French Settlement in Greene,NY

French Settlement in Greene, Chenango Co., NY

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, September 2, 1891

 



One hundred years ago [as per 1891], the Empire of France was in the first throes of that great political upheaval which has gone into history as the French Revolution and not only changed the map of Europe but reorganized the social and economic world.  Louis XVI, the weakly stubborn Bourbon king and Marie Antoinette, his frivolous Queen, were to all intents and purposes prisoners of the powerful Third Estate.  The baleful star of Robespierre, Danton and Marat was rising above the national horizon.  A majority of the Royal family and thousands of the nobility were fugitives across the boundaries to other lands, and were known to the world as émigrés.  Already the nations of Europe, through the demands of France, were taking measures to force them without their borders.  America offered inducements as a safe and desirable asylum, and thousands were seeking its hospitable shores, eager to place the waves of the broad Atlantic between them and the horrors that drenched their native land in blood.

 

Of the French families who emigrated to the United States, a number sought the interior of the country.  Several, who had congregated in Philadelphia, decided to form a settlement in the Empire State and sent out one of their number, Simon Barnet, to select a site.  He came up the Susquehanna to "Chenango pint," now Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], and then followed the course of the Chenango River to the present site of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].  He was so pleased with the situation he decided upon it for the proposed settlement and entered into a contract with Malachi Treat and William W. Morris, the original patentees, for a tract of land, which became known as the "French Tract," or "French Village Plot,"  It was located on the east bank of the Chenango River, and embraced the farm which is now the exhibition ground of the Riverside Agricultural Society.  From the field books of the surveyors, it is evident that this occurred about 1792.  Charles Felix de Bolyne, "a man of considerable talent, learning and wealth," was at the head of the enterprise and signed the contract of purchase. Soon eight or ten French families came to Greene and settled upon the purchased land.  In 1795, the colony entertained the celebrated French statesman, Talleyrand, who was on a horseback journey from Philadelphia to Albany.  While at Greene, Talleyrand formed the acquaintance of a son of M. Dutremont, one of the refugees, and was so pleased with him, that he took him back to France and made him his private secretary.  Soon after this in 1795, M. De Bolyne was drowned while fording a river on horseback, as he was making a journey to Philadelphia in the interest of the settlement.  With his death, the financial affairs of the colony became sadly deranged.  As he had not paid in full for the land, it reverted to the original patentees.  In a few years the emigrants became discouraged and scattered.

 

The plans of operation adopted by the French colony for carrying on their agricultural pursuits were the same which prevailed in their native country, where the agriculturist with his family resides in the village, and owns and works a farm, more or less remote from his residence.  Rude dwellings were constructed from the material on hand and each settler proceeded to put a small piece of land under complete cultivation, while their supplies of provisions were drawn from great distances with much labor and expense.  "Under the circumstances," writes the late Dr. Purple, "it is not strange that persons reared in affluence and accustomed to the pleasures of refined society should yield to the pressure of the misfortunes that soon overtook them."

 

In 1798, Captain Joseph Juliand, who was a native of Lyons, France, and had fled from the horrible scenes of the Revolution to this country, came to Greene and cast in his fortunes with the little French settlement.  But when the other families became discouraged and abandoned the enterprise, he remained, and "to him and Judge Elisha Smith the foundation of the village of Greene is ascribed."

 

\Captain Juliand in early life received a good academic education.  His subsequent studies were directed with a view of his becoming a medical practitioner.  He acquired a good general knowledge of that science, which in his after life was a great value to him.  But his tastes early in life led him to abandon medicine and to adopt a maritime life.  He rose through all the subordinate grades to that of commander of a vessel in the mercantile marine of France.  In this capacity he made several voyages across the Atlantic, principally between Nantes and Bordeaux, France, and Boston and Philadelphia in this country.  His periodical voyages afforded him opportunities to make journeys into the interior, mingle freely with the people and learn their language, manners and customs.  On one of these trips, he met at new Haven, Connecticut, Hannah Lindsey, the daughter of a respectable farmer.  In 1788 he married her and removed to a farm near Greenfield, Massachusetts.

 

In 1798, having heard of the French settlement at Greene, he sold his farm and with his wife and two children, set out for the interior of New York, "in the expectation of finding a new home and congenial society."  On arriving at the settlement he was surprised to find that many had gone and others were preparing to follow.  Nothing daunted, he purchased a portion of the land abandoned by his disheartened countrymen and made it his home for the rest of his life.  He died at Greene, October 13th, 1821.

 

 

Marriages (March 12)

Marriage Notices

Chenango Telegraph, November 9, 1836

Holmes - Hale:  On Tuesday evening, Nov. 1st, by the Rev. Mr Sessions, Mr. John T. Holmes to Miss Clarissa H. Hale, all of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Wait - Morgan:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult, by the Rev. Mr. Bronson, Mr. James R. Wait to Miss Susan Morgan all of that town.

Church -Hotchkiss

Chenango Union, March 31, 1892

A very pleasant wedding occurred on Tuesday evening, the 22d inst., at the attractive home of Mr. L.G. Hotchkiss in Coventry.  It was the marriage of Mr. Robert E. Church, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Carrie M. Hotchkiss, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].  At 7:30 o'clock, as the beautiful wedding march was rendered by Miss Addie Tifft, the bridal couple, preceded by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tifft and Mr. Gurden W. Church and Miss Frances E. Hotchkiss, were ushered into the spacious parlors, where the ceremony as performed by the Rev. William C. Macbeth.  After the ceremony, brief congratulatory remarks were extended to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Tifft, it being the tenth anniversary of their marriage. Choice refreshments were served, and an agreeable social evening was spent. The bridal couple were the recipients of many beautiful and useful presents.

 

Brownell - Cornell

Chenango Union, March 3, 1892

 

The marriage of Emory J. Brownell to Miss Carrie Cornell, both of Rockwell's Mills [Chenango Co., NY], occurred at the home of the bride on Wednesday last at 1 P.M.  It was an event of more than usual interest to the large circle of friends to whom the contracting parties have been long and favorably known.  Miss Cornell is the only daughter of Leroy D. Cornell and is widely known as an accomplished and successful teacher of music having received her musical education under the instruction of Dr. Linn Babcock, of Norwich, and later at the Oneonta conservatory of which she is a graduate.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. John Bradshaw of Binghamton, a former pastor of this charge.  Miss Lulu Graves presided at the piano rendering the wedding march from Mendelssohn in its proper relation to the progress of the ceremony.  The many friends of the bride and groom unite in wishing them happiness and prosperity and that the new relation so auspiciously begun may as auspiciously continue.  A large number of valuable and useful gifts were presented as marks of esteem from the  guests.

 

Cornell - Thayer

Chenango Union, March 3, 1892

 

Another wedding which occurred at 10 A.M. on the same day notwithstanding it was celebrated in a quiet manner at the home of William Winsor in the village of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], calls for nothing less in the way of congratulations and good wishes.  It was that of Charles D. Cornell to Miss Dora Thayer; the groom in this case being a brother of the bride in that first mentioned [i.e., brother of Carrie Cornell].  The ceremony was performed by Rev. H.J. Wade of Union Baptist church.  The parties in this happy affair were estimable and highly respected young people.  Both couples left together on the afternoon train for a brief wedding trip.

