Marriages (September 11)

At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the beautiful and simple Methodist Episcopal marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. T.F. Hall, on N.E. Barton, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Carrie J. Strong, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  Every seat in the Methodist Episcopal church was filled with handsomely dressed guests Wednesday, as the waning afternoon was approaching the twilight of an incoming evening.  The fury of an April inclemency had obscured the sun, yet the radiant brightness of happy countenance and sparkling eye, infused with the good wishes and sympathy toward the event of holy happiness, substituted gleams that did not cloud the joy nor mar the scene of anticipated hopes.  The church was darkened by the emblematic service of evergreens obstructing the shedding light as it struggled for recognition through the windows.  The light of night made it a fashionable full dress wedding.  Without nature was covered with crystallized snow which was beautiful in its significance as indicative of the purity and sanctity of the event within.  The resonant and song-like strains of Mendelssohn's wedding march, executed by Geo. E. Carr, of Afton, at the organ, gave the signal of the arrival of the wedding party.  Slowly up the center aisle preceded by the ushers, Rev. F.E. Walton, of Afton, and C.H. Clark, Miss Lillian Hollenbeck, the bridesmaid, and Mr. William Steele, of New York, as best man, came the bridal party.  The bride was robed in a gown of exquisite right blue silk, trimmed in rich, heavy cream lace.  Over her was a most delicate and flowing veil.  The bridesmaid was attired in a rich and expensive light yellow alba-tross.  When the altar was reached, the ushers, bridesmaid and best man separated, allowing the bride and groom to stand before the presence of the pastor, Rev. T.F. Hall, who read in accents clear, articulate and impressive, the marriage vow.  After the benediction, the groom turned and parted the veil, taking his wife, departed down the aisle, followed by the admiring eyes of the people, amid the perfume of flowers and choice decorations.  Mr. and Mrs. Barton and party, were immediately driven to Afton.  The reception was held in the evening, from 8 to 12 at "Walnut Place," the home of N.E. Barton.  It was a memorable affair, long to be remembered in the history of society events in Afton.  Fifty friends of the bride and groom from Bainbridge, and with their large number of friends in Afton, assembled together in happy union of expressions of congratulations and best wishes to the newly married couple.  The interior of "Walnut Place" emitted a charm of pleasing appreciation.  The tinged and variated light, the heavy draperies, the luxurious trimmings, the handsomely dressed women, the genial men, presented a scene of great beauty.  The cup of joy was touched by every lip, and the atmosphere of mirth was exhilarating to gladdened hearts and cheerful spirits.  There were evergreen, palms, similax, roses, hyacinths and lilies, tastefully arranged in profusion.  Mr. and Mrs. Barton stood in the south end of the reception room beneath a large bell of evergreens and roses.  By the side of them stood the bridesmaid, Miss Hollenbeck and Mr. Steele, the best man, while music filled the ears of the guests.  They were presented and there were hearty and cordial wishes that brightness and roses might adorn the highway of their wedlock.  Refreshments were served by a caterer from Binghamton, and thereafter music and song concluded the evening.  The floral decorations and trimmings were from the Riverside Gardens, at Binghamton.  The gifts to the bride were many and beautiful, consisting of a quantity of silverware, jewelry, cut glassware, oil paintings and fine linen.  During the evening, the bride wore a rich diamond pin and a valuable gold watch and chain, gifts to her by the groom.  She was dressed in a light blue silk evening dress and carried a bunch of white roses. The best man, bridesmaid, ushers and organist were recipients of unique and pretty souvenirs from the groom, in the design of a spoon, on which was engraved the residence of "Walnut Place."  N.E. Barton is the editor of the Afton Enterprise and one of the most prominent and popular citizens in Afton.  He has built up that paper, through reverses and misfortune, to a high standard among journals.  Miss Carrie J. Strong was a pretty and highly esteemed young lady in Bainbridge and loved by the circle of her many friends in which she moved.  [Notation:  April 11, 1894]

Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Doolittle of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] have announced the marriage of their daughter, Argarette, to Ray L. Flint of this city.  The ceremony took place in the First Presbyterian church, Scranton, Thursday.  Mr. and Mrs. Flint will make their home in this city.  [LMD notation:  April 23, 1921]

Miss Georgia LaBarre, daughter of Mrs. Reva Parks of 49 Washington avenue, became the bride of Walter Benedict, son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Benedict of 40 Kentucky avenue, Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock in Union Baptist church with the Rev. Lester D. Huxtable officiating.  Attending the bride were her aunt, Mrs. Thomas Brennan, who was matron of honor, Miss Cora Jackson and Miss Hazel Lenox, bridesmaids, Geraldine Marie and Valerie Ann Parks were flower girls.  Bridegroom's attendants were Roselle Thorne, best man, and Robert Thorne, Glen Morton, Reynolds Johns and Theodore Spencer, ushers.  The bride was given in marriage by her brother, Ernest Parks, and wore a gown of white georgette over satin fashioned with a shirred bodice and short train.  She wore a tulle veil held in place by a tiara of pearls which had been made from her mother's wedding gown.  She carried white roses.  Matron of honor was attired in orchid net over matching taffeta.  Her bouquet was of yellow roses, Miss Jackson and Miss Lenox were dressed alike in net redingotes over taffeta, Miss Jackson in blue, Miss Lenox in pink.  They carried pink roses and delphinium.  Flower girls wore floor length frocks fashioned like those of the bridesmaids, Germaine in blue and Valerie in pink.  Mrs. Parks was attired in navy blue with white accessories and a corsage of sweet peas.  Mrs. Benedict, the bridegroom's mother, wore a printed georgette dress with white accessories and a corsage of sweet peas.  More than 150 guests attended the reception following the ceremony.  Mr. and Mrs. Benedict left for a motor trip through the northern part of the state.  For traveling Mrs. Benedict wore a navy blue and red ensemble and white accessories.  After Aug. 4 the couple will reside in 18 Sherman avenue, Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  [LMD notation:  July 29, 1940]

Wedding in late summer is planned by Miss Ruthe M. Baxter, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.B. Baxter, 10 Burton avenue, have announced her engagement to Wilbur D. Lee of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  The wedding will take place Aug. 17.  [LMD notation:  1940]

Miss Ruthe M. Baxter

 

 

 

Obituaries (September 11)

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Henry L. White died at his home near North Guilford on Feb. 13th, after a short illness, aged 73 years.  Mr. White was one of Guilford's most esteemed and best known citizens.  In the year 1875 he was elected to the office of assessor for his town and was continued in that office for 21 years consecutively and faithfully discharged the duties of the office without fear or favor, after which he accepted the office of railroad commissioner which office he held at the time of his death.  Mr. White was born Feb. 1, 1834 on the farm where his death occurred, which has always been his home.  He was married to Miss Victoria Sheldon, Feb. 1, 1860, who survives him.  He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Cordelia Reed, of Hobart, N.Y., and three children, Everett J. of Franklin, Irvin H. of Guilford, and Mrs. Florence Gibbs, of Norwich; four children died in infancy.  Funeral service occurred at the home on Saturday at 1 o'clock, burial was made in the cemetery near his home.  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 21, 1907]

 

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Mary Taft who was visiting relatives in Otego and vicinity, died suddenly of heart disease Saturday Mar. 9th while driving in a cutter with her brother.  Mrs. Taft was the mother of the late Olin Taft, of Bainbridge, and is survived by two daughters, one Mrs. Richard Burton, of Afton.  Her remains were brought home Monday evening, the funeral occurring from her late home Wednesday, at 2 p.m., Rev. J.F. Shaw officiating.  Interment in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, NY] by the side of her husband O.A. Taft.--Afton Cor.  Mrs. Olin Taft and children, of this place, attended the funeral of her mother-in-law, Mrs. Taft held in Afton yesterday (Wednesday).  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 14, 1907]

 

Juvenal Griswold, a much respected resident of this place, died March 5, 1907, at the age of 48 years.  He leaves a wife, one son, Earl, two daughters, Louise and Florence, and a mother, Mrs. Frank Griswold, one brother, Artie Griswold, and three sisters to mourn his departure.  The funeral was held on Saturday at his home at 11 o'clock, Rev. Livingston officiating; he was laid at rest in Sylvan Lawn cemetery at Greene [Chenango Co., nY].  Eugene Willey took charge of the funeral.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 14, 1907]

 

