October 29, 1885

On Friday evening, October 23d, a number of the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. T.G. Ingersoll, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], made them a complete surprise as they suddenly "dropped in," one after another, till their home was about full from kitchen to parlor.  The occasion was that of the twenty-fifth anniversary of their married life.  Mr. Ingersoll served his country long and well as a soldier during the dark hours of rebellion, and all along these years they have lived to meet life's duties, and care for their parents, who a few years since have fallen asleep, only to be remembered by the sweetest recollections, and cherished by the most endearing ties, connected with those beautiful and living words; Home, father and mother.  they are now enjoying life as the third generation upon the old homestead, and while the parental chairs were vacant around the hearthstone, we find them now filled by a dutiful son and loving daughter, to whom they look with bright hope and for future joys.  While neighbors and friends from every side gathered to share with our esteemed couple the joy of the occasion, and to express their best wishes for the future, we were pleased to meet relatives form Unadilla and Gilbertsville, and while we were not permitted to mingle our voices with distant loved ones, we were reminded of them by beautiful and useful presents bearing their names, among which we notice a few:  Large silver pieces from friends in Chicago, and others from E.T. Musson and C. Hopkins, of Norwich, and G.E. Bailey, Brooklyn, N.Y., and L.S. Perry, Syracuse. The Guilford friends, set of china, four sets of knives, etc., also several books of poems, etc.  After a social visit, refreshments were served, music and anecdotes enjoyed, a word of thanks returned to Him who bestows all our gifts; and with many earnest wishes for the continued welfare of the happy couple, we separated, receiving an invitation to call again after the short space of twenty-five years.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Rufus Smith

Chenango Union, February 5, 1874

Guilford [Chenango Co. NY]:  Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Smith celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage on the 14th ult. at the house of Nathan DeLavan.  Although it was a stormy night, about 100 of their friends assembled, with congratulations and good gifts for this worthy couple.  Mr. Smith is a brother of the late Samuel A. Smith, and removed to Guilford from Connecticut in 1840.  Joseph L. Smith for many years a resident of Norwich, is the eldest of ten children, who are wildly scattered, but who with two exceptions, were present at this anniversary.  One of the most interesting features of the evening was a poem written by Miss L.A Balcom of Oxford.

 

Marriages in 1907

Bainbridge, Chenango County, New York

Bainbridge Republican, January 2, 1908

 

Jan. 10:     Bertie G. Martin and Elizabeth I. Coulter

Jan. 30:     Lyman B. Hotaling and Myrtie M. DeForest

 

Mar. 2:      Altison E. Luther and Etta J. Hopkins

Mar. 20:    William W. Cady and Zilpha E. Butler

Mar. 25:    Harold Elander and Anna Seymour

 

Apr. 20:     Guy F. Elliott and Nina A. Walker

 

May 5:       Lindsey LeSuer and Daisy M. Haight

 

June 5:       Orlando F. Howland and Hallie Cartledge

June 26:     John Erie Roberts and Mary Louise Briggs

 

July 6:        Will Clark and Nettie Grove

July 27:      John Erie Roberts and Mary Louise Briggs

 

Sept. 5:      Luther Eaton and Mabel Fish

Sept. 10:    Maurice J. Wilcox and Dorothea Roehlk

Sept. 24:    Charles A. Wood and S. Agnes Bristol

 

Dec. 11:     Frank Orman and Ernestine m. Hill

Dec. 21:     John Roehlk and Etta l. Hendricks

Dec. 25:     Leo J. Wheeler and Evva B. Pratt

 



Obituaries (July 18)

Myron Losee

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1900

 

 

Myron J. Losee

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At his boarding place,No. 62 Rexford street, after an illness of 10 days, Myron J. Losee died Sunday, September 30, aged 36.  Mr. Losee was the engineer at the Borden condensary and came to Norwich from Brewsters, where his family made their home and where he had formerly been employed at the Borden plant.  His wife was at his bedside during the last days of his brief illness.  Escorted by 76 employees of the condensary, among whom deceased had become very popular during his few months of service here, the remains were taken to the 11:45 Lackawanna train on Sunday evening on the way to Brewsters, where the funeral services were held and burial made.  A delegation from Norwich lodge of Masons acted as bearers at the train.  Supt. and Mrs. Frank G. Eno and Mr. Hodge accompanied the widow on her sad journey home.

 

Putnam County Republican, October 6, 1900

 

LOSEE:  At Norwich [NY], on Sunday, Sept. 30th, Myron Losee, formerly of Brewster [Putname Co., NY], aged 35 years and 7 months.

 

The people of this place [Brewster, NY] were surprised the latter part of last week to learn of the very dangerous illness of Myron Losee, at Norwich, N.Y., where he went last February.  On Sunday morning word was received that he was dead.  The cause was typhoid fever.  He had been confined to his bed about ten days.  His wife, who resides here, was at his bedside during his illness.  Dr. Boynton was called Saturday and he arrived there late Saturday night, but it was too late for any help.  Deceased was a son of the late James and Antoinette Losee, of this place.  He was a man much respected and was Past Master of Croton lodge, No. 368, and Past Grand of Brewster lodge, No. 457, I.O.O.F.  The funeral was held from the Presbyterian Church, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  A very large assemblage of friends was present.  Masonic and Odd Fellow services were conducted by the brother members.  Interment in the family plot in M.E. Cemetery.  Deceased was 35 years and 7 months of age.  He leaves a wife, but no children, to mourn his sad loss. The entire community extend their sympathy to his wife.

Delia Tarbell

1835 - 1900

The death of Mrs. Delia Tarbell, which occurred on the 28th of March [1900], removes from that locality one who was esteemed by many warm friends.  Mrs. Tarbell had been ill only nine days and died of pneumonia at the age of 65 years.  She was a kind and loving wife ever ready to lend a hand to those in distress. A husband, one daughter and a brother are left to mourn her sad loss. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. W.T. Edds at the Presbyterian church in East Guilford.

Charles H. Tarbell

1835 - 1907

Charles H. Tarbell, a prominent business man of Utica [Oneida Co., NY] who died last week at his home in that city, is remembered by many surviving friends as having lived here for some time many years ago.  The period of his residence here was probably before the Civil war, and was previous to his marriage.  He was a young man at the time, and worked here in the shops side by side with many men who were employed by the old stock company and other manufacturing concerns.  Those who knew him in those days are not all gone and such of them as have heard of his decease speak with appreciation of his high character and his fine ability as a mechanic and a man of business.  Mr. Tarbell had been in poor health for about four years, so that he had not been able to devote himself to business pursuits with his usual energy, and had been confined to his home since February, after spending all of the winter in the South.  He was best known in Utica in connection with the carriage and harness trade, at which he was an expert.  Most of his business life was spent in the employ of J.M. Childs & Co., now C.H. Childs & Co., for whom he traveled as a salesman.  He was widely known in this state and many others, and had thousands of customers who became his warm personal friends.  While the civil war was in progress he was doing his duty at the front, serving his country as a courageous soldier in the 121st New York Regiment.  He followed the flag in many battle fields, and was honorably discharged after three years service.  After the war was over and the G.A.R. was formed to perpetuate the memory of army life and advance the welfare of the veterans, he became a member of Bacon Post holding several offices therein.  In 1881 Mr. Tarbell was married to Miss Nettie M. Miller of Utica and their union was the source of much domestic happiness. Their home was in the suburbs of the city, where they entertained many guests, and exemplified true hospitality.  Mr Tarbell's wife survives him. He also leaves two brothers George D. Tarbell of New Mexico, and Thurston S. Tarbell of Guilford. The late J. Frank Tarbell of Unadilla formerly of Unadilla Forks, who was the father of Mrs. John L. Jones, of DeLancey's Corners was another brother.

