Soldier News continued - 1945

Pvt. Ben Cornell Receives Unit Citation

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 29, 1945

 

 

Pvt. Ben I. Cornell, Jr.

 

The 32nd Infantry Division of which Pvt. Benjamin I. Cornell, Jr., is a member has been awarded the following Citation for an outstanding accomplishment in Leyte:

 



"Today the "Red Arrow" Division successively completed its primary mission of forcing a passage south through the mountains from Penamopoan to the Armoe Valley.  After 36 days of the bitterest hand-to-hand fighting yet experienced in this war. the Division has annihilated the 1st Imperial Jap Division (reinforced), and by this determined action has shortened the completion of the Leyte Campaign.

 

"Every officer and every enlisted man in the Division as well as those attached played a vitally important part in t he Division's success.

 

"I wish to compliment each individual and to express my personal appreciation for the splendid work accomplished by them in this campaign.  Without this coordinated effort by each individual the Division could not have been successful.

 

"I extend the Season's Greetings to each of you, and in so doing, express my confidence in your continued success.  May God watch over you and help you through the strenuous days ahead."

 

Signed W.H. Gill, Maj. General U.S. Army Commanding.

 

Private Cornell, formerly of Bainbridge, is now stationed on Luzon according to a letter from his mother, Mrs. Ben Cornell, of Anderson, Mo.  He wrote in a recent letter to his parents that the boys were enjoying fresh vegetable, such as, sweet corn, green onions, egg plant, and sugar cane syrup.  He also told how he and three other men from his group had been invited to a supper given by a young Filipino couple at which roasted chicken was served.  The chicken was cooked on a stick held over hot coals.

 

Sgt. William Sutliff & Cpl. Morris Winchell Members of 344 Engineers

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 12, 1945

 

6th Army Group, France--Construction of the two longest Army-built railroad bridges in France, clearance of a 1-1/2 mile blown-up tunnel, rebuilding miles of demolished engineering feats of the 344th Engineer Regiment is keeping pace with U.S. Seventh Army troops in General Jacob L. Devers' 6th Army Group.

 

Opening supply lines in a matter of hours after an area is captured, some of these combat engineers have fought in the line as infantrymen and others have stopped work to fight off enemy fire.  Their rehabilitation of miles of railroad and their construction of 460-foot and 450-foot railroad bridges across the Doubs and Moselle Rivers, respectively, were cited as "the finest type of military engineering," by Lt. Gen. Alexander M. Patch, Seventh Army commander.

 

This regiment encountered one of the most complete German demolition jobs of the war.  The Germans had blown a large hole in the bottom of a canal that crossed over a railroad tunnel,  To clear the tunnel, they worked 24 days around the clock, removing 32,000 cubic yards of dirt, rock and debris and over a million cubic feet of water.  Completing the job they installed 400 feet of double track. 

 

"I have the finest officers and men I've seen anywhere," said Col. Ralph H. Cameron, of San Antonio, Texas, regimental commander.  "No matter what the job--clearing mines, building bridges under fire, fighting as infantry--they go ahead and get the job done in the best manner possible."  He paid particular praise in this medical detachment and cited one medic who received the Silver Star for braving enemy fire to rescue wounded engineers.

 

Veterans of 32 months overseas, these men have done construction work in England, Algeria, Italy and France.  They have built 35 highways and railroad bridges and maintained approximately 2,000 miles of road in this country.

 

Members of the regiment include:  Sgt. William D. Sutliff, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]; and Cpl. Morris L. Winchell, of R.D., Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Robert Rosenstein Home from Pacific Area

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 12, 1945

 

Robert Rosenstein, Y 1/C, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Rosenstein, is spending a 30-day leave at his home after an absence of 37 months, 33 of which were spent in the Pacific Theatre.  Petty Officer Rosenstein wears three ribbons, Asiatic-Pacific, with three battle stars, American Theatre, and American Defense.  Robert has two brothers in the service, Warrant Officer A.J. Rosenstein, of Camp Barkeley, Tex., and Sgt. Paul Rosenstein, of Blytheville, Ark.

 

Sgt. Leo Terry on Furlough from Pacific

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 12, 1945

 

Sgt. Leo Terry, of the U.S. Marines, is spending a 30-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Terry, after returning to the States from the Pacific Theatre where he had spent 18 months in the combat zone.  Sergeant Terry wears three ribbons, Philippine, Asiatic-Pacific, and American, with three campaign stars; also a unit Presidential Citation.

 

17-Year-Olds Accepted in U.S. Navy

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 12, 1945

 

Three 17-year-olds from Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] were accepted in the Navy last Friday in Albany.  They are Ronald W. Drachler, Ernest A. Fenner and Richard W. Carman, who will leave for active duty in about a month.

Bernard Ayers Dies of Wounds

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 12, 1945

Mrs. M.M. Hibbard received word Apr. 6 that her grandson, Pvt. Bernard L. Ayers, died of wounds while fighting in Germany.  Private Ayers was wounded Mar. 20 and died Mar. 22.  He is survived by a wife and six children, living in Susquehanna, Pa.  At one time Private Ayers made his home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] with his grandmother. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Miscellaneous

Baggageman H.H. Purdy on the Lyon Brook Bridge

Chenango Union, July 5, 1906

 

The death of Mr. H.H. Purdy, which was announced last week, has recalled many interesting anecdotes of his career on the Ontario and Western and men who knew him years ago when he was running as trainman, baggageman and later as conductor, are fond of telling of his escapades.

 

It was when Lyon Brook bridge was still a curiosity in this section of the country and excursion trains carried thousands of people to view the structure, that Mr. Purdy was baggage master on the O.&W.  On one occasion he was acting as baggage master on an excursion train to Lyon Brook bridge.  While the train was standing on the bridge Mr. Purdy thrilled the sight-seers by running the width of the baggage car, catching the iron rod on which the door slides and swinging out into space.  He repeated this operation several times, the crowd which watched him with gaping mouths increasing all the while.  Finally there came another run across the car, and a jump for the iron rod.  Apparently he missed his hold.  Anyhow the horrified crowd saw a blue overalled body shoot through space and then go tumbling down the rocks to the bottom fo the gorge.  Men screamed, women fainted and the braver hearted hurried to the bottom to rescue the mangled remains of the baggage master.  What they really found was the baggage master's cast off overalls stuffed with straw.

 

Superintendent Day was on the train and discharged Mr. Purdy on the spot.  He was too good a man to got along without, however, and after a short time he was back on the road which he served faithfully for many years thereafter.

 

Wind Storm Causes Damage

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 8, 1945

 

Guilford, as well as the entire towns adjoining, was visited by a real wind storm, which started late Saturday afternoon and continued unabated with increasing velocity until early Sunday morning.  It was a freak storm, in that when it started the sun was shining brightly.  It was proceeded by a heavy downpour of rain.  The only real damage ascertained so far occurred on Merchant street. One of the large pine trees in front of the Fred Dimorier residence was uprooted and fell directly across the highway, taking with it the electric light and telephone pole.  Fire works began immediately as the street lights began to arc.  No street lights came on during the evening.  Highway Commissioner Earl Gridley immediately blocked off the road and placed flares at both ends, thus eliminating the hazard of anyone coming in contact with the live wires, which continued to burn throughout the night.  All telephones above the Dimorier residence, two direct lines and a party line were out of order.  Everything Sunday morning was at a stand still waiting repair men from the New York State electric & Gas Corp. and C.&U. Telephone Corp. to clear the trouble, so the town gang could remove the tree.  Mr. and Mrs. Dimorier have been spending the winter at Saugerties and have not as yet arrived home.  Another tree, this side of the one uprooted withstood the storm.  It also tore the wires from the house. 

Lowell Harrison Freed from Japanese Camp

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 29, 1945

 

Mr. and Mrs. C.I. Harrison, of eight Bixby street, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], are very happy parents as a result of news received from their son, Lowell Harrison, telling that he, his wife, Martha, and 3-year-old son, Charles, were liberated from a prison near Manila by the American Troops.

 

Lowell Harrison had lived in the Philippines for 16 years in the employ of the International Harvester Co.  In January 1941, he married a United States Army nurse and he and his wife were first interned at Bagulo, in December 1941.  Their son, Charles was born in the internment camp March 23, 1942.  In June, 1943, the child contracted infantile paralysis and the child and mother were removed to a hospital.  In December, 1944, the three were removed to the prison at Bilibid, near Manila, and they were released from there by the Americans Feb. 5. 