On Saturday, March 16, Freeman Eccleston died at his mother's home on Pearl street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], aged 50 years.  He had been a sufferer from grippe for about a week and though the attack seemed unusually severe his friends did not have any fears that he would not recover, but he dropped away suddenly.  The deceased came to Bainbridge with his parents to reside about twenty years ago.  He was a man of integrity, correct in habits, and very industrious.  He had been connected with two industries of the place mostly through his entire residence here.  The first was the Sled factory on Johnson street, now extinct, and the other the American Separator Co., on Railroad Avenue, which Mr. Eccleston became affiliated with almost from its origin about fifteen years ago.  He has been retained in its service continuously, the officers of the company esteeming him highly, appreciating his reliability and daily attendance.  He had the respect of all with whom he associated in his work.  In the home circle there is great sorrow, the mother suffering a grief that is inconsolable.  His devotion to her was so perfect, so hearty, so genuine, that his loss seems irreparable.  Her friends and neighbors sympathize with her in her bereavement.  The funeral was held at the home Monday afternoon, the Rev. W.A. Carrington officiating.  Burial was in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  The employees of the Separator factory attended in a body and contributed handsome flowers.  The bearers were D.C. Pratt W.E. Hartman, Samuel Perry, P.J. Hickey, Chas. Green and Glen Heath.  Relatives from Oxford in attendance were the following:  Norris Eccleston, Charles L. Eccleston, Mrs. Dr. Johnson and Edward Eccleston.  The deceased is survived by his mother and two brothers, William and Ervin Eccleston.  [Bainbridge Republican,  Mar. 21, 1907]

 

Our mind has been taken back to the records of the past in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] in the receipt of news yesterday of the recent death by apoplexy of Mrs. Ellen Bigelow Bush Matthews at her home in Winona, Minnesota, aged 76 years.  The names, Bigelow and Bush, were those of prominent residents in this town seventy years ago.  Mrs. Matthews was a relative of Mrs. Elizabeth Beatty of Bainbridge, the Misses Sayre, of Binghamton, and Mrs. Stella A. Yale and Miss Annah Kidder, of Washington, whose families were intimately connected by marriage.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 21, 1907]

 

Mr. and Mrs. Earl Gridley buried their only child on Sunday.  Floyd was an uncommonly bright little fellow, two years old.  On Wednesday he fell backwards into a pail of boiling water and was burned so severely that he died on Friday; interment in North Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. and Mrs. Gridley have the sympathy of all in their great sorrow.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 21, 1907]

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Myrtle Cunningham, wife of John Cunningham, passed away Thursday morning at 2 o'clock, at the age of 43 years.  She had been in poor health for a long time.  She was confined to her bed two weeks.  She was born in Greene [Chenango Co, NY] the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Oakley.  Besides her husband, she leaves one daughter, Pauline; one son, Raymond; her mother, Mrs. Clara White of Greene; two brothers, Alonzo Oakley of Binghamton, Nathan Oakley of Greene; five sisters, Mrs. Morgan Rogers of Pasadena, Cal., Mrs. Frank Gardner of Afton, Mrs. Fred Smith of McDonough, Mrs. Lillian Allen of Davenport, and Mrs. Nelson Hawkins of Chenango Forks; also several nephews and nieces.  The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at her home near Oxford, at 2 o'clock.  Rev. Mr. Gates of Oxford Baptist Church officiating.  Burial was in Oxford cemetery. 

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of Mrs. Cora B. Tracy, whose death occurred this morning at her home in the Town of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] will be held at 1:30 o'clock Friday afternoon from Tabor's Funeral Parlors in Afton.  Services will be in charge of the Rev. Harry Brooks of Susquehanna, Pa., and burial will be in the family plot at Glenwood Cemetery, Afton.  The deceased is survived by one son, Alfred, with whom she made her home; one daughter, Mrs. Roy Bush, Afton; one brother E.C. Merrell, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and one sister, Mrs. Raymond Sykes, Meeker, Colo.  [MHD notation:  1933]

Mrs. Jacob VanWoert died at her home in this village Friday night.  Deceased had been in poor health for many years, but during the past few months had gradually failed until death relieved her of her sufferings.  Her age was 80 years.  She leaves a husband and one son, Delos VanWoert.  The funeral was held Sunday and the remains laid to rest in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co.,  NY]  [Compiler note:  from tombstone transcription:  Sarah R. Gile wife of Jacob VanWoert, 1816 - 1896]

Gladys Hall, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hall, died suddenly Friday morning after only a few hour's illness.  The funeral was held Sunday afternoon, Rev. F.E. Walton officiating.  The bereaved family have the sympathy of the community in their affliction.  [Compiler note:  From tombstone transcription, Glenwood Cemetery, Afton, Chenango Co., NY:  Gladys L., daughter of Henry W. & Estelle E. (Snow) Hall, Jan. 23, 1895 - Jan. 10, 1896]

Our readers will notice in our correspondence a reference to the death of Samuel Gilmore, one of West Bainbridge's [Chenango Co., NY] most useful and esteemed residents.  Mr. Gilmore was one of Bainbridge's "war veterans".  Early in the year 1862 he enlisted in the Union service and was attached to the 5th New York heavy artillery to which he continued nearly three years.  The following tribute is paid to him by his soldier comrades:  "Loyal to his country he was also loyal to his God.  He was a Christian in camp and on the battle field; a true and faithful soldier at all times and in every place."  Amid the more peaceful scenes of his later life, he afforded variance of the noble and sturdy purposes that controlled him--a soldier still, brave and true, though not warring "with carnal weapons."  Mr. Gilmore was also an honored member of the H.H. Beecher Post No. 582 G.A.R. in this village and an enthusiastic worker therein.  One of its earliest members, he was the first to be "mustered out of service," the first for whom "taps" have been called and the light of earth extinguished.  The public funeral of this patriotic Christian soldier and citizen was held Tuesday afternoon at the M.E. church at Union valley and was attended by a large concourse of people.  Large delegations from Binghamton and other places were in attendance., thereby expressing their sympathy with the bereaved and the esteem they cherished for the deceased.  Rev. F.F. Hall, Mr. Gilmore's pastor conducted the services Rev F.F. Benjamin assisting, after which the body was taken in charge by the H.H. Beecher Post, and followed by a large cortege, was borne to West Bainbridge cemetery where the impressive burial service of the G.A.R. was held under the direction of the Post commander and chaplain.  [Notation:  Jan.   5, 1895]

 

Marriages (September 10)

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bennett, who reside on the Bainbridge-Sidney road, was the scene of a very lovely wedding, March 30, 1938, when Martha Snyder, daughter of Berton and Luella Snyder, of Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], and [-?- Bennett] were united in marriage by Rev. J.W. Bump of East Guilford.  The bride's gown was of blue silk and lace.  She carried pink roses.  The groom was dressed in the conventional blue serge.  The bridesmaid, Miss Agnes Bennett, sister of the groom, was dressed in blue crepe and carried a bouquet of yellow roses.  Mr. Hiram Gould of Binghamton, brother-in-law of the bride, acted as best man.  To the strains of music played by the bride's niece, Miss Rachel Gould, of Harpursville, the party proceeded to an arch appropriately decorated for the occasion.  Guests to the number of 87, including relatives and friends were present from Binghamton, Oxford, Windsor, Greene, Harpursville, Sidney, Guilford and Norwich.  The bride and groom received many beautiful presents and a sum of money.  Mr. and Mrs. Bennett plan to live in Sidney where he is engaged in the cattle business with his father.  Their many friends wish them a long and happy, prosperous life.  [LMD notation:  April 1938]

 

Miss Helen Sawyer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon C. Sawyer of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], and Robert Burgin, son of Mr. and Mrs. George O. Burgin of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], formerly of Franklin, were united in marriage at the home of the bride's parents on Wednesday evening at eight.  Rev. Lewis Johnson of the First Baptist church in Bainbridge officiated.  The bride wore a white georgette wedding gown and tulle veil and carried a bouquet of white sweet peas and roses.  The couple was attended by Miss Mary Louise Sawyer, a sister of the bride, and John Burgin, brother of the groom.  Mr. Burgin is a graduate of Franklin High school and attended Syracuse university.  He is a former catcher on the Walton Yellow jackets baseball team and is well known in Walton through this connection.  Mrs. Burgin is a graduate of Bainbridge High school and studied two years to Hartwick college.  She is librarian at the Bainbridge Public library.  Mr. Burgin is employed with the Casein company plant at Bainbridge.  [LMD notation:  June 14, 1939]

 

Miss Katherine E. Joyce, daughter of Lewis Joyce of lower River street, Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] and Donald A. Laraway, son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Laraway of Oak avenue, Sidney were married Friday  morning, May 24, at 9 o'clock in the Methodist Episcopal church of Sidney by Rev. R.T. Henwood.  They were attended by Miss Catherine Crumb of Mt. Upton and John Spinelli of Sidney, both close friends of the couple.  Miss Joyce is a graduate of the Mt. Upton High school and Mr. Laraway is a graduate of Sidney High school.  The bride was dressed in blue, with white accessories and a corsage of white roses and sweet peas.  Her attendant wore blue, with a corsage of white flowers.  Mr. and Mrs. Laraway left immediately for a wedding trip to Albany and New York city.  Upon their return, they will reside at the home of the groom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Laraway, at 31 Oak avenue in newly furnished rooms.  Both are popular with the young people of Sidney and both are employed at the Scintilla plant.  [LMD notation:   1940]

 

Katherine E. Joyce Laraway

 

"In the grey and gold of the October glow," Wednesday morning, the 16th at eleven o'clock, and in the presence of a few relatives, a very pretty and happy wedding was celebrated, in the quiet retreat of China, a suburban settlement, a few miles from Deposit [Delaware Co., NY].  It was at the home of Moses R. Axtell, the father of the bride, when his daughter, Miss Lydia Ophelia Axtell, was given in marriage to Herbert Mosher Ramsdell, son of Erwin Ramsdell of this village, Bainbridge [Chenang Co., NY].  The Rev. Mr. Percy, Baptist clergyman from Deposit cemented the union.  The bride was attired in a blue cloth travelling suit, simple, modest and sweet in air and design.  After the wedding ceremony a fine collation was served and while lingering over the viands there was a flow of joyous sentiment emanating from the event of the preceding hour, and many were the predications of happiness for the passage down life's journey.  Mr. and Mrs. Ramsdell left the same afternoon for New York to spend a few days in travel and upon their return will reside in Bainbridge.  Mrs. Ramsdell attended the Oneonta Normal school and upon her graduation entered upon a responsible position in the Bainbridge Academy which she held for three years, closing her service this last summer.  She was a most admirable and thorough teacher, gentle and refined in deportment, lovable and loved, and will be received in her new sphere as a welcome resident of our place.  Mr. Ramsdell is an enterprising young citizen, interested in all projects for the benefit of his town and a member of the firm of Ramsdell & Son  furniture dealers of Bainbridge. 

