Harry Burrell - Grave Robbers' Victim - 1879 - Part 1 of 3

Harry Burrell

November 28, 1797 - March 4, 1879

Death Notice

Herkimer Democrat, March 12, 1879

Harry Burrell, one of the oldest and most prominent of the business men of this place [Little Falls, Herkimer Co., NY], died Wednesday in his 82d year.  He was long connected with the dairy interest, being a prominent cheese buyer, but retired form active participation in business some years ago.  His two sons, D.H. and E.J. Burrell, are now engaged in the same business.

The Sacrilege

Utica Morning Herald, April 22, 1879

The receiving vault of the little Falls cemetery on Monroe street was found broken open at an early hour yesterday morning.  The remains of Harry Burrell, the well known cheese buyer of that village, who was buried in March, were missing, having been taken from the casket.  It is supposed this sacrilege was committed during the previous  night, but of this there is no certainty, as it is not known that the vault had been visited before since Sunday. This outrage created great excitement and indignation in and about Little Falls yesterday, and had the perpetrators been discovered during the day they would undoubtedly have had a short shrift.

The Herald's correspondent at little Falls forwarded the following particulars yesterday:

At half-past seven o'clock this morning James Powers, with his omnibus and David Decker, visited the public vault in the village cemetery for the purpose of removing the body of Richard Searls, recently deceased, to the Rural Grove cemetery.  On their arrival at the vault, which is situated near the northwest corner of the cemetery and about 25 rods from the nearest dwelling, they made the startling discovery that it had been robbed of the remains of Harry Burrell.  Information was immediately sent to Mr. Burrell's family, and the report of the outrage soon spread through the village.  Hundreds of people gathered at the vault.

The outside doors of the vault are fastened with a heavy iron bar placed horizontally over the doors and secured to an iron staple in the stone with a large padlock.  The lock was broken with a hammer or an iron bar.  After breaking the first doors, the thieves were able to pass down the stone steps to the second doors leading to the vault.  Entrance was effected through these doors by forcing them and bending the bolt holding the iron bar on the outside far enough to admit a person.  The vault is quite large, and at this time contained twelve or fifteen bodies.  It appears that the party were acquainted, as the box containing the remains had no mark or name by which it could be distinguished from the others.  Mr. Burrell's case was pulled out from the rack, one end lowered to the floor.  The screws of the rough box and casket were carefully withdrawn and laid in a pile. The lids were also placed on one side. The remains were then pulled out and probably placed in a sack, the party left with their ghastly plunder.  They closed the outside doors, and placed the lock in its position to partly cover their tracks. The hard gravel about the vault presented the discovery of any foot prints near the building, but on close inspection, the impression of boots or shoes could be seen near the gate of the carriage way. A wagon was probably in waiting to receive the remains.

Ex-Sexton Cantim, who resides on Monroe street, near the cemetery, says a noise was heard about 10:30 p.m. as though some one was opening the vault doors.  Supposing it was a small pox case,  he went into the house.  Another says that a wagon was heard to pass up Monroe street about midnight and return an hour later.

A reporter of the Herald went to little falls yesterday afternoon and found that this sacrilegious outrage had excited the people of that village to fever heat.  Many of the best citizens were out along the river and canal and scattered over the numerous country roads, making diligent search for any possible clue that might lead to the discovery of the remains and the devils who stole them. General Priest had been notified at Utica early in the morning, and telegrams were sent by him to all stations on the road to look out for the ghouls.

There is every indication that this dastardly act was planned by home villains with the hope of gaining a reward for the return of the remains as in the case of A.T. Stewart.  There was no mystery concerning the cause of death and medical students or ordinary resurrectionists are not suspected. The home thieves may have been assisted by strangers. The deceased was known to have left an estate valued at over a quarter of a  million dollars, and it was probably thought that the members of his family would willingly pay any sum to secure the return of the body.  In this the villains may be disappointed, as no reward will be offered until every nook and corner of the state is ransacked to discover both the thieves and the remains.

Careful examination of the vault disclosed the fact that two caskets had been opened before the remains of Mr. Burrell were found.  The inside casket adjoining that of Mr. Burrell's was marked with candle grease and spots of grease were found on the floor of the vault.  The robbers had evidently opened the casket, discovered by the light of a candle that it contained the body of a woman, closed it in an orderly manner and then hit upon the one they wanted.  

After the body had been taken from the casket it seems to have been dragged feet foremost out of the vault and up the stairs leading to the walk.  This opinion is based upon the fact that a bunch of gray hair similar to that of the deceased was found adhering to the side of the inside door near the floor.  If another report is correct this clue is of some importance.  The devils seem to have done their work in a leisurely manner, taking sufficient time to cover their tracks effectively for the time being.  There is no positive proof that the outrage was committed Monday night or yesterday morning, as no reputable person is known to have visited the cemetery from Sunday afternoon until the visit of the gentlemen named, yesterday morning.

The cemetery is located near the top of the Monroe street hill, in the northern portion of the village, and is reached by the road which runs back of the Garvan House.  A party of young people was at a birthday festival on Monroe street, not far from the cemetery. Two or more of them assert that they hear the rumbling of a noisy democrat wagon, drawn by one horse, about midnight.

One thought he recognized the horse as a well-known animal owned y one Fox, a blacksmith who lives near the river.  This animal was used for night scavenger purposes and is known by nearly eveyr one in the village.  One of the party thinks he saw three men in the wagon.  Its noise attracted attention going up, andwithin half na hour, or about 12:30 a.m. the same vehicle is said to have been heard rumbling rapidly down the road in the direction of Ann street. about the same time, an employee of the freight house heard the same vehicle or one that made a similar noise, pass over the old river bridge upon which he resides.

Early yesterday morning, Blacksmith Thomas Fox had occasion to use his horse and wagon and he sent his son to the barn for the animal.  The young man returned and reported that the harness room had been broken open and the horse was lying down, smoking with heat, quite muddy, and apparently completely exhausted  Mr. Fox made a person examination and found his son's story correct  the Horse is not a very substantial one and could not have gone far without trouble in the bad roads over the hills.

Mr. Fox's wagon is a peculiar one.  One of the hind wheels is loose and "wobbles" badly--that is, in running it crosses the crack made by the forward wheel.  In this wagon it is said that there was found a lock of gray hair similar to that found on the door of the vault.  Also a paper of tobacco and a button.  The shoes on the horse are of a peculiar shape.  The tracks of these shoes and those made by the wobbling wheel were traced some distance over the river and up the hill to a farmhouse and back to Fox's stable.

This trace was thought to be important at first, but subsequent developments had a tendency to upset them temporarily.  On investigation it was found that the owner of the farm to which the wagon tracks led had had his chicken coop robbed Monday night.  Then it was supposed that the Fox vehicle had been stolen or borrowed by chicken thieves for that purpose alone and returned.  Fox asserts that he knew nothing about the use of his horse or wagon Monday night, and he is not suspected of crime.  This would seem to resolve itself into a case of risking grand larceny and burglary (the theft of the horse and wagon) by someone for the purpose of committing petit larceny by chicken thieves.  Others think the -?- that the vehicle finally used to carry off the remains was kept outside of the village so that it could not be identified.

For a long time a bad gang of railroad thieves and gamblers has hung around Little Falls and vicinity. a few nights ago Alvin Richmond's house was forced open and the old gentleman was [hit] over the head with a pistol by a villain who demanded his money or life.  Railroad car thieves have frequently operated on the Central road, removed their plunder from trains, tumbled it into boats and secreted it in the hills beyond the mohawk.  There are now several suspicious characters in Little Falls ready for any job of this kind.

Undertaker Toxer informed our reporter that the body of Mr. Burrell was embalmed so that it would be preserved six weeks or longer.  No odor was noticeable in the vault or casket yesterday. This fact will give the robbers the advantage of being able to secrete the remains temporarily without fear of detection from decomposition odors for a time.

Everyone in Little Falls was willing to assist in the search for the remains. David and E.J. Burrell, Messrs. Smith, Adams, Fonda and others, made a careful tour along the river, of the island, over the hills and elsewhere, with no success as far as reported, up to 9 P.M.

