Obituaries (January 17)

Chester Clark

Antimasonic Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 15, 1829

 

Distressing Accident:  On Thursday last, the grain loft of Dr. Palmer's Distillery, in Sangerfield [Oneida Co., NY], suddenly gave way and came down, crushing to instant death Mr. Chester Clark, a respectable citizen of that town, who was at work in the building at the time.  Mr. Clark has a wife and several children left to mourn his untimely fate.  One of his sons was with him at the time of the accident, and narrowly escaped with his life.

 

Hon. Ezra C. Gross

Antimasonic Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 15, 1829

 

At the opening of the House this morning, Mr. Edgerton, announced the death of the Hon. Ezra C. Gross, member of the assembly from the county of Essex.  Mr. E. accompanied the annunciation, with a brief but appropriate notice of the character of the deceased.  The House immediately adjourned, after passing resolutions to attend the funeral, and to wear crepe during the remainder of the session.   Mr. G. resided at Elizabethtown [Essex Co., NY] where he pursued the practice of Law.  He was 38 years of age.

Edward Augustus Holyoke

Antimasonic Telegraph, Norwich,  NY, April 15, 1829

Says the Salem Gazette of Friday morning--"The hearts of all our citizens were saddened on Tuesday evening by the tidings announced by the tolling of all our church bells, that the virtuous, and eminent and the excellent Edward Augustus Holyoke, LL, D. the skillful physician, the learned philosopher, the active philanthropist, and the good man, had departed this life at 6 o'clock on the evening, in the one hundred-and-first year of his age."

 

Jessie E. (Mayer) McCulloch

Utica Saturday Globe, October 14, 1905

 

 

Jessie E. (Mayer) McCulloch

A Lovable, Christian Woman Whose Death

Brought Grief to Norwich Friends

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After an illness extending over nearly two years, Mrs. Jessie E., wife of John G. McCulloch, died at her home on Guernsey street [Norwich, NY] Sunday afternoon, aged 41.  Deceased was born in England February 15, 1864, the daughter of Henry and Anna Mayer.  She came to America when a young girl in company with her mother, who died not long after their arrival in this country.  About 1872 the daughter came to Gilbertsville, Otsego county, and lived in the family of Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Kellogg.  On March 15, 1888, she married John G. McCulloch and eight years later they came to Norwich and had since resided here.  She was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and of the Lily of the Valley Rebekah Lodge No 95.  By her uniformly kind and Christian character she had become loved in the home and respected by all who  knew her.  Besides her husband she is survived by one daughter, Emily A., who resides in this place.  The funeral was held from the family home on Guernsey street Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. W.D. Benton conducting the services.  A quartet composed of Mrs. F.E. Roper, Mrs. J.H. Fink, Messrs. Ivan Blackman and Edward L. Nash rendered music.  The bearers were Messrs, George Fausett, George  H. Mahan, Charles Bowen and Seth Lamb.  The floral offerings from friends were profuse and beautiful, including a pillow from the Daughters of Rebekah and flowers from the Carpenters' Union and the Norwich City Band.

Lillie May (Jackson) Bugbee

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 20, 1946

Mrs. Lillie May Bugbee died suddenly Sunday, June 9, 1946, at 7:30 a.m.  Funeral services were held on Wednesday from the Methodist Church.  The Rev. Raymond Ward, pastor, officiated, and burial was in Ouleout Cemetery.  Mrs. Bugbee was born May 10, 1872, in Franklin [Delaware Co., NY], a daughter of Elias and Mary (Lathan) Jackson, and her marriage to Burton Bugbee occurred May 17, 1898.  She was a member of the Methodist Church and affiliated with the WSCS, Grange WCTU, Rebekah Lodge, and the Townsend Club.  Surviving are her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Fred Underwood, and Mrs. Olin Evans, Franklin; a son, Stuart Bugbee, Bainbridge; an adopted son, Roy Jackson, Franklin; a brother, Norman Jackson, Franklin; 12 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Abram Leonard

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 4, 1946

Funeral services for Abram Leonard, 66, who was crushed to death by a bull in a lonely pasture Tuesday, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Lyon Brothers Funeral Chapel, Walton.  According to Coroner C.S. Gould, Mr. Leonard had gone out to round up livestock on the farm of his son, Clifford Leonard, in Baxter Brook Valley, five miles south of Walton [Delaware Co., NY].  A sale of livestock was scheduled for Wednesday at the farm. The coroner said that Mr. Leonard apparently did not see the bull because of a heavy ground fog.  According to the coroner, the bull apparently trampled Mr. Leonard to death, and then rolled the body 50 or 60 years against a log.  Members of the Leonard family discovered the body after the cattle had returned without Mr. Leonard accompanying them.

Marriages (January 17)

Burnham - Wightman

Utica  Saturday Globe, October 24, 1903

 

 

Mr & Mrs. Edwin W. Burnham

Young People Who Were Recently United In Marriage

Norwich [Chenango Co. NY]:  Miss Jennie L. Wightman, youngest daughter of Tracy Wightman, and Edwin W. Burnham were quietly married at Calvary Baptist Church parsonage Monday evening, by Rev. Spencer J. Ford.  After the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Burnham left on a short wedding trip after which they will reside in Norwich.  The bride is a well-known and popular young lady whose friends are legion.  She has been a nurse for several years.  The groom is one of Norwich's most estimable young men and is the oldest son of Mrs. H. Kishbaugh.  Their many friends join in wishing them a long and happy wedded life.

 

Marriage Notices - 1829

Antimasonic Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 22, 1829

Married in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Wells, Mr. Erastus P. Smith to Miss Betsey Mills.

 

Also--At the same time and place, Mr. William R. Hitchcock to Miss Elsytha Mills.

 

Antimasonic Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 29, 1829

Married in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday afternoon last, by Elder Jedediah Randall, Mr. Ralph Johnson, junior editor of the Norwich Journal, to Miss Mary daughter of Charles Randall.

 

Antimasonic Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 6, 1829

Married on Fall River, Mass. on Monday Morning, Mr. Andrew C. Fearing, merchant, of Boston, to Miss Aldiboron Tiphoscophornia Cowen, of the former place.

 

Antimasocic Telegraph, July 1, 1829

Married in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult. by the Rev. Edward Andrews, John Clapp, esq. to Miss Lydia Strong.

Gerrit S. Hyde, World War I Navy Man

Gerrit Hyde Writes

He is on a Patrol Boat in the War Zone

Utica Saturday Globe, ca. 1918

 

 

Gerrit S. Hyde

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Among the many interesting letters received from Norwich boys on the other side, none have received closer attention than those written by Gerrit S. Hyde to his mother, Mrs. Bernice Hyde.  Gerrit is on one of the big battleships patrolling the war zone and does not expect to return to America until the war is over.  Under date of June 27 he writes regarding the work of the submarines:

 

"You are right in not worrying too much about the submarines on the Atlantic coast.  The navy can successfully cope with them and really, I believe that it was a good thing that they did come over, for they have brought the war a little closer to our shores and have given a jounce to those who have considered the war a European affair, if there remains any of that tribe.

