Marie (O'Hara) Hamilton Spears 1919-1986

Engagement Announced

Norwich Sun, January 4, 1946

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick H. O'Hara of 75 South Broad street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], have announced here the engagement of their daughter, Mrs. Marie O'Hara Hamilton, to Lieut. Comdr. William O. Spears Jr., USN, son of Rear Admiral William O. Spears, USN, and Mrs. Spears of Washington, D.C.  The bride-elect is the widow of Lieut. Donald W. Hamilton Jr., who died in a Japanese prison camp last February.  Commander Spears who was released from a Japanese prison camp last October, was graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1938.  The wedding will take place next month.

Spears -Hamilton

Norwich Sun, February 9, 1946

Mrs. Marie O'Hara Hamilton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederic H. O'Hara of Norwich, New York became the bride of Lieut. Commander William O. Spears Jr., USN, Saturday noon, February ninth, in the Crystal room of The Plaza, in new York.  Lieut. Cmdr. Spears is the son of Rear Admiral and Mrs. William Oscar Spears, USN, of Washington, D.C.  Mrs. Hamilton, who was given in marriage by her father, wore an afternoon gown of aqua crepe with inserted shaped pieces embroidered in aqua and silver beads on matching net, and a halo of aqua crepe with shoulder length tulle dyed to match.  She carried an arm bouquet of pink Camellias.  Mrs. James Barton, daughter of the late Rear Admiral Charles C.  Hartigan and Mrs. Hartigan of Washington, D.C., a cousin of the bride, was the matron of honor.  Her gown was of melon crepe accented by a head dress of ostrich feathers and brown accessories.  She carried an arm bouquet of Talisman roses.  Commander Charles C. Hartigan, USN, assisted Lieut. Commander Spears as best man.  A wedding breakfast followed in the White and Gold suite of The Plaza.  Mrs. Hamilton is the widow of the late Lieut. Donald W. Hamilton Jr., who died in a Japanese prison camp.  She attended the Convent of the Sacred Heat, Noroton, Conn. and Finch Junior College, New York.  Lieut. Commander Spears attended Baylor School, Chattanooga, Tenn., and graduated form the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, in 1938.  He was released from a Japanese prison camp last October, after three and a half years of imprisonment.

Frederic H. O'Hara

Syracuse Herald Journal, October 3, 1955

Norwich:  Fred H. O'Hara 70, founder and chairman of the board of directors of Norwich Mills, Inc., formerly the Norwich Knitting Co., died at his cottage on Chenango Lake early yesterday morning.  A native of Middleville, N.Y. Mr. O'Hara was born Dec. 22, 1884, and organized the Norwich knitting mills in 1907 and had since been affiliated with that business.  He had long been associated with Norwich business and civic life and several times has served on important city committees.  He was chairman of the board of General Laboratories Associates of Norwich, a director of the National Bank and Trust Co., of Norwich, Chenango County Cooperative Savings and Loan Co., Norwich Chamber of Commerce, Merchants Club of New York, Advertising Club of New York City, Everglades Club of Palm Beach, a director in the Underwear Institute of New York, a member of the Volunteer Firemen's Association of Norwich, third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, member of the Lake Placid Club, Norwich lodge BPOE and of St. Bartholomew's church.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary Hartigan O'Hara, whom he married in 1912, a son, Edward H. O'Hara of Norwich; a daughter, Mrs. Marie O'Hara Spears of Norfolk, Va., a sister, Mrs. John Brady of Lexington, Ky. and six grandchildren.  A high mass of requiem will be sung at St Bartholomew's church Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

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Compiler Note: Mrs. Marie (O'Hara) Spears (b. March 30, 1919) died in Alexandria, Virginia November 6, 1986 at the age of 67 years.  Her husband, William Oscar Spears, Jr. (b. Jan. 18, 1916) died April 10, 1995 at the age of 79 years.  They are buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.  

Donald Wheeler Hamilton Jr. 1917-1945

Entertain at Luncheon in Honor of Miss O'Hara

Chenango Telegraph, June 11, 1940

Mrs. George C. McMullen, Mrs. F. Leonard Burchard and Miss Margory McMullen of this city, and Mrs. Chester L. Jones, of Springfield, Mass., formerly Miss Ann Burchard of Norwich, entertained Saturday at a luncheon at the Brown avenue home of Mrs. McMullen in honor of Miss Marie O'Hara.  Miss O'Hara will leave early next week for California, where her marriage to Ensign Donald W. Hamilton will be solemnized.  Ensign Hamilton is attached to the USS Warrington of the destroyer division of the United States fleet, now in the Pacific.  Miss O'Hara will be accompanied on the trip west by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. O'Hara of 76 south Broad street.  It was originally planned to hold the wedding in Norwich, but fleet operations prevented Ensign Hamilton's coming East.

Hamilton - O'Hara

June 1940

Miss Marie O'Hara, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. O'Hara of 75 South Broad street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], was married Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, to Ensign Donald W. Hamilton, U.S.N., son of Mrs. Donald W. Hamilton and the late Commander Hamilton, U.S.N. The bride was given in marriage by her father.  Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Royal Hawaiian hotel in Honolulu.  Miss O'Hara was graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart, in Noroton, Conn., and from Finch college at New York city. Ensign Hamilton was graduated from New Mexico military institute and from the United States Naval Academy where he was an outstanding student and athlete.  He is now attached to the USS Warrington, of the destroyer division of the U.S. Pacific fleet. The couple will make their home at Pearl Harbor, Maui, Territory of Hawaii.

Chenango Telegraph, July 12, 1940

Returning to their home here from Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, where the marriage of their daughter, Miss Marie O'Hara, to Ensign Donald Wheeler Hamilton occurred June 22 [1940].  Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. O'Hara report a delightful trip. The following story of the nuptials, carried in the Honolulu paper will be of much interest to friends here.

