Marriages (September 23)

Mr. Samuel M. Perry and Miss Nellie M. Hinman of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], were united in marriage by the Rev. J.S. Crompton at the M.E. parsonage last Saturday evening.  The groom is an employee at the Separator factory and the bride is a member of the Republican force.   Both young people are highly respected and have a host of friends who wish them a long, happy and prosperous life.  Mr. and Mrs. Perry will reside in this place.  They are now located at the Park hotel.  They were remembered by numerous presents from their friends, among which were three handsome chairs from the employees of the Separator factory.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 16, 1905]

 

Lewis Snitchler and Miss Bertha Walker of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], went to Doraville on Monday, May 1st, to attend the wedding of Mr. Snitchler's sister, Miss Lena M. to Floyd Porter of Andes, N.Y.  It occurred at the bride's home at 4 o'clock, p.m.  After the nuptial knot had been tied it was suggested that there should be another ceremony, after the old adage "the more the merrier", when all parties endorsed the idea and Miss Walker and Mr. Snitchler were made one immediately, by Rev. Mr. Horton of Harpursville.  Mr. and Mrs. Snitchler will reside in Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge Republican, May 18, 1905]

 

From the Herald of May 25th, we take the following account of the marriage of Rev. D.N. Grummon and Miss Mary W. Edgerton of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], the groom being a former clergyman of the Presbyterian church of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Amid a profusion of cut flowers, palms, and smilax, Miss Mary Waters Edgerton and the Rev. Daniel Nell Grummon were married yesterday at eleven o'clock, by the Rev. Dr. G. Parsons Nichols.  The ceremony was performed at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Edgerton, No. 91 Front street.  The house was crowded with friends many of whom were from out of the city and every room was filled with an abundance of cut flowers, ferns and vines.  The color scheme was pink and white.  An orchestra stationed in an upper hallway furnished music during the ceremony.  Miss Edgerton was attired in an exquisite gown of crepe media over white taffeta.  She was unattended.  Mr. Albert J. Craine of Monroe, N.J., acted as best man and the bridal party entered the parlor from the library while the orchestra played Mendlessohn's wedding march.  The Rev. Samuel Dunham offered prayer and the ceremony was performed by Dr. Nichols, the ring service being used.  During the ceremony the orchestra played "Hearts and Flowers" making it very effective.  Congratulations were showered upon the happy couple and immediately following, the wedding breakfast was served.  The bridal table, covered with pink and white roses, ferns and ribbons, presented a very attractive appearance and the guests of honor, Mr. and Mrs. Ward Grummon of Montclair, Miss Clara Grummon, Mr. and Mrs. Manco L. Guy, Mr. Charles Edgerton, brother of the bride, of Washington, D.C., Franklin Edgerton of Cornell University, Mr. and Mrs. William E. Edgerton of Greene, Miss A.M. Taggert of Afton, Rev. and Mrs. W.H. Sawtelle, of Athens, Pa., Mr. and Mrs. Edwards of Reading, Pa. and the bride's parents were seated at the table.  For the other guests tables were arranged in the drawing room and on the spacious porch.  Each was decorated with cut flowers and candelabra.  The feast was very elaborate being served by a caterer from Rochester.  The wedding presents were arranged in a room on the second floor and the numerous beautiful gifts completely filled the room.  It was announced that the honeymoon would be spent at Lilly Lake but compartments were secured on Lackawanna train 3 for the bridal party to Buffalo.  The real destination could not be learned.  Mr. and Mrs. Grummon will return after two weeks and will be at home to their friends at 91 Front street.  The wedding was one of the society events of the season.  Mrs. Grummon is well known among the society people of the city and enjoys a wide popularity.  The Rev. Grummon, is prominent in the ministerial affairs of the city and state and during his ten years pastorate of the Ross Memorial church he has gained a wide circle of friends both in and outside of his immediate congregation.  The deacons of the Ross Memorial church were among the invited guests.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 1, 1905]

 

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Wednesday, June 7, at the home of the bride's father, Uri Bradley, occurred the marriage of Charles Dayton Roth of Utica [Oneida Co., NY] and Alice Clark Bradley of this place.  The rooms were beautifully decorated by friends of the bride.  The color scheme in the parlor was pink and green, and in the dining rooms green and white.  The bride's table was decorated with white ribbons suspended from the ceiling to the table, covered with bunches of maiden-hair fern and lilies of the valley.  At the stroke of twelve the bride entered the parlor on the arm of her father, preceded by the bridesmaid and Julia Yager and Luella Nash, the little flower girls dressed in white, carrying baskets of flowers and scattering blue and white forget-me-nots and four-leaf clovers in the path of the bride.  The ceremony as performed by Rev. A.C. Salls, of the Presbyterian church, in front of a bank of ferns and white lilacs.  The bride wore a gown of white chiffon, with veil, and carried a bouquet of white carnations.  Miss Mayme Winsor, the bridesmaid, wore a gown of white chiffon and carried a bouquet of pink carnations  Frank Worthman of Utica acted as best man.  A dainty wedding breakfast was served by three young ladies, Misses Emily Bradley. Lizzie Bradley and May Smith chums of the bride.  The young couple left for Oxford to take the train for Old Forge, in the Adirondacks.  The gifts to the bride were costly and beautiful, including cut glass, hand painted china, linen, silverware, handsome chairs, and a one thousand dollar check from the bride's father.  Miss Bertha Davis of Bainbridge, played the wedding march and also rendered music during the ceremony.  [Bainbridge Republican,  June 22, 1905]

Obituaries (September 23)

Died:  At residence of his father in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] on the morning of November 20th.  Charles E. Second, son of Edgar A. and Hannah Phillips, aged 25 years.  Married six months previous to Gertrude, only daughter of J.S. Parker of this place.  [Telegraph & Chronicle, Dec. 21, 1870]

 

An old resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Smith D. Lane, died Friday at his home on South Main street, aged sixty-two years.  He had been in a paralytic condition for the past two years, and so much so as to be quite helpless.  He was born in West Bainbridge and came to Bainbridge village to live nearly thirty years ago.  His business was chiefly that of stockman, being an authority on the best breed of horses.  He kept a stable full of horses for many years.  In town affairs Mr. Lane took an active interest and served as constable continuously for twelve years previous to his illness.  He is survived by his wife and one brother, Mark D. Lane of Afton.  The funeral was held at his home Sunday at one o'clock p.m.  Rev. J.S. Crompton officiating.  Burial was in the West Bainbridge cemetery.  The quartette of singers were Messrs. Banner, Bentley, Darlin and Wilcox.  Among those present from out of town were Frank Fosbury, Josiah Lyon and wife and Washington Ingersoll.  [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 16, 1905]

 

Mrs. George Hacker, age 52 years, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Philip Boehm, at Coeymans, Friday from cancer.  Mrs. Hacker came to Coeymans, Albany Co., from Coventryville, N.Y. in November 1903.  She was born at Jerusalem [Yates Co., NY] and spent the great portion of her life in that vicinity.  She was a member of the South Bethlehem M.E. church.  Rev. E.S. Potter offered prayer at the house at 9 o'clock Sunday morning, after which the remains were taken to Jerusalem and the funeral services were held in the Reformed church, Rev. Layman officiating.  The interment was made in the cemetery at that place.  She leaves to mourn her loss four daughters, Mrs. J. Swinnerton of New York; Mrs. Wm. Seaburgh and Mrs. Phillip Boehm of this place, and Miss Elizabeth Hacker of Newburgh; and three sons, Charles Hacker of Feura, Bush and Walter and Eugene Hacker of this village, who have the sympathy of the entire community.

We miss thee from our home, dear mother,

We miss thee from this place;

A shadow o'er our life is cast.

We miss the sunshine of thy face.

We miss thy kind and willing hand,

Thy fond and earnest care,

Our home is dark without thee,

We miss thee everywhere.

[Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 16, 1905]

 

Wm. Sard, a fireman on D.&H. train No. 1, was killed Tuesday morning of last week, at Demersville by being struck by a mail catcher.  He was leaning from the cab window watching something on the track when the catcher struck him.  It knocked him to the ground practically tearing away the upper portion of his head.  He leaves a widow, father and brother in Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY]. 

