Grave Robbers Arrested, 1879

Grave Robbers Arrested

Utica Morning Herald, April 28, 1879

When Detective Wheeler, of Utica, and Chief Smith, of little Falls, arrested Nathan Lewis, of Jacksonburg, Friday night, all of the ghouls believed to be guilty of the robbery of the remains of Harry Burrell, last Monday, were in custody. The trio consists of William Van Alstyne, residence unknown; Thomas Kane, of Lichfield, and Nathan alias "Pop" Lewis, of Jacksonburg.  Van Alstyne and Kane are about 22 years of age and Lewis about thirty-six. The officers went to Jacksonburg in search of Lewis, but he was not at home. Returning to Little Falls they found him in a saloon quite drunk.  He begged not to be locked up over night, but the officers assured him that he would be very fortunate if the one night's confinement did not extend into months and years.  Lewis has been engaged in the manufacture of pop and the bottling of lager at Jacksonburg for a few years.  He formally resided in Mohawk.  He occupied the old hotel or house adjoining the barn under which the stolen remains were hidden.  One of his horse blankets was around the body with the one stolen from Fox with the horse and wagon.

About 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Lewis was arraigned before Justice Smith, of Little Falls, on the charge of complicity in the grave robbery.  District Attorney Duddleston was present.  Lewis had no counsel but waived examination and his bail was fixed at $3,000.  Officer Shepardson took him to Herkimer where he applied to his brother-in-law to become his bondsman.  This relative told him plainly that he could have nothing to do with any man who was directly or indirectly concerned in this terrible crime and Lewis was then handed over to Jailor Eaton.  A reporter of the Herald inquired if he had any statement to make in his own behalf, and he replied that he had not.

District Attorney Duddleston is accumulating evidence to convict Van Alstyne of the burglary and midnight assault at the residence of Alvin Richmond. The penalty for this offense is twenty years' imprisonment, and if convicted, he will undoubtedly get the whole of this term.  He has not been arraigned on the charge of complicity in the grave robbery, for which the extreme term including the accompanying burglary at Fox's stable and the cemetery vault will be but fifteen years.  Little Falls breathes freer since this fellow has been caged.

The grand jury meets within the first week in May, and these cases will undoubtedly be the first that are presented.  The people of Herkimer county express the hope that there will be no delay or postponements of these trials. The evidence now that the witnesses have all the facts fresh in their minds, no time should be wasted.  Prompt convictions and hasty punishment of these criminals will have a better tendency in the prevention of crime in the Mohawk valley than anything that has occurred within many years.

The body of Harry Burrell was reinterred Saturday in the private vault prepared for that purpose last week.  The remains were in an admirable state of preservation.  Only the immediate family of the deceased, C. Miller and family of Constableville, and a few other relations were present.  Rev. Mr. Potts, of the Presbyterian church officiated, simply offering a brief prayer thanking the Almighty for the recovery of the remains.

A reporter of the Herald visited Jacksonburg with Detective Wheeler Saturday.  The barn where the remains were found was carefully examined.  It stands on the south of the canal lock, opposite the store kept by Squire House.  It is a part of the old hotel, and in the west end of the building Rodney House and Nathan Lewis reside.  Mrs. Lewis says her husband was in the habit of reading after he went to bed.  As far as she knows he did not leave his bed after retiring at the usual hour last Monday evening. She claims to have no knowledge of the hiding of the body under the barn and did not hear any unusual sounds last Monday night or Tuesday morning.  The sleeping room of the Lewis family is about twenty-five or thirty feet west of that part of the stable under which the body was hidden. The barn stands on a side hill.  The foundation wall of the east end of the barn is about twelve feet in height while the roadway runs on a level with the floor of the barn.  There is quite a little hill just east of the barn.  By turning to the north before ascending the hill one strikes the level of the canal lock. A pile of manure about six feet in height lies against the foundation of the barn, and standing on this you can look through the hole in the wall through which the body was passed. The hole was originally about two feet in height and four feet wide, but it has since been enlarged.  On entering the hole one can almost stand erect, but the height decreases to about three feet as you approach the wooden pier behind which the remains were laid.  Hay seed, hay and small quantities of straw fall through he floor of the stable above.

