Obituaries (June 25)

George Latimer

Utica Saturday Globe, May 1914

 

George Latimer

1829 - 1914

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  George Latimer died last week at the home of Guy Marsters on Pleasant street, to which place he was removed after the fire which partially destroyed his home on Piano street a few weeks ago.  Mr. Latimer had recently passed his 85th birthday.  He was born in Portlandville, Otsego county, February 25, 1829, and had been a resident of Norwich for more than half a century. When a young man, he mastered the trade of cabinetmaker in a Cooperstown establishment.  He came to  Norwich to accept a position in the piano factory of Hayes & Rider and later became a partner, the firm style being changed to Hayes & Rider Company.  When the firm dissolved and the making of pianos was discontinued Mr. Latimer was for several years and employee of the Norwich Chair Company.  He had been in failing health for a number of years.  In 1851 the deceased married Miss Lois A. Bristol, with whom he passed a wedded life of 60 years, until her death in March, 1911.  He is survived by two sons, Sperry Latimer, of Norwich, and William Latimer, of Chicago, and by one daughter, Mrs. Alice Sargent, of Norwich. 

 

Sarah Dexter Graves

Utica Saturday Globe, May 1914

Sarah Dexter Graves, wife of George Graves, died Saturday at the family home just east of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the South New Berlin road.  Death resulted from a fall a few days previous, in which she sustained a broken hip.  Mrs. Graves was 76 years old, having been born in Holmesville [Chenango Co., NY] April 22, 1838, the eldest child of Joseph and Eliza Leach Dexter. Two sisters, Miss Sarepta Dexter, of South New Berlin, and Mrs. Lucy Winsor, of Leslie, Ark., are the survivors of this union.  October 12, 1858, the deceased was married to George Graves and came to the home east of this city, where they ever since resided.  Her husband survives, also one son, Lewis Graves, and two grandchildren.  Mrs. Graves was a sincere, active Christian woman, especially interested in the work of the King's Daughters, of which she was a leader for 13 years. She had been a member of the First congregational Chruch for many years.  Funeral services were held Tuesday from her late home, Rev. Paul R Allen officiating. Burial was made in the Quarter Cemetery.

 

Maud A. Fredenburg

Afton Enterprise, July 22, 1915

Wednesday morning, July 14, 1915, at seven o'clock, Maud A. Fredenburg aged nineteen, quietly passed away.  While her death was not unexpected, it came as a shock to her many friends and relatives. The funeral was held at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. Fredenburg, Friday, at two o'clock, Rev. I.L. Bronson preaching the sermon.  The many assembled there, and the great mass of beautiful flowers, spoke more eloquently than words, of the deep love and sympathy that all felt for the family in their bereavement.  No effort that might bring any comfort to the sorrowing ones, was thought too great for loving friends to undertake.  Among the many gathered at the funeral, were four of the pastors who had been in Afton since Maud first entered the church.  Their presence was a splendid tribute to the beautiful life and character of the young girl.  One can very well say of Maud that, "To know her was to love her./"  Her life was one of pleasure and happiness to others and though she has left us, her influence and memory will linger long to strengthen and uplift.

 

Ella M. Huggins

Afton Enterprise, August 5, 1915

Mrs. Ella M. Huggins, wife of John Huggins, died at her home in Sanford [Broome Co., NY] last Saturday, July 31, 1915, aged nearly 61 years.  The funeral was held from the home Tuesday Rev. I.O Bronson preaching the sermon.  Interment was in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY]  Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter and two sons.

 

Julia E. Snell

Afton Enterprise, August 5, 1915

Mrs. Julia E. Snell died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C.H. Moore of this place July 30th, 1915, from a paralytic shock, aged 75 years.  The funeral was held at the house on Caswell street Sunday, Rev. I.L. Bronson officiating.  Interment was in Glenwood cemetery [Afton Chenango Co., NY]  She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. C.H. Moore of Afton, Mrs. S.L. May of Schoharie, Mrs. Wm. Allen of Belden.

 

Levi Beardsley

Chenango Union, October 14, 1897

The subject of this brief notice was born in Oxford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] July 24, 1818.  Removed to McDonough in 1826.  Married Mrs. Sally Denton in 1848, who lived only about a year.  In 1845 he married Mrs. Phebe Tracy, of McGrawville, who died November 13, 1882.  Mr. Beardsley lived 48 years on the farm where he died.  A large concourse of friends and neighbors gathered at his funeral to look for the last time upon the face of him, who was held in high esteem by all.  A good man has passed away.  he was noted for his honesty, and died without an enemy.  A.W.B.

 

Chenango Union, November 11, 1897

We have just received intelligence of the death and departure of our esteemed friend Levi Beardsley who died at his farm residence in McDonough, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY], September 29, 1897, where he had lived forty-three years.  Levi Beardsley was born in Oxford, July 24, 1818; moved with his parents to McDonough in 1826.  In 1843 he married Sally Denton with whom he lived about one year.  He married Mrs. Phoebe Tracy, with whom he lived thirty-eight years.  She died in November of 1843.  Mr. Beardsley had no children but was fond of youthful society and manifested a yearning for their company.  He was notedly a happy family living in unity and uprightness of heart. Temperance and active industry were habits of the household. They were remarkable florists, of exquisite taste, and took great delight in the cultivation of their large selection of flowers. The flowers of Mr. Beardsley, however, were of a moral nature and social kind that shone out in kindly acts and generous deeds, such as could be wisely appreciated.  He knew the wisdom of presenting the bright side of life and dealing sympathy to the unfortunate.  When misfortune surrounded a friend he was the most cheerful counsellor we ever saw.  Our acquaintance runs back to childhood, as classmate at school, playmate in youth, neighbor and laborer in the field, during which time all censure and malice was almost entirely omitted from his conversation.  He seemed to be quite void of Political strife and aspiration for office.  Domestic quietude and comfort was the object and joy of his life.  Were all men as ready to prefer charitable opinions and a willing to find amusement in the happiness of others, there would be less need of those social and domestic reforms of which the deceased was a uniform and consistent advocate. We often think of the poet's words:

 

"The drying of a single tear hath more

Of real fame than shedding seas of human gore."

 

Respectfully Yours, Alexander Daniels, Binghamton, N.Y.

History of Norwich Pharmacal Co. - Part 4

Birth of an Industry - Norwich Pharmacal Company

Dr. Reuben Jeffery - written in 1916
 Published in Norwich Percolate, January 15, 1935

 

Continuation of posting of June 23, 2016

 

 

 Norwich Pharmacal Company as it appeared in 1917

 

"In 1916, Dr. Reuben Jeffery wrote an historical sketch of the company -- this article is prized very highly by the executives of the company....it is..., with a great deal of pleasure, that we reprint Dr. Jeffery's article in this historical issue of the Percolate."

 

Dr. LeRoy J. Brooks who, for many years held the distinction of being Chenango county's most prominent physician, died during the early part of December, 1900.  During the first year or so of the life of the original company, Bell and I often sought his valued advice. I do not remember when he first invested in the company, but am of the impression that he was elected a member of the first board of directors and gave his services until his death.

 

Mr. Frank Carruth was one of the early salesmen.  I believe he first started out with his grip in 1890.

 

I do not recall just when Mr. Briggs of Boonton, N.J., became a stockholder, but it was in the early days.  He was willing to help out his old friends Bell and Norris and I doubt if he ever regretted it.

 

Richard C. Stofer was the first official chemist of the company.  I believe his connection dates from 1892.  Little was thought then that he would succeed Mr. Bell as President. Then came Robert D. Eaton, the ever sagacious "Bob" whose true business instincts and wise counsels have done so much to put the business on the high place it is today.

 

Dr. J.B. Drake appeared on the scene during the early part of the second ten years of the company's history.  Mr. J.B. Turner's entry was the year following Mr. Bell's death. The acquisition of Mr Turner has proven most fortunate.  He has demonstrated that his business eye can penetrate far into the possibilities of the future.

