Obituaries (September 9)

Jabez N. Beardsley

Chenango Telegraph, June 10, 1863

On Tuesday afternoon last, we were startled by a crowd running past our office, and upon enquiring the cause, learned that Jabez N. Beardsley had been drowned in what is known as Shack town pound, and that they were after boats.  As fast as possible a large number rushed to the pond, and with boats and hooks commenced searching for the body, and the search was kept up until near 12 o'clock at night, without finding it.  On Wednesday morning the search was again renewed, there being some eight or ten boats engaged, and the body was found about noon, some ten or twelve rods from the shore.  It seems that on Tuesday afternoon, Jabez, in company with two other young men, went out upon the pond fishing, in rather a small sized boat, and had been nearly around the pond, and not having luck, were doing up their lines, intending to start for home, when by some means the boat capsized.  they all three grasped hold of the boat, and commenced swimming for the shore, and were doing well, when Jabez thinking that he could reach the shore, let go his hold of the boat and swam some two rods ahead of the boat when he was seen to throw up his hands and immediately sink.  The other boys got to the shore and as soon as possible gave the alarm.   Jabez was 34 years of age, and for some years past has been subject to frequent spasms or fits, and it was probably one of these that caused him to be drowned.  He was followed to the grave on Friday afternoon by a large circle of friends.  [1829-1863, buried St. Andrews Cemetery, New Berlin, NY]

 

Frank Merrill

Chenango Telegraph, June 10, 1863

Frank Merrill, the eldest son of Dwight Merrill of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], met with an accident on Monday afternoon last which resulted in his death.  The facts as near as we can gather them are as follows.  Frank was engaged in driving a team for Mr. Hamilton Marsh, and had gone upon the east hill, to a lot owned by Mr. Newton, for a load of bark.  While coming down the hill with his load, he was observed by Mr. Edmonds who was some distance off, trying to keep his load, which was tottling and sliding forward, from slipping off, when suddenly Mr. E. saw Frank slip off the front end of the load under the wagon.  Mr. E. ran to him as soon as possible, but he was unable to speak.  One of his legs was broken twice, and his head and chest were badly bruised and crushed.  He survived only about an hour after the accident.  Frank was about sixteen years of age and was a bright active boy and beloved by all who knew him.  The blow comes with a crushing weight upon his father and mother, with whose tears are mingled the warmest sympathies of the whole community.  [1847 - 1863, buried Mount Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY]

 

Sylvester Gomes

Chenango Telegraph, June 10, 1863

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Sylvester, a son of Mr. Gomes, the butcher, of Oxford, was drowned in the river on Saturday.  The accident occurred at the slaughter house, which is situated upon the bank of the river just below the dam.  This boy and another of about the same age were playing in the slaughter house, having been engaged in throwing worms into the water to see the fish jump to catch them, when young Gomes lost his balance and fell out of the door into the river, a distance of about ten feet.  At this point there is a powerful eddy, with an undercurrent that draws al light objects under, and the boy disappeared at once. His father, who was near when he fell, plunged in and remained in the water nearly  half an hour, searching for him, but to no purpose. The body was not recovered till near noon on Sunday.  Mr. Gomes was very near drowning himself, and a boat had to be sent to his assistance before he could be taken from the water.  The boy was about fourteen years old.  [1849-1863, buried Riverview Cemetery, Oxford, NY]

William Ward Pierce

Chenango Telegraph, June 24, 1863

Wm. Ward, aged 5 years, 3 months and 3 days, son of Hiram S. and Sarah Pierce, was drowned in the canal at the foot of the first lock south of this village, on the 11th inst.  The shock of the boat, Shady Side, upon which he was standing, as it entered the lock, probably caused him to fall into the canal where he was not found until too late to save his life.  His parents reside in Vestal, Broome county, whither they returned with the body.  This little boy was usually promising and intelligent, and had been a faithful attendant at Sabbath School during the past two years. A short time previous to this fatal accident, he stood by his mother's side, looking toward the sky, when he remarked with earnestness that he would soon have wings and fly up there.  His childish fancy was too truly and quickly verified--Greene American  [1858-1863, buried Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, Broome Co., NY]

 

George Ballou

Chenango Telegraph, July 1, 1863

The New Orleans mails bring intelligence of the recent death of George Ballou of Co. B, of the 114th Regiment, N.Y. Volunteers.  When the 89th N.Y. Regiment was forming in 1861, Mr. Ballou, then a merchant's clerk in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], enlisted therein and was efficient in organizing the Company E, commanded by Captain Guernsey.  Upon nomination by the Company, Mr. Ballou was commissioned its 1st lieutenant.  He went with his Regiment to Hatteras and Roanoke sharing in their trials and perils and always proving himself a capital officer.  In the Spring of 1862, in an excited interview with his Colonel when both had been indulging in undue conviviality, Lieut. Ballou threatened to chastise him with his sword for some real or supposed word of insult.  For this rashness, forbidden by the articles of war, he was, of course, dismissed from the service by the judgement of the Court Martial.  He immediately returned home without uttering a murmur or complaint, and enjoyed a brief rest until the President's call for volunteers in July.  He at once enlisted with eagerness as a private in Co. B, of the 114th Regiment then raising.  He was promptly made Orderly Sergeant and in that capacity rendered essential service in drilling and disciplining both officers and men in military tactics.  Accompanying the Regiment to Louisiana he was wounded in the knee in the fight with the rebels in the Teche Expedition and the wound proved incurable.  His gallant behavior in action was attested by his Captain and Colonel. 

 

Lieut. Ballou's nature was genial and kindly.  His military talent was good and his courage unquestioned.  Respect for his patriotism and bravery induced our prominent citizens to voluntarily petition the President to remit the usual disqualifying clause of the sentence of the Court martial in order that he might be promoted in accordance with his merits.  The application was warmly seconded by Col. Miller, the member of Congress from this District, who was bringing it to the notice of the Department with every assurance of success when the death of Mr. Ballou intervened.  He is now insensible alike to human favor or frown.  Lieut. Ballou was the nephew of Dennis Ballou, Esq., of Plymouth and was about 26 years of age.  "He died for his country."  [1832-1863, buried Chalmette National Cemetery, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana]

 

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, June 17, 1863

 

SMITH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sunday, June 14, 1863, Mrs. Mary Smith, wife of Hiram Smith, aged 54 years.

 

OSBORN:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 4, 1863, Mr. Daniel Osborn, aged 19 years and 10 months

 

AGARD:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], June 5, 1863, Sally [Agard] wife of Mr. Erastus Agard, aged 64 years and 6 months.

 

BUNNEL:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], May 26, 1863, Rosannah [Bunnel], wife of Mr. Edward Bunnel, aged 42 years and 7 months.

 

LEACH:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], June 7, 1863, Mary Jane [Leach], daughter of Loren leach, aged 10 years.

 

DEFOREST:  In Oxford [Chenango Co.., NY], June 5, 1863, Mrs. Phebe P. DeForest, aged 58 years.

 

CRANDALL:  in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], June 4, 1863, Mr. Henry Crandall, aged 76 years.

 

ROGERS:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], May 28, 1863, of diphtheria, Sarah Jane [Rogers], only daughter of Willard C. and Fanny W. Rogers, aged 11 years, 5 months and 15 days.  Also, June 3, of the same disease, George W. [Rogers], son of the above, aged 6 years, 5 months and 12 days.

 

NICHOLS:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], June -, 1863, George H. [Nichols], son of Hiram F. and Serena H. Nichols, aged 6 years, 2 months and 23 days.

 

HYER:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], May 18, 1863, Mr. Augustus W. Hyer, aged 26 years.  He was one of the first to go at the call of his country and enlisted in the 23d NYSV from the town of Bath, Steuben County.  He was in several battles, and from the battlefield of the last Bull Run fight was sent to the hospital at Portsmouth, R.I. where he stayed about three months.  He was then sent home to his friends in New Berlin, and with these he lingered through much suffering, until death closed his trials on earth. 

 

 

 

 

Cenntennial Celebration, Susquehanna Valley Settlement - 1872

One Hundred years Ago!

Centennial Celebration of the Settlement of the

Susquehanna Valley at Sidney Plains

 

Continued from posting of September 7, 2017

Some of the contrasts between one hundred years ago and the present were suggested.  Then messages, if sent with great dispatch, were entrusted to an Indian runner--in winter going with snow shoes, and if the journey was long, he would be armed with bows and arrows, now a message could be sent to New Orleans or London in less time than a letter could be written and deposited in the post office.