Rodney and Squire House, of Jacksonburg, feel aggrieved at what has been said of their connection with this affair.  Rodney house showed the Herald's reporter over the premises, Saturday.  He is an honest-looking man with a goodly sized family and a worthy wife.  Mrs. House remarked, "I believe my husband to be an honest man; if I did not I would not live with him a minute."  Mr. House referred to Judge Loomis, of Little Falls and others as to his character for honesty and industry in the past.  His aged father was present at the interview. Rodney House said:  "Wednesday, at 7 a.m. I came to this hole in the wall and got under the barn to look for eggs.  All of my family, these gentlemen here (pointing to four or five others) and the neighbors generally know that hens have been in the habit of laying under the barn.  They pick food out of this manure pile and fly from that into this hole.  I found one nest and nine eggs in it only a few days ago.  I went under the barn, looked for eggs on the south side and then passed to the north.  When I got to the pier I saw what I supposed as a tramp rolled up in blankets.  I immediately went over to my brothers' store on the lock, and in the presence of Fred Orrenburg, John Casler and Paul Casler, told Squire that a man, dead or alive, was lying under the barn.  Orrendorf said, "I wonder if it can't be the body of Harry Burrell?"  We had heard of the vault robbery, Tuesday, from a party of fisherman.  Orrendorf, old man Casler and my brother returned with me.  I took the blanket off from the face and we all identified it as the body of Mr. Burrell.  We left the body where it was, told the boys to keep watch of it, and my brother, his hired man and myself hitched up our team at once to go to Little Falls.  Nathan Lewis asked to ride with us and accompanied us to Little Falls.  As far as I knew he did not know the object of our trip. We went to Mr. Burrell's store, and my brother inquired what would be given for the recovery of the remains.  Mr. Burrell inquired what would satisfy us and requested us to set our figures.  My brother said they ought to give $1,000. Mr. Burrell thought that was a large sum and $500 was afterwards named.  No settlement in the matter of reward was made.  Mr. Burrell told us to go to Churchill's and shortly afterward we returned to Jacksonburg with him. After we returned with the body we were interrogated by Sheriff Ives and the Albany detective. the latter said he intended to go for us rough shod, but he soon cooled down and said he was satisfied;  that is all I know of the affair."  Mr. House showed his sleeping room which is on the extreme west end of the building.  Nothing additional of importance was learned.

Chief of Police Smith, Officers Shepardson and Collins of little Falls, and their associates concerned in working on this case are entitled to great credit.  Since the discovery of the outrage they have labored with sleepless energy, following every clue and watching every suspicious character by day and night.  They have a hard gang to deal with, as the mob has friends and sympathizers in people who claim to be respectable, and thus keep track of the movements of the officers.  If the authorities of Little Falls will stand by Chief Smith and his associates a hole will be made in this gang of young rascals.  The evidence already accumulated is being strengthened every hour, and by the time the court opens a chain of testimony will be woven around the accused that can not be broken, Detective Thos. Wheeler of Utica, has handled this case with his accustomed skill and energy and is entitled to great credit.  His knowledge of the ways of criminals in the Mohawk valley is invaluable in this instance.

Obituaries (October 11)

Miles Hartwell

August 30, 1839 - September 23,1912

Miles Hartwell died at his home in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] Monday morning, September 23, 1912.  He was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], August 30, 1839, the youngest son of Archibald and Rhoda Burton Hartwell.  When about three years of age his mother died and he was taken into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gibson and brought up as their son.  In 1864 he married Adaline Lurberty of Coventry who survives him.  He had been in poor health for several years.  When a  young man he joined the Free Will Baptist church in Oxford and for many years was closely identified with all its interests and later he became a member of the Methodist church of Union Valley. Being of a social and genial nature he possessed a large circle of friends.

Jennie (Hodge) Stratton

Norwich Sun, March 30, 1906

Mrs. Jennie Stratton, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], wife of Gilbert Stratton, died of apoplexy early Thursday morning.  She is survived by her husband and two sons, Chester and John.