Richard Sharts was overcome by a shock last Saturday evening about 6:45 o'clock while sitting at the writing desk in the Central Hotel.  He was immediately taken to his home on North Main street [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] where he died about 9:30 o'clock.  He was fifty-three years old.  Mr. Sharts had a brother who died from the same cause and a sister is similarly afflicted yet lives.  He was a carpenter by trade but had not worked much the past winter on account of his poor health.  The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at one o'clock at his home.  Interment in Yaleville cemetery [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY].  The Rev. J.S.Crompton officiated. [Bainbridge Republican, Mar. 23, 1905]

Francis J. Bouregarde, a barber in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] for two years until a few months since, died Friday  noon, May 5th, at the home of D.I. Mead on Bixby street, of Phthisis Pulmonalis, aged fifty-eight years.  The body was removed to the undertaking rooms of Erwin Ramsdell & Son where prayer was offered by Rev. W.E. Tanner Monday morning and the remains were taken on train 2, to Oneonta for interment.  The burial was under the auspices of Siloam Lodge, No. 626, I.O.O.F. of Sidney.  Mr. Bouregarde's wife died some years ago.  He is survived by two sons and three daughters.  [Bainbridge Republican, May 11, 1905]

Edward A. Lally, a prominent business man and former sheriff of Chenango county, died at his home in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] at an early hour Friday morning.  The cause of death was heart failure.  He had not felt well for a week but was able to be about town as usual.  He awoke the morning of his death and said he felt cold and died immediately.  He was forty-seven years of age.  Mr. Lally was a former resident of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] from which town he was elected sheriff in the fall of 1891, defeating the Republican candidate.  He held that office for the term of three years and since has made his home in Norwich.  He then engaged in the lumber business in which he had become widely known in several counties.  He was esteemed for his loyalty and generosity as a friend and honesty in business.  He is survived by his wife and several children.  [Bainbridge Republican, May 11, 1905]

Mrs. Adeline E. Jones died at her home in Rogers' Hollow, on Friday night, May 12, at the age of sixty-eight years.  On Monday evening, of last week, Mrs. Jones, who lived alone, arose to turn the switch of her telephone during the thunder storm, and was stricken with paralysis before she could return to her bed.  She remained in this condition, prostrate upon the floor for twenty-four hours, before she was found by her brother-in-law, J.N. DeForrest, who lives near by.  She somewhat recovered upon receiving medical attention, but could not withstand the shock and died later in the week, as above stated.  [Bainbridge Republican, May 18, 1905]

Rev. O.R. Beardsley died Thursday morning at his home in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] after an illness of ten days of pneumonia and a complication of diseases.  Services were conducted at the Universalist church, Oxford, over which he was pastor, Saturday, at 10:30 a.m., after which the remains were brought here to the home of his son, Paul, So. Main St.  Services were conducted here at the M.E. church, Sunday at 2:30 p.m., by the Rev. Cramer of Nicholson, Pa.  After the church service the body was borne to Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], the Masons conducting the service at the grave.  Ladies of the O.E.S. Chapter joined the procession.  There were 16 delegates from Oxford chapter in attendance.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 1, 1905]

Geo. Buck, who died at his home in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Saturday, was a native of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], son of Noble Buck, living here until 30 years of age.  He has been a resident of Binghamton many years, a grocer on the corner of Court and Carrol streets and has served as alderman and supervisor, a member of the Centenary church, a trustee at one time and on the official board at another.  He is survived by his wife and two sons, who were in business with him.  Mr. Buck visited Afton not long since looking after old time friends of whom but few were left, receiving greetings from those he met.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 15, 1905]



Post Listing, September 16-22, 2013

Listing of blog posting for week of September 16-22, 2013

Marriages

Posted September 16, 2013

Ethel Bentley - Lester A. Kilpartick (1908)

Minnie Hill Gibbs - Walter W. Gibbs (divorce, 1908)
Hazel R. Provost - Hurlburt P. Colby (1948)
Phyliss Belle Peck - Milton Warner
Dorothy Mae Jones - Robert Warren Mackey (1943)

Posted September 17, 2013
Jean May Dawson - Erwin Whitmore (1941)
Eleanor C.  Herrick - Ellsworth Matteson (1941)
Grace Sherwood - Fred Norris (1892)
Virgil Andrews - Henrietta Church (1893)
Louisa M. Frisbee - Eugene Richards (1894)

Posted September 18, 2013
Mary Goodhue - Charles Stolte (1910)
Mary Katherine Hager - Archie Manley Wood (1936)
Ruth Bornmann - Lewis Brainard (1935)
Helen Louise Knapp - William J. Shanahan (1940)
Rena Webster - Carl Lohee)1941)
Axie Alma Baker - Leon A. Patchin

Posted September 19, 2013
Burdella Daley - James G. Nellis (1945)
Genevieve Fontana - George L. Geckle (1943)
Marriages in Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY for the year 1903

September 22, 2013
Homer E. Hodge - Ethel Proutey (1909)
Gilbert J. Stratton - Emma Montgomery (1908)
Grace Emma Taft - Clifford Edwin Greene (1908)
Charles Wylie Pierce - Clara Salisbury (1911)
Virginia Annette Van Woert - Carl Willard Mangol (1911)
Bernice Banta - Dr. Carl S. Benson (1942)

 

Obituaries

Posted September 16, 2013

Lorenzo Moody (California, 1908)

Leon Newell (Rock Rift, 1908)

Fred C. Lilly (Bainbridge, Brooklyn, 1908)

Martin O. Allison (Bainbridge, 1908)
Esther O. Lobez (Hambletville, 1931)
Villa Gurnsey Fegal (Amsterdam)

Posted September 17, 2013
Samuel S. North (Unadilla, 1911)
Charles H. Loomis (Oxford, 1911)
Mary Miles (Bainbridge, 1911)
Ransom Sage (Coventry, 1911)
Mrs. Cyrus VanValkenburg (Bainbridge, 1911)
Dr. Charles Gibson Bassett (Sidney, Cherry Valley, Cooperstown, 1938)
Herbert Clapper (Afton, Topeka, KN, 1888)

Posted September 18, 2013
Cora Louise Chelsey (Bainbridge, 1910)
Matilda Blake Minor (Coventryville, 1910)
Carrie Banner (Bainbridge, 1910)
John Fisher (Bainbridge, North Afton, 1910)
Richard Weingard (Sidney, 1910)
Gaius Sweet (Unadilla, 1910)
Mrs. Charles Wilber (Sidney, 1910)

Posted September 19, 2013
Rev. William Allen Johnson D.D. (Bainbridge, Connecticut, 1909)
Frank Bush (Norwich, 1909)
Horace G. Phelps (Unadilla, 1909)
Gertrude Fletcher (Bainbridge, 1909)
Seely N. Copley (Bainbridge, 1888)
Florilla Pettys (Bainbridge, 1882)

Posted September 22, 2013
Austin Nelson Humphrey (Bainbridge, 1909)
Ira W. Bixby, Sr. (Sharon Center, PA, 1909)
Adebia Chamberlain (Afton, 1909)
George D. Raitt (Unadilla, 1909)
Aletta Saxe Kirby (Bainbridge, 1909)
Charles Agustus Wood (Sidney, 1909)
Dwight Laman (Coventryville, 1909)



 

Miscellaneous

Posted September 16, 2013

Sidney Girls on a Tare, Afton Enterprise,July 12, 1888.

Posted September 17, 2013
Truman's Pharmacy, Rolland Peckham Proprietor, 1963.

Posted September 18, 2013
Bainbridge Fifty Years Ago by Mrs. C.M. Priest, Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 27, 1910

Posted September 19, 2013
Delaware County Murder Trials (20th century to 1940)
Murder Victims Rites to be Held on Saturday (Teed Family of Masonville), 1940

Posted September 22, 2013
Who's Who in Bainbridge, Nathan Truman, Bainbridge News & Republican, April 21, 1938

Miscellaneous, Who's Who in Bainbridge - Nathan Truman

Who's Who in Bainbridge - Nathan Truman

Bainbridge News & Republican

Apr. 21, 1938

 

Soap tree bark, catnip, horehound and extract of hydrangea are but a few of the interesting evidences of his profession that line the walls of Pharmacist Nathan Truman's place of business.  Teasing odors and mysterious powders proclaim the fact that here is a place where the science of compounding prescriptions has a strong foothold.

 

Mr. Truman claims the Town of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] as his birthplace, but he attended and graduated from the local high school [Bainbridge, Chenango Co.,  NY].  For college preparatory, he spent a year at the famous New England Boy's school, Philips Andover, before entering Cornell University.  Completing the general course at Cornell, earnest preparations for his debut into his chosen profession were made at the New York College of Pharmacy.

 

In 1908, 30 years ago, Mr. Truman came back to Bainbridge to associate with his brother, Elliot, in the present store.  Upon Elliot's death in 1929, Nathan Truman became the sole owner of the business, familiarly known throughout the vicinity as "Truman's Pharmacy."

 

Reflecting back upon 30 years of serving the varying needs of the public, Mr. Truman says that a druggist must be somewhat of a mind reader.  Queer distorted names, that might mean the difference between liniment for aching backs and death for ants, must be recognized and interpreted correctly by the man behind the counter.  Then too, he must carefully refrain from prescribing for aches and pains while concentrating only on displaying his stock and filling prescriptions.

 

Comparing the so-called drug store of 1938 with that of 1908, Mr. Truman believes that the greatest changes have occurred not only in the great many more kinds of articles which are now sold at a modern establishment but also the quicker service which can be given patrons by the improved methods of transportation.  With the increased tempo of modern living the public is buying more medicine than formerly, but the increase has occurred more in prepared remedies than prescriptions, the number of which has remained through the years approximately the same. 