 

The four men above mentioned are certainly a wonderful quartet. For  a number of years they have held the helm of the old ark and have always kept it in the channel.  May it reach safely the Arcadian Harbor!

 

It was only my intention to write the first part of chapter one of the company's history, a chapter than should be called "Ten Years of Struggle."  There are those now living who can far better, take up my pen where I left off and it is for them to complete chapter and write chapter two, "Ten Years of Existence."  Then, while events are still fresh, let chapter three be written, "Ten Years of Prosperity."  Have it ready, though filed away, so that on March 15, 1946, the historian of the future can take it and write chapter four.  May it be entitled "A Generation of Opulence."

 

My task is finished.  Personally I deserve no plaudits for the company's success.  All through its history I have had a box seat; it is true that for many years it had a hard wooden bottom, but the company has been kind to me and they have had it upholstered time and again, but somehow I love it.

 

As a father watches his child, so have I watched the Norwich Pharmacal company.  From the cradle to the mighty giant of commerce; from the days when Bell guided its tottering foot steps, to the present when its counsels are solicited to aid in conducting the pharmaceutical commerce of the world.  It is not what man thinks of himself that counts, it is the thoughtful opinion of others that tell the tale.  Consequently, I have sought to know what others said.  The commercial agencies, somehow, seem able to talk the loudest and year after year I have watched to see what they thought of "My Growing Baby."  I have not watched in vain.  "Nothing, 1886.  One million and over, 1916"

 

I am satisfied, I say to myself, Jeffery, go and join your old friend Bell and be content as you two together ramble over the hills and through the vales of eternity.  To Bell, Eaton, Stofer, and Turner, be the glory, you have the satisfaction of realizing that you builded better than you knew.  Little does the present generation, as it sees the massive structures, the towering chimneys, the lofty water-towers, the hundreds of employees, realize their struggles in the early days.

 

There is one man to whom much credit is due.  The little one room on the third floor of the Burr block on Mitchell Street, no money, no credit.  But this one man never gave up. When most men would have sunk, he bobbed up serenely.  He was the pilot of the little bark which, when tossed on the mighty waves of adversity, conducted her safely into the harbor of prosperity.  The rays from the sun of his life will never die in Norwich; the Norwich Pharmacal company is his monument. The great God had other work for him and called him to His own at Jacksonville, Fla., in February, 1908.

 

All Honor to Oscar Gains Bell.

 

 

The End

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriages (June 24)

Mr. & Mrs. E.L. Hahn

Utica Saturday Globe, May 1914

 

 

After their Friends Surprised Them

Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Hahn on their 37th Wedding Anniversary

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  A score of the neighbors and friends of Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Hahn gave them a happy surprise at their residence, on Birdsall street, one evening last week, the occasion being their 37th wedding anniversary.  The time was spent with games, music, and merry making, a monologue by Miss Daisie Bacon and several piano selections by Mrs. Fred Cagwin enhancing the enjoyment of the evening.  A dainty luncheon was served in the dining room.  An immense bowl of daffodils centered the table, which was lighted by yellow candles shaded in the same color. The guests presented Mr. and Mrs. Hahn with a beautiful piece of cut glass, expressing the wish that they may enjoy many more such pleasant anniversaries.

 

Tripp - Sagendorf

Afton Enterprise, August 12, 1915

Married at the Methodist parsonage on July 17, 1915, Frank Tripp of Colesville, N.Y. [Broome Co.] and Frances Sagendorf of Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

 

Munger - Johnston

Afton Enterprise, August 12, 1915

Married in St. Paul, Minn., July 31st by the Rev. L.M. Johnston, Mr. Frank Munger of St. Paul, Minn. to Mrs. Alice E. Johnston of St. Paul Minn.

 

Davis - Purdy

Afton Enterprise, August 5, 1915

On Thursday, July 29 at 4 p.m. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F.A. Kelley occurred the marriage of their cousin, Miss Birdella Purdy, daughter of Mrs. Lillian Purdy of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Mr. Davis of Ludlowville.  Rev. Joselyn officiating only the immediate relatives being present. After congratulation, refreshment were served.  Mr. and Mrs. Davis were accompanied to the evening train at Greene by several of their friends who made it interesting for them until train time.

 

Knapp - Lord

Afton Enterprise, July 22, 1915

Mr. Frank Knapp and Miss Flora B. Lord, of the East side [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], were married last Saturday evening, July 17, 1915 at the Presbyterian Parsonage on Spring St. by Dr. J.J. Francis. All the parties are well known Afton people, the groom being the son of Lewis Knapp, and the bride a daughter of Rufus R. Lord, and their many friends in this community and elsewhere wish them a very happy and prosperous wedding life.  They expect to make their home here.

 

Obituaries (June 24)

Henry Earl Whitmore

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1914

 

Henry Earl Whitmore

1877 - 1914

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Henry Earl Whitmore, who died from Bright's disease at his home on North Front street last week, was the son of William and Addia Whitmore.  He was born in DeRuyter [Madison Co., NY], May 9, 1877.  Since residing in Norwich he had been employed for a number of years as blacksmith at the David Maydole Hammer Factory.  He was affiliated with the L.O.O.M. and was a Seventh Day Baptist.  Mr Whitmore is survived by his wife, Thena Madison Whitmore; one daughter, Viola May, and two sons, Raymond and William Whitmore, of Norwich.  his mother and six brothers, --arl, of South Otselic; Allie, of Norwich; Adelbert of McDonough; Clarence, Cecil and Wardner, of Norwich, and two sisters, Mrs. Elva Clark, of South Plymouth, and Mrs. Pansy Lawton, of Norwich, are other members of his immediate family.  Funeral services were held from his late home Monday, Rev. R.A. Gates of Oxford, officiating.

 

Samuel J. Hopkins

Afton Enterprise, July 15, 1915

Samuel J. Hopkins, a veteran of the Civil War, and assessor of the town of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], was found dead in bed Saturday morning, July 3.  Mr. Hopkins was transacting business with the town board on Friday and appeared to be in his usual health.  heart disease was the cause of death.

 

Roemma D. Finkle

Afton Enterprise, July 8, 1915

Last Thursday night, July 1, 1915 at about 11 p.m. Mrs. Roemma D. Finckle, wife of S.D. Finkle, died very suddenly at her home on High Street. At about 7 p.m. she was taken with a stroke of cerebral apoplexy, dying as stated about four hours later.  She was born in North Sanford [Broome Co., NY], August 15, 1856 to S.D. Finkle. About twenty years ago she was baptized and received into the membership of the Baptist church at North Sanford, but about five years ago transferred her membership to the church here.  She is survived by her husband, S.D. Finkle, her aged mother, Mrs. A.K. Hamlin, of Afton, two brothers, Lafayette Hamlin of Sanford and Clarence Hamlin of North Sanford and four sisters, Mrs. Hattie Howard of linden, N.J., Mrs. Eva Allen of Binghamton, Miss May Hamlin and Mrs. Jessie Hamlin of Afton. The funeral was held from the house Monday afternoon, Rev. C.O. Fuller preaching the sermon. A quartet consisting of Rev. I.L. Bronson, C.D. Pendell, Mrs. J.C. Demorier and Miss Vivian Krum sang two selections, "Abide with Me" and "Some Sweet Day" and Mrs. Demorier by request sang a solo "The Beautiful City of Somewhere."  The pall bearers were F.E. Keator, A.A. Seward A. Morgan and H.A. Benedict.  Interment was in the cemetery at North Sanford. 