 

Mrs. C.I. Harrisonalso has a brother in the Philippines, Lawrence Cooper, 63, who has been there ever since the United States took over the islands.  He married a Filipino girl and they have five children.  Mr. Cooper was interned at Santo Tomas when the Japanese first took over the island but was later released because of poor health.  He was interned again in 1942 and when he was freed by the Americans he was seriously ill.  Four of his children have attended colleges in this country and two of them are now in military service. 

 

In a letter dated Feb. 10, 1945, Lowell writes to his family here:  "Just one week ago tonight we heard the American tanks roll down the street and knew our people were here.  The battle goes on and the noise is rather hard on people's nerves, but we know they are our own guns and that our men are all around us.  What a relief after three years watching the Japanese guards and wondering what they might do next.

 

"The soldiers say they are very tired of canned food, but to us it is wonderful.  What I appreciate most is milk.  Martha says that sugar is what she most appreciates.  I guess 'Chuckie' likes the candy best--first he's ever had; we have to watch him every minute or the soldiers stuff him with it.  For the past year we've lived on rice--the worst kind at that--cracked corn (full of weevils), sweet potatoes, and sweet potato tops for greens.  Not enough of even that.

 

"We moved here (Bilibid) from Bagulo Dec. 28.  Can see St. Tomas Camp, but communication is difficult so have not been able to contact Uncle Lawrence (Lawrence Cooper).  That attack of polio in June 1943 has left Charles with apparently slight damage to his legs, but we are most anxious to get him home and checked by experts."

 

On Feb. 17 he writes:  "Yesterday I got a pass to go over to St. Tomas Camp to see Uncle Lawrence.  He is well, but very weak from lack of food.  He expects to go home soon.  We hope to get out of here by the first or not later than the middle of March--should be home not later than May.  Don't know what my status will be with the company, but I'm not much worried about getting a job with all te shortage of manpower.

 

"Life here in Bilibid is far from comfortable, but with our own army around us we have a sense of security and well being that we have not enjoyed for three years.  We are eager to see you all and to walk again on American soil." 

 

A friend of the Harrison family who was interned with his wife and child at Santa Tomas, Manila, writes on Feb. 15:  "We are slowly being starved to death by the Japs.  I was down to 120 lbs. from 212 at the start of the war and Irene (wife) from 165 to 110.  The last year has been a nightmare for all of us.  The first few months after the surrender were the worst as far as death rate was concerned, due partly to starvation diet by the Japs only the hardiest pulled through those first few months.  The death rate was terrific until Jan. 1943, then the Japs increased the rations and improved them until the start of 1944, when they started gradually cutting down until it became just slow starvation. The worst was the last six months when the food was so drastically cut that only a bare existence was possible--and for many impossible--the death rate started going up by leaps and bounds.  the last three months only about half of us were still able to get up to get our own chow.  Only a handful of rice (made into a rice soup twice a day) and a little weed soup.  I managed to stay in better shape than most because I stayed active and didn't stay down when the going was tough, and grew a few vegetables in a private garden.  Those that gave up and stayed down on their bunks gradually weakened until they would get some sort of illness. 

 

"I was never able to see Irene the whole time. I saw Teddy once from a distance (his child) although I was for a long time confined within five blocks of them. Although I remained as a civilian (by request of the Army, to facilitate the work I was doing), I was classed by the Japs the same as Army since I was captured with the armed forces, and was treated in the same way as a private in the Army.

 

"I was fortunate not to have been shipped to Japan as nearly all war prisoners were.  I have suffered from dysentery periodically since internment and sustained a slight permanent disability of one hand which kept me from being shipped out--thank God--for many of those that were sent on to Formosa, Japan, Manchukuo have died and the last 1600 that left Manila Dec. 13, 1944 we fear are still lost as the convoy of ships they were on were sunk by American bombers.

 

"Fighting in Manila is still heavy.  the Nips are fighting to the last man and systematically destroying the whole city and killing the civilian population as they are forced to retreat.  The slaughter is terrific-unbelievable-barbarian!  They herd the people by the thousands into the big buildings, churches, schools, hospitals, etc., and then dynamite the buildings.  Most of Manila is just a shamble-leveled to the ground, pure wanton destruction!

 

"We are all gaining weight and strength rapidly--I've gained 15 lbs, already and Irene and Teddy have gained in proportion.  The Army and Red Cross are providing everything for our comfort.  The food is wonderful--to us at least--all the things we have been dreaming of for the last three years!"

BCHS Class of 1939 - Part 1

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1939

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1939

 

 

Lucille Babcock

"Cille"

"You're carefree, Lucille, and yet so true.

We know you'll succeed  - good luck to you!"

 

Ruth Bacon

"Rut"

"We're glad that you could graduate

with us Ruth, as our schoolmate"

Class Secretary

 

Maggie Caracciolo

"Mag"

"Although you are a quiet lass,

In your studies, you'll surely pass."

 

Bernice Cook

"Cookie"

"Your one ambition, Bernie, is art.

You'll go a long way - you do your part."

 

Alta De Forest

"You're going through life with never a mar,

With your faithful stand-by, your Hawaiian guitar."

 

Edwin De Long

"Ed"

"You're clever, Ed - yes, handsome, too,

Perhaps Hollywood would consider you."



Obituaries (August 13)

Missing since Dec. 20, 1944, Joseph Augustus Baumann, 53, of Jefferson [Schoharie Co., NY], who had been the object of a widespread search which extended as far as Chicago, was found drowned Thursday in a well in the rear of his home on the Jefferson-North Harpersfield road by his wife.  According to District Attorney James L. Gage, Dr. Leroy Becker gave a verdict of death by drowning.  According to State Police who investigated his disappearance, Mr. Baumann came to Jefferson about 12 years ago and operated the Golden Age Farm a boarding house.  Last December his wife, Mrs. Anna Bauman,, told police official that her husband had become worried over income tax matters and disappeared shortly afterward.  She told police that on another occasion her husband had told her that if he ever left home, he would meet her on a Saturday night in Chicago at the City Hall.  After a search by State Police and the Missing Persons Bureau in Chicago, Mrs. Baumann went there last month where she made a search for her husband.  Mrs. Baumann told State Police that Thursday the well in the backyard became clogged and in seeking to determine the cause of the trouble, she found the body of her husband in six feet of water.  She said that on two different occasions, her husband had threatened to take his life.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 8, 1945]

 

The funeral of William Caswell, who died Monday at 12:45 a.m. at his home, 58 West Main street, was in the Carr & Landers Funeral Parlors at 2 p.m. Wednesday.  The Rev. Robert H. Moore, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, officiated, assisted by the Rev. W.T. Dubrick, pastor of the Methodist Church.  Burial was in Prospect Hill Cemetery [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY].  Mr. Caswell was born in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] March 21, 1870, but moved to Afton [Chenango Co., NY] before he was a year old.  He resided there until 49 years ago when he came to Sidney.  He was the son of Henry and Ellen (Brooks) Caswell and married Miss Annis Dickinson on Sept. 27, 1890.  They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary four years ago.  Until Feb. 25 when he was taken ill, he was a guard in the Scintilla Magneto Division and his fellow guards will act as bearers at his funeral.  He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Harold Keeler, Mrs. Edward Hulse and Mrs. Harriett Gorham, all of Sidney; three sons, Ralph Caswell, Charles Caswell, of Sidney, and A/S Lawrence Caswell on the escort carrier Kasaan in the Pacific; a sister, Mrs. A.B. Carruth, and a brother, Albert Caswell, of Middletown; 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.  A number of his grandchildren are in service:  Lt. Robert Gorham of the Army Air Corps; Cpl. Richard Hulse of the Army Signal Corps in the Philippine Island; Cpl. Ralph Caswell with the Field Artillery in Germany; Ensign Thomas O'Neil Husband of a granddaughter, on the Pacific coast; and two grandsons who have given their lives in this war, Maj. Douglas Keeler and Lt. Kenneth Keeler.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 8, 1945]

 