At 7:30 P.M. several prominent citizens met in the club rooms of the Opera House block for consultation.  Among them were Capt. Albert Story, Chief Engineer, Adams, ex-chief James Smith, Rodney Whitman, Messrs. Fonda, Toxer, Waters, Hinckley, Nau, Burrell, Jerry Helmet of Herkimer and others.  The subject was thoroughly discussed and plans were arranged for making a systematic search for the remains during the night and hereafter. The details were placed under the direction of Captain Albert Story by a unanimous vote.  Some were of the opinion that it was possible the remains were still within the village limits or near by and that if the robbers were hard pressed they might sink them in the canal or river.  One of Mr. Burrell's sons was heard from at Ilion, and another came in late from a fruitless search in direction of Fink's Basin.

This revolting crime of a character that is terrible under any circumstances, naturally creates great excitement in the town wherein Harry Burrell was so widely known and generally beloved and respected.  His death occurred March 5 of this year, when he was nearly 82.  When he was seven years old with his father he came from Massachusetts to Salisbury, in Herkimer county, where he spent his life on the farm until 1850, when he removed to Little Falls.  As a cheese and butter buyer for New York and foreign markets, he became known to almost every man in the Mohawk valley.  He accumulated a fortune and aided considerably in improving Little Falls by his enterprise and public spirit.  When he died the people of Herkimer county mourned the loss of one of its most valued citizens.  He left an aged widow, four sons, three daughters and sixteen grandchildren.  The wounds of these afflicted relatives are opened afresh by a crime which would seem to put even devils to shame. The remains of Mr. Burrell were only temporarily deposted in the village cemetery, as it was intended to remove them to Salisbury for final interment in the family ground as soon as the snow disappeared.  It is certainly to be hoped that the remains will be promptly discovered and that the villains who were engaged in this sacrilegious crime may be brought to speedy punishment.  Faithful and determined friends of the deceased are at work and nothing will be left undone.

Little Falls, 3 a.m.:  Up to this hour there has been no clue reported to lead to the discovery of the remains of Harry Burrell, which were stolen from the cemetery vault Monday night. The village and roads have been patrolled all night by citizens.

Obituaries (October 4)

Earl Bartle Rowley
December 5, 1888 - July 3, 1910
Sidney Record, July 9, 1910

Earl Bartle Rowley, the young clerk in the O.&W. freight dept., in Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], died last Sunday, July 3rd, at the home of his grandfather, Judge N.D. Bartle, as a result of the terrible scalding he received in the O.&W. night train collision near Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], early Sunday morning, June 19th.  It will be recollected that he was riding on the pusher with engineer Kingman and was badly scalded in the crash that followed.  Everything was done to save his life.  His brothers of Sidney Lodge, K. of P., dispatched a trained nurse to his bedside and sent delegations every day to visit him at his Guilford home.  Judge Bartle, who was greatly attached to the boy did everything in his power, not only for the poor boy's own sake but for the sake and memory of his mother, the late Mrs. Nettie A. Bartle Rowley.  He did all that was within human power for him to do.  But it was otherwise decreed and becoming weaker every day, Earl peacefully passed away to "that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveler ever returns."

Earl Rowley was a bright young man and very well liked by everyone.  He was a member of the Citizens' Concert Band and regarded as a valuable member of that organization.  On Wednesday, July 6th, at 10 a.m., services were held at the home in Guilford and were largely attended.  The beautiful floral tributes attracted attention and admiration.  Sidney Lodge, K. of P., accompanied by the Citizen's Band attended, the burial services being in charge of Chan. Com'dr C.H. Phelps, and B.E. Pudney, acting as Chaplain. The bearers were selected from the Lodge of Maccabees of Guilford, of which Mr. Rowley was a member.  The interment was held in Brisbin, N.Y.  Public sympathy in behalf of the family is widespread.  The death of this promising young man in the 21st year of his age, is everywhere deplored.

__________________________________________

Soon after the close of the church services Sunday evening, July 3, all hearts were saddened by the announcement of the death of Earl Bartle Rowley. The funeral services were held at his home, the residence of N.D. Bartle, the following Wednesday morning at ten o'clock, conducted by Rev. Henry W. Little, rector of Christ's church, of which Mr. Rowley was a member.  The organizations to which he belonged, including the Knights of Pythias, the Citizens' Band of Sidney, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Young Men's Club of Guilford were present in a body. After the church services the casket was removed to the lawn in front of the house and surrounded by beautiful floral tributes. There under the trees the Knights of Pythias held their services, conducted by Com. C.H. Phelps, B.E. Pudney acting as chaplain.  The bearers were chosen from the Knights of the Maccabees. The body was taken for burial to the family plot in the TenBroeck cemetery, South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]. After the committal services of the church, the Knights of the Maccabees held their services conducted by Frederick T. Dickinson and Edwin P. Buckley, chaplains.  The floral arrangements were especially beautiful including  a large wreath from the Knights of Pythias, "Gates Ajar" from the Macabees, two harps, one form the business men of Guilford and one from Sidney, a large pillow from the O.&W. men and a wreath from the Young Men's Club.

Mr. Rowley was born here 21 years ago and has spent most of his life here. recently he has been employed in the freight station at Sidney and soon expected a promotion.  He was returning to his work there on the light engine June 19, and then sustained the injuries which caused his death.  The news of his terrible scalding shocked the community and the greatest interest and sympathy were expressed by all who knew him.  He was a general favorite and his early death is mourned by many friends.

Henry H. Calkins

1826 - September 1910

H.H. Calkins, aged 84 years, passed quietly away Wednesday, September 14, after an illness of only a week or two.  He had been in failing health all summer but had been able to see to his usual round of work at his home, where he and his wife had lived for over 61 years and were able to get along alone until his last illness. The funeral was held from his late home Friday, services being conducted by Rev. G.P. Linderman, pastor of the church of which the deceased was an attendant. The casket was covered and surrounded with a profusion of flowers; burial at the Coventryville cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].  He is survived by his widow, who has been his devoted companion along life's journey and two daughters, Mrs. V.D. Hunt of this place, and Mrs. Dewy Rogers of Sherburne, and a large circle of acquaintances, by whom he will be greatly missed. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved ones.  Mr. Calkins was a cabinet maker and his house and the homes of his children contain many pieces of furniture, both useful and ornamental, that are highly prized. Everything was done with a neatness and accuracy that was a characteristic of all his work.

Hon. William F. Jenks

Aug. 29, 1831 - October 3, 1910

findagrave.com memorial #97808456

Hon. William F. Jenks who occupied the Chenango county judgeship for two terms, and whose campaigns are recalled by many of the old political warhorses, died at his home at Southern Pines, North Carolina, on Monday of last week. The interment was made at New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] Friday and the funeral was attended by many of the men prominent in the county in former times and now.  Judge Jenks was born at Burlington, Otsego county, August 29, 1831.  His boyhood was spent upon the home farm and in the public school, later he taught school and pursued the study of law.  In 1853 he was admitted to the bar and began practice at Friendship, and in 1855 moved to New Berlin, forming a partnership with his brother-in-law, Oscar F. Matterson.  He continued the successful practice of law until 1875 when he moved to Norwich and in 1877 was elected Chenango County Judge and Surrogate on the Democratic ticket and was re-elected in 1883.  In 1890 he resumed the practice of law in Norwich and continued until about six years ago when failing health compelled him to abandon active work and take up his residence in a warmer climate, he therefore moved to Southern Pines, N.C. where he has since resided with his family.  Judge Jenks was often honored with offices of public trust and responsibility, having served as supervisor in Otsego county, on the Board of Education of New Berlin, for fifteen years a member and secretary of the Board of Education of Norwich high school, for many years a warden of Emanuel church of Norwich of which he was a devout member, and as a member of the Masonic fraternity he served for two years as District Deputy Grand Master of Masons in this state.  William F. Jenks was a man who devotedly loved his family and home and delighted to share the pleasures of his home with his friends.  An upright, fearless, honest judge; a loyal citizen, public spirited and progressive; a Christian gentleman, loving and loved by his fellow man.  He is survived by his wife, Eliza Matterson Jenks and daughters, Caroline L. Jenks, Anna E. Jenks and Laura M. Jenks.

