Marriages (May 31)

Bidwell - Lorimer

South New Berlin Bee, March 23, 1934

Miss Maude Lorimer of 14 Miller street, daughter of Mrs. George Lorimer of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] and Robert Bidwell of 12 Marshall street, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl  Bidwell of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], were united in marriage at the Congregational church at 9 o'clock Sunday morning by Rev. D.G. DeBoer.  Only immediate relatives of the contracting parties were present.  The witnesses included Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bidwell, Mrs. George Lorimer, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Brown and Miss Wilma Brown.  After a short wedding trip, they will reside at 40 Hayes street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Bidwell in connected with the radio and electrical department at the Montgomery Ward store and Mrs. Bidwell is associated with the Fishman store.  Norwich Sun.

Hyer - Parsons

Sidney Enterprise, July 3, 1930

A pretty home wedding took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. M.J. Parsons in this village at high noon on Monday, June 30, when their daughter, Miss Dorothy Parsons, was united in marriage to Mr. Robert Hyer of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], Rev. R.E. Austin, a former pastor and friend of the family officiating.  The bride presented a charming appearance, attired in white satin trimmed with lace and orange blossoms, carrying a shower bouquet of pink rosebuds tied with pink satin, and wearing a moonstone pin that belonged to her great-grandmother.  Miss Genevieve Parsons, sister of the bride, wore a pink georgette costume, trimmed with lace, and carried pink roses.  Mr. Milo McGinnis of Bainbridge was best man.  Lohengrin's wedding march was played by Mrs. Frances Fritz of Binghamton.  A delectable repast was served by the Misses Nina Morgan, Lucille Wallin of Sidney and Miss Gladys Copley of Unadilla, who were presented with pretty gifts by the bride.  The guests were as follows:  Rev. and Mrs. Austin of Milford, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Hyer of Mt. Upton, Mrs. Harold Teater of Midland Park; Mr. Theodore Hubbard of Windsor; Mrs. James Morgan, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wallin, Mr. and Mrs. George Kerr of Sidney, Miss Fanny Cox of Mt. Upton, and Mr. and Mrs. Fritz of Binghamton. The bride received many beautiful presents, including money, silverware and linen. The happy couple departed for a tour of the New England States, and New York, and will reside in Walton for the present.  Congratulations and a wish for much happiness is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hyer.

Dodge - Berns

Sidney Enterprise, July 3, 1930

Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock, Miss Gertrude Marie Berns of Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], and Albert Edward Dodge, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dodge of Riverside, Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], were united in marriage at the Congregational Manse by the Rev. J. William Davies. The young couple will make their home in Oneonta. Their many friends, both in this village and Oneonta, wish them a long and happy life, and extend best wishes and congratulations.

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 6, 1856

In this village [Greene, Chenango co., NY], on Monday morning, the 25th inst., by Rev. E.D. Thurston, Mr. Albert Stedman, to Miss Corinthia B. Beedle, all of this village.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., by the Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Charles S. Waters to Miss Janette M. Lyons, both of North Norwich.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., by the Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Arvin O. Walsworth, to Miss Jane R. Kelsey, both of Preston.

On Oxford, on the 26th ult., by the Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. Elias R. Fosgate of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary M. Fletcher, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 27th, by Francis E. Dimmick, Esq., Mr. Thomas Hitchcock to Miss Caroline Ferris, all of Smyrna.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. David Thomas, to Miss Margaret Ramsey, both of the above place.

In Millville, Wisconsin, by the Rev. A. McWright, Mr. Ira Philips, of New Berlin, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], to Miss Octavia Wightman of Columbus, N.Y. [Chenango Co]

At Sheboygan City, Wis., Feb. 10th, by Rev. C.W. Camp, Mr. J.H. Goodrich, junior editor of the Sterling (Ill) Times, to Miss Hattie S. Norwood, of Sheboygan Falls.

Chenango American, March 27, 1856

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of the 26th inst., by Jeremiah Tillisone, Esq., Mr. John Burgess to Miss Abigal Atwater, all of this town.

At the Baptist Parsonage in Norwich on the 19th inst., by the Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Andrew Young of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Elizabeth Mo---- of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]

At the Chenango Hotel in Norwich, on the 19th inst., by the same, Mr. Live To--, of Davenport, Delaware Co., to Miss Ruth Adelia Light, of Morris, Otsego Co.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the 20th inst., by Rev. R. Queal, Mr. ------ Reynolds to Miss Janette Davidson, all of the above place.

Also on the 20th inst., by the same, Mr. Henry M. Swan to Miss Philina Ames,  all of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Obituaries (May 30)

Marvin J. Crosby

Afton Enterprise, March 27, 1890

Marvin J. Crosby, who was a respected citizen residing in Centre Village for more than thirty years, and who removed to Cowles, Neb., about nine years ago, died at his western home on the 11th inst. having arrived from visiting his friends, here and in Delaware Co., only ten days previously.  His numerous friends and acquaintances in this section will be somewhat surprised to learn of his death as he seemed to be in good health when he left Harpursville to return home the first week in February - Harpursville Budget

