Obituaries (July 4)

Jared A. Redfield

Bainbridge Republican, June 11, 1880

The death of Archibald Robertson one of Elmira's most honored citizens, is closely followed by the demise of Jared A. Redfield, which occurred in this city, Sunday evening, June 6th, at his late residence in the 65th year of his age.  His decease will be lamented by all.  He was born in Bainbridge, Chenango county.  Mr. Redfield was a well known railroad man, but for the last four years he had been an invalid, having suffered from paralysis, a recent attack accelerating his death.  He was for many years Superintendent of the local division of the Northern Central Railroad, preceding in that responsible office the present superintendent, Mr. Robert Neilson.  Mrs. Redfield and three adult children survive the husband and father.  Of the deceased it may be truly said, he was loved by his family, prized by the community, and he leaves to the bereaved ones the heritage of an honorable name. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at the family residence, no. 668 Park Place.--Elmira Advertiser, 7th inst.

 

Thomas Collins, Sr.

Bainbridge News, July 17, 1958

Vanquished by the weight of over 92 years of human existence our venerated and beloved fellow citizen, Thomas Collins, quietly went to sleep and passed the point of no return last Wednesday, July 2. Gallantly, with the aid of a devoted daughter he had for some time pushed the infirmities of age aside and kept the years at bay.  He entered upon his last sleep with no agony of pain or suffering.  Mr. Collins was born in London, England, in 1866, and was educated in the public schools of that country and in one of the technical schools in Stockholm, Sweden.  Upon completing his education he entered the employ of the Swedish branch of the DeLaval Separator Co.  It was in their interest that he came to this country in 1887.  He later left their employment and engaged for himself in the creamery business in New England.  He came to Bainbridge in 1889 with a relative, Mr. E.A. Whalin, and a friend, Louis Hartmann,  Here with the aid of Mr. C.C. Hovey and other interested Bainbridge people, they formed the Swedish Cream Separator Co. and they erected a factory building at the north west end of the river bridge just beyond the old Major DeZeng home.  This building was later occupied by the National Milk Sugar Company's business and has since been destroyed along with the DeZeng house and the area is sometime called "DeZeng Park" as it is owned by the village and maintained as a green-sward. This first Separator Company venture shortly suffered serious financial reverses, following which Mr. Collins and Mr. Hartmann undertook the manufacture in a small way of an improved hand operated cream separator of their own contriving, which was well received by the farmers of that day. They first rented the old shoe factory building in the rear of the railroad station.  Their business rapidly grew and in 1895 the American Separator Company was organized which later became the leading manufacturing  industry of the town, often employing as many as 200 men.  Thomas Collins was a man respected for the authority of his opinion and judgement, but above all he was loved for his qualities as a man; his gentleness, his courteous patience beneath which there was a warm heart capable equally of sympathy and sometimes indignation too.  He was a versatile man and among his local activities was a term served as Village President.  He had a fondness for music and was for several years a member of the choir of St. Peter's Church and was interred in the churchyard of that church following a solemn high requiem mass service at St. John's Roman Catholic Church in this village. He will be missed and long remembered by his neighbors and village friends - Dr. Edward Danforth.

 

Dr. Leal L. Perry

1895 - 1932

[No other person had entered] into the hearts of the people than that of Dr. Leal L. Perry, successful and prominent physician, who died early Tuesday morning [April 12, 1932] from scarlet fever which disease he contracted during his fearless administration in the cause of the sick.  Popular and genial, Dr. Perry was in demand.  He entered the homes where the pall of disease had settled, giving to the unfortunates his skill..  His patients in the stricken homes live on while he has fallen a martyr to his profession.  Six years ago Dr. Perry came to Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] after his graduation from the Albany Medical College.  At once his professional career was launched with success.  He was recognized as a physician of unusual merit.  Associated with his ability was a personality which spread confidence and radiated the comforting atmosphere of hope.  Shadows which often fall in the wake of disease were lifted through his genial contact.  He was young in years, 35.  He had advanced so rapidly that his classification as a physician had taken a matured form.  Success had perched its reward all about him.  He had a fine home, splendidly equipped office, and ....and such an honor that will be a fitting memorial to him in the community where he initiated his work.  Dr. Perry was born at Vanderbilt, Mich., thirty-five years ago.  In 1907 he moved with his parents to Rushville, New York.  He was a graduate of Canandaigua Academy and Albany Medical College, finished at the latter institution in 1925.  He served in the Albany Medical College, coming to Bainbridge in 1926.  He is survived by a wife, a sister, Mrs. Zoe Keuhne, of Rushville, and two brothers, Herbert of Honolulu and Raymond of Westfield, N.J.  The flags which fly to the breezes on each holiday in front of business places of the village were placed at half mast and drooped to his memory until his funeral had passed. This was the first occasion that the flags of the village have been placed in honor of one of her citizens. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock with no services except at the grave. The American Legion Post, of which the deceased was a member, attended as an escort.  Rev. O.H. Orvis of the Presbyterian Chruch, officiated.