Stephen Ryan, Norwich, NY, Political Appointment 1909

Stephen Ryan of Norwich, Chenango Co., NY

Appointed Special State Inspector of Good Roads

Utica Saturday Globe, January 1909

 

Stephen Ryan

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  As a reward for his loyalty to Mr. Hearst during the recent State campaign, Stephen Ryan, of Norwich, has been appointed special road inspector in the State engineer and surveyor's department, under its new chief, Francis W. Skene.  The position pays $9 a day and all expenses.  It was formerly held by Frank D. Lyon, of Broome county.  In his official capacity Mr. Ryan will have charge of the inspection of good roads throughout the State and of roads in all townships worked under the money system.  He will be assisted by a corps of employees known as good road inspectors. These inspectors are under civil service and cannot be removed except for cause.

 

Mr. Ryan's political star has risen rather rapidly during the last few months.  He was one of the first Chenango county Democrats to "come out" for Hearst, and his influence was largely responsible for Chenango county sending  a Hearst delegation to the Buffalo convention.  Mr. Ryan was made State committeeman from his district, succeeding the late Elliot Danforth.  He took a prominent part in the campaign, being stationed in New York city as chairman of the Committee on Organization of his party. After election he was named a member of the committee chosen by State Chairman Connors to investigate the charges against State Committeeman McCarren, of Brooklyn.  His appointment to an important State office follows as a natural sequence.  His name figures with almost daily prominence in the political columns of the New York and Buffalo papers, and there is little doubt that he has a bright political future before him should the Democratic party remain in power. 

 

Previous to coming to Norwich to live Mr. Ryan was a prominent citizen of South Otselic, which town owes much of its present prosperity to his foresight and vigorous effort.  He was postmaster of South Otselic during President Cleveland's second term and for three years under President McKinley.

 

Mr. Ryan is a member of the Norwich Club, Chenango County Society of New York; the Elks, commander of S.R. Per Lee Camp, Sons of Veterans; on the staff of State Commander Naples, of the S. of V., and was for five years State deputy grand master of the A.O.U.W.

_______________________________________

 

Obituary

DeRuyter Gleaner, January 12, 1928

 

 

Stephen Ryan

1861 - 1927

(Photo from Binghamton Press, January 6, 1928)

 

Stephen Ryan, widely known in Democratic politics and for years the leader of his party in Chenango county, died at Crouse-Irving hospital, Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], Jan. 5th, following a stroke of paralysis.  He was 68 years of age.  The deceased was born in Homer [Cortland Co., NY] and for years the family resided at South Otselic where Mr. Ryan was engaged in the clothing business.  He was also postmaster at South Otselic.  In 1909 with his family he moved to Norwich and for a time was engaged in the insurance business.  He was chairman of the Democratic county committee for many years.  Mr. Ryan held appointments in the state highway department and various other jobs at Albany and elsewhere.  In 1918 the family moved to Syracuse.  At about that time he was connected with the revenue department in Washington, and in the customs house in New York city.  In recent years he had been engaged in income tax work, having had charge of this work for a prominent Syracuse law firm, and still later engaged in the work alone. For the past two or three years he had not been especially active, due to the fact that he was not enjoying good health.  Mr. Ryan is survived by his wife and the following sons and daughters, Miss Cassie and Miss Grace Ryan of Syracuse, Mrs. Clarence Gaines of Sherburne, Clair Ryan of Syracuse, Marion Ryan of New York, Harold Ryan of Norwich and Stephen Ryan Jr., of Syracuse, also a  brother, Patrick Ryan and a sister, Mrs. Hyde of Syracuse.  Funeral services were conducted Saturday and the body taken to Norwich for interment in St. Paul's cemetery. The Rev. Francis May of St. Paul's church assisted at the grave.

 

Obituaries (February 28)

Orlando Randall

Utica Saturday Globe, January 1910

 

Orlando Randall

1831 - 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Orlando Randall, who died at his home in Moss Point, Miss. on Thursday of last week, was for several years a leading merchant in Norwich, coming here a young man from his native town of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] where he was born March 9, 1831.  His parents were Benjamin and Lavica Randall, pioneer settlers in that section, having migrated form Connecticut.  While a resident of Norwich Mr. Randall engaged in the retail shoe business and later retailed groceries and crockery with the late George Mitchell as a partner and afterward with Silas Brooks, deceased, in the stand now occupied by the Parsons 10-cent store on South Broad street.  In 1874, on account of failing health, Mr. Randall decided to seek a milder climate and after spending some time in the south settled at Moss Point, Miss., where he became prominently interested in various business enterprises and for several terms was supervisor of his ward.  Deceased was twice married.  His first wife whose maiden name was Martin died while he resided in Norwich and in 1868 he married Miss Caroline Miner, of Guilford, who survives him.  He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Hubert L. Brown, of Norwich, and a granddaughter, Mrs. Albert Mercer, of Pasadena, Cal.  An only son met death in an automobile accident last summer.  Mr. Randall was a Mason and a communicant of the Baptist Church.  While living in Norwich he was a member of the original Alert Hose Company.  The remains were brought here on Saturday evening and burial made in Mount Hope Cemetery on Monday morning, brief services being conducted at the grave by Rev. Paul Riley Allen.

 

Daniel Atwood Hyde

Oxford Times, November 26, 1915

Daniel Atwood Hyde was born in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] May 13, 1832 and died at Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY] November 12, 1915.  A feeling of sadness pervaded the whole community when it was said that "Uncle At" Hyde, as he was familiarly known, was dead, for in the time that he had been among us he had endeared himself to all who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance.  Especially was he a favorite among the younger people, for by his genial, bright and social disposition he did not seem old at all, just the years telling the time he had lived.  Mr. Hyde was united in marriage with Viletta Hard October 6, 1865.  She died in 1875 and March 22, 1877 he was married to Angelia Johnston, who died 29 years afterwards.  Mr. Hyde was a carpenter and joiner by trade, one of those who learned their trade and all through the county, especially in the vicinity of Afton, are many buildings that stand a monument to his fine work.  Mr. Hyde was one of the charter members of the F.&A.M. lodge of Afton, and was one who lived up to its highest principles and was always ready to lend a helping hand that would be for the betterment of mankind.  His was a character that stood for all that was honest, upright, and noble, and so as he has passed away we say farewell, but his example will be a stimulus to others to go on and live such a life.  His funeral was held Monday, November 15, 1915, Rev. J.H. Houston officiating.  Burial at Afton being in charge of the Masonic order.  Mr. Hyde is survived by a daughter, Mrs. A.B. Minor of Coventryville, who has very lovingly cared for him in his later life;  a son Romey Hyde of Schnectedy, and one sister, Mrs. Rosina Olendorf of Afton.

