George E. Cook of Thornbrook Hall, NY

George E. Cook of Thornbrook Hall, Chenango Co., NY

Binghamton Press, May 8, 1955
by Larry Reed

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The Norwich artist, George E. Cook, like Thompkins H. Matteson of Sherburne, was a prolific artist.  There the similarity ends.  Matteson was wholly American, robust and a pillar in civic affairs in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].  Much of his art dealt with American history.  Cook was a cosmopolitan, frail and known more locally for his house, Thornbrook Hall, than for his art or any participation in community affairs.  Much of his adult life was spent in Europe with his sister, Mary Adaline Cook.  They resided in London, Paris, Berlin, Milan and Palermo.  A large part of his art consisted of portraits of royalty and members of society in Europe, and European landscapes. 

 

The story of Cook starts with Thornbrook Hall which is still standing in the Country Club Road near here, a dirt road running between Route 12 and Route 23 at South Plymouth.  Thornbrook Hall was built by the artist's great-great-grandfather, David Cook, more than 100 years ago.  It is a fantastic structure, with numerous rooms, and destined from the start to be visited by royalty, and by many others of more or less note.  It is said the mysterious Mueller and Mueller Hill, believed to have been Charles X, King of France, was one of the first noted visitors to Thornbrook Hall.  It is known Prince Don Giovanni del Drago of Rome and his American wife, the former Miss Schmidt of the brewery family, visited the hall during George Cook's time. The prince and his wife liked Chenango County so well they purchased a farm farther up Canasawacta Valley. They put about $80,000 into it, it is said, and then after tiring of it sold for $8,000.

 

\The Cooks were descendants of Gov. William Bradford of Plymouth Colony, Abial Cook, son of David, having married a descendant of the Bradfords.  Abial was a lawyer.  He practiced with Daniel S. Dickinson of Binghamton.  He was the grandfather of George, the artist.  The artist's father, Walter A. Cook, also was a lawyer, having been admitted to the bar at the age of 16.  George was expected to carry on the tradition and become a lawyer.  But George had learned to paint on velvet, the fad at the time, and was in Boston making a fair income at it.  With the aid of a Dr. Mosher, he was able to persuade his father to send him to Europe, presumably for his health, but actually to study art.  In his early ears, Cook's artistic talents had been encouraged by Mrs. Theodore Hill and by Daniel Wagner and his sister, Louisa Wagner, all of Norwich.  The latter two were artists in their own right.  In Europe, Cook spent some time at the royal palaces of Romania and was a friend of Marie of Romania.  His sister still has messages to Cook in Marie's handwriting mailed as early as 1914, start of World War I, when she was the crown princess of Romania, and as late as 1927, when Marie was queen.  In the late years of his life, Cook spent many of his summers at Thornbrook, working from sketches on canvas he had prepared in Europe.  At our last visit to the Hall in 1949, there were some 300 of these sketches stacked on a table in the gallery, including a set of sketches of the royal palaces and gardens of Romania.  At that time there were still many valuable art treasures at Thornbrook Hall, including some 200 of Cook's own completed paintings, and many others, including antique furniture, Miss Cook and her brother had collected during their travel in Europe.    

 

During Cook's late years there were several noted visitors to the hall, including Loie Fuller and troupe of dancing girls; Joseph K. Bryant, former surgeon general, brought to the hall by the late George W. Ray, and Mr. and Mrs. Hudnut the perfume manufacturers.  She was the daughter of the daughter of the architect of the Library of Congress.

 

George Cook, the artist, died in 1930, at his winter home, Southern Pines, N.C.  His sister often has returned to Thornbrook Hall for a few weeks during the summers and she is expected to return this year.  About two years ago, she was married to Vittorio Crescimanno di Capodarso, an Italian writer.

 

 

Obituaries (August 8)

William E. Tracy

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1901

 

 

William E. Tracy

1838 - 1901

William E. Tracy, one of the well-known residents of Chenango county, died at his home in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] Thursday evening, April 4, aged 63.  For the past two or three years Mr. Tracy had suffered from ill health, and for several months his condition had been serious.  Mr. Tracy was born in Oxford, July 21, 1838, and had spent the greater share of his life in that village.  He became widely known as a dealer in live stock, following that occupation until seven years ago, when he leased the Halfway House, so called from its location midway between Norwich and Oxford.  He filled the place of a genial host for six years until last spring, when he took up his residence in Norwich and only a month ago returned to Oxford to reside among the scenes of his earlier days--the village being the home of his children.  He was married in 1862 to Miss Helen Devoll, of Sherburne, by whom he is survived, together with a daughter, Mrs. Jennie Beckwith, and two sons, John S. and William E. Tracy, all residents of Oxford.  Funeral services were held form the family residence at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon, Rev. Dr Sutherland, pastor of the Congregational Church, officiating.  Interment was made in Riverside Cemetery [Oxford, NY]. 

 

Justus Blackman

Chenango Union, July 20, 1870

BLACKMAN:  Justus Blackman, one of the oldest inhabitants of the town of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], died on the 14th of last June, aged 89 years.  He was born in Andover, Conn.  Fifty years ago he came to this County and settled in the town of Plymouth; he lived there until twenty-nine years ago, when the "dread monster" entered his home circle, and took therefrom the joy and companion of his bosom. He then went to Pennsylvania, where he remained seven years, and then came to Pharsalia, where he has lived from that time until his death, with his daughter, Mrs. Marsh.  Eleven years ago last January his hip was fractured by a fall, and he was helpless from that time, and for the past year was not dressed, nor able to leave his bed; yet he bore all his suffering and affliction without a murmur, with all that fortitude that characterizes the true Christian, and has now gone to his long home, to meet friends gone before and to reap that reward which awaits the finally faithful.

 

Alanson Bingham

Chenango Union, July 19, 1877

BINGHAM:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], June 23d, Mr. Alanson Bingham aged 76 years, formerly of Greene.

 

Bainbridge Republican, June 28, 1877

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

 

A.D. Bingham

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 2, 1896

A.D. Bingham, a worthy man and a good citizen, and farmer of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], died at his home about 2 miles east of this village, on Wednesday morning of last week.  His sickness was of short duration, and the fatal malady, pneumonia, did its work rapidly, baffling all aid to stay its progress.  Mr. Bingham was a man who had the respect of all who knew him.  he was a member,and we believe one of the deacons of the Congregational church of this village.  A good man has gone to his reward.  his funeral took place Friday forenoon, Rev. J.W. Keeler, officiating.  Burial at Sylvan Lawn [Greene, NY].

 

Mrs. A.D. Bingham

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 2, 1896

Mrs. A.D. Bingham, wife of the deceased, mentioned above, and who was taken ill several days previous to her husband, died on Saturday last and was buried on Monday.  She was an exemplary lady, and will be mourned by a large circle of friends.  These are sad incidents in the history of this family.

 

Austin Birdsall

The Otsego Farmer, Cooperstown, NY, September 9, 1898

The storm of Tuesday struck the premises of Austin Birdsall, on the Trout creek, near Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], completely demolishing the barn.  The house was carried from the foundation about seven or eight rods.  Mrs. Birdsall was thrown under the kitchen stove and terribly injured internally.  After the cyclone had passed Mr Birdsall could not be found.  A search was instituted and his dead body was found several rods from the barn, in which he must have taken shelter from the storm.  The three children of the Birdsalls miraculously escaped injury.  The cyclone also struck the barn of a Mr. Kinch and literally ripped the gable out of the same.  The storm and cyclone did fearful damage in other places, but no fatalities are reported.

