Epitaphs

 The following epitaphs were collected by Lou Ella Gridley and published in the Tri-Town News issue of July 21, 1982.    

East Hill:  Curding Rowland, 1841:  Stop kind reader drop a tear / on the dust that moulders here / And when you read the fate of me / Think of the glass that runs for thee

Whitestore (Evergreen Cemetery, White Store, Norwich, Chenango Co., NY), Almira Cardy, 1845:  I would not cause one thought of grief or gloom / I would not that one tear be shed for me / For I shall sweetly rest within the tomb / Set free from ill, from sin, and sorrow free

Whitestore, Sally Curtis, 1849:  Weep not for me the glorious / band of heaven surrounds me now / The wreath of immortality / Sits smiling on my brow

East Hill, Mary Willotson, 1819:  Death is the lot of all mankind / God takes no more than what he gave / And they that morn shall comfot find / But hope extends beyond the grave

Whitestore, Benjamin Sheldon, 1824:  He only lived on earth to prove / the fulness of a brothrs love / If in thy bosom dwells the sigh / of Charity & love Devine / Give to this grave a dutious tear / Thy friend thy brother slumbers here

Whitestore, Polly Richmond, 1832:  Amiable and belovd Woman / farewell the years were few / but thy virtues many. they are / recorded not on this parishing / stone but in the book of Life & / in the hearts of thine afflicted / friends

Whitestore, Samuel Richmond, 1821:  This humble willow always weeps / And marks the spot where samuel sleeps / The rugged road through death has trod / And now at rest with Christ in God

Whitestore, Harriet Greene, 1853:  We loved on earth / We'll meet in heaven / With her last breath triumphantly / She could this anthem sing / O grave where is thy victory / O Death where is thy sting

North Side [Plymouth, Chenango Co., NY], Ralph Blair, 1818:  His mind was tranquel and serean / No teror in his looks were seen / His saviors Smiles dispeled the gloom / And smoothed his pasage to the tomb

North Side, Margaret P. Prentis, 1829:  A pattern she thro' changing scenes of life / A pious Christian, a faithful wife / A mother kind, a sweet and soothing friend / Twas so she lived and peaceful was her end

Hulda Gardner died in 1872 at the age of one hundred.  She was one of the earliest pioneers who came to Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].  It was her habit, when her husband was cutting down trees in the forest, to listen, after she heard a tree fall, until she heard his axe ring as he cut the next tree.  She had a great horror of his being killed by a falling tree.

Near the railway station at Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY] is a monument to a horse, Lady Upton.  On the stone appears her story:  "Here lies the body of the old time Trotting mare Lady Upton Owned by Mr Caldwell Chamberlain. Since she was two years of age no money was ever used to acquire education.  She won races in the middle and Eastern States and Canada.  She lived a life of usefulness on Farm and Track.  Sound in wind & limb until the last and died at the extreme old age of 43 years, Mar. 12, 1907"

Sherburne's Quarter Century, Nathaniel Gray, 1810:  "Here lies the body of Nathaniel Gray born March 1736 died June 1810.  Having previously explored this country, he in the winter of 1793 whilst it yet was a wilderness took up his abode and cultivated this field, a small portion of which his remains still occupy.  Before his departure from this life, he had the satisfaction to see the wilderness blossom like the rose.  he was a devout man and a pious Christian influenced by the divine precepts of that religion which he not only professed but practiced.  He acquitted himself of his duties to his family and society with truth and sincerity."

Whitestore, David Thornton, 1813:  Nurtured on earth by generous deeds of love

St. Peter's churchyard, Bainbridge, Mrs. Ellen Bigelow, 1831:  In life she was lovely / And we loved her much / He sought to stay an angel / On earth & spirit ripe for heaven / She made a sign to bring her babe / Twas brought, she laid her hand / Upon its little breast & said / God keep my child, we heard / Her say & heard no more

Obituaries (September 11

 Smith Baker, Afton Enterprise, January 16, 1902:  Smith Baker passed away Wednesday evening after a short but very severe illness, caused by kidney trouble, from which he had been a sufferer for many years.  The funeral was held from his late home, Friday at 1 p.m., and was attended by a large number of relatives and sympathizing friends, Rev O.D. Moore officiating clergyman.  The bearers were Samuel Weeks, Percy Weeks, Chester Jones and Eli Christian   The singers were, by his request, members of the Y.P.S.C.E. in which he was much interested. Mr. Baker was anticipating much enjoyment in attending the meetings that are being held here by Rev. O.D. Moore, but God's will was otherwise and the community mourns the loss of a kind friend and neighbor.  The widow and relatives have much heartfelt sympathy.  Interment was in "The Plains" cemetery, not far from the place where he was born nearly seventy years ago.  A.J. Kark, funeral director. Among the relatives present were the following:  Mrs. G.L. Allen, Owego, Mrs. R. Gale, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Youngs and daughter, Ernest Parsons, G. Shiffer of Binghamton, Mr. and Mrs. E. Parsons, Mrs. Sarah Youngs and daughter Lena of Port Dickinson, Mr. and Mrs. Ward Moore, Mr. and Mrs. John Carpenter of Oxford, Mrs. J. Watrous of Guilford.

Jane (Mitchell) Pierce, Walton Reporter, January 11, 1902:  Mrs. Jane Pierce, a widow residing at East Davenport [Delaware Co., NY] met an instant and shocking death Tuesday at Oneonta near noon, while walking along the D.&H. tracks, and when near the stairs leading up the embankment at the west end of the coal sheds of the firm of D. Whippier & Son.  Mrs. Pierce arrived on the D.&H. train at 11:30 a.m. and desiring to take the D.&H. train for Binghamton at 12:38, she started down the D.&H. tracks for the passenger station of the latter company.  On reaching the stairs, two lady friends, who had come on the same train, started to ascend to Grand street.  An east bound train was passing on that track and its noise prevented the unfortunate woman haring the whistle of the locomotive attached to train 17, the west bound milk train, which was late and approaching rapidly on the track upon which she was standing.  She had just waived a farewell to her friends when the engine struck her, throwing her against the tinder support for the embankment. The body struck with sufficient force to break off one of the rotten posts supporting the bank.  The train was stopped but death was practically instantaneous, her backbone having been crushed in for the length of several inches and other injuries were found.  Late in the afternoon Mitchell Williamson of East Meredith and James Williamson of Meredith, two brothers of the deceased, and Ira Pierce of East Davenport, a stepson, came to Oneonta and took the body to the late home of the deceased in Davenport, from which the funeral was held.  Mrs. Pierce was 55 years of age and was the daughter of the late James Mitchell, late of Meredith.  Her husband's name was Nathan Pierce, and since his death she has resided in East Davenport village.