Obituaries (March 12)

Mary Reese Calkins

Utica Saturday Globe, October 7, 1905

 

Mrs. Mary Reese Calkins

Had she lived another month Mrs. Mary Reese Calkins, widow of Warner Calkins, who died at her home, 11 Aiken street, Utica [Oneida Co., NY], Wednesday, would have been 100 years old.  Despite her advanced age she was remarkably preserved, her last illness being due to a fall she sustained in July, when she fractured her hip.  Once before--several years ago--she met with an accident, falling out of a second story window upon a porch. Though she was 95 then, she recovered fully from the injuries which she sustained.  Mary Reese was born in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], November 11, 1805, and spent most of her life there, the family being among the oldest settlers.  Her mother, whose family name was Gillette and who was a descendant of a Mayflower pilgrim, lived to be 107.  Mary attended district school and at 16 taught in the first ladies' school established in Oswego county.  In 1925 she married Warner Calkins and for 53 years they lived happily together, he dying in 1878.  then she moved from Sherburne to Earlville, remaining there several years and coming to Utica in 1882, to live with her -?- who died in 1898 the age of 60.  Here she joined Tabernacle Church, continuing in the faith in which she was baptized at the age of 14.  So long as health permitted she was a regular church attendant.  She was well-read and had traveled extensively, possessed a clear mind and even in late years could converse intelligently and interestingly about the changes which have taken place in central New York since her girlhood.  Mrs. Calkins had three children--Livingston J. Reese and O.H. Calkins, all of whom are dead.  She lived with her daughter-in-law.  Mrs. Addie Calkins, who gave her most devoted care.  She leaves a grandchild, Gail L. Calkins, and two great-grandsons, Ray and Paul Calkins.

 

David Coye

Bainbridge Republican, October 3, 1878

 

Unadilla [ Otsego Co., NY]:  We miss Uncle David Coye.  Yes, we miss the bowed form with cane and basket.  For many years he lived among us as a hermit.  He loved his life and was happy even if no other society was afforded him.  He had many kind friends who wished him to share their home, but from choice he lived alone, and thus he died, suddenly, on the morning of the second day of the fair after carrying corn and other things to exhibit.  Kind friends carried him to his home, and he lived but a few minutes after reaching it. The Cornet band played a dirge over his remains and friends from abroad took him to a distant place for interment.  He was 77 years of age.  [Buried in Prentiss Cemetery, Butternuts, Otsego Co., NY]

 

Mrs. Elijah Lewis

Chenango Union, January 14, 1892

 

Mrs. Elijah Lewis, one of the oldest residents of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Mary Oviatt on South Broad street, Thursday morning, aged 94 and six months.  She came to this village from Stonington, Conn., in 1809 and has resided here continually since.  She remembered the first preaching service ever held in Norwich, a barn on the Barber farm near the Half-Way House being used for the meeting.

 

To the interesting notice of the life and death of Mrs. Elijah Lewis it seems appropriate to add a tribute to her self-sacrificing labors for those in need of assistance in sickness and bereavement, in those days when the services of trained nurses, and professional undertakers, were not available as at the present time.  When others shrank form exposure to contagious diseases, Mrs. Lewis was the friend at hand, to bestow the needed care, and where death came, she robed the body and helped place it in the coffin in readiness for its final resting place. This was but one of the various ways in which she was an eminently valuable member of society.  For several years past on account of blindness she has been unable to continue the former activities of her long and useful life.  And now came an opportunity for those to whom she had so faithfully ministered, to return her kindness in other ways.  Sitting in darkness day after day and year after year but with mind unclouded by age Mother Lewis highly appreciated the little attentions so easy to bestow by those in the enjoyment of the privileges of which she was deprived.  Especially did she enjoy having read to her her church paper of which she said, "I have always taken the Examiner from the time it was the Register, as long as I could see to read it."  After listening to the minutes of the last association in which she was deeply interested she said, "You will not have to read the minutes to me another year."  At another time she remarked, "If I had my life to live over I should search out the blind and read to them."

 

Would it not be well for all to whom it is possible to act upon this as a suggestion to diligence in trying to comfort the aged and infirm?  The effort to thus cheer her lonely hours always proved a mutual benefit in the happiness it gave her, and the pleasure received, in listening to the interesting incidents of early times which she loved to relate, and also in the parting expression of gratitude, and the earnest craving of the divine blessing on those who thus sought to throw a gleam of light on her darkened pathway.  Verily a cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple does not lose its reward.  Goodbye, dear Mother in Israel, till we meet in the glorious lights of that city which has no need of the sun, where "Thine eyes shall see the King in His beauty."

 

Long she waited in darkness of natural sight,

But her soul's vision reached blest realms of light;

For she really learned the glad new song.

Which has cheered her heart all these years long,

And her faithful life proved how true her love,

As she kept close step with her Lord above.

 

William E. Hubbard

Bainbridge News & Republican, December 26, 1946

 

William E. Hubbard, prominent dairy farmer of the Brackett lake area [Chenango Co., NY] for more than 40 years, died suddenly Dec. 16, at his home.  Mr. Hubbard was stricken during the early hours of the morning although he apparently had been in good health.  he was the oldest son of Miles and Cora Hubbard, born Oct. 7, 1881, in Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY]. On Feb. 16, 1910, he was united in marriage to May Bolt, of German.  He leaves to mourn his loss, his widow, Mrs. May Bolt Hubbard; two sons, Lloyd Hubbard, of Plymouth, and Lynn Hubbard, of Bainbridge; a nephew, Llwellyn Hubbard, of Bainbridge; and one brother, Arthur Hubbard, of Herkimer.  Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 2 o'clock, at Fisher and Sherman Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Howard Willets officiating.  Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].

Bainbridge Central School, Class of 1948 - Part 4

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1948

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1948

 

 

Donald Lewis

"Louie"

Will miss most:  Miss Smith bawling me out

Imagine him with "Small" feet

Greatest ambition:  To have feet shortened

 

Rita Mertz

"Reet"

Will miss most:  Everything and everybody

Can you imagine her with no comments

Greatest ambition:  Burlesque queen

 

Albert Michel

"Lud"

Will miss most:  Art room

Can you imagine him religious

Greatest ambition:  2nd Willie Hop

 

Leal Michel

"Leooo"

Will miss most:  Intermediate algebra

Can you imagine him not going to Sidney

Greatest ambition:  to fly

 

 

Janice Niles

"Janice"

Will miss most:  Anita

Can you imagine her a gym teacher

Greatest ambition:  To chew gum like a lady

 

Robert Owens

"Boobie"

Will miss most:  Art class

Can you imagine him an all American football player

Greatest ambition:  Go to California



Marriages (March 11)

Holt - Bartlett

Chenango Union, January 24, 1892

Binghamton papers mention a most pleasant social event which occurred at the residence of Mrs. Harriet A. Bartlett, at Port Dickinson, N.Y. [Broome Co.], Thursday, January 21, in the marriage of her eldest daughter, Blanche, to William D. Holt, of the same place.  The ushers were Benjamin Salisbury, of Port Dickinson, and C.W. Bryers, of Chenango Forks.  The wedding march, was rendered by Miss Julia McNitt, of Norwich. The bridal pair entered the room at 1 o'clock P.M., taking a position underneath an arch of evergreens, from which was suspended a horse shoe of white roses.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. Samuel Dunham, of Binghamton, in a very impressive manner.  After receiving the hearty congratulations of the entire company a choice collation was served.  The bride was tastefully attired in heliotrope crepe du chine and carried a beautiful bouquet of marechalneil roses.  The rooms were tastefully decorated.  They were the recipients of very many beautiful and costly presents, showing the esteem in which they are held by their many friends.  Mr. and Mrs. Holt and party left for Binghamton in a heavy shower of rice, where they took train No. 6 for the metropolis via Albany.  Their many friends unite in wishing them a long and successful journey thorugh life.  Returning they will make their permanent residence in Port Dickinson.  The bride is a daughter of the late Major L. Chester Bartlett, of Port Dickinson, who is pleasantly remembered in this county as an eloquent Democratic speaker.  She is a favorite society young lady of that place. During her occasional visits with relatives in Norwich, she made many friends, who extend their hearty congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Holt.