 

As he closed, the speaker said:  Limiting my discourse to my time and not to my subject, I conclude by expressing the hope that when the exercises of this day close, and this meeting is ready to adjourn, it will adjourn to meet one hundred years hence.  In making this suggestion, I would not trifle with a serious thought.  Of course we nor our children can here be present at another centennial celebration of the first settlement of the Susquehanna valley.  Before the century hand shall point two on the dial face of Time, we shall all have passed away. The very stones that mark our graves will be moss grown and crumbling to dust.  But the Susquehanna will continue to flow; the descendants of the early settlers of this valley will live; the posterity of Samuel Rogers, and of Dea. Israel Smith will live, the posterity of Dominie Johnston will live, and may they live forever!

 

The Poet of the day, Hon. Benjamin L. Baxter, of Tecumseh, Michigan, was then introduced.  His production was highly creditable, and will, no doubt, have a place in the published proceedings when they appear in complete form.  Mr. Baxter is a descendent of a pioneer of the Susquehanna valley, whose name is given in the address of Judge McMaster.

 

Before adjourning to the dinner tent, several old persons who were present were urged to take prominent positions on the platform, where they could be seen by the people.  The eldest was a venerable patriarch of 99 years, names Cook St. John, now residing at Walton, Delaware county,  Being urged to say a few words, he said he had been a laboring man all his life, and had been blessed with good health and all he needed in life.  He would, he said, urge all :to learn to work," for in this country none who could work need be in want.  It having been ascertained that he had descendants present, they were called upon until there stood by the side of the old gentlemen a son of 75; a grandson of 50; a great grandson of 26, and a great-great grandson of 5 years. Each of these was the first born in his family. 

 

An old lady about 86 years old was also present who taught school in Sidney Plains 68 years ago.  Her maiden name was Patty Thayer, now Mrs. Daily, and resides at Harpursville.  She formerly lived just below Oxford.

 

Nicholas J. Sluyter, of Mt. Upton, 86 years old, was also present.  He was born near the Unadilla, and is a grandson of Dominie Johnston, the first settler.  His mother was a daughter of Mr. J. and one of those who escaped with the family at Cherry Valley.

 

The dinner tent was a place of considerable interest, by one o'clock, to the waiting multitude.  Long tables were loaded with every variety of good things, and to these immediate attention was given.  On every hand there were substantials, such as hungry people would covet, followed by coffee, tea, and half a dozen varieties of dessert; and to make the feast doubly welcome, the tables were surrounded by the good ladies of Sidney Palins, who seemed to know just what everybody wanted.  If others had provided a "feast of reason" in the other tent, they had prepared one which called out the admiration and thanks of all who sat down to it.

 

After dinner all again repaired to the place of meeting, and a few hours were most agreeably spent in listening to brief speeches from different gentleman.  Among those who spoke were G.W. Reynolds and Col. Snow, of Oneonta, Hon. Ebenezer Blakely, Otego, Dr. Odell, a native of North Norwich, now of Unadilla, Hon W.S. Sayer, Bainbridge, P.P. Rogers, Binghamton, I.S. Newton, Esq., Norwich, and S.B. Leonard, Esq. of Owego.

 

Very many of those present bore some relationship to Dominie Johnston.  Judge McMaster is a great grandson, his father being a grandson and a member of the family at its escape from the Cherry Valley massacre, and in 1795 sent the first raft down to Harrisburg.  Mr. McMaster, in 1824-25, taught school in this village, and studied law with john Birdsall, and we believe with Mr. Buttolph.  He is now the county judge of Steuben county, and a gentleman of high standing in the community and in the legal profession.  Abner Johnston, a descendant of the Dominie, now resides at Sidney Plains.

 

The spot where the house of Dominie J. stood is supposed to be a little knoll, a little west of the village, which has been cut through by the track of the Midland Railroad.  The excavation threw out several Indian skeletons and Indian implements, which were carelessly scattered about.  "The Fort Grounds," as this spot was called, contained about three acres, and when Mr. Johnston came, it is said there were apple trees growing and bearing.

 

This sketch scarcely does justice to the occasion, which is one ever to be remembered by all who had the rare fortune to be present.  All were delighted and edified, and we believe it was the unanimous determination of all who may be living to attend the  next centennial celebration at Sidney Plains.  If they are not, may they all be represented by as happy people as met there on the 13th of June, 1872.

 

The following is one of the pieces sung by the Norwich Glee Club

 

A Hundred Years Ago

 

Where are the birds that sweetly sang

A hundred years ago?

The flowers that all in beauty sprang

A hundred years ago?

The lips that smiled, the eyes that waid

In flashes shone, bright eyes upon

O where, O where are lips and eyes,

The maidens smile, the lovers sighs,

That were so long ago

That were so long ago

Where, O where, that were so long ago

 

Where are the graves, where dead men slept,

A hundred years ago?

Who, while they lived, did oft times weep,

A hundred years ago

By other men, they knew not then.

Their lands are tilled, their homes are filled,

Yet nature then was just as gay.

And bright the sun shone as today

A hundred years ago

A hundred years ago.

Where O where a hundred years ago?

 

We all within our graves shall sleep

A hundred years to come,

No living soul for us shall weep

A hundred years to come.

But other men our lands will till

And others, then, our streets will fill,

While other birds will sing as gay,

As bright the sunshine as today

A hundred years to come,

A hundred years to come

Where? Where? Where?

A hundred years to come.

 

The End

 

 

Marriages (September 8)

Chrzanowski - Hall

Early 1940s

Miss Prudence Warren Hall, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Burton A. Hall of this village became the bride of Dr. Gerhard Chrzanowski of West Brentwood, L.I., Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock at the home of the bride's parents on Washington avenue.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. John F. Heldenreich, pastor of the Congregational church, in the presence of relatives and a few close friends.  The rooms were beautiful with bouquets of blue, pink, and white flowers.  Marriage vows were exchanged under an arch of greenery, banked with large baskets of white larkspur.  The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a street length dress of rose beige crepe, with white accessories, and a corsage of purple throated white orchids.  Mrs. Hall, the bride's mother, chose a green crepe dress and a corsage of white roses.  A reception followed the ceremony.  Afternoon tea was served in the dining room.  The refreshment table was centered with a bouquet of white mixed flowers.  A three-tiered wedding cake topped with a miniature bride and groom, occupied a place  of honor.  Mrs. G.W. Elliott of Norwich was cateress.  Presiding in the dining room were Mrs. W.A. Jones of Oxford, Mrs. S.E. Jones of Syracuse and Mrs. L.E. Jones of Groton.  The bride graduated from Oxford Academy, class of 1933 and Beaver College in 1938, and received M.A. Degree from the Ohio State university in 1939.  She was appointed psychologist at the Rockland State Hospital Children's group in 1940, leaving in 1941 to do further graduate study toward the Ph. D. degree at Columbia university.  In 1942 she accepted a position as psychologist at Berkshire Industrial Farm, Canaan, N.Y.  Dr. Chrzanowski received his M.D. Degree form the University of Zurich, Switzerland.  In 1938 and for two years following was resident psychiatrist at the psychiatric University clinic, Burghoelaski, in Zurich.  He was psychiatrist at Rockland State hospital, Orangeburg, N.Y., 1940-1942, and in 1942 accepted an appointment at Pilgrims State Hospital, West Brentwood, L.I., where he is practicing at the present time.  He is attending Neurologist at the Vanderbilt Clinic in New York City.  The couple left on a short wedding trip and will make their home at West Brentwood.

