Early History of Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY

Early History of Bainbridge, Chenango Co ., NY

Covering 1776 to 1876

 

Detailed Account of Early Days, taken from bound volumes of history, and offered so that all Villagers can better appreciate reasons for anniversary celebrations this year [1939]. 

The first celebration of the Fourth of July by the people of this town, which can now be called to mind, was in 1828 or 1829, forty-seven or forty-eight years ago [in 1875/6], when Dr. Starkey delivered the oration and the reader of this history read the Declaration of Independence.  Major Warner, an old Revolutionary soldier, was president of the day, and many of those who had participated in the struggle for independence were honored guests.  The church had recently hung its first bell, the only one then in town, and the military authorities had provided a cannon which was to make its home in this place for the use of and assistance in drilling the gallant artillery company of this vicinity--a necessary article in a celebration--which had just opportunely arrived the day before the fourth.  Several zealous military or unmilitary men were so anxious to try  its power, for noise that they procured some of the best rifle powder and, while in the act of ramming it down, the cannon was prematurely discharged, prostrating the rabble bystanders to the ground and sending the ramrod through a part of the body of John Reese, and tearing off the right arm of Dr. Wm. Knapp and the left arm of Elisha Sharpe.  The accident cast a gloom over the prospects for the next days celebration, but it went on of course.

 

The bell rang, the cannon roared, and the patriotic people shouted long and loud hosannas to liberty.  Since that time, the people of this town and vicinity  have, on almost every return of the 4th day of July, manifested their patriotism and love of our political institutions by an appropriate celebration of the day.

 

On the 4th of July, 1840, it being a time of great political excitement, the people of this vicinity turned out in large numbers and wended their way in a long procession, stretching from hill to hill, headed by a band of music with flags and banners floating in the wind and a veritable log cabin supplied with a barrel of  hard cider, ears of corn, young live coons and old coon skins.  About 20 years afterwards, in 1861, when a real war commenced, the young men of this town shrunk not from performing their share in the severe and protracted struggle for mastery between the South and the North, and many of them left the beautiful valley of the Susquehanna for the last time.

 

In 1850, the project of a slack water navigation between Bainbridge and Lanesboro, Pa., a station on the Erie railway, was agitated. The distance by the Susquehanna River is some 31 miles.  A stock company constructed a steamboat 112 feet long, with stern wheel and flat bottom, called the "Enterprise."  The boat was supplied with an 80 horse-power engine and carried 30 tons burthen.  It was launched with great pomp and ceremony near the bridge, a beautiful and queenly lady naming and christening it "The Enterprise," by breaking a bottle of liquor over its prow, and it glided smoothly into the waters of the river amide the glad shouts and hurrahs of a large concourse of people from this and the surrounding towns.  Under the command of our then enterprising, but now rather venerable friend and fellow citizen, Captain Jacobs, it gave us a few rides up and down our beautiful river to the great joy of young men and maidens, old men and boys, many of whom never enjoyed any other ride on a steamboat. And during this time, while their hearts were gladdened by the sound of the steamboat whistle, the good people had a picnic and enjoyed a feast of fat things and a dance on the ground, on an island in the river, to and from which they were conveyed by Capt. Jacobs in the splendid steamboat, "Enterprise."  But a year or two later, the near prospect of the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad (while by-the-by was not half so near as we then thought it was), allayed the slack water navigation fever, and ere long the beautiful boat was conducted by its projector and godfather, Capt. Jacobs, to deeper waters south, never to return.

 

A newspaper called the Bainbridge Eagle was started here in 1843 by J. Hunt Jr.  In 1849, it was changed to the Bainbridge Freeman.  The Bainbridge Ledger was issued by G.A. Dodge in 1866, and E.H. Orwen commenced the publication of the Bainbridge Republican in 1870, which still continues, under the management of Harvey Ireland, to spread its intelligence and salutary influence far and wide.

 

To be continued

Obituaries (March 26)

Charles A. Phillips

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1910
 

 

Charles A. Phillips

1865  - 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Charles A. Phillips, a well known resident of this village, died Wednesday afternoon at his home on Piano street, aged 45.  He had been confined to his home about three weeks with a complication of diseases which resulted in a shock a week previous to his death.  Deceased was born on the Gorton Wood farm, east of this village, September 8, 1865, and was a son of John and Mary Phillips.  For the past 23 years he had resided in Norwich and had held the position as clerk at several hotels here.  He was a member of the Bartenders Union.  November 7, 1889 he married Miss Clara M. Crosby, of this village, who survives.  A daughter died in infancy.  He also leaves his father, John Phillips, of Sherburne, and one sister, Mrs. George Bowen of Boston.  The funeral will be held from his late home Saturday afternoon, Rev. H.W Foreman officiating. Burial will be made in Mt. Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

William Van Horn

Chenango Union, August 22, 1907

William Van Horn, aged 84, a veteran of the Civil War, died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Jennie Mingo, Thursday.

Maria E. Green

Chenango Union, August 22, 1907

Maria E. Green, widow of the late John M. Green, died at her home below the village Friday afternoon.  Mrs. Green was born in Butternuts, Otsego county, December 12, 1827, and has been a resident of the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] nearly all her life.

Mrs. L.H. Main

Chenango Union, August 22, 1907

Mrs. L.H. Main died at her home on Adelaide street last week, aged 50 years.  She is survived by two sons, Hugh H. and Joseph L. Breed and one daughter, Mrs. Lillian Baker, all of Norwich.  Rev. Ira W. Bingham conducted the funeral services on Thursday.

Philip Partridge

Chenango Union, August 22, 1907

Philip Partridge, son of Rev. Warren G. Partridge, formerly pastor of the First Baptist church of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], was killed at Old Orchard Beach last Thursday night.  The accident happened during the excitement attending the fire which destroyed seventeen summer hotels and boarding houses at Old Orchard.  Mr. Partridge, whose home was at Kennebunk, Maine, was driving to Old Orchard to see the fire, accompanied by Miss Minard of Kennebunk.  Just before reaching Old Orchard, while crossing the railroad track, their carriage was run down by a locomotive. The occupants of the carriage were thrown out, Mr. Partridge being instantly killed and Miss Minard being seriously bruised. The remains of Mr. Partridge were brought to Hamilton, N.Y., his mother's home, where funeral services were held on Monday.  His age was about 24 years.

 

Rome Daily Sentinel, August 17, 1907

Pittsburg [PA]:  The death of Philip Partridge, aged 24, son of Rev. Dr. Warren P. Partridge of the Fourth avenue Baptist church of this city, ended a romance that was to have culminated in a wedding in a few weeks.  Partridge and his fiancée, Miss Alice Minard, were spending their vacation at Kennebunk, Me.  They learned of the fire at Old Orchard and started to drive to the scene. The carriage was struck by a Boston & Maine train near the outskirts of Kennebunk.  Partridge was killed instantly and Miss Minard received serious injuries.  Partridge was a senior at State College, Pennsylvania, and a member of the college football team.