Gridley - Smith

Chenango Union, February 11, 1892

At the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Smith, of Oxford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], a large and select company of friends and relatives assembled on January 25th, 1892.  The occasion was that of the marriage of their daughter, Miss Cora L. to Mr. Gaylord G. Gridley, of Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co] The ceremony was performed by the Rev. W.J. Simpson, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of Oxford.  It was a bright and glad event.  The bride is well known to the people of the Chenango Valley--a young lady possessed of all that constitutes a beautiful character.  Mr. Gridley is a young man of sterling character and universally respected.  Many presents graced the event showing the love and esteem in which the young people were held.

Some Scotch Wedding Superstitions

Chenango Uniion, January 7, 1892

In the matter of courtships and weddings Scottish people preserve an extraordinary number of peculiar customs and fanciful superstitions. 

• It is deemed unlucky to alter the first width of an engagement ring.  Many troths have been broken as a result. 
• The  giving of brooches and pins by lovers is full of ill consequences.  No young man or woman, in the tender relation, will take a pin from the other without returning the same after use.  Pins, needles, etc., are all emblematic of the cessation of friendship and affection. 
• It is very fortunate for the bride to wear some borrowed article of apparel at her wedding. 
• If swine cross the path of the bridal party before it, it is an omen of the direst import; but if they should cross its path behind the party it would be a happy augury. 
• A wedding after sunset entails on the bride a joyless life, the loss of children, and an early grave. 
• In the south of Scotland, a rainy day for a marriage is an unlucky one.  The bride is then called a "greetin' bride," whereas, "Best is the bride that the sun shines on." 
• To "rub shoulders" with the bride is a sign of a speedy marriage; the first among the unmarried female friends who succeeds in doing it will be the first to wed; and I have myself witnessed scrambles on the part of buxom Scotch lasses for precedence quite closely approaching fisticuffs.
• As a newly married wife first enters her new home some elderly person must throw a cake of short bread into the door, before her. 
• One securing a piece of cheese cut with the bride's own hand, before she has left the wedding feast, is shortly to be happily married. 
• And it is everywhere in Scotland as inauspicious for the bride's mother to be present at a wedding as it is unfortunate in our country to have the same individual arrive, to remain, at any subsequent period--Boston Transcript.

 

Obituaries (March 11)

Julia A. Skinner King

Utica Saturday Globe, October 7, 1905

 

 

Mrs. Julia A. (Skinner) King

Mrs. Julia A. King, widow of Albert H. King, died on Friday morning of last week at the family home on Mechanic street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Her age was 70 years.  For two years Mrs. King's health had been failing and for much of the time during the past year she had been confined to her room.  Deceased was born in the town of  New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], her parents, Sidney M. and Naomi Peck Skinner, being early settlers in this section.  One of her ancestors, named Costin, was aide-de-camp on the staff of Gen. George Washington during the revolutionary war and another ancestor was one of the participants in the memorable "tea party" in Boston harbor.  After her marriage to Albert H. King, of Kings Settlement.  Mr. and Mrs. King came to Norwich to reside something over 40 years ago.  She had since made her home here.  Mr. King passing away a number of years ago, since which time she had resided with her son, Clarence A. King.  She was a member of the Broad Street M.E. Church, respected and beloved by a large circle of friends.  She is survived by two sons, Clarence A., of Norwich, and Edward H., of Utica.  Three brothers also survive, Alba A. Skinner, of Greene; Jira and Alonzo Skinner of Indiana, and also one sister, Mrs. Oliva Coats, of Oneida.  Her funeral was attended from her late residence on Sunday afternoon, Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.  Her brothers Jira and Alba Skinner and nephews George and -?- Bloom, were the bearers.  Burial was made at Kings Settlement in the family plot.

 

Capt. Benjamin F. Lounsberry

Chenango Union, January 7, 1892

 

Benjamin F. Lounsberry died at Norfolk, Va., Jan. 2, 1892, in the 63d year of his age.  The immediate cause of his death was blood poisoning, caused by a large carbuncle with which he was afflicted two years since.  His remains reached this, his native town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday, an dfuneral services were held from the residence of his brother-in-law, Thomas c. Pettis, that afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Captain Lounsberry was born in this village, and is well and kindly remembered by a large number of our citizens.  His boyhood was spent here, and in manhood he engaged in the grocery business and was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace.  In the early part of the rebellion he disposed of his business and helped to raise and recruit Company K, 10th New York volunteer Cavalry, in this vicinity, going to the front with them as a lieutenant.  He was afterwards promoted to a captaincy, and at the battle of Gettysburg was taken prisoner and spent nine months in Libby prison.  On his release he came home, and at request recounted his adventures to his fellow citizens at a public meeting held in the old Lewis hall.  He returned to his regiment and served his country until the close of the war.--Oxford Times

 

Robert Bailey

Chenango Union, January 7, 1892

 

Saturday morning Robert Bailey, an old gentleman, who roomed and boarded himself in David Bixby's house on Albany street, was found dead in his bed.  He had been sick for several days previous, and on Saturday morning the family who occupy the house were unable to gain an entrance to his room or a response to their frequent knocking on the door, and fearing that the old gentleman was much worse or dead, they notified Mr. A.D. Harrington, who went to the house.  He was obliged to break in the door, and found a lamp burning and Mr. Bailey dead in his bed.  Dr. Thorp was called, who thought he had been dead only a few hours.  Mr. Bailey had been sexton of the Congregational church for a number of years, from which he derived his support.  He was seventy or more years of age, and came here from Canada.  He has two sons whose residence is at present unknown.  His wife died in this village a few years since.  Heart failure, aggravated by la grippe, was the cause of his death.--Oxford Times

 

Mrs. Erving Taintor

Chenango Union, January 7, 1892

 

Mrs. Erving Taintor, a life-long resident of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], died on Wednesday last, at the age of 78 years.  Previous to her marriage to Mr. Taintor, who survives her, she was the widow of James H. Fox, a prominent citizen and will, perhaps be better remembered under that name, especially by older and former residents.  Mrs. Taintor conveyed by deed her house and lot on Scott street, together with all the furniture, to the Universalist church in this village for a parsonage.  By her will, after making several individual bequests she gave one-half of her property, which amount to $4,000, for the support of the ministry in said church, with the proviso that should the church be without a Universalist minister and fail to hold regular services for the space of one year, at any time, the legacy shall be forfeited.--Oxford Times.

 

Mrs. J.H. Burdick

Chenango Union, January 7, 1892

 

Mrs. J.H. Burdick, mother of Charles H. Burdick of this village, died at her home in Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY] on Friday of last week at the age of 64.  She was born at Pitcher Springs in this county [Chenango Co., NY] and was for a number of years a resident of Norwich.  Besides her son Charles H. Burdick, three daughters, Mary and Ella Burdick and Mrs. A.J. Cook of Smyrna survive her. The funeral services were held from her late home on Sunday afternoon and the interment was in Mount Hope cemetery in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Monday morning.  Services at the grave were conducted by Rev. H. D. Stebbins of Emmanuel church.

 

Benjamin Colton

Chenango Union, January 7, 1892

 

Benjamin Colton, formerly of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], but for several years a resident of this village, died at his home on Merrill street on Saturday, after an illness of three weeks.  He was 44 years of age and leaves a wife and two children.  His funeral was held at 10 o'clock, Monday morning, and was conducted by Rev. E. B. Olmstead, of the Broad Street M.E. church, after which the remains were taken to his old home in South New Berlin for interment.

