Saturday, July 23, 2016

Obituaries (July 23)

Frank D. Cadogan
Utica Saturday Globe, May 2015

 
Frank D. Cadogan

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At the home of his son, Frank H. Cadogan, in Utica [Oneida Co., NY], Monday night occurred the unexpected death of Frank D. Cadogan, aged about 60.  Mr. Cadogan retired at the usual hour and apparently in his usual health.  Members of the family were greatly shocked the next morning to find that he had expired during the night, from heart failure.  Mr. Cadogan was a native of Norwich and had spent the larger part of his life here, marrying Miss Keyes.  For a number of years he was an upholsterer in the employ of the furniture firm of Breese & Clarke and later was a resident for 10 years of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., where he was a fire boss in the coal mines.  Returning to Norwich a few years ago he had since made his home here with his son, James L. Cadogan, until last October he went to Utica to reside with his son, Frank.  Besides his two sons he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Delin Bowers and Mrs. Hattie Cline, both residents of Norwich.  The body was brought to this city Thursday morning and taken direct to Mount Hope Cemetery, where brief burial services were held from the chapel.
 
Hiram H. Tucker
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 6, 1904
Death never came in a more sudden or unexpected way than it came to Hiram H. Tucker of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday, Jan. 2, 1904.  Mr. Tucker had been confined to his room for several days with a badly sprained leg, but aside from this injury apparently enjoyed his usual good health.  Saturday morning he seemed unusually cheerful but preferred to remain in bed so that the injured member could be kept in a comfortable position.  Often while he had been thus confined his family had heard him whistling and singing as they moved about in adjoining rooms and so it was that a humming sound heard by Mrs. Tucker while she was preparing his morning meal aroused no alarm.  However, when she returned to his room after an absence of scarcely two minutes he was gasping for breath.  Medical assistance was hastily summoned but he passed away almost before the first physician reached his side.  Death is attributed to weakness of the heart.  Hiram H. Tucker was born in the town of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] Jan. 25, 1854.  He was deprived of a father's care in his early years but in 1860 occurred his mother's marriage to Reuben B. Aldrich of Norwich, and on the farm of the latter which is located in the western part of the town, the boy grew to  manhood.  When he was thirteen years of age he united with the First Baptist church of this village and ever afterward lived a consistent Christian life.  He was educated in the old Norwich academy and at Lowell Business college at Binghamton.  While a student at the latter institution he became a proficient telegraph operator and in 1878, soon after leaving college, he entered the employ of the Delaware and Lackawanna railway company which he faithfully  served until his death.  His first position was that of station agent at Hamilton.  From there he was transferred to Brisbin and later to Richfield Junction.  For seven years he was chief train despatcher for the Utica division of the Lackawanna with an office at Utica.  Sixteen years ago, because of impaired health, he resigned his position and accepted that of station agent at Sherburne. During these years he has interested himself in every movement which has tended to the improvement of the village he made his home.  His business interests at Sherburne were manifold.  Beside attending to his duties as station and express agent, he owned and operated an extensive coal and creamery business. Though never a politician he was many times honored by the Prohibitionists of the county, having been their candidate for the assembly at the last election.  For several years he was a member of the Sherburne board of education and at the time of his death was the chairman of that board.  In the church he was always a pillar of strength, having served for many years as leader of the choir.  In every emergency he could be counted upon as an active agent for good.  In the town of Sherburne and in every locality which has ever been his home, they are many who know of Mr. Tucker's generosity and benevolence and are saddened by his sudden death. Quite, unassuming, and genial in his demeanor, he numbered among his friends all who knew him.  Charity was with him a primary principle and in his good deeds he always followed the scriptural injunction which "does not let the left hand know that the right hand doeth."  At the time of his death Mr. Tucker was a member of the Maccabees and of the Whitmore Hose company of Sherburne; master elect of Sherburne Lodge No. 444, F.&A.M.; high priest of Chenango Chapter, No. 253, R.A.M.; member of Norwich Commandery No. 46, K.T.; also a member of the order of the Mystic Shrine at Utica.   On Jan. 22, 1878, Mr. Tucker was united in marriage with Miss Jennie E. Crumb of Hamilton, who with one daughter, Alta, survive shim.  he is also survived by his aged father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben B. Aldrich of Norwich, and by two brothers and a sister; Cory J. Aldrich and Mrs. Rand H.B. Evans of Norwich, and Venner A. Aldrich of Chepachet.  In the death of Mr. Tucker, Chenango county has lost one of her most enterprising business men and influential citizens, a man of whom nothing but good was known.  The funeral will be attended at the Baptist church in Sherburne on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at two o'clock p.m.  The remains will be placed in the vault at Sherburne awaiting interment in the spring.

Henry Olendorf Shepard
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 6, 1904
The news that Henry Olendorf Shepard, president of the Chicago publishing company which bore his name, was dead was received with a great shock by his many Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] friends.  Mr Shepard visited Norwich in July last, and at that time was in quite poor health.  He was seriously ill after returning to his home, 342 Ashland avenue, Chicago, but partially recovered.  The immediate cause of his death has not been learned.  Mr. Shepard is survived by his wife and one daughter, Clara, and by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Levi Shepard, who reside at Aurora, Ill., and by two sisters.  Henry O. Shepard was the head of the firm of The Henry O. Shepard company, president of the Inland Printer company, and was one of Chicago's representative business men.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Shepard, and was born in Eaton, Madison county, New York, where he resided until he was nineteen years of age, when the family removed to Norwich.  By permission of the late James H. Sinclair, for many years editor of the Chenango Union, he was granted the privilege of setting type before and after school hours with the result that when he went to learn his trade in the office of the Chenango Telegraph, he was well up in the art with the other compositors on the paper.  In 1871 he went to Chicago, entering the establishment of Church, Goodman & Donnelly, where he remained between four and five years.  In 1876 he assumed the foremanship of Knight & Leonard's one of the best known printing houses in Chicago at that time, which position he retained until August, 1880, when he formed a co-partnership with William Johnston, under the firm name of Shepard & Johnston.  Fortune smiled on their endeavors, and in a short time they were compelled to seek more commodious quarters. There they remained for five years, acquiring, during that item, a reputation second to that of no printing firm in the United States. The business still increased and in March, 1887, the firm again moved to larger quarters.  In September of the same year Mr Shepard purchased the interest of his partner, William Johnston, since which time the business has been conducted with the phenomenal success under the firm name of The Henry O. Shepard company.  In January 1892, the firm removed to 212-214 Monroe street.  In the meantime the firm had not only acquired a local, but a national reputation, and became recognized as one of the most prosperous and best conducted of its kind in the United States.  It has recently erected a model printing plant at 120-130 Sherman street.  The equipment is of the most modern and up-to-date machinery, and each department is under the immediate supervision of tried and experienced workmen, and a casual inspection of its various workrooms impresses the visitor with the fact that order is there recognized as nature's first law.  It is the boast of the house that its imprint is a guarantee of good work, no matter what its character.  Mr. Shepard was an active, wide awake, agreeable man of business, devoting his undivided time and energy to the interests of this large and growing establishment.  As a man he was courteous and affable; as an employer just and considerate, and willing at all times to listen to and remove any grievance; as a friend, genial and whole souled; as a printer an honor to, his profession.  He was probably the best known and most popular printer in the United States; no one prominent in the graphic arts in foreign countries ever visited the United States without calling on him.  He was prominently identified with Masonic interests, was a member of the Press club and a member of the National Typothetan.  Mr. Shepard was widely known, not only to printers of the United States, but to those in other parts of the world through his connections with the Inland Printer, the leading trade journal of the world in the printing and allied industries.  This typographic art magazine now in its thirty-second volume, has been successful from the start, and is recognized authority on matters pertaining to the trade.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Messages from early BHS graduating class members - 1926

