Harry Overfield Harman - BHS Class of 1924

Harry Overfield Harman

Bainbridge High Class of 1924

 

 

Harry Overfield Harman, 16 years

"The Echo", 1924

 

 

Harry Overfield Harman  was born 9 August 1907 in Bainbridge, Chenango County, New York, the eldest child of Martin Wilson and Anna Susan (Allen) Harman.  He grew to manhood in Bainbridge where he attended Bainbridge High School (class of 1924).  Following graduation he attended Hamilton College in Clinton, Oneida County, New York (class of 1930).  He then went on to a prestigious career in business and finance, culminating with his appointment in 1961 to the position of New York State deputy commissioner of taxation and finance and state treasurer.  On 21 August 1937, when he was 30 years of age, he married Jessie Connell Boyd (b. 2 October 1907) the daughter of Roy Douglas and Nell Boyd.  Jessie worked for many years as a music teacher in the  Fort Plain, Montgomery County, New York elementary school.  Harry and Jessie were the parents of a son (Roy Douglas Boyd) and daughter (Patricia Ann).  Mr. and Mrs. Harry O. Harman had been married for 33 years when Jessie died 11 December 1970.  Harry died 13 January 1971 at the age of 63 years, having survived Jessie by only one month and two days.  They were buried in Greenlawn cemetery, Bainbridge.

Birth Announcement, 1907:  Born, on Friday morning last, to Route Carrier and Mrs. Martin Harman, of Pruyn Hill, a son.  [Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 15, 1907]

 

Marriage, 1937:  Today at noon at the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. Douglas Boyd, 104 Prospect avenue, their daughter, Jessie C. Boyd and Harry O. Harman, of Oneonta, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Harman of Bainbridge, were united in marriage.  The ceremony, for members of the families, was performed in the living room by the Rev. F.L. Decker, D.D. of the First M.E. Church.  The bride wore a dark brown suit of silk gabardine, with accessories to match and a corsage of gardenias.  The couple was unattended.  Following the ceremony luncheon was served.  Later Mr. and Mrs. Harman left by motor for a trip through the New England states.  They will make their home at Oneonta.  The bride is a graduate of Gloversville High School and attended the Virginia Inter Mont college and Crane Institute and is a graduate of the Eastman Conservatory of Music at Rochester. She is a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, Kappa Clio, Sigma Pi Sigma and the Phi Sigma Mu.  For the past three years she has been supervisor of music in the public schools at Avon.  Mr. Harman is a graduate of Hamilton college and a member of the Chi Psi fraternity.  He is connected with the Associated Gas & Electric Co. of Oneonta.  Guests at the wedding, besides the bride's parents, were the bridegroom's parents, his brother, Allen, of Bainbridge; his sister, Mrs. C. Foster June [sic] and her husband, of Newark N.J., the bride's sister, Mrs. Richard C. Green and her husband of Gloversville.  [The Leader-Republican, Gloversville, NY, Aug. 21, 1937]

 

Harry Overfield Harman

in 1961

 

 Job Promotion, 1961:  Tax and Finance Commissioner Joseph H. Murphy today appointed Harry O. Harman, 53, of Fort Plain, deputy commissioner in charge of the division of the Treasury, Department of Taxation and Finance, at an annual salary of $13,000....The Division of the Treasury which performs functions formerly associated with the long since discontinued office of State treasurer, has custody of most state funds and is paymaster of unemployment insurance benefits.  Its transactions annually run into billions of dollars.  Harman is general manager and treasurer of R. Douglas Boyd Inc. of Gloversville, which operates a loan company.  He is also manager of Boyd-Harman Finance Co., Inc. of Gloversville.  He was formerly sales supervisor of the New York State Electric and Gas Corp., Oneonta.  The new head of the treasury has had long experience in banking and finance.  He is a director of Fort Plain National Bank, Boyd-Harman Finance Co., Albany Discount Corp., R. Douglas Boyd Inc., Schenectady Discount Corp. and New York State Consumer Finance Assn.  He has served as president of the New York State consumer Finance Assn., as treasurer of the New York State Sales Finance Conference, and as a member of the executive committees of both organizations.  A native of Bainbridge, N.Y., he attended public schools there and was graduated from Hamilton College.  He served in the U.S. Army in World War II.  Harman is a trustee of Hamilton College Assn. and president of the association's Trustee-Educational Trust Fund.  He is a member of Susquehanna Lodge, No. 167, F.&AM; a former president of the Fort Plain Community Club, and a member of Gloversville Eccentric Club and the Fort Rensselaer Club of Canajoharie.  He is affiliated with St. Paul's Lutheran Chruch of Fort Plain.  Harman married the former Jessie C. Boyd of Gloversville and they have one son, R.D. Boyd Harman.  The reside at Sand Hill, Fort Plain. [Evening Recorder, Amsterdam, NY, Feb. 15, 1961]

 

Obituary, 1971:  Harry O. Harman, 63, deputy commissioner of taxation and finance and state treasurer since 1961, died at 10:30 last night at Littauer Hospital where he was admitted Tuesday.  A native of Bainbridge, Chenango County, and former resident of Fort Plain RD1, he resided at 8 Ridge Road.  He was the son of the late Martin W. and Anna A. Harman.  His wife, the former Jessie Boyd, who he married in 1937, died a month ago.  Mr. Harman was president of the Boyd-Harman Finance Company in Gloversville and president of the Kingsboro Agency.  He attended Bainbridge High School and was graduated from Hamilton College in 1930.  He was employed by the New York State Gas and Electric Company in Oneonta from 1930 to 1939.  He joined Boyd-Harman Finance company in 1939 and in 1961 became its president.  He was a director of the American Fidelity Fire Insurance Company, Schenectady Discount Corporation, Scottsdale Discount Corporation, and E.J. Monroe, Inc.  He was a past president of the New York State consumer Finance Association, a member of its board of directors and executive committee.  He was a trustee of the Chi Psi Fraternity Association of Hamilton College.  Mr. Harman was a member of the Fort Orange Club of Albany, Community Club of Fort Plain, Fort Rensselaer Club in Canajoharie, Eccentric Club and Pine Brook Golf Club in Gloversville and the Susquehanna Masonic Lodge.  He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Gloversville.  For many years he was a director and member of the executive committee of the Fort Plain National Bank.  He retired from those positions shortly after his appointment as deputy commissioner of taxation and finance and state treasurer.  Survivors include a son, R.D. Boyd Harman of Chicago; a sister, Mrs. Dorothy H. Neff of Jacksonville, Fla.; a brother, Allen L. Harman of Apopka, Fla.; two nieces and three nephews. [The Leader Herald, Gloversville, NY, Jan. 14, 1971]

 

Harry Harmon, New York state official, whose death was recently noted in The Star, will be remembered by old-timers as once being a resident of Oneonta.  he worked for what was then known as the Associated Gas and Electric Company.  Some will remember Harry as a pretty good hockey player when he was an undergraduate at Hamilton College.  [Oneonta Star, Jan. 19, 1971]

 

Jessie Connell (Boyd) Harman

Fort Plain High School Yearbook, 1954

 

Wife's Obituary, 1970:  Funeral services for Mrs. Jessie Boyd Harman, 63, of 8 Ridge Road, wife of Harry O. Harman, Deputy commissioner of taxation and treasurer for New York State and President of Boyd-Harman Finance Co., Inc. who died Friday at Baptist Hospital, Scottsdale, Ariz., will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., tomorrow in the Finocan funeral Home by the Rev. Wayne B. Robinson.  Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Bainbridge.  Mrs. Harman, a native of Schenectady, was an officer and a director of Boyd-Harman Finance Co., and the Kingsboro Agency, Inc.  She was a graduate of Gloversville High School, Crane Institute of Music at Potsdam and Eastman School of Music, Rochester.  For many years, she was supervisor of elementary music in Fort Plain Central School.  Mrs. Harman had lived in Gloversville and Fort Plain most of her life. She was a member of the First Congregational Church and its Fortnightly Society.  Survivors, besides her husband, are a son, Roy D.B. Harman of Chicago; a sister, Mrs. Richard C. Greene of Gloversville; two nieces and three nephews. [Schenectady Gazette, Dec. 14, 1970]

 