Palms, tall tapers, regal lilies and gladioli were arranged in the sanctuary of Sacred Heart church, Punahou, yesterday at four in the afternoon for the marriage of Miss Marie O'Hara, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. O'Hara of Norwich, New York, and niece of Capt. Charles C Hartigan of Washington, D.C. to Ensign Donald Wheeler Hamilton, Jr., son of Mrs. Donald Wheeler Hamilton of Coronado and the late Lt. Cmdr. Hamilton.  The Rev. Father John Coulehan read the service and a Papal apostolic benediction was given after the ceremony. The pews were marked with giant gardenias and royal crown flower leis.  Mrs. Virginia Watson O' Connor presided at the console.  The beautiful bride, who was escorted to the altar by her father, was gowned in an Empire model of white satin.  The gored skirt flared into a sweeping train, the long sleeves were shirred and the neckline was heart-shaped and appliqued with heirloom Duchesse lace.  A coronet of the same family lace held the billowy veil of illusion.  She carried a white prayer book marked with butterfly orchids from which fell pikuke leis.  Mrs. John K. Fyfe, matron of honor, and only attendant, wore a white gown complemented by a taffeta bodice and swirling net skirt. A heart-shaped neck, puffed sleeves and white taffeta bonnet with forget-me-nots completed her costume. She carried a colonial bouquet of delicate cadena and forget-me-nots.  Mrs. O'Hara chose a blocked flower chiffon gown accented by a picture hat with camellias from pale blush to pink rose shades for her daughter's wedding.  She carried a flat purse with triumphant orchids. The mother of the bridegroom, Mrs. Hamilton, was gowned in flowered white chiffon with a white picture hat with pastel colored flowers.  She wore an orchid corsage.  Mrs. Hamilton is the sister of Mrs. Aubrey Wray Fitch, wife of Admiral Fitch, commanding officer of the patrol wing, number two of Ford Island.  For her going away costume, the bride selected a flowered French blue and white ensemble with a white bolero and picture hat of straw.  Best man was Ensign George Muso.  After the ceremony a reception was held in the Ianal suite of the Royal Hawaiian hotel arranged with white flowers, tube roses, gladioli, gardenias and Easter lilies. the reception room was decorated with red torch ginger, pikake, anthuriums and bird of paradise. The bride is a graduate of the Convent of Sacred Heart in Noroton, Connecticut, and attended Finch School in New York.  Ensign Hamilton is a graduate of the class of 1938 of the United States Naval Academy and is attached to the USS Warrington.

Chenango Telegraph, January 19, 1945

Another communication from  her husband, Lieut. Comdr. Donald W. Hamilton, Jr., prisoner war of the Japanese government, received Monday by Mrs. Hamilton, at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. O'Hara was described by her as "the most encouraging message I have received from him."

Lieut. Comdr. Hamilton is believed to be a prisoner in Camp No. 2 which may be located near Manila in the Philippines.  Dated March 19, 1944, the message to Mrs. Hamilton from her husband states "my health is excellent" with the last word underscored.  He also notes that he has received mail from her as well as the package which she sent to him on the Gripsholm a year ago last August.  Lieut. Comdr. Hamilton also told of receiving mail from others and he requested his wife to extend his thanks to them.  That the message from him is authentic is given additional proof by his remark that "I have drawn additional plans for a house."  Mrs. Hamilton was elated with the message and is watching the progress of the war in the Philippines with intensified interest.

Chenango Telegraph, August 31, 1945

Definite word was received Monday by Mrs. Donald W. Hamilton Jr., that her husband, Navy lieutenant Hamilton who has long been a prisoner of the Japs has been located and is well and safe.  Direct messages from Lieutenant Hamilton to his wife, the former Marie O'Hara are expected shortly and as soon as possible he will be taken from the Jap mainland prison camp and returned home.

Lieutenant Hamilton, wounded Dec. 10, 1941, three days after Pearl Harbor was taken prisoner by the Japanese in January, 1942.  Long months of prayerful and courageous waiting followed on the part of Mrs. Hamilton.  Last October Mrs. Hamilton received a prisoner-of-war card from her husband which had been written the previous March. Renewed hope followed receipt of this message.  More months of silence followed.

Allied forces were advancing and as Pacific strongholds of Japs fell to the forces of general MacArthur the supreme confidence of Mrs. Hamilton never wavered.  In February of this year she received a letter written by her husband which reached its destination by a circuitous route. It had been written last December from the Manila prison camp where Lieutenant Hamilton was then held.  He had penned the letter on the eve of their removal to the Japanese mainland.

The August 14 news announcing the acceptance of the unconditional surrender terms by the Japanese joyfully was learned by Mrs. Hamilton. At the time she said "If anyone ever walked on air, I am doing it now."  So, just 11 days later comes the most glorious news of all for her.  In spirit of the fact that it "is the most wonderful thing possible."  Mrs. Hamilton was at her duties in the bond department of The National Bank and Trust Company.  "I wonder if they can't fly him home?" she said.

Chenango Telegraph, September 14, 1945

Family members are awaiting a letter of details which is expected momentarily following a message received late Monday afternoon conveying news of the death of Navy Lieut.. Donald W. Hamilton Jr., whose wife is the former Marie O'Hara.  A shock to the entire city, the sad news follows by two weeks a message that indicated Lieutenant Hamilton, a Japanese prisoner since January, 1942 had been liberated from a mainland prison camp. That message is now believed to have followed announcement by the Japanese concerning the identity of officers held at that prison camp, but in which they revealed no other circumstances.

The message received Monday indicated that Lieutenant Hamilton died in February in the prison camp from pneumonia.  Mrs. Hamilton is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F.H. O'Hara.  Pending the receipt of detailed facts, family members said further information is not available.  the report which swept the entire city has saddened all.  Until last December Lieutenant Hamilton was held in a prison camp at Manila nd was then moved with other officers to a mainland camp.