 

A quiet home wedding took place on Wednesday evening of last week at the home of Mr. Herrick Searles on North Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], when his adopted daughter [Della Rene Underwood Searles] was married to Mr. James B. Williams, a prosperous groceryman of Bainbridge.  The marriage ceremony was a brief one and was performed by the Methodist clergy man, Rev. C.H. Sacket.  The bride was prettily attired and looked very sweet and modest in the dress prepared for the occasion.  A wedding supper followed the marriage rite, the table being handsomely laid and decked with flowers the bride had tastefully arranged.  Flowers predominated everywhere in the home.  Mrs. Williams has been a pupil in our school, is an attendant of the Methodist church where she has been active in Epworth League work, and is recognized as one of our best young ladies.  Mr. Williams is a good business man and is highly respected.  He was supposed to be a confirmed bachelor, but he is to be congratulated upon his conversion to matrimony and upon his admirable selection in a wife.  A new feature inaugurated in this wedding and one that should generally prevail, was the work given out that there would be no wedding presents.  Mr. Williams does not endorse this practice common in marriages.  The wedding trip was also omitted but will be taken shortly when the groom takes his wife to a handsome home nearly completed on Academy street.  Mr. and Mrs. Williams start out upon the journey of life under the most happy auspices and the Republican send them greeting with wishes for endless happiness.  [Notation:  Sept 8, 1897]

 

A pretty home wedding occurred at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Titus Moss Bixby on Second street, Deposit, N.Y. [Delaware Co.], Wednesday evening, November 12th, when their grand-daughter, Luella, was united in marriage to Frederic William C. Carl, formerly of Great Bend.  At 7 o'clock the contracting parties took their place before a bank of ferns and potted plants in the prettily decorated parlor, where the marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Beaumont, rector of the Episcopal church of Deposit.  The bride wore a dress of white organdie and the groom was dressed in dark blue.  Only the near relatives and immediate friends of the family were present.....The many beautiful and useful presents which they received show the high esteem in which the young couple are held.  After refreshments were served Mr. and Mrs. Carl left the house amid a shower of rice and took Erie train no. 29, and came to great Bend where they will spend a few days.  [Notation:  1892]

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (September 10)

The funeral of Mrs. Stephen Johnson, of North Afton [Chenango Co., NY], occurred on Saturday, Rev. C.B. Personeus officiating.  It appears that on Wednesday, not feeling very well, she started to go to Henry Johnson's, a near-by neighbor, but only succeeded in reaching the gate in front of the residence when she was stricken with paralysis.  She was assisted into the house, and lingered until about one o'clock Thursday morning, when she passed quietly to the other shore.  [Compiler Note:  from tombstone transcription, North Afton Cemetery, Deborah Crowell Johnson wife of Stephen Johnson, Jan. 5, 1818 - Apr. 20, 1901]

 

Afton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. J.B. Butler, 85, former vice president of the Department of Pennsylvania, W.R.C., one of Afton's oldest residents and widow of two Civil War veterans, died at 4 o'clock Monday morning of heart disease.  Death followed a long illness.  the deceased was born at Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on August 20, 1848, the daughter of Daniel Gilbert and Fannie Harris Prentice.  Early in life Mrs. Butler moved to Coventryville and Wilkins Settlement near here.  While young, she married George Wood, a Civil War veteran and later in life, she married another veteran of that war, Jeremiah Butler.  Both husbands are dead.  The late Mrs. Butler was a former vice president of the Department of Pennsylvania, W.R.C., which office she held for many years.  She was a member of Cunahunta Chapter, D.A.R., at Afton and was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Afton for more than 50 years, she being one of the oldest members of that church.  Mrs. Butler resided in several places and traveled much during her life and her stories of her life when a pioneer in the state of Iowa in 1868 were interesting.  Mrs. Butler's hobby was the collecting of old relics, she having had a fine collection.  The late Mrs. Butler is survived by one sister, Mrs. Margaret B. Sayre of Trenton, Mich., and by several nieces, nephews and grandchildren.  One granddaughter, Miss Sylvia M. Pierce, who is the librarian of the Afton Free Library, resided with her in the late Afton home.  Funeral services for the deceased will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  The Rev. Lester D. Huxtable, pastor of the Afton Baptist Church, will officiate.  Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery at Afton.  [MHD notation:  1934]

 

Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY]:  The tragic death of Mrs. Stanbro, wife of Principal Frank Stanbro, who was burned to death in their barn at Brookfield [Madison Co., NY] on Friday night, when the barn caught fire from their automobile, has cast a gloom over the whole village.  Mr. and Mrs. Stanbro motored to Brookfield after school hours on Friday afternoon to spend Saturday at their farm home.  Besides her husband she is survived by two young children and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Place, who reside at Mt. Upton.  The body will be brought here today and funeral services held at the home on Wednesday.
 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral services of Uri Bradley were held Wednesday afternoon of last week and the burial took place in the family plot, Sunset Hill cemetery [Guilford, NY].  Mr. Bradley was born in Ives Settlement, near this village, May 30, 1825, and was the last of a large family of children.  He was the son of Ira and Charlotte Mills Bradley and is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Dayton Roth.  Mr. Bradley had been thrice married, first to Miss Mary Ann Tyler of Coventry, second to Miss Delia Terry of Oxford and lastly to Mrs. Mary Clark Peckham who died Sept. 1903.  The services were conducted by Rev. A.C. Salls of the Congregational church of which Mr. Bradley was a member, and among the friends present were Mrs. John A. Clark, James Clark and Arvine Clark of Sidney, Mrs. Geo. Garvine of Utica.  [Bainbridge Republican, Sept. 22, 1910]

 

James E. Shaver died early yesterday afternoon from peritonitis at his home in the Tillman house on North Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] at the age of fifty years.  Mr. Shaver had not been critically ill only since Sunday, although he had been complaining of not feeling well for some time.  He was well known in Bainbridge having resided here for the past forty-five years, having come when five years old from Guilford where he was born.  He was a carpenter by trade, but was engaged at times in different vocations.  He is survived by a wife, three daughters, Mrs. Wiley Foster, Mrs. John Ryder and Mrs.George Christian, of Bainbridge, and one son, Louie, of the United States Army, stationed at Boston, Mass.  Two brothers and three sisters survive, who are Frank Shaver of this village, William Shaver of Binghamton, Mrs. James Delaney of Binghamton, Mrs. Mary McPherson of Holmesville, and Mrs. Cora Underhill of Gilboa.  The funeral will be held at the house at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon.  [Bainbridge Republican, Sept. 29, 1910]

 

Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of H.H. Calkins, one of Coventryville's oldest inhabitants, was held from his late home Friday.  The service was conducted by Rev. G.P. Linderman, who took for his text:  "We all do fade as a leaf."  Until within a week or so the deceased had been able to keep up his regular work, though had not been as well as usual during the summer, but he could not rally from the attack of bowel trouble and passed peacefully away Wednesday, September 14, at the age of 84.  He is survived by his wife to whom he was married 68 years ago and who had occupied with him for 61 years the house from which he was buried.  She will now live with her daughter, Mrs. D.N. Hunt.  He is also survived by two daughters, Mrs. D.N. Hunt of this place and Mrs. DeWitt Rogers of Sherburne.  The casket was covered and surrounded with a profusion of flowers, amid which he was laid to rest in the Coventryville hillside cemetery.  Mr. Calkins was a cabinet maker and made many useful and artistic pieces of furniture, accuracy and neatness being a characteristic of all his work.  His hand carving and inlaid wood work were especially worthy of exhibition.  At the age of three score and ten years he made a bookcase and writing desk which had 400 pieces and 18 different kinds of wood and had much beautiful inlaid work on it, all of which showed finely the natural graining of the different wood.  [Bainbridge Republican, Sept. 29, 1910]

 

