Mysterious Fire Balls, Laurens, NY - 1894

Mysterious Fire Balls  seen in Laurens, Otsego Co., NY

Otsego Journal, January 4, 1894

Several responsible persons say they can see a bright light shining from the ruins where George Brown's house burned last summer, nearly every night from 7 to 11 o'clock.  Sometimes it looks like two balls of fire a jumping up and down and sparks fly from them, and then it will shine on the barn, and follow the fence down the road and disappear, and then it will go off across the lots to the woods, and go up and disappear. The neighbors and people from the village have tried to go where it was and it would disappear before they got there.  Others have watched in the barn with guns, but it don't come out when they are on the premises.  D. Hopkins says he has seen it several nights across the hills from his house. Several loads have been up to Harvey Hands to watch them and all tell the same story and they don't leave any tracks in the snow is the greatest query of the writer.  Hope they will solve the mystery soon, for it takes away all of the setters, makes dull evenings in town.

Obituaries (January 7)

Ira W. Hall

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1921

 

 

Ira W. Hall

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At the home of his daughter, Mrs. Fred Youmans, of 3 Wheeler Avenue, Monday, occurred the death of Ira W. Hall.  Deceased was 80 years old and was born in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  He was a veteran of the civil War and saw two years of service in the one hundred and Forty-fourth New York Volunteers.  Mr. Hall was a sturdy and successful farmer until three years ago, when he suffered a shock.  Somewhat over a year later he suffered a second stroke and two weeks ago, while visiting in Oxford, he suffered the third shock, from which he never recovered.  He had made many friends by whom his memory will long be cherished.  The year following his return from the war, in 1862, Mr. Hall married Mary L. McPherson, of Kortright, Delaware county, who died in 1906.  September 22, 1913, he married Mary Cahill of Gloucester, N.J., who survive shim.  Besides his daughter, Mrs. Youmans, who had made a home for him during his last years, he leaves one son, Fred W. Hall, of Wellsbridge; a grandson, Clarence Hall, and a granddaughter,  Marguerite Youmans.  Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, with burial at Wellsbridge [Otsego Co., NY].

 

George W. Bowen

Otsego Journal, January 4, 1894

George W. Bowen, an aged and respected citizen residing near Rockwells Mills [Chenango Co., NY], died on Friday afternoon, Dec. 29th, at 3:30.  His last illness of three weeks duration was made doubly afflictive by the illness of his wife, her life at one time being considered in as much danger as his.  Mr. Bowers was born in Rhode Island in August 1815, and for many years, resided on the farm now owned by his son, Francis.  He had resided at the place where his death occurred twenty-three years.  He was twice married, his first wife, whom he survived fifteen years, being Clarissa Chamberlin, daughter of Calvin Chamberlin, and sister of Cy and Caldwell Chamberlin.  His last wife was a Miss Peckham of East Bainbridge.  Three sons survive him, Francis Bowen, of White Store, Decalvos, of Norwich; and Adelbert, of Sidney. The last years of Mr. Bowen's life were afflicted with blindness, and also a cancerous growth that necessitated the removal of his right eye about a year ago.  To add to his other afflictions his house was the scene of the most dastardly robbery one year ago last fall that was ever perpetrated in this valley.  Rev. E.H. Denny officiated at the funeral, which occurred from the house on Sunday.  His remains were taken to White Store [Chenango Co., NY] for interment by the side of those of his first wife.

 

Harriet Bowen

Otsego Journal, April 4, 1912

The serious illness of Mrs. Amos Bowan was mentioned in this column last week.  At that time she was reported better.  The improvement was, however, but temporary, and but it later became apparent that only the most unfavorable result was to be expected.  On Saturday forenoon about 10 o'clock, she passed away peacefully and painlessly.  From any temporal point of view possible of attainment by the finite mind, such an event is, under the circumstances, incomprehensible.  A life could scarcely mean more to those dependent upon it for the comfort and ministrations that it alone could give, than hers did to the surviving members of her family.  She had been usually well up to the night following the funeral of Sidney Skinner, a relative, which she attended at White Store on March 14.  Shortly after her return home she was taken suddenly ill, conditions developing that made her case a serious one, and the issue doubtful, Notwithstanidng intervals of temporary improvement.  Mrs. Bowen was born at Rockwell's Mills [Chenango Co., NY] in 1836.  She was a daughter of Benjamin and Caroline Peck, surviving all the members of  her family, including a younger sister, Nancy, who died many years ago and a brother, Dr. Henry Peck, of Binghamton, whose death was comparatively recent.  She was married to Amos Bowen in 1855, their home being for many years the farm west of Latham's Corners, now owned and occupied by Luke Snyder.  Upon leaving the farm they came to this place where they have since resided.  Deceased was a woman of domestic tastes, her interests being centered in her home and the members of her family, traits that make her loss all the more irreparable in the circle where her presence was seemingly indispensable and her affectionate care and solicitude daily gave more essential and necessary. She was converted to God and joined the Methodist church at the age of fifteen years, and on the occasion of her funeral Tuesday afternoon, her pastor, Rev. M.H. Reid, read a letter written by her to her Sunday school teacher, Mrs. E.J. Richmond, at that time, on the subject of her conversion, the sentiments of which are still perennially fresh and inspiring after the lapse of more than sixty years. She is survived by her husband, Amos Bowen, and her daughter, Carrie, whose need of her was never more urgent and pressing than now, and who have the sympathy of the whole community in their loss. The funeral was largely attended from the house.  Members of the church contributed a beautiful floral piece of lilies for the casket.  Friends were present from Oswego, Norwich, Sidney and Rockdale. The burial was in White Store in Evergreen cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Henry Hardson Bowen

South New Berlin Bee, October 17, 1903

Henry Bowen, an aged resident living about two miles from this place, died last Wednesday evening after an illness of about two months.  Mr. Bowen was a leading member of the Baptist church of Mt. Upton, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him.  He is survived by his widow and two daughters, Mrs. Allen Rockwell of this palce, and Mrs. E.L. Cornell of Sandcoulee, Mont.  The funeral services were held at his late residence Saturday at 1 o'clock. There was a large attendance of relatives and friends.

 

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, October 10, 1903

The death of Henry Hardson Bowen, who resided in the town of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] about two miles from Rockwell's Mills, on the Norwich road, occurred at his home Wednesday night, October 7, 1903, after a short illness. Deceased was 63 years of age and is survived by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Allen Rockwell of Rockwell's Mills, and Mrs. Edgar Cornell of Great Falls, Mont.  Mr. Bowen was a highly respected farmer and was well known in Norwich and in the eastern towns of Chenango county.  Funeral services will be held from the house on Saturday at 1 p.m., the Rev. L.A Pickett officiating.

 

Otsego Journal, October 15, 1903

The death of Mr. Bowen occurred at his home on the Norwich road, west of Latham's Corners, on Wednesday night last at 10 o'clock.  This event was not unexpected by his large circle of friends, owning to his rapid decline of the physical and mental powers during the last few weeks.  Mr. Bowen sustained a shock early in June, rendering him partially helpless, but from which he partially rallied so as to be able to ride and get about to a limited extent. A few weeks ago another shock rendered him entirely helpless and speechless, and from this he rapidly declined, passing peacefully and unconsciously into the other life. Deceased was the son of Ollis Bowen and was born on the farm where he died a little more than sixty-three years ago.  He was twice married, the first marriage being contracted with a Miss Mitchell, daughter of the late Mrs. Amasa Colburn.  One daughter was born of this marriage, Mrs. Edgar l. Cornell, of Sand Conlee, Montana.  She was enabled to be present at the funeral, arriving on Thursday night after the death of her father. The second marriage was with Miss Maria Barber, who survives him, as also does one daughter of this marriage, Mrs. Allen Rockwell of the Mills.  Mr. Bowen was one of those men whose integrity and high sense of moral and religious responsibility give tone and stability to the social public in the communities in which they live.  He was a prominent member of the Baptist church of this palce and both in that connection and in the community at large his death is a loss, the sense of which is universal. The funeral was very largely attended at 1 o'clock on Saturday.  The services were conducted by Rev. L.A. Pickett, the former pastor, and Rev. Mr. Shelburne, present pastor of the Baptist church of this palce.  Interment was in Evergreen cemetery, White Store [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Grotsinger - Welden Marriage

