Marriages (August 1)

One of the prettiest weddings of the season occurred today in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] in the marriage of Miss Mabel Sophia Warren, daughter of Mrs. Hannah Warren of Bainbridge, to Mr, William Howard Fletcher, a well-known and esteemed young man of this village.  Many friends assembled in the Presbyterian church at 11 o'clock, a.m., where, amid the fragrance of woodland and lodge the two were made one, the Rev. Arthur Spaulding, performing the ceremony.  The church had been tastefully decorated with evergreens, golden rod, wild clematis, ferns and bitter sweet berries.  Two arches had been erected in each aisle, and the decorations about the altar and organ were profuse; windows were draped with clematis and the pew entrances in the main body were adorned with bouquets of golden rod tied with yellow ribbons.  Mrs. Arthur Spauling was the organist and the young gentlemen, messrs. William W. Hovey, Maurice B; Gilbert of Bainbridge, Charles McNitt of Norwich and Louis Lindgren of Binghamton, were ushers.  At the appointed hour the bridal party entered the church to the processional strains from Lohengrin, two ushers preceding the groom and best man, Sterling F. Higley up the right aisle, and two ushers preceding the maid of honor, Miss Mary Merchant of Sherburne, followed by the bride up the left aisle.  During the ceremony DeKoven's "O, Promise Me" was softly played.  The bride was handsomely dressed in light gray cloth trimmed in white and carried white roses.  The maid of honor was attired in white and carried yellow roses.  Upon the completion of the ceremony the bridal party left the church to Mendelssohn's wedding march and repaired to the home of the bride's mother where a dainty wedding breakfast was served by the cateress Hickey, of Norwich.  The guests were relatives and intimate friends who showered congratulations upon Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher, as do all who know them.  The reception was exceedingly pleasant and the home was very pretty in its summer attire of green and flowers.  There were numerous gifts of variety, beauty and use, from many friends.  Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher do not take a wedding trip now, preferring to wait until the heated term is passed.  They will commence housekeeping right away and will reside upon East Main Street.  The bride is one of the popular young ladies of Bainbridge, attractive, vivacious and a social favorite.  She has been a teacher in the High School for three years and her services were highly prized by the patrons of the school and the Board of Education.  The groom has been a resident of Bainbridge since boyhood, and is a young man of integrity and of excellent business ability. He holds a responsible position in the Hovey Creamery....[Bainbridge Republican Aug. 30, 1899]

The home of T.D. Parker of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] was the scene of a very pretty wedding on Wednesday, Nov. 22, when his daughter, Miss Adelaide E Parker, was united in marriage to Frank Smith of Doraville, N.Y., by Rev. W.E. Williams, in the presence of the relatives and a few friends.  After the congratulations a handsome dinner was served by Mrs. Chas. Willis, cateress, which was choice in all its appointments.  The bride was becomingly attired in a cloth dress of blue and black goods and wore white chrysanthemums.  Mr. and Mrs. Smith left after dinner for Bainbridge where they took the 5:20 train to visit friends in Delaware county.  They were sent from the Bride's home by many manifestations of good will, rice and old shoes raining down upon them in profusion.  Upon the return of the bride and groom from their wedding trip they will reside in Doraville.  Both are highly esteemed young people and many good wishes follow them in their new relations.  [Bainbridge Republican, Dec. 6, 1899]

A double wedding was the rare and pleasant social event which occurred at the parsonage of the Methodist church Wednesday evening, Feb. 15, at 8 o'clock.  A double wedding is not often witnessed, but is a beautiful and interesting scene.  With one ceremony four hearts entered into the sacred marriage vows, and two couples begin the journey of married life  The contracting parties in this interesting occasion were Mr. Robert L. Banner, of Bainbridge, N.Y., and Miss Ratie A. Whitney, of Sanford, N.Y.; Mr. Geo. H. Whitney and Miss Mary K. McDonald, both of Sanford, N.Y.  The ceremony by which these happy hearts were united was performed by Rev. F.M. Turrentine.  They were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson McDonald.  We extend our best wishes and heartiest congratulations--Deposit Courier.

One of the pleasant social events of the season occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H.R. Humphrey, Wednesday evening, February 15, 1893, the occasion being the marriage of their daughter Mary L., to Uriah C. Toby, formerly of Maderia, Cal.  Promptly at the appointed hour, 5 P.M., the happy couple entered the parlor where about forty relatives and friends were assembled.  Taking their places beneath the arch of evergreens and potted plants, they were met by the Rev. R.H Stearns, who in a brief but impressive manner united two hearts that beat as one.  The guests were then presented to Mr. and Mrs. Toby, by Mr. George Payne, in his most happy manner.  Among the guests were Mr. and Mrs. I.C. Humphrey, Mr. and Mrs.. M.J. Edwards, of Middletown, N.Y., and Miss Aida L. Tinker, of East Guilford, N.Y.  Following the congratulations the company sat down to a choice collation, to which all did ample justice.  Then followed a social hour which every one seemed to enjoy  The numerous presents were both elegant and useful, and showed the high esteem in which the couple were held by their many friends.  Mr. and Mrs. Toby took the evening train for Binghamton, and points south and west for an extended wedding trip, followed by the best wishes of a large circle of friends.

Obituaries (August 1)

Mrs. Alice B. Keeler, wife of the Rev. S.M. Keeler, died at her home on Academy St., on Tuesday evening, Sept. 5th.  The funeral services were held on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at her late residence.  They were conducted by Rev. Arthur Spaulding, her pastor, assisted by Rev. C.H. Sackett of the Methodist church.  After the services at the house the body was laid away in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  With the death of Mrs. Keeler a very useful and a very rich life is brought to its earthly close.  She was born at North Salem, Westchester Co., N.Y., on the 14th of August, 1835.  This remained her home until her marriage.  Her education was received at the young ladies' seminary in the neighboring town of Carmel and later at a seminary at Bridgeport, Conn.  At the early age of fourteen she united with the Presbyterian church at North Salem, N.Y., and the faith that she then professed in Jesus Christ she maintained throughout her life with rare sweetness and simplicity.  On August 24th, 1857, she was married to Rev. S.M. Keeler.  For forty-two years they were permitted to enjoy each other, bravely meeting life's problems and happy in its joys.  Among the several pastorates of these forty-two years was that at Guilford Centre from 1863-1866, during the unsettled period of the Civil War.  Here came the first great sorrow in the death of a little daughter four and a half years old.  The last parish was at Jeffersonville, Pa.  It was here that the wife began to feel that her strength was waning and that the active duties of the pastorate were too great a tax upon her.  At the earnest solicitation of the son who was then in Boston, the pastorate at Jeffersonville  was resigned in 1896 and the father and mother went to Newton Centre, a suburb of Boston, to make a home for the son  Here they remained a year and a half when the son's business connections were changed from Boston to New York.  Mr. and Mrs. Keeler than came to Bainbridge, locating in the pleasant home on Academy St.., near their daughter, Mrs. Geo. Ives.  Husband and wife were happy in the thought that this would not only be a resting place for themselves in the closing years of life, but that it would be a place also that their children might call home and be the scene of many happy reunions.  These hopes were realized but one short year.  Early in the present year the signs of disease asserted themselves with more persistence than they had previously shown  A gradually increasing weakness and prostration which seemed to elude the skill of the physician took possession of her.  Everything that loving hearts could devise and loving hands could perform was done for her restoration to health.  Toward the end the body was racked by intense suffering and she prayed that if it were God's will she might be taken home soon  The last hours were peaceful and without suffering.  She went as one would fall asleep.  Those who knew her well realized that she was possessed of an unusually equable temperament.  There was a serenity of disposition, a repose in her manner that suggested a deep and abiding faith in God.  The ties of affection that united husband and wife, mother and children were unusually strong.  This in itself is one of the best attestations of character.  The memory of the wife and mother will rest like a sweet presence in the lives of those who now feel such a sense of loss.---Arthur Spaulding.  [Bainbridge Republican, Sept. 13, 1899]

 

Mrs. Lydia Hovey, wife of Hiram Hovey of Union Valley [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], died at her home Friday afternoon, aged 61 years.  Mrs. Hovey had experienced a sickness of years from erysipelas and her suffering at times was severe from its intensity but she endured all with patient fortitude.  Her reliance upon the joys of the other world was supreme and she said in her dying moments that she had already had a glimpse of her heavenly home.  Mrs. Hovey's life was a beautiful one in its Christian character, in its perfect family attributes, and in the ties of friendship rendered lasting with all with whom she came in contact.  She was held in high esteem in whatever capacity she was associated.  The deceased is survived, besides her husband, by one child, Mr. Louis Hovey of Utica, who holds a position on the N.Y. Central railroad.  The funeral, which was held at 1:30 p.m., at the Union Valley M.E. church, was a very large one; the church was filled to overflowing.  The funeral address was delivered by Rev. C.H. Sackett and the burial was in the West Bainbridge cemetery.....[Bainbridge Republican, Sept. 13, 1899]

 

At Utica [Oneida Co., NY], Wednesday, November 29, 1899, Julia M., wife of Hiram W. Cable, of Guilford [Chenango Co.,  NY], died aged 57 years.  The funeral was held at the Episcopal church of Guilford Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. G.G. Perrine officiating.  The burial was in the Guilford cemetery.  Mr. and Mrs. Cable were well known in Bainbridge twenty years or so ago.  They passed several summers here in succession.  Mrs. Cable possessed a voice of rare culture and often sang in our churches delighting the audiences.  [Bainbridge Republican, Dec. 6, 1899]

