Murder of William Druse, 1884 - Part 2

The Murder of William Druse

Part 2

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, October 7, 1885

Just as the clock was striking twelve, Saturday night, the Court House bell, at Herkimer rang announcing that the jury in the Druse trial had agreed.  Notwithstanding the lateness of the hour, the court room was soon filled with men, women, and children.  Mrs. Druse and her daughter, Mary, were brought in and seated inside the bar.  The mother looked pale and haggard, but aside from that showed no emotion, when the verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree was announced.  The daughter wept bitterly.

The story of the killing was given in the columns of The Telegraph at the time it was done.  Daniel McDonald, one of the witnesses, gave the following version of it.

"I was at Eckler's January 15th.  Mary there told me that she saw her mother cut her father's head off.  She told me that she had a rope around his neck holding him down, and when he lay on the floor, her mother hit him on the head with an axe.  She said she was sitting in a chair.  She said that she was standing in the door when the first shot was fired.  She said that it was arranged on another occasion that she and Elwood should drown her father in McDonald's Pond.  She said that he was not there that day.  She wouldn't bring in an innocent man.  They had planned it to kill him, but no special time had been set. When Gates came and said so that would be the time, Gates came to the back door when her father was doing the chores that morning, he had a pint bottle of liquor, he told her and her mother to drink it and it would give them courage.  Her mother drank some, she mixed it with cider and they drank it. Her father then came in and sat down to the table.  Her mother shot him in the neck.  Gates was there standing in the parlor door.  He was so close to her that one shot burned his hair.  Gates helped her mother cut her father up.  She didn't know how long Gates stayed there, and didn't know what became of her father's body.  She supposed it was burned up or taken away"

The murder was one of the most diabolical in the annals of crime.  A large number of witnesses were sworn, all of whom testified substantially to the same facts.  The jury retired at 7:30 Saturday evening, but had little trouble in coming to an agreement.  The daughter, Mary, will be brought to trial, but probably not at the term fo court.

Obituaries (June 15)

Seth G. Pellet

Telegraph & Chronicle, September 2, 1868

Died, at West Troy on the 27th day of August, 1868, Seth G. Pellett, aged 46 years.  Mr. Pellett was well known as a resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  His health having failed him, he removed in May last to California, but experiencing no relief, started on his return, but only reached West Troy, where he died.  He leaves many friends to mourn his loss, friends who loved him for his many excellencies which he certainly possessed.

Addison M. Smith

Telegraph & Chronicle, November 18, 1868

We are pained to learn of the Death of Hon. Addison M. Smith of Morris, Otsego County, which recently took place at the residence of his Brother, Rev. H.R. Smith in Alabama.  Mr. Smith was well known to our citizens as an earnest politician, a warm friend and an honest upright man.  He represented this District in the State Senate during the years 1856-7, having been elected upon the American ticket over Mr Starkweather Republican, by a handsome majority.  His official career was approved by his constituents of all parties.  His many friends in this section will regret his early decease.  His age was about 45.

Edson French

Telegraph & Chronicle, November 18, 1868

On Thursday morning last, Mr. Edson French was engaged in harnessing a horse at Mr. Seth Chapin's in the East part of this town, where he had lived for the past five years, and while adjusting the crupper was so severely kicked in the stomach and bowels by the horse, that he lived only until the next morning.  He was the oldest son of Mr. Samuel French of No. Norwich, and of a family of ten children is the first one deceased.  He was buried in North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on Sunday last.  His age was 34, he was a young man of estimable qualities and was respected by all who knew him.

Mary N. (Newell) Drummond Parry

Chenango Telegraph, March 18, 1875

Mary N. Parry, the oldest daughter of Horace and Diadama Newell, was born in Smyrna, Chenango County, N.Y. January 27th, 1831, and died at Utica, March 8th, 1875.  Soon after losing a gentle and loving mother at the age of fourteen, she found a hope in Christ during a protracted meeting in Norwich, where she took up her cross and followed her Master through evil as well as good report.  For twenty-eight years, her life was full of good words and works. About 1862, she was married to Robert Drummond, of Stering, Scotland, in whom she found a kind husband and a man of superior worth. For six years she enjoyed his companionship, when she was called to mourn his death.  Having united with the Free Methodist church, she became acquainted with Rev. W.M. Parry, a devoted and successful laborer in the vineyard, to whom she was united in marriage Nov. 7th, 1871.  Living in the vicinity of New York, the heavy sea atmosphere soon developed consumption, which carried her swiftly down to the grave....As she lived so she died, in holy triumph, shouting victory through the "Blood of the Lamb."

James Harvey Smith

Chenango Telegraph, May 22, 1872

Mr. Smith, only the day previous to the paralytic stroke, was around our streets about his accustomed business, in his usual health and spirits, and giving promise of usefulness for years to come. The announcement of his sudden decease therefore came upon the citizens with fearful suddenness.  He was the fifth son of John Smith, who removed to Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] from Rhode Island in 1804, and who died in 1810 (1830?), leaving a family of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters.  James H. [Smith] was born in November, 1804.  He resided with his father until his majority, when he embarked in business for himself.  He engaged in the milling business in No. Norwich, which he continued till about the time he removed to this village, about the year 1836.  In 1838 he was appointed Under Sheriff and Jailor, by William Hatch, then recently elected Sheriff of this county.  He served with such acceptability to his superior and the people, that upon the accession of Sheriff Halbert, three years later, he was continued in the position during the second term.  While holding this position, he lost his second wife and Girard, his only son and child.  Subsequently he married the widow of the late Isaac Bockee, and daughter of Jonah Poyer, both of North  Norwich, an estimable lady who survives him.  Upon the organization of the Bank of Norwich, Mr Smith was elected Vice President of that institution, a position which he held until his death, always discharging his duties with fidelity and to the entire satisfaction of his associates.  In politics Mr. Smith was a Whig, and when that ceased to exist he allied himself with the Republican party, and cherished and advocated its principles until the last.  He was a consistent member of the Baptist church, and in his private life was above reproach.  In business he was instant in season and out of season, and by foresight in investments and perseverance and economy had amassed a handsome fortune.  In his every day life he was always the same, embracing opinions which commended themselves to his judgment, and while he attached himself warmly to those friends who commended in his views  who hesitated not to denounce that which he deemed false.  But two brothers and one sister survive him.  Nine years since all were living, and with one exception met in this village and enjoyed a last social family reunion.  Nathaniel, an older brother, living at Buffalo, and Sidney, of Grass Lake, Mich., are his surviving brothers, and Minerva Anderson, of Sherburne, his sister, the latter two attended his funeral.  He leaves a large circle of relatives and friends who mourn his departure.  His funeral was attended on Saturday last from the Eagle Hotel in this village where for upwards of twenty years he had boarded.  His remains were buried in the family grounds at North Norwich.

Murder of William Druse, 1884 - Part 1

The Murder of William Druse
Part 1

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 21, 1885

William Druse, a farmer in moderate circumstances, has for a number of years resided in Warren, Herkimer County, about four miles from Richfield Springs.  About December 16th Druse was missed from his accustomed haunts in the village.  His friends and neighbors commented on his disappearance, but their suspicions of foul play, if any existed at the time, were allayed by Mrs. Druse, who stated that she supposed her husband was in New York where her brother resides.  As time elapsed, Mrs. Druse seemed to give herself no little uneasiness over her husband's prolonged absence and went so far as to cause telegrams to be sent in different directions to ascertain his whereabouts.  No tidings were received, however.  The husband did not return home, and last week ugly rumors were circulated.  Neighbors told of seeing black smoke coming from the chimneys of the Druse house, which was accompanied by a stifling odor, as of burning meat.  The excitement occasioned by these stories grew, and finally a neighbor informed Mrs. Druse of the stories about.  She resented the imputations, and threatened to sue any person for slander who should repeat the vile stories.  This quieted things for a day or two, but it soon started up again and grew to greater proportions.  People said that Mr. Druse had been murdered, his body boiled in lye, and the bones buried.  In calling at the Druse home, the neighbors noticed that new paint had been placed on the floor and wood work of the kitchen.  Search was begun for the remains.

The family consisted of William Druse, his wife, Roxy, a daughter, Mary, aged 18, a boy George, aged 10, and Frank Gates, a nephew of Mrs. Druse, aged 14. The house was an old one, ten rods back from the road, with large barns on two sides.  Charles Pett, a neighbor, lives 700 rods west, Jeremiah Eckler about 100 rods northeast.  They are both substantial framers and good citizens.

Pett and the Eckler family believed that there had been foul paly.  Mr. Pett had noted the black smoke and the fearful stench on December 18th.  Mrs. Eckler and Pett questioned the boy Gates, a stolid youth.  He finally weakened, and soon admitted the crime.  The District Attorney, A.B. Steele was sent for, and arrived last evening.  As soon as he arrived he questioned the boy, who then told of the burning of the body, and went with him and found what was left of the remains, which was simply a small heap of ashes and a few charred bones.