Charles Arthur Engel died at his home at Searles Hill [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] Apr. 3, after a prolonged illness.  Born Apr. 5, 1886, at Youngsville [Sullivan Co., NY], he was the son of Joseph and Caroline (Becker) Engel.  Joseph Engel, who was born in Alsace Lorrane, died at his son's home in 1931.  Mr Engel was united in marriage to Florence Parks, of Livingston Manor, in 1907.  They moved to Bainbridge about 22 years ago where Mr. Engel was engaged as a carpenter.  The survivors are his wife; three children, Archie Engel, Mrs. Hazel Annette, and Hanford Engel; one brother, Bernard Engel, of Liberty; three sisters, Mrs. Cora Nash, of San Diego, Calif. Mrs. Elizabeth Henry, of Liberty, Mrs. Joseph Hobart, of Livingston Manor; and six grandchildren.  Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at Colwell's Chapel with the Rev. Norman Lawton officiating.  Bearers were Fred Montgomery, John Neidlinger, Howard Bliss and Clinton Fletcher.  Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 12, 1945]

 

 

Soldier News continued - 1945

Lieut. Donald Patchen Awarded DFC Medal

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 29, 1945

 

 

Lt. Donald J. Patchen

 

First Lieut. Donald J. Patchen, Mustang fighter pilot, who has been a war prisoner in Germany since May 19, 1944, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement and heroism in aerial combat and for the destruction of one enemy plane.  The medal was received here last week by his mother, Mrs. Earle Benedict, who has also received the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, which have been awarded to her son.  The citation follows:

21 February 1945
Dear Mrs. Benedict:

I have the honor to inform you that, by direction of the President, the Distinguished Flying cross has been awarded to your son, First Lieutenant Donald J. Patchen, Air Corps. the citation is as follows:

 

"For extraordinary achievement and heroism in aerial combat and the destruction of one enemy airplane over enemy occupied Continental Europe.  The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Patchen has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers.  His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

 

Since this award cannot be formally presented to your son at tis time, the decoration will be presented to you.  The Distinguished Flying Cross will be forwarded to the Commanding General, Second Service Command, Governor's Island, New York, who will select an officer to make the presentation.  The officer selected will communicate with you concerning your wishes in the matter. 

 

Sincerely yours, Robert H. Dunlop, Brigadier General, Acting the Adjutant General

 

Last week Mr. and Mrs. Benedict received the following letter from their son, 1st Lieut. Patchen, from a German prison camp:

 

Dear Mom and Dad,

First I want to thank you for the cigarettes.  They came Thanksgiving Day, and that was really great.  As yet I haven't received any other parcels but am hoping I will soon.  My mail has been rather scarce, but a letter now and then helps a lot.  I haven't been writing much for there is nothing to tell you.

 

I'm as well as can be expected, hardly happy, but with so much to look forward to, I know, with a little patience, that my reward shall make up for any sacrifices I have had to make.  Please don't worry, for your son is learning fast how to take care of himself.  I have but one thing to ask of you and that is to be waiting here for me when all this trouble has been settled.  I'm afraid this letter is a bit uncommon for me but perhaps that is why I don't write more of them.  Please, both of you, stay as you are, for there are no others like you anywhere.

Love, Don

 

Corporal Richard Prentice Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 22, 1945

 

Mr. and Mrs. George Prentice, of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], have been notified by the War Department that their son, Corporal Richard Prentice, was killed in action in Germany on Feb. 27.  He enlisted in the Army about six years ago and had seen action in North Africa, Italy and France.  His parents, two brothers and four sisters survive.

 

Pfc. Socrates  Nellis is German Prisoner

Bainbridg News & Republican, March 29, 1945

 

Mr. and Mrs. Rexford Silvey, of R.D. 3 Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], received a telegram from the War Department Friday stating that their grandson, Pfc. Socrates Nellis, who had been reported missing in action in Belgium, on Dec. 18, 1944, was a prisoner of war in Germany.  Private First Class Nellis is the fourth Bainbridge boy to be reported as a prisoner in Germany.  Others are S/Sgt, Edward Peckham, aerial Engineer; 1st Lieut. Donald J. Patchen, Mustang pilot; Pfc. Earnest E. Meade, of the Airborne infantry.

 

Doupe Brothers Reunited

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 8, 1945

 

 

Pfc. Edward W. Doupe and his brother, Cpl. Harry M. Doupe, were reunited recently in the Philippines after a separation of more than two and one half years.  They entered the Army in November, 1942, and they never seemed to get back to Binghamton at the same time when they were stationed in the States.  Then they went overseas.  Edward in April, 1943, and Harry the next month.  Edward heard that Harry was stationed on the same island with him in the Philippines; they were serving 20 miles apart.  Edward went looking and finally found his brother.  Edward's wife, is the former Margaret Payne, of Bainbridge, who is living temporarily in Binghamton while she teaches in Vestal.  They have a 19-month-old son, Gary Edward.  Harry's wife resides in Binghamton.

 

Gunnar Wahlberg Promoted to Captain

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 8, 1945

 

First Lieutenant Gunnar Wahlberg, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], of the Army Air Corps, was promoted to Captain last week.  Mrs. Wahlberg, the former Wilburn Holbert, who had been spending the past three weeks with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Holbert, left Sunday evening for Tampa, Fla., where she will join her husband.  Then they will go to Mississippi. 

 

Pvt. Robert J. Callen Wounded

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 8, 1945

 

Pvt. Robert J. Callen, 19, of the U.S. Marine Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Callen, of Afton, has arrived in the states to recuperate from wounds received on Iwo Jima.  He is under treatment in a naval hospital in California for shrapnel wounds of the right arm and back.

 

Pfc. Donald Lockwood Wounded

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 8, 1945

 

Marine Pfc. Donald Lockwood, 21, was wounded by a Jap bullet in action March 10 at Iwo Jima.  In a letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lockwood, of Windsor [Broome Co., NY], Private Lockwood told of the casualty and said he was being evacuated and taken to a hospital.

 

Merton Secor Returns from 5 Years in Service

Bainbridge News & Republican, April 8, 1945

 

Corporal Merton W. Secor is returning from 60 months overseas in the Southwest Pacific theater of operations.  He arrived at Camp Dix March 24, and will have an extended furlough at his home in that village, where he will visit his mother, Mrs. Merton D. Secor.

 

 

 

Marriages (August 13)

Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Foster, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], announce the engagement of their daughter, Edna Eva, to First Lieutenant Louis W. Scanlon, son of John Scanlon, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  Miss Foster is a graduate of Greene High School, Class of '44.  Lieutenant Scanlon is an enlisted man of the 27th Division which has taken part in several invasions in the Pacific Theatre, including Makin, Saipan.  No date has been set for the wedding.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 8, 1945]

 

A pleasant wedding occurred Thursday evening, Mar. 29, in the Methodist Parsonage, when Reva M. Parks, of Endicott [Broome Co., NY], was united in marriage to Fred S. Lyons, of Elmira [Chemung Co., NY], retired business man of that community, the Rev. Harry E. Brooks, officiating.  Walter Benedict and Georgia Benedict, of Sidney, acted as attendants.  The bride was in travelling attire.  Mr. and Mrs. Lyons will reside in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 8, 1945]

Donald A. Gilbert, of Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], formerly of Unadilla, and Miss Jean M. Lilley, of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], were married March 20 at the Methodist parsonage in Unadilla, by the Rev Clayton Hoag.  The newly weds will reside on a farm between Rockdale and Mt. Upton.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 8, 1945]

Saturday evening, Mar. 31, Mrs. Christina Wolfe Haynes and Matt Hogoboom were united in marriage by the Rev. Bump, of Guilford, at his residence.  They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Edwin T. Haynes, of Bainbridge.  The bride wore a soft blue dress with black accessories.  Mrs. Haynes wore orchid with turf tan accessories.  Following the ceremony, a reception and wedding supper was enjoyed at their home in East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  The occasion was also the 22nd wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Haynes.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 8, 1945]

Hogoboom - Haynes:  Saturday evening at 8:30 o'clock, Mar. 31, occurred the marriage of Mrs. Christiana Haynes and Matt Hogoboom, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  The ceremony took place at the home of the Rev. James W. Bump, who was the officiating clergyman.  Witnesses were Arminta A. Haynes and Edwin T. Haynes, of Bainbridge.  The groom is employed at the American Separator Co. in Bainbridge.  They will make their home in East Guilford.  Scores of friends extend congratulations and best wishes.   [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 8, 1945]

Miss Jessie Propst, of Archibald, Pa., was married to Corporal Leonard Wearne, son of Arthur Wearne, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Mar. 22, in the Presbyterian Church at Archibald.  Corporal Wearne, who was released by the Army more than a year ago to work in the Curtis-Wright plant, Paterson, N.J., has been called to report for active duty March 30.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 8, 1945]

Miscellaneous

BCHS Blue & White - Mickey Flyzik

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 1, 1945

This week I should like to tell you of a student to BCHS who is well known and well liked by all those who know him.  This young man was born under the sign of Virgo which means that he has an orderly mind, is a fine scholar, makes a good partner, trustworthy and diligent in all affairs, and that he is thrifty and constructive.  He has always taken an active part in all extra-curricular activities, having played basketball, football, and baseball.  He has also taken part in dramatics, having appeared in several plays, including the senior play, and also participated in Prize Speaking Contests, in which he won several prizes.  He was president of his class during his Sophomore and Junior years.  he is extremely tall, standing 6'4" in his stocking feet and he is the girls' conception of an Ideal Man, tall, dark and handsome.  Of course, you know by this time that I am talking about none other than Michael Flyzik who recently was inducted into the armed services.  So long, Mickey, and good luck from all your former school pals.