 

After watching the village change, and the local conditions improve, Mr. Truman says he "always liked the town very much, and that it has improved with the years.  It was always good, but now it is better."

 

Like many busy merchants most of his relaxation from store-keeping is taken on wide fairways and tricky greens where he "plays at golf a little."

 



Marriages (September 22)

The wedding of Homer E. Hodge, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Ethel Proutey of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], which occurred at the home of the bride's parents in the latter place on Thursday, June 3, 1909, was a very pretty event.  The contracting parties were attended to their marriage by the brother of the bride, Mr. Earl Proutey, and a cousin, Miss Bessie Elwell, of Rockdale.  The bride was attired in white and carried a shower bouquet of bride's roses.  The bridesmaid, Miss Elwell, carried a sweet bunch of lilies of the valley.  On account of the serious illness of a sister, the wife of Rev. Mr. Dickens, of Lavonia, the wedding was attended only by immediate relatives and friends.  Mr. and Mrs. Proutey will reside in Bainbridge where the groom has always lived.  Many friends extend best wishes for a long and happy life to the newly wedded couple.  [Bainbridge Republican, June 10, 1909]

 

Cupid finally got after town clerk John H. O'Conner, who has been rather indifferent since the marriage license law went into effect, and he got a move on last week with the result that Gilbert J. Stratton, the Fort  Hill grocer, has the honor of being the first townsman to procure a marriage license in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Stratton and Miss Emma Montgomery were married Saturday evening at his residence on Merchant street, by the Rev. R.A. Gates of the Baptist church.  [Notation:  April 1908]

 

At the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert C. Taft, on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 1908, their daughter, Miss Grace Emma, was married to Mr. Clifford Edwin Greene, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], by the Rev. A.W. Cooper, of Greene.  Promptly at high noon the bride and groom preceded by the bride's sister, Miss Cora A. Taft, as maid of honor and Floyd Hotchkiss as best man, entered the parlor and took the solemn vows which made them man and wife.  Only the immediate relatives of the bride and groom were present.  At the close of the ceremony a delightful dinner was served.  The bride graduated from Lowell's Business College, Binghamton, in 1907, and the groom is a graduate of Cornell University in the class of 1905.  The happy couple start on life's journey with bright prospects, and their many friends wish them an abundance of prosperity and success. 

 

Wednesday, December 6, 1911, occurred the marriage of Charles Wylie Pierce of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Clara Salisbury, daughter of Mrs. Ambrose Salisbury of this town.  The ceremony was performed at high noon by Rev. R.S. Warrender of Coventry at the home of the bride's brother, Cleon Salisbury.  The bursts were only the immediate families of the bride and groom.  The wedding cake was baked by the bride's mother, who is 80 years of age.  Mrs. Pierce is a well known lady of the eastern part of the town and many friends wish her much joy.  Mrs. Pierce has purchased the R.J Davies place on Caswell street in Afton, where they will reside on return from their wedding journey. 

 

Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]:  The home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Van Woert was the home of a charming wedding at noon on Wednesday when their daughter, Miss Virginia Annette Van Woert, and Carl Willard Mangol, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] were married.  Preceding the ceremony, Mendelssohn's wedding march was played by Mrs. Olin Pierce.  Miss Mary Van Woert sang "O Promise Me" and a march from Tannhauser played by Mrs. Pierce at the entrance of the bridal party.  The impressive ring service of the Methodist church was used  Rev. G.E. VanWoert of Candor, uncle of the bride, performed the ceremony, assisted by Rev. George Summerson.  The bride was gowned in white Swiss embroidery and lace.  The maid of honor, Miss Miriam Walters, wore blue silk.  Lewis A. Van Woert, brother of the bride, was best man and little Helen Pierce was the ring bearer.  A four course wedding breakfast was served to 90 guests.  The presents were many and beautiful, consisting of silver, linen, china and furniture.  The color scheme of the decorations was green and white, the decorations consisting of roses, ferns and green and white ribbons.  Mr. Mangold is a valued employee of Bates laundry.  Miss Van Woert is a nurse and is highly respected and well known in Coventry and adjoining towns.  Mr. and Mrs. Mangold left on the evening train for Binghamton, where they have their home furnished and awaiting them.  [Notation:  1911]

 

Miss Bernice Banta, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Banta of 16 The Arena, and Dr. Carl S. Benson of 109 Murray Street were married yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Centenary Methodist Church.  Palms, white gladioli and lighted tapers decorated the church and a program of wedding music was played by Mrs. Ethel Depew, who also accompanied Miss Marjorie Lamb, soloist.  The Rev. Robert P. Kellerman officiated.  Mrs. Olive Bryant and Miss Florence Banta, sisters of the bride, were her attendants, and Dr. Al Levitt of Buffalo was best man for Dr. Benson, Ushers were Harry Coward of Buffalo, Dr. Charles Squires, Dr. Eugene Casey and James Minehan.  The bride, who was given in marriage by her father, was gowned in white lace made in princess style with long train, fitted bodies, leg-of-mutton sleeves and sweetheart neckline.  Her fingertip length veil of tulle was attached to a coronet headdress, and she carried a bouquet of white roses and baby's breath. Her attendants were gowned alike in pink chiffon made with full skirt, shirred bodice, short puffed sleeves and sweetheart neckline.  Their shoulder length veils were held by wreaths of blue delphinium, and they carried bouquets of pink roses and blue delphinium.  Sandra Bryant, niece of the bride, was flower girl.  She wore blue chiffon with floral headdress and carried a colonial bouquet of blue and pink sweet peas, pink carnations and baby's breath.  Charles Bryant, the bride's nephew, was ring bearer.  Mrs. Banta, the bride's mother, wore a dress having black chiffon skirt and figured top, a black picture hat, and orchid corsage.  Mrs. Ruth Coville, sister of the bridegroom, was attired in pink mousseline de soie with matching accessories.  Her corsage was also of orchids.  Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Monday Afternoon Clubhouse.  A tiered wedding cake centered the bride's table.  Other decorations were arrangements of laurel, and white tapers in silver candelabra.  Dr. and Mrs. Benson left on a short wedding trip, and upon their return, will reside at 109 Murray Street.  For traveling the bride chose a brown and white print with white linen jacket, white accessories and corsage of talisman roses....[LMD notation:  1942]

 

Mrs. Bernice (Banta) Benson



 

 

Obituaries (September 22)

Austin Nelson Humphrey died at the home of his sister, Mrs. William G. Sands on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, following a three-weeks' illness with stomach and liver troubles.  Mr. Humphrey was a son of the late Nelson A. and Joan J. Humphrey of the town of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and was born there in 1853, on the homestead where he had passed most of his life.  About three years ago he fell and fractured his hip and later came to Unadilla and had since resided in the family of William G. Sands.  Aside from this disablement he seemed healthy and rugged and his sudden decline came as a great surprise to his intimates.  The deceased had gained a wide acquaintanceship here who individually knew him as a right royal good fellow, kind hearted, vivacious and keenly alive with good humor.  He was well read and had gained a general knowledge of things through travel, which combined to make him interesting.  One study that seemed to appeal to him strongly was archaeology and he had delved into the mysteries of the life and customs of the extinct races of this continent to a considerable extent.  He was through the interchange of ideas on this subject that the writer had learned to know him best.  His friends were legion and his death brings to them sincere regret.  The one near relative surviving is his sister, Mrs. Sands.  The funeral is to be held today at 1 o'clock from the Sands' residence and it is expected that the Rev. E.W. Greene will conduct the service.  The remains will be taken to Bainbridge for burial  -- Unadilla Times, May 14.  [Bainbridge Republican, May 27, 1909]

 

Ira W. Bixby, Sr., of Sharon Centre [Pennsylvania], died about 5 o'clock on the evening of May 11.  He had enjoyed good health, but had been feeling a little indisposed for about two weeks before his death.  And the day he died he was up and about and had sorted some seed potatoes in his cellar for a neighbor.  He was stricken about 5 o'clock and passed away within five minutes.  Apoplexy was the cause of his death.  Ira Bixby was born at Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], and was about 68 years of age.  He had resided at Sharon Centre many years, his last continued residence there being about 20 years.  Most of his busy life had been passed in lumbering and saw mill business together with farming.  During his residence at Sharon Centre, he had held many township offices and was at the time of his death a director in the First National bank of Shingle-house.  He was a member of the United Brethren church and took much interest in the work of the church.  The deceased is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. A.A. Sizer of South Bolivar, and Mrs. Loren Warner of Sharon Centre; three sons, Frank and Ira Bixby, Jr., of Sharon Centre, and Lee Bixby of Hamilton, and one step-son, Horace Pratt of Sharon Centre; also one sister, Mrs. Amelia Gilbert of Bainbridge, and one brother, Charles Bixby of Belfast.  [Bainbridge Republican, May 27, 1909]

 

