Obituaries (April 2)

Malona A. (Thurston) Graves

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1910

 

 

Malona A. (Thurston) Graves

1848 - 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The prevailing joy of the night before Christmas was deeply tinged with sorrow by the death at her home, five miles east of the village, on Saturday evening last of Malona A., wife of Edwin L. Graves, after a fortnight's illness of pneumonia.  Deceased was 63 years of age and was the daughter of William and Olivia Thurston.  She was born February 21, 1848, in the same locality in which she died, having spent all of her life there.  October 20, 1868, she was married to Edwin L. Graves, who with one son, Merton E. Graves, survives her.  She leaves two little motherless grandsons, Charlie and Homer Graves, to whom she had been devoted since the death of her daughter-in-law several years ago.  She is survived also by two sisters; Mrs. Marion Haynes and Mrs. James Briggs, both residing east of the village.  Mrs. Graves was a woman greatly respected and loved by her neighbors and friends but her chief interest centered in her home where her loss will be most keenly felt by the bereaved husband, son and little grandsons to whom her presence there and guidance meant so much.  Mrs. Graves had for many years been a member of the Congregational Chruch in this village.  Funeral services were largely attended from her late home at 11 o'clock on Wednesday morning.  Rev. M.D. Fuller, pastor of the Broad Street M.E.Church, officiating in the absence from town of the pastor of the Congregational Chruch, Rev. Paul R. Allen. Burial was made at South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Edgar J . Russell

Afton Enterprise, March 17, 1955

Edgar J. Russell, 75 of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died Wednesday, March 9 in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] after a long illness.  He is survived by three nieces, Mrs. Leonard Smith of Uniondale, Miss Elma Pearce and Mrs. Denton Covert, both of Binghamton and several grandnieces and grand nephews.  He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Afton for many years.  Funeral services were held at the Karschner Funeral Home in Afton, N.Y., Friday at 2 p.m.  The Rev. James M. Bartz officiated.  Burial was in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY].

Abigail (Stockham) Parmele

Northern Christian Advocate, April 2, 1845

Died at her residence, near this village on Sabbath evening, March 9th, of inflammation of the lungs, Mrs. Abigail Parmele, in the 78th year of her age.  In briefly recording her Christian life and happy death, the writer feels that he treads on hallowed ground; for she of whom he speaks, was a true child of God, and for many years she lived in intimate confirmation with heaven.  Her name before marriage was Abigail Stockham.  Her early life was spent near Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co., N.Y. She was married in 1756 to a Mr. McDonald, with whom she lived till his death in 1809.  During his life, she became a subject of converting grace, and a member (as was also her husband) of the M.E. Church.  In that early day of Methodism when the very name was a subject of obloquy and derision, and when so much firmness was needed to endure opposition, she took upon herself to be one of that people and well did she live out her profession, not only then, but through her life.  Her house was a regular preaching place, and a welcome occasional home for many of the veterans of that day, among whom were Freehorn Garrettsen and Billy Hibbard, and others now gone to rest. In 1810, she was married to a Mr. Cne [sic] of Clinton, N.Y., who was also a Methodist. With him she removed from Dutchess co. to the village of Fabius, N.Y., where also Methodism was in its infancy, and was subject to much opposition.  There she led a peaceful and pious life, shedding abroad the kindly influences of religion upon all around.  In 1816, her second husband died.  In 1829, she was married again to Mr. Camp Parmele of Sauquoit, N.Y. whose praise is in our Zion, and who in 1841, commended his widow, already twice bereaved, to the watchful care of God, and took his upward flight to heaven.  And now after much of disappointment and loss and trial here, she has followed her three companions and other friends to glory.  Her habits of devotion were regulars, her Christian virtues and graces were many; her example was salutary; and her death which took place in three days from the time she was taken ill, was tranquil and pious.  She often wished us to sing around her dying bed the lines called "The Dying Christian," or "All is well."  She often spoke of her confidence in Christ, and her bright hopes of heaven; and at last, without a groan or struggle fell asleep in Jesus.  Sauquoit, Mar. 17, '45    A.J. Dena

Mary A. (McInerney) Byrne

(January 12, 1942)

Following an extended illness, Mrs. Mary A. Byrne, wife of former Chenango County Supervisor James F. Byrne, died at the family home, 11 Adelaide street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], early Sunday morning.  The daughter of Lott and Mary (McGuane) McInerney,  Mrs. Byrne was a native of Ennis, County Clare, Ireland.  Coming to this city in early womanhood she had been a resident here for the past 39 years.  A devoted mother, Mrs. Byrne centered her interests and affections in her home and church but found time to share a full life with others.  Thoughtful as a neighbor, her passing will be regretted.  Her fine Christian character and a charming personality made it easy to make friends but beyond that she possessed the faculty of keeping and endearing them to her.  A wide acquaintance mourns the death of a sincere friend whose life will continue to be an inspiration.  Mrs. Byrne was a member of the Rosary Society and the League of Sacred Heart of St. Paul's church and the mothers' Club of St. Paul's parochial school.  She was a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary to the A.O.H. and the Ladies' Society of the B. of L.F. and E.  Mrs. Byrne was also active in the Chenango County women's Democratic Club.  Her marriage to James F. Byrne occurred June 17, 1908 in St. Paul's church with Rev. Father Edward R. Prendergast, then pastor, officiating.  Besides her husband she is survived by two daughters and four sons. They are: Robert J. Byrne, field engineer with the U.S. engineers corps at Newport News, Virginia; John F. Byrne of Schenectady; Miss Mary L. Byrne of Rochester; George E. Byrne, third class specialist in the headquarters department of the Fourth Field Artillery at Fort Bragg, N.C.; James J. Byrne and Miss Margaret P. Byrne, both of this city.  Surviving also are three grandchildren and three brothers, Martin McInerney of this city, Michael of Syracuse and Lott of Ireland and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services are to be held from the family home in Adelaide street at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning and from St. Paul's church at 9:30.  The pastor, Rev. Father Charles M. Coveney will officiate. The body will rest in Mt. Hope chapel awaiting burial in the spring in St. Paul's cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Death Notices

Chenango Union, February 4, 1975

SYMONDS:  In South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 27th, Sarah A., wife of Geo. Symonds, aged 59 years.

SHERMAN:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 22d, Martha [Sherman], daughter of E.J. and M.L. Sherman.  Aged 22 months, 11 days.

WEBB:  At the home of her brother-in-law, G.T. Knapp at Lyon Brook [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 2, 1874, Julia F. Webb, aged 49 years, 8 months, 21 days.

WEBB:  At the home of his son, B.L. Webb of Waterville [Oneida Co., NY], Jan. 22, Mr. George K. Webb, aged 56 years, 1 month, 3 days, formerly of King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY]

PRESTON:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 28, 1874 of scarlet fever, Burtie [Preston], aged 2 years, 8 days.
In Lincklaen, Dec. 29th, Amelia [Preston], aged 10 years, 10 months, 15 days.
In Lincklaen, Jan. 10th, Eveline [Preston], aged 17 years.
Children of Corydon A. and Emerett Preston.