 

The Otsego Farmer, Cooperstown, NY, September 16, 1898

The cyclone which did such great damage near Trout Creek [Delaware Co., NY] last week, was even more than first reports indicated.  Austin Birdsall who was killed in the storm, was buried on Saturday and his wife lies in a very critical condition and it is not thought she can survive.  He attending physician has made no effort to set the bones of her arm, which are broken in five places.  An Oneonta Star correspondent says that the farm beggars description.  Everything movable was blown about by the wind. Great trees were pulled up by the roots and carried many rods.  Some of the trees had all the roots fast to them. The orchard consisted of fifty trees, all of which were torn up and carried some distance.  In the house where the cyclone struck, were Mrs. Birdsall and her three daughters.  The building was lifted from its foundation, hurled through the air six rods and deposited in a heap a total wreck.  Mattie, the eldest daughter found herself pinioned beneath a beam by her hair, half of which she tore out in her efforts to free herself.  She found her mother crushed and bleeding, beneath the stove and after  rescuing her found her two younger sisters apparently unharmed.  A genuine hero, she half carried, half dragged her mother and guided her sisters to a neighbor's, Royal Dean, where they were cared for.  Mr. Dean found Mr. Birdsall, as stated, in the road near the barn with his skull crushed. The wreckage of the barn is strewn for miles. The cattle and horses were unharmed being in the basement. One cow, however, had  a leg broken.  About a hundred turkeys and hens were killed, some of which were found many rods from the house, with their feathers stripped off.  One large tree was seen virtually twisted off near the base with every leaf blown off.  Letters, that were in the house of Birdsall, as well as pieces of carpet, have been found five miles away from the scene where the wind had deposited them.  It is estimated that fully 15,000 people have visited the scene, which one must see to have any conception of the terrors which the survivors endured during the few brief moments of the storm's duration.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, July 20, 1870

 

HICKEY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, July 19th, Mr. Owen Hickey, aged about 50 years.

 

HYER:  In Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, July 15th, Mr. Charles E. Hyer, aged about 50 years.

 

BINGHAM:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], July 8th, Mr. Thos. L. Bingham, aged 75 years, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

 

DIMOCK:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], July 13th, Mrs. Harriet Dimock, aged 53 years, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

HOAG:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], July 11th, Mary E, wife of Stephen C. Hoag, Jr. aged 23 years.

 

ACKLEY:  In Bradford, Wis., June 27th, Mr. Joseph Ackley, Jr., aged 52 years, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]

 

BATEMAN:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], July 15th, Mr. Benjamin Bateman, aged 61 years, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

 

 

Ex-Convict Arthur O'Connor Seeks to Reclaim Family-1878

Ex-Convict Arthur O'Connor Seeks Family Reunion

Bainbridge Republican, August 29, 1878

 

Owego [Tioga Co., NY] had a very romantic, but entirely true story, which is the general topic of conversation in that vicinity.  In 1863 a man named Arthur O'Connor kept a hotel known as the Gate Hill House, three miles north of Owego.  He was arrested in that year, tried and convicted for passing counterfeit money, and was sentenced to two years in the Auburn Stat Prison.  He was married and had two children.  He never returned home, and his wife, believing him dead, was married in 1869 to a shoemaker name Hermann Berry.  A day or two ago, O 'Connor made his appearance in Owego.  Berry, his wife's second husband, was absent from home.  O'Connor obtained an interview with the wife. She accompanied him to Hornellsville, where one of his children, a daughter, who had grown up and married during his absence, lives.  Berry, coming home and finding out the situation, went to Hornellsville.  He found his wife, and asked her whether she would go back with him, or intended to go with O'Connor.  She decided to return to Owego with Berry. O'Connor left on the next train, taking with him his son, a young man aged 17 years. he is going to South America.  He says that after being released from Auburn Prison he went to St. Louis.  There he joined a gang of bank robbers.  They robbed an Illinois bank of $240,000.  O'Connor's share of the spoils was *25,000.  With this he fled to Cuba.  He was followed, arrested, brought back and sentenced to ten years in Joliet Prison.  His treasure he secreted in Cuba.  On his release in 1876 he went directly back to Cuba and recovered his spoils.  With it he went to Brazil, where, he says,  h has acquired wealth and position.  He came to this county after his family. He had in his possession $26,000 in cash, $10,000 of which it is said, he gave to his wife.--N.Y. Times

Obituaries (August 7)

Molly (Conway) Ackroyd

Utica Saturday Globe, September (about 1901)

 

 

Molly (Conway) Ackroyd

In New York, on Monday, occurred the death of Molly Conway, wife of George Ackroyd, aged 33 years.  Deceased was the daughter of the late Dennis Conway, for many years a prominent merchant of this village.  She grew to womanhood in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], attended the public schools here and was loved and respected by a large circle of friends.  About 10 years ago she was married to Mr. Ackroyd and since that time has resided in the west and in New York.  Besides her husband she is survived by her mother, Mrs. Margaret Conway, of New York, and three brothers, Thomas, Charles and James.  Her remains were brought to Norwich Wednesday afternoon and burial took place in St. Paul's Cemetery.

 

Mary Whitney

Bainbridge Republican, July 23, 1880

The death of Miss Mary Whitney, a beautiful, and intelligent young lady of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY]  is announced.  She was a daughter of Edson Whitney, merchant of that village, and universally beloved and esteemed.  Her death was caused by a lingering consumption, having been in poor health for several months.

John Hull, Jr.

Bainbridge Republican, August 27, 1880

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] The funeral of John Hull, Jr., was held at his father's residence in this place, on the 8th inst.  Mr. Hull died in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 8th inst.  from the effects of a sunstroke received in New York, several weeks ago. The remains were accompanied from Norwich by several friends of the deceased.

Mrs. E.S. Cunningham

Chenango Union, January 24, 1884

Greene [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. E.S. Cunningham, who died Wednesday evening, from the effects of  injuries received in a runaway in jumping from a cutter on Friday evening, January 11th, was buried last Saturday afternoon, a large number of relatives and friends attending the funeral, many of our business places being closed during the  services.

