Vital Records & News Item (August 16)

 William H. Johnson Insane, Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 27, 1883:  Last Saturday William H. Johnson, son of Andrew J. Johnson, of this place, returned from the hop yards at Milford, Otsego County.  Shortly after his arrival here he began to show queer signs, and in a short time he began to talk continually on temperance and the Bible.  He grew rapidly worse and by Monday afternoon he was walking the streets continuously swinging his arms and flourishing a Bible and talking religion to everyone he met.  Doctors were called to examine him who pronounced him insane, but were unable to get him to take medicine of any kind.  Tuesday morning, his brother, Charles, living in Franklin, who is his guardian, was telegraphed for but did not arrive until Wednesday morning.  During Tuesday he seemed worse and his mind gradually turned from religion to other matters, but he still clung to the Bible.  On arrival, his brother immediately took steps to have him removed to the asylum at Utica, but while he was procuring the necessary papers had him removed to a quiet place thinking, perhaps, this would benefit him, but it did not have the desired effect, so he was removed to the asylum Friday night.  No cause has been assigned for his actions as he has always been a steady, hard working fellow, and always respected.  Afton Press

Lewis Brimmer, A Minstrel's Sad End, Chenango Union, September 27, 1883:  Many of our readers remember Lewis Brimmer, a minstrel performer of high rank a few years ago.  He was a native of Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY], and after a brilliant career of a few years as the champion banjoist, died an outcast in the jail at Fonda [Montgomery Co. NY], a few days since. A dispatch from that place, dated September 15th says:

"The first death that has occurred in the new jail took place today, the case being that of Lewis Brimmer, formerly of Cobleskill, aged 46.  The deceased was a banjo player, and at one time held high rank among such performers. A few years ago he was often seen in Broadway, driving a fine establishment and elegantly dressed, but he reached the lowest degree of debasement, this being the usual end of a fast life.  He was arrested at Canajoharie as a tramp and was committed to jail, being then in a drunken condition from delirium tremens, suffering from foul disease, and his personal appearance was utterly loathsome.  He died three days after committed and was buried by the authorities.  All he left was his banjo, which he gave to the turnkey."

A correspondent writing from Fonda says:  "The remains of the banjo tramp, Lewis Brimmer, who died in jail, were buried by the poormaster.  Only four men were in attendance, just enough to handle the coffin. A sad conclusion for one who a few years ago earned $200 a week and was the crack banjoist of New York.  Such is the result of a fast life."

Jennie Bolt Griffin, Died January 12, 1933:  Mrs. Jennie Bolt Griffin, 81, wife of E.S. Griffin of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], died at her home in that city Thursday, 12th, following a long illness.  Mrs. Griffin was born in Masonville [Delaware Co. NY], May 12, 1852, and was the daughter of Alphaeus Bolt and Jane (Burch) Bolt.  Mr. and Mrs. Griffin were united in marriage about 50 years ago, in Unadilla. Their married life was spent in Halcottville, until about 1890, when they went to Unadilla, and residing there for about 12 years, when they moved to Binghamton, which has since been their home.  Mrs. Griffin was a loyal member of the Unadilla Baptist church, and since her residence in Binghamton, of the Main street Baptist church.  She is survived by her husband; one daughter, Mrs. Percival Powers; two sons, Dr.  H.B. Griffin and E.A. Griffin, all of Binghamton; one sister, Mrs. Fred W. Douglas of Sidney; one brother, Lamont Bolt of Norwich. The late Mrs. Charles A. Castle of Unadilla, was also a sister.

Samuel G. Smith, Died  January 28,  1933:  Private funeral services were conducted from the late home of Samuel G. Smith, on Sunday, 29th, Rev. Edwin R. Holden, pastor of the First Congregational church, Sidney, officiating.  Interment in the family plot in Prospect hill cemetery [Sidney, Delaware co., NY].  Mr. Smith passed away early Thursday morning, January 26th, at the family Willow street home. the infirmities of old age were factors leading to his demise.  He was highly esteemed in this community where he spent practically all his life. The deceased was born in Bainbridge township [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 1st, 1844.  Sixty-one years last April 12th, he married Arminda Olmsted, a daughter of Mr. John Olmstead, vicinity pioneer resident.  For many years they resided on the south road, Sidney-Bainbridge, coming to Sidney about 15 years ago to reside  Surviving are his wife, a son, Fred H. Smith of Delhi; a daughter, Mrs. Fred Burlison of Guilford, and a brother, Bion Smith of Sidney. Several nieces and nephews and grandchildren also survive.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 25, 1888

Marriages

NEWTON - WRIGHT:  At the Free Methodist parsonage, Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. M. W. Fuller, of North Pharsalia, Mr. Adelbert D. Newton and Miss Flora De Burr Wright, both of Norwich.

 HACKETT - BAKER:  In Oxford [Chenango So., NY], Oct. 17th, by Rev. P.D. Root, Mr. Fred Hackett, of Oxford, and Miss Abbie Baker, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

WINTER - WAGNER:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 14th, by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Henry Winter and Mrs. Lydia J. Wagner, both of Greene.

BABCOCK - BROWN:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], Oct. 4th, by Rev. M. Babcock, Mr. Christian Babcock, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Achsa Brown, of Lebanon [Chenango Co., NY].

GREEN - KELLY:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 15th, by Rev. D.W. Lamphere, Mr. Stewell Green of Philadelphia, and Miss Nora Kelly, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

Deaths

RAYMOND:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 24th, Ustacia C. [Raymond], wife of William H. Raymond, and daughter of the late Gen. Hendrick Crain, aged 55 years, and 10 months.  Funeral services will be held at her late residence on Miller street, Friday at 2 P.M.

WAGNER:  At the residence of Elmore Sharpe, Esq., in this village, Oct. 21st, Miss Maria L. Wagner, aged 72 years.

FRANCISCO:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 24th, Miss Maude Francisco, aged 18 years.  Her remains will be taken to Delaware county, Friday, for burial.

BREED:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 24th, Cornelia Ann [Breed], wife of George F. Breed, aged 24 years.

SMITH:  In the town of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 18th, Eva [Smith], wife of Lester P. Smith, Esq., aged 29 years, formerly of Cedarville, Herkimer Co.

TUCKER:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 21st, Mr. Edward Tucker, aged 75 years.

MILLER:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], Oct. 21st, Mr. Lyran Onslow Miller, aged 70 years.

HOLMES:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 19th, 1888, Mr. Franklin H. Holmes, aged 72 years.

KIMBALL:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 10th, Mary Schrier Kimball, daughter of George R. and Mary A. Kimball, aged 21 years.

PLUMB:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], Oct. 15th, Beulah L. [Plumb], wife of Albert Plumb, aged 34 years.