MAXSON:  In DeRuyter [Cortland Co., NY], Jan. 28th, Mr. Paul C. Maxson, aged 70 years, Formerly of Preston [Chenango Co., NY]

TAINTOR:  In Hartford, Cortland Co., Jan. 26th, Mr. Horace M. Taintor aged 28 years, and son of Erving Taintor of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

MEDBURY:  In Rochester [Monroe Co., NY], Jan. 19, 1875 Mr. J. Edgar Medbury, only son of Thomas Medbury.  Aged 23 years.

BARBER:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Agnes [Barber], widow of the late Benjamin Barber, aged 80 years, 24 days.  She was Agnes Finn, born in Burlington, Otsego Co., Dec. 24 1794.  Her parents moved to Sherburne in her early childhood and in 1822 she married Benjamin Barber of Smyrna where they resided about 30 years before removing to Norwich.  A member of the Baptist church.

 

Marriages (April 1)

Cook - Reynolds
Utica Saturday Globe, November 1910

Mr. & Mrs. Leo M. & Beulah (Reynolds) Cook

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At the home of the bride's uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Ira T. Reynolds, on Wednesday evening, occurred the marriage of Miss Beulah C. Reynolds and Leo M. Cook.  Rev. M.D. Fuller, of the Broad Street M.E. Church, officiated in the presence of about 50 guests, including several from out of town.  The bride was richly gowned in white and carried a bouquet of bridal roses.  The maid of honor, Miss Helen M. Cook, wore pale green silk and carried white carnations.  Leon Brosmer acted as best man. The parlor was very prettily festooned in silver and white, the ceremony taking place beneath a large bridal bell hung in the alcove formed by connecting bay windows, the sash being screened in white and the window space banked with flowers and plants. The bride is the daughter of Sterling Reynolds, of Waverly, Pa., but for 11 years has made her home with her uncle in Norwich and by her happy disposition and attractive manner has made many friends.  The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Cook, of this place, and fills the responsible position of baggage master at the D.L.&W. station. The wedding gifts were numerous and valuable. After a feast worthy of the occasion served by Cateress Margaret Scanlon, Mr. and Mrs. Cook left on a wedding trip to Binghamton, Cortland, Syracuse, Schenectady and Albany amid a shower of best wishes.  Upon their return they will reside at 31 Hickok avenue.

Smith - Gonzales

Norwich, Chenango Co., NY newspaper, July 3, 1893

Judge Walter Lloyd Smith will sail on Saturday of this week for England, and will be married to Miss Jessie Gonzales the following week in London.  Judge Smith takes the precaution of having his brother, Rev Wilton Merbe Smith, go along with him to perform the ceremony.  The bride, who should be a Spaniard if there were anything in a name, comes form Elmira, New York, the home of Judge Smith, and for several years acted as his stenographer and private secretary and for the past year has been travelling in Europe with a tutoress. She is said to be a beautiful and accomplished young lady.

Burchard - Lillis

Miss Catherine F. Lillis, daughter of Mrs. John J. Lillis, was united in marriage Thursday afternoon, August 18, to Vanderlyn Burchard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert S. Burchard of Oxford. The Rev. Paul Martineau, pastor of St. Joseph's church, officiated.  Only members of the immediate families were present.  Miss Winifred Milan was maid of honor and A. Stanley Burchard was his brother's best man.  Mrs. Burchard attended Oswego Normal school, Pratt Institute and New York University, while Mr. Burchard is a graduate of Pennsylvania university.  Immediately after the ceremony they left for a short wedding trip after which they will be at home in their apartment in the Eddy home on State street.

Marriage Notices
Chenango Union

FERGESEN - NEWTON:  Chauncey Fergesen to Eunice F. Newton, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. in Harpersville by Rev. R.P. Beebe.  (July 17, 1850)

FIELD - COOK:  William M. Field of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] to Roxy A. Cook of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 28th ult. in Oxford by Rev. Wm. Wyatt.  (Dec. 8, 1847)

FISK - GOODSELL:  A. Fisk of Otego, Otsego Co., to Harriet Goodsell of Colesville, Broome co., on the 4th inst., in Bainbridge by Rev. Beebe.  (Sept. 11, 1850)

FLETCHER - BRETT:  Dr. J.B. Fletcher of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Amanda M. Brett of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY] on the 2nd inst. in Mt. Upton by Rev. J.H. Chamberlain.  (Nov. 8, 1848)

FOLLETT - BROWN:  Charles D. Follett of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Francis A. Brown of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. in Pharsalia by Elder j.M. Crandall. (May 23, 1849)

FOLLETT - COOK:  Willard F. Follett to Ann Cook, both of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] on the 20th in Earlville by Rev. Perry G. White.  (June 6, 1849)

 

Obituaries (April 1)

William Winfield Scott

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1910

 

 

William W. Scott

1850 - 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co. NY]:  William Winfield Scott, a respected colored resident of Norwich, died at his home on Baldwin street on Tuesday  night, after an illness of several days.  Funeral services were held from the house on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. H.W. Foreman, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, officiating.  Interment in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Mr. Scott was born in the city of New Orleans on New Year's day, 1850.  During the war he became attached to the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment, as attendant to Col. Henry B. Morse. At the close of the war he came north and lived with the colonel at Eaton, Madison county, before coming to Norwich.  He was turnkey at the Chenango county jail under Sheriff Rorapaugh.  He afterwards became an expert mortar mixer and for a number of years worked with Contractor John W. Brookins in that capacity. For the last six years he had been with the Crandall Brothers, contracting masons.  Mr. Scott was married 22 years ago to Harriet Benton, who survives him.

 

Frank Briggs

1861 - 1938

Frank Briggs, formerly of Whitney Point, died at the county welfare home in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] about 7:30 Sunday night, aged 76 years. The deceased was born in Fenton, Broome county, June 13, 1861.  He had been a patient at the Chenango Memorial Hospital for several weeks prior to his removal to the welfare home on Feb. 10, last.  The body was removed to the George Devine Funeral Home where funeral services will be held at 2:30 Wednesday afternoon, Rev. D. Thompson officiating, with burial in Mt. Hope.  There are no known relatives.

 

Helen A. Briggs

1844 - 1927

Helen A. Briggs, widow of the late James P. Briggs, died early Wednesday morning at the family home on the South New Berlin road [Chenango Co., NY].  Deceased was 83 years of age and had been a life long resident of the Quarter.  Funeral services were held from the home Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock, with burial at Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].  The Rev. W.A. Ashmore, pastor of the First Baptist church, officiated.  Immediate survivors of the late Mrs. Briggs include a daughter, Mildred and a son, Howard, also two grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

 

Marjorie Arlene Brooker

1929 - 1931

Marjorie Arlene, 14-months-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Menzo Brooker, was called from her dear home  here on earth to her heavenly home on February 25, 1931, at 2:30 a.m. where god and his angels will watch over her.  The deceased was born Dec. 16, 1929, at the Norwich Memorial hospital   She was a premature baby, weighing only 3 lbs, and 5 ozs. She was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Menzo Brooker, residing near Chenango Lake.  Besides her parents she leaves to mourn her loss, a grandmother, Mrs. James Bowers, of North Norwich, a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. funeral services were held at her late home on Feb. 28, 1931.  Rev. D.  H. Woodward conducted the services at her home at 2:00 p.m. and at the grave, interment being in Riverside cemetery, South New Berlin, n.Y. [Chenango Co., NY]

 

Harry D. Brooks
1864 - 1930

Harry D. Brooks, for 17 years engineer at the plant of the Clarke-Conroy company, died at his home, 26 Hickok avenue [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], at 10:30 Thursday morning.  The deceased was born in Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 3, 1864, but had been a resident of Norwich since 14 years of age.  Mr. Brooks was a well-known citizen and was held in the highest respect.  he was a member of the local order of Red Men.  Besides his wife and daughter, Lucy Brooks of Hickok avenue, he leaves his mother, Mrs. Lucy Brooks of West Main street, two sisters, Mrs. Mott Stanton and Mrs. Jessie Aldrich of Norwich.  private funeral services will be held from the home at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon, Rev. D.G. DeBoer officiating with burial in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].