 

Philadelphia Inquirer, August 17, 1907

Pittsburg [PA]:  Philip Partridge, who was struck and killed by a Boston and Main train while on his way to the Old Orchard fire, was a son of the Rev. Dr. Warren G. Partridge, pastor of the Fourth Avenue Baptist church of this city.  The young man had just left college and was spending the summer at the Partridge summer home at Kennebunk, Maine.  His companion Miss Alice Minard, who was also injured, is not a resident of this city.  Miss Minard's home is in the eastern part of Pennsylvania.  The Partridges came to Pittsburg four years ago.

 

Jane Graham Covert

Afton Enterprise, June 25, 1886

Mrs. Jane Graham, wife of Thomas Covert, Esq.  this most estimable woman had a large circle of acquaintances, friends and relatives, and it is deemed fitting that some tribute of kindness be added to the formal announcement which has been published of her decease.  Her childhood days, her youth and middle years were spent in the town of Meredith, Delaware county.  In 1867 she removed to Afton, Chenango county, where she resided until the 22d of May, when the inevitable messenger summoned her precious soul to the realm infinite.  It will long be remembered that cheerfulness was one of her marked characteristics, her nature one of the most unselfish and affectionate, while with her, in her unostentatious manner, the spirit of Christianity was preeminent and unmistakable.  In her 62d year, surrounded as she was, by  loving hearts and willing hands, it was found that human skill was unable to successfully oppose the ailment of the frail body, and the immortal spirit passed peacefully out and was gently wafted on its heavenward journey to the place prepared by the Saviour when she, in her early life here learned to love.  Answered at last was that sweet little prayer in rhyme which she learned while kneeling at the side of the good old mother long ago, which she repeated so many many times, and which she taught her children to say.  May the influence for good which she exerted live on and on after this generation shall have passed away.  Delhi, N.Y.

Marriages (March 25)

Tilyou - Littlebrant

Afton Enterprise, June 25, 1886

Harrison Tilyou and Anna Littlebrant of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], were to have been married last week Thursday, at the home of the bride. Everything was in readiness; the minister in his place, and the feast prepared, when the pa and ma of the little fellow who was going to get spliced, drove up and forbade the marriage.  It was finally decided to postpone the wedding until after haying.  that prospective husband-to-be should be awarded a leather medal.  The girl is to be congratulated on her fortunate escape.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Anable

Afton Enterprise, June 25, 1886

About sixty invited friends and relatives assembled at the home of Mr. A.S. Anable, in this town [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], Tuesday evening, the occasion being the 40th anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Anable. A very pleasant time was enjoyed by all present, and at an early hour the company sat down to partake of the bountiful repast that had been provided by the host and hostess. The tables fairly groaned under the heavy load of all the choice viands of the day, and each one was loud in their praises of the culinary ability of Mrs. Anable.  A number of useful and ornamental presents were presented among which was the following:  Glass cake basket, Mr. and Mrs. Z. Tarble; patent baking pan, a pair of shears, and granite coffee pot, Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Kirtland; glass set of nine pieces, C.E. Carrington and wife, Geo. Jay and wife, M.D. Lane and wife, and H.R. Caswell and wife; set of silver spoons, Charles Anable; table cloth and napkins, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Decker; rocking chair, C.G. Greene; hanging lamp, R. Searles and wife, D.A.  Hyde and wife, F. Hard and wife, Gilman Herkimer and wife; W.O. Williams, $1; GW. Knight, $1; T.L. Greene, $1; hassock, Dr. and Mrs. P.A. Hayes. The company adjourned at a late hour wishing Mr. and Mrs. Anable many more years of happiness and prosperity.

Obituaries (March 25)

Mary E. King

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1910

 

 

Mary E. (Cole) King

1851 - 1910

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Mary E. King died at the family home on Fair street Tuesday, aged 59.  Mrs. King was one of the seven children and the youngest daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Cole, only one of whom now survives. She was born in Norwich, July 14, 1851, and October 26, 1870 married Francis W. King, who died May 31, 1903.  Deceased was a devoted member of the Broad Street M.E. Church and actively interested in the mission work of the church which she attended regularly until health failed her.  For more than a year and a half she had been bedridden and a great sufferer, but had borne her affliction not only without complaint, but was always mindful of the comfort of others rather than herself, and her Christian character manifested itself at all times.  Deceased is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Howard Baker, and one sister, Mrs. Fannie M. Eldridge, both of this village.  The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 at the home, 23 Fair street, Rev. M.D. Fuller officiating. Burial will be made in Mount Hope [Norwich, NY].

 

Genevieve Morton

Afton Enterprise, June 25, 1886

MrGenevieve Morton, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], who has been confined to the house for some time past with consumption, died Sunday night aged 20 years.  Her funeral was held from the Baptist church Tuesday afternoon, Rev. H. Leach officiating.  Her remains were interred in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY]

Ansel B. Burch

Chenango Union, August 22, 1907

Ansel B. Burch, a well known resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died at his home on Maydole street, Saturday morning aged sixty-one years.  His wife, two sisters, two brothers and his aged mother survive.  Funeral services were held from his home Tuesday afternoon and from the Free Methodist church on Sheldon street, Rev. Charles H. Hudson officiating, assisted by Rev. N.B. Kendrick, of Pleasant Valley, a former pastor.

Captain George M. Tilson

Chenango Union, August 15, 1907

Captain George M. Tilson, a veteran of the 161st regiment and former resident of Norwich [Chenango County, NY], died at his home in Syracuse [Onondaga County, NY] on Sunday.  Captain Tilson came to Norwich in 1861 and entered the office of I.S. Newton as a law student.  A year later he enlisted in the 161st Regiment and served two years as captain of Co. K of that regiment.  He left the army having lost his right arm in battle.  On returning from the south he reentered the office of Mr. Newton and in 1866 was admitted to practice, become a partner of Mr. Newton, which partnership continued until 1873.  For four years he was postmaster in Norwich and about 1880 was district attorney.  About twenty years ago he moved from Norwich to Syracuse where he has since resided.  About 1880 he was married to Mary [Rexford] the daughter of the late Benjamin F. Rexford of Norwich.

William L. Pugh

Chenango Union, August 22, 1907

Just as he was about to start on the return to quarters after responding to an alarm of fire at New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] Monday noon, William L. Pugh, a member of Rescue Hook & Ladder Company, suffered an attack of heart trouble and within a short time died.  A small blaze on the roof of the boiler house of Camp's Mills was the cause of the fire alarm and Mr. Pugh at once took his place with the other members of the volunteer fire company and started with the truck for the scene of the fire.  When they had gone as far as the Methodist church, not more than one-eighth of a mile from quarters the firemen were notified [to return] and stopped for a rest before returning to quarters with the apparatus.  The order to return to quarters had been given and Mr. Pugh had taken his place with the others for the return journey when he was seen to fall to the ground.  he was carried to the lawn in front of the residence of Frank D. Arnold and expired within a short time.  Mr. Pugh had been afflicted with heart trouble for some time past and it is the opinion of physicians that his death was caused by heart trouble, brought on by exertion of running.  Mr. Pugh had resided in New Berlin for the past seven or eight years and was held in regard by his many acquaintances.  He was about 49 years of age.  He had served as clerk at the Eagle Hotel for some time past and in addition to belonging to the volunteer fire department was a member of the Maccabees and the Improved Order of Red Men.  He is survived by his mother, two brothers and a sister who reside in New Berlin and a brother who resides in Oxford--New Berlin Cor. Utica Observer