 

Melissa Miner

Chenango Union, January 7, 1892

 

Mrs. Melissa Miner, wife of Paul R. Miner, and mother of Mrs. A.J. Beebe, died at the residence of her daughter on South Broad street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Sunday morning.  She had been ill for some time and for several days her life had been despaired of.  Mrs. Miner was 76 years of age, but up to the time of her last illness had been remarkably well and active for one of her years.  Her husband, who is also well advanced in years, has just recovered from a long illness.  The funeral was held from the residence of Mr. A.J. Beebe, on South Broad street on Wednesday morning.  The burial was at Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Almira R. Mead

Chenango Union, January 7, 1892

 

Mrs. Almira R. Mead, a widow of the late Deacon Anson Mead, died at the residence of George Rider on South Broad street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday morning of last week.  She came here from her home in Middlefield [Otsego Co., NY] to attend the funeral of her brother-in-law, Charles C. Wait, and while here was stricken with pneumonia.  She was a woman beloved and respected by all who knew her for her amiable disposition and Christian virtues.  Her first husband was Dr. William C. Wait, Jr., who died in 1855.  In 1866 she married Deacon Mead, who lived north of this village.  Since his death in 1870 she has made her home in Middlefield and Norwich.  The funeral was held on Saturday, Rev. T.G. Cass officiating.

Birdsall Family of Greene, NY

Birdsall Family of Greene, NY

The Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 14, 1872

 

Ens. American:  My attention has been directed to the very able and spicy articles written for the Chenango Telegraph by Hon. S.S. Randall of New York, entitled "The Chenango and Unadilla Valley fifty years ago."  The subject is well chosen, and local and personal history of by gone days is ever an interesting theme, especially by the contemporaries and escendants of those who pass in review.

 

Local and genealogical history is attracting much interest in modern years, and the local press is the repository of much useful information that would otherwise be lost to us, as it could not be found in the more erudite pages of general history.

 

I see the articles of Mr. Randall are copyrighted, and will be published in a more enduring form than in the columns of a weekly paper.  If this is [true], accuracy is very desirable, and as I notice some errors in the genealogy of the Birdsall family in this town, I beg to state through your columns, the following facts in relation thereto.  This is not done with a wish to censure the hasty bird's eye views of the distinguished author after a lapse of fifty years, but merely in vindication of the truth of history.

 

Col. Benjamin Birdsall came to this town from Hillsdale, Columbia county, in 1816.  He was accompanied by three sons who became residents of Greene, viz Benjamin, George and Maurice, all of whom were middle-aged men, and had families.  James Birdsall, another son, settled at Norwich a few years previous.

 

Col. Birdsall held a Colonel's commission in the Revolutionary war, and was a very prominent man in our early history as a nation.  He represented his county in the Legislature in 1792, 1793, 1796, and 1801.  He was a member of the Convention in 1801 to amend the Constitution of the State. 

 

Col. Birdsall was a man of much enterprise, with great force of character.  He possessed an unusual share of mental vigor, and was very interesting in his historical reminiscences.  Urbane and gentlemanly in his deportment, he was to the last year of his life a general favorite of all classes.  He died in this village in 1828, aged 88 years.

 

Benjamin Birdsall, Jr., his eldest son, resided for many years a few miles west of this village [Greene, Chenango Co.,  NY].  He was a man of much force of intellectual character and was a magistrate for many years.  His children were:

1. Col. Benjamin Birdsall, who was an officer in the war of 1812, and while in command fo the military station at Greenbush, in 1818, was shot and killed by one of his soldiers, for which crime he was convicted and executed.
2. Samuel Birdsall who was an attorney and lived at Waterloo, Seneca County.  He was a member of Congress in 1838 and 1839.  He died a few weeks since.
3. William Birdsall, who was a physician and resided in Wayne, Steuben county for many years.
4. Betsey Birdsall, who married Noah Ely, Esq., of  New Berlin.
5. Melinda Birdsall, who lived a maiden lady, and died a few years since in Pennsylvania.
6. George Birdsall, a farmer in Pennsylvania

James Birdsall settled at Norwich and was an attorney.  He was early connected with the bank at that place.  He was an active and successful politician.  He represented his district in Congress in 1816 and 1817, and was in the Assembly in 1827.  His children were:

1. Henry Birdsall, Att'y at Law, at Addison Steuben county.
2. Benjamin Birdsall, Merchant at Fentonville, Mich.
3. Maurice Birdsall, Merchant at Fentonville, Mich.
4. Adalade Birdsall, married Wm. Fenton, of Norwich, who was subsequently Lieut. Governor of Michigan.
5. Sarah Birdsall, Wife of Henry Dalay, of Syracuse.
6. Elizabeth Birdsall, resides at San Francisco.
7. Rizpah Birdsall resides at San Francisco.
8. Catharine Birdsall resides at San Francisco.

George Birdsall was a physician.  He settled in the village of Greene.  He had two daughters:

1. Maria Birdsall, who married a Mr. Perry, a teller in the bank at Norwich and subsequently a clergyman.  He resides at Springfield, Illinois
2. Charlotte Birdsall wife of Rev. Mr. Payne, who resides at the same place.

Maurice Birdsall, son of Col. Benjamin Birdsall was a farmer and lived in the village of Greene.  He was a high-toned, upright man and was universally esteemed.  He died in 1852, aged 78 years.  His first wife was Ann Pixley of Columbia county.  His second, Ann Purple of Greene, who yet survives him.  He had eight children:

1. John Birdsall son of Maurice Birdsall, was a graduate at one of our eastern colleges and for a time a student at law at Norwich with his uncle James.  He came to Greene, and entered the law office of Robert Monell about 1817.  He was admitted to the bar and received into partnership with Mr. Monell, at a very early age.  He held the offices of Examiner in Chancery and Commissioner of Deeds before he was twenty-one.  He at once signalized himself as a man of marked character, and held a conspicuous place at the bar in this and other counties, in those days when Legal Giants were upon the earth.  In 1823, he located at Mayville, Chautauqua county, where his shining abilities soon attracted attention, and he was appointed by the Governor and Senate, a Judge of the 8th Judicial District of the State.  He was then but 25 years of age.  His Judicial duties were ably discharged until 1829, when he resigned his seat on the bench.  He was soon called from retirement and in 1831 he represented his county in the Assembly.  he was sent to the Senate in 1832.  He remained there three years, when he resigned and returned to Mayville.  In 1837, Mr. Birdsall emigrated to Texas.  Here he was received with open arms by the founders of the New Republic, and was a law partner of President Sam Houston, and Attorney-General under the "Lone Star" until his death, which occurred in 1839.  Judge Birdsall was a man of rare endowments.  His legal and general attainments, his solidity of character and his purity of intention, his ability to grasp the points and elucidate the most intricate questions involved in law, gave him a very high position with the legal profession.  His amiable social characteristics gave him a conspicuous place in the affections of his contemporaries, and prompts the grateful remembrance of his surviving associates.
2. Ann Birdsall, married the  Hon. Alvah Hunt, who was a prominent man in old Chenango.  He was a very energetic business man, and was in partnership with Rathbone & Hatch in this village for many years.  He represented the 6th District in the Senate for four years from 1839, and held the office of Treasurer of the State of New York.  He died in the city of New York in 1859.  His very amiable wife still survives him, and though long afflicted with the various ills that flesh is heir to, yet she retains, even in her long protracted illness,  those cheerful and agreeable characteristics which belong to her intellectual endowments.  She resides in this village, and is under the watchful care of her sister Emeline and other relatives, who filially administer to her physical and mental wants.
3. Polly Birdsall married Hon. Thomas A. Johnson of Corning.  On the adoption of the Amended Constitution in 1817, Mr. J. was made judge in the 7th Judicial District and by continued elections, still retains his seat upon the bench.  She died in 1835.
4. Benjamin Birdsall has been a farmer in the State of Wisconsin.  Within the past year, he has raised his tent, and with abundant means and a numerous family of all ages, in imitation of the ancient patriarchs, has passed over the Mississippi to the promising land of Iowa, where he doubtless will make it bud and blossom as the rose, and literally flow with milk and honey.
5. Emeline Birdsall married Robert O. Reynolds, who was a very respectable lawyer, and was District Attorney in 1842, 1843, and 1844.  He died in 1856.  She resides in this village.
6. Maurice Birdsall, Jr., is a resident of Greene.  He has been busily engaged in mercantile and other active pursuits for thirty years.  He is an energetic business man, and in all things pertaining to the interests and welfare of the country, he is ever ready and ever faithful.  His first wife was Elizabeth Juliand of Bainbridge, his second Maria Randall of Norwich.
7. Louisa Birdsall, was the wife of the late Judge Barnes, of Steuben county.  She died in 1859.
8. James Birdsall is a physician, and resides in Wisconsin.