 

Albert S. & Mary (Van Der Lynn) Burchard

50th Anniversary - 1941

Over 100 relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Albert S. Burchard greeted them at their home on Washington Park [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], Monday afternoon from 3 until 5 o'clock in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.  Mr. and Mrs. Burchard were married January 6, 1891 in St. Paul's church here.  Mrs. Burchard, before her marriage, was Mary Van Der Lynn.  The Rev. Edwin Colloque performed the ceremony and the late George P. Mead was best man.  Ushers at the wedding a half century ago were Fred Van Der Lynn, Jared C. Estelow, William  H. Clarke and Arthur Emerson. The organist was the late Mrs. Anna Van Wagenen Estelow.  The home, Monday, was beautifully decorated with yellow roses, daffodils and snapdragons.  Receiving the guests were their two sons and their wives.  Mr. and Mr. Stanley Burchard and Mr. and Mrs. Van Burchard, and their two daughters, Miss Mildred Burchard of Elmira and Miss Helen Burchard of Oxford.  Refreshment of small sandwiches and cakes and tea and coffee were served with Miss Prudence Burchard, a granddaughter, Mrs. George C. McMullen of Norwich, a niece; Mrs. F. Leonard Burchard of Norwich and Mrs. Frederick Hamilton of Oxford, pouring.  Mr. Burchard, who is 80 years old is the dean of Oxford businessmen, having started work in a hardware store here 62 years ago.  He has been in business for himself 53 years, having organized the Burchard company with his brother, Fred, in 1888,  Twenty years ago his son, Van, and V. Carl Emerson, were taken into the company.  Mr. Emerson has since left the concern to establish his own business, and the firm now consists of the father and son.  Those present who attended the wedding 50 years ago were Miss Prudence Burchard, Jared C. Estelow, Eugene Gifford and Mrs. F.J. Dedrick of Oxford and Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Gray of Greene.  Mr. and Mrs. Burchard received many letters and telegrams felicitating them on the occasion in addition to appropriate gifts from their many friends in Oxford and neighboring Chenango county towns.

 

Marriage Notices

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, September 25, 1880

 

MARTIN - KEOUGH:  At the residence of the officiating clergyman, in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 15th, 1880, by the Rev. A.W. Barrows, Charles H. Martin of McDonough, N.Y., and Miss Kate A. Keough of Smithville, N.Y. [Chenango Co.]

 

HARTIGAN - CONWAY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Sept. 22d, at the residence of the bride's parents, William C. Hartigan, Train Despatcher of the N.Y.O.&W.R.R. at Middletown, and Miss Minnie [Conway], second daughter  of Michael Conway.

 

Northern Christian Advocate, December 24, 1856

 

FAY - GRANT:  In Palmyra, Oct. 22, 1856, by Rev. Adam Jones, Mr. Lyman Fay to Miss Louisa Grant, both of Ontario, Wayne Co., N.Y.

 

POTTER - QUIMBY:  Oct. 30, 1856, in Palmyra, Mr. Horace Potter to Miss Mariette Quimby, both of Williamson, Wayne Co., N.Y.

 

CURTISS - MAY:  At Dryden, Barton's Hotel, Nov. 27th, by Rev. W.G. Hubbard, Mr. Deloss Curtiss to Miss Lavinia C May both of Cortlandville [Cortland Co., NY].

 

 

100th Anniversary, Susquehanna Valley Settlement, 1872

One Hundred Years Ago!

Centennial Celebration of the Settlement of the

Susquehanna Valley at Sidney Plains

Chenango Telegraph, June 19, 1872

 

Continued from posting of August 6, 2017

 

From what is called Moses hill, bare of timber from having been burned over to facilitate the chase of game by the Indians, was afforded an excellent look out.  The valley could be surveyed for miles, and doubtless from this eminence the Johnstons often overlooked their estate, then mostly covered with timber, and perhaps anticipated the time when instead of forests they would behold green pastures and meadows, and fields of waving corn and wheat, as we do now, and yet they could have scarcely seen in imagination the landscape as we see it today.  I know of no section of country presenting such a succession of beautiful landscapes as does the valley of the Susquehanna, and nowhere in this beautiful valley a more charming view than from a point half a mile west of the spot where we now stand, and where at a glance you have the Susquehanna and Unadilla rivers flowing together--small islands fringed with willow--broad meadows and plains--the Midland Railroad sweeping round the base of Old Moses' Hill, and the valleys stretching up and away on either side.  Nowhere does the Susquehanna flow so gently and sweetly as here, and notwithstanding that attachments have formed elsewhere, and that most of my life's work has been done elsewhere, here I first saw the light and would for the last time see the sun go down.

 

The Johnston family remained improving their farm, and encountering such trials and privations as their situation distant from settlements of civilized people involved, until the summer of 1777.  There was no mill nearer than the Mohawk and no highway but the river.  For several years their only meal or flour was obtained by pounding corn in a mortar, which they did every morning for the day's supply.  On Saturday a double portion was invariably prepared.  The first grist mill in this vicinity was built by Carr, on Carr's Creek, a few miles east of this place, on the site of what was afterwards Baxter's mills.  The upper or running stone is a curiosity, and is exhibited here today.  (The stone was raised upon a box before the speaker, and constituted the desk or table.  It would scarcely be used at this day for the purpose to which it was once put).  The date of the construction cannot be given.

 

After the Declaration of Independence, and in the summer of 1777, affairs began to assume a threatening aspect in this valley, though far removed from the theatre of regular military operations,  The Johnstons were warmly attached to the Colonial cause.  The Six Nations, with the exception of the Oneidas adhered to the king and became dangerous neighbors.  Brant, the Mohawk chief, with his warriors traversed the Susquehanna Valley and the adjacent country and neither families or settlements were safe from hostile incursions unless protected by a military force.

 

The speaker proceeded to detail much of the history of those early days, but we have not the space to follow him in his ample narration. Tradition states that Brant met Gen. Herkimer in the summer of 1777, with 110 warriors, encamping on the high table land, a mile below here, and Gen. H., on the Huyck flats two miles above. They held their conference on the Bradley farm, a little east of the railway station.  Mr. Johnston met Brant, at first friendly, but very likely the interview ended in anger and high words.  Of this interview little can be known.

 

Soon after this, the Johnston family removed for safety to Cherry Valley.  Before leaving, they secreted such articles as they could not carry with them by burying them in the ground.

 

On the 11th of November, 1778, occurred the cruel and bloody massacre at Cherry Valley under lead of Col. Walter Butler, of infamous memory, and the Mohawk chieftain brant.  The allusions to this even msut be confined to the Johnston family.  Col. Alden was in command of the fort, and had received notice on the 8th of November, of an intended attack by the Indians, but he treated it lightly, and denied the request of the inabitants to remove into the fort.  On th night of the 10th the enemyencamped on the hill at the southwest and on the 11th the massacre took place.  Witter Johnston was then in the service and probably at the fort on duty.  Hugh, a boy of fourteen, was present when a man rode up with his arm shattered and gave the alarm. The boys started to warn their family, but for some reason unknown, Witter did not go and Hugh reached home alone.  Dominie j. refused to leave, but finally did so at the urgent request of his children.  Besides these there was a boy seven years of age named McMaster (and subsequently known as Captain).  (He was th efather of the speaker).  By their alert mvoements they all escaped the terrible massacre which followed.  The speaker paid a high compliment to Hugh, the lad whose sagacity saved the entire Johnston family.  All lived to a good old age;  al brought up families, and a numerous posterity still survive.  Many have passed away.

 

"Part of the best have crossed the flood,

And part are crossing now"

 

Capt. Hugh Johnston, the heroic boy, lived here after the war about fifty years, universally esteemed.  He died in October 1833, at the age of seventy.  Mr. McMaster related many anecdotes illustrating his character for energy and promptness in emergencies, which we cannot repeat.  Others of the family exhibited the same characteristics, as many now living well remember.  An original letter was read and exhibited, written by Col. Witter Johnston, in which he announced the capture of a thief named McCoy and the infliction of one hundred lashes as a punishment.

 

Mr. McMaster followed his very interesting sketches of the Johnston family with some relative to other early settlers.  But time and space fail us and we pass over all of these by simply giving some of the names which are remembered.  Among them are Samuel Rogers, the father of the President of the day, Dea. Israel Smith, Gold Bacon, Justice Woodworth, and some others.

 

To be continued

 

 

Obituaries (September 7)

Ike N. Weir

1868 - 1941

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Ike N. Weir, an aged resident of the Gospel Hill road, passed away at his home Wednesday, April 2, of heart trouble.  He was a son of Andrew and Sarah ()Reed) Weir, and was born in Huntington, Indiana, January 16, 1868.  The funeral was held Saturday with prayer at the home at  1 o'clock and at 2 o'clock at Colwell Funeral Parlors in Bainbridge.  The body was placed in the Bainbridge vault to await burial in early summer.  The Rev. Charles Dempsey officiated.  Mr. Weir came here from the West several years ago and has made many friends among the people in this community.  In 1921, he purchased the Gospel Hill farm where he died, which formerly belonged to the late Franklin and Emeline (Huntley) Robinson.  He is survived by his wife, two sons, Howard of Ithaca, and Patsey Weir of Guilford; five daughters, Mrs. Ida Winsor of Guilford, Mrs. Eddie Wade of Yaleville, Bernice Weir of Great Neck, L.I., Hazel Weir of New York, Miss Leona Weir of Guilford and several grandchildren.  Bearers were Neil Lewis of Norwich, Glenn Burton, Cecil Glover, Joseph Bernholz, Lee Winsor and William Burton of Guilford.  Honorary bearers were Martin Brown of Otego and David Tate of Sidney.