News Item (RE: Martin W. Harman, father of Harry O. Harman), 1899:  Martin W. Harman, who was one of the graduates of the High school, class of '99, deserves honorable mention for his years of hard work, energy and perseverance displayed in prosecuting his studies under the most adverse circumstances.  Harman is one of a family of ten children.  His parents moved to Bainbridge in 1893 and being impoverished in means, could aid their son very little, notwithstanding they wished to do so. He entered the grammar room six years ago and remained part of a year.  After that four years were spent through the day in work to maintain himself and the hours far into the night in study.  In 1897 he entered the academic room and the following June he had passed all studies for graduation, but deferred asking for his diploma until this year, pursuing various branches at his home in addition.  Mr. Harmon has had one ambition in view and that was to fit himself for college and take a law course.  He has succeeded nobly in his desires, health, good habits and constant plodding, producing the best of results.  he goes to the Rochester Business institute this fall to get a knowledge of stenography and typewriting, hoping to enter Cornell university in 1900 and earn his support easily as secretary in some position. The future is bright before Mr. Harman and Bainbridge people wish him success.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 28, 1899]

 

Parent's Marriage, 1906:  Martin Harman, mail carrier on Route no. 2, left Saturday evening for Meshoppen, Pa., where today he is married to Miss Anna S. Allen.  After a trip of a few days Mr. and Mrs. Harman will come to Bainbridge to reside.  [Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 4, 1906]

 

Mother's Obituary, 1959:  Mrs. Anna A. Harman, 71, of 1 Kirby Street, Bainbridge, died Monday morning at The Hospital in Sidney after a short illness.  She is survived by her husband, Martin W. Harman of Bainbridge; a daughter, Mrs. Foster (Dorothy) Neff of Jacksonville, Fla; two sons, Harry Harman of Fort Plain and Allen L. Harman of Walton, and three grandchildren.  Mrs. Harman was born June 20, 1887, in Meshoppen, Pa.  She was a member of the Methodist Church in Bainbridge and a past president of the Bainbridge Woman's Club.  The body was removed to the Harold Sherman Funeral Home, 58 West Main Street, Bainbridge.  [Binghamton Press, May 19, 1959]

 

Father's Obituary, 1961:  Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Martin W. Harman, 83, formerly of Bainbridge, died Monday afternoon in Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton [Delaware Co., NY].  Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, at the Harold Sherman Funeral home in Bainbridge with the Rev. G. Thomas Skyler of the Bainbridge Methodist church officiating.  Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Bainbridge.  Mr. Harman, the first rural mail carrier in Bainbridge, was born on Sept. 4, 1877, a son of Jermey and Phoebe (Steen) Harman.  He married Anna Allen.  He is survived by two sons, Harry O. Harman, Fort Plain, and Allen L. Harman, Bainbridge; a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy  Neff, Jacksonville, Fla.; two sisters, Mrs. Mamie Hancock, Sidney, and Mrs. Susan Snedaker, Bainbridge; three grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  [Oneonta Star, Feb. 21, 1961]

Obituaries (January 21)

Calvin R. Aylesworth

Norwich Sun, January 18, 1918

 

Calvin R. Aylesworth

1896 - 1918

Utica Saturday Globe, January 1918

The following clipping from the Cortland Standard of January 16 will interest many Norwich friends and relatives of the new national army to lose his life.  Several from Norwich, including the sister of the deceased, Mrs. Arthur G Bacon, went to Cortland to attend the funeral.

 

Calvin R. Aylesworth of Blodgett Mills [Cortland Co., NY] died of pneumonia at Camp Greene, Charlotte, N.C. Thursday, Jan. 10, aged 21 years.  The first intimation his parents had of his illness was a letter saying he was sick with measles and confined in the base hospital.  He apparently recovered from the measles and went on duty.  About a week thereafter his parents received a letter from the deceased's chum saying that Calvin was suffering an attack of pneumonia.  Repeatedly his parents and family tried to keep in touch as to his condition, but were unable to get any reply until Jan. 9 when a telegram came saying "Calvin's condition is critical."  His father, Adelbert Aylesworth, immediately left for the south and arrived several hours too late to find his son alive. 

 

Calvin Aylesworth was a man and a soldier.  He enlisted at Syracuse Oct. 29, 1917, and was immediately sent to Fort Slocum, N.Y.  He was left there about two weeks from which place he was sent to Camp Greene, Charlotte, N.C., where he served until his death.  He was a young man deeply loved by all who knew him and greatly respected by his comrades.  He was  recommended for promotion a short time before his death and he received that promotion by giving his life for his country that those who are left behind may see the fulfillment of that peace which we hope for and which he died for.  His whole heart was in his work, about which he never complained.  His every desire was to see his country win, and toward that end he gave his life.  God, in His wisdom, has seen fit to take a soldier and a man with Him.

 

The heartfelt sympathy of all his friends is extended to his parents and family who deeply mourn his death and yet are proud to have had a son and brother who died even as he lived, faithful to the last.  Funeral services were held at the M.E. church in Blodgett mills Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 2 P.M., Rev. W.J. Stearnes officiating.  Interment was made in Forest Hill vault at Blodgett Mills.  "He is not dead, he sleepeth."  The bearers were Lawrence Reynolds, Donald VanBuskirk, Robert Snell and Frank Loope. The deceased wore his army uniform as he rested in the casket, which was covered with a great profusion of flowers.

Sophie Garcia

Cortland Standard, June 11, 1934

A bolt of lighting late yesterday afternoon killed Sophie Garcia, 15, daughter of Mrs. Benjamin Strasser of 16 Prospect Terrace, Cortland.  Sophie, described by her friends as a beautiful girl of Spanish extraction, lived with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Suarez in Taylor Center [Cortland Co., NY].  Saturday, she and her older sister, came to Cortland to visit their mother, and Sophie was filled with joy when her mother, who works in the Hotel Cortland Coffee Shop, gave her a new dress.  Sunday afternoon Sophie was back with her grandparents when the thunder storm broke about 4:30 o'clock.  Her grandmother had been sitting in the rocking chair under the telephone in the kitchen, but when the storm broke she left it and Sophie huddled in the chair, expressing the fear that smoothing was going to happen.  There was a blinding flash accompanied by a crackle and members of the family thought Sophie had fainted.  Then they discovered the rocker on the chair was split and the corner of the telephone box was splintered. Efforts to revive the girl were fruitless and Dr. D.B. Glezen of Cincinnatus was called.  In his capacity, as coroner, he pronounced the girl dead from shock and directed that the body be removed to Heath's undertaking rooms in Cincinnatus. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning from St. Margaret's Church in Homer with burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Cortland.  Sophie was a freshman in Cincinnatus High School and leaves besides her mother and grandparents, a step father, Benjamin Strasser, employed by the Farmers Syndicate in Cortland, her old sister, and a younger brother.  Neighbors reported that there was only one sharp flash of lightning and that it is believed that this followed the telephone wire for some distance before entering the building.  There was a gun standing near the chair, but the electricity did not touch that.  Instead it jumped to the girl's body and then grounded through the wire springs of the chair and the wooden rocker.  No burns were found on the girl's body or on anything in the house.

Sidney Record, June 14, 1934

Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY]:  A bolt of lightning traveling along the telephone line and into the house of Mr. and Mrs. William Swartz of Solon Pond, near here, Sunday afternoon, struck and killed 15 year old Sophie Garcia, freshman at Cincinnatus High School.  Death was instantaneous.  Miss Garcia, seated in a chair in the living room of the Swartz home, was badly burned about the head, back and arms. The chair was split in two and a wrist watch the girl was wearing shattered. She was the only person injured.  The victim is survived by her mother and a sister, Louise, and a brother, Charles.

Dimis Crawford

Afton Enterprise, January 30, 1896

Mrs. Dimis Crawford, widow of Mr. Hugh Crawford, who died January 18th, died at her home on the East side, Saturday, just one week after the death of her husband. The funeral was held Monday forenoon, and the remains taken to Bainbridge for burial. Rev. B.B. Carruth officiated and the singing was rendered by a trio, consisting of Messrs. W.E. Hyde, W.H. Carr and C.J. Bresee. She was 77 years of age.

