Obituaries (October 28)

Juvenelia M. Jones

Chenango Union, October 16, 1884

At her home in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the afternoon of Friday, October 10th, 1884, Juvenelia M. [Jones], aged 14 years, only daughter of Charles and Helen Jones, and granddaughter of the late Luman Miles.  The remains were on Saturday removed to the residence of her uncle, L.F. Miles, at Coventryville, and the funeral services conducted by Rev. Mr. Turner, assisted by Rev. Mr. Douglass, of Oneonta, on Sunday afternoon, from whence she was carried to rest in the cemetery near by, where the family graves have been made for three generations, and where so recently she stood beside that of her grandfather.  For him there were scores of years numbered in the past--for her, the hopes--the sunshine of youth's morning was lighting her path, giving promise of a long glad lifetime. We remember her as a bright and remarkably ladylike child, responding to our greeting as we met her, with a pleasant word and smile, endearing herself to her family and others by her kind and affectionate manner.  Two weeks of malarial fever ending in typhoid and hemorrhage, and near the place where she stood weeping by the dead form of one dear to her, she now rests so sweetly, no tear on the cold cheek, no sad heart strangely beating with the look she had in life--only changeless in marble whiteness--so young--yet sleeping her last quiet sleep.  Loving associates had brought flowers, and done all they could for her in her home, and here other hands with sad but willing service laid flowers in profusion in and upon the casket in which she lay. these in their beauty whispered of life immortal where they should never fade; where our dearest earthly treasures gathered in will never feel the touch of sin or sorrow, or death.  May the one who in advanced years looked to this loving girl to be with, wait upon and cheer her, find her "cup of sorrow" changed and sweetened by "looking unto Jesus" for comfort and support, and the parents, who with stricken hearts go back to their desolated home, feel that "it is not all of life to live," that this is not their rest--and may the memory of their loved and loving daughter cheer and incite them to be prepared through a Savior's love for a heavenly home where death can never enter.  Coventryville, Oct. 13, 1884.

Minnie L. (Humphrey) Buell

Chenango Union, January 17, 1889

BUELL:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], January 12th, 1889, Minnie L. [Buell], wife of Dana H. Buell, and only daughter of George F. and Matilda M. Humphrey, of New Berlin, aged 26 years and 5 months.

In the death of Mrs. Buell our community has suffered another loss.  She was married in New Berlin but a few months since, and had quite recently settled in our village for her first home, to unite her heart and hands as a citizen with this people for influence and usefulness in Christian endeavor.  But she was a subject of that baneful disease, epilepsy, which with increasing progression ruined her health and blasted all reasonable hope, and finally terminated her life. She was buried in South New Berlin cemetery, from the presence of many relatives and a sorrowing assembly of her former friends and neighbors of New Berlin and Guilford.  Few griefs are so paralyzing for a time as that of a parent for the death of an only daughter, and is only exceeded, if possible, by the grief of a family of brothers for the death of an only sister; but as grief may be comparative, what shall exceed the sorrow of a young husband for the loss occasioned by the death of his wife?  Others cannot easily divest themselves of indefinably sad and melancholy reflections when the name and countenance and tone of voice recur with the freshness of so recent reality of life and common hope. The cherished recollections of her life will be that of uniformity and consistency of character and devotion to all that was innocent and right. As a wife she was an example of affection and kindness, and in her domestic relations of home there was an atmosphere of devotion and cheerfulness which seemed ever to abide and prevail.  With such a character and relations to home and society, who could tell what would have been the outcome had her life been spared?  Then may this stroke be sanctified by Him who caused it to be done, that those in health be advertised, ere long they too must follow on.  May home and parents, brothers, friends and all who thus are called to mourn remember 'twas the God who gave, who called her spirit to return.

Almeida Ward (Beardsley) Fitts

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 25, 1903

"To sleep; To sleep

The long bright day is done,

And silence rises from the fallen sun"