 

"I firmly believe that the war is now in the hands of the Allies.  On the sea we are supreme despite the submarines, which seem to grow fewer and fewer and which soon will be of little importance.  On the western front we can feel secure in the advantage of the Allies and I am looking continually to read that they are steadily pushing back the Germans.  The length of war depends on the strength of the front Germany is putting up.  The occasional glimpses we get behind that front are anything but startling."



Bainbridge Supervisors 1807 - 1873

Bainbridge Supervisors, 1807 - 1873

Bainbridge Republican, October 16, 1875

 

We have been furnished, through the kindness of Mr. Orren Jacobs, one of our oldest residents, and now acting as Clerk of our town, the names of persons filling the office of Supervisor for the past sixty-eight years [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  Below we give the names and the number of years each served.

 

1807-----------------------------Peter Betts

1808-------------Cyrus Strong, two years

1810-------------Enos Cornel, three years

1813------Thomas Humphrey, four years

1817-------------David Cooper, two years

1819----------Sylvester Corbin, two years

1821--------------John C. Clark, five years

1826----------Nathan Boynton, four years

1830--------------James S. Beal, two years

1832---------------R.W. Juliand, two years

1834----------------------------John Newton

1835--------------------Thomas Humphrey

1836-----------------Joseph P. Chamberlin

1837--------------------William Knapp, Jr.

1838-------------------------William Banks

1839-----------------------William S. Sayre

1840--------------------------Reubin Kirby

1841--------------------------Daniel Stowe

1842----------------Joseph P. Chamberlin

1843------------------------Ezra P. Church

1844-----------------------Merlin Jackson

1845--------------------David Van Horne

1846------------------------Reubin  Kirby

1847--------------------David Van Horne

1848--------------------Cornelius Church

1849--------------------Abram G. Owens

1850----------------Charles W. Griswold

1851------------------------David Pearsall

1852-----------------------Merlin Jackson

1853----------------------James M. Banks

1854--------------------William Bateman

1855-------------------------S.B. Northrup

1856-----------------------Merlin Jackson

1857------------------------Charles Bixby

1858--------------------William S. Sayre

1859--------------Blin S. Sill, four years

1863---------------------Daniel S. Bristol

1864----------------------Ezra Pl. Church

1865-------------Blin S. Sill, three years

1868-----------------------Joseph Juliand

1869-------Alvin Converse, three years

1872-------------------Burr C. Campbell

1873-----Gilbert Sherwood, three years

Marriages (January 16)

Bixby - Gosso

Bainbridge Republican & Express, June 14, 1917

Joel J. Bixby of this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] and Mrs. Lillian Dewey Gosso of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] were united in marriage at noon Wednesday, June 6, 1917.  Mr. and Mrs. Bixby have started on an extended automobile trip through the states and Canada and upon their return will reside at his home at 60 North Broad street [Norwich, NY].  The ceremony as performed by Rev. Yale Lyon, rector of St. Matthew's church, Unadilla, and at the home of Dr. and Mrs. S.J. White, Mrs. White being a sister of the bride.  Only immediate relatives were in attendance.  Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln A. Groat of Buffalo, Dr. William B. Allen of Binghamton, Rev. Warren N. Bixby of Boston, Mass., and Mrs. J.C.N. Williams of Albany, being present.  The house was very prettily decorated with roses and other flowers and made a delightful setting for the happy wedding party which after the ceremony enjoyed together a delicious wedding breakfast.  Mrs. Bixby who is known to a number of Norwich people, was dressed in a becoming gown of grey georgette crepe and carried lilies of the valley.  The hearty congratulations of a wide circle of friends are extended to both Mr. and Mrs. Bixby--Norwich Telegraph.  Joel J. Bixby was a former resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and his many friends here extend hearty congratulations.

 

Kirby - Banks

Bainbridge Express, December 13, 1917

 

New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]:  On December eight 1917, at ten a.m. in St. Andrew's church New Berlin occurred the marriage of Marjorie Elizabeth Banks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Banks of New Berlin to Arthur Theodore Kirby of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  The ceremony was performed by Rev. Wilson E. Tanner Rector of the parish.  The bride was simply but tastefully gowned in white serge and wore a corsage bouquet of cream rose buds.  She entered the church on the arm of her father and was attended by Miss Margaret Kirby of Bainbridge, sister of the groom.  Miss Kirby wore the georgette crepe and a corsage bouquet of violets.  The groom was attended by Dr. Banks, brother of the bride.  Immediately following the wedding ceremony a delightful breakfast was served at the home of the bride's parents.  The table was exquisitely decorated with pink carnations and ferns. The guests were Mrs. Polly Banks, Dr. and Mrs. Van Wagner, Mrs. White, Rev. and Mrs. Tanner of New Berlin, Dr. and Mrs. Ray Banks and baby daughter of Worcester, Miss Mary Kirby and Miss Margaret Kirby of Bainbridge, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kirby and Miss Olive Kirby, of Afton.  Early in the afternoon the bride and groom left, in a much bedecked automobile, for their new home in Binghamton.  Mr. ad Mrs. Arthur Kirby will be at home after Dec. 14th at 240 Front Street, Binghamton, N.Y.  The bride was a member of the Bainbridge High School faculty for several years.

 

Copley - Armstrong

Bainbridge Express, May 2, 1918

 

Miss Margaret E. Armstrong, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Armstrong and Sergt, Duncan M. Copley were married Sunday afternoon, April 28th at 2:30 o'clock in the Church of the Advent, Spartanburg, S.C.  The church was decorated with fleurdelis and the wedding march was played by a brother soldier.  Sergt. Copley is a son of Mr. and Mrs. D.H Copley and stationed at Camp Wadsworth with the 27th Division U.S.A.

 

Harrington - Wrench

Bainbridge Express, June 13, 1918

 

Announcements have been received of the marriage at Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], of Miss Ina A. Wrench of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and Mr. Ray M. Harrington of that city on Saturday evening, June 8th, 1918, by Rev. James Benninger, pastor of the Centenary Methodist church  Miss Wrench is the daughter of Mrs. Sophia Wrench, residing on South Pearl street.  She is an estimable young lady and well liked by all who know her.  She was until very recently employed in the office of the America Separator Co., as one of its stenographers.  Mr. Harrington is a fine young man and is employed by the Endicott-Johnson Shoe M'fg Co. at Johnson City.  Mr. and Mrs. Harrington will be at home, June 20th at 173-1/2 Chapin street, Binghamton.  Their many friends here wish them happiness and a cloudless journey through life together.

 

Owens - Hickox

Bainbridge Express, August 15, 1918

 

Homer D. Owens and Miss Bessie M. Hickox were married at St. Peter's Church [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], this morning, by the Rev. R.W. Nickel.  The bride's parents and Dr. Danforth attended as witnesses.  Mr. and Mrs. Owens left by auto for a trip to New York City.

 

DeFilippo - Russell

Bainbridge News & Republican, August 22, 1946

 

Miss Agnes M. Russell, daughter of Mrs. Maude Russell, 1 Bridge street, was married at her home Saturday noon to Robert DeFilippo, of Mount Vernon.  The double ring ceremony was performed by the Rev. Henry Stammer, of the Presbyterian Church, Bainbridge.  The bride was given in marriage by her brother-in-law, Winn Barnes, of Oneonta.  She wore a white dress of street length, a tiara of sweet peas and a corsage of red, white and blue gladioli.  Mrs. Edward Meehen, of Sidney, was matron of honor and Kendall Barnes, Oneonta, nephew of the bride, was best man.  The room was decorated with baskets of gladioli and hydrangeas with streamers of white and green crepe paper.  A reception was held at the home and luncheon followed for the bridal party and immediate relatives.  The bride is a graduate of Bainbridge Central School.  After a wedding trip the couple will reside in an apartment at 1 Bridge street.