Bainbridge-Guilford Sports Teams from Time Past

Bainbridge-Guilford Varsity Wrestling Team - 1979

Tri-Town News, January 3, 1979

Left to Right  

Row 1:  Tim Webb, Jim Gormley, Brian Claire, Jim Simonds, 

Tim Stafford, Dave Starbird, Pat Gormley 

Row 2:  Coach Wallace, Ren Parsons, Chris Oliver, mike Nesbit, 

Jeff Webb, Dan Haas, Mark Shelton, Tim McDonald

Bainbridge- Guilford, J.V. Baseball Team

Tri-Town News, July 7, 1976

Left to Right

Row 1:  Mike Price, Bill Lang, Kirk Benson, Tom Fletcher, 

Tony Ives, Doug Dexheimer, Chris Winsor

Row 2: Tad Palmer, Klyle Olson, Berret Mattingly, Dennis Ruff, Bill Yenson, 

Scott LaRose, Tom Dexheimer, Alvin Meres 

Bainbridge Central High, Class of 1960 - Part 5

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1960

"Echo" 1960

Dolores Ann Neidlinger

Talented - Likes Horses

Rachel Edna Niles

Senior Class President

Industrious - Personality plus

Kenneth Michael Ogren

Wit - Clown - Playboy - Cute

Judith Ann Parker

Pert - Big blue eyes - Busy, busy - Sidney Transfer

Kenneth Fairbanks Parker, Jr.

Sports - Tall and blonde - Dancer

Philip Earl Russell

Happy and carefree - Nice to be with - Hard worker

Obituaries (October 3)

Israel P. Jacobs
25 May 1839 - 9 July 1912

JACOBS: At his late home, No. 21 Sherwood St., Auburn, N.Y., early Tuesday morning, July 9, 1912, Israel P. Jacobs, aged 73 years, 1 month, 13 days.  [Auburn Semi-Weekly Journal, July 12, 1912]

Israel P. Jacobs died at his home in Auburn [Cayuga Co., NY] July 9, at the age of 73 years.  Mr. Jacobs, who was born in South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], was the son of the late James H. Jacobs, a prominent resident of the town.  He was a machinist and for a number of years was connected with the E.B. Clapp & Co. of Auburn.  He is survived by a daughter, Miss Ethel Jacobs of Auburn; one brother, James Jacobs of South Oxford; two sisters, Miss Zeruah Jacobs, also of South Oxford, and Mrs. W.J. Race of Greene. The body was taken to Greene Thursday where interment was made in Sylvan Lawn cemetery.

Murtelo W. Hoffman

22 February 1834 - 6 July 1912

Shortly after 5 o'clock last Friday afternoon lightning struck and killed Murtelo W. Hoffman, aged 78 years, while working in a potato patch above St. Joseph's cemetery in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Hoffman was working on a patch of land he had purchased of the estate of Arvine S. Lewis and was busily engaged in putting paris green on potatoes when the storm came up and evidently he wished to finish the job before leaving the field. At the time the bolt descended it was not raining and the sun was still shining.  John Cary and son Robert were watching Mr. Hoffman from a distance and saw the bolt descend straight from high in the sky and fell the unfortunate man.  They immediately ran to his assistance, as did others in the neighborhood, but death had been instantaneous.  The bolt struck Mr. Hoffman on top of the head a little to the left of the center.  His beard was burned on the left side of his face and the [-?-] his breast.  His felt hat was found in pieces and his shirt was torn around the collar and the shoulder. There were no marks below the hips.  A mark on the left side of the skull may have been caused in falling.  Coroner Morse and Dr. Johnson were immediately summoned.  Mr. Hoffman was a native of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] and was born February 22, 1834.  Lucy Hilliard of McDonough, his wife, whom he married December 18, 1861, died June 6, 1908.  His occupation was that of a farmer and for a number of years he occupied a farm on the McCall road and at the death of Mrs. Hoffman he moved into the village and resided with his daughter, Mrs. Frank VanTassel.  He was a quiet and unassuming man, industrious and had the good will of all.  The surviving children of Mr. Hoffman are:  Clarence M. Hoffman of this village, Albert D. Hoffman of Norwich, William A. Hoffman of Albany, Mrs. Frank D. Van Tassel of -?- and Mrs. George E. -?-.  The funeral was largely attended Monday afternoon by relatives, friends and neighbors.  Rev. R.A. Gates officiated and burial was in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, NY].

Pansy Page Robinson

Bainbridge Press,  February 15, 1940

Mrs. Pansy Page Robinson passed away at the home of her son, Carl Robinson of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Sunday.  Funeral services were held at Colwell Bros. funeral home Wednesday and burial was made in Riverview cemetery, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Robinson lived for many years on the Turner farm on East Hill, Oxford now owned by Frank Hofmann.  She leaves four children, Evelyn of Norwich, Dorothy of Utica and Carl and Archie of Bainbridge, also six grandchildren.

Carrie Porter

Bainbridge Press, February 29, 1940

Mrs. Carrie Porter died on the morning of February 21 after a brief illness.  She has been a resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] since 1917, and her friends here are many.  Those who visited her knew her for her happy spirit, her thoughtful mind, and her busy hands.  For a lady 88 years old she had a remarkable range of interests.  Her sewing and knitting has helped and gladdened many, while her plants and flowers were enjoyed by all who came to see her. The funeral services were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Earl Jones, where Mrs. Porter has lived, on last Saturday afternoon.  Rev. Lewis Johnson conducted the services, reading a few of the poems that Mrs. Porter had clipped from papers placed in her Bible.  Miss Dolores Lloyd sang one of the old church hymns that Mrs. Porter had loved so much. The committal service was held in the chapel at the Bainbridge cemetery.  Mrs. Carrie Porter was born July 11, 1851, near Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]./  In 1868 she married Charles Porter.  She lived near Chenango Forks until 1917 when she moved to Bainbridge.  She is survived by six children: Mrs. V.E. Cook of Binghamton, Mrs. Alex Smith of Deposit, and Mrs. W.N. Sherwood, Mrs. W.S. Porter, Frank Porter and Mrs. E.D. Jones, all of Bainbridge, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Deaths in Bainbridge in 1940

Bainbridge News & Republican, January 2, 1941

Town of Bainbridge
Elsie Lyon, 79, Bainbridge, R.D. 1, Jan. 22.
Pansy E. Robinson, 50, Bainbridge, R.D. 3, Feb. 11.  (obit above)
Carrie E. Porter, 88, Bainbridge, R.D. 3, Feb. 21.  (obit above)
Martha V. Christian, 80, Bainbridge, R.D. 1, April 19.
James  H. Latimer, 72, Afton R.D. April 25.
LaVerne E. Payne, 56, Bainbridge R.D. 1, April 29.
Elin E. Wilcox, 76, Bainbridge R.D. 2, July 22.
Elizabeth J. Brayman, 56, Bainbridge R.D. 1, Sept. 21.
Ruth Margaret Thompson, 45, Bainbridge, R.D. 3, Nov. 22.
Leonard D. Lord, 60, Bainbridge, R.D. 2, Dec. 11.
Warren  Newton Sherwood, 68, Dec. 21.

Village of Bainbridge
Helen Maria Cartledge, 84, Jan. 1.
Ida Sprague, 76, Jan. 27.
Gale Ann Dawson, 4 mos, Sidney, Feb. 14.
Ruby Irene Neidlinger, 47, Mar. 4.
Addie E. Church, 74, Mar. 28.
Cynthia Clymens Demick Flint, 86, May 9.
Margaret Brennan Beach, 63, May 18.
Carrie B. Lyon Parker, 65, May 28.
Charles Franklin Stafford, 5, June 17.
Henry Thomas Hill, 80, Rochester, June 23.
Pearl Lavina Smith, 43, July 10.
John W. Jones, 47, July 10.
Alice Hattie Smith, 67, July 14.
Adah Lurina Parsons, 82, July 27.
Myrtle Ireland, 69, July 31.
Elizabeth Collins, 68, Sept. 6
Barbara Mae DeBevoise, 3 days, Masonville, Sept. 9.
Reuben F. Smith, 76, Sept. 12.
Charles W. Ireland, 71, Sept. 16.
Stephen T. Winsor, 51, Unadilla, Sept. 30.
Mary Elizabeth Donaldson, 75, Deposit, Oct. 22.
Jane W. Andrews, 87, Nov. 19.
Thomas A. Alverson, 79, Nov. 25.
Harriet May Petley, 58, Dec. 4.
Merritt A. Parsons, 83, Dec. 12.
Ray LeSuer, 44, Afton, Dec. 16.
Warren N. Sherwood, 68, Dec. 21.
Eugene B. Levee, 69, Dec. 25.