Afton Enterprise, January 16, 1902:  Dr. E. Denny held an inquest upon the death of Mrs. Nathan Pierce of East Davenport [Delaware Co., NY], killed in the D.&H. yard at Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], at his office, Thursday.  Five witnesses were sworn.  The evidence disclosed nothing new, save that Mrs. Pierce was standing at the side of the track until the engine was about 75 feet away, when she stepped in front thereof. The train was moving 30 or 35 miles an hour and was stopped after going about its length.  Dr. A.W. Cutler testified that the spine was fractured, three ribs broken and a probable fracture of the skull.  The cause of the death was the breaking of the spinal column.  The verdict was in accordance with these facst.  Mrs. Pierce was 55 years of age and was the daughter of the late James Mitchell, late of Meredith.  Her husband's name was Nathan Pierce, and since his death she resided in East Davenport village.

John Rider, Afton Enterprise, January 16, 1902:  John Rider residing about three miles from Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], but in the town of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], died instantly, while driving along Main street, in Unadilla, Monday.  Mr. Rider had driven to Unadilla with his two daughters to do some shopping and just as they were starting for home he dropped the reins and fell forward into the cutter. the horse was turned up in front of the Bishop house and Mr. Rider carried into the hotel, but death had apparently been instantaneous.  Rider was about 75 years of age and is survived by the two daughters, who resided with him, and one brother, also residing in the locality of his late home.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 21, 1895

Deaths

COOPER:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 7, 1895, Mr. John Cooper, age 60 years.

FITCH:  In Smithvilel Flats [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 16, 1895, Mrs. Emily Fitch, aged 74 years.

LEE:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 6, 1895, Mr. Samuel Lee, aged 70 years.

BURLISON:  In West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 9, 1895, Mrs. William Burlison, aged 90 years.

WALKER:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Feb. 7, 1895 Mr. Elmer Walker formerly of Greene, aged 35 years.

CASEY:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Feb. 9, 1895, Miss Margaret A. Casey, aged 35 years, formerly of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

ROBINSON:  In Neenah, Wis., Feb. 10, 1895, Mr. Luke M. Robinson, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] aged 64 years.

SWAIN:  In Hudson, Mich. Jan. 12, 1895, Sarah W Swain formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Aged 90 years, 27 days.

MOWERS:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Feb. 1895, Mr. John Mowers, formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

STRICKLAND:  In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], Feb. 11, 1895, Mrs. Elizabeth A. [Strickland] wife of Simon T. Strickland, aged 52 years.

DWIGHT:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], Feb. 11, 1895, Mr. Grover Dwight, aged 70 years.

ELDRIDGE:  In Yonkers, Feb. 13, 1895, Mr. A.E. Eldridge, aged 53 years formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] and brother of Fred of Norwich.

Pettys Family Bible

 Pettys Family Bible Record

The New Testament, of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, translated out of the original Greek, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.  Cooperstown, N.Y., published by H.&E. Phinney, 1835

Births

Thomas Pettys was born August the 2, 1795

Eunice Pettys was born October the 14, 1797

Charles Pettys was born November the 20, 1817

Stephen Pettys was born September the 17, 1821

Thomas S. Pettys was born February the 18, 1832

Henry C. Pettys was born November the 8, 1837

Elias Shelden Pettys was born April the 25, 1839

Betsey Davis Pettys was born May the 24th, 1842

Ella D. Pettys was born May the 13, 1885

Harriet Mae Pettys was born May the 8, 1880

Frank B. Woodruff, son of Clark & Harriet Pettys Woodruff was born in Guilford, Chenango Co. N.Y. Nov. 10, 1896.

Ethel Gladys Woodruff, daughter of Clark and Harriet Pettys Woodruff was born on South Hill town of Guilford , Chenango Co. N.Y., Oct. 26, 1906

Deaths

William C. Marshal, died June the 17th, 1840

Abigal Marshal Died October the 3d, 1845

Frelove Pettys Died April the 12, 1849

Nancy Cleavland Died August 9, 1849

Henry C. Pettys Died October 29, 1849

Eunice Pettys Died January the 12, 1860

-?- Pettys Died March 11, 1873

Elias S. Pettys Died February 17, 1912

Mary Ette Pettys Died January 27, 1916

Charles Wilkinson - Civil War Soldier, 90th NYS Regiment

 

        Charles Wilkinson was born 3 Mar. 1840[1] the son of Thomas and Sally (Crandall) Wilkinson.  On 12 Oct. 1861, at the age of 21 years, he enlisted in the armed services at Nineveh, NY, for a term of three years, as a private in Company E of the 90th NYS Regiment.  The 90th regiment was organized at New York city on 20 Nov. 1861, consisting of a consolidation of the McClellan Rifles and McClellan Chasseurs.  Company E of which Charles was a member was recruited principally in Unadilla, Nineveh and Otego, NY.  A little over a year after enlisting, Charles died of yellow fever 9 Nov. 1862 at Key West, Florida where he is stationed.[2],[3]  The family erected a monument to his memory at North Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

     While in the service, Charles Wilkinson regularly wrote home and eagerly looked forward to   

       Some of his letters written home have survived.  They show an intelligent, educated young man from a close family.  Although he denies it, he is clearly homesick and consequently eager for the war to end so that he can come home.  His letters all begin assuring them of his "very good health" and hoping they are all enjoying the same "blessing."  They all end with his sending "My love to you all," frequently asking them to forgive his writing mistakes and entreating them to write to him often ("as soon as you receive this").  Some extracts from Charles' letters are provided in the following.[4]  He mentions his mother, sister (Hannah), brothers (John, Ed) and various neighbors.

                                                                                    Camp Morgan Dec. 6th 1861

                 Dear Brother

                ....Perhaps when I was at home I made so much noise that it made Mother worse, but I am glad that she is so much better.  But I am in hopes that I shall be at [home] in the Spring or some other time.  We have had some few days of very cold weather, but no snow to amount to anything.  I was surprised to hear that George McDonald had enlisted.  If I could enlist over again I should enlist in the regular army for then a Soldier knows who is to be his officers.  In the Volunteers you will have an officer one day and not any the next.  We have by this consolidation lost our Captain.  Our present captain is a man by the name of Paturelle, a Frenchman [Honoré DeLaPaturelle].  He appears to be a very nice man, but I have rather have Locke [John Locke].  Locke is to be our first lieutenant and William H. Ireland our Second Lieutenant.  I went to the Union Race course Wednesday to trotting match....The quickest time was 2.35.  $251 on a side....You must all be clever to Mother and do ever thing to cheer and comfort her.  Tell her when I get my pay I will send her some money to get some tobacco and pipes etc.  Hannah you must do all that you can to help mother and keep the house neat and tidy....