 

Lewis Agustus Weeks

Afton Enterprise, July 22, 1915

Church Hollow [Chenango Co., NY]:  On the morning of July fourteenth after an illness of several months and accompanied by much suffering, Lewis Agustus Weeks, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] passed gently into the rest that remaineth.  The remains were brought to Harpursville on Friday p.m. and funeral was held in the Presbyterian church, Rev Wilson Eisenhart of the Floral Avenue Church and pastor of the family conducting the service.  Burial in the Ninevah cemetery [Broome Co., NY] by the side of five children gone before.  He was born in the town of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], October 11, 1853, the eldest son of Percy P. Weeks and Rebecca A. Poole.  In 1879 he was married to Miss Lena Whitney of Guilford, adopted daughter of Charles Hyde of that town, but later of Afton, who with one son, Alfred P. survives him.  His aged mother and one sister, Jennie, are also left to mourn the loss of the only son of his mother and she is a widow.  He was a carpenter by trade, a fine workman and had lived in Lestershire and Binghamton about thirty years. The bearers were cousins John and Will Weeks of Harpursville, Charles Weeks of Nurse Hollow and Edward Weeks of Afton.  The casket was covered with flowers, silent messengers of love and sympathy, from relatives and friends.  "I shall go to him but he shall not return to me."

 

Sophia Pixley Shaw

Afton Enterprise, July 22, 1915

After a long and painful illness borne with great fortitude and patient resignation, Mrs. Sophia Shaw passed away at her home in this village, Saturday June 26th, 1915, at the age of 73 years.  Mrs. Shaw, whose maiden name was Sophia Pixley, was born here in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] and was married to David K. Shaw in 1861.  Three children were born to them, of whom one daughter is left to mourn the loss of a kind, loving mother, and by whom she was most tenderly nursed and cared for till the end. She became a Christian in her early girlhood days and afterwards united with the Methodist church of which she was an active, worthy member until her death. She was a devoted loving mother, a kind sympathetic friend and neighbor, always ready and anxious to lend a helping hand in time of trouble or need. The funeral services took place Monday afternoon in the Methodist church, her pastor Rev. I.L. Bronson, who preached from the most fitting text, her selection, "I have finished my work," officiated.  Two beautiful hymns, also her selection, were sung by a quartet, consisting of Mrs. Eva Hudgins, Miss Myrle Haye, L.T. Writer and Rev. I.L. Bronson.  The pall bearers, all old friends chosen by her, were Zenas Tarble, A.D. Pearsall, M..J. Swart of Afton and George Taylor of Bainbridge. The floral offerings were many and very beautiful and bore mute testimony to the love and esteem in which she was held by those who knew her.  Mrs. Shaw is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Fannie Bennett of Oneonta, four grand children, Mabel and Mildred Bennett of Oneonta and Lois and Guy Robinson of Binghamton, and five brothers, Sox Pixley of Grand Encampment, Wyoming, John Pixley of East Windsor, James Pixley of Straights Corners, N.Y., and Asa B. Pixley of Afton. With her casket covered with flowers the last loving gifts of sorrowing friends her body was borne to its last resting place in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY]

History of Norwich Pharmacal Company - Part 3

Birth of an Industry - Norwich Pharmacal Company

Dr. Reuben Jeffery - written in 1916
 Published in Norwich Percolate, January 15, 1935

 

Continuation of posting of June 20, 2016

 

"In 1916, Dr. Reuben Jeffery wrote an historical sketch of the company -- this article is prized very highly by the executives of the company....it is..., with a great deal of pleasure, that we reprint Dr. Jeffery's article in this historical issue of the Percolate."

 

Late in 1892 while visiting in Norwich, I conferred with Bell and Norris regarding the possibility of producing Unguentine upon a commercial scale.  The difficulties in connection with the production of a presentable preparation seemed to be the only drawback.  However, Bell with his indomitable will resumed his experiments, but failing to accomplish satisfactory results he obtained permission from me to extend the pledge of secrecy to Mr. Stofer in order that the problem might be assigned to him; Bell saying "It's a splendid ointment, but no one can make the darned stuff so that it will be marketable."  As a result of Mr. Stofer's investigations and experiments the ointment was produced in a very satisfactory condition and in March, 1893, my first contract with the company was drawn by Howard D. Newton and on March 18th, 1893 we met at Mr. Newton's office and signed the contract, Bell and Norris signing for the company.  At this time I was practicing in Brooklyn.

 

In August of that year I came to Norwich and started the advertising campaign.  The company at that time had only one typewriter, consequently my letters to doctors were done with pen and ink.  September first I was obliged to return to my practice, and as the company desired me to continue my work, we made the following arrangements:  They would furnish me with a stenographer and a typewriter and pay her wages:  I was to furnish her with board and lodging. They sent to me Miss Phoebe Frink who is now Mrs. H.J. Burdick of Norwich.  She lived in my home long enough to demonstrate that there was a future for Unguentine and then returned to Norwich and continued her work. To Miss Frink I was indebted for many valuable suggestions.

 

About this time Merton L . Hunt began work for the company.  Mert came from Smyrna by train.  J.W., or rather Bill Hunt, blew down from Smyrna later and Chas., who is at present [in 1916] with the company, came "flying after".  Mr Bell introduced me to Mert,--Mert just looked and said nothing.  When he introduced me to Bill, Bill said "Howdy, how are all your friends in the country?"  In the spring of 1894 Mert was appointed New York manager for the company. The head quarters were at 87 South Ninth street, Brooklyn, my home.  Loaded with prescriptions calling for Unguentine from doctors that were friends of mine, we visited every drug store in the city.  We knew that they did not have Unguentine but we were trying to create a demand.  At last in a store on Court street we found a druggist who had it, and one ounce cost me forty cents. That was enough, we did not try it any more.  I would be a little timid about trying that experiment today unless I had a pocket full of money.

 

I have often been asked what the word "Unguentine" meant and how I happened to use it.  The Latin word for ointment in "Unguentum" and is used entirely by the medical profession to signify an ointment.  "Unguentine" was the first ointment ever put on the market as a pharmaceutical preparation.  Thirty years ago, dry surgical dressings or powders were used exclusively by the medical profession  In order that they would know by the name, the character of this remedy, in differentiation from the dressings then in vogue, I anglicized the word Unguentum by dropping the "um" and substituting "ine" thus making Unguentine.

 

According to my original contract, the company were to pay me twenty-five cents for every pound sold.  Oh treacherous memory!  Why can't I recall the trouble with my head, the day I changed the contract and reduced the amount of royalty per pound!  At first, Unguentine was marketed in one ounce wooden boxes and one pound glass jars with nickel tops. The wood box was "a beautiful package."  As a rule, when it reached its destination, it had all oozed out.  The glass jar was not so bad, it did not ooze, it only broke.

 

When the sales of Unguentine were about four or five hundred pounds a month, Bell said to me:  "Jeffery, if we can get the sales up to one hundred pounds a day, or three thousand pounds a month, we will have all the money we need."  I agreed with him.  It is many years now since the sales averaged three thousand pounds, but I little thought then that the day would ever come when the monthly sales would be enumerated by tons.

 

The expression "First Thought in Burns" that has for many years been associated with the name "Unguentine" was suggested by Dr. Harry Eaton of Brooklyn. Thirty years ago Dr. Eaton was famous as a writer of detective stories, writing under the non-de-plume of "Old Sleuth."  He graduated from the Long Island College Hospital in 1885 and was a classmate of mine.

 

To be continued

Marriages (June 22)

Smith - Wheeler

Afton Enterprise, June 24, 1915

Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  A very quiet home wedding occurred Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Carroll when their daughter Marian Wheeler became the wife of R. Harmer Smith.  Miss Mabel Smith of Oyster Bay, a sister of the groom was the bride's maid and Granville Burton of this place was the groom's attendant.  Rev. J.H. Houston performed the ceremony.  Only the immediate relatives of the bride and groom were present.  Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both highly esteemed young people and have the best wishes of a large circle of friends.  Those present at the wedding were:  Rev. and Mrs. J.H. Huston, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, grandparents of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wheeler, Mr. and Mrs. Leland Christian, Granville Burton all of this place.  Mr. and Mrs. G. Smith and Miss Mabel Smith of Oyster Bay the parents and sister of the groom and Mr. Minor of New York.