Obituaries (October 1)

Ann Eliza (Lyon) Per Lee

1829 - 1912

Mrs. Ann E. Per Lee, after an illness of five months, passed away at her home in Greene [Chenango Co., NY] Sunday evening, aged 82 years.  Mrs. Per Lee is the last of a noted family.  Her grandfather, Samuel Lyon, with two brothers, David and Thomas, came to Oxford in canoes in the year 1792 and settled four miles above the village on the stream that still bears their name. Thomas Lyon became a Major and led a regiment of State troops from this country in 1812. At the battle of Toronto he was mortally wounded and died the death of a hero.  Her father, George R. Lyon learned the blacksmith trade of James A. Glover in the old stone blacksmith shop in this village which stood on the site of the present residence of Melvin Walker.  He moved to Greene in 1822 and originated and built up the Lyon Irons Works in that village, which is an important industry today.  Mrs. Per Lee had always resided in Greene and for a greater part of the time in the old homestead, where her death occurred.  Her first husband was J.B. Babcock, who was a leading jeweler in Greene during his day.  Some years after his death she married Isaac B. Per Lee of North Norwich, who died March 7, 1901.  She was a faithful and devoted member of the congregational church, and leaves many sorrowing friends.  Surviving are an adopted daughter.  Mrs. Nellie Garnier; four nieces, Mrs. Harriet Barnard, Mrs. Susan Eaton of Greene, Mrs. Mabel Lyon of Binghamton and Mrs. Jennie Kinney of North Norwich, and one nephew, Walter D. Lyon of Greene. The funeral was largely attended at the house Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Rev. George R. Foster, pastor of the congregational church, conducting the service.  [Buried Sylva Lawn Cemetery, Greene, NY]

Isaac B. Per Lee

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, March 6, 1901

Greene [Chenango Co., NY]:  Isaac B. PerLee died at his home on South Chenango street at a late hour last night after a two days' illness with pneumonia.  Mr. PerLee was one of Greene's best citizens, a broad minded Christian gentleman, untiring in works of benevolence and in his devotion to his church.  He moved here from North Norwich several years ago and during his residence here had been always identified with the best interests of the community.  He was one of the leading members of the Congregational church and a regular attendant at service.  Mr. PerLee is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. H.H. Kinney of Smyrna.  The funeral will be held from the residence Wednesday at 2 p.m.  Interment will be made at North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

William Henry Neff

February 1912

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of William Henry Neff occurred at his home near here at 8:30 o'clock yesterday morning, after an illness of three weeks, although he had been in poor health for about three years. The cause of death was valvular heart trouble.  Mr. Neff was born August 23, 1847, and came to the town of Guilford in 1868.  On October 14, 1873, he married Wealthy A. Smith, who survives him, together with three children, Ernest L. Neff of Norwich, Mrs. Leon Y. Jones of Albany, and Miss lulu Neff of Guilford.  With the exception of nine years, when he was in the hardware business in this village, he had resided on the Gospel Hill farm since 1875.  The funeral will be held at the house on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. U.R. Jones officiating.

Francis Russell Stork

October 22, 1842 - February 1912

Francis Russell Stork, well known in Oxford, died suddenly at his farm home in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], at about 6 o'clock Wednesday evening.  Mr. Stork had not been entirely well since last August, having indigestion and a liver trouble, while a weak heart delayed his recovery.  He transacted business in Oxford a week ago Thursday and had an attack of indigestion the following day with a cold that affected his lungs, but was able to care for his stock. Wednesday night while at the supper table Mrs. Stork went into the kitchen and while there heard Mr. Stork's chair fall onto the floor.  Hastily returning she found her husband on the floor expiring.  Mr. Stork was one of the six children of John R. and Lucy Tyler Stork of Coventry, in which town he was born October 22, 1842.  He had resided on the same farm since he was a small boy, with the exception of the winter months spent for several years at the home of his son in this village.  Of good habits, a kind heart and a disposition to be useful he was a man that will be missed in the home and by the community.  As a member of the First congregational church of Coventry he had served as one of its trustees for several years.  Mr. Stork is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Loyal I. Dodge, and one son, Burton J. Stork, both of Oxford. The funeral will be held from his late home at 11 o 'clock Saturday morning, Rev. Inman l. Willcox of this village officiating.  Interment in Riverview cemetery here [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Claude C. Stratton

1912

Claude C. Stratton, eldest child of Mrs. Cora Church Stratton and the late Luverne B. Stratton, died of tuberculosis shortly after 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon, March 28, after an illness of nearly a year's duration.  He had reached his 21st birthday last August.  About two years ago Claude secured the position of street car conductor on a New York city line.  Making good he held the position till failing health compelled him to return home last June, where he remained for a short time and then returned to the city, but was soon obliged to give up his position and come back.  He spent some time in the northern part of the State, but without receiving much benefit. returning home he remained till his young life closed.  Besides his mother he is survived by two sisters and a brother, Clara, Elizabeth and Albert Stratton, all of whom reside at home. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the house. Rev. Inman l. Willcox officiating.  Interment in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Obituaries (September 30)

Rev. Edwin L. Tanner
September 22, 1905

Rev. Edwin Lee Tanner, rector of St. Ann's church, Afton, and St. Luke's, Harpursville, died suddenly last Friday night from apoplexy, at the Rectory in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  For some years Mr. Tanner had been in poor health but had been able to attend to his duties.  He was about as usual Friday, but was stricken at 5:30 p.m. and died at 12 o'clock the same night.  

Complying with the request of the editor of this paper I take great pleasure in giving to his friends some idea of the life and ability of my dear friend and brother, the Rev. Edwin Lee Tanner, while personally deeply lamenting his sudden departure from our midst.  Born some forty odd years ago in Richmond, Va., in his early life after graduating from college he thought of the Ministry as a profession but later on became enamored of the stage.  His first engagement was with the great Tragedian John McCullough and the following season he travelled in the support of Mr. Frank C. Bangs in whose company I had also secured an engagement.  rooming together by mutual agreement we soon became fast friends, and attending church regularly in our travels we little dreamed that nearly twenty years after we should successively become Rectors of the same parish.  The following season we drifted apart (as actors commonly do) and while in touch through correspondence we never acted together again.  In due course Mr. Tanner appeared in support of Mrs. D.P. Bowers, Messrs. Frederick Warde and Louis James, Mr. Walker Whiteside and others.  In all these engagements Mr. Tanner showed is great ability as a Shakespearian comedian and character actor attaining much success in the characters of Roderigo, Launcelot, Gobbo and Francis in Henry IV, in which part he shared honors with the star.  For some seasons Mr. Tanner headed his own company appearing with great success as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Svengali in Trilby, etc.  Finally he became the leading man in the Spooner Stock company, now successfully located in Brooklyn.

About this time under deep conviction he again turned his attention to the church and amidst his histrionic duties he became an earnest student of theology with the result that Oct. 5th, 1900, he was ordained Deacon by Bishop Huntington in the city of Syracuse.  He was placed in charge of Calvary church Homer, N.Y., where for two years he did an excellent work leaving an impression of his piety and ability which will not be easily effaced.  On May 30th, 1902, he was ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Huntington in Homer, N.Y., and his son, Rev. Wilson E. Tanner, accepting the Rectorship of St. Peter's church, Bainbridge, Mr. Tanner accompanied him and entered upon the Rectorships of St. Ann's Church, Afton and St. Luke's Church, Harpursville.  Since that time his life has been known to all. Although constantly suffering from an incurable disease, he seldom or never complained and was always brave and cheerful.  Fidelity to duty was the first article of his life creed and sick or well he never failed.  Gifted to an unusual degree he was an able preacher and still better he taught as he preached and presented the Catholic faith in all its fullness and beauty.  Artistic to the last degree and characterized by an unfailing sense of humor (which was one of his choicest gifts) he lightened the hearts of his parishioners and friends and made this world easier to live in.  I had the great privilege of being with him at his last two services on earth nor shall I forget the earnestness and eloquence with which he expounded the text, "And who is my neighbor?" in his last sermon.