Utica Saturday Globe, May 31, 1907

A well-known resident of this city was claimed by death yesterday when Charles H. Tarbell passed away at his home, 807 Genesee street.  Deceased was born June 1, 1835, in Sanford, Broome county [NY].  When he was 14 Mr. Tarbell's parents moved to Afton, N.Y.  Later they moved to Guilford and then to Unadilla Forks, where the young man learned the trade of cabinet making.  He worked at his trade until the beginning of the civil war, when he enlisted in Company B, one Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment, serving honorably until the close of the war.  Coming to Utica, Mr. Tarbell engaged as a traveling salesman with J.M. Childs & Co. now Charles H. Childs & Co.  He was on the road 26 years and subsequently worked in the store for 13 years.  Besides being well known in this city, Mr. Tarbell enjoyed an extensive traveling acquaintance.  His long service for the firm of Childs & Co. attests his faithfulness to the interests of his employers as well as his efficiency as a salesman.  In his home city he was very popular.  He was a valued member of Post Bacon G.A.R. and for years a road commissioner in New Hartford.  Mr. Tarbell was married February 14, 1881, in Utica to Miss Nettie M. Miller, and with his wife had enjoyed for 23 years the pleasant home in which he passed away.  Besides his widow there survive two brothers George D. of New Mexico and Thurston Tarbell of Guilford.  He leaves also several nephews and nieces, including Mrs. D.R. Kinioch of this city; Mrs. Florence E. Stone, of Unadilla, and Mrs. John L. Jones of Unadilla Forks.

Nettie (Miller) Tarbell

Daily Sentinel, Rome, NY, February 26, 1923

Utica [Oneida Co., NY]:  Nettie Miller Tarbell, widow of Charles H. Tarbell, died at her home, 807 Genesee street, yesterday.  A general decline, due to advanced age, caused her death. Mrs. Tarbell was born in Annsville, November 13, 1838, daughter of Smith Miller and Lydia Brockett Miller, who were among the early settlers of the town.  The family removed to Camden, when the daughter was 11 years of age.  She received her education there and for a time taught school near that village.  Some time later she went to Boonville, where she learned the trade of hair dressing and came to Utica about 1865 and engaged in that business here.  She established her business on Genesee street near the old Erie Canal, where the Mohawk Engraving Company is now located, and conducted a hair dressing parlor there, and also handled women's furnishing goods.  On February 14, 1881, she was married to Charles H. Tarbell of this city.  He died May 24, 1907.  Mrs. Tarbell was the last member of the family, being a sister of the late Perry D. Miller of Camden. She leaves a number of nephews and nieces:  Fred Barber, Providence, R.I.; Charles P. Miller, Minneapolis; Mrs. J.H. Stewart, Pearl River, N.Y.; Mrs. George C. Paddock of Massena; Mrs. John K. Littler of Camden.  She was a member of Westminster Church. 





Leigh Evans of Bainbridge, NY

 Leigh Wallace Evans

As partner of the Will D. Evans Company, wholesale lumber dealers and manufacturers, and manager and owner of the Leigh W. Evans insurance agency, Leigh W Evans is ranked among the most prominent and successful business leaders of Bainbridge, where he also has taken an active part in social and civic affairs. 

 

Mr. Evans was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], January 22, 1891, the son of Will D. and Carrie (Albee) Evans.  His father, who was born here in November, 1859 has engaged in a local lumber business for more than a quarter of a century.  His mother born near Conklin in 1863, died May 17, 1931.  According to family records the Evans family has been established in this section of the State since about 1778, and one member, Major Henry Evans, is said to have been granted land which now forms part of the site of Bainbridge.

 

Mr. Evans received a general education in Bainbridge and after completing his high school studies matriculated at the Central City Business School in Syracuse, from which he was graduated with the class of 1912.  For a number of years following completion of his training he engaged in sales work and continued in this business until 1922, when he became associated with his father, on a partnership basis in the wholesale lumber and manufacturing business.

 

He has been one of the most active leaders in community affairs.  Since 1925 he has served as chief of the Bainbridge Fire Department, is a member and vice-president of the Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce and belongs to the Slater Silvernail Post, No. 806, of the American Legion.  During the World War he served in the Medical Supply Department of the 310th Infantry from September 1917 to March, 1919.  Mr. Evans worships at the Bainbridge Episcopal Church in which he is a member of the choir.

 

On December 31, 1924, Mr. Evans married Vera Strail, of Schenevus, Otsego County, daughter of Orson Strail of that place.

 

Central New York, An Inland Empire, Vol IV (Lewis Historical Pub. Co., Inc., NY, 1941) p32.

___________________________________________________________

 

Obituary

Tri-Town News, September 6, 1972

 Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Leigh Wallace Evans, 81 years, of 9 South Main St., Bainbridge died Friday, September 1, at the Hospital , Sidney, after a short illness.  Funeral services were held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Bainbridge, Monday September 4, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Andrus Smith, rector officiating. Burial was in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Bainbridge.  He was born January 22, 1891 in Bainbridge, a son of William and Carrie (Albee) Evans. He married Vera Strail.  He was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church. He had been fire chief in Bainbridge for many years. He had been Presiding Judge at many leading raceways including Saratoga and Vernon Downs.  He is survived by his widow. Arrangements were by the Terhune Funeral Home. Bainbridge.



 

 

Obituaries (July 17)

Nathan S. Fisher

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1900

 

 

Nathan S. Fisher

1877 - 1900

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Last week the sad intelligence reached Norwich of the death in California of Nathan S. Fisher [d. 29 Aug. 1900], son of Mrs. Sarah A. Fisher, of this village.  The news was a great shock to his mother and many friends as tidings of his serious illness were received only the same day that word came that he was dead.  Mr. Fisher, in his work as civil engineer, had been roughing it, sleeping in a tent and eating for the most part canned meals and food rudely cooked.  He was stricken with malaria about three weeks ago while out with a party of surveyors and was forced to return to Amador City, a place of about a thousand people, but 60 miles from a railroad station   He had written home of his illness but without any apprehension of a serious outcome.  On Thursday of last week C.R. Frink, recorder of the Norwich Lodge of Masons, received a telegram from the lodge at Amador City saying that Mr Fisher was very ill and wished to be put in communication with the Norwich Lodge of which he was a member.  An answer to the telegram brought another message that he was dead.  Mr. Frink bore the sad news to his mother.  Deceased was 23 years of age and was the only son of the late Nathan S. Fisher and Sarah Fryer Fisher.  He was born in Windsor, N.Y., May 11, 1877, removing with his mother to Norwich in 1890.  The family had previously resided here and Mr. Fisher engaged in business, but returned to Windsor where he died.  Nathan attended the public schools of Norwich, graduating from the High School in the class of 1895.  He then entered Cornell University from which institution he received a diploma in June 1899.  In the latter part of July he went to California.  During the vacations for two years before going west he assisted in the office of the United States Express Company, where his services and companionship were greatly prized. He was an exemplary young man, highly esteemed and beloved by a wide circle of friends.  At home he was an obedient and loving son, in school, a bright and painstaking student, in his work faithful, honest and showed qualities which won him success, while in social life he was a great favorite.  Mr. Fishes was a member of Norwich lodge of Masons, Harmony Chapter Norwich Commandery and the Mystic Shrine, taking several of the degrees while in college and others in Norwich.  He was a member of Emmanuel Church where he sang in the vested choir.  He was also a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.  His mother and an only sister, Miss Edna Fisher, survive him.  The remains were brought east and the burial occurred at Windsor this afternoon at 2 o'clock.  The active bearers were from Norwich Commandery and the honorary bearers from the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.

 

Syracuse Evening Herald, August 31, 1900

 Norwich:  The people of Norwich were startled yesterday afternoon on receipt of the news of the death, in Amador City, Cal., of Nathan S. Fisher, a former resident of this village.  A few of his intimate friends were aware that he was ill from an attack of malaria fever but the news of his death came as a thunderbolt from a clear sky.  The first intimation of his serious illness was received in a telegram yesterday morning to Henry E. Randall, master of Norwich lodge no. 302, F. and A.M.  The dispatch said that Mr. Fisher was very ill and asked for instructions. Word was sent to give him the best of care, and yesterday afternoon Mr. Randall received another dispatch from the same source announcing Mr. Fisher's death.  The deceased was about 24 years old and until about a year ago had always lived in this village.  He attended the Norwich High school and was graduated in the class of '95.  He then took a 4-year course in mechanical and mining engineering at Cornell university, and was graduated in 1899.  About a year ago he went to California to follow his profession, which he had done very successfully until his last illness.  Mr. Fisher was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal church and of Emmanuel chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew of this village.  He was also a member of Norwich lodge No. 302, F. and A.M. Harmony chapter No. 151, R.A.M., and Norwich commandery No. 46, K.T.  The remains will be forwarded to Windsor for interment in the family plot in the cemetery at that place.

