Chenango & Unadilla Valleys - 1820s, Part 1

Chenango and Unadilla Valleys Fifty Years Ago

by S.S. Randall

Chenango Telegraph, February 14, 1872

 

The venerable President Dwight of Yale, having had occasion, towards the close of the last century [1700s] to journey down the Valley of the Chenango, from Utica [Oneida Co., NY] to the present site of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], enthusiastically compares it to the celebrated Vale of Cashmere, and describes it as a fitting and genial retreat for a statesman or philosopher, wearied with the cares and tumult of the busy world, and desirous of a harbor of rest and secluded retirement, "the world forgetting by the world forgot."  The lapse of nearly an entire century has divested this beautiful valley of much of its solitary seclusion by sprinkling along the banks of its sweet river a long succession of villages and towns, and a busy population; but long reaches of meadows, pastures, woods and groves, intersected by innumerable streamlets and hemmed in by hills whose gentle declivities mingle insensibly with the plains, still remain to vindicate the high appreciation of the distinguished traveler.

 

Among the most attractive of these villages was fifty years ago, and still is, the village of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY.  Pleasantly situated, as all the world knows, on the west bank of the Chenango River, about midway between Utica and Binghamton, and with the Canasawacta on the south and west, forming a small peninsula, bordered by richly wooded hills, and comprising about a thousand acres of cultivated grounds.

 

Silas Cole, Maj. Thomas Brooks, a Massachusetts man who had taken part in Shay's rebellion, as well as in the Revolutionary war, Israel, Charles and Mathew Graves, Capt. John Harris, Stephen Steere, Samuel Hammond, Thompson Mead, Hascall Ransford, Dr. Jonathan Johnson, Peter B. Garnsey, Josiah Dickinson, William Munroe, Elisha Smith, Benjamin Edmunds and Treman Enos, were among the earliest settlers of the future village. At the period referred to in the sketches it consisted only of two streets, each about a mile in length, intersecting each other at the center, where a public common or "green", as it was called, was laid out on each side of the main street, running north and south.  Just over the Canasawacta Creek, forming the southern boundary of the village, was the residence of Judge Casper M. Rouse and adjoining to this on the south, the "Gods acre" or grave yard, where the "rude forefathers of the hamlet" and their successors quietly repost,--

"After life's fitful fever, they sleep well!"

 

Of all these men, one only yet survives [in 1872], Charles Randall, the third son of Capt. John Randall, Senior, constitutes the only relic of that olden time.  Capt. Randall, early in the century, emigrated from Connecticut to the Chenango Valley, and purchased the farm, a mile and a half below the present village, lately owned by Judge York, and now owned by Jeduthan Newton.  The earliest trace of this eminent and now numerous family is said to have been found in the old Puritan records at Connecticut, in which occurs the brief announcement, "William Randall, fined ten shillings for lying."  A fault shrewdly suspected of having been hereditarily transmitted.  Master Randall Comfort, of Morrisanna, Westchester county, aged nine months, son of Dr. John E. and Mrs. Lucy Randall Comfort is, I believe, the latest off-shoot of the race.

 

Crossing the Canasawacta bridge, forming the southern boundary of the village, you passed fifty years ago [in 1822], on your right, the neat little residence of Thomas Prentiss, with its fresh coat of red paint and white trimmings, and a little beyond that on the same side, the house of one Deacon Stone--now, I believe, the residence of N.B. Hale, Esq. The deacon was the terror of all the mischievous boys in the village, by reason of his immense apple orchard, invitingly tempting to the youthful appetite, but vigilantly guarded by its stalwart owner, whose frequent and sudden descent, armed, with a heavy ox-goad, upon the unwary depredators, was the signal for a general and hasty stampede.  Opposite to this was the residence of Consider Coomes, a well to do farmer, and dealer in leather, who was much more frequently, however, to be met with in the village with a roll of leather in his arms and an ancient clay pipe, never out of his mouth, dispensing oracular wisdom on all the topics and gossip of the day, among his acquaintances and cronies--embracing nearly all the entire male population.  In fact whatever of any conceivable importance to any human being in his extended circuit was not known and fully mastered by Consider, in all its bearings, was scarcely to be deemed worthy of being known.  He was equally at home in politics, religion, law, medicine, trade, history and philosophy--equaled only in the latter science by good old, quaint Uncle Joshua Aldrich, who, in his rural farm stead, a few miles north of the village, had sedulously perused the works of Robert Boyle--of whom Consider had never heard and contemptuously whiffed aside as a mythical personage.  My worthy old friend Coomes, was however a good hearted, pleasant, genial and companionable man--somewhat crotchety, and careless of the conventionalities--but invaluable as a general retailer of news and neighborhood gossip.

 

To be continued

Obituaries (July 29)

Henry Heady

1838 - 1896

Henry Heady, who died in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] last week, was once a resident of this place.  The late P.L. Matthewson and the above were schoolboys together.  In after years they formed a partnership and bought what was known as the Hughston farm and tannery and continued the business for several years.  When the rebellion broke out Mr. Heady enlisted, and they divided partnership, Mr. Heady taking the tannery, which he sold to his uncle, Smith Heady.  He served in the war until he lost an arm.  At the close of the war he began the study of law and held several responsible offices under the government up to the time of his death.  Mr. Matthewson took the farm, on which he lived up to the time of his death, which occurred last July.  So thus one by one we pass to that land whence no weary traveler returneth.

 

Sarah Frances Clark

1893 - 1911

The funeral services of Sarah Frances Clark were held Monday afternoon at the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Winsor, conducted by Rev. Mr. Hart of Syracuse, assisted by Rev Mr. Stockwell of Sidney. Burial was in Sunset Hill Cemetery [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY].  Among those present at the services were her brothers, Guy Clark of Frankfort, Winsor Clark of Earlville, Richard Clark of Guilford and Homer Clark of Sidney and also Mrs. John A. Clark, Arvine Clark, Sidney, Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer D. Winsor of Frankfort, Charles A. Winsor, Jr., Lewis T. Winsor and several from Earlville.

