Memories of Afton, NY - Do You Remember?

Memories of Afton - Do You Remember?

Afton Enterprise, June 13, 1957

 

Do you remember when the Republicans gave the Fusileer parade in honor of the election of Harrison, only to have the news come over the wire, the next day that the Democratic candidate, Grover Cleveland had won the election.

 

Do you remember the man who always carried a lighten lantern in the daytime?  Let us call his name Diogenes.

 

Do you remember the sleigh ride party with the four-horse hitch and the horses refused to go to Bainbridge.  Instead they took the sleigh merry-makers and all into the cellar where Horton's store now stands.

 

Do you remember the big fire and the irate Dr. Bissell who slept thru all the confusion.

 

Do you remember the black horses owned by the Pollard farm and were always roaming the streets at night.

 

Do you remember the half holiday for a skating party at Afton Lake only to have it terminate in the tragic death of one of Afton's most promising students.

 

Do you remember Creamery Hill where everyone coasted in winter.

 

Do you remember the little wood colored cottage, occupied by a very popular colored family.  The house stood where the Baptist parsonage now stands.

 

The two little boys who used to see how near they could stand in the "flyer" as it sped through Afton, without  having their hats blown off.

 

The long flight of stairs that led to the depot with advertisements on every step.

 

The boy who used to put the ends of the girls braids in the school ink wells.

 

The Kick-a-poo   Indians who gave a free show in front of the Sullivan House and afterward sold their wonderful Elixir.

 

The dear old lady who chided her pastor because he drove his horse (just once) around the race track.

 

The bowling alley that stood where Swart's Hardware now stands.

 

The girl who interrupted the marriage ceremony to tell the groom that his cows were out.

 

Mason Martin's ox team that drove to the Baptist church.

 

The first and only telephone in Afton that was in E.W. Kirkland's Hardware store.



Marriages (September 15)

Graves - Wheeler

Chenango Union, October 21, 1880

George D. Graves of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], was married to Miss Mary JM. Wheeler, daughter of Charles B. Wheeler, Postmaster in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], at the home of the bride by Rev. J.F. Taunt, on Wednesday evening of last week.  Success.

Graves - Bennett

Afton Enterprise, March 19, 1903

Married--At the M.E. parsonage in Afton, N.Y., on Saturday, March 14, 1903, by Rev. C.E. Sweet, Nelson E. Graves of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and Mrs. Lissa Bennett of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  The contracting parties were old friends and undoubtedly this union will result in the establishing of a happy home.  Their many friends extend congratulations.

Mr. &  Mrs. William H. Ireland

Bainbridge Republican, October 11, 1917

West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  A nice surprise was given to Mr. and Mrs. William H. Ireland, Sunday, Oct. 7, 1917 to celebrate their 50th anniversary. When they came home from church they found their children and grandchildren there and a nice dinner all prepared.

As Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Ireland of Union Valley entered their home, when returning from church, Oct. 7, they noticed there was a smell of cooking food.  Investigation showed the dining table opened to its fullest length and set for sixteen plates, and a splendid dinner; pushing open the kitchen door, they were confronted by their three children and families who had come to celebrate their Golden Wedding on Oct. 8.  Surprise rendered them speechless for a minute, then the bride ejaculated, "Well!  all the spread we had 50 years ago tomorrow was a fine rice pudding."  After dinner a nice sum of money was presented them. The visitors were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Petley and children, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Ireland, and children, Stephen H. Ireland and children, Mrs. Ireland was detained at home by the illness of her mother.  May much love and joy continue to be the share of this estimable couple, in the fast coming years.

Newell - Graves

Otsego Journal, July 6, 1893

At Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] another wedding occurred at 6 o'clock p.m.  The bride being Miss Emma Graves, who has many friends and relatives in this vicinity, and was married to Herman Newell of Bainbridge.  Thus in the short space of four hours were three lamented young ladies of the same name gathered to the majority.

Marriages Notices

The Chenango American, December 10, 1857

 

In Sherburne on the 30th ult., by Rev. A. O. Burlingame, Mr. Orrin R. Adams of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah Thompson of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY].

In Morris, on the 26th ult. by Rev. N. Ripley, John Patridge ot Miss S.O. Gager, both of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY]

 

Obituaries (September 16)

George H. Wells

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1903

 

 

George H. Wells

1859 - 1903

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At the New York Hospital in New York city Wednesday morning of this week occurred the death of George H. Wells, a former well known resident of this village, aged 44 years.  He had been in poor health for some time, suffering with heart disease and liver trouble and during his illness underwent several operations.  Deceased was a son of Dr. and Mrs. William H. Wells, of Pleasant street, and was born in Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY].  He came to Norwich with his parents when about 8 years of age.  After completing his education in the village schools he was for a time a clerk in T.S. Miller's dry goods store.  About 20 years of age he went to New York, where he was for many years a clerk in the stores of Lord & Taylor and later with Stern Brothers.  Shortly after going to New York, Mr. Wells married Miss Margaret Brown, of Jersey City.  She died several years ago.  He is survived by his parents and [one sister] Miss Lois Wells, a teacher in the Norwich High School.  The remains were brought to Norwich Friday morning and the funeral held from the home of his parents on Pleasant street at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, Rev. John L. Ray officiating.  [Buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY]