 

Harriet Hyde Carr

1850 -1913

Mrs. Harriet Hyde Carr died Wednesday, January 1, 1913, of valvular disease of the heart.  Mrs. Carr had been an invalid for nearly or more than two years.  Some three months since she suffered a slight shock, since which time she was unable to help herself but a little.  Mrs. Carr was a life-long resident of Afton [Chenango County, NY], a daughter of Elijah Hyde.  She was a consistent member of the M.E. Church, quiet and unassuming with many warm friends.  She was 62 years of age, and is survived by three sons, Walter, of Nineveh Junction, Harry, of Afton, and Ralph, of Binghamton;  four daughters, Mrs. John Davis and Mrs. George Grace, of Binghamton, Mrs. R. Clay Wilcox, of Bainbridge, and Mrs. Fred Chamberlain of Afton, with whom she was living, and one brother, W.E. Hyde.  Funeral was held Friday from her late home, Rev. D.L. Meeker officiating and burial in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY].  [Donald Sweet news clipping collection]

 

William E. Hyde

Oxford Times, October 28, 1914

Former resident of Afton dies at Troy [Rensselear Co., NY] Last Wednesday:  William E. Hyde, father of Mrs. J.S. Childs, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], died at the New Samaritan Hospital in Troy, Wednesday, October 21 following an operation for gall stones, which was performed the day previous.  Mr. Hyde was born at North Afton [Chenango Co., NY], June 11, 1843, and was the son of Elijah and Harriet Chase Hyde.  In the early sixties he attended Oxford Academy and completed his education here.  In 1869 he married Ella Landers, who died in 1908.  Up to the time of his wife's death he lived in the vicinity or in the village of Afton.  He had been a devout and zealous member of the Methodist church from his youth.  He had been in poor health for many years and frequently visited his daughter in this village.  He is survived by one son, Arthur W. Hyde, of Troy, and one daughter, Mrs. Childs, one step-brother, Atwood Hyde, of Coventry and one step-sister, Mrs. Rosina Olendorf, of Afton.  The funeral was held at Afton, Saturday, Rev. Bronson, of the Methodist church officiating.  Interment was made in Glenwood cemetery, Afton, beside his wife. 

 

Frederick Landers

Bainbridge Republican, March 29, 1906

Willkins Settlement [Chenango Co., NY]:  Word was received here, last week, of the death, near Wellsbridge [Otsego Co., NY], of Frederick Landers, a former respected citizen of this place, whose funeral occurred at that place on Thursday of last week.  Mr. Landers was an honest upright christian gentleman and a veteran of the Civil war.  He leaves a son and daughter.  His age was 79 years.

 

John Landers

Bainbridge Republican, June 7, 1917

John Landers of Mayworth, Wyo., who has been a frequent visitor here [Wilkins Settlement, Chenango Co., NY], was recently found dead in a hotel in that state from asphyxiation from gas.  He was 83 or 84 years of age.  His remains were sent on to California and were there deposited by the side of his wife Augusta Easton Landers who died a few years ago.  Their only daughter Florence Eychnor and family reside in San Diego, California. 

 

Alvira Landers Lyon

Oxford Review-Times, November 19, 1926

Mrs. Alvira Landers Lyon, widow of the late Charles L. Lyon, died at her home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] Monday, November 15, aged 91 years.  Mrs. Lyon was the daughter of John and Dotha Bissel Landers and was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] October 23, 1835.  Her marriage with Mr. Lyon occurred in 1857.  Mrs. Lyon was a very attractive woman and had a great many sincere friends.  She is survived by three children, Frank Lyon of Oneonta;  Mrs. Ray Parker and Mrs. K.E. Shapley, both of Oxford.  The funeral was held at her home on Wednesday at 2 p.m. conducted by Rev. B. A. Gates.  Burial was made at West Bainbridge.

 

 

 

 

William DeVaughn Southworth, Norwich, NY, retires, 1909

William DeVaughn Southworth

Utica Saturday Globe,  January 1909

 

 

William DeVaughn Southworth

1872 - 1948

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  For 15 years W. DeVaughn Southworth, who has just retired from the retail shoe business, has been numbered among the successful  merchants of Norwich.  He embarked in the shoe business alone between seven and eight years ago prior to which for eight years he was associated with his father, J.S. Southworth, in a department store.  His business relations have always been such as to win the continued confidence and respect of all with whom he had dealings.

 

Mr. Southworth was born in Edmeston, Otsego county, March 8, 187[2], and has spent just half of his life in Norwich.  At the age of 19 he was elected a steward in the Broad Street M.E. Church and has since been actively identified with the spiritual and financial work of that society.  For the past seven years he has served as superintendent of the Sunday school.  The growth of the school has been constant, its records now showing between 500 and 600 members.  He is married, has a happy home in Norwich.  His plans for the future are undecided further than that he will spend the winter in the south in an effort to regain his health.  It is hoped he may return to Norwich to reside and resume the activities of life along some new line if he should so choose.

 

Marriage

Southworth - Wetherby

The Scranton Republican, November 28, 1896

Mr. W. DeVaughn Southworth of Norwich, N.Y., and Miss Harriet Wetherby were married at the home of the bride's parents, Green Grove, Pa., by the Rev. J.S. Southworth, father of the groom, November 25, 1896, at 8 o'clock p.m.  It was one of the prettiest home weddings ever solemnized at Green Grove.  The bridal party consisting of the bride and groom attended by Miss Helen Baker and Mr. I.W. Bradshaw, led by little Jane Brennan as flower girl entered to the music of Prof. Willis Leonard in Mendelssohn's wedding march.  The bride was attired in cream silk trimmed with lace and pearls and carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums.  The bridesmaid wore Nile green organdie and carried pink chrysanthemums, while little Jane was attired in white China silk and carried a basket of pink and white carnations and smilax.  The ceremony as performed beneath a beautiful arch of evergreen in a corner of the parlor.  The father of the groom then performed the ring ceremony of the Methodist Episcopal church in an impressive manner.  Prayer was offered by the Rev. R.W. Lowry, A.M., of Edmeston, N.Y.  Before introducing the company Rev. Mr. Southworth addressed the contracting parties in a few well chosen remarks. After congratulations the company was seated to partake of the wedding feast.  The ushers, Messrs. Willis Leonard, Ralph Newton, Bert Wheeler and Robert Baker, served the company, for which service and in token of good will each wore a horse-shoe pin of solid gold, presented by the groom.  The high appreciation and esteem in which the bride and groom were held was shown by the many beautiful and valuable gifts presented.  Among the most valuable was $100 in gold from the groom's father.  At 11 o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Southworth left for Scranton amid a shower of rice, good wishes and old shoes.  Now one of the best girls of this little village has gone to adorn another home.  Concerning Mr. Southworth, the editor of the Edmeston local comments as follows:  "Mr. Southworth is the most popular young merchant of Norwich, and one of the brightest young men who ever claimed Edmeston as the place of his nativity."  About eighty guests were present.