 

Abel Stowell

Afton Enterprise, November 27, 1890

Mr. Abel Stowell, who resided in the town of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], about one mile this side of Nineveh, died Sunday November 23d, after a short illness of pneumonia.  The deceased was one of our oldest inhabitants, and was respected by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.  His funeral was held Wednesday.  he was 81 years of age.  Mrs. Stowell is also very sick with the same disease.

 

Nathan B. Stowell

Afton Enterprise, June 20, 1901

Nathan B. Stowell, one of the oldest and most respected men of the town, died at his home between Afton and Nineveh Junction, Saturday, June 15, aged 77 years.  For some time past he had been in feeble health.  he resided with his daughter, Mrs. Allie M. Grant, they having moved to the old homestead from this village last spring.  Mr. Stowell was born in this town and had passed his entire life here.  His companion passed away about ten years ago.  he was a member of St Ann's church of this village and his entire life had been that of an exemplary Christian, an honored citizen and kind and obliging neighbor.  He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Afton lodge F.&A.M. assisted in the funeral services held on Tuesday last.  The services at the house were conducted by Rev. Brown of Harpursville, the interment was at Nineveh [Broome Co., NY].

 

Josiah Strong

Bainbridge Ledger, September 27, 1867

On Friday afternoon last, Susquehanna Lodge No. 167 met "to offer up to his memory, before the world, the last tribute of affection" for our worthy brother, Josiah Strong, who was called to "the undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns," on the morning of the 19th inst.  Afton and Masonville Lodges were well represented, and a large concourse of friends and relatives assembled.  The ceremonies were conducted by W.M. Jerome Sands, assisted by Brother Joseph Kirby and Rev Mr. Inman, Bro. Geo. Teed acting as Marshal.  The funeral obsequies were most solemn and impressive, demonstrating the sincerity of the esteem of Masons for a Brother, as well as the high and worthy principles of the Order.  Appropriate resolutions etc. will be printed in due time.

 

Ursula Strong

Norwich Sun, March 19, 1926

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Ursula Strong, 85, was burned to death at her home in this village Monday.  In starting the kitchen fire her clothes ignited and before help came, she was so badly burned that she died at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon.  She is survived by one son, George Strong, with whom she lived; one sister, Mrs. Charles Root, of Guilford, and one brother, Harvey Ireland, who lives in the west.

 

Clara Agren

Norwich Sun, February 3, 1933

Mrs. Clara Agren, wife of Oscar Agren of 65 Elm street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died in Binghamton, Thursday night aged 78 years.  Mrs. Agren had been in failing health for several years.  The body was brought to Norwich by Funeral Director George J. Devine and taken to the family home on Elm street where funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. L.S. Charters officiating with interment in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers.  Mr. Agren was born in Sweden Sept. 17, 1854, but had been a resident of Norwich for 45 years.  She was a woman held in the highest respect by friends and neighbors and her passing will be sincerely mourned by all.  Mrs. Agren was a delightful person and was well liked by all with whom she became acquainted during her nearly half century of residence here.  There survive her husband and several nephews and nieces.

 

George Strong

Bainbridge Republican, May 18, 1883

Our citizens were startled Monday last by the announcement that George Strong, who recently removed from this place to Binghamton, had died suddenly while visiting in Oneonta.  Mr. Strong leased his farm situated about two miles above this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], the 1st of April last, and with his wife moved to Binghamton to reside with his daughter, Mrs. Eaton  His health was none of the best, owing to complicated kidney disease, but nothing warranted the supposition of an early death.  Last week he was in town visiting, and his old friends noticed that he was growing feeble.  From here he went to Oneonta, and on Sunday breathed his last. The remains were brought to this village, Tuesday, and buried in the Episcopal cemetery, Rev D.N Grummon officiating.  Mr Strong removed to this place form Meredith, Delaware county, twenty-four years ago, and has resided upon his farm continually until April last.  A prosperous farmer, good financier and upright, reliable and accommodating citizen and neighbor, his loss will be deeply felt by the entire community .  A wife and two children survive him. 

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, August 18, 1869

NEWTON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], August 13th, Lucius Hobart, son of Isaac S. Newton, Esq., aged 6 months.

 

STOWELL:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], August 8th, Mr. Arad Stowell, aged 85 years, 9 months and 16 days.

News Items of Bainbridge in 1917

News Items in Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY during the early years of World War I

 

October 11, 1917

 

Mrs. Edward Danforth left last week Thursday for Indianapolis to visit her husband, Dr. Danforth, who is a lieutenant in the Medical Corps stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison.

 

Donald Copley of the 1st N.Y. Ambulance Co., now at Camp Wadsworth, S.C., has passed the examination and has received his appointment as Sergeant.  This is a fine recognition of Mr. Copley's ability and service.  He has been in the Army only a little over two months and this promotion is a very worthy one.

 

Word received from Paul French, Second Class Seaman on the U.S.S. Huntington, a torpedo destroyer, that he has been to France and reached New York City again Oct. 6.  The 7th of September it set out for France to guard the six transports, of 12,000.  He wrote, "When I saw the Statue of Liberty again I shouted for joy, for we were out of sight of land for 21 days.  I slept on the hard deck in my clothes and had to wear a life preserver, day and night, for five days.  There is no place like the U.S.A."

 

Mrs. Horace Z. Landon, of Brookline, Mass., came to Bainbridge Saturday and will pass some time with her parents, during Mr. Landon's service in the Engineering Corps of the united States Army.

 

Salvator Papello went to Norwich for the purpose of concluding his naturalization application, Monday.  He took with him his lawyer and witnesses and the court at the present term will take up his case.

 

The fast express train from Albany to Binghamton passing through Bainbridge at 7:40 in the evening stops at Bainbridge to discharge passengers from Albany and Sidney   It is not generally known that this train will stop at Bainbridge for passengers getting on for Sidney.  This is done so that passengers coming from the O.& W. trains may have facilities to reach Bainbridge.

 

October 18, 1917

 

Irving M. Ives of Hamilton College, was this week elected president of his class, the highest honor that can come to a college student.

October 28, 1917

Anyone having old yarn, moth-eaten, faded or otherwise useless, will please bring same to the Red Cross rooms where it will be used to make hospital blankets.  Even small bits are acceptable.  Wristlets and mufflers may be made of any dark color.  Anyone wishing to learn to knit, will find an instructor there each afternoon.  Bring number 5 knitting needles.

In keeping with our schoolmaster-President's proclamation, Liberty Loan day was duly recognized in the school.  Our much respected friend, Rev. M. Bigger, very fittingly addressed the students.  National airs were played and sung and the flag pledge was given by the entire body.  The most interesting part of the procedure was the announcement that the school had shown its deep seated patriotism, not by mere words, but by deeds, by actually purchasing liberty loan Bonds.  When the Principal suggested that the school buy a Bond, the greatest enthusiasm was shown for not only did all contribute liberally but wished to give more than was suggested.  This exhibition of loyalty and patriotism on the part of our boys and girls is beautiful and it is to be hoped that his enthusiasm shown by them will influence others to do likewise outside of the school. 

George R. Aylsworth graduated last week form Central Business School, Syracuse, with high honors.  He took up bookkeeping and stenotype having a percentage of over 97 in the first subject and 97 in the second.

Some time during the night of Friday the smoke house of John Kirkland was entered and 100 pounds of hams were stolen.  these hams belonged to Charles Ward of Pearl street.  Suspicion rested on several parties and a search warrant was issued and placed in the hands of Deputy Sheriff George Aylesworth for no trace of the hams has been found.

Frank D. Silvernail, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Silvernail, was born in Binghamton, N.Y. eleven years ago.  Frank was a model boy in his manners and knowing him one could not help but love and admire him.  Although he was never in good health, he was always cheerful and friendly.  His ambition for church and Sunday School was always strong and he always went if at all possible.  The funeral was held from his parents' home on North main street and his remains are in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  He is gone, we miss him but Heaven will be the richer.  The parents desire to thank the boys who acted as pall-bearers and all the neighbors for the flowers and their extreme kindness.  Owen L. Buck pastor of the M.E. Church officiated.