T.P. Halstead

Afton Enterprise, April 30, 1891

In our last issue we spoke of the illness of Presiding Elder T.P. Halstead.  Today we are called upon to chronicle his death, which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. S.E. Carrington, Wednesday afternoon last.  Shortly after the recent session of the Wyoming Conference at Waverly, Mr. Halsted who was re-appointed Presiding Elder of this district, contracted a severe cold, which developed into pneumonia.  He continued to fail, and despite the fact that everything was done to bring health back to the deceased body, his friends could see that their efforts were unavailing, and at last the Master whom he had been serving for so many years, called him Home.  Sad, indeed was the news of his death, and as the tidings were sent forth over the wires, more than one person dropped a silent tear, and every minister in his district felt they had lost a true friend.  In speaking of Mr. Halsted we have no fear of over estimating his character as an earnest worker in the Lord's vineyard.  Always ready to do his duty, no matter under  what  difficulties, he  won for himself an enviable reputation wherever he was located.  Self sacrificing, generous, a perfect gentleman, kind hearted and true, it is no wonder he was always popular among his brethren, and as more than one minister  said "'his visits were like  the rays of sunlight on a cloudy day."  No obstacle  was too great for him to overcome to do his Master's calling and when his wife's health failed and he was obliged to spend the greater share of his time at her side, the true character of the man presented itself.  Tender as a child, his loving heart strove for her comfort, and by the grace of God he was able to provide her with many things for her enjoyment.  Mr. Halsted was born at Stockbridge, N.Y., in 1830, and entered the ministry at the age of 26 years  His first charge was at Bainbridge, in 1856, and since then he has been located as follows:  1859-60, Plymouth; 51-52, Earlville; 63-64, East Hamilton; 65-67, Unadilla; 68-70, Oxford; 71-72, Sherburne; 73-75, Afton; 76, Guilford; 77-79, Mt. Upton; 80-82, Worcester; 83-85, Norwich; 86, Taylorville; 87; Superannuated; 88, Athens; 89, Worcester; 90-91, Presiding Elder Oneonta District, having succeeded the late Dr. Wm. Olin.  He was always successful in his ministerial labors, and many have been led to the house of God through his efforts.  Repeated revivals marked the aggressive nature of his ministrations, while the steady, unfolding spiritual life of believers showed the character of his teachings and personal influence within the church.  The funeral was held Friday afternoon.  Short services were held at the home of his daughter, where Mrs. Halsted lies an invalid, following which the remains were taken to the M.E. church, where a large number of friends had assembled to pay their last respects to the deceased.  The services were in charge of Rev. O.H. McAnulty, of Oneonta, which were  opened by singing an anthem with solo, "Lead Me Gently Home."  After singing "How Vain are all Things Below the Skies," Rev. M.S. Hard, D.D., of the Wyoming district, offered a very comforting prayer, and as he referred to his honored name of the brother lying before him, silent tears coursed down many faces.  The 38th Psalm was read by Rev. L.L. Sprague, of the Wyoming seminary, and the 90th by Rev. H.C.  McDermott, while Rev. A.F. Chaffee followed with a selection of passages.  Beautiful tributes to the memory of the departed were made by Revs. W.L. Thrope, of Waverly, J.W. Mevis, of Milford, J.B. Sumner, of Owego district, Thomas Harroun, of Binghamton district, and O.H. McAnulty, of Oneonta district.  A large number of ministers from this district were present, and the following from other districts; Revs. M.S. Hard, J.B. Sumner, Thos. Harroun, Geo. M. Colvill, A.M. Crydenwise, A.J. VanCleft, E.B. Olmstead, J.G. Eckman and H.C.McDermott. The following clergymen acted as bearers:  B.P. Ripley, E. Kilpatrick, W.T. Blair, C.H. Hayes, C.B. Personeous and W.H. Alger.  The burial was in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], Funeral Director Emens having charge.  In the loss of Mr. Halsted this community, as well as the entire district, feel that a true Christian man has been called Home, and while we as a community are called upon to mourn his loss, we are not unmindful of the fact that his death will be more severely felt by the invalid widow, sorrowing daughter, and aged father, but while they are thus bowed in grief what a comfort it must be to them to know that the Master can say "well done, true and faithful servant."

[Note:  Transcription on stone in Glenwood Cemetery reads as follows:

Rev. T.P. Halstead Born Sep. 11, 1830 Died Apr. 22, 1891 Lina Merrell His Wife Born Mar. 18, 1834 Died Dec. 24, 1900 HALSTEAD

Golden medallion in ground at base of stone:  United Methodist Pastor

 

Bainbridge High Student Council 1952-53

Bainbridge Central High School Student Council

"Echo" 1953

 

 

First row (LtoR):  L. Dodge, Faye Boyd, A. Foldy, Richard Niles, Richard Jones, Richard Hurlburt, Benjamin Simonds, Nancy Craig, C. Jobson, DeWitt Niles

 

Second row (LtoR):  Mr. Cleary, Gary Darling, Leonard Owens, Ward Giles, Roger Lord, Richard Babcock, D. Moretz, Miss Mabel Smith



Marriages (August 6)

Close - King

Utica Saturday Globe, May 1904

 

 

Claiborn S. and Florence May (King) Close

There is cause for congratulation in the coming of Mr. and Mrs. Claiborn S. Close to Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on their wedding trip.  They have been so favorably impressed with the place that they have decided to make their residence here, and will set up housekeeping in a newly furnished home on Turner street.  For the present they are guests of Dr. and Mrs. James H. Westcott on West Main street, Mr. Close being a brother of Mrs. Westcott.  His mother, Mrs. A.E.S. Close, is also a resident of Norwich.

 

Mr. Close recently returned form the Philippines, having seen extensive service in the United States Army in the far east.  Since he left his home in Upper Sandusky, O., after his enlistment in February, 1901, he has traveled over 62,000 miles.  In the course of this long journey Mr. Close stopped for brief periods in China, Japan, Egypt, India and South Africa and has many interesting experiences and observations to relate.  At Cairo, he left the transport long enough to take a donkey ride to the neighborhood of the pyramids, paying 10 cents for the privilege of being borne by one of these little animals to the unique burial places of the Pharaohs.  Twenty-four hours were required by the transport to pass through the Suez canal where hundreds of big ships are almost constantly waiting for permission to pass.  The ships usually pass through in fleets keeping very close together, a solid procession a mile or more in length being not unusual.

 

Mr. Close was a trombone player in Twenty-seventh Infantry Band and saw some sharp fighting while in the Philippines.  He participated in four expeditions and two engagements. He was in the expedition against Moros, known as the Lake Lano expedition, which culminated in the battle of Bay and he was also active in battle of Bacoled.  At such times members of the band were required to do hospital duty.  In carrying stretchers on the field where the actual firing was in progress, the hospital corps was in great and frequent danger from the shots of the enemy.

 

Mr. Close has been honorably discharged after three years of service and is now senior vice commander of the Army and Navy Union, an organization having a membership of about 40,000 American soldiers and which will hold a national convention in Washington the first week in August.

 

On March 15 Mr. Close arrived in the United States from the Philippines and on May 5 [1904] he was married to Miss Florence May King, of Chicago.  The wedding occurred at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.F. King, on Indiana street, in the presence of 50 guests.  It was a military wedding.  The residence was beautifully decorated with red, white and blue bunting and American flags.  The ring ceremony was used and the couple  were the recipients of many handsome presents.  Mr. and Mrs. Close left the day following for a honeymoon to Niagara Falls, and Canada and expecting to spend only a brief time in Norwich.

Stork - Minor

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 1, 1896

Wednesday evening, December 25, the residence of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Minor, of Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], was the scene of a very happy event, the occasion being the marriage of his daughter, Flora B. to Burton J. Stork, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]. The parlor was tastefully decorated with evergreens and precisely at eight o'clock to the strains of the wedding march, the bridal pair, preceded by Lita and Nelson Brown, Zoa and Frank Minor, entered the parlor through a gateway of evergreens, which as they approached, was united by the little May, youngest sister of the bride.  They then advanced to an arch where they were met by their pastor, Rev. J.F.Whitney, who in a very impressive manner spoke the words which united them in holy wedlock.  After a bountiful repast the happy couple left amid showers of rice and best wishes, for a short tour in this and adjoining counties.  The bride is a highly respected member in our society, and her absence will be much felt among her many friends, as well as in her home. The groom was formerly one of our most respected young men.  Those present from out of town were, Mrs. Minnie Brown and children, of Walton and Miss Catharine Hathaway, of Cannonsville.

