Obituaries (May 17)

Carlos B. Crosby

Died December 25, 1938, Norwich, NY

Carlos B. Crosby died Sunday night about 8:30 at his home, 50 Division street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  The deceased was born in the town of North Norwich, Feb. 20, 1862.  He had been a resident of this city for several years.  Services are to be held at the Breese funeral Home at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Rev. D.G. DeBoer officiating, with burial in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY]. There survive a step-daughter, Mrs. Maude Wightman, two step-grandchildren, Mrs. Floyd Foster of Norwich and Mrs. Vesta Somers of Oceanville, N.J., also several nephews and nieces.

Timothy J. Creedon

Died July 18, 1933, Albany, NY

the death of Timothy J. Creedon, a former prominent and well known resident of this city occurred Tuesday in Albany [Albany Co, NY] at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mary McGuirk.  Deceased was 95 years of age.  The late Mr. Creedon was born in Ireland but came to this country when a young man.  He settled in the vicinity of New Berlin where he operated a farm for over 50 years and brought up his family of two sons and a daughter.  After the death of his wife he retired from the business of agriculture about 25 years ago and since then had made his home with his children, coming back each year, as long as his health permitted, to visit with the friends he had known for years and take a look at the scenes where he had spent the greater part of his life and which were near and dear to him.  Eleven years ago he went to make his home with his daughter, at Albany.  Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from the funeral home of George J. Devine and at 9:30 from St. Paul's church of which the deceased was a member Rev. Father Charles M. Coveney, pastor, will officiate and burial will be made in the family plot at St. Paul's cemetery.  Bedsides the daughter mentioned there survive also two sons, Frank J. Creedon and John L. Creedon, both of Albany, also five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  The late Mr. Creedon leaves many friends in Chenango county who will learn with sincere sorrow of his demise.

Ned W. Crounse

Died April 1937, Oaksville, NY

Oaksville [Otsego Co., NY]:  Ned W. Crounse, 61, was killed early yesterday when he fell over a small railing on a second floor porch of his home here and plunged to the ground. Dr. Floyd J. Atwell, Cooperstown, acting for Coroner Norman Getman, Oneonta, announced a verdict of accidental death.  He was told the railing is less than two feet high.  Mr. Crounse, who had moved to the home only a few days ago, had resided in Cooperstown for 17 years.  He was employed by Otsego county highway department last spring and fall.  Mr. Crounse was a retired member of Cooperstown fire department.  He leaves his wife, the former Lucenia Follett, Middlefield, whom he married July 2, 1902; a son, George, Oaksville; three daughters, Mrs. Robert P. Jones, Mrs. Hugh Gregory, Gilbertsville, Mrs. Levi Rowe, Greene; and two grandchildren.

Attempted Suicide

Chenango American, August 16, 1860

We are called upon to chronicle a painful and distressing affair which occurred in the town of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on Friday last.  Oscar Pike, a young man residing at Windsor, Broome Co., who has been absent some years, and has recently returned, became enamored of a young and pretty school mistress name Hyde, then teaching at that place, and, after a brief courtship, proposed marriage, and was accepted.  On Saturday previous to the attempted suicide, he took Miss Hyde home to her parents in Afton, near the settlement of Ayshire, and asked their consent to the nuptials, which was refused, mainly upon the ground, as we are informed, that the would be bridegroom was not a "professor of religion."  The young lady being of a proper age to act for herself, returned to Windsor with Mr. Pike, and consented to be married, the time being set for Thursday last.  The announcement was publicly made, groomsmen and bridesmaids selected, and "all went merry." Thursday, while Pike was absent, making arrangement for the forthcoming bridal, the parents of the young lady appeared at Windsor, and by appliances best known to themselves, induced her to return home with them.  Pike, on returning, and finding the bird flown, followed her to Afton, and requested an interview.  This was denied him by her parents, for some time.  He however prevailed so far that a door was partly opened, and the faithless maiden in trembling accents told him that she "didn't want anything more to do with him."  Without speaking a work, he walked out of doors, into the front yard, and placing a pistol to his head, deliberately shot himself. The ball entered his brain, making a serious wound, but not as yet fatal.  Hopes are entertained of his recovery.  He was allowed to lie upon the ground until the neighbors could be summoned, when he was conveyed some distance to a hotel.  Mr. Pike is represented as a talented young man, of correct habits, and is about 26 years of age.  He is a regular contributor to the New York Ledger and other periodicals.  He is connected with the U.S Navy, and is second mate of a man of war.  He was betrayed into this foolish act by the frenzy occasioned by the thought of the publicity which had been and would be given to the affair, his keen sensibilities being seriously affected by the idea that he might become a laughing stock.  He converses freely upon the subject and regrets his attempt upon his life  He says he "Must have been terribly excited or he should have made a better shot."  We learn that he has the sympathy of the whole neighborhood in which the semi-tragedy transpired.