Marriages (March 24)

Hoag - Hoffman

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1910

 

Mr. & Mrs. Levi Hoag

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Hoffman, near East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Wednesday afternoon, September 7, occurred the marriage of their only daughter, Mary Elizabeth [Hoffman], to Levi R. Hoag, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]. The ceremony was performed at 2 o'clock, Rev. James E. Shovesmith, of McDonough, officiating and using the ring service.  Miss Nellie Greenleaf rendered the wedding march.  The bridal pair stood beneath an arch of evergreens from which hung a wedding bell.  The house decorations were of pink and white.  The bride was handsomely gowned in white lansdown with silver trimmings and carried a bouquet of bridal roses. The bridesmaid was Miss Mary Hoag, a sister of the groom who wore blue lansdown and carried pink roses. The best man was Ross Davis.  About 40 guests were in attendance coming from New York city, Utica, Norwich, Otselic, and Rockwell's Mills.  The young couple were remembered with gifts of furniture, china, cut glass, silver and linen.  Mr. and Mrs. Hoag have many friends who wish them many years of happiness together. After a wedding journey to Binghamton, Elmira, Niagara Falls and Syracuse they will return to Norwich to make their home.

 

McNeil - Stone

Chenango Union, August 15, 1907

Fred A. McNeil and Miss Myrtle C. Stone were married at St. Paul's church [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] Saturday evening, Rev. Charles D. Broughton officiating.  Walter S. Sanford of Sherburne, was groomsman, and Miss Leola Jeremy of Oneida, maid of honor. The bridesmaids were Miss Ruth Lincoln, of Norwich; Miss Bertha R. Kain and Miss Florence M. Lyon of Newark, N.J., and the ushers William L. Van Wagenen and H. Tracy Van Wagenen of New York; Dr. Charles M. Dunne of Norwich, and Charles J. Parker of Coventryville. 

 

Sprowson - Millard

Chenango Union, August 15, 1907

Robert Sprowson and Miss Maude M. Millard were married at the Methodist parsonage Wednesday, August 7, by Rev. Frank James.  Mrs. Sprowson is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hopson.  Mr. Sprowson has been foreman in the yarn mills for several years and has recently resigned to accept the superintendency of a mill in Fitchburg, Mass.  The young couple left for that place Thursday morning.

 

Marriage Notices

Chenango Union

 

EGGLESTON - CHURCH:  N.A. Eggleston to Jane A. Church, eldest daughter of William Church of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. in Coventry by Rev. Eggleston of Windsor.  (Sept. 18, 1850)

 

ELDRIDGE - WILLIAMS:  Leonard Eldridge to Janette Williams of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2nd inst. in Windsor, Broome Co., by Addison McKee, Esq.  (June 13, 1849)

 

 ENOS - YROMANS:  Jesse N. Enos ot Cornelia L. Yromans, both of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on the 16th ult. at Preston by Rev. J.T. Goodrich.  (Feb. 2, 1848)

 

ERTZ - FETUNBERG:  John Ertz of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY} to Rexaville Fetunberg of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 16th inst. in Norwich by Rev. M. Stone.  (Oct. 24, 1849)

 

EVANS - COOPER:  Chas. Evans to Phoebe Cooper, both of Bainbridge[Chenango Co., NY] on the 21st ult. in Bainbridge by Josiah B. Northrup, Esq.  (May 9, 1849)

 

EVANS - CARPENTER:  Homer Evans to Mary J Carpenter, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. in South Plymouth by Elder J.M. Crandall.  (July 11, 1849)

 

FARR - FORD:  Dr. Levi Farr of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Catherine Ford, daughter of Deacon n. Ford of Berkshire, Tioga Co., on the 14th inst. at Berkshire by Rev. Mr. Conklin (Aug. 29, 1849)

 

FENNER - BELDEN:  Waterman Fenner of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Matilda Belden on the 29th ult. at South New Berlin by Rev. E.D. Thurston.  (May 9, 1849)

Obituaries (March 24)

Anna Downey Wightman

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1910

 

 

Anna Downey Wightman

1878 - 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Adney H. Wightman died very suddenly at her home at the Lackawanna House Monday morning.  She arose apparently feeling as well as usual and was engaged in her customary morning duties about the house.  Shortly after 6, she was passing through the sitting room on the second floor, when she was stricken with heart failure and expired immediately.  Mrs. Wightman was Miss Anna Downey, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Downey, and was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1878.  In 1891 she married Adney H. Wightman who survives her.  She is also survived by her mother, Mrs. Johannah Downey of Preston; by five brothers, Daniel, Edward, Timothy and Jerry, residents of Preston, and Patrick Downey, of Norwich, and by two sisters, Mrs. Stephen Healey, of Binghamton, and Mrs. Gilbert Shoenmaker, of Middletown.  Funeral services were held Wednesday morning from her late home at 10, Rev. John L. Ray officiating.  Interment was made in Mount hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Dr. Lyman D. Bassett

Chenango Union, August 15, 1907

Dr. Lyman DeWilton Bassett died at his home at South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] on Wednesday, August 7, in his seventy-second year.  He was born in South New Berlin and for years has been a practicing dentist there.  He was a member of Norwich Commandery, having been knighted more than 30 years ago.  Funeral services were held on Sunday and were conducted by Norwich Commandery. Burial was at Morris [Otsego Co., NY], Tiandarrah Lodge performing the commitment honors.  About thirty Sir Knights made the trip from Norwich.

S. Leroy Smith

Chenango Union, August 15, 1907

S. Leroy Smith, better known in this vicinity as "Pony" Smith, died at his home near the Reservoir on Wednesday, aged 61 years.  he was brought home on Friday last, suffering from typhoid pneumonia.  On Sunday a consultation of physicians pronounced his case hopeless. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Mr. Smith has been for years a foreman for the Troy Public Works company, of which Mayor Sherman, of Utica, is the manager, and has had charge of many important contracts on public works.  he was in charge of the work on the reservoir of the Norwich Water Works company and also constructed a portion of the sewer system in Norwich.  For the greater part of last year he was in charge of work in New York City.

Amsterdam Evening Recorder, August 16, 1907

S. Leroy Smith, superintendent for the Troy Public Works Co., in charge of the improvement of the plot of the Rockton Realty Co., in the eighth ward of this city [Amsterdam, NY], died last Tuesday at his home in Norwich, Chenango county, aged about 60 years, of typhoid pneumonia.  During the eighteen years in which he was connected with the company, of which Mayor Richard A. Sherman of Utica, is the head, Mr Smith had never missed a day by illness until Thursday of last week, when he returned to his home, only to die five days later.  he had been indisposed for two weeks prior to leaving his employment in this city, but being of a vigorous and determined disposition sought to fight off the malady which proved fatal in the end.  Mr. Smith was well known in Amsterdam, having charge of the contracts in this city and vicinity for the Troy Public Works Co., for many years past, notably the water works improvement.  He is survived by his wife.