Samuel Burnside, who was taken to the Binghamton state hospital for treatment about a year and a half ago, died at that institution last Wednesday.  Mr. Burnside had been a resident of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] for a great many years.  During his life he had accumulated a great deal of property, and just previous to his being removed to the hospital he deeded the same to a man by the name of Sitterly, with the understanding that he was to care for Mr. Burnside during the remainder of his life.  After Mr. Burnside was declared insane, an action was brought to recover the property, which resulted successfully.  The remains were brought to Afton on train No. 4 Thursday, and Friday, at 10 o'clock a.m., the funeral services were observed at his former residence on Spring street, Rev. Geo. Adams officiating.  He was 73 years of age.  Burial in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY]  [Note:  tombstone in Glenwood reads as follows:  "Samuel Burnside / Died / Jan. 15, 1896 / Aged 80 Y'rs]

The body of Floyd Pudney, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.V. Pudney, of East Main street, who was killed in action September 28, 1918, has arrived in Hoboken.  Mr. Pudney was a member of the 107th Infantry machine gun, 27th division.  Upon the arrival of the body in Norwich, funeral services will be held under the direction of the American Legion.  [MHD notation:  Mar. 18, 1921]

D.A. Olendorf, who was taken to the Binghamton state hospital for treatment about two years ago, died at that institution Monday of this week.  The remains were brought to Afton Tuesday night and Thursday the funeral services will be held from the home of his father, J.M Olendorf.  He leaves a wife to mourn his loss, besides a father and mother and two brothers.  Deceased was 28 years of age.  Burial in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY].

The body of Mrs. Jesse Hynds [nee Corbin], a former resident of this village, but who for many years past has resided in New York City, was brought here for burial on Tuesday.  The funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Glen Cottage, the Summer home of her sister, Mrs. Ward Lewis, two miles below the town on the Bennettsville road.  The burial will be at Green Lawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  She is survived by a son and daughter and two sisters, Mrs. Mitchel of this village and Mrs. Ward Lewis of New York and Bainbridge.  [MHD notation:  Apr. 19, 1928]

Mrs. Gladys Krum died at 6:15 o'clock Monday night at her home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  She is survived by her husband, Garry Krum; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Tilyou, all of Afton; a sister, Mrs. Vern Wiley of Binghamton; two nieces and one nephew.  The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the Baptist Church in Afton.  Rev. L.D. Huxtable will officiate.  Arrangements by Colwell Bros.  [MHD notation:  1933]

Mrs. Ellen M. Little, wife of the late James Little of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died Saturday evening at her home, 620 Chenango Street.  She is survived by four sons, George W. and David J. Little of this city, Edward S. Little of Morristown, N.J.,  and Clarence A Little of Rochester.  Mrs. Little has resided in this city for the past twelve years, coming here from Afton.  The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at her home.  Rev. Lloyd S. Ruland will officiate.  Burial will be in Nineveh.  Arrangements by Roberts & DeMunn.  [MHD notation:  1932]

 

Entered into Life, on the afternoon of February 26th, Clara youngest daughter of Edward and Sophronia Thomas, aged 12 years.  This is the record of the early ingathering of precious grain; of a noble promise disappointed, as men account, but in God's esteem accomplished and fulfilled.  Through a long sickness of more than ordinary suffering -- her eyes sealed in blindness from the sight of those who, during the long weeks, hung so lovingly over her, and which seemed a stroke added to enhance the painfulness of her trial; yet through all, to the last, no wish that it might be otherwise escaped her lips save once, when we all thought that she must certainly recover, and even then, only, as she said to the writer, "If God wills."  From the first she seemed to have foreseen her departure hence; but she repeated it not to the minor key of a lamentation, but as, to the last, to the jubilant major of gladness and peace.  Her favorite prayer was that which the blessed Lord has taught; and in repeating it, as she has many times, she seemed to dwell upon the petition, "Thy will be done."  And now God hath given to His beloved, sleep. 

"Mother weep! the heart is flesh,

Wounds will bleed when they are fresh;

Gentlest hands the flower may crop,

Tears will trickle drop by drop.

Yet, weep not! that darling child,

Has but winged her winter flight

To the land of life and light,

Mothers' tears lie near the lid,

Mothers' tears cannot be hid;

This the thought to dry their eyes--

One more song in Paradise!"

[Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 2, 1872]

Miscellaneous - Bainbridge Fire Department Officers, 1959

Bainbridge Fire Department Officers

April 1959

 

The Bainbridge Fire Department has elected new officers who are shown in this picture.  Seated (left to right) are:  Fire Marshal Adrian Donahe, Captain Ronald Drachler, Chief Reno Smith, and Second Assistant Chief William Foster.  Standing (left to right) are:  Secretary Paul Niles, Lieutenant of Fire Police Stanley Darling, First Lieutenant of Emergency Squad George Mulkins, Lieutenant of Salvage Wellington Swart, First Lieutenant of Drivers Donald Lewis, and Lieutenant of Nozzles and Treasurer Hugh Kearney.  Other officers not present are Lieutenant of Ladders Seward Gilbert, Lieutenant of Pipes Victor Hulbert, Second Lieutenant of Drivers Ward Bradish, and Second Lieutenant of Emergency Squad Milford Dyer.

 



Miscellaneous - Sidney Plains one Hundred Years Ago (in 1872)

One Hundred Years Ago

Sidney Plains

Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 27, 1872

 

Mr. Editor--I wish to call the attention of your readers to the fact that in the year of our Lord 1872 we shall pass one of the great mile stones of our existence as a community.  One hundred years ago the present summer the first attempt was made to establish a settlement in this part of the State, and the pioneers in this undertaking pushed their way through a great wilderness, far away from the abodes of civilized life.  The nearest settlement, I think, was at Cherry Valley, though it may be that some hardy frontiersmen might have established themselves on the lake, at or near Cooperstown.  Through all these valleys and over all these hills, stood unmolested a mighty forest--a great hunting ground for the red man.  Here and there on the banks of the winding river, a little opening had been made by a race that was soon to pass away; but in the main the solemn forest held possession of the land.  Here on the flats was one of these Indian clearings , and on what is known as the "Johnston Knoll," was an Indian orchard.  Whether or not any of the trees are still standing I cannot tell; but one thing is certain, apples are still gathered, the originals of which grew in the orchards of the Indians.

 

The pioneer in this undertaking was no ordinary man.  Born in Dublin, Ireland, in the year 1713, connected with a family of position and wealth, educated at Edinburgh, Scotland.  Migrating to this country, and in the summer of 1772 leaving behind the abodes of civilization to seek a home in this valley, where the common necessities of civilized life could hardly be gratified.  This pioneer was the Rev. Wm. Johnston, then 59 years old.  On his first journey he brought with him his son Witter, then 18 or 19 years of age, who was afterwards known in the annals of our history as Col. Witter Johnston.

 

But it is not my intention to narrate the events of our early history, as there are others far better qualified for that pleasant task; but suffice it to say that in the summer of 1772 the first attempt at settlement was made, a house was built on the "knoll" and preparations made for the family that was to follow the coming year.  This done, the father returned for his family, leaving alone for the winter, his son Witter.  For a young man of 19 this must have been a test of courage and endurance that few would have courted.  Thus was laid the foundation for the first settlement in this part of our valley.

 

Since that time a century has passed--a century, much of which has been passed in serious conflict to obtain subsistence and the common necessities of life.  Day by day the great forest had to be pushed back that the soil beneath might be fitted to supply the wants of needy settler, every step taken had to be fought for with resolution and strength that makes us ready to exclaim "there were giants in those days."

 

Would it not be well for us, as we pass out of this century, so full of stirring events, to gather up, as best we can, some memoirs connected with our early history that will soon be "clear gone forever."  We have still with us a few, whose lives are closely connected with the past of our history.  Here and there can be gathered much material for pleasant tales--many incidents, of early life--its customs, its jests, its trials, and achievements, are still treasured in the minds of some, who cannot stay long with us.

 

Think of it!  Closing up a century of our existence as a community!  This century should be made an occasion of more than ordinary interest.  Our wandering sons and daughters should all be called home to join with us in celebrating, as best we may, the close of the first century of our existence.  Old tales should be retold, old songs should be resung, old customs should be revived and old hearts made glad by the memoirs of the Past.

I.E.S.

Marriages (July 2013)

The marriage of William D. Osgood the editor of The Windsor Standard, and Miss Ida Laurence, occurred on Wednesday afternoon of last week, at 3 o'clock, at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. Emma Laurance, of Windsor, the Rev. Mr. Hoffman performing the ceremony.  The guests were the near relatives of the bride and groom.  A reception and wedding supper followed the service when the bridal couple left on the late afternoon train for Albany and other places.  Mrs. Osgood was a former Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] girl, was born and educated here and resided in our village until about two years ago.  She was one of our estimable young women, bright and winsome, pleasant and companionable, and is a bonnie bride, and will prove a model wife.  She has many friends in her old home who wish her much happiness.  The groom, Mr. Osgood is well and favorably known in Bainbridge.  He served upon the Republican staff for some time and leaving Bainbridge became proprietor of The Standard,  which he has conducted successfully. He is a young man of talent and energy and is devoted to journalism in which he will doubtless rise high.  The Republican extends heartiest congratulations of Mr. and Mrs. Osgood.  [Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 9, 1899]

This (Wednesday) afternoon the home of Mr. Thos. Drake, who resides on the Dr. Evans farm, was the scene of much enjoyment, the occasion being the marriage of his daughter, Miss Lasiria, to Mr. Frank Boyce, of the Bainbridge Republican office, and also the marriage of another daughter, Miss Daisy, to Mr. Daniel Davis, of Rockdale.  The ceremony was performed under an arch of evergreens, Rev. T.F. Hall, of Binghamton, and Rev. Mr. Boyce, of Ouaquaga, officiating.  Mr. and Mrs. Davis left for a brief trip to Albany and other points of interest and Mr. and Mrs. Boyce will spend their honeymoon at the home of his father in Ouaquaga.  About 25 invited guests were present.  We extend congratulations.