Gilbert John Stratton

July 15, 1855 - September 1912

Gilbert John Stratton, a well known citizen of this village, after an illness of nearly four months from tuberculosis, passed quietly away at his home on Merchant street at 7 o'clock Saturday morning, aged 57 years.  For a year or so his health had been delicate and he spent last summer in Michigan seeking restoration or relief.  He returned to collect the school tax, having been elected collector during his absence from home.  The subject of this sketch was a third son of John and Hannah Willcox Stratton of South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], prominent residents of the town a number of years ago.  His grandfather, John Stratton, came to Oxford over a century ago while yet the Indian was gliding over the trails or guiding a canoe along the Chenango, and made a business of buying and selling land.  Gilbert J. Stratton was born July 15, 1855, and finished his education at Oxford Academy.  He spent his youth on the farm and then went to Philadelphia, Chicago and Addison in this State, remaining in each place a few years. Returning to Oxford he accepted a clerkship in the store of C.O. Willcox and later, about the year 1894, engaged in the grocery business in the Exchange block, afterward removing to Fort hill and entering into partnership with George C. Lewis. The partnership was dissolved about six years ago, Mr. Lewis retiring from the firm. Since that time Mr. Stratton continued the business up to a year ago when he sold out to R.S. Yeomans.  He married Miss Jennie Hodge of this village November 18, 1896, whose death occurred March 29, 1906.  His second marriage was on April 18, 1908 when he married Miss Emma J . Montgomery of Oxford.  Mr. Stratton was a consistent member of the Congregational church, a Republican in politics, and held in esteem by his fellow citizens.  Honesty of purpose and integrity of action were his adornments.  The Book of Life for him is closed forever, but the remembrance of his familiar figure, his devotion to his family and friends will be cherished as long as memory lasts.  Surviving Mr. Stratton are the wife, two sons by his first marriage, Chester H. and John N. Stratton; three brothers, Eli B. Stratton of Greene, Latson W. Stratton of Chicago, and Clark L. Stratton of this village, and two sisters, Mrs. C.C. Miller of Detroit, Mich., and Mrs. C.B. Willoughby of Oxford.  The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon.  There was a short prayer service at the house preceding the services at the Congregational church at 2:30 o'clock.  Rev. Inman L. Willcox spoke eloquently of the deceased, paying high tribute to his character and sterling worth.  The church was filled with many relatives and friends of Mr. Stratton.  The burial was in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], and the pallbearers were Wm. A. Stratton, E.L. Stratton, H.J. Stratton and M.B. Stratton.

Henry Wands Burr

June 1942

Henry Wands Burr of 36 Canasawacta street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] aged 25 years, passed away at Syracuse Memorial Hospital [Onondaga Co., NY] at 5:55 Friday evening of a rare spinal ailment, the same malady which caused the death of Lou Gehrig, famed baseball player.  Beloved by a wide circle of friends in Norwich, the death of the young man is a severe blow to his family and acquaintances. Very recently the deceased had undergone a major operation in the hope it might remedy an illness of long duration with which he had been afflicted.  Medical effort proved of little avail, the end coming with members of his family present.  Of a cheerful disposition in the face of adversity, Henry Burr, when in perfect health contributed in full measure to the betterment of his community, and his demise has cast a gloom of sadness among those who knew him. The deceased was a charter and honorary member of the junior Chamber of Commerce, and a life long member of the First Congregational church in whose religious organizations he took an active interest. At one time he served a president of the Pilgrim Fellowship of the denomination.  In his high school days he was an excellent student, and for two seasons, 1933-1934, he served as manager of the football team. He was a member of the Bema Club, a debating society acting as president in 1934.  After his graduation from Norwich high school, Mr. Burr was employed by the New York State Gas & Electric Company in the local offices of the company here until ill health forced his retirement from active work in May, 1941.  Sept. 16, 1935, Mr. Burr was untied in marriage with Miss Mary Ganley, and their life together, despite his illness, has been a happy one.  She survives with one son, Richard Henry; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon G. Burr of Norwich; a brother, Donald H. Burr, and a sister, Barbara Alice Burr, of Norwich, also his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Charles Burr, of Locust street.  Funeral services are to be held from the home of Mrs. Burr's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Generess, 45 Brown avenue, at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon and at 2:30 in the Congregational church with Rev. Dr. G. Edgar Wolfe officiating.  Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, October 7, 1863

PADGET:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 19, 1863, Florence A. [Padget], aged 4 years and 7 months.  also, same day, Anna E. [Padget], aged 2 years and 5 months.  children of James H. and Almira Padget.

