Obituaries (February 21)

PECK:  At Berwick City, La., Sept. 25, 1863, of congestive fever, private Thomas Peck, Co. B, 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V., formerly of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], aged 18 years.  He was a soldier ever prompt and obedient in the execution of his duty, a friend always affable and obliging, and a man against whom the finger of reproach could not be lifted. We gave him all a soldier has to give, a grave hallowed by the last offering of his surviving comrades.  Sergeant Chas. J. Biggs, Co. C, 114th Regiment.  [Chenango Telegraph, Oct. 28, 1863]

 

PECK:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 18, 1863, of chronic diarrhea, Mr. Andrew Peck, aged 20 years, late of Co. B, 114th Reg. N .Y.S.V.  He was a brother of Thomas, a notice of whose death is here inserted.  These two promising youths joined hands around the same fireside, in the same church, in our glorious country's service, and now they join hands in the home of our Heavenly Father.  Brave and beloved boys, farewell!  [Chenango Telegraph, Oct. 28, 1863]

 

Mrs. Amelia Beach, wife of Asa A. Beach, died in Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] last month aged ninety-five years last first of January.  Seventy-three years ago she planted an elm tree on the premises owned by L.S. Weaver, which now measures one hundred feet across the limbs.  The tree is insured for $200 for three years.  [Sherburne News, Oct. 13, 1883]

 

George Blowers, of Taylor [Cortland Co., NY], formerly of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], died recently aged seventeen years an dweighing 310 pounds.  [Sherburne News, Oct. 13, 1883]

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  The funeral of George R. Wilcox who died on Saturday evening following a shock suffered on Friday evening from which he failed to rally was held Tuesday afternoon in the funeral chapel of Colwell brothers on West Main street, Rev. C.C. Orvis, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, officiating and burial was made in Green Lawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  Mr. Wilcox was born in the city of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] on August 3d, 1856, the son of Randall and Charlotte Hale Wilcox.  He came to this village over fifty years ago, and for several years was engaged in the manufacture of cigars, having as a partner his brother, J. Fred Wilcox.  Their factory was then located where the main building of the American Separator Company now stands and at that time was the largest of its kind in this section, employing over a hundred cigar makers.  After a time Mr. Wilcox took over the entire business and in connection conducted a retail cigar store.  About twelve years ago he sold out and gave up active business and while he continued to make his home here, he spent the winter months either in the south or with his son, R. Clay Wilcox in New York city.  Mr. Wilcox was a member of Susquehanna lodge, 167, F. and A.M. and was also a thirty-second degree Mason.  He was considered one of Bainbridge's most successful business men and was always actively interested in all of it affairs.  Besides his son, there survive two nieces, Mrs. Ethel Woodbury of Hammondsport, N.Y. and Mrs. Frank Parmalee of Binghamton.  [Norwich Sun, May 26, 1932]

 

George W. Fisher of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died at the home of his son, G. Ray Fisher, last Wednesday, January 8th, after a short illness.  He was born July 18th, 1856, in Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], the son of Clark and Katherine Bergdorf Fisher, and had always made his home in this vicinity.  He wife, Addie Jones Fisher, died in 1922.  The funeral was held at the Colwell funeral chapel on Saturday afternoon, and the services were in charge of Rev. G.H. Orvis.  Burial was in Glenwood Cemetery, Afton.  Mr. Fisher is survived by two daughters. Mrs. Raymond Pixley and Mrs. Clarence Holdredge, both of Afton, one son, G. Ray Fisher, of this village, and six grandchildren.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 16, 1933]

Mrs. Amanda M. Walker, widow of the late Silas Walker, died at her home in East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] on Thursday, February 29th.  She had been in poor health for some time, but her death came suddenly.  Mrs. Walker was born March 7th, 1859, the daughter of Jacob and Mandana Green Gould.  She had lived at East Guilford for the past twenty years.  Her husband died on August 21st, 1916.  The funeral was held at her late home Monday afternoon, Rev. G.H. Orvis, pastor of the Bainbridge Presbyterian Church, officiating.  Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  The deceased is survived by five daughters, Mrs. C.H. Smith, of Rochester, the Misses Mattie Walker and Hattie Bilby, of Liberty, Mrs. Welton Dibble, of Sidney, and Mrs. Guy Elliott, of Bainbridge; one son, Ray Walker, of Nineveh, ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs. Ella Carpenter, of Sidney.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 16, 1933]

Icy pavements caused many auto accidents and the deaths of three women in New Jersey last Saturday.  The most spectacular crash was in South Orange, N.J., on a steep incline of Twin Oaks road, when the car of Ilo Orleans, a Newark lawyer and author, rolled a block and a half down the hillside and crashed into two other machines.  Miss Janet McLaughlin, of Millburn, was killed outright.  All three automobiles were set afire, and the village fire department was summoned.  Traffic at several points was practically at a standstill for more than an hour while three motor vehicle department inspectors, assisted by the crews of five wrecking outfits and car owners, untangled what they described as the "biggest mess of automobiles" they had ever seen.  Orleans went to the home of a friend and parked his car at the curb.  After walking toward the house, he saw his car begin rolling down the hill, gaining tremendous momentum, and rolled down the street with the speed of an express train, crashing into machines driven by H. Lee Derby, Jr., 25, of Montclair, N.J., son of Harry L. Derby, president of The Kalbfleisch Corporation, and a former resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], and Gerald Kemp, of West Orange.  Miss McLaughlin, riding with Derby, was thrown clear of the car by the impact and died instantly of skull fracture. As the machine caught fire Derby received burns about the left leg and face.  His overcoat was destroyed by the flames.  He was taken to Orange Memorial Hospital and discharged later.  Riding with Kemp were his wife and his mother.  All three received injuries and were taken to Memorial Hospital.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 16, 1933]

Falconer R. Gilbert, for many years prominent in public school work, died at the home of his parents at Kingston, Pa., after an illness covering a period of nearly nine months.  He was born at Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 22, 1895, the son of Don A. and Emma R. Gilbert.  Removing to Wilkes-Barre at an early age, he received his education in the local schools.  After graduation from high school he entered Hamilton College.  During the world war Mr. Gilbert entered a training camp at Fort Niagara, where he was commissioned a first lieutenant of infantry.  Following assignments at Camp Lee and Camp Wadsworth, he was ordered overseas with the 21st Pioneers, September 2, 1918.  After discharge from the army, Mr. Gilbert became superintendent of schools at Encampment, Wyoming.  Coming back east he accepted a similar position with the schools of Larksville, Pa., and at West Pittston, Pa.  Mr. Gilbert left the Larksville post to take up study at Columbia University for the M.A. degree.  Following this he became master of the Haldone School at Cold Springs, N.Y., which position he was obliged to relinquish on account of the breakdown in health which finally culminated in his death.  Mr. Gilbert was married at Utica, N.Y., July 8, 1917, to Cecilia Cahil of that city.  Mrs. Gilbert died in 1930.  Two sons, Robert and Don, together with his father and mother survive.   Funeral service were conducted at the home on Saturday afternoon at two o'clock, in charge of Rev Ebenezer Flack, pastor of the Kingston Presbyterian Church, and interment in the Denison Cemetery, Forty Fort.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 16, 1933]

Mrs. Mattie C Smith, wife of H. Henry Smith, died at her home in Wilkins Settlement on Tuesday, February 14th.  The funeral was held Thursday, February 16th, at the Colwell Funeral Chapel, Rev. E.A. Snyder, pastor of the Baptist Church, officiating.  The remains were taken to Troy for burial.  Mrs. Smith was born January 7th, 1856, in the town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzo Dyer.  She has been for many years a resident of this vicinity.  Besides her husband, she is survived by one son, R.H. Baker, of Yonkers.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 23, 1933]

Miscellaneous, Robert Harpur of Harpursville

Robert Harpur of Harpursville

from the Rural New Yorker

Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 16, 1933

 

Robert Harpur is a name that does not figure largely in new York state history for the most part.  He was not a military character, as were the Harpers of Harpersfield, in what is now Delaware county.  Note the difference in spelling the names.  It is not until you go quite deeply into the state records that you find the real Robert Harpur, of the Revolution and after.  He deserves a much larger place in state history than has been accorded him. 

