Bainbridge High School Class of 1953 - Part 3

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1953

Senior Portraits

"Echo" 1953

 

 

James Richard Hitchcock

 

Richard Glenn Hurlburt

Class Vice President

 

Carl Tracy Knowlton

Class President

 

Patricia Lou Landre

 

Douglas Walter Lee

 

Roger Wayne Lord



Ryan Brothers in Service - 1944

Four Ryan Brothers in Service - 1944

 

 

 

Few parents have the distinction of having four sons in service.  Such is the case of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ryan of Deposit [Broome Co., NY], who have three sons, Lawrence, Bernard and Vincent, in the army, and one son, Paul, in the Seabees, construction division  of the navy.

 



Private Lawrence J. Ryan was inducted from Walton last June.  His basic training was given him at Fort McClellan, Alabama, where he was assigned to the infantry.  He also trained at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and at Pine Camp in northern New York state, before being sent to Camp Pickett in Virginia.  He is now serving overseas with a tank battalion....

 

Corporal Vincent M. Ryan, now a member of the Signal Corps, was inducted from Walton in February, 1942, and was trained at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.  He also received training at Fort Sam Houston in Texas before going to Wisconsin....

 

Corporal Bernard A. Ryan, now with the 22nd Transport Squadron at Morrison Field, West Palm Beach, Florida, was inducted at Newark, N.J., last July.  He received his basic training at Atlantic City and Fort Dix, New Jersey, and was assigned to the army Air Corps.  he had been stationed at Santa Monica, Calif., before going to Florida where he is at present.

 

Paul L. Ryan, who holds the naval rating of carpenter's mate, second class, enlisted in the Seabees in Buffalo last January.  He received his "boot" training in Virginia and Rhode Island and was then transferred to California, where he now awaits orders to go into foreign service. 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan have two daughters, Katherine and Eileen. The former is engaged in defense work at the Binghamton medical depot, while Eileen is a student at the Deposit Central School.

Marriages (August 26)

Mable - Stanzel

1944

 

Mr. & Mrs. William P. Mable

Before an altar banked with white delphiniums, palms and candelabra, Miss Bette Jean Stanzel, daughter of Mr. and Mr. Walter E. Stanzel, Sr., of 63 Park Street, was married Saturday afternoon to Lieut. William P. Mable, son of Mr. and Mr. F. Leon Mable of 41 Mitchell avenue. The ceremony was solemnized at 3:30 o'clock in the West Presbyterian Church by the Rev. George W. Brown.  The wedding music was played by J. Emery Kelley.  Given in marriage by her father, the bride was attended by Miss Margaret Downs of New York city, as maid of honor.  the bridesmaids were Miss Naida Lee Brunner and Miss Frances Stretz.  Robert T. Mable, brother of the bridegroom, was best man.  First Class Private James A. Fancher, U.S. Army, Walter E. Stanzel, Jr., Capt. Wayne Frease, U.S. Army Air Forces and Ensign John R. Roberts, U.S.N.R., were the ushers.  The former Miss Stanzel was dressed in a princess style gown of blush rose imported organza fashioned with rose point lace at the sweetheart neckline and a full skirt ending in a long train.  Her illusion veil fell from a tiara of heirloom rose point lace and she carried a bouquet of white orchids and bouvardia. As her only jewelry she wore a heart shaped heirloom pin of seed pearls, a gift of the bridegroom. The maid of honor and the bridesmaids were dressed alike in heavenly blue organza gowns with matching lace yokes and medallions on the bouffant skirts.  They wore picture hats of the same color and edged in horsehair braid.  They carried flower baskets made of sweetheart roses and delphiniums. The mother of the bride chose a mist blue crepe dress with matching accessories and she wore a corsage of pink orchids. The bridegroom's mother selected a gown of gray crepe accented with deep purple and her corsage was of purple orchids.  Following the ceremony a reception for 150 guests was held in the Art Gallery of the Arlington Hotel.  A three-tiered wedding cake flanked by snapdragons and maiden hair fern centered the table. The couple left for a wedding trip to New York City. The bride is a graduate of Binghamton Central High School and an honorary member of Delta Kappa Sorority. Lieutenant Mable was graduated form Lakemont Academy, Lakemont, N.J., and he received his commission at Foster Army Air Field, Tex.  At present he is stationed at Harding Army Air Field, Baton Rouge, La. 

 

 

Lt. William P. Mable, U.S.A.A.F. and his bride, the former Miss Bette Stanzel, are shown with their parents as they greet guests at the reception which followed their wedding on Saturday.  From left to right are:  Mr. and Mrs. F. Leon Mable, the bridal couple, and Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Stanzel, Sr.

 

 

Lowe - Gifford

1959

Wedding vows were exchanged by Miss Phyllis Gifford and Ralph Lowe Nov. 21 in Afton Baptist church.  The Rev. Allan Douglas officiated at the double-ring ceremony.  The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Gifford of Afton.  The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lowe of Afton.  Miss Carrolyn Tryon of Afton was maid of honor. Best man was Gary Budine of Bainbridge.  Reed Packer and Ronald Brewer ushered. The reception took place in the church parlors after the ceremony.  Mr. and Mrs. Lowe are living in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].

Obituaries (August 26)

Patrick Quinn

Utica Saturday Globe, October 1902

 

 

Patrick Quinn

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Patrick Quinn, who died at his home on Adelaide street Saturday evening, was born in County Clare, Ireland, 82 years ago.  At an early age he came to America and for a number of years made his home in Virginia.  He came from that State to Norwich about 50 years ago and had since made his home here.  For many years he was employed by the late William R. Tiffany.  For the greater part of his long life he followed the occupation of farming.  Mr. Quinn enlisted in the United States Army during the war of the rebellion and was assigned to the Fifth New York Heavy Artillery, Company B, in which he heroically served.  He was honorably discharged and became a pensioner.  Patrick Quinn was a remarkable man in many ways.  He had a fund of Irish wit and though eccentric was generally of a happy, sunny disposition that drew many friends to him and made him one of the best known men in the village.  For years he pastured his small herd of cows in the northwestern part of the town, near the :"Red still," and during the summer season in the early morning and again at evening on his way to and from the pasture his voice became a familiar sound as he sang some old favorite song out of his rather limited repertoire.  He was a man who will be greatly missed from the community.  Besides his widow, Mary, he is survived by two sons, Richard J. Quinn, of Preston, and Matthew J. Quinn, of Middletown; two daughters, Mrs. M.W. Cox and Mrs. James J. Dolan, of Norwich; a brother, Thomas Quinn, of Wood's Corners, and four sisters, Mrs. Nellie Touey of King's Settlement; Mrs. John Brennan, of Norwich; Mrs. Margaret Hogan, of Utica, and Mrs. Betsey -?-.  His funeral was largely attended Tuesday morning from his late home on Adelaide street at 9:30 and from St. Paul's Church at 10 o'clock.  Rev. John A.  Hart officiated. Interment in St. Paul's Cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Among the out-of-town people in attendance were James Dolan, John F. Dolan and Miss Anna Dolan, of Oriskany Falls; Mrs. Daniel Laden and James Laden, of Oneida, and Patrick Keane, of Binghamton.

Oliver Beers

Otsego Farmer, Cooperstown, NY, March 29, 1907

Oliver Beers, an old and respected resident of Morris [Otsego Co., NY] died on Friday, March 22, aged eighty-nine years.  he has been in poor health for quite a while, his head bothering him a good deal.  Mr. Beers has lived in Morris and vicinity the most of his life.  He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Hyde Hunt, with whom he has lived and who has given him the best of care in his declining years, and one sister, Mrs. Lovina Beers Whitcomb.  Mr. Beers  was a man of means and left considerable property to his daughter.  The past winter, he took to his bed and declined from that time until death relieved him and he passed on to the other land.