BROWNSON:  At Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 27, 1863, Mrs. Sarah Brownson, aged 80 years.

STILES:  At Berwick City, La., Sept. 22, 1863, of congestive chills, Walt Stiles, a member of Co. C, 114th Regiment, N.Y.S.V. formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].  He was a soldier ever prompt and obedient in the discharge of his duty, a friend always affable and obliging, and a man against whom the finger of reproach could not be lifted. We gave him all a soldier has to give, a grave hallowed by the last offering of his surviving comrades.  Sergt. C.S. Briggs

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

Trial of John McGuirk - Alleged Accessory

Little Falls Journal & Courier, May 20, 1879

The trial of John McGuirk, the bartender at Regan's saloon, on an indictment for being accessory to the crime of stealing the body of the late Mr. Harry Burrell from the cemetery vault, was commenced last Friday afternoon.  "Happy Jack" had been previously sentenced for this crime, which it is understood is a pre-requisite to the trial of an accessory.  District Attorney Dudleston conducted the prosecution and Mr. J.M. McMurray appeared for the prisoner. The trial was the only one thus far had for this crime, the other confederates having plead guilty.  The Utica Herald gives the following abstract of the evidence:

Alonzo R. Greene, of Little Falls, testified that he was a surveyor and made a map of a portion of the cemetery and diagrams of the vault, and building at Jacksonburg, where the remains were found.

D.H. Burrell testified to the date of the death of his father and to the condition of the vault before and after the outrage, also as to the finding of the body.  On cross examination the witness testified to conversations had between the prisoner and himself prior to his arrest The maps were put into evidence.

Van Alstine, who has plead guilty as principal to the crime with which McGuirk is being tried as an accessory, testified:  I came to Little Falls the latter part of last October; became acquainted with McGuirk in December; first had a talk with him on the street at Little Falls in regard to Harry Burrell's body on the 14th or 15th of March; he said: "I know a pretty good play, here is Harry Burrell who died a few weeks ago, and if we can get his body we can get a good reward."  I said, "That's so, if we could get the body"; we had other talks about it; he asked who we could get to help; I told him we could get "Ad" Bellinger and Newton Lewis and his team; he said he did not know anything about them, but if I did it would be all right;

About March 20, Bellinger came to the Falls and I went and had a conversation with him; the next conversation I had with McGuirk I told him that I had seen Bellinger and what we propsed to do; he said all right; Newton Lewis came down a few days after McGuirk and I had been out walking, and were informed that Lewis had inquired for us at Regan's saloon; we went over to Foley's hotel and found him and his brother Wright; it was about the 27th or 28th of March; we four were all in the same room; Newt said he had been looking for me; we took a drink, and Newt and I went out to the barn and had a conversation; we came back and I told McGuirk that we would take Lewis' cutter and ride up around the cemetery and look over the ground; McGuirk and I got into the cutter and drove up and down Main street to throw off suspicion; we ran into a cart belonging to Dooley (I think that was his name) and tipped over; folks laughed at us; we also met Charley Stauring and Frank Stauring; we drove up to and around the cemetery, back down on to Main street and up and down it; then down to Willoughby's saloon and got  a drink; Dygert, an ex-policeman was there; I took McGuirk home and went back to Foley's; while driving I asked McGuirk if he wanted to go back and see Newt; he said he did not, whatever I told him would be all right; on the drive I said to McGuirk that it seemed to be a pretty good place and I did not think it would be very hard to get the body; he said he would try it anyway;

