Bainbridge High Teachers - 1959

Bainbridge Central High School - Teacher Portraits

"Echo" 1959

Kindergarten:  Phyllis Palmer, Eleanor Groff

First Grade:  Alice Davenport, Norma Packer, Genevra Plosky

Second grade:  Dolores Herrick, Margaret Hohreiter, Gertrude Daugherty

Third grade:  Mildred Parish, Beatrice Hauber, Alice Green

Obituaries (December 15)

William A. Hoy

Walton Reporter, January 26, 1940

William A. Hoy, a lifelong resident of Bovina Center [Delaware Co., NY], died Friday night, Jan. 19.  Death was caused by a heart ailment from which he had suffered for several years.  Mr. Hoy was born in the town of Bovina, Oct. 17, 1866, the son of Thomas A. and Julia Ann Tuttle Hoy.  In 1891 he was married to Robena Gow, who died in 1932.  For many years he was a teacher in the Bovina schools, giving this up to take up farming on what was known as the Hastings farm in the village of Bovina Center.  In 1925 he sold the farm to his son, Lester T. Hoy, but continued to live in the village, having previously purchased and moved to the property adjoining the farm home.  During the latter years of his life he spent much of his time working among his flowers, from which he derived a great deal of pleasure.  He is survived by the above mentioned son, Lester T. Hoy, on the home farm; a son, James A. Hoy, who lived with his father; a daughter, Hazel, now Mrs. Harold Robinson, of Bainbridge; and three grandchildren, Robert Hoy, William A. Hoy and James A. Hoy, jr.  Another daughter, Beatrice Darlin, died Jan. 1, 1937.  Funeral services were held at the home Monday at 2 o'clock.  Mr. Hoy was a member of the united Presbyterian church and his pastor, Rev. Harvey McClellan, officiated at the funeral.

Mary S. Granger

Walton Reporter, January 26, 1940

Miss Mary S. Granger, a resident of Franklin {Delaware Co., NY], died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Burton Bugbee at 4 p.m. last Thursday, Jan. 18.  She had been in ill health for about a year, suffering from pernicious anemia.  About Oct. 1 she went to the Bugbee home, to be cared for.  She was born at North Walton [Delaware Co., NY] on April 30, 1866, daughter of Dennis Granger and Amanda Breesee Granger.  For many years of her early life she followed the vocation of teacher in district schools.  She has been a resident of Franklin for 35 years, living in an apartment in the Bee Hive at the corner of Main and Water streets.  She was a member of the Methodist church and attended all of its services as long as she was able.  She is survived by several cousins.  She had many friends here who sincerely mourn her loss.  Funeral services were held at the Methodist church on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 and the body was placed in the vault of the Ouleout Valley cemetery for burial in the spring.  Her pastor, Rev. S.E. Sargeant of the Methodist church officiated.

Frank Samuel Keery

Walton Reporter, January 26, 1940

Frank Samuel Keery died very suddenly Wednesday morning Jan. 24, of a heart attack while working in the office of the Neal Floral company in Walton [Delaware co., NY].  Mr. Keery has been employed as an accountant by the Neal company for several years and had gone to work Wednesday morning as usual.  He had only been there a short time when he was seized with a heart attack and died a few minutes later.  Mr. Keery was born at Edmonton, London, England, on July 11, 1869.  His early life was spent in England and he fought in South Africa during the Boer war.  In 1903 he was united in marriage to Miss Delia Mary Berkery and about twenty-five years ago Mr. and Mrs. Keery came to this country.  They resided at Hancock and Downsville before coming to Walton a number of years ago.  During his residence here Mr. Keery has made many friends to whom news of his sudden death came as a distinct shock.  Mr. Keery is survived by his wife, four daughters, Agnes of New York city, Hilda and Annabelle of Binghamton and Mrs. John Gempler of Roscoe; two sons, Francis of Walton and Abram of Binghamton, and two sisters, Misses Elizabeth and Agnes Keery of Walton.  A requiem high mass will be celebrated by Rev. John Taffe of St. John's church, Walton, Rev. Leo Clark, St. Margaret Mary's parish, Albany, and Rev. Richard Walsh of St. Mary's church, Oneonta, Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at St. John's church in Walton.  The Holy Name society will meet at Mr. Keery's late home at 4:30 today, Friday, for the Rosary and prayer.  Burial will be made in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Binghamton.