Obituaries (May 16)

James Benjamin Cope

Died February 10, 1940, New Berlin Center, NY

Following a long illness James B. Cope died early Saturday night at his home near New Berlin Center [Chenango Co., NY].  The youngest son of James and Elizabeth Dixon Cope, he was born 75 years ago in Mersia, Canada.  A resident of this vicinity for the past 50 years, Mr. Cope was united in marriage with Josephine E. Housman of Gilbertsville, Dec. 8, 1896.  Her death occurred in May, 1926.  One son survives, Charles W. Cope of Sonyea and one daughter, Miss Hattie Cope, residing at home and who tenderly cared for her father through his long illness.  Several cousins in this vicinity also survive with a legion of friends.  Mr. Cope was engaged in agriculture throughout his lifetime.  Funeral services were held at the Dakin Funeral Home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Roger K. Powell, Baptist clergyman of New Berlin, officiating.  Burial was in Riverside cemetery at South New Berlin.

Howard D. Coon

Died April 14, 1935, Norwich, NY

Howard D. Coon, youngest son of the late Albert and Gertrude Crosby Coon, died suddenly at his home, 2 Academy street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], late Sunday.  Deceased was born in new Berlin, January 12, 1888.  For the past 20 years he had been a resident of this city. Two brothers survive, J. Foster Coon of Norwich and Edwin J. Coon of Morris. The funeral service was held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 from the George J. Devine funeral home on South Broad street, Rev. Scott D. Clarke, pastor of the Broad Street M.E. church officiated. Burial was in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Elizabeth V. Cook

Died September 23, 1938, Norwich, NY

Mrs. Elizabeth V. Cook, aged 63 years, of 25 Berry street, died about 3:30 o'clock Friday morning at the Chenango Memorial Hospital. She was born June 23, 1875.  Besides her husband, Elvin G. Cook, deceased is survived by two nephews, Ralph and Guy Beckwith of Poughkeepsie, and one niece, Mrs. Myrtle Tucker of Pine Plain, N.Y.  Mrs. Cook was a member of the Calvary Baptist church.  Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Calvary Baptist church, Rev. Mickael Klinoff, pastor, officiating.  Interment will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Carl D. Coe

Died July 5, 1937, Norwich, NY  

Serious burns suffered June 25 by Carl D. Coe caused by an explosion of gas while engaged at work on a pump at his home on the Chenango lake road, resulted in his death Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock at the Chenango Memorial Hospital.  Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 from the home of his father-in-law Charles J. Hart, 70 Mitchell street.  Rev. Lloyd S. Charters, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal church, will officiate. Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  The unfortunate accident resulting in the death of Mr. Coe occurred in the evening while he and his son Walter J., were engaged in working on the pump. The son, in a five-foot pit, struck a match.  Gas of an unknown nature had accumulated and an explosion followed immediately. The father, standing at the brink of the driven well was the more seriously burned. The son, still a patient at the Chenango Memorial Hospital, remains in a serious condition.  Mr. Coe was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Coe and was a native of Norwich where he was born February 25, 1888. Educated in the Norwich public schools he was for many years affiliated with his father in the livery and garage business in this city.  He was later engaged in railroading but for the past six years had been an employee of the Aldrich Transportation Company of this city.  He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen.  His son, injured with him, is an employee of the Charles G. Nash plumbing company.  Mr. Coe was extremely popular and leaves many friends who will extend deepest sympathy to his family in their bereavement.  Possessed of a happy disposition Mr Coe was quick to make friends and all are grieved over his untimely passing.  Surviving are his wife and two sons, Walter J., and Donald C. Coe; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William C Coe, also one sister, Mrs. Marion Lunney of Cortland, and three brothers, Lester E. and Leroy B., of Norwich, and Charles of Flushing, L.I.