The Alumni
"The Echo" 1926
 
Mrs. H.W. Dickinson (Anna Maria Juliand) - Class of 1878 (first graduating class)
The first graduating class of the Bainbridge High School sends greetings to the Senior class of 1926.  With all the advantages you have for an education over those earlier days--modern languages domestic Art, and many other studies, I wonder if any of you will go as far as the Valedictorian of that first class.  I refer to James L. Sill who was born in Bainbridge, and all the education he received was in Bainbridge High.  "Louie," as we called him, was the son of a poor physician.  He used to go barefoot in summer and perhaps did not always have enough to eat, but by his own efforts he rose to be captain in the Revenue Marine Service of the United States.  And when he died a few years ago, he was buried with military honors at Arlington.
 
Helen Jeanette (Campbell) Copley - Class of 1882
As a representative of the class of 1882,
I will willingly pen a few lines to you;
Although with a feeling of sadness because
May Gilbert and Fred Graves have gone home,
And we are left their loss to mourn.
 
When I realize that Anna, Alberto, and I
Are the only ones left, I heave a big sigh;
Anna, that dear old pal of mine,
Married Orin Sands, a Bainbridge boy.
 
A self-made man, Alberto Bennett is next on the list,
And when he left Bainbridge, by his friends he was missed;
I think he fulfilled the promise he gave and made a fine man,
Who is now a minister and will do good whenever he can.
 
And now my name is last on the list;
If left out, it might not be missed.
But, as I belong in the class, I can't pass myself by
So to say a few words about "yours truly" I'll try.
 
I cannot say that I have ever won fame or renown
But in this world of care and strife I have led a busy life;
And whatever in life to me shall betide,
I am thankful I will have my dear husband to walk by my side.
 
All Hail to Bainbridge High School
Good Old Alma Mater B.H.S.
May honors come to you, success crown you and Heaven bless you;
My dear Old Alma Mater B.H.S.
 
Elizabeth Corbin Lewis--Class of 1887
There is an old story told of a meeting where only two men were present--one of whom took it upon himself to write up the affair for the paper.  He started in by saying, "There was a large and respectable audience present"--whereupon the other protested that the statement was untrue--"Why," said the writer, "are you not large, and am I not respectable?"  The class of 1887 was composed of two girls,--Millie Cannon, one of the brightest and best ever graduated from B.H.S., and your humble servant.
 
Shirley E. Stewart--Class of 1915
There were six members in the class of 1915--Indra Brant, Gladys L. Cushman, Helen C. Steward, Ernest R. Quackenbush, George R. Aylesworth and myself--a large class.  Anyway it seemed so then.  I suppose we were just like every other class that ever graduated.  Some of us had rather definite ideas about our future work and others did not.  But everyone has found something to do. We are scattered now in the four directions, and in four different states. We are almost lost in the wide, wide world.  However, we shall still remember B.H.S. as our starting point.
 
Thelma Taylor--Class of 1923
As Mother Goose waddled down the street, she heaved a great sigh.  She was thinking of her goslings of 1923, and how they had left her.  She was proud of them though, and thought what fine models they would make for the little geese of 1926.
 
Elliot Danforth is attending Colgate university, and Burritt Haddow, St. Lawrence University.  Frances Cooper and Marie Gunther went to Oneonta Normal and are now teaching at Stevensville and Vallonia Springs respectively.  Dorotha White is with the 1900 Washer Company in Binghamton; our dear classmate, Vivien Walker left us in the summer of 1924; Ruth Hollenbeck is attending Syracuse University and Frances Kentfield is at Albany State College. Frieda Friedel graduated from Crouse-Irving Hospital a year ago.  Thelma Taylor attended Lowell's Business School, and is now working in the first National Bank, and Owena Crumb is attending Oxford University.
 
 


Obituaries (July 22)

Chester E. Steward
Utica Saturday Globe, May 1915

 
Chester E. Steward
1837 - 1915

Chester E. Steward, who passed away at his home in South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] last Friday, aged 77, was a native of Kirk, where he was born in October, 1837, the son of Asahel and Lucretia Steward.  Deceased was thrice married, his first wife being Delphina Case and the second De Ette Newton, both residents of Pharsalia, and the third, Agnes Prescott, of Plymouth.  All are deceased.  One son, Arthur Steward, survives, besides a brother Charles Steward, of Norwich, and a sister, Mrs. Orlando Frink, of South Plymouth. There are three grandchildren,  Ella Steward, of Geneva and George and Louise Steward of South Plymouth. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock, Rev. William T. Webb, of the Plymouth M.E. Church, officiating.  Interment was in the Dimmick Cemetery at South Plymouth.
 
Elizabeth Manning
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 6, 1904
Died at Binghamton [Broome co., NY], Jan. 2, 1904, Elizabeth, wife of J. Manning aged 58 years.  The remains were brought to this village [Norwich, Chenango co., NY] Sunday, and were taken to the residence of her son, 310 North Broad street, from where the funeral will take place on Tuesday afternoon at 3:30.  The body will rest in Mt. Hope chapel awaiting burial.  The deceased was born in England, and has resided in Norwich since 1888.  She is survived by her husband, and two sons, Richard J. and Thomas J. Manning, all of Norwich.
 