 

Joseph Henry Fitch
1859 - 1914

Joseph Henry Fitch, well known in this city, died suddenly Saturday at his home in Rochester [Monroe Co., NY], aged 54.  His body was brought to Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], his former home, Tuesday and burial made in Mt. Hope Cemetery.  Mr. Fitch is survived by his wife and two sons, Harry and Edward Fitch, of Rochester; a daughter, Mrs. Otis Thompson, of this city; three grandchildren and one brothel, Frank E. Fitch, of Rochester.

Grace E. Storrs

Smyrna, NY, 1868 - 1911

Mrs. Grace E. Storrs died at her home in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] January 21, aged 44.  She is survived by her husband and 10 children:  Mrs. Charles Burchard, of Norwich; Mrs. Walter Brown, of King Settlement; John Storrs of Norwich; Ada Storrs, of Albany, and Mabel Storrs, Leon Storrs, Lamott Storrs, Leslie Storrs and Donald Storrs at home.

Alfred R. Kinney

New Berlin, NY, 1888 - 1911

Alfred R. Kinney died at the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kinney, in New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Sunday February 5, 1911, aged 23.  He was a son of Elmer and Winnie Kinney, both of whom died several years ago.  Mr. Kinney had been in Norwich for some time, where he was employed as a baker by one of the local firms.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Wilson E. Tanner of St. Andrew's Church.  Burial was made in New Berlin.

Mary Louise (Obenauer) Holmes

Norwich, NY, 1876 - 1911

Mary Louise Obenauer, wife of Lucius  H. Holmes, died at the family home on Cortland street [Norwich Chenango Co., NY], Sunday evening, aged 35.  Mrs. Holmes was taken suddenly ill Sunday morning, and although everything was done by her physician and family during the day to relieve her suffering, death came in the early evening.  Mrs. Holmes was a member of the Congregational Church and of the Loyal Workers' Circle of King's Daughters, by whom she will be greatly missed. She leaves to mourn her early death her husband, and one daughter, Christine, her parents Mr. and Mrs. George Obenauer, one sister, Mrs. George Hudson, and brother, George Obenauer, all of Norwich.  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from her late home on Cortland street, Rev. Paul Riley Allen officiating.  Burial was made in Mount Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Francis Chapel

Chenango Union, May 8, 1884

From a Sioux City (Iowa) paper we copy the following mention of the death of  Francis Chapel, a native of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] and well remembered by our older citizens.  He was a son of the late Joseph Chapel, and a brother of Mrs. C.B. La Hatt, of this place and Mrs. H.L. Bullock, of Fulton, N.Y. He was one of the pioneers of Sioux City, and one of its mot respected citizens.

Died at his home near Sioux City, Ia., Wednesday, April 23, 1884, Francis Chapel, aged 56 years.  The deceased was one of the old settlers of Sioux City, having come up the river with Dr. Cook to assist in surveying the town site.  He was born in Norwich, Chenango county, N.Y., and came to this city in 1855, remaining until 1860.  then he returned to his old home in Chenango county, married and engaged in the hotel business.  After spending eighteen years there, and wrecking his health and fortune, he returned to his farm near this city in 1878, and has resided there since.  He seemed in his usual health until shortly before his death, which was caused by hemorrhage of the stomach.  he leaves a wife, a son about 11 years, and a daughter 8 years old, to mourn the death of one of the kindest hearted of men. 

C.K. Smith, one of the party that came with Dr. Cook to survey the town site, gave the reporter this interesting talk about the deceased.  he said:  "The party was hired at Council Bluffs by Dr. Cook.  There was Frank Chapel, George Chamberlain, a man named Ross, Hiram Nelson--he located the claim on which Middle Sioux City stands--Frank Wixon--he recently died at Yankton--and myself.  We left council Bluffs in May, 1855.  Council Bluffs was a little Mormon village then--you dared not speak against the Mormons unless you wanted to hang.  Over at Omaha there were only two or three claim cabins.  The crossing of the Missouri was between Crescent City on the Iowa side to Forence, on the Nebraska side. There was where the Mormons crossed when they went to Utah.  We came through Crescent City--that was Mormon--and Calhoun close to where Missouri Valley now is, another Moron town. At the Little Sioux there was a ferry kept by Charles Larenter. At Onawa Henry Ashton kept a hotel and there was a store.  That was about all the settlement between Council Bluffs and Thompson town, a mile below the mouth of the Floyd.  There was were Dr. Cook wanted to make Sioux City, but Thompson wouldn't give him an interest in the place.  So we came on to where Sioux City is.  Joe Leonsis was living in a little cabin at the mouth of Perry creek.  Dr. Cook laid out the town on the west side of the creek, Sioux City proper, and then bought out Leonsis for $3,000.  While we surveyed the lots we boarded with Gus Traverse; that place is now the Spalding farm, two miles below the mouth of the Floyd. The only neighbors were Judge Townsley, who lived where Needham now has a cattle farm, north of Spalding's place, and two Frenchmen who lived further south toward the river.  All the men who were with Dr. Cook took claims.  George Chamberlains claim shanty was near where Van Keuren's house is on Seventh street.  Frank Chapel took the claim which he always held, and on which he died, the farm north of the fair grounds.  He was the first sheriff elected in the county, though one may have been appointed before that to organize the county.  He lived alone on his claim, and we used to go up from Sioux City Sunday afternoons to take dinner with him. In 1860 he went back to York State and it was there that his health broke down.
 

 

Reminiscenses of Afton, NY

Mrs. Jennings Talks of Old Residents

Afton, Chenango Co., NY

Afton Enterprise, May 17, 1957

 

Blessed by Diaries!  What a fund of knowledge comes from the old ones! 

 

I've wondered who the first Postmaster was and was pleased to learn that it was Cornelius Atherton, who still has descendants in Afton.  Mr. and Mrs. Atherton were the kind of lovely old people the children love. 

 

The Postmaster I remember was Mr. E.M Shay.  He owned the "Shay Block" recently rebuilt by Attorney Sam Whitman.  As one went into the present Beauty Parlor, the Postoffice was on the left and his grocery store on the right.  Mr. Shay was a quiet, kindly man liked by everyone.  There were three children, Jennie, Martina and Ina Catherine, always called "Kitty."  Two sisters of Mrs. Shay lived with them, Beolia Clapper, who was an invalid, as long as I can remember, and Amelia Clapper, a musician.  She played the organ at St. Ann's as long as she was able and had music pupils.  Miss Charlotte Shay, Mr. Shay's sister was a school teacher for many years and spent the vacations with the Shays. 

 

The present doctor's office was used by  Mr. and Mrs.  O.N. Swift.  He was Afton's jeweler--his bench in the front window and Mrs. Swift kept a fine supply of yarns and taught the women to make it up.  The basement was used by Andrew Fisher and Wirt Newley for a meat market.  I must have been about four years old which I went to do errands for my mother.  Nothing around those days to harm children.  I don't know the age of the Shay block, but it was older than either D.A. Carpenter's house and store, now the Town Clerk's Office or the Riley Ester house, now the home of Miss Mildred Merrell.  They were built about 1850.  Both were used as family homes until the early 90s.

 

The Handy home was one of the old buildings and back of it was one still  older.  I think it belonged to Mr. Champlin and family in my time.  The Dr. Cook house, now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jere Jenks must have been built about the same time as the Easton and Carpenter houses and possibly H.R. Caswell's was at that time.

 

The oldest house in Afton now standing, is the one built by Heth Kelsey in 1804-5 on a grant of land from the government, as he was a Revolutionary soldier.  It is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Cook.  In the Cook home one finds the construction to be much as it was in the old days, with plank walls, heavy timbers which are visible in the attic fastened with wooden pins.  In the ground floor rooms are still to be round some of the original hand blown window panes.  Some of the flooring in the upstairs rooms is laid with foot wide boards.