The Coroner arrived Friday, and impanelled an excellent jury of farmers in the neighborhood.  After a few of the residents had testified, Frank Gates was put on the stand and told under oath an astounding tale that is given here almost in his own words.

"My name is Frank Gates.  I live in Warren.  I have lived for the past five or six weeks with my aunt Mrs. William Druse.  I did chores for my board and went to school.

"My uncle was killed the Thursday before Christmas.  I helped to kill him and depose of the remains.  Last summer my aunt wanted to hire me to shoot Uncle William.  She said she would give me a good many dollars for doing it.  I told her I would not do it.  There was nothing more said then, but this winter my aunt and Uncle Bill had a good many words.

"On Thursday before Christmas in the morning, Uncle Bill asked me to get up and build the fire.  I did so.  Aunt Roxy and Mary, her daughter, got up.  Uncle Bill went and did the chores.  I asked if I should help him, and he said 'No.'  He said he would rather do them himself.  when he came into his breakfast he sat down to the table.  I had nearly finished mine.  My aunt told me to hurry up.  I asked her what she wanted.  She then told me and George to go out of doors, but not to go far from the house.

"I heard a noise three or four times.  Then she called us.  She had a revolver.  She handed it to me and told me to shoot Uncle Bill or she would shoot me.  She put the revolver up to my nose when she said this.  I then fired at Uncle William.  He was sitting in a chair or on the floor.  I was so excited I could not say which.  Then she took the revolver and fired at him until the revolver was empty. Then she took the axe and pounded him on the head.  Uncle Bill said 'Oh Roxy, don't.'

She then chopped his head off and sent me and George upstairs after a straw tick which was filled. She dragged him onto the tick and told me I should help drag him into the parlor.  She called for me to come in.  I told her I couldn't and then she sent me and George down in the brush lot after the sharp axe. When we came back with it she took it into the other room and shut the door. She told me and George to go upstairs, and then she called us down again and sent us to the hog pen after some shingles. She built up a hot fire in both stoves, and then had me watch at the north window and Mary watch at the south window.  Then she took a block and a board into the parlor and chopped him up, and then put the pieces in the fire.  She told me to crowd the kitchen stove with shingles.

"Next day all I saw of him was a large bone.  Mary had that and put it in the other stove.  It had flesh on each end.  Next morning she took up the ashes from the stoves, put some in a bag and some in a tin box.  She told me to hitch up the horse, as she was going to my father's. When we got into Mr. Wall's swamp, we went two rods into the swamp.  I took the ashes and threw them on the ground.  We then went to father's, and I was taken sick and had to stay home a few days. When I went back, Mrsa. Druse told me to take the new ax and saw the handle off.  Mary took the handle, which I had sawn into pieces and put it in the stove. The we hitched up again, and my aunt and I drove to Richfield Springs. When we were on our way back she threw the ax into the pond as we passed over the bridge.  There was a newspaper wrapped around the ax. When we got along a little further she told me to take the revolver and also the knife and throw both into the pond.  She said I must do it or I would be sorry.

"When we got a little further, she threw the razor blade out against the fence.  She told me she got the revolver last fall.  It was a nice pearl handled one.  She said no one should know where it came from.  I knew the revolver, the one found in the pond, is the one Mrs. Druse and I used to kill Uncle Bill with.  I knew it by the stamped handle and the cylinder.  It was loaded when I threw it into the pond.

"Mrs. Druse and Mary were in the room when Uncle Bill was shot.  Me and George were outside.  Uncle Bill was eating breakfast when we went out.  His back was toward the outside door.  Mary was in the kitchen, walking to and fro from the buttery to the parlor door.  when I came back into the room after the shot was fired I saw blood on Uncle Bill's neck and on the floor.  I saw blood before I fired.  His head was leaning over on his shoulder.  Mary had a rope around his neck and was holding it.  When I fired at Uncle Bill he made no noise."

The District Attorney, here said "Show me how you held the revolver."  The boy held a pencil and aimed it at a juror's head.

"When I fired," he continued, "I don't know what Mary was doing.  My aunt was behind us.  she talked fast, but not much faster than usual.  George was in the door after I fired.  I gave the revolver to my aunt.  When my aunt told me and George to go out, I did not know they were going to kill Uncle Bill."

The inquest has not yet been concluded.  Saturday George Druse, the murdered man's son, was examined, and swore to substantially the same facts as are above related.  Dr. Getman testified that he made a post mortem examination of the remains of Druse and gave as his opinion that the bones found in the ashes were those of a human being.

Monday morning the crowd was not quite so large as on Saturday.  Before the proceedings were commenced, the Druce house was opened and people allowed to inspect it.  The kitchen has been newly painted and papered.  In front of where the stove stood, showed many marks of the ax, and it is presumed it is the spot where Druse was decapitated.  After scraping the floor it had been painted with a muddy color of paint.  The furniture in the house is poor and shows evidence of poverty instead of thrift.  Yet the owner started in with a farm free of debt, worth $6,000.  Now there is a mortgage on it for $3,500.  Mrs. Druse has been kept over Sunday at the house of Officer Armstrong at Little Lakes, the daughter at Mr. McDonald's and the boy George at Eckler's.  The Gates boy stayed at Harvey Snyder's.  the son, George, has had his hair cut and looks much improved.

Mrs. Roxana Druse was sworn, and stated that she did not desire to be sworn, or make any statement, she said she had been so advised by her lawyer.  She was questioned as follows:

Q:  William Druse is your husband?

A:  Yes

Q:  On the 18th of December, 1894, at the time your husband died, who aside from your family was present, and did anything that caused him to die, if you are willing to tell us voluntarily?

A:  I decline to answer, by advice of counsel, as my answer might tend to incriminate me.

Q:  Are you willing, Mrs. Druse, to tell us who, if anybody, was in the house when your husband died.

A:  Yes besides my own family.

Q:  Who was it?

A:  Charles Gates, and his son, Frank.

Witness preferred not to make any further statement.  She said that she was never married before, and that her daughter, Mary is William's daughter.  She is 43 years of age.  This was signed by prisoner, Roxana Druse.

Charles Gates, the woman's brother, was sworn, but no new facts brought out.

Some Other Particulars:  Mrs. Druse, about 22 years ago and before her marriage, was employed in Washington Mills and was well known in New Hartford.  She then appeared as correct as any other girl and evinced no symptoms that would lead one to suppose that she could ever be guilty of the crime with which she is now charged.  About five years ago she visited New Hartford, bringing her two children with her.  She at one time complained of the miserliness of her husband and the difficulty they had in getting along.  Druce appears to have been a shiftless and careless man, paying little attention to the cultivation of his farm of 80 acres given  him by his father, and in consequence they were hardly able to get enough off from it to live comfortably.  They are said to have been consistently quarreling and were a nuisance to their neighbors.  It is also reported that about a dozen years ago a child of Mrs. Druce's died under what were then considered suspicious, and have become more so since the late event.

Obituaries (June 14)

Horace Jones

Afton Enterprise, May 27, 1887

Horace Jones was born in Conn. July 29, 1806, and died in the town of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] May 11, 1887.  He moved to Coventry and settled on the farm where he died, about 50 years ago.  He has always resided there with the exception of ten years which he spent with his daughter in Afton.  His belief was Episcopalian, although he was not a member of any church.  In 1837 he married Betsey Welton, of Colesville, she having died about 20 years ago.

Henry C. Pierce

Afton Enterprise, September 6, 1888

Henry C. Pierce died at his home in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] on Sunday evening of last week, aged 68 years.  Mr. Pierce was born in Greene county, this State, but for the past fifty years has resided in Broome county, most of the time in Colesville.  Personally he was a very agreeable man, kind to relatives and neighbors and in all his dealings strictly honorable.  At an age when most men are but starting in the world he had acquired a property and was well to do.  In recent years troubles overtook him, but he bore them without complaint.  His death will be deeply regretted by a large number of friends and acquaintances.  His record as an honest man and good citizen will remain.  He leaves a wife and three children among whom are Mrs. J.E. Weller of Chenango Forks, and Bruce Pierce, of Of Oakland, Cal.  -- Binghamton Rep.