In Lodi, Ohio, February 17, 1903, occurred the death of Mrs. Almeida Pitts aged eighty-four years.  It is fitting that we give more than a passing glance at the pages of this long and useful life whose earthly records have just ended.  Almeida Ward Beardsley was born in Preston, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY] January 7, 1819.  She was the daughter of Jesse and Sally Hadley Beardsley, pioneer residents of Chenango county. the oldest daughter in a family of ten children, but one sister, Mrs. H.M. Newton of Pitcher, is now living.  Among her ancestors were men of the Revolution who fought on the fields at Lexington and Concord. She was the granddaughter of Ebenezer Fisk of Colonial times Boston, and a grand niece of the wife of Rev. Dr. Cutler of the same city.  Beginning to teach in the public schools at the age of fifteen she continued in this work until her marriage January 5, 1842 to Hiram L. Fitts of Smithville, N.Y.  Nearly all of their married life was passed in the towns of Oxford and McDonough.  Mrs. Fitts was a woman of strongly marked individuality and great force of character.  Especially noted for her kindness to the poor and ever ready to assist in times of sickness and trouble.  She was universally recognized as a true friend and obliging neighbor as well as a devoted wife and mother.  In early life she became a consistent member of the Methodist church at McDonough and brought her religion faithfully into her daily life.  Sad and tragic deaths gave to Mrs. Fitts a greater share of sorrow than falls to any, but looking beyond her own griefs her heart was never closed to the necessities and trials of others.  Since the death of her husband in 1880, she has resided with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Burr of Lodi, Ohio.  Three of her children from a family of seven survive her, George H. Fitts of Iowa Falls, Iowa, Mrs. Burr of Ohio, and Mrs. H.F. Pendleton of Norwich. And so has the history of another true life wound to a close and there only remains for us to leave it here with a lingering and sad "good night."

"Only 'Good night' beloved, not 'farewell'

A little while and all His saints shall dwell

In hallowed union indivisible--

'Good night, 'Good night'"

Charles Dix

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 25, 1903

Charles Dix, who resides at Brackett's lake, near West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and who was employed in the Loomis lumber camp about one and a half miles from Rockdale, was found early Thursday morning, unconscious from exposure to the severe cold and storms of the preceding night. The unfortunate man passed Wednesday in Bainbridge and returned there on the evening train. The wind was blowing fiercely and the night was bitter cold, but Dix set out to walk to the wood lot, where he and his son have been at work.  It is supposed that he became exhausted while struggling against the storm and sank down and expired. The son feels particularly sad that he should have slept through the night while his father expired so near the building.  On learning in the morning that his father left Rockdale that night, the son set out to search and soon found his body near the shanty, past all help, as he expired upon his arrival.  Dix is said to have a family, consisting of a wife and two children, at Bainbridge and his body was taken there Friday. A coroner was summoned, but learning the facts, requested the local physician to sign the death certificate.  Deceased was about 55 years old.

Obituaries (July 27)

William Winfield Scott

Utica Saturday Globe, December 1910

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  William Winfield Scott, a respected colored resident of Norwich, died at his home on Baldwin street on Tuesday night, after an illness of several days.  Funeral services were held from the house on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. H.W. Foreman, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, officiating.  Interment in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Mr. Scott was born in the city of New Orleans on New Year's day, 1850.  During the war he became attached to the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment as attendant to Col. Henry B. Morse. At the close of the war he came north and lived with the colonel at Eaton, Madison county, before coming to Norwich.  He was turnkey at the Chenango county jail under Sheriff Rorapaugh.  He afterwards became an expert mortar mixer and for a number of years worked with Contractor John W. Brookins in that capacity.  For the last six years he had been with the Crandall brothers, contracting masons.  Mr. Scott was married 22 years ago to Harriet Benton, who survives him.

Eva (Young) Scott

Oneonta Star, May 22, 1920

Elk Creek:  The body of Mrs. Eva Young Scott, who died at her home near Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] Tuesday, was brought here and buried Thursday afternoon.  The cause of her death was dropsy, from which she had been suffering for some time past. The deceased was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Young of this place, who survive her. She is also survived by two brothers and one sister, Levi Young of Westford, Harrison Young of Oneonta and Mrs. John Gaus of Schenevus and her husband Hubert Scott of Bainbridge.  Mrs. Scott's early life was spent in this locality. She was a woman highly respected by all who knew her.  Much sympathy is felt for all who are left to mourn, especially the aged father and mother.