Charles W. Anable

Afton Enterprise, January 4, 1900

Chas. W. Anable who has passed most of his life in this town [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], died suddenly in Franklin [Delaware Co., NY] Wednesday morning of last week at a place where he had been engaged at work.  Arising in the morning he went down stairs and sitting down and reaching for his boots he suddenly became unconscious and died in half an hour.  Heart trouble was the cause of his death. The funeral was held on Friday the burial taking place at Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY].  Two sons survive him, Frank and George Anable of this place.

Charles W. Anable

Afton Enterprise, February 25, 1926

Charles W. Anable of North Afton [Chenango Co., NY], passed away Wednesday, February 17th.  Mr. Anable was born in Illinois and was 78 years of age. Deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs. Julia Anable.  The funeral was held Friday afternoon at 1:30 from his late home conducted by the Rev. W.D. Lathrop.  Burial was in the North Afton cemetery beside their only child, Royal, who died twenty-one years ago.

Marriages (January 20)

Halbert - Burchard

Utica Saturday Globe, April 1921

Linn R. & Ruth A. (Burchard) Halbert

 



Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Charles A. Burchard has announced the marriage of her daughter, Ruth A. [Burchard] and Linn R. Halbert, the ceremony taking place on March 17 at Montrose, Pa., Rev. Mr. Irving, pastor of the Methodist Chruch and a close personal friend of the groom, tying the nuptial knot.  Mrs. Halbert, who three years ago entered professional life as a chorus girl and during that brief period has become widely and familiarly known as Ruth Williams, will resume her professional duties under the direction of Charles R. Reno in about a fortnight, the company going south for a summer tour through the Virginias and the Carolina.  Last season Mrs. Halbert appeared in Josh Simpkins for a period and later in Mutt and Jeff, taking a leading part in the singing and dancing. She made a specialty of toe dancing until an injury in one of her feet prevented and she has since taken up acrobatic work in which she now excels.  Mr. Halbert is well known as the son of Mr and Mrs. Arthur E. Halbert and a member of the Norwich High School unbeaten basketball team which is now contending in the games at Syracuse for the championship of the State. As a forward Mr. Halbert has made a wonderful record and has contributed very largely to the splendid success of the team.  He is also a skilled musician and as a saxophone soloist has been heard many times with pleasure.  It is expected that he will accompany Mrs. Halbert in the southern tour as a member of the orchestra and may also assume a part in the specialty work for which his athletic training has fitted him.

 

Hoffman - Follett

Utica Saturday Globe, March 1921

At the home of the bride's parents, Attorney and Mrs. Henry R. Follett, of Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], Saturday evening, occurred the marriage of their daughter, Miss Margerie Follett, and Richard J. Hoffman, of Weehawken, N.J.  The ceremony was performed by Archdeacon Harrison W. Foreman in the presence of about 75 guests.  The bridal couple, attended by Miss Marion Lippett, of Binghamton, and Stuart C. Nelson, Jr., of Norwich, entered through the living room to the strains of Lohengrin's wedding march played by John Prindle Scott, the well-known composer of New York City, and an uncle of the bride. The bride, who was given in marriage by her father, was charming in a gown of white canton crepe with touches of silver and an overdrape of maline.  She wore a tulle veil with cape effect of point lace and carried a shower bouquet of sweet peas.  Her maid, Miss Lippett, was gowned in an orchid and rose charmeuse with overdrape of lace and carried pink roses.  Following the ceremony a reception was held, after which Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman left for Chicago and other points in the middle west. The bride is well and favorably known in Norwich, where she formerly resided. She is a graduate of the Walnut Hill boarding school of Philadelphia and is a charming and accomplished young woman. Mr. Hoffman is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hoffman of Middletown, and a graduate of Norwich High School.  He now holds a responsible position at the union Station in Weehawken as superintendent of Pullman service.  Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman will reside in Weehawken.

 

Marriage Notices

 

ANDREWS - BROWN:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., by Rev. W.T. Porter, Mr. Henry Andrews of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. Elizabeth L. Brown of this village.  [Oxford Times, Mar. 24, 1858]

 

KING - ANDREWS:  Married in Coventry, on the 4th inst., by Rev. J.P. Turnbull, Mr. Addison King, of Sanford [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Sylvia Jane Andrews of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].  [Oxford Times, Dec. 28, 1864]

 

SEARLES - KING:  Mr. Leroy N. Searles of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Mary H. King of North Sanford [Broome Co., NY] were united in marriage at the home of the bride last Wednesday, by the Rev.  H.C. Leach, of this place.  [Afton Enterprise, Nov. 26, 1886]

 

ANDREWS - CHURCH:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], October 11, by Rev. C. Darby, Virgil H. Andrews and Mrs. Henrietta Church, both of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].  [Oxford Times, Oct. 24, 1893]

 

YAPLE - KING:  Miss Laura F. King, of North Sanford [Broome Co., NY] and Mr. Harry Yaple of Sanford, were united in marriage at the Baptist parsonage Wednesday evening, June 3d, by Rev. Henry Hill [Afton Enterprise, June 4, 1896]

 

KING - YAPLE:  The marriage of Homer E. King of North Sanford [Broome Co., NY] and Miss Lena B. Yaple was solemnized at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Reed Yaple at high noon on Wednesday of last week. There was a small company present of the relatives and near friends of the contracting parties. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Murphy of North Sanford.  [Afton Enterprise, Aug. 22, 1901]

 

ANDREWS - BUTLER:  Virgil Andrews of this town, and Miss [Minnie] Butler, of Ogdensburg, Penn., were recently unite din marriage [Bainbridge Republican, May 2, 1907]

 

PENDELL - KING:  Married at the home of the bride, on Thursday evening, May 22nd, at 9 o'clock, Miss Jennie Amelia King of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] to Mr. Charles Daniel Pendell of Coxsackie [Greene Co., NY].  The ceremony which was the ring service was performed by the Rev. Floyd Fennen pastor of the First Baptist church Afton, of which the bride is a faithful member.  [Bainbridge Republican, May 29, 1924]

Obituaries (January 20)

Sarah Ziah (Mathewson) Philley

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1917

 

Sarah Ziah (Mathewson) Philley

1840-1917

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At the Chenango Valley Home on Tuesday evening occurred the death of Mrs. Sarah Ziah Philley, wife of the late Clark L. Philley, aged 77 years.  Her death resulted from a shock suffered a few days before.  Deceased was the oldest of the 14 children of Winsor and Icybindia Mathewson, of whom there were seven sons and seven daughters.  On the day before Christmas, 1859, she married Clark L. Philley and until his death on September 12, 1912, they resided in McDonough, where they were prominent in the church and social life of the place. For over 50 years Mrs. Philley had attended the Methodist Church and for a great many years was a teacher in the Sunday school.  After her husband's death she came to Norwich to reside and was a regular attendant of the Broad street M.E. Church and a member of the S.B.A.W. class in the Sunday school. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Ida M. Philley of this city, four brothers, Jefferson Mathewson, of South Dakota; Smith and Miner Mathewson, of Oxford, and Watson Mathewson, of this city, and two sisters, Mrs. John Holroyd, of Norwich, and Mrs. John Brown of Oxford. Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon from the Home, Rev. Robert L. Clark officiating.  The remains were placed in the receiving vault in Mount Hope Cemetery awaiting burial at a later date in the cemetery at McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Addison King

Afton Enterprise, May 8, 1913

Addison King, an aged resident of North Sanford [Broome Co., NY], passed peacefully away at the home of his daughter, Miss Jennie in Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], April 30th, 1913.  He was a son of Eli and Clarissa King, early settlers of Sanford, and one of a family of thirteen children who grew to mature years on the farm they cleared of primitive forest and where Mr. King lived over 80 years.  Of this family only two survive, Mrs. Augusta Peck of Sanford, and Judson King of Bainbridge.  He was married to Sylva J Andrews of Coventry, December 14, 1864.  To them were born seven children, all of whom are now living.  Mr. King had long been an invalid and was confined to his bed since November last.  On April 13th, his 85th birthday, he seemed unusually well, enjoying a visit with two of his sons and their families, especially the youngest grandchildren, but a few days later he went into a decline from which he never rallied.