Mary Smith

Afton Enterprise, October 16, 1885

Miss Mary Smith, whose death was announced in a previous issue of the Enterprise, filled a large place in the hearts of those who knew her best. She joined the Baptist church in this place under the pastorate of Rev. Geo. Balcom, and for more than thirty years was loyal to the teachings of the Bible, and true to her covenant vows.  Faithful unto death she has gone to receive the crown of life.  Naturally timed and retired, her character might seem wanting in courage and firmness, but in the long and painful illness, when brought face to face with the last enemy, her patience, fortitude and Christian heroism, made her death a triumph. The peaceful ending of a beautiful life.  She arranged all of her affairs and gave directions concerning the details of her burial as if it were a business, leaving directions that special thanks be rendered to all who had kindly ministered to her in her sufferings. To this the lonely surviving sister wishes to add her heartfelt thanks for sympathy and kindness in her great sorrow.

Jane (Graham) Covert

Afton Enterprise, June 18, 1886

Mrs. Jane Graham, wife of Thomas Covert Esq.  This most estimable woman had a large circle of acquaintances, friends and relatives, and it is deemed fitting that some tribute of kindness be added to the formal announcement which has been published of her decease.  Her childhood days, her youth and middle years were spent in the town of Meredith, Delaware county.  In 1867 she removed to Afton, Chenango county, where she resided until the 22d of May, when the inevitable messenger summoned her precious soul to the realm infinite.  It will long be remembered that cheerfulness was one of her marked characteristics, her nature one of the most unselfish and affectionate, while with her, in her unostentatious manner, the spirit of Christianity was preeminent and unmistakable.  In her 62d year, surrounded as she was, by loving hearts and willing hands, it was found that human skill was unable to successfully oppose the ailment of the frail body, and the immortal spirit passed peacefully out and was gently wafted on its heavenward journey to the place prepared by the Saviour when she, in her early life here learned to love.  Answered at last was that sweet little prayer in rhyme which she learned while kneeling at the side of her good old mother long ago, which she repeated so many many times, and which she taught her children to say.  May the influence for good which she exerted live on and on after this generation shall have passed away.  Delhi, N.Y.

Marriages (June 13)

Crawford-Finigan
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 2, 1897

A pretty wedding occurred at St. Paul's church [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Wednesday at noon, when the marriage of Joseph Crawford and Miss Lovina Finigan was solemnized.  Mr. A.P. Babcock presided at the organ and the bridal party advanced to the altar, the bride leaning on the arm of the best man, Mr. Thomas Collins, of this village.  Miss Kate Finigan of Kingston, a sister of the bride, acted as bridesmaid.  Rev. Father John A. Hart performed the ceremony, after which the immediate relatives and friends repaired to the home of the bride's brother, Michael H. Finigan, 40 Silver street.  Here an elaborate dinner was served by Caterer Charles S. Robbins.  Mr. and Mrs. Crawford left in the afternoon amid a shower of rice, for New York city, Kingston and other points. After their return they will reside at No. 3 Hubbard avenue, Norwich.  Mr. Crawford is an employee of the O.&W. shops and is most popular among Norwich people.  Mrs. Crawford has been a life long resident of this place and is highly esteemed by all who know her.  The heartiest of congratulations are extended to the young couple.

Dibble-McCumber

Sidney Enterprise, July 3, 1930

Mrs. Ruby McCumber and Worden Dibble, both of Wellsbridge [Otsego Co., NY], were quietly united in marriage at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Searles at 6:30 on Tuesday evening of last week, by the Rev. David Dawson, pastor of the Methodist church of that village.  Mr. and Mrs. Dibble will reside on a farm near Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], where Mr. Dibble is employed. Their many friends extend to them hearty congratulations and best wishes for future happiness.

Westcot-Edwards

Sidney Enterprise, July 3, 1930

Miss Loretta D. Edwards of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Asa Edwards of this village , was married to Jay Y. Westcott of Binghamton at noon Monday, in Trinity Episcopal church, the Rev. Wilson E. Tenner officiating.  Mrs. Stanley Edwards, sister-in-law of the bride, was matron of honor, Ralph J. Steed of Johnson City was best man.  Miss Edwards was given in marriage by her father. The bride wore a powder blue chiffon dress with picture hat and slippers to match.  She carried a bouquet of roses and delphiniums.  Mrs. Edwards who was dressed in rose taupe crepe with matching hat and shoes, carried pink roses. Wedding march was played by Miss Flora M. Staps. Following the ceremony, Mr. and Mrs. Westcott left for an automobile trip, through Canada and the Middle West.

Marriage Notices

Chenango Union, July 15, 1875

EDGARTON - RHEINWALD:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], July 7, 1875, by W.H. Wladron, Mr. Parker L. Edgerton to Miss Mary Elizabeth Rheinwald, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

WOODWARD - GORMAN:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on July 4, 1875, by Rev. A. Lindsey, Mr. Sherman A. Woodward to Miss Julia A. Gorman, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

VROMAN - JOHNSON: In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], July 1, 1875, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Edward Vroman of Triangle [Broome Co., NY] to Miss M. Dell Johnson of Greene.

WAITE - TUTTLE:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], June 30 by Rev. H.A. Smith, Mr. Frederick H. Waite to Miss Mary Tuttle.

TUTTLE - ARNOLD:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. H.A. Smith, Mr. Horace H. Tuttle to Miss Ida Arnold, all of New Berlin.

CRUMB - WELLS:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], July 4th, by Rev. J. Clark, Mr. Williston Crumb of DeRuyter [Cortland Co., NY] to Miss Lydia Wells of Lincklaen.

BENNETT - PETTYS:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], July 8, by Rev. E.W. Caswell, Mr. Eli J. Bennett to Miss Mary E. Pettys, all of Guilford.

LAMFIAR - COOK:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] July 5, by Rev. A.B. Richardson, Mr. DeAlbert Lamfair to Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emogene Cook of Bainbridge.

IRELAND - FULLER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], July 5, by Rev. A.B. Richardson, Mr. Hiram Ireland to Miss Amelia Fuller, all of Bainbridge.

BAKER - LONT:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], July 7, by Rev. S.J. Matteson, Mr. Albert M. Baker of Hamilton to Miss Ada E. Lont of North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY]

DeTROBRIAND -GORDON:  In New York City, by Rev. Horatio Potter, Baron S. Denis Detrobriand of France to Fannie [Gordon], daughter of the Hon. Samuel Gordon of Delhi [Delaware Co., NY].

Chen Co Famous People, Part 4 John Tracy

Famous People Chenango Co. Has Given to the World

Mrs. Archie D. Gibbs

The Norwich Sun, February 3, 1921

Part 4 - John Tracy

John Tracy

1783-1864

Lieutenant Governor John Tracy, who was greatly honored and respected not only in his home county, but in the councils of the state, came to the town of Columbus at an early age from Norwich, Conn.  He moved to Oxford in 1805 to become deputy county clerk.  In Oxford he began the study of law, and soon became a successful practitioner and on account of his ability, integrity and sound judgment was persuaded to enter public life.  In 1815 he became surrogate of the county and held office for four years.  He later was chosen as member of assembly and held other county offices.  In 1832 he was elected lieutenant governor, with William L. Marcy as governor, and with Mr. Marcy was re-elected in 1834 and 1836.  He was elected a delegate to the convention for revising the constitution of the state and was chosen by the convention as its presiding officer.  He later returned to private life in Oxford, where he died in 1864.

_______________________________________________

Obituary

Chenango Telegraph, June 22, 1864

TRACY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday morning, the 18th inst., the Hon. John Tracy.

He had been in feeble health for some months, but the immediate occasion of his death was a shock of paralysis during the week previous.

Mr. Tracy was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on Oct. 26, 1783.  He removed with his father to Columbus in this county [Chenango Co., NY] about the year 1800, and in 1805 he went to Oxford, to be Deputy Clerk under his kinsman, Uri Tracy, the County Clerk, and to study law with Stephen O. Runyan, Esq.  On his admission as an attorney of the Supreme Court in 1808, he commenced and continued the successful practice of the law in the village of Oxford.  He was appointed an Examiner and Master in Chancery.  In 1821 he received the appointment of Surrogate, and in 1823 that of First judge of the court of Common Pleas, which offices he held until he resigned them in 1838.  In the years 1821 and 1822 he was a member of the House of Assembly in association with Wm. Mason and Edmund G. Per Lee, and again in 1826 with Robert Monell and Tilly Lynde as his colleagues.  In 1830 he was appointed by the Legislature a Regent of the University of the State of New York, a trust which he held until 1839.  In 1831 he was, upon the nomination of the Governor, appointed by the Senate, Circuit Judge of the Sixth District in place of the Hon. Samuel Nelson, promoted to be Justice of the Supreme Court. He declined the appointment and it was conferred upon Robert Monell, Esq.  In 1832 he was elected Lieutenant Governor of the State upon the ticket with William L. Marcy as Governor and with him was reelected in 1834 and in 1836.  They were both renominated for a fourth term in 1838 and both defeated.  In 1840 he was an unsuccessful candidate of Congress from this District against the Hon. John C. Clark.  In 1846 he was elected from this County, with the late Col. Elisha B. Smith, a delegate to the Convention for revising the constitution of the State and was chosen President of that distinguished body. For fifteen years he was the commissioned Post Master of his village.