Lucius Benjamin

Walton Reporter, January 26, 1940

Lucius Benjamin died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C.L. Wagner, near South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Tuesday, Jan. 23, of heart trouble.  Mr. Benjamin was born at Cannonsville [Delaware co., NY] Apr. 8, 1863, and had spent the greater part of is life in the town of Tompkins where he was in the lumber business.  He had been ill for several years.  He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Wagner, mentioned above, Mrs. J. Waterman, Lake Delaware; Mrs. Myrtle Peaster, Walton, and Mrs. William Taylor, Otego, and one son, John Secor of Norwich.  The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Lyon brothers' funeral chapel, Rev. Frederick Belden officiating.  Burial will be made in the Walton cemetery.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, October 28, 1875

BENTON:  In Dakota City, Iowa, Sept. 20, 1875, Mr. Oren Benton, aged 68 and formerly of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

CURTIS:  In Addison, Steuben Co., Sept. 28, 1875, Mr. James Curtis, son-in-law of D.D. McGeorge of Oxford, aged 48 years.

St. JOHN:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Oct. 5, Mrs. Sally St. John, widow of the late Lewis St. John, aged 90 years.

Obituaries (December 14)

Humphrey Sisson

Chenango Telegraph, November 24, 1847

Frozen:  Humphrey Sisson, a man 60 years of age, and residing in the northeast part of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], was found on Saturday morning in the road leading to King's Settlement, about a mile from the "Corners": nearly dead.  He was carried home, but died in a short time from the effects of cold and exposure.  We understand that he left this village the evening previous in a state of intoxication.

 

Herman Sherwood

Bainbridge Republican, March 26, 1880

Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] feels the sad loss of one of its most esteemed citizens, Mr. Herman Sherwood who died in the Utica Insane Asylum on Wednesday of last week.  He became deranged, and about two months ago his friends, in hopes of his immediate recovery, sent him to that institution, but instead of regaining his mind and health he was brought back to his family--a wife and child--a corpse.  The funeral occurred Saturday.

 

Olny Winsor

Bainbridge Republican, April 16, 1880

Mr. Olny Winsor was attacked with his third apoplectic stroke one week ago Saturday last, and lay in an unconscious state till Monday of this week, when he died.  Mr. Winsor was well known and respected throughout this section, as an industrious and honorable man, having passed nearly his whole life in the vicinity where he died.  His age was 63 years.  He left two sons and two daughters, all living in this town, save one Mrs. Rudd, who resides in Waterville, Madison Co.  The remains were interred in the Episcopal burial ground on Wednesday, Rev. D.N. Grummon officiating at the funeral obsequies.  [St. Peter's Episcopal Churchyard, Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY]

 

Benson Lewis

Bainbridge Republican, March 26, 1880

The Delhi Republican publishes the following:  The saddest accident that has ever been known to happen in this community occurred last Saturday about 10 o'clock a.m., resulting in the death of one of the most promising young men in the town.  Mr. Benson Lewis, only child of Mr. Wallace Lewis, of this place, went in company with some other young men to the runway of Messrs. Edget & H.J. Lewis, for the purpose of seeing the logs run.  Young Lewis was coming down the runway, and was within about forty rods of the lower terminus, when he was struck in the back by a descending log, and almost instantly killed.  He was thrown full thirty feet by the blow, striking on his head.  His skull was crushed and his back broken twice.  The blow to his parents is a terrible one.  His father is in poor health and looked upon his son as his right arm of defense during the remnant of life.  Mr. Lewis was one of the few who are so fortunate as to have no enemies.  I never have heard one unfavorable word of this young man in the two years I have known him.  The shock falls heavily on all the community, and all unite in extending their sympathies to the bereaved parents.

Harvard, March 18th, 1880, James P. Race.

 