Briton H. Norton, passed from a quiet night's sleep, to awake to the life eternal, in the early morning hours, of Friday, June 4.  Mr. Norton had been in usual health; he went to Binghamton Wednesday returning home by the way of Norwich and Oxford, on Thursday.  He stopped at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Geo. Foster and after supper came home and worked for some time in his garden.  Mrs. Norton arose about five Friday morning and lighted the kitchen fire; returning to  her room, she spoke to her husband, but received no reply, as he was sleeping the long sleep which only wakes in the life beyond.  Briton H. Norton was born Feb. 26, 1860, at Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], when a young child he went to live with Mr. and Mrs. Ogden and the many years spent with them he was loved and cared for, giving love in return as tenderly as an own son.  Mr. Norton was married to Mime A. Ferguson Dec. 21, 1881.  Their early life was spent mostly in Coventry.  In February 1908 the family moved to Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], as he had purchased the mill property there, and it has since been their home.  Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Norton all but one, Jennie, who died November 1890, are left to mourn the loss of one kind parent, and to comfort the mother who is spared to them.  Those of his nearest relatives who survive are the aged foster mother, Mrs. Ogden, the wife Mrs. Norton, three daughters, Mrs. Charles Riley of North Sanford, Mrs. George Foster and Mrs. John Parsons of Bainbridge, three sons, Walter C. Norton, Lee R. Norton and Chauncey E. Norton of Bennettsville, and one sister, Mrs. Dora Fowler of Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago Ill, also twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild, the infant, Anna Amelia Anderson.  Mr. Norton was a man much respected by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed in the community. He was a member and faithful worker of the M.E. church.  He had much inventive ability and might have made a fortune by some of his inventions, had he not like so many other geniuses when lacking capital to float inventions and introduce them to the world; fill the mind with other inventions  One of his later models was a wheel which was a success, either for farm wagons or automobiles, some of the people in this vicinity are using them on wagons.  The funeral conducted by Rev. Mr. Snyder of Wellsbridge, a former pastor was held at the home, Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.  The house could not contain all who assembled to show respect to their friend and neighbor.  Messrs. R.L. Smith, E.C. Ward and Frank Ward sang favorite hymns.  The burial was delayed an hour or more as his sister, Mrs. Fowler was delayed by the train being four hours late.  Relatives from out of town were Mrs. Fowler of Oak Hill, Ill., Mrs. Chester Fuller of Schenectady Mrs. Celinda Ferguson, Mrs. Charles Smith of New Milford, Pa., Mr. and Mrs. G. Ferguson, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bliss, Mrs. George Myers, of Bainbridge, Mr. and Mrs. DeRoy Riley of Oxford and children and grand children mentioned before.  Messrs Will Laman of Coventry and Peter H. Parker and Charles Parker of Oxford, former friends and neighbors also came to show their friendship and respect.  The large attendance and many beautiful offerings also testify to the place Mr. Norton held in the esteem of those who knew him.  His family feel much keenly the loss of a kind husband and father.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 10, 1920]

 

Mrs. Angelia Winsor died at her home on South Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] last Thursday morning.  Mrs. Winsor was born August 11, 1849 and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James K. Wetmore.  She was married to George S. Winsor on September 29, 1874.  Mr. Winsor and their little son aged two years, both died in the year 1878.  She was the last member of one of the old families of Bainbridge.  Her father for several years prior to his death, was President of the First National Bank of this village.  The funeral of Mrs. Winsor was held at her late residence on Saturday at 4 o'clock.  Rev. J. DeLancey Scovil officiated.  Mrs. Winsor was a communicant of St. Peter's church and the burial was in St. Peter's churchyard.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 10, 1920]

 

W. Earl Cole, one of the best known residents of McGraw [Cortland Co., NY], was drowned early last Saturday morning under peculiar circumstances.  He had been ill since last Saturday from pleurisy and had been practically confined to his bed.  He appeared better Thursday night and Mrs. Cole retired about 12:30 o'clock.  She arose shortly after 5 o'clock and found that he was not in the house.  She went out of doors and discovered Mr. Cole dead with his head and shoulders in the watering trough near the barn.  A dipper was near his hand, close to the trough.  It is evident that Mr. Cole, after putting on his bath robe, hat and boots, had taken a dipper and gone to the trough for a drink.  The supposition is that he was out of his head, and being thirsty and feverish, had determined to get a drink of the cold water coming from the spring to the trough.  The exertion evidently was too much for him and he fainted as he stooped over the trough.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 24, 1920]

Miscellaneous, Nineveh Junction Murder, 1910

Nineveh Junction Murder

H.A. Bushnell, D. & H. Agent, The Victim

Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 6, 1910

 

Early Saturday morning it was announced about this village that H.A. Bushnell, the well known D.&H. agent at Nineveh Junction [Broome Co., NY] had been brutally murdered during the previous night and his body left by the side of the D.&H. tracks where it had been found about 5 o'clock.  Later intelligence came that Bennett Beach, one of the best known D.&H. engineers and nearly a life-long resident of Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], a man enjoying excellent repute locally, had been held charged with being implicated in the crime.

 

The facts, so far as they can be gleaned are, that Mr. Bushnell remained at the station Friday evening until after the departure of trains 6 and 8 on the Susquehanna division of the road and then left, saying that he would go home.  This was about 8:45 o'clock, his usual leaving hour, and his hours were as regular as the trains.  This was the last seen of the man alive, so far as has been disclosed by others than his assailants.  At about 5 o'clock Saturday morning his lifeless body was found in a heap in the water ditch at the side of the south bound track, between the two water tanks west of the station, the indications being that he had been thrown there from the bank about the tanks.  There were cuts upon the back of the head and traces of finger marks upon the neck of the dead man.  The body was removed to his home and messages, summoning Sheriff Walworth and District Attorney Hill of Norwich, and Coroner Frank Preston of Greene, sent.

 

Standing side by side on the highway that crosses the D.&H. tracks just north of the station and above the crossing are the homes of Mr. Bushnell and of Charles St. John, the latter a retired engineer, whose daughter is the wife of Bushnell, although  many years younger than he.  At the St. John home Beach had a room and boarded.  Officer Abel had been in Nineveh but a short time when he discovered that the personal belongings of Bushnell, at least those upon his person, were not molested, which disposed of the robbery theory.  Hints of bitter feelings existing between Bushnell and Beach resulted in disclosures involving Beach with the name of Mrs. Bushnell.  Inquiry at the St. John home lead to the revelation that Beach had returned from work and, after changing his clothes, had gone out and returned home between 9:30 and 10 o'clock.  During the night he was heard to make several visits to the bath room and his movements, as heard by other occupants of the house, indicated that he slept but little, if any, and that about 3 o'clock, he went to the D.&H. station and requested that another engineer be sent to Nineveh to relieve him, as he was ill and could not work on Saturday.

 

The room of Beach was visited, and it is said that a pair of shoes, similar to those that Beach wore the previous night, bore evidence of having been washed with water and were still moist.  A dirt cap and blouse bearing spots, not unlike blood stains, were found deposited at the bottom of the trunk of Beach beneath clean clothing.

 

After daybreak Saturday search revealed that a fierce struggle had ensued between Bushnell and his assailant, some distance from the spot where the body was found and within 200 feet of the Bushnell home.  The torn collar and tie of Bushnell was found in the dust and dirt and several articles from his pockets were scattered about, including a pocketbook, from which the money had not been taken.  There were three distinct places where a struggle was indicated and as many pools of blood left on the ground.  A broken beer bottle nearby indicated that the blows upon the head of Bushnell were inflicted with it.  The clothing of Bushnell was dirt begrimed and he had evidently fought pluckily against his assailant or assailants.  His gold watch was still in his pocket and nothing was missing of his effects usually carried in his pockets. 

 

The arrival of the sheriff and coroner shortly after 11 o'clock brought further disclosure.  With them was brought a blood hound who, upon scenting the footsteps about the scene of the struggle started off toward the knoll from which the body is supposed to have been thrown down the bank toward the track, then he lead back on the bluff to a small wooden building and thence he dove straight to the St. Johns home and tugged to free himself from the leash.  Coroner Preston at once had an autopsy under way and soon after made an examination of the chest and body of Beach, which, it is said, revealed that one side bore evidences of numerous bruises.  The examination of the body of Bushnell satisfied the physician that the man died from strangulation caused by fingers pressed upon the throat.  The blows upon the head would not have caused death.  Coroner Preston, later in the day, decided that Bushnell died from strangulation and directed that Beach be held charged with complicity in the crime.

 

When Officer Abel first informed Beach that he would be detained at the scene of the crime, a search of Beach was made and a loaded revolver was found upon him, with which he said, according to the statements made, he intended to kill himself.  About noon, after it became apparent that the eyes of the officers were all pointing toward Beach, he took a dose of strychnine, which he is said to have had loose in his pocket when apprehended.  He had previously been complaining of illness due to a dose of chloral he said he had taken.  The physician were for the time being compelled to abandon the post mortem and devote their energies to saving the life of Beach.