Politically Gov. Tracy was a firm adherent of the old Republican and Jackson parties.  In 1818 when the Southern oligarchy sought to coerce the National Democracy into the extension and establishment of Slavery, his sympathies and conviction induced him to warmly support Mr. Van Buren with his platform of Free Soil and Free Men.  Since then he has wholly retired from public affairs and his participation in partisan politics has been passive and nominal.

The chief characteristics of Gov Tracy as a public man were caution, patience and integrity.  He was a man of method and system and possessed the now obsolete virtues of punctuality and patience.  He investigated one fully.  His understanding was clear, his judgment strong, and his decisions marked by undeviating honesty and purpose.  In his long career suspicion never breathed a taint on his character, nor was the smell of corruption found in his garments.  The tongue of scandal that rarely spares the prosperous and the powerful was silent over him.  In private life he was equally pure.  He was courteous and estimable as a man.  His rate as a citizen attached as a friend, kind and considerate as a neighbor, exact in his deal, truthful in his work, and faithful in his trusts.

He was buried on Monday afternoon from the Episcopal Church in Oxford of which he was an exemplary member.  The places of business and public schools were closed.  A large assemblage, including many of the elder and prominent citizens of this and the neighboring towns, attended to pay a tribute of honor to his memory.  All felt that in his departure an ancient landmark, one of the best and foremost men of the county, had been withdrawn from sight.

Obituaries (June 11)

Margaret M. (VanValkenburgh) Leary
1862-1903

Chenango American, April 30, 1903

Mrs. Margaret M. Leary, wife of T. Frank Leary, died at her home on Scott avenue [Greene, NY], about five o'clock, on Thursday morning of last week.  Her going out was very sudden and unexpected, not having been ill only about seventeen hours, neuralgia of the stomach being the cause of her untimely death. A short time before her death, she asked her husband who was watching by her bedside, if it was not time to take her medicine, and almost immediately after taking it, she commenced vomiting, and died in an instant.  Mrs. Leary was the daughter of the late Joseph D. Van Valkenburgh, Sr., and was a most estimable lady.  Quiet in her demeanor and ladylike in all her ways, and just in the prime of her life and usefulness, a devoted wife and loving mother, she will be sadly missed in her home and by many friends. This, indeed, was a sad ending of one who had bright prospects before her, and her husband and son have the sympathy of all in Greene [Chenango Co., NY].  Besides her husband and son, she is survived by three brothers, J.D. Vanvalkenburgh, of this village, Charles VanValkenburgh, of Batavia, and Geo. A. VanValkenburgh, of Binghamton, and one sister, Mrs. L.E. Pratt, of Janesville, Wis.  The casket was literally covered with beautiful floral offerings, loving remembrances from relatives and friends of the dear departed. The funeral took place from her late home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. J.W. Keeler, her pastor, officiating, and was largely attended by relatives and friends. Burial at Sylvan Lawn [Greene, NY].

Robert S. Martin

Chenango American, April 30, 1903

After an illness of several days, and with the best medical treatment to be had in this section of the state and with skilled nurses by his bedside, and the loving care of fond parents, the spirit of Robert S. Martin, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Dewey Martin drifted to the shores from whence no man returneth, Saturday afternoon, at about 4 o'clock.  The departure of this bright, young man is not only deeply mourned by his immediate family, but by a large circle of young friends, among whom he was a general favorite.  Of a genial, joyous spirit, he was the life of his circle of our young people.  A bright, kindly boy has gone the way of the living, and in a household that idolized him, all is darkness now.  the sympathy of this community goes out to the bereaved in this hour of their deep affliction.  Besides a father and mother two brothers survive him, L.G. and F.S. Martin.  Robert was a communicant of Zion Church, a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews, also a member of the Men's Club and Ocean Hose Co.  He was nearly 20 years old.  The funeral was held from his late home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Henry E. Hubbard officiating, and was largely attended. The floral tributes, which were very abundant and beautiful, testified the love and esteem which was entertained for the young man departed.  Many of those belonging to organizations of which he was a member were present to pay the last sad tribute to one they loved. They bore all that was mortal to the last rest in Sylvan Lawn [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], but the memory of the kindly presence of Robert Martin will linger long in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mrs. Thomas L. Salisbury

Chenango American, April 30, 1903

The remains of Mrs. Thomas L. Salisbury were brought to Greene [Chenango Co., NY]for burial from her home in Waverly [Tioga Co., NY], accompanied by her son and other relatives, on Friday last, and were laid to rest in the family plot at Sylvan Lawn [Greene, NY].  Mrs. Salisbury was a former resident of Greene, and was a daughter of the late Lyman Beach. The family have resided in Waverly for quite a number of years.  Her husband died about three years ago, and his remains were also brought here for interment.  Mrs. Salisbury was an exemplary lady and had performed her life work as only a good woman can.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, September 27, 1894

CHURCH:  In Paduah, KY., Sept. 19, 1894, Mr. Charles O. Church age 41, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

GREGORY:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], Sept. 23, 1894, Dr. Nelson H. Gregory, aged 58 years, formerly a resident of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

BEAL:  In Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], Sept. 21, 1894, Mr. James T. Beal, aged 47 ears, formerly fo Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

COATS:  In Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY], Aug. 17, 1894, D.F. Coats, M.D., formerly fo Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Obituaries (June 10)

Lester Chase

Chenango American, February 12, 1903

Lester Chase, Esq., for more than a half century a leading citizen of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] and a lawyer widely and favorably known in this and surrounding counties, died at his home in this village, February 4, 1903, aged 87 years.  He had been in failing health for the last six months, and at the last, death came suddenly, though not altogether unexpected.  His funeral was attended Saturday afternoon, a large number of our townspeople attended to show their regard and respect.  Rev. Henry E. Hubbard officiated.  Chas. and Eugene Clinton, Esqs., and M.F. Porter, Esq., of Greene, and Hon. C.W. Brown, Hon. S.S. Stafford and H.C. Stratton, Esq., of Oxford, all members of the Chenango County bar, acted as pall bearers.  Interment followed in Sylvan Lawn cemetery [Greene, NY].  He was a communicant of Zion Episcopal Church.  Lester Chase was born at Triangle, Broome county, May 2, 1815.  He was the son of Reuben and Laura Waterman Chase.  His grandfather, Josiah Chase, was a native of Bristol, Massachusetts, but after his marriage settled in Worcester, Otsego county.  Both his father and grandfather were farmers and were solid, substantial and influential citizens in their respective communities.

Like the majority of the successful men of his generation, Lester Chase, after acquiring the first rudiments of an education, became a school teacher and taught district school and boarded around.  He thus gained an experience, worth more than book knowledge in after life and obtained means for a course of higher education, which he pursued at Oxford Academy, then the most famous educational institution west of the Hudson.  Upon the completion of his school days, he went to Greene and entered upon the study of law in the office of Robert O. Reynolds, who ranked high as a brilliant lawyer and polished and forcible advocate and, who a few years after Mr. Chase entered his office, was appointed District Attorney.  It is worthy of note, in these days of continuous change, that the law office of Mr. Reynolds stood upon the same ground in the village of Greene as the office owned and occupied by Mr. Chase for many years and now owned and occupied as a law office by his son, L. Edwyn Chase, Esq.  He also studied with Hon. Robert Monell a distinguished lawyer of Greene who successively was to be Member of Assembly, District Attorney, Congressman and Justice of the Supreme Court.  In 1840, after a thorough apprenticeship, he was admitted to practice at Albany and a month later admitted in chancery at New York city.  He chose Greene for his home, and hung out his shingle, and continued in active practice there for forty-five years.  In 1878, he took his son, L. Elwyn Chase, into partnership, which was continued till Jan. 1, 1885.  Since that time the son has practiced alone, but by his father's request and desire, has conducted the business under the firm name, L.& L. E. Chase, the father having a pride in his chosen profession and a prejudice against being called retired.  Mr. Chase was well fitted by nature to be a lawyer.  He had a natural and superior legal mind, which he aided and cultivated by extensive reading, hard study and close thinking.  He was a man of remarkable energy, could express himself with great clearness, and was indefatigable in the prosecution of any matter he undertook.  In argument he was logical, forcible and convincing.  Of irreproachable private character, honest and open in his business methods, he quickly won the confidence of the public and gathered about him a large clientage, which he never disappointed, and retained through his long and honorable legal career.

He was twice married.  On March 30, 1842, he was united to Mary A. Ringer, daughter of John Ringer, of Geneva.  Of this union there was born one daughter, Catherin W., who is now the wife of John C. Reynolds, and resides at Stevens Point, Wisconsin. After the death of his first wife, he was remarried to Catherine E. [Hollenbeck], daughter of David Hollenbeck, of Greene, on Dec. 25, 1848.  There was born to them one son, L. Elwyn Chase, Esq., who, with his mother, survive.