Diana M. Bosworth

Chenango Union, August 1, 1907

Mrs. Diana M. Bosworth, widow of Hendrick C. Bosworth, died at her home, No. 26 Henry street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Thursday evening, aged 85 years.  Mrs. Bosworth was born in Guilford [Chenango  Co., NY], the parents dying when she was an infant.  When she was 17 years of age she moved to Norwich and in December, 1848 was married to Hendrick C. Bosworth.  To Mr. and Mrs. Bosworth there were born four children, three of whom survive.  The surviving children are:  Mrs. George Wheeler and Arthur Bosworth of this village and Byron Bosworth of Brooklyn.  Mrs. Bosworth was one of the oldest members of the Broad Street M.E. church. Though for years unable to attend its services she did not lose her interest or love for the church.  She spent much of her time in reading and meditating upon the goodness and mercy of God to her.  Though patient and submissive to God's will, yet she longed to go home to be with Jesus and her loved ones.  Her life as pure and gentle was as -?- poured forth.  The funeral was held from her late home, No. 26 Henry street, Sunday afternoon, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.  Burial at Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].  The bearers were Messrs. George Wheeler, Arthur Bosworth, Byron Bosworth and Andrew Bosworth---Sun

Bainbridge High School Class of 1957 - Part 4

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1957

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1957

 

 

Duane Arthur Lawrence

 

 

Nelson Eddy Lord

 

 

Roland George Niles

 

 

Dennis Phillip Paige

 

 

Richard Dale Palmatier

 

 

Barbara May Parker

 

Marriages (March 23)

Curley - Gayney

Chenango Union, August 8, 1907

Cornelius P. Curley and Miss Elizabeth T. Gayney were married at St. Paul's church [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Tuesday morning, Rev. John Hart officiating.  Friday evening, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Kearney, a linen shower was given in honor of Miss Gayney, about 25 friends being present.  At the wedding ceremony the bride and groom were accompanied by Edward Curley and Miss Julia Ellis.

 

Aldrich - Wilcox

Chenango Union, August 8, 1907

Mason Aldrich, employed by W.H. Dunne & Co., and Miss Helen Wilcox, cashier at the Chapman & Turner company, were married at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Henry Wilcox, Auburn street, Tuesday morning, Rev. J.L Ray officiating.  Only the immediate relatives of the bride and groom were present.  The wedding couple took the 9:47 Lackawanna train for a bridal trip and worried their friends about it a good deal.  The wedding guests and some friends of the bride and groom who were not wedding guests didn't propose to let the couple get out of town without proper (or improper) attention.  Passengers on the Ontario & Western 9:30 train were threatened with an avalanche of rice if they did not disclose the presence of the wedding party, which was supposed to be in hiding somewhere about the premises. Anyhow the carriage carrying the bride and groom had been seen to drive to the station.  There were no traces, however, and the rice bearers started uptown disconsolate.  Just as they crossed Silver street the Lackawanna train pulled in a few minutes late and a closed carriage hustled out of the driveway leading to the Scott mill, the horses making it on the run for the Lackawanna station. The rice bearers started on the run too and reached the train in time to perform their duty "Good and proper."

 

Marriage  Notices

Chenango Union

 

DYER - BARD:  George Dyer of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Julia A. Bard on the 4th inst. in Norwich by Rev. Mr. Stone. (April 19, 1848)

 

DYER - PATCHIN:  Justin Dyer of Jefferson, Schoharie Co., to Maria C. Patchin of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. in Bainbridge by Rev. E. Pratt.  (July 10, 1850)

 

EASTON - AYLESWORTH:  Chauncey Alonzo Easton to Betsy Aylesworth, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on the 28th ult. in Bainbridge bye Rev. E.W. Breckenbridge.  (Oct. 4, 1848)

 

EATON - HANDY:  Berry Eaton of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. Mary Handy of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] on the 25th ult. in Sherburne by Rev. Mr. Thurston.  (Jan. 9, 1850)

 

EATON - DALEY:  Charles B. Eaton to Susan A. Daley, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. in Oxford by Rev. j.C. Ransom.  (Aug. 22, 1849)

 

EATON - PARSLOW:  John Eaton of Pitcher to Jane Parslow of Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY] on the 10th inst. in Lincklaen by Rev. V.K. Barber. (Oct. 27, 1847)

 

ECCLESTON - HOTCHKISS:  D.H. Eccleston of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Mary Ann Hotchkiss of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 3rd inst. in Norwich by Rev. John S. Mitchell.  (Oct. 11, 1848)

 

EDMONDS - MATTESON:  Charles Nelson Edmonds to Harriett Matteson, daughter of Erastus Matteson Esq. of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult. in South New Berlin by Rev. J.P. Chamberlain.  (April 25, 1849)

 

EDMONDS - CHAPMAN:  James A. Edmonds to Matilda M. Chapman, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] on the 25th ult. in Oxford by Rev. R. Hawley.  (Oct. 10, 1849)

 

EDSON - NORTH:  Willis F. Edson of Unadilla, Otsego Co., to Hannah S. North of Walton, Delaware co., on the 18th in Walton by Rev. J. Pattengill.  (Sept. 19, 1849)

Obituaries (March 23)

Henry L. Morse

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1910

 

 

Henry L. Morse

1818 - 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co. NY]:  Henry L. Morse, a former prominent resident and business man of Norwich, passed away Monday at his home in Buffalo, after an illness of only one day with acute indigestion.  He was nearly 92 years of age.  Mr. Morse was born September 22, 1818, in Eaton, N.Y. [Madison Co.], the son of Benjamin and Betsy Morse, and was the last of a family of eight children, all of whom lived to be over 70, while his father lived to be 96 and his mother 81.  He came to Norwich in 1844 and followed his trade of carpenter until 1855, when he built the old planning mill that formerly stood on the site of the present plant of the Scott Lumber Company.  He conducted the mill until 1867, when he sold out to Sternberg & Co., and for a time remained with them as foreman.  He afterwards was connected with the Norwich piano factory until the business was abandoned.  Since 1892 he had resided in Buffalo.  he was always a staunch Democrat and had voted at no less than 17 Presidential elections.  Mr. Morse was a man of strong character and sound judgment and was highly respected by all who knew him.  About 65 years ago Mr. Morse married Miss Mary Adams, of DeRuyter, who survives with two sons and two daughters, Mrs. Sophia Spring, of St. Cloud, Minn.; George H. Morse, of Norwich; Mrs. J.M. McCall, of Buffalo, and Charles O. Morse of Rochester. The funeral was held Wednesday morning at his home in Buffalo, after which the remains were brought to Norwich and taken to the home of his son on Cortland street, where prayer and Scripture reading was conducted Thursday afternoon by Rev. Dr. Fuller. Interment was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Marshall A. Follett

Chenango Union, August 1, 1907

Marshall A. Follett died at his home on the South New Berlin road [Chenango Co., NY] Tuesday morning, aged 77 years.  He was a brother of Orrin Follett, who was killed on the Barnes place on Friday and attended the funeral of his brother on Monday.  Funeral services will be held on Friday, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.

 

Nettie Steere

Chenango Union, August 1, 1907

The body of Mrs. Nettie Steere was brought here for burial from Binghamton on Wednesday.  Mrs. Steere was for many years a resident of Sherburne Quarter [Chenango Co., NY].  She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Sawyer, of Hamilton, and three brothers, William and Frank, of Binghamton and James, of Tenn.  the funeral was held in the afternoon, and burial was in the Episcopal cemetery.  Mrs. Steere was an estimable woman and beloved by her acquaintances.