 

While no copy of a confession that Beach is said to have been made can be secured, it is reliably stated that Chief Rothrock of the D.&H. force, who, with Supt. White, Auditor Brown and other officials of the company hurried to Nineveh aboard the Saratoga on learning of the crime, secured a confession of the crime during the time that Beach was suffering from the effect of the poison and expected to die.  According to those who talked with Chief Rothrock., Beach admitted that he met Bushnell shortly after he (Beach) left his boarding  house Friday evening and that Bushnell called him vile names and opened a quarrel.  According to the story, Bushnell had a beer bottle in his hand and threatened to hit Beach with it.  Then Beach took the bottle from him and then choked him until he was subdued and fell.  It is understood that he did not think that Bushnell was dead at the time, and denies having thrown the body down the embankment toward the tracks.  Beach in his confession, denies, according to the story of Rothrock, any intimacy with Mrs. Bushnell and exonerates her from any connection whatever with the crime.

 

At 6 o'clock Saturday evening Beach's condition having improved, he was taken by auto, in custody of the Chenango county sheriff, to Norwich and placed in the county jail.  It is alleged that he admitted much the same story to the sheriff that he is said to have made to Officer Rothrock, alleging that he acted in self defense.

 

There is an unconfirmed rumor that Bushnell  had requested the D.&H. officials to request Beach to take another run, alleging that he was attempting to break up his home, and that Beach had declared that he would get even with Bushnell for this charge, if he had to "knock his block off."  A plausible theory is that Bushnell encountered Beach close to his home and when he remonstrated and, possibly, insisted that he (Beach) keep away from that home a fight ensued and, anger getting the best of Beach, he strangled the man to an extend he little premeditated with a fatal outcome.

 

Horace O. Bushnell, best known as "Hod" Bushnell, was nearly 60 years of age and had been an agent for the company about 30 years.  He was clerk for his brother, P.K. Bushnell, when the latter left the agency at Nineveh to go with the National Express company, with which company he is now superintendent at Albany, the dead brother was made agent.  He has been twice married, he leaving two daughters and a son by the first wife.  The second wife is about 35 years of age.  She has no children.

 

Bennett Beach is about 50 years of age and has been a life-long resident of Oneonta, having been for 28 years employed by the D.&H. company as engineer.  Two years or more ago he removed to Binghamton and, for several months past, has been running the pusher engine from Nineveh, his wife residing most of the time in Binghamton.

 



Miscellaneous, Bush Family Homestead, Bainbridge, NY

Chenango County Homestead
Bush Farm, Bainbridge, NY

H.H. Lyon

 

 

 

One of the old-time farms along the Upper Susquehanna River in Chenango County has been known for many years as the Bush Farm.  It has been occupied by the Bush family and their descendants since 1790, and by someone by that name until recently.  Not many years ago, upon the death of Hon. Joseph Bush, it came into the hands of a nephew, Harrison L. Beatty.  It was not until this ownership that I had ever given the farm much attention.

 

The present farm has 135 acres but I think there was a time when Mr. Bush owned more land, around 250 acres.   Not especially  noteworthy because of size and perhaps not because of its nearly level flat land and naturally productive soil, it has to be well farmed to be really productive.  Mr. Beatty could hardly qualify as a real farmer himself.  He had inherited a very considerable property from his uncle, but he went to studying good farming, asking questions and making good use of what he learned as well as bringing good judgment to bear on the subject.  Unlike many wealthy proprietors he meant to make the business pay.  He kept a good farmer to head the actual farming, did not dictate too much, and on the big barn with the other farm buildings, he had in large letters the words:  "Harmony Farms."  I think he tried to make that real. 

 

I am using the past tense, for Harrison Beatty died a few years ago [died 25 February 1919], although really a young man, and the farm property he willed to another Mr. Beatty with whom I am less acquainted.  Harry, we all called him, used some of the money that came to him to improve conditions and appearances.  This is evidenced by a glance at the picture of the home which he improved.  This was the owner's residence about a half mile from the pleasant little village and a few rods from the farm buildings.  Other uses were made of some of the money for the benefit, in appearance at least, of the town and village in which he took special interest.  And I doubt if the fortune was impaired, for this man had a very good eye for business.  There were good crops grown and 25 years ago only a few farmers headed their herds with purebred sires.  Beatty did, and there his influence did a service to the farming community.  Not infrequently such estates are used in a manner that teaches what not to do.

 

This territory is within the one hundred square miles that the State set apart for "Vermont Sufferers," those who lost when the settlement was reached relinquishing the present State of Vermont from the old claims of New York and Vermont became a separate State.  This area was given to certain individuals and one square mile where the village stands was sold by the recipient at 18 cents an acre.  The land passed through various hands and about a hundred acres of this Bush Farm was bought from a real Vermonter by the name of Stowell.  The first Bush, named Elnathan (wife's name Vashti), came from Massachusetts about 1784, and brought with him four children.  He had been sheriff in Sheffield, Mass., under the king, but his sympathies were American; moreover his son Charles had been a soldier all through the Revolution.

 

The house shown in the picture may be the oldest frame house in the County, certainly in the nearby community.  But the frame barn just back and not shown is still older, it having been built in 1791, while building the house was delayed until about 1800.  Up to that time the family occupied a log house of which nothing remains.  This house that I am emphasizing has been modernized as to the exterior, but most of the interior, frame, shape and size of the rooms, remains without change.  While it is situated a full half mile from the present village, it seems to have been the central point in 1800, and perhaps was thought to be the central site of the coming village.  A large hall was included where exhibitions (they would be movies today) were held and other public uses, although I think no town meetings or places used as a hotel were ever considered here.  But it was a central point for some time.  A store stood near by and a schoolhouse was not far distant.  The coming of the Ulster and Delaware Turnpike Road probably changed most of this to the point now central as the village. 

 



Marriages (September 9)

The marriage of Miss Ruby Blanche Davis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Davis, of Middlebridge, and William Watson Young, of Schenectady, took place Tuesday afternoon at four o'clock, at the home of the bride's parents.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. H.A. Waite, of Afton.  The bride was very prettily attired in white silk net and carried flowers.  Miss Hazel Peck, the bridesmaid, was also dressed in white.  The groomsman was Ralph B. Cass, of Vallonia Springs.  After the wedding supper, which was very fine, was served, Mr. and Mrs. Young left on a tour to Albany and Lake Champlain.  The bride's traveling dress was a dainty suit of grey.  There were many bridal presents for this most estimable couple and many good wishes followed them.  They will live in Schenectady.  [Bainbridge Republican, April 26, 1906]

Miss Ethel Kinch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kinch  and Louis Barrows of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] were united in marriage at the home of the bride's parents Saturday evening, March 7.  They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Bennett of Greene.  The officiating clergyman was the Rev. F.W. Connell, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  [LMD notation:  1936]

Nineveh [Broome Co., NY]:  Miss Rose Roberts, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Roberts, of Nineveh Junction, and Mr. Theron VanValkenburg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stratford VanValkenburg, of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], were married at the Nineveh Presbyterian Church, Friday morning, April 22, 1938, by the Rev. Clifford E. Webb, of Afton, Pastor of the church.  Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Parish House for the invited guests.  Mr. and Mrs. VanValkenburg expect to make their home at Nineveh Junction.  They have the good wishes of a host of friends here.

Deposit [Broome Co., NY]:  A very simple and pretty wedding was consummated last Sunday evening in the home of Rev. and Mrs. George Briggs at Deposit, when Miss Olive Parsons was married to Mitchell Smith of Sherman, Pa.  Rev. Briggs performed the rites and the ring ceremony was used.  The bride was arrayed in white dress with white gloves and hat and carried white roses.  They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Viano of Deposit, whose little daughter of two years acted as flower maiden.  Misses Doris and Janet Parsons sisters of the bride, attended their sister.  Only the immediate relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Smith attended the ceremony.  They are going to reside in a house on the farm owned by the groom's father in Sherman, Pa., and will be at home on July 1.  Miss Parsons has attended the Deposit school all her life and has the best wishes of all her many schoolmates and friends.  [LMD notation:  June 11, 1939]

Mrs. James B. MacGibeny of 8 Bellevue Heights and Mrs. Walter K. VanAlstyne of 448 Chenango street entertained at an afternoon tea at the Monday Afternoon clubhouse today to announce the engagement of Miss Margaret Elizabeth VanAlstyne to Clifford R. Palmer.  the wedding will take place in June.  Miss VanAlstyne is a sister of Mrs. MacGibeny and Dr. Walter K. VanAlstyne.  Mr. Palmer, who is connected with the personnel department at Agfa Ansco company, is the son of Mrs. Belle C. Palmer of Afton.  Mrs. Paul M. Anderson and Mrs. Norman T. Slater presided at the tea table decorated with a variety of spring flowers and lighted by white tapers in crystal candelabra....[LMD notation:  1939]

Miss Margaret Elizabeth VanAlstyne

 