_______________________________________________________________

 

Notes From Sketch by Mrs. Mae Liggett

Afton Enterprise, May 23, 1957

 

The Sash and Blind factory run by Adison Brewer and Billy Wright was another busy place. Here one listened to the constant buzz of the machinery where timber was sawed while the yard lumber wagons brought the large logs of pine and hemlock which were piled for sawing.

 

In front was the carriage shop of Coggins and Merrill and in back of the building was the blacksmith shop of Jack Swift.  Here one saw horses waiting to be shod and saw the sparks from the anvil as the shoes were being made and thrown into the tub of cold water. At the back of this building was the place where the staves and barrels were made by George Champlin.  All day long men came and went.  It was a happy place as one listened to the sound of the whistle re-echoing through the town and heard the laughter of those who worked.

 

In front of the wagon shop was the town pump and here small boys and girls assembled not only to get a drink of water but receive a ducking if one was not very careful.

 

There stood the Sentinel Building where the town paper was published by Mr. Seaman and it was here one leaned of the important happenings in Afton.  Mr. Seaman's son had received some distinction as a tight rope walker.

 

Mary and Sally remember the stories told by their mothers and grandmothers of the times when the pioneer settler were living in their log homes with the great fire places and brick ovens where all the food was cooked.  They told of the times when they killed their own meat and how the Indians came during the butchering and brought them salt (in return for a share of the meat) saying, "My squaw she love them."  The Indians knew of a secret place where it could be obtained and gave it to the white people.  Conkopet was their chief and they were tall and brave.  One time their grandmother had prepared a dinner for the noon-day meal and put it in the open window for a moment but when she turned it was no longer there, but was being carried away by a number of indians.  The streams were filled with fish and the woods with deer and bears and all kinds of wild game which they shot with bows and arrows.

 

The Landers family lived in a little home built of logs above Afton near the bank of the Susquehanna.  It was a cold morning in winter when Philander and his brother Hial started for the woods on the hill to cut wood.  They had commenced to cut down  a large tree with a  hollow at the bottom when suddenly a big black bear appeared.  As the bear commenced to slowly come toward them they realized their danger.  Hial ran to the house to get his gun, while the little brown dog remained with his master, barking and yelping at the bear, which grabbed it, throwing it in the air, but all the time getting nearer.  Philander realized that Hial would return too late. he raised his sharpened axe and struck the bear a piercing blow which cut its head open.  Standing on its hind feet it put its two front paws to its head holding it together and with the most pitiful cry died, leaving the little cubs which the boys took home.

 

Mary and Sally were familiar with the story of the two little Indian boys who lived with their tribe on Cunahunta Island (now owned by Charles Arnold, known as the Chamberlain Island) and one summer day caught a very large grasshopper and a dispute arose as to the ownership as each claimed it.  All the children of the tribe took part in the dispute, relatives joining in the fight, and still the quarrel continued until several different tribes came and a battle was fought known as the Grasshopper War.  Each generation finds the arrows still left in the ground telling of the struggle.

 

Then came the time when wagon roads took the place of the trails through the forests which had been marked by the Indians.

 

Down the years these stories of these early days had been carried down the generations in the families of these early settlers of the beautiful Susquehanna Valley.

 

Selected and edited for the Afton Centennial Committee May 10, 1957 by Frances Fenner, Afton, New York from writings of Mae Caswell Liggett preserved by Celia Landers Liggett.

 

 

 

 

 



Marriages (August 25)

Musa - Gallagher

Betrothal, 1957

 

 

Patricia Joanne Gallagher

Mrs. James Gallagher of 114 Roosevelt Avenue, Endicott [Broome Co., NY], announces the engagement of her daughter, Patricia Joanne, to Richard D. Musa.  Miss Gallagher, also the daughter of James Gallagher of Garfield Avenue, Endicott, is a graduate of Union-Endicott High School.  Her fiancé, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Musa of 107 Oak Hill Avenue, Endicott, is also a graduate of Union-Endicott  High School.  The couple will wed on July 13.

 

Judd - Birdsall

Marriage, 1944

Miss Marian A. Birdsall and Justus Judd were married Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Methodist church, with the Rev. Wilton J. Dubrick performing the ceremony.  The bride wore a long dress of white satin and net with long sleeves and fingertip veil, and carried white sweet peas and roses.  the matron of honor, Mrs. Arthur Crawshaw of Walton, cousin of the bride, wore a pink satin and net dress and carried pink carnations.  The best man was Merrill Snitchler of Sidney, brother-in-law of the bridegroom.  Miss Doris Hover sang "O Promise Me" and "Through the Years" with Mrs. Earl Case at the organ.  A reception was held at the home of the bride's aunt, Miss Bertha Birdsall, 68 East Main street, after which the couple left for a trip to New York.  Mrs. Judd is the daughter of the late Mrs. Katherine Sager Birdsall and Archie Birdsall of Downsville [Delaware Co., NY] and lived with her aunt, Miss Bertha Birdsall.  She was graduated from the Sidney High school and of Rochester business school and has worked for several years in the Payroll Department of the Scintilla Magneto Division.  Mr. Judd, son of Mrs. Hazel Judd, and the late Frank Judd of Sidney, attended the Sidney school and is at present in business in Binghamton. They will live at 130 West End avenue, Binghamton.  Two pre-nuptial showers were given the bride in Sidney.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Hiram Warner

50th anniversary, 1955

 

 

Mr. & Mrs. Hiram Warner

 

Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Warner of Deposit [Broome Co., NY], married Feb. 1, 1905, recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.  The couple, born and wed in Cannonsville [Delaware Co., NY], has lived in Deposit since 1927.  They have four sons.  Mr. Warner farms with a son, Clayton.

 

Marriage Notices

Chenango Telegraph, June 29, 1859

 

WESCOTT - BEALS:  In this village, on the 22d last, by Rev. Mr. Blakeslee, Paul L. Wescott, Esq., to Mrs. \Sarah Jane Beals, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

 

FOSTER - BANCROFT:  In This village, on the 23d inst., by P.I. Wescott, Esq., Isaac Foster, of North Norwich, to Miss Almada Bancroft, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

 

FREEMAN - BOSWORTH:  In Pittsfield, Otsego County, on the 25th isn't., by Rev. O. Ketcham, Samuel Freeman, of Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Betsey Bosworth, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

 

HYDE - GRAVES:  In St. John's Church, Northampton, Mass., June 10th, 1859, by Rev. Andrew Cromwell, Wm. H. Hyde, Esq., of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Myra B. Graves of Northampton.

 

HARE - VAN HORNE:  In Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 12 inst., by Rev. Mr. Jacobs, Devillo L. Hare of Westkill, Greene Co., to Miss Augusta E. Van Horne.

 

HASTINGS - YOUNG:  In Guilford, on the 10th inst., by Rev. W. Southworth, Wm. Hastings, to Miss Mary J. Young, all of Guilford [Chenango Co ., NY]

Obituaries (August 25)

Harriet L. (Rathbone) Pike

Utica Saturday Globe, August 1902

 

 

Harriet L. (Rathbone) Pike

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After a long and very painful illness, Mrs. Harriet L. Pike passed away at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Edgar Phetteplace, near East Norwich, on Friday of last week, at the age of 72.  Deceased was the daughter of Amos and Eliza Rathbone and was born in the town of German [Chenango Co., NY], this county, January 29, 1830.  She had spent the last 40 years of her life in this vicinity, the last 20 years having been passed with her daughter, Mrs. Phetteplace.  She was married in 1847 to Daniel S. Pike of McDonough.  Three children survive her, Ransom B. Pike, of Minneapolis, Minn.; Mrs. Adelaide H. Phetteplace, of Norwich; and Fred J. Pike, of Geneva, N.Y. She is also survived by two brothers, Isaac H. and Charles I. Rathbone, of McDonough, and by four sisters, Mrs. George W. Carpenter, of Oxford; Mrs. Charles Sheldon, of West Eaton; Mrs. Austin W. Race, of Brisben, and Mrs. James Blackman, of Beaver Meadow.  Mrs. Pike was of a cheerful disposition and found great enjoyment in doing good to others, and was loved by a large circle of relatives and friends.  She bore her last illness with great fortitude and passed into the beyond with Christian faith in Him who doeth all things well. her funeral was largely attended from her late home on Tuesday with Rev. Wilson Treible officiating.  Interment was in Mount Hope [Norwich, NY].