Harris Briggs

Afton Enterprise, March 27, 1890

Since our last issue death has removed from our midst one of our oldest and most highly respected citizens, Mr. Harris Briggs.  Several weeks ago, Mr. Briggs had an attack of the prevailing influenza, from which he never fully recovered, and he died last Wednesday, at the age of 72 years. The deceased was born in Rhode Island, but about fifty years ago he moved to Coventry and later to Afton.  He was a member of the Baptist church, and was highly identified with that society.  He leaves a wife and one son, Wm. H. Briggs. The funeral was held from his late home Friday afternoon, Rev. Mr. Devine officiating. The remains were laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY]

Albert Stone

Afton Enterprise, July 17, 1890

Albert Stone died at his home in Sanford [Broome Co., NY] June 18th, 1890, aged 32 yrs.  When a child he was left without a mother, at which time his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. James Donaldson, took him to their heart and home.  They leaned upon him as a son; he is gone and they feel that their staff is broken.  But they may be consoled in the thought that in a few more years they may have a sweet reunion with him in Heaven.  Some two years ago he united with the M.E. Church, and it is a great comfort to his friends to know that he died strong in the faith.  His family will sadly miss him, especially his wife and infant son whom he tenderly loved.  What sweet solace to the bereaved are the words of our Saviour, "In my Father's house are many mansions; I go to prepare a place for you."

"Oh, how sweet it will be in that beautiful land,

So free from all sorrow and pain;

With songs on our lips, and with harps in our hands,

To meet one another again."

Nora Lewis

Afton Enterprise, July 16, 1891

A press dispatch from Elkhart, Ind., says:  Elijah Colburn of this city has thrown light on the mystery concerning the death of the alleged Mrs. Staats, who died a few days ago from liquor.  In 1870 Miss Nora Lewis, a beautiful young woman of 24 years of age, came to this city from South New Berlin, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], to live with the family of Mr. and Mrs. Colburn.  Her character was above reproach.  A few months after Miss Lewis arrived, Joseph Sage also came from South New Berlin, where he left a wife and one child. A few months later he eloped with Miss Lewis.  Nothing was heard of their whereabouts until Mr. Colburn saw the notice of the alleged Mrs. Staats in the daily papers.  He recognized the rum disfigured corpse as that of the once beautiful Miss Lewis.  he called Staats to account for his misdeeds and asked why he went under an assumed name. Staats being pressed, admitted that his name, was Sage and that he had never been married to Miss Lewis. A few years ago Miss Lewis received a small fortune from her father's estate, which probably furnished both Sage and his victim means to continue their debauch.  Sage is a fatal wreck and cannot live long.  Joseph Sage was a son of the late William Sage.  His youthful escapades were numerous but mostly of such a nature that he failed to come into the hands of the law.  Hs wife and child are still living in South New Berlin, where they have the respect of the entire community.

Willie McMahon

Afton Enterprise, July 16, 1891

On Thursday afternoon about 5 o'clock, Willie McMahon, an employee of the Binghamton Republican lithograph department, met with injuries which resulted fatally an hour later.  He was aiding a fellow workman to replace a loose belt.  the belt was thrown off the pulleys and lay upon the shafting at the time.  By some mean, doubtless carelessness on his own part, McMahon let his thumb catch between the belt and a pin on the shaft.  In a twinkling the belt tightened and he was drawn in the revolving shaft and whirled violently against the ceiling.  He could not be extricated until the large engine was shut down and the whole machinery stopped.  When released McMahon's legs were both broken, one arm broken three times, and five ribs broken, besides receiving internal injuries.  Medical aid was summoned, but little could be done.  He died in about forty minute after the accident.  McMahon was 16 years old and lived with his parents on Clinton street.  He was well liked by employer and employees.

Russel M. Smith

Afton Enterprise, September 3, 1891

Russel M. Smith died at his home in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] on Sunday morning, August 22d, after a brief illness.  He was a son of Clark Smith and was born in Coventry, January 26, 1813.  His whole life was spent in his native town, and within a short distance of the place of his birth.  In early life he united with the Second Congregational Church of Coventry, and was for a number of years a deacon in that church.  Later he removed to Church Hollow and became a member and a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church at Nineveh.  He afterwards returned to his farm where he died, and connected himself with the Frist congregational Church of Coventry, of which he was a faithful and esteemed member at the time of his death.  July 4th, 1838, he was married to Miss Annette Beecher, a sister of Dr. H.H. Beecher, late of Norwich, who preceded him to the grave March 21, 1877.  Three children were born to them, only one of whom is living, Mr. C. Eugene Smith, who resides upon the homestead in Coventry.  Mr. Smith was truly one of nature's noblemen.  He was naturally of a retiring and unassuming disposition.  but was never backward nor slow to do when service was needed and his fellowmen could be helped.  He carried his Christian principles into his daily life.  His Christian faith moved and controlled him in all his actions and was a constant source of comfort, strength and joy to him in all of his experiences.  He won and held the highest respect and esteem of all who knew him.  His life went out peacefully in the full assurance of the Christian hope.  In his death his native town has lost one of its oldest and best citizens, and the church of which he was a member and the circle of friends and relatives will long feel their loss.   The funeral occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 25th. The services were conducted by the Rev. W.H. Sawtelle, who was his pastor while at Nineveh, assisted by the Rev. J.F Gedden, pastor of the church at Coventryville. The interment was in the family plot at Coventry.