Search for Missing Child of Dwight Scott

Bainbridge Republican, February 21, 1873

On Thursday afternoon, the 12th inst., while Mr. and Mrs. Dwight C. Scott of this village were away from home, a girl named Mary Sanders, aged eleven years, enticed their little son, aged seven years, away from home.  They were traced to Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], whither they had traveled on foot, a distance of five miles.  There they took the cars on the midland and got off at Lyon Brook Bridge.  Mr. Scott at once instituted a search, but did not learn any clue to their whereabouts until quite late in the afternoon.  At length tracks were discovered leading up the railroad toward Sidney Plains, and they were distinctly tracked across the railroad bridge about two and a half miles above this village when the lantern was extinguished by a strong gust of wind, and the darkness prevented seeing any more tracks.  Mr. Scott followed the road to the depot at Sidney, and after making several inquiries found they had been seen there and had undoubtedly taken some of the trains which left about dark; but which one it was not known.  A messenger was dispatched for Mr. Harrington, the baggage master, who said they were bound for Lyon Brook Bridge.  The telegraph wires were then called upon to give some tidings of the youthful travelers.  There being only a flag station at Lyon Brook, conductor McCelvey was called upon at Norwich, who informed the father that the children left the train at Lyon Brook Bridge.  Mr. Scott immediately repaired thither, where he found his lost boy.  The girl, who was living with Mr. Scott, was a wild, willful creature, and no doubt threatened the boy with punishment if he refused to follow her that afternoon.  The little fellow is now at the house of his parents, in this village, but the young miss was purposely left at the Bridge. 

Soldier News continued - 1945

Sgt. C. Adrian Bush Killed on Iwo Jima

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 22, 1945

 

 

PLT SGT. C. Adrian Bush

 

The frist Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] boy to lose his life in the Pacific Theatre of war was reported during the battle of Iwo Jima, the toughest conflict of Marine history.  Platoon Sergeant Clarence Adrian Bush, 5th Division, U.S. Marines, was killed in action on the fourth day of this epic battle, Feb. 22, his 21st birthday, according to a telegram received last Thursday afternoon by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Bush, from the War Department.

 

Platoon Sergeant bush enlisted in the Marines Dec. 11, 1942, and took his basic training at Parris Island, S.C. where he was awarded the Red Medal for expert rifleman.  He then was transferred to the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Ill, where he took a mechanics course.  Later he was sent to Quantico, Va.  While there he received instruction in Light Artillery, completing this course as high man of his class after which he was promoted to Corporal.  He was then sent to Camp Pendleton, Calif., where the 5th Marine Division was being formed.  While here he served as Acting Sergeant doing various specialized duties.  Upon completion of this assignment, he sailed for overseas where he was promoted to Sergeant, and later to Platoon Sergeant.  Upon the arrival of the Division at their new base in the Pacific, Adrian received further special training in Motor Transport.  from this undisclosed base, the division went directly to Iwo where they distinguished themselves so gallantly.

 

Adrian was born in Binghamton although his parents were living in Cadosia [Delaware Co., NY] at the time.  They moved to Bainbridge in 1928 where Adrian attended Bainbridge High School, graduating with the class of 1940.  He then attended the Sidney Vocational School for Metal Arts for one year, later becoming assistant instructor which position he held until he joined the service.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 22, 1945]

 

Sgt. Louis Ferguson Awarded Bronze Medal

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 29, 1945

 

Sgt. Louis Ferguson, of the 77th Division in the Philippines, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service on March 6.  He sent the medal, together with his Good Conduct Medal, to his daughter, Roberta Ferguson, South Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY]. Sergeant Ferguson took part in the invasion of Guam, as well as the invasion of Leyte. Sgt. Ralph D. Corbin, Cpl. Truman Backus and Pvt. Jack diamond, husband of Marie Lese Diamond, are also members of the 77th Division. 

 

Lt. David Harvey Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 8, 1945

 

Lt. David Harvey, bombardier, husband of Dorothy Moyer Harvey, of Meadville, Pa., and a former resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], was killed the fore part of last week in a plane crash about a mile from his base.  A military funeral was held at Tonawanda last week Wednesday.  Just two weeks before the fatal crash, his brother was reported missing in action. 

 

William Smith Promoted

Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 22, 1945

 

An Eighth Air Force Fighter Station, England--The promotion of William F. Smith, of Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], from the grade of private to private first class has been announced by Lt. Col. Lucian A. Dade Jr., of Hopkinsville, Ky., commanding officer of the 56th Fighter Group.  Pfc. Smith is an aircraft armorer with his crack P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Group, top-scoring fighter outfit in the Eighth Air Force.  He maintains the .50 caliber machine guns with which the planes are armed.  The 56th, a unit of major General William E. Kepner's Second Air Division, has destroyed 841 German planes--675 in aerial combat and 166 by strafing Hun airdromes.  Before he entered the Army Air Forces, Pfc. Smith was employed by the Borden Company in Bainbridge, N.Y.  His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clair Smith, live at 44 Green Lawn Avenue, Bainbridge.

 

 

 



Obituaries (August 12)

George Neidlinger, brother of Fred Neidlinger, of Bainbridge, died suddenly of a heart attack at the home of Clyde Barney, Sidney, where he roomed, Sunday, March 18.  Mr. Neidlinger was born April 8, 1876, in the Town of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], son of John and Jeanette (Ebert) Neidlinger.  He had been a mason for many years, and a traveling salesman and later a meat broker.  Mr. Neidlinger had made his home in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] for the last five years, having also lived in Bainbridge.  Funeral services were held at Carr & Landers Funeral Chapel on March 21, with the Rev. Robert H. Moore, of St. Paul's Episcopal Church officiating.  Burial was in Prospect Hill Cemetery [Sidney, NY].  Masonic services were held at the chapel Tuesday evening.  Bearers were George Bickos, D.F. Wood, William Turk, Frank Clink, Walter Deuel and Frank Davis.  He is survived by two brothers besides Fred, Theodore, of Schenectady, and Charles, of Sidney; two nieces, Mrs. Milford Ostrander, of Sidney, and Mrs. Lynn Loomis, of North Afton; and two nephews, Otto and John Neidlinger of Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 29, 1945]

 

Residents of Bainbridge were shocked to learn of the sudden death of Clifford B. Meade, which was caused by coronary thrombosis on March 19.  Born in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 20, 1886, he was the son of late Dode and Armina (Draper) Meade.  He moved to Bainbridge when a small boy, where he remained the rest of his life.  He was united in marriage to Ruth Graney, of Sidney, May 10, 1910.  Mr. Meade was employed by the American Separator Company for more than 20 years, and was working for the town highway department at the time of his death.  He was a member of the Bainbridge Fire Department for more than 40 years, and he served as a faithful and ardent fireman during this long period.  Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Ruth Meade; four sons Alfred, of Unadilla, Cpl. Carlton, of the Pacific Theatre, Pvt. Kenneth, of the European Theatre, and Pfc. Ernest, who is a war prisoner in Germany; two daughters Edna and Ethel Meade, of Bainbridge; one brother, Howard Meade, of Oxford; and two granddaughters, Jean and Joan Meade, of Unadilla.  Funeral services were held on Thursday evening at 7:30 o'clock at Colwell's Chapel with the Rev. Wolfe officiating.  Forty-two firemen attended the service in a body to pay tribute to one of their oldest members. The body was placed in the vault and burial will take place in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] later in the Spring.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 29, 1945]

