Marriages (May 9)

Kinney - Boyle

Married July 29, 1941, Hallstead, PA

Miss Marion Boyle of Westport became the bride of Dr. Leslie T. Kinney Saturday, August 2 [sic], at Hallstead, Pa.  The ceremony was performed in the presence of the immediate families.  Mrs. Spencer LaMountain of Port Henry was her sister's only attendant and Harold Ferguson of North  Norwich served his brother-in-law as best man.  Following a short wedding trip Dr. Kinney and his bride will be at home at 66 South Broad street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], August 11.

DeForest - Sage

Married December 15, 1939, Morris, NY

Miss Jane Sage of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Sage, became the bride of Mr. Olin DeForest, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert DeForest, at the Baptist parsonage in Morris last Friday afternoon. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Louis Sage who entertained them for dinner following the ceremony.  Mr. and Mrs. DeForest will reside for the present with her parents at Amberville.

Dixson - Strain

Married March 25, 1938, Unadilla, NY

Miss Esther Edna Strain, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence E. Strain of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], became the bride of Charles Dixson of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], at the home of the bride's parents on Martin Brook street in that village Friday evening, March 25, 1938, the Rev. John T. Lyon, pastor of the Federated church performing the ceremony.

Veeder - Clinton

Chenango Telegraph, June 23, 1942

Greene [Chenango Co., NY]:  The marriage of Miss Leslie Kathryn Clinton, daughter of  Mr. and Mrs. George Clinton of Greene, to James Veeder, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Veeder, of Marilla [Erie Co], N.Y. took place at two o'clock, Saturday afternoon, June 20, 1942, at the home of the bride's parents. Rev. A.A. Bresee, DD, rector emeritus of Zion church performed the ceremony. The attendants were Miss Margaret Bull of New Hartford and Wallace Veeder of Marilla, brother of the groom.  The bride was given in marriage by her father.  Mrs. Richard Kimball of Syracuse sang "Because," accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Robert Randall of Sidney. The bride wore a magnolia crepe dress and carried a bouquet of crimson and white roses. The matron of honor wore a dress of powder blue.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Veeder are graduates of Cornell university. They will reside in Salamanca, where Mr. Veeder is the 4-H county agent of Cattaraugus county.

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, February 2, 1865

At the Chenango House, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Grove Smith, to Miss Hattie Warner, both of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY].

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., by Rev. J.H. Chamberlain, Mr. Cornelius Brown of Madison [Madison Co. NY], to Mrs. Mary A. Green of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] ont he 25th ult., by Rev. G.F. Peck, Mr. Oliver P. Miner, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ruana Gleason, of Oxford.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult., by Rev. Mr. Foster, Joseph E. Sage to Miss Adelia Isbell, all of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. S. Scoville, Charles C. Rogers, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary A. [Franklin], daughter of George Franklin.

Chenango American, February 9, 1865

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. David D. Taft, of Triangle [Broome Co., NY] to Mrs. Maria Potter of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Obituaries (May 8)

James E. Ryan

Died July 9, 1936, Binghamton, NY

James E. Ryan died at his home, 84 Moeller Street, after a long illness.  He is survived by six daughters, Mrs. john Segrue, Mrs. John O'Connor, Mrs. Addison Nesick, Mrs. Clifford McFae, Mrs. Ralph Skinner and Miss Stella Ryan; three sons, James Ryan, Charles Ryan and Gerald Ryan, all of Binghamton, and one sister, Mrs. Kathryn Regan of Syracuse, and eight grandchildren.  He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and the Switchmen's Union. 

Ira Monroe Wall

Died May 13, 1943, North Norwich, NY

Ira M. Wall, 66, died at his home in North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] Thursday night.  He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity and of the Odd Fellows and was well known to many citizens of Norwich and North Norwich. There survive his wife, a daughter, Mrs. E.O. Bowers of South New Berlin, two grandsons, Ira Earl Bowers of South New Berlin and James Monroe Wall of North Norwich, also a sister, Mrs. B.J. Butts of Sherburne.

Rhoda White

Died August 4, 1923, New Berlin, NY

Mrs. Rhoda White, aged 92 years, and one of the oldest persons in this vicinity, passed away on Saturday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hunt west of Holmesville [Chenango Co., NY], where she was cared for.  The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with burial in Riverside cemetery [South New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY].