 

Mrs. Oscar Hammond

Norwich Sun, June 24, 1915

Greene [ Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Oscar Hammond died at her home just below the village Wednesday morning, after an illness of several months.  She was 70 years of age.  Her husband survives her, also a daughter, Mrs. John Kenyon of Greene, and three sons, Fred Hammond of Smithville, and two sons in Cincinnatus.  The funeral will be held at the home Saturday at 2 p.m.  Burial will be in Sylvan Lawn [Greene, NY]

 

Chauncey S. Graves

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, March 30, 1892

The funeral of Chauncey S. Graves was held from his late residence on Thursday, March 24th, at one o'clock.  He had been sick since November and a great sufferer, so that death came as a relief.  He was a man of integrity and moral worth, who was long and favorably known in this community.  He was twice married, the first to a Miss Shaw, by whom he had three daughters, Mrs. L.D. Ives, who was buried one year ago;  Mrs. Emory Reynolds, of Binghamton, and Mrs. Charles Shumway, of Oneida, who were with him in his last sickness.  In 1865 he married Mrs. Alexunia Greene, who had one daughter, Mary, who has faithfully ministered to him in his long sickness.  Two brothers, George Graves, of this place and Gaylord Graves, of Bainbridge, survive him and were present at his funeral....Rev. L. A. Wild conducted the services, and the interment took place in the Mt. Upton cemetery [Chenango Co., NY]

 

Chenango Union, March 31, 1892

Unadilla Valley:  The funeral of C.S. Graves was largely attended at his house, Thursday, March 24.  The services were conducted by Rev. L.A. Wilde, and friends were present from Binghamton, Sidney, Oneida and Bainbridge.  Mr. Graves had passed the "three-score and ten," and for fifty years, in Mt. Upton and the immediate vicinity, has been building a character marked by strict uprightness and integrity, which remains now that he has gone.  He was confined to his home last November and since then has suffered weeks fo pain and agony so intense that he longed to die.

 

Anna F. Graves

Bainbridge Republican, October 11, 1917

Miss Anna F. Graves, daughter of Gaylord Graves and his wife Harriet T., was born Feb. 3rd, 1872.  She lived all her life in Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] her earthly voyage came to a close on Sept. 30th at noon.  Very early in life she identified herself with the Methodist church and had been a faithful member till the close of her life.  She was sure to be at all the services in the sanctuary if at all possible, and only ill health would prevent her from coming.  Her cheerful and loving disposition was of such a winning nature that anyone knowing her could not help but admire her. The church militant will miss her very much, while the church triumphant will be the stronger, is our sincere belief.  The Ladies of her Sunday school attended her funeral in a body, and at the grave each one deposited a beautiful bouquet of flowers upon her remains.  The Ladies Aid of the M.E.Church, and Sunday School also brought beautiful flowers.  A quartette sang two most fitting selections.  Hastings and Colwell were funeral directors and did their work most satisfactorily.

 

George D. Graves

Chenango American, January 27, 1887

George D. Graves, son of Gaylord S. Graves of Bainbridge, and son-in-law of Postmaster C.B. Wheeler of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], died at his father's residence in Bainbridge at 6 o'clock on Friday morning of last week.  Mr. Graves came from Bainbridge to this village some eight or nine years ago, and in company with Seth M. Johnson, of the same place, opened a furniture store here.  He remained in the business about two years selling his interest to his partner.  He subsequently carried on the same business in Bainbridge, finally selling out and returning to this village, was made deputy postmaster and remained in the office until failing health caused him to abandon it about two years since.  He never rallied from his ailments, gradually sinking lower in physical strength until death relieved him.  Mr. Graves was a model young man, upright and honorable in all the walks of life, and he has joined the silent majority leaving behind him a name and character worthy of the emulation of all the young men in our midst.  He leaves a young wife and lovely little daughter, besides a host of relatives and friends in Bainbridge and Greene to  mourn his loss.  His funeral took place here today (Wednesday) at the residence of his father in law, Rev. A.H Rogers, of Zion Church, of which deceased was a communicant, officiating.

 

Death Notices

Chenango American, December 10, 1857

 

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Silas Brown, aged 21 years.

 

At Morris, Otsego Co., on the 27th ult. Roxie Smith, wife of Captain Dan Smith and mother of Hon. A.M Smith, late Senator from the Eighteenth District.

 

At Mt. Carmel, Ct., on the 5th Nov. Mr. Justus E. Allen, late of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 68 years.

 

At Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. E.A.B. Graves, aged 70 years.