on the return I had a conversation with Lewis; saw McGuirk again that night and told him what Lewis had said, that he would help; the night was then set for April 13; I told him Newton Lewis, Wright Lewis, "Orv" Schuyler and ourselves would make the party; he said he was satisfied with the party, that Newton was to drive around by way of Herkimer and get Wright; I had given him a quarter ot pay toll; that we were to meet them on the turnpike about half a mile outside the town limits; this last conversation related was in Regan's saloon about a week after the drive; after we appointed the night of April 13, I went to New York and was gone a few days; I got back Tuesday night and saw him there; we talked bout the moon and that we must have a dark night; I told him the Lewises would meet us on the turnpike;

we staid at the Girvan House that night; was with McGuirk all the next day and talked about it; I came from New York Tuesday  night and we were to commit the crime the next Sunday night the 15th; saw him Saturday night and told hm I would be there the next night at half past ten; was at the saloon Sunday afternoon with a party; left about three o'clock; it was rainy; I took tea at Geo. Casler's went to the saloon again; the door was locked and I rapped three times; he and I were alone; he said Orv Schuyler had been there and he had told him that the meeting time was half past ten, but that Schuyler did not say much; I told him I did not think Scuuyler would come; We started out and came up toward Herkimer on the turnpike one-half a mile; we did not meet Lewis, so we sat down and waited until 2 o'clock and as Lewis did not come, I said I guessed the rain had stopped him; it was so dark he could not see to drive; we went back; saw Mitchell, a policeman, standing up against the bank; after we got into the saloon we took a drink; I said we might as well make a night of it and go up to the cemetery and look over the ground; he said that was a good plan, and when we started again we would have things down fine; we went up to the cemetery and examined the locks to the vault, and I decided we could open the vault with a bar; did not use our lantern, as there was a street lamp opposite that gave us light enough;

we had several talks during the week that followed; Lewis came down during the week and I talked with him; I told McGuirk that Lewis said he did not come on account of the darkness; the 15th we had a party at the Falls; the next day, the 16th I saw Scullen and talked with him; told McGuirk that Scullen and I were going to take a ride, were going to Jacksonburg and maybe to Fort Herkimer and Herkimer; I got the horse at Stauring's livery; I saw Lewis that day; I told McGuirk when I got back that Lewis was to come down that night to make arrangements for a second attempt the next night the 17th; I staid at Regan's that night until after 8 o'clock waiting for Lewis, then as I was sleepy went home; the next morning (the 17th) McGuirk told me that soon after I left, Lewis came and said he could not go that night as one of his horses was lame;

we had another meeting the night of the 18th or 19th and arranged for the crime; at that time I told them about "Happy Jack" that I had a new man; they wanted to know who he was, and I told them not to mind as he was a good man; I had decided that Lewis' team was too slow, and we might get caught if we used it; that I was going to get a horse in town; that we would not have Lewis come down, but would take the body to his house; I had told Lewis that I was liable to be at his house any night with it; Kane and I were to go to the cemetery and get the vault open, then go back and get the horse and call for McGuirk;

Van Alstnye here detailed the operations of himself and Kane in forcing the lock of the vault and opening the casket.  His story was almost precisely that given by Happy Jack to the Herald reporter April 26.  After we got the vault open we went back and Kane went after the horse at Fox's ; I went and detailed to McGuirk what we had done; it was then a quarter to eleven; I told McGuirk that he could not leave the saloon then without exciting suspicion; that we had got to start, as we would have to drive around by Finch's Basin to avoid comment and that we could not take the casket as we intended, for we could not get the door open far enough to get in and out and it was too heavy to handle; also told him he better stay, as Kane and I could do the work alone; he said he should want his share of the reward as he was "Willed to Go."  I said, "of course;" he gave he me a bottle of whisky and some matches;

witness then testified to going to Fox's getting the horse and the course and operations of himself and Kane in going to the cemetery, getting the body, taking it to Jacksonburg and the concealment of it by Lewis.  Nothing new was elicited.