 

Charles J. Clark, 78, a former Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] resident, died suddenly at his home in Holland Patent [Oneida Co., NY] on March 22.  He was born in Forestport [Oneida Co., NY], Nov. 2, 1866, son of Linus and Mary (Cave) Clark.  He lived for a time in Bainbridge, where he married Carrie E. West on April 24, 1894.  She died July 13, 1918.  He moved from Bainbridge to Utica and became a member of the Clark and Davis Company in Utica.  In 1909 they moved to Holland Patent, where Mr. Clark purchased a feed store, retiring to enter the insurance business.  On June 10, 1920, he married Anna Baker, of Holland patent.  At the time of his death he was treasurer of the Holland Patent Cemetery Association and also a member of the Village Board, which he had served for a number of years.  He was a member of the Baptist Church, clerk of its board of trustees and also had served as superintendent of the Sunday School.  He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Miss Dorothy Clark, of Rome; two sons, James K. and Linus W. Clark, both of Utica and one grandson.  A private funeral was held at his home on Saturday with interment in Holland Patent Cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 29, 1945]

Funeral services were held last week Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Colwell's Chapel for John A. Harmon, 77, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], who died March 18.  Burial will take place later in Greenlawn.  Born in Tunkkannock, Pa., he was the son of Jermey and Phoebe A. Harmon.  Surviving are three children: three brothers, Richard, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Martin and Shrander both of Bainbridge; three sisters, Mrs. Anna Schanz and Mrs. May Hancock, of Unadilla, and Mrs. R..A. Snedeker, of Bainbridge; and several nieces and nephews.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 29, 1945]

A five-year-old Walton [Delaware Co., NY] girl lost  her life in the swollen waters of West Brook in that village shortly after 5:30 Wednesday night.  The child, Beverly Wells, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Wells, was crossing the Main street bridge with Linda McClenathan, 12, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert McClenathan, also of Walton, when the drowning occurred.  She was walking along a retaining wall near the brook when she stumbled and fell into the water.  Mrs. Irving Bullis, who lives near the brook, saw the child fall and summoned her husband.  Mr. Bullis and several other men ran to the bank, but by the time they pulled the girl from the water she was unconscious.  She was taken to the Stevens hospital where Dr. C.G. Gould worked over her for more than an hour in a vain attempt to resuscitate her.  The child's parents were in Binghamton at the time.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 29, 1945]

Marriages (August 12)

Miss Janice Pratt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Harold Pratt, of Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], became the bride of Sgt. Howard A. Loker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Loker, of Walton [Delaware Co., NY], on Wednesday, March 14th, at 1 p.m. in the Elm Park Methodist Church, in Oneonta.  The Rev. Paul Hulslander, pastor, performed the ceremony.  An all-white motif was used with snapdragons and candelabra featuring the decorations.  Mrs. Floyd Baker, church organist, played "O Promise Me" and "The Wedding March" from Lohengrin.  Mrs. Paul Hulslander sang "Because."  Mr. Pratt gave his daughter in marriage.  Mrs. Stanley Wasson, sister of the bride was matron of honor, and Loren Mann, of Union, was best man.  The bride wore a gray pin striped suit with blue blouse and gloves and black accessories.  Her corsage was of white carnations and yellow jonquils.  Mrs. Wasson chose a sheer two-piece dress of two-toned blue with matching accessories, and wore a corsage of white carnations. A reception for 17 followed at the Ann Etta.  After a brief wedding trip, Sergeant Loker and his bride will live near Geneva, Neb., where he is stationed at the Fairmont Army Air Base.  Mrs. Loker is a graduate of Afton High School and Oneonta State Teachers College, Class of 1930.  She has since been a member of the Bainbridge Central School faculty.  The groom attended Walton High School and was employed at the Scintilla before entering the service in April, 1942.  He has recently returned from 20 months overseas, having taken part in the Egyptian, Libyan, Tunisian, Sicilian and Italian campaigns.  He was awarded a presidential citation with Oak Leaf cluster in the Libyan Campaign.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar 22, 1945]

 

A group of friends and relatives gave Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Ward a surprise party of their 50th wedding anniversary, Friday evening, March 16.  A pleasant social evening was climaxed by a buffet supper. The table of delicious food was centered with a beautiful wedding cake topped by a miniature bride and groom.  Those present include:  Mr. and Mrs. William Ward and sons, Junior and Ronny, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sands and Mr. and Mrs. LaVerne Chase, of Sidney; Mr. and Mrs. Julian Corbin, Frank Hoyt, Mrs. Harvey Gifford, Mrs. William Sands, Mrs. Robert Hughston, Mr. and Mrs. Elmont Houck and granddaughter, Miss Loudon, Mr. and Mrs. Warren Corbin, Mrs. Ralph Corbin, Mrs. Olive Axtell, Mr. and Mrs. Millard Axtell, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Michel.  Besides a purse of money, Mrs. Ward was presented with a corsage and Mr. Ward a boutonniere.  Guests departed wishing Mr. and Mrs. Ward many more happy anniversaries.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 29, 1945]

 

In a setting of Easter lilies and ferns, Miss Dorothy Iman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Iman, of Raymond, Wash., was married to 1st Lieut. George Roland James, U.S. Army, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roland James, of Pearl street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock in the First Baptist Church, Bainbridge.  The double ring ceremony was performed by the Rev. Norman Lawton pastor of the church.  Gene Houck sang, "Because," accompanied at the organ by Mrs. Norman Lawton, who also played the wedding marches.  The bride wore a medium blue gabardine suit with pink and black accessories and a corsage of orchids.  Her attendant, Miss Juanita James, sister of the bridegroom, was attired in a suit of gold wool with black accessories and a corsage of gardenias.  Newton Bliss, a cousin of the bridegroom, acted as best man.  Mrs. James, mother of the bridegroom, was attired in a light blue dress with black accessories and a corsage of pink carnations.  Immediately following the ceremony, a reception was held at the home of the bridegroom for 38 relatives and friends.  A three-tiered wedding cake, flanked with tapers, centered the bride's table.  After the reception, the couple left on a short wedding trip.  The bride is a graduate of Raymond High School.  Raymond, Wash., and Grays Harbor Business College. She is a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.  Prior to her marriage she was employed as timekeeper and secretary at the Grays Harbor Veener Corp. at Hoquiam, Wash.  Lieutenant James was graduated from Bainbridge High School and enlisted in the Army in November of 1940.  He has just returned from overseas where he served 19 months in Iran.  On Thursday evening, the bride was the guest of honor at a pre-nuptial linen shower given by Miss Juanita James.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Apr. 8, 1945]

Obituaries (August 11)

Funeral services for Ray M. Searles, 46 N. Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], were held in Colwell Brothers funeral chapel on Thursday, March 15, with the Rev. Paul L. Carpenter of the Presbyterian Church officiating.  After an illness of several months, Mr. Searles passed away at his late home about 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13.  He was born in Herndon, Iowa, on December 4, 1884, the son of Burton M. and Viola Merriman Searles.  About twenty-five years ago he came to Bainbridge and lived with his uncle, Thomas Searles, who resided on West street.  After the death of his uncle, he was employed for many years by the Casein Company of America.  His wife, Myrtle, died on December 4, 1942.  Surviving are a son, Teddy, who is serving in the army in Italy; a sister Ella A., of Des Moines, Iowa; and a brother, Frank, of Perry, Iowa.  Pall-bearers at the funeral were:  Arthur Clark, Ralph Kirby, O.F. Howland, J.D. Teed, Edward Ringelka, and Alfred Jeffrey.  Interment was in the vault at Greenlawn cemetery.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 22, 1945]

 

Pfc. Teddy Searles, who has been serving in the Mediterranean Theatre for more than two years, arrived I Baibnride Tuesday morning unaware of the fact that his father, Ray Searles, ahd died about two weeks before.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 29, 1945

 