The Otsego Farmer, June 4, 1920

Mrs. Eva J. Young Scott, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Young of Elk Creek, died at her home in Bainbridge, May 18, 1920, after a long illness of heart disease and dropsy.  Deceased was born on Badeau Hill near Elk Creek village, September 12, 1869, and prior to her marriage spent the greater part of her life in Elk Creek vicinity. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Westford and at the time of her death she was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church at North Afton.  She was also a member of the Ladies' Aid society at the same place.  On September 28, 1905, she was united in marriage with Hubert E. Scott of Bainbridge where she has since resided.  She leaves to mourn her loss, an aged father and mother; two brothers and one sister: Levi and Mrs. John D. Gano, Schenevus; and her husband, Hubert E. Scott, Bainbridge and four step-sons, Grover, Coventry; Glenn, Carmon; Dewitt, Albany and Walter, who resides at home.   The funeral services were held from the Scott home Thursday morning at 10 am. and the remains were brought to Elk Creek for burial. The Rev. J.S. Robinson officiated at the house and the Rev. Williams of Westford had charge of the services at the grave.

Mrs. Frank Miner

Chenango Telegraph, January 7, 1910

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Frank Miner, after months of suffering, passed away at her home at West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] Monday night.  The funeral was attended from the home Thursday and the body was brought here for burial in the Guilford cemetery.  The most of her married life had been spent here, where she had many friends.  Of her immediate family, the husband and one daughter, Bessie, survive her, also her mother, Mrs. Richard Bush, besides a brother and sisters.

Mary A. Rivers

Chenango Telegraph, January 7, 1910

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Mrs. Mary A. Rivers of East Guilford occurred here [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Alvin Sherwood, where she was visiting.  She was returning from a visit to her sons in Oxford. She was sick while there, but became worse after reaching her daughter's and passed away early New Year's morning, having nearly passed to the close of her 80th year.  Besides the daughter, three sons, Charles of Oxford, Ellsworth of Belden and James of East Guilford survive her.  The funeral was attended from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood at 13 [sic] o'clock Monday.  Rev. A.C. Salls of the congregational church officiating.  interment was made at Sidney [Delaware co., NY].

Loren St. John

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 28, 1903

ST. JOHN:  Drowned near Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], February 18, 1903, Loren St. John, aged 73 years.

Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, February 23, 1903

In Saturday's Sun we stated a rumor that another man had been frozen to death at Rockdale.  Upon further investigation we find that the party referred to was Lorrin St. John, a farmer from Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], whose body had been found in the Unadilla river at Rockdale, near the residence of George Miller.  Wednesday evening Mr. St. John, who resided with his son-in-law, John Baird, on the Stebbins place, started out to visit George Miller, a neighbor who lives a short distance from Mr. Baird.  The night was a bitter one with the wind blowing fiercely and being an elderly gentleman he evidently became so chilled and bewildered by the storm that he was unable to find the Miller residence.  Wandering between the house and barn he came to the bank of the river. where his feet slipped and he slid to the river's edge. By his tracks it was shown that he had tried to climb the bank and on failing had gone up the river for a short distance.  By this time he was supposed to have been dazed, and going onto the ice in his benumbed condition was unable to help himself when the ice broke and let him into the water, and was drowned.  A diligent search was made Thursday and Friday, but as his tracks were covered, no trace of him was found until Saturday noon when the snow had partly melted and the search renewed.  By means of these tracks and those made by sticking his cane into the ice, his trail was discovered and later his body found as above stated, a short distance below where he broke through.  Upon recovery of the body, Coroner Wilcox was summoned, and pronounced it to be a case of accidental drowning and no inquest necessary.  The deceased was about 73 years old and a  highly respected citizen who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  Only two of his family, Mrs. Mudge and Mrs. Howard Brown survive.

Death Notices

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, February 28, 1903

PORTER:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], February 22, 1903, Miss Almira Porter, aged 73 years.

DIX:  Near Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], February 18, 1903, Charles Dix, aged about 60 years.

KINYON:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], February 25, [1903], Mary Ann Willcox, wife of Deloss Kinyon, aged 56 years.

CROWELL:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], February 24, 1903, Mrs. Emeline Crowell, aged 90 years.

Obituaries (July 26)

Edwin Atwater & Horace Scott

Bainbridge Republican, June 26, 1879

We are pained to announce the death of two of our old and respected citizens - Edwin Atwater, who departed this life on Monday afternoon, last, and Horace Scott, who died suddenly during the extreme heat of Monday afternoon.  Mr. Atwater had been confined to his house for a long time and his demise was not unexpected.  He made full preparations for his funeral and disposed of his property by will.  Mr. Scott sat in his porch and conversed pleasantly with friends but a short time before he died, and although not in his accustomed good health, his death was sudden and unexpected.  Thus the old land marks of our village are one by one passing from our midst.  Mr. Scott's funeral will be held on Friday at 10:30 a.m. from his late residence. 