Obituaries (January 16)

William Edward Knapp

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 9, 1946

William Edward Knapp, 34, of Susquehanna [PA], died suddenly Sunday morning at the Barnes Memorial Hospital, Susquehanna.  He is survived by his wife, Mary, of Susquehanna; a daughter, Mary Jo, of Susquehanna; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Knapp, of Warsaw, N.Y.; three sisters, Mrs. Robert Samuelson and Mrs. Raymond Moses, both of Rochester, and Mrs. Donald Peck, of Attica, and a brother, Albert, of Whalen.

 

Earl P. McMullen

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 13, 1946

 

Earl P. McMullen, 52, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died Monday morning at his home after a long illness.  He is survived by his wife and one son, Earl F. McMullen, both of Afton.  Funeral services were held at the Karschner Funeral Home on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. Alan Douglas officiating.  Burial in Mount hope Cemetery, Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Carrie Sprague Bartley

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 13, 1946

 

Mrs. Frank Bartley, 78, died at the Sidney Hospital Thursday night after an illness of several months.  The funeral was held Sunday at her residence at 12 Clinton street.  The Rev. Charlton Opdyke, pastor of the Congregational Church, officiated and burial was sin Prospect Hill Cemetery [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY].  Carrie Sprague Bartley was born July 25, 1867, at East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  Her husband, the late Frank Bartley, was postmaster at Sidney for many years.

 

Roy Place

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 13, 1946

 

Roy Place, nearly a lifelong resident of Margaretville [Delaware Co., NY], died Tuesday, June 4, of a heart condition.  His last illness lasted but two days.  Mr Place was born in Margaretville June 7, 1894, and had lived in Margaretville all his life except for three years spent in Andes.  Mr. Place is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Ransom Darrett and Mrs. Kenneth Miller, both of Margaretville; one son, Curtis Place, of Guilford, and one brother, Ray Place, of Downsville.  The funeral was held at the Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. Alfred Coons officiating.  Burial was in the Margaretville Cemetery.

 

Stephen Smith Cole

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 11, 1946

 

The funeral of Stephen Smith Cole, 78, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], father of Mrs. Henry Pratt, of Bainbridge, was held Monday morning at 10 o'clock at the Sacred Heart Church, Sidney, with the Rev. John Kavanaugh officiating.  Burial was in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Sidney.  Mr. Cole died July 6 at his home in 21 Pleasant street, Sidney, after an illness of about 10 months.  He was born Sept. 15, 1867 at Upsonville, Pa., the son of Louden and Mary Smith Cole.  He had lived many years in Sidney where he followed his trade as a carpenter.  he is survived by is wife, Lelah Dexter Cole; a daughter, Mrs. Henry Pratt, of Bainbridge; two grandsons, Donald and Bruce Pratt, Bainbridge; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Lena Cole, Sidney; a sister, Mrs. Lottie Gardner, of Detroit; Mich., and several nieces and nephews.

 

William Carroll & Richard Rohn

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 25, 1946

 

Two Greene pilots, one of whom served in the RCAF during World War II, were killed Sunday night when their airplane crashed approximately 150 yards from the Greene airport.  The two men, William Carroll, 48, and Richard Rohn, 35, were flying a single-engine monoplane equipped with dual controls.  They took off from the Greene [Chenango Co., NY] airport a little after 6 p.m. for a flight over the surrounding countryside.  After they had circled near the port for more than half an hour their plane suddenly went out of control and crashed from a height of 1,500 feet, landing on the flat land across the Chenango River from the airport on a farm owned by Walter Burroughs.  Carroll was killed instantly in the crash, but Rohn survived for 30 minutes.  Dr. C.W Chapin and Dr. Everett Centerwall were called by airport officials who saw the plane come down, but were unable to save Rohn's life.  One witness who saw the crash from the airport on the west side of the river, said that he had been watching the plane as it circled and that he thought he heard the motor cut out.  The plane, he said, apparently went into a spin when the pilot turned in an attempt to glide back to the field. The pilot recovered from the spin by putting the plane into a dive, but was too low to level out.  Because the plane had dual controls, it was impossible to determine which of the two men was flying it at the time of the crash.  Both bodies were removed to the Rogers Funeral home in Greene, and Dr. Matt A. Boname, of Norwich, Chenango County coroner, was summoned.  Carroll, who was employed at the Whipple Auto Supply Co., served as a pilot in both World Wars, flying for the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II in Canada.  In addition to his two sons, William, Jr., and Edgar, both of whom served in World War II, he is survived by his mother and sister.  Rohn, who was employed at the Lyon-Raymond Corp. in Greene, held a commercial pilot license and had served as an instructor at the airport.  He is survived by his wife and two children.

 

Clifton Frink

Bainbridge News & Republican, August 22, 1946

 

Clifton Frink, 46, Norwich, Chenango County Highway Department garage foreman, died Monday morning in Chenango County Memorial Hospital as a result of injuries he received when a motorcycle he was driving struck the rear of a car driven by Levi Collins, Sherburne  Mrs. Frink, 42, who was riding on the back seat of the motorcycle, is in the hospital suffering with lacerations of the scalp and possible skull fracture.

First Dentist in Bainbridge

First Dentist in Bainbridge

 

An article appeared in the Republican of three weeks since in regard to Dr. O.S. Hill, dentist in Bainbridge and his four sons, who were reared in Bainbridge, and who, as each grew to manhood, chose the dental profession.  This is an unusual record for one family, but there is an interesting history connected with the long line of honorable practitioners of dentistry in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], which we propose to give in a series of articles.

 

In 1818 the first dental office was opened in Bainbridge by Dr. Richard Griswold.  He came here a young man of 22 years of age and took up a field of work which hitherto had been a sealed book to small places.  The prominent people of the town who had been accustomed to going to cities to be served in that line, soon discovered in the bright, quick, alert young dentist, with his vivid personality, the skill which was rare to find at that period.  Dr. Griswold commanded speedily a wide patronage which he held until old age weakened his hand.  The most difficult cases which required varied treatment he was never at a loss to cope with.  Much of his success was due to the resources of his mechanical skill, his knowledge being so perfect that he could turn out an instrument of any fineness to suit the emergency of the demand.  As to the filling of teeth and the permanence of the work, he probably had no superior in the methods then used.  There are people living in Bainbridge today who can exhibit teeth filled by Dr. Griswold, and under the old process, that are in excellent condition.  The plates made by him, until the latter part of his practice, were of gold or silver.

 

Dr. Griswold was called a goldsmith and silversmith as well as dentist, and was very ingenious in that line.  He made for many years the marriage rings used by bridal couples in this vicinity and converted silver coin into spoons of beautiful designs for wedding presents.