Sylva (Yale) Andrews

Afton Enterprise, February 14, 1901

Mrs. Sylva Yale Andrews, widow of A.H. Andrews who has been in failing health for several years, passed peacefully from earth's scenes at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, aged 85 years.  The funeral was observed on Monday, Rev. Mr. Starkweather of Coventry officiating and the burial took place at North Afton [Chenango Co., NY]. She was one of the oldest residents of this place and came here when their house was built of logs, and for 69 years had made it her home.  Her husband died seven or eight years ago.  She is survived by two daughters, Miss Bessie Andrews and Mrs. Addison King, who have cared for her, and two sons, Virgil H. and Elman L. Andrews.  her death was due to softening of the brain.

Death Notices

ANDREWS:  Died, in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on 25th ult., Mr. Harlow Andrews, aged [30] years.  [Chenango Union, Sept. 29, 1852]

ANDREWS:  Died in Hammonton, N.J., Jan. 17, 1892, Horatio N. Andrews in the 80th year of his age.  Mr. Andrews formerly resided in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] and removed to Hammonton about thirty-two years ago.  He was a brother of Homer Andrews [Oxford Times, Feb. 9, 1892]

ANDREWS:  Homer Andrews of Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], died last Friday, aged 84 years.  The funeral was held Monday, Funeral Director Emens having charge.  Deceased was a brother of Mr. Andrews and Mrs. Carter, of Afton.  [Afton Enterprise, June 13, 1893]

KING:  Mrs. Sylva J. King, 85 years old, of Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], died Tuesday morning Feb. 5th. The funeral will be held from her late residence Friday, February 8th at 2 o'clock.  Burial will be in North Afton cemetery.  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 7, 1924]

ANDREWS:  In Seneca County, Saturday, November 25, Mrs. Minnie B. Andrews, 70, She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. E.H. Kinyoun, of Keuka Park, and Mrs. Maude B. Tallman, of Penn Yan. Funeral services were held at Thayer funeral chapel Tuesday at 10 a.m., Rev. R.N. Jessup officiating.  Burial in Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  [Penn Yan Democrat, Dec. 1, 1944]

 

Anna Johnson (Mrs. Herman Johnson) - Centenarian - 1885

Anna Johnson, Centenarian

Chenango Union, April 9, 1885

The subject of this sketch was born in Hamden, Connecticut, April 1st, 1785, and consequently will be 100 years of age on the first day of April of the present year, now close at hand.  At the age of 21 years she was married to Herman Johnson, and shortly after removed to South Plymouth, in this county [Chenango Co., NY], where she has since resided.  Her husband died some twenty years ago.  Her six children, with the exception of one which died in infancy, are all living.  At the age of 60 years she united with the M.E. Chruch, and has lived a exemplary life.  Possessed with a remarkable peaceful disposition, and evenness of manner, in all her walks, she has proved a blessing to herself and to all around her.  Mrs. Johnson is kindly attended by two of her daughters with untiring devotion.  Though her eyesight and mental faculties are impaired somewhat, yet she retains to a good degree the freshness and vigor of youth.  This may be accounted for by her natural, robust constitution, and even, quiet life.  A century even has failed to furrow her brow with the sad traces of sin and sorrow too often seen and felt by many in the prime of life.  Her life is a practical embodiment of purity and goodness, a type of what life, physical and spiritual might be, emanating unsullied from the hands of the Creator.  She is a lover of the bible; and can repeat many of its sacred passages, together with the hymns and catechism taught her in childhood by her parents.  Like patient Job her last days are the best days, and as a shock of corn fully ripe, she is nearing the heavenly garner ready for her Master's use.  To her the pale messenger is disrobed of its terrors, and the grave of its victory, and she might well exclaim:

"I know I am nearing the holy ranks

Of friends and kindred dear,

For I brush the dew on Jordan's banks;

the crossing must be near.

O come, angel band, come and around me stand,

O bear me away on your snowy wings,

To my immortal home."  

Oxford Times

Utica NY Weekly Herald, April 7, 1885

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  "Aunt Anna" Johnson, as she is familiarly called, of Plymouth, was born in Hamden, New Haven county, Conn., April 1, 1785 and consequently passed her hundredth birthday yesterday. The event was celebrated by relatives and friends, who spent the day with the centenarian, probably the only one in the county.  Her maiden name was Anna Johnson, but she was in no way related to her husband, Herman Johnson, whom she married at the age of 21.  Soon after her marriage she moved with her husband to the farm near where she now lives, now occupied by her son, Loren.  She is the mother of seven children, six of whom, three sons and three daughters, are now living.  One died in infancy.  Her ancestors are rather remarkable for longevity.  Her mother lived to be over 90.  Mrs. Johnson had a fever many years ago, which was the only disease she ever had till lately, when she has suffered from influenza which has rather impaired her hearing.  She has well remembered past events till recently.  Her memory at present being somewhat impaired. She lives with two maiden daughters who are devotedly attached to their venerable mother. She is a member of the Methodist church, and was regarded more than an ordinary Bible student. She had a fair common school education.  Her husband died some 20 years ago.  Now, in her second childhood, she grieves over the loss of her infant child, and calls for her mother, who has been dead for many years.  She has a florid, fresh looking skin, with blue eyes, and is as erect as a girl.  Her once dark hair is now white as snow. The old lady retires promptly at 10. She never has wasted her strength at balls, circuses, or places of foolish amusements, and probably never attended a skating rink in her life. She has not been given to spinning street yarns or reeling scandal in the community, but has ever been a good Christian wife, mother, friend, and neighbor.

 

[Compiler Note:  as per findagrave.com, memorial #73685690, Mrs. Anna Johnson died April 16, 1885 at the age of 100 years and 16 days.]

Obituaries (January 19)

Florence May Wickman

Utica Saturday Globe,  November 1917

 

Florence May Wickman

1898 - 1917

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Miss Florence May Wickman passed away at her home on Piano street recently, following an illness of several months, during which she had combatted bravely the inroads of an incurable disease, always with patience and always with a smile of good cheer for those about her.  Her Christian courage never forsook her.  She was a member of the Broad Street M.E. Church and one of the best beloved young women among the Clugas, in whose parish work she was much interested.  Deceased was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Wickman, who survive her, and was 22 years of age.  her funeral was held from her late home at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Rev. Robert L. Clark officiating, and interment was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

 

Josephine B. Salsman Wickman

Oneonta Star, February 27, 1952

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Josephine B. Salsman Wickman, long-time Norwich resident, died Monday night at Chenango Memorial Hospital, She was 77 years old.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Robert Fahy Funeral Home, Norwich, with the Rev. Thomas G. Swales pastor of the Norwich Broad Street Methodist church, officiating. Burial will be later at Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Mrs. Wickman was born June 2, 1874, in Norwich, the daughter of John H. and Betsy (Boss) Salsman.  She was married to William G. Wickman on March 17, 1893, in Utica, who died in 1945.  She had lived continuously in Norwich since 1920.  She was a member of the Broad Street Methodist church.  Survivors include two sons, Raymond C. Wickman, Morris, employed for the past 24 years in Oneonta by the NYSE&G and Clarence W. Wickman, Utica.  [Note:  Mother of Florence May Wickman]

Herman H. Klube

Norwich Sun, November 27, 1917

Herman H. Klube, widely known among commercial travelers and railroad men who live in or frequent Utica, passed away at 7:45 o'clock Sunday morning at his home, 742 Glandina street, Utica, N.Y. [Oneida Co.].  He had been ill since last March and death was due to Bright's disease and heart trouble.  Mr. Klube was born February 1, 1860 at Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY]\, son of the late Herman A. and Mary Klube.  His boyhood was spent in Syracuse.  He went to this city when 19 years of age and had since made his home there.  He was employed in J.N. Cloyes' shoe factory as a shipping clerk for 25 years.  For 18 years he was stationmaster of the Ontario & Western railroad passenger station in Utica and for two years he was employed in the Union station.  He retired from active work a short time before his last illness began.  During his long service in the railroad, Mr. Klube became widely known among the commercial men and was greatly respected by his fellow employees on the road.  His passing will be a source of much regret to all who know him.  He was married in 1879 to Miss Susan Fuess of Bouckville.  In politics, Mr. klube was a Republican, but never sought office.  He was a home-loving man, of a quiet, unassuming disposition.  Besides his wife, he eaves two sons, Herman P. and Albert L. Klube of Utica; also two brothers, John and Otto Klube of Syracuse and one sister of Webster City, Ia.