George W. Shoales

Died March 27, 1918, Norwich, NY

George W. Shoales died Wednesday morning at the home of Mrs. Eunice Wheeler on South Broad street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock from his late home at 34 Mitchell street and interment will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery.

Frank Filemon Koot

Died August 16, 1937, Norwich, NY

Frank Filemon Koot of 37 Brown Av., Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], died at the Chenango Memorial Hospital Monday night after a short illness. Born in Russia on Feb. 22, 1889, the deceased came to America in 1907, and has been a resident of Norwich for the past 12 years.  He was employed as car inspector for the O.&W. Railroad.  The survivors are his widow, Anna; two daughters, Mrs. Leroy B. Coe and Katherine Koot, and one son, Paul Koot, all of Norwich; and a brother, Samuel Koot, of Flint, Mich. The funeral will be held at the family residence Thursday morning at 11 o'clock, Rev. Herbert Lamb officiating.

Abram Clarence Knapp

Died October 13, 1941, New Berlin, NY

New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], After an illness of only three days, Abram Clarence Knapp, well known area farmer, died Monday at his home on the New Berlin-South New Berlin highway [Chenango Co., NY].  Death resulted from a cerebral hemorrhage.  Mr. Knapp was born August 17, 1874, at Worcester, N.Y., the son of the late William and Nancy J. Knapp.  His marriage to Abbie L. Seward occurred October 20, 1893 and her death occurred several years ago.  Funeral services will be held from the Dakin Funeral Home here Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock. Rev. M.R. Weaver of Norwich will officiate and burial will be made in the White Store cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].  Surviving are the following sons and daughters:  Mrs. Grace M. Burlison, Mrs. Pearl Brooks and Clarence Knapp of Norwich; Mrs. Anabell Barber of South New Berlin; Paul M. Knapp of Lyons Falls; Mrs. Ruth I. Chase and Howard K. Knapp of New Berlin; one brother, Fred Knapp of Oneonta, also 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild survive.

Death Notices

ARNOLD:  At Preston [Chenango Co., NY], April 10, 1918, Mrs. Frances J. Arnold, aged 72 years.  Funeral April 15 and interment in White Store cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

GAGE:  At Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], April 7, 1918, Leon C. Gage, aged 16 years.  Funeral April 10 and burial at South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

DOOLITTLE: At Latham's Corners, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY], April 22, 1905, of tuberculosis, Nelson Doolittle, aged 19 years.

Chenango American, February 2, 1865

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th ult., Lucretia [Ingraham], wife of Isaac Ingraham, aged 49 years.

In North Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Miss Ellen L. Thompson, aged 26 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Ephriam Brooks, aged 60 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult., Mrs. Jane A. [Eyrich], wife of Reuben Eyrich, aged 24 years.

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. John Jerome Grant, aged 36 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., nY], on the 23d ult., Ellen Luthera [Cummings], youngest daughter of Abram and Lois Cummings, aged 14 years and 11 months.

Vital Records - 1844

Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, August 22, 1844

Died:  On Monday the 19th instant of Scarlet Fever, Sherman [Patterson], son of William M. Patterson, Esq., of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], aged five years.

Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, August 29, 1844

Married:  This morning by the Rev. Dr. Andrews, at the residence of Judge Tracy Robinson, Mr. Charles L. Robinson to Miss Mary B. [Martin] youngest daughter of the late Gen. Martin of Martinsburg, N.Y.

Died:  In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on Friday the 16th inst., Edwin H. Durkee, son of Joseph Durkee, aged one year and 11 days.

Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, September 19, 1844

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], on Tuesday last, at 11 o'clock P.M., Mr. Robert Eldredge, aged 24 years.  The deceased has been for several years engaged in active business in Binghamton, and with the extensive circle of his acquaintances has always been distinguished for the strictest integrity and the purest moral conduct. Warm in his affections for friends and devoted in his attachment to his family, his death has caused a wound in their hearts, which time can not heal, and left a vacant place in the social circle and by the fireside of his home, which no other one can fill.  His painful sickness of two weeks duration was borne with patience and fortitude; and a short time before death he expressed his perfect willingness to give back his soul into the hands of his Maker.  His family have the sympatheis of the whole public; consolation, they scarcely need, for we can but trust that the spirit of one so kind and good has found rest in Heaven.

In Windsor [Broome Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Addison C. Spencer, aged 41 years. A valuable citizen, a consistent christian, an honest man, as such his loss will be severely felt in the community.