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  The recent marriage of Miss Myrtle Carroll, daughter of Lawrence Carroll, prominent Afton lumber dealer, and Robert Quincy, local egg dealer, has cause considerable discussion about the village because of the objection of the bride's father to the match.  The marriage took place early in May and did not become public until the night of the Afton High School commencement June 26, although the newlyweds remained in town until that night.  During the commencement, the father let it be known that he was anything but pleased, and after the ceremony the bride and groom left town and are still away, although they are expected back at any time now.  the ceremony was performed by the Rev. William Adams, pastor of the Afton Baptist Church.  Recently the father called upon the Reverend Adams and told the minister in emphatic terms that he did not think he had done right in performing the ceremony.  The reverend gentleman defended himself and his action, telling the irate father that both bride and groom were of age, members of his church in good standing, and he saw no reason why he should not do just as he did.  The bride became 18 years of age just a few days before the marriage took place.  It is understood that the father also had heated discussions with two other prominent citizens of the village, whom he blamed for having taken part in the plans for the marriage.  [MHD notation:  1935]

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  A large party of young men of Afton aroused the neighborhood last evening with "boom booms" and tooting horns when they discovered that one of their pals, Richard Barr, had been married for three weeks and had been keeping the news of the affair away from them.  Marshaling their forces at the village square they started on their noisy march to the Barr home on Main Street.  Arrived there they insisted that the young groom take them inside and formally present them to his bride, after which they insisted that he join the party.  They then proceeded with horns and cannons unabated, to Farnsworth's Spa, where the groom "set up" the cigars for the crowd.  Mr. Barr is one of Afton's most popular young men, a member of the Afton town basketball team, and a clerk in the Afton bank.  The bride was Miss Elizabeth Jane Harter of Mahfetty, Pa.  Mr. and Mrs. Barr will reside in Afton.  [MHD notation:  1931]
 

Obituaries (July 31)

Charlotta M. Richardson, wife of Irving h. Rowe, of Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], died at her home in that place, Saturday morning, July 15, aged 31 years.  Mrs. Rowe had been afflicted with Bright's disease for a number of years, and had been brought to death's door several times from its virulence but the skill of physicians and her remarkable vitality had enabled her to resist fatality.  The Star says:  "For the past year and a half, save for a serious affection of the eyes she had seemed quite well, her condition almost baffling the understanding of physicians.  A few days since she was taken with convulsions and has failed gradually until death came.  At her bedside were her husband and daughter, father and mother, to whom her many noble qualities had endeared her in ties of strongest love.  Mrs. Rowe was born in England in 1868, she was the eldest daughter of Rev. and Mrs. A.B. Richardson.  The family came to this country in 1873, since which time her father has been an active and successful preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church  For two terms he was pastor of the local church and here the subject of this sketch grew to young womanhood.  She possessed a remarkably happy and sunny disposition, lovable and friendly to all.  She won the affections of Irving H. Rowe and on April 4th, 1888, they were married, and at that time, none had, apparently, brighter prospects for long and happy lives than they.  In the fall of 1894, however, she was taken ill and soon symptoms of the unyielding disease made its appearance.  Besides her husband, one daughter, Ethel M., and her parents Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, she is survived by two brothers, AE. Richardson esq., of Brooklyn, who occupies a confidential position with Norris & Whitehouse, the well known law firm of that city; Dr. Harry Richardson, acting assistant surgeon, U.S. Army, now supposed to be en route home with his California regiment from the Philippines, and one sister, Helen, the wife of Dr. Steadman of Hoboken, N.J.  Mrs. Rowe was beloved by a large circle of friends.  She was a member of the First Presbyterian church of Oneonta.  The funeral was held at the family residence Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock and burial was in the Rowe plot at Riverside."  The first pastorate of Rev. A.B. Richardson, father of Mrs. Rowe, was that of the Bainbridge M.E. church, which he assumed directly upon his arrival from England.  His daughter, Charlotta, was then five years old.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 10, 1899]

 

At the funeral of James K. Wetmore, held on Friday afternoon at 2:30, at his residence on South Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], there was a large attendance, the representation of the business men of the place being conspicuous in its entirety.  Citizens of all classes were present, especially young people and children for whom the dead banker had a particular affection.  Mr. Wetmore was well-known in banking circles over a large area outside of Bainbridge and many came to pay their last tribute to his memory.  Rev. James N. Lee of Great Bend, Pa., a former pastor of the Methodist church of Bainbridge, under whom Mr. Wetmore had served in an official capacity, and whose relations as minister and member, coadjutor and advisor in carving out projects for the advancement of the church, had become very close, inspiring a mutual regard, was the officiating clergyman.  Mr. Lee's address, which embodied the sentiment, "He is not dead but sleepeth," was a beautiful exposition upon the termination of a well-rounded life, upon the services that have left a lasting record.  His remarks to the friends were tender and sympathetic and spoken from the depths of a heart which was itself a mourner.  The music was by members of the Methodist church choir, Messrs. Marvin Strong, George Russell and Albert Wilcox.  Mr. Wetmore loved flowers passionately and the room in which the remains laid during the funeral service contained a mass of beautiful floral offerings.  The bank contributed a wreath of ivy studded with white roses and buds, the church a crown composed of a variety of choice mixed flowers, Mrs. Stella A. Yale and Miss Annah Kidder of Washington, a wreath of shaded leaves and red roses, and manifold flowers in other forms and in lavish quantities presented by friends and neighbors, were everywhere visible.  The bearers were six young men towards whom Mr. Wetmore had the feeling of a parent:  Ralph W Kirby and Seba B. Hollenbeck now engaged in the bank, and John R Kirby, Clarence Kirby, George Whitman and Harrison L. Beatty, ...The interment was in the burying ground of the Episcopal church.  The bank was instituted in 1882 and Mr. Wetmore has had influential interest in it from its inception down to the morning of his death, Wednesday of last week.  the entrance to the bank is draped in mourning and will continue so for thirty days.....[Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 9, 1899]

 

Edward Hitchcock, a man of 35 or 40 years of age, was killed and horribly mangled by the cars in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] yesterday morning, Tuesday at 7 a.m.  He was badly under the influence of liquor and was standing upon the Main street crossing as an up freight train was backing down.  He was called to get out of the way but seemed to be unable to do so and was knocked down and dragged under the cars quite a distance below.  His body was terribly broken up....The remains were taken to the undertaking rooms.  It is supposed he had no friends and was without money.  Hitchcock had been employed for a time cutting brush between Rogers Hollow and Rockdale and came to Sidney often.  He was unmarried.  [Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 9, 1899]

The funeral services of Robert Yale, late of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], ... were held at the family residence, in that place, Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock.  Thursday the remains were brought to Afton for burial, Rev. W.H. Scudder, who conducted the services at the house, also officiated at the grave.  In speaking of the death of Mr. Yale the Norwich Telegraph says:  "Mr. Yale had been in his usual health and about the house all day Sunday, and when his daughter went to call him Monday morning he was nearly speechless.  Dr. Ormsby was hurriedly summoned, but could give no relief, and he gradually failed until the end came.  Mr. Yale came to Norwich from Afton about 17 years ago, since which time he has resided here.  He is survived by his wife and one daughter, Miss Nellie Yale, who have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement."

Gilbert Cooper died at 10 o'clock last night of heart failure at the home of his son, Mr. Lester Cooper at 36 River street.  Gilbert Cooper was born in Guilford, Chenango county, NY. and came to Cortland county January 2, 1860.  He has lived on his farm about a mile and a half from the village on the Truxton road until about three years ago when, on account of the failing health of both himself and wife, he rented the farm and moved to his son's home  He has always lived a quiet unpretentious life.  He suffered a shock of paralysis several weeks ago from which he has never rallied and which was the indirect cause of his death  He leaves a wife, who has been his constant companion for fifty-three years.  Mrs. Cooper is now in a very critical condition from dropsy, with which she has been suffering for a number of months.  During the earlier part of Mr. Cooper's illness they were both cared for in one room where they could converse and sympathize with each other, but later Mr. Cooper has been delirious much of the time and it was deemed better to remove Mrs. Cooper to another room.  It is believed that the separation of husband and wife can be but for a few days at most, as the death of Mr. Cooper, though expected and looked for, has been a great shock to his wife, and she is today much worse.  For several days it had been a question as to which would go first. Besides the widow Mr. Cooper leaves two sons, Lester and George Cooper of River street, two brothers and one sister in Bainbridge, NY. and two sister in Hammonton, N.Y.---Cortland Standard.