 

McKee - Decker

Afton Enterprise, May 20, 1915

A very pretty wedding was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents in East Afton [Chenango Co., NY] on Wednesday afternoon, May 12, 1915, at five o'clock, when Miss Lillian Decker, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Decker, was united in marriage to Mr. George W.  McKee of Afton.  The ceremony as performed by the bride's pastor, Rev. Dr. John J. Francis of the Afton Presbyterian church. The bridal party stood in front of a beautiful bank of greenery covered with fragrant spring blossoms. The bride looked very charming in a gown of white lace trimmed voile, and carried a bouquet of bride's roses. After the ceremony dainty refreshments were served at small tables scattered through the parlor and dining room.  At 6:30 o'clock the happy couple left upon an extended trip amid the hearty congratulations and good wishes of the assembled guests.  The wedding was strictly a family affair.  Mr. and Mrs. McKee are widely and well known here, and will be followed by the heart-felt felicitations of a host of friends in Afton and elsewhere.

 

Marriage Notices

Afton Enterprise, May 13, 1915

 

BRIGGS - JONES:  Married at the M.E. church, Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], Saturday evening, May 8, 1915, Mr. Harry Briggs and Miss Isadore Jones, Rev. I.L. Bronson officiating.

 

Afton Enterprise, May 20, 1915

 

BENNETT - CARR:  Married at the Methodist parsonage on Sunday May 16th, 1915, Rev. Ira L. Bronson officiating, H. Lynn Bennett to Mabel B. Carr; both of Windsor, N.Y. [Broome Co.]

Obituaries (June 22)

Augustus Ross

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1914

 

Augustus Ross

1838 - 1914

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Augustus Ross, for many years one of the best known farmers in the vicinity of Norwich, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Raymond Ormsby, on Henry street, last week, aged 76.  For the past five years Mr. Ross had been in failing health, following a shock, and for a considerable portion of that period had been unable to walk.  Through his long illness he maintained his customary cheerfulness and accepted his suffering without complaint. The deceased was born in Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on March 13, 1838, the youngest child of Augustus and Lois Slater Ross, October 8, 1874, he married Helen M. Slater, of Pharsalia.  Two years later, in 1876, Mr. Ross bought the first farm on the Plymouth State road, north of the city limits. there they made their home until Mrs. Ross' death, on May 26, 1905, shortly after which Mr. Ross took up his residence in Norwich and for the past few years had lived with his daughter, Mrs. Ormsby, who has tenderly cared for him and comforted him during his prolonged illness.  Mr. Ross was one of the oldest members of the local lodge of Odd Fellows and had been a Mason since 1872.  Besides his daughter he leaves one sister.  Mrs. Lois Ballow, of Preston, and a granddaughter, Helen Ormsby.  A son, Augustus W. Ross, died 21 years ago.  Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon.  Rev. A.D. Colson, a Universalist minister of Binghamton, officiated.  he was buried with Masonic honors in Mount Hope, the bearers being George L. Harrington, Frank Kreiner, George W. Nagel and A.N. Cobb.

 

Sophia Shaw

Afton Enterprise, July 1, 1915

The death of Mrs. Sophia Shaw occurred at her home on High Street last Saturday afternoon, June 26, 1915, at the age of 73 years.  The funeral was held at the M.E. church Tuesday afternoon, Rev. I.L. Bronson preaching the funeral sermon.  Interment was in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY]

Julia W. (Miller) Ricks

Afton Enterprise, June 17, 1915

Mrs. Julia W. Ricks, wife of A.L. Ricks died at her home on Algerine Street last Sunday night after but a brief illness.  Mrs. Ricks was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Miller, deceased, and was born in Deposit, N.Y. [Delaware Co.], in October, 1857.  Her early life was spent in Deposit until her marriage to Mr. Ricks, after which they lived for a time in the town of Sanford until they came to Afton a few years ago.  She is survived by her husband, one son Charles Ricks of Sanford and adopted daughter, Hazel. The funeral was held from the house Wednesday forenoon, conducted by Rev. I.L. Bronson.  Interment was in the Hales Eddy cemetery.

Eliza Ann (Packard) Fowler

Afton Enterprise, June 10, 1915

Mrs. N.W. Fowler was stricken with shock, on the morning of May thirteenth and only lived a short time.  Funeral was held Tuesday June first, burial in the Stevens Cemetery by the side of her son, George who died in 1886.  Rev. J.G. Rice clergyman.  Eliza Ann Packard was born at Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 19th, 1828, the daughter of Larkin Packard and Amanda Atwater.  She was one of a family of nine children only one of whom is now living, Mrs. Calista Bennett of Rochester who is ill and consequently unable to attend her sister's funeral.  She was united in marriage to Noah W. Fowler in 1851 who survives her but in very feeble health.  Two children, Charles J. who has cared for his parents for several years and Mrs. C.A. Waters of Afton; three grandchildren, Mable, Arthur and Edith Fowler. The following words from Job 5-26 was the subject of Rev. Rice's very comforting remarks.  "Thou shalt come to thy grave in a fell age like a shock of corn cometh in his season."

Margretta Smith

Afton Enterprise, June 24, 1915

Mrs. Margretta Smith passed peacefully away at her home in Otego [Otsego Co., NY] on June 17th after a short illness.  She had lived a long and useful life, being a devout Christian throughout nearly all her fourscore years. She lived many years at Nineveh, where she has many friends. The funeral  was held at Otego, June 19th, Rev. G.F. Humphreys of Whitney Point, officiating.

John Hoyt

Afton Enterprise, June 24, 1915

The funeral of Mr. John Hoyt was held at his home, North of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on last Friday afternoon at one o'clock, Dr. J.J. Francis pastor of the Presbyterian church, officiating.  The burial was in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY].  Mr. Hoyt died on Tuesday evening, June 15, 1915, after a long and painful illness with cancer of the face.  He was born at New Windsor, Orange County, N.Y., in 1842, and was 73 years old March 21, 1915.  He was a veteran of the Civil War, serving nearly four years.  he was also a member of Vanderburg Post, G.A.R., and the Post attended the funeral in a body, also conducted the G.A.R. burial service at the grave. The casket was draped with a beautiful flag presented by the W.R.C. and there were a number of floral tributes from other friends, and the ladies of the Afton Presbyterian church.  Mr. Hoyt had lived in Afton nearly fifty years and was a mason by trade.  Many of the residences of Afton and vicinity show his handiwork, and he will be greatly missed in his profession.  He is survived by his wife, and his four children, Frank, John Jr., and George, all of Afton, and one daughter, Mrs. H.P. Briggs of Sanford and by one brother of Coventry, and two sisters living in Connecticut.  All were present at the funeral except the two sisters.

Obituaries (June 22)

Louis G. (Phelps) Curtis

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1914

 

Louis G. (Phelps) Curtis

1873 - 1914

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Louis G. Curtis, the well-known lumber dealer, died at his home on Plymouth street Tuesday afternoon, aged 41.  Deceased had been a man of rugged physique down to the past three years, during which he had gradually broken down.  Mr. Curtis was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Milo S. Phelps, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  His mother died when he was but 9 months old and he was taken by Mr. and Mrs. Louis Curtis of Norwich, and brought up as their son.  He had resided here all of his life and for a number of years had engaged in cutting and marketing lumber, a portion of the time in partnership with others but recently on his own account.  On September 28, 1899, he married Miss Carrie M. Hilsinger, of Sherburne, who with one son, Morrison, survives him.  He is also survived by his father, Milo S. Phelps; a brother, Horace J. Phelps, and a sister, Lena M. Beals, all of Sidney.  Funeral services were held from the home Thursday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Monk officiating.

Mary Lucretia (Bingham) Converse

Afton Enterprise, May 13, 1915

Walter Roe of Binghamton spent Saturday night at Arthur Hunt's.  He was in town to make arrangements for the burial of his grandmother, Mrs. Rufus Converse, a former resident of this town [Coventry, NY] who died in Bridgeport, Conn.  The body will be brought to Coventry for burial the first of this week.