Mrs. Lulu Mae Mason, wife of Pvt. Kenneth A. Mason, of Walton [Delaware Co., NY] now serving with the Army in France, was murdered in Brownswood, Texas, last week, according to word received by Private Mason's mother, Mrs. Myrtle Mason, who resides in that village.  Mrs. Myrtle Mason was advised by Texas authorities that the battered and lifeless body of her daughter-in-law had been found in a rooming house apartment, with the body of a soldier who had been stationed at Camp Bowie, Texas.  It was learned that the soldier's body was turned over to Army authorities for an autopsy.  According to a letter received by Mrs. Myrtle Mason from her daughter-in-law, it had been her plan to come to Walton and make her home with Mrs. Mason and she had telegraphed money to pay expenses for the trip.  It has been learned that the telegraphed money order was cashed in Texas.  Private Mason, who formerly lived at Masonville and also at Sidney, was inducted into service through Walton Selective Service Board 404, and received his basic training at Fort Knox, Ky., and it was while stationed there that he married three years ago.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 15, 1945]

 

Exact cause of the nose dive that fatally injured the Rev Franklin C. Holden, 29-year-old evangelist, in an airplane crash late last week Wednesday in Campville may never be known.  That was the picture last Thursday as Civil Aeronautics Board inspectors moved in to take over the investigation of the fatal crash from New York State police.  Mr. Holden, for seven years pastor of Conklin Center Baptist Church and director of the South Jubilee Hour every Saturday night at Kalurah Temple, died at Endicott Ideal Hospital about thee hours after his red Taylorcraft monoplane plunged nose first into a marshy field just off the Erie tracks three miles from the Tri-Cities Airport.  Dr. S. Easton McManis, Brooms County coroner, issued a verdict of accidental death.  The flying evangelist succumbed to a compound skull fracture, but he also suffered fractures of both legs and the left arm, internal injuries and multiple cuts and bruises.  Blood plasma was administered form the time of his admission as Ideal Hospital doctors fought to save his life.  It was the second fatal crash in the airport's history.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 15, 1945]

 

Two Veteran Pastors Dead:  Funerals of two veteran clergymen of Wyoming Methodist Conference were held Tuesday and Wednesday.  Services for the Rev. Joseph M. Coleman, 75, of Nineveh [Broome Co., NY], were at St. Paul's Methodist church, West Endicott.  He died Sunday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles E.B. James, Endicott.  Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Endicott [Broome Co., NY].  The funeral of the Rev. Wilson Treible, 95, North Mehoopany, Pa., was Wednesday at Mehoopany Methodist Church.  Mr. Coleman, born in South Sterling, Wayne County, Pa., had preached in many churches of Northern Pennsylvania and Southern-Central New York during a lifetime spent in religious work.  He had served the following pastorates:  Throop, Pa., Beach lake, Carley Brook, Damascus, Windsor, Mt. Vernon, Morris-Gilbertsville, LeRaysville, Sidney Center, New Berlin, Great Bend-Hallstead, Candor and Greene. He retired in 1942.  In 1918-1919 he was assistant superintendent of the Capitol District, New York Anti-Saloon League.  Mr. Treible held pastorates at Yatesville, Naticock, Waverly, Pa., Sayre, Newark Valley, Wyoming, Owego, Norwich, Dallas and Camptown.  He also retired in 1942.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 22, 1945]

 

Mrs. Amoretta J. St. John, Walton's only centenarian, died Monday, Mar. 12, from the effects of old age at Stevens Hospital.  Until the last month of her life she had enjoyed unusual health for one of her age.  Mrs. St. John had become something of a legend in Walton [Delaware Co., NY], not only because of her age but because of her activities.  At the age of 87 she made a trip to Alliance, Ohio, by train unaccompanied and thought nothing of that feat.  When 85 years of age she fell from some stairs and suffered a broken shoulder but so strong were her recuperative powers that the bone knitted quickly and perfectly. At the age of 95 she did her own cleaning and thought nothing of climbing on a chair to pound a nail in the wall to hold a picture.  Her life was characterized by remarkable physical well-being she had mental and spiritual peace and was a sweet, loveable little old lady, known to her many friends as "Aunt Rett."  Amoretta Jensen St. John was born in Crooked Creek, Tioga County, Pa., Mar. 1, 1845, the daughter of Silas and Amoretta Brisack Jensen.  When she was six months old her mother died and she was taken to live with her grandfather, John Brisack, who resided at Academy Corners, Pa. Part of her childhood was spent living with her uncle, Burt Mahlon, Hamden, and when 12 years old she went to live with her aunt, Mrs. David Kellam, in Equinunk, Pa.  At the age of 16 she came to Walton, working for Darius Dann 24 weeks at the munificient salary of $1 a week.  When she was almost 18, Feb. 15, 1863, she married Henry A. St. John in the Walton Methodist Church.  The young couple took residence on the farm known as the St. John homestead, East Brook.  They operated that place until 1905 when they retired from farming and moved to Walton.  Mr. St. John died in 1932, at the age of 92 years.  Seven years ago Mrs. St. John moved into an apartment in Cecil Houck's home on Mead street, where she did her own housework, cooked her own meals and was entirely independent.  The Houcks moved to Williamsburg, Va., four years ago and Mrs. St. John remained in the same house with Mr. and Mrs. George Coulter until Mr. Coulter went into the Army two years ago.  Since then Mrs. St. John has lived at the home of Mrs. Agnes Macdonald.  Just before her 100th birthday on Mar. 1 of this year she was taken to the Stevens Hospital where death occurred--Reporter.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 22, 1945]

Soldier News continued - 1945

Private Ralph Terry Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 1, 1945

The seventh Bainbridge boy has paid the supreme sacrifice for his country;  killed in action in Germany on Feb. 9, was Private First Class Ralph R. Terry, 33, son of Mrs. Frances Proutey, of R.D.1, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], according to a telegram received from the War Department Saturday afternoon.

Private Terry entered the service in February, 1942, where he was assigned to the coast artillery.  About a year ago, he was re-assigned to the infantry in which unit he was serving at the time of his death.  After completing his training at Camp Gordon, Ga., he went overseas in January, 1945.

Born Feb. 20, 1911 in Bainbridge, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Terry.  Before entering the service he was employed by Frank Lewis & Sons.  Besides his mother, he is survived by one sister, Mrs. Egbert Riley, of North Sanford; two brothers, Pfc. Earl Terry, who has been reported missing in France since June 19, 1944, and Wayne Terry, of Bennettsville; two half-sisters, Mrs. Elwood Gregory, of Vallonia Springs, and Mrs. Douglas Bailey, of Bainbridge; and two half-brothers, Charles and Fred Proutey. 

 

Cpl. Paul Risedorph Serving with Hospital

Bianbridge News & Republican, March 1, 1945

 

 

Cpl. Paul Risedorph

 

Cpl. Paul Risedorph, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Risedorph, is serving with the 35th Evacuation Hospital in Luxembourg.  He has supported three major campaigns for which he wears three bronze campaign stars.

 

Ensign Guy Leonard Awarded Navy Wings

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 8, 1945

 

Ensign Guy Leonard

 

Ensign Guy Leonard who graduated recently from the Naval Flight School, Pensacola, Fla., is now receiving advanced training at Lauderdale, Fla.

 

Pvt. Kimbal Thomson One of Nine Alive

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 15, 1945

 

 

Kimbal Thomson

 

Private Kimbal Thomson is with his wife and family at their home on East street, Walton [Delaware Co., NY], says the Reporter, while he has a furlough from Tilton General hospital at Fort Dix, N.J.  He is recuperating from wounds received in action in France Sept. 24, 1944.  His left leg is in a cast and will remain so for a time to give nature a chance to rebuild the bone splintered by a machine gun bullet.  It is possible that bone grafting may be necessary, but the army doctors believe the injury will heal of itself.  A machine gun bullet broke the bone in his right leg between t he knee and ankle, but this was a clean break and is doing nicely, although Private Thomson wears a brace on the member. 

 

On Sept. 7, on Patton's swing across France, Private Thomson had been injured when hit by three fragments of a mortar shell, but was out of the lines only four days.  This was at St. Argentine in France. 

 

On Sept. 24, 1944, his company had taken a small village in the Metz-Nancy sector from the Germans.  the men were tired out, but volunteers were sought to go and take a nearby hill where German machine guns were located.  Twenty-six men, including Thomson, volunteered.  They found that German strength had been underestimated and after the American boys had gone into the dense woods the Germans let them have it with the hidden machine guns.  Only nine of the 26 came back alive; three of them unhurt.