Charles Joel Parker

1878 - 1941

 

 

Charles Joel Parker, aged 62 years, proprietor of the Parker Insurance Agency and former mayor of the village, died at his home on Merchant street [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], Sunday afternoon, following an illness which started early in October.  Mr. Parker was born in Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 26, 1878, the son of Peter H. and Adelaide Pearsall Parker.  He attended district school there until he was 14 when he came to Oxford where he graduated from the Academy in 1897.  He than attended the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale University, graduating in 1900.  He taught school for two years at Summit, N.J., immediately after completing his college course and then was engaged in the lumber business with his father.  When automobiles became popular, Mr. Parker became associated with John Benedict, now of Norwich, in the sales and service of cars, in Binghamton.  Later he returned to Oxford and with the late C.L. Stone, organized the Oxford Motor Sales, Co. Inc., an agency which was very successful here.  About three years ago he purchased the Stone Insurance business and since then has operated that with an office in the Bank building.  Mr. Parker was one of Oxford's most active men in business, civic, fraternal and social organizations.  He was president of the board of trustees of Oxford Memorial Library and a member of the board of trustees of Riverview cemetery.  He served for many years on the village board and was mayor for three terms of two years each.  He was a charter member of Oxford Rotary and the first president of that organization.  Unable to attend since his illness, he sent in his resignation two weeks ago and the club immediately conferred on him, honorary membership.  He was also secretary of Oxford Masonic Lodge and Oxford Chapter and held memberships in the Chamber of Commerce, Lake Ludlow Club, Citizens' Club and Incognito Club.  He was a vestryman of St. Paul's church.  Mr. Parker was a sportsman at heart and his genial ways and understanding of various sports events, made him one of the most popular of the fans attending baseball, football, basketball, and other similar games here.  He was united in marriage with Florence Van Wagenen, May 29, 1912.  She survives him together with three daughters, Miss Barbara Parker, now in her senior year in the medical college of New York University;  Miss Catherine Parker, who teaches at the Hartridge School, Plainfield, N.J., and Miss Mary Parker, a teacher in the Westover School at Middlebury, Conn.; and one niece, Miss Elizabeth Allen of Mobile, Alabama.  Funeral services were held in St. Paul's church, Tuesday afternoon, at 2:30 with the Rev. James E. Mahagan officiating.  Burial was in VanWagenen cemetery.  Business places in the village were closed during the services.  Bearers were Van Estelow, C. Vernon Stratton, Dr. Mat Boname, Walter Deuel, A. Stanley Burchard of Oxford and Frederick Benedict of Norwich. 

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, October 7, 1875

 

WINSOR:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 5, 1875, Vergie O. [Winsor], daughter of Charles W. and Lucy A. Winsor, aged 8 months, 10 days.

 

GIBBS:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 29, 1875, Lynn B [Gibbs], son of David S. and Betsey Gibbs, aged 6 years, 6 months.

 

BOWERS:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 28, Gilbert Bowers, aged 77 years.

 

PALMER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 29, Able S. Palmer, aged 48 years.

 

LOOMIS:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 29, Charles [Loomis], son of Paulina and Jerome Loomis, aged 1 year.

 

KNOWLES:  in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 24, Mr. Stephen Knowles, aged 88 years, 1 month, 28 days.

 

Marriages (August 6)

The Grant Sisters of Greene, Chenango Co., NY

Chenango American, February 20, 1879

Married:  At the Congregational Church, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], Wednesday evening, Feb. 19th, by Rev. W.R. Brooks, D.D., Rev. S.T. Ford, Pastor of the Baptist Church, to Miss Mary H. Grant.

 

Married:  At the same time and place, by Rev. G.A. Pelton, Pastor, assisted by Rev. J.F. Taunt, Mr. H.H. Scott, of New York City, to Miss Flora R. Grant.

 

Married:  At the same time and place, by Rev. G.A. Pelton, assisted by Rev. Sam'l Scofille, Rev. Wm. N. Richie, Pastor of West 44th St., U.P. Church, New York City, to Miss Jennie Louesa Grant.

 

Chenango American, April 1, 1880

Married:  At the residence of the bride's sister.  In New York City, March 24th, by Rev. S.T. Ford, of this place, assisted by Rev. Wm. N. Richie, Prof, W.R. Rowlands, Principal of the Union School, at Hamlton, N.Y., to Miss Agnes Grant, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY]

 

Home Sentinel, Afton, NY April 9, 1880

The New York World of March 27, contains the following under the head of "All Gone:"  "On February 18th, 1879, in Greene, Chenango County, three sisters took upon themselves the bonds of wedlock at the same time.  They were the Misses Jennie L., Flora F., and Mary H. Grant, and they were married respectively to the Rev. W.N. Richie, pastor of the Forty-fourth Street Presbyterian Church of this city; H.H. Scott, an Eighth avenue shoe dealer, and the Rev. Smith T. Ford, pastor of the Baptist church at Greene.  The story of the wedding and the merry making at Greene was published in the World at the time.  Miss Agnes Grant, the only remaining unmarried sister, was left at the old homestead.  On Wednesday evening last she was married to Professor W. R. Rowlands, Principal of the Union School at Hamilton, N.Y.  The ceremony took place at the residence of Rev. Mr. Richie, No. 442 West forty-fourth street, and the services were read by the Rev. Mr. Ford, assisted by Mr. Richie. The ushers were Messrs J.H. Allen, George H. Rowe, Charles F. Searles and Richard Morton.  There were no bridesmaids.  The bride's dress was made of brocade satin and gross grain silk, light ashes of rose color, trimmed with duchesse lace.  She wore a wreath of orange blossoms and diamond ornaments.  After the ceremony there was a collation and dancing, and at 11 o'clock the bride and groom left for Philadelphia.  The three brides of last year in their bridal dresses and with their husbands, were present."

 

Hartigan - Conway

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, September 25, 1880

No more pleasant affair has graced our village for some time than was the gathering at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Conway on Wednesday afternoon.  The occasion was the marriage of Miss Minnie Conway and Mr. William C. Hartigan, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], but now holding the position of train dispatcher on the N.Y.O. and W.R.R. at Middletown.  The wedding ceremony took place at two o'clock, only the immediate friends of the bride and groom being present.  At three o'clock, the hour appointed for the reception, the guests began to arrive, and soon the spacious residence was filled to overflowing with the many friends of both bride and groom.  Warm congratulations were heartily bestowed upon the happy pair, and choice refreshments were daintily served.

 

The reception was noticeable, as all Norwich gatherings are, for the beautiful toilettes of the ladies, of which we would make mention in detail had we space.  The presents were many and elegant.  Prominent among them was a solid silver tea set, consisting of eight pieces, presented by the employees of the middle division of the Ontario road.  The following is a list in full of the presents.

 

Silver table castor, from Steamer Company No. 1

Set silver knives, forks and carver, P. Minshull, Middletown.

Full set American encyclopedia's from employees on Northern Division N.Y., Ontario & Western RR

Full set solid silver spoons, J.A. Dwyer, Memphis, Tenn.

Preserve dish, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Marion

Silver cake basket, Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Hayes

Silver fruit dish, James Hartigan, Oswego

Pair silver bouquet vases, Miss Anna Hartigan

Individual pepper and salt sets, Matt murphy, Oswego

Oil painting, Mrs. Elmore Sharpe

Oil painting, Miss Ida Rupe

Ornamental easel, Mr. J. Pease

Willow rocker, Mr. T. Macksey

Flower stand, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Breese

Table cloth and napkins, Mr. and Mrs. David Fitch

Gold watch and chain, Mr. and Mrs. M. Conway

Jewel case, Henry Harribill

Cameo earrings and pin, John Conway

Gold and black enameled bracelets, Wm. C. Hartigan

Ornamental horse shoe easel, Miss Jennie Greenman

Blue Satin toilet set, Miss Lizzie Giles, Brooklyn

Ornamental easel, W.G. Mandeville, Jr.

Toilet set, Master Willie Conway

Vases, Miss Lena Scannell

Pair embroidered towels, Mrs. F.T.Hayes

White satin fan, Miss Susan Conway

Silver cake basket, James Hartigan

Panel engraving, Messrs Delavan, Franklin, Owens and Eccleston

Fruit knife, "J.B."