 

The first dentist in Bainbridge, Dr. Griswold, was for fifty years one of the most interesting personages of our place.  He was of small stature, almost childish in physique, but possessed a face wonderfully expressive in intelligence, was highly educated, a man of versatile talents, extremely companionalbe, possessing a gay, youthful and poetical temperament which was always attractive to young and old.

 

Dr. Griswold died in 1871 at the age of 75 years.  Three sons, George, Norman and John became dentists and settled elsewhere.

Moving Buildings in Bainbridge

Two Old Buildings

Being Moved from the Ground to be

Occupied by the New M.E. Church

(About 1900)

 

The site on Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] for the erection of the new M.E. Church, is being cleared for building which will soon commence.  The small office structure removed last week to Pyrun Hill, has had its day of usefulness and was occupied formerly by prominent men of this village for many years.  It stood primarily upon a part of the Park Hotel site adjoining the Clark block, and it was there that the first bank in Bainbridge was opened in 1853.  Dr. Samuel L. Banks, brother of John Banks, was the president.  He had used the building for a doctor's office and his brother James M. Banks, for a law and real estate office.  After a time the property thereabouts was sold for hotel purposes and the office was removed to the place just vacated.  It was occupied there for several years by the lawyers, George H. Winsor, George I. Winsor and Elliot Danforth.  Lately it had gone into disuse.

 

There is still another old building to be removed which was known for over fifty years as Squire Sayre's law office.  Mr. Sayre died in 1880.  It had been occupied as early as 1823 by John C. Clark who later became district attorney, member of assembly and congressman successively from this county and district.  Mr. Sayre was associated for a number of years with John C. Clark in practice and afterwards with Isaac Bush, James M. Banks, George H. Winsor, Leroy Bennett and Frank L. Smith. 

 

Thus it will be seen that these two little old buildings, unsightly and indifferent as they may seem now have been historic habitations in the business relations of the town.

 

[Compiler note:  The Cornerstone for the "new" Methodist Church building on North Main Street was laid 23 August 1902.]

Obituaries (January 15)

Dr. Richard Griswold

Chenango Union, November 1, 1871

 

It is with sadness that we record the death of Richard Griswold, who departed this life last Monday afternoon, at the ripe age of 76 years.  Thus has another of the landmarks been removed from the pathway of life.  Mr. Griswold came to Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] from Cairo, Greene county, in 1816.  Soon after he was joined in marriage to Miss Lydia Newell, daughter of Thomas Newell.  He was the father of ten children--five boys and five girls--seven of whom are yet living.  For more than half a century Mr. Griswold has trod our streets and been known among the active business men of Bainbridge.  What changes he has witnessed on these grounds but few remain behind to relate.  Bainbridge, from a little hamlet, grew to a vigorous business center--died and sank to rest in its former quietude, and has again returned to life and business strength never before known to its inhabitants.  Many are the enterprises which have stirred her people in all these years--his life--and but few could more faithfully detail the incidents in the history of Bainbridge than he--Bainbridge Review.

 

Abijah Gilbert

Chenango Union, December 1, 1892

A double funeral took place in the family of Mr. Abijah Gilbert last Monday, who resides about two miles from Palmer & Johnston's mills.  Mrs. Gilbert died suddenly of heart disease on the 18th inst.  Mr. Gilbert came to this village to make arrangements for the funeral of his wife.  He drove down and conversed with friends about the sad event.  On the following day, he also died suddenly.  Both were troubled with heart disease.  This unusual and sad occurrence calls on behalf of the afflicted family the profound sympathy of all.  They leave a family of four grown up children.  --Sidney Record.

 

[Compiler note:  Abijah Gilbert was born 17 December 1822.  He married Marguerite/Margrett Empet (b. 1823) prior to 1847.  Margrett died 18 November 1892 in Unadilla, Chenango Co., NY.  Abijah died the following day on  19 November 1892.  They were buried in Rogers Hollow Cemetery, Unadilla, NY]

 

Mr. Huxter

Chenango Union, December 1, 1892

 

Thursday morning as Sylvester Pike was out hunting he found the body of old Mr. Huxter, whose home was on Steam Sawmill Hill, lying across a fence in a field belonging to Chauncey Pudney.  It appears that the old man came to Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] with a handsled Wednesday, got a bag of meal and started for home about four o'clock.  That was the last seen of him until found as above stated.  He had started across the field as a near out home, and had taken the fence partly down to get his sled through and had then fallen through cold and exhaustion and died.  The remains were brought to Sherburne and placed in the undertaking room of H.B. Parker and Coroner Fernald notified.  After an examination by the coroner, assisted by Dr. H.C. Lyman, it was decided than an inquest was unnecessary, as it was evident that he had died through  natural causes.  He was quite old and very infirm, and the long journey he had taken that day had doubtless been too much for him.--Sherburne News. 

 

Mrs. Scott

Bainbridge Republican, June 22, 1916

 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services for the late Mrs. Scott who recently died so suddenly at the home of her brother near the High Bridge were held on Monday of last week, Rev. G.W. King offered a prayer at the home at 10:30 o'clock and the body was taken to Norwich where services were held in Mt. hope chapel and interment make in the cemetery at that place.  Mrs. Scott was 56 years of age and had been a widow for the past five years.  Previous to that time her home had been at Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Edward Bradshaw

Bainbridge Republican, June 22, 1916

 

Afton [Chenango Co.,  NY]:  E. Bradshaw died Saturday at the home of his son Lou Bradshaw.  He was a veteran of the civil war, a widower making his home with his children.  He is survived by two sons and three daughters.  Funeral Monday from the home of his son Lou, and burial in Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], his late home.

 

Bennettsville:  The body of Edward Bradshaw who died at the home of his son Lewis at Afton Friday evening was brought to this place Monday at 2 p.m. and deposited in the cemetery.  He was a former resident of this place.  His wife died about 4 years ago.  He leaves three sons, Leon, Lewis, and Claud, and two daughters, Mrs. Charles Gibson and Miss Gertrude Bradshaw, all living near Afton.

 

Eliza Pettys

 

Mrs. Eliza Pettys, mother of Charles Pettys of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], died in Earlville [Madison Co., NY] yesterday, aged 78.  The remains were brought to Bainbridge this Thursday noon and the funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home of the son.  Mrs. Pettys is well known in Bainbridge, this place being her home for many years. [Bainbridge Republican, June 22, 1916]

 

Mrs. Eliza Pettys who recently died at Earlville was the mother of Mrs. Chester Bush of North Afton.  She was a fine genial lady and will be sadly missed by her numerous friends [Bainbridge Republican, July 20, 1916]

 

Mr. J.D. Butler

Bainbridge Republican, July 20, 1916

 

Wilkins Settlement [Chenango Co., NY]:  Word was recently received h ere by Henry Smith's people of the death in May of Mr. J.D. Butler of Canton, Pa., husband of Mrs. Amelia Woods Butler who formerly resided here.

 

Robert Barret

Bainbridge Republican, July 27, 1916

 

Robert Barret of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] was drowned while in swimming Monday afternoon and the body was not found until Tuesday morning.  Mrs. Frederick C. Parsons, his mother, telephoned to Postmaster Cushman at 11:45 A.M. to notify her son, Seber Barrett, who worked for G.B. Powers and get him started for Binghamton as soon as possible.  By aid of Colwell's auto the boy was in Bainbridge in time to take the 1:36 train.  Had the Postmaster known the whereabouts of his carrier No. 3 he could have easily got the message to Mr. Barrett by phone and made a saving of $5.00 to Mrs. Parsons.  The Postmaster has now adopted a schedule and knows where his carriers are on the even hour, so in such cases he will be able to get a message to nearly all his patrons who have no phone.  Many telegrams are held up for 24 hours for the lack of such a system.