Wm. H. Holcomb, was born in March, 1859, at Tunnel, N.Y [Broome Co.].  His parents died when he was but nine years of age and at the age of 14, Mr. Holcomb went out to try the realities of life alone.  He was a boy of good habits and honored and respected by all who best knew him.  A few years previous to his marriage he came to the township of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] where he lived until 1881, when he married Eunice Bentley of Guilford.  The young couple, though with limited means, by habits of industry and frugality, were able to make life pleasant and cheerful, and at the time of his death, Mr. Holcomb, with the help of his faithful and devoted wife, had gathered and paid for all the necessary farming implements with a fine dairy of cows.  The last year of his life was spent on the Jewell farm in Guilford form which place his remains were taken to their final resting place. Ordinarily, Mr. Holcomb's health was good, but for the last year it was very poor indeed.  It was only by his determination and indomitable will that he kept up as long as he did, and only when his constitution was completely broken down did he go to his bed.  His last sickness was of nine week's duration, his death being due to paralysis.  he was a great sufferer, but during it all, and even when at his worst his patience and trust were unshaken.  Never a word of complaint or dissatisfaction was uttered.  Ever and anon when his pastor asked him as to his suffering, he replied "It is all right, the Lord doeth all things well."  He was a member of the M.E. church at Guilford and died trusting in an all-sufficient Saviour, Dec. 14, 1894.  He has living two brothers and one sister, the sister being unable to attend the funeral, living in California.  His widow and an only son five years of age survive him.  The funeral was held in Guilford M.E. church, Sunday Dec. 16, at 11 a.m. conducted by the pastor, Rev. M.S. Godshall.  A great concourse of people assembled to view the remains, the church being packed to its utmost capacity, filling aisles and vestibule,  Many came from afar showing their love for the man, and expressing their sympathy for his bereaved family.  The Guilford Grange, of which he was a member, about 70 strong, turned out at the church to do him honor.  A great multitude of people followed him to the grave in the Yaleville cemetery [Guilford, NY] where with appropriate services his body was laid to rest to await the resurrection.

Cora Bundy Payne, 77, a former resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], died at the home of her niece, Mrs. J.L. Dingman, in Schenectady, Dec. 14, 1941, after an illness of nine weeks.  Mrs. Payne lived in Bainbridge her entire life except for the past six years which she had spent in Albany.  She was formerly an active member of St. Peter's Church, Bainbridge, and a former member of the Order of Eastern Star.  Born July 29, 1864 in Morris, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Bundy, On Feb. 26, 1884 she was united in marriage to Adelbert D. Payne at Bainbridge.  The deceased is survived by her sister, Mrs. Frank G. Payne, North Main street, Bainbridge; seven nieces, eight nephews, 15 grand nieces and 11 grand nephews.  The funeral was held Wednesday at the home of her sister, with the Rev. S.E. Heath officiating.  The pall-bearers were:  four nephews, Harold Payne, Ernest Butcher, both of Bainbridge; Kenneth Payne, of Sidney; and Judson Bouck, of Stamford.  Burial was in the family plot in Greenlawn Cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 1, 1942]

Mrs. Jennie Richards received word of the death of her sister, Millie Bartle, widow of the late Fred Bartle, at the Madison Hospital, Madison, Tenn.  Her death occurred Tuesday.  Mrs. Bartle was making her home with her daughter in Tennessee for the Winter.  Details are lacking as to her final illness.  The body was brought north and final rites were held Monday P.M., at 2 o'clock from the Seymour Funeral Home in Oxford.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 1, 1942]

Obituaries (July 30)

Leonard S. Aylesworth, eighteen years old, was drowned near his home in this town of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Sunday.  His body was found Monday morning in Jackson pond, which is situated between New Berlin and King Settlement.  Young Aylesworth left home Sunday at 2 o'clock, p.m. to go in search of wintergreens.  When he didn't return at night it was supposed he had gone to spend the night with a relative.  As he didn't appear Monday morning, a search was made and his body was found in the pond near the shore.  It is thought that he went in bathing and as he could not swim he got into deep water and could not help himself.  The unfortunate young man was the son of Frank and Laura Aylesworth, was of good character and well likes. [Bainbridge Republican, July 9, 1903]

 

Charles Holdrege died at his home in Coventry [Chenango Co.,  NY] Saturday, June 27, aged sixty-two years.  The funeral was held from his late home the following Tuesday at ten o'clock, Rev. E.L. Jeffries officiating.  Burial was in Glenwood cemetery at Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Holdrege formerly lived at Maine, Broome county, having come to live with his son, George Holdrege at Coventry, some six months ago.  He is survived by his wife and five children:  Mrs. Alvia Seaverson of Great Bend, Mrs. Arthur Bryant of Wells Bridge, Bert Holdrege of Susquehanna, Meritt Holdrege of Endicott, and George Holdrege of Coventry; also two brothers and one sister, Ira D. Holdrege of North Pharsalia, Daniel Holdrege of the West and Mrs. Elmira Sherwood of McDonough.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 16, 1903]

 

Jesse Dalton, nineteen years old, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Dalton of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], was drowned in the Chenango river where the Lackawanna crosses the stream below the village of Sherburne, last Friday forenoon.  Young Dalton had gone to the swimming hole with Jack Wild, Ralph Doane of Binghamton, and Roland Roberts, for the purpose of leaning to swim.  He was for awhile in the Binghamton State hospital and had been acting rather queerly for a time recently.  Dalton could not swim, and although the water was not more than six feet deep, he was in trouble.  Doane got him out of the water and upon the bank, but with strange persistency Dalton went back into the stream.  The other boy was by that time somewhat exhausted, but tried to help him out a second time.  The drowning boy, who was much the larger of the two grabbed at him and Doane was obliged to leave him to save the life of either.  Dalton soon sank and the frightened boys ran to the milk station and telephoned to Norwich for assistance.  The body was recovered and Dr. Little and Undertaker Carrier did everything possible to resuscitate the young man, but they were unable to restore animation.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 16, 1903]

 

Last Friday evening Mr. Morgan Phillips of Sidney [Delaware Co.,  NY], drove to this village [Bainbridge, NY] on business and started home about nine o'clock.  when near the residence of S.R. Finch he called out for Mr. Finch who came to the door, finding Mr. Phillips getting out of the wagon saying he felt sick.  The patient lay down by the roadside and the entire household tried to administer relief, while doctors were summoned by telephone but before fifteen minutes had elapsed Mr. Phillips was dead.  He had long been afflicted with heart disease and the physician, who came too late to be of any assistance declared that to be the cause of death.  Undertaker Keith of Sidney, removed the remains about 11 o'clock. The deceased was 56 years of age and is survived by a wife and one son.  The funeral was held Monday.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 16, 1903]

Miss Grace Andrews, daughter of Mr. Lemon L. Andrews, of Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], died at the home of Rev. Mr. Benjamin, on Caswell street [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], Monday after a week's illness with typhoid pneumonia.  Her age was 18 years.  The funeral was held from the Baptist church today (Wednesday) at 12 o'clock, and the remains laid to rest in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY].  Rev. Henry Hill was the officiating clergyman, and Funeral Director Emens had charge of the arrangements..  The afflicted parents have the sympathy of the entire community in their great bereavement.  [notation:  d. Feb. 10, 1896]

The sad news of the death of Dr. H.D. Copley, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], reached Afton Monday, and many were the expressions of sadness from his wide circle of friends and acquaintances in this place.  Dr. Copley had been in poor health for several years past, but about one week previous to his death he was taken much worse, and not withstanding the fact that everything was done for his comfort, he passed away Monday last.  The deceased was a man universally liked and highly respected.  Being of a kind and cheerful disposition he readily made friends, and in Bainbridge where he was, perhaps, best known and his worth more highly appreciated, nothing but the deepest sympathy is expressed by everyone.  The deceased leaves a wife, an aged father and mother, and one brother, D.H. Copley.  His age was 45 years. The sympathy of the community goes out to them in their great bereavement.  The funeral will be held from St. Peter's Church Bainbridge, this afternoon at three o'clock.  [Notation:  Dr. Herman Dunbar Copley 1851-1896, buried in Greenlawn Cemetery, Bainbridge, NY]

Eugene Bayles LeVee, age 69, of Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], passed away at the Bainbridge Hospital, December 25.  Born March 25, 1871, at Conklin Forks, he was the son of Jacob and Jane Bayles LeVee.  Mr. LeVee, who was a Spanish American War veteran, is survived by a brother, Tracey LeVee, of Niagara Falls.  The funeral was held Saturday, at Colwell's Funeral Chapel at 2 o'clock with the Rev. R. Lewis Johnson officiating, with Spanish American War veterans present from Bainbridge, Sidney, Afton and Nineveh.  The pall-bearers were:  F.A. Demeree, Jerry Puerile, Melvin Livingston and Charles Whitney.  A military service was held in the Chapel at Greenlawn Cemetery by Spanish American veterans.  The body was placed in the vault and burial will take place in the Spring in the Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 2, 1941]

Ray LeSuer, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], was fatally injured on December 11, 1940, while working in the woods.  A tree, which he was cutting, fell on him, crushing his skull.  He was taken to the Bainbridge Hospital, where he died Monday, December 16.  Born March 25, 1886, he was the youngest son of Nelson and Ida LeSuer.  His wife, Alice, died four years ago, leaving him with four children.  about 16 months ago, he married Leona Hastings, of Bainbridge.  he is survived by his widow, and four children, Raymond, Elbert, Elya and Vira; and aged mother; three sisters, Frances Prouty, Bennettsville, Mrs. Ruth Paltison, Brooklyn, and Mrs. Mable Norton, Nineveh; one brother, Harry LeSuer, Harpursville.  The body will remain in the vault until Spring when burial will take place in the East Side Cemetery at Afton.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 2, 1941]