Obituaries (July 16)

Nathaniel Thornton

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1901

 

Nathaniel Thornton

1848 - 1901

Nathaniel Thornton, a well-known resident of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], was drowned in the Chenango river, a short distance above Brisben, about 5 o'clock Sunday afternoon [April 7, 1901].  In company with "Dolph" Bennett and "Vern" Stratton, Mr. Thornton started down the river in a boat for Brisben.  In the vicinity of Warn's pond the boat ran upon a rock, lifting the bow into air and forcing the stern below the surface of the water.  Leaping from it, the three men started a fierce struggle for life in the swift current.  Bennett swam to the east shore and Stratton to the west.  They could see the overturned boat floating down the stream but could not see Thornton.  they went for aid and neighbors who responded assisted in the search which has been continued until the present writing without finding any trace of the remains.  Mr. Thornton was about 50 years of age.  He came to Oxford about 10 years ago and had since been employed in the mill of the F.G. Clarke Bluestone Company, having charge of one of the planers.  He was a member of the Independent Hose Company and very popular with his fellows.  He is survived by a wife and four children.

 

Thornton's Body Found

Binghamton Press, May 1901

Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 12, 1901:  The body of Nathaniel Thornton, who was drowned while on a fishing trip near Brisben April 7, was found in the Chenango river below this village today by Walter McCullough.  The body was identified by Thornton's daughter, who was summoned.  Coroner Blair of McDonough, was also notified and will hold an inquest at 8:30 o'clock tomorrow morning.  The body is in a very bad condition.

[Buried Union Cemetery, McDonough, Chenango Co., NY.]

 

Welcome James Gray

1869 - 1942

Welcome James Gray, 72-year-old Town of Windsor [Broome Co., NY] farmer, died at 8:30 o'clock Monday night in the Binghamton City hospital after an illness of one week.  Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock in the chapel of Clinton E. Wood in Windsor.  The Rev. Howard R. Brong, pastor of the Windsor Methodist church will officiate.  The body will be placed in the private vault at the funeral chapel for burial later in the South Windsor Cemetery. Welcome Gray was the youngest of a family of eight children, and was born September 6, 1869 the son of John and Jane (Hendrickson) Gray in Great Bend Township.  When he was five years old his father, who had been foreman in the construction of the stone railroad bridge in Lanesboro, Pa., was killed at Red Rock when the team he was driving ran away with him.  His mother then moved with the family to the old George Gray place in Edson, after which he attended the old Windsor Academy.  After his marriage to Miss Lizzie Stannard of Edson, March 20, 1901, he moved from there to his late home in Edson, where he had lived for over forty years.  He was a member of the Windsor Local Dairymen's League since it was organized and for many years a member of the Bartonville Grange No. 589 of Edson where he held numerous offices including gatekeeper.  he was a former trustee of school district No. 10.  He is survived by his wife; two sons, John S. and Virgil D. of Windsor; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews of Windsor, Binghamton, Great Bend Pa. Rochester, Elmira and Ossining, and Western cities.

Walter J. Chase

1869 - 1942

The death of Walter J. Chase, a native of Windsor, occurred Sunday, February 1, at his home, Edge HIll and Eastern Road, Roselyn, Pa.  He was 72 years old.  Born in Windsor [Broome Co., NY], November 18, 1869, the son of the late Jairus S. and Sarah (Hotchkiss) Chase, he attended Windsor Academy and also was a student at Phillip Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire.  Throughout his academy days he was interested in baseball and played on both Academy teams.  He began in the insurance business under his father, Windsor postmaster and insurance agent, leaving Windsor to be employed by  William Ash in Lehighton, Pa., a former resident.  He worked for some time in Pittsburg and for over 30 years with various firms in Philadelphia.  At the time of his death, he was senior member of the insurance firm, Towers, Perrin, Crosby and Forster of Philadelphia.  Surviving him are his wife, Flora, a son Jairus, three daughter, Mrs. Richard Stringer, Mrs. Edward Beatty, and Mrs. Barbara Kirchman, all of Roselyn; a brother,  Harry C. Chase of Pittsburgh, and a sister, Mrs. James C. Elliott of Windsor.  Funeral services were held from his late residence, Tuesday, February 3.  Burial was in Whitemarsh cemetery.

 

Arthur Henry Hunt

1877 - 1935

Arthur Henry Hunt whose tragic death occurred October 17th, 1935, was born in the Town of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] on January 25, 1877 to David Nelson and Eloise Calkins Hunt.  He attended the local school and was an active member of the Coventryville Congregational Church for many years.  On August 31, 1904 he was united in marriage to Maude Louise Niven of Coventry.  After running a dairy farm for several years Mr. and Mrs. Hunt moved to the village of Afton Chenango Co., NY] where Mr. Hunt worked as an automobile mechanic and was still actively engaged at the time of his death.  He was united by letter with the Presbyterian Church of Afton some years ago and was a member of the Afton Lodge No. 360 F.&A.M.  Left to mourn the loss are, the widow, Maude Hunt, two sons, Kenneth of Pequannock, N.J., Donald of Endicott.  A little granddaughter Marjorie Louise Hunt, an uncle, Frank Hunt of Totowa, N.J., an aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Wheeler of Lisle, N.Y., several cousins and a host of friends.  Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon with prayer service at the home and at the Presbyterian church at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. Orvis of Bainbridge spoke comforting words to the family and friends assisted by Rev Clifford E. Webb. Services at the grave were in charge of Afton lodge no. 360 F.&A.M.  The church was filled to capacity with sorrowing friends and relatives and the beautiful flowers spoke of the high esteem of friends and realties for the deceased 

If we can lead as good a life

If we can fight as clean a fight

No one can feel we shirked the strife

When for us too, there comes the night,

 

He did his work from day to day

He showed the world it had a friend,

May others have the same to say

When day for us comes to an end.

 

Death Notices

Antimasonic Telegraph, May 5, 1830

Died in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday last, Clinton M.M., son of Luke W. Crandall, aged one year and nine months.

 

Antimasonic Telegraph, September 14, 1831

Died in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday morning last, Miss Delia Strong, youngest daughter of Cyrus Strong, Esq. in the 15th year of her age.

 

Died in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on the 9th ult. Mrs. Abigail Cooper, wife of Mr. Seth Cooper, aged 51 years.

 

Bainbridge Republican, August 8, 1878

BENNETT:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 4th, Rev. Edwin Bennett, aged 46 years.

 

MILLER:  In East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], July 29th, Mrs. Laura Miller, wife of Mathew Miller, aged 82 years and 5 months.

 

Marriages (July 15)

Holmes - Phelps

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1901

 

 

Daniel P. and Nellie A. (Phelps) Holmes

 

Norwich [ Chenango Co., NY]:  A quiet home wedding in which two prominent Norwich society people were the principal participants occurred at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew j. Phelps, on North Broad street, on Tuesday evening last.  Their only daughter, Miss Nellie A. Phelps, was united in marriage to Daniel P. Holmes, Rev. Samuel Scoville, of Vineland, N.J., officiating.  The ceremony as performed in the presence of a few immediate relatives and intimate friends.  The wedding supper was served by Cateress Hickey.  After a brief wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. Holmes will be at home at 93 South Broad street.

Oswego Daily Times, March 9, 1901

The marriage of Daniel P. Holmes and Miss Nellie A. Phelps was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Phelps, 273 North Broad Street, Tuesday evening, March 5, 1901, at 9:00 o'clock.  The Rev. Samuel Scoville of Vineland, N.J., a former pastor of the Congregational Church in Norwich performed the marriage ceremony, after which a  wedding supper, was served.  only the immediate relatives of the contracting parties and intimate friends were present.  After a brief absence, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes will be at home at 93 South Broad Street.  Mr. Holmes is the senior member of the hardware firm of Holmes & Bingham and enjoys a wide acquaintance and popularity in business and social circles.  Mrs. Holmes is one of Norwich's most charming young ladies.  She is a graduate of the Norwich High School and of Oswego Normal School, and has for several terms been successfully engaged in teaching, the past year at Corning, N.Y.--Norwich Telegraph.

Bainbridge High Class of 1952 - Part 2

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1952

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1952

 

 

Barbara Ann Dodge

 

Marjorie Jane Eldred

 

Irene Marie Flyzik

 

Dorothy Jane Gerg

 

Richard Byron Gifford

 

Carol Ann Halbert



Obituaries (July 15)

Lieutenant Max Wagner

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1900

Lieut. Max Wagner, U.S.A.