 

Merritt J. Williams

Chenango Union, August 1, 1907

In Memoriam:  At a special meeting of Norwich Council, Knights of Columbus, No. 211, held at their rooms Friday evening, the following memorial was unanimously adopted:

Merritt J. Williams

1884 - 1907

After a long illness Brother Merritt J. Williams passed peacefully away at his home yesterday morning.  For over two years he had been an active and consistent member of this council.  He was a young man of exemplary habits, and honest and faithful in all the duties of life, and during his membership in our order, we had learned to love and respect him.  His death is peculiarly sad to his afflicted family, as only three months have lapsed since we were called upon to pay out last respects to the memory of his brother.  To his bereaved family we extend our most profound sympathy in their severe affliction, and trust that they will be comforted by the sublime consolation that the faithful will have life everlasting, as is taught to us by our holy mother the Church.

 

Resolved, that the foregoing memorial be spread upon the minutes of this meeting and published in the village papers, and that a copy of the same be engrossed and presented to the family of our deceased Brother, and that the charter of this council be draped in mourning for a period of thirty days.

 

Thomas E. Fitzpatrick.

 

Chenango Union, August 1, 1907

An Italian, employed on the North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] state road died suddenly Sunday night and under circumstances which were believed to be suspicious.  An autopsy performed by Coroner Manley, however, developed the fact that death was due to natural causes. The countrymen of the deceased were considerably excited during the day, but there was no demonstration.  The Italians in camp celebrated Sunday and the dead man was apparently as well as usual when he retired about 9:30.  Just before midnight his heavy breathing aroused his companions, who found him unconscious and death resulted in a short time.



 

 

Obituaries (March 22)

T. DeWitt Miller

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1910

 

T. DeWitt Miller

1838 - 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  A long and active career in the business and social circles of Norwich came to a close Friday in the death of T. DeWitt Miller, at the age of 73.  The immediate cause was pneumonia.  Deceased was a native of Norwich, where he was born May 7, 1838, the son of Theodore Miller, who was actively associated with Messrs. Warren and Isaac S. Newton in the organization, in 1856, of the National Bank of Norwich, and became one of the first directors.  His son, then just entering manhood, became a clerk in the bank about two weeks after it opened for business.  After several years of service in the bank he left to engage in the drug business in the corner store now owned by Arthur J. Bramer, but always maintained an active interest in the affairs of the bank.  At the death of his father he was elected a director in 1866, and continued in that position until his death, a period of 44 years. In 1873 the deceased became vice president, succeeding Nelson B. Hale, and in 1892 was elected president.  At the time of his death he was the treasurer of the Norwich Pharmacal Company, treasurer of the Norwich Water Works Company, treasurer and president of trustees of the Norwich Cemetery Association, and treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the Congregational Church, of which he was an ardent and faithful member. He was an influential member of the Norwich Club and in his younger days had been an active fireman.  In 1861 Mr. Miller married Sarah F. Brown, now deceased.  he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Charles H. Latham, and a sister, Emma J. Allen.  Funeral services were held form the late residence on Park Row at 3 Monday afternoon, Rev. Paul R. Allen, pastor of the congregational Church officiating.  Interment was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

David Reed

Chenango Union, August 8, 1907

David Reed, a stranger, died of tuberculosis at the Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] town hall, on Sunday, where he had been cared for after an attempt to get him in elsewhere had failed.  He was walking to Albany and was exhausted when he reached Bainbridge.

 

Albany Journal, July 31, 1907

David Reed, a stranger, died at Bainbridge under distressing circumstances Sunday.  Before death he made a lengthy statement to Justice of the Peace Cooper in which he said that he was an employee of Keeler's restaurant in Albany, and early in March, being in poor health, went to Corning.  His funds gave out, and he started to walk back to Albany.  He reached Bainbridge, and being unable to go any farther, he crawled into a barn where he remained three days without food or drink.  Finally he made his way to a nearby house, and was cared for.  Death was caused by consumption.  Inquiry was made at Keeler's hotel and at Keeler's on State street and on Green street, but nothing was known of the man in those places.

 

Eliza A. Smith

Chenango Union, August 8, 1907

Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Smith, an aged and  highly respected lady died at the home of her only daughter, Mrs. Cory Beardsley Wednesday, July 31.  The funeral was held Friday at two o'clock. Rev. Shaw, of Afton officiated. Burial in our village cemetery.  Undertaker Holmes of Afton had charge of the funeral.  [Mrs. George W. Smith, buried in Coventry Union Cemetery]

 

George M. Thomas

Chenango Union, August 8, 1907

The body of George M. Thomas, aged 19, of Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], was brought to Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] for burial, the deceased being a nephew of Ollie Cottrell, of Elm street.  The Batavia Times says that Thomas met his death by being thrown from the top of a freight car on which he was riding with three companions.

 

Hiram Lyon

Afton Enterprise, June 4, 1886

Hiram Lyon, of Newton Hollow [Chenango Co., NY], died Monday of this week, aged 62 years.  His funeral was held Wednesday and the remains were interred in the cemetery at West Bainbridge, Rev. A.J. Cook, of this place, officiating.  Mr. Isaac Louderback, of McDonald's undertaking warerooms, had charge of the remains.

 

Orrin Follett

Chenango Union, August 1, 1907

The mangled body of Orrin Follett, employed on the Edward Barnes farm, near King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], was found in the fields Friday afternoon.  Death was probably caused by the attack of a bull which was in the pasture where Mr Follett had gone for the cows.  The neighbors assume that the killing was done by a bull owned by Fred Follett, who occupies the farm at J.O.H. Reed, of Norwich, and which adjoins the Barnes farm. The Follett bull had been turned out to pasture and is believed to have gotten into the Barnes field.  There were no witnesses to the scene.  Mr. Follett went after the cows about 4 o'clock and when the cows came to the barn without him a search was instituted which resulted in the finding of his body. The ground in the vicinity gave evidence of a terrible struggle.  His clothing was torn, his body bruised and gored and several ribs broken.  His watch was found several rods from the body and the pitch fork which he had taken to use as a cane was near by.  The deceased was 65 years of age.  Funeral services were held from the Barnes place Monday afternoon, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.