The funeral of Carl Coe was held from the home of Charles J. Hall, brother-in-law of the deceased, at 70 Mitchell St., Norwich, Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock., the Rev. Lloyd S. Charters, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Chruch, officiating. Burial was at Mount Hope cemetery. The bearers were Frank Boyce, Clifford M. Sprague, Hartwell G. Sherman, M.R. Snow, Edward Clark and Carl T. Snover, all fellow workmen of the deceased. The attendance was large, and there were many floral tributes.

Death Notices

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], Dec. 1, 1894, 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.

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

FEEHAN:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 1, 1894, Mr. William Feehan, age 60 years.

SHAW:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 28, 1894, Mr. Clarence E. Shaw, aged 23 years.

The Chenango Canal

The Chenango Canal

by Marjorie Bingham

Norwich Sun, March 14, 1931

The antiquity of canals is very great, dating back as far as six hundred years before the Christian era.  However, the history of American canal navigation does not extend very far back.   The Erie canal was the first work of importance completed and soon after work was undertaken, the citizens of Chenango valley suggested expedients for forming a canal junction with the Erie.

In November 1823, ten years before its construction was authorized the following reference to it appeared in the Oxford Gazette:

"Few counties can approach the Erie canal with so much ease and facility as Chenango, that are situated so far from it. We may therefore justly consider Chenango as destined, at some future period, to become an important branch of that vast inland navigation which secures to New York a proud pre-eminence among states of the union.  The Chenango river can be made boatable to its source, and by a short canal, the expense of which would be comparatively trifling, may be united with the waters of the Oneida creek, which leads directly to the Erie canal.  This has been pronounced by competent judges practicable and safe:  and at no distant day will engage the attention of our enterprising citizens."

In 1824, John F. Hubbard, member of the assembly from Chenango, presented a petition to the legislature setting forth the views and wishes of the community.  The committee to whom it was referred made a favorable report, but it was not acted upon.

In 1825, a survey was made by direction of the legislature, and the following year a bill for the construction of the canal was introduced but the legislature fearing the survey had not been made with sufficient accuracy, rejected it.

In 1826, the residents of Chenango valley at their own expense employed an engineer from Utica to survey a route through the valley connecting with the Erie, and to make an estimate of the cost of its construction, but he was suddenly taken ill at Norwich and died before the survey was completed.

In 1827 a bill passed the assembly, but was rejected by the senate.  During the summer of that year the citizens at great expense procured another survey.  In 1828 a bill for its construction was again passed by the assembly and was a second time rejected by the senate.

In 1829 an act was passed by the legislature authorizing the canal commission to survey the route and commence work upon it, if upon examination it was certain that there was an adequate supply of water; that the cost of construction would not exceed one million dollars; and that when completed it would produce to the state in connection with the increased tolls on the Erie canal, for the first ten years after it construction, tolls equaling in amount the interest on its cost together with the cost of repairs and the expense of attendance.

January 21, 1830 the commission made an elaborate but adverse report, which states that an adequate supply of water might be procured by a resort of reservoirs for the summit level, without taking any of the waters of Oriskany and Sauquoit creeks; that the cost would exceed one million dollars and that it would not produce tolls equal to the interest of its cost and the expense of repairs and superintendence, or of either of them.

During the four succeeding years of legislative inactivity Hon. John F. Hubbard did not allow the project to lose interest, but composed every argument in favor of the immediate construction of the canal.  On Feb. 23, 1833 the legislature authorized the construction of a canal from Utica to Binghamton.  Work was commenced in July 1834 and was completed October, 1836.

Various history books on Chenango county differ as to the actual cost of construction but a statement was made in "Messages from the Governor," by William l. Marcy, to the fact that Chenango canal cost about $2,250,000.  Smith's history of Chenango county stated that the engineers estimate was $1,960,450, and that of the contractors was $1,859,849.