Zachariah C. Curtis

Sidney Record, January 16, 1892

The death of Zachariah C. Curtis of Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], removes from our midst one of the oldest residents of the Unadilla valley, and a well known and highly esteemed citizen.  His parents came from Stratford, Conn., and settled in Madison county, where Mr. Curtis was born Aug. 7th, 1800.  There were six children born to these parents, four of whom died at over eighty years, and two are still living.  One brother who lives in Madison, Wis., has already celebrated the 60th anniversary of his wedding.  Mr. Curtis came to Chenango Co. at the age of 23 years, and bought land opposite Rockdale, where for many years he was extensively engaged as a hop grower.  Later on he controlled the stage route from Mt. Pleasant, Pa., to New Berlin, N.Y., also the Rockdale mills and hotel. The past twenty years of his life were quietly and peacefully spent at his home in Rockdale.  In religion Mr. Curtis was a Universalist and a regular attendant at services in Rockdale Union church, having been for many years one of its trustees.  Politically speaking he was a Democrat, and always a firm supporter of the principles of that party.  The candidates of his choice received his vote on last election day.  Had he lived until Aug. 7th, 1892, he would have attained the age of 92 years.  Surviving him he leaves a widow and three sons, J. Delos Curtis, H. Walker Curtis and Ira M. Curtis.  His funeral occurred form his late residence, Wednesday, Dec. 30th the services being held in Union church, Rev. Mr. Stores, of Oneonta, officiating.  He was buried in the family cemetery on the Curtis homestead in the town of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], now owned by his son J. Delos Curtis. 

 

And thus has the world lost the genial presence of a noble, a pure-minded man who has left the earth with all its folly, wickedness and its deceit, the better for having lived in it.  Mr. Curtis was revered for his manly virtue and industrious example of the blessed -- of old age that follows a life of [virtue]. His record is a grand record upon his family history to which his descendants can point with pride and satisfaction.

William Corbin

Bainbridge Republican, June 5, 1875

Bennettsville, May 31st, 1875
Mr. Editor:  Having heard many different stories in regard to the death of Mr. William Corbin, I deem it my duty as a friend to give a correct statement in regard to the case.  He labored with Jesse Crumb fixing lead pipe until 4 P.M., then he says to Mr Crumb the wind is right and I am going on the side hill to set those brush and stumps on fire.  After it had burned a short time, the wind shifted and blew a strong gale toward the fence and woods, taking the fire up the hill into the fence.  Mr. Corbin with a hoe digs a trench up the side of the fence to keep the fire from going into the woods, but the wind blew it into the fence and woods just below him, then he gets over the fence in the woods and trenches around to head the fire and had gone about four rods from the fence and about ten feet past a large mossy log, then he comes back to the log and sits down and lays his hat on one end of the log and his hoe beside it which was found there.  Mr. Corbin was found about twenty feet northwest of this mossy log laying on his face without the least sign of a struggle, it being about four rods from the clearing.  At 6 P.M. Mr. Crumb was sent up to help Mr. Corbin.  He not seeing Mr. Corbin there, pulled a few rails out of the fence and goes right on over home.  Just before dark, F.J. Corbin, C.W. Corbin and G.R. Corbin with hoes goes to the hill to put out the fire.  They went to the right hand side and commenced putting out the fire, and expecting to find Mr. Corbin and Mr. Crumb on the other side. When they got to the other side and not finding them there, they supposed they had gone down to the house. The three came to the house expecting to find their father there.  Then C.W. Corbin goes up to Mr. Crumb's and he tells him he did not see Mr Corbin when on the hill.  Then D.W. Corbin, C.W. Corbin, F.J. Corbin and G.R. Corbin with lanterns goes back to the hill and find him as aforesaid.  Then D.W. Corbin and F.J. Corbin come down and got the horse and wagon and brought him to the house with C.W. Corbin and G.R. Corbin.  The supposition is Mr. Corbin having had a disease of sciatic nerve for several years and been subject to spasmodic actions or cramp in that limb when he overdone or got tired, he was taken with the cramp and laid down on his face as was his habit at such times.  But the spasm extended up the spine until it struck the heart as the hands and arms were contracted, also the fingers, particularly the left one.  The features were composed and natural, there were but two small burns on the body, one on the left hand and along the outer part of the fore arm, the left shoulder blade about the size of the hand, but not deep, only sufficient to blister the skin.  Mr. Corbin must have been dead some time when the fire reached him and died from spasm of the heart.   L. Livingston, M.D.