In South Windsor [Broome Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Capt. Timothy Beebe, aged 76 years and 20 days.  Capt. B., had been a resident of this place more than 40 years, and has sustained a spotless reputaiton.  He died universally regretted, and has left behind him a character for honesty and integrity unsurpassed.

Letter from NY 114th Regiment - January 1865

Letter from New York 114th Infantry

Chenango American, February 2, 1865

 Camp Sheridan, Near Stevenson's Depot, Va.
January 25, 1865

After a pleasant journey I arrived at the camp of the 114th Regiment, Dec. 29th, and was cordially received by the officers and men.  January 1st we removed from Camp Russell, six miles south of Winchester, to our present camp, six miles north of the above named place.  We are now in comfortable winter quarters again, and the regiment is in good health and spirits. The 114th regiment is an honor to our country, and stands A No. 1 in the Nineteenth Army Corps.  The Inspector General said to the Colonel, the other day, "that its record stood the best of any of the New York Volunteer Regiments in the field."  It received high commendation for its coolness and bravery at the battles of Franklin and Pleasant Hill, La., Opequon (or Winchester) and Cedar Run, Va., in General Orders from the Major general commanding.  Its decimated ranks tell a fearful tale of the terrific loss in its ten battles. The regiment "does not know what it is to be whipped."  It is in a good state of discipline under the energetic yet kind command of their much loved Colonel Per Lee and his efficient officers of the field and line.  Before I joined my regiment the Agent of the Christian Commission at Winchester congratulated me on my appointment, and said that the officers of my regiment were the most intelligent and moral that he had found in this department.

A regiment bearing such a character and earning at fearful cost a military fame untarnished, should be remembered, as no doubt they are, by its friends at home.  As I have not the honor of sharing in their brave deeds in the past, I presume to suggest that a token of the estimation in which their services are held be sent them by their fellow citizens of Chenango county.  Col. Per Lee procured a beautiful stand of State colors for the Regiment on his return to it. By the side of it stands their battle flag, bearing too many honorable scars to be used much longer. Should it be replaced by a new one bearing the name and date of its well fought battles presented by friends at home, it would be an encouragement to the brave men as they enter upon the spring campaign, and under its starry folds they would rally to achieve new conquests and secure fresh laurels. Should such a token of regard be sent them, they will take as good care of it as possible and keep it untarnished except as it may be torn by the storms of battle, confidently hoping to return to the donors with it in due time.  I know that the patriotic friends of Greene will do their part in the matter, and need only be reminded of the opportunity.  Other regiments of this brigade have received fine stands of colors from their friends, and we would have (if we could) as fine a one as any.  But this I leave to the good taste of donors.

Sargent Stoughton expects to go home in a few days.  He is a good soldier.  Capt. Dederer is affectionately remembered by the officers and men of the regiment.

Yours, in behalf of the 114th Regiment, N.YV.

Wm. M. Robinson, Chaplain

_____________________________________________

From Adjutant General's Report, 114th NY Infantry
Robinson, William M.:  Age, 37 years. Enrolled, December 1, 1864, at Camp Russell, Va., to serve three years; mustered in as chaplain, December 29, 1864; mustered out with regiment, June 8, 1865, at Washington, D.C.  Commissioned chaplain, December 1, 1864, with rank from same date

Marriage Notices (May 6)

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, January 5, 1865

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. George C. Rice, Editor of the Chenango Chronicle, to Jennie A. [Russell], only daughter of Calvin Russell. 

In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. Smith B. Patterson, of Hamden, Del. Co., to Miss Emily J. Loyd, of East Greene. 

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th ult., by Rev. J.:P. Turnbul, Mr. Addison King, of Sanford [Broome Co., NY] and Sylvia Jane Andrews, of Coventry.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the 20th ult., by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Frederick A. Ames to Miss Jerusha Lordell, all of Sherburne.

In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Charles G. Ames, to Miss Rhoda R. Crandall, both of Columbus.

Chenango American, January 18, 1865

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Sanford A. Cooke of Copake to Miss Libbey Stackhouse of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d[?] inst., by Rev. L. Bowdish, Mr. Henry D. Ives to Miss Emma Sheldon, all of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. C. Steere, John S. Thorp, of Canton [St. Lawrence Co., NY], to Mrs. Mary Nicholson, of McDonough.

In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. J.H. Barnard, Mr. Francis Chapel of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emily E. Law of Pitcher.