 

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. of Croup, Willie Augustus, only son of Edward A. and Esther E. Bundy, aged 1 year, five months and twenty-three days.

 

 

Obituaries (September 15)

Theron M. Philley

Utica Saturday Globe, January, 1903

 

 

Theron M. Philley

The death of the well known and greatly respected citizen, Theron M. Philley, occurred at his home on Division street on Sunday afternoon last, after a six months illness.  Last July he was stricken with paralysis, which affected his left side rendering him nearly helpless much of the time since, though he recovered sufficiently to be able to ride out on several occasions, and to be carried to the polls to vote at the late election.  Just a week before his death he suffered a chill, pneumonia developed, and in his weakened condition he could not resist the disease, which terminated fatally.  Theron M. Philley was descended from revolutionary stock.  His grandparents, Remembrance and Hannah Hubbard Philley, came from Westchester, Conn., near the close of the 18th century, and located at Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], where Elijah Philley father of the deceased, was born.  A few years' later the family moved to Guilford, and afterward to McDonough, then an almost unknown country and where subsequently three brothers, Elijah, Uri and Isaac Philley, owned adjoining farms.  Theron was the son of Elijah and Jerusha Perkins Philley, and was born in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], May 17, 1834.  February 5, 1857, and married Miss Cornella Carr, and lived in McDonough until about 1880, when he moved his family to Smithville Flats, where for a number of years he engaged in making cheese. During his residence at McDonough he was deputy sheriff for several years.  He was a member for many years of the Methodist church at that place, and for 13 years was the chorister.  At Smithville Flats he served as justice of the peace for several terms. About 10 years ago he moved with his family to Norwich, where they have since resided.  Up to a short time before his illness Mr. Philley conducted a milk route and became well known in the community as an honest and respected resident.  He had many friends in the southern and western towns of the county, as well as in Norwich, who will learn with regret of his death. In politics he was an ardent and uncompromising Republican and his assistance and advice were frequently sought in town and county affairs.  Besides his widow there survive him three sons and one daughter, William H. and George W. Philley, of this place; Fred M. Philley, of Cooperstown, and Mrs. Mary Tafft, of Killawog. One son Charles H. Philley, died in April 1893, One brother, Clark L. Philley of McDonough, and one sister, Mrs. Serella Bailey, of Greene, also survive.  Funeral services were held from the late home on Division street at 1 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon.  Rev. Wilson Treible, of the M.E. Church and Rev. S.J. Ford, of the Calvary Baptist Church, officiated, Canasawacta Lodge I.O.O.F. of which deceased was an honored member and a past grand, conducted the committal  services at Mt. Hope Chapel, where the remains were placed awaiting burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Samuel P. Hill

d. March 4, 1895

Samuel Hill, a farmer living about three miles above this village in the town of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], died on Monday from the effects of cancer.  Mr. Hill, about seven years ago, was connected with the shooting affray which resulted in the death of Robert Peasley.  Hill had succeeded in postponing the case from time to time and no conviction was given.  Mr. Hill was buried Thursday. [Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney, NY]

 

The Newburgh Daily Register, March 9, 1895

Middletown, NY [Delaware Co., NY]:  Samuel P. Hill, late of Sidney, defendant in the celebrated Peaslee-Hill murder case is dead.  Cancer was the direct cause of his death.   Hill in September, 1886, killed Robert Peaslee in Sidney.  Peaslee alleged that Hill had uttered slanderous remarks about his mother and attacked him.  After long litigation and fierce fighting, in which the case went no less than three times to the court of appeals, the attempts to convict Hill were finally abandoned.  Hill was 68 years of age.  He was born in Roxbury and is said to have been an old schoolmate of Jay Gould.

 

Evening Gazette, Port Jervis, NY, October 11, 1890

The Norwich Telegraph learns that the trial of Samuel P. Hill for the killing of Robert Peasley, at Delhi [Delaware co., NY] resulted in a verdict of manslaughter in the second degree last week.  The sentence of the court was that the defendant be confined in the state prison at Auburn, for the period of five years and two months.  The maximum punishment for the crime of which he was found guilty, as provided in the penal code, is fifteen years in the State prison, but the court in passing sentence announced that it had taken into consideration the advanced age of the defendant (sixty-five years), and also informed him by good behavior he could shorten the term of imprisonment.  The indictment was first tried in March 1887, and then resulted in a verdict against the defendant, followed by a sentence to State prison for ten years.  Afterwards a new trial was granted by the general term in the fourth department, and the case was removed to the Oyer and Terminer on application of the District Attorney of Delaware county.  Samuel P. Hill was a farmer living in the town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], about two miles below Sidney, Robert Peasley lived in Sidney, and was a fireman in the employ of the O.& W.R.R. Co.  He formerly lived in Middletown.  Arthur W. Hill, a son of Samuel P. Hill, married a sister of Peasley, Friday, Sept. 6th, 1886, Samuel Pl. Hill shot and killed Robert Peasley, in the village of Sidney.  He was indicted by the grand jury in October 1886, for murder in the second degree.   