 

Harpur settled at what is now Harpursville, Broome county, in 1795.  The frame house that he erected there and in which he lived for many years is still standing, although considerably altered.  About eight years earlier he had purchased from the state a tract of land embracing the whole of the old town of Warren, Montgomery county.  That tract or that town extended form what is now the north bounds of Broome county on its eastern one-third, perhaps, down quite well towards the Pennsylvania line, and from a line that approximates the course of the Susquehanna River, sometimes on one side of it and then the other, across to the east bounds of the country.  This tract that was purchased by Mr. Harpur and others (others is understood to mean something to keep the letter of the law relative to the state selling large tracts to any one person) was, according to state records, 61,440 acres.  Quite a respectable sized farm we would think. 

 

However, we find that a year or two previous to this purchase he had procured 16,000 acres embracing what is now the eastern portion of the town of Coventry, in Chenango county, but was then the northwestern part of the town of Clinton, Montgomery county.  The original charter for this tract is still in existence, and is carefully kept by one of the descendants of the somewhat renowned Robert Harpur.  There is more to the land story, however, for at a still earlier date Mr. Harpur had obtained a large tract around the head of Lake George, which he named Harpursville and for which  he secured a number of settlers from Ireland with the intention of establishing the flax industry in this country. this vention was not continued, the settlers became dissatisfied, Harpur paid them back their money and they left.  There have been found no records to show what became of Harpur's claim to the land.  At one time still earlier Robert Harpur negotiated for 60,000 acres of land in the Connecticut Valley in the state of New Hampshire, but nothing is known as to the result, and there are no known records of any transfer.

 

But Robert Harpur was more than a land-grabber and speculator.  He was a scholar, educator and statesman.  His birthplace was Ireland, but his parents were Scotch.  He was educated for the ministry, a Scotch Presbyterian, in the University of Glasgow.  Fearing, as he said, that he lacked the fluency of speech for the ministry, he decided to try teaching, and taught for a time in Ireland.  In 1761, at the age of 28, he came to America, landing at New York, and immediately sought and obtained employment in Kings College, then becoming an important factor in advanced education in America. He remained as professor until the Revolution broke and the college closed.  Of the 15 professors of the college at that time, Harpur was the only one to side with the colonists, the others being pro-British.  When the college opened after the war it became Columbia, the beginning of Columbia University.

 

Harpur's work was not done yet; in fact, it may almost be said that it just then had its beginning.  Conventions were called and Harpur represented New York city and southern New York.  The Convention of 1776 made preparation for the Constitutional Convention of 1777 at Kingston, when the first constitution was formulated and accepted, Harpur having a considerable share in the work.  As the war advanced there were commissions and committees, many of which had Harpur's name in the list.  Committees of safety were of special importance, and there was one committee, on which Harpur figured, that had to call those of doubtful patriotism and examine them.  There are numbers of reports to be found where some unfortunate suspect had been offered the oath of allegiance and refused it, and was recommended to the governor to be transferred, within the enemy's lines unless it might be desired to use him in an exchange of prisoners.

 

It would be interesting to go much further into details of Harpur's activities during the war and for some time after, for he was a very busy an in the affairs of New York state.  From 1780 to 1795 he was deputy secretary of state and active secretary.  He was secretary to the land board and did the work of what was then an important branch of the state activities.  He was the first secretary of the Board of Regents.  It looks as though, by reading the records of those days, that he may have been secretary of most branches and was depended upon to see that things were done as directed.  To go into all these lines would make a story too long, for there are other matters to which our attention is needed.

 

Apparently, with little intermission in work, he suddenly left state work and the association of the ablest men of the time, and started overland by way of Catskill, across to the Susquehanna River and down to his land holdings in the then Tioga county, now Broome, for Broome is one of the several counties carved from old Tioga, which came into existence in 1791.  By his orders roads had been opened to some extent, a sawmill and a grist mill erected and some building done.  One wonders if the mills may have been on Belden Brook.  In this tract he seems to have sold land in relatively small tracts to actual settlers.  His account book with these settlers is in existence and shows neatness and system, and we may add, a consideration for the under-financed buyer of the farm.  He lived here in Harpursville, still a small, cozy, neighborly little village for 30 years, died at the age of 94, full of years, and with kindly memories and honors and was buried somewhat back of the house not far from the river bank.  Rather recently that grave has been moved to the beautiful little Harpursville cemetery, and the old-time little monument reconstructed and placed beside it near the front of the yard.

 

The land in the Harpur tract is varied, some of it upland and considerable along the river and on the flats.  A part is land hard to beat in the state and farms are nicely kept up, even in this depression.  It is doubtful if this tract included that old Indian village of Ouaquaga, but it must have had some of that river flat nearby.  It is said that the present Gracemore Stock Farms are within the limits.  Frank Rose, who lives on the road to Deposit from Windsor, is probably within the tract and possibly W.W. McNair, near old Tuscarora.  Further north Ernest Poole has a little land that seems to be included, but his farm buildings are a little to the north.  M.B. Williams, on the old Yale Farm, tells me that his farm is within the Harpur tract.  I have not positively verified these, although I have looked out some of them on a county map.  I was sorry not prove that Ouaquaga, of early Indian fame, could qualify for admission.  The village of Harpursville and the land on which Harpur lived is well to the northwest corner of the tract.  There seems some reason to believe that Harpur sold some large tracts here as he did in the 16,000 acre tract farther north, and possibly some of this may have been pretty large areas.

 

So far as I know there is only one male descendant of Robert Harpur living in the vicinity of Harpursville and that is R. Charles Harpur (Robert Charles), the postmaster of the place. He gave me some of the facts here stated, but there is another descendant, Mrs. Ralsa Johnston, of Binghamton, who has taken a good deal of pains to collect material relative to the family which has aided materially.  Also certain state papers have been published affording quite complete information of activities during the Revolution. R. Charles Harpur has a daughter now in high school, who carried the name Roberta, and she is considering a course in Columbia University, as would seem to be fitting. 



 

 

 



Obituaries (February 20)

Mrs. Martha J. Kelleher, wife of Thomas Kelleher, died at her home Saturday, February 4th.  the funeral was held at St. Peter's Church [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], of which she was a member, on Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Bradford H. Tite officiating.  The members of Bainbridge Chapter, No. 354, Order of Eastern Star, and of Nancy Hanks Lincoln Tent, No. 69, Daughters of Union Veterans, attended in a body.  The bearers were C.W. Ireland, Glenn Heath, Harold Payne and Hugh Collins.  Mrs. Kelleher was born in Bainbridge Nov. 11, 1866, the daughter of George W. Payne and Mary Jane Copley Payne.  Her entire life was spent in this village.  Besides her husband she is survived by three cousins, LaVerne Payne, of Mount Pleasant, and Hiram Payne and Frank B. Payne, of this village.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 9, 1933]

The funeral of Martha Payne Kelleher was held in St. Peter's Church, of which she was a valued member, on Tuesday, February 7th.  Members of the Order of Eastern Star and the Daughters of Union Veterans attended in a body.  Beautiful floral tributes showed the love and esteem in which she was held in Bainbridge and vicinity.  When Mrs. Kelleher was a child, a young girl nurse accidently dropped her down a flight of stairs.  Thousands of dollars were expended by indulgent parents in an attempt to correct the injury, but in those days (some sixty-five years ago) comparatively little was known of scientific surgery, and she remained a hopeless cripple all her life.  The unfortunate affliction combined with her naturally meek and sympathetic nature turned her life into a constant ministration to the needs of others, no doubt shortening her life.  "Greater joy know no man than this, that a man lay down his life for a friend."  Her worthy life was reflected in the devotion and love that she bestowed upon all whom she came in contact with.  Mrs. Kelleher was born in Bainbridge on November 11th, 1866, and she was therefore in her sixty-seventh year.  She is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Kelleher, and a number of cousins, including Mrs. Jessie Payne Pizella, of Pittston, Pa., Butler R. Payne, of Afton, Mrs. Alice Albrecht, of Sidney, William L. Payne of Johnson City and Mrs. Mary Corbin, Mrs. Lorena Sweet, Hiram L. Payne, LaVerne E. Payne and Frank B. Payne, of this village.  Another cousin was Grace Payne Hastings, who died in Los Angeles on January 24th last.  Her father was the late George W. Payne, a Civil War veteran and at one time sheriff of Chenango county.  Burial was in the family plot in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].     [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 16, 1933]