Bainbridge Central High School, Class of 1947, Part 1

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1947

Senior Portraits

Echo 1947

 

Rosa Alcott

"Posie"

 

Voted Best Sport and Most Respected

 "To brag little, to show well, to pay up,

to own up and to shut up if beaten,

are the virtues of a truly good sport."

 

Will miss most about B.C.H.S., Basketball

Greatest ambition is to get an office job

Favorite pastime is to take pictures

Beatrice Aldrich

"Beattie"

 

Voted Best Natured

 "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance."

 

Will miss most about B.C.H.S., Mr. Elmore

Greatest ambition is to make friends

Favorite pastime is cooking

Marion Alverson

"Capt"

 

Voted Most Capable and Most Tactful

 ""The talent of success is nothing more

than doing well whatever you do."

 

Will miss most about B.C.H.S., everything

Greatest ambition is to be a Physical Ed. teacher

Favorite pastime is typing

Walter Backus

"Webster"

 

Voted Most Capable and Most Original

 "Who can be wise, amazed, temperate and

furious, loyal and neutral, all in a moment."

 

Will miss most about B.C.H.S., study halls

Greatest ambition is to be an automobile technician

Favorite pastime is working on my car

Robert Carlin

"Champ"

 

Voted Most Talkative and Best Natured

 "Their words, like so many nimble and

airy servitors, trip about them at their command."

 

Will miss most about B.C.H.S., the beautiful women

Greatest ambition is to be champion wrestler of U.S.A.

Favorite pastime is dancing

Elizabeth Collins

"Bet"

 

Voted Most Promising, Brightest and Best Student

 "The great thing in this world is not

so much where we stand as in

what direction we are moving."

 

Will miss most about B.C.H.S., Basketball games

Greatest ambition is to be a good nurse

Favorite pastime is reading



Marriages (January 14)

Smith - Hamlin

Bainbridge News & Republican, August 22, 1946

Miss Margaret E Hamlin, daughter of Mrs. Arthur E. Hamlin, of Deposit, and Clifford L. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Smith, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], were married Aug. 9 in the Chenango Bridge Methodist Church by the Rev. Theodore Hubbard.  On their return from a short wedding trip they will reside at 58 Conklin avenue, Binghamton.

 

Gordon - Van der Meulen

Bainbridge News & Republican, August 22, 1946

 

Mr. and Mrs. William van der Meulen, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], announce the engagement of their daughter, Gertje, to Robert James Gordon, son of Mr. and Mrs. LA Stead, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Osterhoudt - Cresson

Bainbridge News & Republican, August 22, 1946

 

Mr. and Mrs. P.L. Cresson, Windsor [Broome Co., NY], announce the engagement of their daughter, Marie Lillian, to Douglas James Osterhoudt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Osterhoudt, of Harpursville [Broome Co., NY].  The wedding will take place Sunday, Aug. 25, in the First Methodist church, Windsor.

 

Peck - Greenman

Bainbridge News & Republican, August 22, 1946

 

Miss Louise Greenman, daughter of Mrs. Lillian Greenman, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], and Robert Peck, son of Mr. and Mrs. Julian Peck, of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], were married in a candlelight service in the Methodist Church Thursday night at 8 o'clock by the uncle of the bridegroom, the Rev. George Howe, pastor of the Fairview Methodist Church in Binghamton.

 

Vail - Wakeman & Baxter - Tinker

Bainbridge News & Republican, August 22, 1946

 

Engagements of two prominent Walton [Delaware Co., NY] couples whose weddings are to take place during the fall have been announced.  Miss Betty Louise Wakeman, daughter of George Wakeman, is to marry Ernest Vail, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Vail, and Miss Dorothy Tinker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Tinker, is to marry DelMonte Baxter, son of Mrs. Maude Baxter.  All are graduates of Walton High School, and both prospective bridegrooms are veterans of World War II.

 

 

Obituaries (January 14, 2015

Clayton Stephen Card

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 18, 1946

Clayton Stephen Card, 67, of Windsor [Broome Co., NY], died Saturday at the Binghamton City Hospital.  He is survived by a brother, Earl of Pepacton.  The body was removed to the Wood Chapel, Windsor where the funeral was held Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. James F. Root, officiating.  Burial was in Riverside cemetery, Windsor.

 

Mary Elizabeth Davis

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 18, 1946

 

Miss Mary Elizabeth Davis, 62, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], R.D.2, died suddenly Wednesday afternoon of last week at her home.  She is survived by a brother, June Davis, of Afton, R.D.2; a niece, Mrs. Blanche Partridge, of Bainbridge.  The body was removed to the Karschner Funeral Home in Afton, where funeral services were held Friday afternoon, the Rev. George Graves officiating.  Burial was in Glenwood Cemetery, Afton.

 

George B. Rich

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 18, 1946

 

George B. Rich, 80, who died July 9, in Winslo, Ariz., was buried in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] Wednesday.  He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Ina Harrington, of Johnson City, and several nieces and nephews.  Mr. Rich, a former resident of Bainbridge, lived in the house now owned by B.N. Williams.

 

John A. Ahearn

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 25, 1946

 

John A. Ahearn, a native of Susquehanna [PA], died suddenly at his home in Jackson Heights, July 19.  Mr. Ahearn was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Ahearn, of Susquehanna, and the last of his immediate family.  He was a graduate of Laurel Hill Academy and a graduate electrical engineer of a New York University.  At the time of his death, he was the president of Electime Corp. in New York.  His brother, the Rev. Thomas A. Ahearn died suddenly in Wilkes-Barre a few months ago.

 

Joseph R. Ruepah & Frank G. Elegy

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 25, 1946

 

Joseph R. Tuepah, 19, of West Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], and Frank G. Elegy, 38, of Oneonta, both war veterans were killed last week Wednesday afternoon when the motorcycle which they were riding crashed into a tree on the Otadawa road at West Oneonta.  The two men were riding east along the road when Tuepah, who was driving, lost control, of the machine while attempting to negotiate a curve.  The motorcycle ran off the right side of the road and into a shallow ditch which it followed for 195 feet.  At the end of that distance the motorcycle crashed into an apple tree and the two men struck a limb of the tree about eight inches in diameter.  The victims of the accident were taken to the Fox hospital in an ambulance where Elegy was pronounced dead and Tuepah died a few minutes after arrival.  Both men had suffered skull fractures.