Mary Ann (Rogers) Brooks

South New Berlin Bee, april 10, 1936

A gradual decline due to her advanced age, 92, caused the death of Mrs. Mary Ann Brooks at 3 o'clock, yesterday morning at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Warren H Brooks with whom she had lived for the past three years.  her health had been excellent until about January 1, when it began to fail.  She was in a coma three days before she passed away.  Funeral rites will be observed at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the Bookout Funeral home, 357 Main street.  Rev. H. Harrison Hadley, rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal church, New Berlin, of which Mrs. Brooks was a member, will officiate, and burial will be made at New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].  A log cabin in Middlefield [Otsego Co., NY] was her birthplace.  She was born January 3, 1844, her parents being Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Rogers; and her marriage to Mr. Brooks took place February 9, 1864.  After spending the early part of their married life on a farm near South New Berlin, they moved to New Berlin in 1900.  Mrs. Brooks leaves only three near relatives. These are two sons, Albert S. Brooks of New Berlin and Warren H. Brooks of Oneonta, and a grandson.--Oneonta Star.

 

 

Early Bainbridge, NY History

Early History of Bainbridge, Chenango Co ., NY

Covering 1776 to 1876

William J. Eppley

 

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]. 

 

Settlements:  The territory included in this town was at first claimed by Robert Harper, under a grant from the Indians but the State repudiated the title and granted it, together with the town of Afton, to the "Vermont Sufferers," by whom the first settlements were made.  The Vermont sufferers were persons who, by reasons of their allegiance to the Government of the State of New York during the controversy existing between it and the State of Vermont, immediately after the close of the Revolutionary War, relative to lands which were finally ceded to the latter State, were dispossessed of certain property and otherwise punished by the Green Mountain State; and who, as a recompense therefore, were granted lands in the township of Clinton, afterwards known as Jericho, embracing the whole or the major portions of the present towns of Bainbridge and Afton. February 24, 1786, Col. Timothy Church and Majors William Shattuck and Henry Evans, to the former of whose regime the majority of the sufferers belonged, presented, in their behalf, the following petition to the New York State Government:--

 

"To his Excellency the Governor and the Honorable the Legislature of the State of New York, the Petition of the Subscribers in behalf of themselves and others most Humbly Showeth,

 

"That your Petitioners and those they represent are inhabitants of Cumberland County, and by their attachment, zeal and activity in Endeavoring to support the just and Lawful Authority of New York, Incurred a Displeasure from those who stiled themselves Freemen of Vermont, but by the encouragements from the several Resolutions of Congress, and Particularly that of the fifth of December, 1782, and the laws and Resolutions of the State of New York, your Petitioners were induced to believe that the Lawless and ungrateful usurpers would be brought to submit to its Lawful authority, or at least to permit your Petitioners to remain peaceably on their Farms, under the jurisdiction of New York.  But notwithstanding the Resolutions and Laws, these Lawless usurpers, raised in Arms to the Number of four or five Hundred, Drove some of your Petitioners from their habitations, imprisoned others, killed one, and wounded others, confiscated their estates and sold their effects.

 

"Your Petitioners cannot but hope that having thus sacrificed their all, suffered such exquisite Tortures, Banishments, imprisonments in loathsome Gaols, half starved and threatened with being put to Ignominious Deaths.  But that your Honours will take their ease into your most serious Consideration, and grant them some relief in their Deplorable Situation and your Petitioners as in duty bound will ever be good Citizens of the state of New York.

____________________________________

 

A portion of the present site of the Village of Bainbridge was sold by Major Evans to Col. Church in 1793, for 18 cents an acre, and that portion of it where we are now assembled, to wit, this beautiful green and the land on which the Presbyterian meeting house and cemetery are located was subsequently donated by Benjamin Carpenter to the Society of Cilicia--a part for a village green and parade ground, and the residue for the purpose for which it is now used. 

 

Probably one of the most eccentric characters among the early settlers of this town, and one who furnished as many anecdotes both as the principle and the narrator, was one Gould Bacon.  he located on the farm where Nelson Humphrey now lives and occupied a small log hut all to himself.  He was industrious and economical and accumulated some property, yet never married.  Of his many hair-breadth escapes by flood and field, we briefly relate the following:

 

Bacon's hut was on the low flat, and there occurred in the Fall a remarkable flood in the Susquehanna River, referred to in after years as the "pumpkin Freshet," from the fact that the corn fields along the river were overflowed and pumpkins swept off.  Bacon was awakened in the night by the waters, which had risen to cover the floor of the cabin, upon which he slept, and found that it was necessary to move.  He made a hasty meal from a pail of cold succotash, and taking his gun and ax started for higher ground, which, however, he was unable to reach.  Owing to the rapidly rising current, he was compelled to take passage on a floating log, which lodged with other flood-wood again a tree, where he remained until found by Deacon Israel Smith and taken off in a canoe.  While occupying quarters on the flood-wood, he was able to kindle a fire and roast a pumpkin that floated to him, on which he subsisted very comfortable.  During his stay, a "painter" which like himself had been set adrift, came swimming towards his miniature island.  When he was sufficiently near, Bacon admonished him that he was an unwelcome visitor by a salute from his rifle, and the varmint sought some other landing.

 

On another occasion prior to this, he shot a large bear on what is now known as Humphrey's hill.  So fat and heavy was bruin that he found it necessary to go after his oxen in order to remove the carcass to his hut.  But the oxen refused to go near enough to the bear to allow him to hook the log chain. Bacon finally resorted to the stratagem of covering the bear with leaves;  he then carefully backed the oxen up and hitched the chain around bruin's neck.  But, as soon as the dead bear made his appearance from under the leaves, the oxen cast one terrified look behind and away they went through the woods, over knolls and down the steep hill at the top of their speed.  Bacon found it no difficult task to track them to his hut by remnants of the bear, which were strewn along the course they had taken' and he never told the story in after years without a sigh for the large fat bear, the loss of which as a store for his larder he sorely felt and deeply lamented.

 

Joseph Smith, the author of the Mormon Bible, and the founder of the polygamous sect by that name, appeared in the southern part of this town, in what is now known as Afton, in 1828 or 1829, and attended school for awhile.....he was prosecuted as an imposter and taken before Joseph P Chamberlin, Esq., a Justice of the Peace, where he was defended by two old pettifoggers, commonly called Elder Reed and General Davidson, pretty well known in those days.  Joseph was allowed to escape punishment by leaving town.  His subsequent career in Ohio and Illinois is matter of history.