"It is true the cost of the canal almost doubled the original estimates, but what of that?" Hiram C. Clark said, "In the end it has enriched all southern New York and given an impetus to enterprise in the Chenango valley, which would never have been attained without it.  The canal undertakings in the state, begun by Clinton, were the forerunners of the steamboats and railroads on this continent. The general utility or public expediency of works of internal improvement are not to be determined wholly by the amount of annual tolls they will yield, but it is necessary to look at the indirect advantages, such as increased value of land, the increased profits of other work connected with or affected by the ones proposed."

The canal was 97 miles long, 40 feet wide at the top and 28 at the bottom and was 4 feet deep.  There were 114 locks, each 90 by 15 feet.  There was 1,015 1-3 feet of lockage.  The greatest lift was 13 feet and the lowest was 5 feet.  It was supplied by the Chenango river and six reservoirs, Madison brook, Woodman's pond, Leland's pond, Bradley's brook, Hatch's lake, and Eaton brook reservoir.

Both the commencement and the completion of this great work occasioned rejoicing along its route and was the subject of elaborate celebrations.  For years it continued to be a great convenience to the section, but the revenues failed to meet the rising expense and it soon became a leech upon the public treasury.

Toll charges from 1833 to 1858 averaged from $940 to $21,444 per year.  The gross amount of income for tolls and other sources for the year ending the 30th of September 1876 was:  Gross income $3,717.38 and deficiencies $4,602.03.  The year had been one of disaster to the boatmen and to all others engaged in the navigation of canals.  In addition to the great depression in every branch of labor, there was a great amount of competition between railroad lines which directed trade from the canals.  It was soon abandoned after forty years of service.

The report of the commissioner on lateral canals was presented to the assembly on the 19th of January 1877 and the commission recommended the sale or other deposition of the Chenango canal.

Obituaries (May 14)

Minnie (Hooker) Chesebrough

Died November 7, 1930, Edmeston, NY

Minnie Hooker Chesebrough, daughter of the late Hiram C. and Katherine Piper Hooker, was born in South Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY] September 28, 1862 and died at her home on Friday, November 7, 1930, after a long and painful illness, borne with a fortitude and patience which reflected her true character.  For the past two months she has been confined to her bed, rapidly failing until she fell into a long and peaceful rest last Friday.  Mrs. Chesebrough lived her entire life in this locality receiving her early education in the public school at South Edmeston and New Berlin and later attending the Whitestown Seminary.  On January 10, 1883 she was united in marriage with Clarence Henry Chesebrough at South Edmeston.  One daughter, Florence J., was born to them.  Mrs. Chesebrough was a member of the First Baptist church of this village and until ill health prevented, took a very active part in all its affairs. She taught a class of young girls, now grown to womanhood, who revere and love the memory of her kindly, sincere guidance and upright teachings.  Her unselfish and untiring efforts for the comfort and happiness of others made a place in their hearts which can never be filled. The funeral was held Monday afternoon from her late home, and was conducted by the Rev. D.H. Woodward of South New Berlin, her former pastor.  Interment was made in Union Cemetery.  There survive the husband and daughter above mentioned, to whom the sincere sympathy of the community is extended; a sister, Mr.s E.N. Morgan of South New Berlin; and a brother, Leslie Hooker of San Mateo, Florida.

Jerry C. Collins

Died December 4, 1940, Norwich, NY

Jerry C. Collins, well-known Norwich citizen, died at his home 59 Rexford street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], about midnight, following a brief illness.  Mr. Collins was born in Ireland Dec. 18, 1893, and came to the United States and to Norwich when 11 years of age.  He had been a resident of this city for 35 years. The deceased was a son of John Collins and the late Mary Barrett Collins.  His untimely death will be keenly regretted by a wide circle of friends.  Mr. Collins had been engaged in the automobile business for about 28 years.  He first began this vocation under Charles H. Latham and was the first paid fireman in the Norwich department.  He drove the first motor chemical this city ever owned.  Jerry Collins was an expert automobile mechanic and his services were always in great demand when owners needed someone to look at their cars.  In recent years Mr. Collins had been a partner in the firm of Collins & Murphy, operators of the Nash Auto Sales and garage on American avenue. The deceased was a member of Norwich council, 211, Knights of Columbus, and Norwich lodge, 1222, B.P.O. Elks.  He was also a member of the Holy Name Society of St. Paul's church, the A.O.H. and the Maydole Hose Company.  Mr. Collins was united in marriage in 1917 with Mae L. Ganley, who survives with one son, Jerry C. Collins, Jr.., student at St. Bonaventure; his father, John Collins; two brothers, John Collins, Jr., of Syracuse and Patrick Collins of Frankfort, also one niece and four nephews. Another son Charles, also a student at St. Bonaventure, died November 8, 1939.  Funeral arrangements await the arrival of the son who is on his way here from St Bonaventure college, but services are to be held at the late home on Rexford street.