 
George S. Doane
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 2, 1904
George S. Doane, who conducted a restaurant on West State street Sherburne [Chenango co., NY], was found dead in bed by his family Wednesday morning.  He had complained on Tuesday of several attacks of what was termed indigestion, but retired at 11 o'clock that night apparently in his usual health. Death came without warning during the night, and was doubtless due to heart disease.  Mr. Doane was a native of DeRuyter [Madison Co., NY] where he resided until about 12 years ago, He conducted a hotel at Georgetown, Solsville, and Hubbardsville at different periods, residing in Sherburne for the past six years.  His wife and two sons Henry and Willard, survive.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. and burial will be made at DeRuyter, the body being placed in the vault at Sherburne until spring.  Deceased possessed a kind and generous heart, a loyal and obliging nature, and leaves many friends who sympathize with the bereaved family in this sudden affliction.
 
Edward Holl
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 2, 1904
Edward Holl of DeRuyter [Madison Co., NY] was killed at a railroad crossing between Sheds Corners and DeRuyter Saturday afternoon.  A local freight, southbound, broke in two just south of Sheds Corners, and Holl who was in a cutter waiting for the train to pass, drove on the track as soon as the first section of the broken train had passed and just in time to be struck by the cars which had broken loose.  Deceased resided for a number of years at Otselic Center, where he conducted a farm.
 
DeRuyter Gleaner, December 31, 1903
One of the saddest tragedies that it has ever been our duty to record is the death of Edward Holl of this village [DeRuyter, Madison Co., NY] which occurred at the Doane Crossing some three miles north on Saturday afternoon.  Mr. Holl, who had bene employed as a section hand for some months past, drove to Georgetown, Friday, to spend Christmas with his daughter, Mrs. S.B. Rice.  His wife, who has the care of Mrs. H.C. Miner, could not well accompany him.  He started on the homeward trip soon after dinner, Saturday, and reached the fated crossing about four o'clock, just as the westbound freight was passing.  The horse was not afraid of the cars, and he waited at or near the watering trough until the train, as he supposed, had passed, then started on his homeward journey.  But it so happened that the heavy freight had parted, and a short distance behind the engine and larger section came the detached cars, with such force that striking the cutter near the rear they broke it in two, the horse escaping uninjured.  The cuts on the head and elsewhere showed that Mr. Holl's death must have been instantaneous.  Frank Jones, a young man living at Albert Greene's near the crossing, had just led his horse from the trough towards the barn and looked back as the accident happened.  He was the only witness of the tragedy.  Major Smith was in his henhouse across the lot; he hurried to Sheds as quickly as possible and reported the accident to the station agent, who received orders for the passenger train, soon due, to bring the remains to DeRuyter, where they were taken in charge by Undertaken I.E. Smith.  He married Clarissa M., daughter of the late Horace l. Poole, Dec. 8, 1870. They have one daughter, Mrs. Lina E. Rice, of George town.
 
DeRuyter Gleaner, January 7, 1904
Edward Holl, son of Edward and Lovia Minton Holl, was born in Pittsfield, Otsego county, N.Y. April 30, 1844.  His parents came from England and settled near Oneonta in Otsego county and in 1854 they came to Lincklaen and settled on Angell Hill, on the farm lately occupied by Mr. Nathan Saunders.  His family consisted of the worthy wife and nine children, two having died in childhood, and at present five brothers and two sisters are living...This large family has had a worthy record in Lincklaen and all have filled their places well as citizens, neighbors and friends.  They have exemplified the worthy traits of their English ancestry.  Industry and moral courage and the gentler virtues as well in their homes and among their friends.  Edward Holl, the oldest of those who grew up, was happily married Dec. 18, 1870, to Miss Clarissa M. [Poole], daughter of the late  Horace and Eliza Thurston Poole of Lincklaen. The Poole families have also a worthy record in Chenango county.  They came from Connecticut and brought with them the New England traits, intelligence, uprightness, and high Christian character.  God blest this happy marriage in giving them one beloved daughter, Miss Lina E., now Mrs. S.B. Rice of Georgetown.  God also blest them with a happy home these many years, for husband and wife and daughter united to brighten and sweeten and make precious the home circle.  But such a gentle influence, making the fireside happy will not stop there and so Edward Holl was known and beloved as one of the kindest of neighbors and most helpful of friends.  Such has been his worthy record and for such he will be remembered and beloved. ...We gladly add this loving tribute and commend the afflicted to the gentle care of our Heavenly Father.  L.R.S.
 

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Obituaries (July 21)

Amy P. (Aldrich) Crandall
Utica Saturday Globe, April 1915

 
Amy P. (Aldrich) Crandall
1873 - 1915

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of Mrs. Amy P. Crandall, wife of Joseph S. Crandall, was held from the family home on Plymouth street Monday afternoon, Dr. J.A. Monk officiating.  Mrs. Crandall passed away Friday afternoon after only a week's illness of pneumonia.  Deceased was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James K. Aldrich and was born in the town of Plymouth February 13, 1873.  August 9, 1890, she married Mr. Crandall and had since made her home in Norwich, becoming a member of the First Baptist Church. Besides her husband she leaves a little adopted daughter; three aunts, Mrs. Eliza C. Evans and Mrs. E.B. Crandall, of Norwich, and Mrs. Sally Hart, of Cortland, and two uncles, Elias Aldrich, of Amherst, Ohio, and C. Chan Aldrich, of Lebanon, Oregon.
 
Charles T. Atwood
1861 - 1938
Charles T. Atwood, undertaker, for many years an employee of the William Breese company, died at his home in Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], at 10:30 Thursday night, after an illness of two months duration.  He was 77 years of age.  Mr Atwood was one of Norwich's most highly respected citizens, and his numerous friends in this city and throughout this section will deeply mourn his passing.  For nearly 35 years Mr. Atwood was connected with the Breese Company in the furniture and undertaking business.  He was a valued employee of the concern during this long period of service and he will be greatly missed by his employers and associate workers. There survive his wife, two sons, Lawrence Atwood of Bethlehem, Pa., and Warren Atwood, and a daughter, Mrs. Bentley Merrick of Yonkers. Services are to be held from the family home in Plymouth at 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Rev. James K. Romeyn officiating with burial in Avoca [Steuben Co., NY].
 