Tragedy at Sing Sing - 1867

Tragedy at Sing Sing

Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle, June 19, 1867

A shocking tragedy occurred in the village of Sing Sing [Westchester Co., NY] on Thursday afternoon.  A man about 38 years of age, named Cabel Frisbie, a respectable mechanic who has formerly borne an irreproachable character, became enamored of a young girl of good standing in Sing Sing, and although himself a married man, improper intimacies are believed to have existed between them.  John Bircham, also a citizen of that place, became cognizant of the state of affairs, initiated two or three chums in the secret, and formed a plan to intrude upon their intimacy.  A note was accordingly addressed to the girl, threatening to expose her conduct unless she should meet them at a rendezvous stipulated in the note. The girl, fearing exposure, met them at the appointed time when Bircham's plan was fully accomplished, and she was allowed to depart.  She subsequently informed Frisbie of the matter, and he, being greatly exasperated, resolved upon having revenge.  Not obtaining a correct idea from the girl in regard to the projector of the affair, on Wednesday afternoon he sought out a Mr. N., whom he believed to be the party, and challenged him to fight a duel, handing him a pistol, and appealing to his manhood for courage to meet him.  N. refused and other parties, interfering, an explanation was made, which proved satisfactory to Frisbie--About 6 o'clock Thursday evening Frisbie met John Bircham near his (Bircham's) residence, in the lower part of the village, when he drew two pistols, and handing one to Bircham, challenged him to "measure off ten paces, and fight him like a man." Bircham refused, and another party interfered and succeeded in getting possession of the weapons.  The two were finally separated and Bircham thinking Frisbie only meant to frighten him paid no further attention to the affair. About 10 o'clock in the evening Bircham went to the restaurant and billiard saloon of Jennings & Lee on Main St., where our informant met and had a conversation with him.

 

Directly Frisbie came to the door and calling Bircham said, "Come out, I want to have a talk with you."  Bircham went to the door and followed him down to the sidewalk, when Frisbie without a word turned round, drew a revolver and presenting it to Bircham's head, fired, the ball striking him in the left side of the face, shattering his jaw and lodging in the cheek on the right, breaking the under jaw bone on both sides.  Bircham turned to run, when Frisbie again fired, the ball going in at the back of the head and passing out through the mouth. The wounded man staggered upon the stoop exclaiming, "I'm shot."  Frisbie, after firing the second shot, ran across the road into a building upon which some repairs were being made. The men witnessing the tragedy hesitated to follow him, until a constable appeared with a lantern, when the building and adjacent property was thoroughly searched, but the assassin could not be found.  Bircham was taken to his residence, and medical assistance called in. At 12 o'clock on Friday night he was still alive, though no hopes of his recovery were entertained.  Up to that hour no trace of the murderer had been obtained.

Obituaries (October 31)

Sarah M. (Winnie) Craig

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1910

 

 

Sarah M. (Winnie) Craig

1843 - 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Sarah M. Craig, widow of James H. Craig, died on Wednesday morning at the home of her son, J. Herbert Craig, in Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], where she had gone to spend the winter.  Mrs. Craig's age was 67 and her health had been failing for the past few months.  Deceased was born in Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY] May 23, 1843, the daughter of Henry and Sarah Winnie.  On September 19, 1864, she married James H. Craig in Syracuse and they later moved to Middletown, from which place they came to Norwich in 1877, Mr. Craig being in the employ of the New York, Ontario & Western Railroad.  His death occurred six years ago, since which time Mrs. Craig had made her home with her children, of whom there are two daughters, Mrs. Benjamin F. Walker of Norwich, and Mrs. Robert A. White of Binghamton, and four sons, Charles, of Corning; J. Herbert and Frank, of Oneonta, and Ernest, a resident of Nevada, besides whom there are 11 grandchildren. She also leaves a sister, Mrs. Phoebe l. Conklin, of Hartford, Conn., Mrs. Craig was a member of the Calvary Baptist church and a woman deeply respected by many friends.  The remains were brought to Norwich on Thursday afternoon and taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs. B.F. Walker. Funeral services were held from the Calvary Baptist Church on Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. Ira W. Bingham officiating.  Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY]

Lovina Wheeler

Chenango Union, September 26, 1878

In the death of Mrs. Lovina Wheeler, wife of Philip Wheeler, which occurred September 7th, in the fifty-sixth year of her age, our community has sustained a deep loss.  For several weeks previous to her death she had been a great sufferer from acute rheumatic fever, but the same remarkable patience and perfect faith that had sustained her through life, remained to the last.  She lived and died a true, conscientious Christian.  Possessed of a quiet, retiring nature, her virtues and good deeds were not as conspicuously displayed as many, but were the more highly prized by those that knew her best, and will not be forgotten, or go unrewarded by Him who notes the sparrow's fall.  During her long and painful illness she received the almost constant care of loving children, though deprived by sickness of the arm that had promised to sustain and comfort her in sickness and in health.  A son and daughter were ever ready and willing to minister to her wants, and in the future their greatest consolation will be:  "We did all we could to make mother comfortable."  The family and friends of deceased have the heartfelt sympathy of the community, who mourn with them the loss of a true friend, a kind neighbor, and a good citizen.  Guilford, Sept. 23, 1878

Thomas J. Wheeler

The Saturday Review,  June 19, 1875

The following item is clipped from a Guilford correspondence to the Chenango Union:  Our citizens are called to mourn once more the departure of another of its old and highly esteemed residents.  Thomas J. Wheeler, for many years an inhabitant of our town [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY], and for a considerable length of time a resident of our village, died on the afternoon of the 4th inst., after a short illness, of measles, at the age of 71.  The announcement of his death comes so sudden that we can hardly realize its truth.  But a few days since we saw him about his usual business.  He was, we believe, a native of the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] his father being the late Henry Wheeler, who, in the days of our Turnpike, used to keep a country inn between our village and Oxford--and one of a large family of sons, endowed by nature with what is scarce nowadays--strong, enduring constitution.  coupled with this natural blessing, he possessed in a marked degree that judgment of the "old school" order which rendered him a reliable worthy member of society.  In his death our community have sustained a loss that cannot be repaired.  Mr. Wheeler was for many years a farmer, just south of our place, but for some years past he has rented his farm and resided in our village.  He leaves a widow now in feeble health, by a second marriage, but no children.  the number of this class of men who have departed from us in a little over a year has been large indeed.  With the names of the lamented Clark, Bunnell, Root, Jewell, Cady, Smith, Haynes and Wheeler--all old and respected residents of our village--the roll is so thinned that but few remain.

Death Notices

Norwich, Chenango Co., NY newspaper, July3, 1893

At the residence of Hiram Hale in the town of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] Sunday, July 2, Charity [Wheeler], widow of the late Thomas J. Wheeler, aged 76 years and 4 months.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 6 o'clock after which the remains will be taken to Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] for interment. [buried Gospel Hill, Guilford, NY]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Saturday, July 1, Samuel Ammann [1842-1893], aged 51 years.  Funeral services will be held at his late residence on Adelaide street this afternoon at 4:30 o'clock, Rev. T.G. Cass officiating.