Carl Frederick Wilhelm Schrappe
Binghamton Press, November 15, 1915

Carl Frederick Wilhelm Schrappe died at his home, 71 Susquehanna street this morning at 1:10 o'clock.  He was born in Rintein, Germany, July 3, 1846.  He is survived by his wife, Dorathea Schrappe; four daughters, Mrs. J.B. Kuhn, Mrs. R.E. Collar, Mrs. William D. Thomas and Miss Tena Schrappe; two sons, Charles A. Schrappe and Leopold A. Schrappe, and four grandchildren: Alois Kuhn, Helen Collar and Marion and Charlie Schrappe, all of this city.  Mr. Schrappe was a resident of this city for 30 years.  He was president of the Workmens' Sick and Death Benefit Association; also a member of the Cigarmakers Union, local 218.  The funeral will be held Wednesday at 2 o'clock and will be private.  

Dorathea L. Schrappe

Binghamton Press, March 28, 1917

Mrs. Dorathea L. Schrappe, widow of Carl William Schrappe, aged 72 years, died this morning at her home, 71 Susquehanna street. She is survived by six children:  C.A. Schrappe, L.A. Schrappe, Mrs. J.B. Kuhn, Mrs. R.E. Collar, Miss Tenna Schrappe and Mrs. W.D. Thomas, and four grandchildren, Miss Marion Schrappe, Alois Kuhn, Charles Schrappe and Helen Dorothy Collar, all of this city.  The funeral will be held at the house Friday at 2:30 p.m. Rev. C.A. Titchie will officiate. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery [Port Dickinson, Broome Co., NY].

Oscar R. Carlson

Binghamton Press, June 19, 1945

Oscar R. Carlson, 64, of 53 Murray Street, died at 8 a.m., Monday at the Binghamton City Hospital [Broome Co., NY].  He is survived by his wife, Eva S. of Binghamton; a son, Kenneth R., of Johnstown; two daughters, Mrs. Marion Scott of Oneonta, and Alice F. of Binghamton; three grandchildren, Leonard C. Scott and Beverly Jean Scott, both of Oneonta, and Kenneth R. Carlson, Jr., of Johnstown; an aunt, Mrs. F.A. Carlson of Manor, Tex. and two nephews. The body was removed to the E.H. Parsons Funeral home, 71 Main Street.

Benedict W. Scott

Sidney Record Enterprise, December 7, 1950

Benedict W. Scott, Sr., 68, Sidney resident [Delaware Co., NY] for the past 25 years died at 3:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the Hospital here following a short illness.  Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday in the Methodist church with the pastor, the Rev. Robert P. Kellerman, officiating. Burial will be made in Glenwood Cemetery, Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  Bearers, all of whom are members of the Methodist choir will be Harry Dickinson, Benjamin Ellis, Norris Olmstead, Clyde Huyck, Borden Getman and Robert Loller.  Mr. Scott, a retired farmer, was born July 4, 1882 at china, N.Y., the son of Benedict and Karolina (Ruffli) Scott.  He was a member of the Methodist church and Sidney Grange. Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Verna Scott of Sidney, two daughters, Mrs. David MacDonald and Mrs. Vaughn Herrick, both of Sidney; two sons, Lloyd of Santa Monica, California and Benedict Jr. of Sidney; a brother, Carl Scott of Afton; a sister Mrs. Rose Macaulay of New Haven, Conn. 15 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Death Notices
Oxford Times, September 11, 1888

SCOTT:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], September 3d, Mr. Walter Scott, aged 82 years.

Oxford Times, May 31, 1892

SCOTT:  In Delmar, Iowa, May 20, Mrs. Elmena Scott, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], widow of the late Walter S., aged 69 years.

Obituaries (July 25)

Hannah Selye Loomis

Sherburne News, April 23, 1868

LOOMIS:  In Rochester [Monroe Co., NY], Apr. 6, Hannah Loomis, aged 94.  Mrs. Loomis was born in Spencertown, Columbia co., Jan. 11, 1775. She was first married to Major Lewis Selye, of Chittenango, in 1805, by whom she had one son, Hon. Lewis Selye, present member of Congress from the Rochester District. She was married the second time to Captain Silas Loomis, of Columbus, in 1814, who died some 9 years ago.