Lester Chase was a lawyer of the old regime.  He entered upon the study and practice of his profession when the old traditions were yet strong and believed in.  A legal career then stood for a long life of study and of earnest and careful thinking. The legal profession was then a real profession.  To be a true lawyer and achieve an enviable success in the calling meant for a man to "live like a hermit and work like a slave;" but once admitted to the select circle, it classed him among the cultivated and influential men of his community.  He had for his contemporaries and met in forensic contest such men as Balcom, Mygatt and Rexford of the earlier generation, and Glover, the Prindles, Stanton, Newton, Bundy and Merritt of the later generation.  He survived them all, and lived to see his life span a period of our history, which has seen the professional lawyer lost in the business man.  Chase, Rexford, Mygatt, Monell and their earlier and later contemporaries were engaged in "the practice of the law;" today their successors are simply "in the law business." But he never laid aside the polished manners, the urbane courtesy and the self respecting dignity that distinguished the lawyer among his fellow citizens in the days of his youth.  He was true to his ideal to the last.  His fame as a lawyer will soon pass away, for the fame of a lawyer is evanescent.  It needs must be so, for he ranks with evanescent material.  He makes "the supreme effort of his life" in the trial of a cause today; tomorrow that cause is of no utility or present interest to the community at large.  His effort sinks into forgetfulness with the occasion that brought it forth.  Nevertheless the lawyer knows, when the shadows of life grow long that if he has been true to the traditions of his profession, he has served his day and generation to better ppurpose than he could have done in any other path of life.

Lester Chase leaves to his family the precious legacy of a devoted husband and loving and indulgent father. There was always between him and his only son, who was also his law partner, a strong bond of attachment.  During their intimate relations of over a quarter of a century, nothing ever interrupted their continuous confidence, sympathy and mutual affection.  He leaves to his village and fellow townsmen the memory of a true, honorable and patriotic citizen; and to his legal brethren the example of an honest, painstaking and reliable lawyer.  It is such men as Lester Chase that preserves the unity of our great nation and presages hope for its future.

___________________________________________

Chenango American, April 30, 1903

For  many years my ever beloved and venerated parents were near neighbors of the late Lester Chase, Esq., and when a boy I was intimate with him, for he made much of his neighbor's children. When he passed away a few weeks ago, an obituary appeared in these columns, which treated more especially on his triumphs as a lawyer, and as a man of high honor among his constituency, but not fully covering his social, neighborly qualities.  Lester Chase was one of the most genial, polished and kindly hearted neighbors I ever knew.  He always had a kindly, pleasant greeting for the children in his neighborhood, and it was always a great pleasure to receive his attentions.  When I was a lad he never passed me without a cordial salute, and often he would stop and inquire about my people, and perhaps relates some pleasing story, or anecdote, that impressed my youthful mind, and encouraged me to look upon the sunny side of life. The sweet impressions he made upon my mind linger there after all these years, and the encouragements and advice he gave were beneficial in after life.  Mr. Chase was always solicitous for his neighbors' welfare, and any assistance they desire, if within his power, was always freely granted.  His kindly greetings and genteel presence were ever apparent throughout his long and honorable life.  But a few weeks before his death, I met him on Genesee street, and although enfeebled by the weight of years, the same bright spirit and cordial hand shake were extended me as in the days of youth.  It has been correctly remarked that Lester Chase was an old time polished gentleman.  Greene boasted of quite a number of citizens of this class during those years, but none more so than the old friend of whom I write.  Peace to his ashes, and an immortal crown, is the wish of The Man About Town.

Obituaries (June 9)

Robert G. Foreman

Sidney Enterprise, April 13, 1944

Robert G. Foreman, 74, retired farmer, died at his residence in Walton [Delaware Co., NY] Monday following an illness of about three years.  Services were conducted this Thursday at 2 p.m., at Walton United Presbyterian church of which he was an elder.  Burial was in Bovina Center cemetery.  A farmer all his life, Mr. Foreman had been a resident of Walton for about 30 years.  He was born at  Bovina [Delaware Co., NY], Jan. 22, 1859, a son of Archibald and Davina (Laidlaw) Foreman.  He married Miss Dora Boggs of Bovina, who survives.  Also surviving are five sons, Robert, of West Brook farm; Clifford A. Foreman of Walton; Lester B. Foreman, superintendent of schools at Pittsfield; James A. Foreman, assistant cashier of the Walton National Bank & Trust Co., and Lt. E. Thomas Foreman, U.S. Army, now in Italy; one brother, James F. Foreman, for many years county welfare commissioner and Republican chairman; a sister, Mrs. James A. Thomson of Delhi; several grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Cora L. Yale

Bainbridge News, February 28, 1952

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Cora L. Yale, 78, of Guilford, passed away at the Bida Convalescent home in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], early Thursday morning, Feb. 21, 1952. She had only been a patient there for a few hours.  Cora Yale was born in Guilford on Oct. 24, 1874, the daughter of Erviette and Eddy Wade.  She was united in marriage to Frank Yale early in life and Guilford has always been her home.  She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Bernard Windt, of Phoenix, Ore. two sons, Maurice W. Yale, Patterson, Calif., and Francis C. Yale, of Guilford; two sisters, Mrs. Libby Gridley and Mrs. Mary Dexter, both of Guilford, and several grandchildren. The body was removed to the Seymour Funeral Home in Oxford. Services were held Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m., with the Rev. C. Duane Butler of the Guilford Methodist church officiating.  Burial will be in River View Cemetery, Oxford, in the spring.

Peter J. Monihan

Bainbridge News, February 28, 1952

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Peter J. Monihan, age 71, a retired Guilford farmer, passed away early Friday morning, Feb. 22, 1952.  He was born in Newark, N.J., on Sept. 12, 1880, the son of Owen and Bridget Carroll Monihan. The survivors include a brother, Hugh, of Hillside, and a niece, Mrs. Mary Ritenmyer. The body was removed to the Devine Funeral home in Norwich. The Rev. Henry Contols conducted funeral services Monday morning at 9:30 o'clock from St. Paul's Church and the body was placed in the Mt. Hope vault [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] for burial in the spring.

Floyd A. Musson

Bainbridge News, February 4, 1954

Floyd A. Musson, 38, Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY] polio victim, died Saturday in the Binghamton City Hospital [Broome Co., NY].  Funeral services were held in the Gilbertsville First Baptist church, Tuesday, Feb. 2.  The family requested that instead of flowers, friends send contributions to the Otsego County March of Dimes to help finance research work on a polio vaccine.  Mr. Musson was the first Otsego County person to die of polio this year. During 1953, there was one polio death in Otsego County.  Mr. Musson was the third member of the Musson family to be felled.  Ramona, nine, and Janice, 17, were stricken previously.  They are both reported recovering.  Mr. Musson's case also was the third reported this year for Otsego County.  His daughter, Janice, was the first, and an 18-month-old Unadilla boy the second. The case of Ramona Musson is listed under Chenango County because she lives in Norwich.  Dr. Flanders pointed out that since Dec. 15, there have been five polio cases reported in Otsego County.  One year ago, only one case was reported for the entire month of January, usually considered a non-critical month for the crippling disease.  Incidentally, Mr. Musson was stricken just one week before his death.  Shortly after returning home from a visit to his daughters in Binghamton City Hospital, he complained of back and head aches and a leg pain.  He was hurried back to the hospital, this time as a patient.  Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Walter A. Miller, pastor of the First Baptist church, of Gilbertsville.  Interment in the Brookside Cemetery.

Obituaries (June 7)

Jennie (Williams) Robertson

Sidney Enterprise, April 13, 1944

Mrs. Jennie Williams Robertson died at her home in Mountain Lake, N.J., Sunday.  She was a former resident of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] where she spent her girlhood days, and graduated from the Sidney High school in the class of '89.  Mrs. Robertson had been with the Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply House in new York city for the past several years.  Her funeral was held at St. Peter's church at mountain Lake Wednesday.  She is survived by nephews and nieces.