In Afton [Chenango County, NY], July 11th, Mrs. Abigal H. Post, aged 65 years, 6 months and 5 days.  The deceased had been a great but patient sufferer for many long years and her death had been anticipated many times; but in the providence of God she was permitted to live many years.  Her complaint was asthma, and it ended her days.  For a few days before her demise she had one of her many poor turns, but apparently no worse than she had been many times before.  On the night of her death her husband had lain down and had fallen asleep, and thus, while her family were resting for a short time, in the silence of the night her spirit passed apparently without a struggle to God who gave it.  She united with the Baptist Church in middle life and for thirty-five years had maintained a consistent Christian walk.  For many years she has been a member of the West Bainbridge Church.  Many times in the midst of her great sufferings she would say:  "I am bearing my own infirmities but Christ bore the sins of us all."  Thus was Christ to her all and in all, and his atoning death her only dependence.  Of her it can be truly said, "The memory of the just is blessed."  Her funeral was largely attended, and the Rev. E.M Blanchard of Bainbridge, preached from the words, "Fear not ye," Matt. 28:5.  May God comfort those that mourn.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 15, 1871]

 

Marriages (July 30)

At West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on Tuesday evening, Oct. 20th, Marion Weeks was pleasantly reminded of the fact that just 59 years ago he was given birth in this land of the free and home of the brave.  Mr. Weeks was considerably surprised, not to think he had a birthday, but first to see about 30 guests assembling at his house and when they were all assembled numerous presents were distributed.  This part of the ceremony being carried out, the guests were invited into the parlor where was found Mr. Weeks' youngest son, Leslie, and Miss Gena Aylsworth, daughter of Henry Aylsworth, and it was soon learned that the preacher was also present.  All having taken their positions, standing in a circle around the room, there to the astonishment of all except the mother, Mr. Weeks and Miss Aylsworth were made man and wife by Rev. J.H. Watrous of Coventry, who wished the newly wedded couple a happy and prosperous life and then introduced Mr. and Mrs. Weeks to the guests.  After receiving numerous congratulations the company repaired to another room where a bountiful repast was served.  Thus pleasantly closed the 59th birthday of Marion Weeks, in connection with the very pretty wedding of his youngest son, Leslie.  [Notation:  1896]

 

A brilliant social event in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] was the marriage of Miss Wellie Bradbury to Mr. Theodore Willsey of this place at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Bradbury, Wednesday, evening, Oct. 4th.  The house was profusely decorated with potted plants and cut flowers.  Soon after five o'clock the guests began to arrive, and at the hour appointed for the tying of the nuptial knot the parlors were well filled.  At six o'clock the rendering of the wedding march by St. Lawrence's Orchestra, of Norwich, announced the coming of the bridal party, and the ceremony was performed by Rev. George G. Perrine in a most impressive manner.  The ushers were Mr. Burton Willsey of Syracuse, brother of the groom, and Frank Gilbert of Albany, Miss Viola Willsey, sister of the groom, and Miss Grace Bunnell of Brooklyn, acted as bridesmaids.  The bride was beautifully attired in a gown of white bengaline, elaborately trimmed with point lace and carried a white kid prayer book.  The gown was in full dress.  The bridesmaids Miss Viola Willsey, was attired in a pink brocade silk with chiffon, and Miss Grace Bunnell in white silk with Nile green trimmings, and carried bouquets of roses  Following the ceremony the bride and groom received the congratulations of their many friends, after which an elegant collation was served by caterer Lapham of Utica.  Fine music was discoursed by the orchestra throughout the evening giving those who wished an opportunity to indulge in the merry dance.  The bride and groom left the same evening for Niagara Falls, Chicago and other places of interest.  Many elegant and costly gifts show the high esteem in which the recipients are held.  After a brief wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. Willsey will return to Bainbridge [Chenango Co.,  NY] where they are to reside....[Notation:  1893]

A pretty wedding occurred Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock in the First Methodist Episcopal Church when Coralyn Whitney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Whitney of Bixby Street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], became the bride of Russell Rose, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Rose of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  The ceremony as performed by the Rev. Jesse Dickerson, pastor of the church.  The bride was attired in white satin with tulle veil and carried a bouquet of Johanna Hill roses.  The maid of honor was Miss Florence Phillips of Oneonta, who wore a flowered chiffon with yellow and green accessories.  She carried an old fashioned colonial bouquet.  The flower girl was Joyce Anne Dobson of Carthage.  She was dressed in orchid and white organdie and carried a basket of rosebuds.  The ushers were Edson Barnes and Gage Barnes of Carthage, and Max Stevens of this village, all cousins of the bride.  Miss Jean Westcott of this village was at the organ and preceding the ceremony gave a recital.  A reception followed the ceremony at the home of the bride's parents on Bixby Street, with the immediate relatives of the bride and groom present.  The bride is a graduate of the Bainbridge High School and the State Normal School at Oneonta and since her graduation ha been a teacher in the public schools of Oneonta.  The groom attended Oneonta High School and at present is connected with the Endicott Johnson shoe store in Norwich.  ]LMD notation:  1936]

Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY]:  The marriage of Miss T. Ruth Empt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.V. Empt, to Howard Smith Burlison, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Burlison of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] took place at 9 o'clock Saturday evening at the home of the bride's parents on West Main Street.  The Rev. H.C. Buckingham, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, officiated.  Preceding the entrance of the bridal party, Miss Mary Empt, sister of the bride, lighted the several tapers which formed part of the decoration and the impressive service was read by candlelight in front of an arch of yellow lilies, syringe and evergreen.  The couple was attended by Arthur Green of 74 Hanover Street, Springfield, Mass. and Miss Dorothy Lee of Unadilla.  [LMD notation:  1934]

Miscellaneous - Edna Hawkins Reaches 90th Birthday without Glasses

Woman Reaches 90th Birthday Without Glasses

 

 

Mrs. Edna Hawkins, Hawley Street resident [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], who is observing her ninetieth birthday today reads four newspapers daily and has never worn a pair of glasses in her life.  Healthy and active despite her age, Mrs. Hawkins keeps well informed on war news because she has three great grandchildren in the army.  The aged woman planned to cut a birthday cake for her friends and relatives from 2 o'clock this afternoon until 9 o'clock tonight at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Olive Howells, 1 Hawley street.  Mrs. Hawkins was born in Locust Hill, Pa.  She is the widow of the late Wellington Hawkins of Tunnel [Broome Co., NY].  Mother of two children, Mrs. Howell and William Hawkins of Great Bend, Mrs. Hawkins has three grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.  The great grandchildren whose army careers she follows with such interest are all Binghamtonians.  They are Harold Fairchild,  mess sergeant at Fort Devens, Mass., Sergt. Orlo Fairchild, also of Fort Devens and Sergt. Walter Fairchild of Fort Di.  Flory Fairchild, brother of the three servicemen, received his physical examination for the army Saturday..  [MHD notation, Feb. 2, 1942]

 

 

Mrs. Eva M. Robinson Presented with Award

by Major Thomas Cronan, Head of City Recruiting Office

 

Four sons in the fighting services--that is the contribution of Mrs. Eva M. Robinson of 50 Whitney Avenue, Binghamton, to the war against aggression.  In recognition for this sacrifice, Mrs. Robinson was signally honored when she was presented a four-star Emblem of Honor by Maj. Thomas D.L Cronan, head of the Binghamton Army Recruiting Office, on behalf of the Emblem of Honor Association of New York City. 

 

Mrs. Robinson was the first Triple Cities area woman to be so honored.  Mrs. Robinson's four sons are in the army, three of them Tech. Sergt, Orlo Fairchild, 22; Staff Sergt. Harold Fairchild, 27; and Sergt. Walter Fairchild, 21, all enlisting through the local office between 1935 and 1939, while the fourth, Floyd Fairchild, 24, was inducted into the service in February.  Her fifth son, age 7, is a bit too young for the service.  For this reason, the association, which is made up of mothers of service men, saw fit to honor Mrs. Robinson by making the award.

 

In sending the emblem, which is a gold-plated pin featuring an eagle, a chevron, and a scroll held in the eagle's talon, Martin Stern, secretary of the association wrote, "we believe that any woman who contributes so handsomely to the defense of her country is deserving of an award of this kind and recognition not only by her own community but by the nation as a whole."

 

The association, it was explained, is aiming to exemplify the old service flags of 1917-18 which carried stars representing the number of sons each family had in the service.  Instead of a flag, the emblem presented each mother has a star on its scroll of each loved one serving the colors.  So far since the war began, six is the largest number of stars appearing with any emblem, that representing the number of sons one of the nation's mothers has in the service.

 

The four Fairchild men in service are the fourth generation of the family living, representatives of five generations being alive today  Oldest is Mrs. Edna Hawkins of Great Bend, Pa., age 90, while the grandmother, Mrs. Olive Howells of 1 Hawley Street represents the second generation, Mrs. Robinson, the third, and Myra Elizabeth, daughter of Private Walter Fairchild, the fifth.  [MHD notation:  Aug. 20, 1942]

 

 

 



Miscellaneous - Truman's Drug Store Dates Back to 1870s

Truman's Drug Store Dates Back to 1870s

Has Always Played a Prominent Part in Community Life

Bainbridge Press, April 20, 1939

 

In the late seventies Mr. A.F Moses was conducting a drugstore at the place now occupied by the Grand Union [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  there is some doubt concerning who were the earlier owners of the store.  The first legible prescription on the old file is dated May 9, 1874.  It is written on the stationary of "Charle W. Bixby, dealer in pure drugs, medicines, chemicals, fine soaps, perfumery, fancy & toilet articles, etc., Bainbridge, NY."  It is signed by J. Yale, M.D.  This prescription calls for potassium bromide, a substance that could have been found on the store shelves at any time during the sixty odd years since the above date.  There are many prescriptions written on the blanks of "J.W. Wright, druggist and apothecary, West Main street."  An old friend remembers that for a short time there were two drug store, Moses' and Wright's on West Main street.  It is possible that Wright was not a predecessor of Moses.