 

Florence Cleveland Miles

Chenango Union, August 8, 1907

At 5 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Mrs. Warren Miles died at her home on Gold street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], her age being 27 years.  Death was due to tuberculosis.  Florence Cleveland was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Cleveland and was born in East Worcester, Otsego county, February 17, 1880.  Her parents were residents of this village for many years.  October 1899, she was married to Warren Miles of this place.  Two children were born to them, one having died soon after its birth and the other, a little girl of four years, having died April 24, this year.  Mrs. Miles is survived by six sisters and seven brothers.  Mrs. Charles Arnold and Mrs. Will Handy of New Berlin; Willard, Grover Anna and Lulu Cleveland, all of Rochester; Mrs. Carlton, of Mt. Vision; George, Herman, Charles, Herbert, Grace and Minnie of this village.  Funeral services were held from the home Wednesday afternoon.--Sun

Obituaries (March 21)

Hattie Estelle (Nicholson) Wedge

Utica Saturday Globe,  September 1910

 

Hattie Estelle (Nicholson) Wedge

1890 - 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Mrs. Walter L. Wedge at her home in North Norwich Thursday afternoon of last week was a sad shock to the many friends.  For 10 days her condition had been serious, but hopes were entertained for her recovery until a few hours before the end came.  Her age was only 20 years.  Mrs. Wedge was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Nicholson, of North Norwich, and she was born in that place in June, 1890.  One year ago last February she was married to Mr. Wedge and has had everything to live for, a devoted husband one of the best homes and less than two weeks previous a baby boy was born to them. Her death in the prime of young womanhood is deplored by everyone who knew her.  Mrs. Wedge had many friends in Norwich, where she was a former student at Norwich High School, who deeply sympathize with the bereaved husband and relatives and friends of her home town in their sad affliction.  Besides her husband, little son and her parents she is survived by two sisters, and a brother, Mrs. Earl Pudney of Fallsburg; Mrs. Chester Phillips and Louis A. Nicholson, of Norwich. The funeral was held from the Baptist Church in North Norwich Sunday afternoon, Rev. C.A. Frear, of Portlandville, officiating.  The floral offerings were of the most beautiful and choice selections.

 

Sarah Simmons

Chenango Union, July 18, 1907

Sarah, widow of the late Chauncey Simmons, died at her home in the town of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday, July 11, aged 66 years.  Death was due to cerebral hemorrhage.  For some years she has lived with her son, Julian, at whose home she died.

 

The funeral services of Mrs. Sarah Simmons were held in the Episcopal church last Saturday afternoon.  The Rector of the Parish, Rev. P.T. Olton, officiated.  Messrs. E.S. Walker, E.A. Thompson, E. Hughes, and J. Hanford acted as pall bearers.  the members of the O.E. Star, and of the Woman's Relief Corps attended as bodies, in respect to her memory, as she was a member of each organization. She is survived by two sons, Juliand, of Coventry, and Herbert, of New York; two brothers, Frank Wessell, of Norwich, and Nelson Wessell, of Utica; and two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Hill, of Norwich, and Mrs. E. King, of Brisbin. Burial was in Sylvan Cemetery [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Mary Frances & Helen Eugenia Skinner

Chenango Union, July 18, 1907

 

 

Helen Eugenia & Mary Frances Skinner

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The sympathy of the community was deeply stirred for Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Skinner, of Brown avenue, in the deaths of their two little daughters, which occurred only eight days apart following a very brief illness.  Helen Eugenia Skinner, the youngest daughter, who died on Sunday morning, had passed her third birthday on May 15.  Her funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 26, from the house and an angel mass was observed at St. Paul's Church.  Mary Frances Skinner, the oldest daughter, died on Monday morning last.  She became 8 years of age on July 4.  Mass was celebrated at St. Paul's Church Tuesday morning and a private service was held from the house.  Rev. Father Prendergast officiated at both the burial services.  Besides the bereaved parents two little brothers survive, Charles Harvey and Edward Lawrence Skinner.

 

Thomas N. Knapp

Chenango Union, July 18, 1907

Thomas N. Knapp, a young man employed as a painter, was found on the Lake Road, opposite the filter plant at 5:30 o'clock, Wednesday morning with his throat cut.  The discovery was made by R.F. Smith, who is employed at Taylor's grocery.  Mr. Smith lives with his mother at 84 Rexford street. Soon after midnight Mrs. Smith heard quarreling and screaming in the vicinity of the Rexford street bridge and when her son arose Wednesday morning asked him to see if he could discover any evidence of a disturbance. The investigation led to the finding of Knapp's body.  The police station was notified and Officer Frank Clark, Frank Morey and Don Prentice went after the body and took it to Lawrence & Curtis' undertaking rooms where an autopsy was performed by Dr. R.H. Phelps and Dr. Wilcox, in the presence of Coroner Manley. The autopsy disclosed a deep wound on the right front of the neck which severed the jugular vein.  there was also a deep cut on the right back of the neck which severed the big mastoid muscle and a third cut on the right side of the chin. Death was due to loss of blood.

 

An examination of the scene of the murder indicates that the assault was committed nearly opposite the residence of Merton Reese, a few hundred yards east of the Rexford street bridge.  From this point the blood spots lead along the path on the north side of the street to the spot where the body was found, nearly opposite the filter.

 

Proprietor Miller, of Hotel Virgil, now known as East Side Club, says that about midnight three men applied for admission to the hotel.  Two of them were Italians. The house was closed and Mr. Miller denied them admission.  Subsequently the men quarreled and both Mr. and Mrs. Miller heard the swearing and scuffling and later a scream and the running of the men.  Mr. Miller believes that he could identify the Italians.

 

Knapp had been engaged for some time on a painting job with Coy.  They received their pay Tuesday and Knapp had considerable money with him Tuesday evening.  Coy's orchestra played at the New York Hotel in the evening and Knapp was at the hotel until about midnight, buying drinks for his companions.  There were several Italians in the party.  The movements of Knapp are not known from the time he left the New York Hotel, except as he was seen at the East Side Club by Mr. Miller.

 

Chenango Union, July 25, 1907

The funeral of Thomas Knapp, who was murdered Wednesday morning, was held from the home of his sister, Mrs. Hattie Blakesley, North Broad street [Norwich, NY], Friday afternoon.  Mr. Knapp was born in Lisle, N.Y. [Broome Co.], in 1877 and was a son of Nathaniel and Catherine Knapp, of that place.

 

 

Post Listing March 14-20, 2016

Listing of blog postings for the week of March 14-20, 2016

Marriages

Posted March 17, 2016

Marriage Notices

     Lee Champlin - Abigail King (1848)

     Dr. William Childs - Amelia A. Birge (1848)

     Henry Church - Patience Wilcox (1848)

     Benjamin C. Church - Julia A. Goddon (1849)

     Orris Church - Leora Phillips (1850)

     D.W. Clinton Clapp - P. Agnes Cruttenden (1850)

     Ira S. Curtiss - Fanny A. Barnes (1850)

     Luther Curtiss - Rexaville French (1850)

     Charles W. Daniels - Nancy D. Hancock (1850)

     Charles Bradley Davis - Emmaline Amelia Rockwell (1849)

     Dr. William H. Day - Mary A. Anthony (1849)

     Daniel B. DeLand - Minerva A. Parce (1848)

Posted March 19, 2016
Marriage notices
     Martin DeLand - Sarah L. Parker  (1849)
     Daniel Dibble - Frances L. Blood (1848)
     William E. Dickinson - Eliza J . Gibbs (1848)
     J.L. Dye - Louisa Hutchins (1849)
     Rev. C.S. Dodge - Catherine M. Darling (1848)
     John C. Dodge - Catherine L. Prentiss (1849)
     James Doran - Emeline Smith (1848)
     Rev. J. Loremar Douglass - Julia Ann Eggleston (1850)
     Charles Duncan - Emma Smith (1850)
     William Dunn - Lucy M. Sprague (1848)
     Dr. Thomas Dwight - Almira Throop (1849)