 

The death of Mrs. Menelza Neale, of Briarcliff [Westchester Co., NY], was recorded in a recent issue of the New York Herald-Tribune.  She died at the Ossining Hospital on January 29th, of pneumonia, following a short illness.  Mrs. Neale, at the time of her death, taught the sixth grade in Briarcliff, having held that position for the past five years.  She has been teaching for 22 years.  After her graduation from the high school at Sharon Springs, N.Y., she taught in several schools, including several years at Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], leaving here in 1916.  Her husband, Mr. Y.H. Neale, was also well known here, having been employed in the grocery store operated by E.C. Hancock, and also with C.W. Ireland & Co., Inc.  Funeral services were held at Sharon Springs [Schoharie Co., NY] on Wednesday, February 1st, and burial was made there.  She is survived by her husband, I.H. Neale, of Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 9, 1933]

Frank E. Keator, prominent business man of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], died at his home in that village Sunday morning after a long illness.  He was 72 years old.  Mr. Keator was born in Roxbury [Delaware Co., NY], Dec. 11, 1862, the son of Omar and Eliza Keator.  Before moving to Afton he was engaged in farming and carpentry.  In 1901 he formed a partnership in a grocery business, later acquiring entire ownership.  Keator was a director of the Frist National Bank of Afton for 13 years.  He is survived by his wife, Helen, and a son, Bruce.  The funeral was held at the home Wednesday afternoon with Rev. Lester D. Huxtable, pastor of the Baptist Church, officiating.  Burial in Glenwood Cemetery [Afton, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 9, 1933]

Word has been received of the death of Charles Acly, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday last at 10 a.m.  Mr. Acly will be remembered as the husband of Mrs. Effie Acly; and brother of Mrs. L.E. Loomis, Mrs. Judson Loomis, of Lockwood and Mrs. E.E. Keith of Bridgewater, Mass.  Mr. Acly had been confined to the house for a long time, but was taken seriously worse some two weeks ago.  Mr. Acly is survived by three sons, Arthur, of Greene; Erwin, who resides at home and Erford, of Coventry, and three daughters, Mrs. Duane Beardsley, of Harpursville, Mrs. Nelson Ives, of Wilkins Settlement, and Mrs. Ernest Adams, of Binghamton.  The funeral services were held in the Winnie undertaking parlors in Greene.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 16, 1933]

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mr. and Mrs. Fred Tripp and Mrs. K.E. Bunnell received the sad message Sunday telling of the death of Mrs. George Miller, at her home in Atlantic Highlands, N.J.  Although Mrs. Miller had been in ill health for several months, her death came as a great shock to her many friends in Guilford.  Mr. and Mrs. Miller had made their home in Guilford for the last six years, serving in the home of Mrs. K.E. Bunnell, until her health failed her.  Six months ago they returned to their home in New Jersey, where death came Saturday afternoon, February 10.  Deepest sympathy is extended to Mr. Miller and Mrs. Miller's parents in their bereavement.  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the late home.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 16, 1933]

Fallen in Battle:  Otselic lost two of her sons in the late conflict at Pleasant Hill--Elisha P. Wilmarth and James A. Locke--Both of them fell nobly and with their faces to the foe.  They were members of the Chenango Regiment, 114th, Capt. Wheeler's Co. I, and enlisted during the formation at Norwich, and followed its fortunes and honors with hearts single to their country's good, and finally consecrated their lives upon the altar of Liberty.  Wilmarth received a ball in his head and fell instantly killed.  He was about 30 years of age, and leaves a wife and child.  Locke was wounded in the hips and lingered several days before death put an end to his earthly sufferings.  He was about 20 years of age.  [Chenango Telegraph, May 11, 1864]

Mrs. Jane Thompson departed this life April 3d, 1876, in the 65th year of her age.  Mrs. Thompson was born in Scotland, and at the age of 12 years, in company with her parents came to America where in the course of time she was married to Mr. Henry Thompson, with whom it has always been a pleasure to share the joys and sorrows of life.  She was the mother of eight children, all except one still living, six of which were permitted to attend the funeral of their cherished mother, one having some time since, bid adieu to home and kindred going to distant lands to seek a home and the comforts of life for himself and family.  Mrs. Thompson was an affectionate companion, a tender mother, a consistent Christian and obliging neighbor, ever thoughtful of the comforts of others and in a special manner those of her family, forgetting self thus drawing around her a large circle of friends which now mourn the loss of one they had learned to love.  And whilst the companion and children deeply feel the loss of one they loved, they have the assurance that it is her gain for she had not neglected the commands of Christ to be ready to go at His bidding.  Though she suffered much in her last sickness, her trust was in Christ who was her lamp and guide, enjoying the voice of prayer and singing, desiring that her life might have a peaceful close. Towards the last days of her life she requested one of her children to read some portions of the Bible to her, at the close of which she said it is all nice and good.  At another time she asked them to sing, and as they sang "There is Rest for the weary," her countenance brightened up with joy such as the Christian only enjoys.  And as we contemplate on the departed our feelings are best expressed by the words, ":Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord, from henceforth, yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. 

Mourn not her departure,

Her spirit is free

To roam with the angels,

Her Saviour to see.

No more does she suffer

With anguish and pain,

And we feel that our loss

To her must be gain.

[Bainbridge Republican, April 22, 1876]

 

Miscellaneous, Unadilla Fire 1939

Fire Destroys Globe Silo Factory

Unadilla, Otsego Co., NY

1939

 

A $20,000 fire of undetermined origin today had destroyed the Globe Silo factory in Unadilla owned by Carl Hansen of that village.

 

Fire attained spectacular proportions shortly after its discovery by Mrs. Hansen who turned in the alarm at 9 o'clock last night.  Flames of all colors shot skyward as the blaze attacked a new supply of motor oil, which had just been put in and consumed a large quantity of lumber.  The concern manufactured wooden and concrete silos.

 

Forced to fight the blaze by laying a hose across the railroad tracks, from only a three-inch water main the volunteer firemen found their efforts futile.  Destroyed besides the 50 x 100 foot building proper was a silo shavings storage tank 18 feet in diameter and 40 feet high and a truck and large amount of manufacturing machinery.

 

A bucket brigade formed to protect nearby buildings saved Mr. Hansen's bungalow home.  While cause was still being investigated today, firemen said this morning that they believe the blaze to have originated where wiring entered the building.  Some insurance is carried on the property. 

 

Raging Out of Control:  these flames destroy the factory of the Globe Silo Co., at Unadilla



 

Ruins of Globe Silo Factory at Unadilla:  Only Concrete Block Walls Survive $20,000 Fire



Miscellaneous, BHS Class of 1933, Part 3

Bainbridge High School Class of 1933

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1933

 

 

Mary Haggerty

 

Carl Hovey

 

Lloyd Hubbard

 

Edward Mulwane

 

Charles Myers

 

Thelma Newman

 



Obituaries (February 19)

Phyllis Marie, seven-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Walker, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], died at her home Wednesday of pneumonia.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 2, 1933]

 

Mrs. Flora L. Sherwood, 55, wife of Lucien D. Sherwood, died Thursday noon at the Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] hospital after a four days' illness of pneumonia.  