 

Obituary

Binghamton Press, April 26, 1948

William Devaughn Southworth, 76, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] died Saturday morning at the Binghamton City Hospital, after a short illness.  He is survived by his wife, Harriet (Wetherby) Southworth of Greene; a brother, Jay L. of Washington, D.C.  He was former secretary of the Security Mutual Fire insurance Co., of Delhi; former president of Shiloh Brick and Lumber Co. at Shiloh, N.C.  He represented Oneonta, Newburgh and Binghamton Districts at the General Wyoming Methodist Conference three times from 1916 to 1932.  He was a member of Kiwanis Club of Delhi and served as its second president in 1923; the Masonic Lodge, Knights Templar, and shrine of Delhi.  The body was removed to the Root Funeral Home in Greene, where Masonic services will be held today at 8 p.m.  [Buried Union Cemetery, Edmeston, Otsego Co., NY]

 

 



Obituaries (February 26)

Pardon Sherdon Brown

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1909

 

 

Pardon Sherdon Brown

1829 - 1909

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Pardon Sherdon Brown, who died at his home on Cortland street Sunday morning, aged 79, was a son of Pardon and Maximilla Brown of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], where he was born June 8, 1829.  At the age of 25 he united with the Plymouth Methodist Church, continuing in his membership down to the day of his death.  In 1870 he was united in marriage with Miss May C. Sternberg, who died November 12, 1833.  Three years later he married Miss Martha Shattuck, of Norwich, who died in February, 1897.  About five years after his second marriage Mr. Brown moved form his farm in Plymouth to the home on Cortland street, where he died, and from which the funeral was held on Thursday afternoon, Rev. H.L Ellsworth officiating.  The burial was in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Always of a kind and unusually cheerful disposition, he will be greatly missed by a wide circle of friends.  The only near relative who survives him is a sister, Mrs. Abigail G. Sternberg, who made her home with him.  Numerous nieces and nephews mourn his loss.  He was one of the substantial citizens of his period, respected and looked up to by all, and a true Christian gentleman.

Harvey D. Montgomery

Chenango Union, May 9, 1907

Harvey D. Montgomery of Hobart, Delaware county, who was serving a life sentence in Auburn prison for the murder of his second wife, died in the prison hospital Sunday night, aged 65 years.  Montgomery shot his wife to get her property, March 30, 1901.  On trial he was convicted of murder in the first degree and sentenced to be electrocuted, but got a new trial and was convicted of murder in the second degree and sent to prison for life.

Mary Reynolds Paul

Chenango Union, May 9, 1907

Mrs. Mary Reynolds Paul died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Henry Cook, Tuesday morning at three o'clock.  She was about eighty-five years old and had been in failing health for some time.  Funeral Thursday from the M.E. church at one o'clock, burial in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].  She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Lura Smith of Oxford, one brother William Brown of Sherburne, three sons, Alfred, Lorenzo and Charley and one daughter, Mrs. Cook, with whom she was staying at the time of her death.

Death Notices

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 5, 1898

LOW:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 27, 1898, David Low, aged 82 years.

O'LEARY:  In Rome, N.Y., April 25, 1898, Michael O'Leary of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 51 years.  Funeral at St. Joseph's church and burial in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 23.

HAYNES:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 23, 1898, Levi Haynes, aged 73 years.

BEST:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], April 16, 1898, Rev. Best, aged 73 years.

MILLARD:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 29, 1898, Mrs. Sarah L. Millard, aged 82 years.

TREADWAY:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 27, 1898, Mrs. John Treadway, aged 70 years, mother of Mrs. John C. Stoughton, formerly of this village.

CUMMINGS:  In East McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], April 27, 1898, Moses Cummings, aged 80 years.

TILLOTSON:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], April 26, 1898, Perry A. Tillotson, aged 42 years, formerly of this village [Greene, NY].

VAN WOERT:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], April 23, 1898, Jacob Van Woert, aged 80 years.

DARLING:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 20, 1898, Miss Cindia M. Darling.  interment in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

BEARDSLEY:  At Cicero, N.Y. [Onondaga Co.], April 21, 1898, Alice Hackett [Beardsley], wife of Rev. O.R. Beardsley, aged 54 years.

 

Ground Breaking Ceremonies - Maple Manor Apartments

Bainbridge, Chenango County, NY

June 1978

 

 

Ground Breaking Ceremonies for the new Senior Citizen Rural Housing Project in Bainbridge were held last Friday afternoon at the site on South Main Street.  Digging the first shovel of dirt is Mayor Andrew Peterson followed by left to right, Charles Lord and Jack Gorski, National Bank and Trust Co., of Norwich Bank Representatives; Mary Ann Church, chairman of Planning Board who is holding her daughter Janaya; Clarence "Red" Crouch, Town Supervisor; Glenn Barnard, General Contractor; Bob Miller, Broker and Consultant; Ed Ermlich, Developer; Norman Davies, Architect; and John Preton, County Supervisor from Farm Home.  Maple Manor Apartments will be open only to Senior Citizens.  Completion date is set for next Spring [1979]....[Tri-Town News Photo]

 

Obituaries (February 25)

Hon. Russell Aplin Young

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1909

 

 

 Russell Aplin Young

1835 - 1909

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Hon. Russell A. Young died at his home on West Main street Wednesday afternoon after being confined to the house for the past few months.  His health had been failing for two years or more.  Deceased was born in Pittsfield, Otsego county, September 30, 1835, the son of Martin and Mary Young.  He came to Norwich in 1853 and for a time was employed as a carriage maker by Joel J. Bixby, the father of Attorney J.J. Bixby.  He was afterwards employed for a short time as salesman by W.H. Ashcroft in the marble business and then became the western representative of the Smith Granite Company, of Westerly, R.I. having an office in Chicago, but retaining his residence in Norwich.  In 1898 he established the Empire Monument Company of this place which he, in connection with his son-in-law Edward E. Davis, had since conducted.  For nearly 50 years Mr. Young had been an officer in Emmanuel Episcopal Church of Norwich.  For many years he had been a warden and he was also a lay reader of wide reputation in this vicinity and also in Chicago.  In 1873 he was elected member of Assembly from Chenango county and for seven years held the office of highway commissioner of the town of Norwich.  For several years he was secretary of the Chenango County Agricultural Society.  He was educated at the New Berlin Academy.  On September 5, 1850, he married Miss Fannie E. Brown, who, with an only child, Mary L. Davis, survives him.  The funeral was held from the house Friday afternoon, Rev. Luther Weller officiating.  [Buried Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY]

 