Chen Co Famous People, Part 3 David Maydole

Famous People Chenango Co. Has Given to the World

Mrs. Archie D. Gibbs

The Norwich Sun, February 3, 1921

Part 3 - David Maydole

David Maydole

1807 - 1882

Another name that has become world renowned is that of our own David Maydole, founder of the Maydole Hammer factory in 1840.  He learned the blacksmiths' trade at an early age, and at that time blacksmiths made their own hammers, and were greatly troubled by the heads of the hammers flying off.  Maydole became interested in making a hammer for his own use which would keep the head under all conditions.  He also perfected the processes then in use for tempering the steel.  One day, when asked by a friend to make a hammer a little better than he had made before, he replied, "I can't make any better ones.  When I made a thing I make it as well as I can, no matter who it is made for."  David Maydole's best has ever been the best hammer made in the world.  An exhibit of each kind of hammer made by the Maydole Hammer factory can be found in the National Museum at Washington. 

__________________________________________

Obituary

Chenango Union, October 19, 1882

On Saturday morning last, October 14th, David Maydole died at his residence on East Main Street, aged seventy-five years.  Although for a long time an invalid, the announcement of his death was a surprise to our citizens, and the closing of a long, useful and eventful life is sincerely regretted by all.  We give a sketch of his life, which will be read with interest by the public generally, as his name is not confined to this vicinity alone:

David Maydole was born January 27th, 1807.  His birthplace is in the town of Seward, Schoharie County, at or near what is known now, as it was then, as "Neeley's Hollow," but which is on the maps of all present day as Seward's Valley.  At that time (1807) Seward was a part of the town of Sharon.  Mr. Maydole comes of sturdy stock, and many prominent traits of his character came to him by right of the descent from an ancestry in which was mingled the blood of the enterprising and persevering Scotch-Irish, and that of the solid and enduring Hollander.  His paternal grandfather was of Scotch Irish origin, and his grandmother's family originated in Holland. They came to this country at a date anterior to the revolution, and at the close of the century were settled at Albany, on the Hudson.  Alexander Maydole, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in East Albany, Rensselaer County.  He was one of several children, who are still represented by descendants bearing their name in different parts of this State and elsewhere.  Alexander served an apprenticeship as a shoemaker in the City of Albany.  At or soon after the conclusion of his apprenticeship, the young shoemaker made his way into the adjoining County of Schoharie, where he pursued his trade for a number of years.  He had located on the old Cherry Valley turnpike, in the town of Sharon, and it was here that he became acquainted with, and subsequently married, Annah Van Valkenburgh, a daughter of Adam Van Valkenburgh, who was a member of an old and well known family in that section of the state. The issue of this union, which occurred in 1798, was twelve children, nine of whom came to maturity and were present at their father's funeral in 1818.

Of these children, David Maydole was the sixth.  In so large a family, dependent on the labors of father and mother for support, the opportunities for either leisure or education could not be great, and at an early age habits of prudence and industry were enforced upon David.  These early lessons were so deeply imbedded in his nature that they never left him, and their wholesome effects have been seen in a life of great prosperity.  The little scholastic training which he had began at a school kept at "Neeley's Hollow," and was concluded by that afforded during several winters in Cortland County, where the family had moved in 1816, settling on a small tract of land at Texas Valley, in what is now the town of Marathon.  In 1818 David's father died, leaving the care of his large family to the widow, a woman of excellent judgment and stability of character, as has been shown in the impress which she made upon the minds and characters of her nine children.  Beneath her guiding hand, and in the light of her own exemplary bearing, this large family of boys and girls grew up to be respected and industrious members of the different and widely separated communities in which they moved in after years.  From 1818, when he was eleven years old, until 1822, David was employed by different farmers, in summer, and was able to attend school during the winters.

In January, 1822, he took the step which initiated him as an approved member of one of the oldest and most honorable trades followed by men. At that time, having passed his fifteenth birthday a few days before, David Maydole was apprenticed to the late James Glover, of Oxford, a well known blacksmith and most respected citizen of that village. The indenture papers were drawn by the late Governor Tracy, and at his instance David also chose Mr. Glover as his guardian.  His apprenticeship lasted six years, or until he was twenty one years old.

At the conclusion of the agreed term of service, Mr. Maydole began to look about for an opening where he could engage in business for himself.  His oldest brother, Jacob Maydole who had also learned his trade with Mr. Glover, and whose time had been out a year or two before, had located at Eaton, Madison County, and was there carrying on blacksmithing. Thither David went, and entered into partnership with Jacob in the fall of 1828.  The brothers worked in company until the fall of 1830, when David disposed of his interest in the business to his brother, and made an engagement with Gardiner & Abbott to work at his trade for them for one year. At the expiration of this time, in 1831, he went into partnership at Lebanon, with Daniel Abbott in the edge tool business. This partnership lasted about two years, when Mr. Maydole returned to Eaton, and bought out Lyman Abbott, who had  a chair factory attached to which was a water power.  He turned the concern into a blacksmith establishment, and built up quite a business in edge tools and carriage springs, beside general blacksmithing. At this time he was running four fires.  In 1837, he prepared to enlarge and add to his business.  For this purpose he build an addition to this building, designing to begin the manufacture of lumber wagons for the Chicago market.  But when he had put in a part of the machinery, misfortune, in the form of what was thought to be a fire of incendiary origin, overtook him. The fire destroyed his buildings, stock and machinery  This was in the spring of 1838.  But the misfortune which had overtaken his enterprise did not discourage Mr. Maydole.  In company with a younger brother, James, who had also learned the blacksmith trade, he bought the Gardiner & Abbott scythe factory, connected with which was a water power and sixty acres of land. The year was spent in working the farm and getting ready for business, but nothing more was done. When the title was about to be passed to the Maydoles, it was discovered that it was imperfect, and they refused to accept it.