Former Norwich Boy Meets Death in the Philippines

 

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, October 6, 1900

 

Clement S. Wagner, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], has received news of the death in the Philippines on Monday of his brother, Lieutenant Max Wagner.  The message came from Lieutenant Wagner's widow in Boston, who was notified of his death by the War Department.  No details were given, but it is supposed the Lieutenant was killed.  The last letter from him, received about a month ago, was written from one of the southern provinces.  Lieutenant Wagner was born in North Carolina thirty-seven years ago.  When a boy he came north and was educated at Norwich academy and a military school.  He served six years in the signal service of the regular army at Fort Meyer and later was with the Weather Bureau at Washington. At the breaking out of the Spanish war he left his position at Washington, volunteered in the Signal Service and served several months in Cuba and Porto Rico. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged and in November, 1898, visited his relatives in Norwich.  A little later he was placed in charge of the signal corps of the 26th Infantry, was commissioned a lieutenant, and ordered with the regiment to the Philippines.  He leaves a widow and two children in Boston, besides his mother, Mrs. Julia E.S. Wagner, and a brother, Clement S. Wagner, of Norwich.  Another brother, William, S. Wagner, formerly of Norwich, now resides in Baldwinsville.

 

Died For Old Glory

Lieutenant Wagner Shot Down From Ambush by Insurgents

Auburn Weekly, November 30, 1900

 

A letter to the Standard from its correspondent with the Twenty-sixth Infantry in the Philippines gives a detailed account of the death of Second Lieutenant Max Wagner of that regiment, who was killed on the evening of October 2, while en route to Santa Barbara from Jaro with Private Lamoreux, his orderly.  The two men were attacked by insurgents hidden in the bamboo brush.  At the first volley Private Lamoreux asked Lieutenant Wagner what they would and the gallant officer replied "fight."  Both sprung from their horses but the next instant the young lieutenant fell dead with a bullet in the brain.  Lamoreux rode to Santa Barbara and reported the affair.  A scouting party was at once sent out and found the body in the rear of an old shack.  All of his valuables and weapons had been taken.  The funeral was held on the afternoon of October 3 from the residence of Colonel Rice, commanding the Twenty-sixth infantry at Jaro.  Lieutenant Wagner leaves a wife and two children at West Medford, Mass.

Aurelia Sophia (Humphrey) Camp

1823 - 1912

The funeral of Mrs. Moses Camp was largely attended at the Second Congregational chapel this afternoon, attesting in a measure the marked esteem in which the deceased was held by the community. Rev. E.W. Snow officiated.  Miss Minnie Edmond sang very effectively "Some Sweet Day."  The floral tributes were beautiful.  Interment was in the Central cemetery.  The honorary bearers were R.E. Holmes, I.R. Griswold, G.M. Carrington, B.F. Dickerman, Elbert L. Gay of Winsted and W.H. Moseley of Columbus, O.  The active bearers were Stuart B. Camp, D.L. Vaill, T.H. Bronson, A.L. Clark, E.P. Jones and R.W. Holmes.  Among the friends present were Frank Humphrey and Mrs. Tobey of Bainbridge, N.Y., Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Moseley of Columbus, O., Mrs. Fannie Shrack of Auburn, R.I.  During the service Rev. Mr. Snow made use of the following tribute written by a relative of Mrs. Camp:

Aurelia Sophia Camp passed away early Monday afternoon in the peace of her quiet home, after having been confined to her bed since the 14th of September.  She was the daughter of Carlton Humphrey of Norfolk and Mary Payne of New Hartford.  Her parents lived in South Norfolk and attended church in Winchester until they moved in 1818 to Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], where she was born Sept. 27, 1823, and where she spent the early part of her life.  Mrs. Camp had a natural love for study, a retentive memory and a gift for music.  She was born in those days when to the majority it meant a struggle financially to have a higher education.  All her life she regretted that she could not have had the privilege of a course of study at Mt. Holyoke seminary, the cost of the entire year of board and tuition at that time being only $50. While her parents could have easily defrayed her expenses there, they could not see the value of a higher education for their daughter.  She was largely self-educated, teaching school during the summer to earn money to defray the expense of attending the academy in her own town winters, and later the academy in Oxford N.Y., where she also taught.  In 1849 she came to Ellington, this state, to teach in a boarding school, her branches being music, history and mathematics. After five years there she was called to Ohio, but after one year returned to Ellington as lady principal, remained until induced by her cousin, J.J. Whiting, to come to Winsted.  Here she had private pupils in music, and here she met and afterwards married Moses Camp of the firm of M.&C.J. Camp.  She has been a widow since 1875.  In the Hartford Courant of Jan. 1, 1909, one of her pupils writes:  "The lady who for many years was teacher of music, grammar and French at Ellington is still living in Winsted.  She was thorough in her drilling, and it wasn't well for anyone to slight any of her orders."  Mrs. Camp was a member of the Second Congregational church and for many years a teacher in its Sunday school.  Although not able for several years to attend church, she retained to the end of her life an interest in all its activities.  A woman of strong character and deep sympathies, her kindness and charity extended to the remotest parts of the earth, always contributing liberally to foreign missions.  It was with no stinted hand she gave her benefactions to many charitable institutions and to those who were in any distress her heart went out in tendered sympathy, followed by helpful ministrations.  Her greatest happiness was in giving help to others, even to denying herself, ministering rather than seeking to be ministered unto. She had an intense love of children, and from her thrifty nature came the thought of helping them to acquire the habit of saving by opening bank accounts for over 60 children during her life.  She had a fine loyalty to duty, and was on the right side of every question relative to home and church. She had a certain joyousness, and many will remember with what zest when over 80 years of age she entered into the old folks' concert given in 1908 in the Second church and played pieces that she learned 60 years before.  No one every heard her complain but whenever during the last years of her life she referred to the lessening of her physical powers she would end with "It might be worse."  In her last illness her ruling passion was strongest, never complaining, thinking of the comfort of those who cared of her and frequently asking if there was not someone in need that ought to be helped. The poor, the aged, the sick and the sorrowing will miss her. With her departs out of our daily life one long known, respected and well loved. A noble spirit, a courageous heart and a faithful friend has passed on and entered the church triumphant.  [Died in Winsted, Litchfield Co., CT]

Dr. Richard E. Clark

1845 - 1915

[Funeral services for Dr.] Richard E Clark were held from the home on Saturday at 12:30 o'clock conducted by Rev. George G. Perrins, a former rector of Christ church and close friend of the deceased.  A large number of sorrowing friends and neighbors gathered to pay their respects to one who had for so many years held a warm place in their hearts.  Dr. Clark had been a lifelong resident of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] and was nearly 79 years of age having been born on Oct. 18th, 1845, an eminent and skillful physician since 1868, until failing health compelled him to retire from active practice.  For the pat few years he had been a great sufferer from rheumatism but patiently bore all pain and trials and had been most tenderly cared for by his devoted wife and other members of the family.  The end came suddenly, death having been due to cerebral hemorrhage.  He will be sadly missed from the home circle and also by outside friends who have been loyal and stood by him until the last.  Dr Clark had been a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years, a member of Skenando Lodge, I.O.O.F., County Treasurer for two terms and Vestryman of Christ Church for several years.  He s survived by is wife, a twin brother, Dr. Paris G. Clark of Unadilla, and an elder brother, John, of Utica. Beautiful flowers told in a silent way of the love and esteem of friends for the departed, among them being a pillow of Easter lilies form the family bearing the words, "Our Loved one;" a square and compass from Freedom lodge, F.&A.M. of Unadilla, of which he was a member; a square and compass of sweet peas and carnations from the Masons of Guilford; a wreath of galax and calla lilies from Skenando Lodge, I.O.O.F. Guilford. The casket was completely covered with calla lilies the gift of Dr. and Mrs.  J.G. Ganow and Mrs. Samuel A. Delavan and family, and a beautiful spray of Eater lilies from Dr. G.A. Evans of Brooklyn.  Beside these there was a large profusion of carnations, sweet peas, etc., from loving friends.  Interment was made in Sunset Hill cemetery [Guilford, NY] by the side of kindred dead.