 

Lewis Bunnell

1846 - 1911

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Guilford has lost another citizen in the death of Lewis Bunnell, which occurred suddenly at 12:30 p.m., from endocarditis.  Mr. Bunnell had been ill for some time with a severe attack of rheumatism. He is survived by his wife, Angelia McLagan Bunnell. The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Bunnell reached his 65th birthday a week before his death.

 

Eveline Pearsall

1849 - 1913

Miss Eveline Pearsall a resident of Searles Hill [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], died at her home Sunday afternoon at the age of 63 years.  Miss Pearsall was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Pearsall, and was born on the farm where her death occurred, having spent her entire life there.  Miss Pearsall was the only one of the family left here, the others having died. The funeral was from the house Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Frank James, pastor of the Methodist Chruch officiating.  Interment was in Green lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].. 

 

Elizabeth Ives

1845 - 1910

Mrs. Elizabeth Ives, 64 years of age, wife of Homer l. Ives, died at the home of her son, Edwin J. Ives, 44 Davis street, yesterday at 6 o'clock after a long illness. Besides her husband, Homer l. Ives, and her son, Edwin J. Ives, she is survived by one daughter, Mrs. W.H. Tompkins, and two granddaughters, Elizabeth Tompkins and Sarah E Ives.  the funeral will be held at 44 Davis street, Saturday afternoon at 12:30.  The remains will be taken to Sidney for burial in the cemetery at that place.

 

Death Notices

 

Antimasonic Telegraph, March 7, 1832

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult. David W. [Sailes], son of Gideon Sailes, aged one year.

 

Antimasonic Telegraph, March 28, 1832

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday, 20th inst. Mr. David Miller, a respectable and industrious inhabitant of that town.

 

Afton Home Sentinel, April 8, 1876

Infant son of John and Sarah Skelly, on Sunday the 23th ult., aged 10 months.

Card of Thanks:  Mr. and Mrs. J. Skelly desire to tender their sincere and heartfelt thanks and prayer for Divine favor through our columns to their friends for their kind assistance rendered in the sickness and burial of their deceased child.

 

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  May 20th, inst., Daniel Bond aged 55 years, 4 months and 27 days.

He has gone to his rest,

His labor is done.

He now dwells with the blest,

Through the Father and Son.

 

 

 

Ralph & Susan (Sage) Kirby, 1955

Ralph & Susan (Sage) Kirby

Bainbridge News, Oct. 6, 1955

There died in Bainbridge on Sept. 23 and 24 two persons who had probably contributed as much of value to the community life and welfare of Bainbridge village [Chenango Co., NY] as any other couple who had spent their lives in our midst.  The lovely and unique double funeral at the Baptist Church on Sept. 26 of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph W. Kirby was a most impressive event, and to those of the older generation it aroused many fond recollections of vanished yesterdays in Bainbridge history.

 

 

Ralph William Kirby

1871-1955

 

Ralph W. Kirby was born May 12, 1871, a son of William D. Kirby and Harriett Cudworth.  His birth place was at the old Kirby farm at the Humphrey Settlement in the southern portion of the town where his great-grandfather, Reuben Kirby, had been one of the earliest settlers of old Jericho. Ralph attended the district school  near his home and later the Bainbridge Union School and Academy.  Finishing his education here, he entered the First National Bank as a bank clerk under the presidency of Dr. Gervis Prince.  Shortly after, the cashier of the bank, Irving Pruyne, left Bainbridge to make his home in the West, and Ralph was promoted to the position of cashier in the late 1890's.  In 1911 he succeeded Erwin Ramsdell as president of the First National Bank.  His intimate contacts with the public and long connection with the local banking house have made his name synonymous with any banking facility in Bainbridge.  In his student days at the Bainbridge Academy and his early activities in the bank, he was a quiet, unpretentious, diligent and friendly person.  Personal warmth did not notably accent his manners.  He was definitely not the back slapping, hand pumping, first name calling, "I'll be seeing you" type.  He was a quiet modest man, not seeking and not having personal publicity.  In fact he had a good deal of contempt for those who loved to beat the drum and toot the horn to feed their hungry ego, but unostentatiously and imperturbably he kept alert to his job.  In 1910 Mr. and Mrs. Kirby took an extended European trip with some Bainbridge friends visiting the Mediterranean coast and most of western Europe.

 

During the first world war, Ralph Kirby had a large burden of work thrown upon him including the various local subscriptions for War Bonds, Red Cross drives and a dozen other war connected activities. At this time he had no other help in the bank but the cashier Sebert Hollenbeck.  Following the war, the period of inflation with the subsequent devastating collapse caused some of those interested in the bank many anxious months and not a few sleepless night.  Kirby, through it all shouldered most of the banking responsibility and let it be said to his eternal credit that with adroitness, good humor, common sense and an undismayed courage, he met the challenge of those dreadful days and brought the bank through the crisis without catastrophic losses and with entire solvency.

 

The affiliation of the First National Bank, of Bainbridge, with The National Bank and Trust Company, of Norwich, was consummated in December, 1938.  Mr. Kirby was made Assistant Vice President in charge of the Bainbridge Branch and has since remained the titular head of the local banking facility. Steadfastness and a kindly courtesy combined with a good working knowledge of small town banking have been his outstanding attributes. He held the position of President of the Village for one term and has been Treasurer of the Bainbridge School system since 1894.  He has always been a leading member of the Baptist Society here and with Mrs. Kirby has given liberally his time and money to the church.  He was a sixty-year member of Susquehanna Lodge F.&A.M. and was an honorary member of the Bainbridge Rotary Club.

 

Ralph Kirby always remained the same quiet, contemplative, friendly figure, the same unglamorous speaker, the same friendly adviser he has always been. He scorned to play the showman--and indeed he had neither the art or the personality to do so, yet with his gentle friendliness, his unfailing patience, and his moral integrity, he built up an army of acquaintances and admirers which for the most part were local and devoted to the end.  His courage and insistence to keep at his work in the face of the shocking brutality of the obvious ravages of his relentless paralytic disease were the admiration as well as the despair of his closest friends.  It was less than a week before death came that he gave up the fight and entered the Bainbridge Hospital as a patient where he steadily failed until his death a week ago last Friday.  Characteristic of the man were his last words to his attending nurse:  "I thank you.  You have been so good to me."  A few moments later he was dead.