No one can realize better than I the sacrifice he made when he relinquished his position in the dramatic world with all its hopes and prospects and began life anew in the closer service of his Master and His church.  Had he been spared he would easily have attained as prominent a position in the church as he occupied in the other sphere, but God has called him to better things, and in the joy of Paradise, which is promised to all His saints, he will assuredly find full scope for intellectual and spiritual activity.  He now "rests from his labors but his works go with him" and energetic to the limit of his strength in his Master's service on earth we may be sure his work will encounter no hindrance in that better world.  Speaking for myself I am a better man for having known and loved Edwin Lee Tanner (and that love cannot die) and while I have lost my dearest friend I bow to God's Will and give Him the praise.  Grant him O Lord, eternal rest and may Light perpetual shine upon him.

Walter E. Bentley, Rector, Church of the Ascension, Brooklyn, N.Y., Afton, N.Y. Sept. 26, 1905

Sarah E. Nearing Bristol

1832 - July 17, 1903

Entered into rest Friday morning, July 17, 1903, at "Sunnyside," her home on Academy street from complication of chronic diseases, Mrs. Sarah E Nearing Bristol, aged seventy-one years.  Mrs. Bristol's early education began in the Zion Church Parochial or parish school, at Morris, Otsego Co., and was continued and concluded in Gilbertsville and North New Berlin academies.  An unusually bright pupil, excelling especially in book keeping and mathematics, she rendered efficient aid to her father in his business affairs ere she completed her girlhood days.  Mrs. Bristol was of English extraction and descended from ancestry conspicuous for honor and sterling worth.  She inherited their pure principles and her daily life was an expression of this natural endowment.  Her standards of right were moulded upon a high plane which cast out all artificiality, all subterfuges, and excluded any resort to expedients not consistent with the most upright living.  Had Mrs. Bristol not been afflicted with ill health in her latter years, she would have proved a valuable aid in the state and national work of temperance in which she took great interest, for she had natural executive ability and her enthusiasm was boundless and energy limitless in whatever she engaged.  She had been a county officer and attended state conventions but her frail physique retarded any continued public effort.  The home life of Mrs. Bristol was one of devotion to her family, systematic in administration and open in hospitality to her friends. bright and vivacious by temperament, appreciative of every kindness, charitable to the needy, loyal and steadfast in friendship, she has left to her family an unblemished reputation and a spotless name.  [Buried Hillington Cemetery, Morris, Otsego Co., NY]

Our hearts are too sad for words,

Our souls are wrung with woe,

And the drip, drip, drip of bitter drops

Is the sound that haunts one so

We have loved and lost alas!  so much,

God alone doth know,

And the drip, drip, drip of ceaseless tears,

Is the sound that haunts one so

Jerome B. Sands

February 10, 1903

Jerome B. Sands died at his home in this town Tuesday afternoon after an illness of three weeks from heart trouble  The funeral will be held Friday at 12 o'clock noon, at his late residence and conducted by Rev. Mr. Broughton of Oxford.  Mr. Sands was of the advanced age of 82.  He had been a resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] since 1885, coming here from Franklin, N.Y. [Delaware Co., NY] his birthplace.  He was a farmer by occupation residing two and one-half miles below this village on the East side of the Susquehanna river.  He was progressive in his methods of farming and sought to improve his products by new and advanced ideas and studied much literature to that end.  He was well read on all subjects, was exemplary, industrious, thrifty and highly respected.  An honored citizen, stable and conservative, he became influential and was closely associated with all affairs of the town preceding the creeping upon him of old age, and even then he did not abandon his interest.  Mr. Sands' wife, a most estimable woman, died several years ago as did the eldest daughter, Mrs. Emma Seacord.  He is survived by five children:  William, Frederick and Miss Jennie Sands of Bainbridge, James of Vallonia Springs, and Charles Sands of Oswego.  The local chapter of the Masonic order of which the deceased was an esteemed member of high degree, will attend the funeral.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, October 18, 1894

ADAMS:  In Fort Wayne, Ind. Oct. 5, 1894, Miss Mary C. Adams, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 53 years.

WELLS:  In Watertown [Jefferson Co., NY] Oct. 10, 1894, Mr E.C. Wells, aged 30 years, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  Was a son-in-law of Francis Grant.

SMITH:  In Danbury, Conn. Oct. 8, 1894, Prof. Joseph Moss Smith, aged 50 years.  Formerly of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]

FLEMING:  In Walton [Delaware Co. NY] Oct. 4, 1894, Mr. John Fleming, formerly of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

BOUCK:  Near Cobleskill, N.Y. Sept. 21, 1894 Mrs. Abbie J. Bouck, widow of Jacob D. Bouck, formerly of South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY]

Obituaries (September 29)

Nathan Smith

July 14, 1823 - July 15, 1909

findagrave.com, memorial #36804328

Greene [ Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Nathan Smith, aged eighty-six years, occurred at his home on Washington street Thursday evening.  Mr. Smith was one of the oldest residents, having resided here nearly all his life and has a large circle of friends.  He has always been active for a man of his years, having been confined to the house only since last winter.  He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. H.C. Dent and Mrs. Alvin Hill and two grandchildren, Miss Nellie Smith of Oneida and Charles Smith.  The funeral was held from his late home Monday. [Burial in Sylvan Lawn Cemetery, Greene, NY]

Ruth (Soule) Bartoo

1844 - 1909

Mrs. Ruth Soule, wife of William Bartoo died Sunday at her home in East Winfield [Herkimer Co., NY].  She was a daughter of the late Loren and Catherine Hill Soule of Brisbin [Chenango Co., NY], and a sister of Mrs. F.S. Millard and Mrs. D.F. Clarke of this village.  The funeral is held at Brisbin today.

The body of Mrs. Ruth Soule, wife of William Bartoo, was brought here Wednesday morning from West Winfield and funeral services were held in the church at one o'clock, Rev. Mr. Reynolds of that place officiating.  [Buried Brisbin Baptist Church Cemetery]

Susan Moore Gillman

Norwich Sun, September 15, 1909

Mrs. Susan Moore Gillman, widow of George F. Gillman, died at the Binghamton State hospital Monday evening.  About 62 years of age.  Mrs. Gillman had been an inmate of the institution for the past nine years.  Her husband died in 1898.  She is survived by her mother and one brother, A.F. Moore of Newark, N.J., and an adopted daughter, Miss Lena Gillman of this village. The funeral will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. from the home of Charles Gillman in this village, and the interment will be made in Riverview [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], beside the remains of her husband.

Anna Arvilla McGowan

September 1909

Anna Arvilla [McGowan], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. McGowan, who reside in the town of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], was drowned in a milk vat on the farm late Monday afternoon.  The father was washing a harness at the barn and the child, one year and eight months old, was playing about the barnyard.  Mr. McGowan went to the house about 6 o'clock leaving the child at play.  When he returned about fifteen minutes later he found the lifeless body of his little daughter in the milk vat. The vat was about on a level with the ground and contained water for cooling cans of milk. The child had fallen into the vat.

May S. Preston

August 1909

Mrs. Preston, wife of Dr. Frank Preston, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], who is coroner for the southern district of the county died suddenly in childbirth early on Thursday morning, after a few hours illness.  She was 32 years f age.  Besides the husband she is survived by two children, Kenneth and Beatrice. The funeral was held Friday afternoon at five o'clock at the house, and on Saturday the body was taken to Vergennes, Vermont, for burial.