Mrs. Adebia Chamberlain who has been in ill health since February '08, the result of grip at that time, died Saturday night, July 3d, 1909, of heart failure.  She is survived by three sisters, two half sisters and one brother, the funeral was conducted from her late home, Rev. L.L. Weller officiating, interment in Glenwood cemetery [Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  Mrs. Chamberlain was a member of the O.E.S., the members of which order attending in a body, and conducting the service at the grave.  Mrs. Chamberlain was a faithful communicant and willing worker of St. Ann's Episcopal church and has been missed in her long confinement at home, in church and auxiliary, where she was ever ready to do what she could for the advancement of church and mission work.  She has been a long and patient sufferer, and that peace and rest may have come, and light perpetual shine upon her.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 8, 1909]

 

One of the largest funerals in the history of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], was held Saturday afternoon, June 26th, when the last honors were shown to Editor George Downing Raitt, who died after an illness of several months' duration.  The funeral was a Masonic one and the Norwich commandery of Knights Templar were in attendance with the Norwich band.  The North Hose company of which the deceased was a member also attended.  The funeral at the church was conducted by the Rev. E.W. Greene, rector of St. Matthew's church.  The business places in town were closed during the hours of service.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 8, 1909]

 

Aletta Saxe, wife of William R. Kirby, East Side, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], was born at Catskill, October 14, 1834.  She was united in marriage with Mr. Kirby at Afton, September 18th, 1853.  The deceased had been an invalid for a long time before her death, her nervous system becoming so weakened as to render her a ready prey to pneumonia, which caused her death on Tuesday, June 29, 1909.  Mrs. Kirby was a Christian woman of sweet, gentle spirit, affection and kindness ruling her life, charitable to all and in an unobtrusive way had a strong influence for elevation in every association of life, where she mingled.  She is sadly missed in her home, the sacredness of family ties being supreme in her heart; and so also was her desire to help her friends and neighbors wherever an opportunity offered.  Though debarred through feebleness from active participation in church work, she was in communion with it spiritually and kept from the depression that naturally follows continued illness.  She was a member of the Baptist church.  Mrs. Kirby suffered much in her last illness, but no word of complaint or repining fell from her lips.  She has now

"Gone to a world above,

Where parting is unknown;

A whole eternity of love

Formed for the good alone.

And faith beholds the dying here

Translated to that happier sphere."

 

The funeral of Mrs. Kirby occurred at her home on Thursday, at 1:30 o'clock.  Rev. Mr. Hill of the Bainbridge Baptist church officiating.  The deceased is survived by her husband, William R. Kirby and adopted daughter, Mrs. Nellie Hazen; a sister, Maria Saxe of Bainbridge and brother, Charles Saxe of Utica.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 8, 1909]

 

Amid the festivities of the Tournament, and like a bolt from a clear sky was flashed over the wires the sad news, late Thursday afternoon, June 24th, announcing the death at the Faxton hospital at Utica, of Mr. Charles A. Wood, one of Sidney's [Delaware Co., NY] most valued and highly esteemed residents.  For long, weary months the sufferer had borne his cross with a meekness and patience that was angelic, with an ever ready smile for all but never a murmur nor complaint.  His complication baffled the physicians at Binghamton, and at Brooklyn, N.Y.  It became evident that he was gradually failing, day by day, and as a last resort, a forlorn hope, Mr. Wood was conveyed to the Faxton hospital.  Then came the operation and this precious life, held only by a slender thread, crossed into that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveler ever returns.  The sad news caused a most painful impression throughout this community, where Mr. Wood had resided for 17 years, coming to this place from Morris [Otsego Co., NY] in 1892.  Spotless in his integrity, genial in his companionship, he readily acquired and retained many valued friendships.  From a modest start, his business steadily increased and for many years he conducted a flourishing industry, the Sidney Mill & Lumber Co., giving permanent employment to a large number of employees.  No man was richer in his sympathies, or, more genuine in his love for his fellows.  Broad in his information charming in his modest humor, frank and sincere in every impulse, a friend of Charles Augustus Wood always felt that he knew him and that he was worthy of the respect and affection that he attracted.  On Saturday morning, June 26th, at the mortuary home in this village there gathered a deeply afflicted company of mourners, to pay a last tribute of respect to one so loved of all.  The air was burdened with the fragrance of choice floral offerings.  Rev. A.W. Cady offered prayer and the sermon by the Rev. Wm. Barnfather was a message of tender love and sympathy.  He spoke of the decedent as one who by nature was a gentleman, that quality of heart which God alone can inspire.  The pastor's utterances found deep response in every heart.  Delegations were present from the Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias and from Sidney Lodge F.&A.M.  The interment was held in the Hillington cemetery at Morris and was conducted by Sir Knights of the Uniform Rank.  The sympathy of loyal friends goes forth to the broken and saddened home circle, the widow and two children, Arthur E. Wood and Bertha Wood, also two brothers, Warren Wood, of Morris and Wallace Wood of Palmyra, and one sister, Miss May Wood -Sidney Record.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 8, 1909]

 

Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  Dwight Laman died Sunday after a brief illness at the Whitman Lake farm near Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], where he had boarded  considerable of late while working in a lumber job near here.  The funeral was held Tuesday at the home of his brother Will Laman of this place, Rev. Warrander of Coventry officiating.  Mr. Laman was 49 years of age and had spent a large share of his life at the Ville and was an industrious, honest, genial and kind hearted man, his relatives have the sympathy of the community in their affliction.  He is survived by two daughters, Hattie of Portland, Maine and May of Utica, two sons, Sidney of Oxford and Lonie of Oswego, three brothers, Eugene of Portland, Maine, Will and James of this place.  [Bainbridge Republican, July 29, 1909]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriages (September 19)

Miss R. Burdelia Daley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Daley, 9 Schaffer Ave., became the bride of James G.  Nellis, son of Mrs. Leon Stimpson, 201 Chestnut St., at the Main Street Baptist parsonage Saturday night at 7.  Rev. George Thomson, pastor, performed the double ring ceremony.  Honor attendants were Miss Bernice Goodrich, Wells Bridge, and William L. Daley, 9 Schaffer Ave., brother of the bride, who was recently discharged from the service.  The bride was attired in a street length dress of military blue, trimmed with lace.  Her accessories were black and she wore a corsage of America Beauty roses.  Her maid of honor selected an afternoon dress of fuchsia crepe trimmed with lace.  Her corsage was of Talisman roses and she wore black accessories.  A reception for 30 followed the ceremony. The bride's table was centered with white chrysanthemums and a three-tiered wedding cake, topped with a cupid.  An all-white motif was used.  Mrs. Nellis graduated from Oneonta High school and attended State Teachers College for one year prior to entering the employ of Scintilla four years ago. The bridegroom was graduated from Morris High school.  A veteran of 63 combat missions in the Pacific theater and with two and one-half years overseas duty, he held the rank of captain when he was discharged recently.  Mr. Nellis is the managed of the Oneonta branch of Standard Brands.  The couple will live at 377 Main St....[LMD notation:  Nov. 17, 1945]

 

Delhi [Delaware Co.,  NY]:  Miss Genevieve Fontana, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Fontana, Livingston Manor, and George L. Geckle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Geckle, this village, were married Sunday afternoon at the Geckle residence, 27 Franklin.  The double ring ceremony was performed by Rev. Thomas J. Carlisle, pastor of the Second Presbyterian church, here.  Attendants were Mrs. Beulah Snare, Albany, sister of the groom, and Frank Fontana, Jr., the bride's brother.  Miss Fontana was given in marriage by her father.  The bride wore a street-length aqua dress with brown accessories and a corsage of yellow rosebuds.  Mrs. Snare wore a beige and black dress, black accessories and a corsage of orchid colored pompoms.  House decorations comprised of Chrysanthemums, marigolds, roses, carnations, and autumn foliage.  Miss Theresa Fontana played several selections on the piano.  About 20 guests attended the ceremony and reception at the home.  following a brief trip through southern New York and northern Pennsylvania, the couple will be at home at 19 Church, Oneonta [Otsego Co.,  NY].  Both are employed at Homer Folks hospital, Oneonta.  Mrs. Geckle was graduated from Livingston Manor high school and Mr. Geckle attended Delaware academy, Delhi.  ... [LMD notation:  Oct. 10, 1943]

 

Mr. & Mrs. George and Genevieve (Fontana) Geckle

 

___________________________________________________________________________

 



Marriages in Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY for the year 1903

 

Jan. 1       Winfred St. John and May Bentley

Jan. 5       Charles A. Ingersoll and Grace L. Prince

Feb. 3       Lewis C. Taylor and Mary E. Stilson

Apr. 16     LeGrand Parsons and Emma C. Jacobson

May 19     Charles L. Soden and Maude Stilson

June 4       Dr. Hammond of Bainbridge and J. Victoria Titus of Auburn

June 21     Perry Rood and Ophelia Pearsall

June 25     Louis L. Corbin and Lottie B. Warner

July 2        Julien G. Corbin and Mary Elizabeth Payne

Aug. 9       Elmer B. Payne and Anna McDermott

Aug. 20     Freeman M. Benentt and Clara Sophia Humphrey

Oct. 28      Milton L. Baldridge and Lillian E. Drennen

Oct. 30      Henry Aylesworth and Mary Blair

Nov. 26     Ralph Hinman and May Shapley

Dec. 23      T. Henry Petley and Isabelle Ireland

Dec. 24      Lewellyn E. Burrows and Bessie E. White

Dec. 24      At Rockdale, Charles D. Marble of Rochester, and Jessie E. Harwood of Bainbridge

Dec. 25      Frank J. Rivenburg and Clara A. Watrous

Dec. 31      Abram Ruso and Pearl A. Wakeman

 

 



Miscellaneous, Delaware County Murder trials (1940)

Fink's Murder Trial Fourth for Delaware in 40 Years (1940)

 

Trial of James Fink, stolid 21-year-old farmhand, on a charge of first degree murder, will be Delaware county's fourth murder trial since the beginning of the century. The "pinochle murder case" will open in Supreme Court at Delhi [Delaware Co., NY], March 11 when Fink, self confessed triple slayer fo the Teed family, begins his fight to escape the electric chair.