At her home in Forestville, Ct., in the forty-second year of her age, Elizabeth Rowe [Swift], beloved wife of J.H. Swift and only sister of Mrs. D.C. Merithew of Norwich.  [1844 - 1893, Buried Forestville Cemetery, Hartford, CT]

At the residence of her son Charles F. Waite on Division street in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] July 1, Mrs. Betsey Waite [1822 - 1893] aged 72 years.  Funeral this morning at 10 o'clock Rev. E.B. Olmstead officiating. Burial in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY]. 

Bainbridge High School, Class of 1957, Part 5

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1957

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1957

 

Betty Jane Pratt

 

 

Gerald Lee Sherman

 

 

Judith Ann Shields

 

 

Charles Frederick Simonds

 

 

Robert Dean Smith

 

 

Rose Mary Tobey

 

 

Ivan Ray Woods

Obituaries (March 30)

William Smith

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1910

 

 

William Smith, 1824 - 1910

With Great-Grandchildren Majel Smith & Leland Benedict

William Smith, one of the oldest residents of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] and a lifelong resident of the county, died Tuesday, November 15, at his home in the town of Plymouth, aged 86 .  He was a son of Beebe and Betsey Smith and was born in a log house, on a farm in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] September 6, 1824.  His grandfather came here from Woodbridge, Conn., when the country was a wilderness and settled on the farm in Preston, which has been owned by the Smith family ever since and by the subject of this sketch for over 60 years. When about 24 years of age he went to Massachusetts and on January 2, 1851, he married Julia A. Howard, of Ewing, Mass., and they came at once to the farm which he had purchased a few years before.  Mrs. Smith died June 28, 1907.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith died in the home in which they began their married life over half a century before.  Seven children were born to them, four daughters and three sons, of whom two daughters and two sons survive.  He also leaves eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  Soon after his marriage Mr. Smith joined the Methodist Church at Preston which he had helped to found and from that time to his death he lived a consistent Christian life.  He had served his church as steward and trustee.  During his later years Mr Smith and his wife had lived with their eldest son, Leeman Smith, in the old home.  He was respected and loved by all who knew him.  During his last years he was somewhat physically incapacitated, but greatly enjoyed visiting among his children and grandchildren and was especially fond of his great-grandchildren, two of whom, Majel Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Smith and Leland Benedict, son of Mr. and Mrs. Burdette Benedict, appear in this picture with him.  Until very late in life Mr. Smith enjoyed hunting and outdoor sports and as late as last June joined in a game of quoits, enjoying the sport as much, apparently, as ever and his mind remained clear until a few weeks prior to his death.  His funeral was largely attended, Rev. James O. Rice, pastor of the Methodist church at Preston, officiating.

 

George W. Knight

Afton Enterprise, January 4, 1894

G.W. Knight who has been very ill with pneumonia, died at his home in this village Friday night [December 29, 1893], aged 66 years.  Deceased has been a resident of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] for a great many years and was a gentleman respected by all.  The funeral was held from the M.E. church Sunday afternoon, and the remains were interred in Glenwood cemetery [Afton NY] beside his wife [Aruba L. Hyde], who died a number of years ago.

 

Elizabeth (Wightman) Brown

1847 - 1921

Mrs. Elizabeth Brown departed this life from her residence on North Main street New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], December 4, 1921.  She was born in New Berlin, October 13th, 1847, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wightman, late of South New Berlin.  In January, 1866, she was united in marriage to Mr. Norman Brown, a prosperous farmer of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], where they resided many years.  About 30 years ago, they purchased the present home, where she has since resided until exchanged for that "house not made with hands."  Mr. Brown died suddenly in May 1908.  Mrs. Brown was a devoted wife and mother, taking a keen and loving interest in both relationships.  She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church of this place and a constant attendant upon its services when health would permit.  As a neighbor and friend, she was highly esteemed and loved.  Aside form her many friends, she leaves a daughter, Mrs. Frank Bryant of Brooklyn, whose presence and helpfulness was a source of comfort to the mother  heart; a granddaughter Hilda Bryant, a student in Smith College; a brother, Frank Wightman of South New Berlin.  Funeral services were held at the late residence, Tuesday, Dec. 6th, Rev. W.H. Niles of Roscoe, Sullivan county, a former pastor, with W.F. Werfelman, resident pastor, officiating. Burial was made in the family plot in St. Andrew's cemetery.--Gazette

 

Anna Byrd Bruce

1928 - 1931

Anna Byrd Bruce, little daughter of Robert E. and Amelia Byrd Bruce, was born May 24, 1928, in Atlanta Georgia.  An unusually sweet and lovable child, she came to the Otsego School last October where her sunny disposition and intriguing ways soon won her the name of "Little Ray of Sunshine."  She was a favorite with the entire staff and her passing Saturday morning, January 2nd, after an illness of but three days with pneumonia, leaves a feeling of deep sadness in the hearts of all who knew her.  Miss Susanne Jones accompanied the body to Richmond, Virginia, where services were held Sunday afternoon from the Christian Chapel in that city. Burial was made in the Byrd family plot in Riverview Cemetery. Besides the grief stricken parents, there remains one brother, Robert, 3rd, to mourn her loss.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, February 4, 1875

 

HICKS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday morning, Jan. 31st, Mr. John P. Hicks, aged 55 years.  He was a native of England, coming to this country when a youth.  He leaves a widow but no children.

 

GALLUP:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 2d, Mary [Gallup], wife of Noyes B. Gallup, aged 69.

 

DAVIS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 31st, Willie V.C. [Davis], son of Darwin Davis, 15 years.

 

CUSHMAN:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 31st, Ruth [Cushman], wife of Danforth R. Cushman, Esq. aged 65 years.

 

BRYANT:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 31st, Emily E. [Bryant], wife of Calvin Bryant an da sister of W.C. Main of Norwich, aged 40 years.

 

WORDEN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 29th, Abigail Worden, aged 67 years.

Obituaries (March 29)

Jennie (Williams) Vosburg

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1910

 

Jennie (Williams) Vosburg

1835 - 1910

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Jennie Vosburg, wife of Cornelius Vosburg, passed away on Wednesday morning, aged 75.  For nine years Mrs. Vosburg had been an invalid and for a large part of that period had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Edward J. Hicks, on Hickok avenue, from which place funeral services were held on Friday afternoon at 2:30, Dr. M.D. Fuller officiating.  Interment in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Mrs. Vosburg was born in the town of Norwich the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Williams, and had passed practically her entire life here.  Her marriage to Mr. Vosburg occurred in January, 1860, so that their 50th anniversary was reached in January nearly a year ago.  Mrs. Vosburg was a member of the Broad Street M.E. Church with which she united during the pastorate of Rev. A.J. Van Cleft. She is survived by her husband and her daughter, Mrs. Edward J. Hicks, besides whom her memory will be cherished by a wide circle of friends who will recall the fortitude with which she bore her affliction and the cheerfulness that emanated form her life.

William H. Johnson

Afton Enterprise, February 27, 1913

William H. Johnson died suddenly last Tuesday morning while drawing wood.  The coroner was called and pronounced death to be due to heart trouble.  Mr. Johnson was born in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] in 1850.  He is survived by three children, who live in the western part of this state;  also by three brothers George and Samuel of Afton and Nelson of Bainbridge. 