Posted March 20, 2016
Valenteeno Terrible - Mary Anna Callihan (1886)
Marriage renounced (1907)
Vesta J. Matthewson - Herbert B.  Hibbard (1907)
Frank L. Ryan - Alta Law (1907)
Winifred Alice Clarke - Frank D. Griffin (1907)
    



 

Obituaries

Posted March 14, 2016

Palmer J. Edmunds (Norwich, 1910)

Margaret Bault (Preston, 1907)

John H. O'Brien (Norwich, 1907)

Ira Gibson (Bainbridge, 1907)

Horace D. Read (Smithville Flats, 1907)

Mahala Parsons (Guilford, 1886)

Posted March 15, 2016
Charles R. Hoag (Norwich, South Edmeston, 1910)  Civil War veteran
Charles Craig (Carbondale, Bainbridge, 1907)  Train crash
John Kegler (Carbondale, Bainbridge, 1907)  Train crash
Albert Morey (Earlville, 1907)
Caroline Wedge (Greene, Lestershire, 1907)
Samuel W. Church (Norwich, 19097)

Posted March 16, 2016
John F. Murphy (Norwich, Port Henry, 1910)
Leal Cobb (Cincinnatus, 1907)
Mercy Jane (Knapp) Mandeville (Guilford, Norwich, 1907)
Death Notices - 1875
     Mary R. Johnson (Norwich)
     Agnes Barber (Norwich)
     Rebecca Baldwin (Oxford)
     Maria Wilson (Oxford)
     Theodosia Anderson (Pitcher)
     Jarvis S. Ireland (Memphis TN, Greene)
     Harvey O. Nash (Colesville)
     Elizabeth Birdlebough (Redfield IA, German)
     Marcus R. Riggs (Rutherford Park, NJ)
     Phebe Yale (Whitney Point, Guilford)
     Merton J. Holmes (Otselic)
     Sarah A. Brown (Smithville)

Post Listing, March 17, 2016
Platt Titus (North Norwich, 1910)  Civil War veteran
Lydia A. Newton Willett (Oakland CA, 1898)
Dewitt Clinton Woods (Binghamton, NY, 1937)
Horatio Andrews (Hammonton NJ, 1892)
Charles Dutton (Olive IA, 1859)
Lydia Aylesworth Johnson (Glendale OR, 1915)
Alice Teachout Lyon (Coventry, 1874)

Posted March 18, 2016
Cyrus Ransford Brown (Norwich, 1910)
Mrs. Charles F. Pratt (1907)
Adeline Button (Greene, 1907)
Mrs. Frank Turk (Greene, 1907)
John Corbin (Greene, 1907)
Rev. C.B. Parsons (Norwich, 1907)
William Sweenberg (Norwich, 1907)

Posted March 19, 2016
Charles E. Johnson (Norwich, 1910)
Jane Covert (Afton, 1886)
George C. Roberts (Greene, 1907)
Cornelia Beverly (Bainbridge, 1907)
James Beverly (Bainbridge, 1907)
Jeholkim Davis (Sanford, 1886)

Posted March 20, 2016
Dr. Stephen M. Hand (Norwich, 1910)  Civil War veteran
Alexander Lewis (German, McDonough, 1907)
Raymond Parshall (Norwich, Cooperstown, 1907)
Leach King (Guilford, Newark NJ, 1907)  drowning accident
Orrin Wheeler (Winona, MN, Oxford, 1907)

 

Miscellaneous

Posted March 16, 2016

Afton, Chenango Co., NY History by Rev. Jacobs, 1886

Bainbridge Central High School, Class of 1957, Part 3

Posted March 18, 2016
Bainbridge Central School, 7th Grade Class 1956/7 - Part 4

 

Marriages (March 20)

Terrible - Callihan

Afton Enterprise, May 28, 1886

Valenteeno Terrible and Mary Anna Callihan were married in Nineveh [Broome Co., NY] by the Rev. G.F. Humphreys

A Terrible man

Has Mary Ann,

And she is Terrible too.

With Terrible boys

And Terrible girls

They'll make a Terrible Crew.

 

Chenango Union, July 18, 1907

Guests at a wedding dinner at Johnstown, Pa., Tuesday afternoon were treated to a surprise.  During the dinner it was announced that the bride and groom each had a statement to make to their guests. The bride arose and said that because of something which she had learned during the hour since the marriage ceremony had been performed, she renounced her marriage vows and would proceed at once to secure a divorce from her husband.  The groom in turn renounced his marriage vows and started at once for the railroad station where he took a train out of town.  The bride accompanied the renounced groom to the station and saw him off.  The cause which led to the unusual proceeding is not announced.

 

Hibbard - Matthewson

Chenango Union, July 18, 1907

At the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Smith Matthewson, at Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY] on Wednesday, July 10, their daughter, Vesta J. [Matthewson] was married to Herbert B. Hibbard.  Rev. R. M. Duff, of Norwich, performed the ceremony which was witnessed by about 60 relatives and friends.  James Yale, of Ortonville, Minn., and Miss Mae Loomis, of Cleveland, Ohio, attended the bridal couple.  Miss Bessie Yale, of Ortonville, Minn., presided at the piano and little Miss Helen Cooper of Oxford was ring bearer.

 

Ryan - Law

Chenango Union, July 18, 1907

Frank L. Ryan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Ryan, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Alta Law, of North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], were married at the home of the bride's sister, Schenectady, on Tuesday, July 9, 1907, Rev. S.D. Ostayee officiating.  Mr. Ryan is in the insurance business in Norwich and his bride is well known here.

 

Griffin - Clarke

Chenango Union, July 25, 1907

The Utica Observer of July 24 days:  In the presence of a number of friends and relatives in St. Patrick's Church at 6 o'clock this morning took place the wedding of Miss Winifred Alice Clarke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Clarke of 85 Cooper street, this city [Utica, Oneida Co., NY], and Frank D. Griffin of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY].   The ceremony was performed by Rev. Father N.J. Quinn with a nuptial mass and Prof. Harry McCormack presided at the organ.  Miss Mae l. Mulligan of Sherburne and M.J. Griffin of Oxford, brother of the groom, attended the bride and groom. The bride was attired in a gown of Burlingham silk, a picture hat and carried a white prayer book.  Her maid was similarly attired and carried pink carnations. At the conclusion of the ceremony the bridal party repaired to the home of the bride's parents, where a wedding breakfast was served by Mrs. John Preston.  Only the immediate relatives were present.  Many gifts, including a set of Haviland china, cut glass and checks were received by the happy couple.  The bride is a prepossessing young lady, well liked by all who know her, and with her husband, who also holds a large acquaintance in this city, will receive the best wishes of many friends in their newly-wedded life.  Mr. and Mrs. Giffin will leave this afternoon on an eastern trip and on their return will reside at 41 Cortland street, Norwich, where the groom is employed as inspector of state roads.  They will be at home to their friends after Sept. 1.