 

Private Thomson lay wounded for five and a half hours before the men of L company, 318th Infantry, stormed the woods in force and drove out the Germans.  Thomson was given first aid by the medics and carried back of the lines to the main hospital tent some 15 miles to the rear.  He was operated on and later was flown to England.  He was returned to the states later, arriving in New York on Jan. 3.

 

Private Thomson speaks very highly of the army medics and doctors.  He is to report back on March 26.  The only Walton boy he saw after boarding ship for overseas with Hugh Bodiot.  He has the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Good Conduct Ribbon and the European Theatre of Operations Ribbon with Bronze Star.

 

Cpl. Henry Soules Missing in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 22, 1945

 

 

Cpl. Henry Soules

 

Cpl. Henry Soules, infantryman with the First Army, has been missing in action in Germany since March 1, 1945, according to a telegram received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Soules, Sunday morning from the War Department.  Corporal Soules received his training at North Camp Hood, Texas; Camp Carson, Colo.; and Fort Jackson, S.C., before leaving the States for overseas the latter part of November, 1944.

 

Nazi Prisoners Give $3,800 to Red Cross

Bainbridge News & Republican, March 15, 1945

 

Camp Campbell, Ky., March 12--One German prisoner of war at Camp Campbell, Ky., asked to contribute to the Red Cross.  The matter was referred to the War Department in Washington, which gave an official O.K.  Other prisoners soon followed the precedent set by the one prisoner, and contributions poured in for a total of $3,800.  Each prisoner had given from savings from the daily 80 cents earned by those who are employed.

 

 

 

 



 



 

 





Post Listings Aug 4-10, 2014

Listing of blog postings for the week of August 4 - 10, 2014.

Marriages

Posted August 4, 2014

Frances Laurel Callen - David O. Rhydderch (engagement, 1945)

Carmalina M. Delello - Kenneth S. Dingman (1945)

Marriages Notices, Dec. 9, 1863

     John F. Buell - Mary a Bassett (Sherburne)

     Hiram Mills - Maria Cooper (New Berlin)

     Sameul Hodges (Hamilton) - Rachel Orr (Plymouth)

     James J. Root - Ann Eliza McGerth (Flagg IL Oxford)

Posted August 6, 2014
Doris Sanford - Robert Stahl (1945)
John W. Vinton - Estella M. Barker (1873)
Bettie Mae Glidden - Eugene S. Haskell (1945)
Roberta Thompson - Robert Swift (engagement, 1945)
Frances Callen - David Rhydderch (1945)
Helen Mossman - Matthew Plankenhorn (1945)
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Dingman (Wedding party, 1945)

Posted August 7, 1945
Alice Plosky - Penrose Cooper (1945)
Burnadetta Armstrong - Charles Farrell (1945)
Ruth Stoddard Birdsall - Robert C. Cole (1945)
George N. Merrills - Prudence Cornwell (1847)
James Metcalf - Martha L. Hutchinson (1847)
Ephraim Myers - Fannie S. Dunn (1873)

Posted August 8, 2014
Milton G. Scott - Betty M. Gardner (1945)
Vital Statistics, Afton Marriages 1901
Vital Statistics, Bainbridge Marriages 1904

Posted August 9, 2014
Elizabeth Lucy Loomis - Henry Miller Symons (1945)
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Youngs (50th anniversary, 1945)
Nancy Haynes Lombardi - Robert Miles Chesebro (1945)
Mr. & Mrs. Ward Burchard (60th anniversary, 1945)
Thelma Hauschild - Paul C. Curtis (1945)


 

Obituaries

Posted August 4, 2014

Son of Nicholas Buffo (Guilford, Cobleskill, 1945)

Bernhardt Anderson (Binghamton, Afton, 1945)

Dr. William Shields Myers (Bainbridge, Stonehenge, 1945)

Daughter of Erastus Mills (Cannonsville, 1876)

Thomas Welch (Bainbridge, 1870)

Della Johnson Dunne (Unadilla, 1931)

Posted August 5, 2015
George Gould (Hancock, Long Eddy, 1945)
Sydney Hurley (Susquehanna PA, 1945)
Felix Boyko (Guilford, 1945)
May Whittemore (Guilford, 1945)
Carrie Box (North Afton, 1945)
F.E. Greene (Unadilla, 1873)
Cynthia Freer (Bainbridge, 1873)
Allen L. Hodge (Bainbridge, 1936)
Caroline Converse (Gilbertsville, Butternuts, 1894)

Posted August 6, 2014
George W. Babcock (Downsville, 1945) Truck - pedestrian accident
Mark Drumm (Hudson, 1945)
Jennie McCulley (Afton, 1945)
Orville G. Havens (Afton, 1873)
Mabel Hinman (Afton, 1885)

Posted August 7, 2014
Milo LaVern Colvin (Bainbridge, Afton, 1945)
Perry Van Horne (Canton OH, Bainbridge, 1945)
Isaiah Manning (Coventry, 1873)
William McMullen (Masonville, 1874)  Pedestrian - Train accident
Harriet S. Bailey (Port Huran, MI; Guilford, 1847)
Harvard Burdick (Guilford, 1873)
Caroline Pearsoll (Bainbridge, 1873)

 Posted August 8, 2014
Louis H. Hartmann (Bainbridge, 1945)
Alice Root Nicholson (Guilford, 1945)
Mrs. Ralph Fulmer (Oneonta, Hawkinsville, 1945)
Frank Delello (New Jersey, 1945)
Jane Pierce (East Davenport, 1901)

Posted August 9, 2014
Anna Leddy (Sidney, 1945)
William D. Hanford (Unadilla, 1945)
Daniel T. Aldrich (Rockwells Mills, 1924)
Ladosnia P. Giles (Guilford, 1924)
Alice Arnold (North Guilford, 1901)
Sarah Cable (Brooklyn, Guilford, 1881)

Posted August 10, 2014
William H. Laraway (Sidney, 1945)
Edward Howey (Shickshinny, Pa, 1945)
William J. Aylesworth (Coventryville, 1945)
 



 

Miscellaneous

 

Posted August 4, 2014

Tank Truck Plunges Off Bridge in Afton

Body of truck driver Elmo Daniels found

Borden Plant Receives War Food Administration "A" Achievement Award

Soldier News continued - 1945

    Pvt. Kimbal Thomson Wounded in action

    Lawrence Darlin promoted to sergeant

    1st Lt. Donald Patchen Member of Famous Fighter Group

    Lt. Burnard Page safe somewhere in China

    Pfc. Earl Emeott Killed in Action

    Lt. Burton Inglis Seriously Hurt in Navy

\   Margaret Davy Leaves for Active Duty

Posted August 5, 2014
Soldier News Continued - 1945
     Killed, Missing in Action, Wounded of Chenango Co., NY
     Otto G. Neidlinger Returns to Duty
     S/Sgt. Louis Finch Returns to Outfit
     Jack Hawkins Home from Overseas
     Edwin Jones Missing in Action
     Douglas Neidlinger Completes Special Course
     John Hulbert Writes Poem

Posted August 6, 2014
BCHS Class of 1938, Part 5
Soldier News continued - 1945
     Anthony Drago and Charles Umsted Missing in Action
     Sgt. Henry J. MacDonald Killed in Action
     Maj. John G. Hughes Awarded Bronze Medal
    2nd Lt. Myron Carl Awarded Air Medal
     Foster's Receive Son's Purple Heart
     Ensign George S. Ives Visiting Parents
     Cpl. Harold Smith  Helps Supply Troops
     Donald K. Wheat Promoted
     Lt. Frederick Keech Engineering Student

Posted August 7, 2014
Soldier News continued - 1945
     Lieut. Paul Fairbanks Dies of Wounds
     Sgt. Vernon Francisco Gives Life, Sgt. Herman Gurtner Missing
     Pvt. Francis Sherwood Seriously Wounded
     Joseph Benenati Gets Marine Commission
     Mr. & Mrs. Sherman Receive Son's Purple Heart
     John Burgin receives Promotion
     Guy Leonard Awarded Navy Wings
    
Posted August 8, 2014
Bainbridge Central School Junior Class, 1923
Soldier News continued - 1945
     Sgt. Richard Parsons Killed in Action
     Winfred Michel on Bombed Luzon Invasion Ship
     Samuel Wilmarth Receives Posthumous Purple Heart
     Pvt. Francis Sherwood Seriously Wounded
    