 



Afton Enterprise, May 27, 1915

The remains of Lucretia Bingham, widow of the late Rufus Converse, were brought here [Coventry, Chenango Co., NY] for burial on Tuesday of last week from her late home in Springfield, Mass. Accompanying the remains were Edwin Converse and wife of Louisville, Kentucky, Eugene Converse and wife of Bridgeport, Conn., and Julia Converse of Springfield, Mass., another son, Fred Converse of Boston, Mass., was unable to come. A stepson and daughter, Frank Converse and Mrs. Mary Roe of Binghamton also survive., besides several grandchildren.  Mrs. Converse was a resident of this town some twenty years since.

 

Harry Jamison

Afton Enterprise, May 13, 1915

North Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Wm. Jamison, was called to Jamestown, N.Y. [Chautauqua Co.], last Tuesday by the news of the death of his son--Mr. Harry Jamison, whose death was due to heart disease.  Mr. Jamison was an artist in the profession of training dogs, and his show was known all over the states.

Gertrude Trebby Snyder

Afton Enterprise, May 27, 1915

Wilkins Settlement [Chenango Co., NY]:  Word has bene received by Henry Christian's people of the death in April of Mrs. Gertrude Trebby Snyder, wife of Chas. N. Snyder at their home in Curtis, Neb., as the result of Acute Bright's disease, at the age of 37 years.  Mrs. Snyder was born in Bainbridge village [Chenango Co., NY] in 1878 and when one year of age moved with her parents to Minnesota and has spent a good share of her life in the western country. She was married to Mr. Snyder in Dec. 1912. She was engaged in teaching music and was highly though of in musical circles.  her mother was Kate Ireland, a sister of Mrs. Christian and formerly resided here.

Henry Spencer

Afton Enterprise, May 6, 1915

The first victim of lightning in this section was Henry Spencer, an aged and life-long resident of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].  The storm passed over that village at about 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon and less than an hour after, a neighbor found the lifeless body of Mr. Spencer lying in the yard.  It was at first thought that death was the result of heart disease, but Dr. Butler, who was summoned, found his hair burned and one ear singed, clearly indicating that the electric bolt had done its work.  Mr. Spencer was between 70 and 80 years of age and for many years since the death of his wife, had lived alone.

Sarah E. (Carlin) Handy

Afton Enterprise, May 20, 1915

The death of Mrs. Sarah E. Handy occurred at the home of her son Wesley C. Handy last Sunday, May 16, 1915, the immediate cause of her death being heart disease.  Mrs. Handy was born in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Dec. 6, 1847.  On Dec. 12, 1868 she was married to Charles O. Handy and came to Afton and has made this village her home ever since.  Mr. Handy died five years ago the 30th of this month.  Mrs. Handy had not been well for the past year and her health has been gradually failing and during the last few weeks of her illness she was a great sufferer.  She is survived by one won, Wesley C. Handy, of this village, two sisters, Mrs. Fred Bagley of Binghamton and Mrs. Ruth Walker of Bradford Pa.; three brothers, Edwin Carlin of Conklin, N.Y., and Wesley Carlin and George Carlin of Binghamton, N.Y.  The funeral which was private, was held Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock, her pastor Rev. Dr. J.J. Francis officiating. The home was open, to friends who desired to view the remains, from ten to eleven o'clock.  Interment was in Glenwood cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

Rosabelle Chase Barber

Afton Enterprise, May 20, 1915

The death of Rosabelle Chase Barber, wife of William H. Barber, occurred at the family home here Saturday afternoon, May 2d, after two weeks' illness with typhoid fever. She was born in the town of Westford [Otsego Co., NY] in 1859, a daughter of Sidney and Adelia Chase, and married Mr. Barber in 1876.  For twenty-two years they have resided at Maple Grove.  She was a woman held in high esteem by all who knew her, and leaves a wide circle of friends who are greatly grieved by her death.  She was a member of the Baptist church at Schenevus.  Besides her husband she is survived by one daughter, Lottie Rowe, residing at home; a son Burdette; a brother, Burt Chase, and several grandchildren. The funeral was Tuesday afternoon, Rev. E.B. Russell of Morris officiating, with burial in the West Laurens cemetery....Mrs. Barber had relatives also in Afton.

Obituaries (June 21)

Susanna (Weedmark) Wilkes

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1914

 

Susanna (Weedmark) Wilkes

1852 - 1914

Susanna Wilkes, wife of Fred Wilkes, died at the family home in South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] Thursday of last week, aged 61 years and 7 months.  Mrs. Wilkes was born in Canada on July 25, 1852.  She came to New York State, and in August, 1874, married Mr. Wilkes at Hamilton.  They made their home in New York Mills for some time before locating at Plymouth, 20 years ago.  Besides her husband there are surviving three children, Fred H. Wilkes and Miss Ida Wilkes, of South Plymouth, and Mrs. Axel Karlson, of Norwich.  There are also four sister, Mrs. Mary Harris, of Solvay; Mrs. Julia Smith, Mrs. Urania Ramsford and Miss Georgiana Weedmark, of Canada, and two brothers, William Weedmark, of Michigan, and Hebron Weedmark, of Canada.  Funeral services were held Saturday, Rev. Harry E. Brooks, of Plymouth, officiating.

 

Elton D. Warner

DeRuyter Gleaner, May 23, 1929

South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of life-long resident, Elton D. Warner, which occurred on Thursday evening May 9th, at 10:30 o'clock.  He had been feeling unusually well thru the day and evening, but as he started to retire complained of a pain in the region of the heart which proved to be a shock which paralyzed the left side.  He died before the doctor arrived.  Mr. Warner was born in the house in which he died, having lived there sixty-nine years, nine months and one day.  He was the youngest son of Roswell Warner and Polly West.  Besides the widow, Lucy E. Warner, two children survive--a son, Victor D. Warner, by a previous marriage, and a daughter, Florence Brown, by the last marriage.  He also leaves to mourn his loss, four grandchildren, and a brother, Cyrus R. Warner, and several nieces and nephews.  The private funeral services were held at the home on Sunday at two o'clock; burial in Valley View cemetery [South Otselic]. where Masonic services were held at the grave. 

 

Leon Gridley

1890 - 1947

Leon Gridley, 56, of Norwich RD3, was killed today as the 1936 Mack Truck and oil tanker which he was driving stalled on Haynes crossing, four and one-half miles south of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and was smashed by the northbound D.L.&W. passenger train 1803.  The crash, which occurred at 4:07 pm, hurled the victim 130 feet north of the crossing, where he came to a rest west of the tracks.  Wreckage was strung along both sides of the tracks.  The motor was thrown 100 feet north of the tracks and the frame and hose reel was carried approximately one-half mile  north of the scene.  Gridley, for over 30 years a driver for the Z.&M. Oil Company in Norwich, was traveling north on the East River Road between Oxford and Norwich, and had turned left to cross the railway to reach the new Oxford-Norwich highway under construction.  The engineer of the Utica bound passenger train, Harry Haynes, said that he saw the truck approach the track, then stop as it straddled the crossing.  He said that he blew the train whistle, rang the bells and managed to slow the engine down, before crashing the helpless truck. The nose of the engine struck the back of the truck cab and demolished the machine, killing the driver instantly.  The truck was owned by A.T. Biever, a wholesale gas, oil and kerosene dealer. The truck at the time of the catastrophe was carrying kerosene. The victim was attended by Dr. Leslie Kinney, coroner, who ordered the body removed to the Devine Funeral Home.  The accident was investigated by Deputies, Frank Machio and George Judd of the Chenango County Sheriff's office.  The conductor of the northbound train was R.P. Foley, Howard Doxie was the fireman, Clark Johnson, Flagman and C.H. Morris, baggage attendant.  The accident occurred at the halfway mark between Norwich and Oxford, a crossing known best to inhabitants of both communities and vicinity as Haynes Crossing.