 

About January of 1883, Francis West bought the store of Mr. Moses and continued the business at the same place until August 14, 1897.  He then sold to E.D. Truman, who was a graduate of Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, class of 1893. Mr. Truman in turn carried on the store during the remainder of his life, or until 1929.  In 1901 he moved the pharmacy to 19 North Main street where it is now located.

 

N.E. Truman, the present owner, graduated from the New York College of Pharmacy in 1908.  He immediately became associated with his brother and has been sole proprietor for the last ten years.  The store still supplies the kinds of merchandise listed on Mr. Bixby's stationery.  But time affects pharmacies as well as other institutions.  Could Mr. Wright and Mr. Moses view the present displays of Eastman Kodaks, Parker fountain pens, Hall-Mark greeting cards, Lovelly & Covel chocolates, and the popular new books of 1939, doubtless they would think that pharmacy is not as of old--"But doth suffer a sea-change, into something rich and strange."

 

 

 

 

 

 



Marriages (July 29)

Miss Beatrice Dean, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Dean, of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], was united in marriage to Lloyd Donald Tuckey, son of Amos Tuckey, of this village, last Monday afternoon, December 9, 1940, at the home of the bride's parents.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Harold Hammer, pastor of the Masonville Church.  The couple were attended by the bride's mother and the bridegroom's father.  Mrs. Tuckey attended Bainbridge High School.  Mr. Tuckey, is a graduate of Bainbridge High School and is associated with his father in the trucking business.  After a short wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. Tuckey will be at home on South Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY]. 

 

George Lewis Carr, of Lakewood, Pa., and Katherine Mayme Zacharias, of Greentown, Pa., were united in marriage by the Rev. Oliver K. Barker at the Baptist parsonage on Saturday, January 4 [at Deposit].  The bridal couple were attended by the brother of the groom, Frank L. Carr, as best man, and the sister of the bride, Ellen R. Zacharias, as bridesmaid.  The parents of the bride and groom were also present.  [LMD notation:  1941]

 

Mrs. Sarah Oralls of Deposit [Delaware Co., NY] and Arthur Monroe of the same place were married Dec. 24 at Plant City, Florida, by Rev. A.R. Larrich of the Presbyterian church in that city.  Mrs. Monroe is a nurse, having practiced around and in Deposit for the past 23 years, where she is well known.  Mr. Monroe is a retired school teacher.  They are at home at 17 Wheeler street, Deposit.  [LMD notation:  1940]

 

On a warm day Jan. 11, 1843, Jerome B. Sands and Jane Shaw were married in the town of Delhi [Delaware Co., NY].  Jan. 11, 1893, was a day of a very different character, but no greater were the changes of which those two days may represent extremes, than are the changes of life represented by that wedding day in 1843, when loving parents and kind brothers and sisters gathered to bless and wish happiness to the young couple about to begin their married life, and the day in 1893, when Mr. and Mrs. Sands sat at the ends of a long table and looked each other in the face, through almost an avenue of children and grandchildren.  Few are permitted to recall the experiences of fifty years of married life, its joys and sorrows, its cares and anxieties, and especially to have living reminders of these in two daughters and five sons.  Mr. and Mrs. Sands spent the early part of their married life in Meredith, Delaware County, where six children were born to them,  In 1858, they came to their present home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], where they have since lived, and where two children were born  But one of the eight children has been called away by death.  The commemoration of the fiftieth wedding anniversary was arranged as a surprise to Mr. and Mrs. Sands, little being suspected by them till the children appeared on the morning of Jan 11.  The occasion was a very pleasant one.  Only children and grandchildren were present.  Tokens of love were presented to the happy pair, and many messages of affection were received from friends and relatives away.  May many more anniversary days be given them, and may the good seed sown in early life ripen into the golden fruit of happiness.  Those present were Emma Seacord and son, of Unadilla; Jennie Sands, Fredrick J. Sands, wife and child, James C. Sands, wife and child, of Vallonia Springs; William G. Sands, wife and two children, Orin A Sands, and wife, of Windsor.  Charles T. Sands and family of Oswego could not be present. 

Obituaries (July 29)

The death of the late David L. Follett of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] brings to a close the career of a somewhat remarkable man.  He was the son of a Sherburne farmer, and was born in the town of Sherburne in July, 1836.  He was a bright, determined youth, with little love for farm labor, and a predilection for books and oratory.  Former employees of his father are wont to relate how the embryo Judge would be observed mounted on a stump, and from this point of vantage, energetically addressing the trees and birds, and all else within his immediate horizon.  Studying at the local school and in Cazenovia where he entered the office of two distinguished lawyers, Rexford & Kingsley.  Admitted to the bar in 1858, he settled permanently in Norwich and practiced law with signal success until 1876.  With great capacity for labor, he worked with all the energy and industry he could command.  Failure and impossibility he scarcely apprehended, and was ever a dangerous antagonist for the ablest legal luminaries.  He was United States Assessor of Internal Revenue, appointed by Andrew Johnson, and was long a noted railroad attorney.  But it was as the chief opponent of the then powerful Prindle ring of Chenango county that he first drew upon himself the attention of the people, and brought himself into deserved prominence.  He was to that ring what Tilden was to the canal ring of the Empire State.  Horace G. Prindle was County Judge of Chenango for twelve years and was the Republican candidate for another term of six years' duration.  He was judge and Surrogate, was the Republican political power of the county, the orator of note, of exceeding ability, learned in law, skillful, masterful as attorney, Judge, politician--the monarch of the county and none his right to dispute.  And yet there was one disputant, David L. Follett.  Prindle was partial to his friends and proscriptive to his enemies.  This emphatic partiality and proscription brought to a head insinuations and accusations of several years' growth, touching Prindle's morality as a man and his integrity as a Judge.  Impeachment proceedings were brought against him and in the trial before the State Senate, ably and bitterly contested, the Chenango Judge narrowly escaped conviction  Follett and his supporters, still resolute and unyielding, fought the Judge-boss at the primaries for a third nomination, this unsuccessfully, but carrying the contest to the polls, they won, and Prindle's star set, never to rise again.  A Supreme court judge of the judicial department in which Chenango county is included, having died, Edwin Countryman of Otsego county was appointed to the vacancy.  The rule of county rotation then obtained and Chenango county was entitled to the turn.  Prindle's friends alleged that their favorite could have had the nomination for Supreme court justice but that he preferred another term as County Judge and Surrogate by way of vindication against his manifold enemies.  Be this as it may, and it is certainly problematical, Follett secured the Chenango delegates, was nominated, elected and continued in office for about twenty-three years.  Prindle was defeated for county judge and surrogate and died a few years later.  Justice Follett served at Trial judge, as a member of the General Term, Chief Judge of the Second division of the Court of Appeals, and finished his judicial service as Associate Justice of the Appellate division of the fourth department.  Early in his career as a Trial judge, he presided at a term of court held in Morrisville.  He had the clerk call the entire calendar and as no case was ready for trial, he adjourned the term sine die, thus teaching the belated attorneys a salutary lesson.  Judge Follett was specially favored by Governor Hill in appointments and assignments.  His judicial services, both as a Trial and Appellate judge, were often given and highly appreciated in our metropolitan city.  Casually, in private conversation, he has been heard to observe, with evident disapproval that members of the different creeds wrangle, quarrel, fight, persecute unto the shedding of blood, and all for the love of God and the salvation of man.  How far the above was expressive of his internal conviction, the writer is unable to say.  He may not have been an agnostic, but seemingly, did not consider belief in any religious creed essential to salvation.  In private life he was honest, temperate, neighborly, public spirited, always in excellent repute.  At his decease, his last judicial term was nearing its close.  His successor probably will be from Chenango county, and most likely, will be present Representative Ray or present County Judge Gladding.  Mr. Follett is survived by his wife, who was Miss Jane P. Randall of Cortland, and a son, Henry R. Follett, esq., of Norwich--Evening Herald, Syracuse.