Dr. Earl C. Winsor

Sidney Enterprise, April 13, 1944

Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Winsor, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Jewell and Miss Bessie Talcott attended the funeral of Dr. Earl C. Winsor, which were held Friday at 2 from the Methodist church at Schenevus.  Rev. D.M. Corkwell, pastor, officiating, assisted by two former pastors of the church, Rev. Charles M. Adams of Otego and Rev. Frederick Connell of Cooperstown.  Dr. Winsor was born Feb. 3, 1891 in Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], the son of Frederick M. and Jennie (Chamberlain) Winsor.  On June 25, 1918, he married Miss Savalia Cornell of Mt. Upton in that village.  After attending public schools, and high school in Mt. Upton, Dr. Winsor graduated from Syracuse Medical College.  He served as a lieutenant in World War I and 25 years ago went to Schenevus where he since had enjoyed a wide practice.  Dr. Winsor had served as master of Schenevus Masonic lodge and district deputy of Otsego-Schoharie Masonic district, was a member of Oneonta American Legion, the Otsego county Medical society, a charter member of Schenevus Rotary club, of the official board of the Schenevus Methodist church, and of the Fox hospital staff. Surviving are his wife, his parents, and one daughter, Mrs. John Lane of State College, Pa.

John Keeler Neff

Sidney Enterprise, April 13, 1944

V.D. Keeler received this week news of the death of his great nephew, Lt. Col. John Keeler Neff of Wichita, Kansas.  The following obituary is reprinted from the Wichita and San Antonio papers:

Lieut. Col. John K. Neff, 31, decorated several months ago by Gen. Douglas MacArthur for outstanding service with amphibious units in the Southwest Pacific, died Thursday at the Brooke General hospital in San Antonio, Texas.  His death was attributed to overseas duty.  Colonel Neff, son of Dr. and Mrs. Frank Neff of Wichita, Kansas, had received the Legion of Merit in recognition of his work as commander of a boat battalion with an engineer amphibian regiment and later as commander of the regiment.  He was cited for his maintenance of high morale of his unit and for the high fighting efficiency to which he had trained inexperienced personnel.  He returned to the United States last summer on sick leave, visiting with his parents at that time.  Colonel Neff was graduated from West Point military Academy in 1936 before his appointment to West Point he attended Wichita University for two years.  He served first at Fort Sam Houston and later was at Scofield Barracks in Hawaii, Fort Roberts, Calif., and in Australia, being stationed at the latter place for three months in 1943 before he contracted his illness.  Colonel Neff's father is a former dean of the University of Wichita, now absent on leave as area director of the war manpower commission there.  Other survivors in addition to his parents, include his widow; a daughter, Mary Jane, and two sisters, Mrs. Ann Neff McVery of Chicago, and Miss Mary V. Neff, who is assistant attorney general of Illinois.  Funeral services ere held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Post Chaplain Martin officiating.  Interment was in Fort Sam Houston National cemetery, San Antonio, Texas with military honors.

Walter E. Thomas

Bainbridge News, February 4, 1954

Another name has been removed from the list of soldiers missing in Korea.  Mrs. Ardo S. Thomas, Greenlawn avenue, Bainbridge, received a letter Monday afternoon from the Army stating that her son, Pfc. Walter E. Thomas, 19, was killed while a prisoner of the communists in North Korea.  The letter was the culmination of checking and re-checking by the Army for many months.  It closed the door to hope for the Thomas family that Walter, the youngest member of the family, might somehow turn up safe.

Private Thomas was reported missing on July 20, 1950, in the telegram received Aug. 17, 1950.  Until the letter Monday, no further word had been received by his parents.  In the letter, Major General Walter E. Bergin, adjutant general reported:  "I am writing to you regarding you son, Pfc. Walter E. Thomas, reported missing July 20, 1950.  American POWs released have been interrogated to obtain all possible information concerning other prisoners. A statement has been received from an enlisted man who was a member of your son's organization that your son was killed in action Nov. 4, 1950, in North Korea while in the hands of the opposing forces."  Private Thomas, when captured, was a member of the Heavy Mortar Company 34th Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. The 24th Infantry Division, which has been stationed in Japan, was one of the first organizations to land in Korea at the outbreak of the war.

Private Thomas began his military service by enlisting in the Navy when he was 17.  A few months later he received a medical discharge and enlisted in the Army.  In October, 1949, he went overseas to Japan, and in June, 1950, to Korea.  Private Thomas attended Bainbridge Central School and was employed at the Bowl-O-Drome prior to his enlistment in the Army.  Besides his parents, he is survived by a brother, Ardo K. Thomas, also of Bainbridge, who served with the infantry in Europe in World War II:  a sister, Mrs. Edward Raymond, of Nineveh; and three nieces and nephews.  

Obituaries (June 6)

Daniel Edgar Brand
Chenango Union, January 7, 1897

It has been said the unexpected always happens, and most surely, no one among numerous friends, or relations, ever dreamed that the New Year of 1896 would dream upon the lamentable death of Daniel Edgar Brand, of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], a young man of most excellent character, unyielding energy, unimpeachable integrity and sterling worth.  He was a self made young man, who by hard study and perseverance was rapidly advancing to the top of the ladder of success.  Always supported by shrewd sound sense, and courteous deportment, he was successful far beyond his years.  He began teaching the district schools in this vicinity at an early age, and at his decease had charge of the village school at Lebanon.  His numerous pupils will be among those to whom his loss will be most keenly felt.  A great favorite in the circle in which he moved, he has been called hence, in early life, in the midst of his usefulness, when it seems he could be least spared.  As a friend we all oved him, as a man we all honored him for his perseverance and uprightness.  Deceased was 22 years of age, the youngest son of the late Daniel Brand.  He was married September 18th, 1895, to Libbie L [Humphrey]. daughter of Solon and Mary Humphrey.  His death came after a short illness of pneumonia, on Wednesday evening, December 30th at 8 o'clock.  The funeral was very largely attended from his late home on Saturday at 11 A.M., Rev. S.S. Mead officiating.  The interment was at Sherburne West Hill Cemetery.  In their sad bereavement the heart felt sympathy of all is extended to the estimable young wife, the fond mother and the kind hearted brother, and they may be assured his memory will be cherished tenderly in the hearts of all, who esteem his many noble qualities and deeply regret his untimely death.

Calphurna (Card) Brand Coy

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 16, 1897

Mrs. George Coy, died at the home of her son, Benjamin Brand, on Saturday, January 9th, of heart failure caused by pneumonia, in the 53d year of her age.  Mrs. Coy had been at her son's taking care of her son, D. Edgar Brand, whose death occurred on January 6th, of whom it was thought she contracted the fatal disease.  Mrs. Coy had spent her life among the people of West Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], having been born and brought up in our midst.  She was the daughter of Benjamin Card, and upon her marriage with Daniel Brand, which occurred in 1870, she moved to his home scarce one-half mile from her childhood home.  Mr. Brand died in 1892.  They were blessed with two children, D. Edgar, whose obituary appeared last week, and Benjamin who alone is left.  Mrs. Brand, four years after the death of Mr. Brand, married Mr. George Coy, who lived but a short distance from her former home.  Her marriage with Mr. Coy which occurred on September 27, 1896, and her entrance into his home, had served to lift the heavy clouds of sorrow which had shrouded her pathway.  Although their union was brief, yet a strong and mutual attachment had sprung up between the members of Mr. Coy's family, which consisted of two sons and one daughter, with their new mother, also Mrs. E. Gardner, an aunt, who lives in Mr. Coy's family.  Mrs. Coy has been a home missionary in every sense of the word.  Her life has been a blessing and help to those about her, and was finally sacrificed in caring for her son.  The poor and suffering always found in her a ready helper and sympathizing friend.  her love and devotion to the cause of Christianity and the church were very ardent.  For sixteen years she had been a member of the Free Baptist church in West Smyrna in which she always filled an important place.  As a teacher of the young men's class, her memory will be cherished in each of their hearts, and also of the juvenile class, which position she held at the time of her decease.  Her place in the choir was seldom vacant.  Her circle of friends and acquaintances was very extended, as the large crowd which turned out to pay their last respect to the deceased at the funeral on Monday attested.  Rev. Mead preached form the text "Carest thee not that we perish."  Interment was made in the Sherburne Hill cemetery.  The blow falls very heavily upon Benjamin Brand, her son, who has so recently been doubly bereaved, and also upon her sister, Mrs. Jerome Brand and family, with whom her life has been very closely connected.  She leaves besides, three brothers who deeply mourn her loss.  Her husband, George Coy, and family wish to extend thanks to the neighbors and friends who so kindly assisted during her illness and -- to be able to pay their debt of gratitude wherever --- requires.

Amelia Talcott Sweet

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 17, 1903

On Monday evening at her late home in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], occurred the death of Amelia [Sweet], the wife of the late Leroy C. Sweet, at the age of 75 years.  She was well and favorably known throughout all that vicinity.  Her illness lasted for several weeks with but very few hopes of recovery. She was born and married in the house in which her death occurred.  She leaves two sons, Dwight L. and Fred A., of Smyrna, and one daughter, Mary, the wife of Henry Colwell of Auburn. She was also a sister of the wives of the late Benjamin Hartwell and Nathan P. Wheeler of Norwich. The funeral will be held at her late home on Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock.