Delia L. (Allen) Clark

Sherburne News, April 23, 1868

CLARK:  In Mobile, Ala., Apr. 5, Mrs. Delia L., wife of Willis G. Clark, late Editor of the Mobile Advertiser.  The Rochester Democrat says:  "In the several relations of daughter, sister and wife, the deceased was affectionate and lovely, and throughout her life she exemplified the religion she early professed. Cut down in the mid-day of life and usefulness, she exchanges the home [for the]companionship of the Savior in whom she trusted.  Mrs. Clark was a daughter of the late Deacon M. Allen of Mt. Morris, and a sister of S.P. Allen, of this city, and her husband was a brother of Mrs. D. Mitchell of this city. She was born in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 26th, 1823.

Sylvester Benton

Sherburne News, April 23, 1868

BENTON:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], March 21, Sylvester Benton, aged 76.  The deceased was born in West Stockbridge, Mass., May 9, 1792. At about the age of four years his parents removed with him to Sherburne, and located on a farm on Handsome Brook, then a wilderness. Being the oldest of a numerous family, and of a very robust constitution, he was called to endure the hardship and privation of a pioneer life in youth.  He acquired habits of industry and economy, which he carried with him to the last days of his life.  At the age of ten or twelve years he was hopefully converted, and was baptized Dec. 6, 1807, and united with the Baptist church in Sherburne. As he matured to manhood he was very persevering in the business of his calling, and occupied responsible stations in the Church and community.  In 1816 he was married to Betsey [Benedict], the oldest daughter of Stephen Benedict, who, with five surviving children, mourn his departure.  At the later period he almost entirely withdrew from the bustle and scenes of strife which agitate the public, and retired almost exclusively to his own home.  His last illness was brief, and he died in the Faith.

James Williams

Sherburne News, May 14, 1868

WILLIAMS:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday, April 29, James Williams, in the 26th year of his age.  On Tuesday, the day before his death, the deceased harnessed a colt to a one horse wagon, to go to the village, three-fourths of a mile distant. The colt, which had been harnessed but a few times before, being frightened by the wagon, became at once unmanageable; ran to the village all the way down hill, and turning the corner, threw Mr. Williams against a tree with such violence that those who saw the accident say it seemed to wind him around it. Being taken up and carried home, it was found that both his legs were broken.  The painful process of setting the fractured limbs, he endured with great fortitude, conversed cheerfully with his friends after it was over, and for about 12 hours after, seemed as comfortable as could be expected. Then, however, he became drowsy, sank into a sleep from which it was impossible to rouse him, and so died.  Mr. Williams was a young man of more than usual promise and character.  It would be impossible to pay any just tribute to his worth in so brief a notice as this.  More than any such words the record of his life; his three years in the army as a member of the 114th N.Y. Vols., where he maintained so well the bearing of a soldier and a man; the bitter grief of his stricken family; the sense of loss that pervades the whole community, where he was universally loved and respected speak his praise. While his death so sudden and violent, after he had escaped the dangers of the camp, the battlefield and the southern prison, is another illustration of the meaning of the scripture warning, In such an hour as ye think not.

Harriet (Lewis) Newton

Sherburne News, June 11, 1868

NEWTON:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Monday night, June 1, Harriet, wife of Lucius Newton, and daughter of Dea. Charles Lewis, aged 39.  She was blessed with religious instruction from early childhood, and gave her heart to the Lord and united with the Baptist church in this place at the early age of 12 years.  She was an earnest and devoted worker in the Lord's vineyard. Trained in the Sunday School from a child, she felt a great interest in this kind of Christian labor. She gathered a large class of young ladies about her who delighted to call her "Teacher," and won their hearts by her piety, faithfulness and ability. She also went out into destitute and neglected districts, and told children and youth, that seldom or never visited the sanctuary, of a Savior. She was faithful to her covenant vows in the church, her place in the Sanctuary was seldom vacant, and she was constant in her attendance at the social meetings, even when her health had so failed that it was evidently imprudent for her to attend; and she is now, and long will be missed in the Chruch and in the Sunday school, as she is in her family and neighborhood.  Her long sickness was greatly blessed to her spiritual growth, and death had lost his terrors long before he was permitted to lay his icy fingers upon her.  Her confidence in Christ was remarkable, and the peace that it gave her was scarcely disturbed.  Her funeral was attended the Thursday after her death, at the house where she lived and where she died, by a large concourse of people, and a large circle of friends, mourning their loss, and in deep sympathy with the afflicted family, followed her remains to their last resting palce, where she shall rest until she experiences in all its incomprehensible fullness and glory, the sentiment of the following hymn, which she wrote some years since:

When will this gloomy night have ending?