Edgar Babcock

Chenango Union, January 3, 1884

Sunday morning, December 23d, Bro. Edgar Babcock, of South new Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], after a protracted illness, in which he suffered much, passed peacefully away.  His loss will be deeply felt in the community, as a friend, benefactor and citizen.  More deeply still will his loss be felt in the church, where he has long stood as a firm pillar, faithfully laboring and liberally contributing for the advancement of Christ's kingdom. To him, Zion was most precious.  He loved her ordinances and rejoiced in her prosperity.  But most of all will he be missed in the Sunday School.  Here, for many years, he has labored faithfully and efficiently as Superintendent.  He was a careful and critical student of the Bible, and always came before his school filled with wise instruction, helpful suggestions, and deep, spiritual truths.  His life has ever been full of activity, full of Christian enterprise.  he has gone to his rich reward, but his works still remain to bear truthful witness of his life and character.  For the benefit of his many friends, we sketch a few features of his life.  He was born April 2d, 1821, at South New Berlin, son of Chester Babcock.  At the age of seventeen he experienced religion under the preaching of Rev. J .B. Swan; united with the Baptist church at South New Berlin, Rev. J.H. Chamberlin, pastor; April 30th, 1845, he was married to Miss Julia Goodrich, daughter of Jeremiah Goodrich, of South New Berlin, and a year after removed to Woodford county, Illinois, where he followed teaching for about three years.  In the fall of 1849 he was elected County Clerk, and served eight years; also served four years as School Commissioner; was appointed Commissioner of "Swamp Lands" and served until all lands were sold; was postmaster at the county seat for two years; took the United States census of Woodford for 1860; was Township Treasurer of the school fund of Metamora for seventeen years.  After this he served one year as Town Clerk, and one as Supervisor; was two years President of the Board of Trustees of Metamora.  His health failing, he returned to New York, where he has resided fifteen years, having resided twenty-four years in Illinois.  In the Church and Sunday School, also, his life has ever been full of activity and usefulness.  he leaves a wife and five children to mourn his loss.  Their deep sorrow calls for receives our warmest sympathy.



 

 





Comanche Steamship Fire - 1901

Norwich Ladies Narrowly Escape a Terrible Fate

Fire on the Steamship Comanche

Utica Saturday Globe, February 1901



Mrs. Marvin W. Tanner and daughter, Minnie Tanner

 



Last Friday's press dispatches contained the details of a disaster that befell the Clyde line steamship Comanche on Wednesday.  About 3 o'clock in the morning while the ship was weathering a gale off Fenwick's lightship the man on watch saw a small flame coming from the skylight of the engine room amidship and before the men could answer the call from the bells, a volume of fire swept up and blazed 12 feet high.  It was impossible to launch the lifeboats and to take to the water meant death in the cold and ice.  The coolness and courage of Capt. Pennington and crew alone averted a panic among the 200 passengers, most of whom were tourists bound for Florida.  Among these were two Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] ladies, Mrs. Marvin W. Tanner and her daughter, Minnie.  Just after the crew had been called, the passengers were quietly notified of the danger and rushed in the cabins fore and aft.  Once in they were guarded to prevent an indiscriminate rush to the decks, and above the crackle of the flames there could be heard voices of prayer for safety.  When not urging on his crew Capt. Pennignton was in the cabins giving assurance that the ship was safe.

 

It is not known how the fire started.  The flames licked the dry sides of the wooden walls and had fine play on the combustible stuffs and then swept through the skylight in one volume.  The danger was not at an end until 5 a.m., after the crew had been bravely fighting for two hours.  Father John J. Dougherty, of the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, New York, Rev. J.F. Foster, of Geneva, and others went about to comfort the passengers.  Father Dougherty said afterwards that a crew could not have acted with more bravery.  He said that practically all of the passengers had realized that they were near death.  A meeting of the passengers was held in the cabin, when resolutions of thanks to the officers and crew were adopted and brief speeches were made.  Capt. Pennington answered for his men.  A purse of $100 was raised and presented to the crew. 

 

Save for the bruises, none of the passengers was injured.  Hundreds of telegrams were sent to friends at home by passengers to prevent fear as to their safety.  Mr. Tanner was among those who received a telegram notifying him of the safety of his wife and daughter.  A letter received later gave the particulars of their great peril and fortunate escape.

 

Comanche on Fire at Sea

The Sun, New York City, February 15, 1901

 

Charleston, S.C., Feb. 14:  Fire which was discovered in the engine room of the Clyde steamship Comanche at 3 a.m. on Wednesday, while the ship was ploughing through a gale off Fenwick's Island lightship, created a panic among 200 passengers, the majority of whom were tourists bound for Florida. The night was bitter cold, the sea was running high and the deck was covered with ice.  The man on watch saw a small flame coming from the skylight of the engine room amidships and before the man could answer the call from the bells a volume of fire swept up and blazed twelve feet high.

 

A moment later there was pandemonium.  Passengers occupying berths adjoining the engine compartment were called first, but before they could be dragged out, the fire had eaten through the woodwork.  Mrs. Bock and Miss Bock of Bridgeport, Conn. who were in room 13, were slightly burned, but not seriously, and other passengers close by were rescued in time. The fire apparatus was set at work promptly and four streams were played on the flames.  Smoke was driven in large quantities through the hatchways and into the cabins and the work of the crew was badly hampered.  In an hour, however, the fire was under control.

 

Capt. Pennington quickly saw that the only safety for his 200 passengers was to get the fire under control.  Lifeboats could not be launched, and the cold and ice would have meant quick death for persons taking to the water.  There was no port nearby to be made and not a vessel in any direction could be seen.  The engines were not injured by fire and the speed was only slackened a bit, but the course of the steamer was switched about in order to have the flames driven from the vessel.

 

Just after the crew had been called, the passengers were quietly notified of the danger and rushed in the cabins fore and aft.  Once in they were guarded to prevent an indiscriminate rush to the deck, and above the crackle of the flames there could be heard voices of prayer for safety.  When not urging on his crew Capt. Pennington was in the cabins giving assurance that the ship was safe.

 

Capt. Pennington said today when his ship got into port that he never saw a braver lot of passengers.  "They realized the great danger," he said, "but they felt safe in our hands, and were assured that we would all pull through without danger.  There was nothing to do but get that fire extinguished.  Had it spread into the cabins further away no force that we had could have prevented entire destruction, and it was the mercy of God that saved us.  The crew acted nobly.  Not a man left his post.  I had told the officers to call the passengers quietly, but with that flame of fire in the air it was impossible to show them that the fire was trifling.  The ladies were cared for first, but there was no panic, and the passengers never acted better.  I have been on the sea a great many years and I felt that we were doomed if that fire was not quickly extinguished, but with all the risk and danger the people were brave." 

 

The engine room extends up through the two decks.  It is not known how the fire originated, but it started possibly in the storeroom.  The flames licked the dry sides of the wooden walls and had fine play on the combustible stuffs and then swept through the skylight in one volume. The danger was not at an end until 5 A.M., after the crew had been bravely fighting for two hours and the Comanche went on her journey with a small loss of time.

 

Father John J. Dougherty of the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, New York, the Rev. J.P. Foster of Geneva and others went about to comfort the passengers.  Father Dougherty said today that a crew could not have acted with more bravery.  He said that practically all of the passengers had realized that they were near death.  Last night there was a meeting of the passengers in the cabin, when resolutions of thanks to the officers and crew were adopted and brief speeches were made.  Capt. Pennington answered for his men. A purse of $100 was raised and presented to the crew. 

 

Save for the bruises, none of the passengers was injured.  The members of the crew suffered most.  There were many burns, and frostbitten hands and feet were left as a proof of the exposure suffered by the fire brigade.  The damage to the Comanche has not been estimated.  All of the woodwork in the engine room will have to be replaced, and five staterooms were burned.  The carpets were damaged and the baggage and effects of some of the passengers were ruined.