He continued; Saw Lewis the next day and told him what had been done; while we were talking I put my hand into my overcoat pocket and found Burrell's Collar; it had come off and I put it into my pocket; I showed it to him and told him it was Burrell's collar; he said "that is the worst G--d d----d thing I ever saw; you'll have to get rid of it.  We tied a stone to it and tried to throw it into the river;  the stone flew off and the collar fell on the rocks; we talked about the reward and I told him we would have to get a lawyer to negotiate that; this conversation was before we learned that the crime had been discovered.

Witness also testified that the plan at first was to bury the body under Lewis' house but that owning to another family moving in, Lewis did not dare to have it done and so it was put under the barn; He also detailed other conversations with McGuick after the discovery of the theft of the body in regard to the fact that witness believed himself shadowed the day after the body was found, and as to other matters.

On cross examination an additional fact was elicited to the effect that the witness and McGuirk had a job put up to "go through" a Jew stopping at the Bradford House in Little Falls.

Charles Stauring, Frank Stauring, Andrew Foley and Richard Foley were called to corroborate Van Alstyne in miner details.

A better witness than Van Alstyne has not sat in the box at this court.  He told his story in a manner showing much intelligence and shrewdness.  He was subjected to a lengthy cross examination without being shaken in any material points.

In regard to his personal history he states he was born in Syracuse, is twenty-two years of age, lived at Oneida from the time he was five years old until the fall of 1875.  Since then has been in Ohio and Pennsylvania until last fall, when he made a trip on the canal before coming to Little Falls.  Some questions were asked concerning his previous record as to crime, to which he plead "privilege."

James Dooley testified to a collision with Van Alstyne and McGuirk on Main street as testified by Van Alstyne.  On Cross-examination he testified McGuirk's reputation as indicated by the speech of people was good.

Orville Schuyler testified:  I had a talk with Van "Alstyne about the taking of the body on the 13th of April; the talk was on the south side of the river; after this conversation went to Reagen's saloon and saw McGuirk; he asked if I wanted to see Van Alstyne and said he would be in at half-past ten o'clock; I told him I would be back; I did not return; thought it best not to have anything to do with the robbery and did not.

Newton "Pop" Lewis testified he first talked with Adam Bellinger in regard to the grave robbery; was at Andrew Foley;s one afternoon; McGuirk and Van Alstyne were away with my horse and cutter; had talks with Van Alstyne about the matter several times; Sunday night, April 15 was fixed as the time for the job; did not go on account of the rain and darkness;  the body was brought to Jacksonburg; I assisted in putting it under the barn; the reason I had not dug a grave under my house as we had arranged was that another family was then living in the same house with me and I did not dare to do it.  He also testified to calling at Reagan's saloon the night of April 16, as was related by Van Alstyne.

Joseph Mitchell night watchman, testified to seeing Van Alstyne and McGuirk enter the Girvan House late one night and register; also saw them come from the west one night as Van Alstyne testified;  Van Alstyne said "hallou," witness testified that he had been watching Van Alstyne and McGuirk considering them suspicious characters.

William B. Perry corroborated Van Alstyne as to his borrowing a revolver of him April 18, and that McGuirk was then present.

A few other witnesses were called to corrorborate Van Alstyne's testimony in regard to minor particulars.

The Prisoner on the Stand

The defense called as their first witness the prisoner himself.  He denied everything implicating himself in the crime except such corroborating facts as could be established by testimony aside from that given by Van Alstyne; He did not remember coming from the western part of the village late one night as Van Alstyne and watchman Mitchell testified; he admitted that he was charged with assisting in robbing Jerry Mitchell at Regan's saloon, but claimed he was not guilty; he denied attempting to enter the Bradford House with Van Alstyne for the purpose of robbing the Jew peddler; he testified his relations with Van Alstyne in March and April were not intimate and confidential, but admitted that they were together a great deal; he also testified that Regan kept a room for gambling purposes; and he did not know where Regan now is.  On cross examination he was several times cornered by District Attorney Duddleston, and presented a poor appearance.  He is not a success as a witness.

Witnesses were then called to establish the good character of the prisoner.  Dennis Collins testified:  Prisoner's character has always been considered good; never heard that he was accused of being connected with the Schartbach burglary nor robbing Jerry Mitchell nor attempting to commit a robbery at the Bradford House until after his arrest.