Grotsinger - Welden

Utica Saturday Globe, January 1921

Benjamin L. & Edith May (Welden) Grotsinger

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  A very quiet wedding was celebrated on Tuesday last at the Broad Street M.E. parsonage when Miss Edith May Welden, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Asa Welden, of 20 Hubbard Avenue, became the bride of Benjamin L. Grotsinger, of 154 South Broad street.  Rev. Frank W. Young performed the ceremony. The couple were accompanied by Miss Grace Welden, a sister of the bride, and by Arthur E. McFarlane.  Mr. and Mrs. Grotsinger will reside for the present at 20 Hubbard avenue but are planning to occupy apartments of their own in the near future.  The groom is seal clerk at the Lackawanna station in this city and the bride is a clerk in the Adams candy store on North Broad street. Together they have many friends who wish them a long and happy wedded life.

 

Death Notice

Norwich Sun, September 15, 1923

 

Grotsinger, Benjamin L.--Died at his home, 6 Division street, Tuesday, September 11, 1923, aged 24 years.  Funeral services were held from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. August Grotsinger, Thursday, September 13, 1923, Rev.L.D. Palmer officiating.  Burial was made in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].

 

Man Takes Own Life When His Wife Quits Him

Norwich Sun, September 12, 1923

 

A gruesome act of suicide was discovered Tuesday afternoon, when Benjamin L. Grotsinger, of 6 Division street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], was found on the floor of the bathroom of his home, by his father-in-law, Asa J. Welden, dead from the effects of illumination gas.  Brooding over domestic difficulties is thought to be the motive for the rash act.

 

"nine o'clock--here goes nothing--no good to anybody," with this pathetic introduction, the unfortunate man continued  a short letter to his mother, Mrs. Nancy Grotsinger, with information as to where certain papers, insurance policies, and money could be fond. Business matters were explained and the location of $47 of his money was revealed.

 

Recent domestic difficulties are ascribed as the cause of his tragic act.  He was married on January 11, 1921 to Miss Edith Welden, who several days ago left him.  He had posted her as leaving his bed and board, and on Monday evening, called the home of her father, Asa J. Welden, inquiring for her, and inviting her to his apartment.  She refused to come, and his motive for calling her is variously interpreted either as a final plea for reconciliation, or death.  In his note to his distracted mother, the young man pleaded that he had not realized "how much this would mean to her," which is presumed to mean the trouble between himself and his wife.

 

The couple had lived together happily until about a week ago, when it is alleged another woman attracted the attentions of Grotsinger.  The climax came when his wife and child of two years left his home, after which he advertised that he would not be responsible for debts contracted in his name by her.  Household effects were divided, the wife's portion having for the most part been removed.  A few pieces of furniture remained, which indirectly led to the discovery of the dead man.

 

Asa J. Welden, father-in-law of the man, in company with Harry Saunders, went to the Grotsinger home Tuesday afternoon, for the joint purpose of removing certain effects belonging to Mrs. Grotsinger, and ascertaining the whereabouts of Mr. Grotsinger, who was absent from his work on Tuesday. The man was employed by E.P. Prindle, a milk distributor, and had failed to appear for work on Tuesday.  Inquiry was made during the morning, when it was found that he had not been seen, but nothing was thought of it being assumed that he had gone out of town.

 

When Mr. Welden and Saunders entered the home, the odor of gas was quickly detected.  On investigating, the victim was found on the floor of the bathroom and had been dead for some time.  Cracks in the windows and doors had been filled with cloth, and the gas turned on full head.  The man had removed his coat and shoes taken a blanket and pillow  and made himself comfortable to await his destruction after turning on the gas.  Mrs. John Scanlon, living in the  next apartment had noticed the odor of gas in the morning and searched vainly as to its source in her rooms.  It was not until about 2 :30 in the afternoon when the men discovered Grotsinger.

 

His death falls with crushing force upon his bereaved mother whose heart was already torn by the critical illness of a daughter, an invalid of many years.  Born in the town of Norwich, the victim of the tragedy had made his life long residence in this vicinity where he was well known.  On September 16, next Sunday, he would have been 24 years of age.  The remains were ordered removed to the undertaking parlors of the William Breese Company, by Coroner E.W. Wilcox, who took charge of the body.  Private funeral services will be held form the home of his parents Mr. and Mrs. August Grotsinger on the Oxford road, at 2 o'clock, Thursday afternoon, the Rev. L.D. Palmer officiating.

 

Surviving the deceased, besides his parents, are his widow, Mrs. Edith Grotsinger, a small son, Arthur, two brothers, Harry and Joseph, all of Norwich; five sisters, Mrs. Blanche Horton of Greene, Miss Mabel Grotsinger of this city, who lies at the point of death, Mrs. Jennie Wilcox of Coventry station.  Mrs. Jesse Cady of Greene and Mrs. Jesse Wilcox of Coventry station, Mrs. Jesse Cady of Greene and Mrs. Katheirne Slater of East Norwich.

 

Obituaries (January 6)

William L. West

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1921

 

William L. West

Norwich []Chenango Co., NY]:  A large circle of relatives and friends mourn the death of William L. West, which occurred recently at his home in Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Alice J. West, of Plymouth, and five children, Mrs. John Brazee, Perry West and Mrs. Loring Tornish, of Norwich; Mrs. Duane Cole, of Woods Corners, and Fred West, of Oxford; eight grandchildren, Fannie Brazee, Lillian West, Jesse, Perry West and Mrs. Loring Vorrish, Harold Mildred, Claude West; besides three sisters and three brothers, Henry Parks, of East Pharsalia; Oscar Parks, of Sidney Center, and Norman Parks, of Franklin; Mrs. Lydia Davis, of Mattewan, Pa.; Mrs. Mazzie Dan, of Binghamton, and Mrs. Cora Hotaling, of Franklin.  The funeral services were held from the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Braze, of Crandall Avenue, Wednesday, Rev. C.H. Bailey officiating. Burial was at South Plymouth.  [died at Plymouth, Sept. 9, 1921, aged 58 years]

 

N. Cleveland Ferris

Norwich Sun, September 19, 1921

At the Matterson hospital Saturday evening, Sept. 17, 1921, occurred the death of N. Cleveland Ferris, shortly after he had been taken there for an operation.  Mr. Ferris was born in Smyrna April 19, 1852, and was the son of Nathaniel and Polly Ferris, pioneer residents of that town.  He is survived by two sons, Frank, of this city, and Warren, of Smyrna and two brothers  Cortland L. Ferris, of Earlville, and Leland L. Ferris of 68 Canasawacta street, this city, also three nephews and two nieces.  Mr. Ferris had many warm friends in this vicinity where he had resided for the past five years, and who will sincerely mourn the departure of a true friend.  Brief funeral services will be held Tuesday at the home of L.L. Ferris, the Rev. Frank W. Young officiating, and at 2:30 burial services will be held at the Congregational church, Smyrna, and interment made in the West burial ground in that village by the side of his father and mother.