Rena Bell Breffle

Bainbridge Republican, July 2, 1880

On Thursday last a little daughter of Albert Breffle, of the Breffle House at South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], was burned so terribly that death ensued the following day. The little girl, with other children, had been building fires with chips and sticks, and burning potato bugs, and one of the children went to the house and brought the kerosene oil can, in order to increase the fire by pouring its inflammable contents upon the chips.  Getting the can too near the fire it exploded, throwing the burning mass completely over the little girl's clothing,...The little one was a bright and lovely child and her death strikes her parents with crushing weight and overwhelming affliction.

Hancock Herald, July 1, 1880

Rena Breffle, of South New Berlin, was burned to death Thursday by the explosion of a can of kerosene oil

Albert Breffle

Otsego Farmer, Cooperstown, NY, March 29, 1907

Albert Breffle, one of the most widely known residents of Otego [Otsego Co., NY], died at his home in that village Tuesday evening, shortly before 5 o'clock, after two years illness from liver trouble.  The funeral services were held from the house on Thursday at 2 o'clock, the Rev. N.R. Ripley of Binghamton, formerly pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church there, officiating. The burial was in charge of the Masonic Lodge of which deceased was a member.  Mr. Breffle was a native of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], sixty-two years of age.  He was formerly in business in South New Berlin and later at Morris.  He conducted the Susquehanna house here since for a short time, but later returned to Morris, where he remained for a number of years.  Some fourteen years ago he returned to Otego and built the Breffle  house, which he conducted for a time.  Of late years it has been leased, owing  to the poor health of Mr. Breffle.  He is survived by a wife, who was formerly Miss Amy Weeks of New Lisbon, two brothers, Erastus of Otego and Spencer Breffle of Morris and one sister, Mrs. Margaret Harris of Morris.

Col. Rufus Chandler

Chenango Union, January 3, 1884

The funeral of Col. Rufus Chandler will be attended at 11 o'clock today, at the residence of Mr. J.M. Phillips, Coventry.  Having been in failing health for some time, he was suddenly prostrated and after lying unconscious for thirty-six hours, gently passed to the other life, on Friday evening, December 29th.

 

Anna E. Teed

Sidney, NY, 1946

Mrs. Anna E. Teed, 10 River street, passed away at the Sidney hospital this afternoon following a heart attack.  She was the widow of Elmer Teed, who passed away some years ago.  Mrs. Teed was born July 28, 1868, at Cannonsville [Delaware Co., NY].  She is survived by two sons William Teed of this place, with whom she resided, and Robert Teed of Elmira.  Funeral services will be held at the Carr & Landers funeral parlors Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Rev. Carlton Opdyke, pastor of the Congregational church, will officiate.  The burial will be in Prospect Hill cemetery [Sidney, Delaware Co., NY].

 

Funeral services for Mrs. Anna E. Teed were held at the Carr and Landers Funeral Parlors Monday afternoon, August 13, at 2 o'clock.  Rev. Carlton Opdyke, pastor of the Congregational Church, officiated.  Burial was in Prospect Hill Cemetery.  Mrs. Teed had her home on River street with her son William E. Teed, where she passed away Thursday, August 9, at 5:30 p.m. She was taken ill the previous Tuesday afternoon.  Mrs. Teed was born July 28, 1868. at Cannonsville.  She married Elmer Teed in 1886 and they lived in Masonville for three years.  They came to Sidney to reside 54 years ago.  Mr. Teed passed away about 12 years ago.  Mrs. Teed was a member of the Congregational Church.  She is survived by two sons, William E. Teed, employed in Scintilla, and Robert Teed of Elmira, and a granddaughter, Freda Teed.  She is also survived by nephews and nieces.  A son, Raymond Teed, passed away in 1917.

 

Michael Ryan

Deposit, NY, 1954

A retired farmer and lifelong resident of Deposit [Broome Co., NY], Michael Ryan died at his Beebe hill home at 12:40 Tuesday morning, Oct. 19, 1954, after a long illness.  He was 86 years old.  Mr. Ryan was born May 13, 1868, at Deposit, son of Dennis and Kathrine Leo.  He was married Nov. 27, 1908 to Mary Margaret Dunleavy who survives him.  Mr. Ryan was a member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic church of Deposit.  Surviving besides his widow are two daughters the Misses Kathrine J. and M. Eileen Ryan, both of Deposit, and four sons, Paul, Lancaster; Bernard, Green Village, N.J.; Lawrence, West Hurley, and Vincent, Deposit.  A rosary was recited Thursday evening at 8:15 and high  mass of requiem is to be celebrated this Friday morning at 9:30 at St. Joseph's church, Deposit.  Burial is to be in St. Joseph's church cemetery.

 

Emery Newby

Oneonta, NY, 1958

Emery Newby, 58, of 5 Potter Avenue, Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], died Wednesday at Fox Hospital, Oneonta.  He is survived by a nephew, Lloyd Wayman of Afton.  Born April 8, 1900, in West Sanford [Broome Co., NY], Mr. Newby was a carpenter's assistant on the D&H Railroad for 30 years.  The body was removed to the Brookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.

 

Edna (Ferry) Couse

Deposit, NY, 1958

Mrs. Edna (Ferry) Couse of Deposit [Broome Co., NY] passed away Friday, Sept. 12, 1958, while en route by ambulance to the Sidney hospital.  She had suffered a stroke a short time before.  She was 70 years of age.  Born near Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Ferry. She taught school for many years in the vicinity of Masonville and Barbourville.  Her husband, Edgar Couse, passed away several years ago.  She was a member of the Masonville Federated church.  The funeral was held at the Walter A. Dains Funeral home in Deposit on Sunday with the Rev. Ronald Thomas, pastor of the Deposit First Presbyterian church, officiating.  Burial was in Masonville.  She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Clara Hager of Bainbridge and several nieces and nephews.

 

 

Obituaries (August 24)

Philo R. Aldrich

Utica Saturday Globe, June 1902

 

 

Philo R. Aldrich

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  After an illness of about four weeks Philo R. Aldrich, a well-known business man of this village, died at his home on Brown street Wednesday evening, aged 41.  Mr. Aldrich was born in Norwich in 1861 and had always made his home here.  He received his education at the village schools and 18 years ago entered the insurance office of Stanton & Slater for many years the leading insurance firm in this village.  Several years later he became a member of the firm and after the death of Messrs. Stanton and Slater the firm was for a time composed of Mr. Aldrich and the late E.B. Inman.  Later the business was sold to S. Newton & Co., the present proprietors.  Mr. Aldrich was a charter member of the Chenango Co-operative Savings and Loan Association of this village and for nine years was a member of the Board of Directors.  In 1887 he was elected secretary of the organization and had filled that office with marked ability up to the time of his death.  In 1898 he was elected a member of the Executive Committee of the New York State League of Co-operative Savings and Building Association, and at the last annual meeting of the league he was chosen first vice president.  Mr Aldrich was prominent in Masonic circles.  He was made a master Mason, November 1, 1887.  He was past high priest of Harmony Chapter, No. 51, R.A.M., past commander of Norwich Commandery, No. 16, K.T., a member of the Fraternal Union, Anointed High Priests, State of New York, and of Mokanna Grotto, No. 1, M.O.V.P.E.R., of Hamilton, N.Y. and at the time of his death was associate prelate of the Norwich Commandery.  Deceased was twice married.  In August, 1883, he married Miss Ella A. Blackman, who died about four years later, and on September 19, 1888 he was united in marriage with Miss Lucy E. Craig, who with two daughters, Ethel and Celia, survive.  He is also survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben S. Aldrich, of Norwich, three brothers, Hiram H., of Sherburne, Venner A. of Cedarville, Corry J. of this village, and one sister, Mrs. R.B. Evans, of Norwich   His funeral will be held from the late residence on Brown street Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. Wilson Treible and S.J. Ford will officiate.  Interment will be made in Mt. Hope Cemetery.  The services at the grave will be in charge of the Knights Templar.