It was at this juncture that Mr. Maydole was induced to consider the question of leaving Eaton for another location, and the result was that in the spring of 1840 he moved to Norwich and formed a partnership with Levi Ray, in the old stone blacksmith shop which still stands [in 1882] on East Main Street.  His special part of the business was the manufacture of edge tools and carriage springs in which braches he had become an acknowledged expert, the character of his work having given him a wide reputation throughout this section.

In the summer of 1845, Mr. Maydole began another enterprise.  the Wait boys (Arnold and Daniel) had put up a building on the site of that now occupied by the Maydole Hammer Factory. The Waits leased one half of their building and power to Mr. Maydole, who, in his own name and for his own account, carried on the manufacture of edge tools.  And here and about this time he also began, in a small way, the manufacture of the adz eye and other hammers.  Here was the beginning of an enterprise which has carried his name into every quarter of the civilized world, which has since, under his personal care and supervision, grown into large and prosperous proportions, and which has brought to the projector deserved fame and prosperity.  In the spring of 1847 the partnership with Mr. Ray was dissolved, and from that time on his principal attention was devoted to the hammer business.

In 1848, a fire burned the building and stock, causing Mr. Maydole a loss of $1,000 above his insurance, which was for the same amount.  Nothing daunted by this second and severe scorching, Mr. Maydole straightway set about the work of repairing damages and recovering the lost ground.  The first step was to buy the entire property of the Messrs. Wait, and to erect on the site of the burned building a structure in which to resume his business. This was the eastern part of the present main building, but it was only two stories high when first erected.  From this beginning, the works have been several times enlarged, an extension on the ground and a third story over the whole having been put on in 1856.

In 1857 the hammer business suffered in common with most other manufacturing enterprises, and most of his competitors went down in the wreck of that season of panic.  While Mr. Maydole's business felt, it did not long nor materially suffer from the effects of the panic.  As early as 1860 he was working from seventy-five to eighty hands, and so largely increased had become his demand on the supply of power furnished by the surplus water from the canal that it was found inadequate, and a fifty horse power engine was put in to furnish the necessary additional power. From this time forward, the business has gone on increasing, and except during the business depression which followed the panic of 1873, there has been no time when the establishment has been able to keep up with its orders, notwithstanding the constant efforts made to increase the capacity of the concern by adding new machinery.  In 1873 there were one hundred and fifteen men employed.  Up to 1876 the forging had all been done by hand, but in this year machinery for this purpose was put in, and added to from year to year since.  At the present time, the adz-eye hammer is made with three heats, while the ordinary blacksmith and rivaling hammers are forged at one heat.  In this way the capacity of the establishment for turning out hammers has been increased very largely, machinery doing the work formerly did by many hands--at the same time the work done is brought to greater perfection than was possible under the old system of hand forging.  Mr. Maydole was the inventor of the now common Adz eye hammer, and it has always been a source of regret to him that he had not patented the invention.  On the introduction of forging machinery he invented and patented several important improvements in the method of forging hammers. That for drawing up the adz-eye is very ingenious and perfect, and in practical work exceeds any other appliance now in use and designed for the same purpose.

Mr. Maydole's habits of life have ever been temperate and industrious. At the age of eighteen, while yet an apprentice, he experienced religion, and has ever since been a consistent and practical Christian.  He first united with the Presbyterian Church at Oxford, and has since, as his residence changed, been a member of societies at Morrisville, Eaton and Norwich.  On the subject of temperance he has been pronounced and radical, setting an example of total abstinence to others, and in other ways encouraging the cause.  He has always, and according to his means, been a generous contributor to church, charitable and public enterprises.  No cause which has enlisted his sympathies or judgment has appealed to him in vain.

In 1830, May 5th, Mr. Maydole was united in marriage to Mary Madelia Hartzhorn, an accomplished and interesting daughter of Jacob Hartzhorn, long a magistrate and prominent citizen of Lebanon, Madison County.  To this union there was born three daughters, namely Jane Madelia, wife of William B. Guenrsey; Ann Vernette, wife of Cyrus B. Martin; and Cornelia Eliza, wife of Charles H. Merritt.  Mrs. Maydole having died in 1843, Mr. M. contracted a second marriage with Charlena Dickinson, daughter of Abner Dickinson, Esq., late of Preston, who survives him.

Funeral services were held at the Congregational Church on Monday afternoon, and there was a very large attendance, including the employees of the hammer factory in a body, numbering nearly one hundred, the Bank directors, and citizens generally.  The older employees of the deceased acted as bearers.  Business places were generally closed during the services.  Dr. Taylor gave an instructive and impressive discourse, paying a deserved tribute to the memory of one who had made for himself a name, and who had for so many years occupied so prominent a position in our midst   Excellent and appropriate music by the choir, under the direction of Mrs. Mitchell, added to the solemnities of the occasion. At the conclusion of the services the remains were taken to the village cemetery, accompanied by a large number of citizens, and deposited in the family lot.