Bainbridge High Class of 1959 - Part 7

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1959

"Echo" 1959

Fern Louise Sheldon

Joan Elaine Straka

Patricia Ann Thoms

Sherry Ann Tuckey

Douglas Duane Wilcox

Nancy Kay Wilcox

The dead burglar - unidentified - 1887

Nineveh Burglary

Burglar Shot and killed in Smith and Webster's Store

Afton Enterprise, May 20, 1887

The usually quiet little village of Nineveh [Broome Co., NY] was thrown into a great excitement early Wednesday morning, by the report that a burglar had been shot and killed in the store of Smith & Webster, in that place.  The report spread rapidly throughout Nineveh and thence to adjoining villages, and all day Wednesday large crowds of people visited the scene of the tragedy and viewed the remains of the dead burglar.  A representative of the Enterprise was dispatched to the excited little village and the following particulars were learned:

 

About 12 o'clock Tuesday night Mr. Webster, who resides a short distance south of his store, was awakened by the report of the burglar alarm bell which runs from the store to his dwelling.  Calling his clerk, Mr. L. W. Clark, who boards with Mr. Webster, the two hastily dressed and Mr. Clark arming himself with a double barrel breech loading shot gun, they started for the store.  They were obliged to move cautiously, for fear than an accomplice might be stationed on the outside of the store, and either shoot them down or make good their escape.  Creeping up to the building they could hear somebody moving around inside, but no light was visible.  They went around to the north eastern side of the building to the outside door of the meal room where Mr. Webster stopped, Mr. Clark going on to the rear end of the store. As Mr. Webster stood looking through the glass part of the door the burglar entered the meal room and struck a match.  He was not more than twelve feet from Mr. Webster, but he being unarmed was unable to do anything.  The burglar got a sack and returned to the main part of the store, and leaving Mr. Clark on guard, Mr. Webster went to the Pease  Hotel after help.

 

Mr. Clark then went around to another door, in the rear of the building, which he found partly open, and concluded that the burglar had made his escape.  While he stood there listening the burglar struck another match, when Mr. Clark drew up his gun and fired.  The burglar threw up his hands and exclaimed, "My God, my time has come" and dropped to the floor. At the time the shot was fired the burglar stood behind the counter facing Mr. Clark and the charge took effect in his breast and abdomen.  The gun was loaded with buckshot, and the distance between the burglar and Mr. Clark was about twenty feet.  A few moments after the shooting Wm. Horton and John Seagraves reached the store, and the four men entered the building together.  They proceeded very carefully, as they were not aware that the burglar was fatally wounded, and thought that he, or an accomplice, would not hesitate to shoot.

 

Finding their way unmolested and hearing nothing of anyne else in the store, they reached the dying burglar, who gave one or two gasps after the men reached his side.  A light was procured and the dead body removed to a more convenient palce. Messrs. Webster and Clark then notified Deputy Sheriff Hobbs and gave themselves up.

 

Nothing was found on the body of the dead man by which he could be identified, and who he is or where he is from is a mystery.  He was about five feet seven inches in height, and weighed about 140 pounds, wore short sandy side whiskers and mustache, and was dressed in brown corkscrew coat and vest and check pants, blue flannel shirt and soft black hat.  A few cartridges were found in one of his pockets, but he had no weapon .  He was evidently a tramp, and it is believed that he had an accomplice.  In the bag he obtained in the meal room he had put some cheese, crackers, canned fruit, tobacco, etc., and had on one new rubber when he was shot.  He had also taken some change out of the money drawer, about $1.60.

 

The burglar obtained entrance to the store by breaking out one pane of glass in a window on the south side of the building, and then by inserting his hand he could remove the nail that fastened the window.  This let him into a room where butter, salt, flour, etc., is kept and then by forcing open another door leading to the main part of the building, he could go where he pleased.  The back door through which he was shot he had probably opened do he [could escape] if he heard [someone coming]. 

 

In different parts of the store the firm have placed burglar alarms, and it would be a very difficult job for a person to gain entrance thereto without awakening Mr. Webster, to whose house the wire runs.  Mr. Clark, the young man who did the shooting, is about 28 years of age.  He is about medium height, weighs about 135 pounds and wears a mustache and chin whiskers.  He has the reputation of being a fine young man, and while it is to be deplored that he was obliged to shoot a fellow being, all law abiding citizens will honor him for the brave stand he took.  Our country is full of lawless men who prefer to steal rather than to work, and if more of them were served as Mr. Clark served this one, it would be better for all concerned.

 

Coroner Osborn, of Binghamton, was notified, and on reaching Nineveh empaneled the following jury and held an inquest:  Silas Scott, Wm. Grannis, Geo. Searles, Chas. Hare, Willard Brown, and Andrew Blake.  After a few witnesses were sworn the inquest was adjourned until today (Friday).  Of course this is all proper and well enough, but no jury would think of rendering a verdict other than of "justifiable homicide."  The body of the dead man was removed to the undertaking rooms of J.H. Ayers, at Harpursville, and will not be buried until today.