Ella F. (Halberg) Beldin
1877 - 1949
Following a brief illness, Mrs. Ella F. Beldin, widow of J.W. Beldin, died at her home, 48 Elm [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Friday night at 6:30.  Born in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 27, 1877, she was the daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Wells) Halberg.  Mrs Beldin was the oldest member of the Lily of the Valley Rebekah lodge at the time of her passing.  She affiliated with the order in June, 1905, and continued her active membership to the time of her death.  She was affiliated also with the Past Noble Grands and the Darakai Zuanna.  Mrs. Beldin was a member of the First Congregational Church and the Willing Workers Circle of the King's Daughters. her marriage with Al C. Leach was solemnized June 30, 1896.  Four children were born to this union, Grace, Floyd, Josephine and Jessica.  Mr. Leach died March 11, 1906.  On March 12, 1908 she was united in marriage with Mr. Beldin. Two sons, Richard and Irving were born of this union.  Mr. Beldin died 15 years ago.  Mrs. Beldin is survived by the following sons and daughters:  Mrs. Grace L. Walker and Richard Beldin of Norwich; Mrs. Josephine Sherwood of Sherburne; Mrs. Jessica Collins of Smyrna and Irvin Beldin of Syracuse. Eleven grandchildren survive also.  The body of Mrs. Beldin rests at the Breese Funeral Home....Services will be Monday at 2 o'clock at the Breese Funeral Home. Rev. L.L. Durgin of the First congregational church will officiate.  Committal services will be at Mt.  Hope [Norwich, NY] where the body will rest in the chapel vault awaiting burial at a later date.

Gale Truman Sawyer
Cortland Democrat, May 1, 1925
Mrs. Carrol Davis was  called to the Cortland hospital last Wednesday by the serious illness of her sister, Mrs. George Sawyer of Truxton.  She passed away Friday morning and the remains were brought here, to the home of Mrs. Davis, where the funeral was held Monday afternoon.  The service was largely attended.  The Rebekahs were present in a body.  She was only 30 years of age.  She leaves her husband and three small children, five sisters and one brother.
 
Truxton [Cortland Co., NY]:  The people of this community were shocked Friday to hear of the death of Mrs. George Sawyer at the Cortland hospital early that morning.  She was taken to the hospital on Tuesday.  Up until the Sunday before she had been in her usual good health.  Gale Truman Sawyer was the daughter of the late Freeman and Ethlean Truman and was born at South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Sept 15, 1894.  The greater part of her life was spent in Otselic.  Upon completing her school work she taught several years.  On October 10, 1919, she was married to George Sawyer Truxton.  She was a woman of quiet disposition and nature, and had hosts of friends both in Chenango and Cortland counties.  The funeral was held from the home of Mrs. Carroll Davis at South Otselic, Monday at 2 o'clock.  The floral tributes were very many and beautiful.  Besides her husband she leaves two daughters, Genevieve and Virginia, and a son, Donald; also five sisters and a brother, Mrs. Carrol Davis of South Otselic, Mrs. Glen Davis of North Pitcher, Mrs. V.F. Sheldon of Otselic, Mrs. Lawrence Kellogg of Georgetown, Mrs. Nelson Kennedy of Cortland, and Grover Truman of Kenwood.

Death Notices
Chenango Union, May 6, 1875

BALDWIN:  In South Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] April 24, Mr. Orrin Baldwin, aged 67 years, 9 months.

ROGERS:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], April 21, Mr. Richard Rogers, aged 70 years.

LYON:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 22, Mrs. Rosetta Lyon, aged 74 years.

MARCY:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 18, 1875, Mrs. R.J. Marcy, aged 75 years.

INGRAHAM:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY^], April 28, Hattie E. [Ingraham], wife of Geo. Ingraham, aged 26 years.

PERRY:  In Tuscola, Mich., April 1, Mr E.W. Perry, son of the late Dea. John Perry of Oxford, aged 68 years.

EGGLESTON: In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] Apr. 27, Mrs. Sidney Eggleston, aged 67 years.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Bainbridge High School - Class of 1926, Part 2

Bainbridge High School - Class of 1926
"The Echo" 1926

 
Carol Hedberg
Carol came from Kansas, way out west.
She beats them all debating and passes every test.


 
Stella Smith
Stella mean star, she starred they say,
in "Am I Intruding?", the Senior play


 
Mary Nutter
Abrupt and blunt is Mary's speech
Her sentences consist of one word each.
 
 

 
Doris Wilcox
Doris is known as a very apt scholar.
It's often been said, "She's as bright as a dollar."

Obituaries (July 20)

Martha S. (Borst) Bowers
Utica Saturday Globe, April 1915

 
Martha S. (Borst) Bowers
1872 - 1915

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Mrs. Martha S. Bowers, wife of Charles S. Bowers, occurred at her home in Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY] Saturday morning.  For a long time she had gradually lost strength but she maintained a calm and cheerful spirit and her faith and fortitude remained unbroken.  Mrs. Bowers was the daughter of David and Martha Borst and was born in the town of Franklin [Delaware Co., NY] in 1872.  When a young lady the family moved to Oneonta, where her marriage to Charles S. Bowers took place September 17, 1900.  Shortly thereafter they took up their residence in Norwich, where Mr. Bowers for a number of years conducted a grocery on Cortland street.  They returned to Oneonta a few years ago.  Mrs. Bowers was a woman beloved by all who knew her, her cherry and unselfish nature making friends of all with whom she became acquainted and her death is sincerely and widely mourned.  She was a member of the Lily of the Valley Rebekah Lodge, of Norwich, and Lady Maccabees, of Oneonta.  Besides her husband she is survived by five sisters, Mrs. Joshua Roe, of Laurens; Mrs. George Cornwell, of Middleburg; Mrs. F.W. Miller, of Binghamton; Mrs. Byron Brewer and Mrs. Howard Briggs, of Oneonta, and one brother, Samuel Borst.  Funeral services were held from her late home Tuesday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. Charles S. Pendleton, of the Free Baptist Church, officiating. The remains were placed in the receiving vault of Riverside Cemetery in Oneonta.