James B. Miller

Chenango Union, August 6, 1896

James B. Miller died at his home on Birdsall street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Tuesday morning July 23, at quarter past one.  He had been sick not quite two weeks when peritonitis made its appearance and proved fatal.  Mr. Miller was born in South Wales, Erie Co., N.Y., May 7, 1862.  His early education was obtained from a district school and later at Auroa Academy.  After completing is course of study he taught several terms and then accepted a position as teacher in English and mathematics in the school he graduated from and became one of the most successful teachers in that part of the State. After holding the position for some time he resigned to enter the Medical Department of the Buffalo University.  While here his health failed him and the physicians recommended some outdoor employment for an indefinite period.  He immediately found a position as foreman over the force of carpenters on the D.L. &W.R.R., from Buffalo to Binghamton, and was known as one of the ablest men that ever held that position.  When R.W. Baird came from Buffalo to Norwich he brought Mr. Miller as his foreman which position he still held up to the time of his death.  The road has lost a valuable man and his fellow associates feel that they have indeed, lost a loved friend.  January 24, 1894 he married Miss lizzie Gookstetter and a baby boy blest their union.  He leaves a mother, who is in Ai, Ohio; a sister, Mrs. Sophy Ackley, of South Wales, N.Y.; and a brother, Austin S., who has been at his bedside during his illness. These relatives have the sympathy of the community in this dark hour of affliction. The funeral was held from his late residence Sunday at 3 P.m., Rev. L.C. Hayes assisted by Rev. Dr. Moore conducted the services. The Masonic Quartette furnished the music. The house was beautifully decorated with flowers arranged in every conceivable shape and manner.  The Norwich lodge no. 302, F.&A.M. and Canasawacta lodge, no. 205, I.O.O.F. of which he was  a member attended the funeral in a body and preceded the remains to Mt. hope cemetery [Norwich, NY] where they were interred.  Many from out of town attended the services.

Henry Andrews

1834 - 1890

Died, ANDREWS:  In Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], October 9, Henry Andrews, aged 58 years, a veteran of Co. E, 114th Regiment, N.Y. Vol.  [Oxford Times, Oct. 21, 1890]

On Thursday of last week the people about here were pained to learn of the death of Henry Andrews, which occurred early that morning at his late residence.  Mr. Andrews was a soldier and a member of the 114th Regt. during the Civil war, not entering the service for the sake of a bounty, as he got none, but like many others he left family, home and friends to defend his country out of pure patriotism.  He was dangerously wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek, from which he so far recovered as to enjoy comfortable health for many years after the war, but in these later years the old wound ulcerated and he suffered much for a long time until at last death came to his relief.  He was the soul of honor in all the business relations of life.  In his youth he became converted and united with the Baptist church of Coventry, of which he was deacon at the time of his death.  He leaves a wife, but no children. The funeral took place at the North Afton church on Friday afternoon, Oct. 10.  His pastor Rev. George Boler, preached the sermon and his comrades of the G.A.R. bore his remains to the cemetery near by where they were committed to the dust.

Bainbridge HS Basketball Team - 1939

Bainbridge Central High School Basketball Team

"Echo" 1939

Left to right
Row 1:  William Butler, Lloyd Sipple, Russell Stead, George James, Earl Neidlinger, Howard Foster, Douglas Neidlinger, John Burgin, Richard Parsons

Row 2:  Lloyd Tuckey, Harry Crane, Stanley Lord, Henry Gardner, Mr. Emil Best, Richard Lewis, Adrian Donahe, William Grow, James Monahan

Row 3:  Gerald Tiffany, James Fiorina, Richard Hine, Junior Sejersen, Frederick Neidlinger, Clifford Palmatier, Robert Smith, Donald Peckham, Frank Delello

Obituaries (January 18)

John L. Clark

Norwich Sun, November 27, 1917

 

John L. Clark

1872 - 1917

John L. Clark entered into rest after many months of suffering at his home at 28 Canasawacta street, Saturday evening, November 24, 1917, aged 45 years and eight months.  Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from his late home and at 2:30 o'clock from the Broad Street M.E. church.  The pastor, Rev. Robert L. Clark officiated and was assisted by Rev. John A. Davis of Johnson City, a close personal friend of the deceased.  John L. Clark was born in this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] March 22, 1872 the son of George and Mary Evans Clark.  He resided here during all of his life, except for a short time spent in Binghamton, following his trade as a carpenter.  On January 6, 1897 he was united in marriage to Miss Ivaloo Seeley of Oxford who has devotedly cared for him during his illness and who survives together with their two children, Mrs. Leonard Smith and Edward S. Clark of this city.  One brother, Arthur Clark of Oxford, also survives.  in 1909 following the Davis & Mills evangelistic campaign, Mr. Clark united with the Methodist Episcopal church in which he became one of the most enthusiastic workers, especially among the little folks in the Junior Epworth League. A devout follower of the Christ he was a workman that needed not to be ashamed of the things he wrought and he built himself an impregnable place in the church life of this city.  Mr. Clark was stricken with an obscure disease in the early summer while at work in Binghamton and after several weeks of treatment at the Methodist Episcopal hospital at Brooklyn, N.Y., returned to his home here where he patiently, cheerfully awaited the time of entrance into a more abundant life. 

 

Rhoda (Sayles) Lawton

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 16, 1901

Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Rhoda (Sayles) Lawton was born in Plymouth, Chenango county, N.Y., February 4, 1809, and died in Lincklaen, N.Y. January 8, 1901.  Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Israel Sayles, who came from New England and settled in this county early in the century  She is the last one of a family of fourteen children.  She experienced religion at a very early age and attended this Baptist church at Norwich in her youth.  January 1, 1833, she married Rev. Lewis Lawton at Plymouth, N.Y.  In February, 1839, she was baptized by Rev. Jabez Swan at Preston, N.Y., and united with the Baptist church at that place, her husband being one of the charter members. She has been also a member of the Otselic, Rhode Island, East Pharsalia and  Pitcher Baptist churches, and also a charter member of the Lincklaen Baptist church, which was organized at this place in 1870, and remained a consistent member until her death. Her husband was pastor of the various churches and the family have resided in this place for 31 years.  Rev. Lewis Lawton died February 21, 1884.

 

Submit Bassett

Chenango Union, April 9, 1885

The following obituary notice we clip from the Winona (Minn.) Republican of April 3d. The subject of this notice was the mother of O.A. Bassett, of this town [Norwich, NY]:  Mrs. Submit Bassett died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. O. Wheeler, at 9:30 o'clock this morning, of paralysis of the heart, aged eighty years, three months and twenty days. Deceased was born in Norwich, Chenango county [NY], and resided there until 1867 when she removed to Minnesota.  Her husband died in 1866.  Since Mrs. Bassett's coming to Minnesota, she has resided with her daughter.  Deceased was a consistent member of the Episcopal church, and only a week ago last Sunday sat in her accustomed pew in the church. She was a lady of uniform amiability which had been a marked trait all through her life and made her beloved by all who knew her.  Her Christian resignation exemplified this in a beautiful manner, as in speaking of her approaching death she looked upon it as simply "going home."  Two sons, Porter B. residing at El Paso, Illinois, and Andrus, residing at the old home at Norwich, and Mrs. O. Wheeler, are the children surviving.  The funeral will take place at St. Paul's Episcopal church Monday afternoon at two o'clock.

 

Hiram Goodrich

Chenango Union, August 6, 1896

Hiram Goodrich, one of the oldest business men of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died at his home on Mitchell street, Friday morning, aged 91.  He was born near Cortland, Cortland county, on December 6, 1816, and moved to Norwich in 1842.  Just before coming to Norwich he was married to Miss Clymenia Sugden, of Fayetteville, this State. Six children were born to them, of whom two survive, Eugene A. Goodrich, a merchant of this village, and Sarah, wife of J.S. Sturdevant of Ithaca.  Mr. Goodrich first engaged in the hardware business in Norwich establishing himself on South Broad street, and remaining in that line for 15 years when he purchased the grocery business of George H[. Smith & Co., located on the site of the present Goodrich grocery.  He conducted this business until 1878, when he withdrew from it in favor of his son, who has since carried it on. The funeral was held from his late residence Monday afternoon.  Rev. Samuel Moore of the Methodist church, officiating.