Marriage Notices
Chenango Union, July 17, 1872

HARRINGTON - HASTINGS:  In Oxford, July 5th, by Rev. A. Reynolds, Mr. J.C. Harrington, to Miss Alma Hastings, both of Butternuts [Otsego Co.., NY].

AUSTIN - FOOTE: In Walton, Del. Co., July 3d, by Rev. J.J. Dean, Mr. C.E. Austin of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss M.C Foote of Walton.

LUCAS - RICE:  In Smithville, July 4th, by Rev. J.C. Nightingale, Mr. Charles Lucas, to Miss Francis Rice, both of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY].

Obituaries (August 6)

Martha M. Westcott

Utica Saturday Globe, August 1901

 

 

Martha M. (Hurlbert) Westcott

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Martha M. Westcott, widow of Dr. James J. Westcott, died at the family residence on West Main street Tuesday evening.  Mrs. Westcott was the daughter of Dr. Hiram and Dr. Hannah Hurlbert, and great-granddaughter of one of the American patriots who participated in the ever memorable Boston tea party.  Her mother was the first licensed female physician in Chenango county.  Deceased was born in Fabius, N.Y. [Onondaga Co.] September 1, 1824, and came to Norwich with her parents in 1845.  Her mother died in 1865 and her father in 1866.  In 1848 she married James J. Westcott, of Eaton, who afterwards studied medicine with his father-in-law and graduated from Syracuse Medical College in 1857.  Mrs. Westcott was a member of the First Baptist Church and for many years was actively interested in the work of the church.  During that period she was for a long time a soprano singer in the choir and was always ready to aid the church in any way in her power.  For a number of years her health has been failing and during her declining days she found her greatest pleasure in her home and family.  She is survived by one son, Dr. James H. Westcott, and an adopted daughter, Mrs. W.L. Wightman, of this village, and by one brother, Dr. John E. Hurlbert, of Aurora, Ill.  Funeral services were held this (Friday) afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Rev. John L. Ray officiating.  Interment was in Mount Hope [Norwich, NY].

Catharine T. Per Lee

Chenango Union, July 17, 1872

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], July 12th, after a painful and protracted illness, Miss Catharine Merritt Per Lee, aged 26 years and 7 months.

How true the words--"Death loves a shining mark."  As the subject of this brief notice was an invalid and intense sufferer nearly all her days, having received an incurable injury to the spine when a mere child, so the loss and pain physically sustained and endured was more than compensated in the wonderful developments of the mind.  Amiable, lovely, pure minded, intellectual, she possessed a remarkable degree the graces which adorn society, and make home cheerful and happy.  With such rare gifts, it is not strange that she should have been devotedly beloved by fond parents and warmly attached to a large circle of relatives and friends.  For upwards of six months she had been entirely helpless every day suffering ten fold more than death, yet always cheerful, never a complaining word.  Frequently before had she been brought to the verge of the grave, never a murmur escaping her lips. During the last of her painful sickness, her greatest anxiety, next to a desire to depart, was that her parents might be reconciled to their lot.  A week or more before her death she gave explicit directions respecting her burial, and in regard to various matters which it seems impossible a suffering, dying  child should call to mind or feel an interest.  Her funeral was largely attended Sunday afternoon, at the residence of her parents, Rev. J.D. Pope, by her request, officiating.  Mr. and Mrs. Albert Cary and Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Brooks, furnished excellent music at the house and grave.

Frances E Manning
DeRuyter New Era, September 16, 1880

Frances E.M. Wife of G.H. Manning, editor of the Chenango Union, died at Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], On Sept. 6th, aged about 35 years.

 

Bainbridge Republican, September 10, 1880

The Telegraph of Wednesday has a very fine tribute to the memory of the wife of G.H. Manning of the Union, who died at her home in Norwich, Monday evening, aged thirty-five years.  We clip the following from the Telegraph's memorial:

The death of Mrs. Manning will be received with sorrow by our entire community, for though she has resided here but a few years, her gentle deportment and fine womanly qualities had endeared herself to a large circle of friends.  Mrs. M. was born in the town of Kingsbury, Washington County, N.Y., November 26th, 1845.  In Sept. 1865, she and Mr. M. were married at Fort Edward.  In August 1858 they removed to this village, Mr. M. having previously purchased and become the editor of the Chenango Union.  Twelve years only have passed, and her life work is ended. Who shall say it has not been well done.  Full of brightness and joy she mingled in society, or sat upon the throne of her household, a devoted, loving, faithful wife and mother, whose home was the center of attraction.  Her willingness to perform all the public duties devolving upon a lady of her station was proverbial, though from the feebleness of her health. she was unable to do as much as she desired."

Lucy Stork

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 25, 1893

Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Lucy Stork, widow of the late John R. Stork, died at her home at this place on Tuesday evening, Jan. 17th, aged 79 years.  She was an old and highly respected resident of the town and her death breaks another link in the chain which binds us to the past.  The funeral occurred on Friday.  Services were  held at the church and the burial was at our cemetery.  Rev. A. Caldwell, of Afton, officiated as clergyman.

Oxford Times, January 31, 1893

The funeral of Mrs. John Stork, an old resident, was held on Friday, 20th, inst.  She had been a great sufferer from dropsy for some time.  She was about 77 years of age.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, July 17, 1872

SPAULDING:  At the residence of her son, Ira Spaulding, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 9th, Mrs. Phebe Spaulding, aged 83 years and 6 months.

BARR:  At the residence of his son, Joseph P. Barr, in East Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], July 10th, Mr. Aaron Barr, aged 88 years.

CRANDALL:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], July 11th, J. Louis, son of Joseph and Carrie Crandall, aged 2 years, 5 months and 14 days.

CLEVELAND:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], July 5th, Miss Lottie Cleveland, aged 25 years.

NEWELL:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], July 5th, Mr. William D. Newell, aged 20 years.

STOPPARD:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], July 4th, Mr. James Stoppard, aged 61 years.

LEWIS:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]  Lydia Lewis, aged 87 years and 6 months.

FENTON:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY] Mr Robert Fenton, aged 39 years, 5 months and 10 days.

SHERMAN:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], June 26th, Mrs. B. Sherman, wife of John Sherman, aged 61 years.

BURDICK:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], July 9th, Mary A., daughter of the late Dea. Phineas and Lydia Burdick, aged 21 years.

LACY:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY], June 27th, of consumption, M. Ellen Burton, youngest daughter of the late Cephas S. and Caroline C. Lacy, formerly of Norwich, in the 18th year of her age.

HILL:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], July 2d, Mr. John A.  Hill, aged 49 years, proprietor of the Tioughnioga House.
 

Bainbridge High School Class of 1952

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1952

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1952

 

 

Donald Kenneth Pixley

 

Donna June Pixley

 

Norma Jean Roscoe

 

Guenther Ludwig Schoen

 

Marion Joyce Sherman

 

James Arthur Singmaster

Class President

 

Josephine Marie Strasnicsak

 

Eileen Mildred Youngs



William A. Perry, Norwich, NY 1901

Are to Leave Norwich

William A. Perry and His Estimable Wife

Utica Saturday Globe, August 1901

 

Mr. & Mrs. William A. Perry

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At a meeting of the directors of the Young Men's Christian Association held Tuesday evening, Secretary William A. Perry tendered his resignation to take effect September 15.  Mr. Perry came here a year ago from Syracuse, where for two years, he had been assistant to the general secretary of the Y.M.C.A. of that city and during his stay here he has conducted the work of the association in a very effective and successful manner.  He goes to Salem, Mass., where he will be secretary of the boys' department of the association of that city.