James T. Beal
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, September 26, 1894
The death of Mr. James T. Beal, proprietor of the Mitchell House in this village [Sidney, DelawareCo., NY], will be heard with regret by a large circle of acquaintances and friends.  He died at 9:30 a.m., Friday, September 21.  It has been evident for many years that his illness must terminate fatally.  Its grasp never yields.  Mr. Beal was 47 years of age.  He was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] near the Joseph Bush farm.  he came to Sidney about 16 years ago, and had charge of the Central hotel with L. Cumber as partner.  Cumber sold out and Mr. Beal ran the hotel alone one year.  In March 1882, he bought the old Mitchell House which stood on the site now occupied as a marble yard.  The hotel burned down in January, 1883.  In August of that year Mr Beal took possession of his new hotel, the present Mitchell House, and later on acquired title of the adjacent property.  Mr. Beal leaves a wife and two children to mourn his loss.  he was a good business manager and leaves considerable property, aside from which he was insured for $2,000 in our Sidney lodge A.O.U.W. which amount will be promptly handed over to his widow by the officers of the lodge.  The funeral will take place on Sunday at 2 o'clock--Sidney Record

Freelove Mathewson
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, September 26, 1894
News has been received of the death at Steamboat Rock, Iowa, on the 18th of September, of Mrs. Freelove Mathewson, widow of the late Waterman Mathewson.  She had attained the good age of eighty-eight years.  Her early married life was passed near Chenango Lake [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], then known as Mathewson's pond, it being a part of her husband's farm.  Many years ago, with her husband, she removed to Steamboat Rock, Iowa, where several of her daughters reside.  Two daughters, Mrs. S.A. Hollenbook and Mrs. Nancy Steonee, both of Steamboat rock, Iowa, and one son, Berthier J. Mathewson of this village, besides grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive.  She was a woman of many excellent traits of character and was known to a large circle of acquaintances when she resided here.  Her burial took place at Steamboat Rock.

Mary J. (Hamilton) Platt
Murdered by Indians
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, October 6, 1894
San Diego, Cal.:  Mrs. Mary J. Platt, teacher in the Indian school on the Pechanga reservation near Temecula, Riverside county, has been murdered by Indians.  The woman lived with her niece, Hattie Leslie, aged 10 in a wing of the school building.  The Indians were apparently on the most friendly terms with her.  An Indian boy recently complained to Chief Mettopa that the children were being abused.  The chief called on her, and went away angry.  Mrs. Platt became uneasy and wrote the Indian a note that if he did not hear from her again within three or four days to come down and investigate.  This letter and a telegram from Temecula announcing the burning of the government building at Pechanga and the finding of Mrs. Platt's body, arrived at Colson an hour apart.  the crime was committed the night of September 20.  Mrs. Platt was clubbed to death, and her body cremated.  The little girl escaped.  Mrs. Platt was the daughter of James Hamilton, an early resident of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and cousin of Joseph W. Hamilton, of that village.

Death Notices
Chenango Union, May 6, 1875

FREEMAN:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], April 17, Mrs. Betsey Freeman, wife of the late William Freeman, aged 75 years.

NEWTON:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], April 20, Mr. Charles E. Newton, aged 21 years.

MILLER:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], April 25, Eliza [Miller], widow of the late Philander Miller, aged 57.

KIRKHUFF:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], April 26, Sarah M. [Kirkhuff], wife of John W. Kirkhuff, aged 28 years.

LYON:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 24, Lois O. Lyon, aged 42 years.

HIGLEY:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 28 Miss Viroqua Higley, aged 20 years.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Obituaries (July 19)

Grace Hartwell & Catherine Bentley
Two Women Killed at Crossing
Utica Saturday Globe, May 1915
 

Scene of Fatal Crossing Accident
The cross marks the spot where Miss Grace Hartwell and Miss Catherine Bentley, of Sherburne Four Corners, were killed at the Galena Station of the Lackawanna Railroad
 
Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  A crossing accident, taking as toll two human lives and that of a horse, occurred at the Galena station [North Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] of the Lackawanna Railroad Monday evening.  Train 804 was speeding north at the usual rate of 40 miles an hour, no stop being scheduled at Galena, when the engineer, Charles W. Haight, of Utica, saw the head and shoulders of a horse appear past the corner of the station, headed for the tracks.  He had given the regular warning signal, but when he saw the horse, blew the whistle again, shut off steam and set the emergency brake.  Mr. Haight realized as the train rushed on that the horse drew a carriage that was occupied and that the reins were drawn tight as he struck the animal squarely.  The momentum of the train carried it 800 feet past the crossing.  At a signal it backed up and trainmen and passengers picked up the lifeless bodies of two women found 50 feet from the crossing, placed them in the baggage car and carried them to the station.  The remains of the horse and the wreckage of a carriage were strewn along the tracks.

The story of the tragedy reveals that Miss Grace Hartwell, aged 36, and her maiden aunt, Miss Catherine Bentley, whose home was on a farm near Sherburne Four Corners [Chenango Co. NY],  had driven to the Galena station with a crate of eggs which they delivered to the station agent, W.C. Lindsey, just as the train whistled on the curve several hundred feet below the station.  The ladies were in a top buggy with the side curtains drawn.  The horse was young and afraid of trains.  Mr. Lindsay said he would make out the receipt for her later and cautioned Miss Hartwell regarding the train, though she was considered an expert driver and was in the habit of coming to the station twice a week.  Whether she lost control of the horse or from force of habit turned across the track, which here parallels the track of the Ontario & Western to go to a watering trough at which the horse was accustomed to drink, will never be known.  Eye witnesses who saw the carriage turned towards the track directly in the path of the on-rushing train attempted to attract the attention of the occupants, but could not.
 
Coroner E.W. Wilcox and Drs. Manley and Gibson were summoned from Norwich and relatives of the dead notified.  Later in the evening the bodies were removed to the Hartwell home at Sherburne Four Corners, where Miss Hartwell resided with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Hartwell, who were unable to go to the scene of the accident.  The daughter had always lived at home and had assumed much of the active management of the farm, her brothers, Alfred and Samuel, living in California and at Port Huron, Mich., respectively, while her only sister, Mrs. Frank Deming, lives at Chautauqua.  Miss Bentley was the sister of Mrs. Hartwell and was about 75 years of age.
 
While the crossing is regarded as dangerous it has never been the scene of an accident.  The highway crosses the tracks just north of the station, which shuts off the view of trains approaching from the south.  The Ontario & Western tracks run parallel only a few rods away. Engineer Charles W. Haight testified before the coroner that during his experience of 24 years as a locomotive engineer this was his first fatal accident.
 