Obituaries (May 29)

Mary King

Northern Christian Advocate, June 22, 1871

Mary King died in Bangor, Franklin Co., N.Y., March 31st, 1871, aged 75 years.  She was born in St. Albans, Vt., and moved to Bangor, N.Y., at the age of fifteen years, where she formed the acquaintance of, and was subsequently married to Richard H. King, with whom she lived forty-four years.  The last ten years of her life she lived a widow.  Brother King sustained the relation of class leader in the Church of his choice, many years previous to his decease. Their house was always the welcome resting place of the weary itinerant minister, while on his journey to preach Christ and the resurrection. She was purely Methodistic in her belief of the Scriptures, but was far from being a religious bigot. She delighted in relating the eccentricities of certain ministers, in circumstantial memory the minutia of detail connected therewith, which showed conclusively the deep interest she felt in the cause of Christianity which they were laboring to promote. She was a clear headed, warm hearted Christian lady. While for several months before her decease she was a great sufferer from physical infirmity, she manifested unusual self possession and resignation to her condition.  Jesus was with her to the last, and there is no doubt but she is now enjoying the society again of that beloved companion and those ministerial brethren in the presence of Jesus and redemption's throng.  She left behind her one son and three daughters, one of whom is a noble hearted and generous Christian lady at whose residence her aged mother had a pleasant home for some years before her death.  May each of the remaining three be enabled to make choice of same Savior.  Morristown, May 23, 1871.

Rev. John A. Davis

South New Berlin Bee, March 23, 1934

The Rev. John A. Davis, nationally known evangelist and founder of the Practical Bible Training school of Bible School park died Saturday night, March 17, as the result of an apoplectic stroke suffered about four weeks ago.  He was 62 years of age.  Mr. Davis had conducted evangelistic services in this village and was well-known here.  Funeral services were held, Wednesday afternoon, at 1 o'clock, at the school of which he was president. The Rev. Ernest G. Crabill officiated at the services.

Norwich Sun, March 19, 1934

The many friends of Rev. John A. Davis will learn with regret of his death Saturday night.  He was a nationally known evangelist and founder of the Practical Bible training School of Bible School Park, Johnson City, proving ground of Biblical students for 31 years.

Dr. Davis, who was 62 years old, died at 7:55 p.m. from the results of an apoplectic seizure suffered more than a month ago.  Dr. Davis was born in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on August 7, 1871.  He was the son of Charles A. and Hulda Wheeler Davis.  He was educated in the little Melody Hill school near Afton, and when a young man went to Binghamton, obtaining the position of clerk in the Boston store. There he won the friendship of George Fowler, who remained his advisor throughout his life.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at the school of which he had been president until death at 1:30.  The sermon will be preached by Rev. Ernest G. Crabill, noted evangelist, with whom Dr. Davis had been associated in campaigns.

In his evangelistic career Dr. Davis had been associated with the majority of the internationally known revivalists of the last century.  Among the men with whom he teamed at various times were Rev. William A. "Billy" Sunday, Dwight L. Moody, Ira B. Sankey, Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman, Dr. W.E. Blederwolf, Peter B. Bilhorn, Dr. G. Campbell Morgan and Rev. F. B. Myer of London, Dr. R.A. Torrey, Rev. Sum Jones.  Dr. Davis, himself, conducted campaigns in many of the larger cities of the United States, special tabernacles being built for him in many instances.  Among other evangelistic rallies, he staged one of a year's duration in Brooklyn in 20 different sections of the city; three campaigns in Altoona, Pa., one in St. Louis, Mo., and numerous others.  Twenty years ago the famous Davis and Mills evangelistic campaign was conducted in this city in a huge tabernacle built on Birdsall street.  At that time Dr. Davis teamed up with Fred A. Mills.  Frequently thereafter Dr. Davis returned to Norwich.  While working in Binghamton, Dr. Davis came under religious convictions at one of the Christian Endeavor Societies of the city and felt called to the Christian ministry. Enrolling in Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, he took the short course.  His first pastorate was at the Baptist church in Hallstead, Pa., during which time he built a new brick edifice of worship and increased a struggling membership, small in size, to an enthusiastic organization of several hundred members.  From the ministry he went into the larger work of evangelism, continuing to conduct campaigns after the founding of his school.  The work of the Practical Bible Training School has been brought to the attention of an entire nation by the frequent tours of an organization founded by Dr. Davis, known as the "League of Many Nations."  This group consists of representatives of more than 30 nations, who testify to their belief in the league programs. They travel in a special bus.  Each summer for many years the educator had conducted conferences at his school, which have attracted most of the leading evangelists and Christian leaders throughout the world.

Dr. Davis is survived by his wife, Etta Davis; by one son, Rev. Gordon C. Davis; one grandson, Jack C. Davis, and a brother, A. F. Davis of Preston, Mich.  His death will be greatly mourned by those who have watched him overcome financial and other handicaps in building his testimony to the cause of Christianity.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, September 18, 1894

ROBINSON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 23, 1894, Mrs. Harriet Robinson, aged 45 years.