 

Amos Bowen

Otsego Journal, May 23, 1912

In the death of Mr. Bowen, which occurred on Tuesday evening, May 14, our village loses one of its oldest inhabitants, and one who departing leaves behind him a vacancy which considered in consonance with the lines upon which he ordered his life and his attitude towards the highest and best attainments in living, cannot readily be filled.  He survived the death of his wife which occurred March 30, but little over six weeks. The bereavement sudden and unexpected as it was, served to augment his enfeebled condition which had become more and more apparent during the spring, and by quickening the disintegration of his vital forces, tended to hasten the close of his life. Deceased was a son of Ransellaer Bowen and was born near White Store [Chenango Co., NY] May 6, 1828.  He was married to Harriet Peck Sept. 19, 1854, and became a resident of this town and pursued the vocation of farmer until the removal of the family to this village.  One child, a son, died in infancy, and a daughter, Carrie, survives the loss of both her parents in so brief an interval of time.  Mr. Bowen was a man whose life should serve as an inspiration and a model to all who would make honesty, consistency and uprightness the foundation of a character, as worthy of respect and emulation as his.  He was for many years a member of the Methodist church, and no shadow of reproach ever came upon the society through any act of him.  His funeral was attended from the house by many relatives and friends on Friday. The text chosen by Rev. M.H. Reid for the foundation of interesting and edifying remarks on the life of Mr. Bowen, was the 37th verse of the 37th psalm:  "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."  Among relatives from away were:  Mrs. Irving Bowen, of Oswego; D.C. Bowen, of Norwich; Mrs. Emogene Bowen, Sidney; Mrs. Skinner, White Store; Adelbert Bowen and son, Sidney. The burial was beside his wife in Evergreen cemetery, White Store.

 

Caroline A. Bowen

Unadilla Times, June 18, 1943

Miss Caroline A. Bowen, 84, a former resident of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], died Thursday afternoon at 4 of cancer of the stomach, at the home of Mrs. Thomas Porter, Otego, where she had been cared for for some time. Funeral services were held from the Mt. Upton Methodist church Monday at 2, and burial will be made in the White Store cemetery.  Rev. Charles Dempsey will officiate.  Miss Bowen, a native of Guilford, was the daughter of Amos and Harriet (Peck) Bowen. She spent most of her life caring for her parents. A member of the Mt. Upton Methodist church, she is survived by two nieces and several cousins.

 

 

 

Obituaries (January 5)

Philo C. Billings

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1921

 

Philo C. Billings

1850-1921

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Philo C. Billings, who died Sunday at the family home, 25 American Avenue, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Moses Billings.  He was 77 years old.  Mr. Billings was a veteran of the Civil War.  His health had been failing for the past three years and during the past two weeks he had declined rapidly.  Besides his widow there survive one son, Charles, and a daughter, Minnie, both residents of Binghamton.  Funeral services were held from his late home Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Frank W. Young officiating.  [Burial in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY]

 

Zida (Barse) Bidwell

The Otsego Farmer, June 21, 1896

Gilbertsville, Otsego Co., NY:  Zida, wife of Charles Bidwell and daughter of Alonzo Barse, died June 9th, after an illness of five days, aged 29 years.  Four little children and a most devoted husband at left to mourn her early death.

 

Charles Bidwell

1864 - 1931

Early Monday morning, July 20, 1931, came the news of the death of Charles Bidwell.  He had been in very poor health for several years and had borne his suffering patiently, waiting for the summons to go to his heavenly home.  Mr. Bidwell was born March 19, 1864, in the town of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] where he spent most of his life.  He was married to Miss Zida Barse Dec. 1, 1886, and to them were born four children.  His wife passed away June 10, 1895, her death being a sad blow to him; he never ceased to mourn for her.  Mr. Bidwell was a kindly man, always busy when his health would permit.  Last winter at his request he went to live at Cooperstown, where he has been very happy and most tenderly cared for.  He leaves to mourn his passing three daughters and one son, Mrs. Dewitt Underwood, of Otego; Mrs. Earl Thurston, of Oxford; Mrs. Gilbert Sherburne, of South New Berlin and George Bidwell, of Briar Creek; also, several grandchildren. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at the home of his son, with burial at White Store [Chenango Co., NY] beside his wife.

 

George S. Blackman

Otsego Journal, June 19, 1913

George S. Blackman, aged 46 years, formerly a resident of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY] died suddenly Friday, June 13, 1913, in Syracuse, N.Y., of tubercular pleurisy, at the Hospital of Good Shepherd.  Mr. Blackman has been employed by Charles Hubbard, Son and Company, wholesale druggists, Syracuse, for the past six years.  Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in Syracuse, after which the remains were taken to New York accompanied by his brother, Charles F. Blackman.  The services were largely attended by fellow employees and friends.  The numerous floral offerings show the esteem in which Mr. Blackman was held by his many friends.

 

Adelbert C. Bowen

Sidney Record, April 28, 1900

Last Monday at about 11 o'clock in the morning our citizens were deeply distressed to learn of the terrible death in the O.&W. yard in this place [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY] of Mr. Adelbert C. Bowen, a well known resident of this village. At the time of the accident, Mr. Bowen was working in the yard, engaged in cleaning the tracks and switches at a point about midway between the O.&W. freight house and the coal dump.  The switch engine was backing down two cars towards the coal dump. The alarm was given that a man had been run over and engineer Pinch stopped the train as soon as possible.  Investigation revealed the fact that Mr. Bowen was the unfortunate victim.  He had been struck midway about the body, probably in attempting to get out of the way.  His body was badly mutilated and death was instantaneous.  Mr. Bowen was a hard working, faithful employee of the railroad, well liked by everyone.  The sad news was heard with the deepest regret and the utmost sympathy is expressed for Mrs. Bowen and her son. The remains were taken in charge by funeral director Heath. The funeral services were held last Wednesday at 9 o'clock and the body was conveyed to White Store [Chenango Co., NY] for interment.  Mr. Bowen leaves a widow and a son to mourn his loss, also two brothers, F.A. Bowen, of Sidney and D.C. Bowen, of Norwich.  He died in the 47th year of his age.  On Wednesday Coroner McKinnon held an inquest in the private law office of Mr. W.H. Pierce. Five witnesses namely, Charles Coe, Thomas Ashton, Frank Pinchy, Dr. Day and H.G. Newton, testified before the court.  None of them saw the accident, but gave details of all that happened immediately previous to the fatality. At the close of the testimony Coroner McKinnon took the papers and rendered a decision in which it is affirmed that the railroad company and its employees are exonerated from all blame.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, March 7, 1866

 

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 6,, Dr. Daniel Bellows, aged 69 years and 8 months.

 

At White Store [Chenango Co.,NY], Norwich, Jan. 31, Mr. Amos Bowen, aged 92 years.

 

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 18, Mrs. Betsy Marvin, aged 60 years.

 

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 9, Mr. Edson Hubbard, aged 46 years.

 

In New York City, Feb. 18, Mrs. Anna M. Leach, daughter of H. Higginbotham, of Greene, aged 30 years.

 

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 20, George W. [Sackett], only child of James W. and Mary A. Sackett, aged 1 year, 7 months and 17 days.

 

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 21, after a short illness George Ervin Gates, son of George and Almira Gates, aged 3 years, 7 months and 14 days.

Little George Ervin has gone to rest,

In heaven above, among the blest,

Weep not, fond parents, for thy little one,

For he is with God--his work is done.

Chenango & Unadilla Valleys 50 years ago - 1872

Chenango and Unadilla Valleys Fifty Years Ago

By S.S. Randall

Chenango Telegraph, March 27, 1872

 

Continued from January 3, 2017 posting

A romantic account is also given of a tragical scene enacted at the "Castle" during the latter years of the Oneidas occupancy.  A beautiful Indian girl, betrothed to a favored lover, was addressed by a rival suitor of rank and wealth, preferred by her "cruel parents," and who, with such advantages in his favor, succeeded in transferring the dusky maiden, sorely against her inclinations, to his wigwam.  His felicity was, however, destined to be of short duration, and was speedily interrupted by the elopement of his bride with her "one true love."  The indignant husband pursued the guilty pair, and coming upon their trail, in the darkness of night, and while they were buried in profound slumber ruthlessly stabbed the guilty paramour to the heart, and after inflicting numerous and severe wounds upon the "false fair bride" left her to her fate.  She, however, ultimately recovered; and the Indian Council assembled in solemn conclave, for the trial of the murderer, upon mature deliberation, and upon a full investigation of all the facts and circumstances, rendered a verdict of acquittal, based upon the flagrant provocation received.  Verily as Shakespeare long ago proclaimed "for all that I could ever read or learn, the course of true love never did run smooth."  A New York jury, under the luminous ruling of Judges Barnard or Cardozo could not have arrived at a sounder conclusion.  The plea of "Son assault demesns" was fully established--the law vindicated, and substantial justice done.