 

Although there have been other murders, only three cases have gone to trial in the historic red-brick Courthouse at Delhi since 1900. 

 

In 1902, Harvey Montgomery of Hobart was tried for the murder of his wife Amela.  Found guilty, he was sentenced to die but was granted a new trial by the Court of Appeals and later sentenced to life imprisonment.  He died in Auburn prison.

 

Three years later William Henry Fritts was tried for first degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Jotham Gay of North Franklin.  Fritts claimed Gay had broken up his home and the jury returned a verdict of first degree manslaughter.  He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

 

In one of the speediest murder trials in the county's history, Mrs. Hattie Rathbone Morette of Sidney was acquitted by a Supreme Court grand jury of a charge of murdering her husband, Peter Morette in August, 1909.  Mrs. Morette was accused of giving her husband arsenic, the trial lasted five days and after two hours deliberation the jury returned an acquittal at midnight Feb. 26, 1910.  William F. White assisted by John G. More of Walton, handled the prosecution and Charles C. Flanesch of Unadilla was attorney for the defendant.  Mrs. Morette later ended her life in an Oneonta hotel.

 

Fred Stronigan, prosperouss town of Kortright farmer, was found lying in his barn with a bullet in his right shoulder and a broken neck on Christmas eve, 1910.  No arrest was made.

 

In 1933, Lester B. Werley, town of Middletown mail carrier, was charged with the slaying of Howard Taylor, who lived on a farm near Northfield.

 

Allowed to plead guilty to second degree murder, he was sentenced to 20 years in Attica prison by Justice Ely W. Personius of Elmira.

 

Most recent murder case, previous to the Fink case, was in June 1938, when Frank Radeker killed Mrs. Virgil Beaty of Downsville and then committed suicide, according to Sheriff Alford L. Austin of Delhi.

 

District Attorney Gleason B. Speenburgh of Fleischmanns and Frederick W. Youmans of Delhi, defense attorney, are expected to appoint alienists this week to examine the Sidney Center, R.D.1, youth.  Fink has confessed to state police Jan. 14 the slaying of Frank Teed, his wife and their daughter.

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

Murder Victims Rites to be Held on Saturday

Happy Home Circle But a Memory

Closing Chapter of a Crime that Shocked All

 

Last rites for Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Teed and their daughter, Miss Ruth, gun victims of James Fink, 22-year-old Trout Creek farmhand now serving 70 years in Attica prison, will be held from the Carr-Hare Funeral Chapel in Sidney, Saturday afternoon, 9th inst., at 2:30 o'clock. Reverend Alfred J. Miller, rector of Saint James Episcopal church, Oneonta, will officiate.  Interment in the family plot at Masonville cemetery [Delaware Co., NY] in the spring.

 

Ashes of the victims in three separate urns, were released only Monday by state police laboratories at Schenectady where they had been the subject of study since removed from the ruins of the Teed farm home January 15th.  Mr. and Mrs. Teed and their daughter were shot and killed by Fink in their farm home the afternoon of January 14th.  That night, after attending a moving picture show, Fink, who had been joined by Aubrey Scrum, also of Trout Creek, returned to the scene and set fire to the house to destroy the evidence of his ghastly deed.  After fleeing to Reading, Penna., where they surrendered, Fink pleaded guilty to three counts of murder, second degree, and one of arson at a special term of Supreme court in Delaware county last week.

 

The Teed family slaying, Fink's confession said, came after he struck down his employer, Mr. Teed, with a hammer in a fit of anger at being taunted about losing a Sunday afternoon pinochle game.  Fear stricken, he shot the other members of the family then fired a blast at Mr. Teed, who recovering consciousness from the hammer blow, returned to the house to protect his family.

 

State police had been studying the pitiful, charred remnants of the three bodies preparatory to presenting evidence in case Fink went to trial for first degree murder.  However, alienists' examinations reveled that he had the mentality of a 10-year-old child, was moronic and of defective personality and his plea of guilty to the lesser charge saved him from probable death in the electric chair.

 

Scrum was sentenced to a year in Elmira reformatory.

 

Among relatives of Mr. Teed are, Elizabeth Mahoney of Port Crane, and Mrs. Ruth Hitchcock of Binghamton.  Among relatives of Mrs. Teed are Adeline Field Stewart of Unadilla-Franklin road, Mrs. George Wohlleben, Mrs. Ina P. Thorne and Miss Maude Fiedl, all of Oneonta; Fenner Fiedl of Masonville.  [LMD notation:  March 9, 1940]

 

 

 

 

 



Obituaries (September 19)

The Rev. William Allen Johnson D.D., a venerable priest of the diocese of Connecticut, died at Littleton, Colo., on the 8th inst., at the age of 78 years.  Doctor Johnson was a graduate of Columbia College, taking his M.A. degree in 1857, and was ordained to the diaconate the same year by the Bishop of New York and to the priesthood the year following by Bishop De Lancey.  He was professor emeritus of Berkeley Divinity School at the time of his death.  He had also served in parochial work in the dioceses of Connecticut and New York, and for six years at St. Mary's, Burlington, N.J.  For several years last past, he has lived in retirement at Littleton, Colo., on account of the state of his health.  A scholarly gentleman, and a Catholic-minded priest, he has served the church with faithfulness.  His memory will be cherished by all with whom he came in contact.  R.I.P.  "The Living Church"  May 15th.  Doctor Johnson will be remembered in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] as having been Rector of St. Peter's church from 1857-1862.  He came to St. Peter's church, May 30, 1857, from the Theological Seminary at New York, serving half the time at Guilford.  After two years he dissolved his relations with Guilford giving his time to Bainbridge.  He remained here until October 19, 1862.  While in Bainbridge he founded St. Ann's Parish at Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  He married Miss Henrietta Chamberlain, of Afton sister of the late Mrs. Joseph Juliand of Bainbridge.  Doctor Johnson came to Bainbridge a young man, this church being his first charge.  He was a great worker and under him the church grew and prospered.  Everyone in the village of all denominations liked him and deeply regretted his departure.  He ascended to the highest pinnacle in the religious and literary world.  His superior qualities of mind and heart carried him to a supreme position and his eminence is one of the features of recent church history.  Besides his wife, three daughters and two sons survive, who are, Euphemia Johnson, teacher at All Saints School, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Margaret, Roosevelt and Barent Johnson of Littleton, Colo.;  and Katharine Johnson of New York City [Bainbridge Republican, May 27, 1909]

 

Sunday morning, about 11 a.m., T.J. Cable found a man lying near Nash's feed store with his head badly hurt.  The man, who was identified as Frank Bush, had evidently struck on the head while attempting to jump from the south bound freight.  Dr. R.M. Clark cared for him until the arrival of Dr. A.H. Evans, who accompanied him on the milk train nearly to Oneida, but Mr. Bush died near Easton.  Coroner Brooks was summoned there and an autopsy held by Doctors Wiles and Pfaff at Campbell's undertaking rooms.  Mr. Bush was about 22 years old and had been staying with August Kegel near Guilford.  He left there Saturday afternoon, saying he was going to Norwich and would return Sunday.  He was the son of Judson Bush, Norwich.  The autopsy revealed the fact that there was a fracture of the skull and a clot of blood on the brain.  Mr. Bush had evidently walked or crawled five or six rods from the place where he was hurt, for a pool of blood was found near the O.W. station.  He was able to speak only a few words after he was discovered.  [Bainbridge Republican, May 27, 1909]

 

Horace G. Phelps died at his home in the town of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] near Sidney, last Sunday night.  Mr. Phelps was one of the best known men in Otsego and Delaware counties.  Mr. Phelps was 75 years of age at the time of death.  Nearly all his days have been spent at his farm on the Unadilla river.  As a young man, Mr. Phelps conducted farms and dealt in lands, but later in life he entered the Stock Market.  He has been very successful as a speculator.  For the last five years Mr. Phelps has been suffering from rheumatic troubles.  The deceased is survived by a wife, Isabell Talcott Phelps.  [Bainbridge Republican, May 27, 1909]