When will the glorious morning come?

When, on the Eastern clouds descending,

Jesus shall gather his people home.

long have I looked for thine appearing,

Striving in vain to pierce the shade;

Guiding my steps with doubt and fearing,

Trusting Thee still, and undismayed.

Long have my weary feet been straying,

Stumbling oft in the gloomy road--

Still, 'mid the darkness ever praying;

"Hasten the morning--O my God!"

"Lo," is the glorious promise given,

"Quickly I come."  I'll wait and pray;

Soon! shall the drifting clouds be riven;

Soon! shall appear the Perfect Day.

Shooting Affair in Guilford, 1895

Shooting Affair in Guilford

Chenango Union, August 8, 1895

Wednesday night of last week things were quite lively in the vicinity of the Guilford Hotel, in the pleasant village of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]. Two young men of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] Bert Rorapaugh and LeRoy Bowers, went to Guilford that evening, it is said to visit two nurse girls in the employ of Dr. Evans, a Brooklyn physician, who spends his summers at Haynes Hotel. Arriving about 8:30 they put their horse in the hotel barn, paid for the accommodation, and made arrangements for securing their rig without disturbing the inmates of the house should the hotel be closed when they desired to take their departure.

About midnight Landlord Delaney was aroused by one of his servant girls, who told him that someone was trying to get into the house.  Upon investigation he found that his Oxford guests were outside, and that Bowers had climbed the veranda for some purpose. Rorapaugh was on the ground.  Mr. Delaney ordered them away, threatening them with arrest, when they disappeared. Soon after Mr. Delaney was again aroused, with the information that his unwelcome guests had returned.  Dr. Evans now appeared on the scene with a revolver, which he fired in the air to scare the boys, who were now in the barn, hitching their horse.  Mr. Swan, a New York boarder, came out with a Colt repeating rifle, with which he fired two more shots to scare the boys. The horse and carriage left the premises on a run, with but one occupant, Bowers not having time to get in before the start was made.  The men on the veranda, ordered them to stop and two more shots were fired. A ball struck Rorapaugh in the right shoulder back, about four inches from the top, and striking the bone, took a downward course and came out under the ribs at the side, some five inches below the point of entrance, making an ugly looking wound. There is a bullet hole through the back curtain of the carriage and a dent in the steel bow where it struck.  It is thought that the last shot from the rifle was the one that did the work.

Rorapaugh made a quick trip home, not waiting for Bowers.  he proceeded at once to the office of Dr. Lee, where he fainted form the loss of blood.  Dr. Lee administered restoratives, dressed the wound, and the young man got into his carriage and drove home, where he has since been confined. Bowers returned home on foot.

The Times, from which the above account is condensed, states that the father of the Rorapaugh boy is taking legal proceedings.

Morning Sun, August 3, 1895

What came very near being a serious shooting affray occurred in Guilford Wednesday night at one of the hotels, when Bert Rorapaugh, son of ex-Deputy Sheriff Fred Rorapaugh, of Oxford, received a volley of cold lead from a revolver, shot from a chamber window.  An Oxford correspondent writes the Sun yesterday as follows regarding the affair:

"Bert Rorapaugh of this place and another young fellow named Bowers went over to Guilford Wednesday.  Late at night they were climbing up the veranda posts at the lower hotel to get into a room, said to have been occupied by young ladies, when the landlord ordered them down. After Rorapaugh had got into the buggy someone, said to be Dr. Evans, fired several shots from a revolver.  One hit Rorapaugh in the right shoulder (back) and came out under his arm.  He did not wait for his companion but sent the horse at a lively gait to Oxford, and stopped at Dr. Lee's and had the wound dressed.  He then went to bed, after putting the horse out, and is still confined there. The wound is probably not dangerous.  It is said there is a ball hole in the carriage top.  Bowers came home on foot.  Dr. Evans is a summer resident at the hotel. these are the facts as they can be ascertained at present.  It is understood that the affair will reach the court, as Fred Rorapaugh, the father of the wounded young man, has taken counsel."

Chenango Union, August 15, 1895

On Wednesday last Bert Rorapaugh, the young man who was shot through the shoulder in the affair at Guilford, full particulars of which were given in The Times last week, commenced action in the Supreme Court against Dr. G.A. Evans and J.H. Swan, summer residents of Guilford, who are charged with doing the shooting. Damages are laid in the sum of $10,000.