 

Mary A. Grant

Bainbridge Republican, December 3, 1880

Mrs. R.M. Grant died at Afton [Chenango Co., NY] on Saturday night last.  She was a sister of E.M. and A.J. Johnston, of that place.  She and her two sons and one daughter went there on a visit the first of July last, and was intending to return in a few days to their home in Florida, but she was stricken, down with pneumonia, and died after a short sickness of only five days.  She was 42 years of age  The funeral was held on Thursday of this week, at 10 a.m.

 

Died:  At Afton, N.Y., Nov. 29, of pneumonia, Mrs. Mary A. Grant aged 42 years.  Brief words and few, but how fraught are they with meaning.  To those who knew her what a record do they reveal.  The record of a human life, but of a life so full, a life so beautiful that we are unwilling to acknowledge it ended!  And it is a record of a life whose beneficent influences will not be entombed with her body in the grave, but will live through many coming years.  A life and character so pure and perfect that no words can portray its fullness. We do not write her a perfect woman, for perfection is put to earth; but when we write perfectly a woman we write but little less--we only say, that her very frailties were such as to endear her memory.  It is the record of a life whose pathway is marked by acts of kindness prompted of a generous heart.  A battle with the ills and troubles of life, bravely fought, in all her womanly weakness; and through it all she maintained the bright, cheerful disposition which ever made her presence a joy to her associates and friends.  A fond mother, an affectionate sister, and a devoted, cherished friend.  Yes it is the record of a human life, beautifully lived--and now, at the end, we write the brief work "dead."  Dead?  Yes, dead to earth, but alive to Heaven.  Ah! here is our hope and our consolation.  A life in heaven!  A life where the frailties of humanity cannot mar its beauty; a life to which this earthly existence is but the opening of the way.  A soul released form earthly clay, had solved the mysteries of the eternal.  The voice whose every accent is remembered as a melody, is hushed forever; the hand, whose every touch was a caress, is folded and at rest; but the spirit voice now sounds an angel strain; the spirit hand has laid down the cross and taken up the crown before the throne of God.  Ah, Mollie, little wonder that as your eyes closed on earthly scenes and the glories of heaven opened to your vision, your pure spirit paused in its flight to send back the message your paling lips falteringly uttered:  "I'm not--afraid--to die!"  Back to her childhood's home she came, it seems, to die; and here, amid the scenes of her early years, we've laid her form to rest.  In the beautiful valley of the Susquehanna she slumbers, by the side of the parents whose memory she so fondly cherished.  here we've made her grave.  The snows of winter shall shield it, the springtime verdure shall cover it.  Here, in the coming years, our feet shall turn in sad but willing pilgrimage, and the sod above it shall be hallowed by our prayers and bedewed with our tears--the tribute of loved ones to the memory of mother, sister, friend.

 

Myra (Margaret) Smith Tingley

Norwich, NY, 1954

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Myra (Margaret) Smith Tingley, 24, of 58 Henry Street, died this morning in the Chenango Memorial Hospital, as a result of a gun shot wound she suffered on Aug. 23.  Police broke into the Buchanan Hardware Store in North Broad Street shortly after midnight on the morning of Aug. 23 and found Mrs. Tingley on the floor, wounded.  She was rushed to the hospital suffering a wound in the side from a .22 caliber rifle bullet.  After investigation, Police Chief Harold O. Mattice said that Mrs. Tingley entered the store with a key belonging to her father, Lynn Smith, an employee of the store.  Chief Mattice said she took a .22 caliber rifle to the back of the store, loaded it and tested it and then returned to the front of the store and shot herself.  She called the telephone operator, who called the police, the chief said.

 

Verna R. Snyder

Endicott, NY, 957

Miss Verna R. Snyder, 74, of 110 Roosevelt Avenue, Endicott [Broome Co., NY] died at 4:38 p.m. yesterday at Ideal Hospital after a long illness.  She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Bert Hyatt of Endicott with whom she resided, and several nieces and nephews.  She was a member of the First Methodist Church of Endicott, its Bethany Class, the Clover Leaf Rebekah Lodge, 136, of Endicott, and the Clover Leaf Club. She was a former employee of Burt's Department Store, Endicott.  The body was moved to the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott.

 

James B. Hill

Johnson City, NY, 1959

James B. Hill, 80, only surviving brother of Broome County Republican chairman William H. Hill, collapsed while walking in Main Street in Johnson City [Broome Co., NY] yesterday afternoon and was pronounced dead at 1:40 p.m. at Wilson Memorial Hospital.  Funeral services will take place at 3 p.m. Monday at the J.F. Rice Funeral Home, 150 Main Street, Johnson City, with the Rev. Rolland J. Crompton of Hillcrest officiating.  A verdict of natural cause was issued by Coroner Glenn Tymeson of Lisle.  Mr. Hill was seen by a Johnson City Post Office employee as he collapsed on a sidewalk at Main and Balwin streets, near the entrance of First Baptist Church.  Johnson City police ambulance was called by the postal worker.  The ambulance arrived at the hospital at 1:30 p.m.  Mr. Hill who lived at 27 Jenison Avenue, Johnson City, with his sister, Mrs. Bessie H. Fell, had gone out on a series of errands shortly before his collapse.  He was a frequent stroller in the village's business center.  He bore a strong resemblance to William H. Hill, 83, who is publisher of the Binghamton Sun as well as county GOP leader.  James Hill was the youngest of the six children of the late Rev. and Mrs. J. William Hill.  His brothers Joseph, Samuel, and George all are deceased.  Like the GOP county chairman, James  Hill attended Binghamton Central High School.  In his late teenage years he was employed by Endicott Johnson and became a foreman in the E.J. Pioneer Factory.  He later joined a shoe firm in Brocton, Mass., and about 1925, went to England where he was superintendent of a shoe factory until shortly before World War 2, when he retired.  In addition to William H. Hill and Mrs. Fell he is survived by four nephews and two nieces.  They are Miss Dorothy Hill of Endicott and Richard Hill of Hillcrest children of William H. Hill, and the late Joseph Hill's four children, Miss Doris Hill, Newell, James and William H. Hill, 2d, all of Binghamton.  Mr. Hill was a member of Sarah Jane Johnson Memorial Methodist church in Johnson City.  Burial is to be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell [Broome Co., NY].

 

 

Dramatic Club Rehearses - 1942

Dramatic Club Rehearses

Binghamton Press, September 25, 1942

 

Mrs. Wickham, Mrs. Whitmarsh and Miss Crane enact a scene from "The Winter's Tale" as two other members of the Shakespeare Dramatic Club look on appreciatively, at the first  meeting of the fall, which was held yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Kattell, 34 Riverside Drive.