 

 

Susan (Sage) Kirby

1874 - 1955

 

Susan Sage Kirby was born at South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], where she spent her girlhood.  She was the daughter of Jay and Lucinda Sage.  Following her graduation from high school, she attended and completed her education at the Fredonia State Normal School and later taught for a few year at National Park Seminary at Washington, D.C.  While visiting in Bainbridge in 1897 she met and married Ralph W. Kirby and it was here she has since lived her rich and rewarding life. She very early became a diligent worker in the Baptist Chruch and was an honorary member of the New York State Baptist Missionary Society and has been active in her membership of the world Wide Guild.  In 1899 she aided greatly in the formation of the Bainbridge Women's Club and was its first president.  She was a member and past regent of the local chapter D.A.R.  In 1908 when the Bainbridge Free library was organized by the Rev. Walter E. Carrington, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Kirby was elected President by its first Board of Directors, a position which she continued to hold until her death, a period of nearly half a century.  Her devotion to the success and development of this institution recalls the truth of Emerson's remark that "an institution is the lengthened shadow of one person."  There was no detail in the library activities with which she was not familiar and willing to carry on its services.  The whole village joins in extending praise and tribute to the truly remarkable service she rendered to Bainbridge in her library work.  Personally, Susan Sage Kirby, was a radiantly lovely character, blessed with temper and imagination with kindness and courage, and most of all with a noble urge for community service which she so generously displayed.

 

Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Ruthvan Chalmers, pastor of the Baptist church assisted by the Rev. deforest Lowen, pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church at Utica, N.Y.

 

Survivors of Mrs. Kirby were three cousins, Mrs. Cloud Wampler, of Syracuse; Mrs. Ralph Loomis, and Mrs. Laura Vaughn, both of Sidney, N.Y.

 

Survivors of Ralph W. Kirby are a sister, Miss Eudora Kirby, of Bainbridge, and two nieces, Mrs. Eleanor Roehrl, of Erie, Pa. and Mrs. Barbara Moore of Eugene, Ore.  There are several grandnieces and nephews.   There are also four cousins, Mrs. Arthur McCormick, Harold and John Cudworth, of Cortland and Mrs. Gleon Parker, of Groton, N.Y.

 

Pallbearers at the double funeral were Carroll Niles, Ernest Hoyt, Charles Lord, Orris Coe, Maurice McGinnis, all of Bainbridge, and Everett Gilmour of New Berlin.  Honorary Bearers:  Nathan Truman, Morell Colwell, Fred Robbins, G.E. Howland and Dr. Edward Danforth, all of Bainbridge, and Otis Thompson, of Norwich.

___________________________________________________

 

Marriage - Kirby-Sage

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, September 4, 1897

 

At a quiet and charming wedding, Wednesday afternoon, at South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Ralph W. Kirby, cashier of the First National Bank of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] and Susan L. Sage were linked in matrimonial bonds. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Sage, at whose home the ceremony was performed by the Rev. J.B. Genung, at 3 o'clock.  Elaborate and extensive decorations with appropriate designs and arrangements of flowers emblematic and characteristic of the event, made the wedding room resplendent.  Only intimate relatives and friends of the bride and groom were present.  John R. Kirby of New York, brother of the groom acted as best man.  Miss Frances Rollins of Oneonta, was the maid of honor and Miss Susan McFarland of Salem, was bridesmaid. The ushers were Frank D. Robinson of Oneonta and Clarence D. Kirby of Bainbridge. During the entire service music was rendered by Miss Ida M. Haynes of Norwich. The ceremony was beautiful in every respect.  Presents were many and costly. The bride is one of the most accomplished and charming ladies and the groom is one of the leading young men in Chenango county.  He is recognized for his excellent business capabilities and is very popular in all circles--Bainbridge Republican.

 

 

Marriages (July 27)

Benedict - Murphy

Afton Enterprise, January 4, 1940

A very pretty wedding took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Murphy at Nineveh Junction [Broome Co., NY], when George Benedict of West Brookville [Nassau Co., NY] and Miss Marjorie Murphy were united in matrimony, in the presence of the family and relatives, Saturday evening at 8 o'clock.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. H.L. McGonigla, pastor of the Harpursville Baptist Church. The bride is a graduate of the Afton High School and the Middletown Business institute. The groom is employed at West Brookville where the young couple will make their future home.

 

Pickering - Monroe

Afton Enterprise, January 2, 1930

On December 28, 1929, occurred the marriage of Miss Marion L. Monroe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Monroe of Slingerlands, N.Y., to Mr. Le Roy H. Pickering, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Pickering of Troy, N.Y. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Harry E. Brooks of Afton, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Carlton L. Wrench at Coventryville.

 

Marriage Notices

Antimasonic Telegraph, February 8, 1832

At New Hartford, on the 30th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Adams, Mr. Quartus Graves, printer, of Utica to Miss Jane Laynon of the former place.

 

Antimasonic Telegraph, February 15, 1832

In Sherburne, on Sunday evening, 5th inst. by Milo Hunt, esq. Mr. James Sherburne Gilman, to Miss Roxy L. Pomeroy, all of that place.

 

Afton Enterprise, January 1930

Mr. Charles W. Smith of Waverly, and Miss Ella M. Huntley, of the same place, but formerly of Afton, were united in marriage at the residence of Dr. P.A. Hayes, April 5th, Rev. C.A. Stone officiating.

 

Mrs. Benjamin Barber, of Oxford, recently witnessed the marriage of her daughter Sarah, the youngest of a family of 21 children, 18 of whom are living and all but one are married.  They were all at the wedding.

 

Chenango Union, June 3, 1875

SPRAGUE - EVANS:  In Preston Corners, May 29 by Rev. J. Hurlburt, Mr. Otis Sprague of McDonough to Miss Alma Evans of Plymouth.

 

WEBB - BARTOO:  In Brisbin, May 26 by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Frank Webb of Oxford to Miss Irene E. Bartoo of Brisbin.

 

POTTER - McKAY:  In Niles, Mich., May 18, 1875 by Rev. Eddy, Mr. William  H. Potter to Miss Ella McKay, formerly of Sherburne.