        _____________________________

                                                                                    Camp Morgan Dec. 18th 1861

                ....We have not got our pay yet but expect it next friday.  I doubt whether we get it then for it has been a coming in that kind of way for the past four weeks.  We have a tip top place to sleep, not as good as I would at home, but for a Soldier I call it first rate.  We have a good coal stove in the room where we sleep and keep a good fire all night.  There has been no sickness in our company to amount to anything.  There is two fellows in another company that has got the measles.  There is some of our boys home on furlough.  Perhaps you may see some of them and they will tell you all the news better than I can write it.  James Merritt will be up through that neighborhood and I told him to call and see how you all got along.  The weather here continues to be warm and pleasant.  It is foggy today.  So thick that you can't see more than three or four rods.  I presume you are now attending to your stock and overseeing such other business as comes under your attention.  I suppose that you have got your beef critter about fatted and good hogs well under way.....

        ______________________________________

                                                                                                Key West Feb. 2nd 1862

                ....The only kind of stock that I have seen is a few goats and mules.  The people here get [their food] principly by fishing.  There is about 3000 inhabitants on the Island now, but before the war broke out they say that there was about 7000.  Lemons, Oranges and Cocoanuts grow here quite plenty.  The Island contains about Seven Square miles.  It is rather a rough looking place.  Houses are built right in the woods, the brush allowed [to grow] round it....The whites are mostly [Southern] at heart, but they dare not say [so].  They appear to be kind and pleasant to our faces, but as our [back] is turned they damn [us high] and dry.  This is what --?-- says which I do  not doubt.  It is little more work to be a Soldier down here than it was [up] north.  We have to drill more and standing on guard a fellow has to keep his eyes open and keep walking his post.  Before we could set down and nothing said.  This is the most ignorant place [that I ever] was in as regards [getting the] news of the day....What news we do get [is] rumors, nothing definite.  You at home probably [know] more about the Regiments of this or any other Regiment better than we do ourselves.  I want you, if you will, to send me a paper....Here is such news...I hope it is true.  It is as follows.  That the Union forces in Kentucky had battle at Bowling Green or some such place and took 7000 prisoners.  Another that the Federal troops had taken the city of Charleston, South Carolina and had taken some other place in North Carolina....

                ____________________________

                                                                                    Key West, March 22nd, 1862

                ....I received a letter from John about two week since, stating that he was enjoying tolerable good health for him.  but I should judge from the length of the letter that he was in a very feble state of health.[5]  It was about such a letter as he used to write home from Potter.  Nevertheless I was glad to hear from him....I should like to be at home and see you and Ed bob round.  I think it would pay tip top.  I should think it was about time for sugar weather.  Perhaps it is by this time.  I should like to be there through Sugaring first rate.  Well you must make all you can so when I come home that I can have a good eat.  I believe if I had some tonight I could devour 2 or 3 pounds.  The news in this place is of all sorts and sizes.  Yesterday we got news that Manassas Junction was taken and the Union forces were moving rapidly on to Richmond.  If this it true it is truly glorious news.  Let this news be as it may.  Guns were fired from the fort and caused great rejoicing among the Soldiers.  I expect to hear great news from General Rutters expedition.  He passed by here about a week ago on his way to join the fleet in the gulf.  He also had quite a fleet with him.  Our gun boats are bringing prizes in port about every day.  There is lots of prisoners here on the island or at least there has been.  Good many have been sent north.  There has been 8 men discharged out of our company.  They will start for their northern home tomorrow if nothing happens.  I mean to send this letter by one of them.  The most of them will go through Afton.  They live in Unadilla.  I was glad to hear the result of the town meeting in Afton.  I hope by the time another year rolls around we may elect the whole ticket....I was glad to get that paper you sent me.  Papers are quite Strangers in camp....

                ______________________________

                                                                                                                                                                                                                [Undated, from Key West]

                Mail has not come into camp yet.  I am anxious [to] get it to see what the news is.

                Well, it is very dull time in camp now.  Days we have target practice and dress parade and sometimes battalion drill.  Target practice takes place early in the morning and Dress parade or battalion drill just at night which all comes in the cool of the day.  Of course we have to stand on guard.  Our turn comes round about once a week.  There is 8 or ten of our company in the hospital, all of which have had the typhoid fever, but are getting smart again.  Three men of our company have died since we have been on this island. 

                I wish I could have been at home through Sugaring.  I think could have enjoyed myself hugely.  Well I can hope that I shall be at home to help you in haying and I think I shall if all the reports are true.  I don't see how they can hold out much longer.  There was a small prize brought into port yesterday with about 200 bales of cotton.  I have just received those papers you sent me just now and have not got time to read them as the mail leaves in about an hour.  I presume you and Ed have commenced the Spring work, and have got some oats sowed and have got the manure about all out.  Probably you are now fixing fence at odd spells.

                I was sorry to hear that you had to buy hay, but I think it is better to buy than to scrimp your cattle.  If I was in your place I would buy enough to keep the cows until the grass got up a good bite.  We were mustered for pay last Wednesday and I expect we will get a month's pay about the 10th or 15th of this month.  I will send home $35.00 or $40.00  so you can pay for the hay you have to buy.  Be sure and raise all you can this year for I [expect] it will be hard times.  I think now that I shall be at home to help you in haying....

                ....Tell Hannah she must keep the house neat and tidy and let Mother Smoke and do all the scolding if there is any need of it.  I am glad that Ed is going to work at home this summer.  Tell him that [he] must not chew too much tobaco and drink more ginger tea or peppermint.  Well I must bring this letter to a close.  I am fearful that so much twaddle may weary thee....

                P.S.  That letter that was left at the Post Office at Afton.  I sent by a fellow that lives at Unadilla by the name of George Ames.  He and seven others that belonged to our Company were discharged and I sent it by him to be left at Afton.  I don't know how it got unsealed probably by carrying it in his pocket.  I think Hiram Derby could make it pay better by Soldering then working for ten dollars per month and not have to work half as hard....

                _______________________________

                                                                        Key West Florida March 31st 1862

                ....Well, Bill I am well and enjoying myself as well as the circumstance will admit of and hope that these lines will find you all well, and enjoying yourselves generally.  I presume that by this time your school is out and that you are free once more.  Probably you will now turn your attention to getting up wood for the next year.  Perhaps it is good Sugar weather and you are boiling sap and getting out manure or something of that sort.  I wish could be at home now to make a short visit.  Not that because I am home sick.  I like the business first rate and don't want any better.