 

 

Left to Right:  Mrs. Robert S. Wickham, Mrs. Charles O. Worden, Mrs. Thomas B. Kattell, Mrs. H. DeForest Whitmarsh, Miss Lillian Crane

Marriages (August 24)

 Elliott - Hoyt Betrothal

Afton, NY, June 1956

 

Barbara Joan Hoyt

 

Betrothed:  Mr. and Mrs. A. Stanley Hoyt of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Barbara Joan Hoyt, to Richard E. Elliott,  Mr. Elliott is the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Aubrey Elliott of Greene RD 1 [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Wypler - Wilcox Betrothal

Bainbridge, NY, June 1956

 

Donna E. Wilcox

 

The engagement of Miss Donna E Wilcox and Brig. Gen. George E. Wypler, U.S. Air Force, is made known by the future bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice J. Wilcox of Bainbridge [Chenango  Co., NY].  Miss Wilcox and her fiancé, son of Mrs. Alford B. Wypler of Huntington Station and the late Mr. Wypler, are planning a September wedding.  The bride-to-be, a graduate of Bainbridge High School, received her B.A. degree from Cornell University and her M.A. degree from Columbia University.  She is a member of Huntington High School faculty and a member of Kappa Delta.  General Wypler received his B.A. Degree from the University of Wisconsin and his MBA degree from Harvard Graduate School of Business.  A member of Alpha Delta Phi, General Wypler did graduate work at Cornell University.  He will report for active duty in Washington D.C. on Aug. 1. 

 

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Somerville

Sidney, NY, October 1962

 

 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Somerville of 5 Secor Street, Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by entertaining 128 of their friends of the Elks Club in Sidney on Saturday evening, October 20.  Friends were from Sidney, New Berlin, Delhi, Bainbridge, Windsor, Binghamton, Albany, Salt Point, Unadilla, Pittsford, Endicott, Union, Rochester, Oneonta, Stamford, Lathams, Utica, Norwich, Morris, Oxford, Kelsey, N.Y. and from Niagara, Wisconsin.



 

 



Blog listing August 17 - 23, 2015

Listing of blog postings for the week of August 17-23, 2015

Marriages

Posted August 17, 2015

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Beardsley (48th anniversary, 1880)

Mary Gage - Charles Fuller (1880)

George Graves - Mary J. Wheeler (1880)

Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Searles (50th anniversary, 1936)

Marriage Notices

Samuel McKoon - Adelia Perkins (1835)

Frederick Juliand - Jane Cameron Ringer (1835)

J. Howard Bennett - Miss Frank M. Williams (1880)

Posted August 23, 2015
Charles Cook - Kate Beaver (1880)
Mr. & Mrs. Ivey W. Doolittle (65th anniversary, 1952)
Barbara  Hope Hager - Dale Richard Wagner (1959)

 

Obituaries

Posted August 17, 2015

Dr. Mary A. Case (Norwich, Preston, 1902)

Susanna (Haight) Williamson (Chenango, 1849)

Fred Bullock (Sherburne, 1881)

Lewis S. White (Binghamton, 1884)

Marshall Decker (1884)  Drowning

Albert Noyes (East Pharsalia, 1884)

Clarnece P. Case (Bainbridge, 1930)

Death Notices - 1835

     Jane Farr (Norwich)

     James H. Preston (Butternuts)

Posted August 18, 2015
Lydia McLagan (Norwich, North Guilford, 1902)
Thomas J. Wilkins (Afton, Leesburg VA, 1880)
Moses Axtell (Barbourville, 1880)
John McNulty (Coventry, Norwich, 1884)  drowning
Martha (Baldwin) Babcock (Sherburne, 1884)
Death Notices - 1872
     Nancy A. Jones (Sherburne)
     Fred H. Jones (Sherburne)
     Lewis J. Waters (Binghamton)
     Lydia Jemima Rackett (East Marion, LI)
     Kitty H. Quinn (Preston)

Posted August 19, 2015
Cyrus B. Martin (Norwich, 1902)
Hattie L. Rider (North Norwich, 1874)
Kate Conkling (Norwich, 1884)
John Wylie (New Ohio, 1884)
Eliza Fitch (Delhi, 1891)
Hon. Nelson K. Wheeler (Deposit, 1880)

Posted August 20, 2015
Ada A. (Clare) Ormsby (Norwich, 1902)
Amelia F. Case (North Norwich, 1890)
Lydia Caroline Neely Buell Hand (Norwich, Windsor, 1894)
Lucinda (Miner) Winsor (Guilford, 1897)
Willson Shapley (Fishkill Plains, Guilford, 1897)
Ethel Thelma Anthony Winsor (Norwich, Guilford, 1957)

Posted August 21, 2015
Sidney S. Babcock (Norwich, 1902)
Lucinda Knapp (Cazenovia, 1846)
Anna (Green) Goit (Oswego, 1902)
Charles Gibson (Norwich, 1880
Nathan P. Wheeler (Norwich, Brooklyn, 1884)

Posted August 22, 2015
Carroll C. Brooks (Norwich, 1902)
William Thayer (Bainbridge, 1906)
George W. Hill (Johnson City, 1957)
Harry G. Horton (Afton, 1958)
Dr. Clayton M. Axtell, Sr. (Deposit, 1958)
Death Notices - 1902
      Mary Ransford Hunt (Norwich)
     Amos A. Burr (Norwich)
     Wealthy M. Bolles (Guilford)
     John Murphy (Afton)
     Lawrence St. John (Mt. Upton)
     Ackerman (New Berlin)
     Mrs. Harvey Hulbert (Morris)
     Lucretia Odell (Mt. Upton)
     Julius Chase (Morris)
     Mrs. Harvey Brown (Mt. Upton)

Posted August 23, 2015
Mary (Slater) Blair (McDonough 1902)
Ezra Eastman (Hillsborough, NH, 1884)
Mary Louise Bush (Evart, MI, 1919)
Rena B. Teetsell (Endicott, 1953)
Leona M. Davey (Port Dickinson, 1959)
Gertrude M. (Ireland) Loomis (Oxford, 1959)



 

Miscellaneous

Posted August 18, 2015

Martin Harman, Rural Mail Carrier of the early 1900s

Posted August 19, 2015
Bainbridge High School, Class of 1953, Part 2

Posted August 20, 2015
The White Family Tree, 1898

Posted August 21, 2015
Alonzo A. Bryant Celebrates 90th Birthday (Norwich, 1902)

Posted August 22, 2015
New Manufacturing Concern for Bainbridge, NY -- 1891

Posted August 23, 2015
Reminiscences of Mrs. Isabelle Jennings, Afton, NY (1957)
Notes from Sketch by Mrs. Mae Liggett, Afton, NY

Marriages (August 23)

Cook - Beaver

Bainbridge Republican, December 3, 1880

 

Charles Cook, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], who has resided in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] for about five years or more, was married in that city on the 29th ult to Miss Kate Beaver.  The ceremony was conducted by the Rev Dr. Park, and the bridal presents were many and handsome. Charlie's friends consider he has had a very successful hunt in trapping the Beaver, which in fur markets is considered the best of pelts.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Ivey W. Doolittle

Binghamton, NY, January 1952

 

 

Mr. & Mrs. Ivey W. Doolittle

 

Mr. and Mrs. Ivey W. Doolittle of 1 Chapman St. Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], were honored at an open house celebration of their 65th wedding anniversary yesterday. Their daughter, Mrs. Charles Meredith, was hostess for the event.  The couple were married on Jan. 4, 1887, in South Windsor, NY [Broome Co.], which is the birthplace of Mrs. Doolittle.  Mr. Doolittle was born in Ouaquaga, NY, and the couple resided there until 11 years ago when they came to Binghamton.  Mr. Doolittle was owner of the Doolittle Lumber Yard at Oquaga, and also built many of the cottages in the lake region.  Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle who are both 88 years old, have three daughters, Mrs. Meredith, who resides at the Chapman Street address; Mrs. Virge Livingston of Belden, N.Y. and Mr. Ray Hurlburt of Chenango Bridge.