Obituaries (March 20)

Dr. Stephen M. Hand

Utica Saturday Globe, August 1910

 

Dr. Stephen M. Hand

1830-1910

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The final summons came most unexpectedly to Dr. Stephen M. Hand, health officer and for many years a prominent physician of Norwich Tuesday morning.  Mr. Hand was passing down Brown avenue on a visit to the vicinity where several cases of spinal meningitis have recently occurred.  He stopped at the residence of Charles R Skinner, whose two little girls had fallen victims to the disease.  He sat down on the doorstep and while playing with one of the little Skinner boys and chatting with a lady visitor at the home, he suddenly sank back and expired before two brother physicians who were hastily summoned could reach him.  Dr. Hand was about 80 years of age and have been a resident of  Norwich for nearly half a century, returning here to reside and practice his profession at the close of the civil war in which he served as a surgeon.  For the past 25 years he had been the attending physician at the county jail and for nearly the same length of time was the health officer of the village, in which position he was the registrar of vital statistics.  He was always fearless in the discharge of his official duties and the enforcement of the sanitary rules of the community.  He was for many years a member of the Board of Pension Examiners, and for some time was the attending physician at the county almshouse in Preston.  He was always ready to go wherever his profession called him and responded promptly to the call of the poor who sought his aid in time of need.  He had been president of the County Medical Society.  He was a devoted member of the Broad Street Methodist church, which he had served as steward and for many years had conducted a Bible class in the Sunday school.  Dr. Hand was thrice married.  His third wife, who survives him, was so overcome by the tidings of his death that physicians were called to revive her.  He leaves an adopted son, Dr. John T. Hand, a leading physician in New Berlin and one of the county coroners.  Funeral services were held this afternoon at 2 from the home.  Burial was made in Mount Hope [Norwich, NY], Rev. H.L. Ellsworth, of Binghamton, a former pastor of the m.E. Church, officiated in the absence of the present pastor.

 

Alexander Lewis, 1832 - 1907

Chenango Union, July 25, 1907

Alexander Lewis died at his home in German [Chenango Co., NY], one and one-half miles west of this village, Tuesday, July 16.  His age was about 75 years.  Mr. Lewis had always been a resident of German, and for the past four or five years had been in poor health.  He had held the county office one term of superintendent of the poor and justice of peace of his town for several years.  He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Henry King and Miss Minnie Lewis, and one son, Charles Lewis, of Binghamton, and one brother, Henry Lewis of McDonough. The funeral was held from the house Friday afternoon. The interment was in the village cemetery in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Raymond Parshall

Chenango Union, July 25, 1907

Raymond Parshall, a carpenter employed by Cummings & Lamb, died at the home of Wellington Davis, South Broad street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Saturday from lockjaw.  He received a slight wound from a blank cartridge on July 4th.  The wound was cleansed and dressed and apparently was healing nicely.  Last Thursday, two weeks after the accident, severe pains set in and the physicians diagnosed the case as lockjaw.  Injections of anti-toxin were resorted to and temporary relief was afforded, but the disease had taken a firm hold and death followed Saturday morning.  Mr. Parshall was born in Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY], where his mother and brother now reside, and was about 25 years of age.  He came to Norwich about three years ago, working first in Plymouth and for the last eighteen months in Norwich.  He was popular with his fellow workman and among the young people of the Methodist church where he was a regular attendant.  His mother and brother were with him at the end and accompanied his remains to Cooperstown.

 

Leach King

Chenango Union, July 25, 1907

Leach King, the nine year old son of Mrs. Hamilton King, who has been for several years a summer visitor at the North Cottage at Guilford Lake [Chenango Co., NY], was drowned in the waters of the lake Sunday afternoon.  Leach was out on the lake in a duck boat and was displaying his skill in handling the boat to his older brother and a little girl on the shore.  There was a heavy wind and considerable swell on the lake, and while standing up in the boat he lost his balance and pitched overboard.  The accident was witnessed by the children on shore whose screams brought Mrs. Foote, who started at once to the rescue with Frank King, the older brother.  Others were attracted by the cries for help but before any boat could reach the scene the young lad had gone down for the third time. The accident happened about half after five o'clock.  Searching parties were at once organized but it was nearly night in the evening before the body was recovered. The fatal accident cast a gloom over all the cottagers at the Lake.  Leach was a bright, active boy and popular with all of the summer people. whose sympathies go out strongly to the afflicted parents and brother.  Burial was at Newark, N.J.  This is believed to be the first death by drowning in Guilford Lake.

 

Orrin Wheeler

Chenango Union, July 25, 1907

The Winona, Minn., Herald of June 27, has the following:  The death of Orrin Wheeler, a former resident of Winona, occurred at St. Cloud on June 21, after a lingering illness of nearly six years, occasioned by a stroke of paralysis.  Mr. Wheeler was born in Oxford, Chenango county, New York in the month of July, 1834.  He came to Minnesota in 1862, locating in the town of Fremont, Winona county.  The following year he removed to this city, and soon thereafter engaged quite extensively in the grain business under the firm name of Bonner & Wheeler, which continued for fourteen years.  Later for a shorter period he was associated with Charles Bonner and S.Y. Hyde in a line of elevators upon the Southern Minnesota road, with headquarters at La Crosse.  In 1885 he removed to St. Paul where he remained for two years.  Returning to Winona he embarked in the mercantile trade, the dry goods business, on Third street, with W.T. Allen, who had been connected with H. Choate & Co.  In this business he continued for two years, disposing of his interest to Mr. Allen.  He again left Winona in 1890, finally locating at Suak Center, this state.  Subsequently he encountered business reverses, from which he did not recover.  Mr. Wheeler was twice married.  His first wife was Miss Olive A. Bassett of Norwich, New York.  They were wedded in 1857, and to them two children were born, namely, Curtis M., now located at Mors, Saskatchewan, Canada, being the railroad agent at that place, and who with his wife were in attendance at the funeral; the other son, Pearl, died in infancy, in this city, October 2, 1872.  His first wife died in St. Paul in 1886, and her interment was in Woodlawn cemetery.  His second wife was miss Frederica Looss of Winona, to whom he was married in this city, January 1, 1889.  From this union is a daughter, Harriet Frances, fifteen years of age, who with the son, C.M., and the widow of the family survive the decedent.  During the last four years Mr. Wheeler has been almost a helpless invalid and latterly had been cared for in a sanitarium at St. Cloud.  But at last the final summons came as a welcome messenger.  Mr. Wheeler was one of the pioneers of Winona and during his residence here was an active public spirited citizen in civic and religious affairs, ever foremost in public enterprise to promise the welfare of the community.  in 1871 and 1872 he was a member of the city council from the Second ward, where for many years he was a resident.  He was actively identified with the Masonic fraternity--a Knight Templar.  He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church, taking a zealous interest in the welfare of the parish, having been a warden in the church and a vestryman for many years.  He was one of the large, generous contributors toward the present edifice.  One of the beautiful memorial windows, now to be seen in St. Paul's church, is dedicated to his son Pearl, who died in 1872.  His remains were brought to this city, where had been his former home so long in his happy and prosperous days, accompanied by his wife and daughter.  The services were held in St. Paul's Episcopal church, on Monday at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and conducted by the pastor, Rev. Edward Borncamp. The pall bearers were members of the vestry of St. Paul's Chruch. A number of his old friends, pioneers of Winona, were in attendance to pay their last tribute of respect to the departed, and saw him laid to his final rest in beautiful Woodlawn cemetery.