 

Mrs. Perry has been a most worthy helpmeet to her husband in his work here.  She has acted as librarian and for a large portion of the time has taken full charge of the boys department and is secretary of the Ladies' auxiliary of the association.  She has also taken an active interest in church work, being a member of the King's Daughters of the Congregational Church and secretary of the Woman's Home Missionary Society.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Perry during their stay in this village have gained a large number of friends who regret their departure from Norwich and whose best wishes for continued success will go with them to their new home.

 

 

 

 

Marriages (August 5)

Belle (Webb) Mattice Tiffney Miller

Bainbridge Republican, July 9, 1880

In the town of Windsor [Broome Co., NY] is a small hamlet called Randolph Centre.  In that neighborhood there lived an elderly lady named Webb, and with her lived her daughter, Belle.  Belle has another name, which used to be Webb.  After she married William O. Mattice, the noted horse thief and jail breaker, her name was Mattice.  When he went to state prison the last time, from Madison County, she married a man named Tiffney, and then her name became Tiffney.  About two years ago she left Tiffney, and she and Augustus Miller went to live with her mother.  It may be that her name ought to have been Miller then, but she didn't go by that name.  On the 30th of June there was a surprise party at Mrs. Webb's, consisting of about a dozen citizens-male and female.  they seized Miller with the evident intention of giving him a coat of tar and feathers, but he escaped, leaving a portion of his vest and shirt in the hands of William Tiffney.  This was because Tiffney held fast to the garments longer than he held to Miller. Belle made a great row about it, and they besmeared her with tar, and ornamented the house somewhat with the same quality of fresco.  They then cleaned the house, as they were relatives, and wanted to be neighborly as relatives should be, and departed.

 

Marriage Notices

Chenango Union, January 4, 1883

 

PALMER- FOSGATE:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. A.W. Barrows, Mr. Eugene M. Palmer of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Sarah M. Fosgate, of McDonough.

 

GRAVES - ESTARBROOK:  In Bainbridge, Dec. 20th, by Rev. L.E. Wheeler, Mr. Will W. Graves, to Miss Sarah S. Estarbrook, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]

 

WILLIAMS - BARRY:  In this village, Dec. 25th, by Rev. E.B. Smith, Mr. George Williams, to Miss Kate Barry, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

 

DILLEY - AINSWORTH:  At the residence of the bride's father, in New Berlin, Dec. 27th, by Rev. L.C. Hayes, Mr. John A. Dilley, to Miss M. Estella Ainsworth both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]

 

REED - PHILLIPS:  At the M.E. Parsonage in New Berlin, Dec. 31st, by Rev. D.C. Barnes, Mr. George L. Reed to Miss Ida A Phillips, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]

 

AYLESWORTH - PAGE:  In New Berlin, Dec. 27th, by Rev. W.M. Crossman, Mr. Franklin Aylesworth, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Laura A. Page, of South Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY]

 

BENNETT - JENNE:  In West Eaton [Madison Co., NY], Dec. 27th, by Rev. C.M. Jones, Mr. Alfred Bennett, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Sarah  J. Jenne, of the former place..

 

CULLEN - DUNN:  In St. Joseph's Church, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 27th, by Rev. Father Finneran, Mr. Francis J. Cullen to Miss Theresa Dunn.

 

HULL - ROOT:  In New Milford, Pa., Nov. 3d, by Rev. J.A. Russell, Mr. Daniel W. Hull to Mrs. Caroline Root, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

 

SHELLMAN - WHITLOCK:  In East Afton, Dec. 20th, by Rev. John Davy, Mr. William Shellman to Mrs. Eva Whitlock, all of East Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

 

LYON - TEED:  Dec. 25th, by Rev. W.N. Curtiss, Mr. Josiah E. Lyon, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Nettie Teed, of North Walton [Delaware Co., NY].

 

SMITH - MATTESON:  In Sherburne, Dec. 27th, by Rev. T.L. Randolph, Mr. Walter G. Smith of the Ithaca Daily Journal, to Miss Mary E. Matteson, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

 

ROE - EVANS:  In Sherburne, Dec. 30th, by Rev. G.L. White, Mr. Robert E. Roe to Miss Lois A. Evans, both of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY]

 

ROGERS - RAY:  In DeRuyter, Dec. 24th, by Rev. J. Clarke, Mr. Emmet C. Rogers to Miss Bertha C. Ray, both of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY]

 

PALMER - JAQUAY:  In South Hamilton, Dec. 19th by Rev. S.A. Norden, Mr. D.S. Palmer, of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jennie F. Jaquay, of South Hamilton [Madison Co., NY].

 

HAYES - PRESTON:  In Genoa, Dec. 20th, by Rev. F.H. Gates, Mr. John S. Hayes, of South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. Electa Preston, of East Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY].

 

CLINK - CHRYSLER:  In Solon, Dec. 25th, by Rev. M.Z. Hassins, Mr. Ward Cline, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Cora E. Chrysler, of Solon, N.Y [Cortland Co., NY].

 

Obituaries (August 5)

John Selfe

Utica Saturday Globe, August 1901

 

John Selfe 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  John Selfe, a well-known business man of this village, died at his home on Cortland street, Thursday afternoon.  Deceased was born in Trowbridge, England, in 1846, and came to this country with his parents when 6 years of age.  For some time before coming to this village, in 1882, he was interested in a woolen mill at Eaton.  Shortly after coming here he purchased /***the Norwich bottling works, then conducted by his brother, George Selfe, and Lee Audsley, now of Sherburne, and he had since successfully conducted the business.  He was a pleasant and genial man and a respected citizen and during his residence had made a host of friends.  He was a prominent Mason and affiliated with Norwich lodge, No. 302, F.& A.M. in 1885.  Mr. Selfe leaves besides his wife, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Selfe, of Sherburne, one brother, George Selfe, of Waterville, and two sisters, Mrs. Silas Danforth, of Saginaw, Mich., and Mrs. Lee Audsley, of Sherburne.  Funeral Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.

 

Francis Blackman

Bainbridge Republican, July 17, 1879

The funeral of Francis Blackman of Gilbertsville was largely attended on Saturday of last week.  He /was buried in Evergreen Cemetery near White's Store.  Friends of deceased were present from Sherburne and surrounding towns, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

 

Chenango Union, July 17, 1879 

Francis Blackman, the well known furniture dealer of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], hung himself July 9th, in a fit of mental aberration.  For some time past Mr. Blackman has been laboring under the hallucination that he was coming to poverty.  He knew that this was a chimera, as no man in the community was doing a more flourishing business than he.  He has at one time been an inmate of the Insane Asylum at Utica, but for several years has been entirely sane.  The blow falls with crushing weight upon  a large circle of friends.

 

The funeral of Francis Blackman, of Gilbertsville, whose suicide by hanging on Wednesday morning of last week we mentioned that day, took place on Saturday afternoon, and was largely attended by Masons and others, deceased having been a highly respected citizen, a prominent Mason, and at the time of his death was Senior Warden of the Episcopal Church.  The remains were interred in the cemetery at White Store, in the east part of this town [Norwich, NY], where other members of the family are buried.  He leaves a wife and two sons, and a large circle of relatives, who have the sympathies of all.