Binghamton Press, May 13, 1915
The funerals of Miss Grace Hartwell and Miss Katherine Bentley, who were killed Monday evening when struck by the northbound Lackawanna train at Galena were held at the home of Sherburne Four Corners yesterday afternoon at 1 o'clock, The Rev. W.A. Trow of Sherburne, officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery at North Norwich.  Many Norwich relatives were in attendance.  Coroner Wilcox of this city has just completed his inquest into the accident.  Four of the train crew who were witnesses of the accident came to Norwich and gave their testimony to Attorney A.D. Gibbs.  All information goes to show that the accident was the fault of no one, the horse which the women were driving becoming unmanageable and dashing before the speeding train.
 
The Missing William Williams
Chenango Union, May 27, 1897
 
Several weeks ago the Union published the fact that a Dr. Williams had died in San Francisco, leaving an estate to this two brothers, one of whom was William Williams, formerly of Norwich, N.Y., and George Williams, formerly of Norwich, N.Y.
 
It was stated at that time that the George Williams was thought to be the husband of Mrs. Margaret Williams, of this village, and the Attorney who has the matter in charge here was satisfied that that was the case.  Future developments, however, point in another direction, and it is now believed that the persons wanted belong to another family of Williams.  The William Frederick Williams mentioned as one of the heirs, was a printer by trade, and was an employee of the Union office under the proprietorship of Harvey Hubbard and John F. Hubbard.  Leaving Norwich he became editor and publisher of a newspaper in the Mohawk Valley.
 
George Williams enlisted in the 114th Regiment, Company E.  He was a corporal and at a date which is unknown he was transferred to the reserve corps..  There has been a story among veterans that a George Williams, a member of the 114th, was captured by guerrillas and drawn to death, but if that story is authentic it undoubtedly refers to another Williams, since the reserve corps to which this George Williams was transferred was not exposed to guerilla warfare.
 
The father of George and William Frederick Williams, was James Williams, a harness maker, who was commonly known as "Paddy" Williams.  He had five sons, two of whom, with the father, died here in Norwich. The remaining three were George, who was in the army, William Frederick, and Dr. James Williams whose estate is now awaiting its lawful heirs.  On the mother's side of the house, the family were from Otsego county, the mother's maiden name having been Harriet Ludington.
 
Attorney Boyer, of San Francisco, the attorney who drew the will of Dr. James Williams, has been in town several days, investigating the case, and has obtained from the official records a substantial chain of facts connecting the William Frederick Williams, Printer, with the family of the deceased Dr. James Williams.
 
The Missing Williams Identified
Chenango Union, June 10, 1897
 
William Fred Williams, concerning whose present whereabouts there has been a very general inquiry for the last two months, and who, as told in the Union last week, is heir to an estate in San Francisco, has been identified.
 
Last week the Union stated that Williams was formerly an employee of this office, which he left a quarter of a century or more ago.  He afterwards was located in the Mohawk Valley and afterward at Albany, but after that no trace of him had been found when the Union went to press last week.  It has now been ascertained that he went from Albany to New Haven, Conn., where he was employed upon various of the city papers, being at one time foreman of the composing room of the Journal and Courier and later the Evening Union.  He was foreman in the latter office when he died, in January 1893, leaving a widow and two children.
 
As foreman of the Evening Union composing room he was well known to the present editor of the Chenango Union who was upon the staff of the Evening Union before coming to Norwich.  During all the inquiry concerning William Fred Willems, however, the identity of the missing man with the Williams of the Evening Union did not occur to him.
 
Mr. Williams was pleasant dispositioned, hard working man, in New Haven, and with the assistance of his wife constructed a large house near the College Campus and rented rooms to Yale students.  He was an ardent Typographical Union man and was at one time one of the leading spirits of the Typographical Union of the city.
 
Williams was traced to New Haven by H.D. Newton, of this village, and Mr. Newton represents the interests of his heirs.  George Williams, the other brother, was not the George Williams who enlisted Co. E 114th regiment.  That gentleman is still living and belongs to another family.  The George Williams who is interested in this case enlisted in another regiment, and was captured by Moseby's guerrillas, tied to a tree ande drawn to death by a pair of mules.  He was 16 years of age when he enlisted and left no family.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Obituaries (July 18)

Mary (Newman) McGuinness
Utica Saturday Globe, May 2015
 
 
Mary (Newman) McGuinness
1831 - 1915

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Normile on Silver street Monday morning occurred the death of Mrs. Mary McGuinness, widow of James McGuinness.  Deceased's maiden name was Mary Newman and she was born in Dublin, Ireland, where she resided until her marriage to Mr. McGuinnes.  Together they migrated to America and located in New York city.  In 1858 they came to Norwich to reside.  Mr. McGuinness died a number of years ago.  Of four children born to them, Mary died in childhood, and Rev. Father John McGuinness passed away in 1900.  Miss Jane McGuinness and Mrs. Thomas J. Batie, both of Norwich, survive, together with six grandchildren, Franklyn A. Batie, of New York; John Leroy and Newman Batie, of Norwich; Mrs. H.K. Stanley, of Watertown, and Miss Maude Batie, of Rochester.  Mrs. McGuinness was a woman of noble character loved and revered by all who knew her.  Her warm sympathy and helping hand were always ready for those in need outside as well as within the family circle.  She was a devout and earnest member of St. Paul's Catholic Church.  Funeral services were held from her late home on Silver street at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning and from St. Paul's Church at 9:30 Rev. Father Prendergast officiating.
 
Leona M. (Smith) Rathbun
Chenango Union, January 26, 1905
Mrs. Leona M. Rathbun, widow of the late A. Eugene Rathbun, died suddenly a her home on Hubbard avenue Friday afternoon.  Mrs. Rathbun had been in her usual health and Thursday evening attended prayer meeting at the First Baptist church.  Friday morning she suffered a shock of paralysis and sank into an unconscious condition from which she did not rally.  Her age was 62.  Mrs. Rathbun was a daughter of Collins G. Smith, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], and was born at Lisbon, Otsego county. She is survived by her father, two sons, Curtis E., of Norwich and Frank, of Battle Creek, Michigan, and by three grandchildren.  Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon.