Fruit knife, Mr. Chas. Duffy, Utica

Mantle clock, Henry Greenman

Dozen cream spoons, Mr. and Mr Henry M. Ashcraft

Dozen nut picks and breaker, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. B. Harris

Set silver knives, A.H. Rupell, Middletown

Marble mantle clock, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Weed, Middletown

Cake knife, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Clarke

Pickle dish, Mr. and Mrs. Skannell

Silver cake basket, Mr. and Mrs. H.D. Spauldig

Dozen nut picks, Mary and Lena Hayes

Individual salt and pepper cases, George and Will Hankins

 

The ushers, Messrs Delavan, Franklin Owens and Eccleston, by their polite attentions and courteous manner to all guests, contributed greatly to the pleasure of the afternoon.  At 6:20 the happy bride and groom left for Oswego and the Thousand Islands, where they will sojourn for a brief season, when they will return to their Middletown home.  The envy of all the "village boys" will follow "Will" for having taken away one of the choicest of our maidens, and many congratulations are bestowed upon both upon the final consummation of the acquaintance which ripened during Mr. H.'s residence here, and all will join in Van Winkle's wish that they "may live long and prosper."

 

Marriage Notices

Weekly Press, Afton, NY, April 22, 1880

 

Allen-Doolittle:  At Harpersville, Wednesday, April 14th, by the Rev. A.W. Cornell, Bennett B. Allen and Miss Nancy Doolittle, both of Harpersville [Broome Co., NY].

 

Phelps-Dykeman:  At the M.E. Parsonage, Saturday, April 10th, by the Rev. N.J. Hawley, Mr. Oliver D. Phelps, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] and Mrs. Frances Dykeman of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

 

 

100th Anniversary, Susquehanna Valley Settlement - 1872

One Hundred Years Ago!

Centennial Celebration of the Settlement of the

Susquehanna Valley at Sidney Plains

Chenango Telegraph, June 19, 1872

 

Continued from posting of August 5, 2017

The officers of the day were then announced.  Hon. Henry W. Rogers, formerly of Buffalo, now of Ann Arbor, Michigan, was elected to preside, with Vice-Presidents from many near localities.  Among those from this locality were I.S. Newton, N.B. Hale, Norwich; W.S. Sayer and Joseph Bush, Bainbridge, and others.  The Rev. Mr. Moss, of Sidney Plains, offered prayer, and then the Norwich Glee Club, Messrs. Babcock, Cary, Latham and Brown, were introduced, and delighted the assembly with their singing, as they did at subsequent stages of the exercise. the hearty compliments they received amply compensated for their part in the performances of the day.

 

The President made a few appropriate remarks and then introduced the Hon. David McMaster, of Bath, Steuben Co., who had been selected to deliver the address.  So far as we have a report of his interesting address, he spoke substantially as follows:

 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman:  Assembled as we are to do honor, by a festive celebration, to the memory of the pioneers, of the Susquehanna Valley, almost our first thought is one of sadness, that so many of our friends, lately among us, and whom we should have rejoiced to have met here today are not here.  We are--

"Parted and rendered by mountain and wave,

And, put in the cold silent womb of the grave."

 

I pass into yonder enclosure and read on the pale marble the names of more persons than are present whom I now recognize; I walk through the long street in this village, where once every face was familiar, unrecognized, and meet only strangers, save here and there a gray haired old man, in whom I perceive a strong resemblance to the friend of my youth. Events which in their passing occupy and interest us most, soon pass out of mind and are forgotten.  The effacing hand of time passes over and obliterates the realities of today.  Memory and history alone can bring to us the realities of yesterday.

 

Hark!  Today the great century clock strikes one!  It is well for us to step aside and let the day with its fright of universal humanity sweep by, while for a few hours we cease from the turmoil of politics and the cares of everyday life, call back "the years long gone," and gather up the  memories of men and events before they are lost in forgetfulness--and more than all, to cherish and cultivate in our hearts the memory of those virtues--the patriotism, the courage, the perseverance, the piety, for which our ancestors were distinguished, and to which we, their descendants are in a great measure indebted for the prosperity we enjoy.

 

The speaker said he did not propose a history of the valley, but thought he could best contribute to the design of the gathering by confining his discourse to the personal history of a few of the representative men, and some events of general interest with which they have been connected, avoiding details already published.  Interest naturally centers in the fact that the Susquehanna Valley in this State was first Settled here.

 

One hundred years have elapsed since Rev. Wm. Johnston, accompanied by his son, the late Col. Witter Johnston, then 19 years of age, first came to this place.  The father died in 1783, and there is probably no person now living who ever saw and conversed with him.  Col. Witter Johnston died in October, 1839, at the age of 86 years, having actually resided more than 60 years upon the premises settled by his father and himself as the future home of the family.  Members of Col. Witter Johnston's family continue to reside here who are not only familiar with facts as related by the first settlers themselves, and well understood in the family, but whose memory goes back almost to the commencement of this century.  So that although the period of three generations as commonly computed has passed since the time from which we date commencement of our history, and although no formal records have been kept, with a view to the Preservation of facts of historical interest, an evidence, so far as it goes, is as reliable as if such care had been taken, although in respect to many important events not so minute and particular as could have been desired.  All the books and papers of the late Rev. Wm. Johnston, were destroyed at the burning of Cherry Valley.

 

Mr. McMaster referred to the fact that all the first settlements of white people were effected by aggression upon the red man, but it was different in this valley.  This was a sort of neutral ground, and some sketches were given of the several tribes who were here or in the vicinity.  He also sketched the boundaries as they existed in those early days and pointed them out by the present boundaries.

 

Dominie Johnston and his son came to this place on foot, driving a cow from Cherry Valley or beyond, arriving here May 10, 1772.  They came by an Indian path, and conducted by an Indian guide. The father remained till fall, making such preparations as they could for the accommodation and maintenance of a large family, which was to remove to this, their new home, the next season.  he returned to his family in what is now Florida, Montgomery county, leaving Witter to pass the winter alone, or with such Indian company as he might happen to have. The Indians at this place were very kind and friendly to the family, aiding them when in straits for provisions and also affording much help in case of sickness in the family, according to their means.

 

In June following, the entire family moved to this place, consisting of the parents, Witter and Hugh and four daughters.  They brought all their effects down from Otsego Lake in canoes.  Dominie Johnston was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1713, and was about sixty years of age on his arrival at this place.  He had received a thorough education at Edinburgh, four years in the University and three in the theological department.  After his arrival in this country, a young man, he married a Miss Cummins, an English lady.  It is believed he had principally resided after his arrival in their country, and before coming here, in the vicinity of Albany and Schenectady.  His occupation had been that of a minister of the Gospel, of the Presbyterian faith.  His wife was educated and accomplished, and was in the receipt of 150 [pounds] per annum until the declaration of war in 1776.

 

He went out like Abraham "not knowing whither he went," but confident that he should "receive an inheritance."  One Bradstreet had a patent of a large tract of land lying south of the Susquehanna which he claimed came to the river at the junction with the Unadilla.  He had offered Mr. Johnston lands without other consideration than that of settling on his tract.  When Mr. Johnston stopped at this place, he supposed he was on the Bradstreet tract. It turned out that the Bradstreet tract did not come to the river, and the Johnstons, discovering the mistake, chose to remain and purchase of Banger & Wallace, the true proprietors, rather than go back from the river and receive land from Bradstreet. The price to be paid Wallace was seventy-five cents per acre.  Wallace proved to be a Tory and his property was confiscated.  After the close of the war and the death of Dominie Johnston, payment was made by Col. Witter Johnston to the State and the title for the heirs confirmed by the Legislature. The selection of this tract of 520 acres was most judicious--a better could not have been made between Otsego Lake and the mouth of the Unadilla.

 

To be Continued

 

 

Obituaries (August 6)

Clarissa Patrick

Weekly Press, Afton, NY, June 17, 1880

Died in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], May 20th, at the residence of her son-in-law, N.B. Stowell, Mrs. Clarissa Patrick, aged 85 years and 3 months.  Her remains were taken to Cuyler, Cortland county, N.Y., and buried by the side of her husband, the late Henry Patrick, one of the oldest inhabitants of that town.