 

New York Herald, December 31, 1893

Sidney, NY:  The recent action of the General Term in granting a new trial in the case of the people against Samuel P. Hill for the murder of Robert Peaslee, in this village, on September 10, 1886, is the latest development in a remarkable case.  Hill has been twice tried by jury, his case has been acted upon by the General Term four times, and it is now going to the Court of Appeals for the third time.  When Hill shot and instantly killed Peaslee he was about sixty-one years old.  He is a man of slight build, weighing about 120 pounds, and is blind in one eye and wears glasses.  his victim was a powerfully built man, about twenty-four years old.  he was a fireman on the Ontario and Western Railroad.  The trouble between them grew out of family affairs.  Peaslee claimed that Hill had slandered his mother.  He was conversing with his son, Arthur, near the railroad crossing in River street on the morning of the murder.  He was seated in his wagon, while his son was standing in the road.  Peaslee, passing by on his engine saw the father and son.  he jumped off the locomotive and asked Hill if he had called his mother vile names.  Hill made an evasive reply and started away.  Peaslee jumped into the seat and seized Hill by the coat.  He fired a small revolver, the bullet killing Peaslee.  Hill delivered himself into he custody of Justice of the Pease William H. Pierce.  He was indicted for murder in the second degree, and his trial took place on March 17, 1887, and resulted in his conviction of manslaughter in the second degree.  He was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment.  Hill's counsel appealed to the General Term, which reversed the judgment and ordered a new trial. The people then appealed to the Court of Appeals, and their appeal was dismissed.   Hill's second trial was held in September 1891.  He was again convicted and sentenced to five years and eight months' imprisonment.  He again appealed to the General Term.  The judgment was reversed and judgment of reversal was remitted to Delaware county and entered. The District attorney made a motion at General Term last April that the order and judgment of reversal be amended by granting a new trial. At the September term the General Term granted the motion for a new trial, and Hill will now go once more to the Court of Appeals.

 

James A. Graves

Otsego Journal, May 11, 1887

Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY]:  James A. Graves, whose illness we mentioned some time since, died on Friday afternoon at the home of George F. Graves, in the lower part of the village.  He came home from Oxford, where he has been employed for several years past, about the middle of February, since which time, although provided with competent medical attendance and the best of care, he grew steadily worse until death relieved him from his sufferings.  His disease, which at first was thought to be a complication of heart and lung trouble, developed into Bright's disease toward the last, when all hope of his recovery was given up by his friends. he was, however sanguine to the last that he would get well and never admitted the possibility of a fatal termination to his illness.  Through it all he maintained the cheerfulness and consideration for others which was always a marked trait of his character.  He was attended ....smooth his pathway to the tomb.  The large number of sympathizing and mourning friends that assembled at his funeral and followed him to the grave attested the high regard in which he was held wherever he was known.  He possessed the happy faculty of making friends of all with whom he came in contact, and we don't believe he had a single enemy on earth.  Affected as he was by a misfortune which would have made so many burdens upon their friends, his life was an example in that he was always cheerful, making the best of everything and by his industry maintaining himself in comfort and independence.  The funeral occurred on Sunday at two o'clock from the house, Reverends Weeks and Nobbs officiating.  The deceased would have been forty-four years of age the 15th of the present month.  He was buried in our cemetery, where a father, mother and sister have preceded him.  To his memory, a fadeless immortality, and to his ashes, peace. 

 

George H. Graves

The Norwich Sun, June 24, 1915

George H. Graves died at his home in Norwich Quarter [Chenango Co., NY] at noon Thursday aged 80 years.  Mr Graves fell on Monday afternoon and fractured his right hip.  He did not long survive from the shock.  About a year ago his wife died after a similar accident.  Mr. Graves is survived by his son, Louis A. Graves, two grandchildren, George Louis and Miss Elizabeth Graves and two brothers Frank O. Graves of the town of Norwich and Edwin P. Graves of the town of New Berlin.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock Reverend Paul Riley Allen officiating and burial will be made in the Quarter cemetery.

Fred A. De Voll, YMCA Secretary, 1901

Fred A. De Voll

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1901

 

Fred A. De Voll

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  W.A. Perry, who served the local Young Men's Christian Association during the past year as secretary, and who left Norwich about a month ago to accept the position of Junior secretary of boys' work at Salem, Mass., has been succeeded by Fred A. DeVoll of Glens Falls, N.Y.  Mr. De Voll, since entering association work five years ago, has served as assistant secretary at Brooklyn and Troy and as general secretary at Plattsburg and Newburg, from which latter point he comes to Norwich.  The association rooms were closed for several days to undergo a thorough cleaning and some necessary painting, and were opened again to members on Wednesday.  The new secretary has a wife and baby boy who will join him here in a few days when they will take up their residence at No. 29 Henry street.  Mr DeVoll is an earnest and enthusiastic worker and is hopeful for an association building in Norwich in the near future if the young men stand by the work.