Donald Wheeler Hamilton Jr.

1917-1945

Don died while in Japanese captivity at the Fukuoka #1 POW camp on February 13, 1945.  He was wounded during the air raid on Cavite Navy Yard, Philippines on December 10, 1942 when a bomb struck USS Peary (DD 226).  He was "removed to a hospital" and did not return to the ship before she departed Philippine waters.  Don was the Assistant Engineer, Stores Officer, Assistant Education Officer, and Boxing Officer.  His wife was listed as next of kin.  He has a memory marker in Missouri.  [Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery,  Lemay, St. Louis Co., MO, findagrave.com]

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DONALD_W._HAMILTON,_JR.,_LTJG,_USN

Marriages (March 22)

Mr. & Mrs. Ivey W. Doolittle

January 1952

 

Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle Observe 65th Anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. Ivey W. Doolittle of 1 Chapman St., Binghamton, were honored at an open house celebration of their 65th wedding anniversary yesterday.  Their daughter, Mrs. Charles Meredith, was hostess for the event.  The couple were married on Jan. 4, 1887 in South Windsor, NY, which is the birthplace of Mrs. Doolittle.  Mr. Doolittle was born in Ouaquaga, NY, and the couple resided there until 11 years ago when they came to Binghamton.  Mr. Doolittle was owner of the Doolittle Lumber Yard at Oquaga, and also built many of the cottages in the lake region.  Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle, who are both 88 years old, have three daughters, Mrs. Meredith, who resides at the Chapman Street address; Mrs. Virge Livingston of Belden, NY, and Mrs. Ray Hurlburt of Chenango Bridge.

Elliott - Hoyt

Married July 14, 1956

Betrothed:  Mr. and Mrs. A. Stanley Hoyt of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Barbara Joan Hoyt, to Richard E. Elliott.  Mr. Elliott is the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Aubrey Elliott of Greene RD 1 [Chenango Co., NY]. 

Afton Enterprise, July 19, 1956

Marriage vows were exchanged July 14 in the Presbyterian Church, Afton, by Miss Barbara Joan Hoyt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Hoyt of R.D.1, Afton, N.Y., and Richard Earl Elliott.  The double ring ceremony was performed by the Rev. Alwin Ten Pas. The bride wore a white dotted nylon dress with a corsage of white carnations.  Miss Eleanor Hoyt was Maid of Honor for her sister and wore blue nylon with a pink carnation corsage.  Sgt. Reuben Elliott of the Marines was best man for his brother, son of Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Elliott of R.D. 1, Greene, N.Y.  About twenty-five guests attended a reception at the home of the bride's parents.  After a trip to Niagara Falls and Thousand Islands, the couple will live at R.D.1, Greene, N.Y.

Hamm - Mundy

[date unknown]

At seventy-thirty o'clock Saturday morning, August 6, Miss Morna Alice Mundy and F. Rowland Hamm, both of this city, were united in marriage at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. A.R Mundy of Smyrna, N.Y., by the Rev. William W. Sullivan, pastor of the Smyrna Baptist church. The bride, attractively gowned in powder blue crepe, carried an arm bouquet of yellow snapdragons. The ceremony was performed before an altar of evergreens banked with baskets of white and yellow flowers.  Immediately after the ceremony the wedding breakfast was served, following which Mr. and Mrs. Hamm left for a motor trip through western New York. The guests were Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hamm of Woods Corners, Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Jaquay of Columbus, N.Y., Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Howard and Miss Harriet A. Howard of Smyrna.  Upon their return, Mr. and Mrs. Hamm will reside at 54 Cortland street Norwich.

Mr & Mrs. Hiram Warner

February 1955

Fiftieth Anniversary:  Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Warner of Deposit, married Feb. 1, 1905, recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. The couple, born and wed in Cannonsville, has lived in Deposit since 1927.  They have four sons, Mr. Warner farms with a son, Clayton.

Obituaries (March 21)

Edith Louise (Brookins) Hall

July 21, 1900 - December 2, 1939

Mrs. Edith Louise Hall, 39, wife of Cyril Hall, died suddenly Saturday night at 10:45 o'clock at her home, 11-A Beebe avenue.  She had been ill for the past seven months, but passed away suddenly from a heart attack in the living room of her home at a family gathering.  Mrs. Hall was born in Norwich, July 21, 1900.  Besides her husband, she is survived by two children, Raymond and Lois Hall; her parents, Fire Chief and Mrs. L.C. Brookins; two sisters, Mrs. Paul Jensen and Mrs. Paul Loeffler of Norwich; three brothers, Nelson, Louis and Robert, all of Norwich, and several nieces and nephews. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist church. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Breese Funeral Home, Rev. N.S. McPherson officiating.  Interment will be made at North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  The body was taken to the residence Monday morning and will remain there until Tuesday morning, before being removed to the Breese Funeral home for services Tuesday afternoon.

Emma (LaMott) Hall

December 11, 1890 - September 1942

Services for the late Emma L. Hall will be held from the Robert J. Fahy Funeral Home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with Rev. Dr. G. Edgar Wolfe officiating.  Interment will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Hall was taken suddenly ill at 10 o'clock Monday morning soon after reporting at her place of employment, George Judd's restaurant, Fair street, where she had worked for the past nine years.  She was removed to the Chenango Memorial Hospital, where she failed to rally from the initial shock and succumbed at 11:35.  Emma LaMott was born in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] Dec. 11, 1890. She was united in marriage with Walter G. Hall in Norwich April 16, 1923 by Rev. H.R. MacMillian. The deceased was a communicant of the First Congregational church, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and intensely interested in the work of that organization to which she had devoted many hours of service. She is survived by her husband and one sister, Mrs. Sheldon Handy of Delhi, also several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mrs. Emma L. Hall, wife of Walter G. Hall whose death occurred suddenly Monday following a brief illness were held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Robert J. Fahy Funeral home.  Rev. Dr. G. Edgar Wolfe, pastor of the First Congregational church officiated.  The many flowers and the large attendance of relatives and friends gave evidence of the deep sorrow felt in her untimely passing.  Bearers were George Judd, Lyal K. VanBuren, William Scully, Edward Ashton, Kenneth Littlewood and James Dougherty. Burial was made in Mt. Hope cemetery with Dr. Wolfe officiating at the committal service.