Mary Hoffman

Chenango Union, May 2, 1907

Mrs. Mary Hoffman, wife of John Hoffman, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. R.D. Tuttle, Gold street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, April 28, aged 76 years.  Funeral services were held Thursday, Rev. C.H. Hudson, of the Free Methodist church, of which deceased was a member, officiating.  [Buried Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY]

 

Melissa A. Carpenter

Chenango Union, May 2, 1907

Mrs. Melissa A. Carpenter, aged 65 years, died at her home in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock.  She had been a resident of that village all her life and passed away in the house in which she was born and which had always been her home.  Funeral services were held Wednesday at 11 o'clock, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating, and interment was in East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Whitman R. Mowry

Chenango Union, May 2, 1907

Whitman R. Mowry, residing in the southeastern part of the town, died April 24, aged 64 years.  He was a son of the late Solomon C. Mowry and was born in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] in 1843.  In 1869 he married Sarah P. Wheeler.  He has been in poor health for years, but his condition has not been considered serious until recently.  [Buried Riverview Cemetery, Oxford, NY]

 

Lydia Darling Moore

Chenango Union, May 2, 1907

Mrs. Lydia Darling Moore, widow of Ira S. Moore, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E.R. Gifford, Thursday, April 18, 1907, aged nearly 83 years.  [Buried Moore Cemetery, McDonough, Chenango Co., NY]  Daughter of Thomas and Sarah/Sally (Steere) Darling. 

Marriages (February 24)

Dimorier - Mitchel

Afton Enterprise, April 9, 1886

Moses Dimorier was married to a Miss Mitchel, of North Sanford [Broome Co., NY], on the 23 of March.  Mr. and Mrs. Dimorier are now pleasantly situate din Mrs. McHenrey's house which he rented some time since.  May they live long to enjoy life together, in the wish of ---K.N. Pepper

 

Potter - Huparian

Afton Enterprise, April 2, 1886

Mr. W.M. Potter, of the Windsor hotel, Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], was married on Monday evening of last week, to Miss Eva Huparian, of Susquehanna, Pa., formerly of Nineveh [Broome Co., NY].

 

Hollis Vs. Hollis

Afton Enterprise, April 2, 1886

Clara B. Hollis, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] has forbidden through the Gazette, all persons to harbor or trust her husband, James T. Hollis, on her account, he having left her bed and board.

 

Bradbury - Norris

Chenango Union, April 25, 1907

The Pasadena, California, News has the following:  "Miss Elizabeth Howard of Santa Barbara recently gave a large and delightful afternoon tea in honor of Miss Norris of Pasadena, at which Miss Norris' engagement to Mr. Edwin P. Bradbury of Santa Barbara was announced. Two hundred invitations were issued for the charming affair.  The friends who shared the happy secret with Miss Norris made a very pretty picture, clad in dainty light gowns in the blossomed perfumed rooms.  Those who assisted at this pretty event were Mrs. Joseph Howard and Mrs. Bradbury."  Miss Vira Norris, referred to in the above, is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Norris, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Norris was one of the largest owners, a trustee and treasurer of the Norwich Pharmacal company, but on account of his health was obliged to seek a warmer climate and moved to California, where he died seven years ago.  Mrs. Norris and her daughters have remained at Pasadena.

Obituaries (February 24)

Lucy A. (Grant) Winsor

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1909

 

Lucy A. (Grant) Winsor

1845 - 1909

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Lucy A. [Winsor], wife of Charles Winsor, of this village, died at the home of her brother, Frederick Grant, on South Broad street on Sunday morning, having been ill only since the previous Thursday with an acute attack of pneumonia.  Mrs. Winsor had been a lifelong resident of Norwich. She was the daughter of Francis and Lydia Grant and the oldest of five children, having been born March 15, 1845.  In September 1870, she married Charles W. Winsor, who survives her, together with one son, Merton Winsor, of this village, three sisters, Mrs. Ophelia Crowell and Mrs. F.D. McNitt, of Norwich; Mrs. O.A. Bishop, of Superior, Mich., and one brother, Frederick Grant, of Norwich.  Her long and exemplary residence in the community won for her a host of warm friends who were deeply saddened by her death.  She was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, the pastor of which, Rev. Ira W. Bingham, officiated at her funeral on Tuesday afternoon.

 

Morgan Titus

Chenango Union, April 25, 1907

Morgan Titus, one of the oldest residents of this place, died at his home in this place Sunday afternoon, aged 87 years.  Funeral will be held from his late home Thursday afternoon.  Rev. Dr. Ray of Norwich, will officiate.  Burial in Riverview cemetery, [North Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Dr. W.H. Dwight

Chenango Union, April 25, 1907

Dr. W.H. Dwight, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] and a nephew of the late Dr. Thomas Dwight, of Preston, died at -?- Kansas, April 4, 1907.  He is survived by his widow who was a daughter of the late Dell Graves, of Norwich.

 

George Mangold, 1835 - 1907

Chenango Union, April 25, 1907

George Mangold, an old and respected resident of the town, who had been in poor health for some time died last Thursday evening.  Funeral services were held at his late home on Sunday at 2 p.m., Rev. Mr. Merriam officiating.  [Buried in Coventry, Chenango County, NY]

 

Frank G. Williams

Chenango Union, April 25, 1907

Frank G. Williams, son of Frank H . Williams, died at the home of his father, Grove avenue [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday, aged 32 years.  He was born in this village and has spent all of his life here.  He formerly conducted the Brunswick hotel barber shop, but failing health compelled  him to abandon inside work and he had recently purchased a farm at Guilford Center which he expected to occupy.  He was married in 1895 to Crystie Snow, of Norwich, who, with four sons, survive.  Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Revs. Castin, of Norwich, Purcell, of Oxford and Kilroe, of New York, officiating.  Norwich Council, K. of C. of which deceased was a member, has adopted the following memorial:

Frank G. Williams

April 12, 1875 - April 21, 1907

After an illness of several months, during which he bore his suffering patiently, Brother Frank G. Williams, passed peacefully away at an early hour Monday morning.  For four years he has been a faithful and consistent member of this council, and sincerely devoted to the welfare of its members. During our acquaintance with him we had learned to admire his rugged honesty and his kind and generous nature.  His death removes from our midst a  member who was faithful to every principle of our honored order.  We sincerely deplore his death in the prime of manhood, at a time when his aid and influence is so greatly needed by his beloved wife and children. To his bereaved family we extend our most profound sympathy in this, their severe affliction, and we trust that the memory of his good life will be a consolation and a guiding star to his good wife and children....John J. Brennan, James C. Ferry, Frank M. Lyon, Committee

BCHS Class Officers & Advisors, 1955/6

Bainbridge Central High School Class Officers & Advisors

1955 - 56 School Year

Echo 1956

 

Senior Class

 

 