Benjamin Van Alstine testified that he had known the prisoner from boyhood up, but did not know the prisnoner's general character.

Michael Deasey had known prisoner for fifteen years and his character was good prior to the time of the grave robbery; had heard his character discussed but a very little and witness based his estimate very much on his personal knowledge of prisoner.

Daniel Hall had known defendant for five years.  Counsel and court labored for several minutes to get the witness to give a direct answer to the inquiry as to whether he knew what the prisoner's character was and that it was good.

The prisoner was recalled and testified:  I have spoken of the night Van Alstyne got matches and whisky of me; he had got matches before and had previously given him whisky in a bottle.  I did not go up to the cemetery the Sunday night as Van Alstyne testified; have not been to the cemetery in about three years.

The counsel for the respective sides summed up the case, the jury was charged and retired as the court took a noon recess.  In the afternoon at court hour the jury return a verdict of guilty.

Judge Prescott in pronouncing sentence stated that the court concurred in the verdict.  McGuirk was sentenced to hard labor at Auburn five years.

In response to the question as to whether he had anything to say why sentence should not be pronounced, the prisoner responded that he had not, except that he was innocent.  He stated his occupation to be that of a bartender, that was born in Washington; was a single man and could read and write.

Harry Burrell - Grave Robbers' Victim - 1879 - Part 2 of 3

Harry Burrell's Remains Found

Utica Morning Herald, April 24, 1879

The remains of Harry Burrell, stolen from the vault of the Little Falls cemetery Monday night, were accidentally found at Jacksonburg, a canal lock station three miles west of the Falls, a little after seven o'clock yesterday morning.  This fortunate recovery was hailed with great satisfaction by all whose blood had been chilled by the terrible crime of Monday night.

Had not prompt measures been taken to cover the whole ground inside and about the village for miles, it is possible that the ghouls might have succeeded in removing the body to a place of security, from which they could dictate terms for its return to the family. A reporter of the Herald moving about little Falls at 4 A.M. yesterday, found squads of special police upon every other block, faithfully patrolling their beats and halting all suspicious persons.  This patrol, under Capt. Albert Story, extend far out on all roads leading from the village and along the canal, railroad and river.  It was a labor of love on the part of the people, and all volunteered cheerfully.

Rodney House with his brother Squire House reside at Jacksonburg and keep the canal hotel and grocery at the lock.  On the heel path side and alongside the road is a barn about 50x60 feet in size.  Early yesterday morning Rodney House went out to the barn to hunt for eggs.  Under the flooring is an opening about eighteen or twenty inches in height.  To enter this opening one has to step up five or six feet on the foundation.  Mr. House's hens have been in the habit of laying their eggs under the barn floor and he has been obliged to follow them to their nests.  While doing so yesterday, after reaching a point about 40 feet from the opening, he saw something behind one of the piers which looked like the body of a man.

He approached the body, turned the blanket over and found that it was the remains of a dead man.  Leaving it untouched he called his brother, Squire House, who identified it as the remains of Mr. Burrell.  They placed a guard over the remains and immediately drove to Little Falls to inform Mr. Burrell's family.  David Burrell, with James Churchill, returned with the brothers of Jacksonburg in a close carriage.

The body was found to be in a good condition and had not suffered materially by the removal, except the loss of the scalp locks of hair mentioned in yesterday's Herald as having been found on the vault door and the side of Foxe's wagon.  It was wrapped in the blankets, placed in the carriage, and Mr. Burrell, taking a seat by the side of the remains, was driven back to Churchill's livery at 8:30 A.M. The body was kept in the carriage until Undertaker Toxer was ready to prepare them for reinternment.

Shortly after the body had been brought to the village, Officer Shepardson, of Little Falls, arrested Tom Kane, Alias "Happy Jack," upon the charge of being one of the principals in this terrible crime. The news spread over the village rapidly and quite a crowd gathered, but only few were allowed to get within reach of the accused.  Owing to the excitement, it was thought best to send Kane to jail at once, and Officer Shepardson drove him to Herkimer about noon.