 

Mrs. Flora Sherwood, wife of Louis Sherwood, of Oxford, died at the Oxford Hospital last Thursday, January 26th, of acute dilation of the heart, induced by pneumonia.  Mrs. Sherwood was a former resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], having lived here until her marriage, about thirty-five or forty years ago.  Her maiden name was Flora Ayers, and she is remembered by many friends here.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 2, 1933]

 

George R. Wilcox, for many years a citizen of Morris [Otsego Co., NY], and for 36 years a stage driver between Morris and Oneonta, died Monday at the home of his daughter in that village from the effects of a shock.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 2, 1933]

 

Emmett R. Franklin, 63, a life-long resident of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], and one of the founders of the Norwich Wire Works, died at his home in that city Friday night following a four-year period of ill health.  He is survived by his widow and one son.   [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 2, 1933]

 

Mrs. Sarah M. Smith, 88, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Wooster, in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Friday afternoon,  there are two other daughters surviving, Mrs. Charlotte Smith, of Oxford, and Mrs. William Adams, of Homer, and one son, George B. Smith, of North Norwich.   [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 2, 1933]

 

Frank Bond, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], died in a Binghamton hospital Friday, January 27th, of broncho-pneumonia, aged 48.  The funeral was held Monday at the Colwell Funeral Chapel, Rev. Bump, of Guilford, officiating.  Burial was in the Godfrey Cemetery at Guilford.  He is survived by his wife and two daughters, both of whom reside at the family home in Guilford Center, his father and three sisters.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 2, 1933]

 

The death of Mrs. Clara J. Ireland occurred in the early afternoon of Jan. 25, 1933.  Born Sept. 18, 1846, she was the youngest of seven children of Hull and Sally Clark Bush, pioneers of Bush Hill.  While a young girl she became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  The services were then held in the schoolhouse on Searles Hill, and when the present church was built at Union Valley her name was written as a charter member.  Always she has lived a consistent Christian life.  On Oct. 8, 1867, she was married to William Henry Ireland and their entire life, with the exception of a year and a half spent in Kansas, was lived in this vicinity. She died at the home of her grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Garrison, on the homestead where she was born.  Mrs. Ireland's home was always a welcome place to her pastors, and her interest in religious work grew with her years.  Always friendly and sympathetic she gained friends wherever she went,  Even her last years were filled with thoughtful care for others, and her hands were busy with the beautiful needlework she loved to make for her family and friends.  Ill for only 18 days, her thought was for the comfort of her nurses and last messages for her children.  In the quiet minutes after hours of terrible suffering, whispered prayers and verses of Scripture were on her lips.  These last days, full of calls and letters from friends far and near gave her much pleasure.  Within a few minutes of her passing, she answered an inquiry as to what more she wanted done with "Nothing more.  Everything is all right."  precious is her memory to her family.  The funeral was held Saturday afternoon, Jan. 28, from Colwell's Funeral Chapel, Rev. A.H. Landmesser, of Crescent, N.Y., a much loved former pastor, officiating.  Burial in the family plot in West Bainbridge cemetery, among her loved ones who have preceded her to that heavenly home.  She is survived by three children, Mrs. Henry Petley and Stephen Ireland, of this vicinity, and Walter G. Ireland, of Oxford, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 9, 1933]

 

Samuel Smith, died at his home in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], Wednesday morning, Jan. 25.  Death was due to weak heart and infirmities of old age.  The deceased was born at Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], November 1, 1844.  Sixty-one years ago last April 12 he married Armida Olmstead, also of Bainbridge.  They resided on a farm between Sidney and Bainbridge until about 15 years ago, when they moved to Sidney.  He was a man held in high esteem in the community.  Surviving are his wife, who is in poor health, a son, Fred H. Smith, of Delhi, a daughter, Mrs. Fred Burlison, of Guilford, and one brother, Brian Smith of Sidney.  Funeral services which were private, were held at his home Sunday afternoon, Rev. E.R. Holden officiating.  Interment in Prospect Hill cemetery [Sidney, NY].   [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 2, 1933]

PUTNAM:  At Port Hudson, June 1863, Corporal Daniel Putnam, Co. F 114th Regiment, aged 33 years and 6 months.  This brave soldier and true patriot was in the gallant assault made upon Port Hudson, June 15th, where he received a wound in the abdomen and head, with which he lingered in pain until the 18th, and died.  He was the only child of Mrs. Lucy Putnam, who survived him but 4 days.  She died on the 22d of June, reconciled to God, well knowing that her only son had just passed from the deadly conflict on the battlefield, before her, into the other world.  He enlisted in the fall of 1862, in the 114th Regiment, and served his country faithfully, and died heroically, as will be seen by some of his last words to his comrade, E.J. Lawtell, as he parted with him for the last time in the Hospital.  When asked what word he should bear to his grandfather, he said:  "Tell him I died a good soldier for country, and was not shot in the back."  To his wife he says:  "Tell Jane to trust in God, and read the blessed promises in His word to such as trust in Him."  He leaves a wife and four children, with many friends, to mourn his departure.  [Chenango Telegraph, July 8, 1863]

Obituaries (February 18)

William Ward, aged 5 years, 3 months and 3 days, son of Hiram S. and Sarah Pierce, was drowned in the canal at the foot of the first lock south of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst.  The shock of the boat, Shady Side, upon which he was standing, as it entered the lock, probably caused him to fall into the canal where he was not found until too late to save his life.  His parents reside in Vestal, Broome county, whither they returned with the body.  This little boy was unusually promising and intelligent, and had been a faithful attendant at Sabbath School during the past two years.  A short time previous to this fatal accident, he stood by his mother's side, looking toward the sky, when he remarked with earnestness that he would soon have wings and fly up there.  His childish fancy was too truly and quickly verified.  --Greene American.  [Chenango Telegraph,  June 24, 1863]

Word has been received in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] of the death of George A. Hubbard, which occurred at Wichita, Kansas, at 4:30 Wednesday morning.  Mr. Hubbard was a native of this city [Norwich], having been born here Jan. 1, 1874.  In the message received here it was not stated what was the cause of death and no information was given as to funeral arrangements.  Mr. Hubbard was a printer by trade and was employed as a linotype operator by The Daily Eagle at Wichita.  He was proficient in his work and stood high in the estimation of his fellow craftsman.  Mr. Hubbard was graduated from Norwich high school in the class of 1894.  He early took to the printing trade, and when a boy only 15 years of age published a paper in this city known as "The Weekly News."  Mr. Hubbard was editor, printer and owner all in one.  At that time he was known as the youngest editor in the state.  Mr. Hubbard suffered from an attack of cerebral spinal meningitis in 1888 which so injured his hip that he was lame for the remainer of his life. It is thought that attack affected his health in later life.  He had been in ill health for about two years.  Mr. Hubbard left Norwich about 25 years ago and most of his life since had been spent in Oklahoma and Kansas.  With his family he was a visitor in Norwich about two years ago.  Mr. Hubbard has a large number of friends in this city who will regret his death and who will extend sympathy to his aged mother and family.  The deceased is survived by his wife, one son, Edward and one daughter, Avery, and his aged mother, Mrs. Amelia Hubbard of Silver street this city [Norwich].  B.F. Hubbard and Charles Hubbard of Norwich and George Hubbard of New York city are nephews of the deceased.  [Norwich Sun, Feb. 4, 1925]

Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY]:  Floyd Beers, 22, employed at the farm of Roy Carley at East Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], was instantly killed Friday night when the car he was driving figured in collision with another machine driven by Mrs. Ray Colburn of Franklin.  Beers suffered a fractured skull.  The accident occurred when Beers, accompanied by Harold Wilber, 20, was leaving the driveway of the Orlo Shaver place on the Unadilla-Franklin road.  Beers was thrown from his machine by the impact.  Mrs. Colburn and Wilber suffered cuts and bruises, but were otherwise uninjured.  Wilber saw the approaching automobile and warned Beers, but too late to avoid the crash.  The injured man was taken into the Shaver home and Dr. L.C. Warren of Franklin was summoned.  Beers died a short time later.  [1935]

 