Death Notices

Chenango American, July 19, 1860

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Miss Catharine M. Clark, in the 21st year of her age.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th isn't., Mr. D.L. Davis, aged 58 years.

Chenango American, July 26, 1860

At Page Brook, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., Mrs. Sara Carter, aged 64 years.

At Page Brook [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Epharaim E. Gardner, aged 79 years.

In Owego [Tioga Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Mrs. Melissa Markham.

Marriages (May 13)

Chapin - Mety

Married January 1944

New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mr. and Mrs. Elwyn Chapin have received announcement of the marriage of their son, S/Sgt. Harlem Chapin and Miss Margaret Mety, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Mety of Denver, Colo. The ceremony was performed at St. Barnabas Episcopal church with the Rev. Brady officiating. A reception followed the ceremony at the Hotel Olin for relatives and friends. The couple is residing at 1080 Logan avenue, Denver.

Figary - Woodworth

Married January 12, 1924

Miss Viola M. Woodworth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Woodworth of Maydole street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and Donald F Figary, son of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Figary of Taylor avenue, were united in marriage Saturday evening at the home of J. Roberts, pastor of the Sheldon street church. The bride is a student at Norwich high school and the groom is a well known local young man. They will reside at 15 Maydole street.

Christison - Crandall

Married January 25, 1943

North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mr. and Mrs. Lewis M. Crandall of North Norwich announce the marriage of their daughter, Miss Betty Jane [Crandall] to Corp. Wilbert Christison of Schenectady, January 25, at 6:30 p.m. in Schenectady.  Corp. Christison and his bride arrived in North Norwich Tuesday and were dinner guests Wednesday night at the home of Mrs. Everett Adams in Norwich. The affair was also a farewell party in honor of Junior Crandall who left this week for training as an air cadet in Tennessee.  Mr. Crandall has been employed at the W.J. Mein Company in Norwich and also at the Norwich Pharmacal Company.  On the 28th Corp. and Mrs. Christison were tendered a reception at the home of his parents in Schenectady.  He returned to camp January 29.  Mrs. Christison is now residing at 917 Vischer avenue, Schenectady.

Chapin - Parker

Married October 1942

New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]:  St. Andrew church was the scene of a beautiful autumn wedding Saturday evening at 8:15 o'clock, when Miss Frances Louise Parker, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Eri Parker of Pittsfield, became the bride of Robert Lowe Chapin, son of Ray Chapin and the late Mrs. Chapin.  Rev. Nelson F. Parke, rector, performed the ceremony in a setting of bronze and yellow chrysanthemums against a background of autumn leaves.  proceeding the ceremony, Mrs. H.J. Miller of this place sang "O, Promise Me," accompanied at the organ by Harold Oakley.  Mr. Oakley also rendered the traditional wedding marches.  Entering the church on the arm of her brother, Ray Parker, who gave his sister in marriage, the bride was most attractive in a gown of white ververay satin, made with a basque, with sweetheart neckline and long sleeves which came to a point over the hands.  her full skirt ended in a long circular train and her hand rolled veil was caught to a tiara of satin flowers. She carried a shower bouquet of white roses and stephanotis.  Miss Janet Miller of this place was maid of honor.  Miss Miller were a gold velveray gown made on lines similar to the bride's. She wore a sequin Juliet cap which was trimmed with gilded flowers and carried an arm bouquet of bronze and yellow chrysanthemums.  Mrs. Ray Parker, sister-in-law of the bride, was attired in a green wool dress with brown accessories and wore a corsage of baby mums.  Mrs. Chapin, step-mother of the groom, was attired in blue with blue accessories and also wore a corsage of baby mums.  Donald Chapin, served his brother as best man and ushers were James Naas and Ivan Barkley of Pittsfield.  A reception followed at the home of the bride where the decorations were yellow and bronze chrysanthemums. The bride's table was centered by the wedding cake which was surrounded with white roses.  The young couple left for a short trip after which they will be home at the Chapin farm in Pittsfield. For traveling the bride wore autumn green with luggage tan accessories.  Mrs. Parker is a graduate of New Berlin central school.  Oneonta normal and the Utica School of Commerce. For some time she has been employed by the Bossert co. of Utica.  Mr. Parker is a graduate of the New Berlin central school and is engaged in farming.  Pre-nuptial events included a dinner at the Yahnindahsis Country Club, given by the bride's business associates at the Bossert co., two showers one given by the bride's sister, Mrs. Ray Chapin and one by Mrs. John Jones of New Hartford.  