Esther Permelia (Green) Van Woert

1849 - 1925

Esther Permelia Green was born January 6, 1849.  Died March 11. [1925]. She was the oldest daughter of Truman L. Green and Adeline O. Green.  On Nov. 1, 1869, she was united in marriage to Delos Van Woert.  [She is survived by her] sister, Mrs. N.B. Chase, who resides in Oneonta.  The deceased had been with this sister since [last] November.  She was in usual health until within thirty hours of her death.  Her daughter, Mrs. Keel, reached her bedside before she passed [away].  A brief prayer service was held at the home of Mrs. N.B. Chase, Oneonta, Saturday morning, March [1]4, at nine o'clock.  Dr. J.C. Russell of the first Presbyterian church of Oneonta, and the Rev. W.D. Lathrop, conducted the service.  The body was taken to Afton where the funeral services were conducted from the Methodist Episcopal Church by the [--?--] at eleven o'clock.  Mr. G.L. Chamberlain, Mr. John Dimorier, Mrs. Harry Carr and Mrs. Harry Horton sang two selections, "No Night There" and "One Sweetly Solemn Thought", Interment was made in the family [plot] of Greenwood cemetery.  The bearers in Oneonta were, Prof. -- M. Curtis, D.A. Fletcher, Prof. -- E. Fitzelle, and George P. Armstrong, while at Afton Hon. Bert Lord, Harry Carr, Fred Chamberlain and George W. Clark, all of this village acted.  [Anna Green Chase scrapbook.  Note the birth and marriage dates stated in the obituary do not agree with the Truman L. Green Bible.  The Bible give a birth date of 6 Feb. 1849 and a marriage date of 1 Nov. 1868.

Mrs. Myron Bailey

Bainbridge Republican, October 19, 1898

Mrs. James M. Newton returned Tuesday from attendance at the funeral of her sister, Mrs. Myron Bailey, which occurred Friday at the home in Lansing, Pa.  The burial was at Ulysses, Pa.  Mrs. Bailey was the daughter of James Davidson, deceased, of Afton, and was married about thirty years ago.  She was taken sick last week, a day or two previous to her death while alone with her youngest daughter, with an attack of diabetes which affected her brain rendering her unconscious to her friends, a condition she did not rally from.  Mrs. Bailey was well known in this vicinity before her marriage.  She is survived by her husband and six children, and three sisters, Mrs. James M. Newton of Bainbridge;  Mrs. Maria Hawkins of Vallonia Springs, and Miss M.E. Davidson of Dobbs Ferry.

Thomas Harvey Ireland

Bainbridge Republican, August 2, 1917

Thomas Ireland was born in Oxford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], March 11, 1851.  Died at the home of his son L.H. Ireland Wednesday morning June 27, 1917, after an illness of nearly two years, age 66 years 3 months and 15 days.  In November 1874 he was united in marriage at Bainbridge, N.Y. to Saphronia Allen who proceeded him but a few days from this world.  To this union were born eight children, five of whom are living and are here today, three having passed on before.  With his wife he came to Nebraska in 1875 and has since resided here.  He leaves to mourn his loss five children, twelve grand children, three sisters, one brother, other relatives and a great host of friends.  He was a patient sufferer, a worthy citizen, a kind neighbor.  His friendships were firm and enduring.  His kindness of heart won for him the hearty appreciation of those who came in contact with him.  Funeral services took place on June 28, at 2 o’clock P.M. Rev. C.M. McCorkle officiating.  Interment was made in the Moorefield Cemetery.—The Curtis Enterprise Neb. 

 

William O. Williams

Afton Enterprise, June 12, 1902

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

   

Bainbridge Central 7th Grade Class 1956/7 -Part 5

Bainbridge Central High School - 7th Grade Class 1956/7

"Echo" 1957

Left to Right:  Evelyn Bucklin, Walter Gardner, Linda Dartt

 



Left to Right:  Mildred Moore, Richard Lord, Ellery Parker

 



Left to Right:  Shirley Macumber, Ray Wilson, Andrew Woods

 



Left to Right:  Viola Martin, David White, Fred Murray

Obituaries (March 28)

Luverne B. Stratton

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1910

 

Luverne B. Stratton

1864 - 1910

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Luverne B. Stratton of this village, whose death occurred recently, was born in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] August 4, 1864, the son of E. Ross and Hannah Symonds Stratton.  He married on December 5, 1888, Cora [Church], daughter of Erwin J. Church.  About 15 years ago he entered the employ of the T.G. Clarke Blue Stone Company in this village, remaining until the plant was closed three or four years ago, since which time he had been employed by the Clarke-Conroy Company at Norwich.  His trade was that of a blacksmith and repairer of tools and he worked faithfully until sickness compelled him to relinquish his work.  Mr. Stratton was a well known and respected citizen, and his death is mourned by a wide circle of relatives and friends. Deceased is survived by a wife, four children, Claude C. Stratton of New York; Clara, Ross, Albert and Elizabeth, who reside at home; also one sister and two brothers.  The funeral was largely attended and the Independent Hose Company and a delegation from the Clarke-Conroy Company were present.

 

Edith (McDonald) Ingersoll

Bainbridge Republican, July 12, 1899

Mrs. Guy Ingersoll died very suddenly last week at her home in Owego [Tioga Co., NY].  Burial was at Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  She was formerly Miss Edith McDonald of No. Afton and was about 35 years of age….The remains of Mrs. Edith Ingersoll, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George McDonald, were brought to Afton Wednesday and interred at Glenwood.

Thomas Jefferson Teachout

Oxford Review Times, February 11, 1923

T. Jefferson Teachout died at his home on Caswell street [Afton, Chenango Co., NY] Monday, Jan. 24, after an illness of seven months, aged 68 years.  The funeral was held at the home Thursday at one o'clock, Rev. I.L. Bronson officiating.  Burial was made at West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  The Odd Fellows and Rebekah lodges of which he was a member attended in a body.  He is survived by a wife and daughter, Pearl Dimorier.  [ORT, 12:16]
 