Justice Charles V. Byrne, 53, of the Supreme Court, fifth judicial district, died at Oswego [Oswego Co., NY] Monday while hearing testimony in a suit for damages.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 26, 1933]

Mrs. Mary A. Connelly, of Sand Hill, near Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], died Monday after having been an invalid for the past nine years, and for seven years confined to a wheel chair. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 26, 1933]

Mrs. Margaret Avery, aged 68, died Sunday at the home of her son, Allen Avery, in Bloomville [Delaware Co., NY], from a complication of diseases.  She had been a resident of that place for 52 years. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 26, 1933]

Mrs. Adelaide Wasson, 76, died at the home of Fred Chamberlain, Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Monday after an illness of four weeks of pneumonia and complications.  She was born at North Franklin [Delaware Co., NY], where she lived for many years.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 26, 1933]

William H. Hull, 87, died at the home of his son, George Hull, in Franklin, Friday.  He was born in Ireland, coming to this country when 14 years of age.  Besides the son mentioned, he is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Minnie Swart, of Sidney Center, Mrs. Mary Durfee, of Colchester, and Mrs. Lillian Wright, of Otego.  He was buried at Sidney Center [Delaware Co., NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 26, 1933]

Mrs. James Oldfield received word that her mother, Mrs. C.T Sturges of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], passed away Saturday afternoon at 6 o'clock.  Mrs. Oldfield has been with her mother several days, as she was critically ill from pneumonia.  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the late home, with burial in Oxford.  She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. James Oldfield, of Guilford, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Nutter, of Sidney, Miss Jennie Sturges, of Oxford; three sons, Charles and Frank, of Oxford, with whom she made her home, and Eugene, of California. The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. James Oldfield extend to them their deep sympathy. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 26, 1933]

Mrs. Mary Sornberger passed away Friday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Felix Menz, at Hempstead, L.I.  Mrs. Sornberger was 75 years of age.  The cause of her death was heart trouble and flu.  She had been a resident of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY] for many years, where she leaves many friends to mourn their loss.  She was a faithful member of the Masonville Baptist Church, also the Eastern Star.  The remains were brought here from Hempstead Saturday, and an Eastern Star funeral was held at her late home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. David Murray conducting the services....Interment was made in the Masonville cemetery beside her late husband.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 26, 1933]

Ebenezer Cole, 72, of Belden [Broome Co., NY], was struck and killed by an automobile of Ellsworth Phelps, Port Dickinson, as he walked along the highway at the foot of Belden Hill at 6 o'clock Saturday evening.  Immediately after the mishap Phelps sent a call for a doctor in Harpursville.  He summoned aid and took the victim to the home of Romaine Fox, where Cole was identified as a neighbor, Coroner Austin J. Stillson, of Windsor, who questioned the driver and said, in absolving him of blame, it was an unavoidable accident.  According to versions of the accident Cole was walking on the highway.  There is a dip in the road at this point.  The headlights of Phelps' car did not focus far ahead as he was going down hill. At that juncture another car passed.  Its headlights shone upward and blinded Phelps who said that he did not see Cole until it was too late to avoid the crash.  Authorities said Cole was hurled four feet to the side of the road.  He had gone to a neighboring farm to borrow block and tackle as he intended to use it in butchering cattle.  The ropes and pulleys were swung over his shoulder.  When he was struck by the right front fender one of the pulleys crashed through the windshield of the Phelps car.  Phelps, who was on his way to Harpursville with his wife and daughter, said windshield glass sprayed the three. His daughter screamed, but it was from fright.  An examination revealed she had not been injured.  The victim's survivors include his widow; sons Harry and Durwood, of Binghamton, where they work on the railroad, and a duaghter Maude Cole, also of Binghamton.  [[Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 2, 1933]

Adelbert E. Hotaling died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Noonan, Boston, Mass., Sunday morning.  Funeral services were held at the Sidney Baptist Church Wednesday afternoon.  Burial in Prospect Hill cemetery [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY].  Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Arthur Holmes, of Guilford, and a brother, Edward Hotaling, of Franklin.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Feb. 2, 1933]

Miscellaneous, Sidney Music Hall Torn Down, 1936

Sidney Landmark Gives Way to March of Time

Sidney's New Bridge Dooms Old Music Hall

1936

 

 

Sidney [Delaware Co., NY]:  Music Hall block which once was the tallest building between Binghamton and Oneonta, is being razed to provide a right of way for the new bridge across the Susquehanna.

 

Sidney approaches to the bridge will be built on the site of the Music Hall block, constructed about 70 years ago.

 

The structure first was owned by Dr. Hodgins, then taken over by the late David Lewis, who remodeled the old building.

 

The building was lengthened, porches added, and the third floor made into a theatre.  Here, traveling shows and home talent presentations entertained the towns people.  The orchestra circle was reversed in this theatre, the reserved section being in the rear with several steps leading upward, the residents readily paying extra tariff for the privilege of occupying this section.

 

The Hodgins block was the only three-story building between Oneonta and Binghamton when it was first built.  Later the more modern brick blocks were built by the Bennett brothers.  Thomas G. Smith, Jewett B. Simons, James J. Jameson, Ernest R. Williams and Dr. Charles W. Spencer.

 

These new buildings overshadowed the old building, and no longer was it pointed to with pride, it was just an old landmark.



Marriages (February 17)

To be Wed:  Miss Lorraine Singer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin  B. Singer of 13 Union Street, Westover, will become the bride of Second Class Yeoman Erwin Harrington, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Harrington of Cherry Street, Johnson City, Sunday Aug. 15, in the Westover Methodist Church.

 

Lorraine Singer

 

Mr. and Mrs. William Teachout Celebrate 57th Anniversary.  A few friends gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Teachout Christmas Night to celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary.  Music for the occasion was furnished by Mrs. Newton and delicious refreshments, including a very pretty wedding cake, were served.  A purse of money was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Teachout by Mrs. Newton and all their friends wished them many more happy years together.  The party broke up about 11 o'clock.  [1938]



Obituaries (February 17)

Lynn Smith, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Smith, died at is home in the town of Afton [Chenango Co.,  NY] Sunday, January 15th, of scarlet fever.  He was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on June 5, 1927.  Private funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon by Rev. G.H. Orvis, followed by burial in Greenlawn cemetery  [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933] 

 

Injuries which he suffered when he plunged more than 15 feet from the boom of a well driver in Otego [Otsego Co., NY] Saturday morning proved fatal Sunday night for Joseph Ham, 48 years old, of Troy [Rensselear Co, NY], who expired in the Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta, that evening.  From the outset little hope was held out for his recovery.  Ham suffered a fracture at the base of the brain and a rib is believed to have punctured a lung.  The man, who was employed by the Hall Company, of Albany, was working on the B.F. Shepard property.  Toppling from the structure in some unexplained manner, he landed with terrific force on his head and shoulders.  Co-workers rushed the unconscious man to the office of Dr. R.W. Ford, who administered preliminary treatment and ordered his removal to the Fox Memorial Hospital.  He failed to regain conscious ness from the time of admittance to the hospital.  Relatives of the man arrived at the hospital late Saturday night.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

Nancy Etta Olmstead, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Olmstead, of Tacoma, died suddenly Sunday of pneumonia.  The funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon at the home, following which burial was made in the cemetery at Trout Creek [Delaware Co., NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 26, 1933]

Mrs. J.L. Hubbard, of Schenevus, N.Y., died at Washington, D.C., a week ago Sunday.  Her husband, who was a former resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co.,  NY] and in the butcher business here, played on the old original Bainbridge "Athletics" baseball team, every member of which had to be capable of turning a handspring when coming off the field after the game.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 26, 1933]

Amey C. Price died at her home in Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY] on Monday, January 23, after an illness of several weeks.  Mrs. Price was the daughter of E. Burch and Polly Bowers Burch, and was born in the town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on November 28, 1860, where she has always resided.  Her husband, Pharos B. Price, died on January 14th--just ten days previous to her demise.  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at the Colwell Funeral Chapel, Rev. Edwin Holden, pastor of the Congregational Church, Sidney, officiating.  Burial was in the family plot at Bennettsville.  Mrs. Price is survived by a daughter, Mrs. George Winnie, of Sidney; a granddaughter, Mrs. Clyde Huyck, also of Sidney, and one sister.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 26, 1933]