Alanson J. Stewart

May 5, 1831 - July 6, 1909

Alanson J. Stewart died at his home in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], July 6, 1909, after a painful illness of three years duration.  He was born in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] May 5, 1831, and February 24, 1828 he married Miss Loville H. Dean of Afton, who survives him, together with two sons, Wright S. of Triangle and Fred C. of Smithville.  Three sisters, Mrs. Mason Whipple of Oxford, Mrs. Mary Rathbun and Mrs. Walter Pettis of Harpursville, and one brother, Charles Stewart of Minnesota, also survive him. The funeral was held at the house Thursday morning at 9 o'clock, Rev. Percy t. Olton of Greene officiating.  Burial in the cemetery at Afton [Chenango Co., NY]

Marriages (September 25)

Rix - Wright

April 1912

Bernard W. Rix of Buffalo (Erie Co., NY) and Miss Elizabeth Wright of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] were quietly united in marriage in Utica [Oneida Co., NY] Monday forenoon.  Miss Wright is the niece of Frank T. Arnold, the defaulting cashier of the First National Bank of New Berlin.  Mr. Rix is a prominent merchant in Buffalo and is said to be wealthy.  Mrs. Rix, mother of the bridegroom, had accompanied her son to New Berlin when he went there to get the marriage license.  She remained with Miss Wright until Monday and went with her to Utica.  Howard Wright, brother of the bride, also went to Utica with her.  Miss Wright was met in Utica by her affianced and his father.  The ceremony was performed a short time afterwards.  Immediately afterwards the bridal couple, Howard Wright and the parents of the groom went to Hotel Utica, where a wedding breakfast was served.  Mr. and Mrs. Rix, Sr., remained at the hotel, but the young couple are said to have gone on a wedding trip.  They will reside in Buffalo.

The engagement of Miss Wright and Mr. Rix was announced in New Berlin last February.  Miss Wright had attended St. Margaret's School, a select institution for young women, in Buffalo, and had met Mr. Rix there.  They became mutually attached to each other and their engagement met with the approval of the bride's uncle.  Mr. Arnold made the occasion for the announcement of the engagement a memorable society event in New Berlin.  He had only recently completed a magnificent bungalow adjoining his  Stone Manor in New Berlin. A reception was held there in honor of Miss Wright and distinguished guests were present from many cities.  New York florists made the bungalow a bower of beauty and the event was the impressive society feature of the year.  It had been planned to have Miss Wright's marriage take place in June.  The ceremony was to have been celebrated in the magnificent style that was the delight of Mr. Arnold, but the exposure of his defalcations followed by the wrecking of the bank put an end to these plans.

Miss Wright is beautiful, accomplished, popular with her friends and is held in high esteem in New Berlin by people of all classes.  Mr. Arnold lavished wealth upon her and held for her an affection that amounted to idolization.  when the exposures of her uncle's defalcations came, Miss Wright took full charge of the Arnold home, met all people with a brave and hopeful demeanor and did everything possible to help straighten out the tangle into which the affairs of the bank had bene plunged.  Mr. Rix, too, proved himself a loyal and manly lover. There was no thought on his part of breaking off the engagement, but rather he is said to have urged an immediate ceremony for the purpose of asserting a husband's right to cherish and protect the girl who would soon have been practically homeless.

Death Notice, Bernard W. Rix

Buffalo Illustrated Express, December 8, 1918

RIX:  In this city [Buffalo, NY], December 7, 1918, Bernard W., beloved husband of Elizabeth Wright, father of Mary Elizabeth and Dorothy June, son of William A. and Mary Rix.  Funeral will take place from the family residence, 208 Loring avenue, Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.  Funeral private.

New Berlin Gazette, December 14, 1918

Friends here will sympathize with Mrs. Elizabeth Wright Rix of Buffalo in the loss of her husband.  Bernard Rix, of pneumonia-influenza December 7th.  Mrs. Rix was born in New Berlin and married Mr. Rix some seven years ago.  They have since made Buffalo their home.  Besides his parents and wife, Mr. Rix leaves two small children.

Marriage Notice

Danahy-Rix

The Buffalo Express, July 6, 1922

Announcement is made of the marriage of Mrs. Elizabeth Wright Rix to S. Edgar Danahy. The ceremony took place yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, the Rev. Father Timmons officiating.

Buffalo Evening News, July 5, 1922

S. Edgar Danahy, secretary of the Danahy Packing company, was married this morning in Saint Margaret's church in Hertel avenue, to Elizabeth Wright Rix of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. by the Rev. Father Thomas J. Timmons performed the ceremony. After a wedding breakfast at the Hotel Iroquois, Mr. and Mrs. Danahy left for a tour of the Green mountains.  The high altar of the church was decorated with ferns and American beauty roses.  Augusta Bontenwell of Cedar Rapids played the wedding march.  Little Helen Danahy, a niece of the groom, was flower girl.  Arthur Danahy was best man and Harriet M. Rix, sister of the bride, was bridesmaid.  Mayor Schwab gave the bride away.  The bride was gowned in white beaded georgette with rose color picture hat and carried a bouquet of sweetheart roses.  Miss Rix wore a gown of green Canton crepe with lace overskirt.  Among the guests were Mayor Schwab and Mrs. Schwab, Mr. and Mrs. John Danahy and family, Mr. and Mrs. R.T Danahy, Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Danahy and family, Percy Given of Washington, and Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Rix and family of Cedar Rapids, and Mr. and Mrs. W.D. McCarthy of Cleveland.

Bainbridge High School - Class of 1960 - Part 4

Bainbridge Central High School - Class of 1960

"Echo" 1960

Myers Allen King IV

Clever, Sense of Humor

Stephen Andrew Kinney

Jokes, Cars, Books, Expert Driver

Gerald Douglas Lane

Always Laughing, Young at Heart

Robert Walter Mainusch

Friendly Smile, Shy, Artistic

Carole Rae Margeson

Orange Obsession, Outspoken, Hazel Eyes

Donna Lee Meachem

Fashion's slave, TV Model

Obituaries (September 23)

George B. Throop

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 8, 1897

After many days, lengthening into weary weeks and months of suffering, death came last Monday morning, November 29, 1897, at 3:40 as a welcome release to George B. Throop, at his home on Railroad street in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  While returning from a neighbor's house one Sunday evening early in March last, he slipped and fell upon the ice, causing a fracture of the hip, from which he never recovered.  Intense suffering and at last death were its results.  George B. Throop was a son of Silas Throop and was born in New Berlin, [Chenango Co., NY] December 16, 1833.  All his life has been spent in this town and Pittsfield, with the exception of the years he gave to the service of his country.  September 2, 1856, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Crumb of Norwich, who died September 8, 1890, aged 57.  To them were born two children, Eugene W. of Newark, N.J., who survives, and Mrs. Nettie A. Lent, who died November 23, 1894, aged 26.  Mr. Throop also leaves one brother, T.C. Throop, of Camden, N.J.  Mr. Throop enlisted in Company F, of the famous old 114th regiment.  This company was recruited from Sherburne and New Berlin, and was mustered on the 13th day of August, 1862.  After leaving Baltimore the regiment formed a part of Banks' expedition, and Company F, after reaching New Orleans, did guard duty at Jefferson, La. was at Brashear City, participated in the campaign in the Techs country and first smelled powder at Fort Bisland.  Toilsome marching and countermarching followed and then came the siege of Port Hudson.  It was there that Mr. Throop, in returning from one of the skirmishes which were so frequent, received an injury to his spine, from a fall, which placed him for months in the hospital at Baton Rouge and from which he never fully recovered.  he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps. April 22, 1864 at New Orleans, and received an honorable discharge in July 1865.  Funeral services were held at is late residence Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock Rev. E.A. Bacon officiating.  There was a large attendance of neighbors and friends, and members of Lewis E. Tew post, G.A.R. who had so faithfully cared for their comrade during his illness.  Interment was made in St. Andrew's cemetery with the last sad rites of the G.A.R. ritual, and the cold clods of earth beat the last tattoo over the remains of one whose life was in accord with the words of Micah of old "And what doth the lord require of thee, but to do justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."  New Berlin Gazette.

Ezekiel Harrington

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 8, 1897

Ezekiel Harrington, one of the oldest inhabitants of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], died suddenly at his home about three miles north of that village on Saturday afternoon about four o'clock.  He had been in his usual health up to an hour before his death and did the usual amount of work about his home.  Shortly after noon he complained of a severe pain about the chest. After taking some medicine he laid down on the couch and for a time felt some better. A little before his sudden demise he sat up and for a time it was thought he was fully recovered from his bad feeling, when he suddenly dropped over dead.  Mr. Harrington was in his 81st year and was one of their most honored townsmen.  He was born in Sherburne and had always resided there.  He was a farmer and a staunch Republican.  He was twice married.  His first wife died a number of years ago and some two years after, he married a second time.  He is survived by his second wife, four sons, and daughters.  He was a consistent member of the Baptist church of that village.  His funeral will be attended from his late home this (Tuesday) afternoon.