 

Jane E. (Smith) Kirkhuff

Weekly Press, Afton, NY, April 22, 1880

The tragic death of Mrs. Kirkhuff has cast a gloom over the whole community, and all hearts sympathize with the afflicted family in their great distress.  Mrs. Kirkhuff was a cultured and refined lady, modest and unassuming in her manners.  Her loss will be deeply felt in the family, where she was a faithful, and affectionate wife and mother, and in the church, of which she was a consistent and devout member.  But it is our comfort that we sorrow not as those who have no hope.  She sleeps in Jesus.  The weary heard and aching heart are forever at rest.  Her ransomed spirit is in joy and felicity in the Paradise of God.  Cheered by this hope, our grief for her loss loses its sting, and it is not so hard for us to say "God's will be done."

 

The usual quiet that pervades the village of Afton was disturbed by the announcement on Sunday morning of the suicide of Mrs.Jane Kirkhuff, wife of J.B. Kirkhuff of that village. The circumstances of this melancholy affair as we glean them from Coroner Hayes, and the evidence elicited at the inquest are these: The family of J.B. Kirkhuff, consisting of a wife and three daughters had for some years resided in Afton, where Mr. K, has engaged in the practice of law, being a member of the Chenango County Bar. A few years ago Mr. Kirkhuff went upon the road selling goods, and had been absent from the home most of the winter. He had sold the house and lot in the village of Afton and had contracted to give possession about the 1st of May. Mrs. Kirkhuff was not a naturally strong woman and being left to superintend the moving, it had caused her much annoyance of inability to sleep for but a few hours of the night, and had expressed to some of her neighbors regret at the change they had made in selling their house, and of some investments by her husband. During Mr. K's absence, she had slept with one of her daughters, but on Saturday night expressed a desire to sleep alone, which she did. The oldest daughter noticed during the evening that she looked unusually pale and her face wore an expression; she expressed regret that she had not persuaded her husband to abandon the change. she retired quite early, her daughter sitting up somewhat later. In the morning when her daughter Emma arose a little after nine o'clock, she went to her mother's room and found her absent. she at once instituted a search for her. Going to some of the neighbors to see if she had been there, Robert Paddock and Jacob VanWoert went to the Kirkhuff house and in their search discovered that a tub that covered the well had been removed. Upon examining the well they found an object in the water, which on raising to the surface proved to be the unfortunate woman. She was in her night clothes and had from appearance been in the water some three to four hours. The well was about eight feet in depth, three feet across and contained about five feet four inches of water-a little more than enough to cover her head when standing in an upright position. She was at once removed to the house and Coroner Hayes sent for, who empaneled a jury and held an inquest, upon which the above facts were elicited. After hearing the testimony of several witnesses they returned a verdict: "That the deceased came to her death by committing suicide, by drowning in a well on her premises, during a fit of temporary insanity, on the morning of April 11, 1880." Appearances indicated that she hastily arose from her bed quite early in the morning and went directly to the well and jumped in. She left no word or writing to indicate her motive, and although she had not been considered insane, her actions and words spoken by her, plainly indicated that for some days previous to her death she had not been in her right mind and it is conjectured that for some time she contemplated the fatal act. The deceased was a most exemplary lady, an honored member of the Episcopal Church and was highly esteemed in Afton society for her many sterling qualities. She owned considerable property in her own right and had something over a thousand dollars in the bank to her credit independent of her husband. She leaves a family of three daughters ranging in age from 7 to 17 years. Her husband was absent at the time of the fatal concurrence and at latest accounts no word had been received in response to numerous telegrams that had been sent to him at different points. It is a sad and melancholy affair and has cast a gloom over the entire village of Afton.   [findagrave.com, Memorial #105033518]

 

Mabel Hinman

Afton Enterprise, May 1, 1885

HINMAN:  In Afton, N.Y., April 11, 1885, Mrs. Mabel Hinman, widow of Moses Hinman, aged 91 years, 3 months, and 22 days.  Sister Hinman was born at Fly Creek, Otsego county, N.Y.  Moved to Upper Lisle, and there married and lived till May 12, 1836, when she moved on the farm where she died.  Twelve children have blessed the home, nine now living.  She has thirty-two grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, making seventy-six in all.  She was a woman of fine taste and a cultured mind, stored with all the topics of the day, for she was a great reader, was a fine Bible student, and her loving, motherly nature with the truths of the Bible taught her that God is love, and no doubt passed through her mind but that every child of God would in the realms of the beyond forever remain in the presence of our Father in Heaven. What a pleasure it must be to the children, as they think of the large number of friends who met to pay the last tribute of respect to one whom they loved, as their tears showed the respect they had for "Grandma," as they so familiarly called her. She was placed at rest in the Universalist cemetery in Afton, by the side of her husband, who passed on some twelve years ago.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. O.K. Beardsley, of Hopbottom, Pa.

 

William Lavee

Home Sentinel, Afton, NY, April 9, 1880

We are under obligations, says the Union, to Nemiah Leach, for the past five years Keeper of the County House, for the following items of interest from that institution.  In his large family of boarders of all classes he has one who was one hundred years old on Thursday last. His name is William Lavee, who was born in new London County, Conn., April 1, 1780, and settled in this County [Chenango Co., NY], in 1814, where he has since resided, a period of sixty-six years.  By trade he was a shoemaker, but he at one time owned and cultivated a farm in the town of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].  In his old age reverses came upon him and he was reduced to want, at last becoming an inmate of the asylum for the poor.  He early embraced the cause of Christ, and all these years he has lived an exemplary Christian.  His mental faculties he retains to a remarkable degree.  Mr. Leach has now about one hundred and thirty boarders, and the aggregate of the ages of the thirty between 70 and 100 is 2,288 years.  During these five years, fifty-six have died, of these the ages of twenty-nine aggregated 2, 337 years, and of the remaining, twenty-seven, 1,855 years.

 

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, September 25, 1880

The oldest resident of Chenango county died on Tuesday morning. We refer to William Levee, who has for some years past resided in the County House.  He has been in vigorous health until within a few months, when he began to fail slowly, until the last flickering spark expired.  His age was 100 years, 5 months and 20 days.  He had used tobacco for over 90 years.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, September 25, 1880

 

DARLING:  At the County House [Preston, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 15, of consumption, Abagail Darling, aged 60 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

SHEEVER:  At the County House [Preston, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 18, of consumption, Peter Sheever, aed 74 years, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

100th Anniversary, Susquehanna Valley Settlement - 1872

One Hundred Years Ago!

Centennial Celebration of the Settlement

of the Susquehanna Valley at Sidney Plains

Chenango Telegraph, June 19, 1872

 

An Interesting Event

 

On the 13th instant one of the most interesting anniversaries which has ever been held in this region, was observed at Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY].  It was the centennial celebration of the settlement of the Susquehanna valley in this State.  For some time preparations have been making by the people of Sidney Plains to duly honor the event by a celebration, to which should be invited and gathered as far as practicable the descendants of the first settlers, and all who felt an interest in the early history of the valley. Accordingly invitations were sent to all whose addresses were known, in response to which a large attendance was secured, and responses came by letter from many who from the long distance or infirmity could not attend.

 

Fortunately, the village of Sidney Plains is accessible from every part of the surrounding region by railroads, and the facilities were seized upon by an immense throng of people from the eastern towns of Chenango county, and from all the towns lying on the Susquehanna, in Broome, Delaware and Otsego counties.  It was worth the journey to witness the meeting of old friends who had been separated from each other so long that time had left few traces of youth.  In many cases the name would readily come back, but it required moments of scrutiny to detect the lineaments once familiar.  There were several such meetings and greetings, and with most of them it was also in all probability the last.

 

The arrangements for the celebration were in charge of a committee of whom Hon. Ira Sherman was chairman, to whom we desire to acknowledge our indebtedness for various courtesies.

 

As soon as all the trains had arrived, a procession was formed and preceded by the Oxford Band, marched to a beautiful spot on the banks of the Susquehanna, a few rods west of the village.  Here two large tents were erected, one for the exercises of the day and the other for the dinner.  Back of the platform provided for the officers, speakers and guests, appeared the words in large letters of evergreen--

"ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO'

GOD OUR TRUST."

 

The tent was immediately filled, and large crowds were still outside. After calling to order, Mr. Sherman expressed the pleasure felt by the people of Sidney Plains in welcoming to their village and the pleasure felt by the people of Sidney Plains in welcoming to their village and its hospitalities so many of the former residents of the place and their descendants.  He said this centennial had been for some time talked of in a quiet way, but the more it was considered the more it grew upon their hands, and now they welcomed all present and hoped the enjoyment they expected would be realized.