A telegram announcing the death of Mrs. Grace D. Hastings, which occurred Tuesday morning, January 24th, near Los Angeles, Cal., was received by Frank B. Payne, a brother of the deceased.  She has been an invalid for several years, but only during the past week had her death been expected.  She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. J.G. Corbin and Mrs. Alice Albrecht, and another brother, Butler B. Payne, of Afton; a son, Dr. Ray Hastings; one daughter, Mrs. Leona Blank, of Berkley, Cal.; and a grandson, Ross Ray Hasting, a son of Dr. Hastings, who like his father is a musician of note, and several cousins living in Bainbridge.  Mrs. Hastings, whose husband, Frank E. Hastings, died about eight years ago, was born in this village, December 22, 1871, a daughter of Elmer B. and Theodora Bartlett Payne.  She was intensely religious, a devoted mother to her children, who were always sent to school with a prayer for their safety, and inspiring them to do right.  In her case it can be truthfully said "she looked for a city that hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God."  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 26, 1933]

Died, in Guilford Centre [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 4th, Mr. Charles Godfrey, aged 60 years.  As the deceased was born, lived and died in this town, perhaps a short sketch of his life would not be out of place at this time.  Mr. Godfrey was born in the year 1807, on the farm adjoining the one on which he lived and died, and at a period when they had not the advantages of the present time.  He spent his early boyhood in toiling for his father to gain a subsistence from what was then an almost unbroken wilderness, instead of spending it in the college hall, as is the privilege of the present generation.  He united with the congregational Church in this village in the year 1831 or 32; he was a kind companion, an affectionate father and a good citizen, but now the cares and burdens of life are over, the labors, anxieties and tumults of the age are past, and he sleeps peacefully in the little Church yard near the lonely cottage whose cheerfulness he once enjoyed.  We cannot wish him back on earth again, "although the sorrowing heart oft sighs for the happy hours agone," for we trust he has gone to take possession of a better home in heaven.  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 12, 1976]

Edson Harris, formerly of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], and well known in this vicinity, but latterly of Lacrosse, Wis., and a member of the 1st Wisconsin Battery, died in camp before Vicksburg, in February last of measles.  His Captain in communicating his death to his mother says:  "His death to us is a severe stroke, as he had all the qualities of a good soldier and none better than Edson Harris.  His memory is indelibly written on our hearts and though the changing scenes of the tended field might cause us to forget many things of great interest, yet the name of Edson Harris will long be remembered when this command is disbanded and many a battlefield forgotten.  He was buried with the honors of war, covered with the same flag whose folds he had marched under, both in the field of battle and at his late home, Lacrosse.  He was engaged in both battles, 'Chickasaw Bayou' and 'Arkansas Post' and although under a most galling fire seemed to fear no danger.  His grave is opposite the mouth of Yazoo River, about one-fourth mile west of the west bank of the Mississippi River.  The spot is marked with a neat epitaph upon the head board of his last resting place, and will not be obliterated for many years."  [Chenango Telegraph, March 18, 1863]

 



Miscellaneous, Sidney Magneto Plant 1936

New Addition to Sidney Magneto Plant

1936

 

 

 

Machinery will be moved into the addition to the Scintilla Magneto Co. plant at Sidney this week, Herman Hanni, general manager, announced today.  The addition, above, will be opened for operation as soon as the machinery is installed.  Magnetos used in the "China Clipper," transpacific flying craft, were manufactured at the Scintilla plant and other magnetos for new "Clipper" planes are being completed, Mr. Hanni also announced.

Miscellaneous, Arethusa sorority, Oneonta State Normal 1936

Cooperative Plan Cuts Their College Expenses

1936

 

Members of Arethusa sorority of the Oneonta State Normal school who have solved the problem of cutting living costs by maintaining their house on a cooperative plan. 

 

Left to Right--

Front Row:  Betty Gorham, Christine Card, Lucille Ranney, Ellen Stewart, Lillian Axtell, Marjorie Kipp, Mary Ferry

 

Second Row:  Grace Dunmore, Ethel LaPlante, Miss Hannah Gaunt (adviser), Jane McCarthy, Martha Borden, Charlotte Phillips

 

Third Row:  Virginia Frisbee, Ruth Hoos, Dorothy Weed, Elizabeth MacGregor, Helen Knop, Elizabeth Aplin, Virginia Brown

 

Top Row:  Margaret Craft, Jeanette Everson, Marion Walter, Virginia Hamilton, Olive Corbin, Dorothy Gordon, Audrey Painter

 



Miscellaneous Items from Scrapbook of Louise M Donahe #2

Miscellaneous Items from Scrapbook of

Louise Marie Donahe

Collected in 1930s and 40s

Part 2

 

George Bain Cummings

 

District Session Draws Rotarians

Headed by president George Bain Cummings, above, of the Binghamton Rotary Club [Broome Co., NY], a delegation of Rotarians will journey to Watertown today to attend the Fifth District Rotary Conference and propose the name of Past District Gov. Edwin R. Weeks for international trustee. It was announced last night.  The group will include Rotarians Truman H. Platt, Ben L. Joggerst, secretary of the Binghamton Rotary Club, William J. Norton and others.

Jean Bresee Grant

 

Miss Jean Bresee Grant, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Grant of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], who was graduated from Skidmore college and Mary McClellan hospital, Saturday.  [Jan. 1939]

Dr. Albert L. Brown

 

Dr. Albert L. Brown, former assemblyman, who was honored last night at a testimonial dinner at Hancock in honor of his appointment as new assistant commissioner of agriculture.  Dr. Brown was presented with a ring bearing a Masonic emblem.  

 

 



Blog Post Listings, February 10-16, 2014

Listing of blog postings for the week of February 10-16, 2014

Marriages

Posted February 14, 2014

Nellie Cox - Merrit Burlison (1894)
Belle Foote - George Burlison
Edgar C. Ward - Celia Corbin (1895)
Lyman Brooks - Mary S. Weller (1863)
Bertha Hall - Fred R. Graves (1896)
Dr. R.D.L. Evans - Mary Moody (1897)
James B Williams - Della Searles (1897)
Charles Pettys - Lida Swart (1897)
E.L. Jewell - Ellen M. Gallup
Florence Boyce - Bert Edgerton (1892)
William M. Brown - Onelia D. Woods (1888)
Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Ireland (30th anniversary, 1897)
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Ireland (48th anniversary, 1897)
Willie A. Davis - Aliph C. Lyon (1888)

Posted February 15, 2014
Elizabeth Sherman - Joseph Condon (1929)
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Loomis (31st anniversary, 1935)

Posted February 16, 2014
Mr. & Mrs. Glen Roberts (1933)
Amasiah Whitney - Martha Eckerson (1876)
Henry B. Van Deusen - Hattie J. Gridley (1876)


 

Obituaries

Posted February 10, 2014

Daniel L. Wells (Pharsalia, 1863) - Civil War soldier

Henry E. Arnold (McDonough, 1863)

Lucy M. Peek (Nineveh, Philadelphia)

Leroy Cumber (Coventry)

John Clark Jr. (Guilford, Utica, 1929)

Frances Rowe (Oxford, 1929)

Posted February 11, 2014
Frank Merrill (Norwich, 1863)
Sylvester Gomes (Oxford, 1863)
Stephen A. Scott (1863, Civil War soldier)
Son of D.R. Eells (Georgetown)
John Ogden
Mrs. John Ogden (Oxford, 1897)
Ellen M. (Ogden) Brooks (Oxford, 1897)
Maud Nichols (North Afton, 1897)
Myra Jay LaGrange (Bainbridge, 1929)
Fred Hornshu (Bainbridge, Indianapolis, Ind. 1929)