_________________________________

Still Unidentified

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, May 25, 1887

 

The body of the dead burglar at Nineveh remains unidentified at this writing.  Investigation by the authorities seems to point to the conclusion that more than one person was engaged in the commission of the crime.  There is a wing on each side of the store, in both of which goods are stored, and to which there is no practical entrance from the outside, except the windows. When Clark first arrived on the scene after the alarm, he went to the side window in the left wing of the building, and peering through, saw a man in the wing room.  He immediately went to the back room of the store, which he found open, and discovered the burglar upon which he fired. There was hardly time between Clark's leaving the side window of the wing and his arrival at the back door to enable the burglar to change his position.  Moreover, the intruder was behind the counter, in the act of eating, as if he had been thus employed for some time.  When Clark fired the shot, and heard the man exclaim "I am gone" he immediately left the spot, with the intention, as he now claims, of calling a doctor. There was plenty of time before his return to enable anyone else who might have been in the store to escape, and the fugitive was given every opportunity to make that escape perfect, as the idea of a confederate did not develop, and as a consequence there was no pursuit.  On the body of the dead man ammunition was found, but not a scrap to give a clue to his identify.  It is now positively believed that the man seen on the track on Tuesday talking with the dead burglar was a confederate.

 

Mr. Clark, who fired the shot that put an end to the burglar, regrets exceedingly the rashness that impelled him to so summary a step, and not withstanding the fact that he was in a great measure justified in his action by the presence of a burglar in his employer's store, he is considerably disheartened by the occurrence.  If, however, there is any plausibility in the theory that the whole affair was a planned and systematic robbery, his course proves the only one conductive to his own safety. 

____________________________________

Coroner's Jury

Afton Enterprise, may 27, 1887

 

The jury in the case of the unknown burglar who was shot and killed in Smith & Webster's store, at Nineveh, the particulars of which appeared in the last issue of the Enterprise, rendered the following verdict:

 

"Death was caused by gun shot wounds in the region of the abdomen, said wounds being made by buck shot discharged from a gun while in the hands of Lester W. Clark, at the store of his employer's in the village of Nineveh, N.Y., on the morning of the eighteenth of May, while the store was being burglarized by said unknown man; that Clark fired with the intention of disabling the burglar in order to capture him; that under the circumstances we consider the killing justifiable, and therefore we exonerate Lester W. Clark."

Obituaries (December 13)

Lynn L. Brookins

Utica Saturday Globe, July 1905

Lynn L. Brookins

1880 - 1905

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Lynn L. Brookins died at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Brookins, in North Norwich, Sunday last, from a disease contracted while in the infantry service in the Philippines.  Scarce two months ago he passed his 25th birthday, having been born in the town of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], April 21, 1880.  He made his home with his parents until September 2, 1899 when he enlisted as a private, Company D, Thirty-eighth Regiment, U.S. Volunteer Infantry, going with his regiment to the Philippines soon after his enlistment.  He saw much active service, taking part in 12 skirmishes and engagements.  How his conduct as a soldier was regarded by his superiors in the service is shown by the following extract from a letter written by the orderly sergeant of his regiment: 

"Brookins , I write you to tell your father that you were an extra good soldier.  If all the men of the army were like you, I think it could clean out the world.  Company D was a very good company, but you were among the best.  Army life is mighty hard, but you always did your duty."

After his discharge on June 30, Mr. Brookins returned at once to home, and had never been well since.  For the past two years he had been confined to his home, and during that period submitted to two operations, but without relief.  He is survived by his parents and four brothers, Lee of Dorset Vt., Nelson of Plymouth, Louis, O.&W. ticket agent at Norwich and Arthur who lives at home.  Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from his parents' home in north Norwich, Rev. Ford officiating.  A delegation of S.R. PerLee Camp, Sons of veterans attended and acted as pall bearers.

Norwich Sun, July 3, 1905

Lynn L. Brookins, at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Brookins, at North Norwich Sunday morning, July 2.  His age was 25 years.  Some time ago Mr. Brookins went to Faxton hospital where an operation was performed for trouble in his side.  During the Spanish American war he was a soldier in the Philippine Islands, being a member of Co. D, 38th U.S. Infantry.  He had been ill since he returned from the war but had not been confined to his bed until the last two or three weeks.  Mr. Brookins is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison L. Brookins and four brothers, Louis of Norwich, Nelson of Plymouth, Lee who lives in Dorset, Vt, and Arthur of North Norwich.