 

Mr. Clark is of the opinion "that the exact location of the "Castle" is on that portion of Mr. Hall's farm, bounding on the east bank of the Chenango river, where are yet (1850) standing a few apple trees planted by the natives, and which are about the last trace of the former habitation of the aborigines in Norwich."  Occasional conflicts, sometime attended by bloodshed, and even murder, occurred between the two races; in which that "last of the Mohicans" Abram Antone--a ferocious blood-thirsty villain was uniformly prominent, until his savage instincts were choked out by the hangman's hand.

 

In the year 1785, Gov. George Clinton negotiated a treaty with the Chiefs and Sachems of the Oneida and Tuscarora Indians, at Fort Herkimer, whereby in consideration of $11,500 in goods and money to be paid to the Indians, they conveyed to the State, or relinquished their claim and title to the entire territory south of a line to be run from the Unadilla or Tianaderha river and the Chenango on the north through the south bounds of the present village of Norwich to the Pennsylvania line on the south. Three years subsequently, a second treaty was effected at Fort Schuyler by Gov. Clinton, including the cession of the entire tract known as the "Twenty Townships" extending from the north line of Sangersfield, Oneida county, and Nelson, Madison county, to the southern limits of the towns of Norwich, Preston, McDonough, in Chenango county, and bounded easterly by the Unadilla river and westerly on what was known as the "military tract" comprising the present towns of German, Pitcher and Lincklaen, and two towns in Madison county.  Otselic, Smyrna and Sherburne were subsequently made the frontier towns of the county on the north; Pharsalia, Plymouth and North Norwich next on the south, McDonough, Preston and Norwich, immediately below, and Columbus and New Berlin on the east. The three towns of German, Lincklaen and Pitcher were annexed on the west; and Smithville, Oxford, Guilford, Greene, Coventry and Bainbridge on the south.  Each of these townships was divided into equal quarter sections and subdivided into lots containing two hundred and fifty acres each, as nearly as might be practicable, and numbered from one to one hundred; reserving in each township one lot for "Gospel" and another for "School" purposes, centrally located.  These several lots, in each township, with these exceptions, were ordered to be sold under the direction of the Commissioners of the Land Office and Surveyor-General at a minimum price of three shillings or about seventy-five cents per acre. The average of the sales were bid in by wealthy capitalists and land speculators at about one dollar per acre, and speedily resold to actual settlers or subsequent purchasers at five times that amount.

 

To be continued.

Obituaries (January 4)

James Everett Main

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1921

 

James Everett Main

1888 - 1921

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Everett Main of North Norwich, a truck driver, employed by Contractor Paddleford on the Sherburne-Columbus highway, was hurled to almost instant death Saturday when he drove upon the Sherburne crossing of the Lackawanna Railroad directly in the path of engine No. 798, which was running light southbound, at the rate of 25 or 30 miles an hour.  Main was thrown a distance of 75 feet, his body being picked up in front of the baggage room at the depot.  The coupling at the front of the engine struck the radiator of the truck squarely and the hugh auto was thrown about 40 feet.  Main was alive wh0en picked up, but died a few minutes after the arrival of Dr. D.W. Gould, who was called and lost no time in arriving at the scene.  Main's skull was crushed, a leg was broken, and there were numerous bruises about his face and body.  By the force of the impact the pilot of the engine was broken.  The crossing is protected by gates and the watchman, Patrick Gaffney was on duty.  A work train stood on the siding, waiting for engine No. 798 to pass. A gang of carpenters was employed in repairing the planking at the crossing.  For some reason the crossing gates were not lowered in time to save the truckman. Engineer Joseph Slick blew the whistle and several eye witnesses strove to warn Main and to call the gateman's attention to the truck, but too late to avoid the crash.  Mr. Main had been employed in hauling materials for the highway all summer and had probably made the crossing in safety a thousand times.  He was considered one of the best of drivers, always steady, careful and reliable.  He was well liked by his associates in the work and in his home town of North Norwich.

 

Truck Driver Meets Death At Crossing

Norwich Sun, October 17, 1921

Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY]:  Everett Main, of North Norwich met almost instant death at the Lackawanna railroad crossing in this village Saturday afternoon while driving a motor truck when he was hit by light engine No. 798.  Main, who was 33 years old, was thrown a distance of perhaps 80 feet, his body being picked up near the baggage room of the depot.  The truck was hurled a distance of 50 feet.  Although the crossing is protected by gates and a watchman is on duty, it is declared by several eye witnesses, that the crossing was left unguarded at the time. Either the gates failed to work or the watchman, Patsy Gaffney was not aware of the engine's [approach].

 

The fatality is particularly sad as Main leaves a wife and five children, the oldest 12 years of age and the youngest only seven months.  the children are Walter aged 12, Edith, 10, Avereia 7, Ethel 7 and Bernice born last March.  There also survive his mother, Mrs. Jane Bubbs and two brothers, Clayton Main of Hornell and Harry of North Norwich, Funeral services will be held in the Methodist church at North Norwich Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

 

Main was employed as a truck driver by Contractor J.F. Paddleford and while driving the truck west bound was struck by extra engine 798, light, south bound.  Main had stopped at the feed mill of Thomas P. Gaines on his way to the gravel pit on the Cook farm between this village and Sherburne Four Corners.  The Gaines driveway, from which he loaded, is perhaps a hundred feet from where he was killed. The engine could not have been moving over 25 miles an hour, for the engineer did not see the smash as it was on the other side from him, and after word had been shouted by the fireman and brakeman, he brought his engine to a stop about four hundred feet south of the crossing.  The coupler on the front of the engine fairly hit the radiator, and the left half of the pilot beam and cow catcher smashed fairly into the engine of the truck and the cab in which Main was seated.  The crash was tremendous and observed by several eye witnesses.

 

The truck was hurled to the south and east about fifty feet and landed on its left side, headed west against a telephone pole just north of the passenger station.  The wreckage instantly burst into flames which station agent James W. Hogan at once put out with an extinguisher.  So great was the dust and scattered feed that the witnesses cannot say where Main was or how he got there, but when the engine had passed, the unfortunate man was directly opposite the baggage room door, about eighty feet south of where he was struck, and laying partly on one rail.  He must have fallen off about here, for the engine did not pass over him.  He was alive when picked up, but unconscious and died in about ten minutes.  Dr. D.C. Gould reached him before he died, but could do nothing.  Main's skull was crushed in at the top by a frightful wound.  One leg was broken, but aside from that he was not mangled though there were various bruises about the face and body.  Coroner Wilcox was notified and gave permission for the removal of the body to Benedict & Kehoe's undertaking rooms, from where it was taken to North Norwich Sunday afternoon.  Probably Coroner Wilcox will hold a inquest in the near future.

 

As a result of the impact, the entire portion of the truck ahead of the dump box was demolished. The radiator was carried and then fell off, striking the north side of the freight house.  The block or entire engine of the traffic truck was detached from the frame and slid on the sidewalk to about half way from the railroad tracks to the American hotel.  Smaller wreckage was strewn along the tracks and on the platform for some distance. The two rear wheels and the dump box and rear part of the truck appear uninjured though they are doubtless well strained.  The force of the blow drove the cow catcher or pilot of the engine downwards and backwards sufficiently so that it engaged the planking of the crossing, and two planks were town loose and wedged under the pilot and remained there till the engine was stopped and it is somewhat remarkable that the engine was not tipped off the track. 