Obituaries (July 27)

Isaac L. Carl

Afton Enterprise/Harpursville Budget, January 209, 1955

The community was deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Isaac L. Carl, 60, of R.D.1, Afton [Chenango Co., NY] Thursday morning January 13 at his home, following a brief illness.  The body was removed to the Karschner Funeral Home in Afton and the funeral services were held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the North Afton Methodist church with burial in the North Afton Cemetery.  Rev. James E. Bartz of the Methodist church of Afton and North Afton officiated, assisted by the Rev. Alan Douglas of the Afton Baptist church. The pallbearers were, Lynn Loomis, Arthur K. Loomis, Lewis Little, Louis Fisher, Roy Bush and Lloyd Strong.  Donald Loomis and the Rev. Bartz each sang a solo, with Mrs. Carlton Wrench as accompanist.  Mr. Carl was born March 4th, 1894 at North Afton, the only son of Rodney L. and Jennie H. Carl.  He served 17 months as a veteran in the First World War.  He was married to Daisy L. Lyon on April 3, 1920.  He is survived by his widow, his son, Myron, a daughter-in-law, Jean, a granddaughter, Maureen and three sisters, Mrs. Henry Myers of Georgetown, Texas; Mrs. Robert Hawley of Danbury, Conn. and Miss Joyce Carl of Chicago, Ill.; Also several nieces and nephews. Mr. Carl was an active worker in the North Afton church and was deeply interested in the work of all churches. The beautiful display of flowers, was an evidence of the esteem in which Mr. Carl was held.

 

Frank Z. Smith

Afton Enterprise, January 2, 1930

Died, at his home in Nineveh [Broome Co., NY], on Monday, December 30th, aged 69 years, Frank Z. Smith, who for many years was a resident of Doraville.  The funeral will be held in the Presbyterian church at Nineveh on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. with burial in the Nineveh Cemetery.  Live Oak Lodge, I.O.O.F. will have charge of the services at the grave. Arrangements by Harry G. Kark.

 

William H. Hinman

Afton Enterprise, January 22, 1903

William H. Hinman was born in the town of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] in the year 1841, and departed this life at his home near the place of his birth Jan. 16th, 1903.  He leaves to  mourn their loss, a wife and seven children, three daughters, Mrs. Rodney Carl, Mrs. Wm. Pearsall and Miss Reta Hinman and four sons, Ernest of Keeseville, N.Y., William of Kirkwood, N.Y., Edgar of Lincoln, Neb. and Claude late of David City, Neb. they feel their loss most keenly and have the sympathy of a host of friends.  Mr. Hinman was a man of strong character intellectual aggressive and possessed a well disciplined mind.  But the most prominent of all his many characteristics was that of determination, with this saying of St. Paul's "This one thing I do," he was able to marshal all of the other characteristics of his nature, and bring things to pass.  His ideals were high, and he ever sought to bring all his friends up to them (especially his children).  The children may justly feel proud of such a father and counselor, and it is to him they owe much of their success.  It is not saying too much to say that a good citizen, a devoted husband and a loving and self sacrificing father has gone.  His funeral was held from his late residence on Tuesday, Jan. 20th, at 12 o'clock.  The large number of friends and neighbors that attended testified to the high esteem in which he was held in the community.  The services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. C.E. Sweet, interment at Glenwood cemetery, Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

But that he died we only have to show,

The mortal part of him he left below;

The rest so smooth, so peacefully he went,

looked like translation through the firmament

 

Death Notices

Oxford Times, February 26, 1908

Ada, wife of Horace Lyon, died Wednesday morning at her home in West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] aged 57 years.  She recently underwent a surgical operation. The funeral was held Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock, Rev. H.T. Hill officiating.

 

Weekly Press, Afton, NY, January 17, 1883

Henry Judd, a well known resident of Centrevillage, recently died at the residence of his daughter in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged about 87 years.

 

Afton Weekly Enterprise, April 13, 1883

Mrs. Welch, mother of Walter Welch, of this place, died last week.  Her funeral was held Sunday, and her remains were interred in the cemetery in Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY].  Her age was 53 years.

 

Miss Georgia Johnson, a ten-year-old daughter of Geo. Johnson, who resides just above this village, died Wednesday night of diphtheria.

 

Chenango Union, September 16, 1875

PARKS:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] Sept. 10, James H. [Parks], son of Wm. H. and Mary Parks, aged 2 years, 7 months 10 days.

 

CARD:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] Aug. 31, Mrs. Sally [Card], wife of Stephen Card, aged 72 years.

 

WIGHTMAN:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 31, Ella May [Wightman], daughter of Noah and Minerva Wightman, aged 7 years 10 months.

 

PIXLEY:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 7, 1875, son of John Pixley, aged 2 years.

 

JOHNSON:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 7, son of Nelson Johnson, aged 1 year 6 months.

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (July 26)

Erastus Kenyon

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 22, 1899

Erastus Kenyon died at the home of his elder daughter, Mrs. George Hicks, in Virgil [Cortland Co., NY], February 1, 1899, of heart failure, where he had spent the last seven months of his life.  Mr. Kenyon was born in the town of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] seventy-eight years ago, where he had lived the greater part of his life.  He was the son of Colonel Asa Kenyon, one of the first settlers of Pitcher.  He leaves four children, Curtis, Thomas and Mrs. Will Cook of South Otselic, also three brothers, Aaron and Roswell of Chenango county, and Leland of Cortland.  His remains were taken to South Otselic in charge of Undertaker I.J. Woodley.  His funeral was held at the home of his son Curtis, Saturday afternoon.  The bearers were his two sons, his son-in-law and grandson, Frank K. Hicks.  Rev. A.H. Knight spoke words of comfort from Luke xii:23.

 

Dr. Elias L. Baker

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 22, 1899

Dr. Elias L. Baker, at one time a prominent Syracuse physician, and who up to April, 1889, was closely connected with the Baker Gun and Forging company of Batavia, died February 15, 1899, at Great Bridge, Norfolk county, Va. whither he had gone for his health. The remains were buried in Syracuse.  Dr. Baker was born at Greene, Chenango county, March 15, 1848.  He began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. R.P. Crandall at Greene, later gradating from a Philadelphia college.  His first office was opened at Marathon between 1868 and 1870.  In December of the latter year he was married to Sarah J. Johnson of Killawog.  In 1876 he, after practicing for some time in Marathon and Hartford, moved to Syracuse.  In 1886 Dr. Baker partially dropped his practice and organized a company for the manufacture of carriage hardware.  It was damaged by fire in 1889, and he moved to Batavia, where the company started in the manufacture of the Baker gun, which is known to sportsmen all over the world.