 

Willis Eugene Richmond

Bainbridge Republican, July 17, 1879

The friends of Willis Richmond followed his remains to Evergreen Cemetery [White Store, Chenango Co., NY] Tuesday, July 8th.  C.R. Carruth made appropriate remarks, this being the fourth funeral service in the family he has officiated at within the past few years.

 

Chenango Union, July 17, 1879

The remains of Willis Richmond, who departed this life Monday morning of last week, were interred in our village cemetery [White Store] on Tuesday afternoon last.  Mr. Richmond was a young gentleman respected, and well liked by all who knew him.  Some six or sever years since he traveled in the west, where he remained about a year, and where he contracted the disease which, after several years of patient suffering, called the weary traveler home.  He was prepared to go at any moment, having dreamed a few nights before his death at what time he would die, and strange to relate, his death occurred exactly as he had dreamed.  He dreamed he would die on the noon of the 7th and be buried on the 11th, but owning to the state of the weather, and other causes, his remains could not be preserved longer than the 8th.  The funeral took place from the residence of his father, Joseph Richmond, and was well attended. A long procession followed the remains to their last resting place, and paid the last tribute of respect to the honored dead, departing for home a sad and solemn people, trusting the departed one is now with his kindred and friends who have preceded him to that Better land.

 

Julian Moore

Bainbridge Republican, July 9, 1880

On Sunday Julian Moore, about fifteen years old, a younger son of J. Burke Moore, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], was drowned in the Ludlow pond, off what is called "Perch Point," at Oxford, in about twenty-five feet of water.  he was unable to swim, and, as the report is, went there with an older friend for the purpose of learning.  It seems that Moore's comrade, who is an adept at swimming, was with his burden upon his back, seeking to reach a boat at quite a distance from the shore and that in the attempt to seize the same, which he missed, Moore lost his hold and went down.  At last accounts the body was not found, although diligent search had been made.

 

Electa Starr

Bainbridge Republican, September 24, 1880

Mrs. Electa Starr, wife of the late Nahum Starr, died at her residence in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] last Wednesday at the advanced age of 87 years.  Mrs. S. can properly be called one of Sherburne's pioneers.  Mr. S. settled in Sherburne over sixty-five years ago and conducted the tin trade here many years.  The deceased was the grandmother of Mrs. Charles Merchant.  Charlie is well known in Bainbridge as traveling salesman for John Ray Clarke, of Binghamton. 

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, January 14, 1892

ALDRICH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], January 13, 1892, Mrs. Ancella Aldrich, widow of the late Samuel Aldrich, aged 82 years and 1 month.

 

LEWIS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], January 7, 1892, Mrs. Elijah Lewis, aged 94 years.

 

PRINDLE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], January 11, 1892, Mrs. Elizabeth Thorpe, wife of Hon. H.G. Prindle, aged 57 years and 9 months.

 

PRATT:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] January 11, 1892, George E. Pratt, aged 35 years.

 

TOOMBS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] January 6, 1892, William Toombs, aged 69.  Interment at North Afton.

 

DILLENBECK:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], January 4, 1892, Elsie L., wife of Alonzo Dillenbeck, aged 61 years.

 

EVANS:  On January 9, 1892, after a long illness Mr. Homer Evans, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], aged about 70 years.

 

BOOTH:  In West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], January 7, 1892, Mrs. Lavissa Booth.  deceased was one of the oldest residents of the town.

 

MARVIN:  In Jamestown, N.Y. [Chautauqua Co., NY], January 11, 1892, Judge Richard P. Marvin, brother of George W. Marvin, Esq., of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 88 years.

 

BARLOW:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], January 9, 1892, Mrs. Ann Barlow, widow of Gould B. Barlow, formerly of Norwich, aged 57 years.  Interment in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

COX:  At Milwaukee, Wis., January 4, 1892, Dorothy Irene, infant daughter of James L. and Fanny Lull Cox, aged 4 months and 8 days.

GOODWIN:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], January 1, 1892, Flora L. Goodwin, aged 30 years, daughter of Sylvanus Aldrich.

BROOKS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], January 9, 1892, Luther Brooks, aged 85 years.

ALDRICH:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], January 6, 1892, Augustus C. Aldrich, aged 64 years.

AYLESWORTH:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], January 10, 1892, Belle L. Aylesworth, aged 38 years.

BROWN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], January 7, 1892, Sarah, widow of George T. Brown, aged 77 years.

MOORE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], January 7, 1892, Esther, wife of Lysander Moore, aged 85 years and 11 months.

INGRAHAM:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY, January 7, 1892, Lucy, widow of John Ingraham, aged 61 years.

BENNETT:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], January 8, 1892, Mary S., daughter of Herbert and Belle Bennett, aged 5 years.

WHITCOMB:  In Poolville [Madison County, NY], January 11, 1892, Mrs. Lucy Whitcomb, aged 82 years, mother of M.A. Whitcomb of this village.

 

 

 

 

Rev. E.W. Colloque, D.D., 1901

Rev. E.W. Colloque, D.D., of Norwich

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1901

 

 

Rev. E.W. Colloque, D.D.

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Rev E.W. Colloque, D.D., who recently resigned as rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], was born in Philadelphia and spent his early boyhood in that city, in New Jersey and in New York.  He was graduated from St. Stephen's College in 1871 and the General Theological Seminary in 1876 and received the degrees of master of arts, bachelor of divinity and doctor of divinity from St. Stephen's College, the General Seminary and Wesleyan College respectively.  In 1876 he married Miss Mary Louisa Orrok.  They have one son, Orrok Paul Colloque.  Mr. Colloque's first charge was St. Paul's Church, Medina O., where he remained nine years and saw erected a rectory and a beautiful stone church.  Returning from a trip abroad, he took charge of St. Paul's Church, Fremont, O., and then of St. Mark's Church. Cleveland, O., Then he was called to St. Paul's Church, Oxford, in 1888, where has been held by the strong bonds of love and esteem which often bind pastor and people.

Obituaries (August 4)

William P. O'Donnell

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1901

 

 

William P. O'Donnell

News reached Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Monday of the death in Buffalo of William P. O'Donnell, which occurred Saturday evening.  For several years Mr. O'Donnell had been a member of the Buffalo Fire Department and for some time had been assistant driver of Engine company, No. 13.  Saturday night when an alarm came in, the regular driver being absent, O'Donnell jumped to the seat in his place.  The trip to the fire was made in safety and the blaze extinguished.  On the return trip, when within a short distance from the engine house, it was noticed that the driver's seat was empty.  The assistant jumped off to stop the horses, which were going slowly, and discovered O'Donnell's body beneath the engine, the rear wheel at that instant passing over him. He died soon after.  He is believed to have been stricken with heart disease or dizziness.  Mr. O'Donnell was about 35 years of age and was the second son of Martin O'Donnell, of Silver street [Norwich, NY].  He was born in Norwich and lived here until about 12 years of age, when the family moved to McDonough. they afterward returned to Norwich and he lived here for a time before going to Buffalo about 12 years ago.  He was something of an athlete and made a great many friends, and the friendships being renewed by different visits home.  He had never married.  He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. martin O'Donnell; two sisters, Mrs. Edward Murphy and Miss Ella O'Donnell, and a brother, Charles, all residents of Norwich.  His older brother, Martin, is a resident of Cleveland, O., and in his charge the remains arrived in Norwich Tuesday morning.  Funeral services were held from St. Paul's Church at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning.  Rev. Father John A. Hart officiating.  Interment was made in St. Joseph's Cemetery at Oxford.  A copy of resolutions of regret and respect passed by the Board of Fire Commissioners of Buffalo has been received by the bereaved family.