 

From the large number of stories and rumors, it has been ascertained to a reasonable certainty that the gates at the crossing were not down, but that the engine sounded it's whistle the usual distance from the crossing, and then again sounded it near the water tank, a short distance north of the crossing.  This was done on account of a carpenter gang that were at work on the crossing, and at that time engaged in replanking the switch track crossing, two tracks to the west of the main track where the accident occurred.  It is further assured that Patrick Gaffney, the flagman on duty, seeing the train approaching started to lower the gates, and then devoted his attention to trying to stop Main, by raising his hand.  Main did stop, but not quickly enough to clear.  he had probably crossed here over a thousand times this summer and was relying on the gates. The carpenters, or one of them also saw an accident imminent, and signaled Main, and he says Main acknowledged it by a nod.  While the truth from Main's standpoint can never be known, it seems the fair inference from all the circumstances that Main seeing the gates up, dismissed any presence of cars from his mind, and that he interpreted the hand signals given him to stop as those given him to stop on account of the planking work going on a few feet ahead of him.  The enclosed cab with the steady rumbling sound, prevented him from hearing the whistle or roar of the approaching engine, or seeing it as well as he would from an open cab, and it also prevented him from jumping to safety as he might possibly  have done from an open cab or diver's seat.

 

Main had been employed by Paddleford all summer and was esteemed as one of the best drivers, steady, careful and reliable in all ways.  Personally he was well liked by all his associates, and here and in his home town, was known as an honest, industrious man, conscientious about his work and a good citizen.

 

James Everett Maine

Norwich Sun, October 20, 1921

James Everett Maine of North Norwich, was almost instantly killed by a south bound D.L.&W. engine Saturday at Sherburne while driving a motor truck across the tracks.  Mr. Maine was 34 years of age and was born September 25, 1888 at Brookfield, the son of Sylvester and Serena Maine.  On July 2, 1908 he was united in marriage with Nellie L. Bowers of North Norwich, who with five children survive him:  Walter E., aged 12 years, Edith C., aged 9, Verita R. aged 7, Ethel H., aged 5 and Bernice C., aged 7 months.  He also leaves a mother, Mrs. Serena Tubbs, of Waupaunaucau, grandfather, Chauncey Pudney of Cortland, two brothers, Clayton of Hornell and Harrison of Edmeston, three aunts, Lillian Maine of North Norwich, Flora Wepley, of Hamilton and Martha Chesebro of Poolville, and one uncle Charles Maine of Poolville, as well as many friends who extend their sympathy to the bereaved family at this sad time. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon.

___________________________________________

 

Mary Ann (Braunger) Spohn

Afton Enterprise, June 8, 1899

Mrs. Matthew Spohn of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G.S. Cook, in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], this (Wednesday) morning of heart disease, aged 68 years.  Mrs. Spohn came to visit her daughter six weeks ago today.  She had been in feeble health for some time.  The funeral will be held at her husband's home in Guilford Friday morning at 11 o'clock.  Burial in Yaleville [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY]. 

 

[Note:  See findagrave.com, Memorial #60584690 for a photo and additional information.  http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=60584690]

 

David Lawrence Foster

Norwich Sun, October 20, 1921

David Lawrence Foster died at his home, 149 East Main street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] at 5:30 o'clock Thursday morning, after a brief illness.  He had been ill for two weeks, but his health had not been of the best since he suffered an attack of flu two years ago.  The deceased was born in Eaton 22 years ago and his untimely death will be a source of keen regret to all who knew him.  He was a son of Mrs. Elizabeth Foster, and well liked by numerous friends.  he was a member of Calvary Baptist church, also a member of the local order of Eagles and Red Men.  he was an employee of the O.&W. Shops.  Besides his mother he leaves three sisters, Irma, Gladys and Esther Foster.  The funeral will be held Saturday at 1 o'clock, the Rev. S.T. Harding officiating.  Burial will be made in Morrisville.

 

Samuel J. Yaple

Afton Enterprise, June 8, 1899

Another esteemed citizen of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] has been cut down by the reaper death.  Mr. Samuel J. Yaple passed away at his home in this village, Friday, June 2d, aged 66.  Mr. Yaple was born in the town of Franklin [Delaware Co., NY], but had spent many years in this community and was at the time of his death associated with his son-in-law, J.B. Cass, in the management of the Valley House.  He was esteemed by all as a man of good impulses and excellent character.  He was one of the brave men who, when our country was in peril took up arms in its defense, serving through the entire war with Co. M. 3rd New York Light Artillery. When in the army he contracted malaria and other ailments which clung to him, causing him to suffer much and finally brought death.  During his last illness he confessed faith in Christ. He was married to Miss Caroline Huggins who with her two daughters, Mrs. Cass and little Nelsie, survive, and who have the sympathy of  a large circle of friends. Two brothers, B.C. Yaple and R. Yaple also survive. The funeral was held Monday at 2 p.m., from his late residence, Vanderburg Post G.A.R. and Calumet Tribe of Red Men, following the remains to the tomb.  Services were conducted at the house by Rev. H. Hill assisted by Revs. D.D. Lindsley and B.B. Carruth. The Red men had charge of the services at the grave.

Chenango & Unadilla Valleys 50 years ago (1872)

The Chenango and Unadilla Valleys Fifty Years Ago

by S.S.Randall

Chenango Telegraph, March 27, 1872

Twenty-two years since, my esteemed and highly gifted young friend Hiram C. Clark, gave to the public in one of the local papers, a series of articles pertaining to the early settlement of the county, which were afterwards republished under the title of "History of Chenango County"--a work, I suppose, now scarcely accessible, but comprising a mass of very curious and valuable information, although somewhat defective in arrangement.  Finding recently a copy of this rare collection on the top shelves of my library, I have re-perused it with great interest; and propose devoting this number, and perhaps one or two of its successors to a brief review of its principal features, supplying such additional and supplementary matter, as may, from time to time, have come within my own knowledge, or been communicated to me, by the "ancients" of my native county. Where the narrative of the historian coincides with or crosses the track of the reminiscences I have already given in these sketches, or with facts derived form other sources of information, I shall make no apology for an occasional repetition or statement varying, perhaps, in some respects, from my own recollections as heretofore given.

 

[In 1872] It is now over eighty years since the first white men arrived as the pioneers of the settlement of Chenango Valley.  "Here," says Mr. Clark, "they found another people in possession of the soil, who held divided empire with the panther, the bear, and the wolf--all of whom had a very early occupancy--long prior to the landing of the pilgrims upon Plymouth rock.  The inhabitants, so far as we know, were of the Oneida tribe of savages, interspersed, perhaps, with a scattered few of the Tuscarora Indians. There are some traces, however, of a very early class of native inhabitants in this region, which may have been dispossessed by the Oneidas, or some other tribe, centuries ago."  Here follows a description of the old Fort, on the east side of the Chenango river in the center of the present village of Oxford, and of the "Castle" about one and a  half miles south of Norwich, on the east side of the river on the site of the old Thomas Hall farm--as contained in a paper of Gov. DeWitt Clinton, upon the antiquities of the State, communicated in 1817, to Doct. Samuel L. Mitchell, of New York.  "The Indians," observed Gov. Clinton, "Have a tradition that the family of the Antones, which is supposed to belong to the Tuscarora nation, are the seventh generation from the inhabitants of this fort (Fort Hill); but of its origin they know nothing."  The Castle--the neighborhood of which, seems to have been a favorite resort of the Indians at the time of the arrival of the first white settlers, was evidently of much more modern date than the Oxford fort. Vestiges of a fortification however, appeared in the vicinity of the former--and more recent excavations have brought to light flint arrow points in considerable numbers, of a triangular shape, of large size, and curious construction.