 

The funeral of Judge David L. Follett was held on Saturday at 2 p.m. from his late home in Norwich.  The services were largely attended by a distinguished assemblage of people, including ex-Governor David B. Hill, judges and pr0ominent men from all parts of the state.  The members of the Chenango county bar, attended in a body, with large number of representatives of the bar from adjoining counties.  The services were of a brief but most impressive character.  The honorary bearers were visiting judges and the following:  ex-Governor David B. Hill, William H. Johnson, E.H. Risley, RG. Bassett, Albert Harris, T.C. Rose, R.E. Ringe and Hon. George W. Ray.  Burial was made in the Follett family plot in Mt. Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].  The most conspicuous floral offering was a representation of the scales of justice, in pink roses and white carnations, presented by the Chenango County bar.  The Chenango county bar was represented by W.H. Hyde, Hon. Charles W. Brown, Herbert C. Stratton, Vernon D. Stratton, Bert D. Riley, John R. Glovers, Oxford; Hon. Stephen Holden, D.L. Atkyns, Sherburne; W.B. Matterson, Irving J. Tillman, Bainbridge; George A. Haven, Afton; M.F Porter, L.E. Chase, Eugene Clinton, Charles Clinton, Greene; H.H. Harrington, O.F. Matterson, New Berlin; George P. Pudney, Smyrna.   [Bainbridge Republican, July 12, 1899]

 

Masonville [Delaware Co., NY]:  On Tuesday morning, the 23rd, Mrs. M.M. Vail entered into rest.  She was born in this town eighty years ago and had always resided here; she had been in failing health for sometime and gradually declined from the infirmities of age rather than any disease until she passed away.  Mrs. Vail was a woman of marked personality and was highly respected by this community.  Her husband, Reuben A. Vail, died several years ago.  She is survived by nine children, seven of whom were present at the funeral, which was held from her late home on Saturday the services being conducted by Rev. Mr. Edds of Sidney.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 2, 1903]

 

Masonville [Delaware Co., NY]:  Mrs. Newton Keith one of our best respected inhabitants passed suddenly away Friday morning.  On the previous day Mrs. Keith was in usual health and did the household work but during the night was taken violently ill and though medical aid was quickly procured which relieved her suffering she succumbed early the next morning.  Mrs. Keith came to this town with her husband from Otsego county about forty years ago and had acquired a large circle of friends in this community.  A few years ago she lost her only son, who left four children, two of whom have been cared for by their grandparents and her death seems doubly sad on their account.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 2, 1903]

 

At the home of her son, Irving Coe of West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Mrs. Ruth Coe died Thursday night of apoplexy, aged eighty-two years.  The funeral was held Sunday at twelve o'clock at the son's home and burial was in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  Rev C..D. Reed officiated at the services.  The singers were the quartette, Messrs. Banner, Strong, Bentley and Smith, of Bainbridge.  Mrs. Coe's husband died several years ago.  She is survived by two sons.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 9, 1903]

 

Mrs. Morgianna Craig Kirby died Saturday morning, July 4th, at her residence, the home of her youth, on North Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], aged seventy-one years.  She had been an invalid for the past year, finally symptoms of cancer developing which made certain that she was to become a victim of a disease that was remorseless and hopeless in its progress and ultimate end.  Her death brought deep sorrow to her family and cast a gloom over the many friends who had known her from childhood, and to whose esteem and love she was indelibly placed.  Mrs. Kirby was born in Bainbridge.  Her father, Daniel S. Craig, died in early manhood and her mother, Olive Craig, survived to past eighty years dying at her daughter's home, "The Pillars," below Bainbridge, a few years since.  Mrs. Kirby's entire life was spent in Bainbridge, receiving her education from the select schools of the place of which there were none better in their superior and scholarly grade of teachers.  She was united in marriage with Charles P. Kirby, a merchant of the village, in 1854, whose death occurred December 19, 1900.  Three children were born who are:  Mary E., Charles C. and Edward G Kirby, all residents of Bainbridge.  Mrs. Kirby was one of the choice women of the world.  She was devoted to home ties a model wife and a loving mother.  Her friendship was of the purest type loyal and true, sympathetic in sorrow, and practical in all cases of need.  Among her cardinal virtues was her broad feeling of charity towards others' faults, loth to believe evil and judging with kindness and love.  Her natural temperament was one of calmness and cheerfulness which pervaded all through the sufferings of the last few months, and helped to sustain the daughter in her unceasing care and solicitude.  Mrs. Kirby was a member of St Peter's Church to which she became allied to childhood, and her service and usefulness in promoting its interests were assiduous until failing health forbade prominence.  After a few years of mercantile life, Mr. Kirby retired to the paternal estate, "The Pillars," which celebrated for its generous and delightful hospitality, was continued under the new regime, and the remembrance of its cordiality and dispensation will not soon be forgotten.  Mr. Kirby's failing health obliged him latterly to give up the care of the large farm and he came with his family to reside in the village where he died about three years ago.  The funeral of Mrs. Kirby was held from  her late home, Monday at 4 o'clock, p.m. Rev. W.E. Tanner officiating.  The burial was in st Peter's cemetery.  The flowers were many and very beautiful that covered the coffin, emblematic of the high esteem in which the deceased was held.

"Her memory long will live along

In all our hearts, as mournful light

That broods above the fallen sun,

And dwells in heaven half the night."

[Bainbridge Republican, July 9, 19034]

Obituaries (July 28)

On Monday morning, June 1, Emily, wife of Charles Terry of West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], died of cerebral hemorrhage at her home age 60 years.  Funeral was held Wednesday from the house, Rev. J.S. Crompton officiating.  Burial at West Bainbridge cemetery.  Mrs. Terry is survived by her husband.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 4, 1903]

 

On Tuesday, June 9, T. Jefferson Lyon, a former resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co.., NY], died at his home, Park Terrace, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], aged 69 years.  Mr. Lyon had been a sufferer from Bright's disease a number of years, his health gradually failing, but with wonderful will and determination he kept up until a few days before his death, when he sank rapidly, the vital forces giving out entirely.  Mr. Lyon's disease is apt to affect the eyesight and in the case of the deceased he became partially blind two years ago and within the last six months of his life was unable to see at all.  But with unexampled courage he fought against the inevitable, pursuing a line of duties, which had always been a science with him, as caring for stock, his horses and cattle being the best grade in the market.  Until a year or two before his death, he drove unaided his horses upon business about Binghamton when unable to see to guide them, but his skill and intuition always returned him in safety to his home.  It was a pathetic sight through the last winter and spring to see Mr. Lyon with his infirmity of sight groping his way to his cattle in the barn or in the field to look after their wants because of his affection for them.  Mr. Lyon left Bainbridge for Binghamton to reside fifteen years ago.  He built a tenement house on Liberty street and later sold it and purchased a large tract of land in the vicinity of Ross Park, the development of which and the name Park Terrace, brought him prominently before the public, as having promoted one of the prettiest suburbs of the city.  Mr. and Mrs. Lyon became allied with the Centenary M.E. Church soon after going to Binghamton, and were among its most faithful, generous and enthusiastic supporters.  T. Jefferson Lyon was the son of Briggs Lyon of West Bainbridge and was born in 1831.  He was united in marriage to Ellen F. Kelley of West Bainbridge, December 31, 1856.  Mr. Lyon was engaged in farming in the home town for ten years and then removed to Pike, N.Y.  where he continued that occupation until 1877 when he returned to this section settling in Bainbridge village.  He opened with his brother-in-law, James Kelley, a boot, shoe and grocery store on West Main street, and later went into the clothing business in the Clark block and also in Thomas block, being associated with his son, Frank R. Lyon.  The deceased was a much esteemed citizen of Bainbridge, genial in a social way, honorable in business, and devoted to the interests of the Methodist Church.  His removal to Binghamton in 1888 was much regretted.  Mr. Lyon is survived by his wife and two children:  Mrs. Frank D. Lyon of Binghamton, and Frank R. Lyon of Manistee, Mich.;  four sisters, Mrs. Hamilton Greene, Mrs. Smith Lane, Mrs. Marietta Lane and Mrs. Frank Davis of Bainbridge; two brothers, Joseph E. Lyon of Bainbridge, and Orville J. Lyon of Scranton.  The funeral was held Friday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Taber officiating, assisted by Rev. D.N. Grummon, Burial was in Floral Park cemetery.....The sorrowing wife has the sympathy of many old friends in Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 18, 1903]

 

John Gaines of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], was tearing down an old barn on a farm, which he bought recently, three miles out of town.  Thursday when he did not appear at home, the family sent the hired man to see what he was doing and he was found dead, planed under a large beam, which had fallen across his chest.  Mr. Gaines was working alone and was last seen alive by the rural mail carrier at about 4 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, at work on the barn.  He was 29 years old and about five years ago was in the flour and feed business in Sherburne.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 18, 1903]

 

Peter Healey of Oak street, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], was found dead Sunday morning at six o'clock, by a neighbor, lying at the foot of a pair of stairs leading to the second floor.  Healey's neck was broken.  He had apparently fallen over the railing of the stairs twelve feet from the floor.  He had put on a new pair of shoes the night before and it was thought possible he might have slipped which caused him to fall over the railing.  He leaves a widow.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 18, 1903]

 

The Messrs. Homer and Daniel S. Bristol, have received word of the death of their brother-in-law, Daniel W. Lacey, of Belvidere, Ill., which occurred May 23.  His age was 80 years.  Two children survive.  His wife, who was Miss Sophia H. Bristol, died two years ago, aged 72 years.  She was born at the Bristol family home at Hamilton, N.Y. [Madison Co.].  A sister, Mrs. Mary Hollenbeck, resides at Belvidere, who with the above named brothers are the only remaining members of the original Bristol family.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 25, 1903]

Ivan E. Willard, foreman of the Clinton Courier in Clinton, N.Y., was instantly killed by electricity Saturday night while turning on a light in the office.  He was thirty-two years old and leaves a wife.  This is the second accident of the kind that has occurred in that vicinity in six months.  It is supposed the transformer was out of order allowing the full strength of the current, 2,100 volts, to enter the building.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 25, 1903]
 