 

Miss Gertrude Fletcher, who was for eight years principal of the River street school at Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], died at the home of her sister, Mrs. H.C. Bedford, at 72 Spruce street, yesterday morning, at 4:20 o'clock, after a lingering illness of 14 months from anemia.  Miss Fletcher was the daughter of the late Joseph and Susan Fletcher, and she was born at White Plains, but Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] had been her home for many years.  She taught school for years and was for several years engaged at New Rochelle.  She retired from the principalship of the River street school here about 17 years ago, since which time she has not taught.  During her last illness she has been with the sister and she has been given tender care and kind ministration.  Miss Fletcher was a member of the Presbyterian church at Bainbridge and her's was a beautiful Christian character.  She was a woman of tender sympathies and lived that she might be of help and assistance to others and many will mourn her death.  Among former pupils she was much esteemed.  She is survived by two brothers, Principal Walter J. Fletcher, of Jamestown, and Oscar Fletcher, of Bainbridge, and three sisters, Mrs. Georgia Weller, of Bainbridge, Mrs. Sarah Ramsdell, of Forestville, and Mrs. H.C. Bedford of Oneonta--Oneonta Star May 21.  The remains were brought to Bainbridge on the 1:30 p.m. train, Saturday, and taken to the residence of her sister, Mrs. Georgia Weller.  The funeral was held at 2:30 that afternoon, Rev. H.C. White officiating.  Interment was in Green Lawn [Bainbridge, NY]  [Bainbridge Republican, May 27, 1909]

 

Died--At his late residence in the village of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on the 28th inst., Mr. S.N. Copley, aged 53 years.

After great suffering, protracted through many years, and after mental and spiritual conflict in times of darkness, probably born of physical weakness and pain, his soul turned back to the refuge of the "Everlasting Arms," and the end was peace.  With returning confidence in his Redeemer many months ago, in speaking of his own experience he alluded to the comfort coming to him from the sure word of God, and used the lines which had lately come to him with  new meaning and power.

 

"The soul
that on Jesus hath leaned for repose

He will never, no never desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

He will never, no never, no never forsake."

 

More recently, in glad anticipation of going home, while resting after long continued pain, he spoke gratefully of comfort given, and said:

 

"Jesus can make a dying bed

Feel soft as down pillows are,

While on the breast, I lean my head

And breathe my life out sweetly there."

 

Towards the last he repeatedly alluded to his trust, and with continued possession of his mental powers, a little time before the end he exclaimed, "Yes, Lord!" and soon passed away to the unending joy and rest.  A bereaved mother, with other relatives and friends are left to mourn, but not to sorrow as those who have no hope.  [Compiler note:  Seely N. Copley died 28 May 1888]

 

Florilla, widow of Isaac Pettys, was born in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 22d, 1806, and died at her home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] ,Jan. 11th, 1882.  For over fifty years her life was identified with the history of our village.  Her husband, Captain Pettys, who died thirteen years ago, was an active member of the community, having for some time kept the hotel of the place, and was widely known.  Mrs. Pettys was the mother of seven children, two of whom died in childhood, while three others, Mrs. B.C. Campbell, Mrs. R.C. Stockwell, and Mrs. G.S. Graves, have died within the last fifteen years.  Two children, Nelson and Ellen, and seventeen grandchildren, mourn the loss of one, who was ever lending a helping hand, and who, by a thousand acts of kindness has endeared her memory to all who knew her.  Her last sickness was short, and her death the peaceful end of the Christian.

 

Another life's work is ended;

Another soul is at rest;

Another voice is blended

In the chorus of the blest.

 





Miscellaneous, Bainbridge 50 years ago

Bainbridge 50 Years Ago

Mrs. C.M. Priest

Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 27, 1910

 

Extract from a paper written by Mrs. C.M. Priest and read before a Woman's Club meeting in 1910.

 

The School:  In 1868 the trustees of this school district called a meeting to determine whether a Union Free School should be established.  At that meeting a resolution was unanimously adopted:

 

"Resolved, That we the inhabitants of School District in the Village of Bainbridge, regarding the means of instruction inadequate to the public demands, and being confident that a Union Free School would better accommodate, more fully meet the wants, and better subserve the ends of education, do change the same in to a Union Free School District." 

 

It was decided to purchase land in addition to the present site on which to build a new school house.  In 1871 the contract of building was let, and when the foundation was nearly completed a suit was commenced, involved the question of title to the land.  Pending the litigation which ensued, building operations were suspended, and school was held in the basement of Mrs. Joel Bixby's residence, and in the basement of the Baptist Church.  My husband's sister, Hattie Priest, taught during the time it was held in the Church.

 

In course of time a settlement was effected, and the present site was selected and adopted in March 18, 1873.  July 19, 1873, the building of the school house was let to Mr. O.C. Latimer of Afton.  January 19, 1874, the building a two story brick structure was completed and formally dedicated, and school opened with Prof. E.W. Rogers as Principal.

 

Prof. W.D Graves came fourth on the calendar, and his excellent work won the approbation of both pupil and patron, and was the beginning of an enviable reputation.  He remained with us six years, thence went to Delhi where he was equally successful.  At the present time [1910] he holds the position of State inspector of High Schools and Academies.

 

Between the years of 1886 and 1890 or during the time we had the efficient services of F.J Turnbull as Principal, the Regents accorded the school the title of High School.  Prof. Turnbull accepted a more lucrative position at Oil City, Pa., at which place he still remains, it being nearly twenty years.

 

Prof. F.W. Crumb came to us in 1891 and rendered faithful, efficient service for a period of sixteen years.

 

There is another fact I cannot refrain from mentioning, that during the existence of this school, C.M. Priest has held the position as President of the Board of Education for a period of thrity-three years. 

In an address at Commencement two years ago, made by our worthy friend Frank B. Gilbert, of Albany, who is in the Department of Public Instruction said:  "That a like record is unknown in the State of New York."

 

Our Bridges:  The first bridge across the Susquehanna in Bainbridge was built in 1805 by Major Dezang, a Frenchman, who lived on the site of where the Benjamin house stood in this village.  He was a man of considerable note for those times.  He was reputed wealthy and was one of the proprietors of the turnpike road leading from Esopus near Kingston, N.Y., to Geneva.  The turnpike passes through Bainbridge, Coventry, Greene, and thence onward.  The construction of the bridge was given to two men of the town, one of whom was Henry Evans, and grandfather of the late Dr. Evans, and Dormer Evans of this village.  It was an open bridge; painted yellow, with but one roadway but wide enough for necessary purposes, and stood, as nearly as can be learned, until the spring of 1844, when it was partly carried away by a flood. 

 

The second bridge was built in the summer of 1845, the bridge commissioners, Dexter Newell, Elisha Bishop, and Lockwood Chandler (L.C. was an uncle of my mother and grandfather to Captain James L. Sill, who visited Bainbridge this summer), giving the contract to Jacob Coss of Sandford, N.Y., a bridge builder of considerable reputation.  The work progressed rapidly and it was finished in the fall, but the following spring brought disaster.  A freshet of unusual magnitude swept the new bridge clean from its piers and carried it down the river, lodging portions along the banks between here and Afton, at Stowel's Island, and even as far as Lanesboro. This removal of the bridge was a disheartening loss and a public calamity; but soon the bridge company rallied and found that matters were not so bad but that they might be remedied.  They saw that much of the timber of the dislodged bridge could be gathered up and brought back to Bainbridge and used again.  Jacob Coss was employed the second time and then the third bridge was begun.

 

Bainbridge had never seen a more active time in a business way than was that summer of 1846.  Teams were constantly on the road returning the timbers of the strayed bridge which were deposited along the roadsides of the village, new timber was sawed upon the village green, men were busy blasting stone in the Evans' quarry over the river, the ferry was plying faithfully under the active service of Abel Bartlett, (who was as some of you know the father of Mrs. A.L. Palmer of this village,) and all was hurry, bustle and continuous excitement until the bridge was finished in November of that year.

 

All of these three, were toll bridges with toll gates and toll houses, and a toll gatherer who was an important individual in the community.  Abel Bartlett occupied that position for about thirty years.

 

The town bought the bridge in 1874, since which time it was free to the public.  It was never considered a work of art, but was a substantial monument to those who built it for use and long endurance.

 

We have had disaster by fire as well as flood:  A foundry, sled factory and emery factory were destroyed by fire twenty-five or thirty years ago, and following, several stores, among which were Davis & Sherwood, C.P. Perry, Watkins Brothers, Barlow & Clark, A.L. Palmer, Thomas' Block, Priest Block, and several other buildings have succumbed to the flames.  Several houses have been partially destroyed and thus much havoc, loss and inconvenience have been sustained.