 

Mary Ann (Avery) Clark

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 22, 1899

A telegram from Utica was received here on Monday from Mrs. Clark Riley, announcing the death of her mother, Mrs. Mary Ann Clark, which occurred on Sunday.  Mrs. Clark was for a long time a resident of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], and the sympathy of many old friends is extended to the grief stricken daughter and family. The following obituary notice appeared in Monday's Utica Evening Dispatch.

 

At the home of her daughter, Mrs. George H. Riley, 175 Elizabeth street, yesterday occurred the death of Mary Ann Avery, widow of Porter G. Clark. She had been suffering about two months with grippe which in spite of the best medical aid, proved fatal.  Mrs. Clark was born in North Stonington, Conn., 78 years ago, and was a daughter of Randall and Mary Wheeler Avery. During her girlhood she removed with her parents to Norwich, N.Y. which was thereafter her home.  In old age Mrs. Clark distinctly remembered the details of the journey from Connecticut to central new York, a long one in those days, as they drove the entire distance. The greater portion of Mrs. Clark's life was passed in Norwich. She was married there in 1848 and lived there up to 17 years ago, when, after her husband's death, she came to Utica and made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Riley, Besides her daughter she is survived by two grandsons, Herbert and George Riley.

 

Finetta Spicer

Homer Republican, January 10, 1918

Finetta Spicer, widow of the late Albert Spicer, who died last May, died at her home, 37 Madison street, Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], yesterday afternoon, after a brief illness, aged 74 years.  Mr. and Mrs. Spicer formerly resided at Little York, in this town, where her husband conducted the mercantile business now owned by Theodore Phelps. After selling the business there, they removed to Cortland, where their home had since been.  Mrs. Spicer was a woman of fine character and had many friends in Homer.  She is survived by three sisters and by one brother, all of this village, viz:  Mrs. Cornelia Burdick, who makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fisher, Mrs. Darwin Austin, Mrs. Eri Johnson and Philo E. Beach. The funeral will be held at the late home in Cortland, Saturday, at 2 p.m.  The remains will be placed in the Glenwood cemetery receiving vault to await burial in the South Otselic cemetery [Chenango Co., NY]..

Bainbridge NY, Photo West Main/Juliand Sts 1911

Bainbridge, Chenango County, New York

Corner of West Main and Academy Streets - 1911

Note:  "Academy" Street is the present day Juliand Street.

Marriages (July 25)

Marriage Notices

Antimasonic Telegraph, January 18, 1832

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by the Rev. L. Clark, Mr. Nehemiah Squires of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lydia Anne Brooks of the former place.

 

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. by the same, Mr. Luke Sexton, to Miss Leonora Clitz.

 

In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by John Pike Esq. Mr. Sidney Murton of Conn. to Miss Polly Weaver, of the former place.

 

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], by John Pike Esq. Mr. David Steere to Miss Anna Lincoln, both of that place.

 

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday evening the 5th inst. by the Rev. I.N. Sprague, Mr. Dwight Ellis of Western (Mass.) to Miss Abigail Lincoln of the former place.

 

Antimasonic Telegraph, January 25, 1832

 

In the Church, at South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday the 15th inst. by the Rev'd Walter Bullard, of Hartwick, Otsego co. Mr. Waterman Field, merchant, to Miss Amanda Malvina Rathbone, both of the former place.

 

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by the Rev. L.S. Rexford, Mr. Christopher C. Foster, Principal of Guilford Centre Academy [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Rachael Mason, of Sherburne.

Obituaries (July 25)

Mrs. Edgar Cornell

Chenango Union, June 17, 1886

Unadilla Valley:  The death of Mrs. Edgar Cornell was a great shock to the community.  the estimation in which she was held was shown by the large attendance at the funeral, which occurred on Wednesday, at Union church.  Loving hands had made many floral devices and beautiful flowers were everywhere, but the lovely white robed form in the casket was more beautiful than all.  Rev. Mr. Weeks preached a fitting discourse form the words, "What I do, thou knowest not now, but shalt know hereafter." The mournful music, "She's Gone." thrilled all hearts.  Kittie will be missed in the church, in the Sabbath School, in society, but most of all in the home circle. The bereaved husband and motherless babe have the heartfelt sympathy of all.

 

Lizzie Angell

Chenango Union, June 17, 1886

Unadilla Valley:  Again the death knell is sounding.  Lizzie Angell was brought to her uncle, J.H. Curtis at White Store [Chenango Co., NY], from her school at Oswego, some three weeks since, very ill.  Friday, June 11th, she died.  Many will remember the tragic fate of the beautiful Elva Curtis Angell, and her young husband. The little orphan girl they left has often asked, "Will I know my father and mother in heaven?"  The question is answered now.  Lizzie had a mind of great promise, and was earnestly engaged in fitting herself for usefulness.  She has gone to a higher sphere, where the clog of mortality will not hinder the development of mind, and where with the loved and lost she may find rest forever in the home her Savior went before to prepare for her.

 

Maria Winston

Chenango Union, June 17, 1886

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Last Monday evening, Mrs. Maria Winston, aged 79 years, widow of the late Timothy Winston, who has lived with her son, W.H. Winston, who has lived with her son, W.H. Winston about one mile north of this village, retired well as usual. At 15 minutes to 11 o'clock, she awoke the family saying she was feeling badly. A physician was sent for, but at 11:15 she passed from this life, from what is supposed to be heart disease. The funeral service was held at her late home on Thursday at 1 o'clock P.M.  Rev. D.N. Grummon officiated.  The remains were interred in Prospect hill cemetery at Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY] --Republican

 

Mrs. Albert J. Wilkins

Chenango Union, June 17, 1886

Mrs. Albert J. Wilkins, an estimable lady well known in this county, died at her home in Sidney [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., from a protracted and painful illness of nearly two years, and a complication of disorders which the best medical skill was unable to remove.  Mrs. Wilkins was a daughter of Deacon Hector Porter, formerly of Coventry, and only sister of the late William D. Porter, of this village. She was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, in September, 1831.  At an early age she came with her parents to Chenango, where, and in Delaware, most of the years of her useful life was spent.  About 1857 she married him who is left alone to mourn his loss, faithfully discharging the duties of wife, being moreover foremost in the cause of temperance, Sunday Schools, and every good work, till prostrated with disease.  Possessed with rare conversational powers, with cultivated intellect, she was a most agreeable companion and friend. The funeral was largely attended on Sunday, from her late residence, Rev. C.C. Hayes, of Unadilla, officiating.