 

The Comanche got in here at noon without having lost time from her schedule, and sailed tonight for Florida. The passengers sent hundreds of telegrams to friends at home to prevent fear as to their safety.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (July 14)

Margaret (Starkweather) Stafford

Utica Saturday Globe, November 8, 1902

 

 

Mrs. Margaret (Starkweather) Stafford

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lewis Brown, on Canasawacta street, in this village, Saturday, occurred the death of Mrs. Margret S. Stafford, aged 71.  Deceased was born in the town of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY] and for the past 40 years had been a resident of Earlville until coming here last July to reside with her daughter.  She was the widow of Daniel Stafford, a former well-known resident of that place.  Mrs. Stafford was a good Christian woman and had been a faithful member of the Earlville Methodist Church for over 42 years.  She was a lovable woman and was esteemed by a large circle of friends.  Besides her daughter here she is survived by one son, Fayette Stafford, of Earlville and a brother, Ezra Starkweather, of Portage, Wis.  Her remains were taken to Earlville [Madison Co., NY] Sunday and her funeral was held Monday afternoon, Rev. Mr. Hart, assisted by Rev. Mr. Grey, a former pastor of the church there, officiating.

Russel M. Smith

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, August 29, 1891

Russel M. Smith died at his home in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] on Sunday morning, August 22d, after a brief illness.  He was a son of Clark Smith and was born in Coventry, January 26th, 1813.  His whole life was spent in his native town and within a short distance of the place of his birth.  In early life he united with the Second Congregational Church of Coventry and was for a number of years a deacon in that church.  Later he removed to Church Hollow and became a member and a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church of Nineveh.  he afterwards returned to his farm where he died and connected himself with the First congregational Church of Coventry, of which he was a faithful and esteemed member at the time of his death.  July 4th, 1838, he was married to Miss Annette Beecher, a sister of dr. H.H. Beecher late of Norwich, who preceded him to the grave March 21st, 1877.  Three children were born to them, but one of whom is living, Mr. C. Eugene Smith, who resides upon the homestead in Coventry.  Mr. Smith was truly one of nature's noblemen.  He was naturally of a retiring and unassuming disposition, but was never backward nor slow to do when service was needed and his fellowmen could be helped.  He carried his Christian principles into his daily life.  His Christian faith moved and controlled him in all his actions and was a constant source of comfort, strength and joy to him in all of his experiences.  He won and held the highest respect and esteem of all who knew him.  HIs life went out peacefully in the full assurance of the Christian hope.  In his death his native town has lost one of its oldest and best citizens, and the church of which he was a member and the circle of friends and relatives will long feel their loss.  the funeral occurred on Tuesday, August 25th, at one o'clock, P.M.  the services were conducted by the Rev. W.H. Sawtelle, who was his pastor while at Nineveh, assisted by the Rev. J.F. Geddes, pastor of the church of Coventryville. The interment was in the family plot at Coventry.

 

Mrs. Irving Pride

Bainbridge Republican, January 16, 1908

The many friends of the family will very much regret to learn of the death of Mrs. Irving Pride, the beloved wife of Irving Pride, who for many years was clerk at Hotel Sidney and Hotel DeCumber, in this village.  Mrs. Pride at the time of her death was in Jamaica, Long Island.  An operation was performed on Monday and she died on Tuesday, the 8th inst.  The remains were conveyed to Unadilla on Thursday and the interment was held at that place on Friday afternoon, Jan. 10.  --  Sidney Record.

 

William Wallace Payne

The Norwich Sun, April 29, 1911

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  William Wallace Payne, who died in this village April 13, 1911, was born in the hamlet known as Rhode Island Settlement near Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], on June 2, 1828.  Mr. Payne was one of fourteen children and at an early age with his parents moved to Guilford.  When he was 12 years of age he took up the trade of making shoes and continued at his bench for a period of 70 years.  In 1884 Mr. Payne moved to Binghamton, where he resided for two years, coming from there to Bainbridge 25 years ago.  Shortly, thereafter he purchased the James Bennett place on East main street where he continued to live until the time of his death.  Of the large family of which he was a member, consisting of eight boys and six girls, deceased is survived by one brother, Dennis W. Payne, of North Main street, and one sister, Mrs. George Brown, of Smithville flats.  Mr. Payne's eldest sister, Mrs. Almina Clinton, was the mother of Attorneys Eugene Clinton of Norwich and Charles Clinton of Greene. About 60 years ago Mr. Payne married Miss Lucy Ferris of Guilford and to them were born three children, two sons, Charles and William, and a daughter, Mrs. Erastus Whiting  Mrs. Payne died September 24, 1898.  Mr. Payne's remains were laid to rest beside those of his wife in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY]

Charles Root

The Guilford News, January 21, 1931

The death of Charles Root occurred at his home Thursday, Jan. 15, at the age of 79 years.  For many years he was a prominent business man of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]. A strong determination to overcome the complications of disease, and with the care of a loving wife and devoted daughter, kept him up and around the house until a few days before his death and many were surprised to hear of his passing away.  Funeral services were held at the home Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. F.S. Crispel and burial was in Yaleville cemetery [Guilford, NY].  In his immediate family he is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Susie Nash; two grandchildren, Mrs. Fred Plum and Harry Nash; two sisters, Mrs. Charles Nicholson of Guilford and Mrs. Minnie Dedrick of Oxford, and one brother, Fred Root of St. Paul, Minn.  The sympathy of many friends is extended to the bereaved family  Relatives form Norwich, Oxford, Franklin, Milford and Bainbridge were in attendance at the funeral.

Ebenezer Landers - Afton, NY

Story of Ebenezer Landers

Early Settler of Afton, Chenango Co., NY

 

The story of Ebenezer Landers life as given by his great-granddaughter, Mrs. Margaret Landers Sanford was an inspiring one as follows:

 

He was born in Sharon, Conn. November 3, 1758, and died in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] February 14, 1846, and his early life was spent in Lenox, Mass.  He served in the war of the Revolution as a private, first in Capt. Aaron Rowley's company in Col John Ashley's detachment of Berkshire County Militia in 1777, and again in Capt. Josiah Yale's company that marched to Stillwater on an alarm in 1781.  He married Olive Osborne about 1780, and to them were born seven children, Polly, Thomas, Stephen, Joseph, Nancy, Isaiah, Hiram and Solomon.

 

The account of their journey westward is as follows:  In 1787 he with his wife and three children and three of his brothers, Joseph, Isaiah and John, joined the westward movement to the unbroken wilderness of the New York frontier.  In the dead of winter they made their slow and toilsome journey with oxen and sleds from Lenox, Mass. to Unadilla, N.Y.  There the men built canoes to float down the river when the ice went out in the spring, but, becoming impatient, they started for their future home on foot, in the snow, following the Indian trail through the wilderness.  After many hardships, they reached their destination.

 

On this weary journey, Ebenezer carried on his back, necessary household utensils including a feather bed, and his wife carried their youngest child, Stephen, who was about 2 years old.  they reached Afton, then called Jerico, the last of March.

 

In the year previous, Ebenezer and Joseph had visited this country, made a small clearing, built a log cabin, and planted some corn on Stowell's Island.  The log structure stood near the spot where now is the home of Ebenezer's granddaughters, Sarah and Margaret Landers.  Here the weary travelers found rest.  The men made several trips to Unadilla for the rest of their belongings.  The other brothers took up land not far away, John afterward removing to Upper Lisle.  Ebenezer at once began the clearing of the ground and planting of crops, only to find after he had made many improvements that the land belonged to someone else. Rather than give up his home, he bought the place, giving in payment the last cow he had.  He was a carpenter by trade, as was his father before him, and worked for many years at it.  There was no mill in Afton where grain could be ground in those early times and the settlers were obliged to go by boat up the Susquehanna as far as Oneonta, then carry the corn on their backs for a mile to the mill.

 

Ebenezer was granted a pension for his services May 8, 1834 of $70 a year with $210 back pay... 

 

Of his descendants, three belong to the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Sayre of the Minneapolis [chapter], Mrs. Cora Bell Landers of Chicago Chapter and Mrs. Margaret Landers Sanford of the Gen. Wm. Floyd chapter, and Charles Jared Austin who belongs to the Sons of the Revolution.

 

Joseph Landers, the fourth child of Ebenezer and Olive was the first white child to be born in Afton.

 

Probably while living in Lenox, Mass., he and his wife attended the famous old Congregational "Church on the Hill," of which, his father, Thomas, was one of the foundation members and at first when reaching this country they were of the same creed, but soon joined the revolt against the stern belief of their puritan forefathers and became Universalists.