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, July 19, 1860

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Horace L. Barnes Esq., Mr. Charles Widger, to Miss Catharine C. White, both of Pharsalia.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr Albert Z. Taylor of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Phebe E. Allen, of this town.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Joseph U. Child, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Olive A. Eccleston, of Norwich.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th isn't., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. James O. Clarke, of Oxford to Louise M. Rouse, daughter of Dr. A. House, of Oxford.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. W.R. Cobb, Mr Abram Smith, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Loretta B. Johnson, of Sandford [Broome Co., NY].

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. Senaca B. Harrington, to Miss Corlista M. Scranton, both of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY].

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst.,by Elder Jones, Mr Clark L. Pittsley, to Miss Hannah M. Davis, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Norwich School District No. 14

School District No. 14, Norwich, Chenango County, New York

Mrs. G.W. McNitt

Chenango Union, September 7, 1893

In writing the history of our School District, we labor under difficulties; especially, is this true of the earlier times. They evidently did  not think it necessary to keep a record, or perhaps they have been lost.  Consequently we have nothing to guide us but the memories of the older people, and but very few remain who can remember as far back as the "Old Log School house," or can tell us very much concerning the early settlers of the district.  

Among the earliest pioneers I find the names of David Newton, Mr. Fuller, Philetus Maine, Judge Rathburne, Abner Spencer, William Arnold, Sylvanus Parker, Zepheniah Holcomb, Andrew Webb, Charles Randall, Ezekiel Shippey, James Merithew, Mr. Everett, Bliss and King; and coming down to a later date, those of which some of you are more familiar--Peleg Arnold, Stephen Keyes, Robert Holcomb, Martin and Charles Webb, Arthur Davis, Nathan Parker, Philip Phetteplace, Mr. Harrington, Samuel and Oliver Jennison.  And while we mention the men, let us not forget the women who helped to make up the homes of that day--women of which any generation might feel proud, and whose very names are sacred:  Aunt Polly Parker, Aunt Elsie and Armenia Arnold, Maria Holcomb, Aunt Ruth Webb, Mrs. Stephen Keyes, Aunt Leafy and Mary Jennison.  Kindest hearts and brains of worth long shall live in story. 

The first school house we have any knowledge of in the district was a log one which stood at the foot of the hill on the right hand side of the road, between the farms then owned by William Arnold and Sylvanus Parker, now owned by Esek Phetteplace and Jonas Parker [in 1893].  I have learned the names of but two teachers who taught there; Mehitable Holcomb and William Arnold. The next school house was a frame building which stood on the same site this now occupies, having been built about the year 1820, or previous. We find the names of some of those early teachers in the following list:  Asa Sherwood, Amasa Ballou, Euphemia Griswold, John W. Longyear, George M. Smith, Daniel Arnold, John A. Randall, L.G. Pierce, Rosina Keyes, Eunice Keyes, Thomas Shelton, Abigail S. Wood, Merlin J. Ford, Joel Hendricks, Robert Burgess, J. Burlinham, Cynthia Shippey, Orinda Arnold, A.D. Gates, Isaac Stafford, H.B Willcox, M.P. Arnold, Cal. D. Holcomb, Frank W. Cornish, C. Day, Kate L. Holcomb, T.S. Ward, Ellen Winsor, Amanda Wells, Philurah, Amanda Melvina Pangburn, Sarah McGeorge, Orpha Eldridge, Walter B. Norton, Lydia Ballard, Nancy Hoag, M.W. Shippey, Lovina Phetteplace, George W. Adams.