 

Lida P. Holman

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 25, 1946

 

Mrs. Lida Puffer Holman, 48, wife of Raymond W. Holman, of 11 Juliand St. [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], died at her home Monday noon, after an illness of several months.  Born in Trout Creek [Delaware Co., NY], April 2, 1898, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Allie (Latham) Puffer.  In 1913, she moved to Bainbridge with her family where she had lived since except for two years after her marriage to Raymond W. Holman, on June 18, 1919, when they resided in Watertown and Elmira.  She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bainbridge.  Besides her husband she is survived by two sons, Lt. (j.g.) Bruce Holman, USN, stationed in Hong Kong, China, and Gary Holman, of Bainbridge; a daughter, Mrs. Paul Sherman, of Sidney; three sisters, Mrs. J.D. Teed, Mrs. Warner Taylor and Mrs. William Davidson.  All of Bainbridge; a granddaughter, Patricia Sherman, of Sidney; and several nieces and nephews.  The funeral will be held this afternoon (Thursday) at 2 o'clock in the Fisher Chapel with the Rev. Henry Stammer officiating.  The bearers will be Harold Robinson, Amos Tuckey, Foster Darlin, Wilmont Horton, Fred Sherman and Dr. Ben Dodge.  Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].

 

Wanda & Sandra Williams

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 25, 1946

 

Two little girls, aged six and nine are dead and a nine-room farmhouse is in ashes following a fire which broke out at 2:30 Wednesday morning in the home of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Williams on Carcass brook, midway between Rock Rift on Route 10 and Harvard on Route 30.  Braving the flames in frantic efforts to save the children, Wanda, nine, and Sandra, six, Mr. and Mrs. Williams suffered severe burns.  Mr. Williams saved their year-old baby, Julia Ann, and Val Williams, two, another daughter, by throwing them from a downstairs window.  The baby suffered mild first and second degree burns;  Mrs. Williams suffered first and second degree burns of the back, arms, face and neck, and partial shock, and Mr. Williams had scratches and burns of the face.  He was discharged form the Margaretville Hospital after first aid.  Mrs. Williams and her baby are under treatment there while Val is at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jaycox, neighbors.  She suffered a small burn on the right side.  Two farmhands, recently arrived form New York City to help in the harvest, escaped injury by leaping naked form a second story window.  Fire is believed to have originated in the dwelling where the kitchen range was located.  It was in this corner on the second floor where Wanda and Sandra Slept.  Mr. Jaycox was awakened at 2:50 but by the time he had reached the burning home the situation was hopeless.  There are no telephones in the Carcass brook valley, the nearest being on Baxter brook.  He found the building a mass of flames and a ladder, which Mr. Williams had placed up to the sleeping girls' window as a means of rescue, crumpling from the heat.  As he had reached the top of the ladder Mr. Williams had been greeted by flames bursting out of the window in such intensity that he was forced back to the ground.  Mrs. Williams had rushed back in to get her pocketbook when flames seared her about the face and arms.  She was unable to get the purse not were any of the contents of the home saved, including clothing.

 

 

Chenango County Historical Society Visits South Otselic, NY - 1941

County Historical Society Meets

Chenango Unit Holds October Session at South Otselic

Bainbridge News & Republican, November 13, 1941

 

The Chenango County Historical Society held its October meeting at the Central High School at South Otselic at 7:30 P.M. on Oct. 22, 1941.  There were about 70 members present.  President Raymond L. Williams presided.  The program was opened by several selections played by the South Otselic High School Band which were very much enjoyed by the members.

 

Ward Truesdell introduced Frank Cox as one of the oldest inhabitants of South Otselic.  Mr. Cox was formerly postmaster and operated a cash store in the village.  Mr. Cox gave some of the history of South Otselic and the story of some of the older buildings and families.  The territory around South Otselic was ceded by the Oneida Indians to the state in a treaty with George Clinton at Fort Schuyler on Sept. 22, 1788.  The name Otselic came from the Indian name for Plum Creek as there were many wild plum trees along the river bank where the Indians camped.  There are not many souvenirs of the Indians.  They used the river bank as a fishing ground, but did not make any permanent settlement there.  Otselic was separated from German in 1817 and consisted of two or three log huts at the southwest corner of the township and was given various names:  Sugar Hollow, Bowen Settlement and the Burg.  The northwest corner called the Flats was given the Township name Otselic.  Mr Cox stated that he had seen the name spelled 45 different ways.  The approximate date of the first building was 1830.  A plank road was built in 1840 to connect with Norwich, 20 miles distant from the town.  The toll gate was about a mile form the town but the upkeep was too great and it was given back to the towns in 1860.  Mr Cox moved to South Otselic in 1879 and has kept a diary since he was 12 and recalled many interesting incidents in the life of the township.  He had known the first school teacher and gave a resume of the different school buildings.  The present school is the fifth schoolhouse to be built.

 

Mrs. Ward Truesdell traced the rise and growth of the Fishline industry, which was founded by her great-grandfather, John Gladding.  John Gladding was born in Bristol, R.I. in 1784.  He was bound out for seven years as an apprentice to Major Howland, a rope maker, who had a rope walk at Bristol Commons.  He was to receive $100, be taught the ropemaker's trade, clothed and fed.  He finished six years of his apprenticeship but his employer practically starved him so he decided to form his own business.

 

Several families from Bristol had moved to Pharsalia so he decided to build a rope walk there.  He started for Pharsalia in two horse wagons which took two weeks to make the trip of 300 miles averaging around 14.6 miles a day.  He settled in the northwest corner and built a rope walk, 200 feet long with a dirt floor. 

 

His son, James C. Gladding, built a new rope walk and added a cordage room in 1850.  He raised flax for use in the rope walk.  The Gladding Line Company made pulley cords, bed cords, fishing lines and halters,  Cotton and linen were supplied for the lines from Connecticut.  They were sent by water to New York and up the Hudson to Albany and from Albany by canal to the nearest point.

 

Mrs. Truesdell explained how the lines were twisted by hand when the industry first started.  The whole family worked in the rope walk.  There were 10 girls employed outside of the ones in the family.  There were nine in the family and each child worked as soon as he was old enough.  The education they received came from the school of experience.  Her mother was the oldest child.  The help had board and room at the farm.  They raised the food that they ate on the farm and she can remember her mother preparing meals for 22 at a time.  Everyone worked hard and the hours were from 5 A.M. to 5 P.M.  After the lines were reeled they were sold to the little country stores.  Every small store kept fish lines and hooks and there were plenty of fish to catch.  "This was before the city man could get in his car and catch every fish in the stream back of your house before you were up."  There was not much money in those days so the fishlines were very often bartered for goods.  Her grandfather kept a store room and shelves line with goods which he had gotten in trade for the fish lines.  When he came back with his peddling wagon it would often be as full as when he left.

 

In 1878, James Gladding retired and moved to Norwich and his son, B.F. Gladding, assumed management of the business.  He went east and purchased one braider which was turned by hand.  They soon had 10 braiders which seemed like a very big business in those days but small, compared with the 1300 used in the present factory.  As the business expanded horse power and water power were used in the manufacture of the fish lines and power machinery finally was installed to replace the older types of manufacture.

 

The business management has always been kept in the family.  The company began to export to foreign countries in 1902, and by 1929, the company had grown to be known throughout the United States and Canada as the largest makers of the finest fish lines in the world   The goods were sold on the basis of good quality and the use of the best of materials.  The Gladding company has never spent a dollar on advertising.  They have never had any labor troubles and have always tried to deal fairly with both their workmen and their customers. 

 

A short business meeting was held after the speeches and the secretary's and treasurer's reports read and accepted.  President Williams announced that Miss Alice Taylor, of Norwich, would be a member of the committee on cemeteries and Mrs. John Meola as chairman.