                .....One of our gunboats brought in prize last Wednesday morning.  She was laden with cotton.  It was the first time that I had seen the Rebel Flag.  The Stars and Stripes was at the mast head and the Rebel Flag was at half mast.  We hear good news from the Seat of war.  Probably no news for you.  A few more Such Victories will cripple the Rebels so they will be glad to give up.  I am very much obliged to you for sending me that paper and hope you will send me one every week if it is not to expensive.  I saw it stated in the paper that the government was agoing [to] establish a weekly mail from N.Y. to Havanah by the way of Key West.  I hope they will.  I was surprised to hear that Peter Nichols was in Ayshire.  Perhaps he came out there make Gard[6] and his spouse a visit and perhaps to work for him next summer picking up stones [of] which he (Peter) is very fond.  Tell Pete that I will write to him in a few days.  I set here in my tent writing today and it is so warm that the sweat runs off of my face as bad as it does when I work in haying.  We have to drill about 4-1/2 hours day which is enough for a climate like this ....

                _______________________

                                                            Fort Taylor, Key West, June 20, 1862

                ....Well we have got our pay at last or part of it.  For 4 months pay we only recd $48.79.  Uncle Sam thought that he would be sure to get his pay for the clothes that we have had.  He took out about one sixth of month's pay.  If we do not draw any more clothes until the year is up we will get back what we payed.  I will try and send home $25 to $30 in all.  I owed some 5 dollars and shall keep 8 or 10 dollars for myself.  A fellow has to buy oil and sand paper and such things and they charge like the Devil for them nearly 3 times as much as they do up North.  And all other nick nax in proportion.  I will send you ten dollars in this letter and I will send more by the next mail.  When you get this money I wish you to get Mother some tobacco and such other things as she wants.  I write this in great haste....

                _____________________________

                                                            Fort Taylor, Key West, June 27, 1862

                I Recd. your kind letter of the 4th inst. a few days ago.  I was very glad to hear from home and to hear that you all were enjoying yourselves first rate.  I was also glad to hear that John had got home and was gaining fairly.  He will now get the best of care and will soon gaine his health.  The little note he put into your letter did not state whether he had attained his discharge or not.  I am in hopes that he did get his discharge for I do not think that he is able [to] stand what a Soldier has to endure.  My health is first rate.  Better than expected it would be and I hope that these lines will find you all in the enjoyment good health.  Well as regards news there is none of any account.  A gun boat came in yesterday with the news that our fleet had commenced to bombard Fort Sumpter.  Whether this is true or not I can not say.  Perhaps you have heard all about before this tome.  I am in hopes before this reaches you that Richmond will [be] taken and Old Jeff Davis taken prisoner.

                We have got into pretty good quarters now here in the fort.  This Fort is on the extreme west of the island.  (I say on the island)  It is about 100 rods from the island built on a rock, and is connected to the land by a bridge.  The Fort mounts about 75 cannons besides quite a number [of] mortars.  The guns are not all mounted yet but will be soon.  Today I helped mount 2 eight inch rifle cannon.  This fort commands the only channel that leads into the harbor and I think that if a fleet should attempt to enter would get Hail Columbia.  They have built another fortification on the South of the Island which mounts fifty guns.  We live tolerable well.  It is good enough for Soldiers.  We have in the morning Coffee, Bread, Beacon, Potatoes when we can get them.  For dinner we have --?--, Pea or Bean soup, bread.  For supper coffee and tea, generally with a mixture of the breakfast and dinner.  Fresh meat twice a week. 

                We have taken the Enfield rifles.  They are a nice piece I can tell you.  They weigh only 11 pounds with the bayonet on and will shoot 900 yards.  They have a raised light so it can be gauged from 100 up to 900 yards.  The balls I should think would weigh 1/2 ounce or more.  They are peakular balls.  We have to have our guns loaded every night on guard.

                It is with regret that I have to announce to you the death of Sergeant Henry H. Rhodes.  He died last night after an illness of 2 month or more.  He has been with the company from the time we started from Nineveh up to the present time.  He was a Gentleman and a Soldier and died regreted by all who knew.  Perhaps you were acqauainted with him, if so you can judge for yourself.  The funeral will take place this afternoon at 3-1/2 O'clock.  I must bring this letter to close for I must get ready for the funeral.  I wish you would send me a monitor for I have not got any.  I will try and send my likeness the next time I write....P.S.  Enclosed you will find $15.00

---

[1]Wilkinson Family File, family Bible record, Chenango County Museum, Norwich, NY.

[2]Annual Report of the Adjutant General of the State of New York For the Year 1901, Serial No. 31 (J.B. Lyon Co., Albany, NY, 1902) p. 546.

[3]Roll of Honor, Names of Soldiers who Died in Defence of the American Union, V. 9 (Govt. Printing Office, Washington, DC, 1866) p. 156.

[4]Wilkinson Family File, Chenango County Museum, Norwich, NY.  Copies of letters were donated to the museum by Clarinda Pearce [#384].

[5]Charles is apparently complaining that the letter his brother John sent him was too short to satisfy him. 

[6]Probably Samuel Gardiner Nichols.

Marriage & Death Notices, 1869 & January 1879

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 14, 1869

Marriages

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., by Rev. T.D. Hammond, Mr. Charles G. Winston, to Miss Sarah M. Davis, all of Greene.

Also, at the same time and place, by the same, Mr. Selden L. Chalker to Miss Mary J. Winston, all of Greene [Chenango Co., NY]

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Francis A. Steward to Miss Ellen A. Howe, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY]

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st  ult., by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. David L. Brown, of Coventry [Chenango co., NY] to Miss Asenath Wrench, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. S Scoville, Mr. Royal Stearns, to Miss Emma N. [Thurston], daughter of Warren Thurston, all of Norwich.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 1, 1869

Marriages

At the Baptist Parsonage, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Dwight Merriam, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Harriet L. Newton, daughter of Dea. Newton, of Greene.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 23d ult., by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. George W. Ingraham to Miss Hattie E. Mixer, all of Oxford.

Deaths

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Margaret [Waugh], infant daughter of Robert Waugh, aged 1 year.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Mr. Robinson J. Cooley, aged 40 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 8, 1869

Marriages

At the residence of Mr. Alva Parsons, at Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. J.M. Ely, Mr. Ira Sherwood, Jr., and Miss Alice E. Wells, both of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., by Rev. W.A. Wadsworth, Mr. Daniel E. Cline, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Harriet E. Cadogan, of Norwich.