Chenango American, January 26, 1826

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. T. Rogers, Mr. John S. [D-?-] to Miss Mary Nichols, all of this village.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the [?] inst. by Re.v W.C. Bowen, Mr. Henry McQueen of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emily F. Squires of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., by Rev. Holroyd, Mr. David B. Daily of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amelia L. Martin of McDonough.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. Bowdish, Rev. A.S. Yale of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lula F. Lyon of Elmira [Chemung Co., NY].

Chenango Union, December 9, 1875

BRYANT - WESCOTT:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY, Dec. 1, by Rev. James Chambers, Mr. Charles l. Bryant to Miss Libbie M. Wescott, all of Sherburne.

CLAVERT - JOHNSON:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 21, by Rev. J.M. Allen, Mr. Lovett Calvert to Miss Ida Johnson, all of Otselic.

BEARDSLEY - SMITH:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 24 by Rev. J.M. Langworthy, Mr. Cory G. Beardsley to Miss Izie Smith, both of Coventry.

POPE - FORRESTER:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY, Nov. 24, by Rev. J.M. Langworthy, Mr. S.V. Pope of Columbus to Miss Ellen Forrester of Watkins, N.Y. [Schuyler Co., NY].

MAYHEW - CLAPP:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 30, by Rev. T.P. Halstead, Mr. James Erwin Mayhew to Miss Hattie M. Clapp, both of Afton.

BEECHER - WOOD:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY, Dec. 1, by Rev. C.C. Johnson, Mr. Norman A. Beecher to Miss Celia W. Wood.

Maydole Hammer 100th Anniversary - 1931

Year 1931 Makes Century During Which

Maydole Hammer Has Been Made in City

By Edward S. Moore

Norwich Sun, December 24, 1930

An interesting historical sequence gives a touch of romance to the reorganization of the David Maydole Hammer company at this particular time.

It was in 1831 that the late David Maydole, working over the anvil in his blacksmith shop in the village of Norwich, pounded out the first adz eye hammer ever made.  The reorganization of the company and the incorporation of the David Maydole Tool Corporation, effective on January 1, 1931, marks the passing of the Maydole family from the active management of the business, after the lapse of just a century.  During all of that one hundred years adz eye hammers have been manufactured continuously in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], except as work has been interrupted for short intervals by the ups and down of business.

It is interesting also to note that while David Maydole made the first adz eye hammer ever forged, the David Maydole forged adz eye hammer, after the passing of a century, is still the only forged adz eye hammer on the market and still retains, exclusively, that characteristic which has made it, in the minds of skilled mechanics, the most popular hammer available.  It is still the only hammer concerning which the manufacturers can confidently claim that it "will not fly off the handle."

It was the boast of David Maydole, while he was still pounding out hammers on his blacksmith's anvil, that every hammer he made was the best he knew how to make.  That has been the continuous boast of the company.  Many changes have been introduced; many improvements have been made in the mixing of ores and the refinement and tempering of metals; but each change has been adopted only after infinite care had determined that the proposed change was necessary to maintain the boast of the company that every hammer it made was the best it knew how to make. Changes now making by the new management are looking to the same end and the old boast of the inventor will continue to be the aim of the new company.

The saying that if a man make a better mousetrap than anyone else, though he live in the wilderness, the people will beat a path to his door, has been true in the case of David Maydole and his hammer.  Without the urge of national advertising or an extensive sales organization, the David Maydole hammer became known throughout the United States and known for its quality wherever it was known at all.

In 1884, when the late James Parton began the publication of his famous series "Captains of Industry, or Men of Business Who did Something Besides Make Money," he chose David Maydole as the subject of his first chapter.

The sotry which James Parton wrote nearly a half century ago is still one of the recognized romances of industry in the United States.  "Captains of Industry" have come and gone but when faithfulness to an ideal and a determination that the finished product shall always be the best possible product, is discussed, speakers or the writers still hark back to Parton's story of David Maydole.

The story was written after a visit which Dr. Parton made to Norwich to fill a lecture engagement.  David Maydole was in his audience. Dr. Parton heard something of his story and visited him in his office the next day.  Portions of Parton's story are well worth recalling at this time, when … corporation, pledged to carry on the ideals of David Maydole is in the making and when the success of the new corporation depends in no small measure upon the response which the people of Norwich make to the appeal for a small portion of the capitalization.

"Upon being instructed to this old gentleman in his office, and learning that his business was to make hammers," wrote Dr. Parton, "I was at a loss for a subject of conversation, as it never occurred to me that there was anything to be said about hammers."  then the story continues.