 





Marriages (January 13)

Johnson - Stebbins

Bainbridge Republican, January 29, 1903

 

Trestle:  Jed Johnson was married Jan. 8th to a Miss Stebbins in Chautauqua.  Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are expected home in February.

 

Snyder - Watters

Bainbridge Republican, January 29, 1903

 

Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]:  Married, Jan. 24 at the Baptist parsonage in Greene, by Rev. J. Hansen, Bert Snyder, of North Sanford, and Louella Watters, of this place.

 

Young - Whittaker

Bainbridge Republican, January 29, 1903

 

Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY]:  Hobart Young and Miss Alice B. Whitaker were married last Wednesday, January 21.  The ceremony was conducted at the home of the groom.

 

Sodan - Place

Bainbridge Republican, February 23, 1905

 

Sidney [Delaware Co., NY]:  The announcement has been made in this village of the engagement of Mrs. Catherine Amelia Place and George W. Sodan, both residents of Sidney.  Mrs. Place has boarded at Miss Eggleston's home, known as the "Sherman Place," for years.

 

Southworth - Richmond

Bainbridge Republican, May 2, 1907

 
Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  Ray Southworth was united in marriage to Miss Lena Richmond at Norwich, Thursday, April 25th and they are to live at the home of his father, T.A. Southworth. The happy couple has the best wishes of their many friends. 

Andrus - Butler

Bainbridge Republican, May 2, 1907

Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  Virgil Andrus, of this town, and Miss Butler, of Ogdensburg Penn., were recently united in marriage.

 

Neff Divorce

Bainbridge Republican, May 4, 1916

Alice L. Neff was granted an absolute divorce from her husband Arthur R. Neff April 24 through her attorneys H.C. and V.D. Stratton of Oxford, N.Y.  She also is to resume her mains name of Alice L. Payne.

Graves - Rogers

Bainbridge Republican, May 4, 1916

Announcement cards have been received here stating the marriage of Sara Constable Rogers of Toronto Canada, to Dr. Gaylord Willis Graves of New York City.  Dr. Graves is the son of the late Prof. W.D. Graves formerly of Bainbridge.

Manwarren - Carkhuff

Bainbridge Republican, February 3, 1916

Yaleville [Chenango Co., NY]:  News has been received here of the marriage of Jennie Carkhuff and Ross Manwarren of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Manwarren will resume her work as school teacher in this place after a four week's vacation.  Congratulations are extended. 

 

Obituaries (January 13)

Dr. Samuel J. Redfield

Chenango Telegraph, December 14, 1864

Samuel J. Redfield, M.D., of Copper Falls, Lake Superior, departed this 11th September 1864, aged 31 years.  He was the only son of Dea. Chester Redfield, of Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].  Having been dedicated to God in baptism he received a careful religious training.  When but seven years of age, he was left without a mother.  But early impressions were not defaced, a mother's prayers were not forgotten by him, nor her firm reliance upon covenant promises unrewarded by a covenant-keeping God.  At the age of 17, while pursuing his studies at the Del. Lit. Institute, Franklin, N.Y., he professed a hope in Christ.  He completed his medical course at Mich. University, Ann Arbor.  In Sept., 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Hatfield of Delhi, N.Y.  His death was so sudden that the cause was to him unknown, having fallen in his office by the accidental discharge of a revolver.  There was no time for affectionate farewells, for tender counsels, or for solemn warnings; no time to speak of bright hopes, built upon brighter promises.  But still we are not left without ground for comfort, hope, and consolation.  From the time that Dr. Redfield made a profession of religion, his desire seemed to be to manifest the spirit of Christ. The words often quoted by him, "To visit the widow and fatherless in their affliction, &c," we have reason to believe he made the motto of his life.  As a citizen, he was prompt, active and patriotic--as a physician, studious, attentive, and skillful--as a Christian, humble, but hopeful--as a Presbyterian, he loved the paths of his fathers; but, as a Christian, he aided most liberally in supporting churches of other denominations.  His faults he confessed, short comings deplored, and we believe that his vows to follow nearer to Christ were not forgotten.  Christ was his righteousness, his strength, his hope.  We thought we saw him girding on his armor for a more manly conflict, that he was just entering upon a career of greater usefulness.  But he is gone!  The church has lost a warm supporter--the minister a counselor and friend--his relatives a devoted husband and brother.  His house was a resting place; a home for the Missionary and Colporteur.  He is gone! gone to his reward! gone to meet a pious father, devoted mother, and sisters! gone to unite his songs with those of three departed children! gone to await the coming of loved ones left behind! gone to live with Jesus!  We dare to say it, for he gave more than a "cup of cold water," and we believe that he did it as a disciple of Christ.  Thus a mother's prayers are answered, a father's hope realized, God's premise made good.---Rev. T.W. H.

 

Powers Redfield

Bainbridge Republican, March 23, 1888

 

Died, at Tunkhannock, Pa., Thursday, March 15, 1888, Powers Redfield, aged 81 years.  Deceased was born on what is now called Dingman Hill, in this town [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], and while a young man, moved to Pennsylvania, where he has lived nearly sixty years, returning to visit the few remaining associates of his boyhood, and the old Bainbridge hills last November for the last time.  Dr. Evans a nephew, and Chas. Bixby, a cousin, of this village, were in attendance at the funeral, which was held on Sunday.

 

Mrs. C.H. Redfield

Chenango Union, February 11, 1897

 

There was a large concourse of relatives and friends from Pennsylvania, Delaware and Chenango counties at the funeral of Mrs. H.C. Redfield at Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], last Wednesday.  Her maiden name was Eccleston and she was born in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], where her early life was passed.  Her father was a subscriber to the Union and it has been in the family all the years of its publication.  Miss H.M. Benjamin, the popular music teacher, is her only child by her former husband, who was killed at Gettysburg.  The husband and daughter have the sympathy of all in their affliction.  The funeral flowers, the gift of thoughtful friends, were so profuse that they nearly concealed the casket, bringing to mind the words of the late N.P. Willis. At the burial of his little daughter, kind friends had carefully hidden the grave with roses and immortelles and when the stricken father approached he exclaimed:  "Room, gentle flowers, my child would pass to heaven."  [Note:  name presented as in obituary which referred to her as both Mrs. C.H. and Mrs. H.C. Redfield.  Correct name unknown]

 

Death Notices

Bainbridge Republican, September 16, 1876

ROOT:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 3d, Mr. Silas Root, aged 31 years.

 

GREGORY:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 5th, 1876, Mr. Henry Gregory, aged 68 years.

 

BRAINARD:  In Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 3d, 1876, Mr. Enos Brainard, aged  77 years.

 

Bainbridge Republican, July 19, 1877

DAVIS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], July 2d, 1877, Charles M. Davis, aged 65 years.

 

NEWTON:  At the residence of P.R. Newton, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], July 14th, 1877, Thomas Newton, formerly of this town aged 84 years.  His remains were interred at North Afton on Monday last.

 

RICHARDS:  At the residence of H.C. Shepardson, in West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], July 10, 1877, Annise, wife of Lyman Richards and daughter of Wm. N. Barber of North Harpersfield.