Minnie Hall

Died November 15, 1935 in Morris, NY

Miss Minnie Hall, 72, a lifelong resident of Morris [Otsego Co., NY], who had been confined to her room by illness for three weeks, died Friday afternoon about 5 o'clock at the residence of Mrs. Daisy Olds on High street, Morris, where she had made her home for several years.  Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. F.G. Leonard of the Universalist church, were held at Sloan's Funeral parlors Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Interment was in the Payne family plot on the old part of Hillington cemetery. -- Star

William T. Hall

Died June 1942

William T. Hall, 81, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] passed away Wednesday night at 11 o'clock.  He had been in failing health for some time.  Mr. Hall was born in Wooster, N.Y. [Otsego Co.], but for many years lived in New Berlin.  In early youth and for many years thereafter he was engaged in farming in New Berlin.  In 1910 he moved to Norwich and this place and surrounding areas had been his home since that time. The deceased was a member of Broad Street Methodist church.  He was a mild mannered man, and his many Christian acts of kindnesses endeared him to many acquaintances.  He leaves his wife, Mary Brown Hall and two sons, Walter G. Hall of Norwich and Robert B. Hall of Carlisle, Pa., also a daughter, Mrs. Joseph Murphy of Norwich, one niece and several cousins.  Services are to be held at the Robert J. Fahy Funeral home at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon with Rev. Dr. W. Gray Jones officiating.  Burial will be made in the Hillington cemetery at Morris [Otsego Co., NY].

William N. Hamilton

August 14, 1860 - July 23, 1935

William N. Hamilton died at the city hospital, Binghamton, N.Y. [Broome Co.] July 23, 1935, after an illness of ten weeks following an operation.  Mr. Hamilton was born August 14, 1860.  In January, 1882, he married Jennie E. Hill of King Settlement.  The early part of their married life was spent in Norwich and South New Berlin where Mr. Hamilton conducted a meat business.  Later he purchased the Christopher Bassett farm at New Berlin Center where they lived for sixteen years.  They then moved to Binghamton where he has lived the past twelve years being in the meat business there.  Mrs. Hamilton died four years ago and since that time he has made his home with his only son Glenn.  Mr. Hamilton was a kind and obliging neighbor, an indulgent father, a member of the Baptist church and the I.O.O.F. lodge.  Deceased is survived by the following relatives, one son Glenn Hamilton of Binghamton, one grandson, Oscar Hamilton of Johnson City, one granddaughter, Mrs. Dorothy Hathaway, two grandsons, Duane Hamilton and Leonard Hathaway, one sister, Mrs. Ella Pitts of Syracuse, and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held July 25, 1935, at the Watrous Funeral home, Rev. Herman N. Beers, officiating.  Interment was made in Chenango Valley Cemetery.  Mrs. Charles Beers and Mrs. Herman Beers sang two hymns "In the Garden," and "The Old Rugged Cross."  Bearers were Charles Beers, Marcus Berkley, James Taylor and Russell Davis.--Gazette.

Death Norices

Chenango Union, December 6, 1894

FOSGATE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 28, 1894, Mrs. Bertha Fosgate, aged 31 years.

BENEDICT:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Lucy A. [Benedict], infant daughter of Charles S. and Mary E. Benedict.

CRUMB:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 3, 1894, Florence A. [Crumb], daughter of Lucius and Harriet Crumb, aged 12 years 5 months.

MUSSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], December 5, 1894 Albert Earl [Musson], son of Uri B. and Mary A. Musson, age 7 years 7 months 26 days.

A Delicate Operation:  Dr. L.J. Brooks performed the operation of tracheotomy on the ten-year-old son of Uri B. Musson on Saturday last.  The lad is suffering from diphtheria, and it is hoped will now recover.  The operaiton consists in making a opening in the windpipe and inserting a silver tube, through which the patien tbreathes.  mr. Musson has lost two children within a week, from diphtheria and three others are suffering from the disease.  [Chenango Union, Nov. 15, 1894]

Obituaries (March 20)

George L. Hadlock

Died March 29, 1931

George L. Hadlock of this city died Sunday night at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Clarence Figary in Springvale [Chenango Co., NY].  Deceased was 65 years old.  Mr. Hadlock had been in failing health for the past two years.  He was a butcher by trade and up to the past few weeks had been in the employ of Sage's market on East Main street.  Funeral services will be held from the home of his daughter in Springvale, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Besides the daughter mentioned, another daughter, Irene Hadlock; one sister, Mrs. Stella Markiewicz of this city and one brother, R.A. Hadlock of East Norwich survive. Two nephews, Francis Markiewicz of this city; Glenn Hadlock of East Norwich and one niece, Mrs. William Ubbens of Norwich survive.