 

Dr. William D. Purple

Chenango Union, June 17, 1886

William D. Purple, M.D., was born in Burlington, Otsego county, April 6, 1802.  He was a son of Edward Purple, an early settler in the town of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].  Dr. Purple commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Charles Josslyn, of Greene, in 1820, and remained with him four years.  He afterwards continued his studies with Arthur Packer and Charles Rouse, of Oxford.  He was licensed to practice in 1824, and entered upon the duties of his profession in Bainbridge, where he remained six years, when he removed to Greene.  he practiced here till 1853, when he received the appointment of postmaster, which he held eight years.

 

It is not necessary to inform any resident of Chenango county, that all the influence, feeling and affiliations of Dr. Purple were with the Democratic party, yet, although he took an active interest in the welfare of his party, no man could ever justly say that the motive of his action was self-interest.  He was often a delegate to State and County Conventions, but his efforts were invariably to secure nominations creditable to his party and honorable to the people.  During his early days, when opportunities of education were very limited, his thirst for knowledge prompted him to devote himself assiduously to the study of such books and papers as were accessible, and he availed himself of every privilege to obtain the coveted information, and in his mature years became a writer of considerable energy.  His articles on current topics contained apt and appropriate matter, often experienced in crisp style.  He continued his love of reading until his last year, when total blindness came upon him, as he result of an accident.

 

His medical writings were dignified, and contained much originality and sound philosophy, and were so free from technicalities that they were readily comprehended.  Many of them are to be found in the "Transactions of the N.Y. State Medical Society," and the "Chenango County Medical Society," and one of his medical articles was translated into French and published abroad.  Many of his miscellaneous articles were contributions to the Chenango Union.

 

Dr. Purple possessed a remarkably retentive memory, characterized, also, by a surprising facility for the recollection of dates, statistics, and historical occurrences, so that he was called sometimes, as veritably he was a walking encyclopedia.  He could tell at once the names of candidates, the year of their nominations, the names, methods, and characteristics, and management of all parties, and the principal history of nearly all political leaders during every year of the past eighty years; would one ascertain the number of miles distance between Utica and Rochester, or Buffalo and Albany, Dr. Purple had it at his tongue's end; also the year and frequently the month when almost nay important event had happened in his own country, as well as much that transpired in more remote localities during the period of his lifetime.

 

The marked changes of the country for the better in the locality of his residence were always appreciated by him.  Although he lived to see the railroad and steamboat, the telegraph, telephone, and Atlantic cable, the common means of transportation and communication, yet he also lived when the beautiful village where he died was a settlement whose occupation was mainly lumbering, and where the mail arrived but once a week---brought many miles on horseback.  And he, as well as most octogenarians, must have viewed with fervent gratitude an infant republic, whose people were loyal, faithful and united, rise from the successes and dignity following the revolution, to its position of power, wealth, commercial importance, superior government and prosperity among the great realms of civilization.

Marriages (July 24)

Marriage Notices

Northern Christian Advocate, December 24, 1856

 

In Shelby Centre, April 17, 1855, by Rev. J.F. Dorr, Mr. Byson C. Johnson to Miss Juliette Wells, both of Shelby Centre, Orleans Co., NY.

 

At the house of the bride's father, March 16(?), 1856, Mr. Frederick Easton to Miss Marie Colvan(?), both of Shelby, Orleans Co., NY.

 

In the M.E. Church, in Millville, Aug. 17, 1856, Mr. B.A. Seaver of Barre, Orleans Co., N.Y. to Miss Elizabeth Bathgate, of Shelby, Orleans Co., N.Y.

 

In the city of Buffalo, at the house of Mr. Charles A. Best, Oct. 15, 1856, Mr. Franklin H. Chamberlain to Miss Martha K. Goodenough, all of Tonawanda, N.Y. [Erie Co., NY].

 

Oxford Review-Times, April 7, 1922

MACPHERSON - HODGE:  March 29 at the home of the bride by Rev. W.D. Lathrop, Julia B. Hodge and W.S. MacPherson.

Afton Enterprise & Harpursville Budget, July 5, 1956

SCOTT - CARL:  Mrs. Daisy Carl and Dwight Scott of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] were married in the North Afton Church, Thursday evening.  They will reside in Sidney.

Oxford Times, January 14, 1863

HINMAN - LENDERSON:  Married in East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. Wm. H. Hinman of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss M.J. Lenderson, of the former place.

Obituaries (July 24)

William McPherson

Afton Enterprise & Harpursville Budget, Oct. 19, 1933

W.M. MacPherson died at his home in Wilkins Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], Friday, October 13, as the result of a broken back caused by being attacked by a bull.  Thursday, as he and his son, Winfield, and Charles Chase were cutting corn, they noticed the bull in front of the residence of Jerry Hall.  Assuming he had broken loose, the elder MacPherson went after him and had led him about halfway to the barn when the bull suddenly attacked him. The men in the field ran to assist him but, before they could get to him, he had been thrown and rolled a distance of approximately 300 feet.  Jerry Hall, who lives on the Echo Lake farm, happened to see the bull knock Mr. MacPherson down and quickly grabbing a pitchfork, ran to his assistance. Mr. Hall was able to keep the bull at a distance from the injured man until the younger Mr. MacPherson and Mr. Chase could get to the scene.  After being driven away from the injured man, the bull attacked the son and he narrowly escaped serious injury while a shot gun was being procured. Two shots were fired into the animal before he could be driven from the field and two more were fired before he could be driven from the home into the barn.  Neighbors assisted in fastening the animal in the barn until he was disposed of.  Mr. Hall rendered assistance to Mr. MacPherson until Sam and Fred Olsen and Marcus Wrench arrived and he was moved to the house on a cot.  Dr. Dodge had been summoned and arrived quickly and after an examination, found a fracture of the spine.  After about two hours, complete paralysis developed and Mr. MacPherson remained in a semi-conscious condition until 7:45, Friday evening, when he passed away. The funeral was held from Colwell brothers Chapel at Bainbridge, Rev. George A. Roberts officiating.  Burial was made in the North Afton Cemetery beside his wife who died June 13, 1929.  Mr. MacPherson was born at Cherryville, New Jersey, April 8th, 1862, and had resided in that state until about 14 years ago, when he moved to this section.  He is survived by one son and three grandchildren.