Caroline Pratt White

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 8, 1897

Mrs. Caroline Pratt White, widow of the late Dr. Devillo White, died at her home in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] Sunday night at 11:30 in the 94th year of her age. At the time of her death she was the oldest person living in Sherburne.  Some three weeks ago she fell and injured one of her hips, since which time she has gradually grown worse to the end. She was a remarkable woman and retained all her mental faculties until a few days before her death. She was a daughter of the late Joshua Pratt, and was born in the year 1803.  She is survived by an adopted daughter, Mrs. M.D Botsford, wife of the cashier of the Sherburne National bank, and two brothers, Joshua Pratt, president of the Sherburne National bank, and Talcott Pratt, a farmer, who resides just across the river. She was a member of the First Congregational church of that village.

William A. Sage

Chenango Telegraph, December 24, 1920 

William A. Sage, one of Norwich's best known and most popular residents died at the Matterson hospital Wednesday morning, aged 76 years.  Mr Sage suffered a stroke of paralysis a few days ago, and all that medical skill and tender care could accomplish proved to no avail. The deceased was a traveling salesman, and probably no man on the road was more popular, better liked by his associates, and held in higher esteem than "Billy" Sage.  He followed this occupation until about five years ago when he retired, and has since lived on South Broad street.  Mr. Sage was fond of horses in his younger days, and even until his sickness he could be seen driving up nd down the streets of the city.  He was a horseman of much ability, delighted in the sport of racing and for several years often drove in races.  He was a familiar figure to Norwich residents,  "Billy" Sage for he admirable qualities and his kindly disposition.  The deceased was a member of Norwich lodge of Elks, the Norwich Club and Norwich Lodge, F.&A.M.  The only survivors are a sister, Mrs. Mary Hopkins of Norwich, and a brother, the Rev. James Sage of White Plains, N.Y. The funeral services will be held  Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the late residence, with interment in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].  Committal services at the grave will be in charge of Norwich lodge, No. 1222, B.P.O.E.

Obituaries (September 20)

  Leon Hodge

1886 - January 13, 1911

Leon Hodge, a well known young man of this village, died Friday afternoon, January 13th, 1911, at half past five o'clock.  He had been in poor health for a number of weeks, but attended to business up to within a few days of his death.  Mr. Hodge conducted a grocery store on Canal street for several years.  Leon Hodge was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore [Hodge] of Greene.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Irma Walker Hodge, a daughter, Nellie, and a son, Shuler Webster.  The funeral which was private, was held at the home Monday afternoon, interment in Sylvan Lawn [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].  The bearers were Charles Ingersoll, Earnest Ingersoll, Ellis Ingersoll and Earl Hodge.

Nellie May Hodge

December 1911

Nellie May [Hodge], the little daughter of Mrs. Leon L. Hodge died Monday evening at the home on Genesee street, after a short illness, aged two years and nine months.  She is survived by her mother, the father having died about a year ago, and brother, Shuler Webser, and grandmother, Mrs. E.P. Walker.  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, Rev. G.R. Foster officiating.  Burial in Sylvan lawn Cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

Marcus N. Horton

1911

Glen Ridge, N.J.:  Prof. Marcus N. Horton, one of the oldest graduates of Williams College, died at his home here Wednesday night at the age of 81.  He was born in Oxford, Chenango County.  After graduation from Williams College in 1853 he became an instructor in and later principal of Walton Academy.  In 1861 he again became associated with Dr. Kerr, first as professor of botany and physics in the New York State Agricultural College at Ovid, and then as associate principal in the Jefferson County (N.Y.) Institute.  In the Agricultural College he remained only one year, due to the fact that a majority of the pupils enlisted for the Civil War.  In 1864 Mr. Horton became principal of the Oneida, N.Y. Seminary, where he applied himself to the study of law, and in 1869 was admitted to the bar.  He also served as principal of the High School at Williamsport, Pa., and later became superintendent of the schools in that city.  In 1886 he was superintendent of schools at Towanda Pa., and from 1888 to 1890 was school commissioner of Chenango County. For the last 14 years he had lived in Glen Ridge.  He leaves a wife and two sons, one of the latter, John M. Horton, being connected with the Chemical  National Bank in New York.  Mr. Horton is remembered by many of the older residents of this village.  He was a brother of Clark Horton of Afton.  He began his work as a teacher in the old Oxford Academy immediately after he left college.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, October 18, 1894

THOMPSON:  In Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY] Oct. 7, 1894, Mr. A.N. Thompson.

MEAD:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], Sept. 26, 1894, Frances Ann Pearl [Mead], widow of Schuyler mead, age 71 years.

DICKINSON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 5, 1894, Mrs. Mary L. Dickinson, age 81 years.

WOOD:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 10, 1894, M.M. Wood, MD., age 61 years.

HALL:  In Georgetown, N.Y. [Madison Co., NY], Oct. 11, 1894, Mrs. Mary L. Hall, widow of Charles M. Hall, late of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]

HULL:  In Kansas City, Mo. Sept. 9, 1894, Mr. Jesse M. Hull, age 32 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Obituaries (September 19)

Jennie (Soule) Hoag

December 1909

On Wednesday of last week, while on a shopping trip to this village, occurred the death of Mrs. Milton Hoag of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].  She was seemingly in the best of health.  After leaving the home of her sister, Mrs. F.S. Millard, she visited several business places, and while crossing the street she accidently stumbled and fell on the pavement, but apparently was not injured.  On returning to her sister's, she complained of a severe pain in the head and attention was given her. The pain becoming more intense, she was assisted to a bed, and soon became unconscious.  Dr. R. Morse was immediately summoned, but medical aid was of no avail.  Cerebral hemorrhage was the cause of death.  Mrs. Hoag, whose maiden name was Jennie Soule, was in the 70th year of her age, and the daughter of Loren and Catherine Hill Soule, former well known residents of Smithville.  She married in 1861 Mr. Hoag, who was a resident of Norwich.  After many years residence in that town, they moved to Rockwells Mills, and a year ago purchased the Lyman Sperry farm on the Georgetown road in Preston.  Besides her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Miss Hattie M. Hoag of Binghamton, and Mrs. Calvin Chamberlain of Rockwells Mills; two sons, Cassius M. Hoag of Pharsalia, and Burr B. Hoag of Norwich; three sisters, Mrs. Sarah May of Springfield, Mass., Mrs. DeFrance Clark and Mrs. Frank S. Millard of this village; two brothers, Erastus Soule of Greene, and Elam Soule of Tacoma, Wash.  The funeral was held from the home of Mrs. Millard Saturday afternoon at one o'clock, Rev. A.O. Austin officiating.  Interment was made in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY]

Milton Hoag

Norwich Sun, April 11, 1932

Milton Hoag, an aged and much respected resident, passed away Friday night at the Hoag home, the same farm on which he was born being the last survivor of a family of 12 children.  Had he lived until April 28 he would have been ninety-four years old.  He was the son of Philo Hoag and Celia Phetteplace Hoag and had always resided in nearby vicinities in Chenango county.  He was much respected by all who knew him, an honest, upright man in all his dealings.  He was a member of the North Guilford Methodist church and a faithful attendant for many years, also superintendent of the Sunday school.  He was married to Jane R. Soule of Smithville in January, 1861.  Her death occurred in December, 1909.  There survive to mourn his loss three children, Mrs. Eva Chamberlain of Mt. Upton, Cassius M. Hoag of 36 Elm street, Norwich and Burr B. Hoag with whom he resided at the time of his death, 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.  Also several nieces, nephews and cousins. His passing is a source of deep regret to all who knew him.  The funeral will be held from the Seymour funeral parlors in Oxford Tuesday afternoon at 2:30.  Burial in Riverview cemetery, Oxford.