Daniel Conroy
Chenango Union, January 26, 1905
At his home No. 42 Fair street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Wednesday morning, occurred the death of Daniel Conroy.  Deceased was born in Queens county, Ireland, on May 1, 1845.  From early manhood he had followed the occupation of a quarryman and stone cutter.  He had held a responsible position as superintendent of quarries in Hastings, N.Y., Smithville, and South Oxford in the Clark Quarries.  He came to Norwich twelve years ago and began work on the quarries on the West Hill, and the business opened and founded by him promises to be one of the best industries Norwich ever had.  Mr Conroy was associated with Mr. Ryan under the firm name of Conroy & Ryan and last fall F.G. and H.W. Clarke of Oxford bought large interests and the firm's name was changed to the Clarke, Conroy Company   Mr. Conroy is survived by his widow and seven children, all of whom reside in Norwich. The children are Daniel F., Dr. Patrick J., Joseph J., Francis and the Misses Margaret, Catherine and Agnes. The funeral will be held from St. Paul's church on Friday morning, at 9 o'clock and the remains will be taken to Kingston for burial, the funeral party leaving here on the 10:42 a.m. train on the Ontario and Western.  Deceased was a member of Norwich Counsel, Knights of Columbus.

George F. Humphrey
Chenango Union, January 26, 1905
George F. Humphrey, who suffered a stroke of apoplexy on Tuesday morning, died at his home in Elm street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], at seven o'clock that evening.  had he lived until February 12, he would have reached his 91st year.  Mr. Humphrey was born in Greene county, New York, on February 12, 1814, and when a lad moved with his parents to a farm two miles below Guilford village.  In early manhood he was engaged in farming and mercantile business and for a time was in New Castle, Tenn. During the construction of the Ontario and Western railroad he had charge of a construction gang both on the main line and New Berlin branch.  In 1871 he was appointed railroad commissioner for the town of Guilford, which office he held with honor and integrity.  Soon after his term of office expired he moved to New Berlin and until about ten years ago occupied a farm near Chenango lake.  During his residence in Norwich, and as all through his career he had lived an honorable, upright life and was loved and respected by all.  He was remarkably will preserved for a man of his years, and up to the very day of his death was a familiar figure on the streets.  Mr. Humphrey is survived by his widow, also three sons, George M., of Albion, Lewis E. and William R. of Greenwood, Miss.  He is also survived by two brothers, Sylvester P. Humphrey of Guilford and Mevin Humphrey of Greenwood, Miss.  George H. Baldwin of this village is a nephew.  The funeral will be held from his late home on Saturday morning at eleven o'clock, Rev. W.D. Benton, D.D., rector of Emmanuel Episcopal church officiating.  The remains will be placed in Mount Hope vault awaiting burial in South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Post Listing, July 11-17, 2016)

Listing of blog postings for the week of July 11-17, 2016

Marriages
Posted July 15, 2016
Paul Phetteplace - Bertha May Dibble (1915)
Adelaide Parce - Wallace S. Truesdell (1890)
Clarence G. Cook - Mary Jane Crawley (1880)
Mrs. Gaylord S. Graves - Daniel T. Banner (1912)
Marriage Notices
     Joel L. Judd - Amanda M. Minor (1876)
     Dwight Hollingworth - Helen M. Grant (1875)
     Azor Wood - Hannah M. Fuller (1876)
     Charles O. Moody - Emma J. Phillips (1876)
 
Obituaries
Posted July 11, 2016
Lena Caroline (Kern) King (Norwich, 1915)
Andrew Reynolds (Binghamton, 1876)
Mrs. Rathboney (McDonough, 1876)
Clinton Weed (Norwich, 1874)
Frank E. Burdo (Bridgewater, Rome, 1874)

Posted July 12, 2016
Augustus E. Race (Norwich, 1915)
William Spaulding (Coventry, 1874)
Rev. Ferdinand Rogers, D.D. (Greene, 1876)
Death Notices - 1875
     Herbert Marion Jones (Guilford)
     Edwin D. Johnson (Otselic)
     Hattie L. Hoose (Cortland)
     Harriet Marks (Binghamton)

Posted July 13, 2016
Julia F. (Bates) Osborne (Norwich, 1915)
Emma Van Slyke (Clockville, 1876)  accidental shooting
Nancy VanEmbergh (Norwich, 1876)
Death Notices
     James E. Bowers (Oxford, 1876)
     Nicholas Smith (Guilford, 1876)
     Adelia McKook/McKean (San Francisco CA 1873)

Posted July 14, 2016
Mayme Cary Berry (Norwich, 1915)
Hon. H.G. Crozier (Smithville, 1880)
Mary S. Farrell (St. Edwards, NB, Norwich, 1890)
Richard Herrick Smith (Norwich, NYC, 1890)
Rev. William Bixby (Oneonta, Bainbridge, 1890)

Posted July 15, 2016
Burdette Belden (Norwich, South New Berlin, 1915)
Corydon Burlison (Coventryville, 1889)
Perry Medbury (1889) Civil War Veteran
Rufus S. Mills (Guilford, 1889)
Helen Kinney Quinn (North Norwich, 1889)

Posted July 16, 2016
Mary S. Collins (Norwich, 1915)  accidental asphyxiation
Dr. O.E. Noble (Dundee, 1885)
Charles W. Decker (Afton, 1919)
Martha Graham (Afton, 1918)

Posted July 17, 2016
Harriet A. (Edmunds) Brownell (Norwich, Albany, 1915)
Harriet (Fisher) Fulton (Norwich, 1897)
William F. Williams (1893)
Death Notices - 1875
     Leonard Holmes (Taylor)
     Alonzo Scott (Owego, Plymouth)
     Hattie Chapman (Norwich)
     Mary A. Aylesworth (Norwich)
     Thomas A Fuller (Sherburne)
     Eunice V. Bailey (Earlville)

 
Miscellaneous
 
Posted July 16, 2016
WWI Letter from Lawrence Slater - 1918
Bainbridge Central School Faculty - 1926

Posted July 17, 2016
Bainbridge High School, Class of 1926, Part 1

Bainbridge High School - Class of 1926, Part 1

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1926
"The Echo" 1926

 
Geraldine Dunne
My goodness!  Have you ever seen
Our Charleston champion, Geraldine?


 
Norma Fiske
Norma flits about to beat the band,
But when there's work she's right on hand.


 
Dorothy Hassert
She giggles and whispers and talks a lot
But if you want a good meal, call on Dot.


 
Myrtle Kentfield
Some think Myrtle bashful and shy,
But oh!  She rolls a wicked eye.
 


Ward Kirkland
Perpetual motion machine, that's his jaw;
He ought to be good at studying law.
But he won't be a lawyer, although he's not dumb,
For the perpetual motion is due---to his gum!
 

 
Marion Nichols
Marion plays and dances and sings,
In fact, she does a lot of things.