"I have generally possessed a hammer, ad frequently inflicted damage on my fingers therewith, but I had supposed that a hammer was simply a hammer, and that hammers were very much alike. At last I said, "And here you make hammers for mankind, Mr. Maydole?"

"Yes," said he, "I have made hammers here for a life-time."

"Well then," said I, shouting in his best ear, "by this time you ought to be able to make a pretty good hammer."

"No, I can't." was his reply, "I can't make a pretty good hammer.  I make the best hammer that's made."

That was strong language.  I thought at first, he meant it as a joke but I soon found it was no joke at all.

"He had made hammers the lady of his lifetime, and after many years of thoughtful and laborious experiment, he had actually produce an article to which with all his knowledge and experience he could suggest no improvement.

"I was astonished to discover how many points there are about an instrument which I had always supposed a very simple thing.  I was surprised to learn in how many ways a hammer can be bad.  But first, let me tell you how he came to think of hammers.

"There he was, in 1840, in Norwich, a small village in the central part of the state of New York; no railroad yet, and even the Erie canal many miles distant.  He was the village blacksmith, his establishment ocnsisting of himself and a boy to blow the bellows.

"He was a good deal troubled with his hammers. Sometimes the heads would fly off.  If the metal was too soft, the hammer would spread out and wear away; if it was too hard, it would split.  At that time blacksmiths made their own hammers, and he knew very little about mixing ores so as to produce the toughest iron. But he was particularly troubled with the hammer getting of the handle, a mishap which could be dangerous as well as inconvenient.  At last, he hit upon an improvement which led to his being able to put a hammer upon a handle in such a way that it would stay there.  He made what is called an adz-handled hammer, the head being attached to the handle after the manner of an adz.  The improvement consists in merely making a longer hole for the handle to go into, by which device it has a much firmer hold of the head, and can easily be made extremely tight.  With this improvement, if the handle is well seasoned and well wedged, there is no danger of the head flying off.  He made some other changes, all of them merely for his own convenience, without a thought of going into the manufacture of hammers.

"The neighborhood in which he lived would have scarcely required half a dozen new hammers per annum.  But one day there came to the village six carpenters to work upon a new church, and one of these men, having left his hammer at home, came to David Maydole's blacksmith shop to get one made.  "Make me as good a hammer," said the caprenter, "as you know how."

"That was touching David upon a tender place.  As good a one as I know how?" said he, "But perhaps you don't want to pay for as good a one as I know how to make."

"Yes, I do." replied the man, "I want a good hammer."

"The blacksmith made him one of the best.  It was probably the best hammer that had ever been made in the world, since it contained two or three important improvements never before combined in the instrument.  The carpenter was delighted with it and showed it, with a great deal of exultation, to his five companions; every man of whom came the next day to the shop and wanted one just like it. They did not understand all the blacksmith's notions about tempering and mixing the metals, but they saw at a glance that the head and the handle were so united that there never was likely to be any divorce between them.

"To a carpenter building a wooden house, the mere removal of that one defect was a boon beyond price.  He could hammer away with confidence, and without fear of seeing the head of his hammer leap into the next field unless stopped by a comrade's head.

"When all the six carpenters had been supplied with these improved hammers, the contractor came and ordered two more.  He seemed to think and, in fact, said as much, that the blacksmith ought to make his hammers a little better than those he had made for the men.  "I can't make any better ones," said honest David, "When I make a thing I make it as well as I can, no matter who it's for."

"Soon after, the storekeeper of the village, seeing what excellent hammers these were, gave the blacksmith a magnificent order for two dozen, which, in due tiem, were placed upon his counter for sale. At this time something happened to David Maydole which may fairly be called good luck and you will generally notice events of the kind int he lives of meritorious men "Fortune favors the brave," is an old saying, and good luck in business is very apt to befall the man who could do very well without it.

"It so happened that a New York dealer in tools, name Wood, whose store is still kept in Chatham street, New York, happened to be in the village getting orders for tools.  As soon as his eye fell upon those hammers, he saw their merits, and bought them all.  He did more.  He left a standing order for as many hammers of that kind as David Maydole could make.  That was the beginning.  The young blacksmith hired a man or two then more men, and made more hammers, and kept on making hammers during the whole of his active life.  During the first twenty years he was frequently experimenting with a view to improve the hammer.  He discovered just how to make his hammers hard enough, without being too hard.  He gradually found out precisely the best form of every part.  There is not a turn or curve about either the handle or the head which has not been patiently considered, and reconsidered, and considered again, until no further improvement seemed possible.