 

Wagner - Hager

November 21, 1959

 

In the Masonville [Delaware Co., NY] Federated church at 2 o'clock Saturday, Nov. 21, 1959, Miss Barbara Hope Hager, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.. George Hager, was married to Dale Richard Wagner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wagner, Rev. Harry Palmer officiated.  Candelabra and bouquets of white and yellow chrysanthemums decorated the church.  Archie Wood was soloist, accompanied by Mrs. Louis Willis, organist.  Escorted by her father, the bride was attired in a blue, street-length sheath dress, with white collar and cuffs, and carried white roses on a white Bible.  Maid of honor for her sister, Miss Linda Hager wore a two-piece, beige street-length dress, and a corsage of yellow pompons.  Norman Church was best man for his brother. A reception for immediate family and friends was held in the church dining room, following the ceremony.  Mrs. Archie Wood was hostess.  Mrs. Greta Paveglio and Mrs. Edward Frank served.  For the wedding trip, the bride wore a turquoise and brown plaid sheath dress.  Mrs. Wagner graduated from Sidney Central school and attended Wilson Memorial.  Her husband attended Deposit and Sidney Central schools.  He is a farmer.

Isabelle Jennings Reminisences of Afton, NY

Centennial Year for Afton [Chenango Co., NY]

Afton Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1956

 

Mrs. Isabelle Jennings has been greatly interested in the Centennial of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  In writing about early historical events, she wishes to extend best wishes for health happiness and prosperity for the New York of 1957 to all her friends.

 

It is Afton's 100th anniversary, this 1957.  Sweet Afton, nestled among the beautiful hills in the Susquehanna Valley. That with the river, was a great part of the early history of this section.  Many changes have taken place, but these are some buildings still in use, built 50 years or more earlier when this was South Bainbridge.  Why doesn't everyone who has some historical data, let it be printed in the paper for all to read?

 

As far as I know I am the oldest resident that was born and grew up in Afton, and except for 35 years when I was learning to teach, teaching, married and living in Oneonta, this has been my home.  Our early beautiful suspension bridge, the finest between Binghamton and Cooperstown, was built in 1868. The one now in use is the second one built since then.

 

St. Ann's Church was built in 1868.  that burned in 1900 and the present church was build in 1901.

 

Many of the early settlers were Universalists and the Universalist Church was the first one built on the East Side in 1804.

 

Heath Kelsey, Revolutionary soldier, who was given a large land grant for his services, built the house now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Cook, calling it Kelsey Inn, and Kelsey Creek was also named for him.  Mr. Kelsey gave the land for the Baptist church and cemetery. The M.E. Church was second or third and the Presbyterian Church was the result of the work of Robert Yale.

 

The youngest church is St. Agnes which has already grown too small for its number of communicants.

 

Our Afton Union School and Academy was started in 1870.  the Principal was Mr. Rogers.  He and his wife and son William lived where Mr. and Mrs. MacNayr now live.  The Preceptress was Anna Greene, aunt of the late Mrs. James Keel.  There were two rooms down stairs, primary and intermediate.  There surely has been growth in our school.  Doesn't seem possible that Afton should require such a large school as we now have.  Let's hope it has been figured out how to enlarge easily for from prognostications the number of school age children will increase greatly in a few short years.

 

Mrs. Jennings Has Early Notes About Afton

Afton Enterprise, May 2, 1957

 

It was November 18, 1857, that several names were mentioned for South Bainbridge at a meeting of the men of the Village of Afton.  When Mr. Charles Loop said "Afton," Daniel Carpenter said "Let it be Afton.  A comes before B," and Afton it is.

 

Elnathan Bush born in Sheffield, Mass., was the first white settler.  He and his wife and four children came on horseback to Cooperstown, stopped on the West side of the river about opposite what is known as Stowell's Island in 1796.  About this time, one Hezikiah Stowell a "Vermont Sufferer" came to Bainbridge.  In the course of time, he and Mr. Bush exchanged properties.  Mrs. Stowell owned land on the East side also.

 

Although The Enterprise has been printed over three-quarters of a century, there were other papers published, J.B Kirkhuff started one but printed only one copy. Another published a paper for one year.  John Seaman published the village newspaper "The Afton Sentinel."  George Tanner a former member of The Enterprise staff, learned his trade in the office of the Sentinel.

 

The first bank was a private one, owned by Enos Johnston & Co.

 

Notes from Sketch by Mrs. Mae Liggett

Afton Enterprise, May 16, 1957

 

The setting sun still casts the glory of reflected gold through windows which hold memories of other happy days in Afton.

 

Many years have passed since that June morning when Mary and Sally were sitting on the steps of the Bank and T.L. Willey's store watching the people as they passed.  It was a long wooden building with two wide steps extending the length of the stores.  In the bank was Mr. Devillo Church and his sons Fred and George and the large white bulldog which seemed to lead such a lonely life.

 

Then the next was the store filled with so many interesting things; there were counters of gay calico and glass cans filled with long sticks of colored peppermint candy and one filled with bright Jackson balls; then there were shelves filled with glass oil lamps and chimneys and lanterns to carry when the streets were dark at night.

 

Next was the furniture store of Mr. Howard, painted white, and part of the house where his wife and two daughters, Hatty and Grace lived.  Mr. Howard was also the undertaker and his nephew Grant MacDonald had come to help him.

 

In the other direction they saw a long line of horses, wagons and some buggies.  Farmers and their wives were coming to town to do their shopping and the line of hitching posts which extended in front all the stores gave them a place to tie their horses.  A team of oxen had been driven down from his farm by Mason Martin.

 

In front of the saloon which was run by  Mr. Hunt, many of the men were tipped back in comfortable arm chairs enjoying the morning sunshine.  The saloon was painted a light pink.  Then came the drug store of Henry Carr while above the store, the Masons held their meetings.  Then came another drug store, that of Mr. Tuck Hyde.  In both these drug stores were comfortable arm chairs which were in the back of the store next to the round stoves which kept the stores and men warm when the snows of winter howled outside.  Mr. Carr was very peaceful and when the arguments became too heated for comfort, it was always found that the chairs had been removed to some unknown quarter and politicians had no place to sit.

 

Sally and Mary were always attracted to the large blue and red glass globes in front of these stores.  But today their attention was centered on the train which was to bring a car filled with boys and girls from New York City  They were fresh-air children and were to be taken into the different homes.  They had walked down the wide wooden walk and run up and down the stairs and slid down the railing at the sides which was quite thrilling as the stairs were steep and the distance down the bank would have meant a bad fall and they still had a long time to wait so it would be better to see what was going on in the town.

 

Underneath the store next to the railroad walk, Mr. Zenas Tarble had a meat market and inside it was always nice and cool.  On the other side of the building, Mr. Hickox had a hardware store and on the steps a mowing machine and rake and tools were standing.  Inside there was a high bicycle which was the envy of all the boys in town.  George Church had one and was often seen riding.

 

Mr.  Hill had the grocery store.  He lived on the hill overlooking the town and was helped in the store by his son Marshall.  All the children knew Marshall was their friend and would often trade candy for eggs when they could not get pennies from their own families.

 

Across the street Mr. John Chamberlin and his brother Ralph had a place where coal was sold and back of it was a livery stable where horses and buggies could be rented by the day.  They were known to all the young people as Uncle john and Uncle Ralph because they always had time to notice children and sometimes Uncle John would let Kitty Shay take a little black pony which would follow her around the street.  Kittie had the long dark braids reaching from below her waist, her father owned the Shay block and kept a grocery store.  He lived in the next house with the long French windows.