John Wiley

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, May 25, 1887

The sad intelligence of the suicide or accidental killing of John Wiley, son of Burton Wiley, of Page Brook, in the town of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], reached Norwich on Monday evening.  The details were meagre, but as near as can be ascertained are as follows.

About noon on Monday, John, who was about 16 years of age, went alone to the barn a short distance from the house.  He did not return, and soon a friend, having occasion to go to the stable, found him lying upon the floor with his clothes on fire and a pistol lying by his side.  He had been shot through the mouth, the charge entering the brain, and death must have been instantaneous.  In the absence of Coroner Wood, Coroner Ormsby, of this village, was summoned, and went to Greene in the evening.  There is no cause assigned that should lead the young man to take his own life, and the theory of accidental killing is held by a majority of people in the vicinity where the young man was known.

Charles C. Gager

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, May 25, 1887

Tuesday morning, Charles C. Gager died at his residence, on Birdsall Street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Nearly eleven years ago, he was attacked with progressive locomotor ataxy.  The paralysis manifested itself in the limbs and rendered him helpless, although his general health remained good and he was able to be out upon the street in an invalid chair and greet his friends socially.  Last Saturday he went riding and enjoyed the beauties of springtime.  That night, he began to complain of severe pain in his right side.  Sunday and Monday the attack continued and he grew rapidly weak.  Tuesday forenoon about 10 o'clock, death came to his relief.

Mr. Gager was born in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], in August, 1827, and there passed his boyhood.  Upon attaining manhood's years, he engaged in the merchant tailoring business, and followed the business in Coventry, Owego, New Berlin, Delhi, Greene and finally in Norwich.  He settled here in 1852, thirty-five years ago.  He continued his business till disease compelled him to relinquish it, eleven years ago.  In social life, he was a most genial and entertaining companion.  He was possessed of an excellent mental endowment, which he had thoroughly cultivated.  In his younger years he was something of a musician, and belonged to a glee club that engaged in the Fremont campaign and helped sing Lincoln into office.  He was an ardent Republican and believed in its principles.  He was elected Clerk to the Board of Supervisors one session, and of late years has been collector several times.  He was a member of Canasawacta lodge, I.O. of O.F., and has been the recipient of many fraternal acts from that brotherhood.  He leaves him surviving his widow and one son, who have the sympathy of the entire community in their sorrow.  The funeral wil be attended Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock, and will be conducted by the Odd Fellows. 

Obituaries (December 12)

Louis Henry Sheff

February 1945

Louis Henry Sheff passed away at the Chase Memorial hospital, New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Wednesday, February 28, 1945, death being caused by a cerebral hemorrhage, after an illness of one week; although he had been in failing health for a few years back.  The deceased was born in Morris, N.Y. [Otsego Co.], August 30, 1869, the son of George H. Sheff and Evelyn (Cruttendon) Sheff.  His childhood was spent in Morris and New Berlin, where he attended the local schools, November 11, 1892, he married Flora B. Lyon, who with one daughter, Miss Mildred B. Sheff, of St. Petersburg, Florida, three sisters, Mrs. Flora Estes, Norwich, Mrs. Lila Middleditch, Long Beach, Cal., Mrs. Nora Varley, Bakersfield, California, and several nieces and nephews survive.  Mr. Sheff retired from active work about seven years ago, purchased the John Ball property in New Berlin village where he spent the latter part of his life.  Previous to that time much of his life had been passed in and around South New Berlin.  There will be many friends saddened and who will miss Lou Sheff.  The funeral was held from his late home in the village of New Berlin, Saturday, March 3, at 2 p.m., Rev. Davis E. Gage, pastor of the New Berlin Baptist church, officiating.  Interment will be in Fairview cemetery, New Berlin, in the spring.