Posted August 9, 2014
Soldier News continued - 1945
     S-Sgt. Louis Finch Returns to Base
     T/Sgt. Donald Wheat Awarded Second Stripe
     William Moran Survivor of Merchant Ship
     Pfc. Cecil B.  Weatherly Wounded
     Myron Carl Promoted to First Lieutenant
Russell Stead Receives Degree at Ithaca College (1945)
Charred Letter Received (1945)

Valentine O'Blinski Achieves 102 years (1945)
Message Came Too Late (1945)
Cyclone in Guilford (1890)   

Posted August 10, 2014
Soldier News continued - 1945
     Pfc. William H. Daub Prisoner of War
     Louis Latham Killed in Action
     Lieut. Myron Carl Forced to Bail Out

Obituaries (August 10)

William  H. Laraway a lifelong resident of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], died at the Binghamton City Hospital Sunday morning at 4 o'clock.  He was born in the Town of Sidney, July 31, 1881, the son of David W. Laraway and Hattie E. Spencer.  He moved into the village of Sidney 35 years ago.  On April 2, 1902, he married Bernice Case, of Sidney, who survives him. He is also survived by seven sons and three daughters:  Leland, Robert, Donald and Raymond, of Sidney; Cecil, of Mt. Upton, Glenn, of Scotia, Clifford, of the U.S. Army, stationed at Stewart Field, West Point, Mrs. Robert Perry and Mrs. Edward Hinckley, of Sidney, and Miss Helene Laraway at home.  [Bainbridge news & Republican, Feb. 22, 1945]

 

Edward Howey, 45, 17 Butler street, Shickshinny, Pa., half-brother of James Lowry, of Bainbridge, died March 3, at the Nanticock State Hospital following a week's illness.  A native of Dickson City, Mr. Howey had made his home there until two years ago, when he moved to Shickshinny.  He had been employed by the American Car and Foundry Co., Berwick.  Surviving are his wife, Nellie; two daughters, Mrs. Rexford Lockwood, Waymart, and Lillian, at home; a son, Edward, Jr. at home; his mother, Mrs. Sarah Howey; and two sisters, Mrs. Hannah Pollard, Scranton, Pa., and Mrs. Martha Beaver, Trenton, N.J.  The funeral was held March 6 at 3 o'clock at Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home.  Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery, Peckville, Pa.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, Mar. 15, 1945]

 

William J. Aylesworth, of Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], was taken to the Bainbridge Hospital Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 27, and passed away Mar. 2 at 10:30, at the age of 74.  Mr. Aylesworth was the son of Emery and Emley Aylesworth, and he was born on his father's farm in West Bainbridge.  On Mar. 11, 1906, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Bunt, of Greene, in the parsonage at Bainbridge.  he was a kind and devoted husband and a loyal friend and neighbor, and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.  Funeral services were held with the Rev. Harry Brooks officiating.  Burial was in the Sylvan Cemetery, Greene.  Besides his wife he is survived by one brother, Edward Aylesworth, of Binghamton; and one sister, Mrs. Ora Davenport, of Oneonta; and several cousins and nieces.

Another leaf has fallen,

Another soul has gone,

But still we have God's promise,

Rest dear husband

Thy work is o'er

Thy loving hands will toil no more.

yes we will miss him when we see his vacant chair,

And how sad the room without him for there is no dear husband there,

and no one to comfort her in her hours of sorrow and no one to lean to but God

Soldier News continued - 1945

Pfc. William H. Daub Prisoner of War

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 22, 1945

Pfc. William H. Daub, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Daub, of Cochecton [Sullivan Co., NY], is a prisoner of war in Germany.  Pfc. Daub was reported missing in action on Nov. 1, 1944, by the War Department and his parents had heard nothing from or about him since.  They were overjoyed to receive a letter from him last Wednesday stating that he was safe and well in Germany as a prisoner.

Louis Latham Killed in Action

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 22, 1945

Louis Adelbert Latham, of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], a soundman 3rd class in the Navy, was killed in action in January and was buried at sea, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adelbert Latham, have been notified by the Navy department.  He was 20 years of age, a 1943 graduate of the Gilbertsville Central School.

Myron Carl Forced to Bail Out

Bainbridge News & Republican, February 22, 1945

Lieut. Myron L. Carl, bombardier, son of Mr. and Mrs. I.L. Carl, who is a member of the 15th Air Force stationed in Italy, was forced to bail out with his crew while on a mission in November, 1944.  The following is taken from a letter written by the pilot's wife to Mrs. Carl telling of the episode:  Going to their target, they lost a supercharger which cut one of their engine's power in half.  In order to stay in formation, they had to increase the power on the other three and as a result of this extra strain another engine stopped.  This left them with 2-1/2 engines, not too much gas left, unable to stay in formation, most of the guns frozen up, in enemy fighter territory and also the Alps to cross, before safety could be reached.  They crossed the Alps safely and were approaching Venice when they spotted another formation from their wing and they got in with them for protection but they led them right over a flak area and in the first burst, they lost their rudder control.  They immediately threw the automatic pilot which gave them control of the ship.  They were over water and had the choice of going down the Yugo coast and taking a chance of landing with the Partisans or crossing the Adriatic Sea and trying to reach land below the front lines.  They chose the latter and started out. 

They only had 2-1/2 engines when one of the good engines kicked out because of gas, but Ferris was on the ball and switched some gas from another engine fast enough to catch it.  Immediately after this in order to maintain a course that would take them to friendly hands, they had to fly through a cloud and it turned out to be a thunder cloud.  At one time in the cloud, the winds and windshield were covered with ice so that they couldn't see out and were on instruments entirely.  At one time they were going up at 2,000 feet per minute and at 290 miles per hour and at another time they were descending at the same rate.  They were in the storm about three minutes but it seemed like a life time to them. When they came out of the cloud, they were at 7,500 feet, losing altitude slowly and land was in sight.

They flew down the coast a ways to be sure they were in friendly hands and then bailed out.  Bill's (pilot) leg straps got caught in the bomb bay as he tried to get out and had to fight his way back to release them.  When he landed, he was surrounded by about 500 Italians, shaking his hand, kissing him, and eager to help him. They took him to the village and fed him and he then waited for the English to pick him up.  Everyone landed all right except Tweedie, who broke his leg. Then they found out that they had fallen on the land of the Province Millionaire and they were treated like kings.

That night, they ate as they hadn't since they left the States and after super they had a professor of music come in and played for them.  They slept at a hospital that night on clean sheets and between lots of blankets.  The next morning they went back to the millionaire's house, had breakfast, toured the town and got a shave.  They went back and had dinner and went hunting and horseback riding and then returned for supper with more to drink and music.  Everyone had a wonderful time and the next day they started back to their base.

Lieutenant Carl reported coming down in a plowed field which made a comparatively easy landing.  He was unable to walk at first on account of chilled feet.  After rolling up his chute he started out to hunt up his crew.  The first one he found was Tweedie, who had a broken leg.  With the aid of Italian farmers they placed him in an ox cart upon some hay and took him to a hospital   Myron stayed over night with some Canadian soldiers and in less than 48 hours was back at his base, having traveled part of the way to Southern Italy with some soldiers from India. 

In another letter Lieutenant Carl writes:  "I wasn't with the boys on their short stay at the millionaire's home.  I happened to be the one who took Tweedie to the hospital and by the time that he was taken care of and I had had a night's food and lodging at the British officers' rest camp, since I hadn't seen any more of the rest of the crew yet, I decided to start back for the base.  That is the reason that the story of my return is connected with the Canadian motor pool and the Indian Infantrymen.  The episode has had quite an effect on our crew as you will see when you have a chance to see the three pictures I just sent Jean.  Tweedie has gone back to the States on a hospital ship and we now have Hong S. Chin as a nosegunner.  Gadberry apparently had a moldy chute or something and one panel ripped and he came down too fast and has been more or less laid up since with back trouble although they aren't too sure whether it is a mild back injury or arthritis.  That accounts for the new tailgunner, Parks.  Also the photographer, Harry Beagle, who was with us on that mission has more or less attached himself to our crew since that incident.  He was the one who had to paw his chute open with his hands to get it out."