 

In 1850 the project of a slack water navigation between Bainbridge and Lanesboro, Pa., was agitated.  The distance by the Susquehanna river is 31 miles. A Stock company constructed a steamboat 112 feet long, sternwheel and flatbottom, called "The Enterprise."  The boat was supplied with an 80-horse power engine and carried 30 tons burden.  It was launched with great pomp and ceremony near the bridge, a beautiful and queenly lady naming and christening it "The Enterprise" by breaking a bottle of liquor over its prow, and it glided smoothly into the waters of the river amide the glad shouts and hurrahs of a large concourse of people from this and the surrounding towns.  (The article that I found giving this history did not give the name of this beautiful and queenly lady, but I chanced to know her and remember it was Mrs. S.W. Corbin, wife of Dr. S.W. Corbin.  The Doctor was a cousin of my father, Samuel Corbin, and a great uncle of Mr. C.B. Humphrey of this village).

 

Under the command of our enterprising fellow citizen, Captain Jacobs, it gave us a few rides up and down our beautiful river to the great joy of young men and maidens, old men and boys, many of whom never enjoyed any other ride on a steamboat; and during this time, while their hearts were gladdened by the sound of the steamboat whistle, the good people had a picnic and enjoyed a feast of good things on an island in the river which once belonged to my father just this side of where Peck's mills once stood, to and from which they were conveyed by Captain Jacobs in the splendid steamboat, "The Enterprise."  But a year or later the near prospect of the Albany and Susquehanna R.R. (which by the bye was not half so near as we then thought it was,) allayed the slack-water navigation fervor, and ere long the beautiful boat was conducted by it projector and god-father, Captain Jacobs, to deeper water south, never to return. 

 

At the period when the bicycle craze was on, when every boy and girl wanted one, I chanced to hear a couple of my elderly neighbors discussing the subject as they saw a girl ride by on a wheel.  they said, "those are not the kind of wheels the girls used to use," and so the conversation led up  to the time when the mothers and daughters used to spin and weave, and so manufacture cloth, for the use of the family.  But would go forward and not backward.  We would rather our daughters would sit with folded hands occasionally, if such a rare opportunity presented itself, than to go back to the primitive ways of modus operandi or ways of working.

 

The poet has told us that the groves were God's first temples; His temples are they still--not groves of bare trees but those where the thrush and the oriole sing, the trillium and the squirrel-corn bloom and the broken stumps are covered with moss, or twined with clematis and woodbine.  And so we are taught to do things beautiful.  Emerson says:  "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."  Let us strive to make Bainbridge beautiful, our homes beautiful, but above all may our greatest effort be made to make our lives beautiful, that our influence may be good, and not evil, and the world be made better by our having lived in it.

 

Compiler note:  Mrs. C. M. Priest (b. 25 Nov. 1846) was Jane Elizabeth Corbin, the eldest daughter of Samuel and Augusta M. (Bennett) Corbin.  She married Charles Martin Priest on 31 Dec. 1867.  She died in November 1915.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Marriages (September 18)

On Saturday evening at six o'clock a very pretty but quiet wedding took place at "Oak Lodge," the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Dunahm.  Miss Mary Goodhue, sister of Mrs. Dunham, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Goodhue of Westminster West, Vt., was united in marriage to Mr. Charles Stolte of Brattleboro, Vt.  The marriage ceremony of the Episcopal church was performed by the Rev. E.G. Roop, pastor of the Presbyterian church in this village.  The parlor was beautifully decorated with American beauty roses and chrysanthemums.  The room was lighted entirely by candles and the pleasant glow from the open fireplace.  At the close of the ceremony an elaborate dinner of several courses was served in the dining room. The color scheme of this room was yellow.  An immense bunch of yellow chrysanthemums formed the center piece.  The room was lighted by yellow candles and the dinner was served on exquisite Parisian gold banded china.  Mr. and Mrs. Stolte left on the 7:26 train for their new home in Holyoke, Mass....Mrs. Stolte is a graduate of the Brattleboro High School and of the Conservatory of Music, Boston.  She has been supervisor of music in the public schools of Rutland, Vt., Welton, N.H., and Brattleboro; She was extremely popular as a teacher and through her winning personality has made many friends during her short stay in Bainbridge.  Mr. Stolte holds a responsible position in the Washborn-Brosby Co., Holyoke, Mass.  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 3, 1910]

Mary Katherine, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Hager, and Archie Manley Wood, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Wood, of Pine City, N.Y., were united in marriage by Rev. David Murray, the bride's pastor, at the home of the bride's parents in Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], at high noon, Jan. 1, 1936.  Mrs. Clarence Stephens sang "At Dawning" very beautifully and Miss Marian Wood, a sister of the bridegroom, played the wedding march.   Miss Ruth Hager was bridesmaid and Mr. Charles Hager, best man.  After receiving the congratulations and best wishes of friends and relatives and partaking of a bountiful luncheon with their guests, the happy couple left amid showers of rice and confetti for a short wedding trip.  Mrs. Wood is a graduate of Bainbridge High School, class of 1928, and Delhi Training Class in 1929.  Mr. Wood is a graduate of Elmira High School and the State School of Agriculture at Delhi class of 1930.  He has been official tester for the Sidney-Deposit D.H.I.A. for the past five years.  Mr. and Mrs. Wood have the best wishes of their many friends.....

Miss Ruth Bornmann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bornmann Sr., 8 Bellevue avenue, and Lewis Brainard, son of Burnett E. Brainard, 53 St. John avenue, were married in the English Lutheran Church of the Redeemer by the Rev. C.A. Ritchie, at 10:30 o'clock, Wednesday morning.  Mrs. Catherine Stickles Noon played a half-hour program of wedding music.  Palms and baskets of snapdragons decorated the church.  The bride was given in marriage by her father.  She wore a gown of dusty rose sheer crepe, a blue lace hat and slippers to match.  She carried Ophelia roses and blue iris.  Miss Elsie Bornmann, maid of honor for her sister, wore a light blue sheer crepe dress with navy hat and accessories and carried yellow roses and purple violas.  Frederick Leveriche of Elmira was best man.  Dr. H. Deforest Whitmarsh and William Bornmann were ushers.  Mrs. Bornman, mother of the bride, wore a navy blue sheer crepe ensemble with harmonizing accessories.  Mrs. H. Deforest Whitmarsh, sister of the bridegroom, wore a navy crepe ensemble with corresponding accessories.  A wedding breakfast at the Riverside tearoom was attended by 22 guests.  Pink roses and a wedding cake decorated the bride's table.  Mr. and Mrs. Brainard left on a southern motor trip, Mrs. Brainard wore a navy blue ensemble with hat and slippers to correspond.  After May 15, they will be at home at 53 St. John avenue.  ...[LMD notation:  1935]

Recent Bride is Miss Helen Louise Knapp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Knapp of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].  Miss Knapp became the bride of William J. Shanahan of Los Angeles, Cal., Saturday in a ceremony performed in St. John's church, Bainbridge, by the Rev. George B. Ford, advisor to Catholic students, Columbia university, New York city.  [LMD notation:  Sept. 1940]

Helen Louise (Knapp) Shanahan

 

On Wednesday afternoon, march 5, at the First Baptist parsonage in Oneonta, occurred the wedding of Mrs. Rena Webster and Carl Lohee.  Dr. Garth Koch was the officiating clergyman.  Mrs. Lohee wore a dress and hat of rose color with tan accessories.  A wedding dinner was served at the Diana Restaurant for a few close relatives.  Mr. and Mrs. Lohee will reside at West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  [LMD notation:  1941]

 

A very pretty wedding occurred at the handsome residence of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis J. Baker, on North Main street, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], last evening, when their only daughter, Axie Alma, and Leon A. Patchin, of this village, were united in marriage by Rev. William Frisby, pastor of the M.E. church.  The handsome home had been profusely decorated throughout with the autumn supplies of flowers, vines and evergreens, wild clematis being lavishly draped and festooned with charming effect.  The ceremony took place at five o'clock in the parlor, the bridal party entering to the wedding march played by Mrs. Hynds.  Only the members of the connecting families and a few intimate friends were present.  The bride was dressed in white silk and lace and carried flowers.  She was attended by Miss Lulu Dingman as bridesmaid, who also wore white.  The groom was escorted by Lorin C Baker, brother of the bride, as best man.  Many congratulations followed the tying of the nuptial knot, which were succeeded by a delightful supper served by Caterer Toby, whose skill could not be excelled.  There were many valuable gifts to the bride, including generous sums of money from the parents.  Mrs. Patchin is a most estimable young lady, bright, energetic and capable in every sphere.  Mr. Patchin is a prosperous grocer of this village and has many friends who unite in predicting a happy future for himself and bride.  Mr. and Mr. Patchin left upon an evening train south to Pennsylvania and will, before they return, visit Buffalo and Niagara Falls.  They will make a permanent home in Bainbridge.  [Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 5, 1905]

 

Obituaries (September 18)