Row 1, officers:  Frank Corbin, (treasurer), Nancy Craig (Vice President), Richard Bradshaw (President), Daryl Yaw (Secretary)

Row 2:  Advisors:  Mr. Morse, Mrs. Braccio, Mr. Braccio

 

Junior Class

 



Row 1:  Officers:  Sally Cheesbro (Treasurer), Charles Boyd (President), Ethel Armstrong (Vice President), Stanley Davis (Secretary)
Row 2:  Advisors:  Mrs. Corbin, Mr. Coe, Mrs. Crane

Sophomore Class

 

Row 1:  Advisors:  Mr. Doyle, Mrs. Niles, Mr. Vicary
Row 2:  Officers:  Sonja Streigler (Secretary), Dewitt Niles (President), Minnie Lawrence (Vice President), Peter Ogren (Treasurer)

Freshman Class

Row 1:  Mrs. Doyle (advisor), Eleanor Craig (President), Joan Straka (Secretary), Mr. Arnold (advisor)
Row 2:  Gordon Dolph (Treasurer) Ronald Decker (Vice President)

Obituaries (February 23)

John L. Brooks

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1909

 

John L. Brooks

1820 - 1909

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  John L. Brooks died suddenly on Saturday morning last at the home of Luther Grant in East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], aged  88 years.  Mr. Brooks was born in Unadilla Center [Otsego Co., NY], October 12, 1820, the son of Lawrence and Lydia Lamb Brooks.  His mother died when he was very young and, with his father, he returned to New Hampshire, where they resided until 1833, in which year they came to this section and settled in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], where the remainder of his life was largely passed.  The men of the Brooks family, preceding him, had all been blacksmiths and he naturally took to that trade, following it for 24 years or until 1869, in McDonough.  During that period he for three years owned and successfully conducted the Sanford Fork Works, located in McDonough.  From 1869 to 1881 he was in the general blacksmithing and wagon making business on Mechanic street in this village in company with his son, P.L. Brooks.  In 1882, he moved back to McDonough and engaged in farming which he followed up to the time of his wife's death a little more than a year ago.  Mr. Brooks was twice married, his first wife being Miss Lucy Barrows, of McDonough, whom he married about 1844.  Two sons were born of this union, Percival L. and Maitland E. Brooks, now residents of Norwich.  Mrs. Brooks died in 1876 and in 1877 he married Mrs. Caroline Wiswell, of Norwich.  She died in 1908 and since her death he had made his home with his old friend, Luther Grant preferring the quiet of the country and desiring to spend his remaining days near the old home which he loved better than any other spot, though he frequently visited Norwich to spend a few days with his sons.  Besides his sons, he is survived by one brother, Langdon Brooks, of Smithville, a half-sister, Mrs. Louisa Hand, of Castle Creek, Broome county, and a brother-in-law, S.J. Barrows, who lives in Utica, and is the only surviving member of the family of the first Mrs. Brooks.  Mr. Brooks was one of the best known and leading residents of this section.  he was a sterling Democrat and during his active years had been interested in all clean political and civil affairs.  He became a church member about 50 and had served the Congregational Church at McDonough as deacon for many years.  He was a great reader, keeping posted on the news of the outside world as well as on things near home.  He voted at the last election, being in his 88th year.  He was an indulgent father, a kind husband and a good friend and neighbor.  March 8 services in memory of Mr. Brooks were held at Luther Grant's house at 10 a.m. and at the Congregational Church in McDonough at 11 o'clock, Rev. W.W. Watrous having charge.  The burial was  made in the McDonough Cemetery.

L.H. Tyrrell

Afton Enterprise, April 2, 1886

L.H. Tyrrell, a prominent lumberman of Harpersville [Broome Co., NY], died at his residence in that village Monday last.  Mr. Tyrrell belonged to the Masonic order, and Afton lodge, F.&A.M. attended his funeral which was held Wednesday of this week.  Deceased was the father of Mrs. John Carr, of this place.

Joseph Lonergan, 1840 - 1886

Afton Enterprise, April 2, 1886

Joseph Lonergan a well known hotel proprietor of Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY], died at his home in that place, Monday morning, aged forty-eight years.  He had been in poor health for some time.  [Buried Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney, NY]

Miss Ann Vernette Meade, 1839-1886

Afton Enterprise, April 2, 1886 

Miss A.V. Meade, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], died at her home in that place Tuesday afternoon of last week, aged 48 years.  She was connected with the Academy at Greene and had a large circle of friends. [Buried Sylvan Lawn Cemetery, Greene, NY]

Elizabeth A. Andrews, May 8, 1821 - Mar. 29, 1886

Afton Enterprise, April 2, 1886

Miss Elizabeth A. Andrews, a highly respected lady of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], was instantly killed while crossing the D.L.&W. railroad, Monday morning.  She was on her way to the post office and in order to reach Main street, where she took a street car to ride over to town, she was obliged to cross the Erie and D.L.&W. railway tracks.  After crossing the Erie track, a freight train passed over that road and it is supposed the rumble of that train prevented her from hearing trains approaching the crossing on the D.L.&W. tracks.  As she approached the D.L.& W. tracks from the north, she could not see any train that might come in from the west, owing to several flat cars, piled with lumber and standing on side tracks, that obstructed the railway crossing.  Just as she had stepped around these flat cars and upon the western bound track of the D.L.&W. an express train came rushing along and the train caught her.  She was struck upon her left side and thrown upon the cow catcher, which carried her about two hundred feet, when she rolled off between the tracks.  Chas. A Weed, who was at work where the catastrophe occurred, in company with several others, hastened to the spot where Miss Andrews fell from the guard.  Upon their arrival they found that life was extinct.  Upon examination it was found that the left ankle had been broken, that the skull had been fractured above the right and left temples, and the neck had been broken.  The deceased was 64 years of age, and formerly resided in Norwich this county [Chenango Co., NY].  [Buried Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, NY]