 

Susie (Krymer) McPherson

Afton Enterprise & Harpursville Budget, June 20, 1929

On Thursday morning, June 13th, at her residence beyond North Afton [Chenango Co., NY] occurred the death of Mrs. Susan C. MacPherson, beloved wife of William A. McPherson.  Although she had been in failing health for some time, her death came unexpectedly, as she had been out doors the day previous.  Heart trouble was the cause of her death.  Mrs. McPherson was of a family of six, all having deceased but a sister, Mrs. Mollie Hagenback, aged 92, who resides in Easton, Pa.  In 1885 she was united in marriage to William McPherson.  The husband, one son, Winfield, and three grandchildren survive her.  Mrs. McPherson was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church in Huntington County, New Jersey.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Harry E. Brooks of the Methodist Episcopal church on Monday morning, June 17, at her late residence and the North Afton church.  Interment was made in the North Afton cemetery.

 

Magnus Wilson

Afton Enterprise & Harpursville Budget, October 1, 1936

Magnus Wilson, 64, a resident of Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY] for the past five years, died Friday morning, September 28, 1936 at the home of his son-in-law, Thage F. Olson.  Mr. Wilson was a retired blacksmith and formerly lived in Brooklyn.  He has recently made his home with his son-in-law, Mr. Olson, for some time.  He is survived by his widow, Amanda Wilson, of Brooklyn, three sisters, Mrs. A. Johnson, of Yonkers; Mrs. A. Carlson of Jamestown, N.Y.; and Mrs. A. Nickols of Washington, Pa.; one son Oscar, of Bergenfield, N.J.; three daughters Mrs. Thage Olson, of Coventryville, N.Y.; and Miss Natalie Wilson and Mrs. Victor Ericson of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and four grandchildren, Walfred and Carl Olson of Coventryville, and Alice and Frank Wilson of Bergenfield, N.J..  Funeral service were held Sunday from Colwell Bros. Funeral Home at Bainbridge, with Rev. George A Roberts of Afton, officiating. Burial was made in the North Afton Cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Ernest E. Hinman

Afton Enterprise & Harpursville Budget, June 18, 1936

Ernest E. Hinman, aged 71 years, a former superintendent of schools of the third supervisory district of Saratoga County and former Coventry boy, died at his home in Schuylerville [Saratoga Co., NY]on Monday, June 8, 1936.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Hinman of Coventry.  he attended the old Afton Academy and after graduating from Oneonta Normal School, was principal at Broadalbin, Keeseville and Scuylerville.  Mr. Hinman was head of the district school system for 15 years.  He was a member of the Masonic Order and the old Saratoga Club, and an elder in the Reformed Church.

 

 

Blog listing, July 17-23, 2017

Listing of blog postings for the week of July 17-23, 2017

Marriages

Posted July 19, 2017

Marriage Notices - 1856

     Hezekiah Broad - Harriet Couse  (Bainbridge/Masonville)

     William D. Daniels - Hannah M. Baumes (Masonville)

     Alanson B Griswold - Clarissa A. Cleveland (Masonville)

     Porter W. Broad - Maria M. Whitman (Sanford/Masonville)

     Charles S. Barber(?) - Abbe Botsford (Iowa City IA/Millport)

     Dr. Adim Ba...s(?) - Ellen Andrews (Red Wing MN/Watertown WI)

     Jacob Van Winble - Harriet A. Mason (NJ/Westford)

     Dutton C. Butler - Diana Packer (South Valley)

     William G. Queal - Mary A. Judd (Worcester)

     Samuel Brown - Phebe J. Daily (Decatur)

Posted July 21, 2017
Marriage Notices
     Anthony Gould - Martha Jenett Bellows (Albany, 1831)
     George Parsons - Julia Ann Dickerman (Guilford, 1831)
     Joseph G. Farr - Mary Tibbels (NYC / Pompey, 1832)
     John Snow - Lucinda Kindall (Norwich / New Berlin, 1832)
     Harmon Burlisson - Julania Sherwood (Guilford, 1832)
     Isaac Ingham - Phebe Faulkner (Paris Green / Sherburne, 1832)
     Morris Mead / Charlotte Cole (North Norwich, 1831)
     Wright Lewis - Betsey Holmes (Plymouth, 1832)
     Robert Brisbin - Gertrude Case (Damascus / North Norwich, 1832)

     

 

Obituaries

Posted July 17, 2017

Bertha (Cook) Scofield (Bainbridge, 1945)

Eunice Lucretia Smith (West Bainbridge, 1895)

T.A. Southworth (Coventry, 1911)

Jennie Acley Smith (Wilkins Settlement, 1911)

Death notices

     Richard M. Sherwood (Guilford, Bainbridge 1903)

     Stephen Berry (Dover NJ, 1911)

     Adelbert Scott (Coventry, 1911)

Posted July 18, 2017
Rosman D. Bush (Oxford, 1904)
Ella B. (Fisher) Burton (Bainbridge, 1914)
Fred Burton (Bainbridge, 1919)
Isaac D. Parks (Bainbridge, 1903)
Levi L. Smith (West Bainbridge, 1903)
Annette Gardenier (Bennettsville, Westkill, 1903)

Posted July 19, 2017
Hannah Gilbert (Gilbertsville, 1830)
William Arnold (Norwich, 1847)
Jason H. Robertson (Sandy Creek, 1847)
Cyrus Sweet (Coventry, West Bainbridge, 1890)