LEE:  In West Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 24, 1894, Mrs. James Lee, wife of Comrade Lee of the 114th Reg.

KING:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 23, 1894, Mrs. Diana King, aged 71.

WHITE:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 23, 1894, Clifford [White], son of Robert and Mary White, age 10 months.

FISHER:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 14, 1894, Mrs. Olive Fisher, aged 59 years.

ROBINSON:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Sept. 22, 1894, Mrs. Julia Robinson, widow of L.B. Robinson, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY, age 65 years.

MATHEWSON:  At Steamboat Rock, Iowa, Sept. 18, 19=894, Mrs. Freelove Mathewson, widow of Waterman Mathewson, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged 88 years.

CAULKINS:  In South Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY], Sept. 10, 1894, Mrs. William H. Caulkins, aged 50 years.

Chen Co Famous People, Part 2, Anson Burlingame

Famous People Chenango Co. Has Given to the World

Mrs. Archie D. Gibbs

The Norwich Sun, February 3, 1921

Part 2 - Anson Burlingame

Anson Burlingame

1822 - 1870

findagrave.com memorial #7500072

There is another man whose name, while not quite so familiar to us, is entitled to a place of honor in the roll of Chenango's great men. Anson Burlingame, of New Berlin, was not only United States' Minister to China, but had the unique honor of becoming an ambassador from China to the united States and other countries.

Anson Burlingame was born in the town of New Berlin on Nov. 14, 1820.  At an early age he moved to the state of Michigan where he received his education   He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1841, and five years later graduated from the law department of Harvard University.  He took up the practice of law in Boston and soon became recognized as a public speaker of force and eloquence.  In 1852 he was elected to the state senate of Massachusetts and two years later was elected to Congress.  He was appointed by President Lincoln in 1861 as minister to Austria.  He had proceeded as far as Paris on his mission, when it was announced that Austria refused to accept him on account of some of his speeches made in Congress. While his views on certain questions condemned him in the eyes of Austria, he found favor everywhere else, and he was immediately appointed by President Lincoln as minister to China.

It is impossible in a small space to tell of the magnitude or value of the labors of Anson Burlingame in China.  At this time, China had not been opened to the world, and its people were suspicious of foreign influence.  Mr. Burlingame had not been in China long before a complete transformation took place. Whether it was his attractive personality and pleasant manner, or his frank and open methods which found such favor there we do not know, but we do know that he became immensely popular and held the confidence and friendship, not only of the representatives of all nations, but particularly of the Regent (the Emperor being an infant) and of the Great Council of China.

When, in the year 1867, Burlingame desired to retire from his post, a most distinguished honor was conferred upon him.  He was requested by the Chinese government to represent the Chinese Kingdom as its minister with full power, to go to the United States and to all countries with which China had treaty relations for the purpose of bringing about new treaties which would secure closer commercial relations and more friendly intercourse.  Accompanied by two Chinese ministers of lesser rank, aides, secretaries, interpreters and an imposing retinue, the embassy crossed the Pacific and landed at San Francisco, where a great ovation was tendered Burlingame and his retinue. They proceeded to Washington on their mission and while in the United States, every  honor was shown them and they were lavishly entertained in New York and Boston. The embassy later crossed the Atlantic, visited England, Holland, France and other European countries, finally reaching Russia, where Mr. Burlingame was taken ill and died at St. Petersburg, at the age of 49 years.  His body was brought to his own country and laid at rest at Cambridge, Mass.  A memorial boulder and tablet were erected to his memory on the school house grounds at New Berlin in 1908.

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Obituary,
Chenango Telegraph, March 2, 1870

The Country was startled on Wednesday last by the announcement that Hon. Anson Burlingame died the previous day in the city of St. Petersburg of congestion of the lungs.  Within a period of twenty-five years Mr. Burlingmae has risen from obscurity to the highest diplomatic position in the world--his mission and his movements attracting greater attention and interest than those of any other Envoy in Europe or America. As he was a native of this county [Chenango Co., NY] and as some of his near relatives are still residing among us, more than ordinary interest is felt in his remarkable and successful career.

Anson Burlingame was born in the adjoining town of New Berlin, on the 14th of November, 1822.  His father Joel Burlingame, resided there for many years, but, some years ago removed to California, from which state he was a delegate to the Republican National Covnention, at Chicago, in 1860.  He is now a resident of Illinois.  He has two uncles still residing in New Berlin, one on his father's and one on his mother's side.  In his boyhood days Mr. Burlingame went to Detroit, where he was for some time a clerk in a mercantile establishement, and subsequently a pupil in the university of that State.  A portion of his time was also spent with engineering parties in the extreme west.  On returning to the East he entered Harvard university and graduated in 1846.  He at once engaged in politics and was elected to the State Senate and subsequently to Congress, where in his second term he gained a high position. 