"The old gentleman concluded his interesting narration by making me a present of one of his hammers, which I now cherish among my treasures.  If it had been a picture, I should have it framed and hung up over my desk, a perpetual admonition to me to do my work well; not too fast; not too much of it; not with any showy false polish; not letting anything go till I had done all I could to make it was it should be."

The people of Norwich may well take pride in the fact that this first romance of industry ever written concerned an industry established and carried on in this city.  It may well be that apart from other and important considerations, this very commendable pride will make it a real pleasure as well as a civic duty for citizens to participate to the best of their financial ability in providing needed capital for the perpetuation of that industry in this city.

Obituaries (May 4)

Harmon A. Walworth

Died December 28, 1928, Norwich, NY

Harmon A. Walworth, 17 year old son of former Sheriff and Mrs. Leon M. Walworth, was instantly killed about 2:30 Friday afternoon at his father's farm south of the city, when the fly wheel of a buzz saw broke and crushed the young mans head.  Harmon was helping his father saw wood when suddenly the fly wheel broke loose from the frame and struck Harmon, taking off the top of his head. Dr. E.W. Wilcox, coroner, was notified of the sad accident.  Besides the parents there survive two younger brothers.  This news came to the Sun office at just about press hour.

Norwich Sun, December 29, 1928

Funeral services for Harmon A. Walworth, 17 year old son of former Sheriff and Mrs. Leon M. Walworth, who met instant death Friday afternoon when struck by a fly wheel while engaged in buzzing wood, will be held at the Walworth farm home south of the city Monday afternoon at 1 o'clock with burial in Greene [Chenango Co., NY].  It is expected that Rev. W.A. Ashmore, pastor of the First Baptist church in this city assisted by Rev. Gerald Watkins of Cortland, formerly of this city will officiate. The victim of the unfortunate accident was assisting his father and younger brother in sawing some four foot wood.  Harmon was taking the four foot sticks from a pile of wood and passing them on so they could be cut into shorter lengths.  He was standing in line with the fly wheel, but probably 10 or 12 feet from it.  Suddenly without the slightest warning or apparent cause the fly wheel snapped and one of the pieces struck the youth, tearing away the top of he head.  A larger piece of the broken fragment was found imbedded in the cross grain of one of the four foot pieces of wood, while another piece was found near the boy's hat some 40 feet away from the buzz saw. The victim was instantly killed, and Dr. E.W. Wilcox, coroner, who was called, gave a verdict of accidental death.  Harmon was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Leon M. Walworth and was a student at Norwich High school.  He was to graduate this June.  He was a member of the varsity debating team, an excellent student and had many friends among faculty and students who deplore his untimely death.  He had the respect and confidence of all who knew him for his kindly ways and splendid habits. The sympathy of many goes out to the parents and family in the sad happening.  Besides the father and mother there survive an older brother, Harold, a young brother, Burton and a sister, Charlotte, and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harmon A. Walworth of this city.

Charles J. Ward

Norwich Sun, August 6, 1937

Charles J. Ward passed away at his home on East Main Street Thursday evening about 7 o'clock. working up until 5 o'clock, he was stricken with a heart attack a few minutes before his death.  Mr. Ward was born near Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 22, 1868, and lived practically all his life in or near this city.  He was united in marriage with Sarah J. Shaves, June 20, 1886, her death occurring November 15, 1903.  He never married again. To this union were born Georgianna, now Mrs. M.R. Weaver; Maude, now Mrs. William Teft; Leverne Bessie, who died in infancy; Millie, now Mrs. Clarence Knapp; Sarah, now Mrs. Calvin Davis, and Clarence.  Others surviving are ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held form the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Teft on the Norwich-South New Berlin road, Sunday at 2 p.m. Reverend M.R. Weaver, former pastor of the South New Berlin Baptist church and now pastor of the Baptist church of liberty, will officiate. Burial will be in the family plot in the south New Berlin cemetery.

Stanley R. White

Died March 6, 1934, Norwich, NY

Stanley R. White, six-months-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred White of North Pharsalia, died at the Chenango Memorial Hospital [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] at 5:30 Tuesday afternoon.  Besides the parents there are several other children. Funeral services are to be held at the White residence at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, with burial in North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].  Funeral services will be private.