Greene, March 12, 1872

 

 

 

 

Rev. Wilson Trieble - Photo

Rev. Wilson Trieble

Utica Saturday Globe, February 1, 1902

 

 

Rev. Wilson Trieble, of Norwich

The Energetic Pastor of the Broad Street Methodist Church

Obituaries (March 10)

Mary Pendleton Snedekir

Utica Saturday Globe, October 7, 1905

 

 

Mrs. Mary Pendleton Snedekir

 

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  At her home on Court street, Wednesday morning occurred the death of Mrs. Mary Pendleton Snedekir, widow of Silas Snedekir, and for more than 40 years a respected resident of this village, aged 87.  Mrs. Snedekir had enjoyed good health for a person of her years up to Wednesday, September 27, when she suffered a slight shock, and gradually failed until the end.  Mrs. Snedekir was a daughter of William and Betsey Pellett Pendleton and was born July 4, 1818, on the Pendleton farm east of the river and about three miles south of this village.  In 1842 she was married to Silas Snedekir, of Smithville, and for a number of years they lived in that place and Greene, coming to Norwich to reside in 1863.  Mr. Snedekir died January 13, 1898.  She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Charles A. Collins, of this village.  Another daughter, Minerva, died in 1878.  She also leaves two granddaughters, Mrs. John Bingham, of Norwich, and Mrs. Dane Cromble, of Nyack, N.Y., and two great-grandchildren, Dane Malcolm and George Stevens Crombie, of Nyack.  A sister, Mrs. Esther Buckley, of Coventryville [also survives].

 

Wendall Beckwith

The Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 20, 1908

 

After an illness of only a few days duration, Wendall Beckwith died at his home at Upper Genegantslet [Chenango Co., NY] at noon on Thursday of last week, of pneumonia, aged 51 years.  Mr. Beckwith was one of our well known industrious farmers, and a man highly respected by all.  By his death we lose a good citizen and an honest upright man.  He is survived by a wife, three daughters and three sons.  His funeral was held from his late home Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock, Rev. A.W. Cooper of the Methodist Church officiating.  Burial in Sylvan Lawn cemetery [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Henry R. Birdsall

The Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 20, 1908

 

Henry R. Birdsall died at his home on Monell street [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], Thursday afternoon of last week, aged 67 years, after an illness of ten days with pneumonia.  He was a son of the late Maurice Birdsall, who until 1882, was one of Greene's most active and representative business men, at which time he removed to Binghamton  After his father's death in March, 1907, he came to Greene, his boyhood home, and has since been a resident here.  He is survived by a brother, Richard Birdsall of Chicago, and a sister by adoption, Mrs. Stratton, living in California.  The funeral was held Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, from Zion Church; Rev. Percy T. Olton, officialting.  Burial in Sylvan Lawn cemetery.

 

Ella L. Elliott

The Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 20, 1908

 

Mrs. Ella l. Elliott, wife of E.A. Elliott, died at her home on Page Brook [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday morning of last week, aged 27 years, after a long and painful illness during the last of which she was unable to help herself.  her funeral was held from her home on Thursday and the remains were taken to Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] Friday for burial.

 

Lewis Juliand

 

Capt. Lewis Juliand has been quite ill for several days with heart disease.  At this time (Monday afternoon) he is reported no better and it is feared that he may not recover, owing to his old age and infirm physical condition.  Later:  This (Tuesday) afternoon, as we are closing our forms for the press, the sad news reaches us that Capt. Juliand passed away about 2 o'clock.  He was one of our oldest citizens and a gentleman respected and honored by all.  [The Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 23, 1885]

 

Captain Lewis Juliand died at his residence in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Tuesday afternoon, after an illness of only a few days.  He was born in that village Aug. 31, 1800.  He has always been very active and energetic, and was a man of high social standing, upright and universally esteemed.  He was the third of five brothers, all of whom lived to be heads of families and resided in this vicinity.  His two younger brothers, George and Frederick, only survive him. The funeral took place Thursday at 2:30 p.m. from his residence in the village.  [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, April 25, 1885]

 

Frederick Juliand

The Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 28, 1900

JULIAND:  At his home on June 22, 1900, Frederick Juliand, aged 94 years, 8 months, and 12 days.
Hon. Frederick Juliand died at his home in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], at one o'clock Friday morning, June 22, 1900.  Mr. Juliand had been confined to his house for a number of weeks and had been gradually nearing the end for some time.  His wonderful vitality, together with the watchful care and medical treatment tendered him, no doubt prolonged his mortal life for many days.  Frederick Juliand was the youngest son of Captain Joseph Juliand, a French refugee, who fled from that country during the time when that Empire was in the throes of a mighty political revolution and first settled in Greene in the year 1798, his wife being Miss Hannah Lindsey, of New Haven, Conn.  Mr. Juliand was born in Greene Oct. 9th, 1805.  When 16 years old he commenced a course of studies at the Utica Academy and afterwards was a student at the Oxford Academy.  When his studies were completed he entered into his first mercantile duties in Bainbridge where he remained some years.  In 1830 he returned to Greene and associated himself with his brothers, Joseph, Lewis, and George, in the mercantile business, combined with farming.  The firm prospered for ten years when it was dissolved by mutual consent and Frederick Juliand continued the business until 1860, when he transferred his business to his son, John R. Juliand.  Mr. Juliand's religious preference was always for the Episcopal Church and he had been the Junior Warden of Zion Church in this village for many years.  His politics were always Republican and he has been one of the most aggressive and able leaders of that party in this section of the State.  Mr. Juliand has graced many public positions, first as postmaster of Greene, next as Assemblyman, then as State Senator in 1863 and again elected in 1866, each time with magnificent majorities.  He was honored during the war of the rebellion with the management of several very responsible and dangerous undertakings, and while executing the same was taken prisoner near Norfolk, Va., and robbed by guerrillas of $6,000, a portion of the funds he was in charge of belonging to his town.  He afterwards escaped and returned home.  Mr. Juliand had been married three times.  His first wife was Miss Jane Cameron Ringer, daughter of Captain John Ringer, of Geneva, N.Y.  Their marriage occurred in 1835.  Of this union one son was born, John Ringer Juliand, who resides in this village.  In 1841 he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Hayes, daughter of the Hon. Isaac Hayes, of Unadilla.  She bore him three children, a son and two daughters.  The son died in infancy, but the daughters, Miss Sarah J. Juliand and Mrs. M.H. Arnold, survive their father.  Again in 1865, he was married to Miss Harriet R. Crocker, daughter of Hon. Benjamin R. Crocker, of Cambridge, N.Y.  The story of this active and honorable life would be incomplete should we not refer to Mr. Juliand's citizenship during these long line of years.  Mr. Juliand was one of the best of neighbors and a public spirited one.  He was always in hearty accord with any object that would benefit in any way our beautiful village and he took great pride in his home life.  It was there that the sweetness of his life shone in all its splendor. He idolized his family, and around the "old home" his heart was ever turning.  We shall miss the venerable form and kindly greeting of our old friend.  His stately and dignified presence will no more be seen upon our streets.  His words of council are hushed in death, but the remembrance of his good deeds, his pure life and his upright citizenship will linger in our memory as long as life lasts.  With the going out of this life the last of the original Juliand family, children of Capt. Joseph Juliand, has departed.  All were worthy, active men, and coming into life when this was a wilderness, they left honorable records, and through their long lives--for all attained old age--they built characters to which their posterity may well point with love and pride.  The funeral took place Monday after noon at 2:30 o'clock.in the church of his love, Rev. Henry E. Hubbard, officiating.  A large congregation was present to pay the last sad tribute to the venerable and respected dead.  There were many beautiful floral offerings, loving tributes to the departed.  The burial was in the family plot at Sylvan Lawn [Greene, NY], and there, amid the sweetness of June, they laid to rest one of whom it may be truly said, "His faults were few, his virtues many." 