Deaths

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Miss Caroline Nelson, daughter of John Nelson, aged 28 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 9, 1879

Marriages

Dec. 25th, by Rev. G.A. Pelton, Mr. Dan. W. Wheeler, and Miss Mina A. Bly, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Jan. 1st, by Rev. G.A. Pelton, Mr. W. Arrimon Moffatt, and Miss Dora L. Hall, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY]

At Mr. Morris Reid's in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 31st, by Rev. H.N. Van Deusen, Henry M. Robinson, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] and Aurelia L. Hubbard, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] Dec. 26th, at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev  H.W. Congdon, Mr. Edgar M. Lewis, of Westmoreland, N.Y. to Miss Minnie [McFarland], daughter of Nelson McFarland, Esq.

In Marathon, Dec. 26th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. George S. Glover to Miss Cora A. Bancroft, both of Willett [Cortland Co., NY].

At Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. E.W. Lake, Mr. Floyd H. Reed, to Miss Addie Elliott, both of Upper Lisle.

At Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY], Dec. 14th, by Rev. C.E. Taylor, Mr. Willett Ockerman of Whitney's Point, to Miss Lillie A. Gray, of Barker [Broome Co., NY].

In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. T.P. Halstead, Mr. Thos. H. Compton, of Guilford, to Miss Hattie L. Carl, of Butternuts.

In Harpersville [Broome Co., NY], Nov. 3d, by Rev. A.W. Cornell, William H. Sweet, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] and Thankful Barber of  Harpersfield.

In Delancy, NY., Dec. 31st, by Rev. T. Park, Mr. James A. Nelsh, of Preston [?Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Nelly A Barlow, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

At the M.E. Parsonage, Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. H.M. Crydenwise, Mr. Fred O. Barr, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Carrie P. White, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

At Susquehanna, Pa., Dec. 30th, by Rev. W.J. Judd, Mr. E.A. Wood of Lake View, Minnesota, and Miss Mary J. Shattuck, of Barker, N.Y. [Broome Co.].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 2d, by Rev. C.F. Janes, Clarence R. Miner and Helen C. Moore.

Deaths

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Jan'y 5th, Susie May [White], daughter of Vincent and Mary R. White, aged 6 years and 16 days.

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 20th, Mrs. Ellen Sloan, in her 97th year.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Jan'y 1st, Mrs. Prudy Kinyon, relict of the late Joseph Kinyon, aged 92 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 30th, William H. Lee, aged 58 years.

At the residence of her son, Hon. J.F. Hubbard, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] Dec. 28th, Mrs. Almira Hubbard, widow of the late John F. Hubbard, aged 78 years.

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 20th, Mr. Lewis Ackley, aged 17 years.

Obituaries (September 7)

 Jane Elliott, Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 21, 1869:  At the residence of H.N. Elliott, in this city, Jan'y 1, 1869, Mrs. Jane Elliott, aged 68 years, 5 months and 6 days.  Deceased was our mother.  For twenty-three years a widow, she devoted herself to her children, and her pious, faithful life is held in sweet remembrance by them.  She was born in Newport, Isle of Wight, England, and came to New York State in 1829.  Three of her children having settled in Manhattan [Kansas], she took up her residence with them the past summer, and it was our expectation to have her with us yet many years.  Alas, the destroyer came, and suddenly dashed our hopes to the ground. Typhoid pneumonia, in one short week, terminated the life of her we loved.  But she died in peace.  For fifty years an avowed follower of Jesus, she had sweet consolation on her death bed, and calmly prepared to cross the river. We write this tribute tearfully, yet with the consolation that with our mother, "all is well."  Manhattan (Kansas) Standard.

Lottie Ide Van Camp, Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 14, 1869:  In Preble, N.Y., on the 27th ult., Lottie Ide [Van Camp], wife of Samuel C. Van Camp, aged 25 years and 11 days.  We desire in this time of our sorrow and bereavement, to bear testimony to the power of the religion of the gospel to sustain and comfort in affliction when even earthly refuge fails. the promises of God, have long been precious to us, but such words as "my grace shall be sufficient for thee" and "as thy day is so shall thy strength be," never had such significance as now.  These promises have been verified when we most needed their fulfillment.  On the last Sabbath of the year we received saying "Lottie died this morning at nine o'clock."  These tidings were entirely unexpected and for a few moments we were dumb, we opened not our mouths, for we knew the Lord had done it.  But very soon, we were enabled to kiss the rod which had smitten us, and to say--we trust with resignation--not our will but thine O God be done. The next morning while it was yet dark, we commenced our long and sad journey, but we were not left desolate for the comforter was near, bringing to our remembrance, precious words of Him who spake as never man spake and who alone can sustain his sorrowing suffering ones. We feared lest our strength should fail when called to look upon the form of our beloved child, but God in his mercy upheld us, and gave us the sweet assurance, that our child was safe on the glorified shore, in the presence of that Saviour whom she had honored and loved from childhood. A sweet smile rested upon her face, indicating as we thought the state of mind in which she passed from earth to Heaven.  Then came fear concerning the burial scene, will grace sufficient be given to keep husband, parents, brother and sister from sinking?  Yes. To the praise of God's goodness be it said, the coffin, the shroud and the grave were disarmed of their usual terrors and we laid our first born a young wife and mother beneath the snow, while a voice seemed to say, "I am the resurrection and the life, and because I live thy child shall live also."  We cannot refrain from pressing with great earnestness upon Christian parents, the duty of making it their first care to lead their children to that Saviour, who will be the shepherd, guardian and guide in this life, and in the world to come, will give them eternal life. We bless God that we are not called to mourn as those without hope. The light of our child's Christian example, her carefully marked Bible, her place of secret prayer, her love for the cause of Christ, and other sweet memories, are a precious legacy to her bereaved husband and stricken family.     The Bereaved Parents.

Warren Gray, Chenango American, January 14, 1869:  Died Suddenly, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th instant, Warren Gray, Esq., aged 84 years.  In the death of this aged and respected citizen, our whole community feels a shock.  He has been for years the most prominent landmark in our midst, and the most brilliant link in the chain that unites us to a past generation.  He has fallen like the stately oak that has long survived the primeval forest and been the observed of all observers, and at last yields to the decay of time, and falls to mingle with its native dust.

Warren Gray was the son of Rev. Jeduthan Gray, and was born in Berkshire County, Mass., in 1784.  He came to this town in 1805, and settled on the east bank of the Genegantslet, and amid all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, he bore his full share of its trials, and aided largely in converting a howling wilderness into the abode of civilization and refinement.  Mr. Gray held many prominent positions among his fellow men, the most important of which was that of Magistrate.  He was made a Justice of the Peace of this town, by the then council of appointment in February 1822, and every subsequent year he has held the office by appointment or election up to the day of his death, making a continuous service of 47 years.  It is doubtful if another instance can be found in the State of so long and uninterrupted service.  His duty as a town officer has ever been punctually performed, and its people acknowledge a debt of gratitude to him for his zeal and devotion to their interests.