Mrs. Cora Louise Chelsey, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James S McMorris of the Park Hotel of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], died Sunday afternoon at the Homeopathic Hospital, Albany, where she had been taken for an operation the previous day Saturday.  The cause of her death was palvis peritonitis.  Three months ago Mrs. Chelsey had an attack of appendicitis from which she recovered.  At that time she went to the Albany Hospital for an examination and an operation was then advised.  As she continued to feel well until recently the operation was postponed.  About three weeks ago she suffered a severe attack of pain and became very sick.  She did not improve.  Dr. VanLoan of Albany, was called who came to Bainbridge last Friday evening.  He advised an immediate operation and Mrs. Chelsey was taken to Albany the following day Saturday.  Sunday morning she had a severe sinking spell before the operation was undertaken and died in a short time, peritonitis having developed from the ailment with which she was afflicted.  The body was brought to Bainbridge on the 1:06 p.m. train Monday and taken to her home at the Park Hotel.  The deceased was 32 years of age and was born at Davenport, Delaware county, N.Y.  She came to Bainbridge two years ago from Richmondville with her parents, her father having purchased the Park Hotel property.  The funeral was held Wednesday morning at the Park Hotel parlors and was largely attended.  The contribution of flowers was one of the largest ever seen in Bainbridge.  Beautiful floral pieces were sent from friends from out of town.  Rev. Henry T. Hill of the Baptist church, and Rev. L.L. Weller of the Episcopal church officiated.  A quartet from the Baptist church rendered music.  The body was taken to Worcester for burial on the 10:57 a.m. train.  [Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 6, 1910]

 

Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Matilda Blake Minor of Coventryville, passed away Saturday, Sept. 24 at the age of 95 years, at the home of her son, Alanson Minor, where she had lived over 60 years.  The funeral was largely attended Tuesday at her late home, an appropriate sermon being given by Rev. G.P. Lindeaman, pastor of the First Congregational church of which the deceased had been a faithful member for 78 years.  The casket in which she lay with such a sweet and peaceful expression, was covered and surrounded with a profusion of beautiful flowers, and she was left at rest in the Coventryville cemetery.  Mrs. Minor was born in Connecticut February 12, 1815, and at the age of three years moved with her parents, Ithuel Blake and wife, to this place and resided for a number of years on their farm one mile south of the village.  Her first home in those early pioneer days was a log house.  In 1837 she married Frederick Minor and a few years later moved to the farm which has ever since been the Minor homestead.  Her husband died in 1875 and a few years later she lost her eyesight as the result of cataracts, and during all the subsequent years of widowhood and blindness, she has been exceptionally, lovingly and devotedly cared for at her home by her son and family.  She is survived by one brother, Alanson Blake, of Eau Claire, Wis., who is about 90 years of age, and by two sisters, Mrs. Sybil Hathaway, of Cannonsville, and Mrs. Wealthy Horton of Bainbridge, widow of Rev. G.D. Norton, former pastor here, and by one son, Alanson Minor, and one daughter, Mrs. F.C. Pearsall, of this place, and by 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  She lost a daughter, Mrs. Amasa Hathaway, several years ago.  The deceased was a woman of strong physical constitution, and strong Christian character and she was always interested enthusiastically in the welfare and advancement of the church and all religious and uplifting influences.  In the family she was always loving and patient and thoughtful of others and forgetful of self, and endeavored in every way to be helpful to those around and was truly a mother in Israel.  Her death takes from our midst one who had been for years a valued and highly esteemed resident.  She had been in failing health for several years and had been confined to her bed during the past summer.  At times when her mind wandered she imagined she was away from home and was anxious to be taken home; and at other times she would think the day was Sunday and she would want to go to church, as she had done so regularly for so many years; but she has now gone home to her heavenly mansion with her Saviour and loved ones gone before, and has entered the Church Triumphant.  She belonged to a family line that has always been active in the congregational church here, her grandfather, Benjamin Benedict, being one of the fourteen original members of the church organized over 100 years ago, and he was later elected Deacon.  Her father, Ithuel Blake, was for many years a Deacon, and the name of Deacon Blake and his sterling qualities are well remembered by the older inhabitants.  Her brother, Alanson Blake, was also a Deacon and influential member of the church; and her son, Alanson Minor, has served in the same capacity, thus being a representative of the fourth generation since the organization of the church; and many different members of the families have been zealous and helpful members of the church and society here all along the years.  Among the relatives from out of town at the funeral were:  Mrs. Wealthy Horton of Bainbridge, James Horton and wife of Guilford Center, Mrs. Burt Judson of Unadilla, Amasa Hathaway and daughter, Fannie, of Cannonsville, and Albert and Smith Minor and Miss Minor of Deposit.  [Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 6, 1910]

 

Mrs. Carrie Banner of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] after an illness of about fourteen months, died at her home on Bixby street Saturday morning at 6 o'clock aged 68 years, of valvular disease of the heart.  Mrs. Banner was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R.B. Warner and was born in the town of Bainbridge, on Dingman Hill, on the farm now occupied by Charles Banner.  September 18th, 1873, she was united in marriage with Daniel T. Banner, and until 1880 they resided with her people on the farm, at which time they came to this village where they have since lived.  Mrs. Banner joined the Presbyterian church of Bainbridge in 1867, and until a few months ago was a most faithful and active helper in all the church work.  During her recent illness, although at times suffering extremely, she bore her affliction with a degree of patience and fortitude which truly exemplified her deep Christian faith and character.  Mrs. Banner is survived by her husband, and two sisters Miss Louise Warner of this village and Miss Clarina Warner who resides with Mr. and Mrs. William Cartledge on the East side.  The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the house, Rev. C.G. Roop officiating.  Music was rendered by a Quartette composed of Mrs. C.G. Roop, Mrs. C.C. Hovey and Messrs. G.A. Ives and C.H. Peckham.  Many beautiful floral pieces surrounded the casket which showed the esteem in which Mrs. Banner was held.  H.H. Beacher Post, of which Mr. Banner is a member attended the funeral in a body and acted as an escort to St. Peter's cemetery [Bainbridge, NY] where the remains were interred.  [Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 13, 1910]

 

John Fisher, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], but residing at  North Afton [Chenango County, NY], was found dead in bed Wednesday morning of last week at 6:30 o'clock.  Mr. Fisher, who was 71 years of age, lived alone, but seemed in very good health.  Wednesday morning James Hovey, a nearby  neighbor, who keeps a cow in Mr. Fisher's barn, not seeing Mr. Fisher about as usual, looked into the house and discovered that he was still in bed, and apparently asleep.  After having breakfast Mr. Hovey, thinking that perhaps Mr. Fisher might be ill and in need of assistance, returned to the house but could not arouse him.  He then secured aid, entered the house and found Mr. Fisher dead.  Coroner Preston of Greene, was called and pronounced death due to organic heart disease.  Mr. Fisher is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Fred Burton, of Bainbridge, and one son, M.W. Fisher, of North Afton.  The funeral was held at North Afton on Friday and the body was brought to this village for burial in Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, NY].  [Bainbridge Republican, Oct. 27, 1910]

 

Richard Weingard, aged seventy-five years, living on a farm about one mile south of Sidney [Delaware Co.,  NY] toward Bainbridge, came to his death at about four o'clock Monday afternoon by falling from a tree in an orchard at the "Samphill" farm, located a short distance from his own.  Mr. Weingard was alone in the orchard picking apples.  A man from Binghamton driving with a vehicle past the orchard, saw Mr. Weingard lying upon the ground, under a tree to which, apparently, he had crawled.  Investigation showed the man was dead.  Doubtless the fall took place about half an hour before the body was found.  Mr. Weingard is survived by a wife, a daughter and a son.  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 3, 1910]

 

At 5:30, Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 25th, the iron trestle on the O.&W. which spans the Unadilla river, about two miles north of the Sidney station [Delaware Co., NY], became the scene of a terrible fatality, involving the lives of two persons, a man and woman, both of whom were walking on the trestle.  They were struck by a light engine, No. 71, Jas. Kinney engineer, going to Norwich, hurled over the iron structure into the river a distance of full forty feet, and killed.  The victims of this disaster were Gaius Sweet, aged about 60 years, son of the late physician Joseph Sweet, of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], who resided in a small house near the trestle, alone, although it is understood that he was married, and Mrs. Wilber, the wife of Charles Wilber, formerly a D.&H. employee in Sidney, now working on the Ed. Pechham place, East Guilford.  The bodies were rescued from the river and conveyed to Carr & Co.'s undertaking rooms.  At the time of the accident, it was nearly dark and raining.  Engineer Kinney could not see in time to stop his engine, but when he realized the situation, he promptly stopped.  The bodies were rescued from the river by Bert Mott and a man employed at Will Miller's.  Mrs. Wilber had sustained terrible injuries about her head.  The trestle itself is a hazardous one for anyone to walk over.  It has no guard rails, narrowed to the limit of single track.  The approaches of the trackage, north and south, are on curves, while the structure is over 500 feet in length.  A wayfarer cannot see an approaching engine and seldom hears one in advance.  Under such conditions, people may cross such trestles only on peril of their lives.  [Bainbridge Republican, Nov. 3, 1910]