This brings us down to 1861 and 1862, at the time of the civil war. Governor Flower said in his speech at Bainbridge:  "The $10,000,000 which we spend for schools every year is not lost when it is used to educate the boys and girls in the foundation principles of our government. When the confederates came up into Pennsylvania and surrounded Washington, before they were stopped at Gettysburg by my friend Slocum, they thought they had us. We hadn't thought much about the war before that.  We didn't think it was going to amount to much, but when our national capital was threatened the educated men of this government founded on educational principles began to ask why.  And then we drove the enemy back to Atlanta and from Atlanta to the sea. The school is the bulwark of the nation.  It took us through one great war, and if we continue to maintain it, it will make the State and country as firm as the rock on which it rests."

General Slocum also said, at the same time and place: "I owe my reputation to the brave men who fought in the ranks.  It is the common soldier who makes the reputation of the commander.  Grant, Meade, Hancock, and all the generals of the war, would never have earned their honored reputations but for the bravery of the soldiers who fought under them."  And can we not look back with pride, at this time, when we think that our school district furnished five brave men who went to make up the "rank and file?"

In looking over the old record we find among the scholars and teachers those who are filling all ranks in life--ministers, doctors, teachers, and one that went as a missionary, Miss Keyes.  Yes! we have a right to be proud of our school district and its record; and speaking of its records reminds me to mention the fact that for over thirty years Mr. Parker has kept our records, and so well and faithfully that future generations will not have a difficult task in writing our history.  Here we may find a lesson of patience and perseverance worthy of imitation.  We are proud of our record of the past; we are proud of our scholars of today.  As they leave our district to attend higher schools we find them far in advance of those of the same age.

But there is one thing in which we cannot take much pride in this day of progress and improvement, and that is our school grounds, which at present are overrun with berry bushes, thistles, etc. When Arbor Day was first instituted in 1889, a good beginning was made by planting of trees, thirteen in number, the most if not all of which are alive. Shall we not continue the good work begun?  Plow and grade the grounds so that they will be suitable for setting out plants and shrubs. But methinks I hear someone say this will be useless; they will not be long preserved.  Let me tell you what will preserve our school grounds.  Not long ago. while making an afternoon's visit, in viewing the grounds of the owner, I made this remark to him:  "What a thrifty rose bush you have here!"  "Yes," he answered, "I had this moved from the back yard last spring.  As long ago as I can remember it stood by the old house.  Mother was very fond of this bush, so I had it moved here that it might not be destroyed; " and as I looked at him, a man over seventy years of age, I thought--

"Men are only boys grown tall;

Hearts don't change much, after all"

Permit me to read to you this old poem which will further illustrate the spirit which will preserve our school grounds.

Woodman Spare That Tree

George Pope Morris

WOODMAN, spare that tree!
Touch not a single bough!
In youth it sheltered me,
And I ’ll protect it now.
’T was my forefather’s hand	5
That placed it near his cot;
There, woodman, let it stand,
Thy axe shall harm it not.
That old familiar tree,
Whose glory and renown	10
Are spread o’er land and sea—
And wouldst thou hew it down?
Woodman, forbear thy stroke!
Cut not its earth-bound ties;
Oh, spare that aged oak	15
Now towering to the skies!
When but an idle boy,
I sought its grateful shade;
In all their gushing joy
Here, too, my sisters played.	20
My mother kissed me here;
My father pressed my hand—
Forgive this foolish tear,
But let that old oak stand.
My heart-strings round thee cling,	25
Close as thy bark, old friend!
Here shall the wild-bird sing,
And still thy branches bend.
Old tree! the storm still brave!
And, woodman, leave the spot;	30
While I ’ve a hand to save,
Thy axe shall harm it not.

You need not fear but the same spirit which prompted that man to care for the rose bush and the petition to the woodmen to spare the tree will preserve every bush or tree that another father or grandfather will take the pains to plant on our school grounds. Everyone takes more interest in whatever he has a personal interest.  Let each of us see to it that we have a personal interest in this.  Make home and its surroundings beautiful and young people will not be in so great haste to leave it.