 

 

 

England in 1941

English Lady Writes of War Stricken Family Life

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 9, 1941

Miss Dorothy Dickinson received the following letter from a friend, Miss Doris F. Robinson, Ferriby House, N. Ferriby, Yorkshire, England.

Dear Miss Dickinson,

The coat arrived some days before your letter and I was much puzzled as to whom could have sent it.  So when I had your letter yesterday I was greatly pleased, and even more pleased when I had read it and the delightfully kind things you say about England. We do indeed turn to America as our greatest friend, and hope that she will increasingly help us to win, as together we most certainly can.  Sometimes we have a little fear lest she will make the same mistake we made of being two slow in seeing what the menace really is, and how big an effort is needed to meet it, but I believe there are really many people like you, who understand what is happening and how urgent it is to do our utmost everywhere to get on with the war.

 

I have gotten terribly in arrears with letters to my friends over there, but since some months before the war I have been working hard in Hull as second officer in the Woman's Voluntary Services, seldom less than nine hours a day, six days a week, and often 10 or 12.  So as I have a mother of 78 and many family claims, there is not much time or energy left for writing.

 

Three brothers, two brothers-in-law and a nephew are in the Army or Air Force (all of them older or younger than the compulsory ages), and that leaves on the brother who was blinded in the last war to carry on all the family affairs.  One sister, whose husband is in the Indian Army, took her four children out to India a few months ago.  She hadn't seen her husband for over two years, and after a fortnight he was ordered "overseas," and she had to leave again and take them all to Australia!

 

The other sister, who had broken up a home and followed her husband to China, only to evacuate three months later, with small children, because of the Chinese War, two years ago--has now had to give up a second home and will be coming to us here.

 

We have an Army officer and his wife, an Air Force officer, and a Land Army girl billeted with us--So home life is very odd--but, we all get on happily together when we meet, which isn't very often as we all keep such differing hours.

 

Our district has so far been relatively lucky about bombing--we've had some of course, and I had one narrow escape.  Part of our work in Hull is to deal with distress after raids, and I have been in many damaged houses and dealt with a lot of the people concerned, opening special offices the morning after a raid to arrange, with various city official, for rehousing or billeting, moving furniture and giving whatever urgent help is necessary.

 

Your coat will go to one of these people--it is a splendid one and will be an immense comfort to somebody.  I am keeping it in my wardrobe till the next raid so that it doesn't risk careless storage--though we always take as much care as possible of the gifts we are lucky enough to receive.  We have had some excellent things from the American Red Cross--received with much gratitude.

 

I had a night in London last week and in the districts I saw the damage did not seem so bad as I was prepared to find it.  It is bad, in places, certainly--and I was not by any means in the most heavily hit areas.  It was a nuisance to have one's business interrupted by various special warnings and consequent retirement to shelters--but we had one of their rare quiet nights.  People seem to stand it all wonderfully well.

 

When one has responsibilities for giving help in raids, it is of course, difficult to keep in the necessary state of readiness without living in a state of tension which would be too wearing--but when a thing had to be done, one finds a way of doing it.

 

Now I must really end this letter--I didn't mean to make it so long--but I was so grateful to you that I have wandered into all this personal story!  Thank you so much--and with all good wishes I am

 

Very Sincerely yours,

Doris F. Robinson

 

Obituaries (March 9)

Garwood Baker

1847 - 1902

 

 

Garwood Baker

Edward D. Baker received a telegram Friday of last week informing him of the death of his brother, Garwood Baker, a former well-known resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], whose demise followed an operation for appendicitis.  Mr. Baker left at once for New York to be present at the funeral which was held Sunday evening and burial was made Monday at Kensico, a suburb of New York.  Deceased was born in Dutchess county 55 years ago and at the age of 12 years came to Norwich and was for a number of years engaged in the carriage manufacturing business with his brothers Edward D. Baker, and the late Isaac Baker. He was a man of genial and refined manners and had many friends in this village.  He is survived by a wife, two brothers, Edward D Baker of Norwich, and H.S.Baker, of the Bronx, New York and one sister, Mrs. Melanthia Washburn of this village. [Utica Saturday Globe, July 1902]

Edward D. Baker was wired on Friday night by his sister-in-law in New York, that his brother, Garwood Baker, had just submitted to an operation for appendicitis, from which he had not recovered, death ensuing soon after.  He was 56 years old and had lived in New York many years, and made, by his kindly, upright life, many friends.  Garwood Baker was born in Dutchess county, N.Y., and came to Norwich to live when 12 years old, staying here until about 20, when he went to the metropolis.  He was at stated periods a visitor to his relatives and friends, and at one time was in business in a carriage repository with his brothers, Edward and Isaac.  Surviving him are his wife, Edward D. Baker, H.S. Baker, two brothers of Norwich, and a sister, Mrs. Melanthe Washburn, also of this village, E.D. Baker left for New York last evening to attend the funeral.  [Syracuse Journal, July 22, 1902]

[Compiler note:   Buried in Crum Elbow Cemetery, Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., NY]

Maurice Birdsall

The Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 7, 1907

Maurice Birdsall, aged ninety-two years, died at his home in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY^] Saturday afternoon, March 2, at five o'clock.  Mr. Birdsall was born in Hillside, N.Y., June 15, 1815, and resided in Greene until 1882, since which time he has resided in Binghamton.  He was a member of Otseningo Lodge, No. 435, F.&A.M., Malta Comandery and Christ Episcopal Church.  he is survived by two sons, Henry Birdsall, of Binghamton, and Richard Birdsall, of Chicago.  The funeral was held from Christ Church Tuesday afternoon t 2:15 o'clock and the burial was held here that afternoon on the arrival of the four o'clock train and was conducted by Wor. Bor. Longley, of Otseningo Lodge.  Delegations form Otseningo Lodge and Malta Commandery accompanied the remains which were met at the station by Eastern Light Lodge, No. 126, F.&A.M., of which Mr. Birdsall had been a member, and the last rites over their departed brother were held in the old cemetery.  Mr. Birdsall, in his active business life in Greene, was energetic and successful.  For many y*ears he was in the mercantile trade, and his firm was the leader in the dry goods trade.  He also speculated in butter and bought largely of this and other farm products.  At one time he, with Lewis S. Hayes, did quite a banking business here in the rooms now occupied by Dr. J.E. Bartoo for about three years.  Mr. Birdsall was one of our leading business men who was ever active in promulgating plans for the benefit of Greene.  As a citizen he was cordial and pleasant and he was always a pleasure to meet his stately form upon our streets.