Warren Gray was a man of no ordinary mark.  He possessed a great many excellent traits of character.  He was strictly honest in all his dealings with his fellow men; integrity was indelibly written upon his brow, and it could be read by all who associated with him.  He possessed a judicial mind of no ordinary power, and when combined with the foregoing traits of character, his opinions and decisions were seldom controverted by parties or overruled by higher tribunals.  He held the scale of justice firmly and no partially to the last day of his life, and no personal consideration or private prejudice was ever charged upon him.  He had through his long life a wide spread influence over his fellow men; his council and advice on all subjects was eagerly sought and universally followed.  He was truly a peace maker among his contemporaries, and gratitude is the incense from all hearts that arise to his memory and call him blessed.  He has gone to his final rest with the commanding applaudits of our whole people, and embalmed with charity for all his works on earth.  In all the social relations of life, in all his public duties to his fellow men. he has left a bright example of a well spent life, worthy of imitation of those who survive him.  Mr. Gray was twice married and has left a wife and several children to lament his departure from among us.  He was buried on the 11th inst., by the members of Eastern Light Lodge of which he had been a member for 55 years, and twice its master, assisted by large delegations from all the adjacent Lodges.  Peace, peace to the departed.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 7, 1869

Marriages

In Homer, N.Y., [Cortland Co.] on Tuesday evening, Dec. 29th, by Rev. J.D. Barnes, Dr. Frank B. Darby, of Owego [Tioga Co. NY], and Miss Mary E. [Wheeden], daughter of Mr. C.H. Wheeden.  The marriage ceremony (with the ring) was beautifully performed by the officiating clergyman.  A large and happy company enjoyed the occasion and gave the wedded pair their most cordial congratulations.  An ample provision was made for the comfort of the guests--Homer Republican.

On the 5th inst., by Rev. E. Puffer, John H. Fairchild, to Miss Mary Eugenia Wayrous [Watrous?], both of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

At the residence of Darius Robinson, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] on the 31st ult., by Rev. Wm. Burnside, Mr Francis A. Stevens, to Miss Ellen A. Steward, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY]

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. C.H. Dibble, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss F.S. Dibble, of Oxford.

Death

At the county House [Preston, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mary [Benedict], wife of Joseph Benedict, aged 29 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 14, 1869

Deaths

In Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], on New Year's day, Mr. William McCray, aged 88 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 3d inst., Mr. Sidney Eggleston, aged about 60 years.

Death Notices - 1895

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 31, 1895

Deaths

WATERS:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], Jan. 21, 1895, Claude [Waters], son of Frank and Ida Waters, aged 11 months.

LORIMER:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 25, 1895, Stella Dyer [Lorimer], wife of George Lorimer of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Deceased was for years a member of W.B. Beach of Norwich and was married Nov. 10, 1894.  She was 19 years old when she died.

McINTOSH:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 24, 1895, Julia H. [McIntosh], widow of the late R.T. McIntosh, aged 76 years.

WHITBECK:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 27, 1895, Mrs. Esther M. Whitbeck, age 77 years.

MORRELL:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 28, 1895, Mr. Frederick Morrell, aged 81 years.

HAPGOOD:  In Apulia, N.Y. [Onondaga Co.] Jan. 8, 1895, Charles H. Hapgood, aged 50 years, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

CARVER:  In Brooklyn Jan. 21, 1895, Mrs. William Carver, formerly of Afton [Chenango Co., NY]

BALDWIN:  In Minneapolis, Minn. Jan. 23, 1895, Mrs. Caroline L. [Baldwin], wife of the late Rufus J. Baldwin and daughter of the late Wm. Mygatt of Oxford.

IRELAND:  In Los Angeles, Cal. Dec. 2, 1894 Melissa Bodish [Ireland], wife of L.H. Ireland, formerly of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], aged 52 years.

RACE:  At Irving Park, Chicago Jan. 24, 1895, Cornelia J. [Race], wife of Warren B. Race, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 58 years 11 months.

SEELEY:  in Aztalan, Wisc, Jan. 15, 1895 Mr. St. Paul Seeley, age 83, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].  

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 21, 1895

Deaths

FINK:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 15, 1895, Miss Elizabeth Fink of Baldwinsville, aged 54 years.

INGERSOLL:  West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 15, 1895, Mr. Alonzo Ingersoll, aged 55 years.

PIKE:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 12, 1895, Mr. Milton A. Pike, age 58 years.

SCARRITT:  in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 16, 1895, Mr. Henry Scarrett, age 85 years.

STEERE:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 12, 1895 Mr. Arthur Steere of East McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], aged 82 years.

CLARK:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 15, 1895, Mrs. Laura E. Clark, aged 66 years.

ROBINSON:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 13, 1895, Betty Ann [Robinson], wife of G.W. Robinson, Sr., aged 55 years.

HALLENBECK:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 7, 1895, Mrs. Eliza [Hallenbeck], widow of the late Seth Hallenbeck, aged 77 years 9 months 19 days.

LEONARD:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], Feb. 9, 1895, Mary J. [Leonard] wife of Jefferson Leonard, aged 45 years.

DEXTER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 13, 1895, Ralph [Dexter] son of Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Dexter, aged 5 years.

MEDBURY:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 12, 1895, Mr. Delos Medbury.

ADAMS:  In Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 14, 1895, Mr. W. Alonzo Adams aged 55 years.

WIGHTMAN:  In Germane [Chenango Co., NY] Feb. 14, 1895, Kate [Wightman] widow of the late William Wightman, aged about 65 years.

WOLCOTT:  In Otselic Center [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 9, 1895, Mrs. Nancy Wolcott, aged about 80 years.