Ernest R. Miller

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 17, 1903

Died, at the residence of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. miller of South Broad Street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sunday, January 4, 1903, Ernest R. Miller, aged 28 years.  Deceased was a young man of kind heart and bright intellect, but had been an invalid since childhood.  He was born in Rochester, N.Y., and came to Norwich three years ago with his parents.  He is survived by his parents and one brother, Photographer William C. Miller.  Funeral on Wednesday at 2 p.m., Rev. Wilson Treible officiating. Burial in Mt. Hope [Norwich].

Blog Post Listing May 22 - June 4 , 2018.

Listing of blog postings for May 22 to June 4, 2018

Marriages

Posted May 22, 2018

Irving Richer Mitchell - J. Louise Hagstrom (1946)

Marriage notices - 1856

     Albert Wilkins - Mary Burroughs

     James K. Evans - Elizabeth A. Lewis

     Delos Francisco - Esther L. Ireland

     William H. Hickok - Elizabeth Aldrich

     Albert J. Ferris - Mary J. Stebbins

     William Dane - Sarah C. Wood

     Burns Case - Polly Younglove

     Albert Stedman - Corinthia C. Bedell
     Aaron D. Gates - Mary J. Hall
     Orsman Aldrich - Arelia Mundy
     Martin Sher - Nancy M. Eccleston
     William B. Ward - Jemima Moe
     Almon Tompkins - Caroline Skinner
     Mr. S.M. Tinkham - Margaret E. Bright
     Joseph A. Hopkins - Sarah Jane Curtis

Posted May 31, 2018
Maude Lorimer - Robert Bidwell (1934)
Dorothy Parsons - Robert Hyer (1930)
Gertrude Marie Berns - Albert Edward Dodge (1930)
Marriage notices - 1856
     Albert Stedman -Corinthia B. Beedle
     Charles S. Waters - Janette M. Lyons
     Arvin O. Walsworth - Jane R. Kelsey
     Elias R. Fosgate - Mary . Fletcher
     Thomas Hitchcock - Caroline Ferris
     David Thomas - Margaret Ramsey
     Ira Phillips - Octavia Wightman
     Mr. J.H. Goodrich - Hattie S. Norwood
     John Burgess - Abigal Atwater
     Andrew Young - Elizabeth Mo-----
     Live To-- - Ruth Adelia Light
     Mr. ----- Reynolds - Janette Davidson
     Henry M. Swan - Philina Ames

Obituaries

Posted May 22, 2018

Alvira (Perkins) Chandler (West Falls, 1871)

Susan B. Alvord (Woodstock, 1871)

Franklin C. Bartlett (Norwich, 1918)

Mary (Mitchell) Newton (Los Angeles CA, Norwich, 1900)

Eva A. (Babcock) Mitchell (New Berlin, 1936)

Posted May 23, 2018
Sarah Biggerly (Clifton Springs, 1871)
Glenn Arbor Gage (Greene, 1918) WWI soldier
Merton Graves (Norwich Quarter, 1920)
Andrew Hill (South New Berlin, 1934)
Death notices - 1856
     Jedediah Randall (Syracuse, 25y)
     Mary E. Babcock (Norwich, 86y)
     Isaac Boyer (Guilford, 87y)
     William T. Brown (New Berlin, 45y)
     Andrew Breed (Lincklaen, 66y)

Posted May 24, 2018
Elizabeth Hall (Chemung, 1871)
Alice Medbury (New Berlin, 1934
Leonard Horton (Coventryville, 1888)
Death notices - 1856
     Rebecca Decker (Greene, 89y)
     Sarah Wentworth (Norwich, 83y)
     Charles H. Randall (NYC, 21y)
     Elizabeth Parker (Coventry, 17y)
     Sanford Greene (New Berlin, 55y)
     Amy D. Shaw (Sherburne, 36y)
     Martha Beebe (Dayton IL)
     Mary Reynolds (Smyrna, 68y)

Posted May 27, 2018
Richard Lancaster (Sterling, 1871)
Orrin E. Wood (Norwich, 1874)
Amanda A. (Hopkins) Lathrop (Clinton, 1874)
Clark E. Phetteplace (Norwich, 1934)

Posted May 29, 2018
Mary King (Bangor, 1871)
Rev. Dr. John A. Davis (Johnson, City, Afton, 1934)
Death Notices - 1894
     Harriet Robinson (Oxford, 45y)
     Mrs. James Lee (West Smyrna)
     Diana king (Preston, 71y)
     Clifford White (Plymouth, 10m)
     Olive Fisher (Afton, 59y)
     Julia Robinson (Binghamton, Greene, 65y)
     Freelove Mathewson (Steamboat Rock IA, New Berlin, 88y)
     Mrs. William H. Caulkins (South Edmeston, 50y)

Posted May 30, 2018
Marvin J. Crosby (Cowles NB, Harpursville, 1890)
Harris Briggs (Afton, 1890)
Albert Stone (Sanford, 1890)
Nora Lewis (New Berlin, Elkhart IN, 1891)
Willie McMahon (Binghamton, 1891)
Russel  M. Smith (Coventry, 1891)

Posted June 4, 2018
Clarissa Brown (Pharsalia, 1884)
Dewitt C. Bissell (Norwich, 1894)
Sarah Warner Burlingame (Norwich, 1897)
Mary Hynes Lally (Oxford, 1903)

Miscellaneous

Posted May 24, 2018

Famous People Chenango Co. Has Given to the World, Mrs. Archie D. Gibbs (1921)

Part 1 - Gail Borden 1801-1874

Posted May 27, 2018
Famous People Chenango Co. Has Given to the World, Mrs. Archie D. Gibbs (1921)
Part 2 - Anson Burlingame, 1822-1870

Posted May 29, 2018
Famous People Chenango Co. Has Given to the World, Mrs. Archie D. Gibbs (1921)
Part 3 - David Maydole, 1807-1882

Posted June 3, 2018
The Stage Driver's Story [advertisement for Warner's Safe Cure], 1884

Obituaries (June 4)

Clarissa Brown

Chenango Union, June 19, 1884

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], April 16th, 1884, of pneumonia and heart disease, Mrs. Clarissa Brown, wife of Luther Brown, left her mortal body, at the age of sixty-three years.  Something more than a passing notice is due to one whose life-long history as daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend, were so full of excellence that any poor words of praise that I may offer will seem cheap to those whose privilege it was to know her intimately as I did, for a period of over forty years.  It is seldom we find in human character the opposite qualities of firmness and ambition, united with amiability and unselfishness, yet these traits were beautifully combined in her nature, making her one of the best of women. She was loved by all for her uniform kindness of disposition and her unfailing devotion to every duty.  Over twenty years ago, when diphtheria was making it s first dreadful ravages in the neighborhood, she was one of the bravest to stand by the bedside of the sick and dying, until her own precious child caught the contagion, and lived but a few days.  No mother ever loved their children better than she, yet her fortitude and unselfishness were exhibited in this, her hour of trial; she laid her treasure in the dust, and resumed without a murmur her daily duties, moving on cheerfully to the end.  She never made any profession of religion or goodness, yet in all her relations to the world she exhibited continually and at all times the noblest attributes that are usually ascribed to the best Christian character.  

Clara, as she was familiarly called, had the rare domestic qualities for making home attractive.  No hired man or woman ever felt themselves a menial in her house. They were ever treated with consideration and kindness, which fact made it easy for Mr. brown to always have the best help about his farming affairs; and it is but just to say that Mr. Brown's success as a farmer is largely due to the patience, kindness, industry and economy of his wife, and whose devotion as a wife was rarely equaled.  Mrs. Brown was the mother of four children.  One died in infancy, a second at the age of eleven years;  two daughters and one granddaughter are still living, Mrs. Elizabeth Eldridge, of Pitcher, being the eldest child, and Mrs. Antoinette Warner, of Cincinnatus, the youngest.  It was the sweet privilege of these daughters, as well as the kind husband and grandchild, to minister to the wants of one of the dearest of wives and mothers during her last and almost only illness.  These four, together with an aged sister, who was a member of Mr. B's family at home, are left to mourn the loss of one for whom they can never find a substitute.   M.P.

Dewitt C. Bissell

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, May 23, 1894

Dewitt C. Bissell died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Fitch Bissell, in Woods Corners [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Saturday evening.  He was forty-seven years of age.  Mr. Bissell had been a sufferer from heart trouble for a number of years.  A short time since he experienced a shock which resulted in his death.  He leaves, besides his mother, a wife and three children, Mrs. Charles E. Porter and Misses May and Theresa Bissell.  He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Jackson Bissell, of North Norwich and Mrs. Charles H. Brooks, of Norwich. The funeral was held Tuesday, from his late home and the body taken to the cemetery at North Norwich, for burial.