Fire in Norwich NY 1895

Fire Bug's Work

Biggest Blaze in Twenty Years This Morning

Three Firms Burned Out

Evening Herald, Syracuse, NY, December 28, 1895

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The most disastrous fire which has occurred in Norwich in twenty years broke out at 1:20 o'clock this morning.  R.D. Eaton's feed warehouse and elevator was entirely consumed.  There were more than 100 car loads of grain in the building, which is an entire loss.  Mr. Eaton's loss is placed at about $55,000.  His insurance is $40,000.

 

Homer S. Smith, dealer in agricultural implements and cheese factory supplies, was burned out.  His loss is complete.  Bluet Brothers, tailors, are also heavy losers.

 

The Oxford Fire department was called and rendered valuable assistance.  Sidney S. Babcock and Earl Roberts were severely injured by falling walls.  The fire was got under control at 6A.M.  It is thought to have been of incendiary origin, as this is the second time the Eaton building has been on fire.  One building was of brick and one of veneered steel outer casing.  A large barn was also destroyed.

Obituaries (September 14)

Lucy M. (Baker) Holcomb

Utica Saturday Globe, August 1902

 

 

Lucy M. (Baker) Holcomb

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At her home on East Main street, the 14th inst., Lucy M., wife of Homer W. Holcomb, passed away at the age of 26 years.  She had been in poor health for about a year but had borne her sufferings patiently and with remarkable fortitude.  Mrs.  Holcomb was born in Colesville, Broome county, and came to Norwich about five years ago.  She was respected by all who knew her.  Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved husband and the two children whom she leaves.  Besides her husband and two sons, Newton and Howard, Mrs. Holcomb is survived by her mother, Mrs. Sarah Baker, who made her home with her daughter, two sisters, Mrs. Frank Simonson, of New Berlin, and Miss Arvilla Baker, of Norwich, and one brother, George Baker, of Oxford.  Brief services were held at the late home of the deceased on Saturday morning after which the remains were taken to Harpursville, where burial services were held the same afternoon, at 2 o'clock.

Daughter of F.B. Foote

Bainbridge Republican, November 12, 1880

Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of F.B. Foote's only daughter was attended at her father's house, on Thursday last.  She was a young lady of fifteen, and much loved by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.  Her untimely death is a source of great affliction to her parents and relatives, and they have the sympathy of the entire community.

Mrs. M.L. Briggs

Chenango Union, January 10, 1884

We clip the following from the Morley (Mich.) Advance, of December 26th, Deceased we believe, was formerly a resident of this county [Chenango Co., NY]:  "This week it becomes our painful duty to announce the death of Mrs. M.L. Briggs of Deerfield.  She died Dec. 19th at Cadillac, the temporary business place of her husband, after a sickness of ten days.  She was not considered dangerously Ill., however, until the evening before her death when disease of the heart set in and in a few short hours she breathed her last.  They had been making preparations to spend the holidays with parents and friends here.  The remains were brought to this place for interment, accompanied by the bereaved husband and a few friends, and were buried on Thursday from the residence of C.H. Ludington, a large concourse of sympathizing friends following them to their last resting place.  The deceased was a daughter of James and Susan Harden and was a bride of but a few short weeks.  Twenty-four hours prior to her death she was looking forward to a long and happy life with the companion of her choice.  She was a dutiful daughter, a tender sister, a loving and affectionate wife, and will long be mourned by the bereaved husband and friends, as well as a large circle of her young associates."

Fernando D. Wood

Daily Sentinel, Rome, NY, October 10, 1927

New Hartford [Onondaga Co., NY]:  Fernando D. Wood, 84, a native of Trenton, died at his home, 56 Oxford Road, late Sunday night after an illness of two months.  He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the 146th Regiment.  He was engaged in farming on his own farm in Trenton for 41 years.  he retired in 1914 and since then had lived here.  he married Miss Clara C. Peabody, Holland Patent, January 14, 1866, who survives with two daughters, Mrs. Lee Martin and Mrs. Guy W. Finney, New Hartford; three sons, Gordon F., Holland Patent; Lawrence D., New Hartford, and Frederick M. Remsen, and seven grandchildren.

Allen Humphrey

Daily Sentinel, Rome, NY, October 10, 1927

Holland Patent [Oneida Co., NY]:  The death of Allen Humphrey, which occurred at the home of his mother, Mrs. Mabel Blue, in Utica [Oneida Co., NY], Saturday, is much regretted by his many friends in this village.  Mr. Humphrey spent the years of his young manhood in Holland Patent, being a graduate of the High School and afterward took a business course.  he was employed for several years by Armour & Company in Utica, Cohoes and Troy, being obliged to give up his work about eighteen months ago on account of ill health.  He was a man of fine character and a conscientious worker and occupied a responsible position in the office of the company.  Mr. Humphrey is survived by his wife and mother, also two brothers, Dan Humphrey of Holland Patent and Homer Humphrey of Marcy.  Mrs. Chassel Lloyd of Holland Patent and John l. Evans and Evan Evans are half-sister and brothers of Mr. Humphrey.
 