After the brutal attack of Preston S. Brooks upon Senator Sumner, Mr. Burlingame made allusion to the affair in the House, at once denouncing and defying the engaged bully and his sympathizers. For this he was challenged by Brooks, and the challenge was promptly accepted, rifles selected as weapons and Canada, opposite Suspension Bridge, named as the place of meeting.  Brooks on the plea that he would be obliged to pass through a "hostile country," declined to accept the terms and that ended the affair.  He was nominated by President Lincoln as minister to Austria, and then to China.  The opportunities for usefulness in this position were at once improved.  In the prosecution of his duties he gave the Chinese Government such proof of his sympathy and desire for progress of that singular people that in 1867, on signifying his purpose to return to America, he was unexpectedly tendered the highest diplomatic honor which any Government could bestow.  It is related that Prince Kung came in solemn state to the United States Legation and presented the Imperial decree, which bears date Nov. 26, 1867, and is written on heavy yellow parchment, wrapped in yellow brocade satin, the imperial color, and encased in a yellow box.  He had given him the title of Embassador, and clothed him with the most ample powers.  He however preferred the title of Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, or in Chinese Peo-an-chew (Burlingame, Anson) Chin-chi-choong-jen-tachen) Minister of Heavy Responsibilities.

Mr. Burlingame started on his tour among the great nations almost immediately after the receipt of his papers. The Mission arrived in the United States about the 1st of June, and during its stay was entertained with generous hospitality.  The treaty was signed in Washington on the 4th of July, was transmitted to the Senate on the 11th and ratified on the 16th.  From here the Embassy proceeded to Great Britain. there the treaty was at first almost universally condemned; but Mr. Burlingame succeeded in radically changing the popular opinion and in negotiating satisfactorily.  He afterwards negotiated treaties with France and other of the European Powers, and had but recently presented himself at the Court of Russia, where he was received with extreme cordiality, and with every disposition on the part of the Czar to promote the objects of his mission.  His sudden death will cause universal regret, for he was engaged in a great and important work of which much was expected.

Obituary

Cambridge Chronicle, February 26, 1870

The public mind was startled on the 23d inst., at the sad and unexpected news of the death of Hon Anson Burlingame, which event occurred at St. Petersburg on that morning.  No further information accompanied the simple announcement of his death, and we can only await intelligence in regard to the fact.  Having passed a large portion of his life here among us, and endeared himself by personal association and friendship with many of our citizens and more especially of the young men of Cambridge, we have watched his career with an interest that has followed him in all his devious journeyings while fulfilling the great mission which he had undertaken for the Chinese Empire.

We remember his first efforts in behalf of freedom and humanity when it was no light thing for a young man to strike out of the popular path, and take up the cause of the oppressed.  The Free-soil party, which numbered him as one of its earliest champions, bold, uncompromising, and untiring in his labors, was largely indebted to his eloquent words of persuasion for its subsequent growth and ultimate national triumphs.  Here in Cambridge, his name was often a household word among the young men in the early days of Free-soilism.  Young men imitated his oratory, voted for him for numerous offices, and in a thousand ways testified their admiration for his chivalric character. Chivalric he was in the true sense of the term.  He had ever a strong sympathy for the oppressed of whatever nation, and his heart overflowed with an abundant love which reached towards all, whether friend or foe. The young men were his especial favorites as we had said, and to them he was much indebted for his early successes.  He fully recognized this indebtedness himself, and always testified to it whenever he had opportunity.

Mr. Burlingame first entered public life as a Senator from Middlesex County in the legislature of Massachusetts, and shortly after received the Free-soil nomination for Representative to Congress for this district, which was then represented by Hon. Wm. Appleton. Two of our young men of Cambridge were instrumental in securing for him this nomination, which though not resulting at this time in an election, was at least the foundation of his subsequent triumphs. The second time his name was brought before the people, he was elected by a large majority, and was afterwards repeatedly re-elected until the presidential year of 1860, when he was defeated by a small majority, by his opponent Hon. Wm. Appleton. We can hardly depict the gloom which overshadowed the faces of his immediate and attached friends of this district on that eventful night, as the announcement of his defeat fell upon them. The great national triumph seemed forgotten in this overthrow of the popular idol.

On that evening a small and mournful party occupied a lawyer's office on Tremont street, in Boston, and were brooding upon the misfortune that had befallen them.  Suddenly Burlingame appeared among them, and it was his office to cheer the sad hearts that we all had as we contemplated our defeat.  But Burlingame, though feeling intensely the mortification of defeat, was quite philosophical as he remarked, "I do not care for myself, but I am afraid my friends have bet largely upon my success, and so have lost."  There were not, however, any bets made or lost, so far as we knew.

This defeat, as it afterwards appeared, was the turning point in Mr. Burlingame's fortune, for he was certain to receive some high appointment from President Lincoln, as a recognition of his great services in the Republican cause.  His subsequent career is well known to us all.  He went to the almost unknown Empire of China, with little diplomatic knowledge, and fully conscious that he had a great task before him, to represent and defend the interests of his country, at such a strange court as that.  The world now know how well he accomplished his mission, until he, at length surrendered his trust as American minister, to enter upon a larger field of labor in behalf of the Celestial Empire itself.

What a duty was this which had fallen to his lot, to be instrumental in bringing to the advanced civilization of modern Europe, and of the New World, the civilization of a great empire still in undimished vigor, which flourished at the very dawn of history. The work which he had undertaken was nearly finished, treaties had been made with many of the nations he had visited, and they had been ratified by the Chinese rulers.

Apparently but little more seemed necessary for him to do in connection with his mission.  Had he lived, doubtless a more advanced career awaited him.  But he is struck down while in the height of his honors.