Miscellaneous Items - 1946

Frank Doolittle Injured

Bainbridge News & Republican, August 22, 1946

Frank Doolittle is confined to his home on Kirby street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] by injuries received Monday morning when he was struck in the head by a four by four while rolling logs at the Trico Lumber co.  He suffered a fracture of the right cheek bone, broken teeth, and a slight concussion.

 

Bainbridge Native Returns from Europe

Bainbridge News & Republican, August 22, 1946

 

Harry Searles, of Saratoga Springs, research engineer for Van Raalte, has recently returned from a trip to Europe and has expressed his opinions in a most interesting article in his hometown newspaper, "The Saratogian."  Mr. Searles, a native of Bainbridge, has numerous friends here who will be most interested in the account of his trip, which has been contributed to the News by Mrs. Fred Davis, of West Bainbridge.  The article follows:

 

Admiration for the courage of the English, apprehension for the future of France, and unlimited praise for the beauties of Switzerland and its handling of post-war problems, is expressed by Harry Searles, research engineer for Va Raalte, on his return from a month's business trip to Europe.

 

Mr. Searles, former manager of the local Van Raalte plant, who continues to make Saratoga his home and business headquarters, made the round trip of the Atlantic by American Air Lines, much of his traveling on the continent also being by air.

 

This enabled him to make wide observation of economic conditions in addition to carrying out the object of his visit. The principal purpose of the trip was for a preview of a new textile manufacturing machine which is scheduled for showing in the united States this fall, as well as to talk to leading textile men abroad.

 

Mr Searles was one of 32 passengers and a crew of five which left by four-motored plane at 2:20 p.m. June 22 from LaGuardia Airport, flying north along the coast over Boston to Gardner Airport in Newfoundland, where the first stop was made after 1,096 miles.  "Cocktails were being served in anticipation of dinner," he said, "when a storm broke, delaying the landing at Gardner, so dinner was served at a hotel there."  After motors had been checked, they took off in the rain for the 1,976-mile Atlantic hop to Shannon Airport on the Shannon River in Ireland.  The crossing was uneventful except for a magnificent view over the thunderheads and other clouds at sunrise about 2 a.m. E.D.S.T.  The view, he said, reminded him of the Garden of Gods, although even more striking.  One of the passengers, who had traveled over much of the world by air, described it as the most beautiful sight he ever had seen.  "In marked contract to England, where food is scarce," he said "we had a fine breakfast of bacon, eggs and coffee, with more butter in evidence than I had seen before in six months."

 

There was a delay of an hour for plane inspection after which they flew direct to the New Heath Row Airport, near London.  This port, about eight miles in length, is in use, but tents and temporary buildings are being used.  It is expected, he learned, that it will take the place of several ports in the vicinity of the metropolis.  This completed a trip of 3,441 miles.

 

In London, Mr. Searles stopped at the Savoy and took time to tour the city by train, observing the widespread damage which had been done by bombs.  "Most of the buildings," he said, "are not more than seven stories high.  It is fortunate that the city is spread out that way, as the destruction would  have been much worse had it been concentrated, as in New York.  Much of the damage is in the center of the city.

 

"Whole blocks have been blown away and windows and sidewalks of adjacent buildings are badly damaged.

 

"I was impressed by the courage of these people.  They are friendly, courteous, and talk freely.  I visited with all classes and nobody was crying about conditions.  Most of them expressed a willingness to fight it out themselves, some of them not in accord with the loan from the Untied States.  All expressed hope that it would be repaid, feeling that were it not, good feeling between two countries might be endangered, particularly in the minds of the coming generation.

 

"Food is very scarce. there are no steaks, or chops, and no fresh eggs, the meat rationing of lamb and some chicken.  Vegetables are scarce.  For the first part of my visit I saw little else but spinach but things seemed to improve a little while I was there and they produced some green peas and new potatoes.  People are not starving but the food was lacking in nutritive value.  For instance, after I had orange juice for breakfast in the hotel several mornings I learned it was mineralized water with synthetic flavoring."

 

Mr. Searles described the rationing system as better than that in the United States, but in no way equal to that in Switzerland.  A visitor may stop at an English hotel four days without ration coupons.  He applied for and obtained stamps after four days and surrendered them to the hotel.  "It was possible for a person not registered at a hotel to purchase a meal, but the practice was discouraged," he said. 

 

Mr. Searles then went by train from London to Nottingham, about 180 miles north.  This is the leading textile center of the country, noted for its fine laces.  Here is located one of the finest textile colleges in the world, of which Mr. Searles became a member.  He also went to Leicester, a textile and machine center. 

 

Unable to get reservations on a regular air line, Mr. Searles and Dr. Robert Reiner, a textile man from Weehawken, N.J., and a London banker, chartered a private plane and flew from Croyden Airport to Zurich, Switzerland, where they stopped at the Brau-au-lac Hotel, on the northern point of Zurich Sea (Lake).   Mr. Searles described Zurich, one of the world's most noted vacation spots, as the neatest, cleanest, most restful and beautiful places he ever had seen. 

 

"The streets are as clean as the floor in one's home," he declared, "and they allow nothing to mar the beauty and attractiveness of the city.  There are no unkempt buildings.  As soon as a building becomes unsightly it is removed.  I have the highest opinion of Saratoga as a vacation center, but, nevertheless, the city would do well to send a couple of engineers to Switzerland to see how they handle things in Zurich."  He described the food there as excellent.  Although practically everything is rationed, there is an adequate supply, he said, and well rationed. 

 

"Arriving at the airport," he said, "we surrendered our passports, which were returned to us containing food coupons ample to last for three meals.  At the hotel my passport again was taken and held until morning, when it was returned with food coupons for one week.  Thereafter coupons, to meet the size of the meal ordered, were surrendered at each meal, before it was served.  These were good at the hotel, any restaurant, or they could be used to purchase food in the stores.  By this system, persons  in all circumstances had the same ration, as one could not eat in a hotel without coupons."

 

After an automobile trip through the Alps, across the Austrian border, Mr. Searles took a train to Paris where he found conditions "appalling and deplorable."  Conditions were worse in Paris than I ever had seen or heard about.  There is extreme inflation, acute shortages of food and other materials and a strong black market.  Communists have a powerful grip on the country and I fear the future of the country.  At the Grand Hotel breakfast was one egg and one cup of tea or coffee.  Buildings are shabby; not from bombs but from  neglect, and everything looks run down.  The Germans apparently took everything they could lay hands on.  A machine man on whom I called apologized for his six-year-old automobile.  Out interpreter explained that the car had been entirely dismantled and buried in the ground to keep it from the invaders.  otherwise there would have been none.

 

"We flew from Paris back to London by private plane in company with the Princess of Athol, and returned to the United States by the same air route over which we had come."  Weather was favorable on the return trip until they arrived west of Boston, when the plane encountered a bad storm and from then on into New York it was fog and low ceiling all the way. 

 

"We were over New York two hours," he said, "and made four attempts before we could land on LaGuardia Airport.  It was the only time on the whole trip that I was at all concerned about safety.  You should have heard the applause the passengers gave the pilot when he walked down through the ship."  The ship arrived in New York July 22, just one month from the day of departure. 

 

by Winfield S. Hill -- The Saratogian