 

Abram Antone was the last survivor of the Tuscarora Chiefs, and was executed at Morrisville, Madison county, in 1823 or 24, for the murder of a white man.  This tribe appear to have formed an alliance, as early as 1714 with the Oneidas one of the original Five Nations, or Iroquois, and to have been incorporated thenceforth as the Sixth member of that great confederacy.  One of the villages of the combined Oneidas and Tuscaroras was situated in Oneida county, near the lake of that name, and another on the Susquehanna river, near Binghamton.  The present Chenango county was, therefore, situated directly upon the route between the two villages; and from time to time stragglers from both nations were numerous in the valley.  In the year 1677, the Oneidas numbered two hundred warriors; and half a century later, the Tuscaroras were estimated by the Provincial Governors of New York, at two hundred and fifty fighting men.  As late as 1774, the Oneida tribe comprised only about fifteen hundred men, women and children.

 

At the period of the first arrival of the white settlers at Norwich, between 1780 and 1790, the Indians were in the actual occupancy of the "Castle," and here they were accustomed to hold councils, and courts for the trial of delinquents or offenders against their laws and the customs of their tribe--to attend upon their Chief, and to entertain guests or visitors from other tribes.  Numerous wigwams dotted the level plain on the river, and large patches of land were under cultivation for maize or Indian corn.

 

Another favorite resort of the natives of this region, appears to have been the "Indian Fields" on the west side of the river, a little farther down, and now known [in 1872] as the old Randall farm.  The present site of Norwich village was then known by the Indians as the Canasawacta country."  The red men cleared off the [lands] on the Indian Plains and extended their [settlements] from the Chenango to the Unadilla or Tianaderha river on the east.

 

Mr. Clark refers to a tradition concerning a powerful Tuscarora chief called Thick Neck, an ancestor of Abram Antone, who possessed himself of the Fort at Oxford, and for many years kept the Oneidas at bay--destroying all their hunters and slaying their boldest warriors.  Several unsuccessful attempts were made to decoy this formidable usurper from his strong hold; but after many failures, the Oneidas effected an entrance in his absence, cutting him off from the fort, and compelling him to retreat.  In the marshes surrounding what is now know at Warn's pond, six miles below Oxford, he was shortly after discovered and slain, and the remnant of his tribe adopted by his conquerors.

 

To be Continued

Obituaries (January 3)

Nathaniel C. Ferris

Utica Saturday Globe, September 1921

 

Nathaniel C. Ferris

1852 - 1921

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Nathaniel C. Ferris died at the Matterson Hospital early Sunday morning.  Mr Ferris had been in failing health for some time and under a physician's care. Saturday morning his condition became alarming and after a consultation he was removed late in the evening to the hospital, where an operation was performed by Dr. W.E. Hartigan, assisted by Drs. W.J. Fairfield and E.W. Wilcox.  Mr. Ferris was born in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] on April 29, 1852, and continued to reside there until a few months ago, when he came to Norwich to make his home with his brother, Leland L. Ferris, at 68 Canasawacta street.  from boyhood he had been an active member of the congregational Church in Smyrna.  A prayer service was held Tuesday morning at the home of his brother, Rev. Frank W. Young, of the Broad Street Methodist church, officiating.  The body was taken to Smyrna, where funeral service were held at the Congregational Chruch and burial made in the Smyrna Cemetery. Besides the brother mentioned, deceased leaves another brother, Cortland L. Ferris, of Earlville.  He is also survived by two sons, Frank N. Ferris, of this city, and Warren B. Ferris, of Sherburne, besides several nephews, nieces and grandchildren.

 

Roscoe Arnold

Sidney Enterprise, December 21, 1921

Roscoe Arnold a retired farmer living at Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], died at his home in that village last Thursday, the cause of his death being a shock.  He had been in poor health for the past five or six years, as about that length of time ago, he suffered a slight shock, although he thought his ailment was rheumatism.  He was 79 years of age. The funeral was held on Monday at the home at Mt. Upton, the services being in charge of Rev. Mr. Cornell, pastor of the Methodist church at that place; the interment was in the cemetery at White Store [Chenango Co., NY].  Besides the widow and two brothers, he is survived by several nephews and nieces, one of whom is Mr. W.E. Winsor of this village, who attended the funeral.

Andrew J. Ballou

Chenango Union, May 18, 1893

Last evening, at his residence, No. 56 Kemble street [Utica, Oneida Co., NY], occurred the death, from blood poisoning, of Andrew J. Ballou, in the 60th year of his age. Deceased was a carpenter by trade, and while at work about three weeks ago he received an injury to his left thumb, supposed to have been caused by a sliver.  The thumb swelled and inflammation followed, causing death.  Mr. Ballou was born in Norwich, Chenango county, October 7, 1833, and had resided in this city 26 years.  His wife, Lois Ross Ballou, formerly of Preston, N.Y. and one brother, Rev. Daniel Ballou, of this city, survive him.  Mr. Ballou was an honest and upright man and much respected by all who knew him. The funeral will take place from his late residence at three o'clock Wednesday afternoon.  The remains will be taken to White Store, Chenango county, for interment--Utica Herald, May 16th.

Caleb B. Barre

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, May 17, 1902

Caleb B. Barre, for 30 years a resident of White Store [Chenango Co., NY]\, this town [Norwich, NY], died at his home there, Tuesday, May 6, 1902, after a distressing illness of seven weeks of congestion of the brain.  He was the oldest son of Matthew and Elizabeth Briggs Barre of King Settlement, and was born in the town of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] January 31, 1831.  He was twice married, his first wife being Julia A. Johnson, his last, Mrs. C. Jennie Bailey, who survives him.  He also leaves three children, Mrs. E.G. Cook of Geraldine, Tex., Mrs. LO.M. Curtis and Frank J. Barre of Holmesville.  Mr. Barre was postmaster for several years, also justice of the peace.  he was a man of strong convictions and never swerved from what he believed to be right.  He was well and widely known, and will be missed by business men in his, and adjoining towns.  He was a member of the M.E. church and held at various times positions of trust.  His funeral was held Friday, May 9th, at 1 o'clock from his late residence with burial in the family lot in Evergreen cemetery [White Store, NY.

Catherine Jennie Bailey Barre

Otsego Journal, May 19, 1910

Mrs. C.I. Barr died at her home on Maple street at 3 o'clock Thursday morning, May 19, 1910, after an illness of several weeks' duration, aged 79 years, 6 months, 19 days.  She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Leroy Streeter, of Manchester, N.H., Mrs. Nathan Culberson and Mrs. George Stenson, of Butternuts. The funeral will be held from the residence of George Stenson in the eastern part of the town of Butternuts, on Saturday, at 11 o'clock a.m., with burial at Otego [Otsego Co., NY]

William E. Sheffield

Otsego Journal, May 19, 1910

William E Sheffield died at his home in Brooklyn, Tuesday, May 10, after a lingering illness, aged about 70 years.  Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield have been summer visitors at Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY] for a number of years past, guests at E.V. Palmer's and they had become quite well acquainted with many of our people.  He was a genial, kindly man, always had a smile and pleasant work for every one, and during his visits here went about among the people seemingly enjoying his stay to the fullest extent.  He frequently contributed something of interest to the Journal, being a ready writer, and we were always glad to have him do so.  Our people will learn of his death with sincere regret and will miss his accustomed visits to the village.  Much sympathy is felt for Mrs. Sheffield in her bereavement.

Obituaries (January 2)

Martha J. Cash

Utica Saturday Globe, July 1921

 

Martha J. Cash

1837 - 1921

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Martha J. Cash, widow of Charles H. Cash, died Friday, July 22, at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. George Zehr, in South Broad Street.  Mrs. Cash was born in Orwell, 84 years ago.  For about 30 years she had made her home in Norwich, where she had the love and respect of a large circle of friends. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Mrs. Zehr's home, Rev. S.T. Harding, of the Calvary Baptist Church officiating.  Burial was made in Mount Hope.  Mrs. Cash is survived by one granddaughter, Mrs. George Zehr, of this city; one grandson, Howard W. Close, of Syracuse, and one brother, Marshal Ames, of Richland.