Dr. Frank B Soden of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], was married today to Miss Florence Matterson, at her parents home in Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], the nuptials comprising a quiet home wedding attended only by relatives and near friends.  The ceremony, which occurred at 12 p.m. was performed by Rev. Alexander H. Rodgers, rector of St. Thomas church,  of Hamilton, Miss Eudora Howe and Robert H. Cantwell of the same place assisting the bride and groom respectively, as maid of honor and best man.  The wedding was a pretty one, distinguished for its simplicity, combining also numerous demonstrations of respect, affection and practical regard for the participating parties.  The bride is a pleasing young lady of intellectual and social worth, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Matterson, and a cousin of District Attorney W.B. Matterson, of Bainbridge.  Her attainments and traits are of admirable character.  The groom, Dr. Soden, is a practicing dentist and surgeon of this town, having recently graduated form the New York College of Dentistry.  His former home was at Gilbertsville.  Although not long a resident of Bainbridge he has established firm confidence in his professional ability and has the respect and esteem of the public, and is popular in social circles.  the Dr. and Mrs. Soden will waive the formalities of a bridal tour and come directly to Bainbridge.  Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Matterson of this place attended the wedding.  [Notation:  Jan. 12, 1898]

 

At the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Seegar of Portlandville last evening, Mr. Carlton Ford of Davenport and Miss Eda Seegar were united in marriage by Rev. O.J. Kingsbury.  The house had been tastily decorated, and promptly at half past eight the officiating clergyman took his position underneath an arbor of evergreens, and the ushers, Messr. W.L. Seegar and Aaron Ford, led the party.  The maid of honor was Miss Alta Seegar, a sister of the bride.  After the words had been pronounced which united the happy couple they received the congratulations of the many friends present.  The bride is an intelligent and attractive young lady.  She was attired in cream white.  Mr. Ford is a worthy young man, employed as mail agent on the West Shore railroad.  They left on the sleeper this morning on a pleasure trip to New York, Philadelphia and West Virginia.  The Star joins their many friends in wishing them prosperity and happiness.  

 

Obituaries (September 9)

Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of Reuben Handy was held March 20, 1906 at his home at two o'clock in the afternoon, with Rev. J. Merriman officiating.  He was 23 years and seven months old, born and always resided in this place and was very much respected by all who knew him.  He leaves a wife and three small children, a father and mother, three sisters and a large circle of relatives to mourn his loss.  He was laid at rest in the Coventry cemetery, the Willey Brothers taking charge of the body.  In remembrance:

In our home a place is vacant.

On our lips there is a sigh

For the dear one who has left us

For a brighter home on high.

There is a wife who is left lonely,

And parents kind and dear.

And sisters who look with longing

Toward their brother's vacant chair.

 

How peacefully he left us,

Even smiling in death's repose;

Past all thy pains and troubles;

Ended all earthly woes.

He who watched thy patient suffering

Said:  "In Heaven thou shalt dwell."

And we'll meet thee, dearest Reuben.

Where we'll never say farewell.

[Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 29, 1906]  [Compiler note:  Buried Coventry Union Cemetery.  From tombstone transcription:  Reuben A. Handy, 1883 - 1906]

 

The remains of A.B. Merchant of Warnerville [Schoharie Co., NY], were brought to Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday, and conveyed to Union Valley for funeral services which were held in the M.E. church, Sunday, Rev. A.A. Callendar of Masonville, officiating.  The burial was in West Bainbridge cemetery.  Mr. Merchant had been station agent for the D.&H. at Howe's Cave, for 31 years and was formerly in the employ of the company at Sidney, Bainbridge and Afton.  He is survived by a wife and two children, Mrs. W.S. Carey and A.B. Merchant, of Cobleskill.  The burial was in the West Bainbridge cemetery.  The deceased was an uncle of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Bentley, of Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge Republican, Apr. 5, 1906]

William H. Neff died March 27th, 1906, at his home in Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], after a long illness, aged 87 years 11 months and 27 days.  He was born in Butternuts, Otsego county, April 13th, 1818, and was married to Olive Whitman, April 28, 1842, and moved in 1846 to the farm which for sixty years has been his home.  For nearly seventy years he had been a member of a Baptist church, and deacon of the church at Bennettsville, for the past thirty-six years.  His wife died, May 18th, 1891.  He is survived by three sons and one daughter, Erwin G. and Amelia Neff, of Bennettsville.  Luther Neff, of Sidney and Fletcher Neff of Union, N.Y.  The funeral was held from his home Friday, March 30th, with burial at Bennettsville.  [Bainbridge Republican, April 5, 1906]

Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]:  Chauncey Hungerford died very suddenly March 29 of heart trouble.  He was born and always resided in this place and was very much respected by all who knew him  He was a kind and loving father.  He will be greatly missed by a large circle of relatives and friends.  Mr. Hungerford was 75 years and ten months old, and leaves a wife and two sons, Chauncey D. and Dudley Hungerford, one daughter, Mrs. Myron Cohoon, and a circle of friends to mourn his loss.  The funeral was held April 2d, at his home, with Rev.  J. Hansen officiating.  The Wiley Bros. were in attendance.  Burial in Greene.  [Bainbridge Republican, April 5, 1906] 

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Gilbert J. Stratton died at her home on Merchant street Thursday morning at one o'clock.  The news of her death came as a shock to the community although she had been in ill health for some time and confined to her bed for a week past.  Only a day or two before her death her condition became serious.  The immediate cause of death was cerebral apoplexy.  Funeral services were held at the house Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. F.W. Harris of the Congregational church, of which Mrs. Stratton was a member.  She is survived by a husband, two children, mother, brother and one sister.  [Bainbridge Republican, April 5, 1908]

Died April 3, 1906 at the home of Miles Hartwell, Mrs. Emma M. Fisk, widow of the late Horace Fisk, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  Deceased was the oldest daughter of John J. Jones, of Smyrna.  Her early life was spent in teaching, thereby gaining a wide acquaintance, and many warm friends.  She had been in poor health for several years, bearing all her sufferings patiently, and cheerfully, never giving up the hope of being well again.  Bravely she took up life's burdens, quietly laid them down.  May Heaven be all the sweeter for the rest so faithfully earned.  [Bainbridge Republican, April 5, 1906]

Mrs. Dorothea Maria Roehlk died Saturday morning, April 14, 1906, at the home of her son, Jens A. Roehlk, on Front street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], of cancer of the stomach, aged nearly 70 years.  The deceased was the mother of twelve children, of whom seven are living.  Her grandchildren number 25.  She was called to Bainbridge from St. Charles, Ill., last July through the illness of her son's wife, Mrs. John Roehlk, who died later, and has remained here since to assist the son in the care of his family.  Her health had been failing for sometime and a few weeks ago, feeling specially weak and exhausted she went to visit another son, Jens A. Roehlk.  But there was a steady decline in health until last Saturday when her spirit gave up the struggle and she passed to another world.  Her suffering was very great, but she bore uncomplainingly.  Her last hours were cheered by the presence of two sons, Joergan and Henry Roehlk, of St. Charles, Ill., who had come on in response to a telegram announcing their mother's critical illness.  Her conversation with them was calm, though conscious she was near death.  Mrs. Roehlk was born in Denmark as also were her twelve children.  She came to this country twenty-nine years ago, after the death of her husband who was a skilled mechanic in Denmark.  She settled in St. Charles, Ill., where was already a part of her family.  She was a very kind, gentle motherly, sympathetic woman, always ready to assist the sick.  Her skill in nursing soon became known and "Grandmother Roehlk" was the first one to be called if her services could be procured.  Mrs. Roehlk has led a most useful life and she will live in the memory of her friends and family always.  The funeral was held at the home of her son, Jens A. Roehlk, on Monday at 2 o'clock p.m., Rev. R.S. Odell officiating.  Burial was in Green Lawn cemetery.  There were many offerings of beautiful flowers.  Of the seven children who survive, three sons, Joergan, Henry, Andrew, and a daughter, Mary, reside in St. Charles, Ill., a daughter Dora, Chicago, and two sons in Bainbridge, Jens A. and John Roehlk.  The mother left twenty-five grandchildren.  [Bainbridge Republican, April 19, 1906]

Post listing September 2 - 8, 2013

Posting Listing for week of September 2 to 8, 2013.