 

 

Chenango County, NY Flood of 1905

Chenango County, NY Flood of 1905

Chenango Union, September 7, 1905

 

Continued from posting of January 16, 2017

 

Two Horses Drowned

Frank Sullivan, who lives on the Edward Tiffany farm, King Settlement, started for Borden's with his milk Monday morning. The bridge at the Buell Barnes' place was reported out and Mr. Sullivan attempted to ford the brook an eighth of a mile above the bridge.  His team had reached the west bank and men who were assisting him had seized their bridles when one of the horses slipped and fell into the stream, dragging the other with her. The efforts of the men were unavailing and the team was swept down stream and both horses drowned.  One of them, still hitched to the wagon was caught by the debris just above the bridge and the other was carried more than a quarter of a mile down stream.

 

Dam Goes Out

"My dam which has stood for seventy-five years has gone out and I have lost every dam thing," was the message which Blinn Buell telephoned to Norwich Monday morning.  "Every dam thing" referred especially to the saw mill which stood by the dam.

 

Smyrna Loses Bridges

Four iron bridges and seven wooden bridges washed out and roads badly gullied sums up the damage to town property in the town of Smyrna.  Farmers suffered damage to crops and fields but no stock was lost.

 

State Road Damaged

A piece of the Plymouth state road between Plymouth and South Plymouth near the Charles Weaver place is washed out and the road is damaged in other places. The hill roads are badly washed and several bridges are gone.

 

In Lincklaen, Otselic, Pharsalia and Preston there was damage to the roads and some small bridges were carried away, but the loss to the hill towns is comparatively small.

 

Minor Incidents

A two year old heifer pasturing on the Maydole lot west of the Canasawacta was discovered by E.B. Crandall Monday morning, standing on the high ground near Main street surrounded by deep water.  He scoured a rope and with the assistance of George Stacy rescued the animal.

 

J.C. Taylor and family, who are living in a temporary house at the foot of Hayes street while their house is being built, found themselves surrounded by water Sunday evening and they feared for the safety of the building.  Some of the inmates were removed in a push cart and all the goods were removed from the building.

 

C.H. Latham got out his machine as soon as word of the wreck at Woods [Corners] was received and during the night made several trips to the scene carrying physicians and supplies.  He was able to cross the river bridge on the first trips but before morning the water had risen so high that the machine had to be abandoned west of the river.

 

Henry W. Breed, the trainman injured in the O.&W. wreck, boards at the National Hotel.  Sunday evening he told a fellow boarder that he had never dreaded a run as much as he dreaded to go out that night.  He had tried to get someone to take his place, but was not successful.

 

While the wrecking crew was attempting to remove the cars from the wreck Monday morning the heaving steam crane slipped down the sag into the ditch.  It was several hours before it was gotten out and this greatly delayed the repairs at that point.

 

Water came into the Borden Condensery buildings which are on the lower ground and for a time there was danger that the gas plant would be crippled and the soldering room shut down. The water also interfered with the waste pipe into which the steam is exhausted and a new line had to be laid.

 

J.J. Saladin, of West Main street, a trainman in the employ of the O.&W. is a member of the crew which took out the train wrecked at Woods [Corners].  He had a presentiment of danger Sunday evening and secured a substitute to take his place on the run.

 

Corn fields on the river flats between Norwich and Haynes could just be seen above the water Monday noon.  One field just above Haynes had been cut and shocked. The bulk of this crop is now lodged against the fence bordering the road which crosses the river at the Half Way house.

 

As usual the wildest rumors prevailed early Monday morning concerning the flood in other places.  The New Berlin reports were particularly exaggerated.  The death list there was placed as high as nineteen, and fifty houses were reported as swept away.

 

Conductor John Close, who runs on 13 and 14 and 41 and 42 says he has been laid off by wreck and flood many times, but never before in his 25 years experience, has he been fortunate enough to be at home.

 

Conductor Robinson who was in charge of train no. 5, arriving here Sunday midnight and held here until Tuesday morning, had his hands full, answering the anxious inquiries of his passengers.

 

The town of Preston lost about a dozen bridges. Seven were on the route of one rural delivery carrier.  The damage to roads and bridges in Columbus is estimated at $10,000.  The bridge across the King Settlement brook on the east river road to Wood's corners was washed out and dropped into the creek bed.

 

The largest individual loss in Norwich is probably that of George Wheeler, at the Red mill. The basement of his mill was flooded, machinery damaged and stock ruined.  His loss will probably be $500.  The total loss in the county, including the loss to the railroads, will not fall short at $40,000.

 

The Storm Elsewhere

The storm and flood was by no means local but spread in all its fury over five counties, Chenango, Madison, Otsego, Oneida and Herkimer all suffer heavily.  The trolley line from Oneonta to Richfield Springs was blocked on Monday, washouts occurring all along the road.  Between Mt. Vision and Hartwick the low land was converted into a lake and 400 feet of track washed out; the Otsego creek, the course of which was changed when the road was built, broke its new banks and sought its old channel.  South of Schuyler Lake there is a 500 foot washout and south of Mohawk there are a half dozen washouts varying in length form 60 to 200 feet.

 

in the Butternut Valley

One and a half inches of water fell and all streams overflowed their banks.  At Morris the abutment to the Broad street bridge was weakened and the bridge condemned. The mill pond above the fair grounds was raised and overflowed, carrying out the dam.  All the bridges at New Lisbon and Burlington, the iron bridge at Burlington flats, the Cross blacksmith shop and old tannery were swept down stream. the dam at Southworth's mills at West Exeter went out; there were several feet of water in the hotel at Schuyler's Lake and the occupants of the hotel had narrow escapes from drowning. At Cooperstown the water was five feet deep on Chestnut street and lawns which have been the pride of the residents were ruined.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (January 17)

Osmos Randall

Norwich Sun, November 28, 1917

 

Osmos Randall

1839 - 1917

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1917

The last of the oldest and most notable colored family in this city passed to the long rest last week when Osmos Randall of 35 Lackawanna avenue [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] died.  Funeral services were very largely attended from the late home at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, Rev. J.A. Springsted reading the episcopal service.  Interment was made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Osmos Randall was born in Norwich Dec. 8, 1839 the son of Amos and Hannah Randall.  He was a member of a family which attained considerable note in the country's history and he himself was widely known.  For over 50 years he conducted a livery stable on Lackawanna avenue and it was but four years ago that he gave up driving spirited horses and took to the wheeled chair where he spent most of his days, sitting on the front porch and conversing with hosts of friends. 

 

His brother Thomas Randall who died in 1901 was one of the ablest colored men of the county.  He learned the printer's trade here and after several years at the case worked on several of the best papers in central New York.  During the civil war he did service for the abolitionists at Petersboro, doing editorial work.  In 1873 he purchased the Sherburne News which he conducted for several years before returning to Norwich to work on the newly launched Norwich Sun. His last days were spent at the office of the Chenango Union.  Mr. Randall's sister Mrs. Sarah Williams died in 1915 and another sister Mrs. Hannah M.E. Imonds, emigrated to California in the early 50s.  The journey across the isthmus of Panama was made on mule back.  Mrs. Imonds was the first woman tailor in San Francisco and she also conducted a private school.  She was associated in the anti-slavery movement with S.R. Ward, Henry H. Garnett, Frederick Douglas, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.  Mrs. Imonds died in Rochester in 1896. 

July 15, 1877 Mr. Randall was united in marriage to Miss Mary D. Munson who has tenderly cared for him during his last days and who survives together with several nieces, nephews and other next of kin:  Mrs. Fannie Garrison, Mrs. Louise Sherman of Oxford, Misses Blanche and Hannah Randall of Oxford, Mrs. Clementine Taylor of Oakland, Calif. and Mrs. Julia Moore of St. Paul., Minn. are the nieces; Carmi Randall and Herbert Randall the nephews; Miss May Sherman the grand niece and McKinley Sherman the grand nephew.