 

Charles H. Cash

Norwich Sun, May 22, 1911

Charles H. Cash, a resident of Norwich for over 20 years, died at the home of his son-in-law, J.D. Close, No. 16 Silver street, Monday morning at the ripe old age of 86 years.  Mr. Cash has been in feeble health for a period of three months, but had been taken to his bed only a few days previous to his death which was due to dropsy.  Deceased was born in New Lisbon, Columbia county, coming from there to South Bay, Oneida county. Since then he has resided in Smyrna and for about forty years made his home at Lebanon.  Mr. Cash was a mechanic by trade and had worked at the carpenter business for a few years.  Besides his wife, Martha J., he leaves two grandchildren, Howard and Mable Close.  His son Frank, and one daughter, Mrs. Nettie Close, are both dead.

Annie (Cash) Close

Norwich Sun, November 23, 1910

Mrs. Annie Close, wife of O.&W. Conductor John G. Close, died early Wednesday morning at the family residence on Silver street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 47 years.  Mrs. Close has been ill for the past several months and her death, although a surprise to many, was expected by the immediate friends and relatives who knew her condition.  Deceased, although not a member of any church, was a faithful attendant of the Calvary Baptist church.  She was the only surviving daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cash, who are left to mourn her loss.  Mrs. Close had been a resident of this village for 24 years, during which time she was a loyal friend and neighbor and respected by everyone.  Her death will be a severe shock to her many friends and acquaintances who knew her best.  Mrs. Close leaves to mourn her loss besides her aged parents, her grief stricken husband, one daughter, Mabel, and one son, Howard, of Syracuse.  The funeral will be held from the late home on Silver street Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock, the Rev. Ira Bingham officiating.

Frank H. Cash

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, May 4, 1892

Conductor Frank H. Cash, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], met with instant death on the Ontario & Western at Bouckville about 6 o'clock, Friday evening.  He was in charge of a coal train, running from Norwich to Utica, and at Bouckville he had received orders to take a side track and allow the passenger train leaving Utica at 4:46 p.m. to pass.  He was on the engine as the train approached the switch, and, probably with a view to save time, attempted to dismount from the engine and run ahead to the switch.  Instead of dropping off at one side, he walked along the gang plank beside the boiler and slid down the pilot--a dangerous way of getting off, but one which is frequently and successfully used.  It is supposed the heel of his boot became wedged between the spokes of the pilot to some extent, for as he attempted to jump off and run ahead he fell directly in front of the engine, which passed over him.  His remains were badly mangled.  They were brought to this place.  Conductor Cash was only about 25 years of age.  He had been in the employ of the company about six years, and was considered one of its most faithful men.  He leaves a father and mother and other relatives, who have the sympathy of every employee of the road and of many friends besides, as the deceased was a favorite wherever known.  His funeral was attended Sunday afternoon from the home of his brother-in-law, John Close, in Railroad Street.  Rev. E.B. Olmstead officiated and made appropriate remarks.  The music was rendered by a quartet composed of Misses Scott and Cary and Messrs. Blackman and Cary. The floral offerings were many and beautiful.  Noticeable among them were an elaborate floral pillow with the monogram of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, and a second pillow from the Republican Club.  Messrs. Hoke, Gillespie, McGuire, Batie, Dorman and Root, brethren of the Brotherhood, acted as pall bearers.  Burial followed in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].

Patrick Mulligan

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, November 4, 1891

Intelligence was received at The Telegraph office about 9:30 o'clock Sunday evening, that Patrick Mulligan, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], had met a horrible death by falling from a wagon while intoxicated and breaking his neck. Coroner Fernalld was at once notified, and in company with a representative of this paper immediately left for the scene of the accident, and learned the following particulars of the sad affair.

Mulligan, who, for some time had been residing with a brother about five miles northeast of Sherburne, started for church in the village at an early hour Sunday morning, but as no service was held in St. Malachi's Church, gave himself up to conviviality instead, and when he started for his home about five o'clock in the afternoon, in company with one John Beekman, a man of about his own age, he was more or less intoxicated.  The vehicle in which they rode was a democrat wagon, in the back part of which were two bags of apples.  The horse belonged to Beekman, and had been owned on the Dr. Lewis farm on the Eaton road for many years.  Mulligan and Beekman were seen at Nearing's cider mill, two miles above Sherburne, early in the evening by Bert Cook.  Here Beekman left the wagon and entered the mill.  He was gone some time, and on coming out found that Mulligan and the team had gone, and he returned to Sherburne.  About 8 o'clock, Eugene Tracey, who resides on the Dr. Lewis farm, heard a noise in the lot across the road near his horse barn, and on investigating the cause, made a startling discovery.  The body of a man was wedged tightly between the left hind wheel and the box of the wagon.  There was an ugly wound upon the forehead from which the blood had flowed freely.  The face was turned toward the wheel, the head toward the horse but dragging upon the ground.  Life had been extinct for some time as the body was rigid.  The pressure of the wheel was across the chest and abdomen and before the body could be removed, Mr. Tracey found it necessary to take off the wheel.  Assistance was procured and the body removed to Mr. Tracey's house after the Coroner had been notified.  No person was found who had seen Mulligan after he left Beekman at the cider mill, but on a careful search, his hat was found near a watering trough about three quarters of a mile below the Tracey residence, and from that point the wheel had been blocked by his body as showed by the tracks in the road.  The supposition is that Mulligan, for some cause left the wagon near the watering trough, and in attempting to remount from the read end of the wagon, rolled over on the bags of apples and into the position between the wheel and wagon body as found.  Coroner Fernalld made an examination of the body, and decided that death must have been caused by asphyxiation from the pressure of the wheel upon the chest.  He impanelled a jury and adjourned the inquest, until this (Wednesday) morning, when it will be held at Sherburne village.  Mulligan was about 63 years of age and leaves seven children, all of them grown to manhood and womanhood.  He has been separated form his wife for several years, and has always been addicted to drink.

Death Notices

Norwich Sun, November 23, 1910

Mrs. Jennie Vosburg:  At her residence in this village Wednesday morning occurred the death of Mrs. Jennie Vosburg, wife of Cornelius Vosburg, aged 75 years.  The funeral services will be held from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward J. Hicks, No. 11 Hickok avenue [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Dr. M.D. Fuller officiating.  Interment will be in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].

Susan C. Sherwood:  Miss Susan C. Sherwood died at her home, corner of Rexford and Silver street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 22, 1910, aged 72 years.  Funeral Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock. Rev. M.D. Fuller officiating. Burial in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].

Blog Postings, December 26, 2016 - January 1, 2017

Listing of blog postings for the week of December 26, 2016 to January 1, 2017.

Marriages

Posted December 26, 2016

Willard A. Smith -Clare A. Phetteplace (1920)

Thelma C. Merrill - Harold A. Buman (1936)

Hobart Benedict - Nora Swart (1936)

Marriage Notices - 1868

     Franklin Wilcox - Melinda C. Beene(?)