 

There is still preserved in the family a letter from the Moderator of the abandoned church to Mrs. Olive Landers, filled with pleadings, remonstrances, argument texts of Scripture and warnings that if they persisted in their course they must take the consequences of their damnable heresy.  In 1817 and 1818 Ebenezer was one of the committee who had in charge the building of the Universalist church in this place and during the remainder of his life he was a man of influence in its councils.  He was an upright and industrious man, such as are the backbone of our country and he always walked in preference to riding.  He died in consequence of a fall on the ice.

 

His ancestry goes back through a succession of Thomases and Ebenezers to the first Thomas, aged 22 who sailed from London in the good ship Abigail in 1635. 

 

Before that nothing certain is known but the probability is that the family originally came from Cornwall, England. the name is spelled in a number of ways and came from the word "laude" which was a pretty and rich piece of grassy sward in the heart of the forest, Chaucer says: 

 

"To the laude he rideth him full right,

There was the hart wont to take his flight"

 

And King Arthur and the knights of the round table went hunting, "At the hartes in these hye laundes,"

 

We, the Daughters of the American Revolution honor ourselves in honoring the man who fought for their country's freedom and happy and proud are we of the Landers blood that we descended from the soldier who lies here.  We wish him peace and rest forever more.

 

"How sleep the brave who sink to rest

With all their country's wishes blest."



 

 

 

 

 

 



Obituaries (July 13)

John W. Baker

Utica Saturday Globe, November 8, 1902

 

 

John W. Baker

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  John W. Baker, who was shot through the left leg by the accidental discharge of a shotgun on Tuesday night of last week, while preparing to go hunting the next day, died at his home on Grove avenue on Monday evening.  The injured leg was amputated on Thursday following the accident and he was believed to be recovering, but pneumonia set it and in his weakened condition he could not rally.  Deceased was born in the town of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] November 28, 1878.  He had been employed on the Ontario & Western as brakeman for the past five years.  Previous to that he had worked for three years in the railroad shops.  He was genial and was well liked by all.  He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and of the National Protective Legion.  There is a general expression of sympathy for his bereaved mother, his sister, Lillian, and two brothers, Walter and Herbert, all of this village.  Funeral services were held at 12 o'clock on Thursday, Rev. S.J. Ford officiating.  The remains were taken to North Norwich by special train, accompanied by the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and the Ladies' Auxiliary of the B. of R.T.  Interment was made in the Riverside Cemetery.

Mary Ellen Chase

Northern Christian Advocate, 1851

Mary Ellen, youngest daughter of Nathan B. and Electa Chase died of inflammation on the lungs in West Bainbridge, Chenango Co., Sept. 4th, 1851, aged 2 years, 8 months and 4 days.  Her sickness was very short, but very severe, being but one week to an hour, from the time it was taken to her death.

Happy infant, early blest,

Rest in peaceful slumbers rest;

Early rescued from the cares,

Which increase with growing years.

 



William O. Williams

1816 - 1902

William O. Williams died at his home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] June 7th, 1902, aged 86 years.  Mr. Williams was born in the town of Bainbridge, now Afton, in 1816, near where he resided at his death.  He lived several years in the town of Sanford.  His first wife died in the home where his son-in-law LaGrand Russell now lives.  Afterward he married Mrs. Richard Meade of Afton.  He was for many years a member of the M.E. church and his home had always a welcome for the Methodist preachers of the earlier times and they were just as heartily received by himself and family in these later years, and when health permitted he was always found in his accustomed place in the house of the Lord.  A man honored, respected and loved, he has passed to the reward of the faithful to God.  "He rests from his labors."  The funeral was attended from the home and the M.E. church Tuesday, June 10, the services being conducted by Rev. B.B. Carruth, a long-time friend, assisted by Revs. Sweet and Personeous.  The companion and children, and the many relatives have the heart-felt sympathy of the whole community.  [Afton Enterprise, June 12, 1902]

Sarah Catherine Landers

1840 - 1924

Miss Sarah Catharine Landers died April 9, 1924, at her home in Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].  She was the daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth (Carpenter) Landers, and was born Nov. 22, 1840, in the home where she died.  She came of old New England pioneer stock.

Frances M. Wilcox

1860 - 1933

Mrs. Frances M. Wilcox, aged 73, widow of George Wilcox, died Saturday night at the home of her daughter Mrs. Clark Doing of South Plymouth.  Up until eight years ago Mrs. Wilcox had been a lifelong resident of the town of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].  Funeral services will be held from the Doing home Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock.  Rev. Dowie G. DeBoer, pastor of the First Congregational church.  Norwich, will officiate.  Interment will be made in the North Norwich cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].  Deceased is survived by two daughter, Mrs. Doing of South Plymouth and Mrs. Clarice Burke of Bebee avenue; two sons, Horace and Raymond Wilcox of Chateaugay; one sister, Mrs. Miner Skinner of the town of Norwich and three brothers, Henry Follett of New Berlin, Albert Follett of Earlville and Spencer Follett of Boonville.

 

George Knapp Landers

1865 - 1935

The body of George K. Landers of Gainsville Fla., was brought to Afton [Chenango Co., NY] for burial Wednesday, January 1st.  Services were held at the E.F. Taber Funeral home on Main street with Rev. Holiday of Windsor officiating.  Mr. Landers is survived by one son, George M. Landers of Philadelphia, a daughter, Mrs. Charles Burk of Elizabeth, N.J. and one sister, Mrs. Mary Cowden of Watervliet.  Burial was in East Side cemetery, Afton.

Frank Bartlett Payne

1869 - 1937

The funeral of Frank B. Payne, a life-long resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], which was held Sunday afternoon in the Presbyterian Church of which he was a member, was largely attended.  The hymns he so much loved were softly played, the flowers his heart held dear were in profusion and the service conducted by is pastor, the Rev. G.H. Orvis, was full of hope and comfort.  Acting as bearers were old friends, J.E. Hirt, C.D. Dix, N.E. Truman and Dr. R.A. Johnson.  Frank Bartlett Payne, son of Elmer B. and Theodora Bartlett Payne, was born Dec. 20, 1869 and died March 11 while visiting at the home of his sister, Mrs. Alice Albrecht, in Sidney.  He has been in failing health for some seven months, the victim of a gradual paralysis of the throat and tongue, but had kept up and about in spite of his increasing weakness.  Wednesday afternoon he began to fail rapidly and passed away in his sleep early Thursday morning.  He was married to Miss Ella Warner, Dec. 14, 1892, the ceremony being performed by is grandfather, the Rev.  Hiram Payne.  This wife preceded him, her death occurring, Aug. 7, 1928.  Of their five children, four survive him, two sons, Howard and Ralph of Bainbridge, two daughters, Mrs. Esther Sargent, of Oneonta, and Mrs. Julia Latsch, together with five grandchildren.  Also remaining in his immediate family circle are two sisters, Mrs. Lloyd Albrecht, of Sidney, Mrs. Julian Corbin, of Bainbridge, and a brother, Butler Payne, of Afton.  Mr Payne's business was that of a stock dealer but his most absorbing interest was music and he was well and widely known for his skill, especially as a Trombone soloist.  He mastered the intricate desirable, "triple-tongue" technique and became remarkably proficient.  When but sixteen he was a member of the Village Band--still remembered with affection as the old McKinstrey Band.  He continued throughout his life actively interested in band music and was well known throughout the Southern Tier as a player of remarkable ability, and on numerous occasions had acted as guest soloist with outstanding bands of this and adjoining counties.  During the past few years he had made several appearances as guest soloist with the Traction Band, of Binghamton, on their Radio Broadcast over WNBF.  When the new pipe organ was installed in the Presbyterian Church, a recital was given by Dr. Ray Hastings of Los Angeles, California, son of Mr. Payne's sister, Mrs. Grace Payne Hastings.  Dr. Hastings invited his uncle to play as soloist on his program and the numbers he so well rendered at that time will long be remembered.  Frank attended the Bainbridge Academy, now the Bainbridge Central High School, and developed a liking for reading which he never lost.  He was fond of recalling old days and his mind was a pleasant storehouse of memories--crowed with old friendships to which he was intensely loyal.  He was quick to see promise in youths with musical ambitions and ready with encouragement and advice.  He loved the finer things of life--books, and flowers and his well-worn Bible, and in his heart they were all thrillingly set to music.