 

Hannah (Brushell) Randall

Chenango Union, April 9, 1885

Mrs. Hannah Randall died in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 6th, aged 85 years.  Mrs. Randall was the youngest daughter of Jonathan and Prudence Brushell, and born in Rhode Island, February 20th, 1800.  She came to this village with her parents in the winter of 1810-11, making the journey with ox-teams in three weeks time; and with the exception of one year in Stockbridge and two years in Coventry, she has since resided here.  She was married in 1819 to the late Amos Randall, who also came to this town with the late Deacon Charles Randall in the early beginning of the century.  He died October 2d, 1840.  Her mother, Prudence Brushell, was one of the constituent members of the first Baptist church, in Norwich, and Mrs. Randall was a member of the first M.E. class organized in 1824, and throughout her lifetime was earnestly and practically pious, showing her devotion by her works.  There are many recipients of blessings at her hands who have gone before, and who will greet her with welcome joy in the house of the brightest spirits.  Of a large family of children she left surviving her three, Thomas and Osmos Randall, and Mrs.7 Sarah Williams, all residing in this village, and a step daughter, Hannah, now Mrs. Edmunds, in San Francisco, Cal. The funeral services at 3 o'clock, Wednesday, at her late residence of Lock street, Rev. H. Fox officiating.

 

Hannah M. (Randall) Edmonds

Chenango Union, August 6, 1896

The gates of the redeemed were thrown open July 12, 1896, to receive the spirit of Mrs. Hannah M. Edmonds, which was then released from its earthly tenement, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Clementine Taylor,  1120 Broadway, San Francisco, Cal.  Funeral services were conducted by the rector of the Episcopal church, of which she was a member and the remains interred in Masonic cemetery.  Mrs. Edmonds was the eldest daughter of the late Amos Randall, and was born in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] October 8, 1817.  She went to San Francisco about 1852, and resided there since that time, making but one visit (in 1866) to her native village.  She leaves surviving her one daughter, Mrs. Clementine Edmonds, of San Francisco, who tenderly and lovingly cared for her during her last illness; one sister, Mrs. Sarah Williams, of Binghamton, and two brothers, Thomas and Osmos Randall of this village.

Sarah Williams

Norwich Sun, October 5, 1915

Mrs. Sarah Williams, the mother of Mrs. Louise Sherman, died at her daughter's home at 18 Lackawanna Avenue October 4, 1915, aged 82 years.  The funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. H.W. Foreman officiating and burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  [Compiler note:  Photo and more comprehensive obituary posted to this blog on August 19, 2016]

Thomas Randall

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 16, 1901

Thomas Randall, an old time printer and one of the best known and most able colored men that ever lived in Chenango county, died at his home on Piano street in Norwich, Sunday evening, January 13, 1901, aged 73 years.  As a lad Thomas was bright and intelligent and early in life he sought the atmosphere of the printing offices of Norwich.  In the early fifties he entered as an apprentice the office of the Free Democrat, and after becoming a journeyman printer, and a good one, he worked on many of the best newspapers in Central New York and in the years of the Civil war did service for the abolitionists at Peterboro, N.Y., under the leadership of the renowned Gerrit Smith, preparing manuscripts, setting them up in type, doing various branches of editorial work, and even going upon the leisure platform.  he published a book of sermons once, which had a wide sale.  In 1872 Mr. Randall purchased the Sherburne News, in this county, which he conducted for several years, and afterwards became one of the publishers of the Norwich Sentinel.  He was one of the employees of The Sun when the paper was first established by Editor Campbell ten years ago.  For several years, up to the beginning of his last sickness, about two years ago, he was an employee of the Chenango Union.  Of a kind and generous nature "Tom" was held in respect and high esteem by all who knew him, especially by the members of the craft that had been his chosen avocation, and many a tender memory of him will linger through life with those who have been associated with him.  Mr. Randall was a son of Amos and Hannah Randall and was born in Norwich June 8, 1828.  He was married January 23, 1849, to Juliett Randall of Oxford, who survives him. There are also surviving one son, O.C. Randall, one brother Osmus Randall and one sister, Sarah Williams, all of whom reside in Norwich.  The funeral will be held from his late residence on Piano street Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. W.D. Benton officiating. Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY]--Sun, 18th

Mr. Randall was for a number of years foreman of The Chenango Telegraph, and held that position at the time of his purchase of the Sherburne News.  He received very flattering notices from the various publications about the country at that time, including the Utica Herald, New Berlin Gazette, Oneida Dispatch, Chenango Union, the writers of several of the articles having served with Mr. Randall during his apprenticeship. 

Death of a Veteran Printer and Editor

There died in the village of Norwich, on Sunday, January 13, 1901, a veteran printer and editor, a native of the village and always a resident, except in the rare intervals when in other places following his profession.  This man was Thomas Randall, who died at his own home on Piano street, a home which he had provided for his family, which had become quite small in the lapse of years.  he leaves a wife of about his own age, and a son, beside many other relatives among the colored people of Norwich.  Among these is Osmus Randall, a younger brother of deceased, on whom much of the care for his brother devolved since the latter had to give up his work in The Union office a year or two since. 

Mr. Randall was a descendant of the purest white and negro blood which Chenango county could furnish before the state of New York abolished slavery.  And all Chenango county people of sixty years ago know that we had no superior mixture of blood in any part of the United States. 

Mr. Randall entered our village schools at an early age, and what school training he had was in these schools.  But at about the time that boys now graduate into the high school, he went to work as a printer's apprentice.  He was of large muscular power, and was able to discuss with his associates the principals of the scholastic training which they received, as well as to knock them down when they became too pressing in their insults. He seems to have learned the printer's trade of the Lawyers, father and son, who had a newspaper, and ephemeral employment here about 1850.  In 1855 he came to the Chenango Telegraph as a compositor, and was there when the present writer sold the office in 1861.  Since then he has been the publisher and editor of the Sherburne News, but for several years has worked as a compositor on the Chenango Union, where his last work was done.

Mr. Randall was a good example of the self-respecting man who comes up by his own desire to be something more than a mere "hewer of wood" for other people.  His fund of information, though rarely displayed, was good.  He was a great admirer of Frederick Douglas, the great leader of the people of his race, and whom in later years he much resembled.  Those who remember Mr. Douglass and his towering form and wide spreading hair often remarked the resemblance, for Mr. Randall was also of stalwart proportions.  Those who have known Mr. Randall through his life can agree with us when we say that his make up was not of the commonplace man, and that under more adventitious environment, he would have made a mark among his fellows much large than those environments allowed him to achieved.

Chenango Co. NY Flood of 1905 - Part 2

Chenango County, NY Flood of 1905

Chenango Union, September 7, 1905

 

Continued from posting of January 15, 2017

Woman Drowned at New Berlin

Paper Mill creek, which runs on the outskirts of the village of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] felt the effects of the storm which raged Sunday evening and leaving its banks, tore down the main street.  A dwelling occupied by J.M. Deering was undermined and swept away, Mrs. Deering being drowned.  Her body was recovered from the street where it had wedged against the curb and was caught by debris.

 

The blacksmith shop of Harrison Smith, the carriage shop of Charles Fish and the shoe shop of William Clark were washed away. The electric light plant was crippled, light poles were washed out and the village was left in darkness. The flood tore up the street, undermined and broke the water main leading from the reservoir and the water from that source was added to the flood water. The dam did not go out. About fifteen people who attended the evening service at the Presbyterian church found themselves surrounded by water and had had to remain in the church until day light.

 

Unadilla Valley Road

 Every bridge on the Unadilla Valley road between Bridgewater and New Berlin is washed out and the track is undermined in numerous places.  Several weeks will be required to repair the track.  It is rumored that the road will be turned into a trolley line.  The New Berlin branch of the O.&W. suffered in several places and traffic was suspended for two days.

 

Boy Drowned in Oxford

Stewart, the eleven year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Young, Oxford, was drowned in the flood Monday morning.  The boy walked out on a plank which led to a hen house, fell into the current and was carried down stream. The accident happened in full view of his parents and several other people and efforts were made to rescue him but without avail.  The swift current carried his body beyond reach.

 

Never before has the water reached as high a point.  The Lackawanna depot station platform was only about four inches out of water, the Episcopal church was in the midst of a swiftly running stream and water was pouring though the basement.

 

The Borden's suffered a loss of over $1,000.  The water invaded the ice house, caused the ice to settle and bulged out the end of the building, some of the ice being carried off.

 

Sherburne Suffers

Sherburne suffered losses by the flood conservatively estimated at $20,000.  Nearly 20 iron bridges were washed away and almost innumerable wooden bridges and culverts carried off.  The upper reservoir broke out and the flood poured through the village.  Cellars were flooded, the streets and yards piled with debris and about 20 lengths of the water main undermined and either swept off or broken. The village is without water. The newly graded school grounds were gullied, fences removed.  Details are not at hand, but from glimpses caught while the flood was raging it is believed that many horses and cattle were caught on the low land and drowned, their bodies being carried down stream.