Obituaries (July 17)

Harriet A. (Edmunds) Brownell
Utica Saturday Globe, May 1915
 
 
Harriet A. (Edmunds) Brownell
1844 - 1915

Harriet A. Edmunds, wife of James A. Brownell, died at her home in Albany [NY] Sunday, aged 71.  She had been in poor health several months.  Deceased was the daughter of Willard and Dorothy Edmunds and was born in the town of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] March 3, 1844.  July 3, 1861, she married James A. Brownell and Norwich continued to be her place of residence until 1892, when the family moved to Albany. She was a member of the Methodist Church and a woman greatly beloved and respected by those who knew her.  She is survived by her husband and a daughter, Mrs. John Terwilliger, of Albany; one son, William A. Brownell, of Kingston, and a grandson, Earl Terwilliger, of Albany.  A surviving sister, Miss Fern Edmonds, resides in Norwich. The body was brought to  Norwich Wednesday and burial services held from Mount hope Chapel, Rev. Alfred R. Burke officiating, assisted by Rev. J.B. Wilson.
 
Harriet (Fisher) Fulton
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, June 9, 1897
This lady, long well known in our village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] and held in high esteem by those fortunate enough to have met her as an acquaintance, died Sunday evening last.  For some years past the solicitude of her husband and children was lovingly given her, as she suffered greatly from disease that affected her heart.  Her maiden name was Harriet C. Fisher.  She was born in Wharton, Leicestershire, England, December 14, 1826.  When seven years old she came with her parents to this country, and received an excellent education at a seminary in Norwalk, Ohio.  She became a teacher in preparatory school at Tecumseh, Michigan, the school being a branch of the University of Michigan.  In January, 1853, she was married to her late husband, Dr. S.J. Fulton, then a young physician starting in his profession at Tecumseh.  In 1870 she came with her husband to Norwich, and they have both lived here, with the respect of the community, until the somewhat sudden death of the doctor last December, and she has speedily followed him.  Of her own family there survive Miss Ella L. Fulton, of Norwich, and the Rev. Charles A. Fulton, of a leading Baptist church in Detroit, Michigan.  They have been in constant attendance on their mother for some weeks. She leaves several grandchildren.  Mrs. Fulton was a woman of great capacity, and until disease compelled her to withdraw from active duty, was energetic in the work of her church and that which falls to the lot of benevolent and kind church women.  In private life she was vivacious and entertaining in whatever company she appeared. She was the life of her household, and both husband and children looked to her for guidance and assistance.  her devotion to them was most lovingly repaid by all of these.  She was one of those unobtruding benefactors of those about her--doing her best for all--and waiting for the reward which the Bible promises those who love the Lord and their own kind.  The funeral took place at the family residence on Henry street this (Tuesday) afternoon.  Rev. Robert N. Martin of her own church, and Rev. Dr. Burnham, of Hamilton, officiated.
 
William F. Williams
The Missing Printer Dead
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, June 5, 1897
Thirty years ago a bright journey man printer worked in the office of the Chenango Union, at Norwich, Chenango County, N.Y., where he was born and reared.  His name was William F. Williams, and he was a curly-headed, sunny-faced young man.  He could set type faster than any other compositor in the county, and he was fond of fun and dress.  A year or two thereafter he left Norwich, and in conjunction with another printer started a little paper at Herkimer, called the Herkimer County News, which, like the good, die young.  A few days ago a Trojan who worked with Williams in the Union office received the following letter from Howard D. Newton, a well known lawyer of Norwich, in regard to said Williams:
 
"I am anxious to find out something about a William F. Williams, who was in the Chenango Union office of this place not far from the time of the civil war.  I don't know whether he went away before you were in the office, or not.  Can you give me any information whatever as to him?  C.H. Watts thinks when he left here he went to Hartford or New Haven, Conn., and at a somewhat later time he was in Albany, but this was between twenty-five and thirty years ago.  Thomas Randall has a slight recollection of him and says that he went from here to Little Falls, or some other place near there, and after being there for a short time became associated with someone else for a while in the publication of a paper.  A Miss Susan  Jacobs who lived in the house where his mother lived when she died, which was somewhere from1868 to 1870, says he was then at Utica, N.Y.  she says that in 1874 she made inquiries about him in Utica where he had boarded, and was told that he had gone and that they didn't know where.  This information may possibly bring to your mind something that you may have heard about such a man.  He was unmarried when last heard from by his Norwich acquaintances.  Any information you may be able to give me will be very gratefully received."
 
Soon thereafter another letter was received from J.D. Boyer, who is stopping at the Eagle hotel, Norwich, as follows:
 
"I am here from the west, searching for William F. Williams, who was born and educated in this city, and learned the printer's trade here.  I understand he was quite friendly with you.  He has been left a large estate in the west by the death of his brother James.  If you can but me in communication with him, I will supply him with funds, if necessary, to go west and claim his property."
 
For a quarter of a century Williams' whereabouts have been unknown to his Norwich acquaintances, and whether he is on earth or in Heaven is unknown.  If living, he is somewhere over 50 years of age.  As he was a printer by trade, and had no other occupation whereby he could earn a living, the presumption is that he stuck to type-setting.  If he survives, he is probably known to many printers, and it is hoped will be found to enjoy his good fortune.  The Troy Press feels that it at least is doing its full share in trying to facilitate his discovery--Troy Press.
 
The Press and the many friends of Mr. Williams in this vicinity will be interested to learn that he died in 1893, leaving a wife and two children, whose interests are represented by Howard D. Newton Esq. of Norwich.
 
Death Notices
Chenango Union, April 29, 1875
 
HOLMES:  In Taylor, Cortland Co., April 16, 1875, Mr. Leonard Holmes, formerly of Oxford, Aged 60 years.
 
SCOTT:  In Minnesota, April 17, Alonzo Scott of Owego [Tioga Co., NY], aged 42 years.  Son of Horace Scott formerly of Plymouth.  His remains brought home for burial.
 
Chenango Union, May 6, 1875
 
CHAPMAN:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], May 31, 1875, Miss Hattie Chapman, aged 34 years, only daughter of Benjamin Chapman.
 
AYLESWORTH:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], May 4th, Mary A. [Aylesworth], daughter of Nelson and Phebe Aylesworth, aged 3 years.
 
FULLER:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], April 25, Mr. Thomas A. Fuller, aged 62 years.
 
BAILEY:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], April 22, Eunice V. Bailey, aged 58 years.