 

Funeral services for Leon Gridley, victim of a tanker-train collision Tuesday south of Norwich, will be held tomorrow at 2:30 pm in the Breese Funeral Home, with the Rev. Lloyd S. Charters, rector of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, officiating.  Mr. Gridley, born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] July 28, 1890, the son of Melverne and Effie May Harris Gridley, was killed instantly at 4:07 Tuesday afternoon as a northbound D.L.&W. passenger train plowed into the stalled tanker-fuel truck that he was driving home form southern deliveries.  The victim suffered multiple fracture of the back and neck and a multiple internal hemorrhage, according to a statement made by Coroner Dr. L.T. Kinney, who assisted in the autopsy.  Mr. Gridley was employed for 30 years by the Z.&M. Oil Company and had joined the service of A.T. Biever, wholesale gas, oil and kerosene dealer in this city, three weeks ago.  he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 1943, and was an honorary member of the Ontario Hose Company.  Mr. Gridley was married Oct. 2, 1912 to Lucy Ann Wells. Besides his wife, Mr. Gridley leaves his mother, Mrs. Effie Gridley and children; Leon Gridley and Carl Gridley, of the Town of Norwich; Mrs. Gladys Kenyon, Mrs. Lucelia Tracy and Gaylord Gridley of this city, and Mrs. Caroline Ryan of the Town of Norwich. Also surviving are two brothers, Earl, of Guilford, and Roy of Binghamton, and 10 grandchildren.  Burial will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, April 22, 1875

 

MARR:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 17, 1875 at the home of his brother, Geo. W. Marr, Mr. John Marr, aged 69 years.

 

SANNICK:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 20, 1875, Mr. George  H. [Sannick], son of Peter H. and Ann Sannick, aged 7 years.

 

CHAMBERS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 18th, Joseph [Chambers], son of William H. and Merelin Chambers, aged 10 months.

 

McKINLEY;  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] April 19, Francis James [McKinley], son of James A. and Jane McKinley, aged 3 years.

 

NEWTON:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] April 18, Mr. Daniel Newton, aged 67 years.

 

WELLS:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] April 17, Mr. J.H. Wells, aged 76 years.

History of Norwich Pharmacal Company - Part 2

Birth of an Industry - Norwich Pharmacal Company

Dr. Reuben Jeffery - written in 1916
 Published in Norwich Percolate, January 15, 1935

 

Continuation of posting of June 19, 2016

 

"In 1916, Dr. Reuben Jeffery wrote an historical sketch of the company -- this article is prized very highly by the executives of the company....it is..., with a great deal of pleasure, that we reprint Dr. Jeffery's article in this historical issue of the Percolate."

 

Bell never gave up.  He said that if he could raise $200.00 he would leave miller's and "go it alone."  I went with him to the late Mr. Isaac S. Newton and Mr. Newton kindly loaned him the money.

 

I am a little uncertain at this time of the date that Bell came to me and said that if her could raise $800.00 he thought he could make a go of it.  He wrote to an old friend, Charles B. Norris, of Boonton, New Jersey, and told him of his prospects.  Norris invested $200.00.  Later he moved his family to Norwich and remained with the company until his death.  Although the latter few months of his life were spent in California, with his family, in an effort to regain his health.

 

It was in 1888 or 1889 that Manley P. Green and Cyrus P. Thomas invested $200.00 each.  I do not recall under what firm name the company did business at this time, but on Feb. 22nd, 1890, Bell, Norris, Green & Thomas associated themselves together as a manufacturing corporation to be known as The Norwich Pharmacal Company with a capital stock of $20,000.00.  The company was incorporated on March 31st of the same year. Thomas and Green sold out their interest on Sept. 24th, 1892--Green sold to John Hicks and Thomas to Chas. H. Stanton.  After a short interval Judge Hicks transferred a portion of his stock to R.C. Stofer--the present president of the company [in 1916]--who came with the house about this time.  The balance he sold to Oscar G. Bell.  Stanton later sold his stock to Mr. Norris.  It seems too bad that some of these early stockholders did not know what the future held in store and did not hold on.  Had they done so they could occasionally afford to go to Atlantic City and be pushed along the board walk in a wheel chair.  On Nov. 16, 1892, the capital stock was increased from $20,000 to $100,000 and has since been increased to many times that figure.

 

The first time the word "Pharmacal" was ever used, was in connection with the Norwich company.  According to the dictionaries of the English language there is no such word as "Pharmacal," the correct word being "pharmaceutical."  The word however has proven popular--at present there are a number of "Pharmacal" companies in the United States and several in England and Australia.  Bell unconsciously coined the work.  Possibly it is to be regretted that it was not copyrighted.

 

Unguentine

 

Under the name of Jeffery's Universal Family Ointment, what is now known as Unguentine was made in Geneva, New York, as long ago as 1828 and continued to be made there until after the Civil war.  The formula was given to my grandfather, Dr. Samuel Jeffery, about the time he left England to make his home in America in 1827, by Sir Astley Cooper, the famous surgeon.  He made the ointment in a washtub; the kitchen of his home was his laboratory, and 100 pounds at a time was the output.  This he packed in one ounce tin boxes and peddled it around central New York at twenty-five cents a box.  He died Feb. 15, 1877, in his eighty-sixth year. 

 

The ointment was not made commercially from about 1868, until its manufacture in Norwich under the name of Unguentine, although my father occasionally would make up a little and give it away to charity.  I had told Bell and Moore about it, and during the fall of 1886, at my request my father sent me the formula.  The original plan was that I was to make it and not give them the formula; their part was to sell it.  Consequently, in December, 1886, on the third floor over Nash's book store the first bath of Unguentine was made.  It was a sorry looking chemical mixture and when completed, I proudly called Bell in to see my achievement as a chemist. Bell took one look at the washtub, then a whiff and said:  "Do you think we are going to sell axle grease?"  Several years elapsed after this before anything more was done with Unguentine.

 

To be Continued

Obituaries (June 20)

Ellen B. (King) Sanders

South New Berlin Bee, March 28, 1914

 

Ellen B. (King) Sanders

1834 - 1914

 

Ellen B. Sanders, wife of George W. Sanders, died at the family residence, 11 Rexford street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Wednesday morning, March 25, 1914, aged 71 years.  Mrs. Sanders was in her usual health Sunday morning and attended morning services.  In the afternoon she suffered an attack of acute indigestion from which she did not rally.  Ellen B. Sanders was born in King's Settlement, October 31, 1834, the daughter of John W. and Adelia Roberts King. She had lived in or near Norwich during most of her life. Beside her invalid husband, one daughter, Mrs. Walter J. Smith of Rexford street and two brothers, John H. King of Norwich and A. King of Cleveland, Ohio, and one sister, Mrs. C.H. Loomis of Norwich survive. Funeral services will be held from her late home on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. A.R. Burke of the M.E. church officiating.  Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY]--Norwich Sun.

Rev. George W. Sanders

Cortland Standard, April 12, 1914

Rev. George B. Sanders died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Walter Smith, 13 Rexford st, in Norwich, N.Y., Thursday evening at 7:30 o'clock, aged 71 years.  Mr. Sanders was born in Homer [Cortland Co., NY] December 27, 1842, and was married June 6, 1864 to Ellen B. King, who died about three weeks ago.  He is survived by the one daughter, Mrs. Smith.  Mr. Sanders was at one time a Methodist minister having served charges at Silver Lake, Pa., and Hawleyton.  After giving up the ministry he moved to Plymouth and came from there to Norwich about nine years ago., where he and Mrs. Sanders made their home with their only daughter.  Mr. Sanders has been ill for twenty months and death came as a relief in great suffering.  Funeral services were private and were held from the home this afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. A.R. Burke officiating. The Odd Fellows of Norwich had charge of the services at the grave.  [Buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY]

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1914

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services held last Saturday afternoon for Rev. George W. Sanders, followed exactly three weeks after similar services for Mrs. Sanders.  Mr. Sandes died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Walter J. Smith, on Rexford street, Thursday afternoon, aged 71.  He had been ill for nearly two years, death resulting from hardening of the arteries.  The deceased was born at  Homer, Cortland county, December 27, 1842, the son of Simeon and Electa Sanders.  On June 6, 1864, he married Ellen B. King, of Norwich.  He was a student in the old Norwich Academy and after completing his course was a --?-- for several years until ordained a Presbyterian minister.  He served at Silver Lake and Hawlyton.  Eighteen years ago he gave [up the ministry] and returned to his [family home in Plymouth] which he left nine years ago to come to Norwich.  He is survived by an only daughter, Mrs. Smith.  Another daughter, Mrs. Mary Barnes [died in] October, 1910.*  Private funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, Rev. A.R. Burke officiating.  The Odd Fellows, of which organization the deceased was a member for 25 years, had charge of the burial services.