 

Edmeston Nearly Ruined

The village of Edmeston is a serious loser.  Merchants have had their stocks ruined by the water which stood two feet deep on store floors, several barns were carried away, the residence and barber shop of A.F. Douke, disappeared on the flood, the wing of the house of Eri Chase was swept from its foundation and unnumbered horses and cows were drowned. There were no losses of human life or injuries to individuals.

 

North Norwich

This town was visited with the greatest downpour of rain Sunday night that it ever experienced, doing great damage to roads, bridges and farm property.  R.A. Case, FW. Hopkins, Geo. Aylesworth, Cyrus Case, Wm. Lorimer, Henry Tracy, and P.A. Wilkes are among the greatest sufferers. Four bridges on the Henry Bowers creek were washed out, one near Fran Cases', two on the Whaupanaucau Creek and three or four on the King Settlement Creek, besides many small sluices. A barn on Jay Titus' farm was struck by lightning killing a horse that belonged to a man who was visiting there, but doing very little damage to the building.  There are many land slides and washouts on the hills sides not to mention those in the public roads.  Linn Case sat down to eat his supper with everything all right, in twenty minutes he went out and waded in water up to his waist and took his hog--a good sized one, that was handing by its fore feet to the top of the pen fence in his arms and carried it out to a place of safety.  Wm. Lorimer had about 75 cords of stove wood floated off, a good deal of it has lodged near his farm.  Miss Emma Buell had 75 fine chickens drowned. The storm was accompanied by terrific lightning and thunder.

 

King Settlement

The King Settlement brook was one of the chief causes of the trouble and the direct cause of the wreck at Wood's [Corners].  The stream left its banks early Sunday evening. At the crossing near the Buell Barnes plain it washed out the road for several rods, leaving the bridge uninjured. From here the water spread over the meadows finally taking to the highway near the residence of John Tallet. From here to Wood's Corners the road was badly washed out and in front of the residence of F.J. Tuttle nearly half the roadway is washed out to a depth of five feet. At the corners the flood divided on either side of the residence of Roscoe Johnson.  One stream went across Mr. Johnson's front yard and the other between his house and barn.  It was the meeting of these two streams against the O.&W. railroad bed which caused the washout and wreck at that point.  Mr. Johnson was unable to get from his house on account of the high water.  The story that his barns were swept away and entire dairy drowned was unfounded.  His barns are intact and his horses and cattle were on high ground and safe.

 

To be continued

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (January 16)

Walter Cole Case

Utica Saturday Globe, November 1917

 

Walter Cole Case

1858 - 1917

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Walter Cole Case, for many years a leading merchant of Norwich, who passed away recently at his home on North Broad street, was born in the town of  North Norwich on December 24, 1858, the son of John Wiley and Jane Cole Case.  His boyhood was spent upon the Case farm near North Norwich and he later became a student in the old Norwich Academy.  After leaving school he embarked on a business career and later for 17 years conducted a grocery store at the corner of North Broad and Mechanic streets in company with his brother.  Afterward he was at the head of the firms of Case, Oakley & Coburn and Case, Oakley & Skinner.  Upon his retirement from the grocery firm he conducted a shoe business of several years and during his remaining years engaged in the real estate business.  In 1903 he was chosen a director of the Chenango Co-Operative Savings and Loan Association, his knowledge of real estate and interest in the affairs of the association making him a valuable member of the directorate.  In 1903 also he was chosen a village trustee, giving freely of his time and ability to the public interests and in 1905 was elected village president, a position he filled with credit to himself and the community.  Mr. Case was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and for many years served as a member of its Board of Trustees.  He also rendered valuable services as a member of the Board of Trustees of the local Y.M.C.A.  He was a member of long standing in Norwich Lodge, F.&A.M.; Harmony Chapter, R.A.M. and of the Norwich Commandery, K.T.  He was a member of the Norwich Club and vice president of the Masonic Club.  June 22, 1880, he married Jennie M. Smith, of this city, who survives him.  He also leaves a daughter, Allie Case MacDonald; two grandchildren, Donald Case Macdonald and Jane Case MacDonald; a brother, Truman E. Case, and a sister, Alice B. Case.  Funeral services were held at the late home on North Broad street Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock in charge of Norwich Commandery with a prayer by Rev. S.T. Harding, of Calvary Church. The services at the grave in the North Norwich Cemetery were in charge of Norwich lodge, F.&A.M.

 

James B. Packer

Chenango Union, March 2, 1893

Died, in Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], February 26, 1893, suddenly, James B. Packer.  Deceased was a son of William and Abigail Packer, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], and was born February 23, 1812.  His boyhood days were spent with his father on the farm.  February 11, 1841, he married Miss Minerva E. Hartshorn, of Lebanon, Madison county, who died April 14, 1851, leaving two daughters, Mrs. M. D. Brown, of Scranton, Pa., and Emily A., who departed this life September 21, 1870.  May 25, 1853 he married Miss Achsa L. Turner, of Preston, who died July 14, 1866.  The fruit of this union was three children, two dying in infancy, and the third, William H. Packer, who still resides on the old homestead in Preston.  He was again married February 1873 to Miss Artelissa A. Blackman, of Pitcher.  April 16, 1876, to them was born a son, Lynn B. Packer, who with his mother resides at their home in Pitcher.  The deceased has been a consistent member of the Congregational church from early manhood to the time of his death.  Funeral services at his late residence in Pitcher March 1st, at two o'clock.  Interment at Preston, March 2, 1893.

 

Tracy E. Roberts

Chenango Union, February 23, 1893

We find the following in a New York paper relating to the death of a former resident of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], who is kindly remembered by many of our older residents. 

 

Tracy E. Roberts died at his home 77 Division avenue, on Sunday, after the illness of one day.  Mr. Roberts was born at Oxford, Chenango county, this State [NY].  He came to New York when a young man and started in business with Vincent, Clarke & Co., dry good merchants. When the name of the house was changed to L.M. Bates & Co., Mr. Roberts became a member of the firm.  In 1870 he retired from the dry goods business and afterwards engaged in business in Wall street.  For many years he was an active member of Christ Episcopal church. As a business man, Mr. Roberts was highly successful.  Many worthy benevolent enterprises found in him a liberal supporter.--Oxford Times.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, July 22, 1875

GARTSEE:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], July 15th, Mr. William Gartsee formerly of Norwich, aged 34 years.

HART:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], July 14th, Miss Sarah P. Hart, aged 61 years.

CONNER:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], July 6th, Mrs. Elsie Conner, aged 92 years, 6 months.

BOTTSFORD:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], July 13th, Mr. Gideon Bottsford, aged 81.

WATTLES:  In Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], July 3d, 1875, May E. [Wattles], daughter of Edwin R. Wattles, aged 4 years, 7 months.

MILLER:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, July 13th, Mr. Ward Miller, aged 23 years.

SMITH:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], July 9th, Walter [Smith], son of Edgar Smith, aged 11 months, 11 days.

GREEN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 13th, Julia [Green], wife of J. Henry Green, aged 40 years.

PARKER:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], July 17th, Jennie R. [Parker], daughter of Peter H . and Ada A. Parker, aged 4 years.

TERRY:  In Elgin, Ill., July 1875, Mr. Ira Terry, formerly of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 40 years.

MONROE:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], July 17th, Marietta [Monroe], wife of Orlando Monroe, aged 25 years.

MARSH:  In Albany, July 14th, Mr. Simeon B. Marsh, aged 77 years.  Formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY]/

HART:  In Iowa City, Iowa, May 25th, Harriet A. [Hart], wife of Eugene Hart formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 46 years.
Mrs. Hart's sickness and its fatal result make the saddest story connected with our late smallpox epidemic.  She contracted that fatal disease through unselfish and Christian services in the house of a friend where it had claimed its first victim in the city.  The entire epidemic up to date resulted in only three deaths, and she was the second to fall.  In the painful progress of her malady, we are told that there was ever present the patience and forbearance that had adorned her in all of life's trials, and the last hour found her prepared with the Christian's resignation--Iowa State Press.