William Meeker

Died March 7, 1934, Gilbertsville, NY

William Meeker of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], 77, died Tuesday night at his home in that place.  He is survived by his wife and several nephews and nieces, among them Mrs. J.R. Oakley of this city.  Funeral services are to be held at Gilbertsville Friday afternoon at 2:30.

Death Notices

Chenango American, January 5, 1865

At Morganzia Hospital, recently, of typhoid fever, Mr. Edwin P. Keating, aged 25 years.  Mr. Keating was drafted from McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] a year ago last September.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., Mrs. Mary Ann [Ruthford], wife of Robert Ruthford, aged 24 years.

In Lisle [Broome Co., NY], on the 28th ult., Rev. A.G. Orton, D.D., formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], aged 75 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., of consumption, Harriet A. [Shattuck], wife of David Shattuck, aged 30 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Alpheus Gale, aged 68 years.

Chenango American, January 19, 1865

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mrs. S. Diana Russell, aged 53 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9 inst., Minnie A. [Washburne], youngest daughter of Wm. H. And Almira Washburne, aged 2 years and 8 months.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Clara Frances [Seeley], daughter of Francis T. and Anna C. Seeley, aged 5 years and 3 months.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mrs. Nancy Morehouse, aged 76 years.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mr. James Picket, aged 34 years.

Chauncy Gibson - Early Chenango Co NY Settler

Chauncy Gibson, Early Settler of Chenango County, New York
Chenango Telegraph, January 17, 1939

Chauncy Gibson

Chenango County Pioneer

A family of Gibsons from Scotland and one of Kassons from Ireland sailed in the same ship in the year 1722 to America and settled in Voluntown, Windham County, Connecticut.  One of the children, John Gibson, married Esther Kasson. They had twelve children, the youngest of whom was Chauncy Gibson.  He was the grandfather of S.J. Gibson, former superintendent of Norwich public schools.  She, in addition to her household duties, was a midwife and often officiated in the absence of the doctor.

John Gibson and family settled in Norwich.  He bought of his brother, George Gibson, a tract of land east of Chenango river on the road now leading from Haley's Corners to Wood's Corners.  the deed of this land is recorded in the Chenango county clerk's office. The father, with his son's help, built on the land a house, which was painted red.  It still stands with a coat of paint of a different color, and is owned by a Mr Dyer. Across the road from this house and a little farther south was one owned by Gale Borden, who came here from Rhode Island. he was the father of Gale Borden of condensed milk fame. The house was later moved across the road and stands south of the old Gibson house.

One fall, Mrs. Borden wrote to Miss Mary Smith, living in Rhode Island, that she was lonesome up here in the woods and wished she would come and live with them.  She gladly accepted the invitaiton.  Mary Smith was of English-French descent, of Quaker faith, an orphan and a cousin of Gale Borden.

Mary and Chauncy!  Well, one day the two took a horseback trip by marked trees to New Berlin, where she bought her wedding clothes, and it was soon Mr. and Mrs. Chauncy Gibson.  He was a mechanic and specialized in the making of spinning wheels and flax wheels.  It is safe to say the machines of this kind now said to be relics in this vicinity were made by him or his uncle, George Gibson.

For many years he played the fiddle and called off at the dances.  Late one afternoon he started on foot to fill an engagement at the North Norwich settlement.  It grew dark, and just before he reached the clearing, a pack of wolves took after him on the assumption, perhaps, that the world owed every wolf a living, or perhaps religiously inspired to prevent the dance.  However, he arrived at the ballroom ahead of schedule time.  One day he went across the road from the house to get a pail of water from the spring and discovered a bear.  It was bruin's last drink.

Once his father and he were hunting deer on the present site of Norwich, and he made the remark that he believed the time would come when a canal would be dug in the valley. The father replied that such talk was foolish, but in this case the son was the better prophet.  He helped survey the road from Norwich to South New Berlin.

Chauncy and Mary Smith Gibson had eight children, one of whom was Stanford Chandler Gibson.  He was a district school teacher in the town of Norwich and New Berlin.  He also was a clerk at Mitchell's drug store in Norwich.  He studied medicine, and was licensed to practice by the Chenango County Medical Association. For many years he was a physician in South New Berlin.  He tenderly cared for his aged mother and father. She became blind and was often comforted by having her grandchildren read to her from her favorite book, the New Testament.