Posted July 20, 2017
William Sweet (Coventry, West Bainbridge, 1931)
Elizabeth (Saunders) Tuttle (West Bainbridge, 1900)
Marie Vernetta (Franklin) Van Horne (Bainbridge, Brooklyn, 1945)
James M. Warner (Schenectady, Bainbridge, 1917)
Jesse Warner (Schenectady, West Bainbridge, 1918)

Posted July 21, 2017
Susan A. Evans (Sidney, 1910)
Garret Lucas, Jr. (Franklin Furnace PA, 1832)
Death Notices - 1832
     Amos Burlisson, Jr. (Guilford)
     Irene Burlisson (Guilford)
     Eunice Edmunds (Norwich)
     Joel Hendrick (Guilford)
     Harried Coy (Guilford)
     Joseph Wait (Norwich)    Revolutionary Soldier
     Sally Wetmore (Preston)

Posted July 23, 2017
Phebe Arminda (Yale) Newkirk (Oxford, 1911)
E.J. White (Bainbridge, 1886)  Train/pedestrian accident
Roana Delphine (Humphrey) Latimer (Afton, 1910)
Nellie E. Collar (Sidney, 1946)
William J. Bevan (Scranton PA, 1951)
Death notices
     Mary (Flanagan) Duggan (Newark NJ, Oxford, 1911)
     "Marsh" Berry (Oxford, 1911)
     Willis wheeler (Oxford, West Bainbridge, 1911)  Civil War Veteran





Obituaries (July 23)

Phebe Arminda (Yale) Newkirk

Binghamton Press, March 4, 1911

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Frederick P. Newkirk died Thursday afternoon at her home on Chulon street, aged 75 years.  She was the daughter of Willis Yale, and born in Yaleville, Guilford, Oct. 29, 1837, and was a lineal descendant of Eli M. Yale, founder of Yale University. She was one of the original members of the Ladies' Village Improvement Society of this village, and a charter member of Book Club No. 2.  She is survived by her husband, two sons, Peter V. Newkirk of Oxford, and Frank B. Newkirk of Cincinnatus, and one brother, Benjamin Yale of Hoboken, N.J. The funeral was held this afternoon at 3 o'clock from the family residence, Rev. Charles D. Broughton, rector of St. Paul's Church, officiating. Burial at Riverside [Oxford, NY].

 

E.J. White

Chenango Union, October 14, 1886

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  At 1:30 Monday afternoon, a terrible accident occurred at Bainbridge.  E.J. White who had recently purchased the jewelry store of J.P. Huff, of that village, was on his way to the depot to see about the arrival of some goods purchased by him in New York, and while near the depot waiting for a west bound train to pass, was run over and instantly killed by an extra freight going in an opposite direction.  Both legs and an arm was cut off, and he was shockingly mangled.  He was unmarried, twenty-six years of age, and of excellent habits.  His mother, brother and sister reside at South New Berlin, the brother being proprietor of the hotel there.  Coroner Spencer, of Guilford held an inquest.

Roana Delphine (Humphrey) Latimer

1830 - 1910

Mrs. Roana Delphine Humphrey, wife of O.C. Latimer, died Jan. 26, at her late residence in the town of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  Deceased was the youngest child of Esq. James H. and Lydia Pratt Humphrey, and was born in the town of Afton (then known as Bainbridge) Oct. 30, 1830.  She was married to Mr. O.C. Latimer, Sept. 27, 1866.  Her mother was one of the early settlers in this region, having journeyed here from Vermont, in the year 1788, on a wood shod sled drawn by oxen.  Mrs. Latimer was a woman of queenly appearance, intelligent, refined and much beloved by her neighbors and friends, and especially in the home, where she was the ideal queen.  For about 30 years she was a member of the Baptist church of this place and in younger life had been active in church work, but during the last years of her life, on account of failing health, she was compelled to lay aside all church work. Deceased is survived by her husband, O.C. Latimer, three sons, George P. and Chas. S. of Cobleskill and James H. who resides at the old homestead, also one daughter, Mary J., who was the constant companion and ministering angel to her mother in her declining years.  Funeral service was held at her late residence, Sunday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. H.T. Hill officiating.  Interment took place at the universalist cemetery, Afton.

Nellie E. Collar

Norwich Sun, April 26, 1946

Funeral services for Mrs. Nellie E. Collar, widow of William Collar, were held from the Fisher Funeral Home Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock with the Rev. Harry E. Brooks officiating.  Mrs. Collar passed away Wednesday morning after a lingering illness of nearly four months.  Her husband died the latter part of December and the evening following his funeral Mrs. Collar suffered a stroke from which she failed to rally for any length of time. She was a member of the Methodist church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Chester Sackett of Sidney, Mrs. William Pellor of Binghamton and one brother, Timothy Tripp of Cohoes.  Interment was made in Prospect cemetery at Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].

William J. Bevan

Norwich Sun, August 24, 1951

New Milford, PA:  A Lackawanna Railroad conductor died of a heart attack yesterday aboard a freight train on which he was acting as flagman, one day before his son was to arrive in this country from Korea. The conductor, William J. Bevan, 63, of Scranton, died aboard a fast freight operating between Buffalo, N.Y., and Port Morris, N.J.  He died of a heart attack after boarding the train at Elmira, N.Y., apparently in good health.  His son, Pfc. Leo Bevan, an army veteran of Korea, is expected to reach San Francisco today aboard the troopship Gen. John Pope.

 

Death Notices

Binghamton Press, March 4, 1911

 

DUGGAN:  Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]. Mary Flanagan [Duggan], wife of Daniel Duggan, died at her home in Newark, N.J, Feb. 17.  Mrs. Duggan was born in Ireland and came to Oxford with her parents in 1848, they being the first family from that country to locate in this village. 

 

BERRY:  Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]  "Marsh" Berry, a noted character, died Wednesday night, aged 80 years.  He was without friends and had spent a Winter or two at the County Farm.  He usually drove an old horse attached to an ancient wagon, and always had one or two dogs as his only companions.

 

WHEELER:  Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Willis Wheeler, aged 75 years, a veteran of the Civil War, died Wednesday night. Burial at West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]