     William B. Cole - Elizabeth Hayes

     Frank Corser - Ellen Rogers

     Milo V. Case - Margaret Reouge

     Mr. A.S. Bamford - Phoebe K. Prescott

Posted December 30, 2016
Howard A. Sumner - Bertha L. Johnston (1920)
Marriage notices - 1875
     W.H. Harris - Emma E. Bard
     Willie E. Mathewson - Mary L. Durfee
     Horace G. Adams - Anna Ransford
     Benjamin Ferris - Katie Hickox
     Alfred Blowers - Lavana Mann
     James Pratt - Ettie Miner

    


 

Obituaries

Posted December 26, 2016

Charles G. Brooks (Norwich, Mt. Upton, 1921)   photo

Adeliza O. Greene (Afton, 1899)

Truman L. Greene (Afton, 1905)

Eliza (Curtis) Angell (White Store, 1868)

Death notices - 1868

     Charles R. McCullum (Norwich)

     Catharine Emma Fisher (North Norwich)

     Rebecca Brower (Afton)

     Mr. H.L. Emmons (Mount Carroll IL, Greene)

     Lucy Barrows (McDonough)

Posted December 27, 2016
Lyman Marvin (Norwich, 1921)   photo
Blanche Park (Virgil, 1942)
Ray D. Huttleston (Cortland, 1941)
Robert Mettler (Cazenovia, 1941)
Silas R. Hill (South Otselic, 1904)

Posted December 28, 2016
Finch E. Lewis (Norwich, Boston MA, 1921)  photo,  accidental drowning
Ella May Stillman (South Otselic, 1947)
Clive Reynolds (Lisle, South Otselic, 1948)  accidental death
Elihu Thompson (South Otselic, 1887
Death Notices
     Mrs. Heman Hill (South Otselic, 1886)
     Lana Fuller (South Otselic, 1925)
Norwich Vital Statistics - summary, 1887

Posted December 29, 2016
William D. Allen (Norwich, Frankfort, 1921)
Lana (Patrick) Adams (Oxford, White Store, 1944)
Edward G. Arnold (Norwich, 1893)
Anne Fryer Bedford (Elkland PA, Norwich)
Death Notices - 1927
     Charles D. Mickle (Binghamton, Guilford)
     Leroy Martin (South Edmeston)
     E.W. Wilcox (Old Forge)
     Frances Smith McNitt (Norwich)
     William Fernalld (Greene, McDonough)
     Monroe Fernalld (Oxford, McDonough)
     Frank J. Barre (Lawyersville, South New Berlin)
     William Coon (Cortland)
     Delos R. Arnold (Preston, White Store)

Posted December 30, 2016
Judson B. Galpin (Oxford, 1893)  
Cora Webb Tucker (Pharsalia, 1893)
James Clapp (Luzerne, Oxford, 1893)
Amanda L. (Burlingame) Eldredge (Norwich, 1893)
Emogene (Hopkins) Hart (West Pittston, PA, Norwich, 1893)
Elsie L. Arnold (Norwich, 1893)

Posted December 31, 2016
Death of Gilbert Sage Gibson, First Norwich Soldier lost in the Great War - 1917

Posted January 1, 2017
Claude L. Nye (Norwich, 1921)
Mary Ann (Traver) Nye (Pharsalia, 1891)
Irving Nye (Norwich, 1913)
Cyrell McMinn (Pharsalia, 1882)
Charles W. Lewis (Sherburne, 1890)

 

Miscellaneous

Posted December 27, 2016

The Chenango & Unadilla Valleys of 50 years ago - 1872   (New Berlin)

Posted December 28, 2016
The Chenango & Unadilla Valleys of 50 years ago - 1872 (Lewis Ebbal)

Posted December 31, 2016
Bruckhausen Park - 1921

Obituaries (January 1)

Claude L. Nye

Utica Saturday Globe, July 1921

 

Claude L. Nye

1880 - 1921

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of the late Claude L. Nye was held from the family residence in Springvale on Friday, Rev. S.T. Harding officiating.  Among the beautiful floral tributes was a large flower piece, a token of sympathy from more than 60 neighbors showing the high regard of those who knew him most intimately.  Deceased was born in Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] on May 17, 1880, the son of Irving and Mary Ann Nye.  Left an orphan when a small boy he came to Norwich and made his home among friends in Springvale.  On June 18, 1902 he was married to Miss Iva Thornton of Norwich, who with a little daughter, survives.  His death occurred on July 20.  Deceased was a successful farmer and dairyman.  He was intensely interested in his work and through his marked habits of industry and intelligent application succeeded.  A year ago he submitted to a severe operation followed by a year of great suffering which he bore with rare patience and fortitude.  A devoted husband, a tender father, a loyal friend, he was a man to be loved and respected and not soon to be forgotten.

 

Norwich Sun, July 26, 1921

Claude L. Nye was born in Plymouth May 17, 1880, the son of Irving and Mary Ann Nye.  He was left an orphan as a young boy and removed to Norwich and made his home among friends in Springvale.  On June 18, 1902 he was married to Miss Iva Thornton of Norwich.  He was a successful farmer and dairy man.  He loved his work and did it well, and thru his marked habits of industry and sedulity he succeeded where others failed.  A year ago he submitted to the necessity of a very severe operation and he bore the months of suffering which followed with rare patience and fortitude.  He died Wednesday, July 20, passing from this life with no fears but rather with the anticipation of a Christian spirit.  Besides a large circle of friends and relatives, he leaves to mourn his loss a widow and one little daughter.  A broad purpose of cooperation, a generous spirit of accommodation and a quiet, genial friendliness made him esteemed by all with whom he worked.  The funeral was held at the late residence in Springvale, the Rev. S.T. Harding of this city officiating.  Among the beautiful flowers sent was a large floral piece, a token of sympathy from over sixty neighbors, testifying to the high regard in which he was held by those who knew him daily.  A devoted husband, a tender father, a loyal friend, he was a man to be loved and respected and not soon to be forgotten.

 

Mary Ann (Traver) Nye

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, November 4, 1891

Mary Ann Nye, wife of Irving Nye and daughter of the venerable John Traver, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], died at her home in Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday after a lingering illness.  She was 47 years of age.

 

Irving Nye

Norwich Sun, May 27, 1913

At the home of his son, Claude Nye, on the White Store rode east of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Tuesday morning at 1:30 occurred the death of Irving Nye aged 68 years.  Deceased was born in the town of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], July 20, 1841, a son of Samuel Nye, and has always been a resident of this vicinity.

Norwich Sun, May 28, 1913

The funeral services for Irving Nye, whose death occurred at an early hour Tuesday morning will be held from the residence of his son, Claude, on the white Store road east of this village Thursday morning at 11 o'clock, Dr. J.L. Ray officiating. Burial will be made in the cemetery at South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Cyrell McMinn

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 18, 1882

On Saturday evening last, Cyrell McMinn of Pharsalia, was instantly killed at Frinkville.  He was a man about twenty-five years of age, and was in the employ of Irving Nye.  He had been to Norwich with a load of woodland, was returning home, when near the residence of Ely J. Ross, just beyond the old plank road tollgate at Frinkville, his team ran off the road and went over a bank about four or five feet in height, the vehicle, which was a very heavy one, and the team landing upside down.  McMinn, as the wagon went over, fell in such a position that the edge of the body struck him across the neck, and pinned him to the ground.  James A Heady's little grandson witnessed the accident and gave the alarm, but when help arrived McMinn was dead; doubtless being killed instantly. The team escaped serious injury but the harness had to be cut before they could be gotten up. The body of the unfortunate man was conveyed to the store of E. Dimmick, and Coroner Avery summoned. The post mortem disclosed the fact that the neck was broken between the first and second vertebrae. A pint bottle about half filled with whisky was found in the breast pocket of the deceased, which doubtless accounts for the accident. The sad fate of McMinn is a strong plea for temperance.

 

Charles W. Lewis

Chenango Union, July 17, 1890

Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY]:  Our citizens were surprised on Tuesday evening by the announcement of the sudden death of Mr. Charles W. Lewis at his home on Court street [Chenango Co., NY], at about six o'clock.  It seems he had been at work for an hour or so in the hay field of Mr. M.D. Botsford--just back of Mr. Lewis's barn--and not feeling well he retired to his home. After taking a bath and changing his clothing, he came from the bath room, and while walking across the room he complained of a pain in his left side, and at the same time sinking to the floor, expired.  Mr. Lewis has been having some trouble with his heart for the past three years, and the cause of death was pronounced heart disease and partial sunstroke. Mr. Lewis was born in New London, Conn., and was in the sixtieth year of his age.  He was a public spirited man, was a member of the Board of Education, was Vice President of the Sherburne Manufacturing works, had been a member of the Board of Trustees of our village and was a consistent member of the Baptist church in this village--News