Post Listing September 7 - 13, 2015

Listing of blog postings for the week of September 7 - 13, 2015

Marriages

Posted September 8, 2015

Marriage Notices - 1859

     Charles E. Barnes - Julia E. Birdlebough (Norwich - German)

     J.D. Reed - Hattie A. Randall (Norwich)

     Marvin A. Smith - Sarah Foster (Sherburne)

     Edwin Church - Margaret A. Richmond (Oxford - Preston)

     Benjamin Newton - Nancy Toombs (Coventry - West Bainbridge)

     George L. Foote - Emily E. Main (Union Grove IA - Oxford)

     Alfred E. Brand - Frances Richardson (Prattsville - Unadilla)

Posted September 11, 2015
Will P. Shelton - Flora S. Bromley (1893)

 

Obituaries

Posted September 7, 2015

William McQueen (Norwich, 1902)

Frederick R. Newton (Middleport, 1925)

Cornelia S. Newton (Elmira, 1905)

George E. Newton (Sidney, Bainbridge, 1931)

Agnes Bunnell Griffiths (Brooklyn, Guilford, 1928)

Posted September 8, 2015
Daniel P. Skinner (Norwich, 1903)
Harriet Cornelia Newton (Elmira, Bainbridge, 1936)
Bert E. Newton (Los Angeles CA, 1928)
Elmira (Snyder) Reynolds (White Store, 1928)
Mark Boyes (Guilford, DeKalb, IL, 1893)

Posted September 9, 2015
Walter R. Furman (Sherburne, 1903)
Thaddeus Newton (Bainbridge, Afton, 1887)
Lorena Newton (Afton, Oxford, 1893)
Lydia Ann Wheeler Newton (Norwich, 1896)
Henry S. Doolittle (Afton, 1921)
Grace Newton (Bainbridge, Sidney, 1945)
Frederick E. Quimby (Baldwinsville, 1945)

Posted September 10, 2015
Chandler P. Hunt (Oxford, 1903)
Andrew J. Hunt (Norwich, 1908)
Julia Maria Steere (Norwich, 1902
Mary A. (Hunt) Smith (Norwich, 1902)
Mahala Winsor Phetteplace (Norwich, 1902)
Nathan Randall (Syracuse, 1872)
Death Notices
     Betsey Steere (Norwich, 1829)
     Amos Randall Jr. (Norwich, 1829)
     Noah Hubbard (Salina, 1831)
     Mahitable Shattuck (Norwich, 1831)
     Hannah K. Clark (Monroe, MI, 1831)

Posted September 11, 2015
Eunice Adelaide Newton (Norwich, 1903)
Mrs. C.H. Graham (Schenevus, 1880)
Anna Lally Jones (Guilford, Bainbridge, 1885)
Maranda Johnson Wagner (Waukesha, WI, Preston, 1885)

Posted September 12, 2015
Nancy J. (Hunt) Aldrich  (Norwich, 1904)
Caroline A. Twist (Otselic, 1850)
Andrew W. Warren (Waterville, 1873)

Posted September 13, 2015
Charles S. Benedict (Norwich)
Dolly Inman (Smithfield, 1882)
Elizabeth B. Bagg (Morris, 1892)
Jacob Bixby (Bainbridge, 1879)
Death Notices - 1861
     Ada Tenbroeck (Wellsvoro, PA, Greene)
     George P. Bixby (Barksville, KT, Bianbridge)
     Hannah Chapin (Norwich)
     Annie Lora Berry (North Stonington CT, Norwich)
     Fannie Elderkin Close (North Norwich)

 

Miscellaneous

Posted September 7, 2015

Adolphus Newton, 1858 - 1910

Posted September 8, 2015
Fire in Oxford, NY's Methodist Church (1892)

Posted September 9, 2015
Bainbridge Central High School, Class of 1953 - Part 5

Posted September 10, 2015
Afton History, Daniel Hyde, Peter Betts, Cornelius Atherton

Posted September 11, 2015
Charles L. Russell, Medal of Honor Recipient, Civil War

Posted September 12, 2015
Harmony Chapter Royal Arch Masons;  Leander Augustus Knott, William C. Main.

Posted September 13, 2015
Bainbridge in Review, 1917

Bainbridge in Review - 1917

Bainbridge In Review

Bainbridge Republican, November 15, 1917

Of the second call for draft soldiers, 250 were examined last week by the exemption board at Norwich and of those 89 passed physical examinations and filed no claims.  Wednesday, the physical test showed many disqualified and but 16 were actually available for the new national army.  Salvey Papallo, of Bainbridge, is among this number.