Skinner Family Vitals (September 6)

 George Irving Skinner, Norwich Sun, Mar. 25, 1926:  Citizens of Bainbridge were stunned when word came that their fellow townsman, Hon. George I. Skinner had passed away very suddenly at his home in Brooklyn following a 24-hour illness from the "flu."  George Irving Skinner was born in Sherburne Feb. 20, 1858 where his early childhood was passed.  After his graduation from Madison University he was assistant principal of Norwich Academy.  Later he took up the study of law under John W. Church of Norwich and was admitted to the bar in 1887 and took up the practice of law in Bainbridge, which place has ever since been his home.  Mr. Skinner was prominent in the public life of the town, county and state, having served as postmaster of Bainbridge, head of the Foreign Corporation Building Loan and Banking Law Bureau of the New York state, first and second deputy to the superintendent of banking and finally superintendent of banking.  Mr. Skinner was recognized as one of the leading authorities on banking in the United States.  At the time of his death Mr. Skinner was a member of the law firm of Jonas, Skinner and Newberger of New York city;  director of the Land Bank of the state of New York and vice president of the Manufacturers Trust Company of New York city.  His judgment was requested for the safety it assured; his counsel for the wisdom it contained.  In November, 1891, Mr. Skinner was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth McCrea of Smithville Flats, who survives him.  Also he leaves to mourn the loss of a most devoted father, one son George McCrea Skinner, who is a practicing attorney in New York city;  three daughters, Mrs. Irving Ives of Norwich and Margaret and Laura Skinner of Bainbridge.  Mr. Skinner loved his home town and his family spent at least six months of each year here, Mr. Skinner coming up from New York city each weekend to be with them.  Last Tuesday evening he came back to Bainbridge for the last time.  Accompanied by his loved ones, his remains were brought from New York to his home on Greenlawn avenue.  On Thursday afternoon prayer service was held at the family home at 1:30 with funeral services at St. Peter's church at 2 o'clock.  The body was placed in the vault at Green Lawn cemetery.  The mahogany casket was covered with a blanket of roses and nature's choicest blooms in sprays, wreaths, pillows, baskets, etc., were massed around the casket and completely filled the front of the church.  These were only slight tokens of the love of friends throughout the country.  The honorary bearers were Lieutenant Governor Seymour Lowman, deputies in State Banking Department, Judge Overocker and George Plant of Albany, David Hutton of Rye, N.Y., Martin Cohen of New York city and Charles Gray of Greene.  Active bearers were Ralph W. Kirby, Charles H. Clark, Julien C. Scott, Edward Danforth and Thomas Collins of Bainbridge and J. Johnson Ray, James J. Flanagan and James S. Flanagan of Norwich.  

Skinner - McCray, Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, November 25, 1891:  Smithville Flats--A very pleasant wedding was celebrated at the residence of the bride's mother, Mrs. Mary E. McCray, at half-past one o'clock, on Thursday afternoon November 19^th, when Miss Lizzie M. McCray was married to George I. Skinner, of Bainbridge, by the Rev.  P. Giffin.  Earnest congratulations are extended to them by their many friends.

Elizabeth (McCray ) Skinner, Bainbridge News, February 8, 1951:  Mary Elizabeth McCray Skinner, widow of the late George I. Skinner, died at her home on West Main street in this village [Bainbridge] last Monday morning, Jan. 29.  Mrs. Skinner was born July 3, 1866 at Smithville Flats, the daughter of Joseph L. McCray and Mary Elizabeth McCray.  Her childhood was spent at Smithville Flats and she attended the Union School there from which she graduated in 1882.  Following her graduation she attended Teachers College and later taught school at Smithville for several years during which time she became acquainted with George I. Skinner, who was principal of the school at that place.  This acquaintance between teacher and principal ripened into a romantic attachment and they were married Nov. 19, 1891, at which time Mr. Skinner came to Bainbridge to live and practice law.  He was appointed postmaster here and they made their home on Greenlawn avenue from which residence she was most appropriately buried last Thursday afternoon.  Following Mr. Skinner’s term as postmaster here at Bainbridge he became associated with the State Banking Department at Albany and the family usually spent their winter months in that city returning to Bainbridge for the summers.  Later Mr. Skinner became State Superintendent of Banks.  It was in 1920 that her husband left the State Banking Department and became Consulting Vice-President of the Manufacturers Trust Co. in New York City.  During these years until his death in 1926 their winter home was in New York.  Mrs. Skinner traveled extensively in this country with her husband and in Europe with her son.  Following her husband’s death she returned to their Pruyne Hill home in Bainbridge and she had lived there and in the home on West Main street for the past several years.  Mrs. Skinner was a member of the National Society of New England Women and of the Woman’s Club, of Bainbridge.  She also served on the Board of the Woman’s Club for several terms before her death.  She was for several years a trustee of the Bainbridge Free Library.  She was in her younger days an active member of St. Peter’s Protestant Episcopal Church, a member of the choir and an ardent worker in the Women’s Auxiliary.  She is survived by her son, Attorney George McCrea Skinner; and two daughters, Mrs. Laura B. Storey, of Elmhurst, and Miss Margaret I. Skinner, of Bainbridge.  A third daughter, Elizabeth M. Ives, wife of U.S. Senator Irving M. Ives of Norwich, died here at her mother’s home in 1947.  A grandson, George Skinner Ives, and a great granddaughter, Elizabeth Turner Ives, live at Levittown, L.I.  Funeral services were held at the old family home on Pruyne Hill Feb. 1, 1951, at 2 p.m.  Interment was at St. Peter’s Cemetery.  The honorary pall-bearers were Ralph W. Kirby, Louis B. Fairbanks, Clayton Sweet, Edwin R. Ringelka and Dr. Edward Danforth, of Bainbridge, and John E. Carroll of Norwich.  The bearers were Dr. Elliot Danforth, of Sidney; Lambert Myers of Albany’  Leigh W. Evans, Maxson S. Crumb, William D. Sutliff and Sidney R. Bennett;  of Bainbridge.  The Rev. James E. Wolfe rector of St. Peter’s Church, Bainbridge officiated at the services.  Out-of-town friends and members of the family who attended the funeral were Mrs. Agnes Cowap, of Pelham Manor;  Mrs. Mae Keeler Craig, of Mt. Kisco;  John E. Carroll and Mrs. Carroll, of Norwich;  U.S. Senator Irving M. Ives, of Washington, D.C., and George Skinner Ives, of Levittown.  Mrs. Skinner enjoyed life amply and long and she had to the end what should accompany advance age—love, honor and troops of friends all of whom join in extending praise and tribute to a truly remarkable woman who lived the greater part of her rich and rewarding life in our midst.  She was respected for the authority of her opinions and judgment which were forthrightly expressed.  But above all she was loved for her qualities as a woman and mother; her sociability, her ready humor, her patience in time of trial.  These attributes made her the equal friend of her neighbors and of all those who enjoyed her acquaintance.  Her good humor, her zest for life and the somehow youthful spirit which survived in her until the end were warmly and humanly appealing, and the pleasing memory of her vivaciousness and kindly ways will linger on through the years.  [Bainbridge News, Feb. 8, 1951].

Skinner - Ireland, Bainbridge News, June 17, 1943:  The marriage of Miss Charlah Ireland, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ireland, to George McCrea Skinner, son of Mrs. George I. Skinner and the late Mr. Skinner, took place Saturday morning in St. Peter's Episcopal Church.  The Rev. James E. Wolfe performed the ceremony.  A wedding breakfast was served at Hotel DeCumber, Sidney.  The bride was attired in a gown of gold brocade and matching hat.  She wore a corsage of white orchids.  Mrs. Dow Campbell, sister of the bride, was matron of honor.  The best man was Dr. Roscoe C. Funk, of Scarsdale.  Mrs. Skinner is a graduate of Syracuse University.  After Teaching in Oneonta and Schenectady, she returned to Bainbridge where she has been in business for the past few years.  Her husband is an alumnus of Albany Academy, Colgate university, and Albany Law School, and is practicing law at Bainbridge.