 

Buffalo Evening News, June 10, 1901

 

William T. O'Donnell, an extra driver on Engine No. 13, stationed on Staats street, just north of Fire Headquarters, was killed in a horrible manner shortly before 10 o'clock last night.  While returning from a fire on Delaware avenue he tumbled from the engine seat, was thrown to the ground and crushed under the wheels.  he died a few minutes after being taken in the Emergency Hospital.  The alarm for the fire was received at Fire Headquarters at 9:35 o'clock on the discovery of a blaze in the three-story brick house at 194 Delaware avenue.  All the firemen in the downtown district went to the scene, and subdued the fire, after $1000 damage had been done. Chief McConnell ordered the fire apparatus to be returned to the houses, at 10 o'clock.  O'Donnell was in charge of Engine No. 13, having taken the place of James Murphy, the regular driver, who had his day off yesterday.  O'Donnell had been in the work for five years, and was one of the most careful drivers in the department.

 

He drove his team slowly back to the fire house, and everything went all right until after the horses had turned into Staats street and were within 200 feet of the firehouse.  The engineer of the engine and two firemen were on the rear step.  They suddenly were surprised to see O'Donnell throw up his hands and pitch headlong to the flagging.  The horses started up at a brisk pace, and the engineer and the firemen quickly applied the brake to the wheels, stopping the two-ton engine 20 feet from where O'Donnell had fallen.  O'Donnell still held the reins when he fell and he struck the pavement and was dragged under the rear wheels of the engine which passed over his body.  Several firemen ran to his assistance and carried him into the fire house.  He was breathing feebly and it was at first supposed that the was dead.  A doctor in the neighborhood was summoned and advised that the injured driver be removed to the hospital without delay.  The Emergency Hospital ambulance was summoned and O'Donnell was removed to the hospital.  He died without regaining consciousness.

 

Dr. E.C.W. O'Brien, surgeon of the department made an examination of the body.  He found that O'Donnell' pelvis and been fractured, his right leg broken, his skull fractured and that he had been disemboweled.  Dr. O'Brien and Chief McConnel think he was seized with an attack of heart disease and while suffering form it fell from his seat. O'Donnell had never complained of heart trouble, but in view of the fact that the horses were going at a walk, it is thought the theory of heart trouble is a reasonable one.  O'Donnell's body was removed to the Morgue and Coroner Boller was summoned.  He will hold an inquest.  O'Donnell's relatives live at Norwich, N.Y.  He was unmarried and was about 35 years old.

 

Buffalo Evening News, June 11, 1901

 

A detail in which every fire company in the city was represented, headed by the chief and assistant chief, yesterday afternoon escorted  to the station the body of William P. O'Donnell, who was killed while returning from a fire on Delaware avenue Saturday night.  O'Donnell fell under the wheels of the engine he was driving.  The body was shipped to his former home in Norwich.

 

Hon. George W. Sumner

Chenango Union, August 16, 1865

The Hon. George W. Sumner, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Member of Assembly from the First District of this County, met with his death under peculiarly sad and painful circumstances, on Thursday, the 10th inst.  He was on a visit to Hon. William E. Bonham, of Bath, Member of Assembly from Steuben County, with whom as a member of the same Committee of the House, and otherwise, he had been intimately associated for the last two sessions of the Legislature.  From Bath, in company with Mr. J.W. Taggart, of the same county, they rode over to Hammondsport on Thursday in a carriage, on a pleasure excursion, and to take a look at the vineyards of the shores of Crooked Lake.  At Hammondsport they took a row boat, about 1 P.M., and visited one of the wine-making establishments up the Lake some three miles.  On their return, about 5 o'clock the same evening, and when about two-thirds of the way back, and forty or fifty rods from the shore, Mr. Sumner capsized the boat by sportively rocking it, precipitating himself and companions into the water.  Mr. Sumner and Mr. Taggart both swam for the shore.  Mr. Bonham seized the stern of the boat, himself remaining in the water, and pushed after them.  Mr Taggart reached the shore, but in nearly exhausted condition.  Mr. Sumner had arrived within a few rods of it, when it was seen that he was struggling, strangling, sinking, as though about to drown.  Mr. Bonham who discovered him in that state, called out to Mr. Taggart to go to his relief-- he (Bonham) being the farthest away--and Taggart, exhausted as he was, attempted to do so, but too late to effect his rescue.  He had reached within a single rod of him, when Mr. Sumner sank for the last time, and disappeared from sight.  The friends then, in conjunction with others, immediately made efforts to recover the body, but were unable to accomplish it that night--The next morning it was found some two rods from the shore, and about the same distance form the spot where it went down.  As soon as a messenger could reach Bath thereafter, news of the dreadful occurrence was telegraphed to Mr. Sumner's friends. The remains were carefully coffined, and in charge of Mr. Bonham and others reached this place by the packet from Binghamton Saturday evening. Here they were met by a delegation of citizens from New Berlin, where they were taken the same night.  Many of our own people, most of them personal friends of the deceased, followed in procession the remains through our village from the boat. The funeral was held at New Berlin on Sunday afternoon, and was attended by a large concourse, including several carriage loads from this place.

 

Mr. Sumner left here the fore part of the week in company with Judge H.G. Prindle to attend Court at Cortland, where they separated with the understanding that they would meet at Binghamton on Friday night or Saturday morning, and return to Norwich together.  They did meet at the time and place appointed, but under very different circumstances from what was expected by either.  Mr. Prindle was enquiring at the hotel in Binghamton on Saturday morning to ascertain if Mr. Sumner had arrived, when he was accosted by a stranger, who told him that he had in charge Mr. Sumner's remains. This was the first that Mr. Prindle had heard of the accident.  Mr. Sumner was a lawyer by profession, and a gentleman universally esteemed for his amiability and his social disposition.  In 1863 he was elected Member of Assembly for this District, and was re-elected in 1861, in which position he gave entire satisfaction to his party. We do not know that he had an enemy in the world, while we do know that he had literally troops of friends.  His age was not far from 45, and he leaves a widow and an only child, a boy of 17.  His sad, untimely loss will be sincerely mourned wherever he was known.

 

Hezekiah Pellet

Chenango Union, March 27, 1884

Although not unexpected, the announcement of the death of Hezekiah Pellet, which occurred on Friday morning last, was painfully received by his many friends here and elsewhere.  He was a son of the late John Pellet, was born and passed his youth in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and with the exception of a few years spent in New York and Bridgeport, Conn., had made this his home.  Genial, frank and kind-hearted, he was respected by all.  Some two years since he barely rallied from a severe attack of pneumonia, since which time he has gradually failed in health, wasting with consumption.  His wife died several years since, and he leaves one daughter, Mrs. Lillie Ryan, of New York, to whom the sympathies of many friends go out in her trouble.  He was in the fifty-fourth year of his age.  Funeral services were held at the residence of this stepmother, Mrs. John Pellet, on East Main street, Monday morning last, Rev. Mr. Fulton, of Oxford, officiating.

 

Eliza Brennan

Chenango Union, March 27, 1884

Mrs. Eliza Brennan, widow of the late John T. Brennan, died at her residence on Pleasant street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday evening last, after a long illness, aged sixty-five years.  An amiable woman, an exemplary member of Emmanuel Church, a kind neighbor and friend, her death is sadly felt by a large circle of acquaintances; but to her only child and daughter the loss is irreparable.  She has the sympathies of all in her affliction.  Funeral services were held at her late residence, Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Mr. Fulton, of Oxford.