The preliminary examination was set down to occur before justice Smith, at Little Falls, at 10 A.M. today.  This delay was necessary to allow the authorities to perfect and get into shape the evidence which they possessed to prove Kane's guilt.  It is also certain that Kane had accomplices, but thus far not enough was known to warrant any arrest.  Many facts in connection with the crime are in possession of our reporters, but they are withheld at the request of the authorities until all the links in the chain of evidence are complete.

Thomas Kane, the accused, is a resident of Little Falls and about twenty-five years of age.  He was formerly a hack driver in the employ of Churchill's livery, and of late years has been considered a suspicious character.  He was charged, but not convicted of the crime of breaking into a cobbler's shop and stealing shoes.  The plunder was found where he had hidden it in a hay loft, but the proof of his guilt was insufficient.  As he says himself, he has been looked upon with suspicion whenever anything went wrong and it is probably those suspicions were well founded though they many never have caused any satisfactory results.  Kane is best known by the name of "Happy Jack."  He was arrested by Detective Wheeler, of this city, about two years ago for complicity in the numerous robberies of freight trains at Little Falls.  Kane was handcuffed and finally led Wheeler and the officers to the point where the printing press, shoes, etc. were hidden in the rocks over the river.  It was necessary to use Kane as a witness for the people to secure the conviction of the chiefs of the gang, and in this capacity he consented to "squeal" on his associates and was allowed his liberty.

Kane belongs to the large gang of idlers, thieves and desperadoes which hangs around certain well-known saloons and restaurants in Little Falls. The people of that village have borne with these villains for some time, but this dastardly outrage has excited the indignation of everybody and these villains will hereafter work or walk.  A law and order committee is talked of, and it will not be well for many of this party to remain out late at night for some time at least.  One of the best citizens of Little Falls, yesterday, declared "these whelps must go or they will be driven out of town., let the consequences by what they may."

As was stated yesterday, there are satisfactory proofs that Thomas Fox's old horse and wobbling wagon were used to convey the remains from the vault to Jacksonburg.  The blankets in which the remains were wrapped are believed to have been stolen from Fox's barn with the horse and wagon. They contained hay horse hairs.  No one charges Fox with any knowledge or complicity in this or other offences.  It is believed that his horse and wagon have often been taken for dishonest purposes without his knowledge.

It is to be hoped that all the villains who were engaged in this work may soon be brought to Justice.  Mr. Burrell's family and the authorities of Herkimer county will have nothing undone that may tend to secure their conviction and punishment.

An Interview With Kane by Special Correspondent

Herkimer:  I called at the jail this afternoon, and through the courtesy of Deputy Eaton, was allowed to see Thomas Kane, better known as "Happy Jack," the alleged body snatcher of Little Falls.  Kane is confined alone in the northwest corner cell, upper corridor.  No one in any way liable to have been implicated in the crime will be allowed to see him until after the examination tomorrow. After a few words of introduction, I told Kane that I represented the Herald and asked him if he desire to make any statement in regard to this matter.  He replied:  "I can't say anything, for I don't know anything about the matter."

On being asked if he had anything to say in regard to his whereabouts Sunday and Monday  night, he said:  " I was at home, no one saw me out after 10 o'clock, and no one can say they did.  I have made it my business not to be out late, for if anything did happen, they would be sure to lay it to me."

I asked if there was anyone who knew he was in at that hour, and he said:  "My brother, who is learning a trade, sleeps with me.  He came in about ten o'clock both evenings, and I was ahead of him and in bed."  He said his brother was fourteen or fifteen years of age.  

Kane's appearance today bellies his title of "Happy Jack," for he seemed gloomy and evidently did not feel in humor for conversation, though he treated his callers with courtesy.  

Evidence Accumulates

Little Falls:  Our streets are filled this evening with citizens.  The general topic of conversation is the arrest of "Happy Jack" Kane. The evidence against him is hourly accumulating and the feeling against the prisoner in intense.  Many anticipate trouble at the examination tomorrow.  Accomplices in the crime are closely shadowed.  Further arrests are expected to be made tonight.  

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]