Ives - Skinner, Bainbridge Republican, October 28, 1920:  On Saturday evening Oct. 23^rd at 8 o’clock, occurred the wedding of two prominent young people of this village [Bainbridge].  Irving M. Ives, son of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Ives, was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Skinner, daughter of Hon. and Mrs. George I. Skinner, at St. Peter’s church, by the Rector, Rev. J. DeLancy Scovil.  No more pleasing affair has ever been included in matrimonial functions than this event whose beauteous and attractive features characterized the ceremony from its initial step to the conclusion of a happy wedding reception.  Pine trees and hydrangeas of the autumn shades elaborately and lavishly decorated the interior of the church.  Orchid chrysanthemums rested on the altar and hydrangeas also marked the pews and windows.  While the guests were assembling, Miss Janet Juliand, organist, played perfectly several selections.  At the strains of the wedding march the bridal party entered the church and proceeded down the center aisle to the chancel.  The ushers, friends of the groom, Kenneth Morrow, of Buffalo, Frank Fry of Rochester, Walter Goldsmith of Oneonta and Edwin Collins of Bainbridge, proceeded the maids of honor, sisters of the bride, Misses Laura and Margaret Skinner, dressed in orchid taffeta gowns with silver lace trimmings and hats of silver lace, carrying arm bouquets of orchid chrysanthemums.  The lovely bride gowned in white satin and point lace with court train and veil which was draped from point lace arranged in a becoming crown effect carrying a shower bouquet of white roses and lilies of the valley, was escorted on the arm of her father.  The groom attended by his best man, McCray Skinner met the bride where the impressive Episcopal service was rendered by the Rector and completed at the altar.  Immediately after the ceremony a wedding reception was given at the home of the bride’s parents, which was handsomely decorated with chrysanthemums and hydrangeas.  Receiving the guests were the bride and groom and their parents.  Mrs. Skinner was beautifully gowned in blue satin lace and jet, Mrs. Ives in Blue georgette crepe.  Congratulations and good wishes were profusely bestowed to the happy and popular young couple by a large number of friends of this village and relatives and college friends from out of town.  A cateress from Oneonta served the refreshments which were appropriate and delicious.  The presents were many and of great value, among the gifts were checks from Mr. Skinner of $1,000 and from Mr.Ives of $500.  The groom’s gift to his bride was a very handsome platinum bar pin, set with diamonds and to his ushers pearl stick pins.  The bride is a very talented young lady, brilliant in mind and beautiful in character and is a graduate of Wellsley college.  The groom is a graduate of Hamilton College and now employed by the Guarantee Title and Trust Company of New York City.  He was a Lieutenant in the American Expeditionary Forces and was in the service two years.  Mr. and Mrs. Ives left by automobile late that evening for a week’s trip.  They will make their home in New York City.

  Elizabeth Minette (Skinner) Ives, Bainbridge News, July 10, 1947:  Mrs. Elizabeth S. Ives, wife of U.S. Senator Irving M. Ives, died at the home of her mother, Mrs. George I. Skinner, at 60 West Main street, in this village [Bainbridge], at five o'clock Monday morning, July 7.  Her death was the culmination of a long illness during which she had for many months been a patient at the Presbyterian Hospital Medical Center in New York City.  Mrs. Ives was born in Bainbridge, March 8, 1897 and received her early school education at Bainbridge and in Albany, where she usually spent her winters.  She completed her course at the Albany High School following which she entered Wellesley College from which she graduated in 1918.  During her college years she was a member of the Zeta Alpha Society.  On Oct. 23, 1920, she was married to Irving M. Ives, at St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church at Bainbridge.  Mrs. Ives was the eldest daughter of Hon. George I. and Mary Elizabeth McCrea Skinner.  Her father, the late George I. Skinner, was for many years prominent in the State Banking Dept. and was from 1917 to 1920 State Superintendent of Banks.  Following the Election of Al Smith as Governor, he resigned from the Banking Department and became vice-president of the Manufactures Trust Co. in New York City.  Mrs. Ives was a member of Emanuel Episcopal Church at Norwich, and was active in the Women's Auxiliary of the Chenango Memorial Hospital.  She was a charter member of Ag-wron-doug-was (as-wron-doug-was) Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at Bainbridge.  She was a member of the Women's Auxiliary of the Warren E. Eaton D.S.C. Post of Norwich.  During her husband's activities in the State Legislature at Albany she was for several years President of the Legislative Sewing Circle, an organization of the wives of members of the Legislature, active in sewing for various charitable societies.  Surviving her, besides her husband and mother, are a son, George Skinner Ives, who served as a Lieutenant in the Navy during the recent war;  two sisters Mrs. Laura S. Story, of New York City, and Miss Margaret Ione Skinner, of Bainbridge, and a brother, George M. Skinner, also of Bainbridge.  The funeral service will be held at St. Peter's Church in this village [Bainbridge], Thursday afternoon, at 2:30 p.m., conducted by the Rev. James E. Wolfe, of St. Peter's and the Rev. Lloyd S. Charters, of Norwich.  Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, in the family plot.  To those of us who have known Elizabeth Ives through the years of her childhood and married life she was loved for her personal qualities; her gayety, her courtesy, her good temper.  It seemed an almost tragically inappropriate destiny that a nature so kind and gracious and happy as hers should have had to bear so heavy a burden of illness for so long a time.  But a few days before her death she was brought home to her family and friends with the prayerful hope that the change in her environment might turn the tide of her malady toward recovery and there is an inescapable sadness in the disappointment of this expectation.  There will live for many years in the memory of her friends the pleasing picture of this attractive, vivacious, impulsively generous woman who always bestowed a genial smile and a warm and friendly hand to those about her, and who, in company always led the merriment and the conversation with rare tact and yet with a delightful modesty.  She was a person always eager for the acquisition of knowledge which she continually broadened by reading and study and contact with kindred minds.  Her own was singularly alert and penetrating.  Her interests and sympathies extended over a great range of subjects and activities which she put to fruitful use in many ways and especially during the Red Cross work at Norwich during the war years.  Her life was so vibrant before her last illness that it is hard for her friends to think of it as ended.  She will be missed and mourned, not only here in Bainbridge, but by all who knew her and had been impressed by the unusual vitality which always seemed to characterize her.