"Dead; in the crowning grace of time,

\The triumph of life's zenith hour,

\Dead; while we watched his manhood's prime

Burst from slow bud into flower."

Obituaries (May 27)

Richard Lancaster

Northern Christian Advocate, June 22, 1871

Richard Lancaster was born in London, England, July 1st, 1794, and died at his residence in Sterling Township, Wayne co., Pa., May 11, 1871.  Father Lancaster, as a multitude of friends have for years reverently called him, after a few weeks of great suffering died gloriously, in the 77th year of his age.  He was converted in the year 1820 and joined the M.P. Church and in 1828 united with the M.E. Church.  Father Lancaster was an earnest, devoted, faithful and active Christian, excelled perhaps but by few of the generation in which he lived; loved by all his brethren.  A good and valuable citizen, having filled offices of high trust, such as Justice of the Peace, high Sheriff of the county and State Legislature; as such, was highly esteemed by all who knew him.  The Church and community mourn his loss, but our loss is his eternal gain.  So peaceful and triumphant was he at the shadow of death, his waiting friends could almost say of his spirit, as Paul of Enoch, "He was not found, because God has translated him."  But a happier thought for all who survive him, is that his latest hours of triumph, line the beautiful buds and blossoms which succeed the warm breath,  vernal showers and sunshine of Spring, gently laying their perfume all around, were only the prophecy and promise of the many years of his devout Christian life.  It may be justly said of him, that he died not full of years only, but full of the Holy Ghost.  His many friends and children are waiting by the river, to join him in the rest which he has gained a little before them.  May the good Lord comfort and console them while here.  D. Larian,  Sterling, June 6, 1871

Orrin E. Wood

Chenango Telegraph, January 22, 1874

Died in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., suddenly, after a lingering illness, Orrin E. Wood, aged 43 years.  Mr. Wood was the second son of Chester Wood and has resided in this village, we believe, from his birth. We well remember him as a play mate and associate in our youth, and cheerfully accord to his memory the pleasure that recollection give us.  When he attained his manhood and the grip of secession was at his country's throat, we remember the promptness with which he indicated him intention to "take a hand in" the great struggle, and how, when the one hundred and fourteenth regiment was being organized, he carried out that intention by enlisting as a private, in company B of that regiment.  On the first of November, 1863, he was appointed first Sergeant, and as such served until his discharge at the close of the war.  How well and faithfully he performed his duties as a soldier let the campaigns of the regiment from Bisland to Cedar Creek answer.  In the same regiment was George and Josiah Wood, brothers of the deceased--an heroic trio who  fought nobly for the cause of their espousal.  Since the war Orrin has successfully followed his trade, that of a carpenter, until something like a year ago, when by reason of declining health he was obliged to give up work.  Until the past week he has gradually run down. Examination showed that he was suffering from stone in the bladder, and on Wednesday of last week the operation of Lithotomy was performed upon him. The operation was skillful, and promised success.  For a day or two he seemed to be improving and gave hope of recovery, but on Friday he commenced to sink and at five o'clock expired.  His funeral was attended on Sunday from the Free Baptist Church, by a large number of sympathizing friends and acquaintances and by a detachment form Capt. Sholes' military company by whom he was buried with military honors.  All will ever bear in their hearts a grateful remembrance of deceased's quiet unobtrusive merit as well as his brave deeds upon the battle field in behalf of our common country.

Amanda  A. (Hopkins) Lathrop

Chenango Telegraph, January 22, 1874

We are pained to record the death of Mrs. Marcus Lathrop, of this village, which occurred on Sunday morning last.  She has been in feeble health for  several months past, and her disease was at the last quite sudden and unexpected.  Mrs. Lathrop was a native of Sherburne, Chenango county, where she was born July 13th, 1801, being 72 years and nearly 6 months of age.  Her maiden name was Amanda A. Hopkins, she being the daughter of Moses Hopkins, Esq., one of the early settlers of that section.  She was married in February, 1827, and came to Clinton [Oneida Co., NY] in October, 1841, where she has since continued to reside, beloved by her family and enjoying the esteem and respect of all who knew her.  She was an exemplary member of the church for over fifty years, and died in the full confidence of Christian hope. To the bereaved husband and mourning friends our sincerest sympathy is extended in this hour of their affliction.

Clark E. Phetteplace

South New Berlin Bee, March 23, 1934

Clark E. Phetteplace, 77, prominent and well-known Norwich farmer for many years, died at his home on the East River road Sunday morning after a short illness.  Mr. Phetteplace was born in the town of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] January 27, 1857, and had spent his entire life in Chenango county.  He was one of the best known farmers in this section, and had successfully conducted the Phetteplace farm, which he acquired 38 years ago, until a few years ago when he sold it to other parties.  The nearest relatives are nephews and nieces, Mrs. Stephen Woodman, Merton Wilcox and Woodman Wilcox of Randallsville, Gurdon E. Phetteplace of Norwich and Mrs. Elsie Caulkins of Brisben.  Funeral services were held from the late home at 1:30 Wednesday afternoon, Rev. J.W. Nicholson officiating. The body was placed in the vault at Mt. Hope awaiting burial in the spring at White Store cemetery.   Norwich Sun.