Truair Earl Halbert

Sidney Enterprise, September 23, 1943

Official notification of the death in action of Truair "Bunker" Halbert has been received by his family from the War sources.  Sergt. Halbert was reported missing in a bombing mission over Kessel, Germany, a few weeks ago, but his family had hopes that he had bailed out of the plane and landed safely in enemy territory. Recently Mrs. Letha Halbert, Cartwright avenue, received a letter advising her that all members of the crew of the big bomber had left their stricken plane by parachute and it was thought that all landed safely.  Truair Halbert was born in Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY]August 13, 1914, the son of Truair and Hazel (Earl) Halbert, and came to Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] with his parents about 14 years ago.  He attended Sidney High school and was a member of the local Moose lodge and the Sidney Fire Department.  He was captain of the Scintilla bowling team at one time and also played the position of third base on the local baseball team.  He was the chief mail clerk at the Scintilla plant before entering the service in September, 1942.  In December, 1941, Sergt. Halbert married Miss Letha Sisson.  Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Truair Halbert, Main street, his wife, Mrs Truair E. Halbert, Catrwright Avenue; three sisters, Mrs. Ralph Collings, Mrs. Ralph Marble and Mrs. Clarence MacDonald; and four brothers, Richard, Gerald, Lawrence and Bernard, all of Sidney. A wreath has been placed on Municipal hall by members of the Sidney Fire Department in Sergt. Halbert's honor.

Dr. Arthur G. Hall

April 1940

Funeral services for Dr. Arthur G. Hall of Earlville [Madison Co., NY], victim of the Lake Shore limited wreck at little Falls Friday night, will be held in the Earlville Methodist church at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon.  Missing his usual train out of New York city is what cost the life of Dr. Hall.  He had planned to take the 6:30 train out of New York city for Utica, but was delayed at his office and arrived at the Grand Central terminal too late.  He boarded the Lake Shore limited 20 minutes later. Dr. Hall was chief veterinary for the Borden Farms Products company and in 1936 and 1937 was president of the Metropolitan Milk Producers Association.  He was also vice president and general manager of Borden's Guernsey Farms Inc., and associate chief veterinarian of the Borden exhibit at the New York World's Fair.  He was past president of the State Veterinarians Association and was one of the New York Milk Shed's dairy experts.  He had served as director of the Certified Milk Producers Association of America.  Dr. Hall was born in 1882 at Verona and was graduated form the College of Veterinarian Medicine, Cornell university, in 1908.  He taught for a time at the Canton Agricultural college, then practiced veterinary medicine in Carthage.  Dr. Hall joined the Borden firm in 1911 as manager of certified milk production. About 29 years ago he married Bertha C. Constine, Madrid.  Mrs. Hall has been in ill health and was with her mother, Mrs. Lester Constine, Madrid, when she received word of her husband's death.  Dr. Hall had been in the habit of going to New York weekly to report at headquarters of the Borden company.  He had operated the widely known Maple View Farm near Earlville for the last 28 years.

Obituaries (March 19)

Catherine Kolba

Died October 21, 1959

Mrs. Catherine (Katie) Kolba, age 72, of RD5, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], died at 1 a.m. at Wilson Memorial Hospital. She is survived by four sons, Joseph Kolba of New Hartford, N.Y., Nicholas Kolba of Bellville, N.J., George and William Kolba of Binghamton; five daughters, Mrs. Ann Johnson of Union, N.J., Mrs. Sally Basset, Mrs. Helen Robertson, Mrs. Dorothy Huber, all of Binghamton, and Mrs. Irene Smith of Elmira, N.Y.; fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  She was a member of St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Chruch and a member of its Ladies Club. The body was removed to the Chopyak Funeral Home, 326 Prospect St., where the funeral will be held Friday at 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Church.  the Rev. M. Klembara will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Cemetery.  Father Klembara will hold prayer service (Parastas) this evening and Thursday evening at 8 at the funeral home.

Cora E. Hyatt

Died August 28, 1958

Mrs. Cora E. Hyatt, 83, formerly of 110 Roosevelt Avenue, Endicott [Broome Co., NY], died at 8 p.m. yesterday at the home of her son, J. Edgar Hyatt, 18 Burr Avenue.  Besides her son, she is survived by two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was a member of the Endicott First Methodist church, of its WSCS and Bethany Class, and was a 50-year member of the Endicott Clover Leaf Rebekah Lodge 136.  The body was removed to the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott.

HYATT:  The funeral and committal services for Mrs. Cora E. Hyatt will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main St., Endicott.  The Rev. Harold E. Buckingham D.D., pastor of the First Methodist Church, Endicott, will officiate.  Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery.

Ethel Harkness Grace

1887-1970

Mrs. Ethel Harkness Grace, 82, of 335 65th St., North, St. Petersburg, Fla., widow of the late Max Farnham Harris, publisher of the Owego Times, died Monday in St. Petersburg. She is survived by 3 nieces, Mrs. Alvin Sawtelle, Montclair, N.J., Mrs. Carlyle Moore, Eugene, Ore., Mrs. Bruno Roehrl, Erie, Pa.  She was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Pasedena Women's Club, St. Petersburg Garden Club, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, D.A.R.  She was a graduate of Wells College, Aurora, N.Y.  Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10a.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. The Rev. Cannon Leroy D. Lawson, will officiate.  Arrangements are by the Kenfield Funeral Home, 200 Pasadena Ave. South, St. Petersburg, Fla.  [Buried Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, NY]

Virge D. Livingston

1875-1971

LIVINGSTON:  Virge D. Livingston, 96, of Pratt Road, RD1 Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], died Wednesday at 12:05 p.m. at Binghamton General Hospital.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lena Livingston, Harpursville; one son, Fern Livingston, Harpursville; one daughter, Mrs. Rena (Nieman) Hartranft, Binghamton; one sister, Mrs. Harry (Inez) Kark, Easton, Pa.; six grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two nieces and one nephew.  Before his retirement he operated a dairy farm in Harpursville.  He and Mrs. Livingston had celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary in November of 1970.  The funeral and committal service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday from the Osterhoudt Funeral Home, Harpursville.  The Rev. Charles Heier will officiate.  Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Harpursville.