Martha B. (Gibson) Thompson

1945

Mrs. Martha B. Thompson, widow of Daniel B. Thompson, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], passed away at her home 49 Mitchell street, Friday, Feb. 16, after an illness of five weeks.  She was born in South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]Dec. 14, 1853, the daughter of Dr. Stanford C. Gibson and Sarah Church Gibson.  The early part of her life was spent in South New Berlin.  She was the mother of three daughters, two of which survive, Mrs. Grace G. Dixon of South New Berlin and Mrs. Jay Titus of Norwich, one daughter, May, who passed away at the age of 17 years; other survivors are two brothers, Prof. S. Jay Gibson of Norwich and pProf Charles S. Gibson of Syracuse; also four grandchildren and several nephews and nieces. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church which she attended while her health permitted. The funeral was held Sunday, Feb. 19th at the Breese funeral parlors, Rev. Glenn Wilson, her pastor, officiating.  A beautiful floral tribute was evidence of the high regard held for the deceased.  The body was placed in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY] vault awaiting burial in the Spring.

Etta F. (Ballard) Potter

April 1945

Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY]:  Mrs. Etta F. Potter, 80, died April 16, 1945, in the Curry Nursing Home, Burlington Flats [Otsego Co., NY], after an illness of two months. She was born March 18, 1865, in Greene, Chenango county, daughter of James S Ballard and Mary Estella Wilsey.  She was married twice.  in 1881, she married Henry Schermerhorn, who died many years ago.  In 1902 she married Daniel Potter, who survives with a son, Henry, and a half-sister, Ada Stephens, Florida.  She was a member of the Unadilla M.E. church. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Houck Funeral Home, Edmeston, with the Rev. W.B. Horvath officiating.  Burial will be in Prospect Hill cemetery, Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].

Death Notices

Chenango Union, October 28, 1875

CONKEY:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 26, Julia Randall Conkey, widow of the late Walter M. Conkey, aged 59 years, 9 months.

BARBER:  At the residence of her son, Charles Barber of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 20, Mrs. Eunice Barber, aged 86 years.

HOLLEY:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 24, Mr. Paris G. Holley, aged 83 years, 8 months, 29 days.

MESSENGER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 15, Mrs. Hannah Messenger, aged 75, daughter of Rev. Comfort Record, deceased.

HOUCK:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 25, 1875 Ettie [Houck], daughter of Miles T. Houck, about 18 years of age.

TROY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 18, 1875 Mr. Dennis Troy, aged 80 years.

TUTTLE:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 13, Mrs. Margaret Tuttle, aged 52 years.

FOOTE:  In Bennettsville [Chenango Co.., NY], Oct. 19, 1875 Mrs. Selina Foote, aged 60.

HOAG:  In Elmira, Oct. 19, Mr. Philo Hoag, aged 40, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

Obituaries (December 10)

Harriet Gage

Norwich Sun, April 10, 1914

The remains of Mrs. Harriet Gage, who died at Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] were brought to this village [South New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY] Wednesday night on the evening train.  The funeral will be held at the Baptist church Friday afternoon at 1:30.  Mrs. Gage had lived most of her life in the village.  Her husband died many years ago.  She continued to live alone until advanced years made it unsafe and since that time her home has been with her daughter, Mrs. Adelbert Wightman of Binghamton.  Mrs. Gage was about 83 years of age and was a woman liked and respected by all who knew her.  In her early years she united with the Baptist church in this village and has always been a faithful Christian. She is survived by her three daughters, Mrs. Adelbert Wightman of Binghamton, Mrs. S.L. Bailey and Mrs. Kate Mahan of this village, and one sister, Mrs. L. Skoonover of Utica.

 

Dr. John T. Hand

Norwich Sun, April 9, 1914

Dr. John T. Hand, prominent in Chenango county medical and political circles and a resident of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], died in St. Luke's hospital, Utica [Oneida Co., NY], Wednesday, April 8.  He had been in the hospital about ten days and had undergone an operation for appendicitis.  Dr. Hand was born in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], 55 years ago and for a long time lived in Norwich.  He was the adopted son of the late Dr. Stephen M. Hand, so long the Norwich Health Officer.  He began the practice of medicine in Columbus about 33 years ago and has been a resident of New Berlin for 18 years.  Dr. Hand was among the prominent physicians of Chenango county and has accomplished much through his benevolence and his professional and business abilities. The Chenango County Medical society elected him their president and he held that office at the time of his death.

 

Dr. Hand was particularly well known throughout the county as a member of the Board of Supervisors since February, 1913, and his thorough interest in the welfare of the Republican party.  During the annual session of the supervisors he was member of the committees on building, assessment rolls, constables, town indebtedness and coroners and at the end of the session was appointed on the special county tuberculosis hospital committee.  New Berlin as a village also will miss the doctor's efficient direction of its affairs for he was long a member of its board of trustees and on March 17th was elected its president.  From January, 1908 to January, 1914, he was one of the coroners of the county of Chenango.