Louisa M. Marion

Chenango Union, April 25, 1907

Monday evening, Louisa M. Marion, died at her home on Hayes street, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  For upwards of a year she has been in ill health, suffering from a severe nervous depression, brought on by over work.  Prevented from taking part in the active business life she had led for the last seventeen years, she became despondent and suffered greatly mentally.  Monday forenoon, she was found unconscious from the effects of Laudanum, which she had evidently drank for the purpose of self destruction.  Physicians were hastily summoned and everything that medical skill and science could suggest was done.  But to no avail. She gradually grew weaker until the end came and the tireless worker was at rest.  Louisa M. Marion was born in the adjoining town of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on June 12, 1856.  She was the oldest daughter of the late Henry P. Marion and his wife Susan A. Riddell.  In 1864, she removed with her parents to this village, where the rest of her life has been spent.  She was educated in our schools, being a particularly bright and accurate scholar.  She received her diploma with the second class graduated by our High school.  After graduating she engaged in teaching for five years, the last four as teacher in Fair street school.  She resigned her place in the schools because of ill health.  In May, 1890, her father, former Supervisor Henry P. Marion, who for many years had been engaged in the meat business in this village, retired by reason of the infirmities of oncoming age.  Miss Marion announced her purpose to continue the business under her own exclusive management.  Such an undertaking by a woman was a new departure and many were doubtful and were free with the opinion that disaster was sure to come to her.  She, however, asked no favors because she was a woman, but only that she be treated as another person in business should be and given the same chance. From the beginning her venture was successful.  Her untiring attention to all its details, her skill in buying and catering to the tastes of her customers, her promptness and ready good nature, her generosity and loyalty to her friends, her strict honesty and square dealing kept all of her father's old customers and brought her many new ones.  For seventeen years she has been at the front in her line of business, and has reaped well [resulting] in substantial rewards.  About two [years ago] she purchased the Hale property on Hayes street and fitted it and occupied it as a home.  Personally, she had a wide acquaintance, was of a free and generous nature, possessed a quick wit and met every one with a ready, unaffected manner, yet ever maintained a certain dignity that compelled respect. The secret of her unceasing success was largely due to this in her nature--she put all her energy into whatever she did.  She is survived by her mother, one sister, Mrs. Hattie M. Dibble and sister-in-law, Mrs. Jessie A. Marion, who has been untiring in her devotion.  Her funeral was attended Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock from her late residence on Hayes street, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.  Burial in the family plot in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].

Early History of Chenango County

Continued from post of February 19, 2016

 

Some Things of Early Chenango - Read at the Chenango County Dinner

John C. Wait

Chenango Union, March 28, 1907

 

Immediately following, or contemporaneous with these pioneer settlers came Isaac Foote, Peter B. Guernsey, Nathaniel King, James Glover, Joseph Moore, Joel Thompson, Asahel Steere, James Greene, Obediah German John Noyes, Thompson Mead, Henry Snow, Lot Clark, Samuel A. Smith, Edmund G. and Abraham Perlee, William Mason, Uri and John Tracy, Charles York, Silas Holmes, John Latham, Charles Medbury, Elisha Smith, Edward Andrews, James Birdsall, John F. Hubbard, Henry Mitchell, Tilly Linde, Jarvis and Samuel Pike, Jonathan Johnson, Benjamin Chapin, Abial Cooke, and many others who were active in the organization and construction of the county and its towns. They became legislators and judges, and were the solons who preserved the peace and steady growth of our native land.

 

Public Buildings:  A court house was erected between 1807 and 1809 at Norwich, and about this time Peter B. Guernsey gave to Norwich the "West green" and Stephen Steere gave the "East green," which in 1874 were improved and thereafter called the village park.  In 1814 - 1815 the old County Clerk's office was built at a cost of $800.  In 1837-39 the present county Court House was erected after a violent political struggle between Norwich and Oxford as to which place should become and be the county seat.  The first court held in the Norwich Court House was in 1810, and Chenango may be proud that she had a judge who, later, was U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Smith Thompson.

 

The Canal:  In 1833, February 23, the legislature authorized the construction of the Chenango Canal and it was completed in 1837 at a cost of $1,737,703.  It proved a great benefit to the Chenango Valley for a period of thirty-five years; when the old Midland Railroad brought to the upper portion of our valley a more modern means to transportation (1869).  The Lackawanna road came to us from Binghamton in 1873 which sealed the doom of the canal.  for the canal we are chiefly indebted to Senator John F. Hubbard who deserves the title of its chief promoter.

 

Chenango has been the cradle of many distinguished lawyers and jurists.  Starting with the eminent author of Kent's Commentaries, and his distinguished successor, U.S. Justice Thompson, we have a long line of distinguished judges.  Of 53 Judges and Assistant Justices of the Common Pleas and General Sessions or County Court Bench, Norwich has furnished fourteen, beginning with Joab Enos, 1798, Jeremiah Whipple, 1801, and with twelve others between him and our beloved Gladding.  Dadly L. Follett may doubtless lay claim to the greatest distinction as a later representative jurist of our county.  The monument of work that he has done and left behind him is probably unequalled; both in amount and quality by any other Chenango representative. The appreciation of his great and good work will grow with generations to come.  What he did in determining the application of our laws to some of the most difficult situations and conditions of our social and business life is known best to those who daily quote and cite his broad-minded opinions.

 

Another distinguished scholar who lent his charming presence and influence to our county was the poet and journalist, Benjamin F. Tracy (1819-87).  He was principal of the Norwich Academy.  He attended a reunion of Norwich Academy and delivered a poem specially written for the occasion, which is well worth republishing.

 

To Be Continued

 

 

Obituaries (February 22)

Emily R. (Eldred) Green

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1909

 

Emily R. (Eldred) Green

1879 - 1909

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After more than a year of intense suffering, Emily R. Green entered into rest at her home on Brown avenue Tuesday night of last week. her case having baffled the best medical skill and the most faithful nursing.  Although she was born in Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] on February 2, 1879, the second daughter of Sylvester and Julia Eldred, Mrs. Green had spent the greater share of her life in Norwich.  In 1897 she graduated from the High School and a year later from the teachers' training class, after which she taught several terms in the nearby rural districts. She was successful in her work and was beloved by her pupils.  In 1900 she became the wife of Floyd B. Green.  Two children came to bless their union, Ollisx L. and H. Llewelyn, only the latter surviving.  She is also survived by her bereaved husband, her father and step-mother and by three sisters, Mrs. Mary Adams of Haynes; Mrs. Devillo Levee, of Norwich, and Mrs. Maud Bowers, of DeRuyter.  Mrs. Green was a devoted member of Emmanuel Chruch and her funeral was attended from that church on Friday afternoon.  Interment was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Mrs. Lynn Geer

Chenango Union, April 4, 1907

Mrs. Lynn Geer died at her home in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] Sunday night after an illness of a few days.  The funeral was held from the M.E. church in this place Thursday at 1 o'clock.  Burial in Riverview cemetery.  [North Norwich Cemetery, Chenango Co., NY, d. April 1907, AE 30y]

 

Sally P. (Yale) Bentley, 1818 - 1886

Afton Enterprise, March 26, 1886

Mrs. Sally P. Bentley, mother of Geo. Bentley, of Afton, who has been in feeble health for some time past, died Tuesday night of this week, aged 67 years.  Her funeral will be held this week Friday, and the remains will be taken to Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] for burial.  [Yaleville Cemetery, Guilford, NY]

 