Posted February 12, 2014
Rev. William Burnside (Sidney, 1898)
Rev. William Bixby (Bainbridge, Oneonta)
Stanley H. Sprague (Livingston Manor, Bainbridge, 1929)
Mary Louise Banks (Bainbridge, Chicago, Delafield WI, 1929)
Charles Skinner Bradford (Sidney Plains, 1876)

Posted February 13, 2014
Rev. O.L. Buck (Vestal, 1929)
Harriet T. Banner (Bainbridge, 1929)
Harriet Benjamin Kirkland (West Bainbridge, 1929)
Ira A. Davis (1863, Civil War Soldier)
Russell Ford (Mt. Upton, 1863)

Posted February 14, 2014
John S. Hicks (1863, Civil War Soldier)
Myron M. Holmes (Oxford, 1893)
Emma Seacord (Unadilla, Bainbridge, 1897)
Mrs. Stone-Anderson (East Oxford)
Frances A. Shapley (Oxford, 1897)
Arland HIne (Bainbridge, 1929)
Mrs. H.J. VanderLinden (Norwich, Brooklyn, 1929)

Posted February 15, 2014
Charles McDonald (Richmondville, North Afton, 1929)
Frank A. Lyon (Oneonta, Afton, West Bainbridge, 1935)
Ira A. Yale (Yaleville, Windsor, MO, 1935)
Calvin J. Lyon (West Bainbridge, 1935)
Gideon Evans (1864 - Civil War Soldier)
Josephine B. Monfort (1876)

Posted February 16, 2014
Charles R. Hamilton (Guilford, 1933)
Libby Fosbury Hamilton (Guilford, 1933)
William Morgan (Carbondale, PA, 1933)
Elizabeth Burgess (Bainbridge, 1933)
Charlotte Gossweiler (Bainbridge, 1933)
Pharos B. Price (Bennettsville, 1933)
Samuel Baldwin (Masonville, Cleveland OH, 1876)
Ellen Jane Burlison (Norwich, 1863)
 

Miscellaneous

Posted February 10, 2014

Legends of Our Valley - Part 5, White Store, Chenango Union, April 3, 1884

Posted February 11, 2014

Bainbridge High School Class of 1933 - Part 2

Posted February 12, 2014

Miscellaneous Local Items from Bainbridge and Guilford, Chenango Telegraph,  June 15, 1864

Posted February 13, 2014

Church Rededication - January 21, 1897, Congregational Church, Guilford Center, Chenango County, NY.

Posted February 14, 2014

More birth notices from the 1890s.

 

Posted February 15, 2015

Serious Structural Deterioration Threatened Collapse of 1st Presbyterian Church Tower, Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY - about 1930

 

Posted February 16, 2014

Road Building, A New Short Cut Near Sidney, 1938 (Photo)

Thumbing Backward the Pages of Time, Glimpse of Sidney (Delaware Co., NY) Back in Year 1874

(Published 1939)

Miscellaneous items collected in the 1930s from scrapbook of Louise Marie Donahe

Obituaries (February 16)

Charles R. Hamilton, of Guilford [Chenango Co.,  NY], passed away late Saturday night, January 7, at his home here.  Death came to him in the old homestead where he was born Sept. 14, 1867.  Surviving are an only brother, Walter C. Hamilton, the two residing on the farm together.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the Colwell Funeral Chapel, in Bainbridge.  Burial in Sunset  Hill cemetery, Guilford.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

Again death entered the Hamilton homestead, Friday night.  Libby Fosbury Hamilton, wife of Walter Hamilton, passed away, after several days' illness of pneumonia.  Mrs. Hamilton was the daughter of Frank and Emma Cole and was born in Union Valley 55 years ago.  Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Ransome Herrick, of Bainbridge, and her husband.  Our most sincere sympathy is extended to Mr. Hamilton in this double bereavement, the brother's death followed so closely by his wife's. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 17, from Colwell Undertaking Parlors, in Bainbridge. [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

William Morgan, who has been very ill at the home of his daughter in Binghamton, was brought to the home of his son, George Morgan, in this place, Saturday.  Monday morning while dressing he was taken with a heart attack and died before medical assistance could be secured.  The funeral, which was private, was held at the home of his daughter in Binghamton, Wednesday, with burial in Carbondale, Pa.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

The death of Miss Elizabeth Burgess on January 2nd, in Asheville, N.C., brought to a close the long career of one of the best known residents of this section.  She was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on October 27, 1849, where much of her early life was spent, though she later moved to Unadilla.  It was while living there that the tragedy of her life occurred.  Her engagement to Richard E. Sherwood, then of Marshalltown, Ia., was terminated by the untimely death of Mr. Sherwood through drowning in the Iowa River in 1882, just before the marriage was to take place.  Failing eyesight, as well as the infirmities of old age, would have made her last years a bit dreary were it not for the radio, which was a constant source of comfort to her.  The last four years have been spent in the home of a sister of Mr. Sherwood, in Asheville, from which place she was brought Sunday by Miss Sherwood to the funeral parlors of E.J. Taber, in Afton, to await burial services in Bainbridge on Monday.  While soft strains of music came from the organ in beautiful St. Peter's Church, which she loved so well, devoted friends who had come from nearby towns looked on the calm face of their one-time friend.  The burial service, always sympathetic, took on an added tenderness when the Rev. Bradford H. Tite seemed to be addressing every word to the one who could hear only in spirit. Then through the falling snow friends stood to see her laid to rest, the last of her family, in the lovely churchyard of St. Peter's.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

Mrs. Charlotte Gossweiler, wife of Charles Gossweiler, died at the Bainbridge Hospital Friday evening, where she had been since last Monday for observation.  She was born in New York city on July 3, 1876, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Milick.  She had been in poor health for some time.  The funeral was held Monday morning at 10 o'clock at her late home, 19 Bixby street, Rev. Clarence Carman, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating.  The body was taken to Seward, N.Y., for burial.  Mrs. Gossweiler is survived by her husband, Charles Gossweiler, two sisters and one daughter.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

Pharos B. Price died Saturday morning at his home in Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], having been in poor health for the past 14 years.  He was the son of Matthew and Ellen Burch Price, and was born on May 14, 1856, on the farm where he spent his entire life.  He was the youngest of a family of ten children, all of whom are now dead.  The funeral was held Monday at the Colwell Funeral Chapel, and the service was conducted by Rev. Edwin Holden, pastor of the Congregational Church in Sidney.  Burial was made in the family plot at Bennettsville.  Mr. Price is survived by his wife; a daughter, Mrs. George Winnie, of Sidney; a granddaughter, Mrs. Clyde Huyck, also of Sidney, and several nieces.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

BALDWIN:  In Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 27th, 1876, Mr. Samuel Baldwin, of apoplexy, aged 82 years.  Mr. Baldwin was formerly a resident of Masonville, N.Y. [Delaware Co.], and well acquainted with the older inhabitants of that town, he having joined the Presbyterian Church there 50 years ago.  Mr. B. was one of the few who formed the 1st Presbyterian Church of East Cleveland, now city of Cleveland, and an active member.  Mr. B. was a man well liked and respected, and held a number of offices of trust, which duties he filled both honorably and faithfully.  Mrs. Baldwin, who is surviving him, is 81 years old.  [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 12, 1876]

 

Fatal Accident:  On Monday evening an accident occurred in the home of a man named Horace R. Burlison, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], that caused the death of his daughter Ellen Jane, aged about eight years.  The facts are as follows:  The family were gathered around a table watching one of their number pour a quantity of Kerosene Oil from one vessel into another.  The little girl was holding a small hand lamp for the purpose of lighting the work.  Suddenly the gas from the Kerosene took fire from the small lamp, and four of the persons standing around the table were enveloped in flames--the fire being communicated at once to the oil. The little girl was terribly burned about the head and shoulders.  On taking fire she ran out of doors and it was several minutes before she could be caught and her clothes stripped off.  She presented an agonizing sight.  It was found that the fire had spread over nearly the whole of her body, and the flesh dropped from her arms if she was stirred.  The little sufferer lingered until about eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, when death relieved her from pain.  The three other persons burned will recover.  Susan Burlison was badly burned about the head, her face being a complete bristle.  Mrs. Martha Cobb had one hand burned.  Mrs. Burlison, both hands badly burned.  The accident was one that might happen in any household, and should be a warning to all to use care in handling Kerosene oil.  [Chenango Telegraph, ay 27, 1863]