Richard Maurice Birdsall

The Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 17, 1922

-
Word has been received from Chicago of the death in that city of Richard Maurice Birdsall, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], the son of Maurice Birdsall, one of Greene's former prominent business men.  "Dick" Birdsall, as he was known among his friends here, gained great fame during his life as an inventor, being the originator of the railroad refrigerator car and founder of the Western Cold Storage Co.  Mr. Birdsall was at one time engaged in the grocery business here, going from here to Chicago.  He was 73 years of age at his death and had been ill many months.  He established Chicago's first cold storage plant, out of which the Western Cold Storage Co. grew.  He was long acting vice-president of this company and a charter member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.  he is survived by his wife and three daughters.  The funeral was held in the home of one of his daughters, Mrs. F.A. Rogers, in Chicago.

Charles Cushman Juliand

The Chenango American, Greene, NY, Sept. 22, 1938

Charles Cushman Juliand, aged 58, after a long period of illness, died at the home of s sister in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], September 17.  He was the youngest of the family of the late William L. and Mary Cushman Juliand.  His early life was spent in this village, but later he resided in New Mexico and Texas for several years.  He returned to Greene in 1916, and later moved to Norwich.  Due to his wife's ill health and absence from home for hospital care, this summer, he came to his sister's home, and failed so rapidly he was unable to return to Norwich.  The funeral services were held, Monday afternoon, at the Root Funeral Home, with the Rev. J.K. Romeyn of the first Baptist Church of Norwich, and Dr. A.A. Bresee of Zion Church, Greene, officiating. Burial was in Sylvan Lawn Cemetery [Greene, NY].  The bearers were Maurice English, Ivon Olmstead, DeVere Padgett, Charles Abel, Elwyn Skillman, and Fred Skinner.  He is survived by his wife, Clare Backus Juliand, whom he married in 1932; three sisters, Miss Laura Juliand of Greene, Mrs. F.H. Williams of Brownsville, Texas, and Mrs. George B. Davis of Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.; one brother, Dr. Louis Juliand of Greene, and numerous nephews and nieces. 

Ray LeSuer

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 2, 1941

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

Post Listing March 2 - 8, 2015

Listing of blog postings for the week of March 2-8, 2015

Marriages

Posted March 4, 2015

Col. & Mrs. R.W. Juliand (55th anniversary, 1878)

Vital Records, Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY - Marriages 1906

Posted March 5, 2015
Mr. & Mrs. A. Buell Smith (50th anniversary, 1888)

Posted March 7, 2015
Alice A. Waters - Franklin C. Bartlett (1902)
Gladys Frances Kingsley - Ernest Meade (engagement, 1946)
Margaret Butler - Robert F. Fletcher (1946)
Jane Carson - Alvin L. Sherman (engagement, 1946)
Mr. & Mrs. Bret Williams (50th anniversary, 1946)
Betty Jean Bacon - Edward Danforth Knight Jr. (1946)

 

Obituaries

Posted March 2, 2015

John M. Gaines (Sherburne, 1903)

Donald Risanburg (Norwich, 1946)  Accident

W. Robert Doig (Walton, Bovina, 1946)

William H. Carr (Afton, 1946)

John O. Hill Reed (Norwich, 1946)

Minnie (Beale) Taylor (Sidney, 1946)

Posted March 3, 2015
Darlia Mae Martin (Chenango Bridge, 1946)  Home accident
Abraham Lincoln Kellogg (Oneonta, 1946)
Rev. David Wellington Curran (Binghamton, 1946)
James L. Gage (Oneonta, 1946) Farm accident
Harvey Rider (Oneonta, 1946)  Farm accident

Posted March 4, 2015
Eugene Clinton (Norwich, 1918)
Anna M. Juliand (Greene, 1855)
Lucretia C. Juliand (Bainbridge, 1895)
George Juliand (Greene, 1897)

Posted March 5, 2015
Mrs. E.D. Hunt (Guilford)
Abijah Cornwell (North Afton, 1891)
Laura Robertson (Bennettsville)
Johnnie Shaver (Bainbridge)
A. Buell Smith (Bainbridge, 1900)

Posted March 6, 2015
Rev. Daniel Ballou (Norwich, 1902)
Jennie Gifford (Saugerties, 1946)
George L. Wilson (Guilford, 1946)
William C. Beatman (Afton, 1946)
Lena Radeker (Walton, 1946)
Robert Howard Jones (Delancey, 1946)  pedestrian - car accident
Carroll L. Chrisman (Sidney, 1946)
Harriet Davis (Bainbridge, 1946)
Grant Tiffany (Masonville, North Sanford, 1946)

Posted March 7, 2015
Isabella Cowan (Norwich, 1902)
Martha Juliand Hill (Greene, 1873)
Joseph Butler Juliand (Greene, 1901)
Alice E. Scott Tifft (Brisbin, 1901)
Jeremiah A Stokes (Norwich, 1901)
Emma Margaret Juliand (Bainbridge, 1908)
Clare Backus Juliand (Norwich, 1949)

Posted March 8, 2015
Fred A. Hill (Moweaqua, IN, New Berlin, 1902)
A. Douglas Rockwell (Greene, 1946)
Frank D. Hoyt (Bainbridge, 1946)
George Albert Horlacher (Binghamton, 1946)  Car accident
Delores Brigham Ward (Hancock, 1946) Car accident
Emma Laties Sherwood (Guilford, 1946)

 

Miscellaneous

Posted March 2, 2015

Mrs. S.M. Blanford elected as "Great Pocahontas" 1903
Guilford Centre - About 1890

Posted March 3, 2015
Obediah Rundell, First Worthy Master, Norwich Lodge of Masons - 1853

Posted March 4, 2015
Bainbridge Central High School, Class of 1948 - Part 3

Posted March 5, 2015
Lynn L. Burdick of Norwich Finally Accepted in Army Medical Service - 1918
Obituary:  Linn L. Burdick 1964

Posted March 6, 2015
The Cry of the Prisoners, poem by Serg. G.I. Hyatt, prisoner at Andersonville, Ga., 1865
Bainbridge Central School, 6th Grade Classes, 1947

Posted March 7, 2015
Bainbridge Presbyterian Church in Winter - 1941

Posted March 8, 2015
Prominent Norwich Republicans - 1900 - photos
    George J. Sherritt
     W.F. Stratton
     John E. Carr
     Nathaniel S. Donaldson
     Dr. J.R. Westcott
     John D. Burrell
Bennett Family of Bennettsville - Early history

Bennett Family of Bennettsville

Bennettsville Creek Named After One of First Settlers

 

Caleb Bennett made one of the first settlements within the present limits of the town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] in the summer of 1786.

 

Caleb, who came in company with his brothers, Phineas, Silas and Reuben, was from Pownal, Vt.  He settled on what is now the south east corner of the cemetery in the village of Bennettsville, which derives its name from him.

 

Phineas Bennett settled on the river one and one-half miles below Caleb's home, in Afton.  In 1880, this Bennett farm was owned and occupied by Samuel Corbin according to an old history.  Phineas was the first supervisor of the town of Bainbridge in 1791.

 

Silas Bennett established is home at Crookerville, opposite Unadilla, where he built a grist mill.

 

To quote the history:  "In 1798 Caleb and Reuben built the first grist mills at Bennettsville on the stream which bears their name. Reuben moved to Ithaca a few years later and was eventually joined by his brother, Phineas.

 

"Caleb was survived by eight children, four boys and four girls, Anna, the oldest daughter, married Thomas Cornwell and settled in Afton.

 

"The oldest son, Phineas, married Sophia Chandler.  She was the daughter of Henry Chandler, one of the early settler of Coventry.  They settled in Bennettsville, where he built the house later occupied by the families of George Slater and Adelbert Winsor.

 

"Abel, twin brother to Phineas, married Flavilla Hoag and lived in Bennettsville.

 

"Naby, the second daughter, married Jeremiah Thurber.

 

"Hannah also continued to reside in Bennettsville after marrying Charles S. Merrit..

 

"Eunice died in childhood.

 

"Prudence, who married Enos Goodman, made her home in Bennettsville.