Mother and 3 Children Parish in Blaze

Sidney Enterprise, February 26, 1942

A mother and her three children were burned to death early Saturday morning in a fire which destroyed their large farm home located on the Masonville-Deposit road about ten miles from Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  The fire was discovered by John McDougall, farm employee, who was awakened by smoke in his room.  He slept on the second floor, and rushed downstairs and awakened Mr. and Mrs. Gifford.  The victims were Mrs. William Gifford, 41, who perished when clutching her two-year-old baby, she sought to get through the flames to arouse her son and daughter in the opposite end of the blazing structure.  The baby, Marjorie was asleep in her crib in the room of Mr. and Mrs. Gifford in the north end of the house when the fire was discovered.  Vincent Gifford, 10 and Mary Elizabeth Gifford, 4, son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gifford, asleep in the south end of the house when fire broke out, were believed to have perished as they staggered through the smoke and flame in a vain effort to get through the inferno to safety.  Mr. Gifford, 37, suffered severe cuts about his hands breaking out the window and getting his two sons, Clayton, 7 and Richard, 13, to safety. The boys suffered cuts about the feet and other minor injuries.  The fire is believed to have originated from an overheated stove in the kitchen.  Three stoves were located on the first floor of the 11-room house, with pipes leading through the partitions. The building and contents were completely destroyed.  No fire departments responded to the call for help.  A alarm was sent to Sidney, but so indefinite were the directions given as to the location of the blaze that Chief Spencer did not call out his firemen, knowing that their trip would be useless.  The bodies were taken to the undertaking rooms of Cecil Lee at Deposit after Dr. Gould, coroner, had indicated a verdict of accidental death due to fire, and later they were taken to the home of Mrs. Gifford's sister, Mrs. William Dailey at Deposit. The funeral services were held, with mass at St. Joseph's Catholic church at Deposit Tuesday morning at 10:00 and burial was in the Deposit cemetery [Delaware Co., NY].  Mrs. Gifford, besides the husband and two sons above mentioned, is survived by five brothers, Allie Meyers, Deposit, Clements Meyers, French Woods; Frank Meyers, Wyoming, Pa.; John Meyers, Ithaca; and Lawrence Meyers, Massachusetts, also by another sister, Miss Gertrude Meyers of Binghamton.

Obituaries (March 18)

Josephine Hall Makley

Died October 26, 1953

Mrs. Josephine Hall Makley, 92, of South Main Street, Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died Monday morning at her home.  She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Leola  of Bethesda, Md.; one grandson, Donald Camp; three great-grandchildren, Linda Jo, Patricia Helen and Donald B Camp, all of Delmar, N.Y.; several nieces and nephews.  She was a member of the Afton Baptist Church for 60 years.  The body was moved to the Karschner Funeral home in Afton.

Carrie E. Bartley

Died June 6, 1946

Mrs. Carrie Bartley passed away on Thursday evening, June 6th, in the Sidney Hospital after an illness of over two years.  Mrs. Bartley was born July 25, 1867 at East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  Her husband, the late Frank Bartley, was postmaster in Sidney for several years.  Surviving are several cousins and among them Mrs. Earl Prouty of Sidney and Mrs. Wilbur La Joy of Binghamton.  Funeral Services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from her late home at 12 Clinton street with the Rev. Charlton Opdyke pastor of the Congregational Church officiating and burial was in Prospect Hill Cemetery [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY].  The bearers were Howard LeSuer, Frank Davis, Fred Perry, Floyd Doolittle, Russell Quackenbush and R.A. MacGregor.

Clyde Saddlemire

Died July 2, 1955

Owego [Tioga Co., NY]:  Clyde Saddlemire, about 64, a well-known figure in the New York State county fair racing circuit, drowned in the mill race at the Tioga County Fairgrounds in Marvin Park yesterday morning.  The drowning was accidental, according to Dr. Arthur C. Hartnagel of Berkshire, a Tioga County coroner.  Mr. Saddlemire was known in harness racing circles as a horse owner, trainer and driver.  A former resident of Newark Valley, Mr. Saddlemire and his wife had moved to a  small house on the Tioga back road to be near Marvin Park and his horse, which he was training for the harness racing program at the Tioga County Fair the latter part of July.  According to Sgt. Asa Kellam, Owego acting police chief, Mr. Saddlemire had come to the fairgrounds early yesterday to care for his horse. When he failed to return to the stables after some time, his wife started in search of him.  The mill race, which furnishes power for the Owego plant of the New York State Electric & Gas Corp., borders the fairgrounds and has always been a cool spot for horse trainers and fair personnel on a hot day.  Mr. Saddlemire's glasses and jacket were found on the race bank just behind his horse paddock.  Marks on the steep bank, apparently made by his heels, led the authorities to believe that he had accidentally slid into the water.  The Tioga Emergency Squad was summoned with its rescue boat. The dam at the lower end of the race was opened to lower the water level.  The body was discovered as the depth of the water fell.  Ordered removed to the Estey & Munroe Funeral home in Park Street by Dr. Hartnagel, the body was later transferred to the McPherson Funeral home in Newark Valley, Mr. Saddlemire's former home.

Binghamton Press, July 6, 1955

Newark Valley [Tioga Co. NY]:  Funeral services for Clyde Saddlemire, 63, of Owego, who drowned Saturday at Marvin Park, were conducted yesterday afternoon at 2 p.m. at the MacPherson Funeral home in Newark Valley.  The Rev. William F. Elwood, former pastor of the Newark Valley Methodist church, officiated.  Burial was in Hope Cemetery, Newark Valley.  Mr. Saddlemire was born in Newark Valley, Oct. 7, 1891 and had lived most of his life in and near this community.  His parents were Fenton and Mae Schoolcraft Saddlemire.  He was engaged in farming for many years, then became interested in race horses.  He was known in harness racing circles as a horse owner, trainer and driver.  Survivors are his wife Mabel Millard Saddlemire, of Owego, a son, Raymond Saddlemire, of Sayre, Pa. two daughters, Mrs. David Hollenbeck, of Cortland, and Mrs. John Malanowski, of Goshen.