Charles Packer, 1854 - 1907

Chenango Union, April 18, 1907

Charles Packer, formerly a resident of this county [Chenango Co., NY], was killed at the Valley Stone company quarry, across the Mohawk river from Cranesville on Saturday.  His body was brought to Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] on Sunday and funeral services held from Breese's undertaking rooms on Tuesday, Rev. J.L. Ray officiating.  The Recorder, Amsterdam, N.Y. tells of the accident which caused his death as follows:  "Charles Packer, aged about 53 years, met with a frightful death this morning at the plant of the Valley Stone Company quarry just across the Mohawk river from Cranesville.  There is a large quarry there where the company is busily engaged in getting out crushed stone.  Mr. Packer had charge of the machinery and acted in the capacity of engineer, also looking after the stone crusher.  Just how the accident occurred is not positively known as there was no eyewitness.  It is thought, however, that Mr. Packer was engaged in oiling the shafting of the stone crusher when his left arm became caught in some way and he was pulled nearly to the top of the apparatus.  The arm was torn from the socket and the wound bled profusely.  The foreman of the company was the first to notice the body of Mr. Packer where it was suspended and he hurried to the unfortunate man's aid.  Packer was still alive but he expired in a few moments, death being due to the loss of blood and shock. There were only a few slight bruises on the body outside of the injury to the arm."  [Mount Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY]

 

Erwin Allen Hyde

Chenango Union, April 11, 1907

Erwin A. Hyde died at his rooms about midnight Wednesday, after an illness of about 48 hours.  He had not been feeling well for several days but did not take to his bed until Monday night, when a physician was called and found him suffering from a complicated kidney and heart trouble.  Heroic treatment was resorted to and on Wednesday his condition was easier.  The conditions changed for the worse Wednesday evening and death followed about midnight.  Erwin Allen  Hyde was born in the town of Pitcher, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY], October 21, 1864.  He came to Norwich about eighteen years ago and for several years was engaged in business with the late Frank Malone.  Since the establishment of the Borden plant he had been foreman of the tin room.  He was a member of Alert Hose company, of which he has been forman since the death of H enry O . Hall.  He was also a member of the Masonic bodies, having been raised in Norwich lodge on March 15, 1904, exalted in Harmony Chapter October 26, 1904, and knighted in Norwich Commandery on November 17, 1904.  Funeral services will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. from the rooms of Alert Hose company.  [Mount Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY]

 

Chenango Union, April 18, 1907

At a special meeting of Alert Hose company Sunday afternoon, the following memorial was adopted.  Another member has been removed from our ranks by the Angel of Death.  On April 1, 1907, our beloved foreman, Erwin A. Hyde, after faithful membership in the Alert Hose company nearly 23 years, passed peacefully away.  He became an active member in the Alert Hose company, June 26, 1884.  In 1885 he was chosen assistant foreman and in the following year was elected foreman.  In 1889 he became president of the company which office he held continuously for six years.  For two years he withdrew from active membership and his name was placed on the honorary roll but he resumed active membership March 14, 1898.  At the annual election of 1903, he was chosen first assistant foreman and in April, 1905, was unanimously elected foreman to succeed the late Henry O. Hall.  He continued in that position till the time of his death.  During his years of active service, Norwich has been visited by many disastrous fires and our department has often been called upon to aid our neighboring towns in like distress.  Mr. Hyde was always faithful to every duty and he was ever found where he could do the greatest good.  As an officer he never asked a fireman to go where he would not lead and his command was always, "Come on boys," not "Go on."  In his death we have lost a member whose place will not soon be filled.  Whether on festive or sad occasions or at duty's call he was ever found at the front and when distress or affliction visited our members without display or affectation, he made every sacrifice to give the needy aid.  In whatever other occupation he may have engaged, he was preeminently and distinctly an Alert, loyal, tried and true.  We sincerely deplore his death in the prime of his usefulness and to his bereaved family we extend our most profound sympathy and the assurance that their sorrow is most keenly shared by the Alerts, who have been his companions during all these years, and that we will ever keep sacred the memory of his life of usefulness.

 

Post Listing February 15-21, 2016

Listing of blog postings for the week of February 15-21, 2016

Marriages

Posted February 20, 2016

Ella Mowry - Eilmot L. Carrington (1886)

William Mercer - Miss Snedecker (1907)

Marriage Notices - 1867

     George W. Olney - Frances Stanbro

     George A. Smith - Maggie A. Rhodes

     Charles B. Treadway - Mary  M. Shepardson

     George E. Stevens - Mary E. Haynes

     William L. Laman - Julia E. MInor

Posted February 21, 2016
Maude G. Cooley - Louis A. Nicholson (1907)
Marriage Notices - 1865/6
     Mr. A.S. Harlan - Abbie J.E. --lls
     Ogden A. Pratt - Wealthy A. Anderson
     Eli T. Rathbun - Mary Stewart
     Charles H. Stewart - Miss Frank M. Rathbun
     Hial Munson - Jane Higby
     Emory A. Williams - Sarah F. Newby
     Ransom Aylesworth - Sarah E. Steere
     Milton V. Dean - Marietta Vincent
     William A. Lyman - Almedia Upham
     Hott E. Howard - Mira Crandall
     Charles Isbell - Lydia Merihew
     John Miles - Emma Finch
     John Sweeny - Mary White
     Henry Williams - Mrs. Mary Griffin
     William H. Robinson - Cora B. Warren



 

Obituaries

Posted February 15, 2016

Emma Smith (Norwich, 1909)

Susan S. Cure (Norwich, Tompkinsville, PA, 1907)

Stephen Maxfield (Beaver Meadow, 1907)

Melissa R. (Cohoon) Tucker (Norwich, 1907)

George King (Norwich, 1907)

Juvenal Griswold (Coventry, 1907)

Posted February 16, 2016
Caroline (Randall) Barnard (Norwich, 1909)
Cyrus Wheeler (Norwich, 1907)
Betsey A. H all (Norwich, 1907)
Louise L. Wood (South Plymouth, 1907)
George W. Aldrich (Norwich, 1907)
Mrs. John Crumb (Preston, 1907)

February 17, 2016
Jefferson W. Carr (Norwich 1909) Civil War Soldier, Ellsworth Avengers
Mary J. Hunt (Norwich, 1907)
Gladys Marjorie Drake (Norwich, 1907)
Alice M. (North) Halbert (Norwich, Guilford, 1907)
Lady Upton (Mt. Upton, 1907)
Adline Breed (Norwich, 1907)
George W. Cruser (Binghamton, 1907)
Samuel A. Hopkins (Norwich, 1907)

Posted February 18, 2016
Otis J Fredenburg (Norwich, 1909)
Charles Rathbun (McDonough, 1907)
Henry Hines (East Guilford, 1907)
Charles R. Corker (Norwich, 1907)
Adaline M. Allen (South Otselic, 1907)

Posted February 19, 2016
John Powderly (Norwich, 1909)
Richard Winsor (Norwich, 1907)
Sarah Jane (Edmonds) Main (East Norwich, 1907)
Arthur Eugene Emerson (McDonough, 1907)
Ivan G. Brady (Sherburne, Boonville, 1907)