 

(To be Continued)

 



Obituaries (August 23)

Mary (Slater) Blair

Utica Saturday Globe, July 1902

 

Mary (Slater) Blair

 

Mrs. Mary S. Blair, the estimable wife of Dr. L.P. Blair, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], died Thursday morning of last week at the home of Mrs. Eugene Hinsdale in Binghamton. The cause of death was apoplexy.  Mrs. Blair was 44 years of age and was born at Triangle in Broome county.  She is survived by her husband, two brothers, Eugene H. Slater, of Norwich, and Dr Frank E. Slater, of Oregon, and by two sisters, Mrs. Ardell Jameson, of Sidney, and Mrs. Helen Woodford, of Buffalo. The funeral was held from the residence of Mrs. W.H. Bristol, a sister of Dr. Blair, at Binghamton, at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon.  Rev. L.B Bristol, of Dansville, N.Y., a son of W.H. Bristol, assisted by Rev. John B. Sumner, officiated, the music being by Mr. and Mrs. Sumner.  The pall bearers were Morris Blair, Jr., W.H. Bristol, Gardner Bolt, William Cook, Frank Jameson and Eugene H Slater. The remains were laid at rest in Spring Forest Cemetery [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY].

Ezra Eastman

Chenango Union, May 1, 1884

The Hillsborough (N.H.) Messenger of April 24th publishes the following notice of the death of Henniker, in that State, of Mr. Ezra Eastman, on the 19th ult., in the eighty-seventh year of his age.  Deceased was father of Mrs. Walter A. Cook, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and on his visits to this place in former years he made the acquaintance of many of our citizens, who pleasantly remember the urbane old gentleman, whose manner was always frank and genial, and whom it was a pleasure to meet.  "Ezra Eastman died in this town, on the 19th inst., of heart disease, aged eighty-six years and eight days.  he was born in Hopkinton, and was fifth in descent from Roger Eastman, of Wales, in 1625, who settled in Haverhill, Mass., 1640, and afterwards in Salisbury, Mass.  Mr. Eastman married, Sept. 30th, 1828, Cynthia, daughter of John Connor, of this town, and settled here in 1832, upon the farm where he resided until his death.  He was one of the oldest Masons in the State, having been made in Harris Lodge, Warner, in 1822; he joined Aurora Lodge, in Henniker, in 1843, and Master of the lodge in 1855, and was authority in Masonic matters, being thoroughly versed in its mysteries.  He was an old time teacher in the district school, and was employed in that capacity during the winter season, for more than thirty years, and to the day of his death he took the liveliest interest in all educational matters, his last vote being given in favor of a high school in this town, at a special town meeting on the 29th ultimo.  He was genial and lovable in his disposition, greeting his friends in the most cordial manner; intelligent and entertaining in conversation and was ever deeply interested in everything pertaining to the prosperity of the town.  He was highly respected by his townsmen, and with best wishes for every one, he rounded out a long and useful life to a great old age, and "wrapping the drapery of his couch about him." he entered the spirit world as gentle as an infant.  He leaves a widow and five children--one son and four daughters, three of whom are widely known teachers--to mourn his loss. The funeral services were held at the Congregational church, on Tuesday, 23d inst., Rev. I.F. McKinney, of Manchester, delivering the discourse. He was buried with Masonic honors by Aurora Lodge, assisted by brethren of various other lodges.  A very large concourse of people attended his funeral."

 

Mary Louise Bush
Evart, MI, 1919

Mary Louise Bush eldest daughter of Herbert F. and Harriet Bush, was born in Evart, Mich., January 31, 1896 and passed away at her home March 2, 1919, being at the time of her death 23 years [1 month] and 3 days of age.  Evart has been her home all her life.  Her mother died when she was [10 years of age] leaving [4] children besides Mary to be cared for.  She immediately stepped into her mother's place and for many years has tried faithfully to play a mother's part to those in the home younger than herself.  Because of poor health and the unusual home care she left school when in the seventh and eighth grades.  She had sought to be faithful to her trust.  She was often present in the services of the Methodist church and those who were best acquainted with her declare that they confidently believe she trusted in Christ.  Truly her labor of love for home and loved ones was a noble one and we trust God has given to her an abundant reward.  She leaves to mourn her loss her father, one brother, three sisters and many other relatives and friends.  Funeral services were held at the Wilson undertaking rooms owing to the serious sickness in the home, on Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, Rev. S.W. Large officiating.  Interment was made in  Forest Hill cemetery--Evart Review.  Miss Bush is a granddaughter of Mrs. Samuel Shapley of this village.

 

Rena B. Teetsell

Endicott, NY, 1953

Mrs. Rena B. Teetsell, 63, of 1906 Monroe Street, Endicott [Broome co., NY] a veteran Endicott Johnson employee, died at her home yesterday after a long illness.  Mrs. Teetsell retired from EJ in 1948 after 32 years of service.  She was a member of the First Methodist Church of Endicott, a past noble grand of Endicott Clover Leaf Rebekah Lodge and a member of Kayam Zuanna and Oneactah Reservation 87 of Pocahontas.  She is survived by her husband, Leroy E. Teetsell; a brother, Harry L. Ingram, both of Endicott and several nieces and nephews.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, with the Rev. Leon W. Bouton, pastor of the First Methodist Church of Endicott, officiating.  Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park [Vestal, Broome Co., NY]  [Sept. 24, 1953]

 

Leona M. Davey

Port Dickinson, NY, 1959

DAVEY:  Miss Leona M. Davey, age 68, of 30 Beacon St., Port Dickinson [Broome Co., NY], died Monday at 6 p.m. at Binghamton City Hospital. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Glenn B. Goodspeed, of Port Dickinson; one brother, Charles Davey of Washington, D.C., one niece, Miss Alice Davey of Washington, D.C., three nephews, Robert Davey of Washington, D.C., Charles Davey of Afton, and Morris Goodspeed of Binghamton, two grandnieces.  She taught at the Lowell School of Business for over 40 years.  She was a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd. The body was removed to the Hopler & Georgia Funeral Home, 483 Chenango St., where the funeral will be held Thursday at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. L. Densmore Jacobs will officiate.  Burial will be in the Nineveh Cemetery, Nineveh, N.Y.  [Broome Co., Nov. 30, 1959]

 

Gertrude M. (Ireland) Loomis

Oxford, NY, October 1959

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Jesse Loomis, 52, of Oxford RD3, was killed instantly yesterday when she was pinned under a pickup truck in a dirt road near her farm home.  The accident happened a short distance south of her home in the Basswood Meeting Road between Oxford and Bainbridge yesterday afternoon.  According to Gene Johnson, a Chenango County sheriff's deputy, Mrs. Loomis was driving toward her home when the truck skidded on a curve, flipped end-over-end and then rolled over in a roadside ditch  The truck skidded and rolled some 450 feet, Mr. Johnson said.  Mrs. Loomis was pinned under a door of the truck, which was loaded with eight, 100-pound bags of food.  Mr. Johnson said that several men driving to a clambake of Guilford Rod and Gun Club nearby discovered the accident.  Dr. Hugh D. Black of Oxford, a county coroner, was called to the scene.  He ruled the death accidental and said that Mrs. Loomis died instantly of a broken neck.  Mrs. Loomis was born, Gertrude M. Ireland on Jan. 17, 1907 in Bainbridge.  Surviving are her husband, a son, Donald Loomis of Oxford RD; a daughter, Miss Tena Loomis at home; her father, Walter Ireland of Oxford RD, and two brothers, Kenneth Ireland of Ilion and Stanley Ireland of Bainbridge.  The body was moved to the Seymour Funeral Home in Oxford where funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday by the Rev. George Dutton, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Oxford.  Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Afton [Chenango Co., NY].