 

"Arnold married Nancy Forbes and moved to Bainbridge.  They had three children, Elizabeth, Leroy and Clarissa.

 

"Hiram, the youngest son, married Gratie Chandler and continued to live in Bennettsville."

 

The old  history of Chenango county from which we quote gives the lineage of this early Bennett family up to 1873.  We have not been able to find out if any of the Bennetts living in this area now are direct descendants of the early settler, but if they are, it would be interesting to know.

 

 

 

 



Prominent Norwich Republicans - 1900

Prominent Republicans

Norwich, Chenango Co., NY

Utica Saturday Globe, February 22, 1900

 



Obituaries (March 8)

Fred A. Hill

Utica Saturday Globe, February 22, 1902

 

 

Fred A. Hill

The sad news reached Norwich on Sunday afternoon by wire of the death of Fred A. Hill, at Moweaqua, IN, which occurred the same morning from typhoid fever.  His serious illness had been known to his friends here for several days and his father had hastened to him, being by his bedside at his death.  Deceased was but 22 years of age and the son of Orrin J. Hill, residing in the town of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].  He was a nephew of ex-postmaster Samuel A. Jones, of this village, with whom he made his home while attending the Norwich High School, from which he graduated with high honors in the class of 1900.  During his school life he developed exceptional talent as a public speaker and won a gold medal at a prize speaking contest. He was a young man of high ideals and had intended to work his way through college and was engaged in teaching school to earn funds to enable him to carry out this intention when his fatal illness came upon him.  Every aid that human sympathy could suggest was given him, his pupils and their parents vying with each other in loving acts of kindness.  He was at the home of I.C. Jones in Moweaqua, a brother of Samuel A. Jones, of this village.  In Norwich, where, perhaps, he was best known, the news of his death caused a great shock to many friends.  The blow falls with crushing force on the father and two sisters who survive, all of whom had centered their hopes in the young man's future and no sacrifice was too great for them to make in his behalf.  The remains arrived in Norwich Wednesday morning and were taken to the home of S.A. Jones, where they were viewed by Norwich friends Thursday and Friday, after which the body was taken to the home of his father where the funeral occurs tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Charles E. Drake, pastor of the Baptist Church at South New Berlin, officiating.

 

A. Douglas Rockwell

Bainbridge News & Republican, December 26, 1946

 

A. Douglas Rockwell, 8, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], died of a heart failure during an operation Wednesday morning in the Greene Hospital.  He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Llewellyn C. Rockwell, a brother, Carlton; a sister, Kay Lee, all of Greene; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell, of Greene, and Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Quinn, of Port Bryon.

 

Frank D. Hoyt

Bainbridge News & Republican,  December 26, 1946

 

Frank D. Hoyt, 75, died at the Bainbridge Hospital Friday, Dec. 20, after suffering poor health for the past four years.  Last fall he went to Sidney to make his home with his eldest son, Harold Hoyt, where he remained until his removal to the hospital.  Born Jan. 20, 1871, he was the son of Ransom and Mary (Shepherd) Hoyt.  He was united in marriage to Jennie Terry, of Bainbridge, who died Sept. 4, 1944.  Mr. Hoyt was general foreman of the Casein Company of America until his retirement in 1937.  Previous to this time, he had been superintendent of a plant at Cherry Valley about 1903, and was in West Harpersfield from 1906 to 1912, and then came to the Casein in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  The deceased is survived by three sons, Harold Hoyt, of Sidney; Ernest Hoyt and Elverton Hoyt, both of Bainbridge; and Clarence Hoyt, of Canton; four brothers, Charles Hoyt, of Richfield Springs; Bert Hoyt, of Otego; Fred Hoyt, of Oneonta, and Elmer Hoyt, of Bainbridge; three sisters, Mrs. Lillian Carey, of Otego, Mrs. Verna Scott and Mrs. Bessie Dunne, of Sidney; seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were held at Fisher and Sherman Funeral Chapel Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock with the Rev. Robert Kellerman, pastor of the Methodist Church in Sidney, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Norman Lawton of Bainbridge.  Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].

 

George Albert Horlacher

Bainbridge News & Republican, December 26, 1946

 

A Binghamtonian was killed instantly last Friday morning, when his car crashed into the guide posts and rails on the overhead viaduct of the Erie R.R. tracks at Sawyer's Crossings on Route 17-C, two miles east of Owego.  He is George Albert Horlacher, 33, manager of the Regus Theater, Binghamton.  In the crash, his neck was broken, his skull and legs fractured, and his chest caved in.  The sheriff who investigated, said that the man had apparently fallen asleep at the wheel, as he was driving.  His car veered into the westbound lane for about 100 feet, the sheriff said, judging from the fire marks on the road. At the top of the slope, the car piled into the guide rails on the westbound side with such force that the posts and rails knifed into the car from the right front, just behind the hood, into the driver's seat. The right front door was jammed in, pinning the driver into his seat.  Every window in the car was shattered. The trunk door was sent flying down the road, and some tools were picked up 35 feet distant, sheriff's men said.   To remove the victim, it was necessary to pry the twisted door out of the car, and off its hinges.

 

Delores Brigham Ward

Bainbridge News & Republican, December 26, 1946

 

Mrs. Delores Brigham Ward, 22, for nearly her entire life a resident of Hancock [Delaware Co., NY] was fatally injured on Saturday night when the car in which she was riding in Geneva [Ontario Co., NY] was struck broadside by a car driven by Russell Mack at a street intersection in Geneva.  Mrs. Ward, who lived in Geneva, had been shopping and her brother-in-law was driving her home about 9 o'clock Saturday night.  When Mack's car hit them the occupants of the Ward car were thrown from the machine to the pavement.  Mrs. Ward was seriously injured and was rushed to a hospital in Geneva.  Russell Mack, the driver of the other car, was killed instantly.  Mrs. R.L. Brigham, Hancock, received word about midnight Saturday of the accident and her daughter's serious condition and left immediately and was at Mrs. Ward's beside when she died about 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon.  Mrs. Ward was born in Hancock, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Brigham.  She attended Hancock Central school and graduated in 1941.  In September, 1944, she enlisted in the Waves and was discharged with the rank of Yeoman in March, 1946.  Her husband, Donald Ward, was discharged about the same time after three years of service in the marine corps and the couple went to Geneva to make their home.  Mrs. Ward's body was brought to Hancock Tuesday and lay in state at Henderson's funeral parlors until Thursday. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at the Hancock Presbyterian church.  Burial was in the Riverview cemetery, at Hancock.

Emma (Laties) Sherwood

Bainbridge News  Republican, December 26, 1946

Mrs. Emma L. Sherwood, wife of Robert M. Sherwood, passed away at her home in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY\, Saturday morning, Dec. 14 at 3 o'clock.  Emma Sherwood was born Dec. 5, 1886, at Waterloo, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Laties.  Early in life she was united in marriage to Robert Sherwood, of Guilford.  For many years they have worked together in State Institutions, as both were registered nurses.  Two years and eight months ago, they were employed at the Rochester State hospital and were eligible for retirement. As Mrs. Sherwood was filing out her papers, she suffered a stroke.  They came directly to Guilford, where they have owned a home for many years, and she was always cheerful and able to be about much of the time and assume the duties in her home, which she loved.  The devoted care of a husband was given her to the end.  Surviving are her husband, a sister, Mrs. T.J. Dailey, of Rochester, and a brother, Robert Laties, of Albany.  The body was removed to the Seymour Funeral Home in Oxford, where friends called Monday afternoon and evening. final rites were held form the Seymour Funeral Home Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock, and 9:30 from St. Joseph's church, Oxford, where a high mass of requiem was celebrated by the Rev. J.R. Creamer. The body was placed in the vault at Oxford, and burial will follow later.