Charles B. Wheeler

September 27, 1819 - October 1909

Charles B. Wheeler, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Greene [Chenango Co., NY]passed to his reward Wednesday evening, October 6, 1909, after a short illness.  He had been in his usual good health up to about the first of September when he caught cold and was confined to the house.  He recovered from the cold all right, however, but the ravages of old age (being 90 years old) were too great for him to throw off, and he gradually failed until death relieved him of earthly cares.  Charles B. Wheeler was born near Greene, September 27, 1819 and with the exception of a few years, his entire life had been spent in Greene.  His early life was devoted to mercantile pursuits, and in 1869 he was appointed postmaster and held the office until 1889.  In politics Mr. Wheeler was a Republican, being prominently identified with the party from its beginning, not, however, of the office seeking kind.  He was one of the oldest members of Eastern Light Lodge 126 F.&A.M.  Deceased is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Arthur Richmyer, and one granddaughter, Miss Tima Graves, all of Greene, also one sister, Mrs. Emeline Walker, of Ripon, Wisconsin.  The funeral was held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home on South Chenango street, Rev. Percy T. Olton, rector of Zion Church, of which deceased was a member, officiating. The pall bearers were J.D Denison, Frederick F. Peck, Charles G. Juliand, Henry M. Juliand, Marius W. Wheeler and Charles l. Williams.  Interment in Sylvan Lawn [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].  The services at the grave were conducted by Easter Light Lodge.

Sarah J. Wheeler

Norwich Sun, December 29, 1915

Greene [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Mrs. Sarah J. Wheeler occurred at her home on South Chenango street Monday evening, after an illness of several days.  Mrs. Wheeler was the widow of the late Charles B. Wheeler a former postmaster of Greene, and well known in this vicinity. She was 83 years of age, and leaves one daughter, Mrs. Arthur J. Richtmeyer, and a granddaughter, Miss Tima Graves.  The funeral will be held Thursday at 2 p.m., Rev. A.A. Bresee officiating.  Burial will be in Sylvan Lawn [Greene, NY].

Dr. James D. Guy

September 8, 1909

Dr. James D. Guy, a well known physician, died at his home in Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], Wednesday, September 8, 1909.  Dr. Guy was a veteran of the civil war where he served with distinction for over three years.  Since the close of the war he has been a practicing physician and enjoyed a large practice.  For many years he was located in Coventry and had a large acquaintance in the southern part of the county.  in 1893 he removed to Chenango Forks, and at the time of his death was one of the coroners of Broome county.  He was in the 69th year of his age and is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.

Emily Isbell

Norwich Sun, July 2, 1907

Mrs. Emily Isbell died at the home of her son, Hiram Bingham, at Beartown, near Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], Friday, as a result of burns received Thursday afternoon when her clothing caught fire from a pipe which she was smoking.  Thursday afternoon, Mrs. Isbell started to go to a neighbor's home.  She was smoking her pipe and as there was a strong wind which blew the tobacco out of the pipe, she covered the bowl with her apron. The apron caught fire and in a moment her clothing was a mass of flames.  The unfortunate woman screamed for help, and neighbors rushed to her assistance, but before they could reach her, the flames fanned by the high wind had burned al of her clothing off.  Dr. James Guy of Chenango Forks was summoned but it was impossible to save her life.  She is survived by one son, Hiram Bingham, and one sister residing in Syracuse. The funeral was held Sunday from the New Ohio church.  Burial in the cemetery at that hamlet [Broome Co., NY]

Marriages (September 17)

Smith - Padgett

January 1908

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ward Padgett was the scene of a very pretty wedding on Christmas night when their daughter, Minnie [Padgett] was united in marriage to Arthur Smith.  About eighty-five guests were present and witnessed the ceremony, which took place under an arch of evergreens and chrysanthemums.  Rev. Russell A. Gates, pastor of the Baptist church. officiated.  The bride wore a gown of castor color silk trimmed with cream lace, and a wreath of orange blossoms, the latter the gift of cousins in California. The interior of the house was beautifully decorated, the color scheme being different for each room, and was green and white, pink and white, yellow and white, and red and green.  The presents were many and beautiful, consisting of $50 from the bride's grandfather, and useful articles in silver and china. After a bountiful wedding supper the happy couple left on the midnight train for a short trip.

Harrington - Terwilliger

November 1908

Many Greene people were interested in the wedding of Lynn F. Harrington to Miss Maud E. Terwilliger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.P. Terwilliger of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], which occurred Wednesday evening at the home of the bride's parents.  Rev. S. Homan was the officiating clergyman.  Mr. and Mrs. Harrington will be at home in Greene after Dec. 1.

Jewell - Warn

June 1908

One of the prettiest of June weddings was solemnized at 8:30 o'clock Wednesday evening at Valley View farm, Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], when Miss Bonnie Buckley Warn of this village became the bride of Frederick Arnold Jewell of Redondo Beach, Cal.  For the occasion the rooms were beautifully decorated with roses, ferns and daisies.  On the verandas Chinese lanterns were hung, interspersed with Japanese wind bells playing softly in the evening air.  Dr. Flora W. Ganow of Sidney presided at the piano, playing Lohengrin's Wedding March, to the strains of which the Misses Marguerite Ganow and Anna Redmond, Masters Arnold Gibbon and Walter Redmond entered, carrying a daisy chain forming an aisle through which the bridal pair, unattended, passed.  They were met in the parlor by the Rev. Dr.  Benton, rector of Emmanuel church, Norwich, and under a bower of ferns and roses the vows of the marriage service were taken.  "O Promise Me" was softly played during the ceremony. The bride wore a beautiful gown of white messaline with chiffon and lace trimmings and carried a bouquet of bride roses. She wore a veil which was worn by the first bride in her class of '05 of Christ Hospital, Jersey City, and has been worn by each bride of the class since.  Her traveling dress is tan rajah silk.  A choice collation, prepared by Cateress Garrison, was served at small tables by Misses Clara Gifford and Elizabeth Newkirk of Oxford, Miss Jessie Hayes, Norwich, Miss Jane Strawn, Utica, and Miss Beulah Wilson, Ithaca; Messrs. Redmond and McNitt of Norwich. The bride's table was centered with roses and festooned with ribbons.  The bride is a prepossessing young lady who has a host of friends. She is a well known trained nurse, being a graduate of Christ Hospital, Jersey City, and the L.I. Hospital of New York city in 1905, and has since been very successfully practicing her profession in Oxford and other places, where she will be greatly missed.  The groom is well known in this vicinity and is highly esteemed.  He formerly resided in Norwich, but during the past six years has been in California were he holds a responsible and lucrative position.  Their friends are legion and both will receive the felicitation of many who know them.  They will be at home after August 15 at Redondo Beach, where upon their arrival they will be tendered a reception.  The happy couple received many valuable and costly wedding gifts.  Besides a variety of cut glass, china, bric a brac, silverware, linen and rugs they received a substantial sum of money. The groom's gift to his bride was a handsome gold brooch.  Guests to the number of 85 were present from Sidney, Oxford, New Berlin, Mt. Upton, New Jersey, Binghamton and Utica.

Dalton - Hamilton

1909

Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]:  The home of Mr. and Mrs. George Hamilton was the scene of a hymeneal event Monday, November 8, when their daughter Blanch [Hamilton], a very charming young woman, was joined in wedlock to Alvin Dalton, an industrious and well known young man of Coventry. They were attended by Grover Hamilton, a brother of the bride, and Miss Mariam Walter.  The house was very tastefully decorated for the occasion, and at 8 o'clock the organ pealed forth the wedding march played by Mrs. Kitty Lewis. the bride escorted by her brother met the bridegroom at the altar prepared for the occasion, where the Rev. George Summerson performed the ceremony.  After congratulations, supper was served to the delight of all the guests. The young coup[le on their return from New York will make their home in Coventry.

Marriage Notices

Chenango Union, August 19, 1875

RANDALL - HUBBARD:  In Geneva, Switzerland, July 3, at the residence of the U.S Consul, by Rev. M. Vickar, Dr. M.O. Randall of Montpelier, France to Myra Hubbard of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.]

Chenango Union, August 26, 1875

LESHER - HAIGHT:  In South Oxford, Aug. 18, 1875 by Rev. J.G Eckman, John A.C. Lesher Esq. of Asbury, N.J. to Miss Emma Haight of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]

WHITE - GRANT:  In East McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 16, by Rev. Charles Steere, Mr. Curtis White to Miss Sarah S. Grant, all of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY].

CHRISTIAN - ROBINSON:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 12, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. A.J. Christian of North Fenton [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Dora A. Robinson of Greene.

MESSENGER - BABCOCK:  In South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 15, by Rev. James B. Grant, Mr. Lewis Messenger to Miss Rose Babcock, all of South Otselic.