The order of arrest was issued by Judge Gladding, and the papers served by Sheriff Payne Wednesday.  The defendants were taken to Norwich and before the judge, where they gave bail for appearance at trail in the sum of $1,500 each. Stratton & Stratton, of this village, are retained by Rorapaugh, and J.P. Alids of Norwich, appeared for the defendants.

Several prominent citizens and men of means of Guilford, accompanied the defendants to Norwich and qualified as their bondsmen.  The citizens of that place, while deploring the outcome of the affair, stand by their summer boarders to a man.  The defendants reside in New York and Brooklyn--Oxford Times.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, August 31, 1895

Bert Rorapaugh, the victim of the recent shooting fray at Guilford, has so far recovered as to be able to ride out.

Chenango Union, January 9, 1896

The demurrer entered by H.C. and V. Stratton, in the case of Bert Rorapaugh, of Oxford, against Dr. G.A. Evans and Joseph H. Swan, of Brooklyn, has been sustained by Judge Smith, and the counter claim of the defendants disallowed.

The cause of action in this case arose on the 31st day of last July, when Bert Rorapaugh and Leroy Bowers, of Oxford, went to Guilford to call on two domestics in the employ of Dr. Evans or Mr. Swan, who were guests at the Haynes Hotel.  They were discovered about the premises by the proprietor, who ordered them away, but later when they were seen driving away with the team which they had left in the barn, they were ordered to halt, and not responding, were fired upon, one shot taking effect in Rorapaugh's shoulder and taking a dowqnward course, causing an ugly wound. An action for $10,000 damages was begun and the defendants set up a counter claim of $10,000 for entering the hotel. The case will probably be tried at the term of court to be held here this month.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, May 23, 1896

The suit of Bert Rorapaugh, of this village, commenced in the supreme court against Dr. Geo. A. Evans and Joseph H. Swan, for damages in the sum of $10,000 for shooting him, will not come to trial, the matter having been settled between the parties.

One night in August last, Rorapaugh with a young companion made a visit to the Haynes hotel in Guilford, where Messrs. Evans and Swan, who hailed from New York, were stopping as summer boarders.  The boys in trying to get the attention of a servant girl at a late hour aroused the inmates of the house, the summer boarders among the rest, who mistaking the racket of the boys for that caused by burglars, as they claimed, opened a general fusillade with pistols and a rifle.  During the excitement young Rorapaugh got his horse out of the barn and was in the highway on a lively gait headed for home when a rifle bullet crashed through the buggy top and entered his shoulder.  He was badly though not dangerously wounded, and drove rapidly to this village where he received medical assistance.

How much money was paid in the settlement is not made public, but we are informed that it was a good round sum, and satisfactory to the party bringing the suit--Oxford Times

Obituaries (July 23)

Eliza Wright Scott
Chenango Union, February 13, 1890

Mrs. Eliza Wright Scott, aged eight-five years, widow of Rev. Samuel Scott, died at her home about three miles north of Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday morning, January 23d.  Two or three days previous, her hip was broken and head injured by a fall upon the floor, which it is thought might have been caused by a slight shock.  Funeral services were held at the church Sunday morning, the 26th, Rev. A. Caldwell giving an interesting and appropriate discourse. At the age of eight years Mrs. Scott came from Southington, Ct., with her parents, Enos and Eunice Wright, arriving after a week's journey at the home of her grandparents, John and Abigail Perkins Miles, who were among the early settlers on our hills. While a child, and in after years, she improved such advantages for education as were to be had, and became a successful teacher. She was a woman of intelligence and strength of character, but has lived of late somewhat isolated form church and society, in the home left by her husband, and for which she had the strongest attachment.  One brother survives her, Nelson Wright, now over eighty years old, and the last of her father's family.  She leaves two sons, both west, the youngest a prominent business man of Minneapolis, Minn.; the eldest daughter, Mrs. Tapenden, resides in Ithaca; the youngest lived with her mother at the time of her death.