 

A chimney in the house on Bixby Street where Merwin Yale resides was so defectively built that a fire was started Saturday forenoon last and the services of the firemsn was needed to extinguish the blaze.  When the chimney was constructed, a timber was in the way and instead of cutting off the joint, bricks were placed beneath and above, so that the wood was exposed within the chimney.  This caught fire which burned through the floor and the fire also extended to the upper room. The fireman turned on the water and quickly put out the fire. The damage was $100 covered by insurance.

 

The Red Cross ladies met in the Red Cross rooms yesterday afternoon and packed ready for shipment at Christmas, 150 boxes for the soldiers in camp.  These boxes were filled with articles which will give pleasure and delight to them and will assure them of the fact that they are still remembered and that the hearts of the people are going out to them.  The boxes contain edibles of fruit cake, and candy and chewing gum, and also useful things such as writing paper, postal cards, stamps, soap and pencils. the boxes will go to Norwich to the central chapter and is Bainbridge's contribution to the 2000 boxes which are to be sent from Chenango County.  The designation of the boxes whether to France or to the camps in this country is not known.  On Tuesday, there were fifty-five ladies present at the Red Cross rooms, sewing for the soldiers which indicates a renewal of energies in that direction.

 

Sergeant Donald Copley, of the First Ambulance Company, stationed at Camp Wadsworth, S.C., came to Bainbridge, Saturday on a furlough and surprised his parents.  Mr. and Mrs. D.H. Copley.  His friends here were glad to see him and he likes army life and is very much enthused over the cause for which he enlisted.  His fine military bearing and healthy appearance indicate that he is having the best of care from the United States.

 

Bainbridge Republican, November 22, 1917

 

Lt. Edward Danforth is still at Ft. Benjamin Harrison and is in good health. A letter reached here yesterday stating that he had finished his three months training and is waiting for orders to be assigned to a regiment or hospital.  His wife is with him, having gone there six weeks ago. There is no truth it the following item published in various papers; "Relatives of Dr. Danforth, of Bainbridge, have received word that Dr. Danforth, who is a medical corps officer in France, has been taken ill.  Mrs. Danforth has been summoned and is expecting to leave at the first opportunity.  Many friends in Sidney and vicinity will hear with regrets and hope for a speedy recovery"--Sidney Enterprise

 

A quiet but pretty wedding was solemnized at the residence of mgr. and Mrs. Charles Ireland last Saturday evening when their daughter, Mrs. Ave Ireland, was joined in marriage to Mr. Dow Campbell; Rev. S.R. Bigger performed the ceremony.  The parlor of the home was decorated with cut flowers. The guests were parents and grandparents of the contracting parties, also the sister of the bride.  After the ceremony, the groom and bride left in an auto for a short trip which will end at Norwich, Nov. 23, when Mr. Campbell will leave on that day for Camp Dix, N.J., with the third contingent of men of Chenango County for the New National Army.  Mr. Campbell is a splendid young business man and the bride is an attractive young lady. 

 

On Wednesday, Nov. 14th, Miss Lena Pearl Stimson, of Bainbridge, and Horace Seamans, of Sidney, were united in marriage by Rev. R.D. Finch.  Mr. and Mrs. Seamans will make their home in Sidney.

 

 

Obituaries (September 13)

Charles S. Benedict

Utica Saturday Globe

 

Charles S. Benedict

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After nearly four years' illness form the insidious disease, creeping paralysis, Charles S. Benedict died at his home on Wait street on Thursday evening of last week.  For the past year he had been entirely helpless and his condition had been the cause of great sympathy for himself and family.  Mr. Benedict was born April 2, 1856, in McDonough.  In 1880 Mr. Benedict went west and spent about seven years, after which he returned east and came to Norwich and for a time worked as polisher in the hammer factory, and afterwards followed different occupations as long as he was able to work.  In January, 1889, he married Mary E Ray, of Bridgewater Oneida, county, who with three children, Irving L., Alice J., and Harold C., survive him.  He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. David Hinman, of Castle Creek, and two brothers, John S. Benedict and Merritt L Benedict, of Itaska, Broome county.

 

Dolly Inman

Madison Observer, December 20, 1882

Death of a Centenarian:  Mrs. Dolly Inman, whose remarkably long life has run almost parallel with that of our venerable citizen, Mrs. Polly Cleveland, died at the residence of Harvey Austin in Smithfield on the 12th inst., at the age of 100 years and 7 days, she having been born Dec. 5th, 1782.  Mrs. Inman was born eighteen days previous to Mrs. Cleveland, both in adjoining Massachusetts towns, and have for many years been resident of this county.  With the exception of sight (says the Dispatch) this venerable woman had retained her physical and mental conditions to a remarkable degree up to within the last two or three months, and indeed so far as mental faculties were concerned, to the very last.  But two or three hours previous to her death, she said to her daughter, Mrs. A. Inman, that she felt sure she should die upon that day.  The prophecy or intuition, if such, was fulfilled, and though long delaying, the messenger called at last, and his summons was quickly and peacefully obeyed.  Thus one by one the honored few that bind the days just ante-dating the beginning of our national life with the present are passing away.