The old man was often seen walking along the banks of the river fishing pickerel.  sometimes, he was in the grocery store playing his fiddle as best a man of eighty years or upward could play "Fisher's Horn Pipe," "Devil's Dream" and other old-fashioned tunes.  Sometimes, the self appointed club members of the store were also entertained by one of his grandsons dancing to the accompaniment of the music. The dancer, was rewarded with a stick of candy.

But the fiddle and the bow were hung up at last.  He died at the age of eight-two. A few years after his widow followed him at the age of eighty-eight. they were buried in the South New Berlin cemetery overlooking the beautiful Unadilla river.

_____________________________________________

Chauncy Gibson Died 6 November 1864; Mary Smith Gibson died 12 November 1871.  They are buried in Riverview Cemetery, South New Berlin, Chenango County, New York.

Marriages (May 3)

Barnes - Church

Married June 7, 1924, Norwich, NY

Warren Barnes and Nettie Church both of King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY] were married Saturday morning at the home of Arthur Bacon of Henry street.  Following the ceremony they left for a wedding trip to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington.

Chapin - Card

Married February 18, 1930, Utica, NY

Carl Chapin of this place and miss Hilda Card of Clayville [Oneida Co., NY] were married in Utica on February 18 by Rev. William W. Rice.

Parker - Lamb

South New Berlin Bee, May 30, 1941

A quiet home wedding was held in Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], at the home of the bride, Mrs. Hattie Lamb when she became the wife of Truman B. Parker of this village, Thursday evening, at 8 o'clock, Rev. Davidson of the Baptist church of Cortland officiated. They will make their home in this village, former home of the bride. Those attending the wedding from here were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Davis and daughter Sue, Mrs. Ella Smeader, Ada Smeader and Mrs. T.R. Brining,  Their friends will join us in extending hearty congratulations.

Humiston - VanDeusen

Married June 27, 1917, New Berlin, NY

At 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon Ethel Grace [VanDeusen], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter VanDeusen, became the bride of Rex A. Humiston of this place.  The ceremony took place in St. Andrew's church of which the bride is a member, the Rev. W.E. Tanner officiating.  Only the immediate relatives and a few friends witnessed the ceremony.  The wedding march was played by Charles V. Medbury and preceding the ceremony, Miss Helen Griswold sang "Oh Promise Me" in a very pleasing manner. The bride, who was given in marriage by her brother, Prof. Frank Eldridge of Long Branch, N.J., was charmingly attired in a gown of white voile and wore a beautiful hat of white Chiffon trimmed with orange blossoms. She carried a white prayer book and also wore a bouquet of pink and white pinks.  Immediately following the ceremony a delicious wedding supper was served the guests at the bride's home on Hill Street.  Misses Helen Griswold and Grace Meeker assisted in serving.  Soon after the happy couple departed on a short wedding tour amid a shower of rice and heartiest congratulations of a host of friends.  Gazette.

Hyland - White

Norwich Sun, September 5, 1939

Miss Melvian White, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Merton J. White of East Norwich [Chenango Co., nY], and James Hyland, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Hyland of New York, were united in marriage Sunday afternoon at St. Paul's church in Norwich by the Rev. Father Charles M. Coveney.  Maid of honor was Miss Ellen White of Washington, D.C., sister of the bride, and best man was Kevin Hyland of New York, brother of the groom.  Miss Charlotte Lingee of South New Berlin and Miss Genevieve Quinn of New York were bridesmaids.  Gilbert White, brother of the bride, and Frank Morelli were ushers. Following the ceremony, a wedding reception was held at the home of the bride's parents, about ninety attending. The bride, dressed in white, was given in marriage by her father. The maid of honor was attired all in blue, while the bridesmaids, were dressed in yellow, with shoulder length veils.  Following the reception, the couple left for a trip through northern New York state and Canada.  Upon their return, they will live in New York. The bride is a graduate of the Bellevue Hospital nursing school.

Marriage notices

Chenango American, January 7, 1858

In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on the 18th ult., by Rev. S.H. Norton, Mr. Alanson S. Ferris to Miss Ellen Gage, both of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, December 29, 1864

In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. H. Blakeslee, Mr. H.D. Head, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elvira S. [Whipple], only daughter of Geo. A. Whipple, Esq., of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. James H. Crosby, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Delia E. Rogers, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. Chas. L. Turner, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Julia Alice Bennett, youngest daughter of J.C. Bennett, of Oxford.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. John Bliven, to Miss Mary Hammond, all of Norwich.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by Rev. E. Curtis, Mr. Frederick A. Moae, to Miss Ellen P. Wickham, both of Sherburne.