 

*May Adelia Sanders Barnes died in October 1911 and was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY.

 

Julia (Aldrich) Holly

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1914

 

 

Julia (Aldrich) Holly

1841 - 1914

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY:  Julia, wife of Charles E. Holly, of  Norwich, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lewis C. Jennings, in Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], last week; aged 72. The deceased was the daughter of Gaylord and Caroline Aldrich and was born in Springville, Pa., July 6, 1841.  Her marriage to Mr. Holly took place December 2, 1858, and they came to Norwich to reside 38 years ago.  For the past 35 years their home has been on Walnut street.  Mrs. Holly was a member of the Free Methodist church and a woman greatly beloved by those who knew her intimately and appreciated her real worth. Besides her husband and her daughter, Mrs. Jennings, at whose home she died, deceased is survived by one sister, Mrs. Sarah Ely, of Elmira. A second daughter, Ellen, died 33 years ago.  The remains arrived in Norwich from Cortland on Saturday afternoon and funeral services were held from the Free Methodist church on Sheldon street Monday afternoon, Rev. L.L. Rowley officiating. The bearers were: Eric Preston and Henry Aldrich, of East Pharsalia, and W.D. Southworth and Mason J. Aldrich, of Norwich.

 

James H. Day

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1914

 

 

James H. Day

1836-1914

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  James H. Day, a well-known farmer, died at his home at Lyon Brook on Sunday morning, aged 76.  Funeral services were held from his late home Wednesday afternoon, Rev. R.A. Gates, of Oxford, officiating.  Interment in Mount Hope Cemetery in Norwich.  Deceased is survived by his widow and by three sons, Ernest, Charles and Fred Day.

 

Alida J. Tripp

The New-Era Gleaner, DeRuyter, NY, July 25, 1889

TRIPP:  In Oneida, N.Y. [Madison Co.], July 20, 1889, Alida J., daughter of Israel and H. Jane Tripp, aged 26 years, 10 months and 10 days. The deceased had gone with her aged mother to visit her sister, Mrs. DeWitt Hopkins, and after spending several weeks very happily she was taken seriously sick from the effects of a carbuncle, which resulted in blood poison. The remains were brought home and the funeral services held at her mother's in this village, and the body laid at rest beside her fathers' in the cemetery in Quaker Basin [DeRuyter, Madison Co., NY].  In early youth she made a profession of religion, and though an invalid the most of her days, she set a noble example of patience and forbearance, realizing her own infirmities better than any one else could, and during all these years of bodily infirmity she was one of the most devoted and faithful members of the M.E. Church and a life member of the Missionary Society.   L.R.S.

Post Listing June 13 - 19, 2016

Listing of blog postings for the week of June 13 - 19, 2016

Marriages

Posted June 13, 2016

Marriages in Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY in 1910

Posted June 18, 2016
Dewey A. King - Myrtle A. Davis (1917)
Albert Cary - Mrs. Emily Cary (1897)
Frank Russell Todd - Ione H. Doolittle (1915)
J. Eugene LeSuer - Ethel m. Garlick (1915


 

Obituaries

Posted June 13, 2016

Harold Burwell (Norwich, 1914)

Christopher C. Foote (Guilford Center, 1910)

Mary R. (Moody) Evans (Bainbridge, Binghamton, 1947)

Albert Davis (Starkville, Guilford, 1902)

Abigail E. (Smith) Delavan (Guilford, 1879)

Death Notices - 1897

     Martha Scofield (Bainbridge)

     Altena Sweet (Bainbridge)

     Mrs. John Higley (North Afton)

     Bert Burlison (Guilford Center)

     Charles Delavan (Rockwell's Mills)

     Eliza Nicholson (Preston)

     Isaac F. Potter (Oxford)

Posted June 14, 2016
Cornelius N. Vosburgh (Norwich, 1914)
Dennis Ballou (Plymouth, 1872)
John H. Ferguson (Norwich, 1898)
Frank Lewis (Norwich, 1898)
Death Notices - 1872
     Abby Courtney (Norwich)
     Ella M. Beach (Norwich)
     Henry Mead (Oxford)
     Jessie Wheeler (Greene)
     William A. Mack (Greene)
     Mary Wiles (Smithville Flats)

Posted June 15, 2016
Mary Daly Cronk (New Berlin, 1914)
Chauncey Ferguson (Afton, Bainbridge, 1909)
Briton H. Norton (Bennettsville, 1920)
Hattie M. Banner (Bainbridge, 1956)
Death Notices - 18572
     Orpha Boalt (Bainbridge)
     Sanford B. Stillman (Lincklaen)
     Jason L. Burdick (DeRuyter, Norwich)
     Mrs. Benjamin Wilbur (Smyrna)
     Matie Stone (Smyrna)
     Ella Crumb (Smyrna)

Posted June 16, 2016
Dr. Joseph D. Bryant (Norwich, NYC, 1914)
M.S. Mandeville (Coventry, 1883)
George W. Fisher (Bainbridge, 1933)
Jane A. (Bradley) Bush (Guilford, 1910
Death Notices - 1877
     James P. Loomis (Norwich)
     Rovilla Milliken (Norwich)
     Hezekiah Ensworth (Norwich)
     Eri Benedict (Sherburne)
     Asa Aldrich (Plymouth)
     Mary Fisher (Bainbridge)
     Georgia Gilbert (Bainbridge)
     Jessie F. Holl (Lincklaen)

Posted June 17, 2016
Dr. John T. Hand (New Berlin, 1914)
Lydia Beatman Bush (North Afton, 1911)
Ozias Bush Jr. (Guilford)

Posted June 18, 2016
Thomas J. Snow (Norwich, 1914)
Samantha Green Bush (Guilford, 1888)
Anna S. Bush (Afton, 1940)
Death Notices - 1875
     Manson Kenyon (Pitcher Springs)
     Mrs. Cyrus J. Westcott (Milford, Guilford)
     Emergene Robb (Afton)
     Reuben T. Comstock (Brooklyn, Norwich)
     Permelia Buell (Earlville)
     Maria Ross (Auburndale MA, Oxford)
     Josiah Mayes (Osceola, IA, Oxford)

Posted June 19, 2016
Abigail P. (Fisher) Peck (Norwich, 1914)
William Wallace Ray (Hamilton, 1897)
William H. Blakeley (Effingham, 1878)
Orrin L. Anderson (Norwich, 1940)
Death Notices - 1875
     Benadam Frink (Plymouth)
     William Sherwood (Norwich)
     Julia Sturges (South Otselic)
     Henry  Hoyt (Greene)
     Murbie M. Jones (Guilford)
     Bertha Willoughby (Oxford)
     Hazard Dye (Preston)
     Uri Benedict (Preston)
     Darius Buell (Union City, MI, Sherburne)
     Dr. Albert Purdy (Oneida)


 

Miscellaneous

Posted June 18, 2016

More Early Scenes from Bainbridge, NY

Posted June 19, 2016
History of Norwich Pharmacal Co. - Part 1

 



History of Norwich Pharmacal Company - Part 1

Birth of an Industry - Norwich Pharmacal Company

Dr. Reuben Jeffery - written in 1916
 Published in Norwich Percolate, January 15, 1935

 

If industries have birthdays, all record of them is usually lost in the snuffed out memories of the dead.  Seldom can you put your pencil on the yellowed page of an ancient calendar and say, "On this day began such-and-such an industry."