 

 

 

 

Marriages (February 16)

Mrs. Glen Roberts was the guest of honor at a shower held in honor of her marriage to Glen Roberts on Christmas Day.  This delightful affair was held Saturday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Totman.  Delicious refreshments were served; and cards and games played. the guests were the members of Guilford Central School faculty, also Mrs. Ethel Hutchinson, Mrs. A.H. Spring, Misses Dorothy and Phyllis Evans and Mrs. Galen Harrison.  Mrs. Roberts was presented with a beautiful occasional table as a gift from her friends.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Jan. 19, 1933]

 

WHITNEY-ECKERSON:  At Schenevus, nNY. Feb. 9th, 1876, by Rev. N.S. Reynolds, Amasiah Whitney, of Sidney Plains [Delaware Co.,  NY], to Miss Martha Eckerson, of Charlottsville, N.Y. [Schoharie County] [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 12, 1876]

VAN DEUSEN - GRIDLEY:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Sidney Plains, Feb. 2d, 1876, by Rev. N.S. Reynolds, Henry B. Van Deusen to Miss Hattie J. Gridley, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] [Bainbridge Republican, Feb. 12, 1876]

Miscellaneous Items from 1930s

Items from Scrapbook of Louise  Marie Donahe

Collected in 1930s and 40s

 

 

Sidney [Delaware Co., NY]:  Miss Betty Kent, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Kent, went to Ithaca Sunday where she has entered Ithaca college of Music.  Miss Kent graduated from Sidney high school in June, where she played the saxophone in the school orchestra.  She also played piano for the orchestra.  [1941]

 

The Lombardy Poplars

Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY

 

County Students Win Five Scholarships

Dorothy Teachout Highest Average; Vernon Palmer

Fifth Among the Winners

1939

 

The state education department today made public the name of 750 June high school graduates who have won university scholarships.  Each year there are awarded to the pupils of each county five times as many scholarships as there are assembly districts in the county.  In the event any one of the winners should decline the scholarships it is immediately offered to the next eligible candidate on the county list.  Holder of one of these scholarships will be entitled to one hundred dollars a year for the four years of his college course while attending any college approved by the regents for the purpose.  Winners for Chenango County are:  Dorothy J. Teachout, 94, of this village leading with the highest average in the county; Ruth J. Hagen, 93.62, second, of Cincinnatus; Frank K. Faulkner, 92.52, third, of Afton, R.D. 2; Grace Drachler, 92.09, fourth, of Greene; and Vernon R. Palmer, 91.71 fifth, also of this village, R.D.3.



Miscellaneous, Sidney in the Year 1874

Thumbing Backward the Pages of Time

Glimpse of Sidney (Delaware Co., NY) Back in Year 1874

(Published 1939)

 

Captioned "Sidney Plains" written by a Binghamton Times correspondent, the following article appeared in the Midland Times issue of Saturday, August 29, 1874, edited by J.H. Graves, and published in Sidney at that time.  The write-up will have special appeal to our elder residents who will recall vividly the points mentioned.

 

Time proves that Mr. Graves and the Midland Times met with reverses, for, with the arrival in Sidney Plains of the late Arthur Bird, then publishing The Record in Jeffersonville, Sullivan county, this village [Sidney], did not boast a paper.  It was in December, 1882, that The Record of the present day kicked its baby heels into the air.

 

It is quite evident the author of the article met a home-town booster when he placed the population at 800, this, way back in 1874.  In 1882, we can vouch, Sidney Plains' population was about 400, if that.

 

Here is what the Binghamton correspondent had to say about Sidney Plains of that day:

 

"Sidney is thirty-nine miles from Binghamton, on the south side of the Susquehanna, and at the intersection of the Midland Railway with the A.&S., and opposite the mouth of the Unadilla river which empties into the Susquehanna from the opposite side, and is the smartest little town along the Albany Railway.  The latter may sound like a pretty broad assertion, but I think I will verify it before I get through.  When I say the population and business of the place have more than doubled in four years., I but repeat what was told me by old and well informed residents.  What other town along the road can say as much?  The present population is about 800.  Of the business establishments, there are two dry good stores, a retail grocery, a wholesale and a retail grocery, hardware store, two drug stores, three hotels, a music store, a millinery store and a millinery shop, wagon shop, two furniture stores, a tailor shop, post office, two blacksmith shops, two meat markets, a steam feed and saw mill, a private banking house, two shoe shops, a jewelry store, two restaurants, two barbershops, a photographer, three lawyers, two physicians, a large and fine public hall, and American Express office and a National Express office. 

 

"The office of the racy little Midland Times is located here, and I had a very pleasant and profitable chat with its genial editor, Mr. J.H. Graves.   Mr. Graves has been a resident of Sidney for twenty-two years, and his description of the rapid rise of the town interested me very much.  Pointing to a location near his office, which he could have purchased five years ago for a certain sum, he stated that its present value is several hundred per cent in advance of its worth at that time, and this is a sample of the whole town.  The passage of two important railways through the village has brought this gratifying change.  In his opinion the future of Sidney is filled with splendid possibilities.  And why not.  With that magnificent plain, two miles long by half a mile to a mile in width, and level as a prairie, there is abundant room for an important city.  Situated in the fertile valley of the Susquehanna, and at the terminus of the Unadilla valley, with two railways passing through its borders, would not a liberal use of capital soon raise it to a town of importance and influence in the State.

 

"A district school with upwards of one hundred scholars, takes the place of and is equivalent to, a union school.  Professor Fields teaches the school for a salary of $1,000 per year--pretty good salary for a district school teacher.  The three hotels of the place are the Delaware House, Messrs. Grimwood & Mumford proprietors; the Bartlett House, J.E. Lonergan, proprietor, and the Central House, which is kept by George Bishop, all of which afford excellent accommodations to the traveling public.  The first named is the largest and appears to be the best patronized.  It has sleeping accommodations for 80 guests.  From the roof of this hotel to which I ascended in company with one of the proprietors and the editor of the Times, a complete bird's eye view is obtained of the town and broad plain surrounded with the ranges of hills encircling all.  From here, also, I could look onto Otsego county just across the river and east to the mouth of the Unadilla, and into Chenango county, the other side of the Unadilla, while I was standing in Delaware county.  There is considerable talk of cutting a circle out of the corners of these three converging counties and make a new country out of it.

 

"There are two churches in Sidney, a Methodist and a Congregationalist.  A Baptist society has also been formed which holds meetings once in two weeks in the Methodist church.  There is also a newly organized Episcopal society which hold meetings every two weeks in the Congregational church, and which is in a flourishing condition.

 

"The D.&H. Coal Company ship a great deal of coal from this station by the Midland to the western part of the State.

 

"One hundred car loads per day are changed here from the A.&S. road to the Midland.

 

"About a mile up the river, in the town of Unadilla, on the opposite side is a large paper and plaining mill, run by water power.  It is owned and operated by Palmer, Humphrey & Co. a wealthy and enterprising firm and they are doing a large and constantly increasing business.  They employ about twenty hands.

 

"Before leaving I had the pleasure of examining, at the Delaware House, a beautiful Chinese Pagoda procured from China by Mr. Grimwood, one of the proprietors of that hotel, when on a visit to that country, at an expense of $100 in gold.  It is twenty-six inches high, of rarest workmanship, and all carved from solid ivory.  He has also a large string of tiger's teeth, procured from the Indians in Central America."

 



Miscellaneous, New Sidney Road 1938

A New Short Cut Near Sidney

1938

 

New cutoff on the Binghamton-Albany highway near Sidney which eliminates three sharp curves and does away with one of the danger points on this route.