Lena Barnes Hovey, 55, died at her home at Guilford Center [Chenango Co., NY], Thursday, Dec. 30, 1937.  Mrs. Hovey was born July 7, 1882, in the town of Butternuts, Otsego Co., where she spent her early childhood.  She was united in marriage to Franklin G. Hovey on March 14, 1900.  Of this union were born three children, Merton B Hovey, of Oswego, N.Y.; Everett F. Hovey, of Sidney, N.Y.; and Mildred Hovey Savary, of Guilford Center.  She is survived by her husband, Franklin G Hovey; the three above named children; nine grandchildren; one brother, W. Everett Barnes, of Milford, N.Y.; and one sister, Alice Barnes Sherwood of South New Berlin.  The first eleven years of her married life were spent in the town of Butternuts; from there she moved with her husband to Guilford Center, where she made her home till her death, which came after a lingering illness of four months.  Affiliated with the Congregational-Presbyterian Church of the village, she was a faithful member and very active worker in Ladies' Missionary and Aid circles, where she will be sorely missed.  Funeral services conducted Jan. 2, 1938, at the home and the Congregational-Presbyterian church, were in charge of the pastor, Rev. A.E. Reudink.  Interment was made at the Guilford Center Cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 6, 1938]

The death of Mrs. Anna Campbell, wife of Francis Campbell, occurred at the Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, Monday.  Mrs. Campbell was 48 years of age, and was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  She was a member of the Methodist Church of Oxford.  A woman of fine Christian character, her life was centered in her home.  An excellent neighbor she was held in high esteem and affection by all who knew her and her passing is a source of much sorrow.  Funeral service will be held Thursday afternoon from the George J. Devine Funeral Home in Norwich.  Rev. Leon Bouten, pastor of the Oxford M.E. Church, will officiate and burial will be made in the Yaleville Cemetery [Guilford, NY]. Besides her husband, Mrs. Campbell is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth D., and Mildred L., who resided at home; her father, Anto Pfeil, of East Oxford; a sister, Mrs. Chas. Shapley, of East Oxford, and a brother, Henry Pfeil, of Guilford, also several nieces and nephews.  The family resides on the Norwich-Oxford highway.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 13, 1938]

Miss Lucy Olmstead was the youngest of a family of twelve children.  Her parents moved from Connecticut to Meredith, Delaware Co., N.Y., but a few years before her birth, which occurred July 13, 1821.  Puritan blood ran in her veins and she did not disgrace her ancestry.  About 1840 she removed with her parents to Otego [Otsego Co., NY], where she comforted their declining days.  Some years after this she was married to Mr. Levi Coburn.  Two children were born to them.  The sudden death of the younger, a much loved boy, caused deep sorrow to the hearts of his parents.  The daughter remains to mourn a fond mother's loss and to console a heart broken bather.  On July 14, 1871, Mrs. Coburn left the earth.  For just half a century she was spared to exemplify a true Christian life.  At Meredith in early youth the publicly professed her faith in her Savior and ever after lived worthy of her profession.  The Congregational Church of Otego, has lost one of its pillars.  Mrs. Coburn was from her youth ever ready to exert herself in support of the Church she loved so well.  But her heart was not so small as to be entirely swallowed up in her own Church.  The town has lost one of its most useful inhabitants.  Her hands were ready to engage in any good work.  "None knew her but to love her" may truly be written over her grave.  Yet it was in her own home that her character would shine the brightest.  Here all the depths of her loving nature would be seen.  Her removal thence must cause "a thick darkness which can be felt."  A firm faith in God alone can illume the darkness.  We commend to the mourning kindred, that same loving Savior in whom she trusted.  To all her numerous friends we commend her faith and her good works as worthy of imitation.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 22, 1871]

Marriages (July 28)

The names of A.J. Handy, Ruby Handy and wife, and D. Simpson, all of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], appeared on the Hotchkiss house register for dinner Saturday.  This in itself would not appear so strange, as many people are registered there for meals nowadays, but for the fact that is was a wedding feast and a reconciliation of a family that had been somewhat disturbed by a runaway marriage.  The story as told is that Mr. Handy, who is a farmer in Coventry, had in the employ of his household for some time a young girl by the name of Minnie Greek, of whom his son, Ruby, became enamored.  Ruby's first name is presumably Reuben, but as he is only seventeen years of age, it is supposed that his childhood's pet cognomen still clings to him.  Be that as it may, Ruby and the girl concluded to run away and get married.  Accordingly they stole away and went down into Pennsylvania, only to discover that they could not get married in that state without a license. Returning to this state they found at Windsor a clergyman who made them man and wife, and they then started for South New Berlin to visit relatives.  Meantime Ruby's "pa" having discovered that the youthful turtle doves had "flew the coop" and surmising what was up, hitched up his team and taking with him Mr. Simpson, a neighbor, started in pursuit of the runaways.  He was too late to prevent the marriage but reached South New Berlin, however, before the bridal couple and was the first to greet them as they stepped off the cars.  The couple were surprised and much crestfallen to be thus confronted, but were soon put at their ease by the spirit of the greeting, which turned out to be of a forgiving nature instead of an angry tirade, which was evidently expected.  In fact the father of the boy, as far as he was concerned seemed to look upon the affair as a huge joke and said that the couple had no occasion to run away to get married.  The bridal visit at South New Berlin was interrupted however, and the party started for Coventry, coming by the way of Oxford, where the bridal dinner was partaken of as stated--Oxford Times.

Celebrate 42nd Anniversary:  Mr. and Mrs Robert Thomson celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary at their home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] on New Year's Day.  Mr. and Mrs. Thomson were married in Afton by Rev. Henry Hill, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Afton in 1896, and have made their home in that village since that time.  Mr. Thomson came to the vicinity of Afton from Fresno, California, forty-five years ago.  After a family dinner party, a photographer took pictures of the entire group.  Guests included Mrs. Thomson's father, Wm. H. Briggs, Mr. and Mrs. Merwin Thomson and daughter, Donna, of Afton, Wayne E. Thomson and children, and Mrs. Adah Follett, of Bainbridge, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Marriott and children, of Sidney, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Harris and Mr. and Mrs. Lee Terry, of Nineveh.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 6, 1938]

At the Methodist Episcopal parsonage in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday, January 1, Miss Iva Mae Crumb of Bainbridge, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Burton Brown, of North Afton, became the bride of Maxson Sturges Crumb, son of Mrs. Amy S. Crumb and the late Owen L. Crumb, of Bainbridge.  The couple was attended by Mr. and Mrs. Theo. R. Knapp, sister and brother-in-law of the bride.  Mr. Crumb is field auditor for the New York State Department of Audit and Control.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 6, 1938]

Miss Mayfred H. Dildine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M.W. Dildine, and Gerald R. Weeks, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Ray Weeks, of Afton, were united in marriage at a quiet ceremony Thursday evening, January 7, at the home of the bride's parents on Pearl street.  Rev. G.N. Underwood was the officiating pastor.  The attendants were Miss Joyce Teachout, of Sherburne, sister of the bride, and Bruce Weeks, of Afton, brother of the groom.  The bride wore a brown suit and carried a bouquet of roses and chrysanthemums.  Miss Teachout, wore a blue suit and also carried a bouquet of roses and chrysanthemums.  Guests in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. J. Ray Weeks and family and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hulburt.  The bride was graduate of the 1937 class of Bainbridge High School and was prominent in school activities.  The many friends of the young couple wish them happiness.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 13, 1938]
 

Miscellaneous - Post Office Spitting Rules, 1900

PostMaster Norton's Rules, 1900

 

Since Postmaster Norton's appointment to the office he so acceptably fills, many improvements have been made by the Post Office department to facilitate the transaction of business, and every appointment of a modern and model office has been promptly supplied upon intimation from Mr Norton to the department that it was needed.  Thus it is that we have congratulated ourselves over both office and incumbent, with but a single minor detail neglected.  Even this has now been supplied by the reception Xmas morning of an express package, weighing 40 pounds from the P.O. Dept., at Washington directed to C.G. Norton, P.M., charges collect, 75cts, which Mr. Norton paid, the amount to be deducted from his monthly account as all packages from the Department should come charges prepaid.  "Do it now" is Mr. Norton's motto, so he immediately opened the box.  When the cover was removed the dozen interested friends gathered in the back room of the Post Office saw a neatly folded paper, beneath which was a large package surrounded by quantities of paper scraps.  When the package itself was uncovered there was exposed to the postmaster's astonishment gaze a gigantic spittoon painted and striped in many colors.  On the broad red top was painted in bold black letters, "Official Spit Box."  Within was a large envelope containing a type written document headed, U.S. Postal Service, Executive office, and reading as follows:

 

Regulations affecting Post Offices of the United States and Philippines.  By joint resolution of Congress introduced in the Senate by Platt of New York, and in the House by Bailey of Texas, it is provided:  Postmasters receiving more than five dollars per month salary are prohibited from spitting on the floor.

 

The first offence shall be punishable by a fine of fifty per cent of his salary, which fine shall go to the Deputy P.M., whose duty it shall be to report such offence.

 

The second offence shall be punishable by death and the third offence by election to Congress.  Proper Spit boxes shall be provided at the expense of the government to each and every post office except Lincoln, Neb. where the Postmaster and clerks shall be permitted to spit on their hands.

 

Article 6, Sec. 7, of the rules governing post office provides:  No Postmaster shall spit except as above provided unless he receive written permission from Aguinaldo [1st president of the Philippines], countersigned by the President.  Disobedience to this rule shall be punishable by a further increase in the Army. 

 

For the good of the country it is hoped Postmasters will spit according to regulations.

 

Singed Lilinokalani, By order of the Dept.

 

The Spit Box and regulations are now a part of the post office paraphernalia.  We congratulate the Postmaster upon the evident interest of the Department in his welfare.