Marriages

Posted September 2, 2013
Ruth Soules - Russel Germond (1941)
Lena Zurbruegg - Douglas Bush Perry (1941)
Phyllis Catherine Perry - lt. Bernard J. Gaffney (1941)
Kate Harding Smith - Seymour Lowman (1893)
Lura Redfield Smith - Dr. Dudley Leavitt (1893)

Posted September 3, 2013
Fannie Jane Horning - Rufus Harrington (1907)
Eloise M. Howe - William R. Tuckey (1939)
John Boice - Hattie Fletcher (1940)
Ruth H. Schuster - Clifford Raymond Loudon (1940)
M. Seymour Fleming - Nora Permelia Wheeler (1895)
Hon. Elliot Danforth - Mrs Richard Mott Laimbeer (1898)

Posted September 4, 2013
Pearl Nathalia Wheat - John G. Stone (1941)
Katie Reynolds - Clifford Howland
Sarah E. Doolittle - John H. Rinker
Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Yale (20th anniversary, 1885)
Hattie G. Petley - George C. Frank

Posted September 5, 2013
Bessie G. Keith - Frances T. Macey (1906)
Elizabeth Garnier - Ernest Neff (1906)
Mildred Young - Ardeen I. Darling (1933)

Posted September 6, 2013
Iva Lou Neff - Leon Yates Jones (1908)
Grace Nichols - George H. Carr (1907)
George Schermerhorn - Sarah Updegrove (1908)
Mr. & Mrs. D.L Rider (50th wedding anniversary, 1907)

Posted September 7, 2013
Jane Thurston Guild - Joseph E. Packard (1909)
Mildred Kershaw - Charles W. Champ
Vina E. Francisco - Dudley H. Grow (1935)
Grace Bunnell - George L Foote, Jr. (1894)
Maude Bunnell - Hiram S. Whiting (1891)

Posted September 8, 2013
Alice Taylor -Carlton Wilcox (1936)
William DeLong - Iona Briggs (1933)
Virginia Frances Hirt - John Lott Bergen (1938)
Marion Cornell - Carlton DeForest (1939)
Frank Aylsworth - Lizzie K. Mastin (1896)
Nellie M. Smith - George A. Rhodes (1895)
  

Obituaries

Posted September 2, 2013

Elizabeth Fuller (Masonville, 1905)

Alice Queale Benedict (Bainbridge, 1905)

Huldah Bloom Roehlk (Bainbridge, 1905)

Matilda Root (Guilford, 1905)

Martha L. Carrington (Afton, 1905)

Ann Garrett (Afton, 1905)

James Davidson (South Bainbridge, 1847)

Daniel Atwood Hyde (Afton, Coventryville, 1915)

Posted September 3, 2013
Almira E. Hyde (Bainbridge, 1907)
James S. Tripp (East Guilford, 1907)
Frank H. Croak (Bainbridge, 1907)
Mrs. Fred Ketchum (Coventryville, 1907)
Floyd H. Leet (Afton, 1931)
Belle Barton (Afton)
John Swart (North Sanford)
Emily Craig (Afton, 1934)

Posted September 4, 2013
John H. Benedict (Binghamton, 1904)
Nathan Burlingame (Bainbridge, 1904)
H.E. Baker (Oneonta, 1904)
Lucy C. Brasee (Afton, 1904)
William A. McPherson (Afton, 1933)
Alex Hand (Afton, 1934)
Mrs. H.E. Robinson (Ettie A. Shaw, Hallstead, Pa., Afton, 1896)
Samuel H. Smith (Afton, 1896)
Marcus F. DeLand (Coventry, Afton, 1896)

Posted September 5, 2013
L. Maria Sperry (Unadilla, 1906)
Henry A. Parsons (Franklin, 1906)
Rev. J.H. Turnbull (Hancock, 1906)
Rev. Lyman E. Marvin (Minneapolis, 1906)
John Zieglow (Sidney, 1906)
Mrs. Charles Sisson (Afton, 1906)
Mary Ann Maria Broad (North Sanford, 1906)
Emily Wood (Afton, 1906)
Hugh Crawford (Afton, Bainbridge)
Mrs. Dimis Crawford (Afton, Bainbridge)
William S. Landers (Afton, 1896)
Rev. Henry Halstead (New Berlin)

Posted September 6, 2013
Ida May Booth (Bainbridge, 1908)
Maria Burlison (Guilford, 1908)
Rev. W.L. Thorpe (Otego, 1908)
Michael Frank (Guilford, 1908)
Daniel N. Niles (Sidney, 1907)
Mary Landers (Afton, 1907)

Posted September 7, 2013
William Humphrey (Afton, 1896)
Sarah Ann Buck (Afton)
Mrs. Milton Burdick (Black River Falls, Wis.)
Harry Clark (Whitney Point)
George Schermerhorn (Afton, Waukegan, IL,1918)
Jane Harger (Coventry, 1896)
Sameul Jamison (Afton, Greene)
Mrs. Charles Randall (Afton 1896)
Louise Fleming Smith (Guilford, 1909)
Mrs. John Lindgren (Bainbridge, 1909)
Henry D. Brigham (Binghamton, Bainbridge, 1909)

Posted September 8, 2013
Mrs. C.T. Alverson (1911)
Anna Swick (Carbondale, PA, Bainbridge, 1911)
Willis D. Graves (Binghamton, Bainbridge, 1911)
C.W. Hare (Harpursville, 1911)
Ruby E. Avery Hill (Afton, 1936)
Delilah Ann Sheldon (Afton, 1927)
Ettie A. Shaw Robinson (Hallstead, PA, Afton, 1896)
Aurelia C. Jarvis Bresee (Afton, 1896)


 

Miscellaneous

 

Posted September 2, 2013

B-G Band Rehearsal, about 1962.  Photo

Posted September 3, 2013

Bainbridge and Afton Dry Raids are Staged (1920-30s)

Posted September 4, 2013
Who's Who in Bainbridge, Marshall Andrews, Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 24, 1938.

Posted, September 6, 2013
Griswold steals $24.90, Bainbridge Republican, Jan. 2, 1908

Posted September 7, 2013
Bainbridge Bachelor's Club, 1895

Posted September 8, 2013
The Auction Wedding



Miscellaneous, The Auction Wedding

The Auction Wedding

 

One of the small papers published an item this week which was a weird mix-up of an account of a wedding and an auction notice.  The most interesting part of the item follows:

 

"William Smith, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Smith, and Mrs. Lucy Anderson were disposed of at public auction at my farm one mile east in the presence of seventy-five guests, including two mules and twelve head of cattle."

 

"Rev. Jackson tied the nuptial knot for the parties, averaging 1,250 pounds on the hoof.  the beautiful home of the bride was decorated with one sulky rake, one feed grinder, and two sets of work harness, nearly new, and just before the ceremony was pronounced Mendel & Sons' wedding march was rendered by one milch cow, five years old; one Jersey cow and one sheep, who, carrying a bunch of bride's roses in her hand, was very beautiful.  She wore one light spring wagon, two crates of apples, three racks of hay, one grindstone of mouselin de soie and trimmed with about 100 bushels of spuds.  the bridal couple left yesterday on an extended trip.  Terms spot cash."

Marriages (September 8)

The marriage of Miss Alice Taylor and Carlton Wilcox was solemnized at 10 o'clock, November 26th, at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Warner Taylor, by Rev G.H. Orvis.  Miss Charlotte Taylor, sister of the bride, was maid of honor and Kenneth Wilcox, brother of the groom, was best man.  The ceremony was performed in front of the fireplace, which was banked with evergreen and chrysanthemums.  The wedding music was played by Miss Harriet Holman, Bruce Holman sang "O Promise Me."  The bride wore a russet silk crepe dress with accessories to match and brown slippers.  Her corsage was of bronze chrysanthemums and Talisman roses.  The maid of honor was dressed in brown silk crepe with brown accessories.  Her corsage was of bronze chrysanthemums and Talisman rosebuds.  [LMD notation:  1936]

 

William DeLong, of Buffalo, and Mrs. Iona Briggs, of Beebe Hill, were united in marriage Wednesday evening, Aug. 16, at 28 Center street, Rev. Charles W. Briggs performing the ceremony.  The bride and groom were attended by Kenneth Briggs, Lola Briggs and Muriel Briggs, children of the bride.  The ring service was used.  Following the service, Mr. and Mrs. DeLong left for Binghamton, later for Connecticut, where they will visit relatives of the bride, and then go to Buffalo and meet relatives of Mr. DeLong.  following the honeymoon tour, they will be at home on Beebe Hill.  [LMD notation:  1933]

 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Hirt have announced the marriage of their daughter, Virginia Frances to John Lott Bergen, son of Mrs. Caroline Van Sinderen Bergen of Jamaica, L.I., will take place on Friday morning, April 15, at 10 o'clock at the First Presbyterian church, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  Miss Hirt is supervisor of music in the Johnson City school [Broome Co., NY].  [LMD notation:  1938]

Virginia Frances Hirt

 

Married Thursday, April 6th, Marion Cornell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cornell of Rockdale [Guilford, Chenango Co., nY[, to Carlton DeForest, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert DeForest of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  They were married in Sidney by Rev. William E. Elwood.  [LMD notation:  1939]

 

It was rumored early in the week that Frank Alysworth was going west this week, but it was not said that he would be married before going.  That was the case, however.  The happy event occurred at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peters at Chenango Forks, when Mr. Frank Alysworth and Miss Lizzie K. Mastin were married by the Rev. Mr. Davis.  The wedding was very quiet, only a few friends being present at the ceremony.  Frank came here Wednesday to bid his parents good-bye, leaving here on No. 3, and the young couple left on the Chicago sleeper last night for Nebraska where they will visit with his aunt for a few weeks when they will go to Colorado in a hope that Frank's health will be improved by the change of climate.  The best wishes of their many friends go with them.  The Broome County Herald has this to say of the bride in speaking of the event:  "Miss Mastin is one of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY] most estimable young ladies and will carry the best wishes of a host of friends wherever the pathways of life may lead her.  [Notation:  June 2, 1896]

 

Cards have been received by relatives and friends in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] announcing the marriage of Miss Nellie M. Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George A. Smith of this village, to Mr. George A. Rhodes of Thomaston, Conn., which happy event took place Wednesday, June 26, 1895.  The bride is a very estimable young lady, a member of the class of '94, Bainbridge Union School and Academy, and has a host of friends, both young and old who extend the newly wedded couple their heartiest congratulations.  Mr. Rhodes is associated with the Thomaston Express, and is an exemplary young man.  Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes will arrive in Bainbridge some time next week and after a visit with relatives and friends will return to Thomaston [Nassau Co., NY] to reside. 