 

Dr. Hand is survived by his wife, who was Lulu Hawkins of Edmeston, one daughter, Mrs. Arthur Deming of Indianapolis, Ind.; and one sister, Mrs. Mary Dexter of Rochester.  The funeral services will be held in New Berlin Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock and will be attended by a large number of the Norwich lodge of Masons and members of the Board of Supervisors and the Norwich Physicians club as members of the Chenango County Medical society.

 

Ery Camp

South New Berlin Bee, August 26, 1937

Sunday forenoon, Aug. 15, 1937, as the sun climbed high in the heavens, the death angel entered the Camp homestead at Early Sunrise Farm, West hill and bore from it the beloved husband and father.  Ery Camp was born Sunday, Jan. 6, 1867, in the home where he passed away and where he had always lived.  He was the youngest of the seven children born to the late Harvey and Abigail Jacox Camp.  On Oct. 17, 1894, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Addie Sergent Camp and unto them were born two children, Walter S. Camp and Lula A. Camp, both of whom reside at home.  A step-daughter, Elsie Camp Gage, who was like an own daughter to him, passed away in 1923.  Early in life he united with the Baptist church at South New Berlin where he was a faithful attendant as long as health permitted and his interest and support continued as long as life lasted. By his quiet nature and strictly honest and sincere character, he earned the respect of all who knew him.  The interests uppermost in his heart and plans were his church and his family.  One great joy in his life was to have a son who was a real partner and who loved the home acres as much as he did.  Another joy was to be able to have his children with him as long as he lived.  The family circle was a very devoted one; one whose members lived, loved, worked and played together.  Such closeness made the parting all the more deeply felt but it also left memories all the more blessed. 

 

He followed the profession of farming until health failed in March, 1934, since which time he had been unable to do any work.  The years of idleness must have been very hard to bear, but he was always so patient and bravely trusted that it was somehow for the best.  His health improved last summer so he was able to be about his farm and to drive a car short distances, but his condition became worse in April and he had been confined to his bed a greater part of the time since.  A severe cold suffered a week before his death was a greater strain than his heart could stand.  He was taken gravely ill Friday morning and nothing that medical skill or loving hands could do, could stay his passing.  His work on earth was done, he had heard his Master's call and with a smile on his face, he crossed the Great Divide. Besides the widow and two children he is survived by one sister, Mrs. H.A. Burlingame, two nieces, four nephews and four cousins.  Funeral services were held from the church, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  His pastor, Rev. C.H. Skinner officiated and he spoke words of such comfort and strength. The church choir sang two hymns he had loved to hear:  "Some Day the Silver Cord Will Break" and "Some Blessed Day."  The deacons of the church served as bearers. The beautiful floral pieces were mute expressions of the esteem in which he was held.  Burial was in the family plot in Riverside Cemetery [South New Berlin].

 

Emory J. Burke

South New Berlin Bee, August 26, 1937

Emory J. Burke, 58, well known resident of this village [South New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY] and a Spanish American War veteran, passed away suddenly Thursday evening, with heart ailment.  The deceased was born December 30, 1879, at Rogers hollow, near East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], the son of Christian and Nellie Harp Burke.  On April 20, 1906, he was united in marriage with Edith R. Hitt.  Unto them were born the following children:  Allie L., of Binghamton, Christopher J., of Deposit, Martha M., Margaret M., Dennis E., Robert H. and Edith M. all of South New Berlin;  Two other children died in infancy, Carl E. and Georgia M.  Other surviving relatives, Brothers and sisters fo the deceased are:  Mrs. Carl Swanson, of South New Berlin, Mrs. George Sexsmith, Oneonta, Mrs. Hattie Horton, Harpursville and Henry Burke, Binghamton.

 

Mr. Burke had been a resident of this village nearly all of his life.  He was a carpenter by trade, also sexton of the South New Berlin cemetery for the past 30 years.  For a number of years, Mr. Burke was a member of Victor lodge of Odd Fellows in this village.  He was also an officer of the law for several years.  Funeral services were conducted at the late home Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clo9ck.  Rev. Clinton H. Skinner officiating.  The American legion firing squad of Norwich and members of the Legion from nearby towns marched from the home to the cemetery where they conducted military services at the grave. Burial was in the family plot in the Cole cemetery.