Posted February 20, 2016
Eva May (Salsman) Thurston (Norwich, 1909)
George Wilkes (1907)
Mary Hardy (Masonville, 1907)
Henry Felton (1907)  Civil War veteran, of 114th Regiment
Eliza (Penston) Eaton (Oxford, 1907)

Posted February 21, 2016
Josephine (Smith) Mudge (Norwich, 1909)
Hattie A. Eichler Geer (Preston, 1907)
Jacob Erion (1907)  Civil War veteran
Ettie St. John (Afton, 1886)
Mrs. Philo  Landers (Hyde Settlement, 1886)
Lola Landers (Hyde Settlement, 1886)
Harriet Newell Hyde (Afton, 1886)



 

Miscellaneous

Posted February 15, 2016

Early Norwich History - Conclusion

Posted February 16, 2016
Some Things of Early Chenango - John C. Wait, 1907, Part 1

Posted February 17, 2016
Some Things of Early Chenango - John C. Wait, 1907, Part 2
Bainbridge Central High School, Class of 1956, Part 8

Posted February 18, 2016
Some Things of Early Chenango - John C. Wait, 1907, Part 3

Posted February 19, 2016
Some Things of Early Chenango - John C. Wait, 1907, Part 4

Posted February 20, 2016
History of Afton, NY, Rev. E.T. Jacobs (1886)

Posted February 21, 2016
History of Afton, NY, Rev. E.T. Jacobs (1886)  -Afton Bridges

Early Afton History - 1886

History of Afton, Chenango County, NY

Rev. E.T. Jacobs

Afton Enterprise, March 26, 1886

 

You will think me some like other old ministers and a long time coming to my subject.  Well, our river is long and rambling, delighting to wander among the glens of Otsego, its tributaries playing hide and seek among the Catskills.  No wonder it was called Sus-que-hanna.  It was a thoroughfare for the red men,--a race that made but little change and no improvements, hunting, fishing and war their chief occupation. They built no bridges.  If a tree by chance happen to fall across the stream it was used when they wished to change their trail from one side to the other.  Canoes were used for crossing and fishing when needed.  These were made of pine trees dug out and shaped with the rude instruments in use.  This river was unquestionably much used by them as furnishing convenient trailing ground from point to point, when they built their council fires and held their annual gatherings.  Otsego signifies "gathering place," and Tioga means "gate way," as the plain south of Waverly was the great camping ground, as the tribes came from the south to meet the six nations that came down the Susquehanna.

 

A son of one of the old settlers remembers when 500 Indians camped near his father's house for the night on their way down to Tioga. The first settlers at Tioga found the flats covered with an enormous growth of corn, planted by the Indians who had removed enough of the timber to admit of rude cultivation.

 

When the white people came into this town they followed the course of the river from the north. They found little clearings where corn had been raised and apple trees were growing. Their only means of crossing the river was in canoes.  Two ferries were early established and became somewhat celebrated, "Harper's Ferry," about opposite Nineveh Junction and "Wattel's Ferry," one mile above Unadilla.  The latter was crossed by my mother with her large family, coming from Dutchess county in 1811.  Between thirty and forty years the inhabitants crossed on the ice in winter, and forded and ferried in summer.

 

A company was chartered in 1825, for the purpose of building the first bridge in this town.  Not having access to the old town records, I cannot name the officers of that company, but the bridge was built by Lord & Battom at a cost of $2,400.  It was a rude structure according to present ideas of architecture; but the hills, covered with pine and oak, furnished abundant material for the heavy timbers.  The mud sills remain as sound as when they were first laid. An incident is related by the old inhabitants as occurring when this bridge was being built, that shows some daring on the part of a young "school marm."  A Miss Hamlin was teaching on the west side of the river, while her home was on the east side. She was in the habit of crossing in a boat, but one night when she was ready to return home she found the boat was on the opposite side of the river, and like most of her age she did not care to wait. The piers of the bridge were up and the chords laid, covering the three spans--nearly 400 feet. The timbers were 14 inches broad and she proposed to walk on them. The three spans with the rise and fall of the chords made it much more perilous than a level surface. As she attempted it the workmen all stopped.  Not a blow was struck, not a word was uttered, as she passed one span after another till the shore was reached. Turning, she waved her handkerchief in triumph as the men sent up cheer after cheer for the brave little girl.  The workmen had agreed among themselves that the first lady that crossed the bridge should have a silk dress, and Miss Hannah Hamlin got it. We wish we had a remnant of it.

 

This bridge stood many years, subject to damage by ice and decay by time, till in 1848 it became impassable and a new one had to be built.  In 1849 Jacob Cass was engaged to build the second bridge.  It was a find wooden structure, substantially built and well covered, and promised many years of service. The cost of this bridge was $3,400.  In May, 1868, it was swept from the piers and dashed to pieces by a tornado.  A ferry was soon provided and teams passed over during the summer.  The bridge company was again rallied and by duplicating their stock were enabled to rebuild, but an inferior structure was the result. A Mr. Skinner was the architect and the company got badly Skinned.  It was a magnificent failure, and after standing about 18 months, a terror to the people and a cost to the company, it passed away in company with an ice flow, unwept and unhonored.  A majority of the Bridge Company were now in favor of surrendering their charter to the town if it would build a good substantial bridge and make it free to the public for all time.

 

A meeting was called and commissioners were appointed to procure a bill from the legislature to enable the town to purchase the franchise and raise a tax sufficient to build the bridge.  The town consented to raise by tax the sum of $12,000 for the object, with the understanding that the same might be increased by subscription. The commissioners, Messrs. A.C. Hyde, Thomas Landers, and H.R. Caswell, took measures to swell the amount to $14,000 and advertised to receive proposals and examine plans.  After visiting different structures and gaining all the knowledge within their reach, they decided upon a suspension bridge, and accepted the plan presented by G.W. Fishler of Wellsburg, N.Y. The Fishler Bros. built a bridge for the town alike honorable to the contractors, the commissioners, and the people who had so liberally taxed themselves to accommodate the traveling public.

 

The following is a description of the bridge, but it gives an imperfect view:  Main span 382 feet; extension span 64 feet, supported by six wire cables 5-1/4 inches in circumference. The roadway is sixteen feet wide suspended by the wire ropes by rods four feet apart secured to cables by clasps and to the needle beams by burrs and washers; the plank three inches thick, laid diagonally, and guarded by railing four feet eight inches high. The towers stand upon solid masonry thirty-six feet above the track. The abutments are 24 feet above low water mark. The towers are white oak, finished in three sections, and surmounted by a tasty cornice and deck roof, with an arch spanning the roadway and reaching the towers near the top.