 

The response to the brief address of Mr. Sherman was made by Rev. M.E. Dunham, of Whitestown, N.Y., who spoke as follows:

 

Gentlemen of the Committee and Citizens of Sidney Plains:  In response to your kind invitation, we are gathered here today from the North and the South, the East and the West, to greet you on this festival occasion.  We feel to congratulate you on the auspicious circumstances which surround you. The heavens, which have been frowning with gathered clouds and bountiful showers, have cleared away, and the sun shines as brightly as if the spirits of our departed ancestors were smiling upon us.  We come to do honor to the memory of the men who planted here the standard of civilization.  It is well to remember the past.  I think if there be anything which characterizes the America people, it is an intense interest in the present.  Absorbed with our merchandise, our farming, our mechanical pursuits, we find little time for reminiscences, and the past has no place in our thoughts.  But we are here today to recall a hundred years ago, and, I fancy, there are more here than we can see with our mortal eyes. the veil is so thin which separates the living from the dead--the seen from the unseen--that we may well believe there are eyes looking in upon us from which the light of mortality has gone out forever, and hearts beating in sympathy with us, whose pulses are too delicate for our dull materiality to recognize.  They have lived and labored for our good, and have passed on before to the land unseen.  Let us follow their example and live and labor so that others, coming after us, may be benefitted by what we have done.  We are but part of the great army and who are marching through the active duties of life. Soon our places will be vacant.  We shall leave the ledger unbalanced on the counter, the hammer idle on the anvil, and the plough still in the furrow.  others will fill our places, occupy our seats by the fireside, and stretch themselves upon our couches.  let us give them reason to bless God that we have lived and labored for their good.

 

We congratulate you on the evidences of material prosperity which we see around us.  The spirit of the age has caught you--or you have caught it--and are marching nobly on in the great enterprises of the day. We hope your village will spread over these plains, and your citizens be numbered by thousands, where there are now hundreds. But most, we congratulate you upon the success of the occasion.  There is something besides gold and silver worthy our attention.  We are members of one family, and should cultivate the bonds of brotherhood.  Nothing is better calculated to promote brotherhood than scenes like this, and so we come together to join hands with you and unite our hands anew.  With joyous hearts we accept your generous welcome, and enter heartily into this celebration of a century ended. Together let us bring to mind a hundred years ago.

 

To be continued

 



 



Obituaries (September 5)

Leonard Blood

1866 - 1941

Leonard E. Blood, 74, proprietor of Blood's Paint Shop here for more than 50 years, died at his home on Albany street, Monday morning, at 10 o'clock after a short illness.  Mr. Blood suffered a shock just before Christmas which was followed by a severe heart attack, Friday night.  A second attack Sunday night ended in death the following morning.  He was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 1, 1866, the son of Orson and Maria Burrows Blood.  His father was a painter and Mr. Blood learned that business early in life coming to Oxford prior to 1890 where he opened a paint store.  He continued in active business for over half a century and was highly esteemed for his ability as an interior decorator.  He married Carrie E. Norris, December 25, 1890.  They celebrated their 51st anniversary last Christmas.  She survives him together with nine children, Milton of Batavia, Louis of Ilion, Mrs. Gilman Tanner of Norwich, Mrs. Lula Taylor, Mrs. Roy Talada, Mrs. Winslow McNitt and John of Oxford, Leonard of Chicago and Frank of Norwich.  He is also survived by one brother, Charles of Utica; three sisters, Mrs. Ella Taylor, Utica; Mrs. Emma Marvin, Rochester and Mrs. Helen Warner, Syracuse and eight grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at the Seymour Funeral Home at 2 o'clock.  The Rev. Norman B. Graves will officiate and burial will be made in Riverview cemetery here [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY]. The bearers were George Hotchkiss, Earl Barton, W.O. Cooper, Orrin Rumsey, Clarence Brown, J.L. Harrison.

 

Mary (Van Der Lynn) Burchard

1860 - 1941

Mrs. Mary Van Der Lynn Burchard, 80, wife of Albert S. Burchard, Oxford's oldest active merchant died at her home on Washington Park late Monday, February 17.  Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in St. Paul's Church.  The Rev. James E. Mohagan will officiate and burial will be in the family plot in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Bearers will be vestrymen of St. Paul's church; C. DeVer Sharpe, Eugene Gifford, William O. Cooper, Ralph D. Morse, L. Emerson Day and Cyril Mayo.  Honorary bearers include Jared C. Estelow, Dr. C.E. Thompson, H.C. Stratton, John Forrester of Oxford, Charles W. Gray of Greene, Frank E. Bullis of Sherburne and the following vestrymen of the church:  William A. Jones, Dr. M.G. Boname, C. Vernon Stratton and Max Whitney.  Mrs. Burchard was born in Oxford, September 8, 1860, the daughter of Ward and Helen Palmer Van Der Lynn.  She attended Oxford Academy and a private girl's school in Cleveland prior to her marriage to Mr. Burchard, January 6, 1891.  They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last month.  She was a devoted communicant of St. Paul's church for nearly 70 years and served as president of the Parish aid Society for several years and was an earnest worker in the Woman's Auxiliary of the church. She also was a member of the Ladies' Village Improvement Society, the American Legion Auxiliary and held a membership in the Travelers' Literary Club until ill health forbade. Besides her husband she is survived by four children, Van Der Lynn, Stanley and Miss Helen Burchard of Oxford and Miss Mildred Burchard of Elmira, also two grandchildren, Miss Prudence Burchard of Oxford and Cade Albert S. Burchard of the Sewanee Military Academy, Sewanee, Tenn.

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, September 30, 1875

 

McENNEY:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 12, Francis E. [McEnney], son of Barney McEnney, aged 2 years, 5 months.

 

DENT:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 19, Mr. Joseph Dent, aged 88 years, 7 months.

 

BICKNELL:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 10, Mr. Ebenezer Becknell, aged 82 years.

 

SHAW:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 19, Freddie W. [Shaw], son of W.H. and M.A. Shaw, aged 4 months 10 days.

 

JOHNSON:  in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 7, Mary G. [Johnson], daughter of Jane Johnson, aged 5 months, 18 days.

 

KING:  In Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY], Sept. 7, Mr. Delos King, aged 57 years, formerly of king Settlement.

 

 

Post Listing August 28-September 4, 2017

Blog post listing for the week of August 28 - September 4, 2017.

Marriages

Posted September 4, 2017

Carl  John Kiefer - Mildred Marie Wilcox (1941)
Marriage notices - 1863
     Lewis Paddleford - Lucy A. Case
     Edward M. Osborn - Sarah B. miles
     Addison M. Starr - Harriet k. Cushman
     George C. Thompson - Precilla E. Foster
     Charles Franklin - Melissa G. Franklin
     George C. Robinson - Alice l. Dilley
     George Peck - Amelia l. Arms
     Charles B. Lewis - Abbie R. Campbell

 

Obituaries

Posted August 28, 2017

Jennie Lathrop (Mrs. Lyman Lathrop), (Bainbridge, 1939)

Andrew D. Mead (Guilford, Oxford, 1939)

Charles Hanson Goodwin (Guilford, 1939)  infant
Death Notices - 1875
     Nelson Wolcott (Otselic)
     Edna Lloyd (South Edmeston)
     Hannah Norris (Oxford)
     Celinda Davis (Smithville)
     Hiram Schrom (Bainbridge)
     Mary Walker (Clayton MI, Oxford)
     Harriet Elizabeth Sherwood (Lanesboro PA)
     Howard McQueen (Norwich)

Posted August 29, 2017
Sarah Linn (Washburn) Loomis Wilcox (Afton, 1938)
Christopher Schweitzer (Yaleville, 1939)
Clarence Youngs (North Afton, 1939)
Rowena (Beebe) Holdridge (McDonough, 1940)

Posted August 30, 2017
C. Linn Stone (Oxford, 1940)
Anna (Van Wagenen) Estelow (Oxford, 1940)
Death Notices - 1875 Oxford
     Leonard Foot (84y)
     Thomas Baldwin (70y)
     Fanny Hickok (76y)
     Cora Dodge (5m)
     Merrit O. Walker (5y)

Posted August 31, 2017
Edson Harris (Gilbertsville, Lacrosse WI, 1863)  Civil War Soldier
George Cannon (Bainbridge, 1863)  Civil War Soldier
Retta L. Finch (Pharsalia, 1875)
Sally Rogers (Coventryville, 1875)
Death notices - 1863
     Ann Eliza Johnson (Greene)
     Mary Otis (Smithville)
     Avery B. Partridge (Smithville)
     Ethan Turner (Preston)