Sarah Warner Burlingame

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 16, 1897

After four score and one years, the golden bowl of a beautiful life of self sacrifice is broken and the gentle heart of mother, grandmother and sister is at rest.  After an illness of six days, at her home in Springvale, Jan. 4th, 1897, she, subject of this notice, yielded to the Supreme Conqueror and peacefully passed away.  Mrs. Burlingame was born in Cambridge, Washington county, N.Y., Nov. 26, 1815.  She was the eldest daughter of the late Philip and Lovina Warner. She came with her parents to this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] in 1825.  Her parents located about three miles east of this village on the quarter rod.  With the exception of the five years she lived in South New Berlin, she has always resided in the neighborhood where she died.  In 1831 she was married to the late Reuben Burlingame, who died 15 years ago.  Their union was blessed with nine children, eight of whom, two sons and six daughters, survive her, who were all with her to minister unto her during her last sickness.  At the age of fourteen, she gave her heart to Christ and united with a Methodist class, which was organized in that place, and was baptized in the brook a short distance from her late home.  Her distance from church and with a family of children to care for, made it impossible for her to attend the village church as often as she desired.  She loved the prayer meeting, and although of modest and retiring nature, her voice was always heard in testimony in cottage prayer meeting, and for nearly seventy years she was a gentle, earnest, consistent Christian.  Fourteen years ago she met with an accident which crippled her and deprived her of the full use of her limbs, since that time she has suffered from the injury almost constantly, yet she was always cheerful and happy and no one ever heard a murmur from her lips.  As the years went by she became more gentle, pure and sweet, and those that knew and loved her best felt that she was ripening for Heaven.  Of her it could truly be said, none knew her, but to love, none named her but to praise.  Her last birthday was celebrated Nov. 26, 1896, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Lewis of this village. She was the queen of the occasion, and the center of attraction, and all who looked on that calm, happy (and we thought it almost angelic) face can never forget it.  She was wonderfully preserved and her fingers were always busy with any kind of needle work, and at the time of her death, she had just completed some pieces of fancy work that would have done credit to one of much younger years.  Her mind was active and clear to the last, and she talked of things she desired to have done after she was gone. some of her last were "It will be a glorious meeting over there.  I am safe in the arms of Jesus.  I am not afraid, O, how good the Lord is."  But mother is gone, and now that she has passed away, she leaves a memory fragrant with good offices, loved, honored and respected by all, a priceless legacy to her children and to her children's children.

Mary Hynes Lally

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, January 7, 1903

The following obituary on the death of Mrs. Mary Hynes Lally of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], mother of ex-Sheriff E.A. Lally and Mrs. W.F. Lennon of this village, who died on Monday of last week, is taken from the Oxford Press of Tuesday. 

Mrs. Lally was born in Talbert, County Roscommon, Ireland, December 25, 1833, and having obtained an exceptionally good education in the parish schools of her native township, came to this country and was married to William Lally in 1854.   Mr. Lally died November 7, 1878, aged forty-eight.  He was a farmer and resided in this town near Guilford.  They were the first couple married in St. Joseph's church, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Father Callahan, who then resided in Oxford, in the house, now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. B.S. Callahan on Greene street.  They had eight children, two boys and six girls, two of whom are dead.  Mrs. Agnes Smith and Mrs. Anna Jones.  She is survived by ex-Sheriff E.A. Lally and Mrs. W.T. Lennon, Norwich, Mrs. Charles Byron Grant and Mrs. Joseph E. Albert, Guilford, Mrs. J.W. Martin, Parksville, N.Y. and William H. Lally of Oxford.  Mrs. Lally is also survived by her sister, Delia, wife of the late Professor DeLima, Brooklyn.  Mrs. Lally was a devout member of St. Joseph's church and always took a deep interest in its spiritual and temporal welfare.  Only serious indisposition kept her form mass on Sunday or Holy day, because she always strove by her good example to lead others to God.  Her faith and piety were known to all and the esteem to which she was held was shown by her large funeral and the number of friends who followed her to her last resting place in St. Joseph's cemetery, where she lies beside the remains of her husband, children and mother.  the funeral services were simple but impressive, and were conducted by Rev. Father Mahon, who spoke of the great influence of a mother's love and devotion to her children.  He also gave a brief history of Catholicity in Oxford fifty years ago. The singing of Miss May Cox of Norwich was very impressive and her rendition of "Heaven is My Home" was most solemn and pathetic.

The Stage Driver's Story

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The Stage Driver's Story

Chenango Union, June 19, 1884

The traveler of the present day [1884], as he is hurried along by the lightning express, in its buffet cars and palace sleepers, seldom reverts in thought to the time when the stage coach and packet were the only means of communication between distant points.  It is rare that one of the real old time stage drivers is met with now a-days and when the writer recently ran across Fayette Haskell, of Lockport, N.Y., he felt like a bibliographer over the discovery of some rare volume of "Forgotten lore."  Mr. Haskell, although one of the pioneers in the stage driving (he formerly ran from Lewiston to Niagara Falls and Buffalo) is hale and hearty and bids fair to live for many years.  The strange stores of his early adventures would fill a volume. At one time when going down a mountain near Lewiston with no less a personage than General Scott as a passenger, the brakes gave way and the coach came on the heels of the wheel horses. The only remedy was to whip the leaders to a gallop.  Gaining additional momentum with each revolution of the wheels the coach swayed and pitched down the mountain side and into the streets of Lewiston. Straight ahead at the foot of a steep hill flowed the Niagara river, towards which the four horses dashed, apparently to certain death.  Yet the firm hand never relaxed its hold nor the clear brain its conception of what must be done in the emergency.  On dashed the horses until the narrow dock was reached on the river bank, when by masterly exhibition of nerve and daring, the coach was turned in scarce its own length and the horses brought to a stand still before the pale lookers-on could realize what had occurred. A purse was raised by General Scott and presented to Mr. Haskell with high compliments for his skill and bravery.

Notwithstanding all of his strength and his robust constitution, the strain of continuous work and exposure proved too much for Mr. Haskell's constitution. The constant jolting of the coach and the necessarily cramped position in which he was obliged to sit, contributed to this end, and at times he was obliged to abandon driving altogether.

Speaking of this period he said:

   "I found it almost impossible to sleep at night; my appetite left me entirely and I had a tired feeling which I never knew before and could not account for."

   "Did you give up driving entirely?"

   "No.  I tried to keep up but it was only with the greatest effort.  This state of things continued for nearly twenty years until last October when I went all to pieces."

    "In what way?"

    "Oh, I doubled all up; could not walk without a cane and was incapable of any effort or exertion.  I had a constant desire to urinate both day and night and although I felt like passing a gallon every ten minutes, only a few drops could escape and they thick with sediment.  Finally it ceased to flow entirely and I thought death was very near."

   "What did you do then?"

   "What I should have done long before; listen to my wife.  Under her advice I began a new treatment."

   "And with what result?"

   "Wonderful.  It unstopped the closed passages and what was still more wonderful regulated the flow. The sediment vanished; my appetite returned and I am well and good for twenty more years wholly through the aid of Warner's Safe Cure that has done wonders for me as well as for so many others."

Mr. Haskell's experience is repeated every day in the lives of thousands of American men and women.  An unknown evil is undermining the existence of innumerable numbers who do not realize the danger they are in until health has entirely departed and death perhaps stares them in the face.  To neglect such important matters is like drifting in the current of Niagara above the Falls.

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Warner's Safe Cure Blog:  https://warnerssafeblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/09/safe-kidney-liver-cure-formula/

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Niagara Falls Gazette, February 19, 1964

Fayette Haskell came to Lockport soon after the Niagara Falls and Lake Ontario Railroad was completed to Lewiston in 1853.  The stagecoach business being no longer profitable, he opened a livery stable.  Of the many in Lockport, Mr. Haskell's was one of the most popular. We have a number of his advertisements and note this one in the Lockport Daily Journal of 1863:  "Mr Fayette Haskell has a new carriage, one of the finest in the city."  Another reads--"Fayette Haskell and William Bromley, proprietors of Hacks and Omnibuses running to and from the cars in this village are compelled by the high rate of taxation and the daily increase of other expenses to advance their fares of 25 cents for carrying passengers to and from the depot and inside the village corporation."

One more advertisement will complete the picture of public transportation of those days:  "Fay Haskell the hack liveryman is having a light omnibus built at Gaudy and Traubs Shops on Elm Street to use to run to the depot when all his hacks are attending funerals, weddings and other events.  The vehicle will contain room for 10 passengers," Lockport journal, 1889.

Most Lockportians of any generation will remember Fayette Haskell's Livery Stable at 47 Caldonia St.

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Fayette Haskell died 5 November 1898 and was buried in Cold Springs Cemetery, Lockport, Niagara Co., NY