Amelia (Prentice/Wilkins) Woods Butler

Afton Enterprise, March 22, 1934

 Obituary of Mrs. Amelia Butler, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  The late Mrs. J.B. Butler was born in the town of Sherburne, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY] Aug. 20, 1848,  She was one of three children born of Gilbert Prentice and his wife, Fanny Harris.  Very young in life, Mrs. Butler was adopted out to Lyman Wilkins and his wife of Wilkins Settlement.  There she spent her childhood days.  It was at Mr. Wilkins house that all the neighbors used to gather to hear the Civil War news read from the papers.  That was one of the duties that Mrs. Butler had to do.  At the age of 17, Mrs. Butler, then Amelia Wilkins was baptised in the Baptist church.  She and George Woods, later her husband, were both baptised in January, a hole having been cut in the ice in order to perform the ceremony.  After the war, in 1867, they were married.  From Wilkins Settlement they followed Horace Greeley’s advice, “Go West, young man, go west.”  So in the spring of 1868, Mr. and Mrs. Woods went west to wrest their living from the prairie, leaving Afton by stage coach for Binghamton.  They arrived in Iowa, where the early settlers had to build dugouts and sod houses.  It was in one of these dugouts that they lived 25 miles to any near neighbor.  More than once she has told of having to stand in the door of her dugout many times to protect a spring of water and even their very existence.  There was also a camp of Sioux Indians, not five miles away, which five years before, had participated in the terrible Minnesota Massacre.  It was in this dugout that her husband had to have his leg amputated, as an after effect of the war.  Then it was up to Mrs. Woods to provide for her family.  In spite of the strict school laws she was the first lady to secure a first class teacher’s certificate in Plymouth County, Iowa.  Mr. and Mrs. Woods came back east again and settled in Afton.  In later years, Mrs. Woods opened a millinery shop in the old Hyde block later destroyed by fire.  Then came the big fire here in Afton, but that did not daunt her courage, even though she lost her stock in the fire.  She re-established her business and became well known both in this village and in Bainbridge where she later established the same trade.  In the month of January 1892, Mr. Woods died leaving her a widow.  Eight years she remained a widow.  In April 1900 she was married to J.B. Butler of Canton, Pa.  From Afton Mrs. Butler moved to the latter place.  It was at this place that Mrs. Butler learned of her sister’s whereabouts (although the sisters were separated from each other in childhood).  She wrote her sister a letter and she was very pleased to receive an answer from her.  It was to this place that she brought the writer of this and brought him up.  Mrs. Butler was at one time Junior Vice President of the Department of Pennsylvania W.R.C.  She was also Past Regent of the Cunahunta Chapter D.A.R. and at different times a member of the W.C.T.U. and the Order of Good Templars.  She was also the oldest in membership of the Afton Baptist Church.  The funeral services were held from the home of the deceased on Thursday of last week.  Rev. Lester D. Huxtable officiated assisted by Rev. Clifford E. Webb.  Mrs. Harry Horton sang Mrs. Butler’s favorite hymn “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” accompanied by Kathleen Camp.  Mrs. Butler is survived by her sister, Mrs. M.B. Sayre of Trenton, Mich. And a niece Nantie, a nephew, his wife and children.  A daughter Mrs. Carrie Pierce Cronin, Grandsons Leon Pierce of Afton;  Ivan Pierce of East Meredith, Granddaughters, Alura Pierce of Rockville Center, L.I.;  Dorothy Pierce, Schuyler Lake, and Sylvia Pierce of Afton, and one greatgranddaughter, Annogene Pierce child of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Pierce.

George Emory Aylesworth

Bainbridge Republican, June 4, 1908

George Emory Aylesworth died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Herman Davenport, on Front street Wednesday morning of this week from cancer.  Mr. Aylesworth had been a sufferer for the past twelve years, but did not give up until the last few months.  He was 68 years old and had been a resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] all his life being born in West Bainbridge on the farm he later owned and was the son of Thomas Aylesworth.  He was a prosperous farmer and about twenty-five years ago he built a home on Front street in this village and came here to reside.  He retained his farm and alternated between the two places in making his home for the past few years.  Mr. Aylesworth was a conservative and respected citizen and one of the pioneers in Bainbridge life.  His wife died two years ago.  He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Herman Davenport of Bainbridge, Mrs. Florence Riley of Oneonta, and two sons Will J. Aylesworth of Bainbridge and Edward Aylesworth of Oneonta.  The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the home of Mrs. Davenport, Rev. G.E. VanWoert, officiating.  Burial in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY]. 

Cornelia (Newton) Elderkin Anderson Briggs

Afton Enterprise, October 15, 1931

 On Thursday morning, October 15, at 1:45 a.m. Cornelia Newton Briggs after an illness of five months passed on to life eternal at the age of 80 years.  Mrs. Briggs was the daughter of Philinda Easton and Philo Newton and was born in the town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  At an early age the family moved into Afton Village, where she spent her girlhood days.  After residing several years in Burlington, Wash., it was a great pleasure to her to return again to her native home where she was united in marriage to Mr. Briggs on October 10, 1929.  Beside her husband, she is survived by three children, Mrs. Ralph E. Wilson of Guilford, Mrs. Howard M. Curtis of Richfield Springs and one son Claude B. Elderkin of Reno, Nev.  Fifteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren survive.  The funeral services will be held at the Baptist church on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 8 p.m. of which church Mrs. Briggs was an active member.  Burial will be in Afton Glenwood cemetery. [AE, 54:8]
 

Post Listing, March 21 - 27, 2016

Listing of blog postings for the week of March 21-27, 2016

Marriages

Posted March 22, 2016

Cornelius P. Curley - Elizabeth T. Guyney (1907)

Mason Aldrich - Helen Wilcox (1907)

Marriage Notices

     George Dyer - Julia A. Bard (1848)

     Justin Dyer - Maria C. Patchin (1850)

     Chauncey Alonzo Easton - Betsey Aylesworth (1848)

     Berry Eaton - Mrs. Mary Handy (1850)

     Charles B. Eaton - Susan A. Daley (1849)

     Eaton Eaton - Jane Parslow (1847)

     D.H. Eccleston - Mary Ann Hotchkiss (1848)

     Charles Nelson Edmonds - Harriett Matteson (1849)

     James A. Edmonds - Matilda m. Chapman (1849)

     Willis F. Edson - Hannah S. North (1849)

Posted March 24, 2016
Mary Elizabeth  Hoffman - Levi R. Hoag (1910)
Fred A. McNeil - Myrtle C. Stone (1907)
Robert Sprowson - Maude M. Millard (1907)
Marriage notices
     N.A. Eggleston - Jane A. Church (1850)
     Leonard Eldridge - Janette Williams (1849)
     Jesse N. Enos - Cornelia L. Yromans (1848)
     John Ertz - Rexaville Fetunberg (1849)
     Charles Evans - Phoebe Cooper (1849)
     Homer Evans - Mary J. Carpenter (1849)
     Dr. Levi Farr - Catherine Ford (1849)
     Waterman Fenner - Matilda Belden (1849)

Posted March 25, 2016
Harrison Tilyou - Anna Littlebrant (Masonville, 1886)
Mr. & Mrs. Anable (Afton, 40th anniversary, 1886(



 

Obituaries

Posted March 21, 2016

Hattie Estelle (Nicholson) Wedge (North Norwich, 1910)

Sarah Simmons (Coventry, Greene, 1907)

Helen Eugenia Skinner (Norwich, 1910

Mary Frances Skinner (Norwich, 1910)

Thomas N. Knapp (Norwich, 1907)  murder

Posted March 22, 2016
T. DeWitt Miller (Norwich, 1910)
David Reed (Bainbridge, Albany, 1907)
Eliza A. Smith (Coventry, 1907)
George M. Thomas (Batavia, Syracuse, Norwich, 1907)
Hiram Lyon (Bainbridge, 1886)
Orrin Follett (King Settlement, 1907)
Florence Cleveland Miles (Norwich, 1907)

Posted March 23, 2016
Henry L. Morse (Norwich, Buffalo, 1910)
Marshal A. Follett (South New Berlin, 1907)
Mrs. Nettie Steere (Binghamton, Sherburne Quarter, 1907)
Merritt J. Williams (Norwich, 1907)
unnamed Italian (Norwich, 1907)

Posted March 24, 2016
Anna Downey Wightman (Norwich, 1910)
Lyman D. Bassett (South New Berlin, Morris, 1907)
S. Leroy Smith (Norwich, 1907)
Diana M. Bosworth (Norwich, 1907)