 





Obituaries (September 8)

Mrs. C.T. Alverson died very suddenly at her home on Pine street recently, aged 55 years.  Mrs. Alverson has been quite badly afflicted with rheumatism for a long time, so that she could not get out very much, and the morning after last Halloween she was seriously injured by falling out of a door, where the steps had been removed during the night, from which injuries she never fully recovered.  The funeral was largely attended at the house.  The services were conducted by Rev. G.W. Merrill and burial in Laurel Hill cemetery.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 8, 1911]

 

Mrs. Anna Zwick of Carbondale, Pa. who has been visiting for the past few weeks at the home of her son, Fred Zwick, was taken violently ill of heart trouble last week and early Sunday morning passed from this world to the home beyond.  Mrs. Zwick leaves three children to mourn the loss of a mother; Mr. Fred Zwick of this place, Mrs. Mary Shelly of Carbondale, Pa. and Charles Zwick.  The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Frank James officiating, assisted by Rev. Dr. Hall of Carbondale.  Burial was in St. Peter's cemetery, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]. 

O, not in cruelty, not in wrath,

The Reaper came that day;

'Twas an angel visited this green earth,

And took the mother away

[Bainbridge Republican, July 20, 1911]

 

The body of Prof. Willis D. Graves, who died at his home in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], July 11th, was brought to Bainbridge last Friday afternoon on the 3:18 train and interment was immediately afterwards in the Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  The remains were accompanied by the widow, son, Dr. Gaylord W. Graves, sister, Miss Anna Graves, and Rev. D.N. Grummond, pastor of the Ross Memorial church of Binghamton.  A large number of the friends of the deceased and of the bereaved family met the party at the train and also friends gathered at the grave.  Rev. Mr. Grummond conducted the services.  The coffin rested in a heavy steel vault which was especially ordered and which after the services was lowered into the grave.  A great abundance of flowers and floral designs covered the coffin and accompanied it.  Prof. Graves was born at Bainbridge, N.Y., August 18, 1856.  He was the son of the late Gaylord S. Graves and Harriet E. Pettys of this village [Bainbridge, NY].  He attended school at Bainbridge and Afton, taught for four years in the district schools of Broome and Chenango counties, and subsequently graduated from Albany Normal college in 1879.  In August of the same year he accepted the principalship of Bainbridge Academy which position he held for six years.  From 1885 to 1898 he was principal of Delaware Academy at Delhi, resigning the work there to accept an appointment as State Inspector of Training Schools for teachers.  This position he filled for fourteen years, terminating his duties only after the development of the illness which caused his death on July 11, 1911.  Prof. Graves married Miss Elizabeth M. Rexford in 1880.  She was associated with him in teaching both at Bainbridge and at Delhi.  He is survived by his wife, sister Anna, and son, Dr. Gaylord W. Graves.  Prof. Graves' death was due to endocarditis which was diagnosed at New York in February.  At the outset the disease offered no hope, but its course was not rapid; and, for the most part, not attended by acute suffering.  During his illness his thoughts frequently reverted to his early life in Bainbridge.  Prof. Graves was one of the best known men in the educational work of this State.  He was especially competent and active.  While at the head of the Bainbridge High School and Delaware Academy he established a particularly high record as a teacher and principal.  His work attracted much attention and when succeeding to the position in the State Department of Education he greatly assisted in the advancement and progress of education.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 20, 1911]

Prof. Willis D. Graves

 

C.W. Hare, who came to the home of his daughter, May 6th, died Thursday, July 27th, at noon.  After a prayer at the house by Rev. R.M. Pascoe, Saturday at ten o'clock, the body was taken to Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], where the funeral service was held at 2:30 Saturday afternoon in the Methodist church.  Rev. J. Brundle of the Bennett Memorial church, Wilkesbarre, who accompanied the friends from Guilford to Harpursville, officiated.  The interment took place in the Harpursville cemetery.  Mr. Hare was born in 1843 and lived nearly all his life in Harpursville.  He was a member of the Methodist church for the last thirty years and served as class leader for seventeen years.  He occupied the position of postmaster for eight years, resigning on account of his ill health.  He suffered from Bright's disease for the last two years, and since Christmas has failed rapidly.  Besides his wife, Lucretia Hare, he is survived by his daughters, Mrs. W.O. Harper, of Guilford, Mrs. G.S. Simonson, of Guilford Center, Mrs. H.G. Horton, of Afton, Mrs. R.S. Boyce, of East Worcester, a son, James Hare, of Sidney and a sister, Mrs. Eliza Wakeman, of Harpursville.  [Bainbridge Republican, Aug. 3, 1911]

 

Afton [Chenango Co. NY]:  Mrs. Ruby E. Avery Hill, wife of Marshall G. Hill died at her home in the Afton Inn Tuesday.  Mrs.  Hill was 79 and was born in Ararat, Pa., March 5, 1857.  She attended school at Afton Academy and later was primary teacher in the same school.  On Oct. 16, 1878, she was married to Marshall G. Hill of Afton.  She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Afton and of Cunahunta Chapter of the D.A.R.  She is survived by her husband, a sister, Mrs. Lodema Lee of Thompson, Pa., and three daughters, Miss Nan Hill of Afton, Mrs. Geo. R. Stratton of Oxford and Mrs. Belle Prime of Hartford, Conn.  The funeral will be from the home Friday at 2 p.m.  Burial in Afton Glenwood.  [Compiler note:  from tombstone transcription:  Ruby Avery Hill, 1857 - 1936]

 

Mrs. Delilah Ann Sheldon, 73 years old, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died at 11 o'clock Monday night at the home of her son, Earl D. Sheldon, 85 Mill street.  She is survived by her husband, Charles M. Sheldon; two sons, Roy F. Sheldon of Schenectady, and Earl D Sheldon; a brother, John Hawkins of Nineveh and two nephews, Bert Lord of Afton, and William Hawkins of Nineveh.  The body was removed to the funeral parlors of C.F. Prentice, 62 Carroll Street.  The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon in the Baptist Church at Afton.   Rev. L.D. Huntable will officiate.  Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery in Afton.  [MHD notation:  Mar. 28, 1927]

 

Sadness and tears came to many hearts and eyes when the news reached Afton [Chenango Co.,  NY] last Wednesday that Mrs. Etta A. Robinson of Halstead [PA]. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.K. Shaw, of this place, was dead.  On Friday, all that was mortal, attended by many sympathizing friends from Hallstead, came with acts and words and tears of love to join with Afton friends in the last obsequies.  These loving hands bore her to Glenwood [Afton, NY], our silent city, and there amid tears, yet with something of joyfulness for they said "She is not dead, but sleepeth," they deposited the remains in the narrow house and covered the grave with beautiful flowers in token of their love for her.  Husband, children, father, mother, sister and hosts of other friends join in gratefulness for such tokens of love and friendship.  And loved friends shall meet the loved gone before if, as she did, they try to make the world more bright, and the Lord shall say unto the, "Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."  How could the hand that gave such charms blast them again?  Such thoughts came to some of family and friends afresh as we followed to the silent city the loved form of the dead last Friday, just as the sun in the brightness was descending toward the western hills.  Loving hands from  Hallstead bore her to her final resting place, and beautiful flowers and hearts full of sympathy shown in acts and words and tears said, "Oh, how we loved her!"  Father, mother, sister, husband and many other friends are ready with expressions of gratitude to all who so kindly ministered to even make cheerful the way to the narrow house, the house prepared for all living.  We think the questioning of angels would be the reverse of ours.  They would ask why the soul, fully prepared, should remain so long amid the sighs and tears of earth and drink so bitterly of this cup of sorrow when there was a glorious portion, an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, reserved in heaven for them.  "She is not dead, but sleepeth," and loved ones, living to make the world brighter and better, shall meet again where there is no more death and where no farewells are spoken for "They never say good bye in heaven."  --Rev. B.B. Carruth. [Compiler note:  From tombstone transcription:  Ettie A. Shaw Robinson, 1862-1896]

 

After an illness of three months, Mrs. D.C. Bresee died Thursday afternoon at the home of her son, C.J. Bresee, aged sixty-nine years.  She was a faithful member of the M.E. church and was loved and highly respected by all who knew her.  Just one year ago Mr. and Mrs. Bresee celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.  The deceased is survived by her husband and six children.  The funeral was held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. C.B. Personeous officiating.  The interment was in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  [Compiler note:  from tombstone transcription:  Aurelia C. Jarvis, wife of D.C. Bresee, July 7, 1827 - Mar. 26, 1896]