 

Elizabeth B. Bagg

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, August 31, 1892

At the residence of her son-in-law, John E. Wheaton, No. 31 Silver street, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] early on Tuesday morning, Aug. 30, 1892, Mrs. Elizabeth B. Bagg passed into rest at the ripe old age of 83 years.  In 1834 she was united in marriage to Gamaliel Bagg, one of the pioneers of the town of Morris [Otsego Co., NY], in which town she has since resided, until about one year ago, when she came to this village to live with her daughter, Mrs. John E. Wheaton.  Her husband died in 1873.  the fruit of that union was one son, Nathaniel Bagg, of South New Berlin, and three daughters; Mrs. Robert Griswold, of New Berlin, now deceased, Mrs. Henry Harris of Morris, N.Y. and Mrs. John E. Wheaton, of this village.  She early united with the Episcopal church of which she has been a consistent and respected member.   Although advanced in years her health has been quite good until a few days since.  During her illness she was solicitous about her condition, and expressed a desire to live.  She was tenderly cared for, and will be mourned by those whose privilege it was to minister to her wants until the messenger came. After prayer at the residence, this (Wednesday) morning at 11:30, the body will be taken to South New Berlin, where funeral services will be held in the Baptist church, at 2 o'clock P.M, and burial will be made at that place, Rev. T.G. Cass officiating.

 

Jacob Bixby

Bainbridge Republican, February 20, 1879

Jacob Bixby:  A prominent Resident Gone to His Reward

"A mournful office is thine, old bell!

To ring forth naught but the last sad knell,

Of the coffin warm, as he passes by,

And thou seemest to say,

To all must die!"

Jacob Bixby was born in Milford, Otsego county, March 18, 1809 and moved to this place in the year 1857.  His home was in the southern part of the village, where he breathed his last on Thursday night of last week.  Such announcements are of so frequent occurrence that we simply read them, perhaps exclaim, "Ah, well!  Another has paid the debt of nature," and then perhaps never think of the circumstance again.  But Mr. Bixby enlists our pen for more than a passing notice, as he had as much to do with the building up of Bainbridge as any other single person.  At the time of his death he was the builder and owner of eight houses in Bainbridge, nine in Oneonta, one in Masonville and one in the town of Sanford.  These houses were all rented, except the one he occupied, and it kept him busy most of the time in attending to them and collecting his rents.  In his boyhood he learned the masons trade and by economy he amassed quite a fortune, and of late years it was his pride [to] tell how he commenced a poor boy, and come what would, he always made it a point to save a shilling a week.  The houses were all built when real estate was high, consequently the depreciation will cost a great sacrifice when his estate shall have been closed up.  he was one of the most prominent workers in town affairs, and always took a deep interest in our school.  He was a man that was always accommodating yet very exacting, was prompt in all his business transactions and expected the same of those with whom he done business.  Mr. Bixby was conscious up to within two or three hours of his death, and at noon of the same day attempted to write a letter to his sister who resides in Main village, and supposed that he had completed it, but it was written in such a manner that nothing but the date lien could be deciphered.  The funeral services were conducted by Rev. A.F. Brown at the M.E. Church on Sunday morning last, at 11 o'clock and were largely attended by the people of the town.  The sermon was from the text, "We do all fade as a leaf," and was of deep feeling.  His remains were deposited in the cemetery at this place.  His death was caused from disease of the liver, and he was only sick about three weeks.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, October 16, 1861

 

TENBROECK:  In Wellsboro, Pa., on the 7th inst., Ada, wife of Andrew Tenbroeck, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years and 6 months.

 

BIXBY:  At Barksville, Cumberland county, Kentucky, on the 19th ult., of fever, George P. Bixby, aged 25 years, Principal of Barksville College, and son of Samuel Bixby, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

 

CHAPIN:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Mrs. Hannah Chapin, aged 66 years.

 

BERRY:  At North Stonington, Conn., on Monday, the 7th inst., of Cholera infantum, Annie Lora, only child of B. Gage and Ada Wheeler Berry of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 13 months.  Her remains were brought to this place for interment.

 

CLOSE:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., of consumption, Fannie Elderkin, infant daughter of James T. and Eliza S. Close of Alexandria Va aged 6 months and 16 days.

 

"We watched her breathing through the night,

Her breathing soft and low,

As in her breast the wave of life

Kept heaving to and fro

 

"But when the morn broke bright and glad,

And fresh with autumn showers,

Her gentle eyelids closed, she had

Another morn than ours."