Posted March 25, 2016
Mary E. (Cole) King (Norwich, 1910)
Genevieve Morton (Afton, 1886)
Ansel B. Burch (Norwich, 1907)
Captain George M. Tilson (Norwich, 1907)  Civil War veteran
William L. Pugh (South New Berlin, 1907)

Posted March 26, 2016
Charles A. Phillips (Norwich, 1910)
William Van Horn (1907)
Maria E. Green (Oxford, 1907)
Mrs. L.H. Main (Norwich, 1907)
Philip Partridge (Maine, Pittsburg, Norwich, 1907)
Jane Graham Covert (Afton, 1886)

Posted March 27, 2016
Charles E. Comstock (Norwich, Denver CO, 1910)
Marshal F. Porter (Greene, 1907)
Julia F.  (McNitt) Hunt (Leavenworth, KN, 1907)
Death Notices - 1875
     Mrs. Augustus Sanford (Decorah, IA)
     Frances Porter (Buffalo, Norwich)
     Mrs. James W. Bosworth (German)
     Betsey Marvin (McDonough)
     William Murray (Lincklaen)
     Nelson Thrasher (Sherburne)
     Mary Jackson (Greene)
     Smith C. Puffer (Harpursville)
     Orlando Irons (Binghamton, Sherburne)
     Clarence Vanderberg (Colesville)


 





Miscellaneous

Posted March 23, 2016

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1957 Part 4

Posted March 26, 2016
Early History of Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY (1939)



 

Obituaries (March 27)

Charles E. Comstock

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1910

 

 

Charles E. Comstock

1853 - 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Charles E. Comstock, a native of Norwich, where he grew to manhood and married before going west, was found dead in his room at his boarding place in Denver, Col., last Monday morning.  In a letter written Sunday evening to his brother, Abel Comstock of Smyrna, deceased told of a hunting trip which he had recently taken in company with two friends and a guide.  With the exception of the guide all the party ate sparingly of canned baked beans and shortly thereafter had been taken sick.  They suspected that their illness was caused by the high altitude.  They mounted their horses and prepared to descend the mountain, but had not traveled many miles when they became too weak to continue the journey.  Making the men as comfortable as possible the guide hastened to the nearest settlement and returned with a conveyance. Their illness was at once recognized as ptomaine poisoning and after four days they were able to leave the settlement to be brought to Denver. Writing Sunday evening Mr. Comstock said he was still very weak; that the hunting experience still haunted him and he realized that he was not yet free from the effects.  From these circumstances it is believed that the poison lingered in his system, finally affecting the heart with fatal result.  Charles Comstock was a son of Abel and Esther Comstock and was born in Norwich in 1853.  He learned the printer's trade in the office of the Chenango Telegraph under the proprietorship of B. Gage Berry and about 1873 moved to Denver, where he worked at his trade and subsequently engaged in business for himself. For years he had been a prominent member of the Elks and at the time of his death was assistant chaplain of the order in Denver.  Mr Comstock is survived by a widow, formerly Miss Julia Daniels, of Norwich; one son and one daughter.  Mrs. Comstock and her children are temporary residents of New Haven, Conn., where the son is a student at Yale and the daughter is a teacher.  He is also survived by two brothers, Able and William H  Comstock of Smyrna, and three sisters, Mrs. A.J. Phelps and Mrs. Bessie Jones, of Norwich, and Mrs. David Shattuck, of Haynes.  The remains were brought to Norwich for interment in Mount Hope Cemetery, funeral services being held from the home of his sister, Mrs. Phelps, on North Broad street on Thursday afternoon.

 

Marshal F. Porter

Chenango Union, August 22, 1907

Marshal F. Porter, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] a well known member of the Chenango County bar died at his home in Greene on Thursday of last week.  Funeral services were held on Sunday, a number of Norwich attorneys attending.

Julia F. (McNitt) Hunt

Chenango Union, August 22, 1907

A Leavenworth, Kansas paper of August 10, contains the following:  "Mrs. Julia F. Hunt, No. 115 Prospect street, returned home yesterday after two weeks' stay at Excelsior Springs, mo., during the  heated term, her son Arthur having advised her to do so because she was suffering with heart trouble. A block away from her home Mrs. hunt, who was accompanied by her daughter, Miss Carrie Hunt, met Arthur on his way to work in the postoffice and the mother asked him to go back home with them for lunch.  Arthur replied that he had already eaten and had to get to the postoffice. She then complained to him of the excessive heat, but did not appear to be the least bit ill. The son continued on his way down town and mother and daughter went toward home.  they entered the yard and had gone a few steps toward the house when Mrs. Hunt called "Oh, Carrie," and fell over on the walk. The daughter hastily called for assistance and two physicians arrived and aided in carrying the mother into the house where everything possible was done to revive her, but she died ten minutes after she became unconscious.  Mrs. Hunt's heart was weak and the extreme heat exhausted her vitality, and caused her death.  Mrs. Hunt had been ill with heart trouble for several years and during the summer months was unable to stand the extreme heat, having mentioned it many times.  It was because of this that the son caused her and the daughter to take the two weeks vacation  Mrs. Julia F.  Hunt was 61 years old, the widow of the late F.D. Hunt. She was born in Norwich, Chenango county, N.Y., her family name being McNitt. She came to Kansas with her husband, the late F.D. Hunt, in 1875, he being general agent for the A.S. Barnes Book Publishing co., with headquarters in Leavenworth.  Mr. Hunt died twenty-two years ago.  Three children, Carrie E., Harry D., and Arthur V., survive the deceased.  Harry who is in the furniture department of the Emery, Bird, Thayer & Co., of Kansas City, is now on a vacation and word has been sent to him at Norfolk, Va., of his mother's sudden death."  Deceased was a daughter of the late Morgan McNitt of Plasterville, and previously of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Death Notices

Chenango Union, January 28, 1875

 

SANFORD:  At the residence of her son, Walter P Sanford, in Decorah, Iowa, Jan. 22d, widow of the late Augustus Sanford, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 67 years.  Her remains were brought to Norwich.  Mrs. Sanford was a sister of Mrs. R. Crosby of Norwich and of Col. S.R. Perlee.

PORTER:  In Buffalo, Jan. 16, Frances, wife of John Porter, age 37.  Deceased was formerly of Norwich and daughter of the late Joseph H. Moore, Esq.

BOSWORTH:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 19th, Mrs. Albert Bosworth, wife of James W. Bosworth and sister of Mrs. J.L. brooks of Norwich. Aged 58 years 8 months 18 days.

MARVIN:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 19th, 1874, Betsey, wife of William Marvin, aged 58 years, 5 months.

MURRAY:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], Jn. 16th Mr. William Murray aged 45 years.

THRASHER:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 22, 1875, Nelson, son of John Thrasher, aged 4 years.

JACKSON:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 17th, Mrs. Mary Jackson, aged 32.

PUFFER:  In Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], Jan. 2d, Mr. Smith C. Puffer, son of Rev. Enos Puffer, aged 65 years.

IRONS:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Jan. 18, Mr. Orlando Irons, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], aged 65 years.

VANDENBERG:  In Colesville, Broome Co., Jan. 16, Mr. Clarence Vanderberg, aged about 60.  Formerly of Afton.