Frank P. Browne

Died March 1, 1951

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Frank P. Browne, former secretary of the Norwich R.R.Y.M.C.A. who died Friday at the Chenango Memorial Hospital following a protracted illness, was buried yesterday.  Born at Bridgewater Gap, Pa., Dec. 17, 1866, he spent his youth at Heart Lake, Pa.  He entered association work in Scranton in 1893 as assistant secretary of the Scranton R.R.Y.M.C.A.  He then served for six years as head of the Elmira association, after which he accepted a position as general secretary at Rotterdam Junction.  Mr. Browne came to Norwich as general secretary of the N.Y.O. and W. unit in Norwich July 1906 holding this position until the discontinuance of the local association in 1939 when he retired from active life.  During World War I Mr. Browne served in the Army "Y" on Special assignment.  He was a past master of Norwich lodge 302 F. and A.M. and was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church for 37 years.  He is survived by his widow Mrs. Mary C. Taft Browne, and two daughters, the Misses Ruth and Mildred Browne, both of Scranton and two sons, Perry and Robert L. Browne, both of Norwich.  Other survivors are a grandson, William K. Browne of Norwich; a sister, Mrs. Della M. Foster, and a brother, Leonard Browne, both of Heart Lake. The funeral was held from the Calvary Baptist Church, the Rev. R.L. Matthews officiating. Burial was in the family plot at Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Death Notices

Chenango Union, November 29, 1894

THOMAS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] Nov. 21, 1894, Mrs. Sophronia Thomas aged 69 years.

BURLINGHAM:  In Brookfield, Nov. 16, 1894, Mrs. Thankful Burlingham, of Earlville [Madison Co., NY] aged 70 years.

RANDOLPH:  In Almeda, Cal., Nov. 10, 1894 Louisa Minerva Randolph daughter of Rev. T.L. and Minerva Randolph formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

STILLWELL:  In Oakland, Cal. Nov. 7, 1894, Clara Stillwell, aged 72 years.  Formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]

POTTER:  In Casselton, North Dakota, Nov. 25, 1894, Waldo M. Potter, aged 77 and former owner of the Oxford Times.

Obituaries (March --)

Bernice Gertrude Bowers

Died July 10, 1935

Bernice Gertrude Bowers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bowers of 92 Mitchell street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] died at Faxton Hospital, Utica [Oneida Co., NY], about 11 o'clock Wednesday morning, following an operation.  The deceased was born in Columbus Center [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 31, 1913, but had lived in Norwich about 13 years.  She attended the Norwich public schools and was held in high regard by her school associates.  She had been in ill health for about five years. She had consulted New York specialists on two occasions, and about two weeks ago was taken to Faxton Hospital, where an operation was performed for a tumor of the intestines. Apparently recovering from the effects of the operation her condition took a turn for the worse, her demise occurring Wednesday. Besides her parents, there survive a sister, Mildred, 17.  Funeral services will be held from the late residence at 92 Mitchell street at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon, Rev. Scott D. Clarke, officiating, with burial in Mt. Hope.--Norwich Sun.

Eudema B. Bosworth

Died October 30, 1933

Mrs. Eudema B. Bosworth, aged 73 years, died at the home of her son, Fred Bosworth, in the town of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] Monday night.  Deceased was born in the town of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], May 16, 1860, and had spent her entire life there until four weeks ago when illness compelled her removal to the home of her son.  Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of her son, Rev. Joseph Smeltzer, pastor of the Preston M.E. church, officiating.  Burial will be made in the J.D. Lewis cemetery.  Mrs. Bosworth was well and favorably known, and her passing will bring sorrow to countless friends. besides the son mentioned, there survives one sister, Mrs. J.B. Haviland of Preston; five grandchildren, also several nephews and nieces.

Leroy E. Barr

Died May 30, 1934

Following an illness of a few days, the death of Leroy E. Barr occurred early Wednesday night at his home, 65 Mitchell street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Barr was a native of this city where he was born April 6, 1893.  He had spent practically his entire life here. He was employed as a clerk in the offices of the Z.&M. Independent Oil Company.  He was also a member of the Ontario Hose Company.  His untimely passing will be mourned by many.  Besides his wife, there survive two sons, John F. and William E. Barr, also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barr of this city and one sister, Mrs. Elmer Bedford of New Hartford, N.Y.  Private funeral services will be held from his late home Friday morning at 10 o'clock with Rev. Father Charles M. Coveney of St. Paul's church officiating. Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY]

Fred Mortimer Brooks

Died April 9, 1941

When Fred Brooks, a Great Brook farmer, 75 or 76 years of age, was turning a horse out to pasture Monday night, and as he took the halter off, the animal wheeled and kicked him, breaking his left leg above the knee.  Millard Austin came along shortly afterward and saw him lying on the ground.  He notified his son, Mortimer Brooks and the injured man was taken to the Chase Memorial hospital at New Berlin where the injuries were attended to.  It is a bad go for Fred.

Funeral services were held from his late home on the Great Brook Road at 2 o'clock this afternoon for Fred Mortimer Brooks, whose death occurred Friday at his residence. The Rev. Charles H. Skinner, South New Berlin Baptist pastor, officiated.  Burial was made in New Berlin.  Mr. Brooks was born in the town of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] June 13, 1864.  He was a well known and successful Chenango County farmer.  Mrs. Brooks died this past summer. At the time of her passing Mr. Brooks was confined in the New Berlin Hospital suffering from serious injuries received when kicked by a horse and from which he never fully recovered.  He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Hobart M. Spicer of Ridgewood, N.J.; a son, Mortimer W. Brooks of South New Berlin; two sisters, Anna S. Brooks of New York and Mrs. Alice S. Johnson of New York, also five grandchildren.