Posted September 1, 2017
Genevieve (Carpenter) Stratton (Oxford, 1940)
Eva (Tuttle) Ingersoll (West Bainbridge, 1940)
Robert Buckley Stratton (Oxford, 1940)
Death Notices - 1863
     Theodore G. Tanner (Norwich, 51y)
     Asa Dean McIntose (Greene, 51y)
     Hermon Marvin (Greene, 3y)
     Charles W. Campbell (Greene, 7y)
     Bridget Jane Curley (Norwich, 2y)
     Dr. J.R. Brett (Mount Upton, 28y)  Civil War Surgeon, 7th N.Y.S.V.
     Frederick J. Church (30y) Civil War Soldier, 114th N.Y.S.V.
     John I. Ketchum (Smithville Flats, 37y)
     Sally Dyer (New Berlin, 67y)

Posted September 2, 2017
Nellie (Andrus) Bradley (Guilford, 1940)
Loyal I. Dodge (Oxford, 1940)
Charles W. Ireland (Bainbridge, 1940)
Earl H. Rivers (Syracuse, Oxford, 1940)

Posted September 4, 2017
Phebe Edmunds (New Berlin, 1863)
Carey W. Miner (Hamilton, 1863)  Civil War Soldier, 157th NY Infantry
Francis R. Slack (Norwich, 1863) Civil War Soldier, 161st NY Infantry
Death Notices - 1863
     Lovinia A. Paul (North Norwich, 47y)
     Robert Dunlap (Norwich, 78y)
     Oscar M. Nichols (Oxford, 19y)  Civil War Soldier, 114th Infantry
     Catharine Laurinda Barnard (Greene, 4y)
     Martha Rosetta Graham (Greene, 9y)
     Catharine McMoran (Greene, 1y)
     Louisa Morgan (Guilford, 3y)
     Nettie E. Morgan (Guilford, 3y)
   

Miscellaneous

Posted August 31 2017

The Chenango and Unadilla Valleys Fifty Years Ago, S.S. Randall, written in 1872 - Coventry, General Jones & Judge Rouse.

Posted September 1, 2017
The Chenango and Unadilla Valleys Fifty Years Ago, S.S. Randall, written in 1872 - Oxford

Posted September 2, 2017
The Chenango and Unadilla Valleys Fifty Years Ago, S.S. Randall, written in 1872 - The Unadilla Hunt or "Oxford Chase."

Marriages

Kiefer - Wilcox

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson E. Wilcox announce the engagemnt of their daughter, Miss Mildred Marie Wilcox, to Carl John Kiefer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto F. Kiefer, of Avon.  Miss Wilcox was graduated from Bainbridge High School and Fredonia State Normal.  She is a member of the faculty of the New Hartford School.  Mr. Kiefer was graduated from St. Agnes School and Avon High School and attended St. Andrews Seminary at Rochester.  He is with the Snider Packing Corporation in Rome.

 

Bainbridge News & Republican, May 15, 1941

The marriage of Miss Mildred Marie Wilcox, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson E. Wilcox, of Bainbridge, to Carl John Kiefer, of Rome, took place Saturday, May 10, in the St. Aloysine Rectory at Ralston, Pa. The Rev. William L. Cawley officiated.  Mr. Kiefer is the son of Mrs. Otto Kiefer, of Rochester, and the late Mr. Kiefer.  Mrs. Clinton Wilcox, sister of the bride and Clinton Wilcox, brother-in-law of the bride were the attendants.  Mrs. Kiefer received her education at Fredonia Normal School and Columbia university and for the past two years she has been teaching in the New Hartford public schools.  Mr. Kiefer was graduated from St. Agnes School and Avon High School at Avon.  He attended St. Andrews Seminary at Rochester and he is now associated with the Snider packing Corporation at Rome.  Mr. and Mrs. Kiefer will live in Rome.

Marriage Notices

Chenango Telegraph, March 18, 2017

 

PADDLEFORD - CASE:  In Binghamton, Mar. 8, 1963, by Rev. King Ewell, Mrs. Lewis Paddleford, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Lucy A. Case of Colesville [Chenango Co., NY]

 

OSBORN - MILES:  In Oxford, Feb. 24, 1863, by Rev. D. Williams, Lieut, Edward M. Osborn of the 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V. to Miss Sarah R. Miles, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

 

STARR - CUSHMAN:  In Christ's Church, Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. J. Burrows, Mr. Addison M. Starr, of Portland, Oregon to Miss Harriet K. Cushman, of the former place.

 



Chenango Telegraph, April 1, 1863

THOMPSON - FOSTER:  By Rev. W. Peck, March 8, 1863, Mr. George C. Thompson of Augusta Oneida Co. to Miss Precilla K. Foster of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY]

FRANKLIN - FRANKLIN:  In Sherburne, Marcy 14, 1863, by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. Charles Franklin, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Melissa G. Franklin of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

ROBINSON - DILLEY:  In New Berlin, March 18, 1863, by the Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. George Robinson to Mrs. Alice l. Dilley, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

PECK - AMES:  In Guilford, March 11, 1863, Mr. George Peck to Miss Amelia L. Arms, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango Telegraph, April 8, 1863

LEWIS - CAMPBELL:  In Otselic, March 11, 1863 by Rev. J. M. Crandall, Mr. Charles B. Lewis to Miss Abbie R. Campbell, all of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY]

Obituaries (September 4)

Phebe Edmunds

 Chenango Telegraph, April 1, 1863

Inquest:  Coroner T.J. Bailey held an inquest last week Tuesday, upon the body of Phebe Edmunds on the Great Brook in Nnew Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].  She was about 70 years old, and died suddenly in her room in the house. She had been insane at intervals for a dozen years, and had recently been taken from the Utica Asylum.  The verdict was death from natural causes.

 

Carey W. Miner

Chenango Telegraph, May 13, 1863

Killed:  We want to notice that our friend, Sergeant Miner, of Company A, 157th Reg. N.Y.S.V., was killed in one of the battles near Fredericksburg.  Sergeant Miner was the only son of P.K. Miner, of the Wickwire House, Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], upon whom the blow will fall with almost crushing weight. Sergt. M. enlisted under Capt. Smith promptly upon the call of the President, last year, and nobly died with his armor on, fighting for liberty and his country.

 

MINER, CAREY W.:  Aged, 26 years.  Enlisted, July 25, 1862, at Hamilton, to serve three years; mustered in as corporal, Co. A, September 19, `1862; promoted sergeant, January 4, 1863; first sergeant, February 20, 1863; killed in action, May 2, 1863, at Chancellorsville, Va. [Report of Adjutant General, 157th infantry, p256]

 

Francis R. Slack

Chenango Telegraph, May 27, 1863

Died:  Francis R. Slack, formerly of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], but lately of Captain Tillotson's Company, 161st Regt, died at Baton Rouge Hospital on the 1st inst.  He was represented as a good soldier, and his early death is much lamented by his comrades and by all who knew him.

 

SLACK, FRANCIS R.:  Age, 22 years.  Enlisted, September 19, 1862, at Norwich, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. K, October 27, 1862; died of disease, May 1, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La.  [Report of Adjutant General, 161st Infantry, p872]

 

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, April 1, 1863

PAUL:  In north Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], March 23, 1863, Mrs. Lovinia A. [Paul], wife of Alfred Paul, aged 47 years.

 

Chenango Telegraph, April 8, 1863

DUNLAP:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 2, 1863, after a protracted illness, Mr. Robert Dunlap, aged 78 years.

 

NICHOLS:  At the Regimental Hospital, Brashear City, La. March 11, 1863, Oscar M. Nichols, of the 114th Regiment, N.Y.S.V., son of Mr. J. Nichols, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 19 years.

 

BARNARD:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 26, 1863, Catharine Laurinda [Barnard], only daughter rofj Robert P. and Margaret H. Barnard, aged 4 years and 8 months.

 

GRAHAM:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 27, 1863, Martha Rosetta [Graham], eldest daughter ofj Alexander j. Graham, aged 9 years and 2 months.

 

McMORAN:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 27, 1863, Catharine [McMoran], youngest daughter of David McMoran, aged 1 year and 2 months.

 

MORGAN:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 31, 1863, of diphtheria, Louisa [Morgan], aged 3 years and 10 months.  Also, April 9, 1863, Nettie E. [Morgan], aged 3 years and 11 months, children of N.T. and Autoinette Morgan.