Nancy Roxana (Bennett) Simons
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 30, 1891

The death of Mrs. Nancy B. Simons, which occurred on Thursday last, removes the oldest inhabitant of this town [Smyrna, Chenango Co., NY].  She was born in a locality known as German Flats, in Herkimer county, December 21st 1800 and was 91 years old.  A singular circumstance was that she was taken with pneumonia, which ended her life, on her very birthday.  Her maiden name was Nancy Roxana Bennett and she was married to Cyrus Simons, on October 26, 1823.  She survived her husband over 47 years.  His death occurred in October 1844.  In connection with this little sketch of her life we are led to say that after her marriage ceremony had been performed, she, on horseback with her husband left for Norwich on their wedding trip, both riding the same horse.  Wagons in those days were few and far between, the main vehicle in these parts being the cumbersome two wheel cart, and a trip to Norwich or some similar large place was an event.  Her wedding gown was of calico, then one of the best of fabrics.  During all her life she never once rode on the cars.  In the olden time she taught school in different localities of this vicinity and we understand that she taught the first school which Mrs. Chapman, widow of the late Simon Chapman, attended.  With the exception of three years she had always been a resident of this town and for sixty nine years and over had lived on the old farm where she died. three sons, Jerome, Obed and Bennett and one daughter, Parthena, wife of Tuly Harrington, all residents of this town, survive her. the funeral was held at her late home, Saturday and the interment took place in the East Cemetery [Smyrna].

Rev. B.B. Carruth

Afton Enterprise, October 11, 1906

Rev. B.B. Carruth whose death occurred Sept. 28th, 1906, was born April 30th, 1827 at Lowaine, Jefferson county, N.Y.  In early life while teaching school in Guilford, N.Y. he was converted and joined the M.E. church.  In 1851 while teaching at Sherburne, N.Y. he was given an Exhorters license and the year following was made a local preacher.  In 1852 he joined the Oneida Conference and by a change in conference boundaries, after became a member of the Wyoming Conference.  He was married to 1863 to Miss B. Elizabeth Leonard, who for over 50 years has been his faithful companion and helper, and who with three sons survive him.  Since his retirement from active work in 1893, Brother Carruth has resided in Afton, N.Y.  Brother Carruth was a plain fearless preacher and has during his long ministry of over 50 years turned many to the way of righteousness.  He was highly respected among all classes and was often called upon to officiate at funerals of old friends and parishioners.  He was cheerful and trustful to the last.  A few days before he died though hardly able to speak, he tried to sing "There are lights along the shore."  The funeral was largely attended and was held in the M.E. church in this place where so often his voice had been heard in prayer and song and in the preaching of the Word. There were ten clergymen present at his burial. The services were in charge of his pastor, Rev. I.J. Smith.  Rev. A. Griffin.  D.D., his Presiding Elder preached the sermon.  Rev. E.L. Jeffrey and L.J. Smith also made remarks.  His remains were placed in the family plot in the beautiful Afton cemetery [Glenwood Cemetery, Afton, Chenango Co., NY] overlooking the Susquehanna river along whose waters he has so often proclaimed the Gospel of Christ.

Servant of God well done.

Thy glorious warfare past.
The battle's fought, the race is won
And thou art crowned at last.

Orin W. Darlin

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 8, 1937

Orin W. Darlin, former Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] resident who has been confined at the Bainbridge Hospital for medical treatment for the past nine weeks, passed away late Saturday night.  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at Colwell brothers Chapel in West Main street, with Rev. Murray, of Masonville, officiating.  interment was made in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge].

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 15, 1937

Orrin W. Darlin, a resident of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], and a former resident of Bainbridge, passed away Saturday, July 3.  Mr. Darlin had been in ill health for several months and was in the Bainbridge Hospital for medical treatment for nine weeks preceding his death.  The deceased was born in the town of Tompkins [Delaware Co., NY] in 1859, the son of Aaron and Julia F. C. Chase Darlin.  His childhood home was in Barbourville.  He was married twice.  His first wife was Josephine Cutting, and to them one son was born, Hobart, who died a few years ago.  Shortly after Hobart's death the first Mrs. Darlin passed away.  His second wife was Mary E. Lawton, and one son was born to them, Foster Darlin, who is now living in Hilburn, N.Y. The funeral services were held at Colwell's funeral parlors, Tuesday, July 6, Rev. David Murray, of Masonville, officiating.  Interment was in the Greenlawn Cemetery. Besides his son, Foster Darlin, there survives one sister, Jane Cutting, of Sidney; three grandchildren, Stanley, Lawrence and Clarence and several nieces and nephews.  Mr. Darlin was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Chruch and was a well known and respected citizen in this vicinity.  The pall bearers were:  Herman Newell, George Clark, Harry Bluler and Howard Eggleston.