 

Luther De G. Adams

Chenango Union, March 27, 1884

Luther De G. Adams, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died at Cobleskill, on Friday last, of typhoid pneumonia, aged twenty years.  For upwards of two years he was a clerk in M.P. Green's drug store, and was known and esteemed by a large circle of friends, by whom his death is regretted.

 



Murder of Mary M. Tracy, Afton, NY - 1892

That Afton Murder

Utica Daily Press, August 28, 1892

In Saturday's issue of the Press was contained a statement that Edgar L. Tracey had shot and killed his aunt, Mrs. Mary M. Tracey at Afton, Chenango county, on Friday afternoon about 6 o'clock.  Owing to the fact that the wires were down, further particulars could not be obtained until today.  The facts of the tragedy are as given below.

 

Friday afternoon Henry A. Tracey, his wife, Mary M. Tracey, Edna Brookins and Martin Pearsall, drove to Coventry.  During their absence [Edgar L. Tracey, nephew of Henry A. Tracey,] went to the house of the former and obtained entrance through a screen door.  He secured a .38 caliber revolver and some cartridges from a cupboard in the kitchen and was seen by the neighbors frequently during the day, walking up and down the road in front of the house.  At times he shot at a mark.  About 5 o'clock the party returned from Coventry and found Edgar L. at their house.  They talked a few minutes, and Henry A. drove about 40 rods to the house of Amy Tracey to deliver some parcels they had purchased for her.  He had been absent only a few moments when he heard pistol shots.  He looked around toward his home and saw Edna Brookins rush out of doors. She exclaimed, "Ed has shot grandma."  At the same time Mrs. Tracey came to the door and fell to the ground, where she expired almost instantly.  She had received a shot in the right side of the neck.  the murderer walked coolly into the road with the smoking revolver still in his hand.  He raised it and attempted to blow his own brains out, but his hand was unsteady and he only received a light flesh wound in the neck.  He attempted to escape but was weak from the loss of blood and as the alarm had been given, Deputy Sheriff Herkimer easily captured him in his home about one and one half miles away.  A coroner's jury was summoned and evidence taken from which it was found that Edgar L. Tracy had deliberately murdered Mary M. Tracey.  The murderer is 24 years of age and has always been a dissipated young man.  He has figured in many minor affrays.  The murdered woman was 83 years of age, and had lived in a happy home with her husband in Afton, on the road between Afton and Coventry, for many years  There had never been any trouble between the murderer and the deceased and no motive can be assigned for his fiendish act. Deputy Sheriff Herkimer brought the prisoner to Norwich last evening and he now occupies the murderer in a cell in Chenango County jail.  The Press correspondent had an interview with him this afternoon, but he was reticent and gave no reason for the commission of the foul murder.  Both the deceased woman and the murderer have many wealthy and influential relations living in Chenango county. 

 

The Trial

Elmira Telegram, September 23, 1894

 

Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.]:  The trial of Edgar L. Tracy for murder commenced here before Judge Gerritt A. Forbes and is still on.  Considerable interest is taken in the trial in this county, especially around Bainbridge, near where the murder was committed.  The prosecution claims that Edgar L. Tracy shot and killed his aunt and neighbor, Mrs. Mary M. Tracy, in August, 1892.  It appears that he was on the inside of her house, and as his aunt was entering the door fired, killing her almost instantly.  After he committed the crime he tried to commit suicide by shooting himself in the neck and mouth, but the wounds were not dangerous.  As Tracy was drunk at the time of the murder it is the general impression here that the defense will try to prove temporary insanity from drink. 

 

After deliberating eight hours the jury in the trial of Tracy for the murder of his aunt, Mrs. Mary M. Tracy, rendered a verdict Friday night of murder in the second degree.  He will be sentenced on Tuesday.

Sentencing

Utica Weekly Herald, October 2, 1894

Norwich, N.Y.:  When the doors of the court house were thrown open this morning a crowd of anxious people soon filled the court room to hear the sentence of life imprisonment pronounced upon Edgar L. Tracy.  --- Noyes called court at 11 A.M. and Clerk Carr asked the prisoner the usual questions.  When asked if he had anything to say why sentence should not be pronounced upon him he replied that he didn't think he was fully to blame for the crime that he was to suffer for.  After addressing him for about twenty minutes Judge Forbes sentenced Tracy to imprisonment for the term of his natural life at Auburn state prison.  He received the sentence in the ever deliberate manner he had displayed during the trial and his nerve held out to the last.

Seeking a Pardon

Chenango County newspaper, December 13, 1905

Attorney W.B. Matterson went to Albany Thursday to plead for the pardon of Edgar L. Tracy who was sent to Auburn prison, Sept. 25, 1894, for the murder of his aunt, Mrs. Minerva Tracy.  While confined in prison, Tracy has made an excellent record as a model prisoner and it is the belief of all those who are connected with the case that it will be wise to grant him his freedom.

Many residents of Chenango county will remember the story of the crime.  It was on August 25, 1892, that Edgar L. Tracy, while intoxicated and in search of cider, went to his uncle's house three miles from Afton. there his aunt found him.  The details of the murder were never fully known, but a fatal shot was fired which resulted in the death of the woman.

At the trial the case was prosecuted by D.L. Atkyns and W.B. Matterson, while the prisoner was defended by Joseph I. Sayles of Rome and J.W. Church.  The trial commenced Sept. 18, 1894.

The jury was made up of the following:  George Coy, Coventry; Edgar C. Rowe, Oxford; Albert D. Newton, South Otselic; Jesse Inman, Plymouth; John Parker, New Berlin; Gurdon C. Gale, Oxford; John E. Jones, German; Laverne Smith, Guilford; Sam'l M. Roys, Oxford; Walter E. Purdy, Sherburne and John F Drew, McDonough.  Edward A. Lally was sheriff.

Juryman Jesse Inman of Plymouth has died since the trial.  The consent of all the others to the pardon has been obtained.---Sun

Sentence Commuted

Utica Herald Dispatch, November 27, 1906

Albany, N.Y.:  Governor  Higgins yesterday commuted to twenty years the sentence of Edgar l. Tracy, who was convicted of murder in the second degree in Chenango County in September 1894, and sentenced to imprisonment for life in Auburn.  The pardon was granted on the recommendation of the Judge and District Attorney who tried the case on that of Supreme Court Justice elect Gladding.  Tracy was convicted entirely on circumstantial evidence.  He was intoxicated when the crime was committed and is alleged to have shot his aunt at her home. Tracy was on his way home on the night of the crime and stopped at the house of his uncle while the uncle and aunt were away.  On the return of his relatives he is supposed to have shot his aunt while his uncle was at the barn putting up the team, as the uncle heard a shot and going into the house found his wife dead and Tracy shot in the back of the neck, the ball coming out of the mouth.  Under the commutation given him Tracy will be released in about two months.

Released

Owego Daily Record, January 29, 1907

C.H. Emens was in Auburn yesterday and on his return was accompanied by Edgar L Tracy, whose life sentence in state prison was commuted recently and whose term expired yesterday.

Mr. Tracy is already known in Owego from the efforts made in his behalf by the Hon. F.M. Baker and Charles H. Emens.  He has entered Mr. Emens' employ and has with him many curios which are on exhibition at Mr. Emens' store.