Funeral services were held from the late home on the Great Brook road at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon with Rev. C.H. Skinner officiating. Burial was made in St. Andrew's cemetery at New Berlin. Acting as bearers were Orville Alsip, Menzo Brooker, Morris Whitman, Millard Austin, August Anderson and Chris Thomsen.

Otselic History - continued

Otselic History by Frank E. Cox

The DeRuyter Gleaner, December 24, 1942

Only four people living in the Burg now [1942], and they were babies when I came, Walter B. Peck, 1875; Florence Woodley, 1877; Gertrude Jackson, 1877 and Dr. J. Mott Crumb, 1878.  One William Sowter, Jr. had a jewelry store and watch repair shop, built out over the dyke close to the foot bridge.  This little shop was later used by March Etheridge for a barber shop.  However, March did the barbering feat in rooms rented by me over my store and reached by an outside stairway next to the vacant corner lot.  This lot about 30x50 feet belonged with the hotel property, and then used as a croquet ground.  A few years later I gave one thousand dollars for it.

Hiram E. Shaw was running his carding machine at Sandersonville getting power from the river by a little feeder.  I went with father in the 1860s to take wool or get the rolls for spinning.  Mother ran the big spinning wheel to make the yarn, which she knitted into our mittens and stockings.  Most farmers had a small flock of sheep, 10 to 25 for mutton and wool.  

There were more country lawyers in those days.  Ezra I. Webb held forth at Beaver Meadow a pettifogger of great ability and tact.  Jury trials in justice court were common.  I was often on a jury when living at Stanbro (Upper Beaver Meadow).  Henry Stanbro was justice of the Peace and surveyor with a part time office at the Burg.  There Morel F. Ufford, a very brilliant young man had kept the people law abiding for ten years or so when I came.  Bomty Ufford, a person very short of stature, doubtful if he weighed 100 lbs.  But he always wore his high silk hat (stovepipe style) which helped out some for height.  Morell went to Denver, Col., in the 1880s and died there January 8, 1888, the body being returned to the home cemetery for burial.  he was born in Pitcher in 1843.  Of other lawyers, Silas Warren began 1850.  He entered the army in 1863 and died soon after the war.  Frank M. Benjamin 1864-7, a Mr. Tiffany practiced law 1883-5.  Herbert A. Webb, our present [in 1942] incumbent, a grandson of Ezra T., came in 1908, was school commissioner, 2nd district, four years, supervisor of Otselic 21 years, president of our bank 10 or 12 years, until 1934, and is still going strong practicing law in 1942.

Taylor & Sons Geo. W. and Wm. W.J. dealers in flour and feed.  The old rope walk (200 feet long, 12 feet wide), who but myself I wonder, remembers going there when it was in operation.  It stood on the west bank of the dyke, back of the Stetson octagonal dwelling house.  In 1878 it was run by Coats & Reynolds, Harris Coats and Whit M. Reynolds, wholesale dealers in cordage.  One winter when I was about 12, my father was about to break a span of beautiful three-year-old bay mare colts that had never been halter broke.  We went to the rope-walk to have halters made and guaranteed unbreakable by colts.  It would not answer to have a halter stale break.  They made the two halters and we never had cause to return the goods.

Mr. Lyman Brown helped my father and it was some job you bet.  We had a farm team besides the colts and that helped in the breaking for we could hitch a colt in with a steady old timer and they could not get away.  Well they were finally broken to drive together and we did much of our Spring's work with them, even to gathering sap with the big tub on the bob sleighs, and drawing out manure onto the fields. The colts were a very lively team and required watchful handling.  With a long smile I remember how one day as we were returning to the barn after scattering the load on corn ground, father standing on the wet bottom boards, and I back of him holding onto his coat-tails, when the colts began to jump and run, I slid off the back and onto the ground kerflop, somewhat messed up I guess, but no bones broken, while dad steered a foot for each front stake, and dropped to a seat on the wet boards where he could get a good foot brace, which soon brought the colts to a walk.  I was frightened and quite satisfied to walk the rest of the way.

Father had been asking $350 for the colts, but one day in early June, two lightningrod agents (quite common in those days) called to see the beautiful bay team they had heard about.  The colts were in the pasture nearby.  The men desired a dinner, and while they were being served father had time to get the colts in and cleaned them up nicely (it had been raining) and put on their heavy work harness, we had no other, and hitched them to the old lumber wagon.

Soon as the colts had been broken to drive double together, first hitched to the bob-sleighs for snow travel, and then with the lumber wagon, they were given practice cutting the figure eight.  Well! of course, the men could not ride on the old farm wagon so they just watched dad show off the clever tactics as the colts had been taught. The men were delighted and quickly asked the price.  Father says, "four hundred dollars."  They counted out the money and away went our beautiful colts with nothing on them but their unbreakable halters.

From my earliest remembrance father was raising colts.  He had a pair of brood mares, Old Poll, a dark bay, and Old Blue, a sort of mouse color.  Usually the colts were halter broken when very young and tied to the mother's side during work hours.  I will mention two others aside from this pair.  One a perfect black, sold to Mr. Myers of Columbus, who succeeded in getting a perfect match and when broken he drove them to a fair, where he was offered one thousand dollars for the team.

Another of a peculiar cream color, a tall rangy fellow of sixteen hands, truly a perfect carriage horse.  Father got three hundred for him in a trade for a pair of chunky work horses and that ended the colt raising business.  On yes, we heard once from that beautiful bay team  The lightning rod men were careless and I guess too trustful with the colts for they had a terrible bad runaway staving up their beautiful turnout and killing one of the colts.

It seems to me, sometimes, that instead of writing Otselic History, I am, in a way, writing my own autobiography in part at least.  Well, I say again, too much is enough, and I wonder that anyone reads my stuff, and so I will say good-bye, for someday it will be good-bye surely.

Frank E. Cox at 87, South Otselic, NY, December, 1942.