 

In 1916 Dr. Reuben Jeffery wrote an historical sketch of the company--this article is prized very highly by the executives of the company.  To re-write this article would be sacrilegious, it is, therefore, with a great deal of pleasure, that we reprint Dr. Jeffery's article in this historical issue of the Percolate.

 

"I knew Lafayette Moore when I was a boy.  He was the pastor of a Baptist church at Flushing, L.I., and frequently visited my father who was pastor of the Marcy Avenue Baptist church of Brooklyn.

 

In 1885 Lafayette F. Moore, a retired Baptist minister arrived at the D.L.&W. station in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] as baggage.  He brought some slight equipment for cutting pills by hand and for gelatin coating.  These had been given him by his brother, who was retiring from a small pill business in New York City and who had instructed his brother in the method of making and coating pills.

 

The Rev. Mr.Moore hired a room in the top floor of an abandoned cooper shop and started in making a small line of pills which he personally peddled throughout the surrounding towns.  He purchased his drugs from the Corner Drug Store where Mr. Bell, our first president, was employed as a clerk.  Moore had more ambition than money and secured most of his supplies on credit extended him by Mr. Bell, and for which Mr. Bell became responsible.

 

It was March 1st, 1886 that I met Moore with his basket, an ordinary market basket;--it contained the entire stock in trade of the little enterprise that Moore on that day started--an enterprise that from the smallest acorn, has grown to a mighty tree.  The Norwich Pharmacal Company, in truth, is a mighty tree for its branches and products today cover every land where civilized man lives.

 

We arrived at the Burr Block and Moore & Co. alighted (the basket was the company).  Mr. Burr was on the side walk and courteously requested of Moore three dollars before giving possession to the room.  Moore just happened to be short three, so he appealed to me.  My scissors being very dull, (I had carelessly failed to cut my coupons for some time), I told Moore & Co. to wait on the sidewalk and I would go up town and raise the money.  I did not know just where to go to borrow (I had not the experience in that line then that made me famous in later years) so I decided to call on T.D. Miller which I did.  Mr. Miller was not in loaning humor that day; he told me to loan was contrary to the constitution and by-laws of his drug shop so I started to walk out of his store.  I was somewhat crest fallen because I did not know where else to go to borrow so large an amount.  Mr. Miller, however, had a happy thought just then and called me back.  He said, "Jeffery, what do you want three dollars for?"  I told him I was starting a little company in town and I wanted the money to pay the first month's rent.  Mr. Miller than told me that although he never loaned there was nothing to prevent his making an investment and asked me what interest three dollars would buy in the new company,.  I thought a minute--I thought of Moore standing out in the cold--I thought of the basket and its contents and how much it weighed--(those machines weighed about sixty-five pounds) and I told Mr. Miller "One-eighth interest in the company for the said three dollars."  Consequently Mr. Miller was the first investor, the first purchaser of "stock."  He paid at the rate of thirty-seven or thirty-eight cents a pound for his "stock" and whether I overcharged him for old brass I do not know.  As I left his store I thanked him and smiled and Mr. Miller smiled a smile which comes to the face of every man when he helps his fellow who is in trouble.

 

That day, March 15th, 1886, should always be a red letter day in Norwich.  That was in reality, the beginning of what today is Norwich's largest industry; a company that gave to Norwich its free mail delivery, that has always manifested its civic pride, that was largely instrumental in making the city a reality.

 

In the winter of 1886-87 I moved to the two floors over E.L. Nash's book store.  My offices were the same as those now occupied by Dr. C.M. Dunne.  I had introduced Mr. Moore to Mr. Oscar G. Bell, who was then prescription clerk in Miller's drug store, and evenings we would meet and visit in my office as a result of which Moore and Bell became very good friends.  Moore was in all kinds of trouble, he did not have the money to buy the drugs to make his pills.  Bell gave him credit and Moore would make a batch of pills and label them

L.F. Moore

Pill Manufacturer

Norwich, N.Y.

Then he would lock his door and go out and sell them.  Moore was proprietor, chemist, bookkeeper, cashier, janitor and salesman.  When, however, his indebtedness at Miller's was in the neighborhood of two hundred dollars Mr. Miller thought it had gone far enough and called on Mr. Bell to make good, inasmuch as he had guaranteed the credit.  "Poor Bell!"  He did not know what to do--a wife and two small children and a small salary--but with that characteristic which marked him through life (he never knew what the meaning of "give up" was)--he told me that he did not know where he could get the money--but said, "Don't worry, I will get it."  He did--he went to Smyrna and borrowed the money from an uncle of his wife's.  then a partnership was formed and thereafter the labels on the pill bottles read

Moore & Bell

Pill Manufacturers

Norwich, N.Y.

The affairs of the new company ran quite smooth for awhile--Bell remained with T.D. Miller--and evenings did the bookkeeping for Moore & Bell.  In a small way they prospered but Moore became dissatisfied with the conditions--no capital--no credit.  So on a certain day when the firm's bank account showed a balance of about $240, Moore drew a check for the full amount and vamoosed, taking the working formulas with him.  His whereabouts were not known for a long time, but it ended forever his connection with the little enterprise.  It might be interesting to here note that it was the same Moore who later went to Clinton and started the Clinton Pharmacal co.  This company after a short existence became Bristol, Myers & Co., now of Brooklyn.  Mr. Moore died many years ago somewhere in the Catskill mountains.*

 

To be Continued

 

_____________________________________

 

*Compiler note:  Rev. Lafayette Moore died 27 October 1896 and was buried in East Durham Cemetery, East Durham, Greene County, NY [findagrave.com, memorial #100382139]

 

 

Rev. Lafayette Moore

April 12, 1844 - October 27, 1896

Greene County  Historical Journal 34:4, Winter 2010, p31

 

Obituary:  We deeply sympathize with our East Durham (NY) Baptist friends in the loss of their pastor and brother by death.  It's very sad and will cause a great vacancy in the church.  With Rev. L.F. Moore we have had the pleasure of an acquaintance for several years, we admired the man not only for his great ability as an exponder [sic] of divine truths, but also for his genial and social walks in life.  He always had a kind and pleasant word for everyone he came in contact with.  He was not only a faithful soldier of the cross, but also a faithful soldier and comrade in the war for the union.  We shall miss his kind and friendly greeting, his mission on earth is done and he has been called up higher to receive that reward that is promised for those who remain faithful unto the end. We remember his kind visit to us when we were unable to leave our home, his pleasant words and his friendly greetings. As a soldier and comrade we loved the man and as a soldier of the armies of the Saviour we admired his course, showing his earnestness in waging war with sin and the evil one. We shall all miss him, and for a long time the silent tear will steal its way down the cheek in memory of departed worth. The Masonic fraternity were out in large numbers to pay the last tribute of respect to their departed brother.  The funeral was held last Wednesday from the Baptist church in East Durham.  Many ministers were present from the surrounding places.  I think there were ten at the last obsequies. They gave most excellent remarks bearing on the usefulness and good qualities of the deceased preacher and brother. The music by the choir was excellent and very appropriate for this solemn occasion.  The church was not only filled to its utmost capacity, but many were outside unable to get in. Farewell comrade, gone but not forgotten. As a soldier I felt it my duty to write these few words, although in weakness, yet coming from one whose heart is touched in the loss of our comrade and brother, Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord."  [Greenville Local - Reproduced in Greene County Historical Journal, Winter 2010 pp39-40]

 

For an excellent article about the career of Rev. Lafayette Moore, refer to the Greene County Historical Journal referenced above.  http://www.gchistory.org/images/journal-winter-2010.pdf